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Olympics | Chinese twin sisters lead duet technical in artistic swimming

Xinhua) 10:29, August 10, 2024

Wang Liuyi/Wang Qianyi of China compete during the duet technical routine of artistic swimming at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games in Saint-Denis, France, Aug. 8, 2024. (Xinhua/Xue Yuge)

China's twin sisters Wang Liuyi and Wang Qianyi took the lead in the duet technical artistic swimming Friday at the Paris Olympics, delivering a standout performance with their "Lotus" routine.

PARIS, August 9 (Xinhua) -- China's twin sisters Wang Liuyi and Wang Qianyi took the lead after the duet technical in artistic swimming at the Paris Olympics here on Friday.

As the multiple world champions, the Wang sisters performed the routine with the theme 'Lotus', a combination of gentle and tough characteristics, and collected a total of 276.7867 points.

"It was a challenge that we focused on the three team routines rather than our duet routines recently. We tried hard to practice and remember our routines yesterday. I believe all the duet swimmers met the same difficulty as we do. We were very glad to enjoy our show in front of the full-house fans," said 27-year-old Wang Liuyi.

"We really enjoyed the moment because it is the first time that we have competed together at the Olympic Games. Liuyi got injured and did not compete in the Tokyo Olympics, while I did. We will try our best in the duet free," Wang Qianyi said.

Anna-Maria Alexandri/ Eirini-Marina Alexandri of Austria compete during the duet technical routine of artistic swimming at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games in Saint-Denis, France, Aug. 9, 2024. (Xinhua/Xia Yifang)

There are four pairs of twins competing in this event in Paris, as Austria's Anna-Maria and Eirini-Marina Alexandri ranked second with 267.2533, and Bregje and Noortje De Brouwer of the Netherlands are third on 264.7066 points. Ukraine's twins Maryna and Vladyslava Aleksiiva ended in fifth place.

The women's duet at the Paris Olympics consists of a single final phase, with all 18 qualified pairs completing two routines, also including the free routine on Saturday.

(Web editor: Cai Hairuo, Sheng Chuyi)
Home Opinion The Yazidi genocide  10 years later

On August 3, 2014, thousands of Islamic State (ISIS) jihadists from some 80 countries invaded the ancestral homeland of the Yazidi/Ezidi peoples in Shingal Province in Western Iraq. This invasion turned into a three-year genocidal rampage, continuing from that day until the Islamic State terrorists were vanquished in 2017. Sadly, this was not the first time that the Yazidi people had been attacked.



The Muslim Ottomans during their reign in Iraq completed multiple genocides against the Yazidis. The world community ignored the cries of the Yazidis, and their cries continue to be ignored to this very day.

In 2014, the total number of Yazidi men killed, according to UN data, was 5,000. Over 6,000 girls and women were taken as sex slaves, sold, and traded by ISIS for money and packs of cigarettes. Over 2,000 girls and women are still being held, some captive for 10 years, now being held in squalor refugee camps in Northeastern Syria. Gender-based sexual violence toward these kind and gentle people contains stories that are unspeakable. In multiple rapes, girls as young as 8 years old are subjected to systematic sexual violence, rape, torture and brutality. Multiple women took their own lives, not wanting to be taken as a sex slave by these barbaric jihadists. The demonic practices foisted upon these girls and women have been painfully documented by international organizations.

On August 3, 2014, when I, along with the rest of the world, heard about the thousands of Yazidis trapped on top of their ancestral Mt. Shingal, I began to pray about how to respond. Through being a guest on WABC radio one Sunday morning with my friend Rabbi Joseph Potasnik, I connected with the founder of the Yazda organization, Mr. Murad Ismael. We both traveled to Erbil in December 2014, and we began a journey of meeting with young women who had escaped the clutches of ISIS and are now suffering from PTSD and CPTSD (complex post-traumatic stress disorder) and living in abandoned buildings in and around Dohuk. Women delivering babies on the side of the road in makeshift tents made out of sticks and plastic bags to shelter them from the harsh winter of December 2014.

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Through my NGO, WidowsAndOrphans.info, I traveled to Dohuk in April 2024. My Yazidi colleague, an elected member of the Nineveh Provincial Council, invited me to a home program where a group of young women between the ages of 20-30 were all violated by ISIS. In this safe house, each of the 12 women was being trained in areas where they could begin businesses of sewing/altering, cosmetics, hair care, or food preparation. As I concluded the tour of what they were learning, I asked to meet with the director and all the women. I asked each of the women what they wanted to do with their life and all the women said that they wanted to start a business.

Seventy-one percent of all Yazidis since 2014 have been displaced from their ancient homeland of Shingal. Five thousand Yazidis are still internally displaced in the Kurdistan region of Iraq. The world community has ignored the Yazidis 10 years ago; the ignorance continues even now.



Come with me to Iraq and assist the Yazidis in the midst of their tragic plight and let us make a difference while the world community remains silent. The Yazidis are still internally displaced; their homeland is insecure and overrun with Iran and Iraqi militias. The Yazidis say, We have no future in Iraq; where can we go? You can begin to help them, even today. As the adage goes: If not now, then when? And, if not me, then who?
Home News Nicaragua exiles 7 priests amid new wave of detentions targeting Catholic leaders

Seven Nicaraguan priests who were detained in recent weeks have been exiled to Rome amidst a significant crackdown on the Catholic Church by President Daniel Ortega's administration.

The clergy members were among the religious leaders detained by National Police in the Diocese of Matagalpa, which is led by the outspoken regime critic Bishop Rolando Alvarez, who was exiled earlier this year as he faced a 26-year prison sentence.

The seven priests reportedly left Nicaragua on Wednesday and arrived at the Vatican on Thursday, according to Vatican News, which notes that the Nicaraguan government has exiled at least five different groups of priests since October 2022.

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The detained priests were kept under house arrest and held at the National Inter-Diocesan Seminary of Our Lady of Fatima before their expulsion.

Those expelled include two senior diocese leaders, Fathers Rene Vega Matamoros and Edgard Sacasa, who assumed leadership of the Diocese of Matagalpa after the bishop was exiled. They were detained on Aug. 1.

Others include Father Marlon Velazquez, Father Jairo Pravia and Vicar Victor Godoy of the Immaculate Conception of Maria de Sebaco Church, Franciscan Friar Silvio Jose Romero and Father Harvin Torrez, the rector of the Matagalpa seminary and parish priest of Santa Maria de Guadalupe Church in Matagalpa who was detained on Monday.

The expulsions are part of a broader campaign by the Ortega regime, which has been intensifying its grip on dissenting voices within the Catholic Church by detaining and exiling priests, often without due process.

The ruling regime of the far-left Sandinista National Liberation Front has been notably aggressive, with police capturing clergy directly from their parish residences, often holding them incommunicado before forcing them into exile.

In related incidents, Father Frutos Valle, aged 80, was detained on July 27 but later released and returned to his parish in Esteli, according to Catholic Review.

The crackdown extended over several days in early August, with additional detentions of religious leaders from Matagalpa. The series of detentions is a result of the ongoing tensions between the Nicaraguan government and the Catholic Church, with the government's actions being widely condemned internationally.

Mervyn Thomas, founding president of Christian Solidarity Worldwide, called these detentions unjust, calling on the international community to hold the Ortega regime accountable for its actions, which he described as a violation of the freedom of religion or belief.

Despite the exiling of priests and other religious figures, many, such as Fr. Raul Villegas and Friar Ramon Morras, remain unaccounted for, contributing to the growing concern over the safety and freedom of religious leaders in Nicaragua.

The Pontifical Mission Societies USA has issued appeals for prayers for the safety and strength of the Nicaraguan clergy, saying the most recent wave of arrests continue to demoralize the diocese.

"In these challenging times, it is crucial for us to unite in prayer for the Church in Nicaragua," the appeal reads. "Let us pray for the safety and strength of the priests, deacons, and all members of the clergy who are courageously upholding their faith amidst persecution. Our prayers can offer them solace and support, reminding them that they are not alone in their struggle."

Alvarez and over a dozen other imprisoned clergy members were released from detention and exiled in January as part of a negotiation with the Vatican. The bishop, a critic of the government's treatment of the Catholic Church, was sentenced in February 2023 to 26 years in prison after he was convicted of "undermining national integrity."

The Vatican was forced to close its nunciature in Managua in March 2023. In recent years, over 200 religious figures have either fled or been forced to leave the country, the French newspaper La Croix reports, citing the human rights collective Nicaragua Nunca Mas.

Watchdog organization Open Doors has highlighted the escalating persecution of Christians in Nicaragua, especially since the 2018 anti-regime protests.

The government's crackdown has included arrests of Christian leaders, seizure of Christian properties and closures of Christian schools, TV stations and charities. Legal amendments have branded church leaders as terrorists, with the government aiming to control church finances.

U.S. Sens. Rick Scott, R-Fla., Ted Cruz, R-Texas, and Alabama Republicans Katie Britt and Tommy Tuberville have been outspoken in their support for the imprisoned pastors, urging the Biden administration to implement strong, targeted sanctions against the Nicaraguan government.

Similarly, Rep. Robert Aderholt, R-Ala., led a bipartisan group of 58 members of Congress in a letter to the Nicaraguan ambassador, expressing deep concerns over these violations of religious freedom.

The U.S. State Department identifies Nicaragua as a "Country of Particular Concern" for engaging in egregious religious freedom violations. In its annual international religious freedom report, the State Department notes that government crackdowns have also impacted Evangelicals in Nicaragua.
50 Christians massacred in Nigeria's middle belt region

At least 50 Christians were brutally killed on 8 August in the predominantly Christian village of Ayati, located in Ukum County, Benue State, Nigeria. Local reports indicate that the deadly assault was allegedly carried out by Fulani herdsmen in collaboration with a criminally motivated gang.

The attack occurred around 5.00pm, leaving the local community devastated. Tivta Samuel, a resident of the area, confirmed the tragic event, stating, "Suspected herdsmen militias killed over 50 Christians in Ayati village." Another local, Abraham Waroh, corroborated this, identifying "Fulani herdsmen militias" as the attackers, Christian Daily International-Morning Star News reports.

The violence reportedly stemmed from a land dispute, with criminals allegedly "selling" the villagers' land to the herdsmen.

Shima Ayati, a local resident and former gubernatorial candidate, explained that after the herdsmen began grazing their cattle on the land, the farmers lodged complaints with government authorities. "The government dispatched the state security outfit who came and chased the herdsmen away and burnt their tents, which got them angry," Ayati said.

Elaborating on the background of the situation, Ayati added, "They claimed that the bandits sold the land to them, and they went and met the bandits. So the herdsmen and bandits went to the village and carried out a massacre."

Enraged by the destruction of their property, the herdsmen reportedly collaborated with the criminal gang to carry out a massacre in retaliation.

Although security forces intervened and dispersed the herdsmen, they failed to provide adequate protection for the area, leaving the villagers vulnerable to further attacks. As a result, 50 Christians then suffered these appalling consequences.

In recent months, other Christian communities in Ukum have also faced similar violence. On 21 July, Fulani bandits attacked the Sankera community, killing three Christians, including a very young boy, according to local resident Clement Kolough.

"The Fulani bandits numbering 9 rode on motorcycles, armed with guns and machetes, and attacked the people in the Sankera community, killing two adults and a boy who was 6 years old," said Kolough.

Earlier, on 3rd July, Fulanis attacked Ayati and Borikyo villages, resulting in the deaths of 11 Christians.

Catherine Anene, a spokesperson for the Benue State Police Command, confirmed the attack but indicated that further information was still pending. She acknowledged the frequent bandit activities in Ukum, Logo, and Kastina-Ala local government areas, telling told Christian Daily International-Morning Star News, "Police personnel and those of other security agencies were deployed to the affected areas, and the bandits were successfully dislodged in operations by security personnel."

Nigeria remains one of the most dangerous countries in the world for Christians, with 4,118 people killed for their faith between 1st October 2022 and 30th September 2023, according to Open Doors' 2024 World Watch List. The country also recorded the highest number of Christian kidnappings, with 3,300 cases reported.

While not all Fulani herdsmen subscribe to extremist views, some have adopted radical Islamist ideologies similar to those of Boko Haram and ISWAP, targeting Christians and their communities.

Christian leaders in Nigeria believe that the herdsmen's attacks are driven by a desire to seize Christian lands and freeholds, with the ultimate goal of imposing Islamic rule. This situation is exacerbated by the challenges of sustaining large, healthy herds and livelihoods in the region's harsh, often desert-like conditions.
In scandal's wake, ACNA adopts new rules on reporting misconduct

In 2022, Mark Rivera, a former Anglican lay minister, was convicted of felony child sexual assault three years after a young girl told her mother that he had abused her. Months later, he pled guilty to felony sexual assault, nearly three years after his neighbour reported that Rivera had raped her.

From the first, his survivors said, authorities in the Anglican Church in North America's Upper Midwest Diocese had been slow to respond, casual about informing their fellow church members and, even after he had been arrested, sided with Rivera.

In 2021, several of Rivera's victims went public about the obstacles they faced in reporting Rivera's misconduct, and, ever since, a group of ACNA members has been clamouring for the denomination to revise its abuse prevention protocols.

Now, the denomination has taken steps in that direction. At its June meeting in Latrobe, Pennsylvania, the denomination's governing bodies added two sections to church bylaws about safeguarding and reporting misconduct, according to a recent update to ACNA's website. A long-awaited overhaul of Title IV, the bylaws' protocol for church discipline, is still reportedly in the works.

It was in part "because of the nature of what was going on in the Upper Midwest" that ACNA called an extraordinary meeting of its Governance Task Force, a committee of clergy and laity, around early 2023, charging it with reviewing the denomination's bylaws, according to the Rev. Phil Ashey, then the group's chair.

By that time, the Rev. Stewart Ruch, the charismatic bishop who oversees the Upper Midwest Diocese, had returned from a voluntary leave of absence he had taken after admitting to mistakes in responding to the allegations against Rivera. He has since become the subject of a church trial examining whether he knowingly welcomed individuals with histories of predatory behaviour into diocesan churches.

The task force commissioned two working groups: A Title I group to examine minimum safeguarding requirements for dioceses, and a Title IV group to review the denomination's policy for responding to clergy misconduct. The task force reportedly spent more than 1,500 hours developing proposals, raising hopes that the Assembly, ACNA's largest representative body, would be voting on sweeping revisions to Title IV this June.

But in early March of 2024, the task force published a draft of proposed changes that included two significant Title I amendments, and only minor revisions to Title IV. A May 2024 update of the proposals framed the Title I changes as laying the groundwork for an eventual Title IV overhaul.

The proposed new Title I sections gave the dioceses and their bishops responsibility for their own best practices and reporting of misconduct. This raised concern that the proposals allowed the church's national leadership to evade legal liability for abuse. Others worried the draft left unclear who would hold bishops accused of misconduct accountable. At the June meeting in Latrobe, one member of the task force urged that the denomination strengthen its own oversight. The final version that passed included additional language saying it was the "moral duty" of the whole church to "see that the flock of Christ is protected from abuse," while leaving primary responsibility in the hands of the bishops.

The Rev. William Barto, a priest in the Reformed Episcopal Church (a sub-jurisdiction of ACNA) and a member of the Title IV working group, said while many dioceses already had pre-existing policies, the final version of the Title I amendments will formalize that requirement. "This is consistent with the larger governance structure of Anglican Church in North America, which is very decentralized and puts focus of activity on the congregation and the dioceses that support those or oversee those congregations," he said.

Barto told RNS he thinks the change is a step in the right direction. "In the trial of Bishop Ruch, in the diocese of the Upper Midwest, part of his defence is, it wasn't my job ... I trusted the local rector, the local priest in charge, to take care of this," he said. "So this is, in part, an effort to foreclose that and clarify that the buck does stop with the diocesan bishop, in terms of the misconduct of their clergy, staff and their congregations."

Still, the new version of Title I lays out minimum requirements that the dioceses must adopt by the end of 2025 in their misconduct protocols. They include the appointment of report receivers, the creation of a reports investigation committee, requirements that pastoral care be provided to the reporting party and clergy accused of misconduct and guidelines for dealing with reports of lay misconduct.

Ashey, who leads the mission organization American Anglican Council and who served on the Governance Task Force for 15 years, praised the revamped Title I, calling it "a wonderful framework for caring for those who've suffered trauma. It also provides a fair and transparent process and care for those who've been accused as well, and it provides the ability for each diocese to devise its own process of discipline that actually incorporates these general standards."

But Sarah Wagner-Wassen, a canon lawyer in the Anglican Catholic Church who has written about the ACNA canons, as church laws are known, said she is concerned that making changes to Title I without the expected overhaul of Title IV creates inconsistencies in the reporting requirements.

"The major issue I have with the Title I changes is, they didn't change Title IV very much to match it," she said. If somebody made a complaint, she said, "I wouldn't know what was supposed to happen. The canons seem to be describing different things which can't both happen at the same time."

Megan Tucker, a layperson who attends an ACNA church in Minnesota and one of the authors of a presentment, or list of charges, against Ruch, said she was dissatisfied with the period of time  21 days  that laypeople were given to offer their input on the changes. She also felt that communication about the proposals was spotty and wished that denominational leaders had been more transparent about the efforts.

"The church needs to proactively educate and equip laity and clergy so everyone is empowered," said Tucker about the canons and process for revising them. "If we were all included and equipped, this would be a profoundly meaningful effort in making the church a truly safe space where church people are well-armored against abuse."

Ashey said the process was highly vetted and publicized by the American Anglican Council and on ACNA's website and that all feedback received from the public during the comment period is assigned to a working group for review.

The canonical changes will go into effect in September. Though it's not currently clear how or why the Title IV revisions were delayed or when they will be made public, in June, as the Assembly wrapped up its business session, Archbishop Foley Beach, the outgoing leader of the denomination, suggested meeting sooner than the next scheduled meeting in 2029 to consider broader Title IV changes.

"We're really seriously looking at Title IV as well, and that's a huge undertaking. Actually, we probably need to have a special session just for that. And so that'd be easy to do by Zoom, so that's what we're considering," said Beach. "But it'll be up to the new archbishop and his leadership team."

 Religion News Service
Islamic State's genocide was not limited to killing and enslaving Yazidis, Christians and other communities  it also erased their heritage

August 2024 marks the 10-year anniversary of the Islamic State group's genocide, in which thousands of people from Iraq's marginalized communities, including Yazidis, Christians and Shiite Muslims, were killed in Iraq's second-largest city, Mosul, and the surrounding areas.

The Yazidis, who follow a monotheistic religion, in which the Peacock Angel is chief among seven divine beings, and have been persecuted periodically in the past, suffered gravely. From 2014 to 2017, at least 5,000 were brutally killed, while 6,000 women and children were enslaved; hundreds of thousands were displaced from Sinjar and the Nineveh Plains, near Mosul.

Iraq's Assyrian Christians, who belong to a native Mesopotamian community consisting of early converts to a Syriac form of Eastern Christianity, also suffered under IS. In Mosul, IS marked Christian homes and forced them to either pay jizya, a tax historically levied upon non-Muslims, leave or be killed.

Even Muslims, particularly Shiites, whom IS deemed heretical for their adherence to forms of Islam beyond the narrow version of Sunni Islam the group espoused, were killed. While Shiite Muslims are a majority in Iraq, they are a minority in Mosul and the north, which is dominated by Sunni Muslims.

Iraq is the land where I was born. During a visit in the summer of 2016, I was able to see IS men from an ancient monastery atop a mountain near Mosul, which was especially troubling. Although IS was mostly defeated by Iraqi forces, in combination with a broader international coalition led by the United States, the consequences of the genocidal violence it perpetrated are ongoing.

In particular, Yazidis and Christians continue to suffer marginalization, the regions they inhabit remain unstable, and their heritage is subject to ongoing destruction. As a scholar of Iraq, I have a particular concern about the loss of intangible heritage such as prayers, songs and historic narratives  which I am now working to preserve.

Since the 2003 US-led invasion of Iraq, political parties in power have operated on a sectarian basis to marginalize minorities such as Christians and Yazidis.

The number of Christians in this area has dwindled from 1.5 million in 2003 to a few hundred thousand today. Other Islamic fundamentalist groups such as al-Qaida also targeted Christians, before IS did. The Alliance for Iraqi Minorities, a nonprofit based in Iraq, reported that 1,200 Christians were killed from 2003 to 2014.

Part of the reason for their suffering is that the region they have historically occupied, especially the Nineveh Plains, is coveted for its resources. It is rich in oil and also holds some of the most significant heritage of Iraq's early, pre-Islamic cultures.

Yet, it also holds special value for Iraq's Assyrian Christians. Nineveh and surrounding areas such as Nimrud and Alqosh have important artifacts, monasteries and church complexes, which date to Christianity's earliest periods. These areas were once part of Mesopotamia, a crucible of civilization, and contain a rich legacy of medieval literature, preserved in valuable manuscripts dating as far back as the fifth century.

Also adjacent to the Nineveh Plains is Lalish, the holiest sanctuary of the Yazidis. Within it lies the 12th-century shrine of Sheikh Adi, who is revered as an influential holy figure in the Yazidi faith.

These communities draw their cultural identity from this history. For the Assyrians Christians, the ancient Mesopotamian inheritance, including Christianity, is intertwined with a unique oral heritage that includes songs, folktales, recipes and tools for crafts preserved for centuries by local villagers as part of their now endangered Aramaic language and culture.

The language of farming used by these communities retains some influences from the Akkadian language used by the ancient Mesopotamian empires. For instance, in the dialect of the town of Baghdeda, in the Nineveh Plains, the word for storeroom of grains is "bakhshima" in Aramaic, which is a close descendant of the "bet hashiimi" in Akkadian for barn.

Preserving heritage

Even before the emergence of IS, rural and ethno-religious communities that did not occupy a central position of power were subject to the state's neglect and inadequate preservation of their heritage. In particular, Arab nationalist governments such as the Ba'ath, which held power in Iraq from 1968 to 2003, destroyed the villages of Assyrian Christians, forcing their displacement to large urban majority centers in Iraq. The Yazidis were similarly targeted.

Throughout the 20th century, Iraq's national libraries and museums have shown scant interest in representing the heritage of provincial and rural communities.

IS brought more destruction. Churches and shrines, cultural institutions and ancient heritage  including the city of Nimrod  were destroyed by IS. Those charged with preserving the heritage, along with other community members, were displaced from their towns and villages or killed. Some 400,000 Yazidis and about 200,000 Christians were expelled from the region between 2014 and 2017.

In the process, IS also erased memories of communities that would be passed to future generations. The damage was particularly severe for the Yazidi community, as it lacks textual scriptures; and for both communities, many traditions were passed down orally by men and women  often themselves illiterate  in the many languages of the region.

The aim of IS, as my colleagues and I found, was to erase not only these communities themselves but also the forms of intercommunal coexistence that had characterized northern Iraq historically. Many of the religious sites IS targeted were revered by multiple religions. For instance, Mosul's Mosque of Nabi Yunis was built on the site of a Christian church believed to be the shrine of the biblical Prophet Jonah. According to the Bible, Jonah was instructed by God to save the Ninevites. IS's destruction of this site revealed an Assyrian palace underneath the church-turned-mosque, which was dedicated to Jonah.

The path forward

Our current project documents the intangible and textual heritage of both Yazidis and Christians. The oral heritage often uses ancient languages and dialects  especially the endangered Near Eastern neo-Aramaic dialects spoken by Christians. We also document the Kurmanji version of Kurdish spoken by Yazidis.

The memories and narratives are significant not only for Yazidis and Christians but for the pluralistic history of the northern region and of Iraq as a whole. One example is "Dazike Batzmie," or the "Blessing of the String"  a sacred white-and-red string spun from wool and worn by Yazidis for good luck.

Another is the pokhin  a mixture made from seven grains plus salt, eaten during the conclusion of the "Rogation of Ninevites," a fast by Assyrian Christians in remembrance of Jonah and their repentance before God. It is believed that those who fast will have prophetic dreams, and the salty pokhin mixture will help thirsty single people to dream of their future soulmates.

Alda Benjamen is Assistant Professor of Middle East History at the University of Dayton.
Nicaragua police crack down on religious leaders

The Christian Church in Nicaragua is being targeted by police in an ongoing crackdown on religious leaders, with eleven Roman Catholic leaders detained in the latest wave of arrests.

The arrests follow the earlier detention of Deacon Ervin Aguirre, who was reported to be arrested on 2 August only to be released the following day, and 79-year-old priest Frutos Constantino Valle Salmeron, arrested in the Diocese of Esteli in Managua while preparing for the ordination of three deacons on 26 July.

The police reportedly told Father Frutos he had not obtained permission for the ceremony, before taking the priest, who suffers from hypertension and diabetes to the National Inter-Diocesan Seminary of Our Lady of Fatima, located in Managua. During his journey in the police car, Father Frutos became seriously ill and remains under house address.

The National Inter-Diocesan Seminary had also been the destination of two senior church officials from the Diocese of Matagalpa, arbitrarily detained on 1 August. Monsignor Ulises Vega, administrator of the San Ramon parishes was picked up alongside Monsignor Edgard Sacasa, administrator of the San Isidro parish, who succeeded the famous priest Monsignor Rolando Alvarez, as the leader of the Diocese of Matagalpa, when he was forced into exile.

The arrests continued over 2 and 3 August, with the police mainly detaining priests of the Diocese of Matagalpa. They were all forced into police patrol vehicles before being placed under house arrest.

In a 2 August post to social media network X, formerly Twitter, lawyer and human rights defender Martha Patricia Molina wrote: "The clergy of Matagalpa and Esteli wake up in anxiety. Currently, the Immaculate Conception of Mary Parish in Sebaco is surrounded by riot police. The parish fears that their priests will be kidnapped."

Mervyn Thomas, founder of CSW, a human rights organisation specialising in freedom of religion or belief globally, condemned the arrests as an attack on religious liberty.

"The continued detention and arrests of religious leaders by the Nicaraguan government are both unwarranted and unconscionable," he said. "CSW calls for the immediate and unconditional release of all religious leaders and political prisoners who have been arbitrarily detained and imprisoned in recent months.

"We urge the international community to emphasise to the Nicaraguan government that the ongoing crackdown on independent civil society, the relentless targeting of religious leaders and the continual violations of the right to freedom of religion or belief are unacceptable. More must be done to hold President Ortega, his wife and their regime to account for the deteriorating situation of human rights in the country."
Rwanda government shuts more than 5,000 churches, claiming code violations

In a crackdown, Rwanda has shut down more than 5,600 places of worship over failure to meet the conditions required for operation.

Churches, mosques, caves and tents affected by the shutdown were found to have fallen short of the standard requirements set by 2018 laws, according to officials conducting the two-week process that started July 29.

The law requires clerics to have theology degrees, and faith organizations to register with the government and have clear statements indicating their doctrine. The statements should be deposited with the Rwanda Governance Board, the government agency that registers houses of worship and other civil society organizations. Houses of worship must also pass safety and hygiene codes.

"I think what was introduced  not today but five years ago  is good for the church. The government gave us five years to comply and kept giving us reminders. That ended last year in September," Anglican Archbishop Laurent Mbanda of Rwanda told Religion News Service in a telephone interview.

"I think this was enough time to comply. We need to look at this from a positive side."

The Rwanda Governance Board introduced the rules and standards to tame what officials viewed as an unregulated proliferation of churches.

Mbanda said the rules were good for the improvement of congregations and the people's worship environment.

"We are talking about aeration, sound control ... toilets for men and women," said Mbanda. "I think there is nothing out of the ordinary about these."

Most affected by the shutdowns were small Pentecostal churches and some mosques, reportedly operating on riverbanks and in caves. Many of these had no address, and according to some claims, were prone to indoctrinating their followers and exploiting congregants.

"I think most people agree with this. There has to be training of clergy, order and sanity in the churches' operation, so that religion serves its purpose," the Rev. Innocent Halerimana Maganya, a Congolese Catholic priest at Tangaza University in Nairobi, told RNS. "In the current state of affairs, it is the poor who are suffering exploitation."

Rwanda  an East African country with 12 million people  is largely Christian. According to the 2022 census, about 48% of its citizens are Protestants, but the Roman Catholic Church forms the largest single denomination, with 40% of the population identifying as such.

The country, approximately the size of the U.S. state of Maryland, had 15,000 churches in 2019, according to official figures. Only 700 were legally registered at the time.

After the 1994 genocide, which killed an estimated 800,000 people, mostly members of the Tutsi ethnic group and some moderate Hutus, the country's churches were widely accused of complicity in the violence. Some of the churches were sites of massacre where fleeing civilians had sought refuge. Priests and pastors faced accusations of killing or aiding the murders.

Later, some of the clerics faced charges of crimes against humanity at the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda in the city of Arusha, in neighboring Tanzania.

Paul Kagame, now Rwanda's president, and then the general hailed for stopping the killings, has frequently raised concerns over the proliferation of churches.

In August last year, Kagame threatened to arrest Catholic pilgrims visiting sites in the country, accusing them of worshipping poverty. He voiced a concern that many young people were spending more time praying at prayer sites than working to end their impoverishment.

"No one must worship poverty. Do not ever do that again. ... If I ever hear about this again, that people travelled to go and worship poverty, I will bring trucks and round them up and imprison them, and only release them when the poverty mentality has left them," Kagame, a Catholic, was quoted in the press as saying recently.

Some critics fear the government is infringing on people's freedom of worship, but clerics and officials say it is about the safety and protection of worshippers.

"Rwanda has freedom of worship," said Mbanda. "I think we are starting churches where they should not be. Sometimes we are having church structures that a god cannot live in, let alone a person."

The archbishop also highlighted the rise of unlicensed preachers, cautioning that some were taking their followers to dangerous caves, rivers and forests for prayers and retreats.

At the same time, Rwanda's approach to regulating religious groups is influencing action across the East African region.

In Kenya, a task force formed to investigate the recent Shakahola starvation massacre in the coastal region has recommended the formation of a Religious Affairs Commission, renewed registration of all religious organizations and the establishment of educational standards for religious leaders, among other actions.

 Religion News Service
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CLEVELAND, Ohio  Cuyahoga County officials are hosting a station to refill oxygen tanks station Sunday to help residents after Tuesdays storms.

The Office of Emergency Management and the Ohio Department of Health will host the event from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday at the Brook Park Recreation Center parking lot. Patients can bring up to three small (D & E cylinder) tanks for filling. There is no cost.

The county, in a statement, said the tanks are for refills only. The station is to provide supplies for emergency usage. Additional dates are expected to be announced.

The event follows the storms that hit Northeast Ohio on Tuesday, when four tornadoes touched down in the county. More than 73,000 residents lacked power Saturday, four days after the high winds and rain rolled into Northeast Ohio.

On Saturday, Cuyahoga County Executive Chris Ronayne urged Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine to declare a state of emergency in the county, a move that would enable more state resources and funding to be delivered here.
Residents and work crews spent this week cleaning up trees from a storm that rolled through Northeast Ohio on Tuesday afternoon. On Saturday, Cuyahoga County Executive Chris Ronayne urged Gov. Mike DeWine to declare a state of emergency for the county.David Petkiewicz, cleveland.com

CLEVELAND, Ohio  Cuyahoga County Executive Chris Ronayne on Saturday urged Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine to declare a state of emergency for the county, a move that would bring money and resources to help it recover from the storms that battered Northeast Ohio earlier in the week.

Power utilities have indicated electricity may not be restored to all residents until late next week, and the recovery from storms will take weeks and months, Ronayne wrote in a letter to DeWine.

Ongoing recovery services are necessary from state departments and agencies to assist our residents, families, businesses and local communities to alleviate the consequences of this storm system.

Four tornadoes hit parts of Cuyahoga County on Tuesday afternoon. A wave of hard rains and high winds preceded the tornadoes, as the storms destroyed power lines, ripped the roofs off buildings and uprooted large trees. On Saturday, four days later, more than 73,000 people were still without power.

A FirstEnergy Corp. official has said that thousands of residents might not have power until after Wednesday.

Ronayne urged DeWine to drop a state-imposed threshold of $5.9 million in damages, which would trigger the release of funds and resources to the county.

We anticipate that number could be reached soon, but, in the meantime, we urge that the threshold be waived, Ronayne said.

Take Brook Park as an example. The roof of the recreation center was ripped off, causing millions of dollars in damages. Other communities have seen similar destruction.

The letter comes a day after DeWine ordered state agencies to prepare to help Northeast Ohio communities affected by this weeks severe storms.

In a formal proclamation, DeWine ordered and authorized all state departments and agencies to be at the ready and to utilize their personnel and resources as necessary to protect the lives, safety, health, and property of the citizens of Ohio and to assist with recovery efforts in communities impacted by this severe weather event if needed and requested by local authorities.

Cleveland.com and The Plain Dealer reported that as of Friday, the sole request for state assistance has been for the Department of Health to provide help with medical supplies, according to DeWines office.

Other state agencies, including the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services and the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio, are monitoring developments, given their administrative roles overseeing SNAP benefits and electric utilities, respectively.

This week, state and federal lawmakers from Northeast Ohio urged DeWine to help the county, saying that hundreds of thousands of residents were impacted by the storms.
Geneva, Switzerland (PANA) - The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued an invitation for manufacturers of mpox vaccines to submit an Expression of Interest for Emergency Use Listing (EUL)
Bella Robben has been living in Australia for almost a year.

In 2022, Bella Robben, 21, was living with her parents in St. Louis, Missouri, working as a barista in the morning and a waitress at Outback Steakhouse at night. "Pretty much all I would do at home is save up so that I could travel," Robben tells CNBC Make It. Robben has been backpacking since she was 19 years old and has traveled to 19 countries in two years. Robben's journey to Australia started in May 2023, when she left St. Louis to go backpacking in Peru. She traveled around the country for three weeks, then to Colombia for six weeks before flying to Europe. She lived in Barcelona for a month, London for another month, and Lisbon for three weeks. "I've always known that it's something that I enjoy doing," Robben says. By September 2023, thanks to a growing social media presence on TikTok, Robben was given the opportunity to take a brand trip with Australia's Northern Territory Tourism Board. Her flights were covered by Student Universe, a travel company for students and young people.

Robben moved into her Melbourne apartment with three roommates in November 2023. Bella Robben

Robben's original plan was to visit Australia for just one week, but right before the trip she decided to apply for the country's working holiday visa. "If I got a visa, then I would be able to stay for a long time, make money, and go backpacking in the South of the country," she says. She was approved just a few days later. "I didn't leave knowing that I was going to move to Australia, and now I don't necessarily want to go back because I do like my life more outside of the U.S. than in it." Australia's working holiday visa allows people from ages 18 to 30 years old  or 35 from some countries  to have an extended holiday and work in the country to help fund their 12-month stay. If granted the first visa, applicants can apply for a second and third visa after meeting specific requirements. Each new visa grants an additional 12-month stay and costs 650 AUD or $425 USD.

Robben's first apartment in Melbourne was in the city center and right above a nightclub. Bella Robben

Robben stayed in Australia's Northern Territory for about a week before flying to Melbourne where she lived in hostels for a few months while apartment hunting. That November, she found an apartment above a nightclub that she rented with two new friends she met at the hostel. Monthly rent for the unit was $2,390.00 AUD or $1,569 USD. Robben's portion was $523 a month, according to documents viewed by CNBC Make It. "It was the greatest apartment known to man. It was the perfect backpacker apartment," Robben says. "It was right in the hub of everything. We always had people over and had the best neighbors. I loved that apartment so much." Robben and her roommates used Gumtree, a free marketplace in Australia, to outfit the apartment with just about everything they needed. In Melbourne, Robben worked as a waitress in a small cafe.

Robben and her roomates used a free marketplace in Australia to furnish their first apartment together. Bella Robben

After about seven months in the apartment, Robben and one of her roommates bought a car together, left Melbourne, and drove north to Port Douglas, a seaside town in the northeastern Australian state of Queensland. Eventually, Robben found a job nearby in Far North Queensland as a hotel receptionist. One perk of the hotel job is cheap accommodations on the property. Robben pays just $98 USD a week for her portion of a house she shares with two roommates. According to documents reviewed by CNBC Make It, Robben gets paid $682 USD weekly and rent is automatically deducted from her paycheck.

'It's very hard to pull myself away from here'

Robben's daily life in Far North Queensland includes morning walks on the beach, working on her social media channels, and answering emails before starting her shift at noon. She gets out of work around 7 p.m. and heads to the grocery store to get ingredients for that night's dinner or goes out with friends. On her days off, the 21-year-old takes day trips around the country. "I didn't ever really think that I would stay for this long, and now I've found such good friends, the money is pretty good, and it's comfortable living here," Robben says. "There's so much to do and so much nature, so it's very hard to pull myself away from here."

A perk of Robben's job is that she gets to live on the hotel's property for $98 USD a week. Bella Robben

In Australia, Robben says she is able to earn enough to have a life and to save. It's the opposite of what she thinks things would be like if she were back home in America. "I didn't care to move out of my parent's house because I knew that all I would be doing is working to afford rent, and that's just not something I wanted to do," she says. "I sacrificed having a life of living in the city and making friends because I wanted to travel." Now, approaching one year in Australia, Robben says she isn't the same person she was when she first arrived in the country. "It's genuinely wild to think it's been a whole year. It was so daunting moving here, and I had a moment when I didn't want to be here," Robben says. "Now, I can't believe I ever thought that."

Robben enjoys taking day trips through Australia when she's not working. Bella Robben

As the youngest in her family, Robben says she was always very protected, so moving so far away has helped her force herself to do so many things alone. I really have to rely on myself and trust that I know what to do," she says. Robben says she never really had a life in America: "I didn't really have many friends because I moved around quite a bit growing up," she says. Earlier this year, Robben took a trip back home to St. Louis because she missed her family, but she says she wanted to get back to Australia as soon as possible. "Almost immediately when I got back, I felt this intense feeling because everything is so career-focused in the U.S.," Robben says. "I like ambition, and I feel like I have ambition, but it can also be very overwhelming."

Nandroya Falls is Robben's favorite place in Far North Queensland. Bella Robben

Robben is close to the end of her first working holiday visa and when she finishes up the 88 days she's required to work, she's taking off to backpack through Southeast Asia. "I'm hoping some opportunity or some country will pull me in a certain way," she says. Robben is considering applying for a second working holiday visa in Australia, but not right away: "I'm kind of keeping that option in my back pocket for when I run out of money and need to come back and work," she says.

"Obviously, things went wrong for me, and not everything was perfect, but I did trust that it would work out," Robben says. Bella Robben
Business: Kobayashi Pharmaceutical manufactures and sells pharmaceuticals and consumer products in Japan and internationally. The company operates in three segments: The Domestic Business and International Business segments offer health care, household, skin care and other products. The Company recently merged its mail-order segment into its domestic business segment, which is engaged in the mail-order sale of dietary supplements, skin care and other products. The Other segment is engaged in transportation, plastic container manufacturing, real estate management and advertising planning and production.

Activist Commentary: Oasis Management is a global hedge fund management firm headquartered in Hong Kong with additional offices in Tokyo and Austin, Texas, as well as the Cayman Islands. Oasis was founded in 2002 by Seth Fischer, who leads the firm as its chief investment officer. Oasis is an authentic international activist investor, doing activism primarily in Asia (and occasionally Europe). The firm seeks to identify investment opportunities that are undervalued and have great potential for value creation. The firm has an impressive track record of prolific and successful international activism. Oasis has as many arrows in its quiver as any activist and has been successful in getting seats on boards, opposing strategic transactions, advocating for strategic actions, improving corporate governance and holding management accountable.

Oasis recently reported a 5.20% position in Kobayashi. Amid a scandal around Kobayashi's red koji-related products, Oasis said that it could engage the company if there was no self-improvement and suggested three paths for value creation: (i) Kobayashi could improve operational performance on its own; (ii) go private via a management buyout; or (iii) work with Oasis to improve operational performance, corporate governance and the constitution of the board.

Kobayashi Pharmaceutical is a Japan-based pharmaceuticals and consumer products company. It owns a stable of over 150 brands in categories across pharmaceuticals, oral care, food, skin care, air fresheners, mail order and more. The company generated 173.45 billion yen of sales in 2023 with 75% coming from domestic sales, 24% from international sales, and less than 1% from its other businesses. While the business posted record revenue in 2023, it was coming off of a declining base and only narrowly exceeded its 2018 revenue of 167 million yen. Moreover, since 2019, return on assets declined from 12% to 10.4%, return on equity from 11.3% to 10.1% and operating margins from 16.2% to 14.9%. As a result, the company's shares declined over 45% from its peak in December 2020 to the end of 2023.

Matters went from bad to worse in early 2024 amid reports of health issues that appeared to be linked to Kobayashi's red koji-related products. In March, the company recalled three products. Subsequently, Kobayashi began an investigation into the matter and formed a fact-finding committee to assess the situation and the board's response. Last month, the company released the results of the investigation. While the committee concluded that the company did not engage in any malicious actions to conceal the matter, it also found that Kobayashi lacked awareness of the safety of health foods and failed to make timely reports and consultation to the board, auditors, government and consumers. The committee also found that the company lacked preparation for health damages and failed to invest sufficient resources into quality control. The scandal around the red koji supplement has sent the stock down nearly 20% since the end of 2023.

In May, Oasis Management highlighted the opportunity at Kobayashi. At that time, Oasis highlighted that this was not a case of an extraordinary or unimaginable crisis. At the time, Oasis said that they could step in if there was no "self-improvement" and that the company would stand to gain if it implemented improved crisis management protocols and improved corporate governance to better hold management accountable and root out nepotism. Oasis suggested three paths for value creation: (i) improve operational performance on its own; (ii) go private via a management buyout; or (iii) work with Oasis to improve operational performance, corporate governance, and the constitution of the board.

In July, president and CEO Akihiro Kobayashi and Chairman Kazumasa Kobayashi resigned from their roles. However, Akihiro Kobayashi remained on the board to continue handling compensation for victims, and Kazumasa Kobayashi was made a special advisor to the company. Both individuals announced they would return approximately half of their compensation from the past six months. Executive officer and head of sustainability management Satoshi Yamane took over as president and CEO.

Now, Oasis reported a 5.20% stake in the company, likely a sign that the activist is ready to begin engaging management more aggressively. It is clear to us that Kobayashi needs a reset and that Oasis is a willing and able partner to do so, but it is yet to be seen if the newly appointed CEO and shaken board will play ball. The company's annual meeting passed in March 2024 before the results of the fact-finding committee were released, so we will have to wait nearly a year before Oasis could submit any shareholder proposals barring the requisition of an Extraordinary Meeting. This is a board which has overseen several product recalls and has been found to be ineffective in its oversight role of quality assurance and crisis management. While accepting the resignations of Akihiro and Kazumasa Kobayashi is a step in the right direction, keeping them involved with the company is more telling as to how this board weighs shareholder concerns versus management interests.

Kobayashi would be wise to overhaul much of its board and auditors, and at minimum invite a representative of Oasis onto the board. It would imbue the company with a sense of urgency to improve operational performance, corporate governance and shareholder value maximization. Moreover, Oasis has an extensive history of working to improve corporate governance at its Japanese portfolio companies, delivering an average 31.7% return on its Japanese campaigns with a corporate governance thesis versus 1.9% for the MSCI EAFE index. Despite this, a board invitation to an activist is something that rarely happens in Japanese companies today. If Oasis wants to create value for shareholders from a board level, it is something that would probably have to happen through a proxy fight. But that is also a long shot, even at a company with corporate governance issues as we have here. Oasis has encountered difficulties recently in campaigns which have centered around poor corporate governance, being delivered losses at the 2024 annual general meetings of Hokuetsu and Ain Holdings. The recent loss at Ain was especially disconcerting, as the pharmacy company had displayed problematic corporate governance, yet Oasis was unable to achieve enough shareholder support to gain board representation.

This is not a criticism of Oasis. The firm is a top-tier Japan shareholder activist and if anyone can get board seats in Japan, it is Oasis. Rather, it is more of a reality of Japanese corporate governance, which has come a long way over the past several years but has much further to go. Oasis is not the type of activist to be deterred from one or two losses: Japanese activists are used to losing proxy fights. We would hope the firm pursues this for the sake of Kobayashi shareholders and to continue the upward momentum toward better corporate governance in Japan.

If the firm receives a board seat, Oasis could assist in assessing strategic alternatives, including a management buyout at Kobayashi's currently depressed share price or an acquisition by a strategic acquirer who could improve quality assurance and integrate it into a more well-governed structure. Oasis has been very active in Japanese pharmaceuticals and drug store companies in recent years. The firm has cited consolidation as a major structural theme, campaigning for change at Tsuruha Holdings, Kao Corp, Ain Holdings and management buyout opposition at Taisho Pharmaceutical Holdings.

Ken Squire is the founder and president of 13D Monitor, an institutional research service on shareholder activism, and the founder and portfolio manager of the 13D Activist Fund, a mutual fund that invests in a portfolio of activist 13D investments.
On a balmy, overcast Tuesday in July, Scott Goodfriend prepares to take a group of five on his Iconic Foods of the Lower East Side tour in New York. They stand at the entrance of a large food market in the downtown Manhattan neighborhood. This was "the immigrant center of New York," Goodfriend tells the group. And wherever immigrants came from, they brought their food with them. The tour includes eateries such as Italian dessert hub Ferrara, local bagel spot Baz Bagel, and others, with a sprinkling of historical facts along the way. The first stop is the Doughnut Plant, a 30-year-old, industrial-looking shop with concrete floors and platters of doughnuts behind a steel counter. Goodfriend explains that the founder, Mark Isreal, discovered his grandfather's doughnut recipe and used it to open the business in 1994. He brings out three different doughnuts for the group to try: Tres leches, Brooklyn Blackout and blueberry. "Oh, yeah," says a seventh grader on the tour. "These are good." Goodfriend, 39, officially started selling food tours in 2019 while working in communications. In 2023, after getting let go from his job at Meta, he decided to take his company, Ultimate Food Tours, full-time. Between May 2023 and May 2024, he brought in more than $145,000. Here's how he built his budding business.

Ethnic food was a constant in Goodfriend's life

Goodfriend grew up in the Calabasas neighborhood of Los Angeles, the oldest of two kids. His dad was a mortgage broker and his mom worked at the UCLA medical center. Food was a constant. "My parents would always love to take us out to different ethnic foods in L.A.," he says. "My dad really likes Persian food. My mom always really likes sushi and Japanese food." Learning about the past was a constant as well, he says  he'd often watch the History Channel with his dad.

Goodfriend with a couple of people on his tour. Tasia Jensen | Marisa Forziati | CNBC Make It

Goodfriend attended the University of Colorado Boulder and graduated in 2007 with a degree in journalism. He then went to work in reality TV, first in LA, then, in 2011, in New York. "I liked reality TV because I felt like I could jump from project to project a lot quicker," he says. In 2016, he nabbed a job at major PR company Edelman. Throughout his six years at the company, he led projects in Web3 and virtual reality. Then, in July 2022, he got offered a job at Meta in their augmented reality wing. "I felt like I finally made it," he says. The job paid about $200,000 per year.

Friends sent 'little goals to challenge me' to make tours

When Goodfriend first moved to New York, "I would pick different neighborhoods to kind of explore," he says, including various eateries in the area. Seeking out Bosnian food took him to Astoria, Queens, for example. Curiosity about its Russian population took him to Sheepshead Bay, Brooklyn. Eventually, friends found out about the tours he was taking himself on and demanded he do the same for them. "They were sending me little goals to challenge me to make these food tours," he says. He'd take them to Brooklyn neighborhoods like Borough Park with its Hasidic population and Sunset Park with its Chinese community. Goodfriend gave these kinds of tours for about eight years but resisted monetizing them, both because he enjoyed giving them to friends and because he didn't want the hassle of building a business and website. Then a friend let him know about Airbnb experiences, or opportunities to sell local tours through the site. In the fall of 2019, he decided to post one. "The first dollar I made from my Chinatown Food Tour was in October of 2019," he says.

'I made the decision to cut the safety net'

By 2021, he'd added his Iconic Food tour and given his business its name: Ultimate Food Tours. "I was like, how do I have something that sounds big and fun?" he says. In December 2021, he built his website, and began adding more and more tours to his repertoire there. Goodfriend did all of this while working full time, giving tours over the weekend. Between "2021 to 2022 I was probably putting in about 10 hours a week for two tours a week," he says. The side hustle brought in more than $30,000 in 2022 alone. Eight months after getting hired at Meta, in February 2023, Goodfriend was let go from his job.

Zoom In Icon Arrows pointing outwards Goodfriend's "Origin Stories" series. Scott Goodfriend

Despite getting a full-time job offer at a startup soon after, he felt a pull toward his hustle. "So I made the decision to cut the safety net in early 2023," he says, "to run Ultimate Food Tours full time and leave the corporate world."

'I probably work 80 hours a week'
Turkey said on Saturday it had restored access to social media platform Instagram after the company agreed to cooperate with authorities to address the government's concerns.

Turkey blocked access to the social media platform on Aug 2 for failing to comply with the country's "laws and rules" and public sensitivities.

A top Turkish official accused Instagram of blocking condolence posts over the assassination of Ismail Haniyeh, leader of the Palestinian militant group Hamas.

Turkey has denounced Israel's attacks on Gaza, called for an immediate ceasefire and criticised what it calls unconditional support for Israel by the West.

The nine-day ban triggered protests from users and small businesses who reach their customers through the platform.

Turkey ranks fifth in the world in terms of Instagram usage, with more than 57 million users, following India, the United States, Brazil and Indonesia, according to data platform Statista.

"As a result of our negotiations with Instagram officials, we will lift the access block...after they promised to work together to meet our demands regarding catalog crimes and on censorship imposed on users," Transport and Infrastructure Minister Abdulkadir Uraloglu said in a post on X.

Catalog crimes in Turkish law include acts such as murder, sexual assault, drug trafficking, abuse and torture.

"Significant gains have been achieved in increasing security in the digital environment in Turkey, legal compliance, protection of user rights and the development of a fair inspection mechanism," Uraloglu said.

Instagram parent Meta had agreed to comply with Turkish law and ensure efficient removal of posts and content if they carry elements of certain crimes or "terrorism propaganda", Uraloglu said.

Instagram was not immediately available for comment when contacted by Reuters.

"Live metrics show Instagram is being restored across Turkey's main internet providers after national restriction spanning nine days. This is the country's longest ban of a major social media platform in recent years," Internet monitor NetBlocks said.
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There is a saying among criminal lawyers that hard cases make bad law. It means that changing the law in reaction to extreme events can often have an adverse effect on justice in general.

As a barrister, Sir Keir Starmer will be familiar with this aphorism. Its to be hoped he will keep it in mind as he considers his response to recent rioting across the country.

After mosques were targeted along with migrant hotels, he is being urged by some in his party to formulate a new formal definition of Islamophobia.

While this may have superficial appeal, critics say it could amount to a blasphemy law by the back door, where legitimate criticism of Islam or the behaviour of individual Muslims could be stifled.

Rioters flip a car over and set it alight during disorder in Sunderland last week

Riot police protect Millfield Mosque in Sunderland. The Prime Minister was urged by some to formulate a new formal definition of Islamophobia after places of worship were targeted

Police officers stand between anti-immigration protesters and an hotel being used to house asylum seekers in Crawley

As a barrister, Sir Keir Starmer will be familiar with the aphorism that hard cases make bad law. It's to be hoped he keeps it in mind when he considers his response to riots

A rioter is arrested by police in Sunderland during disorder last Friday

There are also moves to overhaul the Online Safety Act in the light of hateful posts which inflamed the recent protests, bringing back fears that free speech could be a casualty of over-reaction.

Yes, tech giants should be more vigilant in stopping the hate-mongers from spreading their poison on social media, and anything that forces them to do that is welcome.

But these platforms are a crucible of vital public debate. To crush that with oppressive and ill-conceived legislation would be not just wrong but extremely dangerous. This is a moment for cool heads  not bad law.

Paid to pollute

It was always hard to believe cutting down forests halfway across the world, transporting them to the UK in high-polluting cargo ships, then burning them in power stations could be good for the environment.

Trees absorb carbon and help enormously in the fight against climate change. When burned, they produce as much damaging greenhouse gas as other fossil fuels.

Yet since 2012 the owners of the Drax power station in Yorkshire have received almost 7billion in public subsidies to switch from coal to biomass  a euphemism for the wood pellets made from felled trees.

The firm claims it is carbon neutral, as the trees are replaced, and that it makes a major contribution to cleaning up our energy production.

Cooling towers at Drax Power Station. A new think tank report says the plant is easily Britain's biggest polluter

However, a new think tank report says the Drax plant is easily Britains biggest polluter, producing four times more carbon than our last surviving coal-fired power station, at Ratcliffe-on-Soar, Notts.

This follows a Chatham House study, which shows burning wood pellets releases more emissions per unit of electricity generated than coal or gas. It described the current subsidy framework, due to run until at least 2027, as not fit for purpose.

There have been many muddle-headed policies where the desperation of ministers to appear virtuous over climate change has seriously clouded their judgment. This is surely one of them.

Bungling at the BBC

The BBC is now asking Huw Edwards to repay the 200,000 he received in salary between his arrest on child pornography charges last November and his resignation in April. But why was he paid the money in the first place?

The BBC is now asking Huw Edwards to repay the 200,000 he received in salary since being arrested last November, but why was the money paid in the first place?

As early as July last year it was clear hed paid a teenager for sexually explicit images. Criminal behaviour or not, this was not the conduct expected of a trusted broadcaster.

Yet they kept him on even after more serious offences came to light  astonishingly giving him a pay rise while he was off air.

Whether or not bosses manage to reclaim some of the money is a side-issue. Thanks to their ineptitude, the damage is done.
The great discovery of the past few days has been this: If the police are visible on the streets, if wrongdoers are swiftly arrested, rapidly charged, prosecuted and quickly and frighteningly punished, then you can get a grip on crime and disorder.

The shrivelling of the supposed riots had nothing to do with pious assemblies of pro-migration demonstrators idiotically clutching identical placards run off by the Socialist Worker printshop. What made the difference was a real fear of being caught and fear of retribution, among the tiny criminal minority who normally get a free run in this country.

We can all be grateful to the police for doing what we actually pay them for, for once. Alas, Sir Keir Starmer and his Home Secretary, Yvette Cooper, will never draw the right lessons from this. They are a clueless mixture. They like authoritarian rule over the law-abiding, but they wont protect the public against thieves, vandals and drunken or drugged louts.

Officers tackle a far-Right rioter in Southampton on Wednesday. We can all be grateful to the police for doing what we actually pay them for, for once

The elite, to which Starmer and Cooper belong, long ago rejected stern, vigilant policing, punitive sentences and severe prisons.

But, in this case, they saw the disorder as a challenge to their authority and as a test of their power and their ability to govern. They used methods they would normally scorn. But they did so to serve and save themselves, not to serve or save you and me.

So a few months hence, when the so-called riots are fading into memory, the gaunt, brutal, frightening ferals, the vandals and the thieves will be back on the streets, committing crimes against their neighbours rather than against the state. And the police will once again be totally absent, as they have been for decades. The Crown Prosecution Service will be far away, the courts uninterested. And, by then, the prisons will already be starting to release those swept up in the past few days. See if Im right. Then see if you can find a serious politician, of any party, who is ready to admit that turning the police into social workers, the prisons into warehouses and the courts into pantomimes of weakness was a terrible mistake which needs to be reversed.

Good luck with that. Ive been trying for 20 years.

The difference between us and Putin? Earthlings versus a Martian

The young Dultsevs and their sinister parents were greeted at Moscow's Vnukovo airport by Vladimir Putin himself, though it is said the children had no idea who the tyrant was

The brilliant TV series The Americans wondered what might happen to the innocent children of deep-cover Russian spies masquerading as Westerners. Well, it has happened in real life.

A Russian spy couple, Artyom and Anna Dultsev (probably not their real names) pretended to be Argentinians while living as art dealers in Slovenia.

After they had been caught, they were swapped in the rather grotesque mass exchange between Moscow and Washington.

Emergencies out of order On Friday morning, aboard my supermodern, vastly expensive Japanese designed express train, I was searching for a lavatory. It was out of order. But far more worrying was the array of red stickers on the cupboard where they keep the emergency equipment. I dont know whats in there  axes, ropes and torches, for when we have to smash our way out of the wreckage? Who knows when that might be, on a railway where signalmen (see this column last week) switch trains on to the wrong track? But the emergency cupboard was done for. The stickers warned OUT OF SERVICE  DO NOT USE. So dont have an emergency, is probably the best advice. Advertisement

The most poignant part of the event was the arrival of their two baffled children (a girl of 12 and a boy of nine) at the VIP terminal of Moscows Vnukovo airport. There they and their sinister parents were greeted by Vladimir Putin himself, though it is said they had no idea who the tyrant was.

God help these two children. It is hard to see a happy outcome from these cruel events.

Can you begin to imagine the ruthlessness of a government which asks such a service of any of its citizens?

Or can you guess at the state of mind of a people who are prepared to perform that service? I doubt it.

Having lived there for a little while, I can. But many in the West, including major policy-makers, simply have no idea. They need to learn. If you do not know how the colourless, secret police bureaucrat Putin swelled into the monstrous, fascinating thing he has become, then you will have no idea how to deal with the country he leads. And if you would like to find out, I have some summer reading for you. Thanks to dim prejudice, a brilliant novel about Putin, The Wizard Of The Kremlin, has vanished without trace since it came out here a few months ago. Its author is the Italian Giuliano da Empoli, who learned how tough politics can be at the age of 12, when Marxist terrorists tried to murder his father. The book cleverly shows how swiftly dark power grows out of violence and cruelty. In Russia, leaders are respected for both these sins. But we in the West live hypocritically, thinking power itself is out of date and all we need are a few lawyers. At one point a character says: The difference in mentality between a Russian and a Westerner is as great as that between an Earthling and a Martian.

Al Boris Johnson would do well to read it, before we have our debate on Ukraine  which must surely be soon now.

Some weeks ago we were told the genius of TVs Line Of Duty, Jed Mercurio, was planning to make a drama based on the case of Lucy Letby, the nurse convicted of killing seven babies, and trying to murder seven more. Mercurio, a former hospital doctor, is surely well-qualified to make such a programme or series. But it may be a little more complex than first planned. In recent weeks serious doubts about Letbys conviction have been raised. Expert statisticians and doctors have questioned the evidence. Last week, Channel 5 screened a powerful documentary (Did She Really Do It?) making a strong case for an appeal to be heard. It is now 356 days since Letby was told she would die in prison.
We won't be going to Tel Aviv this month, as planned. Flights were booked, family gatherings arranged. My wife's stepfather is unwell, and we wanted to see him whilst we still can. But war is looming across the Middle East.

Iran is preparing its rockets, and its lackey Hezbollah is gearing up for attack. No doubt Hamas and Yemen will join in too. And inevitably, Tel Aviv will be one of their principal targets. It's not a place to take our small boys.

As I was preparing to find cover for my Sunday services, the Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, decided to wade in where angels fear to tread, and contribute his verdict on the politics of Israel-Palestine.

Supporting an advisory opinion from the International Court of Justice's about Israel's continued presence in the West Bank, the archbishop offered the view that the State of Israel has been 'denying the Palestinian people dignity, freedom, and hope' and declared that ending the 'occupation' is 'a legal and moral necessity'.

He added: 'It is imperative that governments around the world reaffirm their unwavering commitment to all decisions by the ICJ, irrespective of the situation.'

The Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby , decided to wade in where angels fear to tread, and contribute his verdict on the politics of Israel-Palestine

Supporting an advisory opinion from the International Court of Justice about Israel 's presence in the West Bank, Welby said Israel has been 'denying the Palestinian people dignity, freedom and hope' and declared that ending the 'occupation' is 'a legal and moral necessity'

Those last few words seemed very odd indeed. When peace comes to the region, it will be because of politics - hard, raw, tough, difficult politics  and not because of some abstract law imposed from the Hague.

To say that law must be imposed 'irrespective of the situation' is to think of peace as something that comes down fully formed, delivered by right-minded people. In reality, it must be fought for inch by inch, with compromises made by people who are themselves highly compromised.

The Middle East has had quite enough of solutions that fall, fully formed, from out of the European sky.

Some say archbishops should stick to God and stay out of politics. I'm not one of these. Jesus himself was born into a fractious Middle East and had some strong things to say to the occupying power, the Romans.

But if archbishops do venture into more clearly political territory, they have to get it right. And given the long history of Christians saying stupid and downright wicked things about the Jewish people, it is doubly incumbent upon Christian leaders to demonstrate a great deal of sensitivity.

Take the term 'occupation' which the Archbishop chooses to use. Yes, Israeli soldiers run the checkpoints and control much of what goes on in the West Bank. But why are they there?

Apart from the ideologically-driven settlers who are a whole different story, the reason Israel controls large parts of the West Bank is straightforwardly defensive: it really doesn't want to be there, it doesn't want its children serving or dying there, but this is where the threat comes from.

Israel is entitled to believe a 'liberated' Palestine would become a launching pad for even more 'from the river to the sea' genocidal murderousness, writes Rev Giles Fraser (left)

Judge and President of the International Court of Justice , Nawaf Salam (right) delivers a non-binding ruling on the legal consequences of the Israeli occupation of the West Bank and East Jerusalem in The Hague on July 19 declaring 'illegal' Israel's occupation of Palestinian territories since 1967

The ICJ has ruled that Israel's settlement policy and use of natural resources in the occupied Palestinian territories violate international law. Pictured: Palestinian shepherd Mustafa Arara, 24, stands in the ruins of the West Bank Bedouin village of al-Baqa where residents fled in July after settlers established an outpost a stone's throw from the village in June

Abandoning the territory would create an undeniable risk. After Israel evacuated Gaza in 2005 - with the IDF dragging Israeli settlers out kicking and screaming  Hamas came to power only the following year.

Not only did Gazans suffer under the decades of repressive rule by Hamas, but Israel had to suffer a Palestinian government committed to the obliteration of the Jewish state. The appalling consequence of which was the October 7 massacre.

The greatest impediment to a two-state solution is that Israel is perfectly entitled to believe that a 'liberated' Palestine, constituting Gaza and the West Bank, would become a launching pad for even more 'from the river to the sea' genocidal murderousness.

And when the missiles once again rain down upon Tel Aviv, and when enemies invade from the north and the south, it won't be the ICJ in the Hague nor a Christian Archbishop in Canterbury that will protect them.

Hardline Jewish settlers, of course, claim the Bible gives them ownership of all the land in which Palestinian live. And, given the theological nature of such claims, the archbishop has every right to oppose them.

What he must not do is delegitimise a democratic state, whose perfectly legitimate obligation is to protect its own citizens. That is exactly what the archbishop has done in supporting the strategy of 'lawfare' that the ICJ is advancing.

Like my own, Justin Welby's father was Jewish. His grandfather, Bernard Weiler, came to England from Germany in 1886 as thousands of Jews were fleeing Europe to escape rising anti-Semitism. And many of these eventually sought security in their historic homeland.

Zionism is simply the belief that the Jewish people have a right to be safe in the land of their forefathers. Israel is all about this perfectly understandable need for security: and unfortunately, the ICJ ruling, coming down from on high, does nothing to further this.

Because without security, neither the Jews nor the Palestinians will find peace in the Holy Land. Which is why it is Hamas that has been 'denying the Palestinian people dignity, freedom, and hope.'

I do wish the Archbishop had been clearer on that.
A new Netflix documentary is set to uncover the truth about one of the 'largest covens of vampires' in America - and its alleged ties to the harrowing disappearance of a man who vanished near 'its headquarters.'

In 1994, 26-year-old George Phillip Gall, known as Phil to his loved ones, got off a bus in Dayton, Ohio, and disappeared into the night.

The father-of-one was last seen walking towards a nightclub called Asylum, and what happened to him still remains a mystery to this day.

With no evidence or witnesses, his case sat cold for more than a decade - until a retired police lieutenant who spent years studying 'occult and gangs' made a shocking claim in 2008.

The former law enforcement officer said he visited Asylum while working 'undercover' around the time that Phil disappeared - and he detailed why he believed the bar was a secret meeting place for individuals who identified as vampires.

A new Netflix documentary is set to uncover the truth about one of the 'largest covens of vampires' - and its ties to the disappearance of a man who vanished in 1994 (stock image)

In 1994, 26-year-old George Phillip Gall (seen), known as Phil to his loved ones, went missing in Dayton, Ohio, after being seen near a 'vampire hotspot'

The policeman said a bartender told him that Phil had been involved in a horrifying 'ritual' that saw him 'beheaded' - and his body stuffed into the sewers below.

The terrifying tale will now investigated in an upcoming Netflix doc called Vampires of Gem City.

'For the last 30 years, Dayton, Ohio has been home to the largest coven of vampires outside of New Orleans,' reads a description, per What's On Netflix.

'When a man goes missing in the goth nightclub they use as their headquarters, the case goes cold until a police officer comes forward in 2008 with a story.'

The film is set to be directed by Joshua Rofe and will premiere later this year.

On October 13, 1994, Phil, who worked as a roofer, left the home he shared with his wife and infant daughter around 11pm, and got on a local bus.

The driver told police he got off at a stop near Asylum, and started heading towards the nightclub.

'He was not having any personal problems at the time of his disappearance, and it is uncharacteristic of him to leave without warning,' a report said.

The terrifying tale will now investigated in an upcoming Netflix doc called Vampires of Gem City, which is set to be directed by Joshua Rofe (stock image)

A 2015 survey conducted by the Atlanta Vampire Alliance found that 5,000 people in the US practice vampirism. Pictured: Still from the 1931 movie Dracula is seen

'Gall's loved ones decided he was probably deceased and held a memorial service for him about nine months after he went missing. His disappearance remains unsolved.'

In 2008, David Williams - a retired Dayton police lieutenant who is 'a nationally recognized expert on the occult and gangs' - told Dayton Daily News that he 'went undercover inside the club in 1994.'

'The story was that Gall was supposed to have been involved in an occult ritual in the upper floors of the bar and then was beheaded, and that head was sold as a relic for the occultist involved,' he said.

'[A bartender] said that he saw the head, transferred in the bar, for sale.'

The ex cop said Phil's body was 'placed in the storm sewer tunnels, through an opening, accessible inside the club.'

According to the outlet, Asylum was known for 'attracting a large, gothic, vampire-like crowd.'

Recently, one woman who identifies as a vampire lifted the lid on her unusual lifestyle to USA Today.

Hellen Schweizer, 29, from Wooster, Ohio, wears fangs, over the top makeup, and a cape every day.

Recently, Hellen Schweizer, 29, from Wooster, Ohio, who identifies as a vampire, lifted the lid on her unusual lifestyle

Author and 'vampire expert' Joseph Laycock told BU that the vampires that do drink blood generally have 'a few drops at a time' through a 'syringe'

'Not every vampire is bad. I follow a higher path,' she told the publication.

Hellen explained that she doesn't drink blood, but some people who are into vampirism do - usually from willing donors.

She said the 'sun makes her nauseous,' but shut down the old rumor that garlic can kill a vampire.

'I love garlic. That's just a legend,' she said.

Hellen has shared numerous videos about being a vampire on TikTok, where she has racked up over 28,000 followers.

In one clip, she broke down what makes vampires different from regular people, and she said it came down to 'needing more energy.'

'I feed off energy. Energy is everywhere and in every living thing and there is ambient energy,' she shared.

'Why do we need energy? In a spiritual sense, I don't have enough energy on my own so I need a little help from my friends.

'And I'm not alone. There's a community of people out there just like me all around the world.'

A 2015 survey conducted by the Atlanta Vampire Alliance found that 5,000 people in the US practice vampirism.

An author and 'vampire expert' named Joseph Laycock who studied and wrote a book on the lifestyle previously told BU that there are two different types of vampires: lifestyle and real ones.

'Lifestyle vampires admire the aesthetic. They may like vampire movies or writer Anne Rice, and they may own a set of prosthetic fangs or wear Victorian costumes to nightclubs,' he said.

'But at the end of the day, they know they're no different from anyone else because they don't feed.

'Real vampires, on the other hand, believe that their physical, mental, and emotional health will deteriorate if they don't feed - either on blood or on energy.'

He said the vampires that do drink blood generally have 'a few drops at a time' through a 'syringe.'
With the heat blasting across the UK this week, many will have desperately sought any means of cooling down when trying to get to sleep.

The sticky humidity of the British heat doesn't make for a comfortable night, especially if, like most, you lack air conditioning or a strong enough fan.

In such cases, many of his will look for opt for easier remedies such as the a la birthday suit method - ditching PJs in the hopes of a cooler night.

Speaking to Women's Health, sleep expert, Sophie Bostock, warned that while a tempting solution, sleeping naked can prevent individuals from getting the best quality of sleep possible in a heatwave, and should be avoided.

Sophie noted several bodies of research that show the population gets fewer hours of sleep restful on balmy nights, much like the ones the UK has just encountered.

Stock image. Sleep expert, Sophie Bostock, warned that while a tempting solution, sleeping naked can prevent individuals from getting the best quality of sleep possible, and should be avoided

We miss out on 17 hours of sleep per month during the summer according to a recent survey of 2,017 Brits.

Though over a third of us remain unaffected by soaring temperatures, over half of British adults sleep for six hours or less in the summer, compared to just 39 per cent in winter.

The research even revealed a quarter of those surveyed have had to take days off work because they feel too tired to come in. With that in mind, The Sleep Charity's Deputy CEO, Lisa Artis, revealed ten top tips to combat the hotter nights.

The reason that sleep is so impacted by the weather is because light, stress, and temperatures, are huge players in the circadian rhythm - the natural body clock that determines when we need to be aware or asleep.

This is mainly because the body temperature needs to reach a decreased temperature before rest as sleep-promoting melatonin levels rise.

An earlier study agreed that the duration of sleep duration tends to lower when the temperature of the body is still high.

This is because it is harder for the body for the body to regulate its temperature so toasty sleepers are more likely to wave up during then night, instructor of medicine at Harvard Medical School, Rebecca Robbins, told Fortune.

As most of us will know, a disturbed night of sleep is never a good night of sleep, and tends to make individuals feel groggy and sleep deprived the following morning - hence making the heat unlikely to grant a refreshing rest.

We miss out on 17 hours of sleep per month during the summer according to a recent survey of 2,017 Brits

It's therefore a decrease in temperature that's needed for us to get to sleep - a not so easy task in the midst of a UK heatwave.

Despite some advising individuals to skip PJs on steamy nights to avoid the inevitable nighttime overheating, sleep expert Sophie said this could end up causing more damage in the long run, even if it's not the most comfortbale.

She told Women's Health: 'This isn't super helpful as what you can actually find is if collects on the body, and isn't whipped away by a moisture-wicking surface - like you get from clothing - then it doesn't help you cool.'

Instead, she suggested opting for a light pair of jammies that can help keep the sweat patches at bay.

'So wearing cotton pyjamas, or anything that takes sweat away from the body, may be better than being completely starkers,' she recommended.

The NHS recommend Brits get seven to nine hours sleep each night, meaning that we are losing out on an average of over two night's worth of sleep over the course of the summer.

The advice from Sophie comes after the advice from one British holidaymaker to avoid sleeping with the aircon on, after they were hospitalised for severe tonsillitis.

Liana Foster, from North London, travelled to Antalya in Turkey on a family holiday earlier in this month.

But just two days later, the 24-year-old says she woke up 'groggy' and noticed white spots on her tonsils.

After rushing to hospital, medics diagnosed her with a 'really bad case' of tonsillitis, which occurs when the tonsils, small glands in the back of throat, are inflamed.

Ms Foster, content creator and biomedical scientist was put on an IV drip, and said medics told her that her condition was 'likely' triggered by the 'mouldy air' from her hotel room's aircon.'

She said: 'The first night we had it [the air con] on really low in the room.

'I think I sleep through my mouth more. It made me ill.'

'The doctor said it was most likely from the aircon. They say it can be mouldy air.

'I couldn't consume oral antibiotics so I had to get injections for three days and twice a day. I was in a lot of pain.'

The tonsils  two lumps of tissue at the back of the mouth  form part of the immune system's first line of defence against bacteria and viruses that enter through the mouth, which means they can be easily infected themselves

'I've had tonsillitis before but it has never been that bad,' she said.

'If bacteria travels down the throat it can get to her heart and other organs.'

Liana now wants to warn others to think twice about sleeping with the aircon on - unless they know it is regularly maintained.
A woman who quit her graduate program to 'devote herself to men' has revealed what she learned about relationships - and herself - in the course of more than ten years as a sex worker.

Charlotte Shane progressed from clumsy webcam work to 'erotic massage' and eventually to in-person sex work in 2005.

And, over thousands of 'dates' and at least one long-term working relationship with a client, she confesses a growing curiosity about 'the wives' - did they know about their husbands' infidelity? Did they even still have sex with them?

In her new book An Honest Woman: A Memoir of Love and Sex Work, she writes: 'Bed death was the excuse offered by clients who felt obligated to explain why they were in a committed relationship and also naked with me.

'Sometimes hysterectomies were cited, or chronic illness, or resistance to a specific, obsessive predilection.'

Over thousands of 'dates' and at least one long-term working relationship with a client, Charlotte Shane confesses a growing curiosity about 'the wives'

In her early days as a sex worker, Charlotte experimented with wearing wigs - like Julia Roberts' character in Pretty Woman

If the fetish was 'easily indulged' - like foot worship - she would encourage the man to talk to his partner about it (stock image)

If the fetish was 'easily indulged' - like foot worship - she would encourage the man to talk to his partner about it, to give her an opportunity to join in. But often the man was too filled with shame, or too easily put off with the merest whiff of a 'no,' a laugh, or a disapproving face.

'Couples don't have to share everything with each other,' she writes, 'but this, to me, was an unnecessary loss.

'Then again, no matter how innocuous I thought the fetish was and no matter how effectively a husband conveyed his investment in it, the wife's refusal could be absolute.'

As an example, she recalls one client whose wife had cheated on him with one of his friends.

As a result, the husband had developed a fantasy about being betrayed.

'He didn't want her to start sleeping with someone else again,' she writes, 'he just wanted her to pretend that she was while they f***ed and to tell him how inferior he was in comparison.'

No matter how much he begged, his wife, understandably, refused to along with it.

'I remember this man for a lot of reasons,' writes Charlotte, 'mainly because he was young and attractive and his d*ck was big, which made it difficult to belittle with a straight face.

Men, she said, were often too filled with shame to pursue their fetish with their wife (stock image)

In An Honest Woman: A Memoir of Love and Sex Work, Charlotte Shane reveals why many of her clients came to her in the first place

As a teenager, Charlotte knew she was not exactly hot 'when judged against the platonic ideal of hotness: Britney Spears'

'But that was all right, because looking at his erection and laughing fit the scene.'

Another client - an air traffic controller - wanted to take part in an elaborate role-play, in which he was poisoned by his 'wife' and, as he lay dying on the floor, she called her lover and laughed about how they would finally be rich with her dead husband's money.

'He came, from what I could tell, in his pants while fully clothed, lying on his back on the hotel room floor. He closed his eyes like I'd pulled a thorn from his side and thanked me.'

Charlotte's love of men was piqued at the age of 16, growing up in small-town America, as she was drawn to their wild, rambunctious energy and effortless, unselfconscious nudity.

'They skipped school, snuck out, dented already damaged cars, jumped from roofs and moving vehicles, sang loudly, and shouted often,' she writes.

'They talked about circle jerks, getting each other off, and comparing size they were regularly, abruptly naked for the sheer provocation of their own bodies; they wanted to make girls laugh as they tore through parties, penises flopping like the tongues of panting dogs, before they cannonballed into pools or jumped onto trampolines.

'I was addicted to their energy, their fearlessness, their intolerance for boredom. They lived more deeply than anyone I'd ever met.

'Boys were synonymous with possibility. Possibility was the route to fulfillment.'

As a teenager, she knew she was not exactly hot 'when judged against the platonic ideal of hotness: Britney Spears, the most superlatively sexy teenager who ever had or ever would exist.'

However, she adds that it was this idea that she was somehow not sexually appealing that drew her to sex work. In her early days, she experimented with wearing wigs - like Julia Roberts' character in Pretty Woman, fake tan, and heavy black eyeliner.

In the process, she says: 'I saw that even without the beautifying accessories an average body could be desired, or more than desired. Exalted. Craved.

'Some men on the webcam site drooling obsessed over aspects of myself that I'd thought were grotesque and that was an astonishing revelation for someone who'd fretted over each potential flaw as a barrier to being loved, from the gap between her two front teeth to a half-inch spider vein on her calf.

'But receiving worshipful attention in person from clients who could see every bit of cellulite, touch every stretch mark and scar, was surreal.

'I was beginning to suss out what an older escort later confirmed: you can look any way and charge any amount and someone, somewhere, will be happy to pay. Men's tastes were so expansive, their range for arousal so broad. Why hadn't anyone told me?'

An Honest Woman: A Memoir of Love and Sex Work by Charlotte Shane is published by Simon & Schuster
When Kate and Lila Moss took to the beach in Formentera on Sunday, their physical similarities were clear to see.

The supermodel, 50, showcased her incredible figure in a snake print bikini as she lived it up on the beach alongside her daughter Lila Moss.

As the 21-year-old soaked up the Spanish sunshine, she looked the spitting image of her mother in the '90s.

It's not just physical traits that Lila, who also boasts a successful modelling career, has gained from her mother, with her also taking fashion inspiration from Kate.

The mother-daughter duo, who share a close bond and are often seen out together, regularly sport near-identical outfits, with Lila often recreating Kate's celebrated outfits from the '90s.

The 21-year-old model looked the spitting image of her mother in the '90s as she enjoyed a beach day in Formentera. Kate is pictured right in the 90s

Kate Moss is increasingly serving as a fashion inspiration for her daughter Lila Moss, as the 21-year-old recreates some of her mother's most memorable looks from the '90s (Kate is seen at Paris Fashion Week, 2013)

When the model took to red carpet at the 2022 Met Gala, she donned a sheer number with similarities to a dress that Kate sported on the runway in 2013

When Lila stepped out on the Met Gala red carpet in 2022, she appeared to take a lead of her mother's book when it came to her outfit choice.

The then-19-year-old model looked radiant in a sheer beige Burberry gown that was emblazoned with letters and encrusted in diamonds.

Underneath she wore a figure-hugging nude bodysuit to preserve her modesty that left her legs on full display.

It echoed a look previously sported by Kate in 2013 when she walked the runway at Paris Fashion Week in Marc Jacobs.

Taking to the Palais Royal Courtyard, the mother-of-one sported a similarly sheer number, but unlike Lila, skipped the bodysuit underneath.

Lila echoed her mother once again last year at the British Fashion Awards at London's Royal Albert Hall.

The model wore a sheer metallic slip dress reminiscent of her mother's 1993 Liza Bruce dress, complete with black underwear.

Featuring cut-out sections and thins straps, the silver gown, by Nensi Dojaka, was completed with a pleated bra top and low back.

Lila mirrored Kate as she walked the red carpet at the 2023 British Fashion Awards (Kate is seen right in a sheer Liza Bruce dress in 1993)

The sheer dress is widely recognised as one of Kate's most celebrated looks, but at the time, the supermodel had no idea it was see-through

The sheer Liza Bruce dress worn by Kate in 1993 was edgy at the time, heralding a new trend for slip dresses.

Three decades on it remains one of Kate's most remembered looks, but she previously revealed that she no idea the garment was see-through, and that she only realised when she came upon pictures of herself in the paper the next day.

'It was the flash that make it look naked,' she told British Vogue.

'When I was wearing it, I didn't think it was that see-through, but obviously, it was,' she added. 'Good dress, good night.'

Meanwhile, speaking to British Vogue about her own attire for the event, Lila explained: 'I love to feel elegant, chic and sexy, and Nensi's designs are the perfect balance of all of these vibes, so I'm feeling confident.'

'For the hair, I wanted something effortless  I found a reference on Pinterest of my mum with a wispy bun for a Donna Karan show in 1993.'

Designer Nensi added: 'The inspiration for this look came from the iconic Liza Bruce sheer slip dress worn by Kate in 1993. Lila is the perfect example of a young woman unafraid to set her own rules.'

Perhaps Lila's longing to recreate her mother's outfits from throughout the years is a result of their close bond.

Back in 2022, Lila spoke about her close relationship with her 'fun' mother Kate, as she revealed she carries an old polaroid of them together in her bag.

The model, then-19, opened up about their bond during a segment on Vogue's In The Bag YouTube series, while revealing her handbag essentials.

The daughter of catwalk veteran Kate spoke on the close bond she has with her mother, while showing fans a throwback polaroid picture from when she was a baby.

Holding up the sentimental polaroid, Lila said: 'I think this was on my mother's 30th birthday, I could be wrong but I look quite young and she looks ready to go out. I think it's really cute'.

She went on to say: 'If I could fit one person in my bag it would probably be my mum, she's fun and good at advice so I could ask her anything'.

Speaking about growing up in the spotlight, Lila confessed that she was shocked by the attention surrounding her mother.

Lila (pictured outside London's Royal Albert Hall in 2022) has admitted to using her mother as fashion inspiration

Kate is pictured at the Spring/ Summer Julien Macdonald Show at London Fashion Week in September 1999

She explained: 'I went to secondary school and everyone was like, "Oh, your mum's Kate Moss!" You don't really have a filter when you're that young and I was like, "How do you know who she is? She's old! She's old and boring!"'

Adding more about her relationship with her mother, Lila told the fashion bible: 'I was quite protective over my mum.

'All my mum's friends say that I was so scary as a child. I was quite serious. But also, I would always copy her. She would always have her head down and not look at the camera, so I'd always put my head down and not look at the camera. I still do it.'

Yet Lila revealed that with time she's come to realise just how influential her mother is in the fashion world, saying: 'In the last three or four years, I've realised that her style is actually really cool. I'm having to admit it now.'

The teenager went on to note that while she steals Kate's Saint Laurent coats and her Chanel bags, her supermodel mother often swipes her Adidas tracksuits.

Lila explained: 'She doesn't have a good trackies selection. She only has pyjamas. She probably would hate me saying that. She doesn't want anyone to know she wears trackies!'

A chip off the old catwalk! Lila has followed in her supermodel mother's footsteps after landing her first modelling gig aged 15 - just a year older than Kate was when she started - and the pair are now a force in the modelling world (pictured at the Versace special event during Milan Fashion Week in September)

Lila told British Vogue that while she growing up, she was 'quite protective over my mum'

Lila nabbed her first modelling gig at the age of 15 with a Marc Jacobs Beauty campaign - at just a year older than her mother was when she entered the business.

Despite her mother being one of the famous models in the business, Lila revealed that Kate was keen to deter her from following in her footsteps.

'My mum always put me off [modelling],' Lila said. 'She was always like, 'If you want to do it, you can, but I wouldn't recommend it.''

Regardless of her mother's apprehension, Lila insisted that she doesn't feel anxious at the thought that modelling success could bring the fame from which her parents tried to protect her.

She mused: 'Not really. I've seen it first-hand, so I'm much more able to cope with it. I've had to say no to people. But I'm always nice!'

Lila's father is journalist Jefferson Hack, with whom Kate was in a relationship in the early Noughties.

Jefferson and Kate - who dated from 2001 to 2004 with Lila being born in 2002 - have an amicable relationship and would ensure their daughter spent a regular amount of time with each of them in her childhood.
An American woman visiting London raved about her fish and chips but she believes a very key element is missing from the quintessentially British dish.

Bella, who hails from Florida, was keen to tuck into her crispy golden battered cod draped over a bed of chips doused in salt and vinegar.

The American was fully prepared for her taste test with a portion tartar sauce, beans and mushy peas, from Master's Superfish in Southbank, alongside her meal.

But despite going all out on all the trappings with nearly every side possible, she remarked that the food could do with much more salt.

Bella, who hails from Florida, tucked in to her fish and chips which she ordered from a shop in Southbank, London

After trying the mushy peas and tartar sauce, she turns to her partner asking if there were more salt packets.

'It's good,' she quipped: 'It needs a bit more salt for my American taste buds I guess but it's good.'

Although she may not have been head over heels for her chippy tea, Bella said she loved British beans, 'especially with cheese on top'.

Bella also enjoyed a British staple - the afternoon tea.

'We went on an afternoon tea cruise today, which was fun and I know it's not the best afternoon tea but it was a really good experience,' she added.

Brits quickly flocked to the comments, quick to point out the mistakes she had made when it came to fish and chipper dinner.

One exclaimed: 'Where's the curry sauce and gravy?'

Whilst another remarked: 'Curry sauce would have been better than beans,' to which Bella replied: 'I dipped them in curry sauce too.'

A third viewer was left baffled to see her eating the meal without any utensils, writing: 'I've never seen someone eat fish and chips with their hands.'

The content creator had all the trappings, including beans, mushy peas and tartar sauce - but insisted the food was in need of a lot more salt

Brits quickly flocked to the comments, quick to point out the mistakes she had made when it came to her food order

'I'm hurt she called chips fries,' a fourth bemoaned.

Others praised the content creator and were keen to know what British cuisine she would be trying next.

A follower asked: 'Love this series! Are you going to try the jacket potato or beans and toast while you're there?'

'Try Nando's,' one suggested as another queried: 'Will you be trying English breakfast?'

'Glad you enjoyed it,' one said.


Congress-led UPA drew the line, No national disaster status for natural calamities Wayanad landslides : Amid the repeated demands by Congress leaders led by Rahul Gandhi and the Kerala government to declare the Wayanad landslides a national disaster, it has emerged that there exists no such legal provision to declare the same, as per Central government rules. The same was outlined by the Congress-led UPA government in 2013.



The then Minister of State for Home Mullappally Ramachandran, in a reply to a similar question in Lok Sabha, said, "There is no provision to declare a natural disaster as a national disaster."



Despite the rules in place, the Congress party has been repeatedly demanding national disaster status for the Wayanad tragedy. Rahul Gandhi, who is MP from the constituency, also shared a post ahead of PM Modis visit to the region to take stock of relief measures.



Thank you, Modi ji, for visiting Wayanad to personally take stock of the terrible tragedy. This is a good decision. I am confident that once the Prime Minister sees the extent of the devastation firsthand, he will declare it a national disaster, Rahul said on X.



BJP leaders have accused Congress of politicising the tragedy and scoring political points. BJP leader Anil Antony said that Rahul has been a Parliamentarian for many years and is also the Leader of the Opposition but is bent on taking political mileage over a tragedy that claimed more than 200 lives.



Ramachandran, a former State Congress president, further stated in his reply, Government of India adjudges a calamity of severe nature on case-to-case basis taking into account inter-alia the intensity and magnitude of the calamity, level of relief assistance, the capacity of the State Government to tackle the problem, the alternatives and flexibility available within the plan to provide succour and relief etc. The priority is immediate relief and response assistance in the context of a natural calamity. As such there is no fixed prescribed norms. However, for calamity of a 'severe nature', additional assistance is also considered from the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF), after following the established procedure.



Ramachandran, in his 2013 reply, also pointed out that state governments concerned are primarily responsible for undertaking necessary rescue and relief measures in the wake of natural disasters.




An 18-year-old beauty queen with Down syndrome who was told by doctors that she may never learn to speak has become a viral TikTok sensation for documenting her heartwarming journey online.

Kayla Kosmalski, from Middleton, Delaware, is determined to prove that 'people with Down syndrome belong on every stage and every space.'

And the teen did just that when she made history by becoming the first person with the condition to hold any state title in the Miss USA/Miss Universe organization after she was crowned as Miss Delaware Teen USA earlier this year.

Kayla has been extremely outspoken about the difficulties that she's faced over the years - and the extra measures she has had to take to prepare for the competition.

Her mom, Amy Kosmalski, often shares videos of the teen discussing her genetic disorder on TikTok, and her honesty and positivity has earned her a vast legion of fans online.

An 18-year-old beauty queen with Down syndrome who was told by doctors that she may never learn to speak has become a viral TikTok sensation for documenting her journey online

Kayla Kosmalski, from Middleton, Delaware, is determined to prove that 'people with Down syndrome belong on every stage and every space'

In one now-viral clip, Amy revealed that 'experts' told them that Kayla may never talk when she was a little, and now, she confidently speaks on stage at pageants to hundreds of audience members.

'Not only does she speak well in English, but she has taught herself Spanish through singing,' her mom added, alongside a video that showed the pageant queen dancing and singing along to the song Tomame.

'She then translates and learns the words in English. She can also communicate with the deaf and hard of hearing community using ASL.

'She works hard every single day to prove those people wrong and to prove to herself and the world that she can do anything.

'Anything is possible when you believe in yourself and work hard to achieve your goals.'

'Morale of the story, don't listen to the limiting beliefs of others,' Amy concluded in the TikTok, which has been viewed a whopping 15.8 million times.

'Don't allow your excuses or naysayers to speak louder than your goals.'

In another video, Kayla revealed that she underwent 'countless hours' of both speech and physical therapy to accomplish 'basic things that come natural to most' like walking and talking.

And the teen did just that when she became the first person with the condition to hold any state title in the Miss USA organization. She's seen at the Miss Teen USA competition last week

Kayla has been extremely outspoken about the difficulties that she's faced over the years - and the extra measures she has had to take to prepare for the competition

Her mom, Amy Kosmalski, often shares videos of the teen discussing her genetic disorder on TikTok, and her honesty and positivity has earned her a vast legion of fans online

In another video, Kayla revealed that she underwent 'countless hours' of both speech and physical therapy to accomplish 'basic things that come natural to most' like walking and talking.

'People have been asking me how I'm preparing for Miss Teen USA. The truth is, I've been preparing my whole life,' she said.

'Countless hours of speech therapy and physical therapy, working hard to learn basic things that come natural to most.

'I've worked hard to prove to myself and the world that people with Down syndrome belong on every stage and every space.

'We shouldn't have to prove our worth but often times we do. As Miss Teen USA, I will show the world that everyone belongs.'

Kayla also shared a message to her haters, adding, 'Being kind is far greater than bullying. The only disability in life is a bad attitude.'

Kayla told People magazine recently that she has been participating in pageants at age five, and instantly fell in love.

'I like to show my passion, my energy, my attitude,' she gushed. 'I just love pageants.

'I want to show the world that people with Down syndrome can do anything. I want to show little girls that they can dream big.'

Kayla told People magazine recently that she has been participating in pageants at age five, and instantly fell in love

Kayla, who graduated high school in May and is heading to Wilmington University for college in the fall, is also an avid cheerleader and swimmer

Back in 2015, she and her family helped get a new law passed that allowed disabled people to create tax-advantaged accounts, and she got to meet then-Vice-President Joe Biden afterwards

She was crowned as Miss Delaware Teen USA 2024 in late April, and recently competed in the Miss Teen USA competition.

While she didn't win the latter, she was given the special title of Miss Congeniality at the event.

'[I got it] because I love everything about myself,' she gushed. 'I want to let everyone know to dream big, be brave, be strong, be yourself and keep shining brightly.'

Kayla, who graduated high school in May and is heading to Wilmington University for college in the fall, is also an avid cheerleader and swimmer.

She was chosen as the 2024 ambassador for the non-profit Hearts of Joy International, which 'helps children with Down syndrome reach their full potential in life by granting access to open heart surgery,' per its website.

Back in 2015, she and her family helped get a new law passed that allowed disabled people to create tax-advantaged accounts, and she got to meet then-Vice-President Joe Biden afterwards.
The Trumps are famous for their real estate empire, political aspirations and for covering everything in gold.

But they are also well-known among some plastic surgeons for their aesthetic enhancements.

Plastic surgeon to the stars Dr Gary Motykie, who caveats that he hasn't seen anyone in the Trump family as a patient, estimates the family has spent nearly $1million on dozens of procedures over the decades.

Charges for face lifts, hair transplants, nose jobs and veneers have likely all appeared on the Trump family credit card, he suggested  alongside the mainstays of Botox and fillers.

And that's before the Trumps may need to pay up to $10,000 to reconstruct the family leader's ear after he survived an assassination attempt last month.

Dr Motykie told DailyMail.com that, in his experience, once one member of a family gets plastic surgery, others will then likely also follow.

'They've seen their parents do it and they know the process,' he said.

'And they've seen you can stay natural and not overdo it [with cosmetic surgery], so they are more likely to visit us.'

Dr Motykie estimated surgeries and procedures he believes the Trump family has had by looking at photos of them over many years. He based his price tags on what he estimates to be the industry standard.

However, Dr Motykie has never seen or performed procedures on anyone in the Trump family and his assessment is based on photos and his professional experience and opinion.

Donald J. Trump: '$160,000 on hair transplants'

Donald Trump appears to have had several hair transplants, said Dr Gary Linkov. In the picture on the left, when he is 18 years old, the former President has a balanced forehead. But by the second image his hairline is lower, which may suggest he has had some work done

The Donald, 77, is famous for his head of very blonde hair. While he has sworn it is au naturale, some speculate it is the result of multiple hair transplants.

Dr Motykie said: 'I think that throughout the years we can see evidence of different types of [hair] surgeries.'

Early on, you can see signs of hairline raising  where the hairline is moved forward to reduce the appearance of a receding hairline or a large forehead.

Dr Motykie added: 'And then, I do think we have some older techniques too  like flap techniques, which he tries to cover with this strange parting and combing over.'

During a flap procedure, small areas of bald scalp are removed and patches of hair-covered skin are used to replace the bald areas.

While this may be a fix to bald spots on top of the head, it can leave bald patches at the side. This often leads recipients to comb over the areas to hide them  much like Trump's world-famous combover.

Dr Gary Linkov, a hair loss expert and plastic surgeon in New York City, has also speculated Trump had five hair transplants to restore his thinning hairline.

The above shows the back of Donald Trump's head where there is an unusual parting and apparent bald spot at the top of the head, suggesting the former President may suffer from hair loss

Trump's ex-wife Ivana Trump also claimed in her 1990 divorce deposition Trump had flown into a fit of rage due to pain and displeasure caused by a scalp reduction performed the year before.

A scalp reduction involves removing areas of bald patches and stretching hair-covered skin over them.

Ivana also said he had had liposuction to his chin and waist.

In May, a film preview was released based on the life of the former president, which suggested he had undergone hair transplants and liposuction.

'The Apprentice' was made without input from Trump and his campaign team told DailyMail.com they would be filing a lawsuit over the 'blatantly false assertions.'

Plastic and reconstructive surgeon Dr Rukmini Rednam has previously told DailyMail.com: 'It also seems likely that he may have had submental or chin liposuction and his neckline did appear more defined while his weight and the rest of his face appear largely unchanged.'

Dr Motykie estimated Trump may have spent about $80,000 on procedures to sort out his hair, and another $80,000 to receive veneers  white casings placed on the front of teeth to improve their appearance.

The Republican nominee has previously denied having any hair transplants or liposuction.

Melania Trump: $50,000 on 'maintenance work'

Melania Trump was likely doing touch-up work, alleged Dr Motykie. He complimented her appearance, adding she was already pretty and is only using surgery to maintain that

The former first lady at the Republican National Convention in July

The former first lady, 54, doesn't appear to have had major work done, said Dr Motykie  but she may be seeing someone to help maintain her looks.

The surgeon told this website: 'I don't see too much reason to be suspicious for a face lift... and I don't think she's had a brow lift either.

'[But] I have noticed a change in her nose. Noses don't typically get smaller as they get older, they get bigger  but hers is definitely smaller and more defined, so I am very suspicious for at least one rhinoplasty [nose job].

'I do think she's likely doing the maintenance work as well  fillers, particularly in the mid-face, cheeks, maybe a touch in the lips, and the standard Botox upkeep.'

At the Republican National Convention this month, many commented that Melania appeared to be more 'wide-eyed' than normal.

Dr Motykie agreed with the suggestion, saying it could be due to Botox wearing off or filler starting to dissolve  with most filler only lasting six to twelve months.

There have also previously been accusations that Melania had a breast augmentation, or a boob job, which her biographer Bojan Pozar speculated in his book.

Melania has denied she's had plastic surgery, telling GQ in 2016 that she was 'against Botox' and 'against filler.'

She said: 'I didn't make any changes. A lot of people say I am using all the procedures for my face. I didn't do anything.

'I live a healthy life, I take care of my skin and my body. It's all me. I will age gracefully, as my mom does.'

Dr Motykie estimated she had spent $45,000 to $50,000 on her appearance.

Ivanka Trump: $130,000 for a new face and teeth

Ivanka Trump has been dogged by cosmetic surgery rumors for years - and speculation was reignited when she testified at her father's million fraud trial in November 2023. Ivanka is pictured left in 2020 and right in 2023

Photos of her outside the court room (right) of her father's trial in 2023 captured the former first daughter's changing face compared to a photo of her from 2020 (left)

Ivanka Trump has been hit with plastic surgery rumors for years, with speculation re-ignited in November 2023 after she appeared at her father's $250million fraud trial sporting a very different appearance.

Dr Motykie said he was very suspicious the 42-year-old had had a nose job and possibly a chin implant.

He told DailyMail.com: 'You can see sort of a transition [in her face], particularly in the nose and the chin area for me.

'I think she's had at least one rhinoplasty, if not two, and it looks like she did some sort of chin augmentation when she was younger  maybe a chin implant.

'And then maybe some maintenance now with... fillers in the cheeks, mid-face, lips, and probably Botox just to stave off the wrinkling as you get into your 40s.'

Photos of Ivanka from 2023 show her chin jutting out, compared to 2020 photos when her chin appears much smaller. Her nose also appears to be smaller and more defined in recent photos.

The images also appear to show that her lips and mid-face are larger, possibly showing she may have received fillers.

Dr Motykie also suggested she may have followed in her father's footsteps and gotten veneers to make her teeth sparkly white.

Ivanka has not previously commented publicly on allegations that she has had plastic surgery or cosmetic procedures.

Dr Motykie suggested the surgeries to her face cost around $50,000, but added her veneers could have been as much as $80,000.

Jared Kushner: $5,000 on fillers and Botox

There has also been speculation that Jared Kushner has received Botox because of his mostly static facial features

There have also been suggestions that Ivanka's husband, Jared Kushner, has received cosmetic treatments over the years to help maintain a youthful face.

Texas-based plastic surgeon Dr Raja Mohan told DailyMail.com he thinks the 41-year-old may have had Botox in his forehead to minimize wrinkles.

He added: 'He also looks older and more gaunt [in later photos], like he lost volume or weight  possibly from his thyroid surgeries and aging.

'To compensate, it appears he may have had fillers (cheek and lips). His upper lip has more volume, and his cheeks look more prominent.'

Kushner has not previously commented on rumors that he has received cosmetic surgery.

Dr Mohan said Botox is typically $400 to $700 per treatment, while filler is $500 to $1,500 per procedure - and both need to be administered multiple times throughout the year to maintain their effects - putting the annual tally close to $5,000.

Dr Motykie agreed, saying that fillers can cost as much as $1,300 per syringe, with cheeks normally requiring a full syringe while lips can range from half to a full syringe.

Based on this, he suggested Jared was paying $5,000 per year for maintenance.

Donald Trump Jr: Up to $80,000 on veneers

There is also speculation that Donald Trump Jr. and Eric Trump have both received veneers

Donald Trump Jr. has been pictured in recent years sporting sparkly and perfect teeth  like much of the family.

Dr Motykie suggested his pearly whites were actually veneers, custom-made shells placed in front of his teeth to improve their appearance.

The surgeon told this website: 'I think all of them  Donald, Ivanka, Donald Jr  I think all of them look suspicious at some point for having their teeth done, maybe even Lara.

'And there's nothing wrong with that.

'Nowadays, contemporary veneers are very safe [and] have great longevity... so, there's nothing wrong with people wanting to do their teeth if they can afford it.'

He said a full mouth of veneers can cost anywhere from $50,000 to $80,000, but if someone only does a few teeth it would cost significantly less.

Donald Trump Jr. is now 46 years old, but doesn't appear to have had other cosmetic work, according to Dr Motykie - and he hasn't commented on his appearance publicly.

Lara Trump: $140,000 on a nose job and fillers

There is also speculation that Lara Trump has received fillers in her cheeks and lips and a nose job, or rhinoplasty

Lara Trump also appears to have undergone a transformation, which experts attribute to cosmetic treatments.

Dr Motykie suggested the 41-year-old, married to Eric Trump, likely had a nose job, saying the top of her nose appears more raised and defined than in past photos.

He also pointed to her fuller cheeks and lips to suggest she may have received filler to reverse age-related loss of volume in the face.

But he stopped short of suggesting a face lift, however.

Overall, he estimated the total cost of her cosmetic procedures at about $60,000. With veneers, however, which Dr Motykie believes she has also had, the bill rises to $140,000.

Previously, cosmetic dermatologist Dr Mariano Busso, based in Beverly Hills, has estimated Lara has spent about $130,000 on cosmetic procedures alone.

Lara has never commented on rumors that she has had plastic surgery.

Tiffany Trump: $100,000 on a nose job and veneers

Tiffany Trump also appears to have received cosmetic work on her appearance, with the price tag likely in excess of $80,000

Dr Motykie also suggested that Tiffany  Trump's fourth child  may have had some work done.

He said, after viewing photos of the 30-year-old, that she may have had a nose job, lip filler, cheek filler and veneers.

'I think she may have done a touch with her nose as well,' he said.

'And possibly the same thing with a little lip filler and facial shaping  just a touch I think in the cheeks to try to balance it out a little bit.

'But I am suspicious that she may have done a rhinoplasty.'

Dr Motykie said these treatments could have cost as much as $100,000, but that the price tends to vary based on where a patient undergoes procedures.

Tiffany has not previously commented publicly on rumors that she has received plastic surgery.

Kimberly Guilfoyle: $85,000 on cosmetic tweaks

Kimberly Guilfoyle faced speculation that she had received plastic surgery most recently after she appeared at the Republican National Convention

While not yet a direct member of the Trump family, Kimberly Guilfoyle is engaged to the former president's oldest son, Donald Trump Jr.

She recently sparked speculation over her looks when she took the stage at the Republican National Convention.

One viewer said on X, 'Guilfoyle really needs to lay off the surgery for a while,' and a second said, 'she's no doubt undergone the obligatory plastic surgery required to be part of the Trump clan.'

Dr Motykie said he believed the 55-year-old had likely 'dabbled' in some cosmetic procedures to enhance her looks.

He said she may have received filler in her cheeks because they appeared plumper in more recent photos.

And suggested she had received filler in her lips as well, as these also appeared to have filled out with time  while normal aging sees the lips shrink.

'She lost a lot of weight,' he said, 'and when you lose the weight when you are older, you tend to look more gaunt.

'But this isn't the case with her, which makes me suspicious for filler  which has been used to make her cheeks much fuller.'

Dr Motykie said yearly filler can cost around $5,000, depending on how much a patient receives  while veneers can cost up to $80,000, should a person decide to get them in the whole of their mouth.

Ms Guilfoyle has not commented publicly on allegations that she has received fillers.
Suspected dementia sufferers are waiting five months on average to be given an NHS diagnosis, data shows.

A national audit carried out by the Royal College of Psychiatrists reveals the average wait from referral reached 22 weeks last year, with some patients waiting almost 12 months.

In 2019 the average wait time stood at around 13 weeks. Experts said the figures mean thousands are being left without care, support or treatment.

The data also showed that waiting times in deprived areas can be significantly longer', and just 2.1 per cent of people with suspected dementia undergo specialist investigations.

Dr Mohan Bhat, chairman of the Royal College of Psychiatrists Old Age Faculty, said: It is concerning that waiting times for dementia diagnoses are increasing, with many people facing a postcode lottery when trying to access support.

Suspected dementia sufferers are waiting an average of five months to be diagnosed, with some waiting almost a year, new data has shown (file photo)

Just 2.1 per cent of people with suspected dementia undergo specialist investigations, the data showed (file photo)

People who receive timely support are better able to manage the progression of their condition, while doing so alone can be incredibly challenging and lead to significant memory loss.

He added that the government must also ensure infrastructure is in place to help deliver early diagnoses, saying: This would help prepare services for the introduction of new disease-modifying treatments that may soon be approved for use.

These proposed treatments note that they require an early diagnosis to be effective.

So far, trials have found that the drugs lecanemab and donanemab slow down the early stages of Alzheimers  but they have yet to be approved in the UK.

Jennifer Keen, head of policy at Alzheimers Society, said: An early, accurate dementia diagnosis is the key vital to unlocking care, support, and where appropriate, symptomatic treatment  and long waits for diagnosis leave people without this help.

An NHS England spokesman said: This audit shows encouraging improvements in the proportion of patients receiving an assessment.

'More needs to be done to ensure best practice, which is why every integrated care board has been asked to review and improve dementia diagnosis waiting times.
For most freshers, starting university comes with a slew of anxieties. But for Kitty McFarland, fears over leaving home run deeper than simply doing her own washing and balancing course work with going out.

When the 18-year-old starts lectures next month, she will be wearing a face mask  of the type we all became familiar with during Covid  at all times.

Kittys worn one pretty much every time shes left the house since the start of the pandemic in 2020 and doesnt plan on taking it off anytime soon, despite feeling it alienates her from her peers.

Im worried Im going to be classed as the outcast, she says. But you have to choose your battles sometimes.

Kitty McFarland has worn a mask pretty much every time she's left the house since the start of the pandemic in 2020

A masked Violet Affleck, with her Hollywood star father Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez

Kitty says she was bullied for wearing a mask while at school  part of the reason shes so apprehensive about starting university.

People would call me mean nicknames because I always had a face covering on, she says. It created a persona that everyone thought was weird, so nobody would interact with me. Nobody even tried to get to know me.

Wearing a mask puts you into your own little bubble.

Kitty chooses to wear a face mask because she is battling with the chronic condition long Covid, and worries that catching the virus again could make it worse.

And shes not the only one. Last month, Violet Affleck, the 18-year-old daughter of Hollywood star Ben Affleck, went public about why she wears one as she spoke out against plans to ban masks in California, amid concerns protesters use them to hide their identities during pro-Palestinian demonstrations.

Violet revealed that she has struggled with a post-viral condition after falling ill during the pandemic, and insisted that a ban would make vulnerable members of our community less safe.

Her speech divided opinions, with some hailing her as courageous and others branding her unhinged and utterly deluded.

Experts say Kitty and Violet are among a significant number of teenagers for whom life has not moved on since the pandemic.

Despite doctors warning of the damaging psychological and emotional impact that masking can have on adolescent development, these youngsters are still terrified of getting Covid. Some even believe that wearing a face covering is their moral duty.

Many routinely take to social media to complain about the end of Covids mask-wearing mandates and commiserate about feeling left behind by peers. TikTok videos from influencers who share tips on how to curb anxiety when theyre the only one wearing a mask receive tens of thousands of views. Dont look them in the eye and judge them even harder for not wearing a mask, advised one.

Face masks have long been used by medical professionals to limit the spread of germs in hospital.

The aim is to stop infected people spreading these bugs when they breathe out  or, in turn, limiting the risk of others breathing in dangerous viruses.

During the pandemic, masks were adopted as a measure to limit the spread of the coronavirus  including legal regulations that enforced mask-wearing in public spaces such as supermarkets. For a time, children were also expected to wear masks in school  though those under 11 were exempt.

However, since then, there has been fraught debate over whether masks truly reduced the spread of the virus.

A study in 2021 claimed face coverings helped cut infections by 50 per cent. However, a study earlier this year by the University of East Anglia said they were largely ineffective at countering Covid.

And research has shown that forcing children to wear masks at school had negative impacts on their mental and emotional health.

For teens who continued to wear face coverings well after the mandates were lifted, it can leave severe psychological scars.

Its very important to young people how they are perceived by others, said Dr Stella Chan, clinical psychologist at the University of Reading and an expert in adolescent depression. Social relationships play a major role in teenagers mental health. So if someone is the only person continuing to wear a mask, it could make them very self-conscious and, ultimately, cause psychological stress.

Jennifer Garner out and about with and daughter Violet Affleck, who is wearing a mask of course

However, Kitty says the social isolation she suffers as a result of her face mask is worth it.

She fell ill with Covid in March 2020. After two more bouts, she was diagnosed with long Covid  a condition affecting an estimated 60,000 children in the UK that can cause extreme fatigue, shortness of breath, brain fog, heart palpitations and muscle aches. As a result of these symptoms, she often requires a wheelchair to get around.

She now wears a mask outside her home as she fears catching Covid again could make her condition worse.

I sometimes wear one for six hours a day, she says. But I know it could prevent me being more disabled than I am now.

Its a theory that some experts back.

But others believe that masking could be preventing youngsters from moving on from the pandemic.

When you become obsessed with one risk then you dont learn how to manage risks effectively, says Professor Robert Dingwall at Nottingham Trent University.

But Kitty insists that her face mask wont be coming off until scientists are able to find a cure for her condition.
Toe the line

Last month, an article in The New York Times said that toe weakness is the biggest predictor of falls in old age. Seriously. According to the report, having decrepit digits (or, to use the medical term, reduced toe flexor strength) can wreck your balance and lead to more tumbles.

Out of line

Its not just your toes that matter, its your entire foot. Most people have 29 muscles in each one  thats five more than in an arm  and if those muscles become weak, it can lead to shin splints, hip discomfort, aching knees and plantar fasciitis (an inflammation that causes foot pain). Eek.

Stay on your toes: being able to lift your heels off the ground is a sign of good foot health

Baseline

But how strong do your feet need to be? One doctor in The New York Times story says that the human toes, if trained, can be agile enough to play the piano. If that sounds too ambitious  and also a bit gross  there are other foot strength goals to strive for. You should be able to pick up a marble with your toes and put it in a bowl, says podiatrist Junaid Ahmed, who runs the London-based podiatry clinic Feet for Life. And if you cant pick up a marble with your toes? You practise.

Guideline

If you dont have marbles to hand (or, rather, to foot) there are other ways to establish whether you have good or bad foot strength. Podiatrist Joanna Adamiec at Londons Private Foot Clinic recommends the heel-raise test. Stand up, splay out your toes and lift your heels off of the ground. If you can do that easily, eight times, then, hooray, you have strong feet! If you struggle  your heels shake or you feel tired  your feet need work.

Helpline

Thankfully, Marion Yau, a podiatrist whose YouTube channel Miss Foot Fixer has more than 146,000 followers, has several suggestions for how to improve foot strength. First, toe curls, which build up the foots intrinsic muscles. To do a toe curl you place a towel on a hard floor, put your foot on top of it, scrunch up the towel using your toes, hold it for ten seconds, then release (Yau advises 15 reps). Second, toe spreads, which also build intrinsic muscles. For these, you sit in a chair with your feet flat on the ground, splay out your toes, hold for five seconds and release (again, Yau advises 15 reps). And third, ankle alphabets, which improve strength in the entire foot. As the name suggests, these work by rotating your ankle in the air and drawing the shape of each letter of the alphabet, from A to Z.

Timeline

For best results, Yaus advice is to do the above foot exercises for five to ten minutes, three to four times a week.

Happy feet: YogaToes seperators help with alignment and balance

Buy line

If you struggle to splay your toes, Adamiec has a tip: buy YogaToes (pictured left). They are toe separators  like the foam things you might wear on your feet during a pedicure  but YogaToes are made from a much softer plastic, which means theyre reusable and waterproof. They cost from around 30 for a pair  although you can get similar versions for less on Amazon  and come in a bright blue shade. Adamiec reckons that wearing them for ten minutes every day a week helps stretch the toes and improve foot alignment  and having good alignment leads to good balance, which means youre less likely to fall. Adamiec also uses YogaToes as a reward for knackered feet; if shes worn high heels all day, she pops on her YogaToes at night to compensate.

Flat line

Shoes play a role in foot strength and, as Adamiecs compensatory YogaToes sessions suggest, high heels arent exactly a healthy choice. But they are better than ballet pumps. Ballet pumps are bad, she says. They force your feet to be flat, they grip your toes, they dont have any support and they discourage natural foot movement.

Hardline

If you spend most of your day walking on man-made surfaces, you ought to wear shoes with a bit of cushioning and some absorption in the heels, Ahmed says. Unfortunately, the best types of shoes [for your feet] are often the ugliest. Sorry, fashionistas.

Next week TOPLINE TRAVEL: On safari in Botswana
How much do you love - or hate - the car you own?

And would knowing how other drivers feel about certain manufacturers influence your next vehicle buying decision?

Helpfully, some 90,000 motorists have had their say about how satisfied they are with the brand of vehicle they drive - and the results show which are liked most and least.

Here's a countdown of the top 10 - and we'll reveal the full order from one to 32 of mainstream brands to see how yours ranks in the eyes of Britain's motorists.

*Scroll to the very bottom of the page to find the full list of 32 brands

Which are the best and worst brands to own? A new poll of 90,000 UK drivers has the answer...

The poll of UK drivers was conducted by Auto Express as part of its annual Driver Power survey.

Respondents were asked to rate their level of satisfaction across 36 different attributes for cars up to three years old.

These results were then aggregated to produce an overall score out of 100 and decide the ranking of brands to inform other motorists about which are best next time they're planning a trip to a showroom to buy a new model.

Among the areas car owners were asked to rate their vehicles included the powertrain, exterior look, interior quality and how practical the motor is.

Ride and handling, the number and effectiveness of safety features, fuel economy and running costs, and overall quality and reliability were also scored.

How easy the infotainment system is to use was also part of the poll, as well as the overall feeling of value for money.

Here's a countdown of the top 10 brands according to the survey results. Scroll down to the bottom to see the full order of 32 manufacturers to see where yours sits in the league table.

10. Land Rover: 87.63%

Land Rover just made it into the top 10, despite having a patchy reliability record. Owners ranked it high for its exterior finish and interior design

Land Rover vehicle owners have a lot of positives to say about their motors, but there are three key areas where the brand is let down.

The first is the company's poor reliability track record, with 40.6 per cent of respondents saying they had experienced a fault with their car in the last 12 months.

High running costs - especially for insurance and servicing - and overall value for money were also attributes owners downgraded.

However, customers love the exterior (first place for all brands) and interior design, fit and finish and the smooth ride.

Strong engines and oodles of practicality are also big positives for Land Rover drivers.

9. Jaguar: 87.72%

Reliability, poor fuel economy and big running costs were issues for Jaguar owners but they loved the styling and performance of engines

Unsurprisingly, Land Rover's sister brand Jaguar has almost the same satisfaction score from owners.

And it's mostly the same problems that have cost it points.

In fact, Jaguar drivers reported a higher fault percentage than Land Rover owners, with 43.6 per cent experiencing an issue in the last year.

Again, fuel economy and running costs were big criticisms.

However, positives included attractive exterior and interior design and drivers were generally happy with the performance from the engines.

8. Toyota: 87.84%

Toyota finishing eighth overall is a bit of a surprise given its rock-solid reliability record. Sat-navs let it down, as did interior storage and general practicality

This result comes as a bit of a shock, given Toyota's glowing track record in satisfaction surveys historically.

And there are still plenty of highs noted by current owners, including it receiving the fourth highest score for quality and reliability. In fact, fewer than one in five (18.1 per cent) of owners said they Toyotas developed a fault last year.

The brand is also among the top five manufacturers for ride and handling, fuel economy and running costs.

One area where Toyota has slipped behind is its technology - particularly the company's built-in sat-navs. Of the 32 manufacturers ranked, it positioned 27th in this category.

Toyota also trips up a little with 27th for interior cabin storage, and 24th in the practicality and boot-space section.

7. Mazda: 88.01%

Mazda owners lauded their cars for having great infotainment systems, value for money and general quality and reliability. It was marked down for engine acceleration, though

In contrast to the critiques of Toyota, fellow Japanese brand Mazda scored the second highest rating for infotainment system, which owners love for its user-friendliness, smartphone connectivity and striking a nice balance between screen and physical buttons.

Mazda is also among the top 10 for safety features and overall value, exterior design and finish, and quality and reliability.

Where it loses some points is performance and practicality.

Engine acceleration was ranked among the worst (29th) and the quirky design of some of its cars has compromised all-round visibility, with owners giving it a score only good enough for 26th in the table.

Reliability is relatively good, though. A quarter of owners reported having to deal with a problem last year.

6. Peugeot: 88.03%

Peugeot took sixth overall in the satisfaction league table thanks to strong fuel economy and low running costs

Peugeot has received a sold 88.03 per cent rating from owners for satisfaction - and it's all thanks to solid consistency across the board.

The French brand clinches sixth spot by performing strongly across all categories, with no major slip-ups.

Its worst showing is for infotainment, where it cant break into the top 10 for any attributes, and where user-friendliness is in 22nd place, with similar scores for phone connectivity and the balance between touchscreen and manual controls.

Fuel economy and running costs were rated seventh overall in the order, along with powertrains, while ride and handling scores are good enough for eighth.

In terms of value for money, 13 brands scored better than Peugeot, though its reliability record is pretty good with just one in five (20.8 per cent) having to put right issues in the last 12 months.

5. Citroen: 88.22%

Citroen sneaked into the top five for owner satisfaction. Drivers loved how efficient their cars have been - and just how inexpensive they are compared to rivals

If you thought Peugeot's sixth place ranking was good news for French car makers, Citroen's ranking one position ahead is even more impressive.

What bumped Citroen up the table is owners' satisfaction with how efficient and inexpensive their cars are.

The brand was scored second overall for running costs, with impressive miles per gallon (mpg) and low servicing and insurance costs delighting drivers.

As with sister brand Peugeot, theres impressive consistency across the rest of the categories too, with owners rating value fifth overall. Reliability is even better too, with just 15.1 per cent of Citroen-owning respondents saying their car had a problem in the previous 12 months.

The brands worst area is a still-decent 14th for exterior style and finish.

4. Porsche: 89.16%

Porsche drivers seem to be forgiving their expensive cars for having a high fault count (36% of owners having problems to get fixed) by still scoring high for reliability

Porsche owners are pretty satisfied with the expensive cars they've spent their hard-earned cash on.

However, these are signs that drivers forgive their Porsches for some poor performances. For instance, it has one of the highest reported fault counts in the survey with over a third (36 per cent) of keepers saying their cars had a fault.

Yet owners scored it second overall for both quality and reliability. Out of 32 manufacturers, it was 25th overall for value for money.

Where Porsche gains big points is around categories linked to driving performance and how its cars made drivers feel.

It was ranked second for ride and handling and exterior design. It was best overall for quality of finish and the interior design.

3. Kia: 89.35%

Kia took the bronze medal having scored high ratings from owners for value for money and the quality of infotainment systems

There's a lot to like about owning a Kia, it seems.

Drivers of cars that are three years old or younger ranked their motors highly for both value for money and the quality of infotainment systems.

Fuel efficiency and running costs were up among the top five overall, as was exterior design - interiors slightly back in sixth out of all 32 brands.

It also placed in the top 10 manufacturers in a raft of other categories, including ride and handling, safety features and reliability - though a quarter (24.3 per cent) did say they had some form of gremlin to resolve in the previous 12 months.

The only areas where the Korean marque didn't excel was for engine acceleration (12th) and gearbox smoothness (17th).

2. Tesla: 90.55%

Tesla just missed out on top spot. Owners love how potent their electric drivetrains are but downgraded the overall satisfaction because they have been unhappy with the general build quality inside and out

Elon Musk, pull the string on that party popper because UK drivers say Teslas are the second most satisfying car brand to own.

The US maker scored 90.55 per cent overall thanks in part to topping three specific categories: it has the best-rated powertrains with incredible acceleration and smoothness; drivers are happiest with the running costs helped by low electricity costs and no servicing charges; and the best infotainment courtesy of the much-celebrated central tablet control panel.

Tesla also ranked second overall for boot space and practicality, plus safety features.

Poor ride smoothness (24th overall) was an issue, but not as much as build quality. Exterior finish came bottom overall out of 32 brands and interior fit only 24th.

Most reported faults are low-impact issues, say owners, who rank the brands reliability in a remarkable second place. Yet almost two in five (37.9 per cent) drivers said their Tesla had an issue.

1. Subaru: 90.66%

Subaru, an often overlooked car brand, ranked highest for owner satisfaction with a 90.66% score overall. It was voted best of all manufacturers in five separate categories

The most satisfying brand to own might come as a big surprise to many - it's Subaru with an overall ranking of 90.66 per cent taking top spot from Tesla.

Incredibly, drivers of Subaru cars told Auto Express that they are so satisfied across the board that it rated their cars highest of all in five categories. It was ranked outside of the top 10 in just two of the 36 aspects of ownership.

The Japanese brand has built its reputation for rugged reliability (27.9 per cent of owners had faults last year) and four-wheel-drive capability through a customer base located primarily in more rural locations. And it seems these drivers are extremely happy with their purchases.

Paul Barker, editor of Auto Express, said: 'Subaru may not be the most high-profile of brands, but owners have made it clear they're delighted with their car's practicality, safety, reliability and quality, among other key attributes.

'It's great to hear the people that have put their own money into buying and owning these cars are so happy with their purchase, and it's interesting that the top five has such a cross-section of brand - with Tesla, Kia, Porsche and Citroen rounding out the top five - showing that satisfaction is far from linked to cost or prestige.'

BRANDS WITH THE LOWEST SATISFACTION SCORES

30. Ford: 84.58%

Despite being Britain's second most popular new car brand (only VW sells more models in the UK), Ford was scored relatively low by owners

At the opposite end of the spectrum, Ford - Britain's second best-selling car brand - scored a third from bottom score for satisfaction with 84.58 per cent overall.

It was rated low for quality and reliability, ride and handling, practicality and boot space, interiors and exterior finish and its engines.

31. Fiat: 84.13%

Fiat owners weren't overly impressed with the practicality, quality and reliability of their cars, according to the drivers who filled in the satisfaction survey

Fiat was second from bottom with a score of just 84.13 per cent.

The Italian marque received such low ratings for practicality and boot space that the scores from owners put it last overall. Quality and reliability results are low too, despite just 11.8 per cent of owners saying their car had a problem in the previous 12 months.

32. MG: 82.01%

MG might have an issue keeping hold of owners - they weren't happy with a number of aspects with their cars

But the lowest rating of all is for Chinese car maker, MG. Its 82.01 per cent satisfaction score suggests it will need to work hard to keep existing customers.

It rated last for powertrains, exterior, ride and handling and reliability categories. Given the widespread criticism of MG4 EV's lane assist system, as reported by This is Money, it's not surprising to see it get low marks for safety features too.

Interior, practicality and boot space, and infotainment were all right near the bottom of the order too.
More than two years have passed since Russia's invasion of Ukraine and there are scant signs of an early end to that brutal war.

The world seems more dangerous than it has in decades, with tensions rising in almost every corner of the globe.

Troubling as this may be, it puts national security at the heart of government thinking, both here and overseas. Defence spending is up and the need for well-trained, well-equipped armed services is widely acknowledged.

Jet power: BAE Systems supplies airborne early warning systems

BAE Systems is one of the largest and best-known defence companies in the world, employing around 100,000 people to design, build and maintain sophisticated kit to arm military personnel, provide surveillance and keep citizens safe.

The company makes fighter jets, armoured vehicles, submarines, frigates and drones, alongside a range of high-end electronic equipment to throw the enemy off track, ensure weapon accuracy and monitor activity from afar.

BAE is a key player in the AUKUS agreement between the UK, US and Australia and in the Global Combat Air Programme, a joint project from Britain, Japan and Italy.

The group has a substantial business in America and it is behind significant developments in cybersecurity, intelligence and even surveillance from space, helping armed forces to monitor what other countries are up to on land and sea.

At home, BAE is a key supplier to the Ministry of Defence, across ships, submarines, planes and electronic security.

The group has also developed three academies, in Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria, Samlesbury, near Blackburn and Glasgow, training school-leaver apprentices and current staff to acquire the skills required to build next-generation kit.

Recent results suggest the group is doing a good job. Half-year sales rose by 13 per cent to 13.4 billion, profits climbed by 13 per cent to 1.4 billion and the dividend was 8 per cent ahead at 12.4p, with brokers looking for a full-year payout of 32p.

The outlook is promising, too. Chief executive Charles Woodburn has upgraded guidance for 2024, expecting higher sales and profits than previously, and the company has amassed orders of more than 74 billion stretching out for the next decade and beyond.

Dividends should continue to increase, with 34.3p pencilled in for 2025, rising to almost 38p the following year. The company is buying back its own shares, too, which tends to increase earnings and dividends over the long term.

Midas verdict: Midas recommended BAE Systems in February 2022, just as Russian tanks were rolling into Ukraine. Then the shares were 6.52. They have almost doubled since then as sales have grown and sentiment towards defence firms has become increasingly positive. Investors who bought in 2022 may wish to bank some profits but they should hold on to most of their shares as further gains are likely.

Traded on: Main market Ticker: BA. Contact: baesystems.com
Joining forces: Everywoman co-founders Maxine Benson (left) and Karen Gill (right) with AllBright boss Viviane Paxinos, centre

A new global powerhouse to help women break the glass ceiling is being created this week.

AllBright, the world's largest network for professional women, has bought learning and development organisation Everywoman for an undisclosed sum.

The newly-formed group wants to speed up progress on the gender gap, which at the current rate will take more than 130 years to close, according to the World Economic Forum.

AllBright was founded in 2018 by entrepreneur Debbie Wosskow and Anna Jones, the former chief executive of Hearst Magazines. It is now run by Viviane Paxinos and provides training, events and networking opportunities. Clients include British Airways, HSBC and Samsung.

'Our vision is to create a global powerhouse that enhances women's lives,' Paxinos said. 'Together we will double down on our shared mission to create a world where every woman can thrive and reach her full potential.'

Despite making strides in recent years, women are still under-represented at the top of British business, with only ten female chief executives of FTSE 100 companies. Female-led firms still struggle to win backing from venture capitalists.

Everywoman was set up by Karen Gill and Maxine Benson twenty-five years ago and works with 70 corporate clients, including Amazon, Bupa, Lloyds Bank and Google, to develop female talent. It also runs the annual Entrepreneur Awards to celebrate women who have founded successful businesses.

Karen Gill said: 'There has been a lot of progress since we started back in the days of dial-up modems. When we started people would struggle to name a female entrepreneur.

'Our biggest achievement has been creating role models for women in business. But we don't feel the job is done. Women still face challenges in culture and behaviour.'

The duo will remain as advisers and investors in the new business. Everywoman chair Rosaleen Blair, who founded recruitment company AMS, will also be a shareholder as will private equity firm Cain International.

Following the deal, AllBright will focus on learning and development, boosting benefits for members and building partnerships including with brands seeking to create deeper connections with women.
'Putting together an engine that has taken over a billion pounds of investment and running it for the first time  that's a thrill,' says Simon Burr. He's the man in charge of engineering and technology at Rolls-Royce, the FTSE 100's flagship manufacturing company.

He is talking to me in the control room next to TestBed 80, a vast, cathedral-like space at Rolls' aero-engine works just outside Derby.

Burr is describing his emotions when he and his team recently tested the firm's new UltraFan demonstrator engine at full power for the first time. He talks about his beloved UltraFan  an engine that Rolls-Royce hopes will be behind the next generation of super-efficient aircraft  the way a father would about a favourite child. As well he might, because it is at the heart of a remarkable renaissance by Rolls-Royce.

In the pandemic, the firm fell into such dire straits it almost went bankrupt  and not for the first time in its long and often troubled history.

Ruth Sunderland is shown around the Derby site by Rolls-Royce's Simon Burr

But, under new Anglo-Turkish chief executive 'Turbo' Tufan Erginbilgic, who took over in January 2023, its shares have risen about 300 per cent. They are up about 37 per cent this year alone and recently hit a record high when Erginbilgic said he would restore dividend payments for the first time since the pandemic.

Less than two years into his tenure, it is still early days for him at the company, whose engines drive passenger jets, fighter planes and submarines.

However, Erginbilgic appears to be succeeding where a string of predecessors failed: in translating Rolls' undeniable technical excellence into financial returns.

The question for investors is whether the profits engine can keep up at this clip. Will Tufan prove a genuine miracle man  or is it another mirage?

The company has been at the forefront of engineering for 120 years, going back to when the Honourable Charles Rolls joined forces with Sir Henry Royce.

And today UltraFan is the largest demonstrator aero engine in the world. It has a diameter of 11 feet eight inches, with beautifully curved, Tiffany blue blades.

At full power, it has 85,000lbs of thrust. Once in service, it will be able to run on 100 per cent sustainable aviation fuel, made from waste such as cooking oil.

The control room where the test run was monitored looks like the console deck from the Starship Enterprise. The team includes highly trained apprentices.

'We can sample up to 2,000 bits of information a second, so you end up with terabytes of data,' says Burr. A human couldn't find their way through that. We use artificial intelligence and machine learning looking for subtle changes.'

Engines have to be tested to make sure they can cope with ice, sand and other hazards including birds. This is done by pelting them with dead ducks, their size and weight strictly regulated.

'They come from a farm, where they are grown to the right weight  they have to be two and a half pounds,' Burr explains.

'We simulate a worst case scenario, when you take off and hit a flock of birds. We have to be very scientific about it, they have to be fired in at very high speed.

'We plot migratory bird patterns around the world. Every time there is a bird strike we record it. From the imprint and the DNA we report it to the Natural History Museum, which will give us a reading on the bird type.' People do, he says, sometimes write in about the birds, but human safety takes priority.

Touring the Derby works, the beating heart of Erginbilgic's empire, is an exercise in awe

'Our job is that, when you get on a plane, all you are worried about is the menu,' he says. Perhaps not duck a l'orange, then.

The test bed is the largest and smartest on the planet. There are microphones along the sides, enabling engineers to listen to the slightest anomaly in the roar of the engine tones.

The 7,500 square metre test bed was built during the pandemic at a cost of about 90 million.

'We spent all that money because the trend on engines is for bigger and bigger fans. They are quieter and more efficient,' says Burr.

At the Farnborough Air Show last month, where the industry hobnobs and shows off its wares, Erginbilgic outlined how UltraFan is key to his ambition to get back into supplying engines for 'narrow body' planes flying on short haul routes.

Rolls, he says, is working on a smaller version of the UltraFan engine that could be used in these aircraft. Unfortunately, the company came out of the highly lucrative market a decade ago, just as demand surged, in one of a number of past strategic errors.

Rolls-Royce has been making state of the art engines for more than a century, going back to the Eagle, Falcon and Hawk in the First World War. Its Merlin engines powered Hurricanes and Spitfires in the Battle of Britain. But engineering prowess on its own, without corresponding commercial acumen, is not enough.

In the early 1970s, Rolls went bankrupt because of the cost of building the RB211, then its flagship engine.

It was eventually bailed out by Ted Heath's government, and it was at this time that the luxury car operation was spun off.

A technician at work on the UltraFan, an engine that Rolls-Royce hopes will be behind the next generation of super-efficient aircraft

The RB211 went on to be one of its best engines, the forerunner of its highly successful Trent family.

Four years ago, in the pandemic, Rolls was again flirting with financial ruin. In the autumn of 2020 it had to go cap in hand to shareholders for 2 billion of rescue capital, along with a 3 billion Government-backed debt package.

Erginbilgic is adamant he is not merely mending the firm, which he described as a 'burning platform'. He says: 'I'm not just re-structuring to survive, I am creating a different company that can do different and better things.'

He says when he arrived Rolls 'frankly had no strategy', adding: 'I talked to top investors before I began and it was clear I needed to make a difference early on.' How exactly, then, is he going about it?

His approach has been to take a highly detailed look at every aspect of the business  a technique he learned having turned around two businesses at his previous employer, BP.

He has set ambitious mid-term targets for 2027  operating profits of between 2.5 billion and 2.8 billion, free cash flow of 2.8 billion to 3.1 billion, a return of capital of 16 to 18 per cent and an operating profit margin of 13 to 15 per cent. At the half year results last week, Erginbilgic told the City that he was already well on the way.

There is, he says, 'no tolerance for mediocrity' and adds: 'We have changed almost every process. You need to act with high intensity at high pace and consistently. I set out to create a sense of urgency.'

He carried out an exhaustive study of how Rolls was performing against its rivals before joining, saying: 'It took three and a half months and it really drilled down.'

He delved into internal processes and why Rolls was lagging behind its competitors, then put together a highly detailed strategy.

'Your vision needs to be very powerful and purposeful,' he says. 'If nothing changes, why bother?'

Erginbilgic is rebuilding the balance sheet, pushing through an efficiency plan and improving profitability. Ultimately, though, his success depends on engineering and whether Rolls can lead the way in cleaner, quieter engines. As well as new, energy-efficient aero engines, the firm is developing methanol engines in its marine business, expected by 2026.

It has also had a breakthrough in its attempt to win the race to develop the UK's first mini-nuclear power plant. Its design for a Small Modular Reactor (SMR) is the first to go through to the final stage of examination by UK regulators.

SMRs  low-cost reactors made from modules that can be assembled on site  are cheaper and quicker to construct than conventional nuclear power plants.

Touring the Derby works, the beating heart of Erginbilgic's empire, is an exercise in awe.

Ambitious: Rolls-Royce's new UltraFan engine and boss Tufan Erginbilgic

Burr shows me engines in various states of readiness, lined up along a spotless factory floor.

He is flanked by Chris Pattinson, the senior vice president who oversees assembly and testing.

'This is the Trent XWB,' says Pattinson. 'These are a dream to build. The factory never stops. We assemble 30,000 parts in about 20 days.'

Rolls is investing 1 billion in improving its Trent engines. The business model is that the engine itself is sold at a loss, but Rolls receives income for service and maintenance based on hours in the air. Burr says: 'We are being paid a standard amount per hour, so if you can eke out a longer life you will make more money.

'We made a promise to the buyer. The Rolls-Royce logo is a promise of excellence and I come to work to ensure we deliver it.'

Every component is a miracle of form and function. I gaze at fan blades, made in Barnoldswick in Lancashire. They are of such sinuous, curved beauty they could be displayed in a gallery as a work of art. Pattinson says: 'It is amazing aerodynamic form with incredible strength and lightness.

'It is a beautiful thing  if things look right, they work right.'

He shows me a conical spinner that goes on the front of an engine. It has a rubber cap on the top, an invention by a Rolls-Royce engineer to stop ice forming. There is also a stripe to ensure the fan does not look static when it is moving.

Then you have the turbine blades: small marvels of engineering.

Compact enough to fit in your hand, they work in the hottest part of the engine and are formed out of a flawless single crystal grown over three months. The sense of pride and excitement at Derby is in the air. Erginbilgic wants to harness this energy behind his transformation plan.

'Success creates belief among the workforce,' he says. 'If you put your vision out there, but three years later nothing has happened, your programme is dead.

'I have changed almost everything in the company. I cannot emphasise this enough.

'Every process you can think of in Rolls-Royce that matters has changed already.'

Can he keep up the momentum?

'I think about this every day,' says Erginbilgic. 'There is a lot more on my to do list. I wish I could do it all tomorrow.'

Is now the time to buy its shares?

Rolls-Royce's recent performance has been remarkable but it could have further to go, experts say.

'Tufan Erginbilgic at Rolls-Royce is telling a rare recovery story that is doing what it said it would do, not simply talking hot air and making false promises,' says Daniel Coatsworth, investment analyst at the financial platform AJ Bell.

'He has given investors plenty of reasons to stay confident in the turnaround efforts and they have been rewarded with significant share price gains in the past few years.'

Coatsworth adds: 'The growth opportunities are big and the company is on a roll, so it is understandable why investors might feel that they want to stick with the shares even after an almost 500 per cent rise since October 2022.

'Smashing expectations with its latest results goes some way to justifying its premium share rating, but it also means this feat has to be repeated again and again, otherwise investors might take anything less as a reason to bank their profits.'

Justin Urquhart Stewart, founder of Seven Investment Management, says: 'The shares have already had a phenomenal run and that pace will probably slow. But they are a good long-term stalwart of the FTSE 100.

'The dividend has been re-instated which is positive. There has been a very good turnaround with a lot more to come.'

Stewart adds: 'The price at the moment is high so maybe wait for it to pull back.'
The solitary Allied B-17 bomber was an easy target. Down to one working engine and riddled with flak and bullets, the aircraft would struggle to stay in the air over Germany let alone cover the 300 miles back to England.

Cannon fire had blasted away the aircraft's nose cone, causing a 200mph wind to howl through the open fuselage of the plane.

The tail gunner's lifeless body hung from his shattered turret, his blood frozen in icicles over the machine guns and all but one of the crew in the rear were incapacitated by wounds or exposure to the frigid air.

Just when it seemed like things couldn't get any worse for the plane's 21-year-old pilot Charlie Brown, he noticed a Nazi fighter plane readying himself to deal the final, lethal blow to his crippled aircraft.

But what happened next is an extraordinary story of chivalry and mercy from World War II, providing a glimmer of humanitarian light amid the dark tragedy of the conflict.

The German pilot chose to spare his enemy by escorting the damaged plane to the safety of the English Channel.

Then against all odds, a half-century later, the two men became friends and remained close until their deaths less than six months apart.

Charles Brown (left) was an American pilot whose plane and crew were badly injured during a bombing run on Germany. Instead of dealing the final blow, Franz Stigler (right) a Nazi fighter pilot noticed the dead crewman, and blood-soaked interior of the plane through giant holes that had been blown through its fuselage and decided to escort the aircraft back to the safety of the English Channel. He saluted his Allied enemies and peeled off

Over forty years after the incident, the two pilots miraculously reunited and became friends for the remainder of their lives. Above, Charlie Brown (left), Franz Stigler (right)

The American crew of the B-17 - nicknamed 'Ye Olde Pub' - before taking off on a bombing mission of a Nazi aircraft factory in Bremen, Germany. It was Lt. Charles Brown's (bottom row, far left) first combat mission as an aircraft commander with the 379th Bomb Group

It was five days before Christmas in 1943 when Charlie Brown, a 21-year-old B-17 pilot from West Virginia, took off on a cold, overcast winter day in Britain for his first combat mission over Germany.

The operation had practically been a suicide mission from the start as Brown's unit faced heavy fire from 250 anti aircraft guns and shelling from 15 German fighter jets during the daylight bombing run of a Nazi munitions factory in Bremen.

Due to mechanical failures and damage to other aircraft, Brown's plane, 'Ye Olde Pub,' had to move ahead in formation, making it a prime target for enemy counterattacks.

Before Brown had a chance to drop his payload, the plane was attacked by German anti-aircraft guns.

Cannon fire shattered the plane's nose cone, damaging the oxygen and electrical systems and wiping out three of the four engines.

The tail gunner was killed and all but one of the crew in the rear was incapacitated.

Oxygen starved himself, Brown had been knocked out and regained consciousness just in time to level out his plane from a death spiral less than 1,000 feet from the ground.

By then, the German fighters had vanished. They likely observed the crippled plane belching smoke and flames - sputtering along at 135mph, barely above its stalling speed - and marked it as another kill before returning to base.

After inspecting the blood-spattered interior of the plane, the flight engineer reported, 'we're chewed to pieces, the hydraulics are bleeding, the left stabilizer is all but gone and there are holes in the fuselage big enough to climb through.'

Clinging to the last vestiges of hope, Brown realized his only option was to try and make the 300 mile journey back to England.

But he faced an even graver concern when he glanced out his cockpit and noticed his worst nightmare: a gray German Messerschmitt fighter hovering just three feet off their wingtip.

In the cockpit of the German fighter, his guns primed, was Lt Franz Stigler, a Luftwaffe ace with 29 kills under his belt.

With his leather-gloved hand on the trigger, he was just one kill away from achieving the Knight's Cross, Germany's highest award for valor.

Stigler, aged 28 at the time, was a veteran airman who had been flying since the start of the war. He on the ground refueling and reloading his guns when the lone B-17 had lumbered slowly overhead.

Within minutes, Stigler was up in the air to give chase, but as he drew closer, he noticed the rear gunner's lifeless body hanging from his shattered turret. Another gunner was unconscious, his fleece collar soaked in red blood.

He saw the rest of the terrified 10-man crew, battered and wounded, desperately tending to one another's injuries.

As Stigler pulled alongside the plane, he was shocked that he could see clean through the middle, where the fuselage had been bombarded by artillery. The tale and the rudder had also been shot off with giant holes on the wings.

It was 'the most heavily damaged aircraft I ever saw that was still flying,' he recalled years later.

In that moment, he remembered the words of and old commanding officer. 'Honor is everything here,' he had told a young Stigler before his first mission.

'If I ever see or hear of you shooting at a man in a parachute. I will shoot you down myself. You follow the rules of war for you  not for your enemy. You fight by rules to keep your humanity.'

To Stigler, the defenseless plane was a parachute, and he was determined to save the men on board.

Believing they had no chance of surviving all the way back to England, Stigler tried to convince Brown to land at a German airfield by frantically gesturing and mouthing words. But their radio had been shot and they could not understand Stigler's signals.

Brown could clearly see the pilot's face, the whites of his eyes. 'What was the bastard up to? He must be toying with them,' he thought.

Finally Brown and his co-pilot shook their heads. They'd rather die in flames than be taken prisoner by the Nazis.

Then to no avail, Stigler motioned to the enemy crew to change course and head east toward neutral Sweden, a 30-minute flight away. They could crash-land there and spend the rest of the war as internees but alive.

Stigler was frustrated. He was already risking his own life as his decision to not finish off the aircraft was a court-martial offense in Nazi Germany and if revealed, could have led to his execution.

If a civilian spotted Stigler's plane next to a B-17 and reported its tail number, he would be in grave danger.

With his attempts at signaling to Ye Olde Pub unsuccessful, Stigler took formation close to the battered bomber, escorting them for several miles back to the English Channel.

In doing so, Stigler stopped anti-aircraft guns from targeting the Allied plane, but he also feared that if he was spotted flying so close to the enemy without engaging, he could be accused  and doubtless found guilty  of treason.

'Ye Olde Pub' sustained heavy damage during the suicide mission. Cannon fire shattered the plane's nose cone, causing 200mph wind to hurtle through the fuselage, ruining the oxygen and electrical systems, and wiping out three of the four engines. The tail gunner was killed, his blood frozen in icicles over the machine guns and all but one of the crew in the rear incapacitated by wounds or exposure to the frigid air

Nazi pilot, Franz Stigler tried to convince the crippled American plane to land, or divert to neutral territory in Sweden through frantic hand gestures. When Brown refused to listen, Stigler took formation with the plane and escorted it to safety, by doing so he stopped anti-aircraft guns from targeting the bomber, and also risked being accused of treason by the Third Reich

Meanwhile, Lt. Brown remained confused by the situation and instructed his gunners to aim their damaged weapons at the German fighter jet.

In response, Stigler took one final look, mouthed 'Good luck,' saluted the Americans, and peeled away.

'You're in God's hands,' Stigler thought to himself.

Miraculously, the stricken B-17 made it across 250 miles of the North Sea and landed at Seething in Norfolk.

As soon as he landed, Brown told his commanding officer that he and his crew owed their lives to the unknown Luftwaffe pilot. He was ordered to never to speak of the incident for fear that it would humanize the enemy.

For more than 40 years, Brown kept the secret but he never forgot.

Likewise, the memory of that B-17 stayed with Stigler. He always wondered if the crew he had risked himself to save actually survived? He had no way of knowing.

In the years following, Stigler became disillusioned by what his country had turned into under Hitler, and lost any desire for the Knight's Cross.

Though he flew close to 500 combat missions, he simply failed to register his 'victories' and claim what he viewed as a worthless piece of metal.

He emigrated to Canada in 1953 to work as a mechanic in a logging camp.

In time, he bought his own Messerschmitt and would fly in air shows reenactments as the evil Nazi being pursued by vintage American fighters.

Brown continued to serve in the military up until the start of the Vietnam War and eventually settled in Miami, Florida, where he got married and founded an energy and environmental research center.

Then, in 1985, the retired American solider mentioned the story of the mysterious Messerschmitt pilot at a veterans' reunion. 'I still don't know who that German was and why he let us go,' he declared, determined now to find out.

Long and fruitless enquiries over the next five years eventually led him to the newsletter of an association of German fighter pilots.

In January 1990, knowing the odds were against him, Brown took out an ad in a newsletter looking for the one 'who saved my life on Dec. 20, 1943.'

He deliberately omitted one crucial detail: the location where the German pilot had abandoned his B-17.

Brown (right) was ordered by his commanding officer to never to speak of the incident for fear that it would humanize the enemy, but he never forgot. In 1990, against all odds, he took out an ad in a pilots newsletter looking for the one 'who saved my life on Dec. 20, 1943' and the two former enemies were reunited in an emotional gathering

From 1990 until their deaths in 2008, Brown (left) and Stigler (right) were best friends. They went on fishing trips together, flew across the country to visit each other's homes, and took road trips to share their story at schools and veterans' reunions. Their wives, Jackie Brown and Hiya Stigler, also became friends

In 1990, Brown (left) and Stigler (right) met for the second time in a Florida hotel lobby. They spoke about their encounter in a light-hearted manner. 'I was too stupid to surrender, and Franz Stigler was too much of a gentleman to destroy us,' Brown recalled in YouTube footage from the gathering

'I thought there was more chance of winning the lottery than finding him alive,' Brown later said to CNN.

In Vancouver, where he had lived for 37 years, Franz Stigler opened his regular association newsletter, and could not believe his eyes. Suddenly, the missing piece of his life's puzzle was right in front of him.

He responded to Brown with a letter, that read: 'Dear Charles, All these years I wondered what happened to the B-17, did she make it or not?'

Brown was so thrilled that he immediately contacted directory assistance in Vancouver to find a number for Franz Stigler. After dialing the number, Stigler answered.

'My God, it's you!' Brown exclaimed, with tears streaming down his face.

The men arranged a reunion at a hotel lobby in Florida. They spoke about their encounter in a light-hearted manner.

'I was too stupid to surrender, and Franz Stigler was too much of a gentleman to destroy us,' Brown recalled in YouTube footage from the gathering.

When someone asked Stigler what he thought about Brown, Stigler began to fight back tears before he said in heavily accented English: 'I love you, Charlie.'

The war had cost Stigler everything. He lost his brother, his friends and his country - virtually exiled by his own countryman after the conflict. Out of 28,000 pilots who fought in the Wehrmacht, only 1,200 survived.

For Stigler, Charlie Brown was the only good thing that came out of World War II, and was the one thing he could be proud of.

From then on until their deaths, Brown and Stigler became the best of friends.

They went on fishing trips together, flew across the country to visit each other's homes and took road trips to share their story at schools and veterans' reunions. Their wives, Jackie Brown and Hiya Stigler, also became friends.

To express his deep gratitude, Brown organized a reunion for his surviving crew members and their extended families, inviting Stigler as the guest of honor.

A video was played during the event, showing all the faces of the people who now lived  children, grandchildren, relatives  because of Stigler's act of chivalry.

The two men died within six months of each other in 2008, both from heart attacks. Stigler was 92, and Brown was 87.

In 2012, Adam Makos wrote a book detailing their incredible story, titled, 'A Higher Calling.'

Makos told CNN that he first learned of their friendship while rifling through Brown's home library and came across a book on German fighter jets.

Inside was an inscription Stigler had written to Brown: 'In 1940, I lost my only brother as a night fighter. On the 20th of December, 4 days before Christmas, I had the chance to save a B-17 from her destruction, a plane so badly it was wonder that she was still flying.

The pilot, Charlie Brown, is for me, as precious as my brother was.

Thanks Charlie.

Your Brother,

Franz.'


President Murmu accorded Timor-Leste's highest civilian award President Droupadi Murmu was conferred the Grand-Collar of the Order of Timor-Leste, the country's highest civilian award, from President Jose Ramos-Horta on Saturday, in recognition of her achievements in public service and dedication to education, social welfare and empowerment of women. She was also accorded a ceremonial reception and Guard of Honour at the Presidential Palace, Dili, as she arrived in the Southeast Asian country on the last leg of her three-nation visit.



The President also held a bilateral meeting with President Jose Ramos-Horta of Timor-Leste, underlining the strong connection and cooperation between the two democratic nations, and discussed opportunities for enhancing bilateral ties.



Addressing the press with her Timorese counterpart, President Murmu expressed gratitude to President Horta and the people of Timor-Leste for giving the Indian delegation a generous reception.



"I am deeply honoured by the Grand-Collar of the Order of Timor-Leste bestowed upon me. This is a reflection of the deep bond of friendship between India and Timor-Leste," the President said, saying that the honour is a "reflection of the ties of friendship" between the two nations.



"India and Timor-Leste share warm and friendly relations based on our shared commitment to the values of democracy and pluralism. I am confident that this will further strengthen bilateral relations between the two countries," President Murmu said.



"I had extensive discussions with President Ramos-Horta today on enhancing the bilateral cooperation between India and Timor Leste in the fields of IT, digital technology, health and pharmaceuticals, agriculture, capacity building and more," she added.



Both the leaders also discussed the possibility of Timor-Leste joining the International Solar Alliance.



The President also paid floral tributes to V. V. Giri, former President of India, on his birth anniversary at Dili.



President Murmu arrived in Dili, Timor-Leste, on Saturday, on the last leg of her three-nation visit. This marks the first-ever visit by the Indian head of state to the Southeast Asian country.



Later in the day, the President will also attend a community reception with the Indian diaspora in Timor-Leste, according to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).



Earlier, President Murmu visited Fiji and New Zealand during her three-nation visit, where she discussed bilateral ties and cooperation across various sectors.



MEA said earlier this week that the State Visit by President Murmu to Fiji, New Zealand and Timor-Leste underscores the importance India attaches to its bilateral relations with these countries and reflects New Delhi's strong focus on the Act East policy, which was announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the ninth East Asia Summit in 2014.




'The sound was coming from the forest on the side of the mountain. When I went there, I saw that one of her legs was tied to a tree. She was screaming like an animal.'

Pandurang Gawkar, a cow herder, was the first to find US ballet teacher Lalita Kayi after her disappearance, found deep in the forests of India on July 27.

Police found the 50-year-old with a mobile phone, a tablet and some 290 (about $370) in local currency on her person.

But she was emaciated, skin and bone from apparent starvation with wounds on her leg and suffering 'extreme psychosis'.

She initially told police she had been 'chained and left in the forest to die' by her husband without food or water.

Claimed to have spent 40 days in the remote forest north of Goa, it seemed a miracle Lalita had been found by a shepherd chancing upon the location.

But the strangest revelation came on Tuesday, when police revealed that she had told them that, in fact, she had no husband and had tied herself to the tree.

Lalita initially told police she had been plied with drugs that locked her jaw in place

Police rescued her after a cow herder heard her cries coming from the dense forest

In a note, she said she had been injected for 'extreme psychosis' and hadn't eaten for 40 days

Little was initially known about 'Lalitha Kayi', who was found in a dense forest near Sonurli, a tiny village of around 1,500 people roughly 280 miles from Mumbai on July 27.

On her person, police found several documents offering fragments of clues towards identifying her.

Her passport shows she is a US citizens from Massachusetts. Other documents show she now lives in Tamil Nadu, on the southern tip of the subcontinent.

MailOnline understands Lalita is a recent graduate of Boston University who studied psychology before working as a dance professor, self-employed.

According to the police, Lalita was a ballet dancer and yoga practitioner in America before she moved to India some ten years ago.

They say she left her home to study yoga and meditation in Tamil Nadu.

But nothing more has been said about what prompted Lalita to move to the other side of the world.

Nor is it known how Lalita purports to have studied in Boston between 2018 and 2022 if she moved to India ten years ago.

Boston University, in her native Massachusetts, offers a range of online courses - and this would have been, at least in part, during the pandemic.

Tourists and businesses can apply for visas lasting five years to stay in India, although tourists are not able to extend their visit.

Business visas can be extended - but Lalita says she has been working as a teacher for fewer than two years, leaving more questions unanswered.

Then the story gets strange.

Initially, police reported that they understood Lalita had been tied to a tree with a band around her leg by her husband, named in some media reports as a man called Satish.

They said they had to chop the tree down and break the lock to free her from her binds.

Lalita could not speak at first, so exhausted from malnourishment, and all they did know they learned from her scribblings on a notepad.

She only knew English and could not communicate with them in Hindi or Marathi.

'When we discovered her, she was seriously dehydrated,' said Amol Chavan, an inspector at Sawantwadi Police Station.

'It appears that she was stuck there for a minimum of 48 hours. Although she was mute.'

Lalita told police through her notes that her husband had tied her to a tree and left her there without food for 40 days 'to die' after a row.

In her bag, police said they found 'a raincoat and foodstuff'.

She also claimed that she had been given an 'injection for extreme psychosis' which locked her jaw and prevented her from drinking water, and that she had to be provided nutrition intravenously.

'I am a victim and survived. But he ran away from here,' she told police.

Lalita was found tied to a tree after a cow herder found her calling for help

Lalita was taken to a psychiatric hospital in India after she was found in the remote forest

She was found shackled to a tree and unable to speak, communicating only through notes

Police later reported that they had been unable to verify these claims and believed it unlikely that someone would survive without food or water for so long.

As a rule, human beings can last about three days without water and up to three weeks without food.

Police believe Lalita had been 'stuck' for at least two days.

During the first five days without food, a person may lose 1-2kg of body weight each day, largely due to dehydration and electrolyte imbalance.

This slows with time, but photos from the hospital show Lalita quite severely malnourished.

She was taken to a primary healthcare centre in Sindhudurg's Sawantwadi taluka at first, where doctors had to give her nutrition intravenously.

The woman is not in a position to give her statement,' police said at the time.

'The woman is weak as she has not eaten anything for a couple of days and also as the area experienced heavy rains.

'We don't know for how long she was tied to that tree. She reportedly left her husband after a quarrel.'

Soon enough they registered the case of attempted murder against 'Satish' and sent teams to her home to investigate.

They hoped the mobile phone and tablet computer they found on her person might also offer insight into how she ended up in such a dire state.

But then, the twist.

On August 6, police and Lalita's doctor told the BBC they now believed Lalita had shackled herself to the tree, following a confession.

Lalita is now receiving treatment in a psychiatric facility as investigators try to make sense of what happened.

But some ten days after she was found, police revealed she had backtracked on her original story, telling them that she was not even married.

Saurabh Agarwal, superintendent of police for Sindhudurg, told the broadcaster they believed she was probably suffering hallucinations when she gave her first statement.

It was not clear what she may have taken - or been given by police.

She had claimed she had been given drugs for extreme psychosis before admitting her husband was a fabrication.

Whether or not she had given herself drugs before she was found was not clear.

And whether she intended for cow herder Pandurang Gawkar to find her was not clear, stumbled upon only by chance in the middle of a dense forest.

How long might she have remained with just a bag of food, a coat and her ID had he not found her?

A T-shirt hangs from a tree above Lalita at the spot she was found by police in late July

The woman was found with various documents, including a passport and mobile phone

Police revised their initial impression, telling reporters that she was distressed because her visa for India had expired and that she was running out of money.

It is not clear what visa she was travelling on, or exactly how long she had been in India, but two five-year visas would indeed be nearing or have recently passed expiration.

She claimed that her financial situation had caused a lot of stress, leading her to buy the chains and locks to tie herself up.

In a passing remark, the International Business Times claims that she was previously 'involved in a similar incident in Tamil Nadu before moving to Goa' - although provides no further detail or evidence.

But police have not yet explained how she managed to travel more than 500 miles from her registered address to a forest in the middle of nowhere without help or records.

Although police believe she might have reached the forest near the Maharashtra-Goa border by train, the International Business Times reports.

'The woman was traveling to Goa from Mumbai. Since there is a single track, the train halts a couple of times before entering Goa,' an officer told The Indian Express.

'That spot is close to this forest. We suspect she got off when the train halted.'

And nor have they been able to indicate why she may have tried to pin this on a husband they now say does not exist.

Police are also yet to say who they were investigating when they began a probe into the man named as 'Satish'.

But for now, she is improving.

Dr Sanghamitra Phule, superintendent of the hospital she remains in, said they had made contact with her family in the US and that she was in touch with them.

Doctors say her condition is getting better, and that she is now able to eat, walk and exercise.

Some 30 people had already been questioned by July 30, with more expected to follow.

The US embassy declined to comment on the case, citing her right to privacy.

It was not clear whether there would be charges brought against Lalita.
'Hot-headed' Tommy Robinson posts inflammatory messages 'on a whim' and knows he can 'summon an army' from his hundreds of thousands of followers, his former assistant claims.

The former English Defence League leader, 41, is 'phone obsessed' with his iPhone 'glued to his hand', Lucy Brown exclusively told MailOnline.

But his former camerawoman says the right-wing 'fame addicted' activist doesn't like hanging out with his 'army' of fans after protests, and instead hides away at a pub for a vodka and coke.

Robinson has this week been sunning himself on a lounger from the safety of his luxury bolthole hotel in Cyprus while sharing fake stories about Muslims knifing British men at riots in the wake of the Southport stabbing attack.

In one post on X he said that rioters in Southport were 'justified in their anger'.

The convicted criminal's supporters have taken to the streets in a campaign of mindless violence that has seen Shoezone, Greggs, and Lush stores smashed and burned with hotels being targeted where asylum seekers and migrants are being housed.

The violent rioters have been heard chanting Robinson's name as they launch bricks and petrol bombs at police officers and wheel large burning rubbish bins.

Lucy Brown, pictured in 2017, working as Tommy Robinson's camerawoman at his book launch event claims he posts his inflammatory messages 'on a whim'

Robinson, 41, has been fanning the flames of tension in riot-hit Britain with a constant stream of inflammatory and inaccurate social media posts while on holiday in Cyprus

It's a playbook Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, has used in the past in exploiting tragedies to pedal an anti-immigration narrative.

In 2017, he used the same line that 'we are at war with Islam' in the aftermath of both the Westminster Bridge and Manchester Arena terror attacks.

In an angry video this week he refuted any claims that he had 'stoked the flames' as he shared a montage of clips in which he urged his 'lads' to carry out 'peaceful protests'.

During the same 11 minute footage he also called for mass deportation and that hotels needed to be emptied of the 'barbarians who are raping, pillaging and murdering across our nation'.

Ms Brown started working as his camerawoman in 2017 while he was earning a reported 5,000 a month at right-wing vlog channel Rebel Media, before a row ended up in her being sacked a year later.

She told MailOnline Robinson knows he can 'summon an army' of 'at least a thousand people' for a protest through his Twitter account, but after a march he will slink away to a pub for a drink with his 'cousin or mate' as he wants to 'get as far away as possible' from his own fans.

While there he will refresh his phone 'a million times' to see the reaction and boast 'this is amazing', Ms Brown says.

'After marches, he tended to not want to be among people, he used to want to just get as far away frankly from his own fans as possible,' she says.

'He'd want to hop in a car or go and hide. I think it is because these characters going on stage and everything is like being a rock star. I think that's why people like Laurence Fox are taken with it because you get treated like it.

Ms Brown in a van with Robinson when she worked for him as a camerawoman

Lucy is seen speaking in a video for vlog channel Rebel Media, where Robinson also worked

'In fact, it might be even better because if you're famous for being the man that's "saving Britain", people love that. And people want to come and hang out with you, and they want to talk to you about it.

'And they develop a parasocial relationship with you. They want to tell you what you should do.

'We used to have people all the time messaging us like, "here's what you should do. And here's what I think's happening", and it all just gets to the point where... I can kind of sympathise that maybe he's just like, "Oh, f*** this. I just want to go to the pub".'

Ms Brown says 'hot-headed' Robinson will post tweets 'on a whim' having not consulted with his team of 'mini-me's', and claimed they are often not fact-checked.

'I know he's not got anyone that he's asking about it [the tweets], that is, in fact, one of the main reasons why, when we all worked together as a team, that things started to go south for us.

'He would just go post stuff at three in the morning, sometimes just getting in arguments with random Twitter users.

'I remember that was why he got his Twitter account banned in 2018 because he got in an argument with some account with two followers, said something about Islam, and that was it.

'We were getting angry at him like, "why did you do that? That was so stupid", and he was like, "well, it's my account I can do what I want".

'So he's very "I'll just do it. It's my account I don't care".'

BOLTON: Enough is Enough protesters and counter protesters take to the streets on August 4

ROTHERHAM: Violent riots take place on August 4 with far-right thugs surrounding a hotel housing asylum seekers

PLYMOUTH: The violence continued on Monday evening when right-wing and left-wing protesters clashed in the city centre

Robinson lived in an echo chamber where his trio of right hand henchmen - Richard Inman, Danny Tommo (real name Daniel Thomas) and Danny Roscoe - would be 'egging him on', Ms Brown claimed.

And she said he would be blase when faced with any backlash from within his own circle.

'He normally would post something without consulting anyone, and then, if people got angry at him, it would be in a group chat, and he'd probably just brush it off, or he'd just delete it.'

After the Westminster Bridge terror attack in 2017, Robinson rushed to the Houses of Parliament where he was filmed by his camera crew launching into a tirade about Islamic extremism.

He was widely condemned and accused of inflaming the situation, but off camera Robinson was telling his team how his Twitter account had been 'popping off' with the clip causing his following to surge by hundreds of thousands.

Ms Brown, who wasn't working for him at the time, recalled a conversation she had with him about it.

'He wasn't like super gloating about it because people had died,' she says. 'But he was like "I hate to say this, but my Twitter account's been popping off. This is amazing. I've got like this many followers overnight".

HULL: A Shoezone store was torched and trashed as looters grabbed fake Crocs

HARTLEPOOL: A police car was set alight by rioters on July 31 in the aftermath of the fatal Southport stabbings

'So there was definitely a little bit of like phone addiction going on there where he was just scrolling and saying "look at this! Look at this!".'

When the Manchester Arena terror attack happened two months later, Robinson hastily announced to his team without any consultation that he was going to be organising a protest.

'I think, on that occasion, and what he tended to do after that was, he would just announce it and be like we're doing it next week, and then us, his team, would be going "what?",' the fashion photographer says.

'There'll be no like sort of discussion again. It all sort of comes from him.

'It would normally be very, very quick. I mean he definitely knows that in his little hand, in his iPhone is up to 300,000 people. Now, it's more than 800,000 but he knows that if he goes in that box and he says to these people "let's do this" he knows that there's going to be thousands at the very least turning up to where he said to turn up.

'He definitely knows that he can summon an army like that.'

She added: 'It's the rush of organising it last minute, having it all happen, seeing it all kick off sometimes there'll be opposing factions, left wing people, or police, and it's a little bit pantomime. You've got people shouting at each other with different flags and all that kind of stuff.'

Ms Brown doesn't believe Robinson organises protests with the intention of them turning violent, instead arguing it's a 'blindspot' of his.

'If he's being persecuted for doing something objectively stupid, and for putting people in danger, he sees that as "the State are coming after me for telling the truth and they're going to lock me up".

'But "it's okay, because I'm going to be a hero". I think that's how he frames it himself.'

Robinson was banned from Twitter in 2018 when he fell foul of the platform's rules on 'hateful conduct'.

But in November 2023 its billionaire new owner Elon Musk reinstated the far-right agitato's account.

Musk himself has also drawn criticism having launched a bizarre war of words with the British government as the riots continued to grip Britain.

X's billionaire owner Elon Musk reinstated Robinson to the platform in November 2023 and has allowed his banned documentary to be played on the social media site

'Civil war is inevitable' he wrote in response to images of rioting in Liverpool. He then responded to a video posted by the PM stressing attacks on mosques and Muslims would not be tolerated.

Musk has aided Robinson in amplifying his anti-Muslim rhetoric having responded to one of his posts, while also allowing his banned documentary to be played on the social media platform.

This week a reporter from the Mail watched on as Robinson, armed only with his phone, seamlessly merged enjoying the luxury of a 400-a-night all-inclusive hotel with rabble-rousing.

Having first secured his lounger with a towel, there were trips to the gym, for pizza and to the pool - all interspersed with a constant stream of inflammatory social media posts.

There were messages attacking the police for going soft on Muslim protests, on the media for labelling protesters as 'far-Right' and on Home Secretary Yvette Cooper for calling them 'thugs'.

He also shared a series of fake stories over the weekend including claims that Muslims had stabbed protesters in Staffordshire and attacked three women in Scotland.

But as Ms Brown put it to us, 'because he's been right [about some things], like a broken clock is right twice a day, a broken activist can also be right twice a day'.

'You can get a couple of viral videos that are actually correct,' she says. 'You can say a few things here and there that are correct, and people just assume that you're doing your homework, and that everything that you're saying has been fact checked and is also correct.'
Netflix fans are obsessed with this latest drama which viewers claim they 'can't switch off' but warn that it will 'p*** you off'.

This 10 part series covers everything from poverty, abusive relationships, family dynamics, while allowing its audience to cling to hope that the protagonist will pull through in the end.

The Emmy-nominated show is based on a memoir by Stephanie Land, in which she recounted her six years cleaning for wealthy families in Camano Island, Washington State, where most of her clients never bothered to learn her name.

Viewers have taken to social media to express their excitement at finally getting round to watching the show, which now has a near perfect score on Rotten Tomatoes.

Netflix fans are obsessed with this latest drama which viewers claim they 'can't switch off' but warn that it will 'p*** you off'

In the show, Margaret Qualley plays Alex, a single mother down on her luck who works as a maid to make ends meet while fighting to keep custody of her daughter

Anika Noni Rose plays Regina, one of Alex's clients who is bossy at first, but develops a soft spot for the cleaner

The Maid on Netflix is about Land's recollections of her time working as a maid and they are told through the central character, a single mother named Alex, played by Margaret Qualley, who flees her abusive partner and takes refuge in a women's shelter.

Melissa and Joey star Nick Robinson portrays Sean Boyd, Alex's ex-partner and father of their child. The cast also includes Ginny and Georgia's Raymond Ablack, Twilight's Billy Burke and Little Fires Everywhere star Anika Noni Rose.

Struggling to make ends meet, Alex takes a job as a maid in order to support herself and her daughter - all while battling her former partner to retain custody of their child.

The experiences very closely echo the events of Land's own life; the author comes from a middle-class Alaskan family, however she found herself homeless in her 20s after falling out with her boyfriend.

The show tells Alex' fierce custody battle with her abusive partner Sean, pictured, played by Nick Robinson

Montana-based Stephanie Land wrote her memoirs Maid: Hard Work, Low Pay, and a Mothers Will To Survive in 2019, when it quickly became a best-seller

It has garnered a remarkable 94 per cent rating from critics on Rotten Tomatoes, as one reviewer said: 'This drama is powerful, heart breaking, inspiring, and absolutely one of the best shows on Netflix I've seen all year.'

Fans have also been taking to X to praise the show for its complexities and drama.

One viewer confessed: 'I'm hooked on The Maid on Netflix. I really can't turn it off.'

Another added: ''If you ever get a chance to watch a series on Netflix make it Maid, am shattered today because I couldn't switch it off last night until the end.'

A third chimed in: 'Maid on Netflix is a 10/10. It'll make you cry and p*** you off. Incredible writing.'

While a fourth lauded: 'I'm watching #Maid on Netflix, I can't switch it off. Powerful stuff and brilliant performance from #MargaretQualley and the rest of the cast.'
Andrew O'Keefe once said his role model was his father, a towering and respected figure in the legal world who served as Justice of the Supreme Court of New South Wales.

But it is the example set by his rock and roll star uncle which the disgraced ex-TV star has most emulated.

Johnny O'Keefe, who was known by his nickname 'the wild one' while his lawyer brother was dubbed 'the mild one', was a trailblazing figure in the Australian music industry, recording almost 30 top 40 hits between the late fifties and early seventies.

He also carved out a successful career as a television presenter, hosting Six O'Clock Rock on Saturday nights, which later became the eponymous Johnny O'Keefe Show on Channel Seven.

Yet, amid all the success and acclaim, he suffered terribly with drug and alcohol addiction, eventually dying from an overdose in 1978, aged 43.

It's a depressing tale thrown in stark relief when you consider Andrew O'Keefe's own sad decline and very public battle with drug dependency.

Last week, the former host of Deal or No Deal, 52, had three court appearances as he battles a slew of complicated domestic violence and drug-related charges.

Happier times: Andrew O'Keefe grinning beside David Koch at the 2005 Logies

O'Keefe once said his role model was his father, a towering and respected figure in the legal world who served as Justice of the Supreme Court of New South Wales . But it is the example set by his rock and roll star uncle which he disgraced ex-TV star has most emulated

Its a tangled mess, your honour,' O'Keefe admitted to a magistrate on Wednesday.

Outside court, he displayed his old charm, joking with reporters and insisting that he was on his way back up.

But less than two hours after Wednesday's hearing he was arrested for allegedly breaching a protection order and hauled back before a magistrate.

It was a sad and familiar scene he'd unwittingly predicted when he joked on the courthouse steps earlier in the week that he 'can't stay away from the place'.

Here, Daily Mail Australia charts O'Keefe's sad spiral from nationally-recognised TV host to tragic courtroom figure - and the alarming parallels with his uncle Johnny.

Following in his uncle's footsteps

Andrew's father, Barry O'Keefe, was a titanic figure in the legal world, at one stage serving as Commissioner of the Independent Commission Against Corruption in NSW.

O'Keefe initially followed his dad into the law, beginning his career as an intellectual property lawyer at Allens Arthur Robinson.

He and his wife Eleanor had just bought a house and had their first of three children when he decided to make the jump to television - a decision his risk-averse father described at the time as 'most precarious'.

Johnny O'Keefe (pictured above), who was known by his nickname 'the wild one' while his lawyer brother Barry O'keefe (below) was dubbed 'the mild one', was a trailblazing figure in the Australian music industry, recording almost 30 top 40 hits between the late fifties and early seventies

But it paid off when, in 2003, he was propelled to national fame as host of Deal or No Deal.

His quick wit and intelligent charm captivated viewers and he soon became a household name when he landed the role of Weekend Sunrise co-host alongside Monique Wright in 2005.

But, like his uncle, he was infamous for his hard-partying ways.

This much was apparent in 2008 when the The Sunday Telegraph published footage of O'Keefe collapsing into a gutter with a mystery blonde woman outside a Melbourne nightclub.

Channel Seven, who were at that stage used to protecting their star, allegedly paid $25,000 to a bouncer to try to suppress the story before it was leaked.

The network later issued a statement insisting O'Keefe was a 'family man' and he had 'never set out to deliberately offend anyone'.

O'Keefe himself promised that it wouldn't happen again.

In 2018, Kochie quizzed O'keefe about his 'demons'

'What occurred was highly unedifying and deeply embarrassing, and I am in no way proud of it,' he told the Herald Sun at the time.

When he returned to Weekend Sunrise, he even cracked a joke about the incident.

'I got everything I wanted for Christmas  a gift voucher to a rehab centre in Miami,' he told viewers.

O'Keefe has been in-and-out of rehab centres at least ten times in the years since.

His first brush with the law came on a family holiday to Cuba in 2015 when he was involved in a car crash with a 'government minister and his flunkies'.

'(It) meant no matter how much I argued, it was all our fault!', he recalled of the episode, which resulted in him spending 14 hours in a Cuban jail cell.

His uncle Johnny was also involved in a car crash, but his had much more serious consequences.

In the early hours of 27 June 1960, 'JOK' as he was also known, a band member and his wife smashed into the back of a gravel truck, leaving all three seriously injured.

O'Keefe lost four teeth and suffered fractures to his head and face in the collision.

It has been suggested he suffered undiagnosed brain trauma that exacerbated his slide into addiction and contributed to his multiple breakdowns.

The pressures of his career eventually led to the collapse of his first marriage in 1966.

His nephew, Andrew, would undergo his own bitter separation from his wife Eleanor in 2017, before finally divorcing in 2019.

At the time he told friends that he was being 'punished by his wife' who allegedly did not let him see his children.

In 2022, The Australian reported that he had not had any contact with his kids for two years, which he described as one of the great sadnesses of his life.

Addressing his 'demons'

O'Keefe appeared on the Sunrise sofa in October 2019 after taking an eight-week leave of absence from hosting The Chase to attend a mental health clinic.

He had given an interview to the Herald Sun a couple of weeks earlier where he spoke candidly for the first time about the split from his wife Eleanor and his spiral into addiction.

Andrew O'Keefe appeared upbeat outside court on Tuesday, even joking with journalists that he 'can't stay away from the place'

But the troubled ex-TV star cut a forlorn figure later that afternoon (pictured)

O'Keefe was ostensibly on Sunrise to promote a national 'JOK' tribute tour, entitled Andrew O'Keefe Shouts Johnny O'Keefe, and he hailed his uncle as 'an absolute icon'.

'This is the guy who really, single-handedly, invented rock and roll in Australia,' O'Keefe gushed to Sunrise hosts David 'Kochie' Koch and Samantha Armytage.

But the parallels between uncle and nephew were painfully obvious to all watching.

'They used to call uncle John the wild one and they used to call dad the mild one,' O'Keefe laughed.

'Dad was constantly in court defending uncle John on one thing or another, a traffic offence, a possession offence.'

Armytage interrupted his excited stream to ask who he took after the most.

'I think I'm a beautiful synthesis of both of them,' O'Keefe answered jokingly in a camp voice.

Kochie then took the opportunity to lend a more serious tone to the interview.

'We have been worried about you the last year or two,' Kochie said.

'You did that interview not so long ago about how you were coping with your own demons.'

O'Keefe spoke about how his uncle had 'many of his own demons', which lended a poignancy to the show.

'He had several breakdowns, he had electroshock therapy, they put him on all these drugs to deal with the stress, the anxiety and the pressure of being him,' O'Keefe revealed.

'I'm starting to understand that a bit more. Everyone has a time in their life where they really question what it's all about, who they really are, whether what they have done for the last 45 years means anything.

Last week, Channel Nine published troubling footage of O'Keefe shouting at police officers after being arrested for a 'violent and degrading' assault in September 2021 (pictured)

'I think when I split up from my wife Eleanor, that was my time. And the thing I always believed in most of all was the power of love and combining with someone to make something special, and when I lost that, I thought it was all meaningless.'

He added: 'In life, we have several choices on how to deal with things, and some people work their way through their pain, or turn to alcohol or drugs or eating.

'And I feel very lucky that in this country, we have these institutions and the expertise to be able to deal with those things and get on top of it.'

His candour was brave and disarming.

But his seat on the other side of sofa was no doubt a painful reminder of how far he had fallen since his days of regularly standing in for Kochie during his 12 years with Weekend Sunrise.

Little did he know it then, but he still had much further to fall.
The brother-in-law of fallen San Francisco cop Isaac Espinoza said hes voting for Donald Trump  and that his own familys tragedy makes this personal.

Speaking exclusively with DailyMail.com, Edgar Mendez said District Attorney Kamala Harris is the reason Espinozas killer was not prosecuted to the full extent of the law.

Despite pressure from several California Democrats to bring the death penalty, Harris held firm to a campaign pledge and secured a sentence of life without parole for 22-year-old gang member David Hill, who gunned down the 29-year-old with an AK-47 during a routine traffic stop.

Harris, who was just three months into office, went on camera just three days after the killing to announce her decision in a press conference, without seeking input from the victims family or even telling them in advance.

People need to know what it was like back in 2004 when my brother-in-law passed away, Mendez, 45, told DailyMail.com.

Edgar Mendez, 45, said District Attorney Kamala Harris is the reason Espinozas killer was not prosecuted to the full extent of the law

Isaac Espinoza was a 29-year-old San Francisco cop when he was gunned down during a routine traffic stop in 2004

She didnt even give us a call before she decided whether she was going to seek the death penalty, he said.

She just went ahead and announced it. She seemed more focused on fulfilling a campaign promise as opposed to showing compassion, reaching out to family, and really being on the side of justice.

In 2019, Espinozas widow Renata Espinoza expressed her anger at Harris during her last failed campaign for president.

'I don't understand why she went on camera to say that without talking to the family, she told CNN. It's like, you can't even wait till he's buried?'

'I felt like she had just taken something from us,' she added.

'She had just taken justice from us. From Isaac. She was only thinking of herself. I couldn't understand why. I was in disbelief that she had gone on and already made her decision to not seek the death penalty for my husband.'

Earlier this week Republican Steve Cooley, who Harris beat in the 2010 election for California's Attorney General, quoted the Espinoza case as a main reason not to vote for Harris in this year's presidential election.

I think shes wholly unqualified and that her election could be the worst thing that happens in my lifetime to our nation, Cooley, 77, told DailyMail.com

In 2024, the Trump campaign, trying to make law and order a central issue in the race, are depicting Harris as a failed prosecutor. Conservative commentators, meanwhile, have cited the Espinoza case as a case study of Harriss weakness on crime.

The officers widow, still living on the outskirts of San Francisco, has recently been bombarded with media calls and visits, but has so far declined interview requests.

Harriss handling of the 2004 case is still relevant in this campaign because it shows the callousness of her leadership as well her tendency to pivot when political winds change, Mendez charges

Hill, then a 22-year-old gang member, was sentenced to life in prison for killing Espinoza

She agreed to let her brother speak with DailyMail.com.

I was there at the memorial, said Mendez, himself a conservative. Even Senator Diane Feinstein said at the service that if ever there ever was a circumstance for the death penalty, this was it. Police officers stood up and cheered.

Even people in her own party agreed this was a wrong decision, Mendez added. Harris upset a lot of people.

'Obviously, it was frustrating for us, for the police department, and for Isaacs family as well. But also important to us as a family was the fact that she didnt even bother to call us.

In 2014, Harris eased her hardline stance when Californias death penalty was ruled unconstitutional. As Attorney General, she appealed the decision to the U.S. Court of Appeals, which overturned the lower court ruling.

Mendez said Harriss handling of the 2004 case is still relevant in this campaign because it just shows the callousness of the vice-president's leadership as well her tendency to pivot when political winds change.

You see it in the news cycle today, how she suddenly changed her stance on everything from gun control to the border to fracking, Mendez said.

In 2019, Renata Espinoza, the slain police officer 's widow, said she didn't understand why Harris wouldn't pursue the death penalty for her husband

Were certainly not supporting Harris in this election. We are proudly supporting President Trump,' Mendez told DailyMail.com

Shes a typical politician, in my point of view, he added. She will do or say anything to become president.

However, in 2004 when Isaac passed away, it certainly wasnt a time to take a political stance, he continued. It was a time to stand on the side of justice. And she failed that test.

And now these days, all weve been hearing from the Democratic side is how Trump is a 'threat to Democracy".

Democracy was ignored in 2004 when Kamala Harris opted not to move forward with what the state decided were special circumstances with the death of a police officer, Mendez said.

Were certainly not supporting Harris in this election, he said. We are proudly supporting President Trump. We believe hes the better option for us and for police departments locally and throughout the country as well.
An incredulous homeowner handed a 400 fly-tipping fine after leaving a small piece of furniture outside his home for under an hour is claiming victory after magistrates slashed the amount to just 5.

Paul Vale had just left the baby changing unit on the pavement when a council officer turned up and demanded it be moved immediately or a penalty would be issued.

Furious at the jobsworth attitude, he shut the door in the official's face  only to receive the fine in the post days later.

Now, after 18 months of stress waiting for the case to come to court as he refused to pay, he was ordered to pay the hugely reduced sum after reluctantly being persuaded to plead guilty to the offence.

Mr Vale, 58, who lives in a well-kept council house in Basildon, Essex, said magistrates branded the case a 'ridiculous circumstance and mistake'.

Paul Vale (pictured) was fined 400 for leaving a cabinet outside his own home in Basildon, Essex

Describing how 'the weight of the world' had been lifted from his shoulders, he added: 'I should have been given a warning more than a 400 fine.

'It was affecting me mentally and I suffer with bipolar, so this has caused me not to sleep and to worry about those costs.

'I didn't want to plead guilty. I was expecting someone to come and collect the cabinet, that was the point.

'And I was told in court that it wasn't in the public interest for me to be fined to heavily.'

A family friend, who asked not to be named, told MailOnline: 'This has really stressed Paul out. He's the sort of person who walks down the street picking up rubbish for kids who've dropped it.

'You can see how nicely they keep their home. Why would they fly-tip outside their home?

'They're not snobs  they live in a council house. But they like where they live and they keep it nice. You can see they don't leave rubbish outside.'

The incident happened in February last year after Mr Vale's partner bought the second-hand baby changing unit for 30 through Facebook, with the intention of giving it to her daughter.

However, her daughter didn't want it and she decided to give it away instead.

Mr Vale was at the local shops shortly afterwards when he bumped into a friend who said they knew someone who would take it.

The friend offered to come round 'within the hour' and the self-employed driver told them he would leave it outside his 1990s terraced house.

Mr Vale was summoned to Basildon Magistrates' Court (pictured) after refusing to pay the fine

The family friend added: 'The council man came and knocked on the door while it was still outside. Paul told him someone was coming to get it and then it would be gone.

'The council official told him to remove it from the street straight away or it was fly-tipping and Paul did slam the door in his face and I think he might have got the hump about that.

'His partner wrote to the council after the first fine came and explained the situation but they were not having it. Paul could not prove that someone had been coming to collect it.

'It was a friend of a friend and there had been no written agreement. It was just a word-of-mouth thing.'

Mr Vale was initially fined 250 but the amount went up to 400 because it wasn't paid within two weeks.

Mr Vale said of his court appearance: 'I was advised by the duty solicitor to plead guilty, even though I thought I was not guilty of anything beyond being stupid.

'I didn't do this on purpose and I knew it was going to be taken away just 40 minutes later. They have jumped to a conclusion and tried to make a scapegoat of me.'

The case has divided opinion locally, with one resident commenting online: 'People should not leave their unwanted items on pavements it makes the streets look tatty and can cause accidents if people trip over them.'

But another said: 'Imagine a world where "mobile homes" and full-sized chalets can be built with impunity, tonnes of commercial waste along the with dumped mobile housing can be piled up alongside the A127, just for the council to focus on this fella.'

Basildon Council spokesman said: Mr Vale pleaded guilty and was fined. The council has no further comment at this time, as the matter is now closed.
Nancy Grace has revealed a catalogue of evidence in the case of Pennsylvania teacher Ellen Greenberg whose death was controversially ruled a suicide after she suffered 20 stab wounds.

The case was catapulted even further into the spotlight recently when Josh Shapiro emerged as a potential running mate for Kamala Harris.

As the state's Attorney General Shapiro had doubled down on the suicide ruling and blocked an attempt by Ellen's family to have the case reinvestigated.

That has been cited as one of the reasons Shapiro was not selected by Harris, who opted for Minnesota Governor Tim Walz instead.

On January 26, 2011 Ellen, 27, a first-grade teacher with a 'megawatt smile,' was found dead in her Philadelphia apartment.

Ten of the 20 stab wounds were to her neck and the back of her head.

Assistant Philadelphia Medical Examiner Marlon Osbourne initially ruled her death a homicide, but changed it to suicide after a meeting with police and prosecutors.

In her upcoming book What Happened to Ellen? An American Miscarriage of Justice, Nancy reveals a series of reasons why she believes that should be changed back to homicide.

Ellen Greenberg, a 27-year-old elementary school who was found with 20 stab wounds in 2011.

Ellen Greenberg's family are fighting to overturn a medical examiner's ruling of suicide

Crucially, an expert tells her three of the wounds were inflicted post-mortem.

And her investigation uncovers that a lawyer present at the meeting with the medical examiner has been given immunity in the case.

Last week, Pennsylvania's Supreme Court finally agreed to hear arguments from Ellen's parents, Joshua and Sandee, as they try to gain legal standing to challenge the suicide ruling.

Nancy, who has visited with the Greenbergs, told Dailymail.com they have been through 'Hell and back.'

Commenting on the three post-mortem wounds, Nancy said: 'Her heart is no longer beating and she's still stabbing herself, really?'

An expert also said one of the stab wounds 'nicked' Ellen's spinal cord cutting the dura, the membrane around it, yet she would have had to be still stabbing herself after that.

In addition, Ellen was also found sitting propped up against a kitchen cabinet.

'Why is there then blood going horizontally from her nose toward her ear? I believe in the law of gravity,' said Nancy. 'The scene was staged, her body was moved. There's been a cover up.'

This graphic shows knife wounds Ellen suffered to her neck and chest, that pierced her brain and severed her spinal cord

Another graphic show's Ellen's spinal cord had been severed and her brain pierced in two forceful stabs to the neck

She added that Ellen would have had to stab herself with a right hand motion, going left to right, then rotate the knife and stab right to left. 'That did not happen,' she said.

She added that the kitchen was 'extremely clean' when there should have been a 'bloodbath'.

'It stinks to high heaven. How can anyone go along with that?' she said.

At the time, no fingerprints were taken from the knife found still plunged in Ellen's chest, and police did not video the scene,

No luminol was used at the scene to look for signs of diluted blood.

The apartment manager was given permission to have it professionally cleaned. He took video before and after, but the video was 'lost' by police.

Former prosecutor Nancy Grace has been investigating the case for years

Ellen's parents Joshua and Sandee have been campaigning for 13 years to overturn the suicide ruling

Nancy said a female prosecutor who was at the meeting with the medical examiner in 2011 had been given immunity in the case.

'Why do people get immunity? Usually when the state believes that person has information.

'We have been told the female prosecutor that has been given immunity was in the meeting with the medical examiner,' she said.

Shapiro's involvement came to the fore again in recent weeks.

It reemerged that Shapiro had been Pennsylvania Attorney General when in February 2022 his office announced it had reviewed the case and stuck by the suicide ruling.

In July 2022 Shapiro recused himself from the case without offering a detailed explanation.

In a statement his office said: 'While the Office of Attorney General does not have an actual conflict in this matter, circumstances beyond our control have created the appearance of a conflict and our involvement is no longer serving one of the primary purposes of the District Attorneys original conflict referral.'

Josh Shapiro 'doubled down' on the suicide ruling when he was Pennsylvania Attorney General

Shapiro was at one point the favorite to be Kamala Harris' running mate

Shapiro's 'mishandling' of the case had caused 'anger, hurt, outrage' for Ellen's family, Nancy said.

'lt hit the fan when Shapiro was on the shortlist for VP.

'Instead of saying this is beyond wrong he doubled down. He blocked a reinvestigation of the case, he fought it tooth and nail.

'What they should have done is say we don't know what happened so lets have a hearing.'

Nancy described Ellen as a 'poster teacher for first grade' who loved her students.

She was also a 'Daddy's girl' who loved going to sporting events with her father and played softball.

She said it had been a 'very long ordeal' for the Greenbergs as they try to get the ruling changed. 'They tried and tried and tried,' she said.

Ellen was found with 10 stab wounds from a 10-inch knife to her neck and the back of the head, and 10 to her stomach, abdomen, and chest.

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.

The Greenbergs sued the medical examiner's office and Osborne in 2019 but were rejected by the Commonwealth Court last September.

The Pennsylvania Supreme Court has no granted their appeal to hear the case as a 'matter of statewide importance'.

Ellen Greenberg, 27, was discovered on the kitchen floor of a locked apartment with a 10-inch kitchen knife lodged in her chest

Ellen died at her apartment in Philadelphia on January 26, 2011

Following that decision Sandee told Dailymail.com: '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.'

Nancy said she wanted the case 'ruled appropriately' as a homicide and anything else would be 'putting the cart before the horse'.

'Then and only the will this case proceed to an appropriate homicide investigation,' she said.
Stunning new figures show how Florida has gone from being a 'purple' state with a roughly-even split between Republicans and Democrats to a deep red GOP enclave.

Florida was once considered the ultimate toss-up state, with Barack Obama winning it twice and the state having Democrat governors and members of the US Senate.

But it has become a GOP stronghold since Republican Governor Ron DeSantis won his gubernatorial election in 2022.

Donald Trump's decision to move there from NYC at the end of his presidency in 2021 further bolstered its reputation as a Republican hotspot, as did a wave of migrants from blue states - many fleeing policies they deemed too progressive.

In Florida, there are now 5.3 million residents registered to vote as Republicans versus 4.3 million Democrats, with the official margin around 995,000.

It's a complete turnaround from the GOP, as in the year before DeSantis was elected, 2017, Democrats outnumbered Republicans by a count of 4.8 million to 4.5 million.

The home state of the president and some of the Republican Party's highest profile legislators and members of Congress has made Florida turn bright red

There are approximately 3.5 million unaffiliated voters in the state to go along with 373,000 registered with lesser parties.

The number of residents registered with no party affiliation is down from 2022, when there were about four million.

Americans battling the crippling cost of living crisis are fleeing to more affordable states like Florida where there are favorable tax rates.

Tens and thousands of people are moving across the country to escape higher expenses which have put the squeeze on residents to areas with lower overall costs.

Florida is the most popular state people are relocating to with 16,259 looking to make the move this year, according to data from ConsumerAffairs.

The state remains the most popular state to move to as it boasts a better quality of life, lower cost of living and has no income taxes.

Florida does not tax earned income or investment income which attracts those looking for financial advantages.

While he flopped nationally earlier this year trying to challenge Trump for the presidential nomination, Ron DeSantis became a national figure after enacting his brand of conservatism on the state.

Since Ron DeSantis (pictured) defeated troubled Andrew Gillum in 2022, both his policies, the president's consistent presence and a wave of migration to the Sunshine State has had the sun shining on the GOP

Donald Trump has also moved to Florida in recent years. It's the home of his Mar-a-Lago resort

DeSantis dominated Democrat Charlie Crist - a former Senator - by 20 points, managing nearly 600,000 more votes than he did in 2018.

In his victory speech, he described the battles he fought in first term as COVID-19 shut down the country and culture wars erupted.

'We saw freedom and our very way of life in so many other jurisdictions in this country wither on the vine. Florida held the line,' he said to cheers.

'We chose facts over fear; we chose education over indoctrination.'

Those were the arguments that powered him on to the national stage. And the scale and nature of his win - racking up votes in the former Democratic stronghold of Miami-Dade - had many looking toward him as a White House contender.

A Republican win in Miami would have been unthinkable just six years ago when Hillary Clinton took it by 23 points in her unsuccessful run for the presidency.

Joe Biden won it by seven points over Donald Trump in 2020.

The statistic brought an audible gasp from panelists on MSNBC when it was revealed.

DeSantis dominated Democrat Charlie Crist - a former Senator - by 20 points, managing nearly 600,000 more votes than he did in 2018

Trump held his most recent press conference in the state, which has been his home for some years

DeSantis has taken on a national profile, opening up his state earlier than others during the COVID-19 pandemic and adopting a central role in the nation's culture wars.

Shortly before the election, he ordered the state to fly migrants from Texas to the smart liberal enclave of Martha's Vineyard in protest at the federal government's failure to stop people crossing the southern border.

Trump, however, relocated to Florida and has remained the dominant force in Republican politics, beating DeSantis in 2024.

Few polls have been done on the state since Kamala Harris entered the race, such is the nature of Florida as a Republican fortress.

Those surveys have Trump leading Harris anywhere from six to ten points, according to FiveThirtyEight.

The state is now dominated by the GOP, as both Senators - Marco Rubio, Rick Scott - are from the party, while a huge majority of the Congressional delegation, and both houses of the state government are heavily Republican.
This video is no longer available

This video is no longer available

A group of masked counter-terror police have been seen using flashbang grenades to storm a flat in west London.

Several Counter Terrorist Specialist Firearms Officers (CTFSO) and a police dog were seen gathering outside a dry cleaners on North End Road in West Kensington before raiding an apartment in Mortimer House.

Video footage posted on social media showed the outside of the block seconds before a cacophony of loud bangs echoed throughout the neighbourhood,

A second flurry of explosions, which seemingly came as a number of flashbang grenades were let off, were heard moments later as flashes of light illuminated the balcony of a second floor flat.

Later on, a group of four plain clothed officers were seen gathered outside building reassuring members of the public and telling them to avoid the area.

Several Counter Terrorist Specialist Firearms Officers (CTFSO) and a police dog were seen gathering outside a dry cleaners on North End Road in West Kensington before raiding an apartment in Mortimer House

Video footage posted on social media showed the outside of the block as it was illuminated by flashbangs

Later on, a group of four plain clothed officers were seen gathered outside building telling members of the public to avoid the area

The footage was posted to X on Friday by the account @UB1UB2, with the caption: 'This is the moment CTSFO police use flashbangs to raid an estate in West Kensington, London.'

It shows a large group of counter terrorism officers, donning tactical gear such as body armour, helmets and face masks gathering along North End Road.

The footage then cut to a shot outside the entrance to the block of flats as loud bangs rang out across the neighbourhood.

Another clip, filmed by a Domino's worker showed the opposite side of the block as another orchestra of flashbangs rang out.

Several flashes of light could be seen on one balcony as officers repeatedly shouted 'get on the floor'.

A fourth clip then showed the moments after the supposed raid as four plain clothed officers were filmed telling members of the public 'we're the police'.

MailOnline has contacted The Metropolitan Police for comment.
Devastating footage captured the tragic final moments of two wild horses after they got stuck in a mud pit while desperately searching for drinking water.

Animal advocates were checking on the horses in central Utah's Muddy Creek Herd Management Area on Tuesday when they found the struggling horses.

Video shows an exhausted mare and two foals by the cracked earth looking for water to drink.

The mare and one of the foals fell through the scorched crust and the young horse nuzzled the neck of its mother before they were put down by the Bureau of Land Management.

'It's heart-wrenching. You can tell that one of those foals is just saying, "Mama, help us, get up mom,"' Janelle Ghiorso, vice president of Oregon Wild Horse Organization, told ABC4.

The mare and one of the foals fell through the scorched crust and the young horse nuzzled the neck of its mother before they were put down

The Bureau of Land Management said the trapped mare and foal both had to be put down because of dehydration.

'Unfortunately we did have to euthanize that mare out of humane purposes right there on the spot,' Gus Warr, manager of the Bureau of Land Managements Utah wild horse and burro program, told the local news station.

Crews rescued the trapped foal but after a veterinarian examination decided to put the horse down due to extreme dehydration.

Wild horse advocates are outraged the Bureau of Land Management is not doing more to help the animals access safe drinking water.

'I was witnessing a tragedy unfold right before my eyes and desperately sought help,' said Jennifer Howe who filmed the incident.

'When I asked if emergency water could be hauled, the agency official responded with a firm, "Absolutely not."'

The Wild Beauty Foundation said the bureau allows ranchers to graze cattle in the protected area which uses up the water for the horses.

The horses got stuck in a mud pit while desperately searching for drinking water in central Utah 's Muddy Creek Herd Management Area

The Bureau of Land Management said the trapped mare and foal both had to be put down because of dehydration

'It is unconscionable for the agency to allow more federally protected animals to suffer such an agonizing fate,' said Ashley Avis, founder of the Wild Beauty Foundation.

'Treating them as disposable nuisances, rather than the highly intelligent, emotional beings they are, speaks to the deeply troubling mindset of the agency. This is a senseless tragedy that could have been avoided.'

Warr said the agency will sometimes bring in water for wild horses but is hesitant to do so because they do not want the horses to become dependent.

'We need to manage the animals, but we dont need to make pets out of them,' he said. 'They are wild animals, and we really need to treat them as such.'
Tibetan opera performances staged in Lhasa to celebrate traditional Shoton Festival

Xinhua) 10:44, August 10, 2024

An artist stages a Tibetan opera performance at Norbulingka in Lhasa, southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region, Aug. 8, 2024. Tibetan opera performances are staged here from Aug. 4 to Aug. 10 in celebration of the traditional Shoton Festival, or Yogurt Festival. (Xinhua/Jigme Dorje)

People watch a Tibetan opera performance at Norbulingka in Lhasa, southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region, Aug. 8, 2024. Tibetan opera performances are staged here from Aug. 4 to Aug. 10 in celebration of the traditional Shoton Festival, or Yogurt Festival. (Xinhua/Jigme Dorje)

An artist stages a Tibetan opera performance at Norbulingka in Lhasa, southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region, Aug. 8, 2024. Tibetan opera performances are staged here from Aug. 4 to Aug. 10 in celebration of the traditional Shoton Festival, or Yogurt Festival. (Xinhua/Jigme Dorje)

Artists stage a Tibetan opera performance at Norbulingka in Lhasa, southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region, Aug. 8, 2024. Tibetan opera performances are staged here from Aug. 4 to Aug. 10 in celebration of the traditional Shoton Festival, or Yogurt Festival. (Xinhua/Jigme Dorje)

People watch a Tibetan opera performance at Norbulingka in Lhasa, southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region, Aug. 8, 2024. Tibetan opera performances are staged here from Aug. 4 to Aug. 10 in celebration of the traditional Shoton Festival, or Yogurt Festival. (Xinhua/Jigme Dorje)

People watch a Tibetan opera performance at Norbulingka in Lhasa, southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region, Aug. 8, 2024. Tibetan opera performances are staged here from Aug. 4 to Aug. 10 in celebration of the traditional Shoton Festival, or Yogurt Festival. (Xinhua/Jigme Dorje)

(Web editor: Cai Hairuo, Sheng Chuyi)
Michael E. Spagna will assume the role of acting president of Cal Poly Humboldt on Aug. 26, CSU officials announced Friday. California State University

The California State University on Friday announced Michael E. Spagna as acting president of Cal Poly Humboldt. His appointment begins on Aug. 26, according to CSU officials.

Spagna now is the provost and vice president of academic affairs at Cal State Dominguez Hills in Los Angeles County. He replaces outgoing President Tom Jackson Jr., who last month announced he was stepping down and transitioning to a role at the universitys College of Professional Studies and the College of Extended Education & Global Engagement. The CSU said it plans to ask its Board of Trustees to approve Spagnas appointment for approximately a year, while it continues to search for Jacksons permanent replacement.

Dr. Spagna has personified the mission and core values of the CSU for more than three decades, said CSU Chancellor Mildred Garcia. He is an extraordinarily skilled and innovative educational leader with a demonstrated and unwavering commitment to improving access, retention and success for diverse students through the deployment of data-informed practices.

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Spagna has served as Cal State Dominguez Hills provost and vice president of academic affairs since 2017, according to CSU officials. Prior to his arrival there, he spent 25 years in various roles at Cal State Northridge. Spagna graduated from the joint doctoral program at UC Berkeley and San Francisco State University with a Ph.D. in special education, the CSU said. He earned his bachelors degree in communicative disorders from Northwestern University and his masters degree in special education from UCLA.

Im excited by the prospect of working collaboratively with the universitys dedicated faculty and staff and the greater North Coast community to continue advancing Cal Poly Humboldts vision as a center for interdisciplinary study that prepares students seeking to make a difference in our world, Spagna said in a statement.
A philosophy student has been locked up after pushing a railway worker on to tracks when he claimed she made him miss his train.

Cheyenne Naeb lashed out at Brittany Mansfield at Glasgows Queen Street station on February 1, 2023.

The 26-year-old, of Dundee, was enraged after the dispatcher allowed a 9.11am train he wanted to board to leave.

The American pointed his finger at Ms Mansfield and directed a verbal tirade at her. Naeb then pushed her on to the tracks shortly before a train on the line was set to depart.

Naeb walked off showing no concern for the injured Ms Mansfield, before he was stopped by police.

Naeb pleaded guilty at Glasgow Sheriff Court to assaulting Ms Mansfield to her injury and danger of life. He also admitted behaving in a threatening or abusive manner.

Cheyenne Naeb lashed out at Brittany Mansfield at Glasgow s Queen Street station on February 1, 2023

The 26-year-old, of Dundee, was enraged after the dispatcher allowed a 9.11am train he wanted to board to leave. Pictured: Glasgow's Queen Street station

The court heard that Ms Mansfield had dispatched a train on platform seven, which pulled away when Naeb walked towards her.

Ms Mansfield told him that the train had gone and he shouted: Dont you come near me, you made me miss my train. Dont look at me you scumbag c***.

Ms Mansfield turned to face Naeb, who pointed his finger at her while being aggressive.

As a result of his behaviour, she told him he was no longer allowed to travel.

Prosecutor Ross Canning said: Naeb lunged forward and pushed Ms Mansfield with both hands to her chest with such force that she came off the end of the platform.

She landed in between the running lines of platform seven in front of a train that was preparing to leave the station. Ms Mansfield was able to grab hold of Naebs sleeve, which broke her fall.

She requested assistance on her work radio as she pulled herself up from the 3ft drop, despite injuring her hip in the fall.

It was also noted when she later attended hospital that she had cuts to her hand, scrapes to her legs and a swollen elbow.

The court heard that Ms Mansfield had dispatched a train on platform seven, which pulled away when Naeb walked towards her. Pictured: Members of the public travel through Glasgow's Queen Street station

Naeb went on to try to bypass the police who were made aware of the situation but he was stopped.

Michael ONeill, defending, told the court: He is clearly an intelligent man.

I am instructed to move for bail. He is a man without any previous convictions and studies philosophy at university.

Sentence was deferred until the end of the month by Sheriff John McCormick who remanded Naeb in custody.

Sheriff McCormick said: You pushed a railway worker on to tracks at Queen Street station during a busy commuting time.

Standing the gravity and nature of the offence, it is unlikely there will be an alternative to custody.
Former Catalan leader Carles Puigdemont is now 'back in Belgium' after he evaded arrest in Spain for the second time in seven years following a dramatic escape in a getaway car.

Puigdemont, 61, made a much-anticipated return to Spain this week despite a pending arrest warrant against him for his role in a 2017 independence referendum deemed illegal by Spanish courts.

Amid a heavy police presence, he told a crowd of thousands of followers in the Catalan capital of Barcelona on Thursday that he aimed to revive the independence drive that plunged Spain into political crisis in 2017.

But in an astonishing turn of events, he disappeared shortly after speaking despite being under the eyes of almost as many journalists and police officers who had intended to arrest him after the speech.

Former Barcelona Mayor Xavier Trias, who was present at the rally, marvelled at Puigdemont's flight, saying simply: 'It was magic.'

Catalonia's exiled separatist leader Carles Puigdemont delivers a speech on stage in Barcelona on Thursday, before he disappeared again

A police officer checks a vehicle at a roadblock set up to find Catalan separatist leader Carles Puigdemont

Catalan regional police force Mossos d'Esquadra stop vehicles at a roadblock in Barcelona

Puigdemont makes his first public appearance since he fled Spain in 2017, speaking at a public rally in Barcelona

It came after Spanish police searched the sewers after the exiled leader pledged to sneak back into the country - with a door linking the Catalan Parliament to Barcelona Zoo to prevent any elaborate attempts to breach the premises.

The heads of Catalonia's regional police, which had deployed 500 officers in preparation for the fugitive's pre-announced return, defended their actions following the failure to catch Puigdemont and said an investigation had been launched to look into what went wrong.

Joan Ignasi Elena, the acting head of Catalonia's interior department, which oversees the regional Mossos D'Esquadra police, defended the force and criticised Puigdemont.

'We didn't expect such inappropriate behaviour from someone who has been the first authority of (Catalonia),' Mr Elena told journalists during a two-and-a-half hour press conference.

Mossos chief Eduard Sallent said the large crowd and the presence of local dignitaries, including the president of the Catalan parliament, escorting Puigdemont as he arrived to give his speech made it difficult to detain him at that moment.

Mossos chief Eduard Sallent (pictured) said the large crowd and the presence of local dignitaries, including the president of the Catalan parliament, escorting Puigdemont as he arrived to give his speech made it difficult to detain him at that moment

Supporters of Catalan independence leader Carles Puigdemont hold his portrait as they wait for his arrival

Supporters of Catalan separatist leader Carles Puigdemont demonstrate in Barcelona

Chief commissioner of the Mossos d'Esquadra, Eduard Sallent (right), looks on during a press conference in Barcelona, Spain, August 9

Police expected he would then march to the Catalan parliament - as had been publicly announced by Puigdemont himself as well as an announcer talking to the crowd on loudspeakers.

Police hoped to have a better opportunity to execute the arrest warrant there.

Instead, the Catalan leader rushed off the stage, into an adjacent tent where he put on a straw hat like many of his supporters were wearing and quickly got into a white car that had been waiting for him.

Police chased the car but then lost track of him, Mr Sallent explained.

Two police officers were detained for their involvement in the escape, including one whose car was used by Puigdemont to flee. One of them has since been released.

The white car used by Puigdemont to flee carried a wheelchair in the front seat, allegedly to facilitate parking in disabled spots, police said.

Puigdemont had announced on Wednesday that he planned to return to Spain.

Catalan regional police forces Mossos d'Esquadra officers form a hedge of honour as Catalonia's Socialist Party (PSC) party's leader Salvador Illa (pictured) leaves after being elected Catalan regional president on Thursday

A supporter arranges a sign with an image depicting Catalan separatist leader Carles Puigdemont

Catalan regional police forces Mossos d'Esquadra officers stand guard in front of Spain's far-right party Vox supporters

But Jordi Turull, a fellow separatist and member of Puigdemont's legal team, told Catalan radio that Puigdemont had in fact been in Barcelona since Tuesday.

Mr Turull was in the car with Puigdemont when he fled, police said.

Gonzalo Boye, Puigdemont's chief lawyer, told The Associated Press (AP) his client was back in the Belgian town of Waterloo on Friday.

An AP journalist who rang the doorbell of the house that had been Puigdemont's residence was told the Catalan politician was not there.

The separatist leader fled to Belgium seven years ago after a failed secession bid and has been living in exile ever since.

He faces an arrest warrant for alleged embezzlement related to a 2017 independence referendum ruled illegal by the Spanish courts. Puigdemont says the vote was legal and therefore the charges linked to it have no basis.

Spain's Socialist-led national government in Madrid approved an amnesty in May which cancelled legal proceedings against hundreds of separatists involved in the illegal referendum.

Spain's far-right party Vox supporters hold a mannequin depicting Catalonia's exiled separatist leader Carles Puigdemont in a prisoner outfit

Puigdemont addresses supporters after his arrival near the Catalan parliament

But the country's Supreme Court last month ruled the law didn't apply to an outstanding embezzlement charge against Mr Puigdemont, the former leader of the hardline Junts party.

He sparked a major alert after boasting of his imminent return in a video posted on X , in which he warned: 'I have started the return journey from exile.'

A Mossos spokesman said there was no prior arrangement with Puigdemont for his arrest and the force had decided the detention should be made 'at the most appropriate time so as not to generate public disorder.'

Puigdemont ally Laura Borras described the arrested officer on X as 'a patriot and exemplary Mosso.'

The hunt for Puigdemont created traffic chaos in Barcelona and near the border with France as police set up roadblocks and searched car boots.

In Barcelona, several Puigdemont supporters clashed with police in a bid to breach the cordon surrounding the park housing the regional parliament building. Officers clad in riot gear used batons and pepper spray to deter them.

Supporters of Spanish far-right Vox party protest against Catalan separatist leader Carles Puigdemont

Gonzalo Boye, lawyer of Catalan independence leader and former President Carles Puigdemont, leaves the area of the Catalan parliament during the investiture debate in Barcelona

Pro-independence supporters wave Catalan 'Estelada' flags as Catalonia's exiled separatist leader Carles Puigdemont arrives on stage on Thursday

Reacting to news that Puigdemont had again absconded from under the noses of a large police deployment, a Supreme Court source said a judge had been clear in his instructions that the former Catalan president was to be arrested.

'The Mossos know that they have a detention order... they had the obligation to detain him and bring him before the courts,' the source said.

Two national police unions also criticised the failure to arrest Puigdemont.

'Where are the Mossos? The best-paid police force in Spain incapable of doing their job, of arresting the coup-monger and fugitive from justice Puigdemont,' police union Jusapol said on X.

Two sources with links to the Catalan government said it had identified a problem with some rogue Mossos, who appear to be loyal to Puigdemont.

A government spokesperson did not respond to a request for comment, nor did Puigdemont's lawyer.

His arrest could jeopardise the Socialist-led national government's fragile alliance with Puigdemont's Junts party, on which it relies for legislative support.

Catalonia's parliament on Wednesday afternoon confirmed Salvador Illa, an ally of Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, as head of the Catalan government.

Traffic during a roadblock set up to find Catalan separatist leader Puigdemont

Puigdemont makes his first public appearance since he fled Spain in 2017

Spain's far-right party Vox supporters hold a mannequin depicting Catalonia's exiled separatist leader Carles Puigdemont in a prisonner outfit in Barcelona on August 8

'I will govern for everyone having into account the plurality and diversity of Catalonia,' Illa said.

The Socialists hope taking control in Catalonia after a decade of separatist rule will turn the page on the independence drive.

Mr Elena, the head of the interior department of Catalonia who is also a member of the left-wing separatist Esquerra Republicana (ERC) party, questioned the purpose of Puigdemont's 'show'.

He said: 'What he did yesterday, what does it add? A farce, revenge ... what does it bring to the independence movement?'

The crowd of thousands, who had gathered near the parliament to welcome him, hoped his return would help build momentum towards independence, which has lost support in recent years.

'It represents the return of a symbol,' said Xavier Vizcaino, 63, who was wrapped in an independence flag.

Spain's far-right party Vox supporters wave flags and hold signs on Thursday

No-one had expected him to disappear again.

Mr Puigdemont decided against taking part in the European elections in June so that he could stand for the Catalan presidency.

However, he came second to Socialist candidate Salvador Illa, who has made a deal to form a minority government.

Puigdemont's first escape from Spain in 2017 became the stuff of legend among his followers, and a huge source of embarrassment for Spanish law enforcement.

Earlier this year, Puigdemont denied that he had hidden in a car boot to avoid detection while slipping across the border in 2017 after the referendum.
Off-grid living for Gareth, Nathaniel and Stacey Train involved lots of books, plenty of toilet paper - and barricading their home ahead of a 'religiously-motivated terrorist attack'.

A five-week inquest into the December 2022 deaths of six people at the Trains' remote Queensland property in the Western Downs area, west of Brisbane, is ongoing.

It will soon explore what motivated the Trains and the events that led up to the fatal shootings at Wieambilla that shocked the nation.

However, a glimpse into the Trains' lifestyle has already been revealed in the Brisbane Coroners Court.

Senior Sergeant Kirsty Gleeson, a forensic co-ordinator who investigated the shootings, was one of the first to form a view.

'I wouldn't say they were very sophisticated,' she told State Coroner Terry Ryan this week.

Gareth, 47, and Nathaniel, 46, were brothers. Gareth was married to Stacey, 45, who was Nathaniel's ex-wife.

Together they ambushed and shot dead Constables Matthew Arnold, 26, and Rachel McCrow, 29, plus neighbour Alan Dare, 58, before they were killed in a gunfight with tactical police.

Cop killers Gareth and Stacey Train had been posting conspiracy theories before the incident

Former school principal Nathaniel Train used to be married to Stacey before she wed his brother

It's been described as the nation's first domestic terror attack inspired by Christian extremist ideology.

Sen Sgt Gleeson arrived soon afterwards at the 107-hectare Wieambilla property west of Brisbane.

The eight-room house appeared to be set up for 'off-grid living', boasting water tanks, solar panels and no main-line electricity.

Walking into the kitchen and past the spent bullet cartridges inside the house, Sen Sgt Gleeson found healthy food and toilet paper - lots of toilet paper.

'There was not a great deal of pre-packaged foods, a lot of non-perishable items,' she told the coroner.

'They stored a lot of toilet paper in their pantry cupboards.

'But there was, I guess you'd say, healthy living, healthy food in the kitchen.'

An item on the kitchen bench also caught Sen Sgt Gleeson's attention.

It was a makeshift Faraday box, a container used to block electromagnetic fields and phone signals.

There were six mobile phones inside.

Negotiators had tried to call the Trains' mobile phones every five minutes at one stage during the six-hour police siege that followed the ambush, the inquest heard.

Attempts to negotiate with the Trains were either ignored or answered with gunfire.

This tendered image shows a barricade and sniper positions were set up months before the killings

Police recovered a large amount of equipment and weapons, including arrows, from the property

Inside the home, which had two bedrooms, there was not much furniture but plenty of reading material.

'They just had basic furnishings. There were a large number of books,' Sen Sgt Gleeson said.

'Within the bedrooms, it was again sparsely furnished, not a great deal of personal effects within wardrobes or cupboards or drawers.

'There were a number of diaries that were located. A number of little letters, little notes throughout the house.'

Books were also found at one of the property's other features - the main sniper hideout.

Located almost 200m down their dirt driveway, it featured a tent with a double mattress.

More books were found in a hide, which could be reached by a well-worn track from the house

Guns and bullets were also found around and in the house, including this Ruger used by Gareth Train

A copy of The Godfather novel was among the items found in the 'hide'.

There was a well-worn track from the house to the sniper location, one of three 'firing positions' on the property.

Other 'defences' included a metal-wooden barricade across the driveway and three mirrors outside the house designed to impede the sight of intruders.

Satellite imagery revealed the sniper spots and barricade had been in place since at least October 2022 - two months before the fatal shootings.

Evidence suggested former primary school principal Nathaniel Train was at the main 'hide' and used his high-powered rifle's scope to track four officers.

Constables Arnold and McCrow arrived with two colleagues about 4.30pm on December 12 2022 for what they thought was a routine missing persons inquiry.

They jumped the fence. A coffee mug with 'Have a Nice Day' written on it was glued to a front gate post.

This 'Have A Nice Day' coffee mug was glued to a gate post near the entrance to the property

Constables Matthew Arnold and Rachel McCrow were shot dead at 4.37pm while attempting to locate Nathaniel Train

Without warning, Const Arnold was shot in the chest and died.

Then Const McCrow was shot in the back and legs while trying to crawl to cover.

She pleaded with Gareth Train before he fatally shot her in the head at close range, the inquest heard.

The Trains started a fire to flush out the other officers who later escaped under heavy gunfire.

Good Samaritan Mr Dare was fatally shot when he arrived to investigate the blaze.

Alan Dare, the Trains' neighbour, was shot dead while trying to find out what was going on

A police drone image of the Trains' property that was shown at the inquest

About six hours later tactical police shot dead the Trains within minutes of each other at the house after a gunfight.

'I never observed any actions by Gareth, Stacey or Nathaniel in a surrendering manner,' investigator Detective Senior Sergeant Nathan McCormack told the inquest.

'The only communication was that YouTube video (titled) 'Don't be Afraid'.'

Gareth and Stacey Train had shot and uploaded the YouTube video hours after the constables were killed, referring to police as 'devils and demons'.

Only minutes earlier Stacey Train had emerged from the house to provide cups of coffee for the brothers after her husband fired at a hovering police helicopter.

Police at the time said the Trains committed a 'religiously-motivated terrorist attack' influenced by the fundamentalist Christian ideology of Premillennialism, believing the world would end soon.

The coroner heard Gareth Train might have had a mental illness that led to a 'shared psychotic disorder' with his wife and brother.

Gareth Train was captured on Matthew Arnold's body-worn camera removing his equipment vest

An expert is expected to tell the inquest that the Trains were experiencing 'identical persecutory and religious beliefs that met the psychiatric definition for delusions'.

'COVID seems, in many ways, to be a trigger for some of the events which occurred,' counsel assisting Ruth O'Gorman told the inquest.

In March 2020, Gareth Train began to post conspiracy theories on social media which appeared to be shared by his wife.

By August his brother adopted them, the inquest heard.

After the Trains posted the YouTube video, tactical police arrived.

Unlike the four ambushed constables, the specialist police response team was well aware of the looming danger.

'I thought 'who shoots police and just sits and waits?',' Superintendent Timothy Partridge told the inquest.

The Trains were all firing at police when they were shot in the head - Gareth at 10.32pm, Stacey at 10.36pm and Nathaniel at 10.39pm.
The former teacher accused of dozens of historical sex abuse charges has been told he can be extradited back to Scotland.

Iain Wares, 84, has been accused of abuse by scores of former pupils from Edinburgh Academy and Fettes College.

He taught at the prestigious schools in the 1960s and 70s, but now lives in a luxury retirement resort in South Africa.

After a years-long extradition battle, Cape Towns High Court ruled this week Wares can be extradited to Scotland.

But the courts ruling, which has been welcomed by former pupils, now requires a decision from South Africas justice minister.

Iain Wares, 84, has been accused of abuse by several former pupils from Edinburgh Academy and Fettes College

Broadcaster Nicky Campbell, who told an enquiry that he saw Wares abuse his friends, said 'we are edging closer to justice'

Broadcaster Nicky Campbell, who has previously told an inquiry how he saw Wares abuse his friends in the changing rooms at Edinburgh Academy, said: We are edging closer to justice.

Mr Campbell, who attended the fee-paying school between 1966 and 1978, compared the teacher to Jimmy Savile at the Scottish Child Abuse Inquiry.

The BBC host commented yesterday on social media: Our teacher can be extradited from South Africa. Many other charges are forthcoming. But he can appeal. Its a long battle, but we aint going nowhere.

Giles Moffatt, of the EA Survivors group, has also welcomed the development. He said: We have fought hard for justice and this is excellent news.

Waress identity had been kept secret and he had only been named by a pseudonym, Edgar.

But Wares was unmasked in March last year after Lady Smith, chairman of the Scottish Child Abuse Inquiry, lifted the restriction order prohibiting his identity being made public.

Mr Campbell, who attended the fee-paying Edinburgh Academy between 1966 and 1978, compared Wares to Jimmy Savile

His extradition was demanded in 2018, with Scottish prosecutors telling South African authorities they wanted him for six charges of lewd, indecent and libidinous practices and behaviour, and one charge of indecent assault.

He was arrested in May 2019, South African court documents said, and released on bail. Magistrates in South Africa had originally approved the extradition, but Wares challenged it at appeal, leading to Thursdays judgment.

Cape Towns High Court ruled Wares could be extradited on three of the seven charges raised in South Africa. But he could not be extradited on four other charges because they had been too long in the past and had been timed out.

Wares is currently on trial in South Africa after a man came forward alleging he was inappropriately touched by his former teacher while a student in Cape Town in the 1980s.

Wares denies the allegation.
A bitter neighbourhood battle has broken out between multi-million-dollar beachfront property owners and dog walkers with council caught in the middle.

Following legal action by residents who own properties valued up to $12million overlooking the pristine Narrawallee Beach north of Ulladulla on the south coast of NSW, council limited the area of sand that dog walkers could use - but they've since faced furious backlash.

Dogs are now only allowed off the leash for a time period along a 500-metre middle section of the sand, they are banned from the main stairs to the beach and must use a bush track to access the coastal strip, while northern and southern ends of the beach remain dog-free.

Those advocating for the restrictions claim they have been attacked by dogs on the beach that also chased their children, left faeces and urinated on handrail posts. They also allege indulgent dog-owners only offered abuse when these behaviours were objected to.

Peter Murray, who owns a beachfront house and is part of the 13-strong anti-canine Narrawallee Beach Environmental Group, told the Sydney Morning Herald an off-leash Pit Bull terrier attacked him and scratched his big toe.

When he remonstrated with the dog's owner he was told 'it's a dog beach, mate'.

'The council has lost control of the dogs in the community. We are seeing the worst of it on our beach,' Mr Murray told the Sydney Morning Herald.

He claimed dogs from all over the local district are walked on the beach, claiming as many as 130,000 a year use the sand, a figure dismissed as absurd by dog enthusiasts.

Dog walkers hold a Save Our Steps rally to complain they are being denied the main access to Narrawallee Beach on the south coast of NSW

There are claims 130,000 dogs use Narrawallee beach a year, a figure dismissed as absurd by pet lovers

Shoalhaven City Council Mayor Amanda Findley has also said she avoids morning walks on Narrawallee because there are too many dogs.

However, councillor Patricia White is leading the fightback on behalf of pet owners and is set to challenge the restrictions at the next council meeting.

'We've got a really elite minority group who just want the beach to themselves,' Cr Martin, who is secretary of advocacy group Paws 4 Shoalhaven, told the Herald.

'I've seen a lady wielding a stick, threatening to hit any dog that comes near her  There are people hiding in bushes with cameras, trying to catch people with non-compliance with the rules.

'Weve got $12 million houses in this area, and neighbours are picking on each other, and it is really destroying the neighbourhood,' Ms White added.

Dog walkers held a Save Our Stairs rally and protest earlier this month to demand they be allowed the main access to the beach and speakers included Cr White and former state Liberal MP for the area Andrew Constance.

The dispute is playing out in the comments sections of the Paws 4 Shoalhaven Facebook page.

Properties over looking the pristine Narrawallee Beach on the south coast of NSW can cost up to $12million

The council now only allows dogs to be walked on a 500m stretch of sand and they can only be off the leash for a timed period

'As a Victor Ave homeowner I totally reject the opinions of the Narrawallee Beach Environment Group in this article in SMH today,' one person posted on Saturday after the newspaper covered the issue.

'It just shows what a narrow minded and selfish group they are!'

However, a dog owner responded by admitting the group had a point.

'If more dog owners were responsible dog owners, there wouldn't be this stoush,' the comment read.

'Unfortunately, we have to pander to 1% of dog owners who ruin it for the rest of us. If everyone can't do the right thing, then that's a problem for all dog owners.

'We should all be able to walk our dogs on the beach, but we can't because someone can't be bothered to train their dogs properly or can't be stuffed picking up their turds, or in extreme cases, have their dogs attack other animals or people.

'Deal with it and walk your dog somewhere else.'

This attracted a number of denials.

'I have been walking my dog on this beach for many years and have NEVER experienced any issues with aggressive dogs or irresponsible owners so not sure what you are basing this statement on,' a reply read.

'Who are these dog haters and why are they even on this planet?' another responded.

'With respect you have obviously never seen the sheer delight of a dog running on a beach,' another replied.

'Yes, dogs love walking with their owners but some places bring out more of a reaction.

'Its obvious. Please dont use the argument that the majority of people should be penalised for the non compliance of a minority.'

Shoalhaven City Council were contacted for comment on the beach management plan by Daily Mail Australia.
A retired vicar has complained he is 'knackered' after being woken up by a nearby dairy farm for eight years.

Reverend Doctor John Railton, 79, claimed the noise from Berkeley Farm Dairy in Wroughton, Wiltshire, wakes him up every 15 minutes from 10pm to 5am.

He said the farm has grown too big since he moved in 17 years ago and that living in the village is like 'living in the middle of a trading estate.'

The former vicar also accused the farm of 'dismissing' his and other residents' complaints, adding they just do 'whatever they want to do.'

But Ed Gosling, who owns the farm, has disputed John's grievances and said only two other residents have had the same problem.

Retired vicar John Railton, 79, complained he is 'knackered' after being woken up by a nearby dairy farm (pictured next to him) for eight years

The former vicar accused the farm of 'dismissing' his and other residents' complaints, adding they just do 'whatever they want to do'. John can be seen standing outside his house with the farm just across the road

John said: 'I was knackered. It's very frustrating.

'It's a residential area and it's like living in the middle of a trading estate.'

'The lorries go out in the small hours but also often the refrigeration units on the lorries are running intermittently throughout the night.

'And they're very noisy and stop us sleeping.'

John said that other residents are affected by the problem and want a solution, but he is more vocal about it due to his proximity to the farm.

The Berkeley Farm Dairy in Wroughton, Wiltshire, which John claimed wakes him up every 15 minutes from 10pm to 5am

John said that other residents are affected by the problem and want a solution, but he is more vocal about it due to his proximity to the farm

John said: 'The dairy takes no action.

'They dismissed our complaints and do whatever they want to do with a complete lack of consideration for those whose lives are being disrupted by the level of noise.'

But Mr Gosling has disputed the vicar's claims.

He said: 'We had some electrical issues and had to run a backup generator for a week which was far from ideal but necessary to keep the business running.

'Even then we were switching the generator off overnight.

'We have since fixed the electrical problems so this should no longer be an issue.'
Her partner is used to living life at hundreds of miles an hour while she watches on.

But Scots model Rebecca Donaldson and her Formula One driver boyfriend Carlos Sainz Jnr chose a change of pace to soak up the sun in Mallorca.

As temperatures soared on the Spanish island, the 30-year-old cut a slender figure in a white one-piece, while her Ferrari driver partner was enjoying their laid-back beach break in blue swim shorts.

The couple were soaking up the sun during a mid-racing season holiday before Sainz, 29, races in the Dutch Grand Prix on August 25.

Ms Donaldson has become a trackside regular since she and the Spanish star began dating last summer.

Born in Scone, Perthshire, the former Perth Academy pupil has been modelling since she was a teenager.

Scots model Rebecca Donaldson (pictured) and her Formula One driver boyfriend Carlos Sainz Jnr chose a change of pace to soak up the sun in Mallorca

As temperatures soared on the Spanish island, the 30-year-old cut a slender figure in a white one-piece, while her Ferrari driver partner was enjoying their laid-back beach break in blue swim shorts

The couple were soaking up the sun during a mid-racing season holiday before Sainz, 29, races in the Dutch Grand Prix on August 25. Pictured: Carlos Sainz and Rebecca Donaldson at the Canadian Grand Prix

She has appeared on the covers of some of the worlds biggest magazines, with her stunning looks helping her to amass a social media following more than 300,000 strong.

It comes as the pressure on Sainz eases, after he signed a long-awaited deal that will see him racing with Williams next year.

The star had lost his seat at the Scuderia after the team prised seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton away from Mercedes.

It left the Spanish driver as one of the most sought-after free agents with a host of teams in the paddock being linked with him.

When Red Bull and Mercedes both made it clear they would consider alternative options, Sainz was left with several towards the back of the grid.

It was thought that Sainz would opt to sign for Sauber, who become Audi in time for the sport's new regulations in 2026. But news of a late change in personnel at the top of the team has done little to convince that they will be a force to be reckoned with when they enter the sport.

Instead, Sainz has opted to join Williams, whose boss James Vowles had made no secret of his desire to sign the Spaniard.

He will replace American driver Logan Sargeant and form a partnership with Thai-British driver Alex Albon.
Donald Trump ripped into freakish Tim Walz during a campaign rally in Montana Friday evening, dubbing his opponent's running mate as socialist comrade Walz.

Speaking to a crowd of thousands at a sold-out Brick Breeden Fieldhouse at Montana State University in Bozeman, the ex-president decried Kamala Harriss running mate as an extreme progressive.

Bashing his initiatives as governor, Trump ridiculed Walzs decision to provide feminine care products in schoolboys restrooms and his performance during the George Floyd riots in Minneapolis.

As Minnesotas governor, Tim Walz let rioters and looters burn down Minneapolis, Trump said. 'Tim Walz is a man who is very freakish.'

Republican presidential nominee and former U.S. President Donald Trump attends a campaign rally in Bozeman, Montana. During his remarks he attacked Kamala Harris's running mate Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz

He signed a bill to give illegal aliens free health care, he abolished Columbus Day, he ordered tampons to be put into boys bathrooms  he signed a law letting the state kidnap children to change their gender, he continued in a flurry, calling it an ultra-liberal agenda.

'Walz said socialism is just another form of neighborliness,' Trump declared to the crowd. 'He ordered tampons in boys bathrooms.'

The ex-president slammed Walz for being endorsed by self-proclaimed Democratic Socialist Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders, calling him socialist.

'If comrade Walz and comrade Harris win this November, the people cheering will be the pink-haired marxists, the looters, the perverts, the flag-burners, Hamas supporters, drug dealers, gun-grabbers, and human traffickers,' Trump said.

'But with a Trump-Vance Victory, the cheers will come from the police officers, the firefighters, the Border Patrol agents, the steelworkers, small business owners, parents, and hardworking citizens of every race, religion, color, and creed.'

Trump rally attendees stood and cheered as Trump unpacked his record as president

Democratic vice presidential nominee Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz speaks at a campaign rally at Desert Diamond Arena, Friday, Aug. 9, 2024, in Glendale, Arizona

Trump attacked Harris's and Walz's record as being 'ultra-liberal'

The former president also ridiculed Harris for not accepting all of his proposals to debate

Trump did not save his criticism just for Walz, though, as he saved a heavy portion for Harris too, particularly her recent media appearances, or lack there of.

'Kamala gives the exact same speech over and over again ... every single word is the same. I don't do that, I've got to give you a little variety, right?' he said to a roar of applause.

'If you can't do a press conference, you can't be president,' he said attacking Harris for not taking questions from the media in weeks.

'Kamala will be exposed during the debate ... but so far she is refusing to debate.'

Then he attacked her on policy.

'She wants men to play in women's sports, she wants to take your guns,' he claimed to boos from the crowd.

'Four more years with crazy Kamala Harris means 50 million more illegal immigrants,' he continued. 'Kamala is working full time to erase her record of open borders.'

'She's been running the country for four years and she's done a horrible job.'

The Brick Breeden Fieldhouse, which seats roughly 8,500, was packed with only standing room only left to late attendees. Some of the thousands who waited in line were unable to make it into the rally due to capacity concerns

Trump ridiculed Democrats Harris, Walz and Montana Sen. Jon Tester during his remarks

Trump also heaped praise on Montana Republican Senate candidate Tim Sheehy, 37, who is currently battling Democratic incumbent Sen. Jon Tester in a close race.

'I gotta like Tim Sheehy a lot to be here,' Trump joked about the mechanical issues that caused his plane, Trump Force One, to divert to Billings, Montana instead of Bozeman hours before the rally.

'It's a big state, it's a beautiful state and we love it,' Trump said of his hours of travel through the area after the unplanned diversion.

'His really is valor,' Trump said referencing Sheehy's combat experience amid Walz's 'stolen valor' controversy.

The governor, who served for decades in the National Guard, has repeatedly indicated that he served in Afghanistan over the years. However, he did not, instead serving in Europe in support of operations in the Middle East.

The remarks have recently prompted a firestorm of 'stolen valor' claims against the Democrat from veterans, the military community and Republicans who say he has not been honest about his record.

'You know the other one talks about valor,' Trump said referencing Walz, saying he 'has the opposite.'

Tester 'is a radical left lunatic like Kamala,' Trump continued.

'That's why we need to elect Tim Sheehy,' he added.

Sheehy, who himself delivered remarks at the rally prior to Trump, was seen before the event was handing out, and at times throwing, fast food to Trump supporters standing in line while accompanied by his children and wife.

'Im sick of this bulls***, we gotta save our country,' he exclaimed to the crowd while explaining the importance of his challenge against Tester.

Montana Republican Senate candidate Tim Sheehy drew massive support from the crowd Friday

It was the ex-president's first time campaigning in the state since 2018 - and the attendees, many of whom waited in line for hours before entering, told DailyMail.com they were looking forward to the 'historic' event.

Trump's fiery remarks came after a day filled with mechanical failure frustrations.

Earlier in the day, Trump's plane called 'Trump Force One' suffered an issue forcing it to divert to Billings, Montana, roughly 140 miles East of Bozeman.

The unexpected diversion prompted the former president to take a charter plane to the event instead of his Trump-branded Boeing 757.
A female prison officer has been jailed for six years for attempting to smuggle drugs into prison inside two orange juice cartons.

Jodie Beer, 30, was caught with large amounts of cocaine, cannabis and painkillers in a car park outside HMP Parc in Bridgend, South Wales.

She had used a burner phone to arrange to pick up the drugs and was paid 5,000 to smuggle them into the jail.

At Merthyr Tydfil Crown Court on Friday, she was sentenced to concurrent sentences totalling six years in prison after admitting to possessing the class A, class B and class C drugs, with intent to supply and misconduct as a public officer.

Her lawyer claimed she was suffering from mental instability and was 'in the grip of addiction to class A drugs' when she carried out the offences.

Jodie Beer, 30, had used a burner phone to arrange to pick up the drugs and was paid 5,000 to smuggle them into the jail

She was caught with large amounts of cocaine, cannabis and painkillers in a car park outside HMP Parc (pictured) in Bridgend, South Wales

A court heard Beer had worked in the prison for two years when she was first approached by an inmate - after once telling him she was 'skint' - to make some money by bringing stuff into the prison.

At first she refused, but she accepted the second offer and was told to go buy some burner phones.

She then received a call from an unknown number and was told to meet at a lay-by near Sainsbury's in Bridgend.

Three small bags of cocaine was thrown into her car by a man 'wearing a hat with pale skin' for Beer to take in - and would have been paid 2,000 for the job.

But instead of smuggling them inside, Beer took the drugs herself instead and told the criminals she had lost them. She did not receive any money in that instance.

In a second drug drop off on Feb 1, 2022, at the same location, Beer was given a Tesco carrier bag which contained two orange cartons filled with drugs, phones, other items, and a cash payment of 5,000.

Merthyr Crown Court heard that Beer put the bag on top of her girlfriend's wardrobe - but the next day went for a steakhouse meal and spent 300 shopping in Tommy Hilfiger store in Swansea.

A court heard that while on a break at work she returned to her vehicle in the carpark where she was stopped by police officers.

After a search the officers seized a zip lock bag containing light brown powder and tubes of white tablets from the centre console of her car.

On the front passenger seat, they found a plastic bag that contained large cartons labelled as orange juice, which Beer initially claimed someone had placed there.

At Merthyr Tydfil Crown Court (stock photo) on Friday, Beer was sentenced to concurrent sentences totalling six years in prison after admitting to possessing the class A, class B and class C drugs, with intent to supply and misconduct as a public officer

In total they found 21.86g of cocaine (18.6g high purity), 156 tablets of subutex, 628g of cannabis, 10 mobile phones, 6 mobile phone keys, 10 usb cables and 9 sim cards.

A search of her address found almost 4,000 in cash - and an application will be made for it to be confiscated.

Prosecutor Matthew Cobbe said that it's 'accepted she was approached by an inmate', 'persuaded to offend by the inmate' and 'that she was being directed on how to offend.'

He told the court that Beer 'willfully' received a quantity of class A drugs, received a sum of money to convey the drugs into the prison and received a package containing illicit items to convey into prison.

He added that Beer had been 'fully trained on guidance on professional boundaries' when she started at the prison in January 2019 and 'never submitted any corruption report.'

Beer previously pleaded guilty to misconduct in a public office between November 2021 and February 2022.

The former prison officer, also pleaded guilty to possession with intent to supply cocaine, possession with intent to supply cannabis, and possession with intent to supply buprenorphine.

Owen Williams, defending, said the offences took place at a time when Beer was suffering with mental instability and she was 'in the grip of addiction to class A drugs' during the offences.

She has since left the prison and was working at the Hinkley Point power station - before losing her job after pleading guilty.

Mr Williams said her partner had recently given birth a few weeks ago and Beer 'is a better person now' and back to being 'law abiding' and living a 'positive lifestyle.'

He added that she is 'a good person' who has made a series of 'terrible mistakes' and was 'remorseful' for her actions.

The Recorder of Cardiff, Judge Tracey Lloyd-Clarke, told Beer that she faced an immediate custodial sentence.

She told Beer 'you were motivated by financial award' and 'abused your role' as a prison officer.

She said: 'I accept that your remorse is genuine.'

Judge Lloyd-Clarke added that Mr Cobbe 'has said everything that could be said to assist you.'

Beer of Llanharry, near Pontyclun, was sentenced to six years imprisonment. She will serve half in custody and half on licence.

Sarah Ingram from the Crown Prosecution Service said: 'What Beer did in arranging to take large amounts of controlled drugs into the prison where she worked was a gross breach of trust.

'The drugs had been prepped to take into the prison and were clearly for onward supply. As a prison officer she was in a position of responsibility and her behaviour fell far below the standards that are expected.

'The CPS continues to work closely with our law enforcement colleagues, in this case the Southern Wales Regional Organised Crime Unit, in the prosecution of offences such as this. We have now begun steps to confiscate the proceeds of this crime.'
A blistering expose has revealed decades of secrets surrounding killer Alex Murdaugh's family dynasty - including a diabolical threat once made by his father.

The disgraced lawyer is serving two life sentences for the murders of his wife and son - Maggie and Paul - as well as a consecutive sentence of 40 years in prison for stealing millions of dollars from clients.

He comes from a long line of corruption, scandal and men who abuse their power, an investigation by The Wall Street Journal found.

Alex's father, Randolph Murdaugh III, was allegedly a 'serial philanderer' who cheated on his wife Libby Murdaugh.

When Libby discovered his infidelity and threatened to divorce, Randolph III reportedly called in her obituary to the largest paper in the state as a warning of what would happen to her if she dumped him.

Convicted killer Alex Murdaugh comes from a long line of corruption, scandal and men who abuse their power, an investigation found

Alex's father, Randolph Murdaugh III (pictured), was allegedly a 'serial philanderer' who cheated on his wife Libby Murdaugh

Libby died at the age of 85 in March, three years after the disgraced lawyer tried to use her as an alibi in the murders of his wife and son.

Randolph Murdaugh III's father - Randolph 'Buster' Murdaugh Jr. - served as solicitor for the 14th Judicial Circuit, a large swath of South Carolina covering five counties, from 1940 to 1986.

During his tenure as solicitor, Buster was charged as the leader of the largest bootlegging ring in the South, according to The Journal.

Multiple witnesses testified that he pressured them to lie, but Buster was eventually acquitted.

When he returned to the solicitors office, he retaliated by charging the witnesses against him with state liquor law violations.

Similar to his son Randolph III, Buster was said to be a womanizer. Allegedly, Buster hired a hit man to take out a woman who said Buster got her pregnant. However, the would-be assassin fell asleep while hiding out.

A portrait of double murderer Alex Murdaugh's grandfather, Buster, was removed from the South Carolina courtroom where his trial was held.

Libby (pictured) died at the age of 85 in March, three years after Alex tried to use her as an alibi in the murders of his wife and son

When Libby discovered her husband's infidelity and threatened to divorce, Randolph III reportedly called in her obituary to the largest paper in the state as a warning

For more than a century, the Murdaugh family wielded immense power in the Lowcountry, with three generations of the family serving as elected solicitors, as district attorneys are there known, in the 14th Circuit from 1920 to 2006.

Randolph Murdaugh Sr., Alex's great-grandfather and founder of the family law firm, died when his car mysteriously stopped on railroad tracks in 1940 and a train slammed into it. The death led to a payout benefiting Buster.

In the Netflix documentary 'Murdaugh Murders: A Southern Scandal,' journalist Michael M. DeWitt Jr. revealed that according to the train conductor's comments to the local paper at the time, Murdaugh Sr. was near the tracks and waved at the train as it was speeding toward him, then sped his car so that it was on the tracks at the time of impact. His body was found 150 feet away from the crossing.

Murdaugh Sr. had been battling an illness before he was killed but felt well enough to visit a friend on the evening of July 18, 1940. When he was driving home around 1 a.m., his car mysteriously stopped at a railroad crossing, according to DeWitt Jr. who cited Greenville News newspaper clippings from that time.

A freight train slammed into Murdaugh's car, killing him instantly, it was reported. Another report by the Hampton County Guardian had that the train conductor stated Murdaugh Sr.'s car was near the crossing and that he waved at the train as it was speeding toward him. As the train got closer, the car sped up and ended up on the tracks as the train hit.

Left to right: Randolph Murdaugh Sr., Randolph 'Buster' Murdaugh Jr. and Randolph Murdaugh III served as elected solicitors for the 14th Circuit from 1920 to 2006

The portrait of Alex's grandfather, Randolph 'Buster' Murdaugh Jr. (pictured), was removed from a South Carolina courtroom

His death was ruled an accident despite speculation that it was alcohol-related or possibly a suicide.

The Murdaugh family sued the railroad company, Charleston & Western Carolina Railway Co., over the accident, it was reported.

The company was sued for $100,000, the Greenville News had reported. It was settled privately for undisclosed amount of money.

Four generations later, untimely deaths still surround the Murdaugh family, including that of Mallory Beach who was killed in a boat crash in 2019 with Paul Murdaugh at the wheel, Stephen Smith, a peer of the Murdaugh sons who was found dead on the side of the road in 2015, and the family housekeeper Gloria Satterfield.

In 2021, Alex Murdaugh gunned down his wife Maggie and his son Paul on their Moselle property.
Ellen Corbett, who died Friday, had a long career in public service in the East Bay serving various roles, including San Leandro mayor. Lea Suzuki/The Chronicle 2014 Ellen Corbett, who died Friday, served in the California Legislature for 16 years, in both the Assembly and Senate. Lea Suzuki/The Chronicle 2009

Ellen Corbett, a director of the East Bay Regional Park District and former San Leandro mayor, died Friday at age 69. The cause of death was not released.

Corbett, who was born in Oakland and lived in San Leandro, attended Chabot College and the former Cal State Hayward (now Cal State East Bay), according to her state Senate biography. She earned her bachelors degree from UC Davis and law degree from the University of the Pacific, later working as an attorney, community college professor and civic activist.

She went on to a long career in public service in the East Bay. After serving on the San Leandro City Council, she became the first woman elected mayor of the city and served from 1994 to 1998.

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Corbett was then elected to represent the East Bay in the California Assembly and later the state Senate. She served as majority leader in the state Senate, the second woman to hold that position, according to her biography.

Ellen Corbett, who died Friday, was elected to the East Bay Regional Park Districts Board of Directors in 2016, serving as president for a year. Paul Chinn/The Chronicle

After her 16 years in the Legislature, which ended after her second Senate term in 2014, Corbett was elected to the East Bay Regional Park Districts Board of Directors in 2016. She was president of the board from January 2020 to January 2021.

Ellens unwavering commitment to the East Bay Regional Park District and her deep passion for preserving our natural spaces have recently left an indelible mark on San Leandro and beyond, San Leandro Mayor Juan Gonzalez said in a statement. Her legacy of service and stewardship will continue to inspire us all.

Sabrina Landreth, general manager of the park district, added in a statement that Corbett was a tireless advocate for communities to have access to open space, public parks, and nature.

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Her time with us was the capstone to a long, decorated, and meaningful public service career in local and state government, Landreth said. We will remember Ellen as a fearless leader for regional parks at the urban core of the Park Districts jurisdiction. May she rest in peace.
Vladimir Putin was flailing last night as he faced his biggest challenge yet in the Kremlins war against Ukraine.

The Russian leader was forced to declare a federal-level state of emergency in the Kursk region as around 2,000 Ukrainian soldiers consolidated their positions following a mini-invasion earlier this week.

The announcement came hours after the Ukrainian military launched a bold strike on a strategically important airfield.

Putin later retaliated by ordering a devastating missile attack on a shopping centre in Kostiantynivka, in Ukraines Donetsk Oblast province.

It came as alarm continued to grow in the Kremlin over the Kyiv-led incursion.

Russian military units are being scrambled from across the country  and from the frontline  in a bid to challenge the Ukrainians, who are using Western military vehicles and weapons.

The Russian leader was forced to declare a federal-level state of emergency in the Kursk region as around 2,000 Ukrainian soldiers consolidated their positions following a mini-invasion earlier this week

Russian President Vladimir Putin chairs a meeting with members of the Russian Security Council at the Novo-Ogaryovo state residence, outside Moscow yesterday

Ukraine reportedly struck a Russian column of military equipment in the Rylsky district of Kursk region

A soldier stands near a destroyed military vehicle containing the bodies of dead Russian soldiers, in the aftermath of a strike on a Russian column, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in Oktyabrskoye village, Kursk

A major Ukrainian kamikaze drone strike on a military airfield and ammunition store in Russian region Lipetsk caused huge explosions and resulted in major evacuations

Firefighters and rescue workers attend the site of destruction after an attack on a shopping mall where 10 killed, another 35 were wounded in the settlement of Kostyantynivka

The brutal targeting of civilian centres in Konstyantynivka came hours after Ukraine launching a devastating missile strike on a column of Moscow's troops

Putin also convened the Kremlins Security Council as questions mounted over Ukraines seizure of an estimated 100 square miles of Russian territory.

Five days on from Ukraines surprise advance into the Kursk region, Volodymyr Zelenskys forces appear to be staying put.

In a national broadcast, the Ukrainian president said his troops had turned the tables by invading Russia. The presence of Ukrainian troops is embarrassing both for Putin himself and Russian Army top brass.

In a televised meeting on Wednesday, Valery Gerasimov, the Chief of the General Staff of the Russian Armed Forces, assured Putin that the offensive had been halted. But this was very much not the case  as footage which emerged yesterday confirmed the advance ran roughshod over Russian defences in the region.

A verified video showed a trail of destruction at the side of the E38 highway, including burned-out military trucks, personnel carriers and armoured cars.

Dozens of Kremlin soldiers were feared to have lost their lives in the attack, which took place 20 miles inside Russia.

A Russian channel on Telegram reported: Many dead, some of the vehicles burned to the ground. It looks like the entire column was carrying infantry.

They were armed, most likely a platoon per vehicle, three to four companies. An entire battalion was destroyed.

The sudden Ukrainian offensive in Kursk has sent thousands of Russians fleeing their homes in border towns

In a national broadcast, the Ukrainian president said his troops had turned the tables by invading Russia. Pictured: Volodymyr Zelensky stands in front of an F16 fighter jet

A view shows destroyed buildings in the town of Sudzha following an incursion of Ukrainian troops into the Kursk region, Russia, in this still image from video taken August 7, 2024

A view shows destroyed buildings in the town of Sudzha following an incursion of Ukrainian troops into the Kursk region, Russia, in this still image from video taken August 7, 2024

A convoy of Ukrainian military equipment including tanks, armoured personnel carriers, a UR-77 mine-clearing vehicle, and other army machinery enters Russia

Judging by the appearance of the column about half were killed. This is one of the bloodiest and biggest strikes of the entire war.

In the absence of any organised withdrawal of civilians by the Kremlin, thousands of Russians took it upon themselves to flee from areas of the Kursk region which are either already occupied by Ukrainian forces or could be in the coming days.

Families from the towns and villages in the area were seen queuing for trains in the hope of escape, after waiting in vain to be rescued by Russian troops for several days. Meanwhile, footage emerged last night of triumphant Ukrainian soldiers posing outside the headquarters of the Gazprom energy corporation in the town of Sudzha.

An officer from Ukraines 61st brigade explained the town was under Ukrainian control and everything is peaceful here.

This is the first time since the conflict began that Ukrainian troops have held territory inside Russia. Analysts say the land grab could provide Kyiv with crucial leverage in any future peace talks with the Kremlin.

In another blow to Russia, Ukraine also successfully targeted the Lipetsk military airfield, destroying Russian glide bombers in the attack. A state of emergency was declared there, with thousands of people evacuated from villages near the facilities.

Several sources of ignition were recorded, a large fire broke out and multiple detonations were observed, Kyivs military said on the Telegram messaging app.

It also said that Russian Su-34, Su-35 and MiG-31 aircraft were based at the airfield.

Russias response was to launch missiles into civilian areas of Ukraines Donetsk region yesterday. One warhead struck a supermarket, killing at least 14 people and injuring 43.

Footage from the site showed plumes of smoke billowing from the rubble, beneath which survivors were thought to be trapped. Surrounding shops and vehicles were also damaged.

Posting on X, formerly known as Twitter, Ukraines Prosecutor General Andriy Kostin said: No situation on the battlefield can justify targeting civilians.
A photo of Sydney university students almost unanimously refusing to condemn the October 7 atrocities committed against Israelis by Hamas has drawn international criticism.

The photo, taken on Wednesday, shows nearly all hands raised at a packed lecture theatre where the Sydney University's Student Representative Council AGM overwhelmingly voted down a motion condemning the Hamas attacks.

Instead the roughly 600 students in attendance passed a motion supporting Hamas in their 'armed resistance' against Israel, which prompted political activist Drew Pavlou to condemn those attending as 'genocidal lunatics' in a tweet on Thursday.

Mr Pavlou's tweet gained approval from famed Wall Street investor Steve Eisman, who was portrayed by Steve Carell in Hollywood blockbuster The Big Short.

'Only people warped by these ideologies could support a bunch of murderers and simultaneously condemn their Jewish victims,' he tweeted on Friday.

'What I sincerely believe is that the far left is on an intellectual journey that will eventually lead many to call for the extermination of Israel and all Jews. Some of them are already there.'

Confronting footage from the same meeting has been widely shared on social media showing student Freya Leach speaking in favour of condemning Hamas while Palestinian flags are waved in the audience and she is shouted down at junctures.

'Cold-blood massacre of innocent people is not justified,' Ms Leach said, causing an eruption of loud heckles and booing from those listening.

This photo showing Sydney university students almost universally voting not to condemn Hamas and its October 7 attacks has drawn international criticism

'Hamas is a brutal Jihadist regime. You cannot say you stand for women and not condemn the rape of Israeli women.'

Her next point is so unpopular with the crowd that she is forced to pause and wait until the din dies down to restart her sentence.

'You cannot say you support for queer people and not condemn Hamas who take a Sharia law view of gay people and suggest they should be thrown off buildings,' she said.

'You cannot support human rights and not support a radical jihadist terrorist regime that has caused the death of these Palestinians and Israelis as well.'

With her speaking time elapsed, Ms Leach defiantly unfurled an Israeli flag and carried it up the auditorium steps to her seat while the crowd continued to jeer.

Pro-Israel lobby group the Australian Jewish Association posted the footage to X.

'Terrorist-supporting students were cheering for the atrocities of Hamas and laughing,' the Association said.

'A Motion calling for the destruction of the Jewish state passed.

'The University of Sydney has fallen. It is no longer safe for Jewish students. The weakness of Vice-Chancellor Mark Scott has caused this.'

Sydney University Professor Emeritus of International Relations Colin Wight replied to the tweet.

'Incredibly brave. Do you have details of the motions passed, and by who (the students union),' he wrote.

Despite an extremely hostile crowd, Sydney University student Freya Leach spoke passionately about condemning Hamas atrocities

'I'm an Emeritus Professor at the University of Sydney, and if I think the motions cross the line, I'll write to Mark (not that I expect him to listen).

'However, I'm also a strong supporter of academic freedom, so it depends how the motions are worded.'

Sydney University put out a statement following the meeting saying it 'unequivocally condemns violence, terrorism, and any violations of human rights'.

The university stated 'less than one percent of our student population attended the SRC meeting' and were independent from university's administration.

'The University is investigating reports of inappropriate conduct at the meeting, and has sought police advice on the legality of certain material used to promote the event,' the statement said.

Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Education Professor Joanne Wright has written to the meeting's organisers to 'remind them of their obligations to abide by the institution's code of conduct', according to the statement.

However, the student council hit back strongly with a statement posted to its Facebook page accusing the university of 'hypocrisy' as well as 'denigration' and 'slander' of the democratic meeting.

'An overwhelming majority voted for the motion demanding the university end its ties to weapons companies involved in the genocide in Gaza and the universitys ties to Israeli universities that have a proven track record of collaboration with the Israeli Defence Force that operate on stolen Palestinian land,' the statement said.

'It was a historic show of opposition by the student body to the complicity of our university in the genocide that is occurring in Gaza.'

The Council claimed the meeting was the largest such one in 'decades'.

'The [Sydney University] statement does not acknowledge the record number of students who attended, nor does it respond to the widespread objections to the university's ties to Israel,' the post said.

The students also claimed the university had not substantiated 'any of its allegations of breaches of university policy or law with evidence'.

'This is an attempt to cast aspersions on what was a peaceful, democratic event,' the Council said, also accusing the university of threatening the independence of the student body and questioning their right to comment on it.
Lara Trump warned her father-in-law Donald that an election win against the Dems is no longer a foregone conclusion - with Kellyanne Conway now set to return to the fold.

Trump's daughter-in-law - who is also co-chair of the RNC - had a meeting last weekend where she described the race between him and Kamala Harris as a coin toss.

Lara Trump reportedly 'laid out the cold hard facts' to Donald just one day after the ex-president had a reunion with Conway, 57.

The first woman to ever manage a presidential campaign to victory, Conway was one of Trump's fiercest advocates on the trail and in the White House before she left in August 2020.

The 2024 Trump campaign has suffered from a triple blow of vice presidential nominee JD Vance's poor reception from the public, Harris' 'honeymoon period' as she jumps into the race and a similar effect on her choice of running mate Tim Walz.

Donald Trump has been warned that the election is essentially a tossup as he considers - with the backing of wife Melania - bringing back advisor Kellyanne Conway

Now, what had appeared to be a coronation of Trump for a return to the White House over Joe Biden has turned into a neck-and-neck race, with Harris beginning to take a lead in the polls.

Conway's role would not be specified but would have her working side-by-side with co-campaign manager Susie Wiles, who currently runs the show with Chris LaCivita.

Now, Trump and two of his closest allies - Lara as well as wife Melania - are backing him to try and get Conway to come to the rescue.

There are people in Trump's orbit who believe Donald will listen to women he sees as powerful, including Conway.

'Does Trump listen to Kellyanne? Does he take input from women easier? Yes, more than men,' one advisor said

'Ironically, he likes powerful women. If you're a sharp woman, he will listen to you. Hope [Hicks] and these people could tell him the hardest s***. He may not have done anything, but at least he listens.'

A source said that Wiles and LaCivita - running a national campaign for the first time - have admitted there is a need to make changes.

'I think Chris and Susie are resigned to the fact that there's been a big shift -we've got a new candidate and a new VP - and we need to also shift. They're both in the place where they're okay with it.'

Lara Trump reportedly 'laid out the cold hard facts' to Donald just one day after the ex-president had a reunion with Conway (pictured right)

However, not everyone in Trumpworld is thrilled, including those closest to JD Vance, Trump's pick for vice president.

Conway wanted Trump to select Florida Senator Marco Rubio to join him on the ticket, whereas Vance was pushed by Trump's sons Don Jr. and Eric, who himself is married to Lara Trump.

Conway and Vance have reportedly begun to have phone conversations in an attempt to make peace.

Other troubles include Conway registering as a foreign agent for a Ukrainian oligarch and her position with the RNC.

Puck described the chances of Conway joining the Trump campaign as 50-50, given her various jobs, which include co-hosting a podcast with now-Harris advisor.

'We're too busy winning an election - something we've done for 21 months - and helping President Trump save this country,' said Trump spokesman Steven Cheung.

'We won't respond to unnamed sources or made up quotes.'

Conway was among Trump's longest-serving advisers when she exited the White House in 2020, a day after her then-15-year-old daughter Claudia said she was 'officially pushing for emancipation' from her parents in a series of tweets.

Trump's daughter-in-law - who is also co-chair of the RNC - had a meeting last weekend where she described the race between him and Kamala Harris as a coin toss

Conway was among Trump's longest-serving advisers when she exited the White House in 2020, a day after her then-15-year-old daughter Claudia said she was 'officially pushing for emancipation' from her parents in a series of tweets

She was Trump's third campaign manager in 2016 and the first woman to successfully manage a presidential campaign to victory.

She joined the White House at the start of Trump's term and has been one of his most visible and vocal defenders.

Conway, a veteran Republican pollster, has frequently been mocked for her unwavering defense of the president and his team.

Shortly after the inauguration, Sean Spicer, the then-press secretary, spoke about crowds at the inauguration, stating: 'This was the largest audience to ever witness an inauguration, period.'

Conway said he was giving 'alternative facts'.

In June 2019 the U.S. Office of Special Counsel, which oversees federal personnel issues, issued a stinging report calling Conway 'a repeat offender' for breaking the rules regarding the Hatch Act - which forbids executive branch employees from taking part in political activities while engaged in their official duties.

In March 2018, the ethics agency found Conway broke the law twice in interviews about the Alabama Senate race. The OSC then issued a report on her commentary on Democratic presidential candidates.

Conway has downplayed the significance of the law, saying in May 2019: 'If you're trying to silence me through the Hatch Act, it's not going to work,' and 'Let me know when the jail sentence starts.'

Kellyanne Conway and her husband George filed for divorce after 22 years. The pair have both hired divorce lawyers and they are working to divide their assets

Another blip in the family image came in 2020 after Claudia (pictured) criticized her mother and Trump, forcing her parents to step down from their jobs to focus on family

The OSC recommended she 'be removed from federal service.'

Her personal life - an acrimonious divorce from Husband and 'never-Trump' MSNBC favorite George Conway and relationship with her vocally liberal daughter Claudia - have also kept Kellyanne in the headlines.

In a statement in 2020, she called her time in the Trump administration 'heady' and 'humbling,' and said she and George were making the decision based on what they think is best for their four children.

Conway and her husband George filed for divorced in 2022 after 22 years of marriage after admitting her husband's criticism of Donald Trump was a betrayal.

While she endlessly worked for the president, her husband - who co-founded the Lincoln Project, which worked to prevent Trump's reelection - blasted the president on social media.
A Brooklyn neighborhood is conflicted over a makeshift fish pond meant to bring the community together - but instead led some residents cry 'animal cruelty.'

Bedford-Stuyvesant residents decided to turn a leaky fire hydrant at the corner of Tompkins Avenue and Hancock Street into an aquarium of sorts.

Video shows dozens of goldfish swimming in the shallow waters along with debris in the sidewalk tree pit.

Jequan Irving, 47, and his neighbors bought 100 common goldfish from a nearby pet store for $16 and dumped them into the pool of fire hydrant water dubbing it the 'Bed-Stuy Goldfish Pond.'

'We all just came together to do something different for the community. We decided to spice it up,' Irving told The New York Times.

Bedford-Stuyvesant residents decided to turn a leaky fire hydrant at the corner of Tompkins Avenue and Hancock Street into goldfish pond

Video shows dozens of goldfish swimming in the shallow waters along with debris in the sidewalk tree pit

'It's the lowest-maintenance fish that you can use. We're going to put some algae in here, underground lights in here.'

However, the presence of the fish has sparked a debate about animal cruelty and gentrification in the historically black neighborhood.

Two neighborhood residents, Emily Campbell and Max David, carried out what they called a 'heist' to rescue some of the fish on Wednesday.

Using nets and plastic bags, they pulled about 30 fish from the two-inch deep waters.

'I'm very aware of the optics of a white yuppie coming here and telling this man who's lived in the neighborhood his whole life that he doesn't know what he's doing,' Campbell told the Associated Press.

Jequan Irving (pictured), 47, and his neighbors bought 100 common goldfish from a nearby pet store for $16 and dumped them into the water

Two neighborhood residents, Emily Campbell and Max David (pictured), rescued some of the fish using nets and plastic bags

'I do sympathize with that. I just don't want to watch 40 fish suffocate in a puddle from their own waste.'

'We tried to explain to them that we're on the same side, we love the idea of having the fish for the neighborhood, unfortunately it's harmful to the fish themselves,' David said.

Irving and his neighbors insist they are not abusing the fish and they take turns making sure they are cared for.

'We bought these fish, and we fixed up this little spot, using our hard-earned money,' Irving said. 'And they came and stole them.'

Residents said they feed the fish three times per day and take shifts watching over them.

'I feel like we're helping the goldfish,' resident Hajj-Malik Lovick, 47, said. 'These people came here and just want to change things.'

Veterinarian Julius Tepper, who runs the Long Island Fish Hospital, told NBC New York there are dangers to keep the fish in the makeshift pond.

Neighbors insist they are not abusing the fish and they take turns making sure they are cared for

Veterinarian Julius Tepper, who runs the Long Island Fish Hospital, said there are dangers to keep the fish in the makeshift pond

'Youve got issues with pollution that could be a problem. You've got issues with predatory birds,' Tepper said.

'There is a possibility they will survive, although it's certainly not an ideal habitat.'

Department of Environmental Protection crews came on Thursday to shut of the trickling fire hydrant, but Irving quickly returned to unseal the valve.

'Once the temperature and everything starts changing, we are going to take them out and give them to kids in the community,' he said.
Tragic student Riley Strain downed up to 15 alcoholic drinks on the night he vanished, a police investigation has found.

A new report into 22 year-old Strain's drowning in Nashville's Cumberland River in March began drinking on a bus into Nashville's bars with his Delta Chi fraternity brothers.

He did so even though the driver had warned the University of Missouri students that boozing was banned.

One of Strain's frat brothers said he downed at least two vodka shots and three IPA beers on the bus, WSMV reported.

Arriving in Nashville at 4:30pm on March 8, Strain was seen drinking a margarita within 30 minutes.

Days after it was discovered that Nashville teenager Riley Strain died due to alcohol poisoning and drowning, investigators have been able to trace the final hours of his life in a new report

An examination of footage from downtown Nashville bars showed that Strain was served alcohol three more times over the course of the evening.

That puts the late student at around nine drinks, with Nashville Metropolitan Police not disclosing where they believe the remaining three drinks were consumed.

Strain's disappearance became a huge story, with his body found in the river two weeks later. Eerie footage showed him walking unimpeded during his final journey, with the drowning ruled accidental.

In June, autopsy reports showed that Strain died from alcohol poisoning and drowning. His blood alcohol level was .228 - which is three times the legal limit.

The college student's body also had traces of Delta 9, a form of THC which is legal and readily available in Tennessee.

Videos of Strain that had been recorded earlier in the night shows him able to stand and speak comfortably.

But at around 8.40pm, he began to stumble repeatedly and started showing signs of intoxication.

At around 9.28pm, staff members at Luke 32s Bridge escorted Strain out their bar after he got into an argument and he began drunkenly walking in the streets

At around 9.28pm, staff members at Luke 32s Bridge escorted Strain out their bar after he got into an argument.

The bar had previously said that it had only sold Strain one alcoholic drink before asking him to leave.

According to Tennessee Alcohol Beverage Commission investigators, despite the teen being thrown out the bar, fraternity members continued on with the party.

One of the fraternity brothers later told police that he tried to contact Strain by phone at 9:47 but all her heard was the deceased speaking with a slurred speech.

During the call, the now completely-intoxicated Strain indicated that he was on his way back to the hotel.

One of the fraternity brothers later police that he tried to contact Strain by phone at 9:47 but all her heard was the deceased speaking with a slurred speech

But at around 1am, his frat brothers discovered that the he was not in his room or answering his phone.

According to 911 call records, the group did not report him missing to police until 1.46pm - over 12 hours after they found he was missing.

Chilling footage collected by police from Downtown Smoke & Vape Shop on Church Street showed Strain near the intersection of 2nd Avenue and Church Street.

The seemingly intoxicated student was wearing a two-toned black and brown shirt and blue jeans and took a tumble, then quickly got back up and continued down the street.

Another camera caught near the intersection of Gay Street and 1st Avenue North just before 10pm taking large strides with his head down as he stumbled through the streets.

The student had reportedly FaceTimed his mom Michelle Whiteid that evening, and she said nothing seemed out of the ordinary

The student had reportedly FaceTimed his mom Michelle Whiteid that evening, and she said nothing seemed out of the ordinary.

A spokesman for the University of Missouri told WMSV that the fraternity formal was a private Delta Chi event and confirmed that the fraternity has no outstanding student/organization conduct violations.

David Easlick, an attorney who sues fraternities after the death or injuries of students said: 'For the school to sit there and say they're in good standing, that's morally offensive. After what happened to that kid?

'All (fraternities) stuff for parents, how they have risk management, they condemn alcohol abuse, it's baloney,' Easlick said.
The killer of a woke Oakland baker whose family called for him to avoid prison has been sentenced to just seven years behind bars.

Killer Ishmael Burch, 20, was sentenced this week after pleading no contest to voluntary manslaughter and robbery in the death of baker and activist Jen Angel, 48, in February 2023.

The victim's family applauded the weak sentence in a statement that said: 'We know that Jen would not want someone involved in her death, whether complicit or not, to waste away in prison for decades.'

Angel was killed when her purse was snatched by Burch and another man, as she chased after their getaway car and was dragged for over 50ft after getting trapped in the vehicle's door.

Her head was crushed on the sidewalk and Burch, who was driving, fled the scene. Angel spent two days in a coma before being declared dead.

Jennifer Angel, 48, was killed in February 2023 when she was dragged over 50ft by a car driven by robbers who snatched her purse

Ishmael Burch, 20, was sentenced this week after pleading no contest to voluntary manslaughter and robbery in the death Angel

Angel's death last year drew headlines after her family responded to the tragedy by calling for her killers to not be sentenced to any prison time.

Citing Angel's 'anarchist' beliefs in uber-progressive social justice reform, her family called on prosecutors to seek 'all available alternatives to traditional prosecution, such as restorative justice.'

'As a long-time social movement activist and anarchist, Jen did not believe in state violence, carceral punishment, or incarceration as an effective or just solution to social violence and inequity,' her family wrote in a GoFundMe at the time.

They added: 'We know Jen would not want to continue the cycle of harm by bringing state-sanctioned violence to those involved in her death or to other members of Oakland's rich community.'

The pleas paid off for Angel's killer as he was sentenced to just seven years in prison for her death, as part of a plea deal with prosecutors that saw further charges of murder and robbery dropped.

Angel was leaving her car in front of a bank in uptown Oakland when two robbers smashed her car window and ran off with her belongings

Angel was previously a journalist and activist who published 'anarchist' magazines calling for criminal justice reform

Angel in a photo with her fiancee Ocean Mottley

Burch's attorney celebrated the 'conversation about restorative justice' following the result, and said he was committed to honoring Angel's memory after he has served his time.

'Ismael, his family and I are so pleased with the compassion and humanity that Jen Angels community and friends showed toward Ismael,' his attorney said.

'We are so hopeful that the conversation about restorative justice will continue within the Oakland community.'

On Friday, Angel's family also spoke out to praise the move, but said it doesn't go far enough and there is 'more work to be done to achieve Jen's dreams of a different and more just system.'

'We recognize that the States process is not the one Jen would have chosen to ensure accountability and justice,' the statement read.

'We also believe that the sentencing recommended by the DA in this plea deal was the best possible outcome under the current legal system, in this political climate.

'We know that Jen would not want someone involved in her death, whether complicit or not, to waste away in prison for decades, and we take some comfort in knowing Ishmael has a chance to repair some of the harm he has caused.'

Before starting her bake shop, Angel was an editor of the left-wing publication Clamor and also worked for the seminal punk rock journal MaximumRocknRoll, as well as a personal zine entitled F**ktooth.

After Angel's killer was sentenced to seven years in prison, her family praised the result as 'the best possible outcome under the current legal system'

Employees at her bakery, the Angel Cakes bakery, were also instructed to 'never call the cops', Angel once bragged.

Emily Harris, a close friend of Angel and an 'anti-prison director,' told the San Francisco Chronicle that the statement fits with her radical liberal principles.

'I think Jen would affirm that of course that's what people have been trained to believe is the answer, to lock people up,' Harris said. 'But we know that if the people who cause her harm are sent to jail, all we're doing is perpetuating more harm.'

The family's push for Angel's killer to avoid jailtime seems to have been helped by a directive pushed by Oakland's district attorney, Pamela Price.

Price - who has been criticized by conservatives for her lenient approach to policing - issued a memo shortly before Angel's death that she hoped to reduce reoffending by limiting harsh sentencing.

The DA's directive also called for probation to be the 'presumptive offer' in plea negotiations.
Donald Trump confused one black man for another in his controversial story about a helicopter near miss - and cracked a shocking joke about dark skin, it is claimed.

Nate Holden, a former Los Angeles city councilmember, believes Trump is thinking of him when describes as a 'near-death experience' chopper ride with Trump in around 1990.

Earlier this week, Trump said he'd almost crashed while flying in a chopper with former San Francisco Mayor Willie Brown, who says he's never met the former president.

Holden, 95, had a relationship with Trump in the 90s when he was trying to build at the site of Los Angeles' historic Ambassador Hotel, which was in his district.

The ex-councilman - who has a photo of himself with Trump and ex-wife Ivana on his website - says Trump and Holden took the chopper ride, which had Trump thinking 'maybe this was the end' but believes he's confused him with another black politician.

'Willie is the short Black guy living in San Francisco. I'm a tall Black guy living in Los Angeles. I guess we all look alike,' Holden said amid laughter after having seen Trump's claims in his Thursday press conference.

Donald Trump confused one black man for another in his controversial story about a helicopter near miss - and cracked a shocking joke about dark skin, it is claimed

Nate Holden, a former Los Angeles city councilmember, believes Trump is thinking of him, as he took the chopper ride to what he describes as a 'near-death experience' with Trump in around 1990

Holden told Politico that he met Trump near Atlantic City over 30 years ago to tour his Taj Mahal Casino.

He took the flight with Trump, his late brother Robert, lawyer Robert Freedman and ex-Trump Organization executive Barbara Res.

Res has now said that she too remembered the near disastrous ride and wrote about it in her memoir.

She said that while she'd met Brown - the former mayor of San Francisco and speaker of the California State Assembly who dated Kamala Harris decades ago - the man on the helicopter was Holden.

'That's the story, OK,' she said. 'No Willie Brown.'

Res added that Trump made a joke about Holden's skin tone at the time near the crash, telling him: 'You turned white'.

However, Holden says that would be a more adequate description of the former president at the time.

'He was white as snow,' he said. 'And he was scared s***less.'

Barbara Res, a former Trump organization executive, says that she had made Willie Brown (pictured) but remembered the man on the helicopter with her being Holden

Holden (pictured left) told Politico that he met Trump near Atlantic City over 30 years ago to tour his Taj Mahal Casino

Holden said that he checked in with Brown on Thursday following the Trump press conference.

'I said, 'Willie, were you almost in a helicopter crash with Trump also?' He said 'No.' I said, 'I was the one, Willie.'

While he joked about Trump confusing himself and Brown, Holden doesn't seem to attach malice to Trump's story, but wonders what happened in that moment.

'He either mixed it up or he made it up,' Holden said. 'This was just too big to overlook. This is a big one. Conflating Willie Brown and me? The press is searching for the real story and they didn't get it.'

A spokesperson for Trump pointed to the fact that Trump had written about the incident - allegedly with Brown - in his 2023 book.

Trump faced backlash to the misremembered story when confronted by journalists looking for proof.

In an 'angry' phone call to The New York Times, Trump is said to have lashed the paper for claims he'd lied about a near-miss during a helicopter ride with former San Francisco Mayor Willie Brown.

NYT journalist Maggie Haberman - the paper's star political reporter, who is said to have Trump's ear - said Trump angrily insisted he could provide proof of the near-death experience.

Donald Trump mocked a reporter over their request for records of a helicopter ride he claimed to have taken with former San Francisco Mayor Willie Brown

Kamala Harris with Willie Brown whom she dated in the mid-1990s while he was speaker of the state assembly and she was a prosecutor in Alameda County

Trump insisted his people 'have the flight records of the helicopter', the Times reported, and said he was 'probably going to sue' the newspaper.

When the reporter asked to produce the records, Haberman said Trump 'responded mockingly, repeating the request in a sing-song voice'.

Haberman added that Trump has not yet provided any such records, which Trump claims proves that the chopper landed 'in a field'.

Trump told the story in response to a question during his press conference at his Mar-a-Lago home in Florida on Thursday.

'I know Willie Brown very well. In fact, I went down in a helicopter with him. We thought maybe this was the end,' Trump said.

'We were in a helicopter, going to a certain location together, and there was an emergency landing. This was not a pleasant landing.'

A biography of Harris claims that Trump sent his private plane for Brown and Harris to fly from Boston to New York in 1994, when the two were dating.

However, according to Brown, he and Trump have never rode in the same helicopter and he was instead doing his best 'creative fiction'.

Republican presidential nominee Trump told reporters at a Mar-A-Lago news conference on Thursday night that he and Brown (pictured) were in a helicopter that was forced to make an emergency landing and both men thought this 'may be the end'

'I've never done business with Donald Trump, let's start with that,' Brown - who dated Kamala Harris in 1994 and 1995 - told KRON4.

'And secondly, I don't think I'd want to ride on the same helicopter with him. There's too many people that have an agenda with reference to him, including the people who service helicopters!'

'He was doing what Donald does best, his creative fiction. He's creative, real creative. That's so far-fetched, it's unbelievable.'

Brown went on to say that the world 'would have known about it' if it was to have happened.

The Times theorized that Trump was referencing when he took a helicopter ride through wildfire-ravaged California with then-Governor Jerry Brown in 2018, but insists he didn't get him mixed up with Willie Brown.

Jerry Brown also insisted there was no in-flight danger during the ride.

'There was no emergency landing and no discussion of Kamala Harris,' Jerry Brown's spokesperson told the NYT.

Meanwhile, California's governor - Gavin Newsom, who was on the helicopter with Trump and Jerry Brown, said after the press conference: 'I call complete B.S.'

The Times theorized that Trump was referencing when he took a helicopter ride through wildfire-ravaged California with then-Governor Jerry Brown in 2018, but insists he didn't get him mixed up with Willie Brown

Trump's account was given in response to a reporter who asked about Harris' relationship with Brown.

Brown and Harris dated in the mid-1990s when Brown was speaker of the California State Assembly and Harris was a prosecutor in the Alameda County District Attorney's office. During that time, Brown appointed her to two boards.

After telling the helicopter story, Trump claimed that Brown had some negative things to say about the current vice president.

'But he had a big part in what happened with Kamala. But he - I don't know, maybe he's changed his tune. But he was not a fan of hers very much, at that point.'

Brown, now 90, also disputed that aspect of Trump's claim on Thursday calling it 'so far fetched, it's unbelievable.'

'I could not envision thinking of Kamala Harris in any negative way. Shes a good friend a long time ago, absolutely beautiful woman, smart as all hell, very successful, electorally speaking,' Brown said.
The husband of an astronaut trapped in space indefinitely claimed that she won't be disappointed to be stranded in the cosmos.

Michael Williams, the husband of astronaut Sunita Williams, told the Wall Street Journal that space is his wife's 'happy place' - even as a prospective return flight raises the specter of her being vaporized.

The thrusters on Williams' Boeing Starliner faulted following its launch in June, meaning they either need to fix - and trust - the Boeing spacecraft to return home, or wait for a Space X option that could last well into next year.

Williams has been alongside Butch Wilmore on the International Space Station (ISS) for two months, and the duo heard this week that their flight back to earth may be delayed yet again.

Sunita Williams (pictured), one of the NASA astronauts currently on the ISS indefinitely, will not be upset about her extended stay because space is her 'happy place', her husband said

Williams has spent two months alongside astronaut Butch Wilmore on the ISS, despite their original mission originally intended to last just eight days

The soonest Williams and Wilmore may come back is February 2025, as NASA produced a contingency plan that would launch a two-person crew on SpaceX's Crew-9 mission in September, but still wouldn't bring the crew home until months later.

When they launched in the spring, the astronaut duo were only intended to be on the ISS for eight days.

But they have cruised past the two month mark without a definite end in sight, and they are forced to remain in orbit over fears that using the Starliner again could end in catastrophe.

The Boeing spacecraft suffered thruster failures and helium leaks, leaving the teams in space to conduct testing to determine if the capsule could fly.

Boeing - which has come under scrutiny this year for a string of aircraft failures and near misses - claimed that it is 'confident in the Starliner spacecraft and its ability to return safely with crew.'

However, experts told DailyMail.com in June that NASA could be forced to launch a rescue mission, suggesting Elon Musk's SpaceX would be tapped to get it done.

The crew's return mission was delayed several times since launching in June due to the craft experiencing leaks and thruster issues during its journey to the International Space Station (ISS)

For their extended time in space, Williams and Wilmore are on the ISS alongside seven other astronauts.

According to the WSJ, their days are typically filled with scientific research and maintenance of the shuttle, as well as educational content such as answering live questions with students and schoolchildren.

They tend to exercise several hours a day to stave off bone and muscle loss typical for space, and their vital signs are monitored from the ground.

Astronauts tend to work and sleep in eight hour periods, although they are technically constantly on call.

Mike Gruntman, professor of astronautics at the University of Southern California, told DailyMail.com that 'it is more likely that SpaceX would be able to provide an additional launch in the foreseeable future to bring the astronauts back.'

'It is highly unfortunate that Boeing's Starliner, after so much delay with its flight, continues to face problems,' Gruntman continued.

'For decades, Boeing was one of the most admired aerospace and defense companies. It is a true national tragedy.'

NASA insists that the astronauts are not technically abandoned, and in the case of a dire emergency they could use the Starliner again.

However, the crisis that led the astronauts to remain in space was the result of a disagreement over a plan to use Boeing's own data to rely on the Starliner's safety.

While Boeing insists it is safe, Commercial Crew Program chief Steve Stich said officials failed to come to a conclusion.

'We heard from a lot of folks that had concerns, and the decision was not clear,' Ken Bowersox, NASA's space operations chief, added.

Williams and Wilmore seen shortly before their launch in June, which came after several previous delays and postponements caused by the Boeing shuttle

Starliner has encountered five failures of its 28 maneuvering thrusters, five leaks of helium gas meant to pressurize those thrusters, and a slow-moving propellant valve that signaled unfixed past issues since launching

While no decision has been made on using Starliner or SpaceX's Crew Dragon, NASA has been buying Boeing more time to do more testing and gather more data to build a better case to trust Starliner.

The leak that ruined the expedition was first discovered after the Starliner's first planned launch in May, when teams detected a valve leaking helium and scrubbed the mission.

Engineers suspected that the issue came from a defective rubber seal the size of a shirt button, and said that even if the leak worsens, it could be managed in flight - and set the next launch for June 1.

However, Starliner was again plagued with misfortunes when the capsule was automatically halted with minutes to go before liftoff by a computer-abort system.

The postponement was triggered by computers on the Atlas V rocket's launchpad that coordinate the final moments before liftoff, but the Starliner capsule appeared healthy, officials said.

As she waits in space, Williams conducts science experiments, exercises several hours a day, and provides educational content for schoolchildren

The issues sparked concern among a NASA contractor who urged the American space agency to 're-double safety checks and re-examine safety protocols to make sure the Starliner is safe before something catastrophic happens.'

Starliner has encountered five failures of its 28 maneuvering thrusters, five leaks of helium gas meant to pressurize those thrusters, and a slow-moving propellant valve that signaled unfixed past issues since launching.

When Starliner arrived in the space station's vicinity to dock on June 6, the five thruster failures prevented a close approach by the spacecraft until Boeing made a fix.

Over the past several weeks, Boeing has conducted thruster test firings on the ground and in space to understand why five thrusters failed ahead of Starliner's arrival at the space station.

All but one came back online. Helium leaks in the capsule's propulsion system also cropped up.
Palestinian health authorities say an Israeli airstrike hit a school-turned-shelter in Gaza City on Saturday, killing more than 100 people.

The Health Ministry's Ambulance and Emergency service said the strike on the Tabeen school in central Gaza City also wounded 47 people.

The Israeli military acknowledged the strike, claiming it hit a Hamas command centre within the school.

It did not provide evidence.

'The death toll is now between 90 to 100 and there are dozens more wounded,' agency spokesman Mahmud Bassal told AFP news agency.

'Three Israeli rockets hit the school that was housing displaced Palestinians.'

Relatives of Palestinian children, who lost their lives following the Israeli attack

A women cries over a dead body following the missile strike

Palestinian health authorities say an Israeli airstrike hit a school-turned-shelter in Gaza City on Saturday, killing more than 100 people

A young man mourns over the corpse of a person killed in an Israeli strike on a school used by displaced Palestinians as a temporary shelter in Gaza

The Health Ministry's Ambulance and Emergency service said the strike on the Tabeen school in central Gaza City also wounded 47 people

A young girl cries inside a school used as a temporary shelter for displaced Palestinians in Gaza City, following an Israeli strike

Injured Palestinians are brought to Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital in Deir Al-Balah after Israeli attack on the central part of the Gaza Strip

People gather in the yard of a school used by displaced Palestinians as a temporary shelter, after it was hit by an Israeli strike in Gaza City on August 10, 2024

People check the damage inside a school. The facility, like almost all of Gaza Strip's schools, has been used as a shelter for people who have been forced to flee their homes by the war

It is the latest Israeli strike on a school housing displaced people in Gaza since the Israel-Hamas war started some 10 months ago.

The facility, like almost all of Gaza Strip's schools, has been used as a shelter for people who have been forced to flee their homes by the war.

According to the United Nations, 477 out of 564 schools in Gaza have been directly hit or damaged in the war as of July 6.

In June, an Israeli strike on a school sheltering displaced Palestinians in central Gaza killed at least 33 people, including 12 women and children, according to local health officials.

The war was triggered by Hamas' October 7 attack, in which militants from Gaza stormed into southern Israel, killing around 1,200 people and abducting 250 others.

Israel's campaign in Gaza has killed more than 39,600 Palestinians and wounded more than 91,700 others, according to the enclave's Health Ministry.

More than 1.9 million of Gaza's pre-war population of 2.3 million have been driven from their homes, fleeing repeatedly across the territory to escape offensives.

A woman reacts after identifying a member of her family among the dead at the al-Maamadani hospital

People react as they transport the body of a family member from the al-Maamadani hospital for burial

An elderly man sits amid the rubble inside

People sift through the rubble inside a school

Most are now crowded into ramshackle tent camps in an area of about 50 square kilometres on the Gaza coast

People check the damage inside a school used as a temporary shelter for displaced Palestinians in Gaza

Displaced Palestinians watch as first responders prepare to transport corpses of people killed

Most are now crowded into ramshackle tent camps in an area of about 50 square kilometres on the Gaza coast.

This comes after the White House expressed their frustration with a lack of progress on ceasefire talks between Israel and Hamas last night.

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich earlier described a ceasefire proposal as a 'surrender deal.'

Kirby, a spokesman for the National Security Council, accused him of not caring about the fate of hostages held by Hamas terrorists and said that President Joe Biden would not let 'extremists' push talks off course.

'Some critics, like Smotrich, for example, have claimed that the hostage deal is a surrender to Hamas, or that hostages should not be exchanged for prisoners,' he said on a briefing call with reporters.

'Smotrich essentially suggests that the war ought to go on indefinitely without pause and with the lives of the hostages of no real concern at allhis arguments are dead wrong. They're misleading the Israeli public.'
The RSPCA has warned cat owners about antifreeze poisonings which have left a number of pets unable to move and needing to be put down.

A spree of poisonings is being investigated in South Wales by the animal charity, but it is not yet known whether the cats are being harmed deliberately or by accident.

According to the RSPCA, most people are unaware of the danger posed to pets by antifreeze - which just a small dose of can cause kidney failure and death.

Kidwelly in Carmarthenshire has been plagued by a recent spate of cat poisonings including Ben McQueen's three-year-old Luna being brought back to its owner unable to move.

He said it was 'as if she was drunk' as Luna struggled to even eat.

The RSPCA has warned cat owners about the dangers of antifreeze as Ben McQueen's pet Luna (pictured) was one of a number of cats to be poisoned in South Wales recently

When Mr McQueen took the cat for treatment, vets recommended she be put down after blood tests indicated she had been poisoned, with Luna's condition deteriorating further throughout.

'We were all just devastated. It has been a massive toll financially and emotionally,' Mr McQueen said, adding that he hopes this does not happen to others in his area.

However, he revealed that at least two other cats near him have been poisoned recently, with at least one suspected to be antifreeze related.

He added: 'We have also heard that this is not the first time cats have been poisoned in the area and that it happened a year or so ago.'

RSPCA animal rescue officer Andrew Harris has been investigating the incidents and urged pet owners to learn the signs of poisoning.

He said: 'If you suspect your pet has been poisoned, take them to a vet immediately.

'Wed also like to remind people to be mindful "for every kind" and for motorists to be careful and ensure chemicals like antifreeze are stored securely, and leaks from cars are addressed. If you have any hazardous materials in outbuildings please make sure they are locked away.'

The charity has also launched an appeal for information around the South Wales cases.

Cats are especially susceptible to antifreeze poisoning and symptoms can show as soon as 30 minutes after consumption.

Signs to look out for according to the RSPCA are: Vomiting, seeming depressed or sleepy, appearing drunk and uncoordinated, seizures or fits and difficulty breathing.
We have cameras throughout the shop and outside, so we were able to see that they tried to steal our safe, which is securely bolted to the cement floor, the store said. They ran out of the store when our alarm sounded and the police arrived about 10 minutes later. We always leave our cash drawers empty and open, so in the end, they left with a bag of cookies. But what a mess they left behind. Glass everywhere and crushed bags of cookies that they stepped all over when they entered.
Rachel Reeves has given up on her hopes of removing a urinal from the chancellor's private bathroom at the Treasury after seeing a bill of around 8,000 for the work.

A memo reportedly explained that any changes would require expensive listed building consent, and warmed the bathroom is one of the oldest in the building and associated with Winston Churchill.

It follows the new resident of 11 Downing Street vowing to 'smash glass ceilings and urinals' as the first female chancellor following Labour's election landslide last month.

A number of reports are suggesting, though, that merely applying to remove or cover up said urinal would cost about 8,000 according to an internal HMT memo.

As Chancellor between 1924 and 1929, wartime Prime Minister Churchill was likely one of the first to use the black-and-white tiled loo - which dates back to at least 1922.

Rachel Reeves has given up on her hopes of removing a urinal from the chancellor's private bathroom at the Treasury after seeing a bill of around 8,000 for the work

Ms Reeves showed Emily Maitlis the Chancellor's private facilities last month

The chancellor's private bathroom does also include a toilet, but many were shocked to learn about the urinal as it became clear that it would be rendered useless in the coming years - should Ms Reeves keep her job.

Discussing the Edwardian hardware with Emily Maitlis and John Sopel on the News Agents podcast, Ms Reeves invited the former to see the urinal in the flesh.

A shocked Sopel remarked, 'you've still got a urinal?', while Maitlis laughed.

A Treasury insiders told the Financial Times during the campaign that there had 'been a discussion about whether it's appropriate to have a urinal in there and whether it should be removed'.

Quizzed afterwards on whether she was fine with the urinal remaining in the private bathroom, Ms Reeves told the Spectator magazine: 'Not really.'

She added her approach was about 'smashing glass ceilings and urinals'.

However, the new memo suggests even seemingly simple solutions to this problem for Ms Reeves would be costly.

As well as covering the urinal altogether, another option was to frost the existing glass screen, but this would apparently be similarly expensive as it would require careful design to fit the exact space.

According to The Times, a low-cost solution suggested by Treasury officials is for Ms Reeves to put a pot plant in front of the offending fixture.

After the general election, it was revealed that the Treasury toilet also needed to be stocked with period products as it became accessible to its new occupant.

But Reeves is not just concerned about women's inclusion in the Treasury bathroom.

This week she told an audience of senior women in finance on a visit to North America: 'I want to play my part and send a signal to young women and girls that there is nothing they cant achieve if they put their mind to it.

'The first chancellor was called Henry the Treasurer and its been quite a long time to wait to get a woman in the role. That is a huge honour for me personally and I see it as a big responsibility to ensure the economy works better for women.'
A disabled Aussie heavy metal fan has been left humiliated after he was turned away from seeing one of his favourite bands because he uses a wheelchair.

Dylan Taylor went to the Pier Bandroom venue in the Melbourne suburb of Frankston to see Sydney band Polaris on July 28, but to his shock, he was refused entry.

There was nothing on his concert ticket, nor on the venue's website or social media, saying that people in wheelchairs would not be allowed in.

But after Mr Taylor, 32, travelled for over an hour with some friends to get to the venue, he soon realised something was up.

'I got to the front of the line, and they were checking IDs like normal, and one of the bouncers wouldn't even acknowledge that I was there,' he told 7News.

He was holding up his driver's licence, but the security staff did not look at it.

Mr Taylor was confused about what was happening until another doorman told him 'Nup, sorry mate, no wheelchairs' - which he said was 'blatant discrimination'.

The group asked for a manager to come out to talk to them to see if they could sort out a way for them all to be allowed in.

Disabled Aussie heavy metal fan Dylan Taylor (pictured at a Polaris concert in San Diego) was left humiliated after he was turned away from a concert because he uses a wheelchair

Eventually the manager allegedly told the group that it would be a fire safety risk to let Mr Taylor in and that the bouncers would not carry a wheelchair user out if there was a fire.

'I'm spewin' because, at this point, I haven't even paid my friends back for the ticket, and I've ruined their night out,' he said.

When his friends said they'd seen someone in a wheelchair in the same venue two weeks earlier, they were told that person was able to walk some distance and didn't always need their wheelchair.

A spokesperson from the Pier Bandroom owner, Endeavour Group, said the venue was sorry for the distress caused.

They said the Pier Hotel was built in the 1800s and the Bandroom venue is 'only accessible by stairs, and is not wheelchair accessible'.

'We apologise to any ticket holders who were not given adequate information about our venue's policies at the time of purchasing tickets to recent concerts.'

They added that the Pier Bandroom's website will be updated to make the rules around wheelchair non-access clear.

Poll Should music venues do more to be accessible to people in wheelchairs? Yes No Should music venues do more to be accessible to people in wheelchairs? Yes 391 votes

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It's understood the tickets were later refunded.

Ironically, Mr Taylor had already seen Polaris play when he was living in San Diego, California and even got to fist-pump the band while crowd-surfing in his wheelchair.

'You could just count on the fact that you could get your wheelchair in there,' he said.

It was in San Diego where, 18 months ago, he got a permanent spinal injury while riding his BMX bike.

Mr Taylor said what happened to him in Frankston 'was the first time I've faced, I would say, pretty blatant discrimination'.

'You feel pretty empty inside, and I did have a little cry in the car on the way home'.

Mr Taylor said the experience really upset him as it made him realise what people who have been disabled their whole life have to deal with.

'(People) who maybe haven't had the other half of life I've had, to be able to go and experience these things before being in a wheelchair,' he said.

There was nothing on his concert ticket, nor on the venue's website or social media, saying that people in wheelchairs would not be allowed in. The Pier Bandroom is pictured

Ironically, Mr Taylor had already seen Polaris (pictured) play when he was living in San Diego, California and even got to fist-pump the band while crowd-surfing in his wheelchair

Mr Taylor said the past 18 months had been 'a steep learning curve' to discover how much of his life is now held back by a lack of wheelchair access.

'Melbourne will accept the reputation of being inclusive and accepting, but it's not necessarily accessible,' he said.

A new National Arts and Disability Associated Plan, which is getting $7.9million in funding from the federal government, will help support people with a disability to access and take part in the arts.

Daily Mail Australia has contacted both Pier Bandroom and Polaris for comment.
A beloved Aussie dad has died while on a surfing holiday in Indonesia.

Western Australian man Jeremy 'Jezza' Wann, 48, died while surfing in North Sumatra province with his teenage son Mason and friends on Thursday.

It is understood the father-of-three hit his head on a reef and was knocked unconscious. He could sadly not be resuscitated despite frantic efforts.

The passionate surfer is survived by his wife Rikki, their two sons aged 17 and 16, and their 12-year-old daughter, the West Australian reports.

'He worked hard to ensure his family had everything they needed. Jeremy made his parents proud and was always there for his sister,' the family said in a statement.

'He will be missed by all who were lucky enough to have met him and had him as part of their lives. Jeremy lived and worked on the ocean, he had a great love for surfing which he shared with his family and friends.

'The family want to express their deep gratitude to Jeremy's mates, Daniel, Jay and Josh who were on the surf trip and have watched over Mason until he made it home safely to his family.'

Mason was reunited with his mother at Perth Airport on Friday with the family now waiting for Mr Wann's body to be repatriated to Australia.

Jeremy 'Jezza' Wann, 48, died while surfing in North Sumatra province with his teenage son Mason and friends on Thursday (the father-of-three is pictured)

'The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade is providing consular assistance to the family of an Australian who died in Indonesia,' a DFAT spokesperson told NewsWire.

'We send our deepest condolences to the family at this difficult time.

'Owing to our privacy obligations we are unable to provide further comment.'

DFAT's consular assistance can include support and guidance to families and liaison with local and Australian authorities to assist with funeral arrangements or the repatriation of remains.

Friends have rallied around the Wann family, with a GoFundMe page raising over $40,000 in less than 48 hours.

'Our best friend and brother, Husband, Father, and Son - Jeremy Wann has sadly passed away in a tragic surfing accident in Indonesia, doing what he loved the most,' organiser Dee Wilson wrote.

The passionate surfer (pictured right) is survived by his wife Rikki and their three children

It is understood Mr Wann hit his head on a reef and was knocked unconscious while surfing in North Sumatra province on Thursday (the area is highlighted on this map)

'Loved and respected by all lucky enough to know him we want to raise some funds to assist with the repatriation process and to support his family during this extremely sad and difficult time.

'We will miss him dearly and will support his family as best we can.'

The page has raised more than $42,000, blowing past its $15,000 target.
Vice President Kamala Harris is now leading former President Donald Trump in three crucial battleground states, according to a new poll.

New findings by The New York Times, suggest that Harris has now moved ahead of Trump by four points in Michigan, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin.

Among likely voters in each state, 50 percent said they would likely vote for Harris while 46 for Trump.

Based on the new figures, Harris has erased the lead Trump was building in the states before President Joe Biden dramatically dropped out of the race.

Despite the apparent lead over Trump, the poll shows vulnerabilities for Harris, with voters preferring Trump when it comes to the economy and immigration, two central issues to the race to the White House.

New findings by The New York Times , suggest that Harris has now moved ahead of Trump by four points in Michigan, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin.

Despite the apparent lead over Trump, the poll shows vulnerabilities for Harris, with voters preferring Trump when it comes to the economy and immigration

Harris is now in a stronger position than Biden was in May with the majority of demographic groups, which includes white voters without a college degree.

The poll showed she is now faring better with Black and young voters, parts of the electorate that had began to erode under Biden, as well as holding older voters.

In terms of the economy, Harris trails Trump by nine points on the issue where he has held an advantage.

Harris has a 24-point advantage when it comes to handling abortion, which is nearly double the advantage Biden had in May of this year.

Forty-two percent of voters said in the poll that Harris was too liberal, with 37 percent saying the same about Biden in the same states last October.

The Trump campaign has been defining Harris as a left-wing extremist who they say is out of touch with the swing-state voters.

But the poll suggests that the attack from the campaign hasn't landed, with nearly two-thirds seeing Harris as more intelligent than the former president.

Amid Democratic voters, their satisfaction for their choice of candidate has skyrocketed since Harris entered the race, jumping 27 points in the swing states.

The poll showed Harris is now faring better with Black and young voters, parts of the electorate that had began to erode under Biden, as well as holding older voters

The Trump campaign has been defining Harris as a left-wing extremist who they say is out of touch with the swing-state voters. Trump supporters are seen here at a rally in Montana on Friday

Retiree Lee Lanser, from Holland, Michigan, typically votes Republican but is now considering a vote for Harris in November.

Speaking with the Times, he said he might disagree with some Democratic policies, but he couldn't stand Trump's 'disrespectful' and 'unacceptable' attitude.

The 89-year-old told the outlet: 'Some of her character is real appealing to me. Im not so sure I agree with a lot of her policies.

'But the alternative is just not acceptable at all in my mind  because character is everything.'

While John Jordan, a Democratic voter in Croydon, Pennsylvania, said his friends and family were 'pumped up' to support Harris than Biden.

He told the outlet: 'I believe that she is best suited to move this country forward.

'Ill also take it one step further to say, Im very proud to be part of this historic moment and to hope that, yes, she does become the first African American slash Asian woman to be in the White House. I think that this is just such an exciting time and an exciting moment.'

Jonathan Ball, a floor installer from Jackson, Michigan, said he believes Trump would do more to help working Americans than Harris.

He told the outlet: 'I think shes more liberal. I just dont think shes all for the middle. I just see her one-sided. You know, for the rich.'

The new poll has also captured mixed feelings about Trump's running mate, JD Vance.

A number of past comments have come back to haunt the Ohio Senator including a remark that the country was being run by 'childless cat ladies' like Harris.

Across all three states, Vance is now viewed as being widely unfavorably by independent voters.

One third say they were dissatisfied, while another 17 percent said they were 'angry' about the selection.

He has received a lukewarm response from Republicans, 43 percent said they were excited about Vance as VP, while 38 said they were satisfied but not enthusiastic.

Governor Tim Walz, who was rolled out by Harris as her veep choice, has received high marks from Democrats

A number of past comments have come back to haunt the Ohio Senator including a remark that the country was being run by 'childless cat ladies' like Harris

Meanwhile Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, who was rolled out by Harris as her veep choice, has received higher marks.

In Pennsylvania, 48 percent of Democrats said they were excited about the nominee, the Wisconsin and Michigan polling was conducted prior to his announcement.

The unease around Vance being picked for VP was echoed by Barbara Kampa, a two-time Trump voter from Greendale, Wisconsin.

She told the Times that she was shocked when she first heard Vance was on the campaign trail.

The 64-year-old said: 'I was like, "Oh, holy crap. I dont know how to say it nicely, but holy crap."

'He needs to be sat down and told, "Well, this is how we approach things for us to get people to vote for us."

'You cant go out there like its the Wild West and start shooting. That turns people off.'

Harris is now set to debate Trump on September 10 on ABC, setting up the first face-to-face match-up between the rivals in what polls show is a close race.

Harris attends her and Governor Tim Walz presidential campaign rally at the High Country in Wisconsin, United States on August 7, 2024

In a news conference at his Palm Beach, Florida, residence, Trump said he wanted additional debates on September 4 and September 25 that would air on Fox and NBC.

Harris said in a post on X that she was looking forward to the September 10 debate after Trump 'finally committed.'

She told reporters after a Detroit-area campaign stop that she was open to discussing more debates, but a campaign official reiterated their position that a September 4 Fox debate is off the table.

The Harris campaign had already opposed a Fox debate, saying the host network should be one that sponsored recent primary debates by both parties.

Trump previously suggested he might back out of the ABC debate, scheduled before Harris, the U.S. vice president, replaced President Joe Biden as the Democratic presidential candidate less than three weeks ago, upending the contest.
Police have made early arrests ahead of demonstrations today as thousands gathered to face off far-right rioters across the UK.

The civil unrest comes after the killing of three young girls in Southport, after which disinformation was spread about the suspect on social media.

A man has been detained at a planned anti-immigration rally in Newcastle town centre after being found carrying a hammer to the event, the Associated Press reported.

A woman was also taken away by police in Grainger Town as opposing groups met this morning, following clashes and arrests on Friday.

In Belfast, about 15,000 people are taking part in an anti-racism rally, following a week of unrest and disorder in the city.

A man is detained for carrying a hammer to a protest in Newcastle on Saturday

Police make arrests among Enough Is Enough supporters in Newcastle city centre today

Protestors hold banners during a 'Stop the Far Right' demonstration at George Square in Glasgow on Saturday

A counter demo holds an anti immigration banner during the George Square demonstration in Glasgow, Scotland

It was not immediately clear which group the man carrying the hammer was with, if either

The demonstration began at Writer's Square and made its way to City Hall where speeches are taking place.

The campaign group Stand Up To Racism Scotland (SUTRS) organised counter-protests outside Holyrood in Edinburgh and in George Square in Glasgow.

Demonstrators carried placards and banners displaying slogans such as 'No to racism' and 'Refugees welcome: Stop the far right'.

One campaigner posted on X along with a video capturing the large crowd in George Square: 'This is Glasgow. Sending a LOUD and CLEAR message to the FAR RIGHT. These are OUR STREETS.'

Other videos posted online showed a man holding a sign reading: 'Asylum Frauds Out' was met with chants of 'Refugees are welcome here' and led to him leaving amid outbreaks of cheers and applause.

The demonstrations follow similar counter-protests in Bathgate and Paisley on Friday, which were the first to be held in Scotland following riots across parts of England.

Shops were boarded up across Newcastle ahead of a potential far-right demonstration this afternoon, following nearly two weeks of rioting, looting and attacks on hotels housing asylum seekers nationwide.

Northumbria Police has implemented a number of extra legal powers ahead of planned events this weekend, including enhanced stop-and-search capabilities in the hunt for weapons, and powers to remove items used to conceal identity.

A woman gets arrested ahead of a far-right anti-immigration protest in Newcastle

Police have made several arrests already as demonstrators gather in Newcastle

A woman takes part in the anti-immigration demonstration in Newcastle on Saturday

People hold placards during a 'Stop the Far Right' demonstration on a National Day of Protest outside the headquarters of Reform UK in London today

More protesters gather outside the Reform UK offices in London today

People take part in an anti-far right protest outside Reform HQ in London today

Under the extended provisions, police have the power to impose directions on anyone organising or taking part in an assembly where there is a reasonable belief that it may result in serious public disorder, serious damage to property, or serious disruption to the life of the community.

Officers will also have the power to disperse anyone in a certain area if they believe their behaviour contributed to or is likely to contribute to members of the public in the locality being harassed, alarmed, or distressed or the occurrence of crime and disorder.

Chief Superintendent Steve Wykes said: 'The right to lawful protest is a key part of any democracy, however, we will not accept people using them as a means to commit crime.

'A robust policing presence has been stood up. Officer rest days have been cancelled and resources redeployed to ensure officers are out and visible in our communities to keep you safe.'

He added: 'This should act as a warning to anyone with the intention of causing any further disorder - you will face the full force of the law. You are not welcome in our region.'

Some turning out on Saturday were seen with signs criticising what they call a 'two tier' system of policing.

Met Police Chief Sir Mark Rowley this week branded the claims 'complete nonsense' and said they were putting officers at risk.

'We operate independently under the law without fear or favour,' he said.

'They are putting them at risk by suggesting that any of those officers are going out with, as with any intent, other than to operate without fear or favour in protecting communities.'

Suspected rioters are continuing to appear in court as well, as online influencers who 'stoked the flames of hatred and division and incited violence' were being pursued by specialist officers.

More than 700 people have now been arrested over rioting, according to the National Police Chiefs' Council (NPCC), of whom more than 300 have been charged.

A protestor wears a flag and shows a placard at a rally in Newcastle on Saturday

Anti-immigration protesters hold up flags in Newcastle, including a Celtic Cross. The Cross is used by neo-Nazis and white supremacists today, according to the Anti-Defamation League - but is also used for religious purposes 'as well as to symbolise concepts like Irish pride'

Shops have been boarded up in anticipation of more unrest in Newcastle today

Meanwhile in London, demonstrators at a 'Stop the Far Right' protest gather near Reform HQ

In Glasgow, protesters carry signs in a demonstration organised by the Blue Angels MC

Among those in court on Saturday is childminder Lucy Connolly, 41, the partner of Conservative West Northamptonshire councillor Raymond Connolly, who has been charged with publishing written material to stir up racial hatred on social media.

She will appear at Nottingham Magistrates' Court via video link.

Merseyside Police said two more people have been charged after the violent disorder in Southport and Liverpool.

Andrew McIntyre, 39, from Cousins Lane, Rufford, has been charged with encouraging an offence of murder; encouraging an either way offence namely violent disorder and possession of a bladed article.

He is due to appear at Liverpool and Knowsley Magistrates Court on Saturday.

Police also said a 16-year-old from Stockbridge Village has been charged with violent disorder, two counts of burglary at non-residential properties, criminal damage to a police vehicle amounting to 5,000, and assault of an emergency worker in Liverpool city centre.

He will appear at Merseyside Youth Remand Court on Saturday.

Adam Turner, 38, from Birmingham, was charged with violent disorder and assaulting an emergency worker after disorder in Solihull on Sunday, August 4.

A West Midlands Police spokesman said a glass was thrown at an officer in Damson Lane as they responded to a large gathering in the area, although nobody was injured.

Turner was remanded to appear before Birmingham Magistrates' Court on Saturday.

It comes as the NPCC said specialist officers have been tasked with pursuing suspected online offenders and so-called influencers, who they say are responsible for 'spreading hate and inciting violence on a large scale'.

Across the country, teams are investigating 'hundreds of leads'.

Police are currently bracing for a weekend of fresh riots, with masked demonstrators already clashing in Belfast.

Belfast has seen some of the worst disorder, with 22 people arrested in connection with the riots that have raged over several days.

Arrests were made on Wednesday night after bins were set on fire and houses attacked.

Four men were charged yesterday of criminal damage, resisting police, rioting and throwing a petrol bomb.

The two groups faced off outside a Holiday Inn in Crawley, Sussex yesterday, though it was clear support had dwindled since masses turned out to attack hotels housing asylum seekers last weekend.

Anti-racism protesters demonstrate in Newcastle ahead of the planned rally on Saturday

Police officers in Newcastle ahead of a far-right demonstration on Saturday

Protestors also descended on Barnsley on Thursday, prompting businesses to lock their doors and forcing staff to work from home amid fear of further rioting.

Detectives confirmed there three people were detained at the protest, including a 15-year-old boy was arrested on suspicion of possession of an offensive weapon.

South Yorkshire Police also told MailOnline that a 43-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of possession of a banned breed and possession of a controlled drug; and a 42-year-old man was detained on suspicion of being drunk and disorderly.

Planned anti-immigration protests failed to materialise on Wednesday, despite the threat of more than 100 planned demonstrations - but fears remain that more could follow.

Clashes began on July 30 following a spate of misinformation about the killing of three children in Southport a day prior.

The suspect was not initially named, granted automatic anonymity due to his age.

But as misinformation spread online that the perpetrator was an Islamist asylum seeker, his identity was revealed as a 17-year-old from Lancashire.

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 from a brutal attack on a dance class in the town, 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 anonymity.

Suspect Axel Rudakubana has since been charged with murdering three children.

The government has implemented new measures aimed at tackling misinformation and deterring would-be criminals from instigating further violent disorder.

On Friday, the Prime Minister said that the government would review social media laws as part of those efforts.

The Telegraph reported that ministers are now looking at introducing a duty on social media companies to restrict even legal content deemed 'harmful'.

This could mean firms would be obliged to remove or suppress posts spreading fake news or other topics 'such as self-harm', the newspaper reports, 'even if they do not meet the threshold for illegality'.

Critics have branded the proposals 'sinister and authoritarian'.

Controversially, a court in Belfast also heard this week that anybody present at a riot would be remanded in custody, even if they were only a 'curious observer'.

District Judge Francis Rafferty said someone's presence at a riot alone made them involved as he refused two bail applications, as reported by The Telegraph.

Cameron Armstrong, 18 from Belfast, was charged with rioting in the Connswater area of east Belfast after his solicitor argued that while his client was on the 'periphery' of the scene, he denied being involved in any of the rioting.

The defence solicitor said his client had gone to 'have a look' but left when petrol bombs were thrown.

'He doesn't have to throw a petrol bomb or brick to be involved in disorder, if he's present at disorder,' Judge Rafferty said.

'Anybody involving themselves in this type of behaviour, this type of disorder, as an active participant or a curious observer can expect to be, save for the most exceptional circumstances, remanded into custody, and this defendant is remanded into custody.'

The full scope of this provision was unclear.

Newcastle saw a huge turnout of protestors rallying against racially-motivated rioting

Demonstrators gather in Newcastle city centre for a Stand Up To Racism counter protest

More than 700 people have now been arrested over rioting, according to the National Police Chiefs' Council (NPCC), of whom more than 300 have been charged.

The NPCC has said specialist officers have now been tasked with pursuing suspected online offenders and so-called influencers, who they say are responsible for 'spreading hate and inciting violence on a large scale'.

Across the country, teams are investigating 'hundreds of leads'.

The NPCC's serious and organised crime team is working with Counter Terrorism Policing and other national agencies to review content across a range of social media sites and platforms.

Online content will be assessed by a senior investigator to determine if it meets the criminal threshold and offenders will then be identified, arrested and charged.

Chief Constable Chris Haward, the NPCC lead for serious and organised crime, said inciting violence and encouraging mass disorder are 'incredibly serious offences'.

He went on: 'But this abhorrent activity didn't happen by itself. Large crowds and gatherings didn't mobilise spontaneously.

'It was the result of dozens of so-called influencers, exploiting the outpouring of grief from the tragic loss of three young girls in Southport.

'They knowingly spread misinformation, stoked the flames of hatred and division and incited violence from the comfort of their own homes, causing chaos on other people's doorsteps.'
A British frigate has been keeping a 'close watch' on two Chinese warships passing through UK waters, the Royal Navy has said.

Plymouth-based warship HMS Richmond 'firmly' monitored the People's Liberation Army (Navy) ships - the Jiaozuo, a 7500-tonne destroyer, and Honghu, a 23,400-tonne supply ship - as they passed the UK twice in three weeks on its way to and from St Petersburg, Russia.

According to the Royal Navy, HMS Richmond took over from the French ship Commandant Blaison which maintained contact with China's ships past its country's coastline. Once they reached the North Sea, Belgian Navy patrol ship Pollux continued to follow Jiaozuo and Honghu.

A fortnight later, HMS Richmond had to assume monitoring duties once again, as the Chinese vessels headed back towards to Dover Strait.

The Chinese ships had participated in Russia's annual Navy Day parade which took place on July 28.

HMS Richmond (foreground) accompanies Chinese destroyer Jiaozuo through the English Channel

The Chinese Navy support ship Honghu as seen from HMS Richmond

Royal Navy frigate HMS Richmond follows the ships of Chinese Navy warships destroyer Jiaozuo (nearest the camera) and support vessel Honghu (centre)

Russia's Navy Day is a lavish national holiday that celebrates the country's naval stength, as its fleet's most powerful ships sail in formation past Russia's top leaders.

This year's Navy Day parade was attended by dictator Vladimir Putin and his defence minister Andrei Belousov, but it was recently revealed that a suspected assassination plot against Putin by Ukraine was halted.

The presence of Chinese Navy ships in the English Channel is not a common occurrence, but this is not the first time in recent memory that the Royal Navy has had to keep an eye on China's ships headed to Russia.

Back in 2019, HMS St Albans and Westminster were called upon to monitor destroyer Xian as it sailed to and from Russia's navy event.

Minister for the Armed Forces Luke Pollard said: 'These escorts are a clear demonstration of how the Royal Navy continues to protect the sovereignty of UK waters. Working closely with our allies to support Euro-Atlantic security is a top priority for this government.

HMS Richmond (foreground) moves at speed to make contact with the Chinese destroyer Jiaozuo

The Chinese ships were travelling to and from Russia to participate in Putin's annual Navy Day parade

HMS Richmond with her 4.5in main gun in the foreground keeps close watch on the Chinese destroyer Jiaozuo in the Channel

'I thank the crew of HMS Richmond for conducting a safe and professional transit and all they do in keeping our nation secure at home and strong abroad.'

The Royal Navy routinely monitors UK waters and neighbouring seas to ensure compliance with maritime law.

HMS Richmond's Commanding Officer, Commander Richard Kemp, said: 'By maintaining a visible and persistent presence, the Royal Navy demonstrates our commitment to the NATO alliance and in maintaining maritime security which is crucial to our national interests.'
An elderly South Australian man has died after he was forced to wait for five hours for an ambulance to arrive at his retirement home.

The death happened on July 10, during a month when ramping soared to a record 5,539 hours lost in SA, despite the state Labor government's 2022 election promise to fix the worsening problem.

Ramping is what happens when ambulances are lined up at hospital emergency departments but are not able to offload patients because all the beds are full, meaning there are fewer vehicles available to attend to other patients.

The call to pick up the elderly man was initially listed as a priority 3 - a 30 minute response time - then upgraded to priority 2, meaning an ambulance was expected to arrive within 16 minutes.

His case was then moved to the most urgent priority 1  attendance expected within eight minutes.

Though the nearest ambulance station was just over 1km away, by the time paramedics arrived after five hours, it was too late to save the man's life.

The Ambulance Employees Association (AEA) said that on the same night the man died, other patients were ramped for 12, 11 and 9.5 hours.

AEA state secretary Leah Watkins said paramedics 'feel like they are playing Russian roulette' being stuck in hospital car parks treating patients.

An elderly South Australian man has died after he was kept waiting five hours for an ambulance to arrive at his suburban Adelaide aged care home. Stock image

She said paramedics also listen to unattended emergency calls and wonder if the person will have died by the time they are free to attend.

'Our members are gravely concerned that we are again reaching similar conditions that existed in early 2022 - delays to emergency cases in the community and delays getting critically unwell patients into hospitals,' she told the Advertiser.

'This an absolute tragedy. This is the exact reason we fight so hard for a rapid offload of ambulances at hospitals.'

Health Minister Chris Picton offered his 'deepest condolences' to the man's family.

'This has been referred to the Coroner and I will ensure that SA Ambulance Service and SA Health provide full cooperation to any Coronial investigation,' he said in a statement.

Mr Picton added that the government was 'focused on improving ambulance response times' and said an increasing number of people in life threatening situations are getting an ambulance on time.

But the deputy Opposition leader John Gardner disagreed, saying: 'This is another tragic death that will shock many South Australians.

Ambulance Employees Association state secretary Leah Watkins (pictured) said paramedics 'feel like they are playing Russian roulette' being stuck in hospital car parks treating patients

'Our health system is in crisis under Labor  a direct reflection on [Premier] Peter Malinauskas' failed promise to "fix" ramping.

'Under Labor, 5,539 hours were lost to ramping in July  a grim record figure. Peter Malinauskas must take responsibility and "fix" ramping like Labor promised before the state election before we see more avoidable tragedies.'

The longest time a person was ramped for in July was when an 83-year-old woman was stuck in the Royal Adelaide Hospital car park for 12.5 hours.

Mr Picton said the Labor government 'acknowledge that there are still many more investments to make to improve response times further'.
The cause of death for a North Carolina woman who was found 'entangled' in a baggage claim conveyor belt at Chicago O'Hare has been revealed.

The death of Virginia Christine Vinton, 57, of Waxhaw, North Carolina, was ruled a suicide by the Cook County Medical Examiner's Office on Friday.

She died by asphyxiation due to hanging, a spokesperson told The Chicago Tribune.

The 57-year-old was found inside a restricted area in Terminal 5 shortly before 8am on Thursday where she was found unresponsive and 'entangled' in the conveyor belt.

Surveillance footage showed the woman entering the unoccupied area around 2:30am - five hours before her body was discovered.

Vinton was pronounced dead at the scene and was not an airport employee.

The death of Virginia Christine Vinton, 57, of Waxhaw, was ruled a suicide by the Cook County Medical Examiner's Office on Friday (pictured: Chicago O'Hare)

The 57-year-old was found inside a restricted area in Terminal 5 shortly before 8am on Thursday where she was found unresponsive and 'entangled' in the conveyor belt

Authorities said the part of the airport the woman entered is restricted to employees, and while it's considered secure, it isn't a high-security area, ABC 7 reported.

This section of the international terminal is filled with conveyor belts that bring luggage to and from planes. Bags in this area also go through customs.

The terminal serves Delta Airlines, as well as international carriers.

DailyMail.com has reached out to the family for comment.

Last month, passengers were trapped on a 'shaking' plane at O'Hare after ground and air traffic control were evacuated due to multiple tornado warnings.

Courtney Mares, a journalist for Catholic News Agency who took the video on the plane, said: 'Our plane is sitting on the runway at Chicago O'Hare right now while everyone's phones receive multiple tornado warnings.

'Captain announced that air traffic control and ground control have evacuated, she continued. 'Plane is shaking as it is blown back and forth by the wind.'

As many as ten simultaneous tornadoes were spotted by the National Weather Service in the metropolitan area of the Windy City on July 15, with one hurtling towards the international airport.

If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts or actions, call the National Suicide Hotline at 988.
The wife of a Tory councillor has appeared in court charged with publishing written material to stir up racial hatred in relation to a social media message calling for attacks on asylum seekers.

Lucy Connolly, 41, appeared at Nottingham Magistrates' Court on Saturday morning via a videolink and did not enter a plea.

District Judge Rahim Allen-Khimani told Connolly the matter is 'too serious for this court to deal with' and she was remanded in custody until her next appearance at Northampton Crown Court on Monday.

It is alleged that Connolly, from Parkfield Avenue, Northampton, posted on X hours after the Southport knife killings saying: 'Mass deportation now, set fire to all the f****** hotels full of the b******* for all I care...'

Connolly, who works as a childminder, bluntly added: 'If that makes me racist, so be it.'

Lucie Connolly (pictured) appeared in court today charged with publishing written material to stir up racial hatred

The 41-year-old has since deleted her post and blamed it on 'a moment of extreme outrage and emotion' when she was acting on 'false and malicious' information

The woman was wearing a pink jumper on the videolink, and had dark shoulder-length hair.

She is married to Conservative councillor Raymond Connolly who serves as the vice chair of the committee on adult social care at West Northamptonshire Council.

Denying the BBC's accusations that his wife is racist, Councillor Connolly explained she looks after 'Somalian and Bangladeshi kids'.

He said his wife had made one 'stupid, spur of the moment tweet out of frustration and quickly deleted it'.

Councillor Connolly continued: 'She's a good person and she's not racist. She's got Somalian and Bangladeshi kids she looks after and she loves them like they're her own'.

Since posting the vile tweet, Mrs Connolly has been suspended on the platform Childcare.co.uk - where she advertised her childminding services.

She has deleted the post and issued an apology which reads: 'Acting on information that I now know to be false and malicious, and in a moment of extreme outrage and emotion, I posted words that I realise were wrong in every way.

'I am someone who cares enormously about children, and the similarity between those beautiful children who were so brutally attacked and my own daughter overwhelmed me with horror but I should not have expressed that horror in the way that I did.'

Raymond Connolly (pictured) is a Conservative councillor and serves as vice chair of the committee on adult social care at West Northamptonshire Council

Online childcare community Childcare.co.uk have since confirmed that they have suspended Connolly following the tweet, after allegations emerged she had an advert on their platform

The 41-year-old appeared at Nottingham Magistrates' Court (pictured) on Saturday morning via a videolink and did not enter a plea

She added: 'This has been a valuable lesson for me, in realising how wrong and inaccurate things appearing on social media can be, and I will never ever react in this way again.'

Northamptonshire Police confirmed that a 41-year-old woman has been arrested on suspicion of inciting racial hatred after reports of a hate crime regarding a social media post.
A father who deliberately drove his twin two-year-old daughters off a cliff to 'send them to heaven' has pleaded guilty to attempted murder.

Robert Duane Brians, 51, will be imprisoned for 31 years next month in a plea bargain four years after they plunged from Sunset Cliffs in San Diego after Brians initially pleaded not guilty to all charges.

He and his daughters were all saved by hero policeman Jonathan Wiese, who rappelled down the cliff and swam to the sinking car to drag them out of the water.

Brians abducted Hailey and Aubrey from his parents' house during a planned visit and drove off with them on June 12, 2020.

His wife Jenna Brians called police about 4:30 am on June 13 after getting a series of texts and calls from Brians 'clearly stating she may not see her kids again'.

Robert Duane Brians, 51, will be jailed for 31 years next month in a plea bargain

Hailey and Aubrey Brians narrowly avoided death when their father drove them off Sunset Cliffs in San Diego on July 13, 2020

'The girls are going to Heaven and Im going to Hell to wait for you,' one read.

Brians earlier made a Facebook post reading: 'Tonight, Im sending my babies to Heaven.'

Jenna believed her estranged husband was going to drive off the Coronado bridge, but police spotted him driving near Sunset Cliffs about 5 am.

Suddenly, his pickup truck swerved off the road and went over the edge as police tailing him watched in horror.

Brians had Hailey and Aubrey on his lap as he drove, which saved their lives as they would have been killed if they were in the back seat.

The car landed upside-down in the water after Brians drove it off the cliff

His wife Jenna Brians called police about 4:30 am on June 13 after getting a series of texts and calls from Brians 'clearly stating she may not see her kids again'

Wiese, a K9 officer, used a 100-foot dog leash as a makeshift rope to rappel down the cliff, while five other cops held the other end.

Then he dived into the ocean to rescue them, finding Brians with the girls in his arms, Aubrey crying hanging on to his neck for dear life.

Hailey was limp and looked like she was dead, and Brians was talking angrily about his estranged wife, Wiese said.

Brians told Wiese that 'he was going to die and the girls were coming with him.'

Other officers on the cliff top lowered a backpack down to hoist the little girls back up to an ambulance, while Wiese pushed Brians to shore.

Jenna is a single parent to the twins and grateful to have closure

Both girls suffered minor scrapes and cuts but Hailey had brain bleed and compression fractures to her vertebrae, and couldn't breathe on her own for a while.

They were admitted intensive care, but within weeks were happily playing at the beach and putting the ordeal behind them.

A GoFundMe has been set up toward the twins' futures and has raised $18,260 toward its $25,000 goal.

Brians and Jenna married on November 6, 2017, and appeared to have a happy family life until just months before the horrific crime.

'My little family is the best team I could ever have!' Jenna wrote next to an Instagram photo on March 5, 2020 - the last photo he appeared in.

Other photos showed them on family vacations, celebrating birthdays and holidays, and playing and the beach, parks, and pools.

But it all went horribly wrong, and among Brians' long list of charges was a domestic assault on Jenna.

Wiese in 2020 described how he saw the pickup truck go over the cliff and how he rescued the twins and the father who tried to kill them.

'Literally, my heart sank. Please tell me the girls were not in the car,' Wiese said he thought to himself to the San Diego Tribune.

'I could see him and he had one of the girls in his arms, and I have a two-year-old daughter at home so I imagined, what if that was my wife and kid down there? You're not going to stand there on the cliff and watch it happen,' Wiese said to ABC10 as he set about rescuing them.

Wiese tried to think of a way to get down the cliff and recalled he had a 100-foot leash with him.

He handed one end of the rope to five other cops who had shown up to assist and jumped over the edge.

'I said, "Hey, hang on. I'm going",' Wiese said to the Tribune.

Brians and his daughters were all saved by hero policeman Jonathan Wiese, who rappelled down the cliff and swam to the sinking car to drag them out of the water

Wiese ended up being lowered down to the rocks below and the ocean. He then swam, still wearing his police uniform, toward the dad who now had the children in his arms.

The rescue was made all the more difficult as waves kept on coming ashore but Wiese appeared to be the man for the job having served in the Marine Corps.

'They taught you how to do water safety rescues and I had a little flashback of okay grab him under the armpit and push him so I swam and held them above water and brought them to shore,' he said.

While down below, Wiese had time to speak with the father as the pair waited for a rescue helicopter. He decided not to leave him alone in case made another attempt at ending his life.

Brians pleaded guilty to a dozen felonies including murder, kidnapping, burglary, child abuse and domestic violence to have others dropped.
Former President Donald Trump may have gotten Willie Brown, left, mixed up with Nate Holden, right, when insisting he took a nearly disastrous helicopter ride with Brown. Benjamin Fanjoy/Special to the Chronicle; Saul Loeb/AFP/Getty Images 2018; Associated Press 2003

Former President Donald Trump may have been mixing up Black political leaders when he insisted he took a nearly disastrous helicopter ride with Willie Brown even after the former San Francisco mayor said there was no merit to the story.

On Friday afternoon, Trump threatened to sue the New York Times for publishing a story that said the helicopter ride with Brown never happened.

On Friday night, Trump insisted he was correct about the ride  said he had records to prove it  and posted more about it on his Truth Social media site, criticizing the Times for questioning my story about a forced landing of a helicopter, in a field, with former Mayor of San Francisco, Willie Brown, and others. First of all, it was in New Jersey, not California, and it was Willie Brown, not former Governor Jerry Brown.  But now Willie doesnt remember? No, he remembers!

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But no, Willie Brown doesnt remember because he wasnt on the helicopter in New Jersey with Trump.

Another Black political leader from California was.

That man, Nate Holden, told Politico and the New York Times that he believes Trump got his Black political leaders confused.

Former state Sen. Nate Holden, left, says he took a helicopter ride with Trump, while former S.F. Mayor Willie Brown denies the former president's account. Former state Sen. Nate Holden, top, says he took a helicopter ride with Trump, while former S.F. Mayor Willie Brown denies the former president's account.

Holden, 95, a former California state senator, recounted for those publications a time in about 1990 when he and Trump rode a helicopter in New Jersey that had to make an emergency landing.

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Willie is the short Black guy living in San Francisco, Holden told Politico. Im a tall Black guy living in Los Angeles.

Trump originally made the claims about flying with Willie Brown during a news conference Thursday at his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida.

I went down in a helicopter with him. We thought maybe this was the end, Trump said at the conference in response to a question about Brown. We were in a helicopter going to a certain location together, and there was an emergency landing. This was not a pleasant landing.

Trump claimed in his news conference that Willie Brown dished out some bad gossip about former San Francisco District Attorney Kamala Harris, the Democratic nominee for president.

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Brown responded Thursday by telling the Chronicle: You would have known if I had gone down on a helicopter with Trump. Ive never been on a helicopter with Trump. He has also said he would never speak poorly of Harris.

On Thursday night, the New York Times reported that Trump had once been on a helicopter ride with former California Gov. Jerry Brown  and had apparently confused the two political leaders.

Gov.-elect Gavin Newsom, President Donald Trump and Gov. Jerry Brown view damage from wildfires in Paradise (Butte County) on Nov. 17, 2018. Saul Loeb/AFP/Getty Images 2018

Trump, former Gov. Brown and then-Gov.-elect Gavin Newsom took a helicopter ride together on Nov. 17, 2018, from Beale Air Force Base to visit Butte County, where the Camp Fire, Californias deadliest wildfire, had nearly wiped out the town of Paradise, killing 85 people. Both Jerry Brown and Gavin Newsom have said there was no emergency landing.

Ken Pimlott, who spent 30 years with Cal Fire, including as the agencys fire chief during Gov. Jerry Browns administration, told the Chronicle Saturday that there was no disaster landing.

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I remember that day pretty well, Pimlott said, referring to the destruction the Camp Fire had caused. Pimlott said he and other public safety leaders waited for the helicopter carrying Trump, Newsom and Brown to land at Chico airport after their flight to survey the fire.

Marine One taxied probably 100 yards from us, he said. Throughout this entire process, no indication there was ever any issue whatsoever. The helicopter was generally on time, I mean everything was falling into schedule. There was no indication of any issues relative to the flight.

Pimlott said that when the men exited the helicopter, they seemed upbeat, not as if they just nearly died.

Marine One at Chico Airport on Nov. 17, 2018, after a flight that carried former President Donald Trump, Gov.-elect Gavin Newsom and Gov. Jerry Brown to see the Camp Fires devastation. The helicopter did not need to make an emergency landing. Courtesy of Janet Upton

The helicopter ride was about eight or 10 days into the fire, Pimlott said, so there were certainly some lingering smoke, but the winds that occurred during the fire, all that had subsided. This was, as I recall, a typical fall day in Northern California with some smoke. There was no unstable air, no thunderstorm activity. The flight line was clear.

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Holden told the New York Times on Friday that he watched the Trump news conference Thursday and heard Trumps bad helicopter ride story.

I said, What the hell is this? Holden told the paper. Was he in two near-fatal helicopter crashes?
All dictators know that there is no such thing as a disaster that cannot be turned to their advantage. This was certainly the case for Xi Jinping, supreme leader of China, when, in December 2019, doctors in Wuhan, a major city on the Yangtze River, began to see patients suffering from coughing and shortness of breath and showing symptoms of a severe viral attack. Some were dying.

Covid had struck, a new virus which would develop into the greatest global disaster of the early 21st Century. Millions of people died. The world came to a standstill. It signalled the end of liberal globalisation and the beginning of a dark new age of distrust and war.

The calamity began in the reign of Xi, the self-appointed Red Emperor, who determined from the outset that the Chinese response would be led by politics, not science.

Xi, the self-appointed Red Emperor, determined from the outset that the Chinese response to Covid would be led by politics, not science

Funeral home staff remove the body of a suspected Covid victim in Wuhan, the epicentre of the outbreak, in 2020

The results were fateful, ominous and far-reaching for the people of China, though not for him.

Knowing that Covid could be transmitted between humans, his immediate response was to issue an important instruction ordering officials to start prevention and control measures. Three days later the Wuhan epidemic command centre banned the citys 11 million residents from leaving and ordered the suspension of all public transport.

Soon a sequence of draconian ordinances forbade people from leaving their homes and brought regular daily life to an end. Police, security guards and informers enforced the rules. The world had a new paradigm: lockdown.

The regime found that fear was the most useful tool. So were coercive measures as people were herded into compulsory quarantine camps. Supplies of food ran low.

Propaganda frightened the population into compliance, even though WHO, the World Health Organisation, said in official statements that 80 per cent of cases were mild and that most deaths were among the old and those who were already sick.

There was a clampdown on information. A doctor in Wuhan who revealed medical details about the first cases on online chat groups was hauled in by the police and reprimanded for spreading rumours.

When a university team became the first to share the genetic sequence of the novel coronavirus with scientists around the world, the authorities shut their workplace down for rectification.

Xi moved fast, keen to be seen to be taking action. He sacked the Communist Party secretary of Hubei Province, of which Wuhan was the capital, as well as two top health officials in the province. The party secretary of Wuhan itself was also fired, for allowing two mass political meetings to go ahead as the outbreak exploded.

He sent Vice-Premier Sun Chunlan to take charge in the city, which she did with an iron will.

She became the face of the national policy of Zero Covid, descending on cities around China to order harsh restrictions and to punish officials.

A tide of online posts voiced fear whenever she appeared, and anger at her callousness, but the leader applauded her.

For Xi, Covid was a gift. His state security system seized the opportunity to introduce techniques of digital surveillance and control never before seen in China, putting the population under tighter surveillance than ever.

No citizen was free to move without an app on their phone that told the state where they were, what they bought and whom they spoke to. Every train, taxi or aeroplane trip, every hotel stay or restaurant meal left a trove of data.

Spectral figures in white hazmat suits bullied residents, and a web of informers tipped off the authorities to any trouble.

The psychological and political gains for the regime were so great that its leading figures boasted that China now controlled its people more efficiently than the totalitarian system in North Korea.

They watched with particular satisfaction as Covid delivered a win for Xi in Hong Kong, the restless Special Administrative Region and former British Crown Colony handed back by Britain in 1997.

There, mass pro-democracy demonstrations protesting at attempts to assert Beijings authority had been turning violent. Just months earlier, masked protesters had fought the police, hurled petrol and acid bombs, defaced Chinese banks and set fire to barricades.

An affronted Xi had come close to ordering a military crackdown and only held off after entreaties from pro-Beijing billionaires, fearful of the damage that would be caused to Hong Kong as a global financial centre.

But there was no holding back after Hong Kong had its first case of Covid, giving the Chinese authorities the excuse they needed to bring public politics to an end.

They banned gatherings of more than eight people, shut down any nightlife, restricted social contact and all but sealed the city off from the outside world.

Then they copied mainland China by building quarantine camps and herding people into them on pain of fines or imprisonment.

Police and prosecutors in Hong Kong went on to break the opposition with mass arrests and theatre-of-the-absurd trials worthy of any courtroom in mainland China. The targets included Jimmy Lai, the most famous media executive in the city, whose pro-democracy tabloid, Apple Daily, was shut down. He faced life in prison. So did the gifted student leader Joshua Wong. Dozens more were put in the dock for their political activities.

The subjugation of Hong Kong was a clear victory for Xi.

It was more conspicuous than his other testing ground for total control, the far-west region of Xinjiang. There, behind the veil of Zero Covid, the regime was able to conduct unseen the most effective repression of a troublesome group in any modern state.

The victims were members of the Uighur, Kazakh and other minorities, most of them practising Muslims. They were long distrusted by Beijing for their passive resistance to Communist rule and subject to fearsome reprisals for violence by a handful of extremists against Han Chinese settlers. A mass of leaked documentation shows that Xi directed officials to organise detentions of up to a million people, in facilities that the Chinese state described as re-education centres and opponents called concentration camps.

A Chinese policewoman wears a pair of smart glasses containing a facial recognition system

A bank of CCTV screens are monitored in a mansion block in Kowloon, Hong Kong. Covid delivered a win for Xi in the restless former British Crown Colony

Prisoners who got out spoke about brainwashing, torture, beatings and rape. There was compelling testimony from Muslim women of forced abortions and compulsory sterilisation, the latter classified as a crime against humanity by the International Criminal Court.

Men told of sleep deprivation and brutal questioning, not about terrorism but about their private religious beliefs.

Men and women alike were packed on to trains and sent to work in factories. Xis officials described it as job training, but human rights activists said it was forced labour, and campaigned for global businesses to stop using the workforce in supply chains.

The US and Europe placed sanctions on individuals and companies, but enforcement was piecemeal and difficult. Most of the world, including the nations of the Islamic Conference, showed no signs of caring for the Muslims of Xinjiang. In practice, no sanction made a difference.

A pall of darkness fell across Xinjiang, making its remote mysteries more difficult than ever to fathom. Xis underlings dismissed all the accusations as lies, while Xi never deigned to mention the subject.

The lesson he absorbed from the apparent indifference shown by the rest of the world was that power works. He was still courted by world leaders, who realised they had little choice but to deal with a great world power with him at the helm.

The end of Zero Covid in 2022 was as arbitrary as its beginning.

In the autumn, Xi won a third term as head of the Communist Party, telling the party congress that the all-out peoples war against Covid was a great achievement. Behind the scenes, however, his minions were already planning to end it, perceiving that the Chinese people had had enough.

Their endurance had been tested to the limit with a ferocious two-month lockdown on the 25 million citizens of Shanghai, which left people howling in despair from their windows. In the streets, desperate youngsters waved blank white sheets of paper to express their inability to speak out; social media was consumed by a cascade of misery.

Businesses warned of an economic slump and officials reported unrest among workers locked up in factories and unpaid for months. Cities were broken financially by the costs of mass testing and paying the white-clad bullies who kept the people in line.

For once the regime listened, the first clue coming when Xi appeared in public without a face mask.

Soon after, mass testing, lockdowns and bans on travel were ended. The last restrictions were lifted early in 2023 when Xi praised the pandemic policy as completely correct and hailed a decisive victory.

Which, for him, it was. Covid had given him even more control over his nation. When, with the crisis officially over and the country back to normal, some foreign media reported a surge in cases that overwhelmed hospitals and crematoriums, the regime censored the news and banned the publication of statistics.

Xi had one other victory from the Covid crisis. He used all his wiles and power to divert international accusations that China was responsible for the outbreak.

The virus was widely believed to have started in the market in Wuhan, a throwback to an older China where exotic animals were sold for food, including badgers, bamboo rats, porcupines, hedgehogs and all kinds of birds and poultry. And bats, which were known to harbour the virus and somehow had passed it across species to humans.

This was an explanation that suited Xi because it suggested this was a random natural event. But was this really true? Because also in Wuhan was a laboratory in which an eminent scientist called Dr Shi Zhengli was studying rare and dangerous coronaviruses and collecting samples.

Spectral figures in white hazmat suits spray disinfectant in the playground of a school in Shandong province in 2020

Here was fuel for a controversy with incredibly high stakes.

If the virus had leaked from a laboratory, China might face unlimited financial, legal and political liabilities. Internet sleuths and a few scientists began to speculate that Covid did not come from the market but had been spread by a careless technician or by a lab worker who had contracted it.

At first this was a minority view, labelled as a conspiracy theory. But then the dispute turned into a test of wills between a rigid, secretive authoritarian system and its international partners which persists to this day, destroying trust and reputations on all sides.

Shortly after the first outbreak, WHO sent a delegation to Beijing. They met Xi and returned praising the commitment from top leadership and the transparency they have demonstrated. Xi even invited WHO to send a team of international experts to learn from Chinas experience and thus to guide global response efforts.

But when those experts arrived in Beijing, they found they were part of an orchestrated propaganda exercise.

They were split up and taken on tightly controlled visits to the southern province of Guangdong and to Sichuan in the south-west. Select team members only  three foreign and three Chinese  were allowed to go to Wuhan. They were there for less than 48 hours and got to see just two hospitals. They held a workshop with relevant departments of the prevention and control mechanism  a euphemism for security  and had a feedback meeting with a Chinese minister.

It was all straight from the police state handbook.

Not surprisingly they reported back that Xis government was rolling out perhaps the most ambitious, agile and aggressive disease containment effort in history.

But as Covid continued to creep across the world, the scale of the calamity brought a political backlash as nation after nation demanded to know how, where and why it had started.

They wanted an expert inquiry to find the answers in China, and another WHO team was sent.

One of the WHO members had links to Dr Shi Zhengli of the Wuhan Institute of Virology and had worked with her on research into bat coronaviruses. Questions were raised about his suitability to investigate whether the institute was to blame for a pandemic that killed millions  but he was allowed to go anyway.

When this second team came back after another choreographed sequence of meetings and inspections, the entire process vetted by Chinas Ministry of State Security, it announced that a laboratory origin of the pandemic was extremely unlikely.

In Beijing, the Chinese media acclaimed the findings.

A demonstration of facial recognition technology at the China Public Security Expo in Shenzhen

In the outside world, there was dismay, amid concerns that the team had not had access to complete, original data and samples.

It was claimed that the group had hardly examined the lab origins hypothesis and had come to its conclusions by a show of hands in a room where the Chinese experts on the team were monitored by Chinese government commissars. This verdict turned out to be too much, even for WHO, which until now had leaned heavily in favour of Xis response to the pandemic.

The head of the organisation effectively disowned the findings of his own mission to Wuhan, stating that all hypotheses about the source of the pandemic remained open. He called for further analysis and studies but, surprise, surprise, there has been no further WHO mission to China to set the record straight.

The pretence that Xis government was co-operating with a genuine inquiry was well and truly over. As for the crucial matter of where Covid came from  animal market or laboratory?  that remains, thanks to Xi and his regimes muddying of the waters, unresolved to this day.

 Michael Sheridan 2024.
Former president Trump rattled billionaire mega donors after pushing back on much needed reassurance during a campaign dinner, according to reports.

In an article based on interviews with more than a dozen people close to the former president, The New York Times revealed the comments made by Trump.

Around 130 people attended the dinner at the home of Howard Lutnick, Cantor Fitzgerald Chief Exec, in Bridgehampton on August 2.

Those in attendance included some of Trump's wealthiest supporters including billionaire financier Bill Ackman who sat beside him.

While some guest hoped Trump would signal a recalibration of his approach to his campaign, he opted instead to revive false claims about the 2020 election.

During a round-table discussion, Trump told the billionaire attendees that 'we've got to stop the steal', a phrase his advisers urged him to drop, according to the outlet.

In an article based on interviews with over a dozen people close to the former president, The New York Times revealed the comments made by Trump

Vice President Kamala Harris speaks to the crowd at a rally at Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale, Arizona, on Friday

Two people present told the Times that Trump also brought up his remarks he made concerning Vice President Kamala Harris's racial identity, telling those, 'I think I was right.'

He also said that the media had been suggesting he had somewhat mellowed following the attempt on his life, saying, 'I'm not nicer.'

One person in attendance told the outlet that Trump described himself as 'angry' because the Democrats had tried to bankrupt him and kill him.

When asked how he planned to take the narrative back from the Democrats and what his vision for the country he reportedly provided none.

Instead, he went on the attack and criticized Kamala Harris instead, before telling those in attendance: 'I am who I am.'

While Harris has seemingly overtaken Trump in key battleground states, Trump has struggled to land a consistent argument against her.

Insiders said he had found the transformation after Biden dropped out as being disorientating.

They told the Times he has been knocked off his bearings and has changed since recent events like the Republican National Convention.

In response to the change in rivals, behind close doors, he has reportedly branded Harris a 'b****', two people told the outlet.

His campaign denied that language in a statement, but his quickness to attack has reportedly left him open to manipulation.

U.S. President Donald Trump presents physician Miriam Adelson, wife of Sheldon Adelson, with the Presidential Medal of Freedom on November 16, 2018

The outlet reported that just a week before the dinner, Trump stunned one of his wealthiest donors, Miriam Adelson, after he had an aide send a series of angry text messages in his name.

The texts came one week after Adelson and Trump had a meeting together the week previously during the Republican National Convention.

According to the outlet, the texts complained about people running Adelson's super PAC, Preserve America, which is pouring millions into Trump's campaign.

The texts said that officials at the PAC were 'RINOs', Republicans in name only, and that her late husband wouldn't have tolerated it.

Two people told the Times that Adelson later discovered that the messages had been encouraged by another mega donor, Ike Perlmutter, former chairman of Marvel.

The sources said that Perlmutter had hoped that Adelson would contribute to a rival super PAC that he backs.

According to the outlet the text messages have raised concerns that Adelson might start to scale back her support of Trump.

Trump has been fielding complaints from donors about his Vice President pick JD Vance, especially after previous statements from him were unearthed.

A number of past comments have come back to haunt the Ohio Senator including a remark that the country was being run by 'childless cat ladies' like Harris.

Trump reportedly dismissed these concerns even after suggestions that he replace Vance.

He has privately asked advisers whether they had known about Vance's comments about childless women before he was picked.

At the fundraiser on August 2, Trump was asked at a round-table discussion about Democrats trying to paint the duo as 'weird'.

Two people with knowledge of the event told the outlet that Trump replied: 'Not about me. They're saying that about JD.'

Sources said that Trump hasn't lost any confidence in Vance but told him to continue attacking Harris and her new running mate Minnesota Governor Tim Walz.

While publicly claiming he is happier to face Harris than Biden in the election, sources claimed this was not true.

He is also reportedly unsettled over positive news coverage for Harris, something he has never been used to before in his political life.

A number of past comments have come back to haunt the Ohio Senator, seen here, including a remark that the country was being run by 'childless cat ladies' like Harris

While publicly claiming he is happier to face Harris than Biden in the election, sources claimed this was not true

Tony Fabrizio, the Trump campaign's chief pollster, told the outlet: '[Harris] has gotten the equivalent of the largest in-kind contribution of free media I think I have ever seen in all the years Ive been doing presidential campaigns.'

Soon after Harris replaced Biden, Fabrizio stressed to staff that the polls would dip against Trump before recovering.

He has insisted that the race has not changed and that voters will sour on Harris eventually.

Trump has claimed, without any evidence, that Biden has regretted his decision to stand down and wished to undo it on his Truth Social platform.

Insiders said he has repeatedly talked about how badly the Democrats have treated Biden, complained about having to start the race again and face another opponent.

The Times said that Trump has become increasingly interested in Harris's momentum, asking 'constantly' about new polling.

He is also reportedly struggling to settle on how to define Harris, what to attack her on, and what nickname to belittle her with.

Trump initially poked fun at her laugh, branding her 'Laffin' Kamala', which didn't stick. Before picking 'Crooked', that he has used on President Biden constantly.

Top advisers have urged his campaign to focus on the economy, immigration and crime, areas where Trump's message has worked well with voters.

Trump has been told to portray Harris as someone who changes her stances on topics, calling her 'fake'.

Kellyanne Conway, who managed his campaign in 2016, reportedly told Trump to use policy contrasts rather than personal attacks against her.

Despite this, he branded her 'nasty' and said she was 'very disrespectful' to her Black and Indian heritages at a news conference earlier this week.

In a statement, a Trump spokesman said that Trump 'continues to run a winning campaign and has built a movement focused on making our nation great again.'

While another added that Trump has put forward a 'positive' vision for the country, in contrast with the 'dangerously liberal policies' of Biden and Harris.

Harris is now set to debate Trump on September 10 on ABC, setting up the first face-to-face match-up between the rivals in what polls show is a close race.
One of the Conservatives biggest Scottish donors has threatened to stop funding the party if Murdo Fraser wins the leadership battle.

Aberdeen businessman Alan Massie said the leadership hopeful posed a danger to the future of the party with his plan for a commission to review its constitution.

Mr Fraser has admitted the exercise could lead to the Scottish Tories effectively splitting from the UK party.

Mr Massie, who has given the Tories more than 270,000 since 2019, yesterday said he wanted an end to division.

Murdo Fraser is the sixth MSP to enter the race to succeed Douglas Ross

The property tycoon added: I am always in favour of unity across our United Kingdom. A separate party, even at Holyrood, would undermine what we believe in.

Murdos proposal for a commission is a red flag for me. I would not support a separate party as it weakens our case as Conservatives and Unionists.

And I would not donate to a party led by Murdo.

The former Liberal Democrat and Labour donor has always backed the Union, and his Carlton Rock firm supported the official No campaign in the 2014 referendum.

Mr Massie switched to the Tories in 2019 and has since donated 273,445 to the party.

The loss of his support  and the message it would send  could be devastating for the Scottish Conservatives.

The party has only 7,000 members it can tap for funds ahead of the Holyrood election in 2026, when a Labour surge threatens to push it into third place.

Mr Massies intervention is the latest warning about Mr Frasers scheme, which the Mid Scotland and Fife MSP admits could lead to a breakaway Scottish party.

Mr Fraser has touted the idea in various guises since he stood for the leadership in 2011, when Ruth Davidson defeated him after vigorously opposing the plan.

He recently proposed a model in which the UK Conservatives would fight only general elections in Scotland, with a distinct Scottish Tory party at Holyrood.

The former deputy leader this week insisted he did not want to split the party or create a new one, but confirmed his commission could recommend it.

He told the BBC: I think its worth looking at this in the longer term, and thats why Ive been talking about this idea of a commission.

But ultimately it would be a matter for the party members to determine if any changes were required.

Shadow Scottish Secretary John Lamont said Mr Fraser was scheming to split the party by stealth.

Mr Fraser flippantly dismissed the criticism by telling the former Scotland Office minister to take a chill pill, leading to him being accused of a blue on blue attack.

Mr Fraser is the sixth and final MSP to enter the race to succeed Douglas Ross.

Former journalist Russell Findlay is regarded as the frontrunner.
A suspected hitman has been charged with the shooting of a nine-year-old girl outside a restaurant in Hackney.

Javon Reily, 32, of Farnborough, Hampshire, appeared at Westminster Magistrates' Court today charged with four counts of attempted murder.

He was arrested on Friday following a vehicle stop in Chelsea Embankment and has been remanded in custody to appear at the Old Bailey on September 6.

The young girl was seriously injured as a result of the shooting on May 29 and remains in hospital in a stable condition.

Three other men who were also injured have since been released from hospital.

Police forensic officers at the scene of the shooting at Kingsland High Street, Hackney, east London

A suspected hitman has been charged with four counts of attempted murder. Pictured: Forensic officers in Dalston

Emergency services rush to the scene of the shooting in Dalston, east London

Detective Chief Superintendent James Conway, lead for policing in Hackney and Tower Hamlets, said: 'Today's charges are a significant development in what has been a painstaking and meticulous investigation. I would like to pay credit to those from our communities who came forward to speak to us.

'Our thoughts remain with our young victim and her family as they continue to confront the devastating effects of gun crime.'

Detective Chief Inspector Joanna Yorke who leads the investigation said: 'My team continues to work around the clock in order to establish the facts of this incident.

'This is very much still an ongoing investigation and we urge those who have information to come forward. We are particularly keen to hear from anyone who has information about the identity of an individual seen on a motorcycle in Kingsland High Street at the time of this offence.

'We recognise that people may be apprehensive about providing details. They do not need to speak directly to the police. They can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

The girl was shot at Evin restaurant in Kingsland High Street just after 9pm on May 29

Forensic officers gather evidence at the scene in Dalston, east London

'Any information, no matter how insignificant you feel it may be, could be vital.'

A 35-year-old woman who was arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to murder and assisting an offender has been released on police bail.

The nine-year-old girl's family has been informed of the charges and continue to be supported by specially trained officers.
A father was killed by an alleged drunk driver an instant after pushing his niece, nephew and daughter to safety as the car sped toward them.

Thomas Lyon, 29, was on holiday in Panama City Beach, Florida, on August 2 with family and his pregnant wife, Mackenzie, celebrating their first wedding anniversary.

Mackenzie explained that the family was staying at a rented beach house after driving from their home in Brumley, Missouri, in the Ozarks.

After dinner, they walked to the beach to hunt for crab and had to cross a public access road to get to the sand.

Looking both ways before crossing, they saw a car about half a mile away in the 30mph zone and began to pass through the designated crosswalk about 9 pm.

Thomas Lyon, 29, was on holiday in Panama City Beach, Florida, on August 2 with family and his pregnant wife Mackenzie, when he was killed

Thomas and Mackenzie, pictured with their younger daughter, were celebrating their first wedding anniversary along with extended family

'I noticed the car was getting close, quick so I yelled for everyone to run. We all got across the road except for Thomas,' Mackenzie said.

Mackenzie said Thomas grabbed her niece Danni and threw her out of the way, then desperately pushed his daughter, Quinn, and nephew Oakley clear.

'He pushed Danni, Quinn and Oakley out of the way before the impact happened. If he wouldn't have done that we would've been burying three more kids with him,' Mackenzie said.

Mackenzie said her husband was over the crosswalk and on the shoulder of the road when he was mowed down.

Thomas' other daughter Ivy and other family had already made it clear of the oncoming 2024 Nissan Altima, which police alleged was going about 70mph.

Thomas' nephew Oakley, whom he pushed out of the way just before the car hit him

Thomas grabbed his niece Danni (pictured with her own father) and threw her out of the way

Casey Austin Rattan, 39, was arrested by Bay County Sheriff's Office deputies the next day and charged with DUI manslaughter and vehicular homicide.

He was released on $250,000 bail that day, but taken into custody again on August 5, and later released again. He faces 14 years in prison if convicted as charged.

Mackenzie declared she would make it her life's mission to get Rattan as much jail time as possible, calling him 'the man that murdered my husband'.

'Casey, I hope you or someone in your family sees this and you know that I will spend my entire life getting justice for Thomas,' she wrote on Facebook.

'You deserve the same outcome as him and I hope you get every single bad thing coming for you.

'You traumatized not only me but my kid, my nephews, brother in law, sister in law, sister and mom.

'You forever changed our lives and I will have to go to bed every single night with the image of seeing what you did to Thomas right in front of all of us just because you decided to drink and drive.

'Because of you my kids will grow up without a dad and Thomas will never get to meet his unborn child.'

Casey Austin Rattan, 39, was arrested by Bay County Sheriff's Office deputies the next day and charged with DUI manslaughter and vehicular homicide

Thomas was a loving father to his daughters, and his life 'revolved around them'

Mackenzie said she was unhappy with the charges as there were numerous witnesses among her family and other bystanders.

'Yes, I'm heartbroken and sad but mostly I'm angry and will do all I can to make sure this "man" gets more than the predicted 14 years in prison,' she wrote.

'There were SO many people that witnessed this and we have so many people that did reports on his accelerated speed.'

Thomas' obituary described him as a larger-than-life personality who was always willing to help others in need.

'His life revolved around his wife and daughters, who were his whole world,' it read

'He shared his love for the outdoors with his daughters, taking them fishing and creating tender memories with each activity they did.

'His family and friends will remember him for his cringe-y dad jokes and his devotion to loved ones, especially children, loving them as if they were his own.'

His funeral will be held at Mt Union Cemetery in Brumley on August 16.

Thomas and Mackenzie got married in the area around Panama Beach City, Florida, and returned there a year later for the fateful holiday

Thomas' obituary described him as a larger-than-life personality who was always willing to help others in need

David Hand, a youth minister at Cornerstone First Global Methodist Church in Alabama, was nearby with teenagers on a church camp.

'I have tried my best to come up with the words to say, but all I can say is you and your family is loved by so many people,' he told Mackenzie in a Facebook post.

'Your husband was prayed over until the Police and Ambulance arrived. When I arrived back to our camp, I had 70 people mostly teenagers in tears praying. They have written powerful testimonies about that night.'

Friends also paid tribute to Thomas and his last act to save his family before he was killed.

'My stomach is still in knots at the thought of this nightmare,' his sister-in-law Heather Welch wrote.

'My heart aches for the loss your daughters and unborn child now have, growing up without their father and what they had to witness. The world is a cruel place and you deserve way better.'

Thomas (left) at a wedding where he was a groomsman to his friend Tyler

Mackenzie declared she would make it her life's mission to get Rattan as much jail time as possible, calling him 'the man that murdered my husband'

Mackenzie's sister, Madison Barnfield, started a fundraiser for the family's expenses and to pay for a lawyer.

'To know Thomas, was to love him. He just had that personality, he would do anything to help anyone and loved fiercely. His girls are what made his world go round,' she wrote.

'Makenzie recently found out last week that she was expecting. Thomas will never get the chance to meet their unborn baby due to a selfish, senseless man who took everything from him and us.'

Thomas graduated Waynesville High School in 2013 and worked at Maximum Remodeling for several years before starting a career with Midwest Roofing.

'He considered his co-workers as extended family,' his obituary read.
Banksy has shared satirical graffiti artworks with the British public for some 30 years, often garnering praise and special protections.

But scepticism has surrounded the Bristol-based artist's latest collection of silhouettes across London.

Banksy, identified as Robin Gunningham by the Mail on Sunday in 2008, took credit for a series of animals stencilled onto walls across the capital this week, including a goat near Kew Bridge, elephants in Chelsea and dancing monkeys near Brick Lane.

But not all have been so quick to laud the activist for his work.

'They are enjoyable pieces but they are not making any earth-shattering point, or if they are I can't see it,' Banksy biographer Will Ellsworth-Jones told The Telegraph.

A silhouette of a goat appeared in Kew on Monday, kicking off the series across London

Fans have lauded the series across the city - but not all have been so impressed

Today, fans of the artist gathered around a new work depicting a cat in Cricklewood

Elephants appeared in Chelsea, West London on Tuesday, unveiled by Banksy

Residents may feel differently.

Property prices around the upmarket Chelsea and Richmond addresses where the elephant silhouettes were painted were expected to climb between 500,000 and 800,000, property expert Pete Mugleston told MailOnline.

'If you are lucky enough to have your property touched by Banksy you should expect to see the value of your property double overnight,' he said.

Critics were quick to spot earlier in the week that wealthy homeowners in West London were benefitting most from the expected property price hikes - before the artist moved to north, east and south east London.

But even in West London, not all were convinced.

Trisha Abcorn said: 'It's not his best piece of work. It looks a bit rushed and the edges are a bit messy.

'It's obvious that he was keen to do it in a hurry because he probably didn't want to be spotted,' she said.

'We're used to things being done a bit better around here.'

Frank Cummings, who admitted he was a Banksy fan, continued the thought: 'There are a lot of wealthy people around here and I'm sure they won't be too impressed.

'This area doesn't really need the attention of having a Banksy but I'm glad it's here.'

Yusuf, who lives opposite the artwork, said: 'It's quite amazing to be living opposite a Banksy but I've seen better stuff from him.

'He's painted it on a main road and if you look closely, it looks smudged. I don't think he's very good at using stencils.

'I'm also a bit confused about what the two elephants mean.'

Bristol-based Banksy did not caption his social media posts unveiling the artworks, prompting further speculation.

Some suggested the piece in Chelsea could be a reference to 'elephants in the room'.

The elephants were the second installation after a silhouette of a goat appeared on top of a wall in leafy Kew on Monday, raising a property's price by an estimated 100,000.

Ardent followers of the artist lauded the work.

Amber Doffman, an art teacher 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.

'He is my idol and the reason I became an art teacher,' she said.

'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.'

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'.

'I'm also a bit confused about what the two elephants mean,' one resident said

On Wednesday, the artist shared silhouettes of three monkeys on a bridge in east London

Again, speculation mounted as to what the monkeys could mean - if anything at all

A wolf howling at the moon appeared on a satellite dish in Rye Lane on Thursday

But within hours of being unveiled, the Banksy in Peckham appeared to have been stolen

Elsewhere, the artist and political activist - whose work has dealt with challenging topics such as alienation, consumerism and anti-authoritarianism - unveiled three monkeys, a lone wolf, two pelicans and a large cat across the city.

The trio of monkeys, appearing to swing under a bridge over Brick Lane, near a vintage clothes shop, raised as many questions when they appeared on Wednesday.

They have been associated with the Japanese proverb 'see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil'. But in Banksy's work the monkeys are not covering their eyes, ears or mouths.

His fourth artwork which appeared in Peckham, southeast London on Thursday - depicting a howling lone wolf on a satellite dish - appeared to have been stolen within minutes.

The striking painting of the wolf howling into the night sky appeared overnight on top of a former Betfred shop on Rye Lane, Peckham.

Footage emerged showing the shocking moment the artwork was dismantled before being carried away.

The group of hooded men wearing facemasks and gloves were spotted scaling the building, removing the satellite dish, and walking off.

On Friday, the artist claimed responsibility for two pelicans that appeared above a fish bar in Walthamstow.

The large water birds appeared to be eating fish above the chippie on the Northcote Road.

Local Labour MP Stella Creasy praised the work, located in her constituency.

She said: 'Walthamstow. Where even our chippy is just a bit cooler than everyone else's.

'Even if this isn't a Banksy it's brill and the chips there are magic, though the owner's on holiday at moment so you will have to wait to confirm that yourself.

'So thank you whoever added this bit of magic to our street art today.'

The fifth mural appeared on a fish and chip shop in Walthamstow on Friday

Banksy has left locals stunned, confused and ungrateful with his latest works

The latest mural spotted on a disused billboard on Edgware Road in Cricklewood

Today's artwork - the cat - was printed on an abandoned billboard in Cricklewood, North London.

Some were initially impressed by the work. Simon Stephenson, who spotted it 'first', said he felt like he had won the lottery.

'It's great to see it is by him - I couldn't believe my eyes when I found it. I guess I was just at the right place, at the right time.'

The mixed reception is nothing new for the artist - and provoking locals into stunned, confused and suspicious reactions surely serves better than no reaction at all.
Footage shows the moment throngs of fans cause a 'terrifying' crowd surge at Boardmasters music festival in Newquay, which left people crying in agony with broken bones.

During DJ and producer Sammy Virji's performance on The Point stage, two 'massive' crowd surges were reported, forcing his performance to be cancelled.

Concertgoers revealed they were left with broken bones and were covered in blood as they were 'submerged' beneath each other, with some even claiming speakers fell on to people.

Boardmasters also revealed that seven people were transferred to hospital following the crowd collapse with minor injuries and have now been discharged.

Multiple attendees also told MailOnline they believed people had been spiked, though this was denied by a spokesperson for the festival.

One mum told MailOnline: 'My 16 year old daughter is currently at Boardmasters. She messaged me last night on Snapchat saying her friend was hurt, she had seen peoples bones breaking and that she had other peoples blood all over her, she thought people had broken legs and even necks.

Footage shows the moment throngs of fans caused a 'terrifying' crowd surge during DJ and producer Sammy Virji's performance at Boardmasters music festival in Newquay

At one moment in the video, a mass of people can be seen gathered on some sort of platform above the rest of the crowd

'She was in a state of shock and said that everyone had been screaming, with many injured people who had got out of the crush lying on the ground screaming in pain.

'She said there was no crowd control whatsoever and the warm up dj that was playing did not stop or intervene. She said there were no measures in place to prevent the crowd surging with partitions or extra barriers.

'I have been to several festivals and I know how intense the crowds can be, but without proper safety measures they are incredibly dangerous and potentially lethal.

'Receiving a message like that is a parents worst nightmare. Thank God both she and all her friends are ok, but somebody could very easily have been killed.'

She went on to say she was 'horrified' with the festival organisers and her daughter had a 'very lucky escape.

Katie Mirzayantz claimed the crowd surge at Boardmasters is 'being massively downplayed by the festival'.

Several attendees have told MailOnline that people broke bones and were screaming in pain

Footage shows huge swarms of crowds gathering by the tent where there was a reported crowd surge

'I was at the point stage with my teenage daughter, cousin and my daughters friend. When the surge happened evert single person in the crowd hit the floor.

'My daughter and her friend was trapped under a couple of men and crushed. My sister was crushed, hit her head and her nose was broken whilst being crushed under quite a few men.

'Either side of us two people broke their legs. My sister was covered in blood and the medics team dismissed her to deal with other people.

She added: 'Boardmasters stating that there were no serious injuries and that it was a small crowd and that only a small number of people were injured is a complete lie.

'Bones were broken on three separate people around me and that was in a small area of space. There were no security guards anywhere to be seen. As my teenage cousins first festival this has made her terrified of crowds.

'To say a small crowd and no serious injuries is just not true.

'This was a serious incident, a tsunami of people and it was traumatising and terrifying experience for the teenagers with me.'

Concertgoers have been injured in a crowd surge during Boardmasters festival in Cornwall

Leftfield Perform at Boardmasters in Watergate Bay, Cornwall, yesterday evening

Sammy Virji's DJ set on The Point Stage had to be cancelled following the surge

Both the police and the festival organisers confirmed that no one was seriously injured

Flora Brady echoed these statements, saying: 'Last nights pile up at Sammy Vergy was traumatising.

'My legs were fully submerged by a pile up of people, and my friend next to me had her elbow fractured. I was terrified and uncontrollably crying.

'Later in the night my friend was spiked with MDMA and spent the night passed out in the medical tent. This is a shambles and I want my money and safety back.'

Louise Price said her son was a 'victim of a ketamine spike injection' last night, and claimed none of her son's group - 15 in total - were security checked and were only asked if they had alcohol.

Devon and Cornwall Police said in a statement: 'We were notified following a crowd collapse at Boardmasters music festival in Newquay on Friday 9 August which left a small number of attendees injured.

'The injured parties were treated on-site by medical staff and a small number were taken to hospital to be checked over for minor injuries.

'Contrary to speculation, we can confirm that there have been no deaths as a result of this incident. This is an isolated incident and the festival continues.'

In a statement, the festival organisers said there were no reports of serious injuries and the planned set by DJ and producer Sammy Virji was cancelled.

Boardmasters said: 'We can confirm that Sammy Virji's set was cancelled and that The Point stage was closed to allow onsite teams to respond to an incident in the audience.

'No serious injuries have been reported and the pit and medical teams immediately assisted those involved. Safety is our number one priority and we thank Sammy and our audience for their understanding.

Devon and Cornwall Police revealed how some people have been taken to hospital with their injuries

Festivalgoers have enjoyed stunning weather so far at the festival to start the weekend

Boardmasters is set to continue following the surge, and other sets will go ahead as normal

'All other stages have been unaffected and performances continue as planned.'

DJ Sammy Virji said he was 'gutted' about his set being cancelled but 'safety should always come first'.

In a post on his Instagram, he said: 'I'm incredibly gutted about the stage cancellation for Boardmasters, whilst I'm absolutely honoured at the amount of people who turned up, crowd surges can be very serious and safety should always come first.

'The stoppage was completely out of my hands and hope you all understand the festival needed to prioritise everyone's wellbeing. Hopefully catch you all soon at another set.'

Revellers had been enjoying a toasty start to the Cornish festival as the country prepares for a week end of sizzling heat.

But it appears they were not so lucky today as pictures showed rain and miserable conditions in Cornwall.

Britain is set to sizzle in a 'short-lived but quite intense' spell of hot weather this weekend with temperatures building up to 34C in a mini-heatwave.

This will come as welcome news to festival goers this weekend who have gathered at the Newquay for a weekend of good music and even better music.

The roasting hot weather caused some disruption at the festival yesterday as festival staff were pictured handing out cups of water to thirsty revellers.
Russia has evacuated more than 76,000 people from border areas in the western region of Kursk as Ukraine continues to push deeper in its cross-border offensive, Russian media reported today.

'More than 76,000 people have been temporarily relocated to safe places,' the state-run TASS news agency reported, citing a local official at a press briefing.

Russia appears to have been caught off guard by a daring incursion into the southwestern Kursk region since Tuesday, though Ukraine has stopped short of formally claiming responsibility.

On Tuesday, Pro-Kyiv forces stormed into the region with around 1,000 troops and more than two dozen armoured vehicles and tanks, according to the Russian army.

It appears to be the most significant Ukrainian attack into Russia since the war erupted, with analysts suggesting Kyiv's troops had advanced up to several miles into Russia.

Russia has desperately tried to fend off the offensive with artillery, airstrikes and troops, but the extent of their success is unclear.

Temporary shelters have been set up in the meantime across eight regions of Russia to house thousands of evacuees now displaced by the incursion in what officials have called a 'slap in the face for the president'.

Ukrainian servicemen ride a BMP-1 infantry fighting vehicle near the border in Sumy, Ukraine

People from the border districts of Kursk region board buses bound for Moscow, on Friday

Residents from Kursk amass at a train station in Tula amid large evacuations

Ukrainian tanks roll through the Sumy region of Ukraine on Saturday

Ukrainian servicemen ride a military vehicle near the border with Russia on Saturday

Ukraine launched the incursion across the Russian border around 5am GMT

Putin (pictured on Friday) has been forced to relocate some 76,000 Russians in the region

Zelensky (pictured July 19) has avoided claiming responsibility for the push into Russia

A headquarters for 'providing assistance to the population in the border areas... has been deployed and continues to operate in the city of Kursk,' spokesman for the Russian Emergencies Ministry's interdepartmental operational headquarters Artyom Sharov told reporters today.

'Resettling residents to safer places has been a priority of its work,' he continued.

According to TASS, as many as 60 such complexes are now being used to house thousands of displaced people as the offensive shows no sign of stopping.

Struggling to put down the advance, Russia said it was launching a 'counter-terrorism' operation, rushing in reserves and extra equipment.

Russia's national anti-terrorism committee said late last night it was starting operations in Belgorod, Bryansk and Kursk regions to 'ensure the safety' of residents and 'supress the threat of terrorist acts'.

Residents were pictured bundling into trains as they taken far away from the conflict zones as tanks, jets and troops roll in.

'The war has come to us,' one woman told AFP after arriving at a Moscow train station on Friday, declining to give her name.

While Ukraine has not officially confirmed its role, President Volodymyr Zelensky said Thursday that Russia needed to 'feel' the consequences of its invasion.

'Russia brought the war to our land and should feel what it has done,' Zelensky said, without directly referring to the offensive.

The Institute for the Study of War, a Washington-based think tank, says Kyiv's forces have pressed deeper into Kursk with 'rapid advances', reportedly going up to 20 miles beyond the border in a matter of days.

'The lack of a coherent Russian response to the Ukrainian incursion into Kursk... and the reported rate of Ukrainian advance indicates that Ukrainian forces were able to achieve operational surprise,' the Washington-based ISW said late Thursday.

The ISW added that the Russian forces in place to defend Kursk appeared to be 'conscripts and irregular forces'.

'The Russian military command may currently be resisting operational pressures to redeploy forces from other operational directions to prevent the Ukrainian incursion from disrupting Russian offensive operations in eastern Ukraine,' it assessed.

Ukrainian forces have since carried out a second incursion northeast of Sumy City and were advancing on Kucherov as the offensive deepens, according to a Russian milblogger.

Influential Russian military bloggers have blasted army leaders for failing to spot or quash the incursion.

A Kremlin official told Russian outlet Politika.Kozlov the apparent invasion was a 'slap in the face for the president' as Russia had been 'unable to push the enemy back'.

Putin has called the incursion a 'large-scale provocation' and Russia's top general has vowed to crush it.

But Moscow has not yet presented detailed information on the extent of the advance.

It said Friday it had struck Ukrainian positions on the western edge of Sudzha, a town around five miles from the border that appeared to be the focus of Kyiv's offensive.

Several Russian media shared a video purporting to show Sudzha residents appealing to President Vladimir Putin for help, warning that many were unable to evacuate.

'In a few hours our town was turned into ruins ... Our relatives are left behind, we can't call them, there is no communication. Please help us get our land back,' one resident said in the video.

The town has an important pipeline transit hub for Russian natural gas exports to Europe.

A column of Russian Army trucks in Kursk region damaged by shelling on Friday

A soldier stands near a destroyed military vehicle containing the bodies of dead Russian soldiers, in the aftermath of a strike on a Russian column, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in Oktyabrskoye village, Kursk

Russian troops delivering military equipment to the Kursk region on Saturday

A heavily damaged building in the region, which borders Ukraine, after Tuesday's incursion

An explosion as seen from a driver's window in the Kursk region, some 8 miles inside Russia

In neighboring Belarus, where Russian troops are deployed but which hasn't sent its own army into Ukraine, President Alexander Lukashenko said Saturday that its air defenses shot down unspecified objects launched from Ukraine that were flying over Belarusian territory.

'I do not understand why Ukraine needs this. We need to figure it out. As I said before, we made it clear to them that any provocations will not go unanswered,' Lukashenko said, according to state news agency Belta.

Russia's Defense Ministry said that reinforcements are now being sent to Kursk to counter Ukraine's raid, with Russia deploying multiple rocket launchers, towed artillery guns, tanks transported on trailers and heavy tracked vehicles.

There has been little reliable information on the daring operation, and its strategic aims are unclear. Ukrainian officials have refused to comment on the incursion, which is taking place about 320 miles southwest of Moscow.

Asked about Ukraine's incursion, White House national security spokesman John Kirby said Friday the United States was 'in touch with our Ukrainian counterparts,' but that he wouldn't comment until 'those conversations are complete.'

Ukraine's backers have not been dissuaded by the apparent offensive, as the US on Friday announced a further $125mn in new military aid for Kyiv.

The aid package underscores 'our unwavering commitment to (Ukraine) as they continue to battle back against Russian aggression,' National Security Council spokesman John Kirby told journalists.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said the aid would be drawn from American stockpiles and 'includes air defense interceptors, munitions for rocket systems and artillery, multi-mission radars, and anti-tank weapons.'

The equipment 'will help Ukraine protect its troops, its people and its cities from Russian attacks and reinforce its capabilities across the front lines,' he said in a statement.

The United States has been a key military backer of Ukraine, committing more than $55 billion in weapons, ammunition and other security aid since Russia launched its full-scale invasion in February 2022.

Furious Russian residents in Sudzha district appealed directly to dictator Vladimir Putin accusing his regime of "lies" that resulted in civilian deaths by claiming the Ukrainian incursion in Kursk region was under control

People from the border districts of the Kursk region boarding buses to travel to children's camps in the Moscow region on Friday

Staff from the Russian Ministry of Emergency Situations assisting people evacuated from the border settlements of the Kursk region on Friday

A building on fire in the town of Sudzha following an incursion into the Kursk region on 7/8

Combatants from Ukraine have made several brief incursions into Russia since the beginning of the conflict, including with units of Russians fighting in support of Kyiv - the Russian Volunteer Corps and the Freedom of Russia Legion.

Russia has pushed back against the attacks and has sometimes needed to deploy artillery and aviation.

Ukraine's main military effort is focused on fighting back Russian forces who control nearly a fifth of its territory after almost two-and-a-half years of war and have made a series of gradual gains in the past six months.

Ukrainian strikes inside Russia's own territory have mostly involved shelling of border regions and drone attacks on targets such as oil refineries and fuel depots.

Responsibility for previous incursions, into Russia's Belgorod and Bryansk regions, have been claimed by two murky groups: the Russian Volunteer Corps and the Freedom of Russia Legion.
A woman who gained hundreds of pounds after witnessing her boyfriend's murder says she has been deemed a 'fire hazard' and claims she has been barred from returning home.

Juaunia Bates, 33, of Wayne, Michigan, claimed she's been denied re-entry into her eighth-floor apartment at Westchester Towers due to being a fire hazard as she currently weighs more than 800 pounds, she told Fox 2 Detroit.

Bates gained more than two hundred pounds after watching her boyfriend get murdered in 2018 and fear overtook her, causing her to board up at home.

'It put me in a bad space to where I have, literally, trapped myself in my own body,' she said.

The Michigander's weight caused her to develop lymphedema - a build-up of fluid - in her legs that caused bedsores that got so bad it felt like a knife 'being turned constantly' in her limbs. So she called 911.

It took 15 paramedics and firefighters to get her out of the apartment through the elevator, after she declined to be tied to ropes and taken out the window.

'I was scared,' she told Fox 2.

Juaunia Bates, 33, of Wayne, Michigan, claimed she's been denied re-entry into her eighth-floor apartment at Westchester Towers due to being a fire hazard as she currently weighs more than 800 pounds

Bates gained hundreds of pounds after watching her boyfriend get murdered in 2018 and fear overtook her, causing her to board up at home and gain more than 200 pounds

She was taken to Corewell Health Wayne Hospital and has yet to be discharged. Bates had to file an appeal with Medicare to even stay longer at the hospital.

She claims she doesn't have a place to go afterward because her apartment complex deemed her a hazard - something the management company disputes.

'Ms. Bates is welcome at Westchester Towers and we look forward to her returning to her home,' Andrew F. Smith, of Princeton Enterprises, who manages the building, told Fox 2.

'We are not aware of any restrictions that would prevent her from returning and wish her all the best.

It took 15 paramedics and firefighters to get her out of the apartment through the elevator, after she declined to be tied to ropes and taken out the window after she recently called 911 due to having painful fluid build-up in her legs

Management is reportedly working to get her a first-floor apartment ready, but she says she fears she won't be able to care for herself once there.

'I don't have the right medical equipment,' she told the outlet. 'Medicare and Medicaid doesn't pay for a lot of things.

'I just needed help. I can't keep living like this,' she continued. 'My worst fear was to go home and not getting any help and just die - that was my worst fear.'

Bates' social worker is trying to help her get personal trainers and physical therapists to get her back to health.

She claims she doesn't have a place to go afterward because her apartment complex deemed her a hazard - something the management company disputes. 'We are not aware of any restrictions that would prevent her from returning and wish her all the best,' Andrew F. Smith, of Princeton Enterprises, who manages the building, said

She also got a call from a rehabilitation center in Ohio that is 'starting a bariatric unit and they want me to come out there,' she told the local outlet.

Bates is hoping she'll one day be able to 'walk again and go outside and just be able to not be a burden on my family anymore because I feel like the biggest burden.'

She's been relying on her 53-year-old mother for help recently.

The Midwesterner is hopeful for the future and said it will 'only [be] up from here.'

'I just cant keep living like this. I want to be free.'
Residents of idyllic mountain towns have been left looking over their shoulder after the population of grizzly bears soared.

Since being put on the Endangered Species List in 1975 when there were just 700 of them patrolling the lower 48 states, grizzlies have made a comeback.

Places including towns, farms and ranches across the Northern Rockies where they hadnt been seen in more than a century are reporting sightings.

Biologists say they believe the population has now climbed to at least 2,000, and the bears now regularly roam outside Glacier and Yellowstone National Park.

Cecil and Bridget Gallagher, who live in Clark, Wyoming, just outside Cody, harvest sweet corn on their farm, which they say now provides them with an adrenaline rush.

Since being put on the Endangered Species List in 1975 when there were just 700 of them patrolling the lower 48 states, grizzlies have made a comeback

Places including towns, farms and ranches across the Northern Rockies where they hadnt been seen in over a century are reporting sightings. Yellowstone National Park is seen here

The animals started showing up near their ranch around a decade ago, causing them to put up an electric face.

Since then, the bears have managed to come into the cornfields, with four being trapped by state game managers last year.

With harvest looming, the Gallaghers say they fear for themselves and their kids walking through the fields as they try to generate enough noise to ward off bears.

Bridget told the outlet: I do a lot of praying. We start picking sweet corn next week. Saw our first set of bear tracks around the field a couple days ago. Luck's job begins again.'

While Elliott Lee awoke one morning to frantic squawking coming from his backyard chicken coop, and after rushing outside discovered a grizzly bear.

Lee, 78, told the outlet: The fence had been smashed down and I looked up and a grizzly bear was 25 to 30 feet away.

He had killed four chickens and was in the process of eating them. 

Dana Darlington who runs a ranch on the Montana prairie, where grizzlies hadnt been seen in at least 100 years said he found the remains of a 120-pound calf in April.

Cecil and Bridget Gallagher, seen here alongside their family, harvest sweet corn on their farm, which they say now provides them with an adrenaline rush

Idaho, Montana and Wyoming, the town of Cody, Wyoming, is seen here, are all now pushing for the grizzly to be taken from the protected list to manage the amount of them by hunting

State biologists then later confirmed to Darlington that the calf had been attacked by a bear.

The 60-year-old told the outlet: I never thought Id see a grizzly kill out here in my life. Im just bewildered by what is going on out here.

Carnivore biologist Luke Ellsbury said his holy c*** moment happened last year when a grizzly appeared in the Bighorn mountains.

Ellsbury told the outlet that the animal had to have crossed the Bighorn Basin, an expansive plateau some 100 miles wide.

He told the outlet: We thought it would be a few more years, adding his Game and Fish department had to euthanize it after it killed livestock.

In a rare moment last year, Ellsbury also scared off a grizzly along the Shoshone River near a busy nature trail by firing blanks.

His office supplies locals with bear spray and even lets people practice on a Robobear, a remote controlled grizzly that charges.

Ranch manager Mark McCarty has reported losing 50 to 75 calves yearly to the bears and other predators.

He told the outlet that the state compensates the ranch but not all the costs, adding that stressed out cows breed less.

In Yellowstone, there is just on average one grizzly attack a year due to bear-proof garbage bins, wide use of bear spray and other safety measures

Despite the comeback and concern among those in the area, human fatalities are still rare

McCarty said: 'I dont want to see the bears eliminated, but theyve gotten to be so many they tend to get in trouble. Its like a glass of water and the bears are pouring over the top.'

In May of this year, Shayne Patrick Burke, 35, suffered serious injuries as a result of an attack in Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming.

He revealed in a post to Instagram how he was in the 'wrong place at the wrong time' when a mother grizzly bear attacked him.

The full-grown animal had been protecting her cub, he said - resulting in a vicious attack the combat veteran said was the 'most violent' thing he's ever experienced.

He credited a can of bear spray with saving his life, administered as the beast was gnawing on his hands, legs, and the back of his neck, nearly ending him then and there.

Idaho, Montana and Wyoming are all now pushing for the grizzly to be taken from the protected list to manage the amount of them by hunting.

Burke revealed in a post to Instagram how he was in the 'wrong place at the wrong time' when a mother grizzly bear attacked him

Samantha Justice, 25, told the outlet that she wants the bears to be open to hunting saying: They need to be scared of us.

Justice had been booking rafting trips on a river where grizzlies have charged two boats and always carries a rifle when in the woods.

While Grizzly advocates are fighting to have their protections held, saying the population is nothing compared to the 50,000 that roamed the Western US two hundred years ago.

David Mattson, a retired federal wildlife researcher, added: We are talking about an icon of our Western heritage and the last of the last.

Mattson believes that bears and humans can coexist as long as safety precautions are taken.

Despite the comeback and concern among those in the area, human fatalities are still rare.

Since 1992, there have been 165 recorded injuries to humans which includes 10 deaths.

In Yellowstone, there is just on average one grizzly attack a year due to bear-proof garbage bins, wide use of bear spray and other safety measures.

But around the park, the number of conflicts with the animals has risen from 50 annually in the 90s to over 400 in more recent years.

The animals are known for burglarizing buildings, taking down livestock, pet dogs and tangling with people, according to Frank van Manen, supervisory research wildlife biologist for the Interagency Grizzly Bear Study Team.

The team have also found that a bears range has now climbed to 27,000 square miles since 1990.

Van Manen told the outlet the biggest increase in conflicts is areas reclaimed by the bears that are full of humans.

Grizzly advocates are fighting to have their protections held, saying the population is nothing compared to the 50,000 that roamed the Western US two hundred years ago

He added that grizzlies have learned it is easier to prey on cattle or steal trash than to hunt in the foods, saying: Theyre incredibly intelligent and resourceful animals.

Due to the resurgence, the US Fish and Wildlife Service decided to remove grizzlies from the Endangered Species List in 2017.

But the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals in 2020 agreed with a lawsuit from environmental and tribal groups that the bears should remain protected

Montana and Wyoming have petitioned the case to again take the grizzly back off the list.

The outlet reported that Wyoming spends around $2 million a year on bear conflicts, which includes $500,000 for losses like livestock.

Officials with Fish and Wildlife say they are looking into the status for all the lower states, not just for Yellowstone with a decision due next year.
Low tide at Tomales Bay. Carl Nolte/SFC Marshall Beach at Tomales Bay. Carl Nolte/SFC Hog Island. Carl Nolte/SFC

Three of us landed on the small empty beach like explorers. We were only a few miles from the Golden Gate but the pretty cove was deserted. There was not a footprint in the sand, not a soul in sight, only birds and a seal. It was as if no one had ever been there.

The place is called White Gulch, an inlet on the western side of Tomales Bay in Marin County. My pals, Richard Everett and his son, Carson, took me there in their 13-foot Boston Whaler boat, on a bumpy 15 minute ride over the bay from a boat launch ramp on Highway 1, just over 50 miles by winding country road from San Francisco.

Ive been all over the Point Reyes region since I was a kid, but never to White Gulch. Youll like it, Richard Everett said, Its remote.

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We werent prepared for how remote the place was, even that summer Saturday. The cove is fairly large, surrounded by brushy hills and small valleys and white cliffs on the northerly shore. We could see rolling brown hills on the other side of Tomales Bay, and in the distance a single house.

And then, the air was full of birds: cormorants, pelicans, gulls, all flying at once, hundreds of them. They flew to one end of the cove, perhaps following a run of fish. After a bit, as if following a signal invisible to us, they flew to the other side, in their hundreds, all at once. We could not help thinking of Alfred Hitchcocks The Birds, filmed at Bodega Bay, not far away.

We wondered how a place like White Gulch could exist, so empty, so unchanged, on the edge of an urban region of 7 million people.

But the idea of a place unchanged is an illusion. I found that out as soon as I returned to so-called civilization, by consulting the source of all 21st century knowledge  the internet. I also called Dewey Livingston, a historian who is an expert on the region.

White Gulch is a great place, he said, a bit reluctant to talk about one of his favorite quiet corners of the world. It was seldom as empty as it was that summer Saturday when we were there. It was a place with a past: ships, ranchers, ghost towns, even Russians.

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It is the biggest cove on the west side of Tomales Bay, a long, narrow arm of the sea that was lined for thousands of years with the homes of native people, small settlements, the biggest with seven or eight families like Pelican Point nearby.

They did not see the country as empty. They saw it with other eyes: The landscape was nothing less than a richly layered text; a sacred book  each feature of the natural world was a mnemonic peg on which individuals could see a story connected to other stories and thus know and find themselves home, wrote Greg Sarris in his book Becoming Story. Sarris is chairman of the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria and knows their stories.

Their story was changed by European contact, first when English sailors came with Francis Drake in 1579 and landed not far away. They called the country Nova Albion, Latin for New England, their own home.

The country stayed as it was for 200 years; a long pause in the story. Then the Spanish came to San Francisco and then to San Rafael with a huge impact on the land and the people. The Russians came as well to hunt sea otters. Livingston thinks they might have used White Gulch cove as a base.

Then came the Americans: The Gold Rush of 1848-49 changed everything, Livingston writes. It even changed remote places like the Point Reyes Peninsula, where dairy ranches sprang up to supply food for the boomtown of San Francisco. Some gold seekers veered off the path and discovered the green hills of Marin County, Livingston wrote. It was cow heaven.

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In 1858, Solomon Pierce, a Vermont man who came west with the Gold Rush, bought the northern tip of the Point Reyes peninsula for $5,000 and built what locals called the finest dairy ranch in the township. The ranch headquarters, which still stands, was just above White Gulch.

But years ago it was a busy place. Pierce built a pier at White Gulch and small two-masted sailing schooners went from White Gulch out around Tomales Point out in the open ocean around Point Reyes to bring dairy products to San Francisco.

A big break came in 1875  nearly 150 years ago  when investors built a railroad from Sausalito up along Tomales Bay  and set off a boom. The ranchers had a reliable way to ship the famous Point Reyes butter and cheese to market.

So the cove at White Gulch was a busy small port, with boats and barges going across the bay to the rail stations at towns called Hamlet and Ocean Roar. There was a lot of commerce, Livingston said.

Pierce Point was a self-contained small town with a one-room school to ranch children and native Indian kids. The school teacher lived in Hamlet and would row back and forth on school days.

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Hamlet was abandoned years ago, and sat empty, a ghost town, until the buildings were torn down not too long ago. White Gulch became part of the Point Reyes National Seashore, a story waiting to be discovered.
This is the shocking moment a racist thug spat at a bus driver and called him a 'Muslim terrorist b*****d' after he was refused to board because he couldn't pay for his journey.

Michael Mongan, 39, was caught on camera shouting at the driver and punching the protective screen around his seat at 12.25pm on Wednesday in west London.

The video, which has been viewed more than five million times on social media, shows Mongan spitting twice on the screen and repeatedly calling the driver a 'Muslim terrorist b*****d' and challenging him to 'get off the bus'.

The driver remains behind the screen but is seen in the video goading Mongan by shouting 'come on' and beckoning him towards the screen.

Mongan was quickly identified by Met officers and charged with a racially aggravated public order offence and criminal damage.

Michael Mongan, 39, was caught on camera shouting at the driver and punching the protective screen around his seat at 12.25pm on Wednesday in west London

The driver remains behind the screen but is seen in the video goading Mongan by shouting 'come on' and beckoning him towards the screen

Mongan, of Castle Road, Ealing, pleaded guilty to a racially aggravated public order offence and criminal damage charges at Uxbridge Magistrates' Court on Saturday, August 10

He pleaded guilty to both charges at Uxbridge Magistrates' Court on Saturday, August 10. He will remain in custody until he is sentenced at the same court on Tuesday.

The video, which lasts for 52 seconds, begins with the pay dispute between Mongan and the driver already in full swing at Coldharbour Lane in the Hayes area of London.

Mongan, of Castle Road, Ealing, is seen ferociously calling the driver names, punching the protective screen around the driver and spitting at him.

The driver shouts back to Mongan in response: 'There are Muslims everywhere. F****** idiot.'

Mongan answers back by once again calling for the driver to get off the bus, shouting: 'Get off the bus you Muslim b*****d, get out here, you come here, you act the big man, you come here.'

A peacemaker is heard in the video speaking to the driver and trying to tell him to calm down, he said: 'Brother please, brother leave him alone brother please.'

Mongan, of Castle Road, Ealing, is seen ferociously calling the driver names, punching the protective screen around the driver and spitting at him

After the video of the incident was widely shared on social media, Mongan was quickly identified and arrested on Friday, August 9.

Detective Inspector Jonathan Potter, of the Roads and Transport Policing Command, said: 'The bus driver who was racially abuse and spat at by Michael Mongan was simply doing his job.

'He and all other staff who work across London's transport network have a right to do so in safety, free from unacceptable threats and intimidation.

'I hope the fast response from our officers sends a clear message that we will act to hold those who behave in this way to account.

'I'm glad Mongan has been swiftly brought to justice and will now face the consequences of his actions.'
It was once claimed to have been referred to as Colditz in kilts by King Charles in an apparent reference to the austere conditions when he attended in the 1960s.

However, Gordonstoun, where three generations of the Royal family have been educated, has shown an entirely different side  and staked a claim as the ultimate modern school  with a new green shop selling everything from bamboo toothbrushes to biodegradable wheat hairbrushes.

Teachers at the fee-paying school in Moray say the enterprise has been so successful that it has expanded to offer further environmentally friendly products for pupils.

Young entrepreneurs at the school helped launch the sustainability enterprise, with products including plant-based mouthwash tablets and biodegradable wipes, helping to reduce the impact on the environment.

King Charles attended the school in the 1960s but apparently did not enjoy his time there

The shop, in the schools healthcare centre, has resulted in a substantial reduction in the 4,500 or so online parcels usually delivered there for pupils.

It follows a new classrooms hub, the Queen Elizabeth II Rooms, which opened this year and features solar panels, ground source heating and hi-tech carbon dioxide monitoring.

The school's shop is selling bamboo toothbrushes

Rachael Wareing, the schools healthcare centre manager who is behind the shop, said: My daughter is passionate about the environment and it inspired me to start being more sustainable at home, such as buying bamboo toothbrushes.

It then got me thinking that we should be doing more of this at Gordonstoun, so I decided to start a new enterprise initiative offering sustainable healthcare products.

Our new enterprise has only been going a few months at the school but it has been so popular that we have had to expand to keep up with demand.

Any surplus from the sale of the products goes to Gordonstouns sustainability committee to invest in similar school initiatives.

Pupil Flo Moncur, 18, said: The sustainability enterprise gives us a great opportunity to purchase amazing quality products that are good for the planet.

Adaeze Chiana, 18, said: The lip balm is cool and has a good mechanism for application. Its made of honeycomb waxes and is lovely.

The packaging is cardboard so its more sustainable. I never thought that you could get lip balm that is applicable without the plastic.

Gordonstoun is one of Scotland's leading private schools

Simon Cane-Hardy, head of senior school, added: The students have embraced this new initiative, with more products now on sale and more to come to keep up with demand.

There have been reports the King felt disdain for the tough environment experienced in his time at the school but he has often played this down.
Anti-racist protesters have gathered in their thousands to protest against hate marches and riots in the wake of the Southport stabbings.

In Belfast, about 15,000 people are taking part in an anti-racism rally, following a week of unrest and disorder in the city, while other gatherings are taking place in cities including Glasgow, Edinburgh, Cardiff, Hull, Liverpool and Manchester.

There were also widespread anti-fascist protests across London, with the largest gathering meeting outside Reform UK's building in Westminster before moving to Trafalgar Square for speeches.

Samira Ali, who made the closing speech, said: 'We feel like we have turned the tide. It's a testament to our mobilisation that they failed to come out. They would not have been stopped if it was not for our mobilisation.'

One protester was separated by police from a GB News crew on Whitehall after appearing to take issue with the broadcaster's presence at the demonstrations.

Footage shared by the broadcaster on X, formerly Twitter, shows a man in black shorts and a grey hoodie standing a few feet from the camera crews - before cutting to him batting away an off-screen reporter who tries to speak with him.

As a member of the GB News team approaches him he yells 'Don't touch me' and appears to lash out with his hand before being swarmed by Metropolitan Police officers. The channel claimed he was chanting 'GB News, off our streets'.

A Met Police spokesperson has since confirmed to MailOnline no allegations were made at the scene and that GB News did not wish to take the matter further.

Anti-racism protesters outside the headquarters of Reform UK in London earlier today

Around 15,000 people took to the streets of Belfast earlier today to say no to racist hate after a smaller protest last night

A man appeared to aggressively confront a GB News crew on Whitehall. The channel claimed he was chanting 'GB News, off our streets'

The footage starts with the man standing a few feet away before cutting to him up close. MailOnline has asked to see the full footage

GB News described the incident as a protester 'appear(ing) to attack' its presenter. The Met Police has since said the channel did not want to take any further action

Protesters hold pro-refugee signs in George Square, Glasgow. Witnesses say they substantially outnumbered anti-immigration activists

An anti-racism protester holds a sign in Belfast reading: 'Only thing separated by colour should be laundry'

One of two armoured police vehicles in Wakefield today ahead of an expected anti-racism protest countering a far-right gathering at a hotel housing asylum seekers

Specialist police officers out in force in Newcastle ahead of the planned protest actions

A man is detained for allegedly carrying a hammer to a protest in Newcastle on Saturday

Police holding a hammer that was reportedly confiscated from a protester in Newcastle

Police make arrests among Enough Is Enough supporters in Newcastle city centre today

The force said: 'It is important that the press are able to report freely, including at protests, without being subject to harassment, abuse or intimidation.

'The footage released appears to show a protester trying to obstruct a GB News camera crew as they reported, by putting his hand up to the lens.

'As he does so, a man who was working as security for the camera crew intervenes and pushes him away. Officers moved in quickly to prevent any further escalation.

'No allegations were made at the time and both parties went their separate ways. We have confirmed with GB News that they do not wish to take the matter further.'

GB News reporter Charlie Peters told the PA news agency the man had 'attacked one of my colleagues'. MailOnline has asked GB News for comment, and a copy of the full footage.

Reform UK said its Victoria Street office was not attended by staff, serving only as a postal address because of the 'invasion of our offices in previous years by extremist left wing campaigners'.

It added: 'The head office is not in London, and you will understand why we are not going to reveal its whereabouts given the thuggery and aggression of the far left whose only thought to democratic opposition is to bully and attempt to intimidate it into silence.'

Police made early arrests ahead of other demonstrations today - adding to the hundreds already detained following civil unrest in the wake of the July 29 tragedy.

Disinformation about the identity of the suspect fuelled far-right dissent online and the engineering of hate-led protests targeting mosques, asylum lawyers and immigration centres.

Despite pleas from the families of the victims of the Southport attacks, police chiefs and even the King to choose love over hate, far-right thugs have continued turning out in force to sow dissent into this weekend, almost two weeks on from the attacks.

A man was among 14 people to be detained at a anti-immigration rally in Newcastle town centre after allegedly being found in possession of a hammer. Others were arrested for failing to comply with either stop and search or dispersal orders.

The campaign group Stand Up To Racism Scotland (SUTRS) organised counter-protests outside Holyrood in Edinburgh, Dundee's City Square and in George Square in Glasgow.

Demonstrators carried placards and banners displaying slogans such as 'No to racism' and 'Refugees welcome: Stop the far right'.

One campaigner posted on X along with a video capturing the large crowd in George Square: 'This is Glasgow. Sending a LOUD and CLEAR message to the FAR RIGHT. These are OUR STREETS.'

Other videos posted online showed a man holding a sign reading: 'Asylum Frauds Out' was met with chants of 'Refugees are welcome here' and led to him leaving amid outbreaks of cheers and applause.

The demonstrations follow similar counter-protests in Bathgate and Paisley on Friday, which were the first to be held in Scotland following riots across parts of England.

In Trafalgar Square, speakers condemned X boss Elon Musk - under whom, experts say, hate speech and misinformation have thrived on the site formerly known as Twitter - and accused Reform UK Nigel Farage of 'spreading racism'.

One speaker from Stand up to Racism, which organised the event, said: 'After being outnumbered, we turned it around this week.'

Northumbria Police said the Newcastle rally 'was peaceful and passed without incident' - adding that while 14 people were arrested none were detained for disorder or violent offences.

The force's Chief Superintendent Steve Wykes said: 'This week, our region has spoken - we will not tolerate the disgraceful disorder seen over the last week by a minority whose only aim is create division.'

Protestors hold banners during a 'Stop the Far Right' demonstration at George Square in Glasgow on Saturday

A counter demo holds an anti immigration banner during the George Square demonstration in Glasgow, Scotland

An anti-racism protest held near Finsbury Park Mosque in north London on Saturday

A woman gets arrested ahead of a far-right anti-immigration protest in Newcastle

A woman takes part in the anti-immigration demonstration in Newcastle on Saturday. Her flag reads: 'I am not a racist...close the borders'

People hold placards during a 'Stop the Far Right' demonstration on a National Day of Protest outside the headquarters of Reform UK in London today

More protesters gather outside the Reform UK offices in London today

People take part in an anti-far right protest outside Reform HQ in London today

Some turning out on Saturday were seen with signs criticising what they call a 'two tier' system of policing.

Met Police Chief Sir Mark Rowley this week branded the claims 'complete nonsense' and said they were putting officers at risk.

'We operate independently under the law without fear or favour,' he said.

'They are putting them at risk by suggesting that any of those officers are going out with, as with any intent, other than to operate without fear or favour in protecting communities.'

Suspected rioters are continuing to appear in court as well, as online influencers who 'stoked the flames of hatred and division and incited violence' were being pursued by specialist officers.

More than 700 people have now been arrested over rioting, according to the National Police Chiefs' Council (NPCC), of whom more than 300 have been charged.

A protestor wears a flag and shows a placard reading '2 teir (sic) system' at a rally in Newcastle on Saturday

Anti-immigration protesters hold up flags in Newcastle, including a Celtic Cross. The Cross is used by neo-Nazis and white supremacists today, according to the Anti-Defamation League - but is also used for religious purposes 'as well as to symbolise concepts like Irish pride'

Shops have been boarded up in anticipation of more unrest in Newcastle today

Meanwhile in London, demonstrators at a 'Stop the Far Right' protest gather near Reform HQ

In Glasgow, protesters carry signs in a demonstration organised by the Blue Angels MC

Among those in court on Saturday was childminder Lucy Connolly, 41, the partner of Conservative West Northamptonshire councillor Raymond Connolly, who has been charged with publishing written material to stir up racial hatred on social media.

She did not enter a plea during a short hearing at Northampton Crown Court and was remanded in custody until her next appearance on Monday.

The court heard it is alleged that Connolly, from Parkfield Avenue, Northampton, posted on X, formerly Twitter, on the day of the Southport knife killings, saying: 'Mass deportation now, set fire to all the f****** hotels full of the bastards for all I care... If that makes me racist, so be it.'

Lee James, 42, admitted possessing a knuckle duster during a demonstration in Southampton on August 7.

Janet Brownlow, representing James, said her client had attended the protest 'out of curiosity' and wanted to stress that he is 'not a racist'.

She said James had picked up the knuckle-duster at a property he had previously worked on, and left it in his van, from where he had picked it up and then put it on before the protest.

'He put it on his fingers and couldn't get it off,' Ms Brownlow told the court. 'He has quite thick knuckles.'

Elsewhere, three people have pleaded guilty to violent disorder in Manvers, Rotherham, South Yorkshire, on Sunday August 4, South Yorkshire Police (SYP) said.

Kaine Hicks, 22, of Wombwell Road, Platts Common; Drew Jarvis, 19, of no fixed address; and a 17-year-old boy, admitted the offence at Sheffield Magistrates' Court on Saturday, the force said.

Merseyside Police said two more people have been charged after the violent disorder in Southport and Liverpool.

Andrew McIntyre, 39, from Cousins Lane, Rufford, has been charged with encouraging an offence of murder; encouraging an either way offence namely violent disorder and possession of a bladed article.

He is due to appear at Liverpool and Knowsley Magistrates Court on Saturday.

Police also said a 16-year-old from Stockbridge Village has been charged with violent disorder, two counts of burglary at non-residential properties, criminal damage to a police vehicle amounting to 5,000, and assault of an emergency worker in Liverpool city centre.

He will appear at Merseyside Youth Remand Court on Saturday.

Adam Turner, 38, from Birmingham, was charged with violent disorder and assaulting an emergency worker after disorder in Solihull on Sunday, August 4.

A West Midlands Police spokesman said a glass was thrown at an officer in Damson Lane as they responded to a large gathering in the area, although nobody was injured.

Turner was remanded to appear before Birmingham Magistrates' Court on Saturday.

It comes as the NPCC said specialist officers have been tasked with pursuing suspected online offenders and so-called influencers, who they say are responsible for 'spreading hate and inciting violence on a large scale'.

Across the country, teams are investigating 'hundreds of leads'.

Police are currently bracing for a weekend of fresh riots, with masked demonstrators already clashing in Belfast after a petrol bomb was hurled at a mosque in Newtownards, County Down in the early hours of Saturday.

Belfast has seen some of the worst disorder, with 22 people arrested in connection with the riots that have raged over several days.

Arrests were made on Wednesday night after bins were set on fire and houses attacked.

Four men were charged yesterday of criminal damage, resisting police, rioting and throwing a petrol bomb.

The two groups faced off outside a Holiday Inn in Crawley, Sussex yesterday, though it was clear support had dwindled since masses turned out to attack hotels housing asylum seekers last weekend.

Anti-racism protesters demonstrate in Newcastle ahead of the planned rally on Saturday

Police officers in Newcastle ahead of a far-right demonstration on Saturday

Protestors also descended on Barnsley on Thursday, prompting businesses to lock their doors and forcing staff to work from home amid fear of further rioting.

Detectives confirmed there three people were detained at the protest, including a 15-year-old boy was arrested on suspicion of possession of an offensive weapon.

South Yorkshire Police also told MailOnline that a 43-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of possession of a banned breed and possession of a controlled drug; and a 42-year-old man was detained on suspicion of being drunk and disorderly.

Planned anti-immigration protests failed to materialise on Wednesday, despite the threat of more than 100 planned demonstrations - but fears remain that more could follow.

Clashes began on July 30 following a spate of misinformation about the killing of three children in Southport a day prior.

The suspect was not initially named, granted automatic anonymity due to his age.

But as misinformation spread online that the perpetrator was an Islamist asylum seeker, his identity was revealed as a 17-year-old from Lancashire.

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 from a brutal attack on a dance class in the town, 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 anonymity.

Suspect Axel Rudakubana has since been charged with murdering three children.

The government has implemented new measures aimed at tackling misinformation and deterring would-be criminals from instigating further violent disorder.

On Friday, the Prime Minister said that the government would review social media laws as part of those efforts.

The Telegraph reported that ministers are now looking at introducing a duty on social media companies to restrict even legal content deemed 'harmful'.

This could mean firms would be obliged to remove or suppress posts spreading fake news or other topics 'such as self-harm', the newspaper reports, 'even if they do not meet the threshold for illegality'.

Critics have branded the proposals 'sinister and authoritarian'.

Controversially, a court in Belfast also heard this week that anybody present at a riot would be remanded in custody, even if they were only a 'curious observer'.

District Judge Francis Rafferty said someone's presence at a riot alone made them involved as he refused two bail applications, as reported by The Telegraph.

Cameron Armstrong, 18 from Belfast, was charged with rioting in the Connswater area of east Belfast after his solicitor argued that while his client was on the 'periphery' of the scene, he denied being involved in any of the rioting.

The defence solicitor said his client had gone to 'have a look' but left when petrol bombs were thrown.

'He doesn't have to throw a petrol bomb or brick to be involved in disorder, if he's present at disorder,' Judge Rafferty said.

'Anybody involving themselves in this type of behaviour, this type of disorder, as an active participant or a curious observer can expect to be, save for the most exceptional circumstances, remanded into custody, and this defendant is remanded into custody.'

The full scope of this provision was unclear.

Newcastle saw a huge turnout of protestors rallying against racially-motivated rioting

Demonstrators gather in Newcastle city centre for a Stand Up To Racism counter protest

More than 700 people have now been arrested over rioting, according to the National Police Chiefs' Council (NPCC), of whom more than 300 have been charged.

The NPCC has said specialist officers have now been tasked with pursuing suspected online offenders and so-called influencers, who they say are responsible for 'spreading hate and inciting violence on a large scale'.

Across the country, teams are investigating 'hundreds of leads'.

The NPCC's serious and organised crime team is working with Counter Terrorism Policing and other national agencies to review content across a range of social media sites and platforms.

Online content will be assessed by a senior investigator to determine if it meets the criminal threshold and offenders will then be identified, arrested and charged.

Chief Constable Chris Haward, the NPCC lead for serious and organised crime, said inciting violence and encouraging mass disorder are 'incredibly serious offences'.

He went on: 'But this abhorrent activity didn't happen by itself. Large crowds and gatherings didn't mobilise spontaneously.

'It was the result of dozens of so-called influencers, exploiting the outpouring of grief from the tragic loss of three young girls in Southport.

'They knowingly spread misinformation, stoked the flames of hatred and division and incited violence from the comfort of their own homes, causing chaos on other people's doorsteps.'
A stunning mural has been painted in Cardiff in tribute to a schoolgirl tragically killed on a zebra crossing last year.

Keely Morgan, 15, suffered multiple injuries and died when she was hit by a black Vauxhall Astra as she crossed Heol Trelai in Caerau, on May 1, 2023.

Just hours earlier, she had spent the May Day bank holiday with her family at the seaside in Barry, Vale of Glamorgan, and had gone for an evening walk after they returned home.

Now in memory of the teenager, a once-white container near a park in Caerau has been transformed into a colourful tribute painted by renowned graffiti artist Tee2Sugars.

The artist, from Merthyr, created art around Wales such as the Gavin & Stacey mural in Dinas Powys and the Eisteddfod mural in Pontypridd.

A stunning mural has been painted in Cardiff in tribute to schoolgirl Keely Morgan, who was tragically killed on a zebra crossing last year

Keely Morgan, 15, (pictured) tragically died when she was hit on a zebra crossing near her home in Cardiff after spending the May Day bank holiday Monday with her family in Barry, Vale of Glamorgan

A once-white container near a park in Caerau has been transformed into a colourful tribute painted by renowned graffiti artist Tee2Sugars

Tom Llewellyn of Tee2Sugars said it had taken roughly three days to complete.

He has received praise from the community in Careau who were left devastated following the tragedy.

He said: 'It's been bananas. The local people have all been down (to the mural) and are just happy that it's been done.'

After images of the mural were posted online, many complimented the new artwork.

One commented: 'Wow I've never seen anything like it, it looks so real I had goose bumps when I seen this. It's absolutely amazing for a beautiful young girl.'

Another wrote: 'This is such a beautiful artwork that captured her beautiful soul.'

A third said: 'Hope this brings comfort to the family and we all get to see a beautiful face every time we pass there. She has brightened up Caerau, RIP beautiful.'

Following her death last year, Keely's mum Sian Morgan and stepfather Liam Coulthard paid tribute to the 'kind' and 'beautiful' schoolgirl.

They said: 'As a family we are just devastated at the sudden loss of Keely.

'Our hearts are broken, and we never imagined anything like this would ever happen to us.

The artist has received praise from the community in Careau who were left devastated following the tragedy in May 2023

The artwork took around three days to complete and has received praise from local residents

After images of the mural were posted online, one user commented: 'This is such a beautiful artwork that captured her beautiful soul'

'Keely always had such a beautiful smile that would light up a room.

'She was sensible, kind and not one person ever had a bad word to say about her.

'In such a short time in this world, she had touched so many people and she had so many plans that have now been so cruelly taken away.

'We have been overwhelmed with the outpouring of love and support from our community and although we can't answer every single one, we wanted to thank you all.

'Finally, to anyone at the scene who tried to help Keely and to all the emergency services who tried their best, again as family we are grateful for your efforts.

'Rest in peace Keely. You will never be forgotten.'

Her former headteacher at Cardiff West Community High, Ely, Martin Hulland said Keely had been 'an exceptional student' who had many friends and a 'passion for drama'.

He said her head of year had described Keely as an 'absolute star'.
A watchmaker has created a timepiece from the remains of a Spitfire aircraft which went down over France during the Second World War.

In a tribute to Britain's once golden industry of watchmaking, designer Colin Andrews created 60 of the pieces, of which 58 have already been sold.

The timepiece, made by the Great British Watch Company with hands, dial and crown from the iconic wartime aircraft, will set you back 19,950.

While watchmaking is nowadays associated with the Swiss, Britain has a rich horological heritage and developed much of the technology still used in modern watches.

Mr Andrews said he wanted to 'remedy' the lost art and 'reinvigorate' the tradition with the help of the Spitfire, which was downed on July 30 1944.

A watchmaker has created a timepiece out of parts of a World War Two Spitfire

The Spitfire watch, of which so far 60 pieces have been made, costs 19,950

The MK 9 Spitfire ML295 was shot down in July 1944 and was left buried in the ground until 1980. It was returned to England for a 3million restoration in 2017

He told the Times that making 60 pieces was a 'pipe dream', but the watch has proven to be 'incredibly propular'.

A second series of up to 40 pieces, taking the collection to almost 100, could be made, he said, depending on the amount of material available.

The aircraft in question was carrying Harold Kramer of the Royal Canadian Air Force 'Grizzly Bear' squadron, when it was shot down.

While the MK 9 Spitfire ML295 was severely damaged, but Kramer survived after being hidden in a cottage by the French Resistance until liberation.

Colin Andrews (pictured) used parts from the Spitfire after discovering the old aircraft, which had been acquired by a man being taught by his pilot cousin

The rest of the parts have been sourced locally, including the box, which is made from wood used to make Spitfire propellers

The plane was discovered in 1980 and remained in a museum until 2017, when it was acquired by Graham Oliver, who returned it to England for a 3million restoration.

Mr Oliver was being taught by Mr Andrews' pilot cousin when the watchmaker, who worked at Watches of Switzerland, had the idea to use its old parts in a timepiece.

Aside from the aircraft parts, Mr Andrews sourced the rest of the material for his five-year project as locally as possible, including the box - which is made from wood used to make a Spitfire's propeller.

He said: 'Its effectively you being able to wind the watch and set the time while touching a piece of [the Spitfire], and watching the time on a piece of it.'
Anglers are to be banned from keeping any salmon they catch on a record number of Scotlands rivers.

A mandatory catch-and-release policy will be in force next year and breaches could mean a fine or criminal conviction.

The ban is being introduced on 117 rivers after officials last week ruled that salmon stocks were unsustainable in 68 per cent of Scotlands waterways.

Anglers from around the world have long been drawn to our salmon rivers.

But fears have been raised over dwindling stocks under threat from climate change, pollution, blocked rivers and disease and parasites spread by fish farm escapees.

Anglers face a catch and release order on a large number of Scottish rivers

Conservation charity WildFish said yesterday that the latest assessment of Scotlands rivers is depressing and called on the Scottish Government to do more.

Scottish director Rachel Mulrenan said: Our wild Atlantic salmon populations are in a dire state. The Scottish Government needs to stop paying lip service to wild salmon conservation and start taking tangible action to address the pressures they face, including the impact of sea lice and escapes from open net salmon farms.

Officials assess the conservation status of salmon in each of Scotlands 173 inland waters each year.

On rivers rated good, anglers are permitted to keep salmon they catch. But where a river is rated poor, catch and release is mandatory.

Last week the Scottish Government published its proposed river gradings for next year and a record 117 rivers were rated poor, up from 112.

A total of 26 rivers were ranked moderate  where catch and release is encouraged  while only 30 were rated good.

Scotlands most famous salmon rivers, the Spey and the Tweed, have retained their good grading. But the Scottish wild Atlantic salmon is considered to be at crisis point.

Last December the International Union for Conservation of Nature added salmon to its red list of endangered species.

Official data published this year showed that salmon numbers have plunged to a historic low. Figures for 2023 found just 32,477 were caught in rivers last year, the smallest catch since records began in 1952.

In a sign of how quickly the population has declined, the largest ever catch was recorded as recently as 2010, when anglers landed more than 111,000.

A spokesman for the Scottish Government said yesterday: Our Wild Salmon Strategy and Implementation Plan sets out over 60 actions to be taken over the next four years by government and delivery partners to tackle the wide range of pressures that salmon face in the freshwater, coastal and marine environment.

Many areas in Scotland already practise voluntary catch and release even though their conservation status may allow for retention of salmon.
Children in Scotland should be taught engineering from primary school age to address a looming skills shortage, the chief executive of ScottishPower has said.

Keith Anderson said schools are failing to nurture the new generation of engineers the nation needs, and warned that the education system is leaving children without vital skills  putting the economy at risk.

Mr Andersons withering assessment comes after a week when figures showed only a few dozen pupils chose to take the top engineering qualification last year.

On the podcast Zero: The Climate Race, he said: If you asked ten teachers what they thought about the future of engineering, you would get a very wide and weird array of answers, [such as] Is that something to do with getting your hands dirty fixing the underneath of a car?

A pupil demonstrates his robot creation to a classmate

In this country, culturally, we dont fully appreciate and dont hold the engineering profession up to the same level as the accountancy, medical or legal professions. I would argue today it should be above all of those others because of its criticality to the future of this country.

Mr Anderson, 59, said there must be more focus in schools on STEM skills: science, technology, engineering and maths.

He added: You need to start this at primary schools. Also [we need to be] educating the teachers and parents about whats happening and what opportunities there are in the future.

With teenagers having recently received their exam results, analysis shows key subjects are being widely snubbed. Only 55 pupils in Scotland sat an Advanced Higher in engineering science this year.

At Higher level, just 14.3 per cent of entries were for maths, physics or engineering science  the lowest proportion since 2015.

Scotlands economy is on the cusp of a transformation, with the North Sea oil and gas sector being wound down in favour of renewable energy  and a massive increase in the electricity and digital infrastructure will be required to support it.

However, STEM teacher numbers in Scotland have dropped in secondary schools since 2008.

There are 12 per cent fewer maths teachers, down from 2,787 to 2,456; technical education teachers are 11 per cent down from 1,345 to 1,192, and physics teachers are down 8 per cent from 887 to 814.

The Scottish Liberal Democrats want to end this crisis by bringing back principal teachers for every STEM subject, while the Scottish Conservatives said SNP policies had undermined both the academic rigour and superlative engineering record for which Scotland was once rightly world-famous.

ScottishPower boss Keith Anderson says education system leaves children without vital skills

Andy Harvey, education officer for the EIS teachers union, said the problem is due to a lack of resources.

He added: Primary teachers can be teaching practical science in classes of up to 33. A reduction of class sizes to 20 would make a significant impact. Kevin Smith, at the Institution of Civil Engineers Scotland, said there is increasing demand for engineers but a shrinking influx of students.

A spokesman for the  Scottish Government said: There was a record number of Level 4-6 vocational and technical qualifications awarded in 2024, including over 5,000 in STEM-related courses.
Scots GPs last night warned patient safety is at risk due to a chronic shortage of prescription medicines.

Medics said their ability to effectively treat people is being compromised and that the battle to source vital medicine has reached crisis point.

A survey of practitioners, including GPs, by the Medical and Dental Defence Union Scotland (MDDUS) found nine out of ten members said the ability to practise medicine safely has now been impacted.

Nearly half, 45 per cent, said they were seeing patients whose overall health has deteriorated as a result of the shortage of medicine.

Many drugs have been difficult to source over the last few weeks

The issue is affecting a range of conditions and includes drugs used to treat cystic fibrosis, diabetes and epilepsy, as well as hormone replacement therapy, opioid painkillers and medicines for heart conditions.

Manufacturing and logistical problems caused by Brexit, the conflict in Ukraine and the Covid pandemic have previously been cited as reasons for the supply problem.

One GP stated: It is very demoralising working as hard as we can  and still being unable to meet patients needs due to constraints outside of our control. It makes workdays harder than necessary and mentally exhausting.

A second GP said: Clinical decisions are now being influenced by this lack of medications which leads to an increased sense of worry.

Another medic said: It is very frustrating and I can see it getting worse rather than better. It makes you just want to give up sometimes.

The MDDUS, which has more than 65,000 members in the UK, said it conducted the survey due to the level of anecdotal evidence coming in from members unable to access medicines.

The survey data relates to healthcare professionals in Scotland and shows a fifth were seriously affected by the shortages. One in eight said they were considering leaving their jobs, thereby potentially exacerbating existing staffing problems in the NHS in Scotland.

We told in June how some patients were being forced to travel for miles to get vital drugs.

The Mail on Sunday has launched a campaign to end the shortages nightmare and is calling on the UK and Scottish governments to take steps to tackle the issue.

These include implementing changes which would give pharmacists more power to make substitutions when drugs are out of stock, forcing manufacturers to give advance warning of known shortages or face fines, and allowing all NHS patients access to hospital pharmacies to source crucial drugs.

Problematic medicines include shortages with Creon, a vital supplement people with cystic fibrosis must take or risk bowel pain, dramatic weight loss, infections and grave illness.

A Serious Shortage Protocol (SSP) has also been in place for antibiotic Clarithromycin, and Isosorbide Mononitrate, a cardiac drug.

Dr John Holden, chief medical officer at MDDUS, said: We hear regularly from doctors about the enormous pressures they face every day in the NHS, but the crisis around medicine shortages is making things even worse.

It is not uncommon for doctors to contact us when they feel they are at the very edge of their ability to cope with these pressures. Our survey shows these ongoing shortages are leading to a significant number of GPs questioning whether they want to continue in their role at a time when the NHS needs to retain as many doctors as possible to cope with demand.

It is also disturbing to see how many GPs are suffering from professional and personal moral distress because they feel they are failing their patients by being unable to access the medicine they know is necessary.

Scottish Conservative deputy health spokesman Tess White said: These findings are deeply concerning and the shortages will undoubtedly be causing great stress for the patients affected.

Given the pressures GPs are also continuing to face, this will be adding to their feeling of burnout while trying to support patients. A Scottish Government spokesman said: We are working with all relevant stakeholders to try to manage these issues and offer advice to healthcare professionals about suitable alternatives.

We are also continuing to engage with the UK Government, as medicine supply is a reserved issue.

The Department of Health and Social Care said: We have inherited ongoing global supply problems that continue to impact the availability of medicines.

We know how distressing this can be for patients, and we are working closely with industry, the NHS, devolved governments and others in the supply chain to mitigate the risk to patients and make sure alternative products are available until their usual treatments are back in stock.
READ MORE: Chilling photo shows moment two OK student pass out at bar

An Oklahoma college student who is believed to have been drugged at a swim-up bar in Mexico has returned home as her boyfriend's mom reveals how truly horrific the ordeal was.

Zara Hull, 20, finally returned home on Friday after spending a week in the hospital after she and her friend Kaylie Pitze's waters were allegedly drugged in Cancun while on vacation with their boyfriends on August 2.

'This is really hitting home tonight as I sit here and think about just one week ago today our worst nightmare started,' Stephanie Snider, Hull's boyfriend's mother, wrote in an emotional Facebook post.

Hull was rushed to the hospital after experiencing convulsions, passing out, and becoming 'basically paralyzed.' After experiencing seizures throughout the night, doctors intubated the young woman and kept pumping her full of drugs.

The next morning, her boyfriend, Jack Snider, found her on a ventilator and doctors told him they were going to take her to another location for an MRI, but he declined and told them he would be getting her discharged.

'We believe they were planning to take her away to be trafficked or perhaps even to take her organs (which is what we were later told is a common thing that is done),' Stephanie speculated on Facebook. 'They most likely would have done something to my son as well, possibly even death.

Zara Hull , 20, (pictured with her boyfriend) has finally returned home on Friday after spending a week in the hospital after she and her friend Kaylie Pitze's waters were allegedly drugged in Cancun while on vacation with their boyfriends on August 2.

Hull (left, with boyfriend) was rushed to the hospital after experiencing convulsions, passing out, and becoming 'basically paralyzed.' Kaylie (right, with boyfriend) did not end up in the hospital, but had a tough 24 hours after she was possibly drugged

'This is happening a lot, folks. To people all the time. It could be you or your family next time. PLEASE be aware.'

While it is unclear if Snyder's theories are correct, the ordeal was certainly an unpleasant one for the unlucky tourists.

Jack had spent the night on the second floor of the hospital after forking over $200, where he stayed in a room that only locked from the 'outside,' she mother said, who also noted the floor was 'vacant.'

'He was afraid to sleep or close his eyes for fear of someone coming in and doing something to him,' she wrote.

The hospital allegedly demanded more money to discharge her and told them an air ambulance to the US would cost $26,000.

The group secured a private plane to fly them to Dallas, where Hull was then hospitalized as doctors worked to figure out the cause of her ailment.

Doctors say they have not found anything wrong with Hull, even though she has experienced at least 18 convulsions.

The families 'believe they were planning to take [Hull] away to be trafficked or perhaps even to take her organs.' They believe the girls may have been drugged with 'synthetic fentanyl,' causing them to pass out at the bar (pictured)

Jack had spent the night on the second floor of the hospital after forking over $200 and returned to find his girlfriend intubated the morning after she was admitted into the hospital

They say it is possible that the she was drugged.

'We think it was possibly synthetic fentanyl,' Hull told KFOR.

While in Texas, Hull had to relearn to walk and still doesn't fully remember what happened to her.

'Theres still so much that she doesnt remember - not just the time she was unconscious in Mexico, but for the first few days she was back in the US as well,' Stephanie wrote.

'Thats so upsetting to her but like we told her, thats probably a good thing. Jake told her: "Trust me, Im thankful you dont remember because it was awful and I wouldnt want you to know how bad it was."'

Stephanie said the college student was still 'weak' and 'very tired' and still not feeling 'normal' yet, but she will 'with time.'

Stephanie said the Hull (pictured with a nurse) was still 'weak' and 'very tired' and still not feeling 'normal' yet, but she will 'with time'

Hull will still need to undergo further physical therapy even though she has been discharged

Hull will still need to undergo further physical therapy even though she has been discharged.

Kaylie did not end up in the hospital, but had a tough 24 hours after she was possibly drugged.

The families have started a GoFundMe page to ask for help covering the students' medical costs.

It has raised nearly $23,000 in a week.
A new Banksy artwork has been taken down by hired contractors just hours after it appeared on a billboard in London - to the boos of locals.

The black silhouette of a large cat stretching appeared on abandoned signage in Cricklewood, north London overnight - with the artist confirming he was behind it with an Instagram post, as is his normal style.

But hours later, men who said they were 'hired' from a 'contracting company' turned up in Cricklewood to take the hoarding down for safety reasons.

A contractor, who only wanted to give his name as Marc, said they were going to pull the boarding down on Monday and replace it, but the removal had been brought forward to Saturday in case someone 'rips it down and leaves it unsafe'.

He told the PA news agency: 'We'll store that bit (the artwork) in our yard to see if anyone collects it but if not it'll go in a skip. I've been told to keep it careful in case he wants it.'

They arrived hours after a man, named locally as Richard, by was seen appearing to make an attempt at prising the artwork from the hoarding. And that came after an earlier artwork in the animal-themed series was nicked by joyless thugs.

Do YOU know the man in the video? Get in touch at jon.brady@mailonline.co.uk

Contractors taking down Banksy's latest artwork - a silhouette of a cat on a billboard in Cricklewood

The artwork was removed, contractors say, to stop it from being stolen - after a man was filmed apparently trying to prise it from the wall

The artwork appeared to show the cat digging its claws into a tired piece of the abandoned billboard in north London

A man has already been spotted trying to nab Banksy's latest artwork, less than an hour after it was unveiled

A passerby managed to capture the moment on camera, as the man appeared to be using a hammer to get underneath the sheet of wood and make off with the undoubtedly valuable artwork

Banksy revealed his sixth artwork in as many days on his Instagram page today at 1pm, but within the hour an opportunist was caught red handed trying to pry it off the wall

Fresh paint spotted on some nearby branches - perhaps indicating the pace at which the elusive artist worked

A passerby captured the moment the fan appeared to be using a hammer to chip away some of the surrounding rotting wood, before eyeing the onlooker and laughing and walking away when he realised he was being filmed.

One onlooker said: 'He was hacking away for a few minutes before a number of people began shouting at him.

'I don't know how he thought he could get away with it because it was the middle of the day, around the time Banksy confirmed the artwork was his.'

Police taped off the path in front of the hoarding as about 50 people gathered to take pictures.

Some Cricklewood locals lamented the decision to remove the artwork in order to keep it safe.

Lia Colacicco, 67, told the PA news agency she offered to look after the Banksy artwork for the owners of the billboard once it was taken down.

Ms Colacicco and two other members of the North West Two Residents Association watched as contractors started to remove it.

Ben Tansley, 71, said: 'If it wasn't guarded overnight somebody would take it. It's such a shame. There were people here this morning before it was on Instagram.'

Carol Reeman, 64, said: 'This is Cricklewood, this is our Banksy. You can't even enjoy it for the whole day before someone wanted to take it down.

'You would wait for a lifetime for a Banksy to come into our neighbourhood. Cricklewood's on the map.'

But the owner of a billboard which is now home to a Banksy artwork has told police he will donate it to an art gallery, an officer at the scene told the PA news agency.

A black board was used to cover the majority of the cat on the billboard at the request of the police, who wanted to stop people walking in the road in front of traffic. Onlookers booed the contractors as they removed the work on Saturday.

It comes after earlier murals unveiled this week consisted of a goat, two elephants, three monkeys, a lone wolf on a satellite dish and two pelicans.

The artists recent blitz of animal art across the capital has sent fans into a tailspin of speculation about what message lies behind the images.

Now the anonymous tagger has revealed that he has been leaving the animal murals across London to help spread a bit of happiness, during a bleak period in the UK.

It comes after earlier murals unveiled this week consisted of a goat, two elephants, three monkeys and a lone wolf on a satellite dish and two pelicans

Police had to ask people to keep off of the road as they tried to take pictures of the artwork

The Guardian reported that Banksy had been trying create 'moments of unexpected amusement, as well as to gently underline the human capacity for creative play, rather than for destruction and negativity.'

It also claimed that a seventh mural will be popping up in another surprise location soon, so eagle-eyed fans should keep their eyes peeled.

The first piece of graffiti in the series, which he shared on his Instagram account on Monday, showed a goat teetering on a ledge with rocks falling down below it - just above where a CCTV camera was pointed.

The same cherry picker was spotted in the early hours of Monday where the goat mural was being painted.

It is located near Kew Bridge, southwest London, on the wall of engineering firm Boss & Co, which builds exclusive guns.

Banksy posted artwork of a goat perched on top of a wall near Kew Bridge in Richmond on Monday

Another new artwork, confirmed to be by Banksy, was unveiled on a wall of a house in Chelsea, London this week

The mural sits above Bonners Fish Bar, on Northcote Road. It is based on a quiet residential street in east London

The next day, the artist added another design to the collection: silhouettes of two elephants with their trunks stretched toward each other on the side of a building near Chelsea.

This was followed by a trio of monkeys looking as though they were swinging from underneath a bridge over Brick Lane, near a vintage clothing shop and a coffee house in the popular East London market street - not far from Shoreditch High Street.

The primates have been associated with the Japanese proverb 'see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil'. But in Banksy's work the monkeys are not covering their eyes, ears or mouths.

His fourth artwork which appeared in southeast London yesterday - depicting a howling lone wolf on a satellite dish - appeared to have been stolen within minutes.

The striking painting of the canine howling into the night sky appeared overnight on top of a former Betfred shop on Rye Lane, Peckham.

Footage emerged showing the shocking moment the artwork was dismantled before being carried away.

The group of hooded men wearing facemasks and gloves were spotted scaling the building, removing the satellite dish, and walking off.

The artwork showing the silhouette of a wolf howling appeared on a rooftop in Peckham. It is the latest piece in a series of murals that have been unveiled this week

A hooded man with a mask holding the satellite dish while stood on top of the building

The apparent theft rings echoes of a similar incident last year where another piece by Banksy - a traffic stop sign with three military drones - was also taken.

So far Banksy has been confirming pieces as his with 1pm posts on his Instagram page.

The most recent Google Street View - from June 2022 - shows the billboard being used for a tool company advert.

Banksy's team has been approached for comment.

The artist is one of the most elusive creatives in the world and has managed to avoid completely revealing his identity.

In 2008, The Mail on Sunday reported that he is Robin Gunningham, who was born in Yate, near Bristol - the city where the artist first made his name.
The list includes nine elementary schools and two high schools, as well as two other schools that were eligible for closure but will remain open to accept students coming from a shuttered site.
The Georgian city of Macon has gone under an incredible transformation, after years as a ghost town to a now booming tourism hotspot.

The city, located in central Georgia, which is known for its rich history, architecture and Southern charm, is well known as a music destination.

With around seven art galleries, 40 theaters and bars, 52 restaurants and 37 shops and boutiques, the city has gone under significant revitalization

In recent years, the city has learned hard into its musical heritage and opened attractions highlighting its ties to artists like Little Richard, Otis Redding and the Allman Brothers.

The Otis Redding Foundation was formed in 2007, a museum dedicated to the Allman Brothers dubbed 'The Big House opened in 2009. While Little Richard's childhood home also opened as a community center in 2019.

In recent years, the city has learned hard into its musical heritage and opened attractions highlighting its ties to big name artists

Little Richard, born Richard Wayne Penniman, was born in the city, while Redding moved there at a young age.

The Otis Redding Foundation are set to expand their museum next year, according to his daughter Karla Redding-Andrews.

She told CNN: 'Everything is just really popping and growing in downtown Macon', adding that had her father not died in a 1967 plane crash he'd have stayed in the city.

She added: 'He would remain right here, his offices were located at 535 Cotton Avenue, which is about four blocks from here.

He would be an integral part of walking these streets every day, inspiring young people in our programs and in the school system.'

Redding had performed early in his career at the now restored Douglass Theater, which also showcased talent like James Brown, Ma Rainey and Little Richard.

After local man Phil Walden formed Capricorn Records, Duane Allman assembled his band and moved to Macon to work with Capricorn.

The Otis Redding Foundation are set to expand their museum next year, according to his daughter Karla Redding-Andrews. Redding is seen here

The city, located in central Georgia, known for its rich history, architecture and Southern charm is well known as a music destination

Visitors are now able to visit their studios and a museum that is loaded with memorabilia and information.

The Allman Brothers nearby Big House Museum is inside a Tudor house in which some of the band lived in from 1970 to 1973.

It is now full of memorabilia and personal belongings and run by executive director Richard Brent.

Brent told CNN he moved to the city in 2007 as a construction manager before volunteering at the museum to now running it.

He said: 'When I first got here, Macon was a ghost town. I traded in a hardhat for some AC and rock 'n' roll music.

'If you leave the real world out there, you can come in here and you just feel like it's 1970 all over again.'

Brent said the musical history has now become a 'backbone of the city' and help push its revitalization and tourism.

The Allman Brothers, seen here in Macon in 1969, Big House Museum is inside a Tudor house in Macon in which some of the band lived in from 1970 to 1973

In April, officials unveiled markers telling the long scarcely mentioned history of Macon's 1800s slave markets

Richard was known for his outlandish looks, sporting androgynous fashion that would become the norms for mainstream acts like David Bowie. Pictured in London in 1972

The city may also be soon on the verge of having Georgia's first national park at Ocmulgee Mounds.

Georgia is currently home to 49 state parks, 17 historic sites, a National Seashore but never a National Park.

A proposal to re-designate and expand The Ocmulgee Mounds Historic Site located across the river from the city could change that.

With a bipartisan bill moving through the US Congress, President Biden could pass the bill giving the state its first national park.

Congress had created the Ocmulgee monument in 1934 and the site has since expanded and re-designated as a National Historic Site.

It protects a prehistoric Native American site that was occupied by multiple different cultures some thousands of years ago. Those people constructed mounds which still stand today.

Descendants of the mounds' builders, the Muscogee, were removed to Oklahoma hundreds of years later in the 1830s.

The remains of a funeral mound at the Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park in Macon

With a bipartisan bill moving through the US Congress, President Biden could pass the bill giving the state its first national park

The entrance to the Earth Lodge, where Native Americans held council meetings for 1,000 years until their forced removal in the 1820s,

Such a push for a National Park would only enhance the amount of tourism and foot traffic coming into Macon, which has already been pushing historic tourism.

In April, officials unveiled markers telling the long scarcely mentioned history of Macon's 1800s slave markets.

The historic area in downtown Macon was known as the Cotton Avenue District, a hub for African American owned businesses known colloquially as Macon's 'black wall street'.

Tracie Revis, director for the Ocmulgee National Park & Preserve Initiative, told CNN: 'Macon is really at a time where they're saying we need to really reconcile our history, and we need to honor all parts of it, good and bad.'

Revis added that after the Muscogee were removed and taken to Oklahoma, the site became a slave plantation.

He added: 'So it's knowing that this one story led into another story which led into the founding of this area. And it's reconciling all of those histories

'That includes the indigenous story that we kind of erased and bring that back to life and allow the people who went through that to tell their own story.'
Jess Phillips has taken a swipe at Elon Musk's social media site X and labelled it 'a bit despotic' and 'a place of misery now'.

The UK government minister for safeguarding and violence against women and girls, spoke out in the wake of a spat between UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and the platform's boss.

Her intervention comes after the social media tycoon called the PM 'two-tier Keir', as he posted a series of images, videos and memes related to recent rioting in the UK, with Mr Musk suggesting that not all communities are 'protected in Britain'.

Downing Street had already criticised Mr Musk for tweeting that 'civil war is inevitable' in the UK, with Sir Keir's official spokesman insisting there was 'no justification for comments like that'.

Ms Phillips has now waded into the row and said although she had previously been 'massively addicted to Twitter', referencing the former name of X, she had removed the app from her phone after Mr Musk took over the company.

Jess Phillips (pictured on election night) has taken a swipe at Elon Musk 's social media site X

Her intervention comes after the social media tycoon Mr Musk called the PM 'two-tier Keir', as he posted a series of images, videos and memes related to recent rioting in the UK, with Mr Musk suggesting that not all communities are 'protected in Britain'

Speaking at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, the government minister said of the social media platform: 'Fundamentally for me now I think that I am sort of done with it, I don't wish to fish in that particular pond any more.'

She told the audience: 'I used to be massively addicted to Twitter, I have got a very addictive personality, I was massively addicted to it.'

But she added: 'The only power we now have over what is becoming a bit despotic is that we opt out of it, you vote with your feet in this instance rather than pen and paper.'

Asked by host Matthew Stadlen if she would encourage people to quit the site, she said that would be 'too dramatic'.

But Ms Phillips said: 'Personally for me, I don't think it is a space where there is any fun to be had any more.

'I don't think that it is a place of light, I think it is only a place of misery now.'

She added that she did not want to 'strop off' and leave the site, but said: 'I'm just not going to use it very much.'

In response to Keir Starmer, Mr Musk wrote: 'Shouldn't you be concerned about attacks on *all* communities?'

Elon joked that the UK Government could execute people for Facebook posts they don't like, sharing a Family Guy meme

Elon retweeted a meme showing armed police confronting a woman over her social media messages, adding: 'Sounds like that is the UK today'

Musk shared this video from Birmingham of a pub being attacked by a gang with Palestinian flags

A man is pictured wearing a mask showing the Union Jack as hundreds of far-right wing extremists rioted and attacked police at a Holiday Inn Express hotel accommodating asylum seekers in Rotherham on Sunday, August 4

BIRMINGHAM: Young men, some in masks, gathered outside a McDonald's in Bordesley Green, Birmingham amid rumours of a far-right gathering on Monday, August 5

BIRMINGHAM: Some protesters donned masks to stand on the roundabout on August 5

Speaking about Mr Musk she told the audience: 'As soon as he took it over I took the app off my phone, so I have to log in to Twitter.

'So already there is a barrier.'

The comments follow Ms Phillips sharing her concerns about the impact of social media companies more generally.

The Labour MP for Birmingham Yardley said while Mr Musk had 'every right' to express his views on British politics as a private citizen, 'as a commercial citizen, who literally can control the way we see different things, you are getting into a more dangerous area'.

She added: 'I have for a long time felt quite anxious that there are a number of big companies in the world, most of them tech-based, whether its Twitter, Meta, Amazon as well, where all the films we watch on TV are from these companies.

'Like literally what we decide we are going to watch comes from them. When I am lying in bed, the next book I am going to read is designed by one of these men.

'What has worried me is the idea of how much power and money these big companies have without any democratic institution to hold them to account.

Labour's Jess Phillips is booed as she wins her general election count on July 5 after being closely run by Jody McIntyre, another pro-Gaza independent. The Returning Officer (right) tried to calm them down before she asked for them to be thrown out

The crowd filming and heckling Ms Phillips on election night

She was run close by her pro-Palestine rival Jody McIntyre (pictured waving)

'I have thought for a long time their power would massively outstrip that of democratic governments around the world.

'And I suppose we are now at the point of seeing whether it actually hits the road and that actually is coming to pass.'

Ms Phillips previously hit headlines on election night after her victory speech where she called the campaign 'the worst election I have ever stood in' went viral.

Following her victory of just 693 votes over a pro-Gaza independent, her speech was drowned out by boos and chants of 'Free Palestine'.

She looked furious and yelled back: 'I understand that a strong woman standing up to you is met with such reticence' before asking for the mob to be thrown out, pointing at them and saying: 'Can you throw them out?'

Jess said that a young woman delivering leaflets for her was filmed by her rivals 'and screamed at by a much older man' and then had her tyres slashed.

She also said she declined the help of the family of murdered MP Jo Cox because of the violence in her area.

Elon Musk hit out at the UK's police earlier when he responded to an offensive cartoon

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'

Ms Phillips's comments about X come after a war of words between Mr Musk and Downing Street has been raging for the past week.

Mr Musk's latest salvo involved firing off another barrage of posts today, which said: 'Its 2030 in the UK & youre being executed for posting a meme'.

He earlier compared the UK to the Soviet Union because of arrests over what people have been saying on Facebook as riots break out across the UK.

He even shared a Family Guy meme and joked that Britain might bring back the death penalty for social media posts that offend politicians. Posting an image of Peter Griffin in the electric chair he said: 'In 2030 for making a Facebook comment that the UK government didnt like'.

He also retweeted a meme showing armed police confronting a woman over her social media messages, adding: 'Sounds like that is the UK today'.

The billionaire posted a video of a gang in balaclavas waving Palestine flags storming The Clumsy Swan in Birmingham, where windows were smashed and drinkers were attacked.

The billionaire also shared a video of a man being arrested over Facebook posts

Musk tweeted footage of the pub attack and tagged the Prime Minister with the caption: 'Why arent all communities protected in Britain, Keir Starmer?' He also pinned it to his profile so it is the first thing his 193million followers see when on his page.

He has now pinned a post which reads: 'Freedom of speech is the bedrock of democracy.

'If the truth is suppressed, it is impossible to make an informed voting decision.

'The degree to which freedom of speech is being undermined around the world is extremely alarming.'
Were YOU on the flight?

This is the hilarious moment a pilot channelled his 'inner headteacher' as he told off badly-behaved passengers on a family flight to Tenerife.

The TUI captain was forced to lay down the ground rules after some passengers 'pushed the bounds of what was tolerable' in the departure lounge at Glasgow Airport.

He warned people 'not to let it get out of control' on the flight otherwise they could be picked up by Spanish authorities once the plane landed in Tenerife.

The pilot said over the plane's speaker system: 'The reason Im standing here is that I need to bring a couple of things to your attention because Ive been advised that there are some people on the airplane whose behaviour in the departure lounge has been getting towards the limit of whats tolerable.

'So here are the ground rules: Please be very very careful as to how you behave on this flight.

The TUI captain was forced to lay down the ground rules after some passengers 'pushed the bounds of what was tolerable' in the departure lounge at Glasgow Airport

This pilot channelled his 'inner headteacher' as he told off badly-behaved passengers on a family flight to Tenerife

'First and foremost this is a family holiday flight so I do not tolerate any rowdy behaviour on the aircraft.

'It is just not fair to everybody else on board and it is certainly not fair on my crew.

'So for those of you who have had a few scoops, great fantastic you are on holiday, thats what it is all about or part of it - do not let it get out of control on this airplane.

'I have a bunch of cabin crew today who are skilled professionals  you will see them serving drinks, meals and duty-free and so on but actually they are a critical part of the safety of the airplane and they are my colleagues and you will treat them with respect please.

'If they ask you to do something, they are doing it because I have asked them to tell you to do it.'

He added: 'Im sorry I have had to lay down the ground rules but there are a number of people on board the airplane whose behaviour is approaching the limits of what is acceptable.

'You have now been warned.'

A video of the pilot's speech was shared on TikTok and the clip has now been viewed nearly one million times.

Craig Roy-Sutherland responded: 'We were on this flight. Captain was an absolute legend. His headmaster speech thankfully worked.'

Another user said: 'Hes not mad, he is just disappointed.'

A third added: 'Love his shout out to the cabin crew. It's nice to see a captain showing and asking for the respect they deserve.'

A fourth said: 'Well done to that Captain. The behaviour of some people on flights now is terrifying.'

MailOnline has contacted TUI for comment.

The incident comes after another TUI flight from Glasgow was forced to make an emergency landing after a 'drunken passenger' who 'refused to hand over his bottle of gin' caused chaos mid-air.

The flight to Antalya, Turkey in May was diverted less than 45 minutes into the flight and made an unscheduled landing at Newcastle International Airport.

It came after a passenger, who was said to be intoxicated, allegedly assaulted a member of cabin crew.

Police officers came on board the TUI TOM778 flight at Newcastle and removed him from the plane.

Footage shows the man being dragged off the flight as hundreds of frustrated passengers watch on.

As a result of the delay, holidaymakers arrived at their destination more than five hours later than planned.

A passenger said: 'They were seen drunk while boarding the plane. He refused to surrender his own bottle of gin and became verbally abusive.'

'An announcement was made 45 minutes after take-off that we were diverting with reason of unruly passenger.

'It took a further 45 minutes before we arrived at Newcastle, at around 7pm.'

A flight from Glasgow to Turkey was forced to make an emergency landing after a 'drunken passenger' who 'refused to hand over his bottle of gin' caused chaos mid-air

The flight to Antalya, Turkey in May was diverted less than 45 minutes into the flight and made an unscheduled landing at Newcastle International Airport

'Two police officers boarded the plane and handcuffed him but he became unsettled so two more officers came on board.

'His partner was also removed from the plane to a chorus of boos as she gave everyone the middle finger.'

'There were further delays in removing his bags from the hold. Cabin crew were replaced due to the serious event and exceeding hours.'

'The plane was also refuelled having burnt off excess to allow safe emergency landing.'

After waiting on the tarmac for five hours, the passenger added: 'It was clearly distressing for the children on board and frustrating for all. The captain visited every passenger personally in the aftermath to answer questions.'

'While a scenario crew were prepared for, there was slow information in whether we would proceed or disembark at Newcastle. They couldn't let us off the plane due to border control issues.'

A spokesperson for TUI said at the time: 'Wed like to apologise to customers on TOM778 from Glasgow to Antalya, who were required to divert to Newcastle due to a disruptive passenger on board the flight.

'Our goal is to ensure customers have the best possible flight experience, so this is not the way we wanted their holiday to start.

'The safety of our customers and crew is our number one priority and any unacceptable behaviour will not be tolerated.

'The customer involved was offloaded from the aircraft and the flight was able to continue its journey.

'We have offered customers a gesture of goodwill in light of this disruption to the start of their holiday and to thank them for their patience and understanding.'
A teenager was alleged strangled to death by a man she met on Snapchat who put her in a chokehold after they had sex.

Annabelle Margaret Floren-Wyant, 18, was found dead in the bedroom of Jorge Meza Alarcon Jr, 26, at 2:53 am on Thursday at his home in Falcon, Colorado.

The teen told a close male friend she was visiting him to 'collect money' from one of her subscribers, and he dropped her off at 12:48 am.

Once inside, she texted the friend saying Alarcon was 'weird' and requested he text or call her periodically to check on her, the friend told police.

When the friend didn't hear from Floren-Wyant for about 90 minutes, he called 911 at 2:26 am the report the situation, according to an arrest affidavit.

Annabelle Margaret Floren-Wyant, 18, was found dead in the bedroom of a man she met on Snapchat who said they had arranged to see each other for sex

Police found her dead on the bedroom floor with her underwear pulled down to her ankles and blood near her ear but no other obvious signs of trauma.

Alarcon was found about three miles away from his home with facial injuries, and claimed the pair arranged on Snapchat to meet up for sex.

He claimed after they were intimate, she hit him in the back of the head with her phone when he turned around to get the money, and the next thing he remembered, was walking near where he was found.

Alarcon called 911 to report the attack, and gave police an iPhone 15 with a cracked screen and gold case.

However, he later changed his story to describe putting Floren-Wyant in a jujitsu-style chokehold because he feared the meeting was an ambush.

He claimed she threatened him before, and he was uneasy about the meeting because he saw a car idling outside.

Alarcon said she was also frequently texting someone she described as her 'boyfriend', whom he worried would come in to attack him.

Then, when Floren-Wyant supposedly hit him with the phone, he 'instantly went to a leglock but transitioned to a "D'arce" choke hole which he demonstrated on the floor of the interview room', the affidavit explained.

Jorge Meza Alarcon Jr, 26, is accused of strangling her with a jujitsu-style chokehold

Alarcon said he then got off her, left the house via the fence gate and got into his father's pickup truck, and drove away.

'Jorge was asked if he knew Annabelle was dead when he left the room and he stated "without checking her pulse",' the affidavit read.

'[He] said he "knows how to do locks," because he "likes to train", and he knows when the chokehold is used 'you only have two to three taps in you.'

Alarcon explained to deputies that all his weight was on her neck and he was pulling her head as part of the move.

The isolated property in El Paso County where Floren-Wyant was killed

'Under circumstances explained by Jorge, he had an extreme indifference to human life when he knowingly applied a chokehold to Annabelle, which he reasonably knew would create a grave risk of death,' the affidavit alleged.

Alarcon was charged with first-degree murder and booked into the El Paso County Jail.

He has a history of alleged strangulation attacks, having been charged with assault in December in a case before the Fourth Circuit, according to KKTV.

Then in March, a woman was granted a restraining order against him.

Alarcon was also accused of strangling a dog to death in February, then throwing its body into a dumpster at The Vineyards apartments in Colorado Springs.

He was charged with animal cruelty and criminal mischief, according to KOAA.
Former President Donald Trump's campaign has said that some of their communications had been hacked.

The campaign blamed 'foreign sources hostile to the United States' and cited a Microsoft report on Friday that Iranian hackers attempted to hack a high-ranking official of a presidential campaign.

Politico reported that they had started receiving emails from an anonymous account with documents from inside Trumps operation.

Trump campaign spokesperson Steven Cheung told the outlet that they didn't have further information relating to the suggestion that they were targeted by Iran.

He said: 'These documents were obtained illegally from foreign sources hostile to the United States, intended to interfere with the 2024 election and sow chaos throughout our Democratic process.

Former President Donald Trump 's campaign has said that some of their communications had been hacked

'On Friday, a new report from Microsoft found that Iranian hackers broke into the account of a "high ranking official" on the U.S. presidential campaign in June 2024, which coincides with the close timing of President Trumps selection of a vice presidential nominee.'

Cheung declined to say whether the campaign had been in contact with Microsoft or law enforcement about the breach to the outlet.

Politico reported they started receiving emails from an anonymous account who identified themselves only as Robert.

The email account relayed internal communications from a senior Trump campaign official and a research dossier on Ohio Senator JD Vance, his running mate.

Included in the documents, dated February, were publicly available information about Vance such as his past criticism of Trump, identified as 'potential vulnerabilities'.

The account told the outlet they had a 'variety of documents' from Trump's legal team and court documents to internal campaign discussions.

When asked how they obtained them, the account replied: 'I suggest you dont be curious about where I got them from.

'Any answer to this question, will compromise me and also legally restricts you from publishing them.'

Microsoft disclosed on Thursday they found multiple Iranian groups peddling polarizing messages and inflammatory posts about controversial politically-divisive issues

It comes after reports from US intelligence that there was an Iranian plot to assassinate Trump for ordering the killing or Iranian military officer Qassem Soleimani in 2020.

Researchers for Microsoft disclosed on Thursday they found multiple Iranian groups peddling polarizing messages and inflammatory posts about controversial politically-divisive issues.

According to Microsoft's newest threat intelligence report, cybercriminals have been using covert news sites that cater to voter groups on opposing ends of the political spectrum to further alienate both sides.

Evidence discovered by the company suggests that these sites have been using AI-enabled services to plagiarize some of their content from US publications.

Microsoft did not name the publications in its report. Notably, the report did not suggest that any attacks had been made on Vice President Kamala Harris.

Apart from this, the report also noted that an Iranian group connected to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps had previously attempted to break into email account of campaign officials.

Included in the documents, dated February, were publicly available information about Vance such as his past criticism of Trump, identified as 'potential vulnerabilities'

The Microsoft report did not suggest that any attacks had been made on Vice President Kamala Harris

Evidence discovered by the company suggests that these sites have been using AI-enabled services to plagiarize some of their content from US publications.

Microsoft did not name the publications in its report. Notably, the report did not suggest that any attacks had been made on Vice President Kamala Harris.

Apart from this, the report also noted that an Iranian group connected to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps had previously attempted to break into email account of campaign officials.

The findings are the latest evidence that foreign governments are conducting clandestine operations ahead of US elections in November.

Back in 2020, two Iranian men had impersonated members of the right-wing Proud Boys group as part of a voter intimidation effort, according to the FBI. They were later charged for their involvement.

In the same election year, Iranian hackers had breached a website used by a municipal government in the US to publish election results.

The attackers were caught before carrying out any nefarious activity, US cybersecurity officials later clarified.

In his statement Saturday, Cheung pointed to those reports, saying: 'The Iranians know that President Trump will stop their reign of terror just like he did in his first four years in the White House.'
Female Army recruits have been told to start pumping iron and bulk up if they want to serve on the front line.

A major new study by Army fitness chiefs found that women hoping to serve in infantry units - known as close combat roles - 'experience a higher rate of injury than men,' and are more susceptible to bone fractures and hip injuries.

As a result, the Army study says that men and women may need to undergo different training regimes, with women requiring additional strength training to bring them up to the required level.

The Army allowed men and women to serve together in all roles - including infantry and SAS - since 2018. At the time, the then-defence secretary Gavin Williamson said that the Armed Forces 'will be determined by ability alone and not gender.'

Commanders have shied away from having different levels of training for men and women - insisting there must be no lowering of standards for women who want to serve in combat units.

Female Army recruits have been told they must pump iron and bulk up if they want to serve on the front line (file photo)

Women hoping to serve in infantry units - known as close combat roles - 'experience a higher rate of injury than men,' a study showed (file photo)

But a new report, published in Soldier magazine, found that 'fewer women than men can reach the physical employment standards for ground close combat roles after three months of periodised strength and aerobic training, suggesting different strategies may be required to maximise performance of both sexes.'

The study, based on 66 research projects in the last eight years, also found female recruits suffer hip injuries marching alongside men because 'servicewomen are typically shorter than men' and 'overstride'.

Professor Julie Greeves, the Army's top physiologist, said additional training was required for women.

She said: 'Women are not going to get stronger by accident - they need more consistent training because they don't have the same levels of testosterone, the stimulus for muscle growth.'

Almost 50 percent of female recruits who join up hoping to serve in one of the front line units fail to complete the course, often because of the physical training demands, Ministry of Defence figures reveal.

There are currently only around 100 female soldiers serving in the infantry, where troops are expected to be able to carry heavy loads in excess of 50lbs while undertaking long marches across arduous terrain.

In 2020, Capt Rosie Wild, 34 , became the first woman to pass a gruelling Parachute Regiment entry test since the regiment was created in the Second World War.

She was described as a 'trailblazer' after passing the P Company course - which many men fail. But the numbers of women serving in the infantry has remained very low.

Women are allowed to serve in every frontline unit, even those which have the most physically demanding selection courses, such as the Parachute Regiment, the Royal Marines and the Special Forces.

But they have to pass the same tests as their male colleagues even though many lack the physical attributes, such as muscle mass to meet the grade.

Women are allowed to serve in every Army frontline unit, but are required to pass the same tests as their male counterparts even though many lack the physical attributes to meet the grade (file photo)

The new Army study, called Optimising the Health and Performance of Women in Ground Close Combat Roles, found female recruits have the best chance of making the grade if they build muscle through resistance training with weights and then eating 30g of protein after every workout.

Professor Greeves said: 'We took muscle samples and found that during the early stages of resistance training, men gained strength by developing more muscle, but women did so by using more of the muscle that they already had.

'It means women need to train more consistently and for longer periods, to gain and keep that muscle mass.

'My key advice is for female personnel to undertake regular, progressive and heavy resistance training alongside their cardio exercise. Anyone who doesn't do this will struggle to pass their fitness tests and they maybe more prone to injury.'

Army physical training instructor Charlotte Spence said: 'Some women worry they're going to be heavier as a result of resistance training - and you might be, but you will be leaner.'

Last night, Colonel Philip Ingram, a former Army intelligence officer, said: 'Military fitness training and testing has been designed for men and by men. It hasn't taken into account the physiological differences there are between men and women.

'All roles in the military are now open to women so I'm not surprised additional fitness strategies specifically for women to get them ready for male orientated tests are needed.'
Political rivals and the public had disagreed with his plans to jet off on a break

Sir Keir Starmer has cancelled his family holiday to Europe so he can focus on the government's response to the far-right riots sparked by the Southport stabbings.

The Prime Minister had been expected to jet off on a summer break this week - but was condemned by political rivals and the general public for considering doing so during a time of national crisis.

Instead, Sir Keir will work from Number 10 and Chequers, the PM's official country residence, this weekend and into next week after he warned that police would be on 'high alert' this weekend, despite the threat of far-right riots appearing to dissipate.

His decision to remain in the UK comes as the justice secretary warned that the actions of far-right thugs were likely to have long-lasting consequences for Britain's already overstretched justice system.

Shabana Mahmood said the riots were likely to set back the Labour government's attempts to fix the country's backlogged court system and its prisons, which in the case of male offenders are at 99 per cent capacity.

Sir Keir Starmer has decided not to take a holiday following the UK riots after a public outcry

Justice secretary Shabana Mahmood says the impact of the riots on the justice system will be felt for 'months and years to come'

The scene of the attack at a community hall in Southport on July 29 in which three young girls died

(Left to right) Southport victims Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven, Bebe King, six and Alice Dasila Aguiar, nine

Thugs during a far-right anti-immigration protest in Rotherham on August 4 - thought to have been sparked by online hate mobs

Far-right protesters attack police in riot gear with wooden planks outside a hotel housing asylum seekers in Rotherham

The crackdown on rioters has been swift. Pictured is Stacey Vint, who has been jailed for 20 months after pushing a wheelie bin at police and falling over in the process

A thousands-strong anti-racism protest in Walthamstow, where far-right thugs had reportedly intended to assemble outside an immigration office on Wednesday

Writing in the Observer, the minister said: 'The impact of these days of disorder will be felt for months and years to come. They make the job of rebuilding the justice system harder.

'They also offer a sobering reminder of how much worse things might have been had this Government not acted fast, a few weeks ago, to address the crisis in our criminal justice system before it was too late.'

Soon after being elected in July, the Government announced plans to release some inmates early to free up prison space - which could include some of those just jailed for taking part in rioting.

A YouGov poll found 71 per cent of Brits believed the PM should avoid taking a holiday in the wake of widespread violence that has seen hundreds arrested and scores already convicted of offences related to the disorder.

Tory hopeful Robert Jenrick had branded the plans for the getaway 'completely wrong' following huge unrest, believed to have been engineered by the far-right online, in the wake of the July 29 Southport stabbings.

Sources briefed the Reuters and PA news agencies on the PM's decision to cancel his holiday earlier today.

Far-right mobs had cynically exploited the deaths of three children in Southport on July 29 in order to pursue an agenda of racist hate.

Bebe King, six, Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven, and Alice da Silva Aguiar, nine, were stabbed at a Taylor Swift-themed camp in Southport on 29 July.

Axel Rudakubana, 17, born in Cardiff to parents from Rwanda, has been charged with three counts of murder, ten counts of attempted murder and possession of a bladed weapon.

The protests are thought to have been fuelled by misinformation about the identity of the suspect in the Southport case on social media.

A 55-year-old woman has been bailed after being arrested on suspicion of publishing material to stir up racial hatred.

Despite pleas from the Southport victims' families for calm, thugs torched libraries, shops and even a Citizens Advice centre as they lobbed bricks and missiles at police and looted shops in demonstrations across the country.

Police were also dispatched to hotels housing asylum seekers in Rotherham and Tamworth as thugs smashed windows and threw wooden planks while horrified refugees could only look on from within.

Axel Rudakubana, 18, pictured as a child, has been charged with their murders and the attempted murders of 10 others, as well as possession of an offensive weapon

Residents of Southport expressed their grief and love with a vigil earlier this week, with bubbles blown and gifts and teddies left in the town centre

'Anti-immigration' protesters outside the Holiday Inn Express in Rotherham, which is being used to house refugees

Burnt wheelie bins outside the Spellow Library in Liverpool, which was torched by thugs

King Charles has voiced his support for ordinary Brits pushing back against the 'aggression and criminality from a few with the compassion and resilience of the many'

Jenni Stancombe, mother of victim Elsie, had begged after the first night of violence in Southport: ''This is the only thing that I will write, but please stop the violence in Southport tonight.

'The police have been nothing but heroic these last 24 hours and they and we don't need this.'

And the family of a girl who survived the attack said in a statement this week: 'We were deeply saddened by the recent disorder and the attacks on our police force.

'It is important to highlight that when the horrific events unfolded, our police officers were the first on the scene.'

Matters appeared to come to a head on Wednesday when thousands of anti-racism protesters assembled across Britain to head off alleged attacks on immigration lawyers and asylum centres planned by the far right on Telegram.

However, the thugs failed to show or were vastly outnumbered - prompting hate figures to claim the reputed plot never existed in the first place.

Scenes of devastation across the country prompted a hitherto unseen intervention from King Charles III, who praised how Brits had 'countered the aggression and criminality from a few with the compassion and resilience of the many'.

More people appeared in court on Saturday over the recent protests as anti-racism demonstrators gathered in cities including Belfast and Edinburgh.

Thousands of anti-racism protesters also gathered outside Reform UK's headquarters in London.

On Friday, officials said 741 arrests had been made since the unrest broke out and 302 people had been charged.
Eight cancer doctors were among the 62 passengers and crew who died when a Brazilian airliner plunged dramatically from the sky and exploded in a fireball.

Six leading oncologists and two resident medics, in their final year of training, were on their way from their home city of Cascavel to a cancer conference in Sao Paulo when the twin-engine turboprop ATR 72-500 VoePass Airline flight crashed into a gated community killing all on board on Friday.

Eduardo Baptistella of the Regional Medical Council said: 'Unfortunately we received very sad news and were able to confirm the death of eight doctors. The doctors were going to an oncology conference. These were people who dedicated their lives to saving others.'

Some of the doctors' names began to emerge last night including radiologist Leonel Ferreira, pediatric cancer expert Sarah Stella and Silvia Osaki.

Mr Baptistella said 15 doctors had been scheduled to take the two-hour doomed flight but seven had taken an earlier plane.

This photo shows an aerial view of the wreckage of an airplane that crashed with 61 people on board in Vinhedo, Sao Paulo State, Brazil, on August 10, 2024

Six leading oncologists and two resident medics, in their final year of training, were on their way from their home city of Cascavel to a cancer conference in Sao Paulo when the plane crashed

The plane can be seen in a 'death spiral' before it crashed into a residential area on Friday

A spokesman for Uopeccan Cancer Hospital in Cascavel confirmed two final-year resident oncology doctors, Arianne Risso, 28, and Mariana Belim, 29, had perished, adding: 'It is with immense pain we can confirm the death of the clinical oncology residents.

'There are no words to express the sadness we feel in the face of this great tragedy.'

VoePass flight 2283 crashed 50 miles north-west of Sao Paulo en route to the city's Guarulhos International Airport.

The plane was at an altitude of 16,000ft when it went into a 'death spiral' and plummeted to the ground in fifty seconds.

Eyewitnesses who videoed the crash said it appeared to stall before circling to the ground and bursting into flames at around 1.30pm local time (5.30pm BST).

Last night the airline confirmed ten people who were waiting at the wrong boarding gate in Cascavel miraculously missed the flight.

The plane was on its way from Cascavel to Guarulhos cruising at 17,000 feet when it began the sudden descent

Pictured: The wreckage of the Voepass Airlines plane that crashed in Brazil

Debris is pictured as emergency personnel work at the site of a plane crash on Friday

A dramatic video from the scene on Friday showed a Voepass plane falling from the sky as it plummeted behind a cluster of trees near houses, followed by a large plume of black smoke

Captain Danilo Santos Romano was named today as the first victim of the horror crash in the city of Vinhedo

Mr Romano worked as a pilot for more than a decade and joined Voepass Airlines in 2022, his LinkedIn profile shows

One man, who did not give his name, told news channel CNN: 'The monitor was showing the wrong gate and there were ten of us sitting there and we realised we were in the wrong place.

'We ran to the right gate and I asked one of the agents, "Girl, put me on this plane, I have to go, I have to go", but she said: "No, you are too late and I can only reschedule your flight".'

Friends of the pilot Danilo Romano, 35, who had ten years flying experience, described him as 'an amazing professional' who was 'always smiling and willing to help'.

While the pilot made no mayday call, aviation experts say the plane may have experienced sudden icing on its wings.

The flight's black box has been recovered in good condition.
When Meghan Markle and Prince Harry touch down in Colombia this week for their second 'quasi royal tour' they will, no doubt, be hoping the trip will boost their image on the world stage.

The Sussexes will begin their four-day tour of the crime-ravaged South American country on Thursday and will visit the capital, Bogota, the historical colonial city of Cartagena on the Caribbean coast and Cali  where they will attend a cultural festival.

Arriving at the invitation of Colombian vice president Francia Marquez (the first black woman to hold that job), the faux royal duo will, according to Marquez, 'have the exceptional opportunity to engage with elders, youth and women who embody the aspirations and voices of Colombians... and illuminate Colombia's role as a beacon of culture and innovation'.

The trip will allow Meghan, who celebrated her 43rd birthday last Sunday, to show off her fluent Spanish which she learned at private school in LA and perfected at the US Embassy in Argentina.

But for many Colombians, the Sussexes' visit is viewed as little more than a cynical attempt by a failing Left-wing government to use the glamorous couple as 'political pawns' to divert attention from a series of scandals that have engulfed the regime.

The trip to Colombia will allow Meghan (pictured in March at a polo game in Lagos, Nigeria), who celebrated her 43rd birthday last Sunday, to show off her fluent Spanish which she learned at private school in LA and perfected at the US Embassy in Argentina

The Sussex's will be arriving at the invitation of Colombian vice president Francia Marquez (the first black woman to hold that job)

The pair are expected to stay in the 2,500-a-night Presidential suite at the Sofitel Legend Hotel in Cartagena (pictured)

A prominent Bogota lawyer told the MoS: 'I'm sure Meghan and Harry mean well, but everyone here is talking about how obviously they are being manipulated.

'Of course, their star-power will be used to bring attention to poor people and certain areas of culture in Colombia... but the reality is the Colombian government has been drowning in scandal since it came in two years ago. They need something to appease people at home and make them look good abroad.'

Vice President Marquez's office yesterday told the MoS the trip would begin on Thursday, but remained tight-lipped about specifics.

And a spokesman said all but three events would be 'under the control' of the vice president's office, carefully selecting the images and video clips to be released to the public.

In Colombia, the Sussexes have chosen to visit one of the world's most dangerous hot-spots  with both the UK and US Government websites warning travellers about terrorism, kidnapping and high levels of street crimes, rapes and robberies.

Prince Harry and Meghan walk out after meeting the students at the Lightway Academy in Abuja, Nigeria on May 10,

Vice president Marquez, 42, has made global headlines for her remarkable backstory as a dirt-poor woman who worked as a maid while raising her two sons as a single mother

The UK's Foreign and Commonwealth Office states that it 'advises against all but essential travel to parts of Colombia'. The areas affected are those shaded in orange in the above map

Harry and Meghan will visit Bogata (pictured) as part of their tour of Colombia

Neither the government, police nor Colombian military would discuss security arrangements for the Sussexes, but a well-informed source told this newspaper that security costs will be picked up by the Colombian taxpayer.

'They will be with the vice president and she has a lot of security because there have been assassination attempts on her life,' they said.

'But people are grumbling about why the Colombian taxpayer should pick up what will be huge security costs for what is essentially a public relations exercise for the Sussexes and for a government which desperately needs to deflect away from its failures.'

President Gustavo Petro, a radical Leftist who once fought in a rebel guerrilla group, came into power in 2022 promising to lift poor Colombians with free healthcare, better education and social welfare schemes for single mothers and abused women.

But Petro's son has been accused of corruption, facing up to 25 years in jail on multiple charges.

And, in July, the president was accused of cheating on his wife, Veronica Alcocer, with transgender TV host Linda Yepes. They were pictured walking hand-in-hand during a trip to neighbouring Panama.

President Gustavo Petro (pictured), a radical Leftist who once fought in a rebel guerrilla group, came into power in 2022 promising to lift poor Colombians with free healthcare, better education and social welfare schemes for single mothers and abused women

Harry and Meghan pose for a photo as they attend the program held in the Armed Forces Complex in Abuja, Nigeria on May 11

Petro has not denied the alleged affair but has said his personal life should remain private.

Vice president Marquez, 42, made global headlines, too, for her remarkable backstory as a dirt-poor woman who worked as a maid while raising her two sons as a single mother.

She became an activist fighting against illegal gold mines and led a march of women from the village of La Toma to Bogota demanding social justice.

She was put in charge of Colombia's first ministry for equality in 2023  which critics claim has yet to do anything meaningful with the millions of pesos in its budget.

A source said: 'She came in promising to help poor people  especially women. Instead, like everyone who gets a taste of power, she's enjoying it.'

Marquez has been accused of taking helicopters 'like taxis' (she says she uses them because of the threats against her) and of spending millions on a new home where she now lives instead of the official vice president's residence.

Harry and Meghan arrive at the Lagos airport for Official State Welcome on May 12, 2024 in Lagos, Nigeria

Meghan poses for a photograph at an exhibition sitting volleyball match at Nigeria Unconquered, a community-based charitable organization dedicated to aiding wounded, injured, or sick servicemembers, as part of celebrations of Invictus Games anniversary in Abuja, Nigeria on May 11

Representative Miguel Polo Polo wrote on X: 'Francia Marquez is the biggest fraud in our black community. She's been in office for two years and has done nothing, only play the victim and travel around in helicopters.'

It is into this toxic atmosphere that Meghan and Harry will arrive next week. The pair ran into trouble on their first faux royal trip to Nigeria in May when this newspaper revealed one of the Nigerian 'kings' who wooed them was, in fact, a convicted criminal who had been kicked out of the US twice.

The pair are expected to stay in the 2,500-a-night Presidential suite at the Sofitel Legend Hotel in Cartagena. The third-floor room comes with its own butler, pool and enjoys sweeping views of the city and Caribbean Sea.

As King Charles and the rest of the senior royals,  including cancer-stricken Princess Catherine  holiday in Balmoral, one has to wonder if they will follow coverage of the quasi royal visit taking place 5,000 miles away?

And, if so, what will they make of it all?
Kidnapped model Chloe Ayling has revealed she still faces claims she invented her ordeal, ahead of a new BBC drama which she hopes will finally satisfy her doubters.

Despite her kidnappers being jailed for 16 years, she said online trolls attacking her story 'still goes on' seven years after the incident.

'I feel like there was no [acknowledgment] of what I went through. I was never praised for my bravery getting out of that situation. Instead, I always have to defend myself,' she said.

The new series, Kidnapped, follows the story of Chloe's 2017 ordeal in Milan, having travelled there for a photoshoot.

She was lured to Italy by Polish brothers Lukasz and Michal Herba and with the promise of modelling work  only to be drugged and kidnapped.

Kidnapped model Chloe Ayling says she still faces claims from online trolls that she made up her ordeal

Despite her kidnappers being jailed for 16 years, she says her story is still attacked seven years after the incident

Chloe lured to Italy to this mountain house in Borgial near Turin, by Polish brothers Lukasz and Michal Herba and with the promise of modelling work

After being injected with the horse tranquilliser ketamine and bundled into a suitcase at a Milan photo studio, she was taken to a farmhouse near Turin.

She was told she had been kidnapped by a group calling themselves Black Death, and that she would be sold as a sex slave in an online auction, at a starting price of 300,000 (265,000).

The series follows her terrifying kidnap, her bravery in captivity and the court case that put her kidnappers behind bars.

'I know the truth and everyone who's looked into my story knows the truth,' said the glamour model.

'My friends get more worked up about it than I do. Mum's an emotional person... she's fallen out with almost everyone in her neighbourhood by defending me.'

Seven years after the horrifying ordeal, Chole said the online trolling still exists.

In an interview with The Times, she said: 'I saw people online judging if I was lying by analysing my body language in interviews. Theres a reason body language experts are not called to give evidence in court. So stupid.'

Chloe went on to say that unless there is concrete evidence, often victims of crime are not believed. She referred to the case of Jay Slater, the 19-year-old British boy who went missing in Tenerife, which inspired wild conspiracy theories.

'He wasnt a model and he still got all that. Unless theres concrete evidence like CCTV, victims are not believed,' Chloe added.

'The only way you can prove people wrong is to be found dead. Until then, people have free rein to say what they like.'

Chloe is hoping that the release of the BBC series will finally exonerate her after all this time.

Ms Ayling (pictured) signed an exclusive contract with the BBC although she is not taking part in the series dramatising her kidnap

Ms Ayling was stuffed in the holdall and put in the boot of this car during her kidnap in Milan

Pictured: An Italian police reconstruction of how Ms Ayling was bundled into canvas bag after being drugged

Chloe, who has since appeared on Celebrity Big Brother, was released after six days in captivity at a remote farmhouse in northern Italy. She previously gave her first full account of the ordeal to The Mail on Sunday in 2017.

Lukasz Herba handed her over to the British consulate after she tricked him that she would be his girlfriend if he let her go. Lukasz was later jailed for 16 years in Italy  he is due for release next year.

His brother Michal was also jailed for 16 years, later reduced to five on appeal. He was freed in 2022.

Speaking to The Times about the series, Chloe said: 'Seeing it gave me chills because its such a relief. People will see all the evidence against [the Herbas] laid out word for word, without bias.

'At the time everything was so focused on me and no one was interested in how the brothers were changing their story every second to completely contradictory ones.'

She told the newspaper that reliving the experience was not traumatic as she was focused on making sure it did justice to what she went through.

MailOnline previously reported it is unclear if the Herba brothers have been paid for the series, but strict editorial guideline prevents licence fee payers' money going to convicted criminals as it would be seen as profiteering from their illegal activities.

Lukasz Herba (pictured, on trial) is still behind bars after also being sentenced to 16 years in 2018 but this too was later cut by five years, and he is expected to be released early next year

Ms Ayling was kept in this isolated farmhouse near Turin for six days during her kidnapping

Mother of one Chloe later went onto star in Celebrity Big Brother, gave dozens of interviews and wrote a book about her ordeal (pictured, the model on on the reality show in 2018)

Chloe continued to post regularly provocative images on Instagram and run an Only Fans account until late last year. But in recent months Chloe has moved house and stopped posting any content.

Friends say she is trying to keep a low profile ahead of the dramatisation of her story so that she can capitalise on interview requests when it revives interest in her story.

Speaking about the series ahead of its release, she said: 'I am excited that BBC Studios are telling my story and that the wider world will get to know the truth about what happened o me and learn of the many details that weren't brought to light originally.'

The original trial of the two brothers in Milan raised eyebrows as they claimed it had been a 'publicity stunt' cooked up by Chloe in order to raise her profile.

Defence lawyer Katia Kolakowska described to the court how the kidnap had mirrored the plot of a 2016 film called By Any Means starring Booke Burfitt.

The plot revolves around a model who arranges her own kidnap to raise her profile and Lukasz claimed Chloe had been inspired by it.

The first official photo of Nadia Parkes (pictured) as kidnapped model Chloe Ayling has been released by the BBC ahead of the release of the six-part factual drama

For the first time, Chloe's story will be told in full, shining a light behind the headlines to reveal the 'emotional truth' of her harrowing ordeal (pictured Chloe Ayling in 2017)

Chloe Ayling wearing tight blue lycra sportswear stepping out at the BBC Studios in London on August 8

Pictured: The apartment building in the city of Szczecin where Herba lives with his mother after his jail sentence was slashed

During his trial Lukasz said he and Chloe met in 2015 and started a relationship and a few months later she suggested a 'fake kidnap' to help her bid for stardom.

Mum of one Chloe later went onto star in Celebrity Big Brother, gave dozens of interviews and wrote a book about her ordeal which saw her kept in an isolated farmhouse near Turin for six days.

She was eventually released after Lukasz drove her to the British consulate in Milan where he bizarrely waited for twenty minutes while Chloe told officials she had been kidnapped and policer were called.

Michal had his sentence reduced after appeal court judges ruled, he was not involved in 'extortion' and should have the word removed from his original conviction.

After being injected with horse tranquilliser Ketamine and bundled into a suitcase at a Milan photo studio, she was taken to a farmhouse near Turin in northern Italy

Chloe Ayling wearing tight blue lycra sportswear stepping out at the BBC Studios in London

The Chloe Ayling story will launch on Wednesday on BBC Three at 9pm

Chloe, a model from Coulsdon, south London, had told the court in Milan that she was drugged, gagged, bound, stuffed in the holdall and warned she would be sold as a sex slave if a 265,000 ransom wasn't met.

Chloe has always denied playing any part in the kidnap in order to boost her career and said she had faced 'lies and public scrutiny' telling the court she hadn't profited from her ordeal.

She told the court a man wearing a balaclava grabbed and drugged her during the ordeal.

And the model said rumours of her involvement had 'completely ruined' her reputation and said it was 'not my choice all this would go public'.

Suspicions of Chloe's alleged involvement in the kidnapping were raised when CCTV footage emerged of her holding hands with Lukasz shortly after her release.

When asked why she was shopping hand-in-hand with Lukasz instead of trying to escape, Chloe said she was 'completely brainwashed' into believing her life was in danger from the Black Death group.

Kidnapped, which was written by Killing Eve and Skins creator Georgia Lester, also stars Adrian Edmondson, Nigel Lindsay, Olive Gray and Eleonora Romandini

Nadia Parkes, 28 (pictured) as Chloe Ayling in the BBC series

In her evidence, Chloe said she knew he had feelings for her and claimed he was sexually frustrated while sharing a bed with her in a remote farmhouse where she was held captive.

In his 2021 appeal judges ruled that in the light of evidence it cannot be adequately demonstrated that Michal Herba was aware the kidnapping had extortion as a motive.

Lukasz is currently serving his sentence at Pavia prison near Milan and he has a parole hearing schooled for later this year.

The BBC series brings her ordeal and court case together by drawing on legal documents, Chloes diary and interviews with lawyers, police and prosecutors.

Kidnapped, which was written by Killing Eve and Skins creator Georgia Lester, also stars Adrian Edmondson, Nigel Lindsay, Olive Gray and Eleonora Romandini.

Also in the cast are Adrian Edmondson, Nigel Lindsay, Julian Swiezewski and Olive Gray.

Nadia, 28, has previously starred in The Bastard Son & The Devil Himself, The Spanish Princess and Domina.

Kidnapped will launch on Wednesday on BBC Three at 9pm.
Singer Brandon Flowers of the Killers briefly halted the bands set at the Outside Lands in San Francisco to check on audience members on the first day of the festival on Friday, Aug. 9, 2024. Denise Truscello/Formula 1 via Getty Images

During the first day of Outside Lands, the Killers headlining set on the main Lands End Stage came to an abrupt halt.

Midway through the Las Vegas bands performance on Friday, Aug. 9, as frontman Brandon Flowers sang the ballad Caution, he unexpectedly stopped the music. He noticed bright lights toward the back of the crowd on the Polo Field, fearing someone might be hurt or something was amiss. Yet given the recent terror attack scare at Taylor Swifts Eras Tour in Vienna, the audience didnt mind the three-minute pause.

As it turned out, the interruption was due to a medical emergency in the crowd and the band resumed the aptly titled track from where they left off after a brief acoustic interlude of Runaway Horses to allow things to settle down.

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Thankfully, that minor incident was the only drama on a day otherwise marked by thick fog and a biting chill, featuring performances from acts like the Japanese House, Young the Giant and Jungle.

Outside Lands 2024: Keep up with the latest at the S.F. festival

The Killers culminated the day with an exuberant set, leaning heavily on their breakthrough debut album, 2004s Hot Fuss, celebrating its 20th anniversary.

During the performance, Flowers, clad in a sharply tailored purple blazer and sporting a towering pompadour, along with guitarist Dave Keuning rejoining drummer Ronnie Vannucci Jr. and bass player Mark Stoermer, brought back the bands original Sin City charm. The Grammy-nominated band opened with Somebody Told Me, instantly igniting the crowd of tens of thousands into leaping, whooping and singing along, and went on to play classics such as Jenny Was a Friend of Mine and Smile Like You Mean It.

Singer Brandon Flowers of the Killers briefly halted the bands set at the Outside Lands in San Francisco to check on audience members on the first day of the festival on Friday, Aug. 9, 2024. Denise Truscello - Formula 1/Formula 1 via Getty Images

The Killers 16-song set, marked by lean efficiency, featured career highlights like Spaceman and Read My Mind, and included a faithful cover of Erasures A Little Respect. Noticeably, however, the band didnt perform its newest single, Bright Lights, which the Killers dropped Friday morning.

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The night reached a triumphant ending with a string of anthems, starting with All These Things That Ive Done, followed by When You Were Young and Human, culminating in a euphoric climax with the record-breaking Mr. Brightside that warmed even the chilliest in attendance.

Following their appearance at Outside Lands, the Killers plan to return to their hometown for a 10-night residency at the Colosseum at Caesars Palace, scheduled to begin Wednesday, Aug. 14, and run through Sept. 1.
A banker who mocked the penis size and salaries of cops as she was arrested after being barred from a flight has been spared a conviction.

Angela Nicole Killian, 44, a divorced mother-of-two, was flying on American Airlines from Dallas-Fort Worth Airport to Bogota, Colombia, on September 12 last year.

Bodycam footage showed her berating police officers about their penis size and salaries - and even shrieking 'I am an executive platinum person,' before promptly peeing herself on the terminal floor.

She claimed to have only had two 'very full' vodka tonics to drink at the airport bar, but was slurring and incoherent as she berated police.

Court documents showed Killian pleaded guilty to resisting arrest, a class A misdemeanor, as part of a plea bargain in Tarrant County Criminal Court on May 1.

Angela Nicole Killian, 44, was arrested on September 12 after police were called to Dallas-Fort Worth Airport and had to carry her away as she shouted abuse at them

Judge Charles Vanover gave her a six-month deferred adjudication, which is a type of probation where a conviction is not recorded if it is completed.

Killian would need to fulfill the long list of mostly standard community supervision conditions for six months to escape a conviction.

She was ordered to do 24 hours of community service, submit to regular drug tests and not leave Tarrant County or neighboring jurisdictions without permission.

Vanover ordered her to pay $270 in court costs and $360 to reimburse the county for the cost of the community supervision, but no fines.

Court documents noted she was credited with two days of incarceration, meaning she spent two days behind bars after her arrest before she was released on a $500 bond.

Police were originally called to the airport after Killian allegedly hit three AA ground staff with her phone during the argument.

The bodycam footage showed one of the employees say she wanted to press charges, but later changed her mind when police explained she would need to take time off work and appear in court.

Police in the video said they planned to charge Killian with being drunk and disorderly, but there is no record of that charge being pressed against her.

Newly released police bodycam video showed cops arrest her for public intoxication after staff accused her of hitting them with her phone in a rage

Killian was a customer experience manager at Capital One in Dallas until she was immediately fired when the bank learned of her arrest.

Employees told DailyMail.com that Killian frequently went on weeklong overseas business trips for the company, where she drank heavily.

'I wasnt surprised by the video I saw given her behavior when she travels, and shes a heavy drinker in general. Ive had to personally escort her to her hotel room on many occasions,' one colleague who traveled with her many times said.

They said on several occasions they had to drag, carry or wheel her in a chair back to her hotel room because she wasn't able to walk.

Killian was also said to be a 'bully' who would make life difficult at work for those not in her in-group, who didn't have the authority or backbone to stand up to her.

Capital One did not respond to requests for comment. It is unclear whether it knew the full story of Killian's behavior before the bodycam footage was released.

Public records showed she was convicted of DWI in February 2022 after being pulled over in July 2020.

She is also involved in renewed divorce proceedings with her ex-husband Jeffrey Polk Killian, 51, according to court records.

The former couple filed for divorce in 2016 and were granted joint custody of their two daughters, now aged 12 and 15, as part of a settlement.

Killian's former co-workers explained their trip always began with a trip to the American Airlines lounge at DFW Airport to take advantage of the unlimited booze.

There she would down three tall vodka and tonics 'at minimum' before even getting on the plane.

The colleague said there was no way Killian only had the two 'very full' drinks she told police she drank before her arrest.

Killian was a good leader and manager and carried herself professionally in a corporate environment, they said. It was only during events to entertain clients and during work trips that she could be unprofessional.

She always had a drink in her hand, downed them quickly and had 'no moderation... not having control and not being able to know when to stop'.

'From the time we entered that environment to the time we left, there was no downtime,' the colleague said.

'If you said she wasnt drinking, we would all faint.'

While on an overseas trip, the heavy drinking would start as soon as the day's work was done and continue into the evening, according to the coworker.

Killian would on average get drunk three out of five nights, and on at least one of those require help from co-workers to get back to her room, the colleague said, adding it was always embarrassing.

Usually, she was seemingly just too disoriented, but the co-worker said though she never witnessed worse incidents, she heard from others who went on different trips.

'There were times she had to be dragged, carried, or put in a chair and pushed [back to her room] as she wasn't able to walk,' they said.

Cops were told of the situation by three American Airlines ground staff who alleged she hit them with her phone

The next morning, colleagues had to make sure she got out of bed in time to participate in the day's schedule, but after that she was an effective worker.

'She's really good at bouncing back, that's probably why it never became alarming,' they said.

'You never know what youre going to get. She can be entertaining and fun to be around, very outgoing, and everyone gets a kick out of it - until it goes wrong.

'Then everyone has to come to her rescue and clean it up, and it becomes a non-spoken thing so long as she gets up and looks the part the next day.

'Before September, I hadnt seen a situation where it didnt result in that.'

Killian didn't just overindulge after work on overseas trips, but at functions put on to entertain clients both in the US and elsewhere, the coworker said.

Though she never did anything to cause a major incident in front of clients, the colleague added it was clear when she was intoxicated as she started slurring her words early.

But as Killian worked at Capital One for many years, her clients knew her so well they were never offended and rarely put off by her behavior.

'Something that might be embarrassing in front of someone she didnt know, because of the relationship she's formed it was kind of a normal thing,' her former colleague said.

Thin involved Killian sometimes being 'mildly' belligerent or needlessly confrontational and forceful when she had a few too many, the colleague claimed.

'They were easily resolved by saying "Angela, calm down, sit down" and it never had to be escalated,' they said.

'If they never met her before they would definitely be taken aback and potentially offended, and I don't think she would have gotten away with it if she wasn't still articulate enough to talk business.

The chaos at the gate before the police arrived as took her to a chair where they handcuffed her. The woman can be seen filming on her phone

Killian was also known for allegedly bullying some colleagues, and had enough influence with the bosses to 'make or break someones work'.

'If you werent part of her group, she would make it very difficult for you to succeed... She could be a bully to quite a few people,' her former co-worker said.

They said they knew how to handle it due to their experience so Killian knew it wasnt a tree she could bark up'.

'She picked on people who didnt have the authority or backbone to stand up to her,' they said.

'Karma is real and when you are selective in how you treat people, its going to catch up with you. There will be a number of people who got some satisfaction out of this.'

The colleague said as far as they knew, Killian had never been in trouble at work for anything, and was known for being a company woman and was close to the top bosses.

However, despite her work history and capability she was never promoted to the level her colleagues expected 'so maybe this was holding her back somebody knew something'.

'The most shocking part was the insults to the police, Ive heard her talk s**t behind peoples backs, but I was taken aback by that  but maybe other people wouldnt have been,' they said.

Capital One kept her firing so under wraps that it didn't even announce she had left the company until February.

'No one knew anything about this in September, it was hush hush until when they finally said she had left but no one knew why,' the ex-colleague said.

'Since the video came out its been a whirlwind throughout the company, theres a lot of people running around like headless chickens doing damage control, trying to keep this from blowing up.'

Killian repeatedly refused to comment on record when contacted by DailyMail.com.

After screaming at police when they questioned her, Killian was carried out of the airport by several officers when she flopped on the ground and refused to move.

During this time she shouted abuse, mocked their salaries - which she speculated were around $60,000 - penis sizes, sex lives, and screamed about her platinum frequent flyer status.

From what police were able to piece together, the trouble began when as she tried to board the flight.

One female staff member said she told Killian she needed to consolidate her carry-on as she had too many, and she got upset.

'So I said OK, just go. When she gets to the door she starts yelling' and swearing ''are you f**king kidding me?' for unknown reasons, she told police.

As she was telling the passenger she needed to stop swearing, the captain came off the plane because some of his paperwork was missing.

A policewoman tried to get the passenger's side of the story, but she mostly said she just wanted to go home and yelled

The staff called a manager to bring the missing paperwork and Killian, overhearing her, said 'what did you say the captain said'.

'You're not going on the flight... get out of my face, you cannot be talking to my flight attendants like that,' the captain told her, according to staff.

Staff told police she became belligerent and started recording on her phone, getting in the face of three ground staff and 'swiping' them in the chest with the phone.

Police were called and sat Killian down in handcuffs while they tried to figure out what was going on.

They talked to the staff, one of whom said she wanted to press assault charges and explained where she was allegedly hit with the phone.

Meanwhile, a policewoman tried to get Killian's side of the story, but she mostly said she just wanted to go home and yelled.

'I have flown for 30 years, I am a high school graduate and I worked my way out of the darkest hole anyone could imagine,' she said at one point.

'And you can f**k off, I hate this whole place.'

'I don't care, I just don't care, I want to go home.'

Killian eventually gave a partial explanation that she was flying to Colombia on a work trip with other colleagues, who made it onto the plane.

'They didn't let me on because I got on at the wrong time, I was late... I'm usually on so early...' she said.

'I was trying to make a joke about my Indian co-workers who were with me.

'I assure you I wasn't doing anything to screw with these travel agents, they are the best people ever... this is so dumb.'

The woman insulted the salaries and penis sizes of police as they frog-marched her through the airport

Killian said she had two 'very full' vodka tonics at an airport bar, but not any more than she usually drinks when she travels.

'I'm not innocent... I'm definitely not completely sober but,' she said. 'I'm not as drunk as you think I am, I'm just super traumatized.'

She got progressively more agitated and started screaming about wanting to speak to her lawyer immediately.

'I am trying to be nice, and now I'm done so let's call my lawyer,' she bellowed in a garbled voice and tried to leave.

Police decided they had heard enough and told Killian she was being arrested for public intoxication.

They tried to escort her out of the airport but she refused and they had to frog-march her away from the gate while she abused them.

'Pieces of mediocre s**t of your life, you feel good make $60,000 a year?' she yelled incoherently.

'You f**king tiny piece of s**t. You feel good f**king your wife with you're f**king five-inch d**k?'

As the police were marching her out of the airport, the woman fell to the ground and refused to get up, and police realized she had wet herself

Giving up on her walking, police strapped her legs together and carried her horizontally until they got to security and she agreed to walk

Seconds later, Killian fell to the ground and refused to get up, and police realized she had wet herself.

'Did she p**s herself? Yep she did,' one cop said.

Killian insisted she didn't but another policeman said he could smell the urine.

'It's probably the guy who f**ked your wife before he f**ked you,' she responded.

'You feel good about yourself? You f**king six five eight d**k stack f**king short tiny a** dick... wearing a uniform makes you feel good about yourself? You and your f**king facial hair.'

While she was lying on the ground, Killian bizarrely asked officers, 'How am I acting right now?'

'It doesn't matter, it's how you were acting before, how we ended up on the ground,' a policeman replied.

Killian shot back: 'How I was acting before is so subjective. I'm not acting f**king much right now, am I?

'You are trying to detain someone who is unwilling to be detained. How is that fair?'

Giving up on her walking, police strapped her legs together and carried her horizontally until they got to security and she agreed to walk.

Then she got mad when they searched her before putting her in the police car, yelling that she hadn't done anything wrong and she was scared.

She was taken out of the airport and put into a police car to be taken to jail

After Killian was locked in the police car, officers regrouped and exclaimed about how much of her urine they got on them.

'I have it all over my leg! You're fine... it's on my pant leg completely, it's seeped through to my leg,' one policewoman yelled in disgust, while a male cop said his hands were covered with urine.

One policeman headed back inside to take a formal statement from the airline staff and picked up hand sanitizer to get rid of the urine and sprayed all his uniform.

He explained to the airline staff that as the passenger would be charged with resisting arrest, there was not much to be gained from adding assault.

After being told she would have to take days off work to come to court, she decided not to press assault charges.

'I'm gonna go take a bath,' the officer said.

Police agreed they would charged Killian with resisting arrest and public intoxication.

American Airlines staff at DFW endured another meltdown from a passenger just two months earlier.

Tiffany Gomas, 38, hysterically claimed a fellow passenger on her American Airlines flight from Fort Worth to Orlando on July 2 was 'not real'.

'I'm telling you, I'm getting the f*** off and there's a reason why I'm getting the f*** off and everyone can either believe it or they can not believe it,' she yelled as she walked to the front of the plane.

'I don't give two f**ks, but I am telling you right now - that motherf**ker back there is NOT real,' she added, pointing towards the back of the plane.

'And you can sit on this plane and you can die with them or not. I'm not going to.'

American Airlines staff at DFW endured another meltdown from a passenger just two months earlier when Tiffany Gomas, 38, hysterically claimed a fellow passenger was 'not real'.

Footage of her meltdown went viral on TikTok and Gomas became an internet sensation as 'crazy plane lady'.

The Dallas marketing executive said when she said the other passenger was 'not real' - she meant it as a figure of speech, meaning 'he's not being real'.

'I stayed at home for over four weeks because I was so ashamed and so embarrassed I didn't wanna go in public,' she told Inside Edition.

When asked what sparked the sudden outburst - Gomas said, 'I had an altercation and I felt very strongly that I needed to get off the plane.'

She explained that she believed other people on the flight were in danger 'due to the altercation' - but said she couldn't say anything more for 'legal reasons'.
A senior Labour minister was facing urgent questions last night after it emerged she is living in a 2 million house owned by a close political ally of her aunt, who was Bangladesh's authoritarian former prime minister.

The Mail on Sunday can reveal City minister Tulip Siddiq moved out of the flat she owns in North London two years ago, and moved with her family into a large five-bedroom home a few miles away that is owned by a family friend, millionaire businessman Abdul Karim.

Last year, Mr Karim was granted special business privileges by Ms Siddiq's aunt, Sheikh Hasina Wazed, a dictator who ruled Bangladesh with an iron fist for 15 years before she was forced from power in a violent uprising last week.

Last night, Ms Siddiq refused to say how much rent she is paying Mr Karim to live in his large house despite repeated requests by this newspaper.

A former parliamentary watchdog said if she is paying below market rate, she should declare it, amid questions over whether Mr Karim had benefited from allowing Ms Siddiq to live in his house while she earned thousands of pounds in income from renting out her former family home.

Tulip Siddiq moved out of the flat she owns in North London two years ago, and moved with her family into a large five-bedroom home a few miles away

FORMER ABODE: The flat Tulip Siddiq owns in North London. She moved out two years ago

Last year, Mr Karim was granted special business privileges by Ms Siddiq's aunt, Sheikh Hasina Wazed (pictured)

The Treasury Minister's case has echoes of the 'two-homes row' Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner faced before the election, when it was claimed that she rented out her own house while living in her husband's property. Ms Rayner has been cleared of any wrongdoing.

Nigel Farage MP, the Reform leader, urged Ms Siddiq to clarify her living arrangements, adding: 'It just looks murky.' A source close to Ms Siddiq, 41, said she had moved out of her own home and into the rented house for security reasons.

She refused to provide an on-the-record statement last night.

The minister's aunt resigned last Monday following weeks of violent anti-regime protests, during which hundreds were killed by regime security forces.

She has gone into hiding in India with Ms Siddiq's mother, Rehana Siddiq, and is now reportedly seeking to claim asylum in Britain.

Ms Siddiq moved into Mr Karim's suburban house soon after he bought it for 2.1 million in July 2022. Estate agents in the area said that a house of that size, which also has three bathrooms and two reception rooms, would fetch rent of 5,000 a month.

But if Ms Siddiq was paying below market rates, then parliamentary rules require her to make a declaration of it as it is a financial benefit. The minister was recently investigated by the parliamentary watchdog after the MoS revealed that she failed to correctly declare rental income of more than 10,000 on her flat, which she still owns.

The Standards Commissioner found that she breached parliamentary rules but accepted her explanation that it was an 'administrative error'.

City minister Tulip Siddiq pictured with family friend Abdul Karim

Mr Karim is a British 'executive member' of Sheikh Hasina's Awami League political party, and has significant business interests in the country. He is a close family friend of Ms Siddiq.

She and her mother, Rehana, attended the wedding of Mr Karim's daughter at a lavish ceremony in Langley Marish, Berkshire, in 2022.

After Ms Siddiq moved into his house, Sheikh Hasina's government granted Mr Karim special VIP status as a 'Commercially Important Person' (CIP) in Bangladesh last year.

The CIP status affords him automatic invites to state ceremonies and first-class travel along with a letter of introduction from the Bangladesh embassy or mission of any country he visits. After the Treasury minister moved into his house, Mr Karim became the vice-chairman of the Shahjalal Islami Bank in Bangladesh.

He retains a directorship with shares worth 1.2 million.

A source in Bangladesh capital Dhaka claimed that when Mr Karim lobbied to join the bank, despite having no banking experience, he told its directors of his links to Sheikh Hasina.

The source added that calls were then made from the PM's office to lobby the bank on his behalf.

There is no suggestion that Ms Siddiq asked her aunt to make any such calls. Mr Karim then began securing more frequent access to the Bangladeshi PM.

Angela Rayner previously faced questions over claims that she rented out her own house while living in her husbands property

In February last year, Sheikh Hasina held a meeting with Mr Karim at her office in Dhaka, where she lavished praise on him.

The following month Mr Karim opened a new business venture in Bangladesh called the London Tea Exchange.

He also boasts close ties with the Labour Party. In March last year, Sir Keir Starmer, then Opposition leader, cut the ribbon to re-open Mr Karim's refurbished restaurant called Maharani in Camden, in his North London constituency.

Last night, Sir Alistair Graham, the former Chairman of the Committee on Standards in Public Life, said that if Ms Siddiq was paying below market rate in the area, she should declare it.

He said: 'If she moved into a larger house, and she was gaining financial advantage by doing that, then she should have declared that.

'Now whether she should have declared that he [Mr Karim] was an important guy in Bangladesh where her aunt was prime minister is a separate issue. If people are uneasy about the relationship, it should have been more formally declared, then somebody should make a complaint to the Parliamentary Commissioner and ask them to investigate it.'

Sheikh Hasina could not be contacted. But Faruq Syed, the Secretary of the Awami League in Britain, said he was not aware Ms Siddiq was living in Mr Karim's house, and said he also did not know if he received the CIP because of that. He said: 'Tulip Siddiq is an honourable member of this Parliament, and she is a Labour minister and she is doing very good as far we are concerned.'

Mr Karim did not respond to our questions last night. Ms Siddiq declined to provide an on-the-record statement to this newspaper.

Two years ago, it was reported that Ms Siddiq's mother, Rehana Siddiq, was also living in a 1.4 million house in North London, which was owned by the family of Salman F Rahman, one of Bangladesh's richest tycoons who became a minister in Sheikh Hasina's government.

That property was owned through an offshore company registered in the Isle of Man, which was eventually traced back to Mr Rahman's British-based son.

The Awami League party in Bangladesh has been accused of murders, extra-judicial killings and enforced disappearances. Ms Siddiq acted as a spokesman for it before entering British politics.

Ms Siddiq is married to education consultant Christian Percy, 39. They have two children.
People who work hardest don't necessarily do best in the workplace - and if you want to get ahead, you need to crow about your achievements to colleagues, experts say.

When you bump into a colleague in the office and they ask how you are, you should not respond with the standard 'fine,' or 'busy,' Professor Alison Fragale says.

Fragale, an expert in organizational behavior at the University of North Carolina, says you should instead proudly boast about a recent achievement.

Cringeworthy as such behavior may seem, Fragale told the Wall Street Journal that it will help to alter your colleagues' perception of you, and put you on the path to a promotion.

'We are given opportunities all the time to tell our story that we throw away.' Fragale said.

And she offered a piece of advice to get over feeling self-conscious about bragging: Think of colleagues who've managed to rocket up the career ladder by doing the same thing.

Alison Fragale, a professor of organizational behavior at the University of North Carolina, suggests employees seeking a promotion brag to their co-workers about how great of a job they've been doing

She said those who are getting promoted are already bragging about their efforts

She also said workers should ask themselves what positive parts of their workload is not recognized by their bosses, as labor is getting done more and more behind the scenes.

In fact, Tessa West - a psychology professor at New York University - found that 80 percent of people play multiple roles at work, like running a committee or collaborating on a project with another department.

More than half of those extra responsibilities come with no additional compensation.

'People often assume they're getting credit for these things, but the credit just lives in the boss' head,' if the boss even remembers at all, West said.

Tessa West - a psychology professor at New York University - found that 80 percent of people play multiple roles at work

Sometimes the manager might not even want to share with the boss all of the extra work you're doing out of fear it makes them look disorganized, she added.

West therefore recommends asking your boss if the additional tasks you're doing come up during annual performance conversations, when bosses judge their employees behind closed doors.

And West says that sometimes workers need to take a tough stance to demonstrate their dedication to their specific role.

She suggests saying 'no' to tasks that sit at the periphery of your job description and says workers should justify their refusal by saying they want to hone their existing skills.

If you cannot think of how to package the extra work load you're taking on, it's probably not going to help your career, West said.

Acting on some of the advice may leave workers feeling like Michael Mount from cringe sitcom The Office. The character, played by Steve Carrell, was famed for cocky statements and regular gaffes at the fictional Dunder Mifflin paper manufacturing company.

But experts insist combining their advice with sheer hard work is the way to get ahead.
With her spectacles and ready smile, Bangladesh's prime minister Sheikh Hasina may give the impression of a harmless grandmother.

But the 76-year-old, who fled the Asian country last week amid protests over her 15 years of iron rule, is a ruthless tyrant.

Troublesome political opponents or journalists critical of her regime were put under surveillance, harassed or arrested on trumped up charges.

Serial offenders might be abducted from their homes, never to be seen again. Human rights groups estimate there were at least 600 enforced disappearances on Hasina's watch.

Hundreds more were the victims of extra-judicial killings, and 280 died at the hands of the security forces in the last few weeks alone, as popular feeling against her rule reached fever pitch and the government responded with its trademark brutality.

Anti-government protesters were shot at with live ammunition. Police also used tear gas, rubber bullets and stun grenades.

Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina pictured with her daughter Saima Wazed Putul, left, and sister Sheikh Rehan on January 7

Tulip Siddiq launches her election campaign for Hampstead and Kilburn on May 30

Pictured: Tulip Siddiq MP talks to the media in May 2022

On Monday, as thousands prepared to storm her official residence in the capital Dhaka, Hasina fled by military plane to India. And the shameless ex-leader is now reported to be seeking asylum in the UK.

Her trump card is likely to be her extensive family links in Britain, most notably her beloved niece, Labour's Treasury minister Tulip Siddiq.

She is said to treat Ms Siddiq like a 'daughter' and appears to have been a major influence on her blossoming political career.

On first being elected as MP for Hampstead in 2015, Ms Siddiq told Bengali-speaking journalists: 'I learned everything about politics from [Sheikh Hasina]  social justice, how to campaign and how to reach out to the people.'

Hasina watched proudly from the Commons public gallery as her prodigy made her maiden speech. On Facebook, Ms Siddiq later hailed her aunt as a 'strong female role model' for her own daughter.

Perhaps most strikingly, video footage from UK meetings of her aunt's ruling party, the Awami League, twice shows Ms Siddiq thank them for helping her get elected as an MP. But there has been far less transparency over these connections in Ms Siddiq's political campaigning.

Indeed, the revelations of such close links with a deposed dictator are likely to be awkward given she has described herself as a 'strong socialist' and has a history of publicly supporting human rights and social justice causes.

Before becoming an MP, she worked for Amnesty International and Save The Children.

In opposition, she branded the Tory government's treatment of asylum-seeking children as 'shameful', demanded a crackdown on hate crimes against LGBTQ+ people and called on the Foreign Office to help prevent human rights violations in Iran.

Sheikh Hasina is the daughter of the country's first leader Sheikh Mujib Rahman

Bangladesh has been all but torn apart over the past few weeks by a vicious crackdown on civil unrest by the country's government

Sheikh Hasina (pictured) resigned earlier this week and fled to London following the weeks of unrest

However, such condemnation for her aunt's repressive regime has been almost entirely lacking. When questioned, she has insisted she has 'no capability nor desire to influence politics in Bangladesh'.

But she had no problem condemning Israel's 2018 crackdown on Hamas-led demonstrations in Gaza, or in calling for the release of her constituent, Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe, who was wrongly jailed in Iran after being accused of spying.

The truth is that Ms Siddiq is from Bangladeshi political aristocracy. Her grandfather, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, was founding father of the nation and its first president.

As a child, she met Nelson Mandela and Mother Teresa and, as recently as 2013, she was even photographed alongside her aunt and mother at the Kremlin with Vladimir Putin.

The Tories accused her of trying to conceal these links to Putin and Sheikh Hasina during the election campaign, claiming she had deleted postings and photographs on her blog which showed how she campaigned to get her aunt re-elected, including one post where she described herself as a 'spokesperson for the Awami League'.

At the time, a Labour spokesman told The Mail on Sunday  which broke the story  that Ms Siddiq was 'proud of her background and has always been very open about it'.

The Bangladeshi leader has faced calls to resign for weeks

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina (C) weeps while she visits a metro station in Mirpur vandalized by students during the anti-quota protests

She subsequently claimed in interviews that any apparent reluctance to discuss her pedigree was because she was 'embarrassed' and that it felt 'boastful'  and insisted she had used the meeting with Putin to challenge him over his grim record on gay rights.

In a later interview, she claimed that, despite their close relationship, her aunt would tell her to 'f*** off' if she tried to influence 'national security issues' in Bangladesh. But it appears Bangladeshi politics have had at least some sway on her UK political career.

She has been filmed several times thanking the Awami League for their 'support' in helping her getting elected as an MP.

And in the 2019 election, the UK wing of her aunt's party claimed that they were giving Ms Siddiq's campaign 'guidance and direction'. For her part, Ms Siddiq has said claims of any involvement were 'categorically untrue'.

Some may yet feel she has more convincing to do over where her loyalties truly lie  and she is likely to face particularly uncomfortable questions if her aunt successfully claims asylum in the UK.

Given Ms Siddiq's track record, how she will answer them is anyone's guess.
A damning new report from NASA has laid bare how 'Boeing's ineffective quality management' has stranded two astronauts onboard the International Space Station.

The report, by NASA's Office of the Inspector General, has even called for 'financial penalties' for the aerospace giant's 'noncompliance with quality control standards.'

All summer, debate has raged within the space agency over how best to rescue the first two humans to ever pilot Boeing's long-awaited Starliner spacecraft which had been scheduled to ferry the duo to and from orbit for a nine-day mission this June.

But as that expedition stretched on into August  with a high probability that both astronauts will likely now be stuck in space into well 2025  NASA OIG partnered with Pentagon investigators to review Boeing's 'numerous administrative errors.'

A damning new report from NASA has laid bare how 'Boeing's ineffective quality management' has stranded two astronauts onboard the International Space Station (ISS). Above, a NASA image from July shows Boeing's troubled Starliner spacecraft as it is now, attached to the ISS

While Boeing has touted for weeks that its Starliner capsule was safe enough to carry astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore back home to Earth, the new report by NASA's Office of the Inspector General (NASA OIG) has raised new questions about the craft's safety

'Boeing's process to address deficiencies to date,' the space agency's top watchdog stated in their report, published Wednesday, 'has been ineffective.'

Worse, NASA OIG continued: 'The company has generally been nonresponsive in taking corrective actions when the same quality control issues reoccur.'

In one instance, a liquid oxygen fuel tank dome  an integral piece of hardware needed to house Starliner's highly explosive rocket propellant  was found isolated for potential disposal due to 'Boeing's unsatisfactory welding operations.'

This poorly assembled fuel dome, intended for one of NASA's Space Launch System (SLS) Core Stage 3 rockets, was witnessed by NASA OIG officials themselves.

The NASA OIG report has called for 'financial penalties' for Boeing's 'noncompliance with quality control standards' (cover page above)

But to investigate many of the internal issues with Boeing's construction of Starliner, the space agency watchdogs turned for assistance to staff from the Pentagon's Defense Contract Management Agency (DCMA).

'DCMA issues Corrective Action Requests (CAR) to the contractor,' per the new NASA report. 'CARs are labeled Level I through IV, with Level I the least serious deficiency.'

Asked to 'conduct surveillance of Boeing's core and upper stage manufacturing efforts' at NASA's Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans, the DCMA team ultimately meted out a total of 71 CARs at Levels I and II between 2021 and 2023.

A draft of even more severe Level III CAR, which would have alerted Boeing's c-suite and could have led to withheld contract payments, was prepared but ultimately not sent.

'According to DCMA officials, this is a high number of CARs for a space flight system at this stage in development' NASA's OIG report explained, 'and reflects a recurring and degraded state of product quality control.'

In one instance, a crucial liquid oxygen fuel tank dome was found isolated for potential disposal due to 'Boeing's unsatisfactory welding operations.' Above, a photo of the improperly welded dome (left) at the Michoud Assembly Facility, as published in the new NASA OIG report

The poorly welded fuel tank dome was a repeated and reemphasized cause for concern to NASA OIG, who attributed the issue to lax hiring and training practices.

'According to NASA officials, the welding issues arose due to Boeings inexperienced technicians and inadequate work order planning and supervision,' NASA OIG said.

'The lack of a trained and qualified workforce increases the risk that Boeing will continue to manufacture parts and components that do not adhere to NASA requirements and industry standards,' the office's report continued.

Pentagon DCMA officials noted that, to Boeing's credit, a nonconformance report was generated by the aerospace firm conceding that the dome wasn't space worthy.

But NASA OIG nevertheless emphasized the myriad and apparently systemic problems had plagued Boeing's work crafting the Starliner craft in their new report.

'Boeing officials incorrectly approved hardware processing under unacceptable environmental conditions, accepted and presented damaged seals to NASA for inspection,' the inspector general concluded.

The aerospace firm, NASA OIG found, also 'used outdated versions of work orders.'

Boeing insists its capsule (pictured) could still safely bring the astronauts home. But the company said Wednesday it would take the steps necessary to bring the capsule back empty if that ultimately becomes NASA's decision on the matter

NASA OIG partnered with Pentagon investigators to review Boeing's 'numerous administrative errors.' Above NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams are welcomed by the ISS crew upon their arrival using the Boeing Starliner spacecraft on Thursday, June 6, 2024

Outside of the OIG, officials within NASA have bristled at the suggestion that Wilmore and Williams are stranded or stuck.

NASA has stressed from the get-go that if there were to be an emergency at the space station, like a fire or a loss of cabin pressure, that Boeing's Starliner could still be used by the pair as a lifeboat to leave.

One former NASA executive said Thursday the astronauts are 'kind of stuck,' although certainly not stranded.

They're safe aboard the space station with plenty of supplies and work to do, said NASA's Scott Hubbard, who served on the Columbia Accident Investigation Board in 2003.

For its part, Boeing has insisted that its capsule could still safely bring the astronauts home.

But the company said Wednesday it would take the steps necessary to bring the capsule back empty if that's NASA's decision.

Last week, the company posted a list of all the tests that have been done on the thrusters since liftoff.

'We still believe in Starliner's capability and its flight rationale.' the company said.
Witnesses have described their horror at watching a plane 'fall out of the sky and explode' in Brazil on Friday - as experts scramble to make sense of what happened.

Dramatic video showed the moment a Voepass Airlines plane came spiralling down over populated areas before crashing behind a cluster of trees, near homes.

'I almost believe the pilot tried to avoid a nearby neighbourhood, which is densely populated,' Daniel de Lima, a resident of Vinhedo near the crash site, told Reuters.

All 61 people on board have been reported dead, though relatives are still waiting for confirmation of the fate of their loved ones.

Voepass has since revealed that all those on board - including 57 passengers and four crew - were carrying Brazilian-issued documents.

Some of the passengers were doctors from Parana heading to a seminar, Governor Ratinho Junior told reporters.

'These were people who were used to saving lives, and now they've lost theirs in such tragic circumstances,' he said.

A top aviation expert has revealed the most likely causes behind the 'death spiral' of a Brazil passenger jet that killed all 61 passengers onboard

Residents heard a loud noise before the plane crashed near a residential area on Friday

Officials later confirmed all 61 on board - 57 passengers and 4 crew - had died in the crash

Daniel de Lima said he heard a loud noise on Friday before looking outside his condo and seeing the plane in a horizontal spiral.

'It was rotating, but it wasn't moving forward,' he told Reuters. 'Soon after it fell out of the sky and exploded.'

'When I heard the sound of the plane falling, I looked out my window at home and saw the moment it crashed,' witness Felipe Magalhaes told Reuters.

'Terrified and not knowing what to do, I jumped over the wall,' he said.

The plane was on its way from Cascavel to Guarulhos cruising at 17,000 feet when it began the sudden descent.

Brazil's Civil Defense says the plane struck several houses within the residential area, CNN Brasil reported.

Sao Paulo federal police told ABC that one resident was injured following the impact.

Nathalie Cicari, another resident, said she was having lunch when she heard a 'very loud noise nearby'.

She said it sound like a drone but 'much louder', heading to the balcony to see the plane spiralling.

'Within seconds, I realised that it was not a normal movement for a plane.'

Natalia said she had to evacuate her house, filling with thick black smoke after the crash.

Another witness called Pietro told Reuters he had seen 'a lot of people' breaking into a condominium 'to make videos'.

'What I saw was the wreckage of the plane, all that was left was the cabin,' he said.

Captain Ross Aimer said that the plane could have experienced engine failure, flight control malfunction, or if a critical part of the aircraft fell off

Video footage showed devastation to a populated area after the plane crashed

Debris is pictured as emergency personnel work at the site of a plane crash on Friday

Rescuers arrive at the Voepass Airlines Twin Engine ATR-72-500 crash site on August 9

Experts have begun trying to make sense of what could have happened, with confirmation yet to be announced.

The plane's black box was reported to have been found in the early hours of this morning, and federal police have started an investigation, saying it is currently too early to determine the cause of the crash.

One top aviation expert told MailOnline that the plane could have experience engine failure, flight control malfunction, or a critical part of the aircraft falling off.

And once you enter the death spiral, 'it's very hard to get out of it,' Captain Ross Aimer, who has over 40 years of experience flying passenger jets in the US, said.

Aimer said the most likely cause of the crash was that the aircraft suffered a low speed stall - when the airflow over the wings is too slow to provide enough lift.

This happens when planes move too slowly. The three reasons this happens are either a technical fault, extreme turbulence, pilot error or something hitting the wing, like a bird.

Famously the US Airways Flight 1549 crashed landed on the Hudson river after a flock of birds struck its wing and shut off all power shortly after take off, at around 700 feet.

The ATR-72 aircraft that crashed in Vinhedo, Brazil, was cruising at 17,000 feet, the airline said.

At that height, it was unlikely to be a bird.

After the plane likely stalled, video showed it spinning in circles as it crashed back down to earth.

This is known as a death spiral, or graveyard spin.

When the wing stalls and dips, and there is no power because the engine has turned off, the plane can go into a spiral where one wing is generating lift while the plane rotates around the other right into the ground.

Others have speculated that ice could have built up on the plane.

'Today ice was predicted (at the altitudes the plane was flying at), but within the acceptable range,' Voepass Chief Operations Officer Marcel Moura told a press conference.

'But the plane is sensitive to ice, that could be a starting point,' Moura said, adding the plane's de-icing system, along with all other systems, had been deemed operational before takeoff.

A dramatic video from the scene on Friday showed a Voepass plane falling from the sky as it plummeted behind a cluster of trees near houses, followed by a large plume of black smoke

Aerial view of the wreckage of an airplane that crashed with 61 people on board in Vinhedo

A police officer is seen in front of a fire truck in the site of an airplane crash in Vinhedo

The plane was on its way from Cascavel to Guarulhos cruising at 17,000 feet when it began the sudden descent

City officials at Valinhos, near Vinhedo, said a home in the local condominium complex had been damaged after the plane crashed into its backyard. None of the residents were hurt.

Last night the airline said in a statement: 'Voepass has activated all means to support those involved.

'There is still no confirmation of how the accident occurred or the current situation of the people on board.'

The officials at Valinhos later said there were no survivors.

Diuly Sella Santa, a relative of one of the victims, told Reuters: 'I know many people who haven't been able to confirm (if their relatives died).

'Most people here are not able to get any information, many could not get records. There are people with a wife, mother or child but they haven't received a (passenger) record because they don't have access to the list.

'I think they'll only get the record and say, 'I have a relative or a friend', when people are able to get access to the list.'

Sao Paulo's Governor Tarcisio de Freitas is now returning from Vitoria to manage the situation, according to officials.

'The Superintendence of Technical and Scientific Police (SPTC), the Civil and Military Police are mobilized to rescue the victims,' his agency said in a statement.

'Teams from the Legal Medical Institute (IML) and those responsible for collecting bodies were also sent to reinforce the work.'

Huge plumes of smoke from the crash forced residents to evacuate their homes

A vehicle from Medico-Legal Institute is seen entering the site of an airplane crash last night

The aircraft was PS-VPB, a 14-year-old ATR72-500, according to FlightRadar24.

Data from the flight tracker shows the plane lost 13,000 feet in elevation in under two minutes during the final moments of its ill-fated trip.

GPS signal cut out just before 1.30pm local time, according to the radar.

'ATR has been informed that an accident occurred in Vinhedo, Brazil involving an ATR 72-500,' a spokesman for ATR said.

'Our first thoughts are with all the individuals affected by this event. The ATR specialists are fully engaged to support both the investigation and the customer.'

Anac confirmed it is now probing the cause of the disaster.

This isn't the first time an ATR aircraft has been involved in a deadly crash.

In 1994, an ATR-72 crashed into the Atlas Mountains while climbing to 16,000 feet on a domestic flight in Morocco from Agadir to Casablanca. It was a pilot suicide and everyone on board died.

More recently, an ATR-42 crashed in 2017 after flying into severe icing conditions and losing control in Canada. All but one passenger survived.

Despite these incidents, Aimer told DailyMail.com that the ATR-72 is a relatively safe aircraft.

And these planes are not commonly used for commercial air travel in the Unites States, he said.

In the US, 'we've been very lucky that we have great training in us and safety record,' Aimer said.

'But nevertheless, we can never let our guards down. We need to do much better in the technology, safety training, and experience.'

The Brazilian Air Force reported that it has sent a team of investigators to the site.

While speaking at an event in Southern Brazil Friday afternoon, Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva called for a moment of silence for those lost in the crash.
An American traveler in Italy racked up thousands of dollars and extended her luxury vacation by agreeing to get bumped from overbooked flights.

Susan Berry found out her first flight home to Philadelphia from Naples was overbooked and took the offer from American Airlines gate agents to get a $1,200 travel voucher in exchange for flying out the next day.

The freelance photographer learned there is no limit on the amount of vouchers she can receive so she decided to test her luck and volunteered to be bumped again.

Berry ended up extending her stay in Italy by four days, collecting $3,600 in airline vouchers. Plus she got to stay at four-star hotels, transportation and three meals a day covered by American Airlines.

'The second day when I found out that there was potentially a two week opportunity to do this. That's when I started being, like, "cha-ching, cha-ching, cha-ching,"' Berry told Good Morning America.

Susan Berry racked up thousands of dollars and extended her luxury vacation in Italy by agreeing to get bumped from overbooked flights

American Airlines gate agents offered $1,200 travel vouchers in exchange for flying out the next day

'I was just getting started, so I was mentally prepared to stay for two weeks.'

Each day Berry would return to the airport with no intention of getting on her flight, instead she was hoping to cash in.

'Apparently American Airlines has overbooked the same Philadelphia flight until August 15 and they need someone to volunteer to like stand by for the flight until then and every day they get $1,200 in travel vouchers,' she said on TikTok.

'I'm at $3,600 and counting I'm trying to get up to $10,000 and then travel the world.'

She documented her experience staying at the hotels the airline put her up in calling it 'Camp American Airlines.'

Each day Berry would return to the airport with no intention of getting on her flight, instead she was hoping to reach $10,000 in travel vouchers

Some days Berry would be the only person bumped from the flight, other days she would be joined by groups of people.

At one point the gate agents began to recognize Berry and were surprised to learn she had not made it home yet.

However, on her fourth day after enjoying her breakfast the hotel the flight was finally not overbooked and Berry was sent home.

'I'm going home, they're kicking me out. You know what, I'm happy, I'll take it, I got some good travel in front of me, she said.
An Australian holidaymaker has pointed out a problem at Bali's Denpasar airport that could cause travellers to miss their flights home.

In a recent TikTok video by model Dasha Daley following a two-and-a-half week trip to Bali, she said getting out of the airport was a 'nightmare' with people lining up for two hours to get through immigration.

'People are missing their flights... and there's literally nothing you can do about it,' the Perth resident said, holding up her phone to show the gathered crowd.

The Indonesian holiday island earlier this year brought in electronic passport scanners which have significantly sped up the process for arrivals to get through immigration.

But when departing the old system is still used, which can result in long delays.

In a separate video, Ms Daley said to skip the line on arrival there a still a couple of things tourists need to do.

'When you go to Bali make sure you get a visa online and pay the tourist levy (beforehand) because there is a huge line for immigration when you land.'

For those who have done this, the process is cut down to under one minute by simply scanning their passport at the gates and walking through.

Perth woman Dasha Daley (pictured) said when leaving Denpasar airport in Bali she ran into trouble following a short holiday

She said there was a huge crowd waiting to get through immigration, many of whom were concerned they would miss their flights (pictured)

The electronic gates are available for e-Visa on Arrival (e-VOA) holders and for those from ASEAN nations with electronic passports.

There is also a recently introduced tourist tax of A$15 to help the government pay for public services and upkeep of tourist sites on the island.

The gates, which connect to international immigration databases, were brought in to ease the load as about 18,000 tourists a day arrive at the airport - up to 36,000 a day in the peak season.

Denpasar airport brought in e-gates for arrivals to speed up the process but they are not available for those departing the holiday island for other countries

Ms Daley said she talked to other travellers while waiting to leave Denpasar airport and many were 'super annoyed' they were running late to get to their flight.

She said she was just able to make her Jetstar plane but ran into another issue on the flight when she was controversially refused free water by the cabin crew.

'When you buy a bottle of water at the departure gate and they take it off you when you board as it's not allowed,' she said.

'But then also refuse to serve free water when you're suffering with Bali belly. Should be illegal.'

Ms Daley explained she'd bought the bottle of water after passing the first security checkpoint but had it confiscated at a second before she boarded the flight.

She claimed she asked flight attendants for water twice during the flight but was refused both times, despite struggling with an upset stomach.

It's understood Denpasar International Airport requires all travellers to dispose of liquid containers larger than 100ml before boarding their flight.
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She first stepped into the spotlight as the stylish Serena Van Der Woodsen in noughties hit Gossip Girl.

And Blake Lively has proved fashion is still her friend on the promotional trail for her new film, It Ends With Us, where she plays florist Lily Bloom, who moves to Boston to pursue her dream of opening her own business.

Inspired by her character, Blake, 36, has opted for several floral looks including a stunning Oscar de la Renta mini, a flowing white Vivienne Westwood dress and a Dauphinette showstopper.

Blake's incredible two-week fashion moment has no doubt been inspired by the likes of Margot Robbie and Zendaya, who have also used 'method dressing' on the promo circuit recently.

Other key moments included the New York premiere of the film, where Blake donned an incredible rainbow gem-encrusted vintage Versace, originally worn by Britney Spears.

While critical reviews for the romantic drama have so far been lukewarm, Blake's style success on the red carpet certainly won't be forgotten in a hurry. MailOnline takes a look at each outfit she has worn so far...

Blake Lively has proved fashion is still her friend on the promotional trail for her new film, It Ends With Us, where she plays florist Lily Bloom, who moves to Boston to pursue her dream of opening her own business

July 31

Blake - who styles herself and is one of few celebrities without professional help - kicked off the start of her fashion high note with three equally stunning ensembles as she stepped out in New York for various appearances.

Two of the looks worn by the star were by New York-based designer Dauphinette and included a beautiful white and blue beaded mini dress, which she teamed with a Judith Lieber toadstool clutch, designed by Katy Perry.

The second was a eye-catching dress with a pretty cherub print top half, which fanned out into an incredible feathered skirt compromising of several pastel tones.

Blake kept the attention on her gown and wore her blonde hair swept back into a low ponytail, while accessorising with a pair of bejewelled drop earrings and gem-encrusted heels.

Striking lucky a third time, Blake arrived at Live With Kelly and Mark wearing vintage Vivienne Westwood dress from 1994 with a striking floral print, which she styled with pumps and statement earrings.

Two of the looks worn by the star were by New York-based designer Dauphinette and included a beautiful white and blue beaded mini dress, which she teamed with a toadstool clutch

The second was a eye-catching dress with a pretty cherub print top half, which fanned out into an incredible feathered skirt compromising of several pastel tones

Striking lucky a third time, Blake arrived at Live With Kelly and Mark wearing a classic white halterneck dress with a striking floral print, which she styled with pumps and statement earrings

August 3

The next time Blake stepped out, she leant on old favourite Chanel for her outfit, sporting a seriously stylish floral print T-shirt and jeans, which she teamed with a glitzy flower clutch.

The mother of four revealed her denim pumps were Louboutin and she added a selection of statement costume jewels from Lorraine Schwartz and Ofira Jewelz.

The same day she was spotted on the streets of the Big Apple wearing a quirky Versace look, which included a red semi-sheer dress with a pair of matching tights in yellow.

Marking her third look of the day, Blake pulled out all of the stops in a wow factor Oscar de la Renta mini dress, which was embroidered with an array of colourful flowers.

Blake wore her hair in a high ponytail and added glittering details in the form of drop earrings and strappy heels.

Completing the day with four outfits, the Simple Favour star attended a Betty Blooms pop-up wearing another Dauphinette dress with a Pero jacket.

The hot pink pieces matching perfectly and she styled her hair in a loose boho braid, woven with fresh flowers.

The next time Blake stepped out, she leant on old favourite Chanel for her outfit, sporting a seriously stylish floral print T-shirt and jeans, which she teamed with a glitzy flower clutch

The same day she was spotted on the streets of the Big Apple wearing a quirky Versace look, which included a red semi-sheer dress with a pair of matching tights in yellow

Marking her third look of the day, Blake pulled out all of the stops in a wow factor Oscar de la Renta mini dress, which was embroidered with an array of colourful flowers

Completing the day with four outfits, the Simple Favour star attended a Betty Blooms pop-up wearing another Dauphinette dress with a Pero jacket

August 4

Stepping away from her typically elegant and feminine style, Blake opted for a racier look when she stepped out in a lingerie-flashing sheer crop top, which revealed her pink Versace bra and briefs.

The Gossip Girl alum teamed it with a pair of light rinse jeans which were decorated with pearls, while wearing her locks in loose curls and opted for a pink pallet of make-up.

The same day she was spotted in a 1970s-inspired Christopher John Rogers top and trousers, which featured eye-catching clashing patterns.

The white and black speckled long-line top was worn mostly unbuttoned and a matching jacket was added to the look, offering a flowing effect as she strutted through the streets of the city.

Stepping away from her typically elegant and feminine style, Blake opted for a racier look when she stepped out in a lingerie-flashing sheer crop top, which revealed her pink Versace bra and briefs

The same day she was spotted in a 1970s-inspired Christopher John Rogers top and trousers, which featured eye-catching clashing patterns

August 5

The following day, Blake kept to the flower theme as she cut an incredibly chic figure in a blue floral Dior suit.

The plunging co-ord was styled with Mary Jane style stilettos and another flower-style bag, while she wore her hair loose and added a pair of dangling earrings to complete the ensemble.

Sporting a further three looks throughout the day, Blake modelled another two Dauphinette outfits, which included a colourfully embroidered leather midi skirt and matching top and jacket.

Her looks took a saucy turn when she went braless in the jacket later on, ditching her top and adding a pair of on-trend long shorts and studded black heels.

Arguably Blake's most talked about look of the day was her take on Christina Aguilera's Dirrty era, as she was sighted wearing a pair of denim chaps with a PVC tank top.

She showed off her contemporary take on Western wear as she modeled a pair of jeans with leather chaps from the Stella McCartney Resort 2025 collection in the front.

The following day, Blake kept to the flower theme as she cut an incredibly chic figure in a blue floral Dior suit

Sporting a further three looks throughout the day, Blake modelled another two Dauphinette outfits, which included a colourfully embroidered leather midi skirt and matching top and jacket

Her looks took a saucy turn when she went braless in the jacket later on, ditching her top and adding a pair of on-trend long shorts and studded black heels

Arguably Blake's most talked about look of the day was her take on Christina Aguilera's Dirty video, as she was sighted wearing a pair of denim chaps with a PVC tank top

August 6

Blake took inspiration from another celebrity at the New York premiere of the film the next day, when she took to the red carpet wearing a $10,000 vintage Versace dress, originally worn by Britney Spears.

The blonde beauty wore the same dazzling colourful sequin look that Britney, now 42, wore to a 2002 Versace show in Milan, Italy, before Blake scooped it up in a vintage store.

The dazzling number features a nude-toned underlay and is covered in beautiful pastel-colored stones, which she paired with pieces from Lorraine Schwartz Fine Jewelry.

Following the New York premiere, Blake brought Barbie chic to the afterparty as she arrived in a stunning pink lace corset mini dress, which was also from Versace.

Blake, who recently launched haircare brand Blake Brown, styled her dress with a pair of glizy pink strappy shoes, drop earrings and in a nod to her character, added a rose-shaped clutch bag.

Blake took inspiration from another celebrity at the New York premiere of the film the next day, when she took to the red carpet wearing a $10,000 vintage Versace dress, originally worn by Britney Spears

Following the New York premiere, Blake brought Barbie chic to the afterparty as she arrived in a stunning pink lace corset mini dress, which was also from Versace

August 8

On Thursday, Blake went braless under an oversized white suit with floral embroidery as she took to the red carpet, but giggled when she was forced to pulled her jacket closed.

While the star looked cool and composed for most of the press call, she hadn't banked on a gust of wind which whipped her hair up around her face and blew her jacket open.

Blake paired her look with strappy green stilettos and chunky jewellery and accessorised with huge circular earrings and left her blonde wavy hair fall around her shoulders.

Blake made sure to secure the front to stop a wardrobe malfunction and continued to smile and laugh while posing alongside her co-stars.

After stunning in the statement suit, Blake then changed into an all white lacy outfit.

She paid a visit to the BBC Studios in the heart of London wearing a white mini skirt and matching jacket with large white flowers.

She added white lace tights and white heels with large flower buckles to her look and swept her hair back into a half-up-half-down 'do.

She finished off her outfit change with large white drop earrings and chunky silver sings as she posed outside the broadcasting landmark.

Blake switched up her look once more as she left BBC Studios wrapped up in a grey trench with 3D flowers.

Blake went braless under an oversized white suit with floral embroidery as she took to the red carpet, but giggled when she was forced to pulled her jacket closed

After stunning in the statement suit, Blake then changed into an all white lacy outfit

Blake switched up her look once more as she left BBC Studios wrapped up in a grey trench with 3D flowers

She slipped into a silver Tamara Ralph FW24 Couture gown and feathered red cape for the London premiere
For many Hollywood couples whose marriages hit the rocks, the immediate future typically features hours of bitter divorce proceedings and the possibility of a lengthy custody battles.

However, a small handful of names have avoided the pain of a nasty split, instead spending the aftermath jetting away together for a family holiday.

Proving that not all celebrity splits need to be filled with drama, stars including Bradley Cooper and Gwyneth Paltrow have enjoyed so-called 'divor-cations' with their former spouses.

While these breaks are typically so that children involved can spend quality time with both parents, they also show that not-all marriages have to end on bad terms.

MailOnline takes a look at some of the friendly showbiz exes who have jetted off together for post-split getaways...

Irina Shayk and Bradley Cooper

Irina Shayk and Bradley Cooper are among a string of celebrity exes who have jetted off for post-split breaks together, enjoying a trip to The Bahamas in 2022

The pair split in 2019, but have continued to co-parent their daughter Lea, enjoying a family trip to Venice together in 2023

Since their split in 2019, Bradley and Irina have continued to be the picture of friendly exes, with both settling into co-parenting their daughter Lea, seven.

In 2022, the pair even sparked rumours of a reconciliation after the model shared a slew of holiday snaps of them during a family trip to the Bahamas.

In a gallery of snaps posted on Instagram, one image showed a bikini-clad Irina and Bradley happily posing together, and she captioned with a heart emoji.

The following year, the pair then enjoyed a family trip to Venice with their daughter Lea, and at the time a source told DailyMail.com that Irina's then-boyfriend Tom Brady was 'not one bit jealous' about her close relationship with ex Bradley.

Irina and Bradley are such close co-parents that they have made sure to live just blocks apart in New York in order to raise their daughter.

'He's a full-on, hands-on dad - no nanny,' Irina told Highsnobiety. 'Lea went on holiday with him for almost two weeks - I didn't call them once.'

Following their famous 'conscious uncoupling' in 2014, Chris and Gwyneth have enjoyed numerous family breaks together (pictured in 2015)

Following their famous 'conscious uncoupling' in 2014, Chris and Gwyneth have enjoyed numerous family breaks together.

In 2017, the pair were pictured enjoying a luxury yacht break to Cannes together, three years after they parted ways.

Two years later, Gwyneth and Chris enjoyed another holiday together with their respective partners, Brad Falchuk and Dakota Johnson, with all four stars pictured relaxing on the beach together in The Hamptons.

In 2019 it was claimed that Gwyneth also intervened when the couple hit a rocky patch and convinced them to reconcile.

A source told Us Weekly at the time: 'Gwyneth is the one who pushed them to do it. Gwyneth is happy if Chris is happy, she only wants the best for him.'

The former couple are supportive of one another's new romances, with Chris even joining Gwyneth, their children, and her new spouse on a family vacation for her and Brad's honeymoon.

When reports emerged this year that Dakota and Chris were engaged, Gwyneth is said to have given her blessing to the pair.

She previously said of Dakota: 'We're actually very good friends. I love her so much. She's an adorable, wonderful person.'

In 2020, she once again spoke about Dakota, saying: 'I can see how it would seem weird because it's sort of unconventional. But I think, in this case, just having passed through it iteratively, I just adore her.'

Ben and Jennifer shocked Hollywood back in 2015 when they announced their marriage was over, and they opted to weather the storm with a holiday to The Bahamas

'The family felt it was important to be together and they were together. The family is united and, no matter what, will protect the kids,' a insider told PEOPLE at the time

Ben and Jennifer shocked Hollywood back in 2015 when they announced their marriage was over after 10 years together.

Just days later, the pair opted to jet off to the Bahamas with their three children to wade out the storm, and appeared visibly tense during the break.

'The family felt it was important to be together and they were together. The family is united and, no matter what, will protect the kids,' a insider told PEOPLE at the time.

In later years, Ben opened up about his co-parenting relationship with his ex Jennifer, telling the publication: 'I'm very grateful and respectful of her. Our marriage didn't work, and that's difficult.

'Both of us really believe that it's important for kids to see their parents respect one another and get along, whether they're together or not.'

In recent months, sources have claimed that Jennifer has been a 'counsellor' to Ben as his marriage to Jennifer Lopez hit the rocks, with rumours swirling that the pair are set to file for divorce in a matter of days.

Kourtney Kardashian and Scott Disick

Since splitting in 2015, Kourtney and Scott have continued to maintain their strong family unit, with the latter also staying close pals with the rest of the Kardashian clan (pictured in 2013)

In 2019, Kourtney flew to Finland with her three children to celebrate her 40th birthday, with Scott and his then-girlfriend Sofia Richie joining them

Since splitting in 2015, Kourtney and Scott have continued to maintain their strong family unit, with the latter also staying close pals with the rest of the Kardashian clan.

In 2019, Kourtney flew to Finland with her three children to celebrate her 40th birthday, with Scott and his then-girlfriend Sofia Richie joining them.

Weeks after the trip, Kourtney set tongues wagging when she posted a cryptic message on her Instagram Stories.

'Sometimes the universe will send an ex back into your life just to see if you are still a stupid heaux,' read the quote, which is from 'Trap Yoga Bae' Britteny Floyd-Mayo.

Kourtney and Scott also took their family on a trip to Mexico in 2018 and at the time a fan declared the break was an example of 'co-parenting done right.'

Sister Khloe then proceeded to give the praise her seal of approval, writing: 'Beyond proud of all of them!!!! This is LOVE!! Your children before anything else!! All amazing adults right right!!!'

Kourtney went onto tie the knot with Blink-182 drummer Travis Scott, and they welcomed their first child, son Rocky, in November 2023.

Kate Hudson and Matthew Bellamy

Kate Hudson was previously engaged to Muse frontman Matthew Bellamy from 2011 to 2014, and despite ending their relationship, they've enjoyed multiple holidays together

Of their friendly relationship, Kate previously told Wine Enthusiast: 'Were family for the rest of our lives, we have a beautiful baby and we love making wine. Well continue doing it'

Kate was previously engaged to Muse frontman Matthew from 2011 to 2014, and they share son Bingham.

However, while the pair sadly called off their engagement, they've remained on friendly terms, and were pictured enjoying a family vacation on the Grecian isle of Skiathos in 2021.

A source told PEOPLE at the time: 'They blend in with other families and honeymooners.

'They are very focused on the kids and making it fun for them.'

Of their friendly relationship, Kate previously told Wine Enthusiast: 'Were family for the rest of our lives, we have a beautiful baby and we love making wine. Well continue doing it.'

Matt married his wife Elle in 2019, and the couple welcomed their second child together, son George, in May 2024.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has declined to approve what would have been the first federally regulated psychedelic drug for medical treatment, MDMA, following trials on its use to treat PTSD. Manuel Balce Ceneta/Associated Press

In a setback to the movement to mainstream psychedelics for medical use, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has declined to approve what would have been the first federally regulated psychedelic drug for medical treatment.

The therapy in question uses psychotherapy and MDMA, more commonly known as ecstasy or molly, to treat post-traumatic stress disorder, which affects millions of Americans and is difficult to manage with antidepressants and conventional therapy.

The company that sought approval for the therapy, Lykos Therapeutics of San Jose, announced the decision in a news release Friday. The FDA cited insufficient data and asked for further study on safety and efficacy, according to the announcement. Lykos said it plans to request a meeting with the agency to ask for reconsideration of the decision.

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The FDAs decision to request another Phase 3 study is a major setback for the field, said Jennifer Mitchell, a UCSF neuroscientist who led the clinical trial, sponsored by Lykos, that was cited in the FDA application.

The clinical trial data showed that about 70% of people who received MDMA no longer met the diagnosis criteria for PTSD by the end of the trial. By comparison, about 40% of the placebo group no longer met the criteria by the end of the trial. The trial participants had moderate or severe PTSD.

Lykos CEO Amy Emerson called the FDAs decision deeply disappointing.

While conducting another Phase 3 study would take several years, we still maintain that many of the requests that had been previously discussed with the FDA and raised at the advisory committee meeting can be addressed with existing data, post-approval requirements or through reference to the scientific literature, Emerson said.

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In June, the FDAs advisory committee of independent experts had raised concerns about effectiveness and trial design, and rejected the companys application. That was a signal the full FDA, which typically adopts the committees recommendations, would likely decline to approve the therapy.

MDMA has been an illegal drug under federal law since 1985, since the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration classified it as a Schedule 1 drug  which means the federal government considers it to have high potential for abuse and no known medical use. LSD is also a Schedule 1 drug. For decades, this classification made it hard for scientists to study the compounds for therapeutic use.

But in recent years, there has been a resurgence in psychedelics research, including studies on potential therapeutic benefits of psilocybin, the compound found in mushrooms.

Mitchell, of UCSF, said she hopes the setback is temporary.

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Sydney Sweeney looked like she had just stepped off a Paris runway in a dreamy ensemble from Chloe as she headed to a meeting in Beverly Hills.

The Anyone But You actress, 26, wore a rich cream-colored, flouncy mini dress covered by a tan capelet in a coordinating shade.

When Sydney  whose cell phone was recently hacked  took the capelet off and turned around, the full beauty of the dress could be seen including a triangle-shaped cutout on her back, just below where her long blonde hair ended.

Over-the-knee black, stiletto-heeled boots and a large, designer black handbag completed her sartorial statement.

The Euphoria star wore her hair in long, loose, beachy waves and her makeup was flawlessly sun-kissed and professional.

Sydney Sweeney looked like she had just stepped off a Paris runway in a dreamy ensemble from Chloe as she headed to a meeting in Beverly Hills

Sydney recently revealed her feelings about returning to the role of Cassie in Euphoria after a three-year break, during which her stardom exploded.

'I mean, this is my first time doing something like this.

'We did have a long time between season 1 and season 2, but especially now with the time jump, it's a new process for me,' she said in an interview with Cosmopolitan.

'I'm kind of just learning as I go and being open for whatever's to come. But I'm also really excited  I love Cassie.

'She is always such a thrilling character to play, so I'm really looking forward to what's gonna happen in her life,' she added.

The third season of Euphoria is scheduled to begin production in January 2025 and the Madame Web actress dished on what she was looking forward to the most.

'I've always said that it feels like Im coming home to my family. They were the crew and the cast that were there at the beginning of my career,' she said referring to Zendaya, Jacob Elordi, Hunter Schafer, Maude Apatow and more.

'We all came up from different places but came together and were navigating so much at the same time, so its really nice having that core group,' she said.

'Theyre experiencing a similarity to what Im going through. Its nice to have that community,' The White Lotus star explained.

When she took the capelet off and turned around, the full beauty of the dress could be seen including a triangle-shaped cutout on her back, just below where her long blonde hair ended

The Anyone But You actress, 26, wore a rich cream-colored, flouncy mini dress covered by a tan capelet in a coordinating shade

Sydney recently revealed her feelings about returning to the role of Cassie in Euphoria after a three-year break, during which her stardom exploded.

But before she steps back into the role of Cassie she has another formidable role to step into.

Sydney is starring in the remake of Barbarella and stepping into the boots made famous in the 1968 film by Jane Fonda.

She talked about the iconic role and her upcoming 27th birthday, saying: 'Ive always felt like an old soul, so Ive never really looked at my birthday age as something big.

'I just set goals for myself and whether I hit them at 27, 28, or 29, if I keep working toward those goals, Im proud of myself and happy.'
Ella Ding has addressed where her friendship stands with her former co-star and co-host Domenica Calarco after they pulled the plug on their Sit With Us podcast.

Earlier this week, the former Married At First Sight stars revealed in a shock statement - posted from Dom's account - that they have decided not to continue their popular show.

Days after the announcement, 30-year-old Ella took to her Instagram Stories to share her own personal view and shut down reports of a feud between her and Dom.

'I wanted to make my personal comment on the Sit With Us podcast and how, yes, it has come to an end,' she said in a video.

'It's not a sad thing, it's not a bad thing. It's a positive. It's exciting.'

'But just want to say here that there is no issues with Dom and I. There is no problems. It is just a chapter closing, and that is okay! And all good things do come to an end.

Ella then addressed her fans and thanked them for their support over the last two years.

'Thank you so much for your support, your love, your loyalty, your trust and coming on board from, I mean, two years ago. It feels like I was just a kid. It's just crazy. And now we're adults,' she added.

Ella Ding (pictured) has addressed where her friendship stands with her former co-star and co-host Domenica Calarco after they pulled the plug on their Sit With Us podcast

'We're both evolved, and we both changed so much.'

The reality star assured fans that she has more exciting opportunities for herself and teased her upcoming projects.

'It's crazy to think that it is coming to an end, but it is really exciting,' Ella continued.

'There is some really exciting, cool things that I have been working on for quite some time that are coming really soon. And don't be surprised to see my face pop up somewhere, really. But love you guys!'

Domenica shared the news to their official Facebook page on Wednesday alongside a heartfelt explanation.

Earlier this week, the former Married At First Sight stars revealed in a shock statement - posted from Dom's account - that they have decided not to continue their popular show

'As I sit down to write this, my heart is filled with gratitude for each and every one of you,' she began.

'Ella and I have come to a joint decision: it is the right time for Sit With Us to come to an end.

'This decision was not made lightly, and it comes with a mix of emotions. We have loved every moment, and ending this chapter is bittersweet.

'However, we believe it is the best step forward for both of us,' she continued.

'We think it is the right time now to move on with our own solo projects and explore new opportunities that lie ahead.'

Domenica concluded the message with an optimistic outlook for the future.

'I am excited for what the future holds and am committed to continuing this journey online with the same passion and dedication that has brought us this far,' she said.

The shock announcement comes just weeks after Daily Mail Australia revealed that Abbie Chatfield and Brittany Hockley's podcasts could be among those in danger of getting axed amid rumours listeners are sick of hearing 'absurd' content from ex-reality TV contestants and them whinge about 'rich girl problems'.

Domenica shared the news to their official Facebook page on Wednesday in a heartfelt explanation

A whole host of former reality TV stars and Aussie celebrities have been jumping on bandwagon and setting up their own podcasts in recent years, but it has been claimed they aren't all thriving.

The Bachelor star Abbie, 29, hosts LiSTNR It's A Lot Podcast, where she talks about everything from her relationships to politics and feminism.

Meanwhile, Brittany and her best friend Laura Byrne often dish on their personal lives and pop culture on their LifeUncut podcast with iHeart.

Insiders have claimed the Australian podcast scene could be in for a huge shake-up, pointing to those hosted by celebrities.

'There are whispers inside three of the biggest podcasting platforms in Australia that changes are going to be made - with one category currently under the microscope,' a radio insider exclusively told Daily Mail Australia after tracking podcasts' popularity across LiSTNR, Nova Podcast and iHeart Radio.

'It would appear that ex-reality stars who have pivoted to podcasting are facing the chop right across the Australian Radio Industry.'

A whole host of former reality TV stars and Aussie celebrities have been jumping on bandwagon and setting up their own podcasts in recent years, but it has been claimed they aren't all thriving. Pictured: Ella Ding and Domenica Calarco at Glamour On The Grid 2024

'The long list of ex-reality TV stars that launched podcasts over the last four years are facing the chop with numbers decreasing for Abbie Chatfield, Brittney Hockley and Laura Bryne,' another source added.

It has been claimed that it is 'well-known internally' that many producers no longer want to work on the long list of celebrity podcasts across Australia.

Producers also criticised the 'absurd' content on many celebrity gossip podcasts.

'The content on these shows is mind numbingly absurd,' a former programming director claimed.

'I don't know if I am more annoyed by knowing what toilet paper they use or if I am annoyed by their self entitled rich girl problems.'

Podcasters with 'extreme views' are also said to be putting off listeners while there have also been problems with fact-checking on some of the gossip podcasts.

It comes as Domenica gave an update on her mental health, sharing that she had come off her antidepressants for the first time in 15 years.

She recently took Instagram to share a video from her recent 21-day stay at a private mental health facility in New South Wales.

Dom has spoken openly about her mental health struggles after suffering a 'major depressive episode' and then detailed her medication changes.

She gave an insight into her 'tough' medication journey and told how she was coming off sertraline after feeling like the antidepressant wasn't working anymore.

Sertraline is an antidepressant that belongs to a group of medicines called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), which increase the amount of serotonin in the brain.

Domenica explained that her doctor was weaning her off sertraline for the first time in 15 years to 'transition' to a new antidepressant - which she has since started.

'So this is the reality of changing medication,' she shared. 'Last night, my doctor, we had a meeting and we wanted to try and see if my old medication that I was on was actually working.

'I just have felt for a while now that it hasn't been working, so I was like I think we need to transition to something new. So that's what we're doing.'

Domenica recently returned to Instagram after visiting a mental health ward to 'heal, reflect and gain a better understanding of herself' after 'spiralling into a deep depression'.
Blueface was sentenced to four years in prison on Friday for violating his probation.

The rapper, 27, who was born Johnathan Porter, was given the maximum sentence after being found with drug paraphernalia, violating the terms of his 2021 probation, TMZ reported.

His father Johnathan confirmed the news in a tearful video on social media after supporting his son in court.

'You can probably tell the results by the way I look,' he said in a clip shared by TMZ, before letting out a scream. 'They gave him four years. Stay strong.'

His mom Karlissa also addressed fans, 'If you were in the courtroom, you heard Johnathan take accountability, you heard Johnathan sound like Johnathan.

Blueface, who was born Johnathan Porter, was given the maximum sentence after being found with drug paraphernalia, violating the terms of his 2021 probation

His father Johnathan confirmed the news in a tearful video on social media after supporting his son in court

'He's in his right frame of mind,' she continued. 'We didn't get the verdict that we wanted today, but we got some closure.

'We got new beginnings, and we're all hopeful for this to go by smooth and quickly.'

Blueface's manager Wack 100 expressed optimism that the rapper will get out much sooner than four years, ideally within a year.

He estimated that Blueface gets credit for 440 days served, and the State of California will ideally make him serve only one-third of the remaining sentence.

'He got four years, 400-something days off,' said Johnathan. 'Comes down to three years, he go to state he'll be home in nine to 10 months.'

Blueface was on probation for September 2021 assault charges following an altercation with a nightclub bouncer in Los Angeles.

The Find the Beat artist also had probation following a plea deal for a 2022 Las Vegas strip club shooting.

In January, Blueface was given six months in county jail for another probation violation after shoving a fan to the ground during a performance and telling his entourage, 'Get her!'

Two weeks later, a Las Vegas judge ordered him to turn himself in while already incarcerated, having violated his probation there as well.

Blueface's manager Wack 100 expressed optimism that the rapper will get out much sooner than four years, ideally within a year

Blueface was on probation for September 2021 assault charges following an altercation with a nightclub bouncer in Los Angeles

Blueface's sentencing comes after his girlfriend Chrisean Rock was extradited to Northeast Oklahoma Community Corrections Center this week over allegations she possessed dangerous controlled substances with intent to sell.

He and Rock, 24, share 11-month-old son Chrisean Jesus Jr.
Katie Price has broken her silence on social media and urged people to 'be kind' after a whirlwind 24 hours which saw the former glamour model in court.

The reality star, 46, appeared at the Royal Courts of Justice on Friday following her high-profile arrest at Heathrow Airport on Thursday, after failing to attend bankruptcy proceedings.

Just hours after her court appearance, Katie took to her Instagram stories to repost a message of support which was initially posted by Jedward.

The X Factor stars jumped to the defence of their pal and shared some pictures of the trio together, as well as a paragraph of text.

They wrote: 'Everyone please be kind to Katie Price. It's a delicate situation and she deserves support and love.

Katie Price has broken her silence on social media and urged people to 'be kind' after a whirlwind 24 hours that saw the former glamour model appear in court

Just hours after her court appearance, Katie took to her Instagram stories to repost a message of support which was initially posted by Jedward

'Please be sensitive, she's a human and mum with a massive heart and deserves respect. Sending strength to her kids and family.'

A second post that followed, continued: 'A true icon that has been through a lot we all need to lift her up in this fragile time!

'No one else could deal with the pressure and scrutiny! Let's all surround Katie with Love.'

The former glamour model seemed to agree with the kind message and quickly reshared it with her own 2.7 million followers.

During the hearing, Deputy Insolvency and Companies Court Judge Daniel Schaffer ordered the model to give an 'undertaking' to the court that she would attend a further hearing to face questions over her finances on August 27 at 10.30am.

He said: 'You have to attend that date, no ifs or buts, no going abroad, no holidays.'

Katie confirmed she understood she must attend and later said: 'I will move my diary for it.'

The X Factor stars jumped to the defence of their pal and shared some pictures of the trio together, as well as a paragraph of text

Her court appearance comes after an arrest warrant was issued by a judge after she failed to attend a hearing relating to her enormous 760,000 debt

Katie's dramatic arrest came after she skipped a bankruptcy hearing for a 10,000 facelift in Turkey

Katie's dramatic arrest came after she skipped a bankruptcy hearing for a 10,000 facelift in Turkey.

The former glamour model was remanded in custody at a West London police station and bailed a few hours later by an out-of-hours magistrate, ahead of her court appearance on Friday morning.

She turned up on foot through the main entrance wearing a beige outfit and black head covering to conceal her injuries caused by the facelift.

Judge Schaffer discharged the arrest warrant issued against her on July 30 by a different judge after she failed to attend a previous hearing.

The warrant was originally issued by a judge after she failed to attend a hearing relating to her enormous 760,000 debt.

Katie previously said she was 'not running from matters', but was 'away working for a documentary on corrective surgeries' during the court hearing.

In a now-deleted statement on Instagram, Katie wrote: 'I am aware that I am about to be detained at the airport which is obviously what the courts feel is necessary.

'I do hope of course for my son's sake who is with me that they will allow some dignity and protection for at least his sake as this will be extremely disturbing for him to see. Whilst I understand the importance and severity of the matter I do feel like I am being treated like a criminal.'

Katie was remanded in custody at a west London police station and bailed a few hours later, ahead of her court appearance on Friday morning

The mother-of-five, who lives in Sussex, failed to appear in front of a judge on July 30 as a part her 760,000 bankruptcy court proceedings and instead flew to Turkey on holiday for her sixth facelift while staying at a 133-a-night five-star hotel.

Katie was aware she would be detained at the airport but had asked police that they 'allow some dignity and protection' for Harvey, claiming it would be 'extremely disturbing for him to see'.

In a statement posted to Instagram earlier this week, Katie claimed she had been in Turkey filming a documentary.

Discussing her son Harvey, the model asked authorities 'allow some dignity and protection for at least his sake as this will be extremely disturbing for him to see'.

While acknowledging the 'severity' of the matter, Katie said she was being treated 'like a criminal' and declared the 'unfortunate financial circumstance' did not make her a 'criminal or bad person'.
Australian comedian Jim Jefferies has addressed his confronting encounter with a heckler last week.

The 47-year-old funnyman was doing a show in Perth on the first date of his Give 'Em What They Want tour when the man was removed by security after causing a stir.

Appearing on Channel Ten's The Project on Friday, Jefferies joked that the man was under the influence of an illicit substance.

'We get hecklers at every show,' the outspoken comedian said during the interview.

'It just so happens that that fellow was on ice... I could sugar coat it.'

Jefferies then joked: '[Ice] actually does look like sugar doesn't it?'

In a more serious vein, the 1% Club host then explained he was not sure what 'set him off'.

Jefferies said the incident began straight after he was making a joke about the US Presidential elections.

Jim Jefferies has opened up about his confronting encounter with a heckler last week. The 47-year-old funnyman was doing a show in Perth when the man was removed by security after causing a stir

During the gag, Jefferies name dropped Donald Trump, President Joe Biden and Vice-President Kamala Harris and he then heard a voice in the crowd yell: 'pick a side'.

Jefferies said he then saw the man stand up - and fall over face first. When the heckler returned to his feet, the Aussie fan favourite said he saw blood on his face.

The furious heckler then had to removed by security from HBF Stadium after he made a move toward the stage where Jefferies was performing.

Radio host Robbie Von Klitzing, who filmed the incident on his phone and posted it to social media, said while it started off funny, it quickly went downhill.

'Jim Jefferies, he was making some gags about Donald Trump, Joe Biden and Kamala Harris,' he said.

Shocking footage captured the moment Australian comedian and TV host Jim Jefferies' jokes about American politicians, including Donald Trump and Joe Biden, provoked an angry response from one audience member

The man (pictured) yelled 'pick a side' at Jefferies after the comedian name dropped Donald Trump, President Joe Biden and Vice-President Kamala Harris in a joke about the U.S. presidential elections

'And for some reason, this is the point where someone in the audience actually took issue - and all of a sudden we can just hear in the background, some guy yelling 'F's' and 'C's' and we looked around, he's standing up, he's pointing, he's going nuts!'

Jefferies then launched into a verbal response to the heckler, which only served to further inflame the situation.

The veteran comedian then decided the best way to calm things down was to give the agitated man some time to vent his rage.

But the man picked that moment to suddenly stay silent.

'So this guy had his 10 seconds, didn't say anything and then Jim started unleashing again,' Von Klitzing said.

'And this guy in the crowd started walking towards the stage... He was going to punch on with Jim Jefferies, given the chance.'

Jefferies has been punched twice by hecklers, one of which was caught on camera in 2007 at Manchester's The Comedy Store in now-infamous footage (pictured)

Security then intervened before the man got close enough to get physical, and removed him from the venue.

'He just barrelled him and the guy just got dragged out by security. It was unbelievable!' Von Klitzing said.

As the man was being shown to the door, Jefferies had another go at him, saying 'When you can afford to have 10 bodyguards, you can f***ing fight me. I've got more protection than f***ing Trump's son!'

It's not the first time audience members have tried to punch Jefferies for doing what they paid to see him do - tell jokes.

The first two people to do so succeeded, with one being caught on camera doing so at The Comedy Store in Manchester, England in 2007.

'If you Google 'Jim Jefferies punched', you will see what people do with me when they heckle,' he told Natalie Barr and Matt Shirvington on Sunrise in May.

'I've actually been punched on stage twice, but it's only been caught on film once. I'm not the best (at dealing with hecklers),' he said.

There was a lot of support online for Jefferies after the latest objection to his jokes.

'Paying hundreds of dollars to attend a comedy show then taking offence to a joke! More money than sense,' wrote one.

'Why are Trump supporters so violent,' another asked. 'Is it an educational problem because Trump says he loves the poorly educated. Or is it an emotional problem?

'Anyway that fool paid good money to see a show and then the genius got himself kicked out.'

Jefferies' tour is continuing to Newcastle, Wollongong, Sydney, Canberra, Brisbane and Townsville.
George Clooney is enjoying a romantic Italian evening with his wife.

The Academy Award winner, 63, was spotted sharing a kiss with Amal Clooney as they enjoyed an intimate dinner on Thursday at Villa d'Este in Lake Como.

They were seen sharing more PDA while deep in conversation at the five-star hotel.

George owns a home in the village of Laglio, where he's frequently vacationed with his attorney wife, 46, over the years.

The actor also recently spent time in Tuscany, filming Noah Baumbach and Emily Mortimer's new film Jay Kelly.

George Clooney was spotted sharing a kiss with wife Amal Clooney as they enjoyed an intimate dinner on Thursday at Villa d'Este in Lake Como

George owns a home in the village of Laglio, where he's frequently vacationed with his attorney wife, 46, over the years

The star-studded Netflix film also features Adam Sandler, Laura Dern, Billy Crudup, Isla Fisher, Greta Gerwig, Patrick Wilson and more.

Although plot details are not yet known, Netflix has described the movie as a 'funny and emotional coming-of-age film about adults,' set for release in 2025.

George previously celebrated his 63rd birthday with Sandler, 57, on the set of the movie as fans wished him a happy birthday.

The Ocean's Eleven star showed off his Italian, telling them, 'sono vecchio', which translates to, 'I am old.'

This summer, George is also set to film an upcoming thriller drama series for Paramount+ in London.

George directs the adaptation of Eric Rochant's French show The Bureau, which will star Michael Fassbender.

'These rather posh streets will provide the backdrop for the thriller, which sees a spy return home from working in the field only to struggle to readjust to life,' reads a synopsis shared by The Sun.

'It's likely to have a similar feel to the TV and movie versions of Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy, which also delved into the world of espionage in London.'

Next year, George is set to make his Broadway debut in the stage adaptation of his 2005 film Good Night, and Good Luck.

They were seen sharing more PDA while deep in conversation at the five-star hotel

Earlier this year, George and Amal reportedly moved to the South of France after their Oxfordshire, UK mansion was impacted by flooding

The couple, who tied the knot in 2014, shares 7-year-old twins, son Alexander and Ella

'I am honored, after all these years, to be coming back to the stage and especially to Broadway, the art form and the venue that every actor aspires to,' he told People in a statement in May.

Earlier this year, George and Amal reportedly moved to the South of France after their Oxfordshire, UK mansion was impacted by flooding.

The couple, who tied the knot in 2014, shares 7-year-old twins, son Alexander and Ella.
Former Australian politician Julie Bishop has confirmed her long-rumoured new romance following months of speculation.

Ms Bishop, 68, who was Australia's foreign minister from 2013 to 2018, was spotted packing on the PDA with boyfriend Stephen Gray as they arrived at Sydney Airport on Friday.

She shared a kiss with Mr Gray, who hails from Perth, as they stood near the Qantas desk with their luggage.

Looking extremely stylish, the unofficial 'Minister for Fashion' wore a chic black and gold Camilla double-breasted blazer worth $1,300.

She paired her look with smart black trousers and heeled boots.

The one-time deputy leader of the Liberal Party rocked her signature blonde feathered-out hairdo and accessorised with gold drop earrings and a necklace.

Ms Bishop was also seen carrying a black suitcase and a beige carry-on bag.

Mr Gray opted for more casual attire, but showed off his expensive taste by wearing a blue shirt layered with a navy Canada Goose vest worth $1,100.

Former Australian politician Julie Bishop has confirmed her long-rumoured new romance following months of speculation

He completed his look with light brown trousers and black leather boots.

Ms Bishop and Mr Gray appear to have been an item for more than a year, after she 'soft-launched' him on her social media accounts back in July 2023.

Earlier this year, they travelled to South Australia for a 'fabulous Outback adventure'.

In a video shared to her Instagram page, Ms Bishop put together a montage of images and video clips from their holiday and tagged Mr Gray.

Ms Bishop, 68, who was Australia's foreign minister from 2013 to 2018, was spotted packing on the PDA with boyfriend Stephen Gray as they arrived at Sydney Airport on Friday

She shared a kiss with Mr Gray, who hails from Perth , as they stood near the Qantas desk with their luggage

One video showed the couple posing together beside a small aircraft.

'Great Southern Land. Thank you @quondong_oakbank_stations for our fabulous outback adventure - 350ks from Adelaide on a 1477sq kms Merino station,' she captioned her post.

Little is known about Mr Gray, whose Instagram account is private with only 60 followers.

The couple shared an animated conversation as they made their way through the airport

Ms Bishop looked extremely stylish from her flight

The unofficial 'Minister for Fashion' wore a chic Camilla double-breasted blazer worth $1,300

The lovebirds were all smiles as they jetted into Sydney

The news of her new romance comes almost two years after David Panton, 62, allegedly dumped Ms Bishop over dinner in Sydney in July 2022, putting an end to their eight-year relationship.

During their partnership, Ms Bishop took Mr Panton to the United Nations to meet world leaders, Buckingham Palace to hobnob with British royalty and to the White House where he met Donald and Melania Trump.

The pair first stepped out publicly in 2014, and were pictured at countless celebrity events over the years including the 2018 wedding of Karl Stefanovic and Jasmine Yarbrough.

They had appeared to be going strong when they recently visited St James' Palace in London for an event honouring Prince Charles' charity.

The pair continued to remain close as they exited the airport and were ushered to a vehicle

Ms Bishop and Mr Gray appear to have been an item for over a year

The ex-politician debuted him on her social media back in July 2023

Little is known about Mr Gray (pictured) whose Instagram account is private with only 60 close-knit followers

Ms Bishop was understood to have been 'blindsided' by the sudden breakdown of her relationship, sources close to the former politician said.

Daily Mail Australia understands she had been finding more ways to be in Sydney with Mr Panton.

Ms Bishop emerged for the first time since the split smiling happily for photos at a Perth mining conference on July 11, 2023, although insiders said she was hurting in the wake of the bust-up and was shocked at the way he'd pulled the pin so suddenly.

Mr Gray showed off his expensive taste with a navy Canada Goose vest worth $1,100

The news of her new romance comes almost two years after David Panton, 62, allegedly dumped Ms Bishop over dinner in Sydney in July 2022, putting an end to their eight-year relationship

Another source close to Ms Bishop was slightly less diplomatic about the sudden end to the affair, hinting that Mr Panton's presence in her inner circle 'divided' some of her friends and colleagues.

But 'JBish', as she was referred to in Canberra, remained smitten.

'Let's just say a there are a few who might be relieved that it's over,' said one, adding: 'His personality didn't always gel with everyone.'

Mr Panton met Ms Bishop while she was in the midst of her political career, serving as Australia's Minister of Foreign Affairs.

The pair maintained a long-distance relationship for years, with Ms Bishop based in Perth while he lived in Sydney.

Mr Panton has now moved on with 39-year-old Genevieve Anderson.

Ms Bishop was understood to have been 'blindsided' by the sudden breakdown of her relationship, sources close to the former politician said

Mr Panton met Ms Bishop while she was in the midst of her political career, serving as Australia's Minister of Foreign Affairs. The pair maintained a long-distance relationship for years, with Ms Bishop based in Perth while he lived in Sydney
Scott Cam has some advice for future contestants looking to make a fortune on Channel Nine's ratings juggernaut The Block.

The 61-year-old, who has hosted the show for two decades, said if Blockheads don't want to be left empty handed when it was time to put their homes under the hammer they ought to be renovating for the market and not themselves.

Cam was speaking out after last year's controversial season of The Block saw House 2 pass in when it failed to meet the reserve price of $2.97million.

Blockheads Leah and Ash Milton finally sold their reno for $3.125million four months after The Block's finale in November.

As the 20th anniversary of the hit reality show gets set to drop on Monday, Cam was frank about where he thought the 2023 contestants went wrong.

'There were reasons why last year houses didn't do well: the kitchen was too small, too awkward,' the TV veteran told news.com.au.

He added that Blockheads should not be stamping the homes with their personal touches in terms of 'taste' and character.

'[It's] madness,' he added, 'They're not going to live in it.'

Scott Cam (pictured) has revealed why last year's Block auction did not work out well for some contestants

Real estate guru Shelly Craft agreed, adding her own criticism about the way recent Blockheads have approached the contest.

'In the industry, you're either building for selling  flipping  or you're building your family home. They're two specific ways of renovating,' she told the publication.

'And I think some of the contestants get a little bit lost in the fact that there is so much amazing product available to them, they want to put everything in the one house and that's a little bit overwhelming for a family that just wants to buy a family home.'

The 61-year-old, who has hosted The Block for two decades, told News.com if Blockheads don't want to be left empty handed when it was time to put their homes under the hammer they ought to be renovating for the market - and not themselves. Pictured; The Block cast 2024

Kristy and Brett's House 3 was another of the reno's from 2023 that got a disappointing result.

Entering the auction with a reserve of $2,970,000, it went under the hammer for $3,035,000, leaving the Blockheads with a mere $65,000 profit.

Fan favourites Gian and Steph walked away smiling, however, when they sold their property for a whopping $5million, which netted them $100,000 in prize money and a profit of $1,650,000.

Meanwhile, fans can look forward to plenty of excitement when the hit renovation show drops on Monday.

A new teaser has revealed baby drama is set to throw Nine's 20th anniversary season on Phillip Island into turmoil.

The preview shows new Blockhead Haydn, 37, getting an emergency call from his partner just as things on the building site are heating up.

After learning his girlfriend 'is going into early labour', the Melbourne IT manager appears to be astonished by the news.

Blockheads Leah and Ash Milton finally sold their reno for $3.125million four months after The Block's finale in November after it was passed in during the show's finale

While Haydn is left visibly shocked, host Scott Cam is clearly delighted with the news of a 'Baby Blockhead'.

'I'm gonna be an Uncle!' he exclaims.

It comes after news broke that the hit show may see a couple break up before the show wraps this year according to an insider, as a producer confirmed one team throw in the towel just five weeks in.

A source inside the Channel Nine renovation hit has exclusively told Daily Mail Australia on Wednesday at least one of the couples may split before auction.
Disney has unveiled the first look at their live-action adaptation of the 1937 classic fairytale Snow White.

The first teaser trailer for the musical film was released on Friday at D23, starring Rachel Zegler, 23, as the titular princess, and Gal Gadot, 39, as the iconic Evil Queen.

We see flashes of the CGI Seven Dwarfs throughout the trailer of the film, directed by Marc Webb, starting with their silhouettes as they walk to work in the mines, before later dancing with Snow White in their cottage.

Over the summer, the film received negative attention after it was revealed by DailyMail.com that the dwarfs were to be replaced by seven 'magical (non-dwarf) creatures' in an effort to keep the storytelling in line with the 21st Century's commitment to political correctness.

However, the film was then delayed for a major overhaul, with only the animated dwarfs present in the new trailer.

Disney has unveiled the first look at their live-action adaptation of the 1937 classic fairytale Snow White

The first teaser trailer for the musical film was released on Friday, starring Rachel Zegler , 23, as the titular princess, and Gal Gadot, 39, as the iconic Evil Queen

We also get a glimpse of Snow White with the male lead character named Jonathan, played by Andrew Burnap, 33.

In the original Disney animated film, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Prince Florian was Snow White's love interest.

However, the new film is taking a different approach, after Zegler admitted in interviews that she 'hated' the original 1937 movie, and described the film's Prince as a 'stalker' and branded the storyline 'weird.'

The opening of the trailer offers a glimpse into the magical world of the fairytale, with Zegler entering a cottage surrounded by a charming menagerie of woodland creatures.

Zegler sings 'Whistle While You Work,' as she dances with the animated dwarfs, Doc, Grumpy, Sleepy, Happy, Sneezy, Bashful, and Dopey.

She is then seen gazing into a well, while Gal's Evil Queen is pictured storming off a balcony.

Later on we get a close-up of Gal as she puts on her crown.

She then questions her magical mirror to determine if she is the most beautiful woman in the world. 'Magic Mirror on the wall... who's the fairest one of all?' she asks.

We see flashes of the CGI Seven Dwarfs throughout the trailer, starting with their silhouettes as they walk to work in the mines, before later dancing with Snow White in their cottage

Only animated dwarfs are present in the new trailer, after Disney dumped their original 'diverse dwarfs'

We also get a glimpse of Snow White with the male lead character named Jonathan (played by Andrew Burnap)

The opening of the trailer offers a glimpse into the magical world of the fairytale, with Zegler entering a cottage surrounded by a charming menagerie of woodland creatures

Zegler sings 'Whistle While You Work,' as she dances with the animated dwarfs, Doc, Grumpy, Sleepy, Happy, Sneezy, Bashful, and Dopey

She is then seen gazing into a well

Meanwhile Gal's Evil Queen is pictured storming off a balcony

Later on we get a close-up of Gal as she puts on her crown. She then questions her magical mirror to determine if she is the most beautiful woman in the world.

'Magic Mirror on the wall... who's the fairest one of all?' she asks

Later in the trailer Snow White gets attacked by a moving tree in a forest.

The trailer ends with a close-up of Snow White reaching out her hand to take the poisoned apple.

Snow White is set to hit theaters March 21.

'I wanted to make sure that we keep her delightful and delicious, and we understand what makes her tick. Then the evilness is interesting and not just flat,' Gal told People of her character at the 2022 D23 expo on Friday.

'For me it was making sure the Queen is not just evil for the sake of being evil. There is a complexity. Between the two characters, it's like a mother-daughter relationship in a weird way. It's what happens to a woman when she feels like she's not relevant anymore, what can come out of her,' she added.

The Wonder Woman star also shared her experience of working with Zegler.

'At the end of the day, neither of us is the type of actor that, when it's cut we just go to our trailers and we wait for our turns again. We all stayed and it was just a wonderful, commune type of atmosphere on set. When you have this good chemistry between everybody it really shows onscreen.'

Last year it was revealed that Disney was delaying the release of its live-action Snow White movie by a year for a major overhaul, after Zegler sparked anger with a tirade of woke fury.

The firm cited the SAG-AFTRA strike as the major reason behind the decision - but cynics pointed to upcoming reshoots as proof Disney bosses fear they've made a $330 million turkey.

We see Snow White reaching for an apple on a tree branch

Later in the trailer Snow White gets attacked by a moving tree in a forest

The trailer ends with a close-up of Snow White reaching out her hand to take the poisoned apple

Zegler also mired the movie in controversy by alleging the 1937 source material was creepy and vowing to ensure the remake was more progressive.

There was also plenty of controversy surrounding the dwarfs. They were seen on the set of the movie and included a mix of men and women of different ethnicities, with a real dwarf among their number. At first Disney denied these pictures were from the set of the movie - but eventually backtracked.

Then, in a publicity shot, Snow White, was pictured seated and surrounded by seven CGI dwarfs, with the diverse originals nowhere to be seen.

It is unclear precisely what Disney is planning to do with the 'magical creatures' and original dwarfs.

Beyond the controversy about the dwarfs, a handful of clips of Zegler speaking about the movie in a way audiences detested began to circulate.

Interviews showed Zegler making derogatory claims about the original Snow White movie and chastising the main character for her dated values.

'I just mean that it's no longer 1937. She's not going to be saved by the prince and she's not going to be dreaming about true love,' Zegler told Variety.

'She's dreaming about becoming the leader she knows she can be and the leader that her late father told her that she could be if she was fearless, fair, brave, and true.'

Snow White is set to hit theaters March 21

Speaking again at the Disney D23 Expo in California in September 2022, Zegler - bet known for her breakout role in West Side Story' said: 'The original cartoon came out in 1937, and very evidently so. There's a big focus on her love story with a guy who literally stalks her. Weird! Weird! So we didn't do that this time.

'We have a different approach to what I'm sure a lot of people will assume is a love story just because we cast a guy in the movie,' Rachel continued, referring to Burnap.

'All of Andrew's scenes could get cut, who knows? It's Hollywood, baby!' she joked, before admitting in a separate interview that she was 'terrified' when she went on the beloved Snow White ride at Disney World.

About the 1937 film, she said: 'I was scared of the original version. I think I watched it once and never picked it up again. I'm being so serious.'

'I watched it once, and then I went on the ride in Disney World, which was called Snow White's Scary Adventures. 'Doesn't sound like something a little kid would like. I was terrified of it, never revisited Snow White again,'' she added in an interview beside Gal Gadot, who plays the evil witch in the updated version.

In yet another high-profile interview about the film, Zegler defended the film's newly forced progressive bent: 'People are making these jokes about ours being the PC Snow White ... yeah, it is - because it needed that.

'Our version is a refreshing story about a young woman who has a function beyond Someday My Prince Will Come.'

Last year it was revealed that Disney was delaying the release of the film by a year, after interviews showed Zegler making derogatory claims about the original Snow White movie; seen in May

The Colombian-American actress faced some degree of scrutiny by critics after she was cast as Snow White, who has always been described as having 'skin as white as snow.'

In a since-deleted tweet, she wrote: 'Yes I am Snow White; no, I am not bleaching my skin for the role.'

Disney's 1937 version of the film follows Snow White as she befriends the seven dwarfs while hiding from her wicked stepmother who later poisons her with an apple before Prince Charming wakes her from her slumber with a kiss. The plot is loosely based on the 1812 fairytale of the same name by the Brothers Grimm.

At the time of its release, it became a massive hit for Disney, earning hundreds of millions of dollars across the globe. It was also the first full-length traditionally animated feature film, and Disney's first animated feature.
The Crown star Lesley Manville has opened up about her experience of filming sex scenes earlier in her career.

The actress, 68, who played Princess Margaret in the later series of the Netflix hit, revealed she felt 'exposed and vulnerable' when filming for her 1981 comedy play Rita, Sue And Bob Too.

The story sees teenage babysitters Rita and Sue embarking on an affair with Bob, their employer and was later adapted into a film in 1987.

Speaking to The Mirror about staging sex scenes, she admitted her concerns weren't taken into account when filming the intimate scenes.

She said: 'We were very exposed. Our modesty was kind of intact but vulnerable. It should have been different but it wasn't unusual for that time.'

The Crown star Lesley Manville, 68, has revealed she felt 'exposed and vulnerable' while staging sex scenes in her career as she admits she is still 'sexually active'

The actress confessed her concerns weren't taken into account when filming the intimate scenes as she explained: 'We were very exposed. Our modesty was kind of intact but vulnerable' (pictured in 1986 with her then husband Gary Oldman)

Lesley also admitted there would be a lot of fear about making a film about a man having an affair with two underage girls in today's society.

Reflecting on her 50-year-long career, Lesley also opened about being an older woman in the industry who is still able to express her sexuality.

She continued: 'Women are seeing actresses of an age being fabulous... 'I don't dress inappropriately but I want the freedom to dress how I'd like.

'Fortunately, some parts that I now play represent women who are able to say "I am this age, yes I'm still sexually active, yes I want to dress how I want, yes I want to be thought of bold and brave and outrageous if we want to be."

'It's so boring otherwise.'

Lesley's career began after she landed a job on Emmerdale at just 18-years-old after studying at the famous Italia Conti performing school.

She then want on to appear at the Royal Court Theatre where she met renowned writer and director Mike Leigh.

The pair worked together on films Another Year and All Or Nothing and Lesley described how he pushed her to try roles outside of her comfort zone.

Lesley played Princess Margaret in the later series of Netflix's The Crown and has enjoyed a successful 50-year-long career

Lesley recently starred Amy Winehouse's Aunt Cynthia in this year's biographical drama Back To Black (pictured with Marisa Abela)

Lesley pictured as Susan Ryeland in BBC drama series Magpie Murders

More recently Lesley, who was married to actor Gary Oldman from 1987 to 1990, played cleaning lady turned fashionista Mrs Harris in the 2022 film Mrs Harris Goes to Paris.

In the last year she appeared in Apple series Disclaimer, as well as the film Queer, a Magpie Murder sequel and series two of the BBC 's Sherwood.

She also starred as Amy Winehouse's Aunt Cynthia in this year's biographical drama Back To Black.

In October she begins a run in the West End starring in Greek tragedy Oedipus alongside Sherlock Holmes star Mark Strong.
A person uses their phone and carries headphones (left) as they cross California Street on April 13, 2018, in San Francisco. Lea Suzuki/The Chronicle

Ive recently become cursed with a specific affliction: I cant stop noticing whether people are wearing AirPods.

Its a mental tally that I involuntarily compile each time I walk down the streets of San Francisco, go to the grocery store or hit the gym. At this point, its easier to count the people who arent wearing AirPods, earbuds or some other form of headphones  bulky, over-the-ear styles like the AirPods Max seem to be especially popular  than it is to keep track of those who are.

Ive found myself becoming increasingly  and perhaps irrationally  irritated by these omnipresent earbuds, and have come to regard my own pair of AirPods with complex emotions.

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I use them most often at the gym, where I listen to a Spotify-generated energy mix playlist that pumps me up while drowning out the grunts and clangs of the people and machines around me. I often keep my earbuds in while walking home afterward, the music mingling with the post-workout endorphins and the cool evening air to put me in an all-encompassing good mood.

I treasure these moments when, aided by the music streaming through my AirPods, I enter a kind of pure flow state.

Yet I also resent my AirPods for the artificial barrier they establish between me and everyone else.

At the gym, for example, I regularly run into the same people. But many of us have never exchanged a word  because were all wearing headphones, immersed in our own worlds.

On the one hand, this makes sense: People go to the gym to work out, not necessarily to make conversation, and it can be irritating to have random people try to talk to you in the middle of a workout.

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And yet theres something about this rarely broken silence that feels deeply unnatural to me. Its true that at the gym were all doing our own thing  but were doing our own thing together, in a shared space. To not know even the names of the people with whom Im sharing a space day after day, week after week, doesnt feel right.

Still, the idea of going to the gym without AirPods gives me anxiety. Having the little pods in my ears somehow makes me feel less vulnerable and self-conscious. They wrap me in a layer of impenetrability, signaling to others that I know what Im doing  even when I dont, like when Im using an unfamiliar machine for the first time.

Headphones do far more than shield us from our own insecurities and from awkward small talk with strangers. They help us control our immediate sensory environment in an unpredictable world. They make mundane tasks like commuting to work more enjoyable. They permit us to talk on the phone or listen to something without annoying everyone around us. And they can even help us be more aware of our surroundings  some headphones, in addition to their noise-canceling capabilities, can be configured to amplify external sounds.

Yet the basic fact remains that, when you wear headphones, you are literally plugging or covering your ears. And that sends a pretty clear Do Not Disturb signal.

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Oftentimes, of course, we dont want to be disturbed. Our earphones block out a lot of unwanted interactions. But I cant help but wonder how many positive, meaningful and surprising interactions theyre blocking out as well.

That person you keep running into at your neighborhood cafe, for example, could end up being your friend or romantic partner. But why would you force them to take off their earphones by striking up a conversation with them? Theres an app for that.

Maybe Im being dramatic. Its not as if we dont have other ways to close ourselves off. Many of the people I see in public  both with earphones and without  are scrolling or typing on their phones. And in the past, all you had to do was read a book or newspaper on public transit to demonstrate that you didnt want to be bothered.

Furthermore, concerns about headphones negative impact on societal connection have been around for decades.

In a 1982 Washington Post Magazine column, Walter Shapiro described the Walkman as an insidious and potent symbol of an antisocial electronic future, adding, There is something alarming about a street filled with well-dressed people each marching to his own silent drummer and bass player.

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In 2011, the BBC accused the iPod of ushering in a dystopian vision in which half of humankind (is) wired up to a parallel universe that leaves them oblivious to their surroundings and fellow man.

Clearly, neither the Walkman nor the iPod brought about the destruction of society. Id be willing to bet AirPods wont, either.

Still, things are a lot different than they were even in 2011. An increasing amount of our time is spent glued to screens, youth anxiety and depression are through the roof, political polarization is mounting and our social bonds are still trying to rewire themselves after years of separation and isolation wrought by the COVID-19 pandemic.

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

We are, in a word, fragmented. And despite all the benefits of those little buds in our ears, I cant help but feel theyre exacerbating that fragmentation.

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Chris Hemsworth has just arrived in Sydney after a trip to Fiji.

The Hollywood superstar arrived at the airport in style, having travelled home in a private jet.

The Aussie actor was accompanied by his older brother, Luke, 43, and Luke's wife Samantha.

The group had visited the tropical paradise to celebrate the 40th birthday of Chris' best mate and longtime personal trainer, Luke Zocchi.

The 40-year-old superstar showed off his rippling arm muscles in a black tank top paired with black trousers.

He had on a cap, and looked engaged as he made a phone call while waiting outside the terminal.

The brothers were also accompanied on the trip by their parents, Leonie and Craig Hemsworth.

Chris had paid tribute to trainer Zocchi in a photo posted to Instagram on Monday.

Chris Hemsworth (pictured) has just arrived in Sydney after a trip to Fiji. The Hollywood superstar arrived at the airport in style, having travelled home in a private jet

The actor also posted a throwback image, showing his more lithe form back when the two men were still boys.

The new photo showed how much they had grown into men - and built up impressive muscles along the way.

'Happy 40th birthday to one of my best mates @zocobodypro. You're one of a kind brother,' Chris wrote in the caption alongside the image.

Zocchi, who lives near the Hemsworth clan in Byron Bay, helps the superstar and his wife Elsa Pataky work on their physiques for blockbuster roles.

Speaking exclusively to FEMAIL, Luke said that weight lifting is key for those wanting to lose weight as well as build muscle.

The 40-year-old superstar showed off his rippling arm muscles in a black tank top paired with black trousers

The Aussie actor was accompanied by his older brother, Luke (pictured)

Luke's wife Samantha (pictured) came along, as did their parents, Leonie and Craig Hemsworth

Luke also shared that Elsa, 48, used the same program Chris followed for his new blockbuster, Thor: Love & Thunder, to get in shape for her role as the very ripped Captain J.J. Collins in Interceptor - which left her in 'the best shape of her life.'

Both Elsa and Chris used the Power program - designed by Luke - on Chris' fitness app Centr.

To build up your biceps to look similar to the God of Thunder, Luke recommends working on your upper body for the first four to six weeks you of a new training regime.

'Keeping weights manageable for you and reps on the lower side of things,' he says.

'Then I would move to challenge yourself a little more and more each week - upping the intensity of the weights you are using and increasing reps from 6-8 to to 8-12.

'I would focus on two sessions of 'push' movements and two sessions of 'pull' movements to make sure you are hitting all the different muscles you are targeting.
Andy Lee announced his engagement to Rebecca Harding after 10 years together back in May.

The comedian, 42, has revealed that while it took him a long time to pop the question, it had been on his mind for some time, and he knew he'd do it eventually.

'Oh, I knew for a long time that I wanted to marry Bec' he tells this week's issue of Stellar Magazine.

'I think six, maybe to eight months was when I really started thinking about it. I think I knew for years.'

Andy said that there was some pressure- and doubt - from his loved ones to get down on one knee.

'I had a mixture of: "It's about time'" from people. And then there was the occasional: "Well, I thought you'd never do it."'

In the joint interview, Rebecca admitted that she wondered if it would ever happen, and was 'surprised' when the moment came.

'I mean, we'd been dating for 10 years, so I kind of was like, maybe getting married is not for us. There was enough in our life that I knew he was serious about me' she told the magazine.

Andy Lee announced his engagement to Rebecca Harding after 10 years together back in May. The comedian, 42, has revealed that while it took him a long time to pop the question, it had been on his mind for some time, and he knew he'd do it eventually. Both pictured

She added: 'Its such a nice feeling to know someone has gone and put all of this effort into something, to ask you to spend the rest of your life with them.'

Andy shared the exciting news on an episode of his Hamish and Andy podcast on May 1.

Speaking with his podcast co-host Hamish Blake, Andy shared intimate details of his proposal, before inviting his fiancee on the show.

'I asked Bec to marry me on Sunday,' Andy announced.

Hamish said he was overjoyed and that he and his wife Zoe Foster Blake were both 'crying' with happiness over the news.

'Is it a bit quick? That's all I wanna ask,' he also joked.

Rebecca, 33, also shared an update to her Instagram account while showing off the stunning diamond engagement ring.

'Oh, I knew for a long time that I wanted to marry Bec' he tells this week's issue of Stellar Magazine. 'I think six, maybe to eight months was when I really started thinking about it. I think I knew for years'

'People keep saying we've rushed into this but we don't care what people say!' she captioned her post.

Andy and Rebecca, who are currently undertaking a $5million renovation project after buying a historic mansion in Melbourne's east, went to their 'new old house' under the guise they needed to film videos for social media ahead of starting the build.

Pretending to get something out of the marble fireplace, Andy was on one knee when he produced a napkin - which symbolised how they met.

Andy and Rebecca met in 2014 at a Melbourne cafe where she was working as a waitress. The TV personality ended up leaving his email address on a napkin for her, and the rest is history.

'When I was down there, I stayed on one knee and I gave her another napkin - because when I first met her at the cafe, I wrote on a napkin my details - and I gave her another napkin,' Lee said of the proposal.

In the joint interview, Rebecca admitted that she wondered if it would ever happen, and was 'surprised' when the moment came

Rebecca and Andy went public with their relationship at the 2015 Australian Open.

In 2022, the couple confirmed they had briefly split for six months in 2016 after Rebecca felt 'immense pressure' dating someone in the public eye.

However, they soon realised they were meant to be during their time apart.

For years, the rumour mill has been spinning with speculation about the pair getting engaged.

In February, Andy was forced to assure The Hundred viewers hadn't secretly married his longtime sweetheart.

Andy made the announcement as he was responding to a joke from co-star Tom Gleeson, who brought up his well-publicised love life.

'Andy has got something to announce, he's just eloped!' Tom said.

'I mean, we'd been dating for 10 years, so I kind of was like, maybe getting married is not for us. There was enough in our life that I knew he was serious about me' she told the magazine

'Stick around till the end of the show, if that's the case... It's not the case,' Andy hit back.

In 2019, radio host Fifi Box questioned their marital status after the station received an email from a publicist referring to the couple as 'Andy and his fiancee Bec'.

A month earlier, former Today show host Georgie Gardner had also tried to get a definitive answer on where the couple were in their personal life.

'Gosh, Andy. She is wife material. Just saying, she is wife material,' she told Andy, who was a guest on the program.

The funnyman replied: 'Has my mum been texting you? What the hell is going on?'

Engagement rumours were sparked again in 2020 when Andy posted a photo of Rebecca hiding her left hand while celebrating her 30th birthday.

'Is there a ring she's hiding with her left sleeve?' one eagle-eyed follower wrote, keen to see if the pair were about to share exciting news.
The Bachelorette star Brooke Blurton dazzled on Saturday when she rocked her best angles at the world premiere of the documentary Like My Brother at the Melbourne International Film Festival.

The reality TV star, 29, ensured all eyes were on her as she stunned in an eye-popping tan ensemble, consisting of an unbuttoned blazer and matching pants.

Brooke completed her jaw-dropping look with a figure-hugging tee, which showcased her very ample assets.

The stunner's jet-black hair was tied back and a radiant layer of makeup and smokey eyeshadow helped bring out her natural beauty.

She accessorised with stylish gold hoop earrings and looked to be having the time of her life as she posed with several cast members from the Indigenous documentary movie she was attending.

It looked to be a fun outing for the beauty, who has previously used her fame to become a gender equality and First Nations advocate.

Brooke has had a successful media career since shooting to fame on season six of The Bachelor in 2018.

She appeared on Bachelor In Paradise in 2019, and then became Australia's first ever bisexual Bachelorette in 2021.

The Bachelorette star Brooke Blurton (pictured) dazzled on Saturday when she rocked her best angles at the world premiere of the documentary Like My Brother at the Melbourne International Film Festival

The reality TV star, 29, ensured all eyes were on her as she stunned in an eye-popping tan ensemble, consisting of an unbuttoned blazer and matching pants. Brooke completed her jaw-dropping look with a figure-hugging tee, which showcased her very ample assets

In July, Brooke discussed how radio queen Jackie 'O' Henderson inspired her during her stint on The Bachelorette while also opening up about her relationship with her ex G Flip.

The reality TV star, 29, first appeared as a single woman on The Bachelor before soaring to huge fame as the first LGBTQ+ and First Nations Bachelorette in 2021.

She has previously spoken about how she pushed to get the same pay as her male counterparts, and revealed how Jackie, 49, inspired her to always advocate for it.

Brooke said it has been 'hard' to speak about pay disparities in the industry, citing Jackie openly discussing the gender pay gap on her and Kyle Sandilands' own radio show.
Naomi Campbell looked sensational as she cosied up to Mohammed Al Turki while on holiday in Ibiza on Thursday.

The supermodel, 54, appeared in great spirits while holding hands with the film producer, 38, as the couple continued to fuel their romance rumours.

The pair have been friends for several years after Mohammed first shared a snap with the superstar on his Instagram back in 2021.

Since then the two have been seen at several events together including the BAFTAs earlier this year.

And now the pair are enjoying a summer holiday as they were seen walking by the water together after disembarking from their boat.

Naomi Campbell looked effortlessly chic as she cosied up to Mohammed Al Turki as the two soaked up the sun in Ibiza on Thursday

The supermodel looked opted for a bohemian style two piece featuring a trendy white cropped blouse and matching mini skirt

Naomi looked effortlessly chic as she opted for a bohemian style two piece featuring a trendy white cropped blouse and matching mini skirt.

Putting on a very leggy display she also flashing her toned abs in the ensemble which also featured a red decorated belt.

Carrying her essentials in a fashionable black and white leather handbag, the star held onto her sunhat and completed the look with some black shades.

Meanwhile Mohammed kept it simple in a navy T-shirt and black and white patterned swim shorts.

After growing closer this past year, Naomi and Mohammed were seen together at the BAFTAs in February.

The couple posed together on the red carpet, and reportedly stayed close to each other all night, according to The Sun.

Naomi and Mohammed have been seen to be firm friends for several years and made their first public appearance together the following month at the Red Sea film festival, linking arms as they arrived together.

They have been fixtures at each other's sides at many events since, including Cannes film festival last year, Paris Fashion Week in 2022 and 2023 and several exclusive parties, like Edward Enninfuls birthday bash.

The supermodel, 54, appeared in great spirits while holding hands with the film producer, 38, as the couple continued to fuel their romance rumours

Naomi was seen holding on to Mohammed's wrist to steady herself along the slippery path

The pair arrived on their boat as they enjoyed their summer getaway

Carrying her essentials in a fashionable black and white leather handbag, the star completed the look with some black shades and a sunhat

Mohammed kept it simple in a navy T-shirt and black and white patterned swim shorts

Naomi also flashing her toned abs in the ensemble which also featured a red decorated belt

Mohammed was helped out the boat by the crew

Fans have frequently called for the pair to get together, commenting on their many Instagram posts of each other, and predicting they would be 'the next IT couple'

At a special birthday event held for Naomi last year in France, Mohammed was seen sat right by the birthday girl for the evening.

The Sun reports that the pair have become even closer recently as Naomi has spent time with Mohammed in the Middle East, claiming they appear to have 'a spark'.

A source told the publication: 'Naomi is very selective with who she spends time with and she has become close to Mohammed.

'They bonded over their love of fashion and art and have a lot of mutual friends. Naomi has been in Dubai with him and she seems to be the happiest she has ever been.

'They spend a lot of time together and there appears to be a spark between them, even if it is just a friendship at this point.'

Fans have frequently called for the pair to get together, commenting on their many Instagram posts of each other, and predicting they would be 'the next IT couple'.

However more recently Mohammed was seen spending time with Alessandra Ambrosio after the two enjoyed dinner at the Giorgio Baldi restaurant in Santa Monica in June.

The pair shared a tight embrace after spending the evening together after they recently spent time together at Cannes Film Festival.

The couple posed together on the red carpet at the BAFTAs, and reportedly stayed close to each other all night, according to The Sun
The cause of death for a Australian YouTuber, known as Pretty Pastel Please, has been revealed after she tragically passed away at the age of 30.

The social media star, whose real name is Alexandra or 'Alex', died 'suddenly' last month.

On Friday, family of the influencer posted to Facebook to share details of a memorial for the star in Scotland, where her family is based, as well as sharing the coroner's report into her passing.

'Our beloved Alexandra passed away almost 6 weeks ago next Wednesday at approximately 8.30 pm on the 26th of June 2024' the post began.

'It was determined by the Tasmanian Coroner that Alexandra's sudden death was due to a very rare, debilitating and fatal infection of her heart. A condition that affects approximately one in every fifteen million people ; named LYMPHOCYTIC MYOCARDITIS' it continued.

'This disease is often viral in nature and affects breath control, the heart muscle and beat as well as oxygen levels causing fatal arrhythmias and extreme lethargy and chest pain. Friends and followers would remember Alex's final two broadcasts which were cut short due to her feeling faint, and short of breath.

'This was, unbeknown to her due to her heart failing. Alex also discussed online, her extreme reactions / allergies to basic medications whereby she had endured kidney failure in hospital, and also extreme reactions to the Covid MRNA Vaccine boosters.

'Alex's initial autopsy report however was Normal- and the disease was only found during microscopic toxicology investigation, and was reported to us a few days ago leaving us all extremely traumatised, again.'

The cause of death for a Australian YouTuber, known as Pretty Pastel Please, real name Alex (pictured) has been revealed after she tragically passed away at the age of 30.

According to the Johns Hopkins Medicine website, lymphocytic myocarditis, 'occurs when white blood cells (lymphocytes) enter and cause inflammation of the heart muscle. This condition can occur after a virus.'

Elsewhere in the post, Alex's family shared details of a memorial being held at Greyfriars Kirk in Edinburgh, Scotland, and streamed online, on Sunday 11th August, at Scottish time of 10:30 am or 7:30pm at Australian Eastern Time.

'We invite everyone who was touched by Alex's kindness, her warm and loving heart, and her ability to bring joy and hope to so thousands, to remember her with the same love she shared with the world' the post read.

The devastating news of Alex's death was confirmed in a statement shared to her Instagram page on July 5th.

Alex had a devoted fanbase on Instagram and YouTube where she shared her fashion hauls, product reviews and travel videos, but she had been the target of cruel trolling in recent years.

'It was determined by the Tasmanian Coroner that Alexandra's sudden death was due to a very rare, debilitating and fatal infection of her heart. A condition that affects approximately one in every fifteen million people; named LYMPHOCYTIC MYOCARDITIS ' a post on Facebook from the star's family read

Her loved ones said Alex's death had come as a 'shock' and a memorial on YouTube and Instagram will be posted for her fans.

Sharing a picture of Alex and her beloved pet parrot Archie, the post read: 'We come to you today with a devastating announcement.

'It is with a heavy heart that we must inform you that Alex, known to many as Pretty Pastel Please, has passed away.

'Her passing was sudden, unexpected and devastating to all who knew her. This is a shock to us all, and her family and friends have requested privacy as they navigate their grief.

'We would ask that you respect their wishes - they appreciate all of your support but need time to heal in private.

'A memorial will be posted on YouTube and here on Instagram in due course. Thank you for understanding in this difficult time.

Photos of the influencer were also shared by her family on Friday

'If you or anyone you know is affected by this news, please reach out for help. You are not alone.

'In Australia, you can contact Beyond Blue at 1300 22 46 36 for confidential, free counselling.'

Posting heartfelt tributes to the beloved star, several fans noted Alex was often targeted by cruel online trolls.

One said her personal life had been the subject of cruel 'speculation' on Reddit groups and they were sadly 'not surprised' to learn of her death.

Another said trolls had 'stomped out her light because they were jealous'.

Alex confirmed in a YouTube livestream less than a year ago she was going through a divorce with her husband.

She said their marriage fell apart after they made plans to move from Sydney to Tasmania together, but he found himself having second thoughts.

According to the Johns Hopkins Medicine website, lymphocytic myocarditis, 'occurs when white blood cells (lymphocytes) enter and cause inflammation of the heart muscle. This condition can occur after a virus.' Alex is pictured as a child

Despite the relationship coming to an end, she decided to stay in Tasmania alone and had an Instagram page where she documented the renovation of her 1880s cottage in Hobart.

In April 2023, she shared a cryptic post about removing herself from a situation that was 'slowly killing her'.

'What a difference 5 months makes, when you remove yourself from a situation that was slowly killing you,' she wrote along two pictures of herself.

While Alex had a huge fanbase of devoted fans, she addressed her struggles with online trolling over the years in a series of heartbreaking posts.

She said she found it hard to deal with all the 'hurtful' remarks she received online and called on people to be kinder.

'I'll admit it now, I don't handle criticism well. I'm not cut out to handle reading negative things about myself,' she wrote in a December 2022 post.

'I can see a thousand positive comments and forget them all the moment someone says they don't like me.

'Ten thousand people can tell me they think I'm beautiful, but if ten people call me ugly, my self-worth goes down the drain. No, I can't handle it, but that doesn't mean I can't continue to have a presence online.

'People say 'you shouldn't be a YouTuber if you can't handle negative comments' but how about 'YouTubers shouldn't look at comments, because the things people say can be very hurtful?''

Elsewhere in the post, Alex's family shared details of a memorial being held at Greyfriars Kirk in Edinburgh, Scotland, and streamed online, on Sunday 11th August, at Scottish time of 10:30 am or 7:30pm at Australian Eastern Time

She told how 'thousands' of strangers on the internet had been cruelly 'weighing in' on her mental health after she 'took some time away from the internet to heal'.

Addressing her change in content, Alex said her 'highly curated' persona Pretty Pastel Please was not a true reflection of herself, but represented her mental health struggles.

'The girl you came to know that spent thousands of dollars on fast fashion and pretended they were some sort of beauty guru was not actually Alex,' she shared.

'Pretty Pastel Please is a persona born of trauma, deflection and mental illness - a bright colourful character that can look past their pain and put on a smile.

'She hated herself every day of her life. She got plastic surgery to fix parts of her body that she was insecure about, because strangers decided to comment.'

Alex said things changed for her when she made friends with a group of subscribers while visiting Tasmania on holiday, leading to her relocation from Sydney.

She added she 'finally' felt like she had returned to the 'real me' and was 'relieved' people were unsubscribing to her content.

In September 2022, Alex spoke publicly for the first time about being diagnosed with OCD and ADHD and detailed her struggles with anxiety and complex post-traumatic stress disorder.

'In 2020 I finally worked up the courage to speak to a Psychiatrist about the mental health issues I've struggled with all my life,' she said at the time.

Alex documented her previous struggles with medication to treat her mental health, before telling her fans: 'Feeling truly happy for the first time in a long time.'

'I won't give up, I know the right treatment is out there - the old Alex will be back soon enough (and hopefully the old Archie too),' she added.

Alex had almost 700,000 followers on YouTube, where she was known for her videos documenting her travels and trying out fashion and beauty trends, and her pet parrot Archie also featured heavily in her content.

The devastating news of Alex's death was confirmed in a statement shared to her Instagram page on July 5th

The last video Alex posted to her YouTube page was a Temu fashion haul on May 31. It has since been flooded with tributes from heartbroken fans.

The social media star and nature lover was also a talented photographer and had a separate Instagram account decided to sharing her wildlife photography.

After the devastating news of her death, her dedicated fans took to Instagram to share their condolences and messages of support to Alex's family.

One wrote: 'My heart is in my stomach I'm so saddened by this news praying for her family. I can't believe this. I loved her so much she was my comfort person to watch.'

Another said: 'I.... can't believe this. I don't know how to process this and I just hope she gets to rest in peace. To Alex's family, she was a light in so many people's lives, including mine.

'She deserved to live so much longer and to have a happy long life. Please don't rush the memorial for us, take your time to grieve.'

'My heart is in my stomach I'm so saddened by this news praying for her family. I can't believe this. I loved her so much she was my comfort person to watch,' one wrote.

Another said: 'I can't believe this. I don't know how to process this and I just hope she gets to rest in peace. To Alex's family, she was a light in so many people's lives, including mine.

Alex had a devoted fanbase on Instagram and YouTube where she shared her fashion hauls, product reviews and travel videos, but she had been the target of cruel trolling in recent years

'She deserved to live so much longer and to have a happy long life. Please don't rush the memorial for us, take your time to grieve.'

A third commented: 'This is devastating. To her family, I am so sorry. Your daughter brought so much joy to millions.'

While a fourth penned: 'Oh my gosh, this is heart breaking. I've watched her for years. I'm so sorry to her family. I'll be spending a lot of time thinking of her.'

Another added: 'I am SO devastated to see this. Been following Alex for many years and she was so genuine and kind. She had a pure heart.

'RIP Alex- you will very much be missed. Thank you for being so brave and sharing your real life these last several years- you helped others more than you know.

If you have been affected by this story, call Lifeline Australia on 13 11 14 or or contact Beyond Blue at 1300 22 46 36 for confidential, free counselling.
Zara McDermott slipped into a slew of skimpy swimwear amid her sun-soaked getaway to Ibiza with boyfriend Sam Thompson on Saturday, after finally put an end to split rumours.

The Love Island star, 27, flaunted her jaw-dropping figure in a chic black bather before later relaxing by the pool in a thong bikini.

Zara shared sizzling snaps to her Instagram as she modelled a whole host of chic outfits before cuddling up to Sam while celebrating his 32nd birthday on the island.

The couple have been joined the I'm A Celeb winner's sister Louise Thompson and her fiance Ryan Libbey, with one photo showing them all enjoying dinner together.

Zara captioned the post, joking about her tan: 'Very close to turning into a jamon serrano [Spanish-style slow aged ham]'.

Zara McDermott, 27, slipped into a slew of skimpy swimwear amid her sun-soaked getaway to Ibiza with boyfriend Sam Thompson, 32, on Saturday

The Love Island star flaunted her jaw-dropping figure in a chic black bather before later relaxing by the pool in a thong bikini

Zara shared sizzling snaps to her Instagram as she modelled a whole host of chic outfits before cuddling up to Sam while celebrating his 32nd birthday on the island

The couple were spotted packing on the PDA at a nearby beach on Wednesday after reports they were giving their relationship 'one last shot' following weeks of 'crisis talks.'

Sam and Zara, who have been together for four years, sparked rumours they had split in recent weeks after a blazing row.

During their 'rocky' patch, Zara's Strictly pro partner Graziano Di Prima admitted to kicking her in rehearsals last year in an apology statement, after he was sacked from the BBC show over her claims.

While the shocking details over her Strictly experience emerged, Zara was seemingly battling to save her long-term relationship with Sam behind closed doors at the same time.

It's been reported there's been 'a lot of tears' and 'strain on their relationship' due to the allegations surrounding Graziano, but the couple are said to be sticking by each other and doing everything to make it work.

A source told OK magazine: 'Things have been very up and down for Zara and Sam over the past few months and there have been points that theyve thought about ending it.

'Ultimately that [Graziano scandal] put extra stress and pressure on her and Sam as they were both dealing with a lot. She feels her Strictly experience has been tarnished. There have been a lot of tears.

'But they both have a lot of love for each other and are determined to try to give it one more go. They know what they have together and dont want to have any regrets. They are determined to fight to stay together.'

The couple have been joined the I'm A Celeb winner's sister Louise Thompson and her fiance Ryan Libbey, with one photo showing them all enjoying dinner together in the sun

Zara flaunted her newly bronzed pins in a pair of tiny white shorts and crop top

Before slipping into a nautical printed maxi dress for a romantic dinner with Sam

Zara captioned the post, joking about her tan: 'Very close to turning into a jamon serrano [Spanish-style slow aged ham]'

Zara and Sam's break comes after she broke her silence about the news that her pal Pete Wicks would be taking part in the new series of Strictly Come Dancing.

Pete, 36, signed up for the show after it emerged that Zara was physically and verbally abused by her professional dance partner Graziano Di Prima while taking part in the competition last year.

However, sharing the news to Instagram, she threw her support behind Pete saying it 'made her so happy.'

Re-posting the official announcement, Zara wrote: 'I've never been so excited. Love you.'

In a comment, she added: 'This makes me so happy. Youre going to have the best time. I am so proud of you. I cannot wait to see you in some sparkles and maybe even some hot pants.'

Sam also shared: 'No words. So proud of you... the content we are going to make that you don't even know about yet.'

Zara and the former TOWIE star frequently joke they are in a throuple relationship with Zara's boyfriend Sam who has been best pals with Pete since 2019.

Despite their close-knit friendship, he has landed a spot on the Strictly line-up amid shocking reports Zara performed on the show with a 'fractured' leg following an injury in training and needed painkillers to get through ten-hour rehearsals.

The latest revelation comes after professional dancer Graziano, 30, admitted to kicking Zara during their sessions, causing him to be sacked from the BBC series.

It follows claims his abusive behaviour was caught on video, in clips Zara stated were 'incredibly distressing to watch.'

A source told MailOnline: 'Zara is so happy for Pete landing the Strictly gig.

The couple were spotted packing on the PDA at a nearby beach on Wednesday after reports they were giving their relationship 'one last shot' following weeks of 'crisis talks.'

During their 'rocky' patch, Zara's Strictly pro partner Graziano Di Prima admitted to kicking her in rehearsals last year in an apology statement , after he was sacked from the BBC show over her claims

'Her experience on the show was so individual  she hopes no one will go through the same again.'

They added: 'She knows that Pete will have an amazing time and could even impress the judges, he's incredibly hardworking and a good person, and will thrive in the environment, which can be intense, but he performs best when he's challenged and under pressure.

'Zara doesn't want anything that happened to her to taint his Strictly journey and backs Pete even if it is a bit close to home.'

Pete joined Sam in the Strictly studio audience last year and together they wore patterned shirts embellished with Zara's face to show their support.

They posed for photographs alongside Zara and Graziano, who has since fled to his native Sicily in the wake of his Strictly axing.

The Sun revealed Zara needed painkillers to get through ten-hour training sessions after breaking a leg bone on Strictly.

A source told The Sun that the TV star danced during the show's Halloween week with a fractured leg, and it was 'literal horror in every sense of the word.'

An X-ray revealed severe ligament damage plus a stress fracture on her left tibia.

Show bosses learned the full extent of the injury only two weeks ago when Zara spoke to private investigators amid the inquiry into Graziano's behaviour.
Taylor Swift's fans in Vienna were gifted a nice consolation prize after the superstar was forced to cancel three shows in the Austrian capital due to an alleged terrorist plot.

Following the devastating cancellations of the Vienna leg of the Eras Tour, the Vienna Tourist Board has taken to social media to share ways that fans, who flew in from all around the globe to see Swift, can enjoy their time in the city.

One suggestion was to receive a 'crystal surprise' from the Kristallwelten Swarovski store.

After making the announcement, X users confirmed, that in exchange for showing their ticket to one of the canceled shows, they were given a necklace.

'Swarovski are giving away necklaces to Vienna Swifties,' one fan posted via X on August 8. 'You just have to show your ticket.'

Taylor Swift fans have received a nice consolation prize following the cancellation of the three concerts scheduled in Vienna following an alleged terrorist plot (Pictured in London In June)

The necklaces featured a large crystal set on a gray leather string.

Some of the pieces were colorful circle pendants while others featured clear blue stones.

Video on TikTok showed hundreds of fans lining up at a store to claim their gift.

A day later, the Vienna Tourist Board revealed that 'due to overwhelming demand' that the store did run out of the necklaces.

The 34-year-old hitmaker has not made any public statements since the alleged plot to was uncovered.

The arrest of a third suspect was announced on Friday.

The teen, like the two others arrested earlier, was reportedly radicalized by the Afghanistan-based ISIS-K.

Police say the main suspect, a 19-year-old man, planned to attack the tens of thousands of Swifties who gathered outside the Ernst Happel Stadium, with knives and machetes.

The suspect, allegedly put together explosives as well in order to 'kill as many people as possible,' officials said.

'The group is considered the greatest external terrorist threat to the continent,' claimed UN undersecretary for counterterrorism Vladimir Vorokov, who said the group had increased its recruitment efforts on the continent, according to ABC News.

'Swarovski are giving away necklaces to Vienna Swifties,' fan wrote on X August 8, ' 'You just have to show your ticket'

Video on TikTok showed hundreds of fans lining up at a store to claim their gift featuring either a blue stone or multi-colored pendant on a gray leather string

The disappointment of not being able to see Swift perform did not prevent thousands of fans from taking to the streets to trade friendship bracelets and sing Swift's songs.

'When Swifties take all over your street,' wrote a fan on TikTok showing some of the celebrations.

Swift is scheduled to resume the last leg of the European portion of her Eras tour in London, with increased security, beginning August 15, where she will perform five shows at Wembley Stadium.

Prices for any remaining tickets have surged by up to 2,000-percent on resale websites such as Viagogo, Vividseats, Stubhub and Gigsberg.

Although they were disappointed at not being able to go to the shows, fans took to the streets to sing Swift's songs and exchange friendship bracelets (Pictured Thursday in Vienna)

Swift has five shows scheduled in London beginning Thursday, August 15. Prices for tickets on resale sites have surged by up to 2,000-percent (Pictured in London in June)

Figures by Coinpoker.com indicated the same standing tickets can now be found on resale websites for as much as 6,515, the cheapest ticket available is 416.

On initial release, costs ranged from 58 for restricted view seats, to 110 for general admission standing.
Love Island legend and former TOWIE star Jon Clark went Instagram official with his new girlfriend on Friday - and she looks the spitting image of his ex Hannah Elizabeth.

Jon and Hannah met on the first ever series of Love Island back in 2015 and finished as runners up, with the Essex native even proposing to the blonde beauty on the ITV2 show.

Despite being the first, and last, couple to ever pop the question on the dating programme, the pair split just a few months after leaving the villa and have both had other relationships since.

And now, Jon has introduced his new partner Bethany to his 413,000 followers by sharing a loved-up snap to his main grid, with the caption: 'Mi Amor'.

In the snap, the duo were out enjoying a few drinks in Marbella, with Jon proudly posing with his arm around his lover.

Love Island legend and former TOWIE star Jon Clark went Instagram official with his new girlfriend on Friday - and she looks the spitting image of his ex Hannah Elizabeth

Jon and Hannah met on the first ever series of Love Island back in 2015 and finished as runners up (Hannah pictured in April 2024)

His girlfriend Bethany smiled as she put on a busty display in a crotchet bikini top.

Fans rushed to Jon's comments to congratulate the former Islander on his new relationship - but some couldn't help but notice she resembled his former Liverpudlian beau Hannah.

Bethany's long blonde hair, tanned skin and darker features reminded the star's followers of his former love interest, as they remarked: 'So your type' and 'Came here to make that same comment.'

Others quipped: 'Legend season 1 Don Jon.'

'Gorgeous couple.'

'What a beautiful gal.'

'You both look fabulous.'

'What a couple.'

Fans rushed to Jon's comments to congratulate the former Islander on his new relationship - but some couldn't help but notice she resembled his former Liverpudlian beau Hannah

Despite being the first, and last, couple to ever pop the question on the dating programme, the pair split just a few months after leaving the villa and have both had other relationships since

Jon quickly dived back into reality TV and joined the cast of TOWIE in 2016 for a two year stint

Meanwhile, Hannah returned to the Love Island villa for another shot at love on the All Stars series in January, aged 33

Talking to OK! Magazine about his split with Hannah at the time, Jon admitted: 'We had arguments, there are things that happened between us, on both sides, not just mine.

'The arguing was getting too much for me and we just weren't working anymore.

'Couples say things to each other when they're angry - she said horrible things to me, I said horrible things to her, but at the end of the day, it wasn't working.'

Jon quickly dived back into reality TV and joined the cast of TOWIE in 2016 for a two year stint, with his storylines including a short-lived romance with Chloe Sims.

The former Islander left the show in 2018, after reportedly being suspended from filming after slapping co-star Diags in a nightclub fight, after the pair came to blows over claims that they were chatting up the same girl.

Meanwhile, Hannah returned to the Love Island villa for another shot at love on the All Stars series in January, aged 33.

In March, Hannah shocked fans as she explained plans to get her bum filler 'topped up' after returning to the UK following her villa stint in South Africa.

The Liverpudlian TV personality took to Instagram to detail how she is getting back to her cosmetic maintenance and having 500ml of filler put in her bottom.

Hannah told her followers she would 'video the whole thing' for them to see after many fans approached her to ask about her famous rear following her Love Island appearance.

She told her 543,000 followers: 'Hello everybody, so obviously since the show and having spoken about having my bum done, loads of people have been asking me about the booty.

'So I get my bum done at Lift Aesthetics and being fresh out the villa I am excited, literally can't wait to go and have my top up.

'I'm going to get 500ml by the amazing Lift Aesthetics and I will show you the whole process.'

Hannah, who posts content on OnlyFans, regularly shows off her cosmetically enhanced features online and has remained open and positive about her cosmetic procedures.

Hannah's most recent procedure spoken about publicly was in October 2023, when she decided the set the record straight following facial surgery to fix her 'twisted septum'.

She took to Instagram to quickly shut down trolls before they had a chance to 'pipe up' after noticing her latest surgery.

The bombshell, who has undergone multiple procedures to alter her appearance, revealed that her most recent operation wasn't for cosmetic purposes.

She penned: 'Before anyone pipes up on my post I had to have a small procedure done to correct my septum and a cast placed on to help it keep in place. Not changing anything, something I needed to fix as it was twisted.'
Molly-Mae Hague took to her Instagram on Friday to share with her followers another outfit of the day.

The former Love Island star, 25, rocked a 1,775 beige two-piece suit from French fashion house Jacquemus and captioned the post with: 'Suit of dreams.'

However, fans couldn't help teasing the statement look, comparing it to the costume worn by Austin Powers' nemesis Dr Evil, who is played by Mike Myers in the film series.

One fan commented: 'Outfit looks like something Dr Evil & mini me would wear (crying emoji)'; 'It's giving Dr Evil from Austin Powers vibes.'; 'Ohh no It's giving Dr Evil vibes (crying emoji).'

Molly's ensemble consisted of a single-breasted wool jacket and a pair of tailored trousers to match.

Molly-Mae Hague took to her Instagram on Friday to share with her followers another chic outfit of the day

The former Love Island star, 25, rocked a 1,775 stone two-piece suit from French fashion house Jacquemus

The jacket boasted a slim fit, a V-neckline, padded shoulders, buttoned cuffs, a flared hem, and a single vent at the back.

It comes after Molly recently teased a new project is in the pipeline as she told her fans she 'watched a vision come to life' last month.

The mother-of-one took to her Instagram Stories and shared a snap of what appeared to be an outdoor location for a photoshoot.

Several crew members were stood on a cobblestone path looking onto the grass with Molly-Mae captioning the photo: '01.09.24 Save the date'.

The influencer did not say what the project was or if it would be related to her successful fake tan range Filter by Molly-Mae.

Molly-Mae also shared a heartwarming snap of herself kissing her daughter Bambi, 18 months, who she shares with her fiance Tommy Fury.

Styling her locks into a ponytail and wearing a pair of sunglasses, she captioned the post: 'Life at the minute'.

It comes after Molly-Mae risked more backlash from disgruntled social media followers after revealing she'd test-driven a 169,000 supercar - days after coming under fire for 'flaunting her wealth.'

She captioned the stylish post with: 'Suit of dreams'

However, fans couldn't help teasing the statement look, comparing it to the costume worn by Austin Powers' nemesis Dr Evil, who is played by Mike Myers in the film series

However, fans took to the comment section to express their dislike for the ensemble and even went as far as to compare her to Austin Powers' nemesis Dr Evil

Molly-Mae revealed the extravagant car, a sleek black Bentley, with fans after getting behind the wheel.

Sharing a photo with followers, the influencer underlined her affluence by also revealing her 600,000 engagement ring and 375,000 Patek Philippe Nautilus watch.

Captioning the post, she wrote: 'Testing a new car for the week. I'd never thought I'd switch my car but wow... this car is something else.'

It comes after Molly-Mae recently teased a new project is in the pipeline as she told her fans she 'watched a vision come to life' last month

The mother-of-one took to her Instagram Stories and shared a snap of what appeared to be an outdoor location for a photoshoot

It comes after Molly-Mae risked more backlash from social media followers after revealing she'd test-driven a 169,000 supercar - days after coming under fire for 'flaunting her wealth'

The star also owns a Mercedes-AMG G 63 Magno Edition, purchased in 2022 to the tune of 193,000.

Revealing the car in a YouTube video, she told followers: 'I'm joining you today from my new car which is so exciting. I've only waited for this moment for just over a year.

'I don't do vision boards, but it's been on my goals list for a while and I have been desperate to tick it off... and now I have.'

She added: 'This has been my dream car for literally years and years. I feel so lucky and happy.'
Amanda Abbington has reportedly been questioned by BBC bosses for a second time about 'crude comments' she claimed were made by Giovanni Pernice.

The Sherlock star, 50, is said to have been quizzed via video call last week as she sat down with two ex-Met detectives to discuss her allegations about the professional dancer, 33.

They reportedly discussed claims of sexual comments during rehearsals, as well as 'new evidence'. Giovanni has denied all allegations made against him.

'The BBC is taking this extremely seriously. Giovanni maintains hes done nothing wrong, and Amanda insists everything she has told the BBC is true,' a source told The Sun.

'So whatever decision the BBC comes to, it is unlikely to be the end of the matter.'

Amanda Abbington has reportedly been questioned by BBC bosses for a second time about 'crude comments' she claimed were made by Giovanni Pernice

The Sherlock star, 50, is said to have been quizzed via video call last week as she sat down with two ex-Met detectives to discuss her allegations about the professional dancer, 33

MailOnline has contacted representatives for Amanda, Giovanni, and The BBC for comment.

Amanda has made a series of accusations about Giovanni's teaching methods and has described his behaviour as 'unnecessary, abusive, cruel and mean'. He strongly denies all of the claims.

In one interview, Amanda compared the dance show to 'the trenches' telling Channel 4 News that BBC producers had been left 'horrified' by clips that also allegedly exhibited 'humiliating behaviour of a sexual nature'.

In another, where she spoke to Christine Lampard on Lorraine, she said: 'It was inappropriate, it was mean, it was nasty, it was bullying and I put up with it for five, six weeks.

'It started very early on and when it started to happen I would shut down because I recognised those red flags.

'And so I would shut down and it would be difficult to get in, and that would be a self-fulfilling prophecy.'

Talking about her schedule on the show, she said: 'I was going into the rehearsal room every day. I've been in rehearsal rooms for 32 years.

'I know what rehearsal rooms are supposed to be like.

In one interview, Amanda compared the dance show to 'the trenches'. Giovanni has denied all claims

'I don't care what background you're from  whether it's dancing, acting, singing  you have a duty of care to bring into that rehearsal room compassion, understanding, sensitivity and kindness.

'And that wasn't extended to me (at Strictly). And so I just said I don't think this is right.'

The newest update comes just after police visited the home of Amanda, as an investigation into a chilling death threat sent to the actress continues.

Met detectives were alerted on Friday afternoon to a threatening email sent to the north London theatre where Amanda is performing.

The actress is starring in new play When It Happens To You at the Park Theatre in Finsbury.

The frightening email warned 'she should be prepared to die onstage' unless she withdrew her complaint about former Strictly partner Giovanni.

Park Theatre quickly alerted the force who are taking the threat 'very seriously' and are working to 'unmask' the person who sent it.

The Sherlock actress has now been interviewed by officers twice and her home she shares with fiance Jonathan Goodwin was visited by police.

The actress is starring in new play When It Happens To You at the Park Theatre in Finsbury

Although the Met Police have not formally identified anyone involved in the investigation, a spokesman confirmed that officers were called to a theatre in Finsbury Park 'following receipt of an alleged malicious communication.'

The spokesman continued: 'There have been no arrests, enquiries are ongoing.'

A source close to the investigation told MailOnline: 'Specialist officers have been looking at the email closely over the last 72 hours, and now believe they are close to identifying where it was sent from.

'They are liaising with another force on this now. This, in turn, they hope will go on to lead them to the person behind the threat.

'Officers have told Amanda they will do all they can to find out who the person is behind the email.

'They are treating it as a very serious and very credible threat and want to unmask the person behind it.'
Democratic presidential candidate and Vice President Kamala Harris, left, laughs with her running mate Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz laugh after taking a selfie in front of a sign that reads Kamala and The Coach during a stop at a campaign office in Glendale, Arizona, on Friday. Andrew Harnik/Getty Images

PHOENIX  Kamala Harris held a rally in Arizona Friday as her campaign sees a renewed hope for its chance in the Sun Belt battleground states of Arizona, Nevada and Georgia.

Recent polling has given Democrats new energy behind their efforts in Arizona and Nevada and the states 17 combined electoral votes. The Cook Political Report moved the two states and Georgia from lean Republican to toss up Thursday, and an Ipsos poll found that Harris and former President Donald Trump are in a statistical tie among voters in Michigan, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, Georgia, North Carolina, Arizona and Nevada.

Harris and her running mate, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, spoke to a crowd of around 15,000 at the Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale, Arizona. Some estimated that it was the largest political event ever held in Arizona. The two have been on a tour of key states to introduce Walz to swing voters around the country. Their rallies have drawn record attendance, with 14,000 in Philadelphia, 12,000 in Wisconsin and 15,000 in Detroit.

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Trump has fixated on reports about attendance at his events, something Walz pointed out.

Walz talked about the crowd sizes at the prior rallies and said, But Arizona  (you) just couldnt leave it alone, could you? Its not as if anybody cares about crowd sizes or anything. His comment was met by a roar from the crowd.

Harris and Walzs trip to Arizona highlighted two issues that will likely keep coming up during the campaign: immigration and the Israel-Hamas war.

A new ad, out Friday, portrays a tough-on-immigration stance from Harris, referencing her history of fighting violent crime as a border state prosecutor.

Republicans have sought to attack Harris for being the Biden administrations border czar, a job title shes never held. In March 2021, Biden gave Harris a diplomatic assignment to strengthen diplomatic relations with Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras and El Salvador and address the root causes of why migrants leave their home countries.

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Trumps first ad after Harris launched her campaign focused on that very topic, aiming to hold her responsible for millions of border crossings and the fentanyl deaths of 250,000 Americans.

Harris and her campaign are addressing that narrative head-on. Fixing the border is tough. So is Kamala Harris, the ad says.

During the Friday rally, Harris said: We know our immigration system is broken, and we know what it takes to fix it: comprehensive reform. That includes strong border security and an earned pathway to citizenship.

She then pivoted to attacking Trump. Trump lobbied Republicans to oppose a bipartisan compromise to address illegal immigration at the Southern border earlier this year.

Donald Trump does not want to fix this problem. Be clear about that: He has no interest or desire to actually fix the problem. He talks a big game about border security, but he does not walk the walk, Harris said.

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Harris also faced an issue that has plagued Democrats for nearly a year: The war in Gaza. For months, protesters have showed up at events held by Biden and Harris to protest their support of Israel and oppose the genocide they say is happening in Gaza.

Harris faced a pro-Palestinian demonstration in Detroit Wednesday and handled it in a way that those activists decried.

Im here because we believe in democracy. Everyones voice matters, she said initially. But I am speaking now. I am speaking now.

She addressed it again when the protests continued.

You know what? If you want Donald Trump to win, then say that. Otherwise, Im speaking, Harris said.

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She was interrupted again Friday. The crowd chanted USA! USA! to drown out the protesters, but they continued.

Harris stopped her speech to address the protesters.

Were here to fight for our democracy, which includes respecting the voices that I think we are hearing from, Harris said.

Now is the time to get a ceasefire deal and get the hostage deal done, Harris said, addressing the protesters. The president and I are working around the clock every day to get that ceasefire deal done and bring the hostages home. So, I respect your voices, but we are here to now talk about this race in 2024.

Sen. Mark Kelly  who was in consideration to be Harris running mate  also spoke during the rally. He was joined on stage by his wife, former Rep. Gabby Giffords. Kelly emphasized Walzs military service and criticized Republicans for denigrating Walz.

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Trump and Republican vice presidential nominee J.D. Vance have attacked Walz for ending his service in the Minnesota National Guard before his unit deployed to Iraq, falsely claiming he did so to sidestep his deployment. Walz retired in May 2005. His unit received its orders to deploy in July 2005 and went to Iraq in March 2006.

Here in Arizona, we dont attack people for their service to our country, Kelly said. What do we do? We thank them.
Christian Slater and his wife Brittany Lopez recently welcomed their second child together.

On Saturday, People confirmed the couple's son arrived last month.

Although the publication confirmed their little one's gender, no other details, like the baby's name, weight or exact birthdate in July were provided.

The exciting news comes just months after revealing Brittany, 35, was expecting as they attended the Los Angeles premiere of Slater's film Unfrosted in April.

The longtime couple, who met on vacation in Florida's Little Palm Island when she was 21 and he was 39, went public with her pregnancy as they walked the red carpet at The Egyptian Theatre.

Christian Slater and his wife Brittany Lopez recently welcomed their second child together; seen in April

Lopez debuted her baby bump as she turned to the side while standing next to Slater, 54, in a long floral dress at the private screening.

He and Lopez already share a four-year-old daughter, whose name has not been publicly revealed.

Slater welcomed his first two children Eliana, 22, and Jaden, 25, during his marriage to journalist Ryan Haddon.

Back in 2019, after the birth of his youngest, Slater told People he was enjoying watching her newborn 'really acknowledge' and smile at him.

'Before, it would just be this involuntary thing,' he raved. 'Now, she sees and smiles, and that's a beautiful milestone.'

At the time, he also joked about how 'complicated' parenting has become since the Nineties.

'I thought your kid could get a couple of germs and be fine, build up the immune system. But now you have to wash everything,' he mused on The Late Late Show with James Corden.

He continued: 'The bottles, they break down into eight different pieces, and it's a puzzle you have to put together.'

Slater and his wife met on vacation in Florida 's Little Palm Island when she was 21 and he was 39; pictured on Friday

The exciting news comes just three months after revealing Brittany was expecting as they attended the Los Angeles premiere of his film Unfrosted (seen in April 2024)

The performer admitted that the newborn stage was just 'a constant job' of constantly cleaning and 'late nights.'

He went on to brag that his spouse 'was happy to see that' he 'did possess some skills' from raising his two eldest children.

'I was able to contribute something, and that I did know how to change some diapers,' he explained. 'She wasn't expecting me to be as involved as I have been.'

Slater and his wife married in a secret Miami-area courthouse ceremony back in December 2013.

The couple celebrated their engagement with a New Year's Eve bash in 2012, and hundreds of friends and family were in attendance.

He and Lopez already share a four-year-old daughter, whose name has not been publicly revealed; seen in 2018

'It kind of already feels like we did the wedding,' he said at the time.

Despite the private affair for the official wedding, Christian and Brittany planned a familial event for their wedding later that year.

'It will be good, intimate and small and family members. It will be nice,' he told People, at the time. 'Honestly, you gotta get a planner and do all that, but we will get it organized.

'We had a big engagement party on the 31st of December and it was nice, it was like a New Year's and we had all the family come... so we are just going to do a nice backyard situation,' he said.
Danny Cipriani's estranged wife Victoria Rose has filed for divorce, nine months after their split.

In a bombshell new interview, Victoria, 42, claimed the former rugby player blew 600 a month on drugs, messaged other women and admitted she felt 'humiliated' when he moved on with American actress AnnaLynne McCord.

Danny, 36, has previously admitted to taking cocaine, a crystallised toad psychedelic and to having so many magic mushrooms that he became convinced his Victoria was trying to kill him.

Speaking about how his drug habit took a toll on their three year marriage, Victoria told The Sun: 'I got so sick of it. It started to upset me. Everyday he said he wouldnt do drugs. Then by midday he'd be back on them.'

Victoria said Danny would eat mushroom laced chocolate bars and she wouldn't know if he was on them or not as he 'would function so well'.

Danny Cipriani's estranged wife Victoria Rose has filed for divorce, nine months after their split

In a bombshell new interview, Victoria, 42, claimed the former rugby player blew 600 a month on drugs (pictured in May 2024)

Victoria said Danny would eat mushroom laced chocolate bars and she wouldn't know if he was on them or not as he 'would function so well'

She said: 'One day he took a large amount and just lay on the floor. I thought I would be able to help him and he said he wanted to stop taking drugs. Danny was taking loads of prescription drugs and I just said, "Enough is enough."

Victoria admitted their marriage became increasingly strained when he stopped playing for Bath, claiming she noticed messages from other women on his phone.

The row which ended their marriage in November, she says, was sparked by her becoming worried over his closeness with other women at a self help event.

Victoria admitted she shouted at the other women 'he's my husband', before later rifling through his phone where she says she found flirty messages to others.

She admitted she feels she had the 'wool pulled over her eyes' after ignoring his previous Lothario past.

'I was shocked, heartbroken. They werent sexts but they were telling women they were beautiful, and about the connections he felt to them. Not the kind of thing you want to read your husband sending,' Victoria said.

Victoria said they had a huge row and Danny left the house with just four pairs of jogging bottoms.

'I knew his reputation but thought he was a new person,' she admitted.

Months later, Danny confirmed his relationship with AnnaLynne, 36, with the couple documenting their whirlwind relationship on Instagram, leaving Victoria feeling 'humiliated'

Victoria admitted their marriage became increasingly strained when he stopped playing for Bath, claiming she noticed messages from other women on his phone

The row which ended their marriage in November, she says, was sparked by her becoming worried over his closeness with other women at a self help event

Months later, Danny confirmed his relationship with AnnaLynne, 36, with the couple documenting their whirlwind relationship on Instagram, leaving Victoria feeling 'humiliated'.

Victoria, who is set to appear on the Netflix show Bear Hunt, went on to describe how she first got together with Danny after meeting via a mutual friend in 2019.

After a dalliance, Victoria learned she pregnant during Covid, with Danny's child, a baby boy.

She said she told Danny, who was in Malibu at the time, of her news with him being committed to making a relationship work.

She moved into his home in Cheltenham.

They tragically lost their son in June 2020, who they named River, at 23 weeks.

Victoria, who has two children of her own and is also a grandmother, said they then went through gruelling rounds of IVF to try to have a child.

They got married in 2021 with Victoria revealing Danny bought her a whopping three engagement rings.

MailOnline has contacted Danny's representatives for comment.

The couple share snippets of their relationship on social media and have been seen out and about together on numerous occa

At the time of the split, Danny released a statement to announce the news, telling his Instagram followers that he 'only wished the best' for his ex.

Victoria then announced that shockingly, she was 'made aware of the situation at the same time as the public' in a now deleted post.

The media personality opened up about the difficult time and apologised for her 'emotionally charge response.'

She wrote: 'Danny publicly announced our split without any prior notice or discussion with me. I was made aware of the situation at the same time as the public, and this has caused me a great deal of pain.

'I apologise if my reactions and responses have seemed reactive or emotionally charged.

'The truth is, I am still going through a difficult time, and it is challenging for me to see Danny speaking about our separation publicly while I have not yet found the strength to process it, adjust or heal.

Victoria concluded: 'I really don't want to be caught up in the fanfare. Sorry for any hurt I have caused.'
Superstar Aamir Khan says his decision to produce Laapataa Ladies was driven by the realisation that he can't act in every exciting story and now he wants to create opportunities for emerging talent.

The Kiran Rao-directed film was screened at the Supreme Court on Friday evening for judges, their families and officials. Both Khan and Rao were welcomed by Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud.

Speaking at a session post the screening, Khan said during the COVID-19 pandemic, he had ample time for contemplation about his career.

"I was 56 at the time and I thought I might have 15 more years of active work left. I'll work till the age of 70, who knows what will happen after that? the actor said.

Khan added that Laapataa Ladies is the first project which he has backed with the idea of providing an opportunity to newer talent.

"When I was thinking about this, I thought, as an actor, I've had one film release in three years. So, whatever I've learned in the past so many years, I wanted to give back to the people because the industry, society, and country have given me so much. I thought that I could do one film a year as an actor, but as a producer, I can produce many more films.

"I want to bring out stories that touch my heart. I won't be able to act in all films but I can produce them. I want to give a platform to new talents. I want to be a platform for new writers, directors, artists, and others. So, Laapataa Ladies' is the first project in that sense. I want to promote this kind of talent, the actor said, adding, he intends to back four to five films a year," he said.

Released in March to glowing reviews, Laapataa Ladies is a heartwarming and empowering take on two brides in rural India who accidentally get swapped during a train journey.

Starring Nitanshi Goel, Pratibha Ranta, Sparsh Srivastav, and Ravi Kishan, the film is produced by Jio Studios, Rao's Kindling Productions and Khan's Aamir Khan Productions.

Rao said Khan has been working with new and first-time directors since the beginning of his acting career.

To this, the superstar said, My films as an actor release once in three years, I'm trying to do this more often (releasing more films).
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Saturday held a "very good meeting" with the Maldivian Defence Minister Ghassan Maumoon and discussed bilateral security cooperation and the "shared interest" in maintaining peace and stability in the region.

Jaishankar is on a three-day official visit to Maldives to reset the bilateral relationship, the first high-level trip from India after the archipelago nation's pro-China president, Mohamed Muizzu, assumed office last year.

On his second day here, he met Defence Minister Maumoon.

"A very good meeting with Defence Minister @mgmaumoon. Discussed defence and security cooperation, joint initiatives for maritime security and our shared interest in maintaining peace and stability in the region," Jaishankar said in a post on X.

His statement on X came amidst China's growing military ties with the Maldives since President Muizzu assumed office last year. A sophisticated Chinese research vessel docked at a Maldivian port and the two countries have also signed a bilateral military agreement.

Earlier in the day, Jaishankar jointly planted a sapling with his Maldivian counterpart Moosa Zameer and Climate Change, Environment and Energy Minister Thoriq Ibrahim.

"Pleased to jointly plant a Carambola (Star Fruit) sapling along with Foreign Minister @MoosaZameer and Climate Change, Environment and Energy Minister @Thoriqibrahim in Lonuziyaaraiy Park, Male today. The sapling symbolises our commitment to a sustainable future and the enduring India-Maldives ties," he said in a post on X.

On Friday, he met his Maldivian counterpart Zameer and discussed various aspects of the bilateral ties, including development partnership, defence and maritime cooperation, capacity building, economic and trade ties, and people-to-people linkages.

This is Jaishankar's first visit to the Maldives since the government of President Muizzu assumed office last year.

The ties between India and the Maldives came under severe strain since Muizzu, known for his pro-China leanings, took charge of the top office in November 2023.

Within hours of his oath, he had demanded the withdrawal of Indian military personnel from his country. Subsequently, the Indian military personnel were replaced by civilians.

The Maldives is one of India's key maritime neighbours in the Indian Ocean region, and the overall bilateral ties, including in the areas of defence and security, witnessed an upward trajectory under the previous government in Male.
BJP MPs on Friday criticised Opposition parties, saying their silence on the situation of Hindus and other minority communities in Bangladesh is unfortunate.

Several Hindu temples, households and businesses have been vandalised in violence in Bangladesh since Monday when Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina resigned and fled to India. During the Zero Hour of the Lok Sabha, BJP MP Anurag Thakur tried to corner the Leader of Opposition and Congress MP, Rahul Gandhi, by alleging that he has not spoken on ensuring the safety of minorities in Bangladesh.

When the interim Government of Bangladesh took over, Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated them but at the same time he asked them to ensure the safety of minorities, he said.

It is unfortunate that the Leader of Opposition extended congratulations to the interim Government (of Bangladesh) but did not mention the safety and security of Hindus and the minorities. What was the compulsion?

You spoke about Gaza but not about minorities in Bangladesh, Thakur said.

Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus took oath as the head of the interim Government of Bangladesh on Thursday, replacing Hasina.

BJP MP from Odishas Dhenkanal Rudra Narayan Pany, while raising the issue of Hindu temples being attacked in Bangladesh, said the Government of India should interfere to ensure their safety. Hindu temples have been attacked in Bangladesh, and the photos that have come out show that the statue of Lord Jagannath was attacked.

This is unfortunate, condemnable and painful, Pany said. What is this mentality behind damaging Hindu temples? he asked. Pany said this has hurt not just the people of Odisha but people all across India. The Government of India should talk to Bangladesh to ensure that the guilty are punished, he said.

BJP MP from Assams Darrang-Udalguri Dilip Saikia also raised concerns over the situation in Bangladesh and urged the Government to strengthen security along the India-Bangladesh border.

India wants peace to be restored in Bangladesh. India has a 4,096-kilometer border with Bangladesh, he said and added that security along the Indo-Bangladesh border should be as strong as that along the India-Pakistan border.

He also said the Indian Government should ensure that minorities are protected in Bangladesh. BJP MP from Andaman and Nicobar Islands Bishnu Pada Ray said, My father came to West Bengal in 1946 from East Pakistan to save his life. Then he went to Andaman What is happening in Bangladesh today.Congress, CPI(M) and TMC should condemn what is happening in Bangladesh. They are sitting quietly, he said and added that they are quiet due to their votebank.

He also said that the Parliament should pass a resolution on the situation in Bangladesh.
Bangladeshs Chief Justice Obaidul Hassan on Saturday tendered his resignation, five days after the fall of Sheikh Hasinas regime amid massive street protests and students marching towards the apex court demanding a revamp of the judiciary.

The 65-year-old top judge revealed his decision around 1 pm after protesters of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement gathered at the apex court premises. The students had issued an ultimatum to him and the judges of the Appellate Division to resign by 1 pm.

I feel it is necessary to share a special news with you. Our Chief Justice resigned a few minutes back. His resignation letter has already reached the law ministry, law adviser, equivalent to the Minister of the newly-installed interim Government, Prof Asif Nazrul said in a Facebook video message.

Nazrul added that the resignation letter would be sent to President Mohammad Shahabuddin without delay for taking necessary measures and he was expecting the process to be completed very soon.

We have received only the resignation letter of the Chief Justice. There is no update about (resignation) of others, Nazrul added.

Chief Justice Hassan earlier on Saturday said he had decided to step down from his position. I have made a decision to resign after speaking with Dr Asif Nazrul, he said.

Earlier, the full court meeting of the Supreme Court got cancelled as students issued a two-hour ultimatum for the resignation of the Chief Justice and other justices of the apex Appellate Division of the Supreme Court of unitary Bangladesh.

In the face of student protest, Chief Justice Hassan postponed the meeting and later said he would step down. Hasnat Abdullah, a coordinator of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, issued the ultimatum at 11 am, asking the Chief Justice and other justices to leave their posts within 1 pm today.

Bangladesh Army personnel were deployed at the Supreme Court premises as hundreds of protesting students gathered.

Around 1 pm, Army personnel were stationed in the main building, annexe building, and other areas around the Supreme Court.

They urged the protesters to maintain peace and called on them to avoid damaging property.
In a heart-touching show of solidarity and camaraderie, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday assured the people and the Government of Kerala that the entire nation and the Union Government stand by the State in its efforts to rebuild the Wayanad areas devastated by the recent landslides and deluge.

Money will not be a problem for the reconstruction and rehabilitation work in Wayanad. We have to stand by the youth who have lost everything and help them realise their dreams, said Modi.

Speaking to the people of Kerala after a whirlwind tour and aerial survey of the regions devastated in the monstrous landslides and flashfloods that claimed more than 400 lives and destroyed hundreds of houses, the Prime Minister asked the State Government to prepare a detailed report about the number of houses destroyed in the natures fury and what the State Government was planning to do for the construction of a new and safe township in place of the area devastated in the natural calamity.

He recalled his experience as a volunteer in the rescue and rehabilitation team during the 1979 Machchu Morbi dam disaster in which more than 2,000 lives were lost.

He asked the medical doctors attending to the survivors to counsel them and those who lost their near and dear ones in the tragedy.

All that the State Government has to do is to submit a detailed report about the losses suffered by the people, the scale of fatalities and destruction in the region as also a comprehensive plan by the Kerala Government about the proposed resettlement scheme.

Earlier, the Prime Minister made on-the-spot assessment of the destruction and interacted with the soldiers of the Indian Army and the National Disaster Rescue Team who led the rescue operations in Mundakkal, Punchirimattam Churalmala regions which bore the brunt of the natures fury.

He also visited various hospitals in the district where the injured are undergoing treatment, interacted with them and enquired about their wellbeing.

The Prime Minister asked me about my health and assured of all possible help from the Government. His words were soothing and reassuring, said Arun, a youth who had a miraculous escape from certain death after he was taken out from underneath tonnes of mud, soil and rocks fallen on him during the landslide.

Modi was accompanied by Governor Mohammed Arif Khan, Union Minister of State for Tourism Suresh Gopi, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and senior IAS and IPS officers of the State.

It was clear from the body language of the Prime Minister that he was moved by the stories recounted by the victims who had lost their loved ones, houses and sources of life.

Since Friday evening, the Kerala media was agog with reports that the Centre was likely to offer Rs 2,000 crore comprehensive rehabilitation package that includes construction of a safe and secure township.

A grim-faced Vijayan, who accompanied the Prime Minister throughout the aerial survey and interaction with the victims, did not speak anything other than reminding Modi that the State was waiting for the Rs 2,000 crore which the Centre must allocate. The basis of the Rs 2,000-crore package demand has been explained neither by the Chief Minister nor the Chief Secretary Venu.

Sources close to the Chief Minister said that the administration was dependent on the initial amount of Rs 2000 crore while the remaining Rs 1000 crore could be allocated at a later stage. Narayanan Namboothiri, senior BJP leader, told The Pioneer that he was yet to understand the logic behind the demand of Rs 2000 crore aid.

After touring the disaster-struck region for more than four hours, Modi participated in a review meeting at Wayanad civil station attended among others by the Governor, Union Minister Suresh Gopi and Chief Minister Vijayan.
At least two Army personnel, who were critically injured during an encounter with terrorists in Jammu and Kashmirs Anantnag district, succumbed to their injuries late Saturday evening.

Three other injured soldiers have been rushed to the hospital. The Indian Army is yet to confirm the fatalities.

However, agency reports claimed two soldiers succumbed to their injuries while three others also injured in the ongoing operation are undergoing treatment. Security forces launched a cordon and search operation in Ahlan Gagarmandu in the Kokernag area of the south Kashmir district following information about the presence of terrorists there.

The gunfight broke out after the terrorists opened fire at the search party personnel, who retaliated, the officials said.

The site of encounter was located deep inside the forests, around 10 kms from the nearest motorable road.

In the exchange of fire, two Army personnel were injured.

Based on specific intelligence input, a Joint Operation was launched by the Indian Army, @JmuKmrPolice & @crpf_srinagar today in the general area Kokernag, Anantnag. Contact was established and a firefight ensued, Srinagar-based Chinar Corps of the Indian Army said in a post on X.

Two personnel have been injured and evacuated from the area, it said.

Meanwhile, the Jammu and Kashmir Police on Saturday released sketches of four dreaded Pakistani terrorists who were last spotted near dhoks (temporary mud houses) in the upper reaches of Malhar, Bani and Seojdhar forests of Kathua district.

The sketches were released almost a month after a group of terrorists ambushed two vehicles of the Indian Army in which five soldiers were killed in action and five others received injuries in the Machhedi area of Basohli in Kathua district on July 8.

Since then the security forces have launched massive search operations in the area to flush out these terrorists hiding in the area. So far no major success has been achieved in the ongoing operations.

On Saturday, the Jammu and Kashmir police also announced a cash reward of `20 lakh for credible information about the whereabouts of these terrorists. In a post on X, J-K Police released sketches of four terrorists who were last seen in dhoks of Malhar, Bani and Seojdhar forests in the upper reaches of the district.

a reward of Rs 5 lakhs (has been announced) on each terrorist for actionable information. Anyone with credible information on terrorists will also be suitably rewarded, Kathua police said in its post.

The identity of the informer will be kept secret so that more and more people come forward to assist the police, as the publics help is crucial in preventing potential threats to national security, a police spokesperson said.

Lets work together for a safer community, he said.

The ambush in Kathua was followed by another attack by a separate group of terrorists in Desa forest in Doda district on July 15, resulting in the killing of four army personnel including a captain.

Police in Doda district had also released the sketches and cash reward of Rs 5 lakh each on four terrorists involved in the attack as efforts are continuing to hunt them down.

Earlier on June 9, nine passengers, including seven pilgrims returning from Shiv Khori temple, were killed by terrorists in Reasi district. The terrorists involved in the attack are also on the run despite a cash reward on their heads.
3 dead, 1 injured in north China road accident

Xinhua) 13:32, August 10, 2024

HOHHOT, Aug. 10 (Xinhua) -- Three people were killed and another injured after two vehicles collided on Saturday morning in north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, according to local authorities.

The accident occurred at around 6:30 a.m. on a highway in the regional capital city of Hohhot. The collision also resulted in a fire.

The fire at the accident scene has been extinguished and the injured have been taken to the hospital for treatment. The cause of the accident is currently under investigation.

(Web editor: Cai Hairuo, Sheng Chuyi)
Pedestrians and bicyclists stand outside the Golden Gate Bridge during an April protest for Gaza that closed the span. San Francisco prosecutors have charged some of those suspected of participating in the demonstration. Lea Suzuki/The Chronicle

More than two dozen people accused of participating in a protest that shut down the Golden Gate Bridge on April 15 have been charged with a host of criminal offenses including conspiracy and false imprisonment, San Francisco District Attorney Brooke Jenkins announced Saturday.

The protesters, who appeared to be acting as part of a coordinated, nationwide demonstration, blocked the bridge on a weekday during morning commuting hours in an effort to draw attention to the war in Gaza and the military support the U.S. provides to Israel.

In addition to the demonstration on the Golden Gate Bridge, protesters also staged sit-ins on several parts of Interstate 880 in the East Bay. The actions collectively brought traffic to a halt and caused disruptions across the Bay Area that lasted several hours.

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Arrest warrants were issued for all 26 people charged, which will require them to surrender to California Highway Patrol, Jenkins said in a statement.

Jenkins said people exercising their right to free speech must not do so at the expense of public safety, noting that an infant missed a pre-surgery appointment while the baby and mother were trapped on the bridge without formula.

The demonstration on the Golden Gate Bridge caused a level of safety risk, including extreme threats to the health and welfare of those trapped, that we as a society cannot ignore or allow, Jenkins said.

The April protest came a month after 78 demonstrators who shut down the Bay Bridge last November reached a resolution with Jenkins office that would allow them to complete community service to avoid trial.

The people in that case were charged with misdemeanors, while eight of those accused in the Golden Gate Bridge case will be charged with felonies.

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An attorney representing the Bay Bridge protesters called his clients actions part of a long legacy of people of conscience who have used civil disobedience to bend the arc of history toward justice.

Defense attorney Jeff Wozniak called the action against the Golden Gate Bridge protesters an incredible waste of resources for a non-violent political action and said the team of 26 lawyers will fight the case to dismissal.

The April 15 protesters stopped traffic to raise awareness of the ongoing genocide in Gaza and to demand a ceasefire, Wozniak said in a statement Saturday. Thousands more innocent children have been killed by the US-funded genocide in Gaza since this blockade on tax day. DA Jenkins has overcharged this case.

Prosecutors said Saturday that the people trapped on the Golden Gate Bridge included a person with a brain tumor who missed a medical appointment, a disabled child on a school bus, and a surgeon forced to cancel all operations that day.

CHP officers said demonstrators began gathering at around 7:55 a.m. in the southbound lanes of Highway 101 near the center of the bridge leading from Marin County to San Francisco.

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San Francisco District Attorney Brooke Jenkins office charged more than two dozen people suspected of participating in an April demonstration for Gaza. Stephen Lam/The Chronicle

Members of the group formed a human chain using both people inside three vehicles and pedestrians standing next to them, the affidavit states. With their arms outstretched, the protesters linked their arms to the people standing next to them, locking their hands inside metal tubes in a tactic known as the sleeping dragon.

After informing the group that they were part of an unlawful assembly, officers spoke to a protester who was wearing a neon pink safety vest with POLICE LIAISON on it, officials said.

The protester allegedly told the officers that the fire department would need to cut the demonstrators free from the metal devices and that none of them would speak to law enforcement apart from her.

Protesters wearing the sleeping dragon declined to voluntarily remove them, the liaison allegedly told officers. But after officials said they would cut into their cars to expedite the process, the protesters opted to climb out of their windows to spare the damage to their vehicles, according to court documents.

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Other accounts from those on the bridge noted in court records included at least two who had to relieve themselves in their cars and others who missed work or flights.

Shortly after the arrests, Jenkins said people stuck on the bridge during the protest could be considered victims of false imprisonment and urged them to contact officials for potential restitution.

Each of the suspected demonstrators cases includes 38 counts of false imprisonment, which accounts for the 37 people named as victims in the complaint. The 38th charge acts as a catchall for the hundreds of others who were held on the bridge that day, a spokesperson for Jenkins office said.

The protest was not a spontaneous event, officials with her office said. The 26 protesters arrived together in vehicles and bicycles, and they each had predesignated assignments to maximize their effectiveness and allow for the protest to be successful and cause as much disruption as possible.

About 20,000 vehicles typically cross the Golden Gate Bridge on weekday mornings between 8 a.m. and noon, officials said.

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The Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR), in collaboration with Pravritti Trust, is set to present an art exhibition titled "Expression of Silence," featuring the works of Amritansh, a remarkable non-verbal, outsider neurodiverse artist. The exhibition will be held at the Bihar Museum in Patna, opening on August 10, 2024, at 12:30 PM, and concluding on August 11, 2024, at 4:00 PM.



"Expression of Silence" extends the exploration of themes from "Colours of Silence," which marked his international debut in the Republic of South Korea. Building on the themes of "Colours of Silence," the exhibition renders unique perspectives on the expressive potential of nonverbal communication through art. Smt. Tavishi Behal Pandey, Regional Director/ Officer of ICCR for Bihar and Jharkhand, along with Anjani Kumar Singh, Director General of Bihar Museum, have played a crucial role in making this event possible. This art exhibition will showcase the work of Amritansh, a young artist with autism, who uses a diverse range of materialsfrom watercolors to acrylics and from paper to canvas to convey his moods and emotions in a powerful, silent dialogue with viewers. The exhibition will be hosted in the serene classroom section of the Bihar Museum, with an entry fee of 100 INR for Indians and 500 INR for foreigners.



In line with Pravritti Trust's initiative to support self-expression through various forms, Amritansh is the exclusive artist featured in this exhibition. This 16-year-old prodigy has successfully had several solo and group exhibitions, with his journey commencing in 2018 with the exhibition Views from Planet Autism. This was soon followed by a stream of events starting with his debut solo show, "Awesomism Autism," held in Patna on World Autism Awareness Day in 2022 organized by Action For Autism (ASA) and later followed by another exhibition of the same name in Gurugram.



This multi- faceted virtuoso has been lauded by several distinguished figures, including Han Jun Ho, a Member of the National Assembly of the Republic of Korea. His distinctive color palette, which powerfully evokes emotions through the silent language of art, will be prominently featured once again. This exhibition will showcase each piece as even more unique than before, with a broader and more varied spectrum of vibrant colors, adding depth and richness to his already compelling work.



Ultimately, the aim of "Expression of Silence" is to underscore the profound message that every life is valuable and that every individual deserves the opportunity to realize their fullest potential.



The writer is a student of BA Journalism and Psychology at St. Joseph's University.
Police have arrested three accused in the case of firing during a dispute between two factions of the party in the Jan Akrosh Rally taken out by the Congress Party in Datia on Thursday.

In the preliminary investigation, the police found that the 315 bore rifle from which the firing was done is in the name of Bharat Singh, uncle (relative) of accused Sachin Gurjar.

In this case, the police have also started the process of suspension of arms licenses and increased the section of Arms Act. After registering a case in Kotwali police station, accused Sachin Gurjar son of Rampal Singh Gurjar resident of village Khiriya police station Pandokhar and Ramu Gurjar son of Bharat Singh resident of Sadar (former Congress youth district president) were arrested on Thursday itself.

At the same time, the third accused Pawan Mudgal son of Santosh Mudgal resident of village Ghanauti Pandokhar has also been arrested by the police.

The police have also clarified that two shots were fired from the licensed rifle. There has been no firing/attack of any kind on accused Ramu Gurjar and Sachin Gurjar. In this regard, CCTV footage around the incident has been checked. The incident of the accused attacking themselves is completely baseless.

From the interrogation of the people present at the scene, police personnel and observation of the viral video regarding the incident on social media, it was also found that Sachin Gurjar, a companion of accused Ramu Gurjar (former Congress Youth District President), fired at the complainants with a 315 bore licensed rifle. All this evidence is being included in the investigation. The byte given by accused Ramu Gurjar (former Congress Youth District President) on social media regarding the attack on himself is completely misleading and baseless.

It is worth noting that complainant Rohit Gurjar, a resident of village Sundarpura of Dheerpura police station area, told the police that on Thursday, August 8, the Congress's Jan Akrosh rally was going from Kila Chowk to Purani Kachehri, when on the way near Sita Sagar, Ramu Gurjar (former Congress Youth District President) and his companion Sachin Gurjar were giving wrong speeches on the DJ. Complainant Rohit and his cousin Parvender Gurjar stopped both of them from giving wrong speech.

On this, the accused started arguing with Rohit, meanwhile the people present there intervened. After the Jan Akrosh rally ended, Rohit Gurjar and cousin Parvender Gurjar were standing near Hinduja Mall at around 4:30 pm, when Ramu Gurjar (former Congress youth district president), Sachin Gurjar, Pawan Mudgal and three other people who came in a car started talking about the dispute that happened during the rally.

During this, Sachin Gurjar fired at Rohit from a rifle from inside the car. The bullet passed near the complainant's left ear and hit the glass of the car. In this incident, pieces of glass hit Rohit near his right eye, due to which he started bleeding after getting injured.

After the firing, Rohit Gurjar and his cousin Parvender Gurjar ran away from there, meanwhile Sachin got down from the car and fired at them again.

Sub-inspector Shatrughan Mishra and other policemen on duty promptly snatched the licensed rifle from the youth and confiscated it and caught both the accused and handed them over to the Kotwali police. The third accused Pawan Mudgal was arrested on Friday.
"PGIMER has stood as a beacon of innovation and care for over six decades, and now you are the torchbearers of its future. Empathy and ethics should be the cornerstones of your professional journey," Chief Justice of India Justice D.Y. Chandrachud, advised young doctors at the PGIMER convocation on Saturday.



At the 37th Convocation of PGIMER, 80 outstanding doctors were honoured with medals for their academic excellence, while 508 graduates received their degrees, marking their successful completion of various medical disciplines. This event underscored PGIMER's unwavering commitment to academic distinction, adding another remarkable chapter to its illustrious legacy.



Chief Justice Chandrachud was the Chief Guest while Prof G.D. Puri, Executive Director of AIIMS Jodhpur, was the Guest of Honour. Prof. Vivek Lal, Director, PGIMER; Prof. R.K. Ratho, Dean (Academics), and Ummed Mathur, Registrar, shared the dais with the dignitaries.



Delivering his Convocation Address to the hall packed to its capacity, the Chief Justice of India urged the young doctors to anchor their medical careers in empathy and ethics. "Empathy and ethics are not mere abstract concepts; they are the bedrock of your medical journey," he stated. He advised, "As you step into the world as healthcare professionals, remember that your technical skills are only part of the equation. It is your compassion, your ability to listen, and your unwavering commitment to ethical practices that will truly define your success and impact on the lives of your patients."



Drawing an insightful parallel to the movie Munna Bhai M.B.B.S., Chief Justice Chandrachud reminded the audience that just as the film highlighted the importance of compassion over mere textbook knowledge, so too should the heart of medicine be rooted in empathy. "Your patients are more than just cases; they are people who need your kindness as much as your expertise. Let the lessons of empathy be your guide, and you'll find that even the smallest gestures of care can create miracles," he emphasized.



The Chief Justice praised PGIMER for its dedication to medical excellence and compassion. "PGIMER holds a special place in my heart. As graduates, you are now part of a legacy of excellence that has shaped the medical landscape of India. PGIMER has been a beacon of innovation and care for over six decades, and you are the torchbearers of its future," he said.



Reflecting on the parallels between medicine and law, Justice Chandrachud noted that both professions are guided by principles such as Beneficence, Non-maleficence, Autonomy, and Justice. He underscored that these fields share a common goal which is to serve humanity with compassion and integrity. "Your journey as medical professionals is not just about healing the body, but it is also about uplifting the spirit and ensuring justice in healthcare," he remarked.



Highlighting the critical importance of equity in healthcare, he pointed out the disparities revealed by the COVID-19 pandemic and called upon the new graduates to ensure that medical advancements reach everyone, regardless of socio-economic status. "Technology has the power to revolutionize medicine, but it must be guided by compassion and equity. As doctors, you must remain vigilant to ensure that AI and other tools serve all patients fairly, without perpetuating existing biases," the Chief Justice cautioned.



In a heartfelt conclusion, Chief Justice Chandrachud quoted Walt Whitmans Leaves of Grass, reminding the audience that compassion is the greatest virtue a medical professional can cultivate. It is not just about curing diseases but about caring for the person behind the illness, respecting their dignity, and offering comfort in their most vulnerable moments, he said.



Earlier in the ceremony, Prof. Vivek Lal, Director, PGIMER, highlighted the institutes achievements and its global trajectory of excellence. The foundation laid by our esteemed founding fathers has propelled PGI onto a global trajectory of excellence, with alumni now among the best in the world,  he stated.



Enumerating the achievements of the institute, the Director said, PGIs global recognition, including being voted as the best centre for lung cancer, is a testament to our relentless pursuit of excellence. We are the only Indian institution broadcasting academic sessions to over 350 centres globally, showcasing our pride, humility, and unwavering commitment to education. he said.
Bangladesh is burning. The democratically elected Awami League and its leader Sheikh Hasina have been ousted from power because of a students movement that sprang from nowhere and which was taken over by the Bangladesh Nationalist Party and the army in its arms. The stated cause of the student unrest was reservation for the freedom fighters of Bangladesh. But the movement had ulterior motives from the very beginning and it came out in the open when the movement continued even after the disputed reservation was struck down by the apex court of Bangladesh.

Sheikh Hasina is a victim of geopolitical factors and the western hegemony led by the US. The entire Indian subcontinent now dubbed as South Asia is the hotbed of American and Chinese politics. The bone of contention is a rising and assertive India. Both America and China are hellbent upon checking the rise of India as a regional political power because it doesn't suit their interests. If India stands for justice, stability and democratic values; America and China stand for their vested political, economic and geostrategic interests. It is an irony that the oldest and most powerful democracy of the world, America, has butchered democracy in different parts of the world as and when it suits its interests . It has a shady and bloody past. Bangladesh is a victim of the latest nefarious design of America in the region. China, on the other hand, wants a monopolistic hegemony in the region and India puts up a serious challenge. It makes America and China fellow travellers of the same boat.

The present development in Bangladesh has put India in a very difficult situation. We have a more than four thousand kilometres boundary line with Bangladesh which is not an easy task to manage, given hundreds of rivulets and many big rivers and dense forest. We have constantly faced the intrusion of Bangladeshi nationals into our border states Which has been aided and abetted by the vote bank politics of the country and the lack of political will and decisiveness of our political masters in Delhi. The influx of Bangladeshi nationals coming to India will increase manifold in the coming days as the goons of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party has started looting and vandalising the property of the Hindus and supporters of the BNP. The Hindu temples have been vandalised. The modesty of the Hindu women is being outraged in the most cruel manner and the Hindus are threatened with slogans like " Go to India" . This is nothing but a well planned ethnic cleansing of Hindus and other minorities living in Bangladesh. The police and army are mute spectators to all these developments. The champions of democracy and human rights the world over are silent and tight lipped over these heinous crimes in Bangladesh. The only country which has stood against such crimes is Israel. But it is a lonely voice.

India can not remain a silent spectator to all these developments as it has a huge Hindu population. It is a highly emotive issue having larger electoral ramifications. Strategically also, a burning backyard is very dangerous and India will have to interfere in Bangladesh, whether it likes it or not. This interference might be direct or covert. A hostile government in our neighborhood is the last thing the county can afford. Either control the present regime there or change it. We are capable of doing it and we have shown in the past as to what we can do. The cost of doing so is less than the cost of taking crores of refugees and having a volatile condition in our backyard. This is not a choice but a bitter medicine that has to be administered to the seriously ailing patient. We have no option but to counter balance the machinations of America and China in the region. We are on the cusp of becoming a regional power having the capacity to act as a bulwark against China and we will have to pay the price for our safety as well as ambition.

The writer is a noted academician and political commentator. Views expressed in the article are personal.
Mayank Kumar Bhakta, a dedicated music teacher at Delhi Public School (DPS) Bokaro, has been honored with the prestigious Bharatiya Gaurav Samman by The Fair Vision Foundation, an Uttar Pradesh-based organization, for his philanthropic contributions. He stands out as the sole recipient from Jharkhand in this category, marking a proud moment for the state.

Mayank was recognized for his exceptional skill in teaching tabla, particularly to students with visual impairments. His unwavering commitment to teaching Indian classical music has left a lasting impact, nurturing a culture of musical excellence and preserving India's rich cultural heritage.

Dr. A.S. Gangwar, Principal of DPS Bokaro, expressed great pride in Mayank's achievement, highlighting it as a significant honor for both the school and Jharkhand. He extended his heartfelt congratulations to Mayank, encouraging him to continue his exemplary work in the years to come.Notably, Mayank Bhakta was also recently awarded the Vishwaratna Samman 2024.
Chief Minister ohan Yadav said that the importance of a festival like Raksha Bandhan can be judged because, in the past, the Raksha Sutras of sisters have saved relationships and even ended wars by getting them to lay down their arms.

An amount of Rs 1500 is being transferred to the accounts of sisters as a part of the celebrations of Raksha Bandhan in over 25 thousand places in the state. We will not leave anything lacking in the best Rakhi festival in Tikamgarh. The state government will not discontinue any scheme and will continue to work for the Ladli Behnas. Today, one crore 39 lakh Ladli Behnas will get Rs 1250 per month along with a gift amount of Rs 250.

Yadav planted a jackfruit sapling at the Police Parade Ground in Tikamgarh Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam Abhiyaan. Rajya Sabha member Maya Narolia, Anil Jain, District Panchayat President Umita-Rahul Singh, public representatives, and a large number of Behnas were present in the program.

The Chief Minister said that the state government is planning a Ladla Bhaiya Yojana on the lines of the Ladli Behna Yojana, Under the proposed scheme, they will get employment opportunities in the industries to be established in the state. There is no dearth of skillful youth in Madhya Pradesh. They only need to be given opportunities. He informed that a Regional Investors Summit is being organized in the state to attract industrial investment in the state. In this series, an investors summit will also be held in Gwalior and Sagar. As a result, various industries will be set up in different areas of the state. Through these industries, our Ladli Behnas and Bhaiyas will get employment and become economically stable.

Yadav said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has acknowledged and honoured both the jawans on the border and the farmers in the fields. Modern weapons and facilities are being provided to the jawans and Kisan Samman Nidhi is being provided to the farmers. In the interest of farmers, the state government will also continue to provide the amount of Farmer Welfare Scheme along with Kisan Samman Nidhi. If farmers receive money, not only their children and families but the entire country will flourish.

Chief Minister Yadav, while thanking Prime Minister Modi, said that the Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh Ken-Betwa Interstate Link Project, the foundation stone of which will be laid soon, is being implemented for Rs 1 lakh crore due to his efforts. Through this project, water will reach the fields of every farmer of Bundelkhand which will rule out the chances of drought for years.

Yadav said that a medical college will soon open in Tikamgarh. He said that the budget of the Madhya Pradesh government is currently Rs 3.5 lakh crore and in the coming 5 years we will increase it to Rs 7 lakh crore. The government is determined for the betterment and upliftment of every section. The state government is also working for the economic empowerment of cattle rearers, soon the work of giving bonuses on milk production will also be done.

The Chief Minister said that I share the joy of celebrating Raksha Bandhan and Savan Utsav with my sisters. The world longs for the love of sisters, my life is blessed as I have found The love of so many of sisters. Tikamgarh district is moving on the path of continuous progress and development with the blessings of Kundeshwar Mahadev, Bagaj Mata, and Vindhyavasini Mai.

Yadav said that people should avoid spending big on funerals and wedding ceremonies. Money is also invested in these works by taking loans or selling immovable property, there is a need to make people aware to avoid such situations. Deposits can be saved by discouraging such activities.
Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini on Saturday inaugurated and laid the foundation for 87 projects worth approximately Rs. 184 crores which officials said are set to improve local infrastructure, public services, and community facilities, marking a significant leap forward in regional development.



During a public meeting held in Pataudi, the Chief Minister announced an additional Rs. 10 crores for various development works. He also announced the opening of a Veterinary Polyclinic and Animal Trauma Center in the village of Tajpur Nagar, Gurugram, subject to land availability, with an estimated cost of Rs. 1 crore. Furthermore, he announced the establishment of a Polytechnic College in the village of Majri at a cost of Rs. 3.50 crores, declaring the Pataudi-Farukhnagar zone from a low potential zone to a medium potential zone, and an allocation of Rs. 2.5 crores for improving Public Works Department roads.



Saini also addressed the issue of electricity in the region by announcing the construction of 33-33 KV power houses in the villages of Siwari, Jasat, and Daulatabad at a cost of Rs. 20.50 crores. Additionally, he announced the construction of a new Municipal Corporation building in Manesar, with an estimated cost of Rs. 76 crores. Discussions will be held with NHI, Government of India, to elevate the Hodal-Nuh, Pataudi-Patauda Road to National Highway status. He announced that all demands included in the memorandum submitted by the MLA, Satya Prakash Jrawta will be fulfilled after checking their feasibility.



Addressing the gathering at the public meeting, Saini said our government is making new decisions to simplify their lives and in the past 10 years, our double-engine government has not only transformed India but also worked on transforming Haryana.



Saini while criticizing the opposition said that those who are now demanding the account of works done by our government should note that their government worked on a commission mode, while our double-engine government operates in mission mode. He said that during the Congress era, politics was characterized by casteism, regionalism, and nepotism. Jobs were obtained through parchi-kharchi. Corruption was prevalent in transfers during their time, whereas now transfers are done online, said Saini.



He said that the success of the present state governments tenure is evident from the experiences of various beneficiaries including youth, who have secured government jobs without Parchi Kharchi, the poor who now receive free medical treatment, farmers who benefit from direct crop insurance and compensation payments, and the elderly who no longer have to endure lengthy processes to receive their pensions.



Families with an annual income of less than Rs. 1 lakh have been provided with Happy Cards, allowing 23 lakh families and 84 lakh members to free travel upto 1000 kilometres annually on Haryana Roadways buses. He also mentioned that through the Ayushman-Chirayu scheme, families have been provided with treatment facilities up to Rs. 5 lakh. Under this scheme, 1.19 crore Ayushman and Chirayu cards have been issued, benefiting the people. Under this, Rs. 2173 crore have been spent by the government for the treatment of 54,000 people. He added that the Dayalu scheme is helping families, with Rs. 423 crore provided under this scheme.



Saini stated that the government has worked to free women from smoke by providing gas connections and cylinders. Now, our government has decided that 12 gas cylinders will be provided per year at Rs. 500 each. This scheme has been in effect since August 1. It will benefit approximately 49 lakh families. Additionally, due to the lower rainfall this year, the Cabinet has decided to provide farmers with a bonus of Rs. 2,000 per acre to reduce the extra burden on them. He said that our double-engine government is continuously working for the benefit of farmers, and Haryana has now become the first state in the country where all crops of farmers will be purchased at MSP (Minimum Support Price).



He said that the state government has provided Rs. 370 crore to 71,196 beneficiaries under Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Awas Navinikaran Yojana. Besides this, under the PM Kisan Samman Nidhi Scheme, 20 lakh farmers in the state have received benefits amounting to Rs. 5,694 crore. The Chief Minister accepted the memorandum presented by MLA, Satya Prakash Jrawta and announced that the work will be completed after verifying its feasibility.
Alert for heavy rainfall in Himachal on August 10



Shimla: The regional Met office issued an 'orange' warning for heavy to very rainfall, accompanied by thunderstorm and lightning, at isolated places of Himachal Pradesh on Saturday and a 'yellow' warning for heavy rain till August 15.

It also warned of a low to moderate flash flood risk in isolated parts of Mandi, Bilaspur, Solan, Sirmaur, Shimla and Kullu districts till Saturday. The weather department also cautioned of the possibility of landslides and flash floods in some places, as well as damage to plantations, crops, vulnerable structures and kutcha houses due to strong winds and waterlogging in low-lying areas. Since Thursday evening, Jogindernagar in Mandi district recorded the highest rainfall at 160 mm, followed by Dharamshala (112.4 mm), Kataula (112.3 mm), Bharari (98.4 mm), Kandaghat (80 mm), Palampur (78.2 mm), Pandoh (76 mm), Baijnath (75 mm), Kufri (70.8 mm) and Shimla (60.5 mm). The incessant rainfall also led to the closure of 97 roads on Thursday, the State Emergency Operations Centre said.



Himachal PWD Minister urges quick approval of key projects and swift road repairs



Shimla: Himachal Public Works and Urban Development Minister Vikramaditya Singh on Friday chaired a review meeting with officials of the PWD and the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) to discuss the progress of pending Detailed Project Reports (DPRs). He said that 35 DPRs related to various projects were currently pending with NABARD and emphasized the need to clear these reports promptly and directed officials to expedite all necessary formalities to ensure that work on these projects could get started. Singh stressed the urgency of speeding up the approval process for these DPRs, which are essential for the timely execution of various infrastructure projects. He underscored that once these projects receive approval, they would play a vital role in the development of both urban and rural areas, which would enhance the quality of life for residents. While reviewing the repair of roads damaged by the recent rains, the Minister directed authorities to expedite the restoration of critical infrastructure, particularly damaged bridges and roads, which serve as vital lifelines for disaster-affected communities. The Minister urged officials to prioritize the repair work, ensuring it is completed swiftly and efficiently while adhering to high standards of safety and quality.



Pb Minister issues directives for timely completion of development projects ahead of Punjab local body polls



Chandigarh: To ensure timely completion of development projects ahead of the upcoming local body elections, Punjabs Local Government Minister Balkar Singh on Friday issued stringent directives to Municipal Commissioners and Additional Deputy Commissioners across the State. The directives were delivered during a crucial meeting held at the Municipal Bhawan, focusing on accelerating infrastructure improvements and civic amenities in urban areas. The Minister highlighted the Punjab Government's commitment to enhance urban infrastructure and services and emphasized the urgency of completing ongoing development projects within the stipulated deadlines to avoid delays that could impact local governance and public satisfaction. At the same time, the Minister directed the officials to make optimal use of funds from various schemes, including the unutilized amounts from the 15th Finance Commission and Central Government-sponsored initiatives. He also reviewed the balance of funds in the Special Needs Account (SNA) and urged maintaining the highest standards of quality and transparency in all ongoing projects.





SAD demands probe into alleged voter fraud by AAP in SGPC elections



Chandigarh: Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) on Friday called for an urgent high-level probe into what it claimed are deliberate attempts by the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) led Punjab Government to enroll false voters for the upcoming Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) elections. In a formal letter to the Gurdwara Elections Commissions chief commissioner Justice (retired) SS Saron, SAD's senior leader Daljit Singh Cheema expressed deep concern over the misuse of government machinery to manipulate voter rolls. Cheema SAID the party's Legal Cell had received alarming reports of such activities. One particular incident involved a WhatsApp group, titled Election Supervisor Jagraon, where senior officers allegedly pressured their subordinates to register fake voters. The group chat, which was forwarded to the Gurdwara Election Commission, included messages from a government employee who raised concerns about the illegality of registering false votes. The employee pointed out the potential legal repercussions of using someones Aadhaar card with an altered Voter Identification card photograph. Instead of addressing these concerns, the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) of Raikot reportedly encouraged the officials to proceed with the illegal registrations, assuring them that any complaints would be routed through him before reaching the Deputy Commissioner. This indicated that the SDM is passing on a message to his juniors that they should not worry about indulging in this illegal act, he added.

CM Sukhu launches 1st OTT platform of Himachal



Shimla: Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Friday launched the 1st OTT platform HV Cinema produced by Himachal Pradesh-based production House Himalayan Velocity, Shimla. The Chief Minister lauded the efforts of the Company for launching this platform and hoped that it would provide an appropriate platform for the Himachali artists to showcase their talents. He extended his best wishes for their future endeavours. The Managing Director of the company Pushpraj Thakur was also present on the occasion.
Massive accumulation of wealth was found after Lokayukta team raided the house and office of retired superintendent engineer of Bhopal Municipal Corporation Pradeep Jain on Friday.

Lakhs of rupees in cash, gold and silver jewellery, property related documents were found from his house. The team also found evidence of investment abroad. The house where the action was taken is in the name of his son Yash Jain.

Lokayukta had received a complaint of financial irregularities against PK Jain. The action was taken at PK Jain's house located in the posh Lords Colony on Airport Road and the Smart City office located in Govindpura.

A large number of documents have been seized from both the places. His laptop and computer are also being investigated. Laptop and two hard disks have also been seized. A team of 12 people led by DSP Virendra Singh had reached for the action.

Lokayukta team also raided PK Jain's office in Smart City located in Govindpura. Investigating investments abroad.

Lokayukta sources said that information about investments abroad by Pradeep Jain has also been received. Jain's foreign investments are also being investigated in the documents found during the action.

Lokayukta officials said that documents of foreign trips have been found during the investigation. PK Jain returned from Canada just four days ago. Pradeep Jain is being questioned about his Canada tour.

Pradeep Kumar Jain is a retired engineer of Bhopal Municipal Corporation. He is currently on contract as superintending engineer in Smart City Project Bhopal. SP Lokayukta Bhopal had received a complaint of him acquiring assets disproportionate to his income.

On verification of the complaint, prima facie evidence of 300 percent disproportionate assets was found. After this, on 9 August 2024, two teams of Lokayukta conducted search operations at his residence and office. During the search of the house, immovable property worth more than 5 crores, bills of jewelry worth more than 85 lakhs, records of investments worth lakhs, records of foreign travel have been found. Bank lockers will be searched separately.

PK Jain's house is built on plot number 11 and 12 of Lords Colony. The house has been built in the mansion-like form on 6 thousand square feet. CCTVs are installed all around. This grand house of his was completed just a year ago. Neighbors told that the Jain family rarely stays here. Only servants live inside. Jain family mostly lives abroad. His son is settled in Canada.
A 36-year-old man was found dead on the railway track near Subhash Nagar Bridge in Bhopal in the afternoon on Saturday.

The family alleged that there are no injury marks on the body. It is suspected that the body was thrown on the track after murder.

Police from MP Nagar and Aishbagh police station reached the spot.

Balveer Pal (36) lived behind Rajiv Nagar RBI. He used to work in a printing press. Currently working in Jhansi. He came to Bhopal from Jhansi on Friday and left home in the evening saying that he was going for a walk.

He met friends at Press Complex Zone-1 MP Nagar at 7 pm. His cousin Ram Swaroop Pal said that after meeting his friends, he did not return home the whole night.

Efforts were made to search for him. The body was found on the railway track on Saturday morning. There are no injury marks on the body. Only blood was coming out from the nose. The brother's death seems suspicious. No suicide note has been found from him.

Police said that the matter is being investigated. The exact cause of death will be revealed in the PM report.

Meanwhile, the Sukhi Sewania police have identified the body of the youth found on the Bhadbhada railway track on Friday morning. He has been identified as Ankit Lohia son of Mukesh Lohia, resident of Lalita Nagar Kolar. Ankit was a driver by profession. He had left home four days ago saying that he was going on a tour. His cousin Rahul said that the police have identified the body this morning.

Family members sitting in the mortuary premises waiting for the body. His car has also been found near the railway track. Initial investigation has revealed that the youth committed suicide.

However, the reasons for the suicide could not be revealed due to the non-availability of a suicide note. The body is being postmortem in the mortuary located in Hamidia. The deceased has two daughters aged 10 years and 6 years. A son was born in his house just two months ago.
People enjoy the weather with a view of the city skyline at San Franciscos Dolores Park. A Chronicle poll suggests that city residents have a more optimistic view of the city. Minh Connors/The Chronicle

Six months ago, the divorce papers were all but signed.

San Francisco voters had had enough. Enough of the filthy street conditions, the vacant storefronts, the wasteful government spending, the high cost of housing and the shattered car windows. In a February poll commissioned by the Chronicle, just 6% of voters said the quality of life in the city was excellent, while 33% found it just adequate and 27% said it was poor.

But somehow, as summer winds down and the election season heats up, a glimmer of optimism  albeit a very faint one  seems to be flickering through the August fog.

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A poll conducted in late July and early August found that the number of voters who said the citys quality of life was good or excellent jumped from 39% to 53%, while those calling it just adequate or poor dropped from 60% to 47%. Significantly, the percentage of respondents who said the quality of life in the city is excellent nearly doubled to 11%.

While 11% may still be considered abysmal  not exactly a tale of doom loops to hula hoops  some voters interviewed after the poll was published Thursday said they had become somewhat more optimistic about the citys ability to rebound from what could be characterized as Americas most excruciating post-pandemic hangover.

Several residents said theyve enjoyed the citys efforts to resuscitate downtown neighborhoods with monthly block parties, pop-up retail, night markets and free concerts. Others expressed optimism that a recent Supreme Court decision would empower Mayor London Breed to clear the sidewalks of unsafe or unsanitary homeless encampments.

Pedestrians walk the sidewalk near at Dolores Park. A Chronicle poll founds that less San Francisco residents believe the city is in poor shape. Minh Connors/The Chronicle

While Breeds negatives are still high  59% of poll respondents either strongly disapprove or somewhat disapprove of her performance  her approval rating has jumped from 28% to 41% as she seeks to win reelection over four major challengers: Mark Farrell, Daniel Lurie, Aaron Peskin and Ahsha Safai.

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Parker Day, a technology consultant who lives in Lower Polk, participated in the poll. He said the overall results were consistent with what hes hearing from his friends.

The revitalization of downtown and the events makes me hopeful. The idea of turning the Great Highway into a park makes me hopeful. I do have a lot of friends here who are like-minded, and they make me hopeful, he said. They are really engaged in their neighborhoods and local politics.

Day said he doesnt support Breeds intensified homeless encampment sweeps, saying that just throwing peoples stuff in dumpsters and telling them to leave isnt a long-term solution. He worries about conservative political rhetoric rising in San Francisco. The city, he said, is obviously too expensive, has too many vacant storefronts and a humanitarian crisis on the streets.

But that is true of a lot of places, Day said.

Following a poll, some residents of San Francisco say they believe the city is on the comback, following a post-pandemic hangover. Minh Connors/The Chronicle

Mission Bay resident Matthew Larsen, a 72-year-old retiree, said he is an optimist about San Francisco, which befits his role as a volunteer city guide. The city goes through constant booms and busts, and the busts dont last too long, he said, making a wave sign with one finger.

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Larsen said the city is heading in the right direction and that the recent Supreme Court decision will help. He sees San Franciscos pandemic bust as consisting of three parts: homelessness, the drug crisis and the rise of remote work. Its not unique to San Francisco, he said, but we got it severely.

He also cited the citys resilient population of risk takers as a reason to remain hopeful. The city, he said, is too beautiful not to come roaring back.

Yet, for some, theres still the question of the citys perceived comeback versus the reality around residents.

Excelsior resident David Latterman said he was not entirely surprised by the poll results, though they showed a higher jump than I would have thought.

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Latterman, a data analyst and geographic information systems expert who also participated in the poll, noted that there has been a lot of rhetoric from Breed and others about cleaning up homeless camps and shutting down open-air drug markets. The question is, have people heard so much about Breed doing this and Breed doing that that they have internalized it, or are they walking on the street and seeing for themselves that things are better? he said. Either way, perception is reality.

San Francisco residents show more optimism for their city, according to a new Chronicle poll. Minh Connors/The Chronicle

Some voters cited initiatives to infuse the Civic Center neighborhood with more productive activities. In March, the city started the thrice-weekly Civic Center Soundtrack concert series, as well as putting in a fitness court, skate park and pingpong tables.

Kevin North, an Inner Richmond resident who plays blues and rock, has been a regular at the Civic Center Soundtrack series since March. He said he was skeptical at first about how his music would land in what he called fentanyl row. But the activation of the plaza, along with the security provided by the nonprofit Urban Alchemy, has made performing there surprisingly pleasant.

Its just a different energy here now, he said.

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While some residents may be starting to feel better about their city, others say they have not seen any improvement around key issues like safety and cleanliness.

Pedro Galletti, who owns the Mozzarella di Bufala pizza parlor in West Portal with his wife, Madeleine, said he is eager for stronger local leaders to enact change, after seeing decline from the place he fell in love with decades ago.

Im still very disappointed with the direction that the city took, Galletti said while sweeping the sidewalk in front of his restaurant.

The Galletis are both immigrants  Pedro from Brazil and Madeleine from England  and say they have dealt with trash and feces left outside their pizzeria and two family cars were stolen in recent months.

Pedro said his main complaint is that money is being spent to address homelessness, but is not, in his view, resulting in meaningful change. He said he will vote for Mark Farrell or Daniel Lurie over Breed. Madeleine said she is supporting Farrell.

Were hoping for changes, but if not, were out of here, Madeleine said. Were not going to stay.

Lower Nob Hill resident Julia Mason also participated in the Chronicle poll. Shes lived in the city off and on since 1990 and said street conditions deteriorated early in the pandemic and have not improved. She called Breeds recent tough on crime rhetoric too little, too late.

Last night, I had to go outside at 9 oclock at night  my car was parked on my block  and theres a guy right in front of my building with crap spread all over the place and a big dog off leash headed straight for me, she said. Today, there was a crazy guy across the street flailing his arms and yelling and screaming.

She said living in San Francisco the past few years has made her more politically conservative.

The city has gone so far left in my opinion. Im middle of the road, Mason said. The giving of the tents, the giving of the foil, the giving of the drug paraphernalia. The city is giving, giving, giving, and nothing is asked for in return.

Kevin Sartin, a painter who has lived downtown near the Tenderloin, had hoped that Breed would be tougher in both cleaning up streets and providing help to homeless people. He has found it very painful to see so many veterans and elderly people on the streets by his home. Sartins car was broken into 11 times in one year while parked outside his apartment.

It just wasnt like that when I moved in, Sartin said. Its really sad.

Some of the rosier outlook on the citys future may be a backlash against what many see as an exaggerated and cartoonish portrayal of the citys downfall. Day, the Lower Nob Hill resident, said that me and my friends always laugh at the idea of the doom loop. Latterman said some city dwellers may be consciously putting a positive spin on the state of the city as a way to stick it to the national media.

Marioe Carr, who has lived in San Francisco since 1966, said commentators and journalists from elsewhere have sought to generalize the citys street conditions based solely on the Tenderloin.
The court has sentenced an accused engineer to nine years of rigorous imprisonment on the charge of stabbing a traffic police sub-inspector for issuing a challan of Rs 600. The sentence came under section 304 (Part 2), 353 IPC and 25 Arms Act.

In the state capital, an engineer stabbed a traffic police sub-inspector for issuing a challan of Rs 600. There was a stir after this incident in front of the Bhopal Crime Branch.

The MP Nagar police station arrested the accused and sent him to jail. The SI died during treatment. The incident took place on August 7, 2021.

accused engineer to a total of 9 years.

ADPO Manoj Tripathi said that SI Shriram Dubey was taking action against vehicles parked in no parking on the day of the incident.

On the day of the incident, he was on duty on the crane. The crane was lifting vehicles parked in no-parking in the MP Nagar area. At around 1 pm, a youth named Harsh Meena parked his bike in no-parking near Jyoti Talkies. The crane lifted this bike and brought it to the Crime Branch police station premises. Shortly after, Harsh reached the Crime Branch police station premises. When he inquired, Dubey said that a challan of Rs 600 would be deducted for the vehicle. The vehicle will be released only after paying it.

Harsh did not have money. He went home to get money. He returned at around five o'clock and got the challan issued. It is said that after this he did not go home and stood there. After a while Dubey started talking on the phone. Meanwhile, the accused took out a knife from his pocket and stabbed in the stomach.

After the incident, hearing Dubey's scream, crane helper Harsh took him to the hospital. People caught the accused and handed him over to MP Nagar Police.

The SI injured in the attack was discharged from the hospital after two days of treatment. About 15 days later, the SI's health suddenly deteriorated. When he was admitted to the hospital, it was found that the wound in his stomach had got infected. He died during treatment.

Exactly three years later in this case, the court has sentenced the accused to a total of nine years in jail under Section 304 Part 2, 353 IPC and 25 Arms Act.
Madhya Pradesh State Electronics Development Corporation Limited (MPSEDC) and the Indian Electronics Semiconductor Association (IESA) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to stimulate the establishment of Electronics System Design and Manufacturing (ESDM) ecosystem ventures.

This strategic alliance aims to develop a vibrant ecosystem to expandelectronic business services (EMS), printed circuit board (PCB) design and manufacturing, electroniccomponents manufacturing, and semiconductor ATMP in Madhya Pradesh, contributing to Indias visionof becoming an ESDM powerhouse.

Veerappan, Chairperson of IESA, expressed, We are pleased to collaborate with MPSEDC, which isworking diligently with the Government of Madhya Pradesh to create earmarking policies and negotiatewith prospective conglomerates for setting up ESDM facilities. Through this partnership, we aim toestablish an institutional mechanism for formal interaction between MPSEDC and the industry forexpansion in MP as a contribution to Indias 500 Bn$ ESDM market by 2030."Mr. Anshul Gupta, Managing Director of MPSEDC, stated, This association with IESA is a significantstep towards realizing Madhya Pradesh's potential in the electronics and semiconductor industry. Partnering with IESA, a premier industry organization with over 300+ members, will provide us withexpertise in policy advice, technical knowledge, and consulting metrics to develop a vibrant ecosystem,including EMC parks in Madhya Pradesh.

On the MoU, Ashok Chandak, President of IESA, Madhya Pradesh has long envisioned thedevelopment of the ESDM sector and has been actively joining ESDM events and supporting IESAs flagship event, Vision Summit. This MoU signed in the presence of Mohan Yadav, Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh during his visit to Bangalore, marks a landmark milestone for MPSEDC andIESA. It paves the way for fast-tracked industrial development in the ESDM sector in Madhya Pradesh, with a focus on manufacturing and job creation. The formal MoU was signed by Veerappan, Chairman of IESA, and Anshul Gupta, MD of MPSEDC.
National Law Institute University Bhopal, on Friday taken a unique initiative and organized Drop Everything and Read (D.E.A.R.) and Poem Recital competition for administrative staff and Out sourcing employees.

This program was organized by Gyan Mandir (The University Library) to celebrate the Book Lovers' Day, International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples, and Quit India Movement Day in the D.E.A.R. saw a 30-minute reading session across campus, involving faculty, administrative staff, guards, and students engrossed in reading books, newspapers, magazines, or any material of their choice. The aim was to integrate reading into daily routines.

The objective of this program was to reduce gap between books and readers which is happening due to addiction/over usage of social media and disruptive technologies. This Program aims to re-develop the habit of reading in the readers and attract them towards books.

During this program from 4 pm to 4.30 pm the entire university campus turned like a library in which any reader could sit anywhere as per their choice and read as per his wish and the reading material has distributed among all as per their choice. Further during this period, the entire university was declared a reading zone and all regular work/programs were postponed during the period.

To make program popularized and meaningful Various selfie points were installed, A special board was set up with thought-provoking questions for participants to engage with, such as their favorite book/Character they relate most across genres and the hypothetical title of a book they would write. Further Bookmarks were distributed among the readers. Over 900 individuals enthusiastically participated in the event, indicating its success and potential for future iterations.

A Poem recital competition was held on 09 August 2024 At 3:00pm To 04:00pm in which more than 60 employees of the university, Conservancy Staff and Out-Sourcing Staff of The University have actively participated And Recited Poem on various Themes of the Programs In these program, all the officers, teachers, employees, Conservancy Staff, security personnel, Students of the university participated enthusiastically. The inspiration for these events was given by Vice-Chancellor Prof S Surya Prakash and Registrar Vivek Bakshi, Controller of Exam Manish Bahuguna ,outlined and executed by Mohit Gupta, Library Incharge, assisted by Komal Patel, Madan Mohan Singh Binay Singh along with all the library staff in and other members of the NLIU Community.
Cash will not be deposited in ATMs located in villages of the state after 7 pm and in cities after 9 pm and it will not be transported. Along with this, the system has also been implemented that the van carrying cash should be of special design. It should not carry more than Rs 10 crore cash at a time. The presence of trained armed guards will be mandatory in the van carrying cash.

The state government has made new rules regarding cash transactions and transportation by private agencies. This rule has been named Madhya Pradesh Private Security Agency (Private Security for Cash Transport Activities) Rules 2024.

This includes the process of carrying bank notes, coins, credit cards, debit cards or other valuable items from one place to another and putting it in an ATM machine.

The government will provide security only if there is a license.

The rules made by the Home Department state that no security will be given to any agency unless a license is taken under this Act. It also says that any private security agency or cash transport agency will use a specially designed cash van.

No taxi or hired vehicle will be used to transport cash. It also says that if a private security agency does not have currency vault services, and can provide assistance in remote areas under tight security of local police, then currency can be transported in other vehicles apart from specially designed vehicles.

The vehicle carrying cash will include the driver and two armed security guards and two people including the ATM officer or custodian. If more force is needed for the security of cash, they can also go along. It has also been clarified that one of the two armed guards will sit next to the driver in the front and the other will sit with the cash amount.

Before appointing a person for private security transport, it will be mandatory to take NOC from the police about him. The place of residence of such persons will also be verified and for this verification will have to be done using their own means. The concerned person will have to live in the concerned residential area for at least three years.

For the appointment of a private person, information will also have to be taken from the place where he was previously appointed. Provisions have also been made in the rules for Aadhaar verification of such persons.

It will also be necessary to take reliability insurance of all these employees. GPS will be mandatory in the vehicles in which cash will be transported.

If more than ten lakh rupees are being carried, there will be armed guards. It will also have to be kept in mind that no van will transport an amount of more than five crore rupees at a time and if more than ten lakh rupees are being carried, it will be necessary to have a safe vehicle. In urban areas, the work of keeping or transporting any cash in ATMs will not be done after nine o'clock in the night. In rural areas, this work will not be done after seven o'clock in the evening.
The first book on the invaluable sacrifice of the brave martyrs by Ranchi youth Saurabh Roy, who has turned from a journalist to a banker, is "Yaadon Ka Baxa, Balidan Param Dharm:" On Saturday, the country's Minister of State for Defense, Sanjay Seth, released this book at Maheshwari Bhawan in Ranchi.

This book "Yaadon Ka Baxa" is a compilation of some stories of the indomitable courage of the Indian Army, the sacrifice of the soldiers protecting Mother India and the unique dedication of their families.

This book contains a touching description of the brave sons who were martyred in terrorist-Naxal attacks from Kargil to Pulwama and Lakhisarai to Dantewada and the things related to their memories. When a family's son is martyred for the country, then only a box is left with his family in which the memories of that martyr are kept. By opening this box of memories, the glorious story of the martyrs has been written through this book by Saurabh Roy, Manager in Punjab National Bank, Raipur.

Ranchi MP and Union Minister of State for Defense praised the book written on the sacrifice of the martyrs and the dedication of their families. This 96-page book, available on online platforms Amazon and Flipkart, is garnering praise from the people.

On this occasion, Ranchi MLA CP Singh, former MP Ajay Maru, Vishwa Hindu Parishad state president Chandrakant Raipat and many other dignitaries were present.
BJP state president and Khajuraho MP Vishnudutt Sharma had asked a starred question in the Lok Sabha on Friday, regarding the Anganwadis of Madhya Pradesh. In response to which, Union Minister for Women and Child Development Annapurna Devi informed that 11706 Anganwadi centers of the state have been approved for upgradation as Saksham Anganwadi in the year 2023-24.

Raising the issue of upgradation of Anganwadis through a starred question, Sharma asked as how many Anganwadi centers have been digitally empowered and how many Poshan Vatikas are being established in these centers. What is the detail of nutritious rice and Shrianna provided under the said scheme in the state and especially in Panna, Katni and Chhatarpur districts?

The Union Minister informed that out of 5267 Anganwadi centres in Panna, Katni and Chhatarpur of his constituency, a total of 5263 are digitally empowered. A total of 11706 Anganwadi centres have been approved for upgradation as Saksham Anganwadi by the year 2023-24 for Madhya Pradesh. Rs 6997.45 lakh has been allocated for Saksham Anganwadi.

Union Minister informed that a total of 35890 Poshan Vatikas have already been established in Madhya Pradesh, which include 2418 Poshan Vatikas in Panna, Katni and Chhatarpur districts.
The Town Hall in Sidgora was abuzz with energy and enthusiasm as the district level program celebrating World Tribal Day unfolded on Friday. The event, which honored the rich cultural heritage and traditions of the tribal communities, was graced by the presence of Banna Gupta, Minister for Health, Medical Education, Family Welfare, Food Supply, Public Distribution, and Consumer Affairs, Jharkhand, as the chief guest. Other distinguished attendees included the District Magistrate cum Deputy Commissioner Ananya Mittal, Senior Superintendent of Police Kishore Kaushal, PD ITDA Dipankar Chaudhary, AMC Mango Municipal Corporation Ranjit Lohara, and District Welfare Officer Rajendra Gupta, among others.

The event was a grand showcase of tribal culture, with performances that included folk songs, Santali dance, Chhau dance, and the Baha dance. The rhythmic beats of the drums, the vibrant costumes, and the graceful movements of the dancers captivated the audience, who were transported into the heart of tribal life. The performances were a vivid portrayal of the tribes' connection to nature, their community spirit, and their enduring traditions.

In addition to the cultural performances, the program also recognized and rewarded the talents of young students. Winners of district-level competitions in quiz, dance, storytelling, and painting, held in various schools, were honored by the Minister. The recognition of these young talents underscored the importance of nurturing the next generation's connection to their cultural roots.

A significant part of the program was the distribution of approval letters and assets to beneficiaries of various government welfare schemes. Thirty beneficiaries received support under schemes like the Mukhyamantri Rojgar Srijan Yojana, Van Patta, Sarvajan Pension, Mukhyamantri Pashudhan Vikas Yojana, and Credit Linkage to Self Help Groups. These initiatives, aimed at uplifting the tribal communities, were a testament to the government's commitment to inclusive development.

Addressing the gathering, Minister Banna Gupta emphasized the importance of preserving tribal culture while progressing in education, health, and agriculture. He spoke passionately about the government's efforts to promote tribal culture on a global stage and urged the community to work together to protect their heritage, natural resources, and self-respect. He paid tribute to tribal freedom fighters like Bhagwan Birsa Munda, Sidhu-Kanhu, and Chand Bhairav, whose contributions to the nation's independence and tribal culture remain a source of inspiration.

The District Magistrate cum Deputy Commissioner, Ananya Mittal, in his address, highlighted the district administration's commitment to the welfare of the tribal communities. He spoke about the various schemes implemented to ensure the prosperity of tribal brothers and sisters, stressing the importance of reaching the benefits to the last person in society. He reiterated the government's dedication to connecting tribal youth, particularly girls from remote areas, to education through initiatives like scholarship programs and bicycle distribution.

Senior Superintendent of Police, Kishore Kaushal, also addressed the gathering, reflecting on the significance of the day. He remarked that a society is truly aware when its people understand and claim their rights. He lauded the day's celebration as a moment of pride, where the rich tribal traditions and culture of the state were in full display.
The Chief Justice of the Bangladesh Supreme Court Obaidul Hassan on Saturday decided to step down from his post in the face of protests by the students who issued an ultimatum to him and judges of the Appellate Division to resign by 1 pm, according to media reports.

The 65-year-old judge will tender his resignation after consulting President Mohammed Shahabuddin in the evening, The Dhaka Tribune newspaper reported.

The chief justice revealed his decision around 1 pm after protesters of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement gathered at the court premises.

Hasnat Abdullah, one of the coordinators of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, issued an ultimatum demanding the resignation of the chief justice and the justices of the Appellate Division.

Abdullah said the protesters threatened to besiege their residences, The Daily Star newspaper said.

Earlier, Chief Justice Hassan called for a full court meeting with all justices from both divisions of the Supreme Court.

However, the protesting students viewed the convening of the full court meeting as a judiciary coup and announced a siege of the High Court premises.

In the face of student protest, Chief Justice Hassan postponed the meeting and later said that he would step down.

Bangladesh Army personnel were deployed at the Supreme Court premises as hundreds of protesting students gathered.

Around 1 pm, army personnel were stationed in the main building, annexe building, and other areas around the Supreme Court.

They urged the protesters to maintain peace and called on them to avoid damaging government properties.

Chief Justice Hassan told journalists at the apex court premises that he has decided to resign considering the safety of the judges of Supreme Court, High Court and lower courts across the country amid the emerging situation, The Daily Star reported.

There are some formalities for the resignation. Completing those, I will send my resignation letter to President Mohammed Shahabuddin by this evening, he added.

Asked whether other judges of the Supreme Court will also resign, the Chief Jusitce said, It's their decision.

Following the ouster of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who resigned and fled to India on Monday following the political turmoil in Bangladesh, 84-year-old Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus was sworn in on Thursday as the head of an interim government.

His government is expected to announce fresh elections after bringing the law-and-order situation under control following the deadly anti-government demonstrations against the Hasina government that had led to massive violence, now abating.
Members of minority communities in Bangladesh faced at least 205 incidents of attacks in 52 districts since the fall of the Sheikh Hasina-led government on August 5, according to two Hindu organisations in the violence-hit nation.

The Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council and the Bangladesh Puja Udjapan Parishad on Friday presented the data in an open letter to 84-year-old Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, who was sworn in as the head of an interim government, The Daily Star newspaper reported.

According to the data, at least 205 attacks on members of minority communities in 52 districts have been recorded since Monday, when Hasina, 76, resigned and fled to India following widespread protests against her government over a controversial quota system in jobs.

"We seek protection because our lives are in a disastrous state. We are staying up at night, guarding our homes and temples. I have never seen anything like this in my life. We demand that the government restore communal harmony in the country," Nirmal Rosario, one of the three presidents of the unity council, said.

Asserting that the situation was deteriorating, Rosario urged Yunus to resolve the crisis by giving it top priority and putting an end to the violence.

The letter, signed by Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council General Secretary Rana Dasgupta and Bangladesh Puja Udjapan Parishad President Basudev Dhar, welcomed Yunus as the leader of a new era born from the unprecedented student-and public-led mass uprising aimed at establishing an equitable society and reform.

"When people's victory is advancing towards its destination, we, with sorrow and heavy hearts, observe that a vested quarter is hatching a conspiracy to tarnish this achievement by carrying out unprecedented violence against minority communities," the letter said.

It said that the ongoing communal violence has caused widespread fear, anxiety, and uncertainty among minorities in Bangladesh and has also resulted in international condemnation.

"We demand an immediate end to this situation," the report said, citing the letter.

Kajal Devnath, a praesidium member of the unity council, said, "Those involved in attacking minorities must be brought to justice. If a minority individual is attacked for political reasons, it is still unacceptable. Anyone who commits a crime should be judged, but burning homes and looting will not lead to justice."

Asserting that many Hindu community members are now taking refuge in others' homes, he said, "I, too, am forced to stay at a friend's house."

On Friday, Yunus announced the portfolios of his 16-member council of advisors after he was sworn in a day earlier as the chief advisor - a position equivalent to the prime minister.

Yunus' first task was to bring stability to Bangladesh after he responded to a call by student protesters for him to temporarily lead the country following weeks of deadly anti-government demonstrations against the government led by Hasina.

Foreign Affairs adviser Hossain said that restoring law and order is the key priority of the interim government at the moment, and others will be back on track once the first goal is achieved.

On Thursday, Farhan Haq, Deputy Spokesperson for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, said that he stands against any racially based attacks amid violence against the minority Hindu community in Bangladesh.

What we've made clear is we want to make sure that the violence that has been occurring in Bangladesh in recent weeks is tamped down. Certainly, we stand against any racially based attacks or racially based incitement to violence, Haq said.

Over 230 people were killed in Bangladesh in the incidents of violence that erupted across the country following the fall of the Hasina government on Monday, taking the death toll to 560 since the anti-quota protests first started in mid-July.

A number of Hindu temples, households and businesses were vandalised, women assaulted and at least two Hindu leaders affiliated with the Awami League party headed by Hasina were killed in the violence in Bangladesh after she fled the country, according to two community leaders in Dhaka.
Senior AAP leader Manish Sisodia on Saturday called upon party workers and people to fight against the "dictatorship" in the country, a day after he was released from jail in the Delhi excise policy case.

Targeting the BJP, he also said these people are not more powerful than the Constitution. Every person has to fight against this "dictatorship" which is not just putting leaders in jail but also harassing citizens, Sisodia said while addressing Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) workers at its headquarters here.

He claimed that while in jail, he was not worried about getting bail but was pained seeing businessmen being put in prison in "fake cases just because they did not donate money to the BJP".

The Supreme Court on Friday gave Sisodia bail in corruption and money laundering cases linked to the alleged excise policy "scam" and said his long incarceration of 17 months without trial had deprived him of the right to speedy justice.

On AAP supremo and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, who is also in jail in the case, Sisodia said he is the symbol of honesty in the country.

Conspiracies are being hatched to defame Kejriwal's work, he said and added that if opposition leaders unite against the "dictatorship", Kejriwal will come out of jail in 24 hours.

Sisodia told AAP workers that "we are just horses of a chariot but our real 'saarthi' (charioteer) is in jail, he will come out soon".

On his bail verdict, Sisodia said the Supreme Court used the power of the Constitution to "trample dictatorship" yesterday.

He said he was hoping to get justice in seven-to-eight months but it took 17 months. But at the end truth triumphed, Sisodia said.

Seeking to target the BJP over the Vinesh Phogat issue, Sisodia, without taking the wrestler's name, said she protested against its leader and people saw what happened at the Olympics.

Phogat, who was disqualified from the Paris Olympics for being found 100 grams overweight ahead of her women's 50kg final, was at the forefront of a lengthy protest alleging government inaction against former Wrestling Federation of India head Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, who was accused of sexual harassment by women wrestlers.
BART's tracks span 131.4 miles across the Bay Area, and local microclimates mean that riders may experience vastly different weather between the start of a ride and its end. Jessica Christian/The Chronicle

The BART system spans 131.4 miles across the Bay Area, and a journey across it provides a unique peek into Bay Area microclimates, especially when theres extreme summertime heat.

On July 6, California was in the midst of a prolonged heat wave, with temperatures in Redding and Palmdale reaching all-time highs. Temperatures also soared in the Bay Area: Around the Walnut Creek BART Station, it was a sweltering 108 that afternoon.

But, just 16 stops away, it was 63 degrees by Daly City Station at 4 p.m.

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This map illustrates how temperatures varied across the BART network on July 6, based on modeled temperature data from the National Centers for Environmental Prediction. Places where it was cooler that afternoon are indicated in teal; areas that were hotter are in orange and red.

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Some of the hottest temperatures that afternoon were at the eastern end of the yellow line, with temperatures hitting triple digits in Concord and Pittsburg. But in the areas closer to the lines other terminus  in Millbrae, Daly City and San Francisco  temperatures were in the 60s and 70s.

San Franciscos summers are relatively cool because of the citys close proximity to chilly Pacific waters, explained Jan Null, a meteorologist with Golden Gate Weather Services and adjunct professor at San Jose State University.

Air cooled down by these ocean waters, also known as the marine layer, keeps coastal locales from roasting when inland temperatures rise.

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The depth of the marine layer affects how far it reaches across the Bay Area.

If its the average depth that it is in the afternoon, youll get a surge of marine air coming through the Golden Gate and then filtering north and south into San Francisco Bay and San Pablo Bay, said John Monteverdi, emeritus professor of meteorology at San Francisco State University. If its unusually deep, itll spill over the coastal mountains.

On July 6, the marine layer was suppressed as a high-pressure system brought unusually warm temperatures across the Bay Area.

The values in the map come from the Real-Time Mesoscale Analysis, which calculates temperatures based on multiple weather models and observations. The final numbers may not perfectly match measurements from official weather stations, especially in complex terrain.

The computed values are also for areas about 1.5 miles in length and width. A mile and a half can make a big difference in some of these locations, Null said.

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AAP leader and former deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia on Saturday paid tributes to Mahatma Gandhi at the Rajghat memorial, a day after he was released from jail in the Delhi excise policy case.

He reached the memorial after offering prayers at the Hanuman temple in Connaught Place. Sisodia was accompanied by several Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leaders, including MP Sanjay Singh and ministers Atishi and Saurabh Bharadwaj.

The Supreme Court on Friday gave Sisodia bail in corruption and money laundering cases linked to the alleged excise policy "scam" and said his long incarceration of 17 months without trial had deprived him of the right to speedy justice.

After visiting the temple, Sisodia said, "May Lord Hanuman bless all the people of Delhi". He hoped that with the blessing of Lord Hanuman, Delhi Chief Minister and AAP supremo Arvind Kejriwal, who is in jail in the case, will also be released soon.

Sisodia will visit the AAP headquarters on the DDU Marg around 12 noon to address party workers and leaders.

After walking out of the Tihar jail on Friday evening, Sisodia said he got bail due to the power of the Constitution, and asserted that the same power will ensure the release of Kejriwal.

Sisodia was arrested by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on February 26 last year for purported irregularities in the formulation and implementation of the now-scrapped Delhi excise policy 2021-22.
A passenger plane crashed into a gated residential community in Brazil's Sao Paulo state Friday, killing all 61 people aboard and leaving a smoldering wreck, officials and the airline said.

Officials did not say if anyone was killed on the ground in the neighbourhood where the plane landed in the city of Vinhedo, about 80 kilometres northwest of the metropolis of Sao Paulo. But witnesses at the scene said there were no victims among local residents.

The airline Voepass said that its plane, an ATR 72 twin-engine turboprop, was headed for Sao Paulo's international airport Guarulhos with 57 passengers and 4 crew members aboard when it crashed in Vinhedo. It provided a flight manifest with passenger names, but not their nationalities. A prior statement had said there were 58 passengers.

The company regrets to inform that all 61 people on board flight 2283 died at the site, Voepass said in a statement. At this time, Voepass is prioritising provision of unrestricted assistance to the victims' families and effectively collaborating with authorities to determine the causes of the accident.

It was the deadliest airline crash since January 2023, when 72 people died on board a Yeti Airlines plane in Nepal that stalled and crashed while making its landing approach. That plane also was an ATR 72, and the final report blamed pilot error.

At an event in southern Brazil, President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva asked the crowd to stand and observe a minute of silence as he shared the news. Friday evening, he declared three days of mourning.

The state's firefighters, military police and civil defence authority dispatched teams to the location. Sao Paulo's public security secretary Guilherme Derrite spoke to reporters and confirmed that no survivors had been found. He also said the plane's black box was recovered.

I thought it was going to fall in our yard, a resident and witness who gave her name only as Ana Lucia de Lima told reporters near the crash site. It was scary, but thank God there were no victims among the locals. It seems that the 62 people inside the plane were the real victims, though.

Parana state's Gov. Ratinho Junior told journalists in Vinhedo that many of the passengers were doctors from his state attending a seminar.

They were people who were used to saving lives, and now they lost theirs in such tragic circumstances, Junior said, adding he had friends aboard. It is a sad day.

Video obtained from a witness by The Associated Press and verified shows at least two bodies strewn about flaming pieces of wreckage.

Brazilian television network GloboNews showed aerial footage of an area with smoke coming out of an obliterated plane fuselage. Additional footage on GloboNews earlier showed the plane plunging in a flat spin.

A report from television network Globo's meteorological centre said it confirmed the possibility of the formation of ice in the region of Vinhedo, and local media cited analysts pointing to icing as a potential cause for the crash.

But aviation expert Lito Sousa cautioned that meteorological conditions alone might not be enough to explain why the plane fell as it did.

Analysing an air crash just with images can lead to wrong conclusions about the causes," Sousa told the AP by phone. "But we can see a plane with loss of support, no horizontal speed. In this flat spin condition, there's no way to reclaim control of the plane.

And Marcelo Moura, director of operations for Voepass, told reporters Friday night that, while there were forecasts for ice, they were within acceptable levels for the aircraft.

Likewise, Lt. Col. Carlos Henrique Baldi, of the Brazilian air force's centre for the investigation and prevention of air accidents, told reporters in a late afternoon press conference that it was still too early to confirm whether ice caused the accident.

The plane is "certified in several countries to fly in severe icing conditions, including in countries unlike ours, where the impact of ice is more significant, said Baldi, who heads the centre's investigation division.

In an earlier statement, the centre said that the plane's pilots didn't call for help nor say they were operating under adverse weather conditions.

In a separate statement, Brazil's Federal Police said it already had begun its investigation, and had dispatched specialists in plane crashes and the identification of disaster victims.

Authorities began transferring the corpses to the morgue on Friday, and called on victims' family members to bring any medical, X-ray and dental exams in order as a means to help identify the bodies.

French-Italian plane manufacturer ATR said in a statement that it had been informed that the accident involved its ATR 72-500 model, and said company specialists are fully engaged to support both the investigation and the customer.

The ATR 72 generally is used on shorter flights. The planes are built by a joint venture of Airbus in France and Italy's Leonardo S.P.A. Crashes involving various models of the ATR 72 have resulted in 470 deaths going back to the 1990s, according to a database of the Aviation Safety Network.

The Capela neighbourhood where the plane crashed Friday sits in a district far from the center of the prosperous city that's home to 77,000 residents.
Manning & Napier Advisors LLC bought a new position in Wells Fargo & Company (NYSE:WFC  Free Report) during the 2nd quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The firm bought 709,008 shares of the financial services providers stock, valued at approximately $42,108,000.

Other institutional investors have also recently bought and sold shares of the company. Core Wealth Advisors Inc. bought a new position in Wells Fargo & Company in the 4th quarter worth $25,000. Tennessee Valley Asset Management Partners acquired a new stake in Wells Fargo & Company in the 4th quarter worth $29,000. Transcendent Capital Group LLC acquired a new stake in Wells Fargo & Company in the 4th quarter worth $32,000. Wetzel Investment Advisors Inc. acquired a new stake in Wells Fargo & Company in the 4th quarter worth $32,000. Finally, Atlantic Edge Private Wealth Management LLC acquired a new stake in Wells Fargo & Company in the 4th quarter worth $34,000. Institutional investors own 75.90% of the companys stock.

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Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

Several analysts have issued reports on WFC shares. Oppenheimer restated a market perform rating on shares of Wells Fargo & Company in a research report on Monday, April 15th. StockNews.com upgraded shares of Wells Fargo & Company from a sell rating to a hold rating in a research report on Monday, April 15th. BMO Capital Markets lifted their target price on shares of Wells Fargo & Company from $55.00 to $57.00 and gave the company a market perform rating in a research report on Thursday, July 11th. Evercore ISI reiterated an outperform rating and set a $67.00 target price (down from $70.00) on shares of Wells Fargo & Company in a research report on Monday, July 15th. Finally, Jefferies Financial Group lifted their target price on shares of Wells Fargo & Company from $62.00 to $64.00 and gave the company a hold rating in a research report on Wednesday, July 3rd. Thirteen research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, five have assigned a buy rating and one has issued a strong buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the company presently has an average rating of Hold and an average price target of $59.91.

Wells Fargo & Company Price Performance

NYSE:WFC traded up $0.40 on Friday, reaching $52.76. The stock had a trading volume of 11,200,358 shares, compared to its average volume of 18,196,924. The company has a market capitalization of $183.94 billion, a P/E ratio of 10.82, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.40 and a beta of 1.17. Wells Fargo & Company has a 1-year low of $38.38 and a 1-year high of $62.55. The company has a quick ratio of 0.85, a current ratio of 0.86 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.11. The stock has a fifty day moving average price of $58.31 and a 200-day moving average price of $56.96.

Wells Fargo & Company (NYSE:WFC  Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Friday, July 12th. The financial services provider reported $1.33 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $1.29 by $0.04. Wells Fargo & Company had a net margin of 15.17% and a return on equity of 12.30%. The company had revenue of $20.69 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $20.29 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the firm posted $1.25 earnings per share. The companys revenue was up .8% on a year-over-year basis. Research analysts forecast that Wells Fargo & Company will post 5.14 EPS for the current year.

Wells Fargo & Company Increases Dividend

The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Sunday, September 1st. Shareholders of record on Friday, August 9th will be paid a $0.40 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, August 9th. This is an increase from Wells Fargo & Companys previous quarterly dividend of $0.35. This represents a $1.60 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 3.03%. Wells Fargo & Companys payout ratio is currently 32.85%.

Wells Fargo & Company Company Profile

(Free Report)

Wells Fargo & Company, a financial services company, provides diversified banking, investment, mortgage, and consumer and commercial finance products and services in the United States and internationally. The company operates through four segments: Consumer Banking and Lending; Commercial Banking; Corporate and Investment Banking; and Wealth and Investment Management.

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Moonpig Group PLC (LON:MOON  Get Free Report) insider Andy MacKinnon sold 9,507 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, August 6th. The shares were sold at an average price of GBX 205 ($2.62), for a total value of 19,489.35 ($24,906.52).

Moonpig Group Stock Performance

LON MOON opened at GBX 208 ($2.66) on Friday. The firm has a market cap of 714.73 million, a P/E ratio of 2,080.00 and a beta of 1.27. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 96.66, a current ratio of 0.39 and a quick ratio of 0.46. The stocks 50-day moving average is GBX 185.69 and its 200-day moving average is GBX 170.61. Moonpig Group PLC has a one year low of GBX 145.60 ($1.86) and a one year high of GBX 222 ($2.84).

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Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

MOON has been the topic of a number of recent analyst reports. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft upgraded Moonpig Group to a buy rating and raised their target price for the stock from GBX 195 ($2.49) to GBX 220 ($2.81) in a report on Tuesday, July 9th. Berenberg Bank raised their target price on Moonpig Group from GBX 265 ($3.39) to GBX 280 ($3.58) and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Friday, June 28th. Finally, Jefferies Financial Group raised their target price on Moonpig Group from GBX 230 ($2.94) to GBX 265 ($3.39) and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Wednesday, July 3rd.

Moonpig Group Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Moonpig Group PLC, together with its subsidiaries, provides online greeting cards and gifts in the Netherlands and the United Kingdom. The company sells its products under the Moonpig, Buyagift, RedLetterdays, and Greetz brands through website and mobile app. Moonpig Group PLC was founded in 2000 and is headquartered in London, the United Kingdom.

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BDF Gestion acquired a new position in MetLife, Inc. (NYSE:MET  Free Report) in the second quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The institutional investor acquired 65,665 shares of the financial services providers stock, valued at approximately $4,609,000.

Several other hedge funds and other institutional investors also recently added to or reduced their stakes in MET. CNB Bank increased its holdings in MetLife by 9.3% during the first quarter. CNB Bank now owns 1,735 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $129,000 after buying an additional 147 shares during the period. Strategic Blueprint LLC raised its position in shares of MetLife by 2.9% in the 1st quarter. Strategic Blueprint LLC now owns 5,323 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $394,000 after acquiring an additional 151 shares in the last quarter. Marcum Wealth LLC lifted its stake in shares of MetLife by 4.7% during the 1st quarter. Marcum Wealth LLC now owns 3,436 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $255,000 after purchasing an additional 153 shares during the last quarter. Eagle Bay Advisors LLC boosted its position in MetLife by 12.5% during the first quarter. Eagle Bay Advisors LLC now owns 1,470 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $109,000 after purchasing an additional 163 shares in the last quarter. Finally, GoalVest Advisory LLC grew its stake in MetLife by 73.3% in the first quarter. GoalVest Advisory LLC now owns 390 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $29,000 after purchasing an additional 165 shares during the last quarter. 89.81% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors.

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MetLife Price Performance

MetLife stock traded up $0.48 during midday trading on Friday, reaching $70.13. The company had a trading volume of 1,989,459 shares, compared to its average volume of 3,361,339. MetLife, Inc. has a 12-month low of $57.91 and a 12-month high of $79.34. The firms fifty day simple moving average is $71.74 and its 200-day simple moving average is $71.22. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.56, a current ratio of 0.16 and a quick ratio of 0.16. The company has a market capitalization of $49.87 billion, a P/E ratio of 23.94, a P/E/G ratio of 0.65 and a beta of 1.11.

MetLife ( NYSE:MET Get Free Report ) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, July 31st. The financial services provider reported $2.28 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $2.13 by $0.15. The firm had revenue of $17.82 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $18.57 billion. MetLife had a return on equity of 21.41% and a net margin of 4.23%. The businesss revenue was up 7.2% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the previous year, the company posted $1.94 earnings per share. As a group, equities analysts anticipate that MetLife, Inc. will post 8.62 EPS for the current year.

MetLife announced that its board has approved a share buyback plan on Wednesday, May 1st that allows the company to repurchase $3.00 billion in shares. This repurchase authorization allows the financial services provider to buy up to 6% of its stock through open market purchases. Stock repurchase plans are often an indication that the companys management believes its shares are undervalued.

MetLife Dividend Announcement

The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, September 10th. Stockholders of record on Tuesday, August 6th will be paid a $0.545 dividend. This represents a $2.18 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 3.11%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Tuesday, August 6th. MetLifes dividend payout ratio is currently 74.91%.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

A number of research firms have recently weighed in on MET. Jefferies Financial Group raised their price target on shares of MetLife from $83.00 to $86.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Thursday, July 18th. Wells Fargo & Company cut their price target on shares of MetLife from $86.00 to $85.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a report on Friday, May 10th. Piper Sandler decreased their price objective on MetLife from $85.00 to $82.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a report on Monday, May 6th. Bank of America lowered their price objective on MetLife from $99.00 to $96.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a research report on Thursday, August 1st. Finally, Morgan Stanley upped their target price on MetLife from $82.00 to $83.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research report on Wednesday, July 10th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a hold rating and thirteen have assigned a buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $82.77.

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MetLife Profile

(Free Report)

MetLife, Inc, a financial services company, provides insurance, annuities, employee benefits, and asset management services worldwide. It operates through six segments: Retirement and Income Solutions; Group Benefits; Asia; Latin America; Europe, the Middle East and Africa; and MetLife Holdings. The company offers life, dental, group short-and long-term disability, individual disability, pet insurance, accidental death and dismemberment, vision, and accident and health coverages, as well as prepaid legal plans; administrative services-only arrangements to employers; and general and separate account, and synthetic guaranteed interest contracts, as well as private floating rate funding agreements.

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Valmet Oyj (OTCMKTS:VOYJF  Get Free Report) and Crane (NYSE:CR  Get Free Report) are both industrials companies, but which is the better business? We will compare the two companies based on the strength of their profitability, institutional ownership, valuation, risk, analyst recommendations, earnings and dividends.

Insider & Institutional Ownership

23.1% of Valmet Oyj shares are owned by institutional investors. Comparatively, 75.1% of Crane shares are owned by institutional investors. 2.4% of Crane shares are owned by insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that endowments, large money managers and hedge funds believe a stock will outperform the market over the long term.

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Profitability

This table compares Valmet Oyj and Cranes net margins, return on equity and return on assets.

Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Valmet Oyj N/A N/A N/A Crane 13.10% 24.45% 10.14%

Analyst Recommendations

Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Valmet Oyj 0 0 0 0 N/A Crane 0 2 6 0 2.75

This is a breakdown of recent recommendations for Valmet Oyj and Crane, as reported by MarketBeat.

Crane has a consensus target price of $155.00, suggesting a potential upside of 6.25%. Given Cranes higher possible upside, analysts plainly believe Crane is more favorable than Valmet Oyj.

Dividends

Valmet Oyj pays an annual dividend of $0.11 per share and has a dividend yield of 0.4%. Crane pays an annual dividend of $0.82 per share and has a dividend yield of 0.6%. Valmet Oyj pays out -38.9% of its earnings in the form of a dividend. Crane pays out 22.0% of its earnings in the form of a dividend. Both companies have healthy payout ratios and should be able to cover their dividend payments with earnings for the next several years.

Valuation & Earnings

This table compares Valmet Oyj and Cranes revenue, earnings per share (EPS) and valuation.

Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio Valmet Oyj N/A N/A N/A ($0.27) -100.37 Crane $2.21 billion 3.77 $401.10 million $3.73 39.11

Crane has higher revenue and earnings than Valmet Oyj. Valmet Oyj is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than Crane, indicating that it is currently the more affordable of the two stocks.

Summary

Crane beats Valmet Oyj on 11 of the 12 factors compared between the two stocks.

About Valmet Oyj

(Get Free Report)

Valmet Oyj develops and supplies process technologies, automation, and services for the pulp, paper, and energy industries in North America, South America, China, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and the Asia Pacific. The company's Process Technologies segment offers pulping process equipment, process islands and complete pulp mills, individual board, tissue and paper machine sections, complete production lines and machine rebuilds, boiler islands, power plants, heating plants, environmental solutions, and technologies for converting biomass to fuels, chemicals, and materials. Its Automation segment offers distributed control systems, quality management systems, analyzers and measurements, industrial applications, and automation services and industrial internet solutions, as well as valves, pumps, valve controls, actuators and limit switches, valve spare parts, and services and industrial internet solutions. The company's Services segment provides spare and process parts, workshop and roll services, fabrics, maintenance development and outsourcing, field service, process upgrades, and industrial internet solutions. It serves pulp, board and paper, energy and industrial gas, biomaterials and fuel, chemical, and mineral industries. Valmet Oyj was founded in 1750 and is headquartered in Espoo, Finland.

About Crane

(Get Free Report)

Crane Company, together with its subsidiaries, manufactures and sells engineered industrial products in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Continental Europe, and internationally. The company operates in three segments: Aerospace & Electronics, Process Flow Technologies, and Engineered Materials. The Aerospace & Electronics segment supplies critical components and systems, including original equipment and aftermarket parts for commercial aerospace, as well as the military aerospace, defense, and space markets. This segment also offers pressure sensors for aircraft engine control, aircraft braking systems for commercial aircraft and fighter jets, power conversion solutions for spacecraft, and lubrication systems. The Process Flow Technologies segment provides engineered fluid handling equipment for mission-critical applications. It offers process valves and related products, such as lined pipe, fittings and hoses, air-operated diaphragm and peristaltic pumps, instrumentation and sampling systems, valve positioning and control systems, and valve diagnostic and calibration systems; commercial valves; and pumps and systems. The Engineered Materials segment manufactures fiberglass-reinforced plastic panels and coils for use in the manufacturing of recreational vehicles, as well as in commercial and industrial building applications. This segment sells directly to RV, trailer, and truck manufacturers, as well as through distributors and retailers. The company provides its products and solutions to end markets, including commercial and military aerospace, defense, and space; chemical and pharmaceutical production; water and wastewater; non-residential and municipal construction; energy; and other general industrial and consumer-related applications. The company was formerly known as Crane Holdings, Co. Crane Company was founded in 1855 and is based in Stamford, Connecticut.

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Crawford & Company (NYSE:CRD-A  Get Free Report)s stock price traded down 2% during trading on Wednesday . The company traded as low as $9.17 and last traded at $9.25. 73,924 shares changed hands during mid-day trading, The stock had previously closed at $9.43.

Crawford & Company Price Performance

The business has a 50 day simple moving average of $9.07 and a 200 day simple moving average of $9.87.

Crawford & Company Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Crawford & Company provides claims management and outsourcing solutions for carriers, brokers, and corporations in the United States, the United Kingdom, Europe, Canada, Australia, Asia, and Latin America. The North America Loss Adjusting segment provides claims management services to insurance carriers and self-insured entities risk, including property, public liability, automobile liability, and marine insurances.

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StockNews.com upgraded shares of Devon Energy (NYSE:DVN  Free Report) from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research report released on Thursday morning.

A number of other equities analysts have also issued reports on the stock. Piper Sandler upped their target price on shares of Devon Energy from $60.00 to $61.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research report on Tuesday, May 14th. Sanford C. Bernstein cut their price objective on shares of Devon Energy from $48.00 to $43.00 and set a market perform rating on the stock in a report on Wednesday, July 17th. Bank of America restated a buy rating and issued a $64.00 price objective on shares of Devon Energy in a report on Friday, June 14th. Truist Financial cut their price objective on shares of Devon Energy from $67.00 to $64.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a report on Tuesday, July 9th. Finally, Susquehanna restated a positive rating and issued a $65.00 price objective on shares of Devon Energy in a report on Tuesday, July 9th. Five research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, fourteen have assigned a buy rating and one has assigned a strong buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, the company currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $59.13.

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View Our Latest Analysis on DVN

Devon Energy Price Performance

Devon Energy stock traded down $0.20 during trading hours on Thursday, hitting $44.91. 6,232,650 shares of the stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 7,289,958. Devon Energy has a 12 month low of $40.47 and a 12 month high of $55.09. The businesss 50-day moving average is $46.43 and its two-hundred day moving average is $47.22. The stock has a market capitalization of $28.38 billion, a P/E ratio of 8.57, a P/E/G ratio of 0.75 and a beta of 2.07. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.46, a quick ratio of 0.97 and a current ratio of 1.04.

Devon Energy (NYSE:DVN  Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Tuesday, August 6th. The energy company reported $1.41 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $1.26 by $0.15. Devon Energy had a net margin of 22.27% and a return on equity of 29.02%. The company had revenue of $3.92 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $3.90 billion. During the same period in the prior year, the business earned $1.18 earnings per share. Devon Energys quarterly revenue was up 13.4% on a year-over-year basis. Equities research analysts expect that Devon Energy will post 5.4 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Devon Energy Announces Dividend

The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, September 30th. Stockholders of record on Friday, September 13th will be given a dividend of $0.22 per share. This represents a $0.88 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 1.96%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, September 13th. Devon Energys dividend payout ratio is 16.79%.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

A number of hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the business. Salem Investment Counselors Inc. grew its position in Devon Energy by 31.4% in the first quarter. Salem Investment Counselors Inc. now owns 832 shares of the energy companys stock valued at $42,000 after purchasing an additional 199 shares in the last quarter. Retirement Group LLC grew its position in Devon Energy by 21.8% in the first quarter. Retirement Group LLC now owns 1,110 shares of the energy companys stock valued at $56,000 after purchasing an additional 199 shares in the last quarter. Whittier Trust Co. of Nevada Inc. grew its position in Devon Energy by 7.4% in the first quarter. Whittier Trust Co. of Nevada Inc. now owns 3,046 shares of the energy companys stock valued at $153,000 after purchasing an additional 209 shares in the last quarter. MCF Advisors LLC grew its position in Devon Energy by 5.6% in the first quarter. MCF Advisors LLC now owns 4,023 shares of the energy companys stock valued at $202,000 after purchasing an additional 215 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Annex Advisory Services LLC grew its position in Devon Energy by 0.8% in the second quarter. Annex Advisory Services LLC now owns 27,651 shares of the energy companys stock valued at $1,311,000 after purchasing an additional 223 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors own 69.72% of the companys stock.

About Devon Energy

(Get Free Report)

Devon Energy Corporation, an independent energy company, engages in the exploration, development, and production of oil, natural gas, and natural gas liquids in the United States. It operates in Delaware, Eagle Ford, Anadarko, Williston, and Powder River Basins. The company was founded in 1971 and is headquartered in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

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Dexterra Group (TSE:DXT  Free Report) had its target price increased by Raymond James from C$8.00 to C$8.50 in a research report released on Thursday, BayStreet.CA reports. Raymond James also issued estimates for Dexterra Groups Q3 2024 earnings at $0.22 EPS, Q4 2024 earnings at $0.12 EPS, FY2024 earnings at $0.60 EPS, Q1 2025 earnings at $0.11 EPS, Q2 2025 earnings at $0.18 EPS, Q3 2025 earnings at $0.23 EPS, Q4 2025 earnings at $0.13 EPS and FY2025 earnings at $0.65 EPS.

Other equities analysts have also issued reports about the company. Scotiabank decreased their price objective on Dexterra Group from C$7.00 to C$6.50 and set a sector perform rating for the company in a report on Friday, May 17th. TD Securities increased their price target on Dexterra Group from C$5.50 to C$6.00 and gave the stock a hold rating in a research note on Wednesday. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and three have assigned a buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, Dexterra Group has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of C$7.75.

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Dexterra Group Stock Performance

Shares of DXT traded down C$0.06 during midday trading on Thursday, hitting C$5.86. 21,039 shares of the stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 36,016. The businesss 50 day moving average price is C$5.49 and its two-hundred day moving average price is C$5.67. The firm has a market capitalization of C$375.92 million, a PE ratio of 14.29, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.90 and a beta of 1.00. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 52.20, a quick ratio of 1.28 and a current ratio of 1.39. Dexterra Group has a 1-year low of C$5.13 and a 1-year high of C$6.35.

Dexterra Group (TSE:DXT  Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Tuesday, May 14th. The company reported C$0.07 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, meeting analysts consensus estimates of C$0.07. Dexterra Group had a net margin of 1.62% and a return on equity of 9.42%. The firm had revenue of C$231.64 million during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of C$279.35 million. Equities research analysts predict that Dexterra Group will post 0.51349 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Dexterra Group Announces Dividend

The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, October 15th. Investors of record on Monday, September 30th will be paid a dividend of $0.087 per share. The ex-dividend date is Monday, September 30th. This represents a $0.35 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 5.94%. Dexterra Groups dividend payout ratio is presently 85.37%.

Insiders Place Their Bets

In other news, Senior Officer Robert Johnston purchased 9,200 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Wednesday, June 5th. The stock was purchased at an average cost of C$5.45 per share, with a total value of C$50,140.00. In other Dexterra Group news, Senior Officer Robert Johnston purchased 9,200 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Wednesday, June 5th. The stock was bought at an average cost of C$5.45 per share, with a total value of C$50,140.00. Also, Senior Officer Mark Alan Becker acquired 20,000 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, May 21st. The stock was acquired at an average cost of C$5.48 per share, for a total transaction of C$109,500.00. Insiders bought 37,737 shares of company stock worth $205,740 over the last ninety days. Company insiders own 51.53% of the companys stock.

About Dexterra Group

(Get Free Report)

Dexterra Group Inc engages in the provision of support services for the creation, management, and operation of infrastructure in Canada. It operates through three segments: Integrated Facilities Management (IFM); Modular Solutions; and Workforce Accommodations, Forestry and Energy Services (WAFES). The IFM segment delivers operation and maintenance solutions for built assets and infrastructure in the public and private sectors, including aviation, defense, education, rail, healthcare, and leisure.

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Duke Energy (NYSE:DUK  Get Free Report) issued an update on its FY 2024 earnings guidance on Tuesday morning. The company provided earnings per share guidance of 5.850-6.100 for the period, compared to the consensus earnings per share estimate of 5.970. The company issued revenue guidance of -. Duke Energy also updated its FY24 guidance to $5.85-6.10 EPS.

Duke Energy Stock Up 0.2 %

Shares of NYSE:DUK traded up $0.23 during trading on Friday, hitting $112.66. 2,218,653 shares of the company were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 2,968,208. The stock has a market cap of $86.95 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 28.24, a P/E/G ratio of 3.09 and a beta of 0.45. Duke Energy has a fifty-two week low of $83.06 and a fifty-two week high of $116.67. The firm has a fifty day moving average price of $104.47 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $99.28. The company has a current ratio of 0.78, a quick ratio of 0.50 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.54.

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Duke Energy (NYSE:DUK  Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Tuesday, August 6th. The utilities provider reported $1.18 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $1.02 by $0.16. The business had revenue of $7.17 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $6.84 billion. Duke Energy had a return on equity of 9.25% and a net margin of 10.78%. The firms revenue was up 9.0% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the previous year, the firm earned $0.91 EPS. As a group, research analysts anticipate that Duke Energy will post 5.97 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Duke Energy Increases Dividend

Analyst Ratings Changes

The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, September 16th. Investors of record on Friday, August 16th will be issued a dividend of $1.045 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, August 16th. This is a positive change from Duke Energys previous quarterly dividend of $1.03. This represents a $4.18 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 3.71%. Duke Energys payout ratio is presently 105.03%.

A number of research analysts recently weighed in on the company. BMO Capital Markets boosted their target price on Duke Energy from $114.00 to $120.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a report on Wednesday. KeyCorp boosted their price target on Duke Energy from $112.00 to $114.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research note on Monday, July 22nd. Scotiabank boosted their price target on Duke Energy from $94.00 to $104.00 and gave the company a sector perform rating in a research note on Wednesday. Barclays boosted their price target on Duke Energy from $99.00 to $102.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research note on Thursday, July 11th. Finally, Wells Fargo & Company boosted their price target on Duke Energy from $110.00 to $122.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research note on Wednesday. Six analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and six have given a buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, Duke Energy presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $106.75.

Read Our Latest Stock Report on DUK

Insider Transactions at Duke Energy

In other news, CEO Lynn J. Good sold 15,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Wednesday, May 15th. The stock was sold at an average price of $103.30, for a total transaction of $1,549,500.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief executive officer now owns 437,464 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $45,190,031.20. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this link. In other Duke Energy news, Director E Marie Mckee sold 1,695 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, May 14th. The stock was sold at an average price of $102.31, for a total value of $173,415.45. Following the completion of the transaction, the director now owns 4 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $409.24. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available through the SEC website. Also, CEO Lynn J. Good sold 15,000 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, May 15th. The shares were sold at an average price of $103.30, for a total value of $1,549,500.00. Following the completion of the sale, the chief executive officer now directly owns 437,464 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $45,190,031.20. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. 0.10% of the stock is owned by insiders.

About Duke Energy

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Duke Energy Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, operates as an energy company in the United States. It operates through two segments: Electric Utilities and Infrastructure (EU&I), and Gas Utilities and Infrastructure (GU&I). The EU&I segment generates, transmits, distributes, and sells electricity in the Carolinas, Florida, and the Midwest.

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Guggenheim upgraded shares of Dutch Bros (NYSE:BROS  Free Report) from a neutral rating to a buy rating in a research note issued to investors on Thursday, Marketbeat reports.

A number of other equities analysts also recently weighed in on the company. JPMorgan Chase & Co. boosted their price target on Dutch Bros from $40.00 to $44.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research report on Monday, June 3rd. Stifel Nicolaus decreased their price target on shares of Dutch Bros from $40.00 to $38.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a report on Thursday. TD Cowen decreased their price target on shares of Dutch Bros from $50.00 to $47.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a report on Thursday. Barclays lifted their target price on shares of Dutch Bros from $30.00 to $35.00 and gave the stock an equal weight rating in a research report on Wednesday, May 8th. Finally, Wedbush reiterated an outperform rating and set a $45.00 target price on shares of Dutch Bros in a research report on Thursday. Three equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and eight have assigned a buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, Dutch Bros has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $38.82.

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Dutch Bros Price Performance

BROS stock traded down $0.73 during midday trading on Thursday, reaching $29.49. 6,775,500 shares of the companys stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 2,676,672. The company has a 50-day simple moving average of $39.01 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $33.75. The company has a market cap of $5.23 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 163.83, a PEG ratio of 4.71 and a beta of 2.53. Dutch Bros has a 1-year low of $22.67 and a 1-year high of $43.49. The company has a quick ratio of 1.98, a current ratio of 2.29 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.86.

Dutch Bros (NYSE:BROS  Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, August 7th. The company reported $0.19 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.13 by $0.06. The business had revenue of $324.92 million for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $317.39 million. Dutch Bros had a return on equity of 1.99% and a net margin of 1.21%. The firms revenue was up 30.0% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period last year, the company earned $0.07 EPS. On average, analysts anticipate that Dutch Bros will post 0.3 earnings per share for the current year.

Insider Buying and Selling at Dutch Bros

In other Dutch Bros news, Chairman Travis Boersma sold 334,069 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Monday, May 20th. The shares were sold at an average price of $36.85, for a total transaction of $12,310,442.65. Following the sale, the chairman now directly owns 871,764 shares of the companys stock, valued at $32,124,503.40. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available through the SEC website. In other news, Chairman Travis Boersma sold 334,069 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Monday, May 20th. The shares were sold at an average price of $36.85, for a total value of $12,310,442.65. Following the sale, the chairman now directly owns 871,764 shares of the companys stock, valued at $32,124,503.40. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available at this link. Also, major shareholder Dm Trust Aggregator, Llc sold 27,135 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Monday, May 13th. The stock was sold at an average price of $36.02, for a total transaction of $977,402.70. Following the completion of the sale, the insider now directly owns 2,116,783 shares in the company, valued at $76,246,523.66. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders have sold a total of 1,228,068 shares of company stock valued at $44,765,154 over the last three months. 46.50% of the stock is currently owned by insiders.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On Dutch Bros

Institutional investors and hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of the company. Savoir Faire Capital Management L.P. bought a new position in shares of Dutch Bros in the second quarter worth approximately $1,242,000. Renaissance Technologies LLC bought a new position in shares of Dutch Bros in the second quarter worth approximately $57,435,000. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP increased its position in shares of Dutch Bros by 257.9% in the second quarter. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP now owns 154,598 shares of the companys stock worth $6,401,000 after purchasing an additional 111,398 shares during the last quarter. Abound Wealth Management bought a new position in shares of Dutch Bros in the second quarter worth approximately $39,000. Finally, Redwood Wealth Management Group LLC bought a new position in shares of Dutch Bros in the second quarter worth approximately $72,000. 85.54% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

About Dutch Bros

(Get Free Report)

Dutch Bros Inc, together with its subsidiaries, operates and franchises drive-thru shops in the United States. The company operates through Company-Operated Shops and Franchising and Other segments. It serves through company-operated shops and online channels under Dutch Bros; Dutch Bros Coffee; Dutch Bros Rebel; Dutch Bros; and Blue Rebel brands.

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Louisiana-Pacific (NYSE:LPX  Free Report) had its price target lifted by The Goldman Sachs Group from $78.00 to $86.00 in a research report report published on Thursday, Benzinga reports. The firm currently has a sell rating on the building manufacturing companys stock.

Several other equities research analysts also recently commented on LPX. DA Davidson upped their target price on shares of Louisiana-Pacific from $98.00 to $110.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Friday, June 14th. Seaport Res Ptn lowered Louisiana-Pacific from a buy rating to a neutral rating in a report on Thursday, May 9th. Royal Bank of Canada lifted their price objective on Louisiana-Pacific from $88.00 to $105.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a report on Thursday, May 9th. Truist Financial reissued a buy rating and set a $105.00 target price (up from $101.00) on shares of Louisiana-Pacific in a research note on Thursday. Finally, StockNews.com cut shares of Louisiana-Pacific from a buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Thursday, July 11th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, six have given a hold rating and three have issued a buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock has an average rating of Hold and an average target price of $94.88.

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Louisiana-Pacific Trading Down 0.4 %

Shares of NYSE LPX traded down $0.43 during mid-day trading on Thursday, hitting $95.37. The companys stock had a trading volume of 631,628 shares, compared to its average volume of 936,760. The companys fifty day simple moving average is $89.31 and its 200-day simple moving average is $81.32. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.21, a current ratio of 3.32 and a quick ratio of 1.75. Louisiana-Pacific has a one year low of $49.47 and a one year high of $101.89. The stock has a market cap of $6.84 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 26.20, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 13.92 and a beta of 1.89.

Louisiana-Pacific (NYSE:LPX  Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, August 7th. The building manufacturing company reported $2.09 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $1.86 by $0.23. The business had revenue of $814.00 million for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $797.26 million. Louisiana-Pacific had a return on equity of 20.87% and a net margin of 9.74%. The firms revenue was up 33.2% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period last year, the company earned $0.55 EPS. On average, sell-side analysts anticipate that Louisiana-Pacific will post 5.23 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Louisiana-Pacific Dividend Announcement

The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, September 3rd. Stockholders of record on Tuesday, August 20th will be issued a $0.26 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Tuesday, August 20th. This represents a $1.04 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 1.09%. Louisiana-Pacifics dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 28.57%.

Insider Transactions at Louisiana-Pacific

In related news, Director Ozey K. Horton, Jr. sold 800 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Friday, August 9th. The shares were sold at an average price of $96.10, for a total value of $76,880.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the director now owns 29,008 shares of the companys stock, valued at $2,787,668.80. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through the SEC website. In related news, Director Ozey K. Horton, Jr. sold 800 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Friday, August 9th. The stock was sold at an average price of $96.10, for a total transaction of $76,880.00. Following the sale, the director now owns 29,008 shares in the company, valued at $2,787,668.80. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this hyperlink. Also, Director Lizanne C. Gottung sold 3,591 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, June 17th. The shares were sold at an average price of $89.18, for a total value of $320,245.38. Following the completion of the transaction, the director now owns 23,501 shares of the companys stock, valued at $2,095,819.18. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. 1.26% of the stock is currently owned by insiders.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

Hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of the company. Renaissance Technologies LLC lifted its stake in Louisiana-Pacific by 188.3% in the 2nd quarter. Renaissance Technologies LLC now owns 447,400 shares of the building manufacturing companys stock valued at $36,834,000 after purchasing an additional 292,200 shares during the last quarter. WINTON GROUP Ltd lifted its position in shares of Louisiana-Pacific by 49.6% in the second quarter. WINTON GROUP Ltd now owns 10,735 shares of the building manufacturing companys stock valued at $884,000 after buying an additional 3,561 shares during the last quarter. Oppenheimer Asset Management Inc. boosted its stake in shares of Louisiana-Pacific by 16.5% during the 2nd quarter. Oppenheimer Asset Management Inc. now owns 19,845 shares of the building manufacturing companys stock worth $1,634,000 after acquiring an additional 2,805 shares during the period. William Blair Investment Management LLC acquired a new position in shares of Louisiana-Pacific during the 2nd quarter worth approximately $91,053,000. Finally, Thoroughbred Financial Services LLC bought a new stake in Louisiana-Pacific in the 2nd quarter valued at $230,000. Institutional investors own 94.73% of the companys stock.

About Louisiana-Pacific

(Get Free Report)

Louisiana-Pacific Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, provides building solutions primarily for use in new home construction, repair and remodeling, and outdoor structure markets. It operates through Siding, Oriented Strand Board, LP South America, and Other segments. The Siding segment offers LP SmartSide trim and siding products, LP SmartSide ExpertFinish trim and siding products, LP BuilderSeries lap siding products, and LP Outdoor Building Solutions; and engineered wood siding, trim, soffit, and fascia products.

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National Bank of Canada (TSE:NA  Free Report) had its price target increased by TD Securities from C$121.00 to C$123.00 in a report published on Thursday, BayStreet.CA reports.

A number of other equities analysts also recently issued reports on the company. UBS Group set a C$123.00 price objective on National Bank of Canada and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Tuesday, July 2nd. Royal Bank of Canada increased their price target on shares of National Bank of Canada from C$109.00 to C$113.00 and gave the stock a sector perform rating in a research note on Thursday, May 30th. Jefferies Financial Group dropped their price objective on shares of National Bank of Canada from C$123.00 to C$121.00 and set a hold rating on the stock in a research note on Thursday, June 6th. Cormark upped their price objective on shares of National Bank of Canada from C$119.00 to C$120.00 in a report on Thursday, May 30th. Finally, Scotiabank lowered their target price on shares of National Bank of Canada from C$119.00 to C$116.00 and set a hold rating for the company in a report on Tuesday, June 18th. Two analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, eight have assigned a hold rating and four have assigned a buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, the company presently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus price target of C$114.69.

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Read Our Latest Stock Report on National Bank of Canada

National Bank of Canada Trading Down 0.1 %

TSE NA traded down C$0.07 during trading on Thursday, hitting C$113.97. The company had a trading volume of 615,211 shares, compared to its average volume of 1,780,627. The companys fifty day moving average is C$111.99 and its 200-day moving average is C$110.46. National Bank of Canada has a one year low of C$84.27 and a one year high of C$118.77. The company has a market cap of C$38.73 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 12.04, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 17.04 and a beta of 1.12.

National Bank of Canada (TSE:NA  Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, May 29th. The financial services provider reported C$2.54 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of C$2.43 by C$0.11. National Bank of Canada had a net margin of 34.22% and a return on equity of 14.73%. The business had revenue of C$2.84 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of C$2.89 billion. As a group, equities analysts anticipate that National Bank of Canada will post 9.8686007 EPS for the current year.

National Bank of Canada Increases Dividend

The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, August 1st. Shareholders of record on Monday, June 24th were issued a $1.10 dividend. This is a positive change from National Bank of Canadas previous quarterly dividend of $1.06. The ex-dividend date was Monday, June 24th. This represents a $4.40 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 3.86%. National Bank of Canadas dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 44.63%.

Insider Activity

In related news, Director Yvon Charest purchased 324 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, May 21st. The shares were purchased at an average price of C$116.20 per share, with a total value of C$37,648.80. In related news, Director Yvon Charest bought 324 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Tuesday, May 21st. The stock was acquired at an average cost of C$116.20 per share, for a total transaction of C$37,648.80. Also, Senior Officer Lucie Blanchet sold 8,800 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Thursday, June 20th. The stock was sold at an average price of C$107.59, for a total value of C$946,792.00. Corporate insiders own 0.20% of the companys stock.

About National Bank of Canada

(Get Free Report)

National Bank of Canada provides financial services to individuals, businesses, institutional clients, and governments in Canada and internationally. It operates through four segments: Personal and Commercial, Wealth Management, Financial Markets, and U.S. Specialty Finance and International. The Personal and Commercial segment offers personal banking services, including transaction solutions, mortgage loans and home equity lines of credit, consumer loans, payment solutions, and savings and investment solutions; various insurance products; and commercial banking services, such as credit, and deposit, investment solutions, international trade, foreign exchange transactions, payroll, cash management, insurance, electronic transactions, and complimentary services.

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OLD National Bancorp IN grew its holdings in TransDigm Group Incorporated (NYSE:TDG  Free Report) by 10.3% during the 2nd quarter, Holdings Channel reports. The fund owned 514 shares of the aerospace companys stock after buying an additional 48 shares during the period. OLD National Bancorp INs holdings in TransDigm Group were worth $657,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Several other institutional investors and hedge funds have also modified their holdings of TDG. Whittier Trust Co. of Nevada Inc. grew its stake in shares of TransDigm Group by 0.8% during the 1st quarter. Whittier Trust Co. of Nevada Inc. now owns 966 shares of the aerospace companys stock valued at $1,190,000 after acquiring an additional 8 shares during the period. Team Hewins LLC increased its stake in shares of TransDigm Group by 3.0% in the first quarter. Team Hewins LLC now owns 275 shares of the aerospace companys stock worth $339,000 after purchasing an additional 8 shares in the last quarter. Souders Financial Advisors increased its stake in shares of TransDigm Group by 1.1% in the first quarter. Souders Financial Advisors now owns 767 shares of the aerospace companys stock worth $945,000 after purchasing an additional 8 shares in the last quarter. Bennett Selby Investments LP lifted its stake in shares of TransDigm Group by 2.4% during the 2nd quarter. Bennett Selby Investments LP now owns 336 shares of the aerospace companys stock valued at $429,000 after buying an additional 8 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Coldstream Capital Management Inc. lifted its stake in shares of TransDigm Group by 1.6% during the 4th quarter. Coldstream Capital Management Inc. now owns 570 shares of the aerospace companys stock valued at $577,000 after buying an additional 9 shares in the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 95.78% of the companys stock.

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Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

TDG has been the topic of a number of recent analyst reports. StockNews.com cut TransDigm Group from a buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Monday. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft boosted their price target on TransDigm Group from $1,435.00 to $1,524.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Thursday, June 20th. Royal Bank of Canada reaffirmed an outperform rating and set a $1,500.00 price objective on shares of TransDigm Group in a report on Wednesday. Barclays boosted their target price on shares of TransDigm Group from $1,250.00 to $1,500.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a report on Monday, May 13th. Finally, Northcoast Research started coverage on shares of TransDigm Group in a research note on Thursday, August 1st. They set a neutral rating for the company. Eight analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and twelve have given a buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $1,417.19.

Insider Buying and Selling

In other news, Director W Nicholas Howley sold 5,073 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, July 15th. The stock was sold at an average price of $1,242.30, for a total transaction of $6,302,187.90. Following the transaction, the director now owns 21,548 shares of the companys stock, valued at $26,769,080.40. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available at this link. In other news, Director W Nicholas Howley sold 5,073 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Monday, July 15th. The shares were sold at an average price of $1,242.30, for a total transaction of $6,302,187.90. Following the completion of the sale, the director now directly owns 21,548 shares of the companys stock, valued at $26,769,080.40. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through the SEC website. Also, CEO Kevin M. Stein sold 10,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Friday, July 12th. The stock was sold at an average price of $1,248.60, for a total transaction of $12,486,000.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief executive officer now directly owns 8,158 shares in the company, valued at approximately $10,186,078.80. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. In the last ninety days, insiders sold 105,708 shares of company stock valued at $137,640,845. Company insiders own 4.96% of the companys stock.

TransDigm Group Stock Up 1.3 %

TDG traded up $16.24 on Friday, hitting $1,247.36. The company had a trading volume of 172,042 shares, compared to its average volume of 226,832. TransDigm Group Incorporated has a 12-month low of $802.46 and a 12-month high of $1,369.57. The businesss fifty day simple moving average is $1,279.49 and its 200 day simple moving average is $1,235.26. The company has a market cap of $69.80 billion, a PE ratio of 49.48, a PEG ratio of 2.07 and a beta of 1.38.

TransDigm Group (NYSE:TDG  Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Tuesday, August 6th. The aerospace company reported $9.00 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $7.77 by $1.23. The firm had revenue of $2.05 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $2.01 billion. TransDigm Group had a negative return on equity of 66.65% and a net margin of 21.83%. The companys quarterly revenue was up 17.3% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the previous year, the business earned $6.55 EPS. On average, analysts anticipate that TransDigm Group Incorporated will post 30.21 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

TransDigm Group Profile

(Free Report)

TransDigm Group Incorporated designs, produces, and supplies aircraft components in the United States and internationally. The Power & Control segment offers mechanical/electro-mechanical actuators and controls, ignition systems and engine technology, specialized pumps and valves, power conditioning devices, specialized AC/DC electric motors and generators, batteries and chargers, databus and power controls, sensor products, switches and relay panels, hoists, winches and lifting devices, and cargo loading and handling systems.

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OLD National Bancorp IN lessened its position in shares of Abbott Laboratories (NYSE:ABT  Free Report) by 4.4% in the second quarter, HoldingsChannel.com reports. The fund owned 110,102 shares of the healthcare product makers stock after selling 5,114 shares during the period. OLD National Bancorp INs holdings in Abbott Laboratories were worth $11,441,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

A number of other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently made changes to their positions in ABT. Signature Resources Capital Management LLC bought a new stake in shares of Abbott Laboratories during the 4th quarter worth approximately $29,000. Transcendent Capital Group LLC bought a new position in Abbott Laboratories in the 4th quarter valued at approximately $29,000. Richardson Financial Services Inc. bought a new position in Abbott Laboratories in the 4th quarter valued at approximately $29,000. Redmont Wealth Advisors LLC bought a new position in Abbott Laboratories in the 1st quarter valued at approximately $30,000. Finally, True Wealth Design LLC lifted its stake in Abbott Laboratories by 1,677.8% in the 4th quarter. True Wealth Design LLC now owns 320 shares of the healthcare product makers stock valued at $35,000 after purchasing an additional 302 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors own 75.18% of the companys stock.

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Abbott Laboratories Trading Down 1.0 %

Shares of ABT traded down $1.05 during trading hours on Friday, hitting $108.71. 5,415,999 shares of the stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 6,049,857. Abbott Laboratories has a fifty-two week low of $89.67 and a fifty-two week high of $121.64. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.33, a current ratio of 1.68 and a quick ratio of 1.11. The business has a 50-day moving average of $104.94 and a 200-day moving average of $108.90. The firm has a market capitalization of $189.12 billion, a P/E ratio of 33.87, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.74 and a beta of 0.72.

Abbott Laboratories Announces Dividend

Abbott Laboratories ( NYSE:ABT Get Free Report ) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, July 18th. The healthcare product maker reported $1.14 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $1.10 by $0.04. Abbott Laboratories had a net margin of 13.65% and a return on equity of 20.18%. The company had revenue of $10.38 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $10.37 billion. During the same period in the prior year, the company posted $1.08 earnings per share. Abbott Laboratoriess revenue for the quarter was up 4.0% compared to the same quarter last year. On average, research analysts expect that Abbott Laboratories will post 4.66 EPS for the current year.

The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, August 15th. Shareholders of record on Monday, July 15th will be issued a $0.55 dividend. This represents a $2.20 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 2.02%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Monday, July 15th. Abbott Laboratoriess payout ratio is 68.54%.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

Several brokerages recently commented on ABT. Evercore ISI dropped their price objective on shares of Abbott Laboratories from $125.00 to $120.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a research note on Tuesday, July 2nd. Citigroup dropped their price objective on shares of Abbott Laboratories from $128.00 to $119.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a research note on Wednesday, May 22nd. Royal Bank of Canada reaffirmed an outperform rating and set a $125.00 price target on shares of Abbott Laboratories in a research note on Tuesday, June 4th. The Goldman Sachs Group began coverage on shares of Abbott Laboratories in a research note on Thursday, May 30th. They set a buy rating and a $121.00 price target for the company. Finally, Barclays raised their price target on shares of Abbott Laboratories from $140.00 to $143.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research note on Monday, July 29th. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and eight have assigned a buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, Abbott Laboratories currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $121.00.

View Our Latest Analysis on ABT

Abbott Laboratories Profile

(Free Report)

Abbott Laboratories, together with its subsidiaries, discovers, develops, manufactures, and sells health care products worldwide. It operates in four segments: Established Pharmaceutical Products, Diagnostic Products, Nutritional Products, and Medical Devices. The company provides generic pharmaceuticals for the treatment of pancreatic exocrine insufficiency, irritable bowel syndrome or biliary spasm, intrahepatic cholestasis or depressive symptoms, gynecological disorder, hormone replacement therapy, dyslipidemia, hypertension, hypothyroidism, Meniere's disease and vestibular vertigo, pain, fever, inflammation, and migraine, as well as provides anti-infective clarithromycin, influenza vaccine, and products to regulate physiological rhythm of the colon.

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Premium Brands Holdings Co. (TSE:PBH  Free Report)  Equities researchers at Desjardins issued their Q2 2024 earnings per share (EPS) estimates for Premium Brands in a note issued to investors on Tuesday, August 6th. Desjardins analyst C. Li forecasts that the company will earn $1.23 per share for the quarter. Desjardins has a Buy rating and a $106.00 price target on the stock. The consensus estimate for Premium Brands current full-year earnings is $4.91 per share.

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PBH has been the subject of several other reports. National Bankshares decreased their price target on shares of Premium Brands from C$111.00 to C$101.00 in a report on Friday. Stifel Nicolaus lifted their price target on shares of Premium Brands from C$104.00 to C$106.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Tuesday, May 14th. BMO Capital Markets lowered their price target on shares of Premium Brands from C$115.00 to C$111.00 in a research report on Friday. Pi Financial reaffirmed a buy rating and issued a C$112.00 price target on shares of Premium Brands in a research note on Tuesday, April 16th. Finally, TD Securities boosted their target price on shares of Premium Brands from C$120.00 to C$125.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Tuesday, May 14th. Three research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and six have assigned a buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, Premium Brands has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of C$112.00.

Premium Brands Stock Performance

Shares of PBH stock opened at C$86.05 on Thursday. Premium Brands has a 52 week low of C$84.66 and a 52 week high of C$113.60. The company has a market cap of C$3.82 billion, a PE ratio of 40.40, a P/E/G ratio of 1.10 and a beta of 1.00. The company has a current ratio of 2.02, a quick ratio of 1.16 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 159.19. The companys fifty day simple moving average is C$91.58 and its 200-day simple moving average is C$90.46.

Premium Brands (TSE:PBH  Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Monday, May 13th. The company reported C$0.54 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of C$0.56 by C($0.02). Premium Brands had a return on equity of 5.37% and a net margin of 1.50%. The firm had revenue of C$1.46 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of C$1.45 billion.

Premium Brands Dividend Announcement

The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, October 15th. Stockholders of record on Monday, September 30th will be given a dividend of $0.85 per share. This represents a $3.40 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 3.95%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Monday, September 30th. Premium Brandss dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 159.62%.

About Premium Brands

(Get Free Report)

Premium Brands Holdings Corporation, through its subsidiaries, manufactures and distributes food products primarily in Canada and the United States. It operates in two segments, Specialty Foods and Premium Food Distribution. The company provides processed meat, deli products, meat snacks, beef jerky and halal, sandwiches, pastries, specialty and gourmet products, entrees, panini, wraps, subs, hamburgers, burgers, salads and kettle products, muffins, breads, pastas, pizza, and baking and sushi products.

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StockNews.com upgraded shares of Unisys (NYSE:UIS  Free Report) from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research note released on Thursday.

Unisys Price Performance

NYSE:UIS traded down $0.01 during mid-day trading on Thursday, hitting $3.73. The companys stock had a trading volume of 346,104 shares, compared to its average volume of 593,151. Unisys has a 1 year low of $2.60 and a 1 year high of $8.12. The stock has a market cap of $258.22 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of -0.61 and a beta of 0.86. The businesss fifty day moving average is $4.35 and its two-hundred day moving average is $5.20.

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Unisys (NYSE:UIS  Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Monday, August 5th. The information technology services provider reported $0.16 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of ($0.01) by $0.17. Unisys had a negative net margin of 20.37% and a negative return on equity of 17.04%. The firm had revenue of $478.20 million during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $485.93 million. During the same quarter in the prior year, the firm earned ($0.09) EPS. The companys revenue for the quarter was up .3% on a year-over-year basis. Analysts anticipate that Unisys will post -0.28 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Insider Buying and Selling

Institutional Trading of Unisys

In related news, Director Roxanne Taylor sold 78,868 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Friday, May 17th. The shares were sold at an average price of $5.08, for a total transaction of $400,649.44. Following the completion of the transaction, the director now owns 8,009 shares in the company, valued at approximately $40,685.72. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through the SEC website . Insiders own 2.70% of the companys stock.

A number of hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of the business. Public Employees Retirement System of Ohio raised its holdings in Unisys by 6.1% in the 1st quarter. Public Employees Retirement System of Ohio now owns 67,333 shares of the information technology services providers stock valued at $331,000 after acquiring an additional 3,886 shares during the last quarter. Nisa Investment Advisors LLC acquired a new stake in Unisys in the 4th quarter valued at about $34,000. Los Angeles Capital Management LLC raised its holdings in Unisys by 4.2% in the 1st quarter. Los Angeles Capital Management LLC now owns 217,274 shares of the information technology services providers stock valued at $1,067,000 after acquiring an additional 8,788 shares during the last quarter. Russell Investments Group Ltd. raised its holdings in Unisys by 10.2% in the 1st quarter. Russell Investments Group Ltd. now owns 101,905 shares of the information technology services providers stock valued at $500,000 after acquiring an additional 9,402 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Calton & Associates Inc. acquired a new stake in Unisys in the 4th quarter valued at about $56,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 86.87% of the companys stock.

About Unisys

(Get Free Report)

Unisys Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, operates as an information technology solutions company in the United States and internationally. It operates in three segments: Digital Workplace Solutions (DWS); Cloud, Applications & Infrastructure Solutions (CA&I); and Enterprise Computing Solutions.

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FS KKR Capital (NYSE:FSK  Get Free Report) had its price target dropped by Wells Fargo & Company from $22.00 to $21.00 in a research report issued to clients and investors on Thursday, August 8th, Benzinga reports. The brokerage presently has an overweight rating on the stock. Wells Fargo & Companys target price points to a potential upside of 4.53% from the stocks previous close.

A number of other analysts have also recently weighed in on the company. B. Riley reiterated a buy rating and issued a $21.00 price target (up from $20.00) on shares of FS KKR Capital in a research report on Friday, May 10th. Keefe, Bruyette & Woods lowered their target price on shares of FS KKR Capital from $22.00 to $20.00 and set a market perform rating on the stock in a report on Tuesday, April 16th. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. lifted their price objective on FS KKR Capital from $18.00 to $19.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research report on Friday, April 12th. Six research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and two have issued a buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, FS KKR Capital has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $20.06.

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Check Out Our Latest Stock Analysis on FS KKR Capital

FS KKR Capital Stock Performance

Shares of FS KKR Capital stock traded up $0.08 on Thursday, reaching $20.09. The stock had a trading volume of 946,693 shares, compared to its average volume of 1,458,118. FS KKR Capital has a fifty-two week low of $18.31 and a fifty-two week high of $20.99. The businesss 50-day moving average price is $19.94 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $19.62. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.19, a quick ratio of 2.34 and a current ratio of 2.34. The stock has a market cap of $5.63 billion, a P/E ratio of 8.41 and a beta of 1.26.

FS KKR Capital (NYSE:FSK  Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Tuesday, August 6th. The company reported $0.75 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.71 by $0.04. The firm had revenue of $439.00 million for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $426.41 million. FS KKR Capital had a return on equity of 12.39% and a net margin of 35.46%. During the same quarter last year, the firm posted $0.78 EPS. On average, sell-side analysts forecast that FS KKR Capital will post 2.86 EPS for the current year.

Insider Buying and Selling at FS KKR Capital

In other news, CEO Michael C. Forman sold 195,139 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Thursday, August 15th. The stock was sold at an average price of $19.56, for a total value of $3,816,918.84. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through the SEC website. In other FS KKR Capital news, insider Daniel Pietrzak bought 5,000 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, August 8th. The stock was acquired at an average cost of $19.21 per share, with a total value of $96,050.00. Following the purchase, the insider now owns 44,800 shares in the company, valued at $860,608. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through the SEC website. Also, CEO Michael C. Forman sold 195,139 shares of FS KKR Capital stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, August 15th. The shares were sold at an average price of $19.56, for a total transaction of $3,816,918.84. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders own 0.25% of the companys stock.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On FS KKR Capital

Several large investors have recently made changes to their positions in the stock. Sanctuary Advisors LLC bought a new position in FS KKR Capital during the 2nd quarter worth about $19,544,000. Creekside Partners acquired a new stake in FS KKR Capital in the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $206,000. Souders Financial Advisors raised its position in FS KKR Capital by 3.9% in the 2nd quarter. Souders Financial Advisors now owns 25,209 shares of the companys stock valued at $497,000 after buying an additional 950 shares during the last quarter. Cetera Investment Advisers lifted its stake in FS KKR Capital by 2.0% in the 2nd quarter. Cetera Investment Advisers now owns 904,170 shares of the companys stock valued at $17,839,000 after acquiring an additional 17,359 shares in the last quarter. Finally, B. Riley Wealth Advisors Inc. boosted its position in FS KKR Capital by 31.9% during the 2nd quarter. B. Riley Wealth Advisors Inc. now owns 51,170 shares of the companys stock worth $1,039,000 after acquiring an additional 12,386 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors own 36.26% of the companys stock.

FS KKR Capital Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

FS KKR Capital Corp. is a business development company specializing in investments in debt securities. It provides customized credit solutions to private middle market U.S. companies. It invest primarily in the senior secured debt and, to a lesser extent, the subordinated debt of private middle market U.S.

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Berenberg Bank restated their buy rating on shares of 4imprint Group (LON:FOUR  Free Report) in a report issued on Wednesday morning, Marketbeat reports. They currently have a GBX 7,365 ($94.12) price target on the stock.

Separately, Shore Capital restated a not rated rating on shares of 4imprint Group in a research report on Wednesday, May 22nd.

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4imprint Group Price Performance

4imprint Group Cuts Dividend

LON FOUR remained flat at GBX 5,490 ($70.16) during trading hours on Wednesday. 26,154 shares of the company were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 59,024. The companys 50 day simple moving average is GBX 5,960.31 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is GBX 5,979.43. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 9.15, a quick ratio of 1.53 and a current ratio of 2.05. 4imprint Group has a 1-year low of GBX 4,075 ($52.08) and a 1-year high of GBX 6,780 ($86.65). The firm has a market capitalization of 1.55 billion, a PE ratio of 2,450.89, a P/E/G ratio of 0.58 and a beta of 0.97.

The business also recently disclosed a dividend, which will be paid on Monday, September 16th. Investors of record on Thursday, August 15th will be paid a $0.80 dividend. This represents a dividend yield of 1.12%. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, August 15th. 4imprint Groups dividend payout ratio is currently 7,500.00%.

4imprint Group Company Profile

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4imprint Group plc, together with its subsidiaries, operates as a direct marketer of promotional products in North America, the United Kingdom, and Ireland. The company markets apparel, bags, drinkware, stationery, writing, outdoors and leisure, trade show and signage, auto, home and tools, technology, wellness and safety, and awards and office products under the Crossland, Refresh, and Taskright brands.

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OLD National Bancorp IN raised its holdings in shares of Arista Networks, Inc. (NYSE:ANET  Free Report) by 7.8% in the 2nd quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the SEC. The institutional investor owned 1,025 shares of the technology companys stock after acquiring an additional 74 shares during the quarter. OLD National Bancorp INs holdings in Arista Networks were worth $359,000 as of its most recent filing with the SEC.

A number of other hedge funds have also made changes to their positions in ANET. Benjamin Edwards Inc. acquired a new stake in Arista Networks during the 1st quarter worth $26,000. Sugarloaf Wealth Management LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Arista Networks during the second quarter worth about $35,000. Thurston Springer Miller Herd & Titak Inc. purchased a new stake in shares of Arista Networks in the 2nd quarter valued at about $35,000. Financial Synergies Wealth Advisors Inc. boosted its position in shares of Arista Networks by 872.7% in the 1st quarter. Financial Synergies Wealth Advisors Inc. now owns 107 shares of the technology companys stock valued at $31,000 after purchasing an additional 96 shares during the period. Finally, Alaska Permanent Fund Corp purchased a new position in Arista Networks during the 1st quarter worth approximately $37,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 82.47% of the companys stock.

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Arista Networks Price Performance

Shares of NYSE ANET traded up $1.31 during trading on Friday, hitting $335.81. 1,594,819 shares of the company were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 2,478,754. Arista Networks, Inc. has a 1 year low of $168.25 and a 1 year high of $376.50. The company has a market cap of $105.23 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 46.77, a PEG ratio of 2.70 and a beta of 1.11. The firms fifty day moving average price is $334.21 and its 200 day moving average price is $300.00.

Arista Networks ( NYSE:ANET Get Free Report ) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, July 30th. The technology company reported $2.10 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.72 by $0.38. Arista Networks had a net margin of 39.01% and a return on equity of 30.50%. The firm had revenue of $1.69 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $1.66 billion. During the same quarter last year, the business earned $1.41 earnings per share. The businesss revenue for the quarter was up 15.9% compared to the same quarter last year. On average, research analysts forecast that Arista Networks, Inc. will post 7.29 earnings per share for the current year.

Arista Networks announced that its Board of Directors has approved a share repurchase plan on Tuesday, May 7th that authorizes the company to buyback $1.20 billion in outstanding shares. This buyback authorization authorizes the technology company to reacquire up to 1.4% of its stock through open market purchases. Stock buyback plans are generally an indication that the companys board believes its shares are undervalued.

Analyst Ratings Changes

ANET has been the subject of a number of research reports. Bank of America boosted their price objective on Arista Networks from $320.00 to $380.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Thursday, June 20th. Rosenblatt Securities increased their price target on shares of Arista Networks from $220.00 to $265.00 and gave the stock a sell rating in a research note on Wednesday, July 31st. JPMorgan Chase & Co. lifted their price objective on shares of Arista Networks from $335.00 to $340.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research note on Wednesday, July 31st. Barclays upped their target price on shares of Arista Networks from $320.00 to $341.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a report on Wednesday, July 31st. Finally, Needham & Company LLC reissued a buy rating and set a $375.00 price target on shares of Arista Networks in a report on Wednesday, July 31st. One research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, four have given a hold rating and sixteen have assigned a buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $353.38.

View Our Latest Stock Report on ANET

Insider Transactions at Arista Networks

In related news, Director Charles H. Giancarlo sold 2,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, June 3rd. The stock was sold at an average price of $294.40, for a total value of $588,800.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the director now directly owns 54,946 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $16,176,102.40. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through the SEC website. In related news, Director Charles H. Giancarlo sold 2,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Monday, June 3rd. The shares were sold at an average price of $294.40, for a total value of $588,800.00. Following the sale, the director now directly owns 54,946 shares in the company, valued at approximately $16,176,102.40. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this link. Also, CEO Jayshree Ullal sold 20,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Monday, May 13th. The shares were sold at an average price of $312.07, for a total transaction of $6,241,400.00. Following the transaction, the chief executive officer now owns 1,620,800 shares of the companys stock, valued at $505,803,056. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders have sold 185,066 shares of company stock valued at $61,786,294 in the last quarter. 3.54% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders.

Arista Networks Profile

(Free Report)

Arista Networks, Inc engages in the development, marketing, and sale of data-driven, client to cloud networking solutions for data center, campus, and routing environments in the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and the Asia-Pacific. Its cloud networking solutions consist of Extensible Operating System (EOS), a publish-subscribe state-sharing networking operating system offered in combination with a set of network applications.

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August 9, 2024: Truck transport has always been a problem for Russian forces. Since World War II, trucks have been essential to provide supplies for major military operations, especially offensives. This was seen during the early stages of their invasion of Ukraine. This attack was launched into northern Ukraine in an attempt to capture the nearby capital Kyiv. The attack failed and Russian forces withdrew and moved to eastern Ukraine to resume the offensive. A major reason for the Russian defeat in northern Ukraine was the Ukrainians concentrating their attacks on Russian supply trucks. Without these, the Russian armored vehicles soon become immobile because of lack of fuel. Trucks also carried munitions and other supplies as well as troops and support personnel.

Since 2022 Ukraine has continued its war on Russian truck transport. Recently long-range Ukrainian UAV attacks into Russia hit three Russian truck manufacturing plants. Without trucks Russian forces cannot move, and if enough trucks are destroyed, Russian troops cant survive in Ukraine and must withdraw.

The most potent weapons Ukraine received to oppose the Russian 2022 invasion armed its resourceful and determined Anti-Tank Teams that managed to destroy thousands of Russian armored vehicles and hundreds of trucks carrying supplies to the Russian forces. The Ukrainian war on Russian supply trucks continues. NATO supplies area-attack missiles to attack lots where Russian trucks are parked. Ukrainian partisans and civilians rarely miss an opportunity to sabotage Russian trucks. This can be done by putting water in the fuel tank which will damage or destroy the engine. Russian fuel trucks are a favorite target. A partisan disguised as a civilian can fire an RPG rocket at a fuel truck to cause a large explosion and loss of all the fuel on the truck. This occasionally happens as Russian trucks, including fuel trucks, roll through Russian-occupied Ukrainian towns or villages. Ukrainian forces distributed many RPG rocket launchers and rockets to civilians willing to take a covert shot at Russian trucks passing through. Elderly Ukrainian civilians often used these RPGs at night or whenever an opportunity presented itself. No one expects grandparents to be lurking in the shadows with RPGs. The Russians tried to retaliate by rounding up some random civilians and killing them, just like the Germans did during World War II. This proved counterproductive and the Russians concentrated on other methods for keeping their trucks out of harms way.

Ukrainian trucks operate among a friendly civilian population and are driven by Ukrainians. Russian owned and operated trucks are considered prime targets and Russia has lost so many of them in the last two years that they are now seizing all manner of civilian trucks including delivery vans and civilian ATVs (all-terrain vehicles). This hodgepodge of vehicles quickly turned into a logistical nightmare because they required so many different spare parts and types of tires. Within a year these vehicles were increasingly useless because there were no spare parts, especially replacement tires. Recent Ukrainian airstrikes on Russian truck manufacturing plants means fewer new trucks and that wont change for a year as the plants are repaired. There is no guarantee that the Ukrainians wont attack again.

NATO countries maintain truck fleets consisting of over half a million vehicles. The U.S. Army alone has over 230,000 trucks. Ukraine will never be without enough trucks as long as NATO nations are supplying them.

American allies always demand trucks along with other military supplies. Twenty years ago the Afghan army obtained over 5,000 Ford F 350 SORV/Severe Off Road Vehicle pickup trucks. These four wheel drive vehicles are based on Fords F-250/350 commercial pick up, which has been the bestselling line of pickup trucks in the U.S. since the 1980s. The Afghan army trucks were built at a Ford factory in Thailand. The SORV was provided in five variants, cargo, emergency response, personnel/tactical and personnel/command trucks, and maintenance van. The SORV truck comes with a diesel 300 horsepower engine. Costing about $40,000 each, the 4.5 ton vehicle can carry about two tons of personnel and cargo, and tow up to eight tons. It has a 144 liter fuel tank. Depending on the version, the SORV can seat up to eleven people. Afghans are accustomed to cramming as many people as they can into pickups and SUVs. The Afghans mounted weapons on some of the SORVs and gave these vehicles a workout that Ford engineers never imagined. The Afghans were also unable to properly maintain the trucks. There were many vehicle mechanics in Afghanistan but over the last twenty years many of them have fled the country with their families and skill at maintaining trucks. The current Taliban government in Afghanistan has to deal with a severe shortage of trucks. There are no railroads in Afghanistan and few navigable rivers. This means the current governments armed forces are largely immobile. If they seize the trucks that Pakistani and Afghan entrepreneurs use to bring goods into the country, that source of supplies for landlocked Afghanistan will cease.

Many armed forces, especially those on a low budget, use commercial vehicles, particularly the Ford F-250/350. The Irish army uses SORVs for recon units. In Afghanistan, the Ford, and other pickups are very popular, especially if they are four-wheel drive. Equipping the Afghans with the SORVs, instead of hummers, meant the Afghans received familiar vehicles at less than half the price of the hummer. That worked until a new, Islamic fundamentalist government took control in 2021. Never underestimate the importance of trucks.
Brookfield Asset Management (NYSE:BAM  Free Report) (TSE:BAM.A) had its target price increased by TD Securities from $49.00 to $50.00 in a research note released on Tuesday, BayStreet.CA reports. They currently have a buy rating on the financial services providers stock.

Several other analysts have also issued reports on BAM. StockNews.com upgraded shares of Brookfield Asset Management from a sell rating to a hold rating in a research report on Tuesday, July 30th. Scotiabank upped their price objective on shares of Brookfield Asset Management from $44.50 to $46.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research note on Thursday, August 1st. Jefferies Financial Group initiated coverage on shares of Brookfield Asset Management in a research note on Friday, August 2nd. They issued a hold rating and a $43.00 target price on the stock. Royal Bank of Canada increased their price target on Brookfield Asset Management from $50.00 to $53.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a report on Monday, April 29th. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. boosted their price objective on Brookfield Asset Management from $41.00 to $42.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research note on Wednesday, July 31st. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, five have given a hold rating and five have assigned a buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company currently has an average rating of Hold and an average target price of $42.46.

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Brookfield Asset Management Price Performance

BAM remained flat at $39.63 during trading on Tuesday. The companys stock had a trading volume of 977,648 shares, compared to its average volume of 1,338,058. The company has a market cap of $17.59 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 36.69, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.95 and a beta of 1.57. Brookfield Asset Management has a one year low of $28.35 and a one year high of $44.38. The businesss fifty day moving average price is $39.59 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $40.13.

Brookfield Asset Management (NYSE:BAM  Get Free Report) (TSE:BAM.A) last announced its earnings results on Wednesday, May 8th. The financial services provider reported $0.34 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.33 by $0.01. The firm had revenue of $884.00 million for the quarter. Brookfield Asset Management had a return on equity of 98.98% and a net margin of 49.36%. Equities research analysts forecast that Brookfield Asset Management will post 1.47 earnings per share for the current year.

Brookfield Asset Management Announces Dividend

The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, September 27th. Shareholders of record on Friday, August 30th will be given a $0.38 dividend. This represents a $1.52 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 3.84%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, August 30th. Brookfield Asset Managements dividend payout ratio is presently 140.74%.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On Brookfield Asset Management

Institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of the company. YHB Investment Advisors Inc. purchased a new stake in Brookfield Asset Management during the first quarter worth approximately $26,000. Massmutual Trust Co. FSB ADV raised its stake in Brookfield Asset Management by 98.2% during the 2nd quarter. Massmutual Trust Co. FSB ADV now owns 777 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $30,000 after acquiring an additional 385 shares in the last quarter. Continuum Advisory LLC lifted its position in Brookfield Asset Management by 57.6% in the second quarter. Continuum Advisory LLC now owns 780 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $30,000 after acquiring an additional 285 shares during the last quarter. Whittier Trust Co. of Nevada Inc. boosted its stake in Brookfield Asset Management by 574.2% in the first quarter. Whittier Trust Co. of Nevada Inc. now owns 890 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $37,000 after acquiring an additional 758 shares in the last quarter. Finally, WASHINGTON TRUST Co grew its holdings in shares of Brookfield Asset Management by 151.3% during the second quarter. WASHINGTON TRUST Co now owns 1,063 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $40,000 after purchasing an additional 640 shares during the last quarter. 68.41% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

Brookfield Asset Management Company Profile

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Brookfield Asset Management Ltd. is a real estate investment firm specializing in alternative asset management services. Its renewable power and transition business includes the operates in the hydroelectric, wind, solar, distributed generation, and sustainable solution sector. The company's infrastructure business engages in the utilities, transport, midstream, and data infrastructure sectors.

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CHICAGO TRUST Co NA grew its stake in Molson Coors Beverage (NYSE:TAP  Free Report) by 18.5% during the 2nd quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 3,947 shares of the companys stock after purchasing an additional 615 shares during the period. CHICAGO TRUST Co NAs holdings in Molson Coors Beverage were worth $201,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Several other hedge funds have also bought and sold shares of TAP. Tennessee Valley Asset Management Partners purchased a new stake in Molson Coors Beverage in the 4th quarter worth approximately $29,000. Montag A & Associates Inc. purchased a new stake in Molson Coors Beverage in the 4th quarter worth approximately $31,000. Raleigh Capital Management Inc. raised its stake in shares of Molson Coors Beverage by 2,087.5% during the 4th quarter. Raleigh Capital Management Inc. now owns 525 shares of the companys stock worth $32,000 after buying an additional 501 shares during the period. Transcendent Capital Group LLC acquired a new position in shares of Molson Coors Beverage during the 4th quarter worth approximately $36,000. Finally, Allworth Financial LP raised its stake in shares of Molson Coors Beverage by 179.4% during the 4th quarter. Allworth Financial LP now owns 623 shares of the companys stock worth $38,000 after buying an additional 400 shares during the period. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 78.46% of the companys stock.

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Molson Coors Beverage Stock Up 0.2 %

TAP stock traded up $0.12 during mid-day trading on Friday, reaching $52.98. The company had a trading volume of 1,474,603 shares, compared to its average volume of 1,965,625. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.40, a quick ratio of 0.47 and a current ratio of 0.69. The company has a market capitalization of $11.22 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 10.60, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.26 and a beta of 0.81. The firm has a fifty day simple moving average of $51.76 and a 200 day simple moving average of $58.56. Molson Coors Beverage has a fifty-two week low of $49.19 and a fifty-two week high of $69.18.

Molson Coors Beverage Announces Dividend

Molson Coors Beverage ( NYSE:TAP Get Free Report ) last issued its earnings results on Tuesday, August 6th. The company reported $1.92 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $1.68 by $0.24. The business had revenue of $3.25 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $3.18 billion. Molson Coors Beverage had a return on equity of 9.47% and a net margin of 7.66%. The businesss quarterly revenue was down .4% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter last year, the company earned $1.78 EPS. Analysts forecast that Molson Coors Beverage will post 5.56 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, September 20th. Investors of record on Friday, August 30th will be paid a $0.44 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, August 30th. This represents a $1.76 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 3.32%. Molson Coors Beverages dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 35.20%.

Analyst Ratings Changes

Several research analysts have recently weighed in on TAP shares. StockNews.com downgraded Molson Coors Beverage from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Thursday, May 2nd. UBS Group upped their target price on Molson Coors Beverage from $55.00 to $58.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research note on Wednesday. Wells Fargo & Company upped their target price on Molson Coors Beverage from $50.00 to $54.00 and gave the stock an underweight rating in a research note on Wednesday. Jefferies Financial Group reduced their target price on Molson Coors Beverage from $61.00 to $57.00 and set a hold rating for the company in a research note on Thursday, July 18th. Finally, Barclays upped their target price on Molson Coors Beverage from $47.00 to $49.00 and gave the stock an underweight rating in a research note on Thursday. Three equities research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, ten have issued a hold rating and three have assigned a buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, Molson Coors Beverage presently has an average rating of Hold and an average price target of $60.53.

View Our Latest Stock Analysis on Molson Coors Beverage

Molson Coors Beverage Company Profile

(Free Report)

Molson Coors Beverage Company manufactures, markets, and sells beer and other malt beverage products under various brands in the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and the Asia Pacific. The company offers flavored malt beverages including hard seltzers, craft, spirits and energy, and ready to drink beverages.

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Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY  Get Free Report) rose 8% during mid-day trading on Thursday . The stock traded as high as $877.78 and last traded at $833.89. Approximately 4,200,801 shares were traded during mid-day trading, an increase of 39% from the average daily volume of 3,032,683 shares. The stock had previously closed at $772.14.

Analyst Ratings Changes

Several analysts have recently weighed in on the company. Truist Financial reissued a buy rating and set a $1,000.00 price objective (up previously from $892.00) on shares of Eli Lilly and Company in a report on Tuesday, June 25th. Morgan Stanley reaffirmed an overweight rating and issued a $1,023.00 price target on shares of Eli Lilly and Company in a research note on Friday, July 5th. Barclays increased their price objective on Eli Lilly and Company from $913.00 to $1,025.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research note on Wednesday, July 10th. Cantor Fitzgerald reaffirmed an overweight rating and set a $885.00 price objective on shares of Eli Lilly and Company in a report on Monday, August 5th. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. increased their price objective on shares of Eli Lilly and Company from $900.00 to $1,000.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a report on Thursday, July 11th. Three equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and sixteen have issued a buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, Eli Lilly and Company presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $916.53.

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Eli Lilly and Company Stock Up 5.5 %

Eli Lilly and Company Dividend Announcement

The company has a current ratio of 1.35, a quick ratio of 1.03 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.90. The firms fifty day moving average price is $871.07 and its 200-day moving average price is $794.32. The company has a market cap of $847.46 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 131.32, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.81 and a beta of 0.41.

The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, September 10th. Investors of record on Thursday, August 15th will be given a $1.30 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, August 15th. This represents a $5.20 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 0.58%. Eli Lilly and Companys dividend payout ratio is presently 76.58%.

Insiders Place Their Bets

In related news, major shareholder Lilly Endowment Inc sold 92,563 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Friday, May 24th. The shares were sold at an average price of $809.21, for a total value of $74,902,905.23. Following the completion of the transaction, the insider now directly owns 98,556,247 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $79,752,700,634.87. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available through the SEC website. In other news, EVP Johna Norton sold 7,056 shares of Eli Lilly and Company stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, June 3rd. The shares were sold at an average price of $819.38, for a total value of $5,781,545.28. Following the sale, the executive vice president now directly owns 25,428 shares in the company, valued at $20,835,194.64. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through the SEC website. Also, major shareholder Lilly Endowment Inc sold 92,563 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Friday, May 24th. The stock was sold at an average price of $809.21, for a total transaction of $74,902,905.23. Following the completion of the sale, the insider now directly owns 98,556,247 shares in the company, valued at approximately $79,752,700,634.87. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. In the last three months, insiders have sold 1,214,704 shares of company stock worth $1,066,841,316. Company insiders own 0.13% of the companys stock.

Institutional Trading of Eli Lilly and Company

A number of hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of LLY. Twelve Points Wealth Management LLC grew its stake in shares of Eli Lilly and Company by 1.4% in the second quarter. Twelve Points Wealth Management LLC now owns 811 shares of the companys stock valued at $734,000 after buying an additional 11 shares in the last quarter. Verum Partners LLC increased its position in Eli Lilly and Company by 1.5% during the second quarter. Verum Partners LLC now owns 731 shares of the companys stock worth $662,000 after buying an additional 11 shares during the last quarter. Acorn Creek Capital LLC raised its stake in Eli Lilly and Company by 1.3% in the second quarter. Acorn Creek Capital LLC now owns 927 shares of the companys stock valued at $840,000 after buying an additional 12 shares during the period. Thompson Davis & CO. Inc. lifted its position in shares of Eli Lilly and Company by 0.7% in the second quarter. Thompson Davis & CO. Inc. now owns 1,687 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,527,000 after buying an additional 12 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Versant Capital Management Inc boosted its stake in shares of Eli Lilly and Company by 1.8% during the 1st quarter. Versant Capital Management Inc now owns 736 shares of the companys stock worth $573,000 after acquiring an additional 13 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 82.53% of the companys stock.

About Eli Lilly and Company

(Get Free Report)

Eli Lilly and Company discovers, develops, and markets human pharmaceuticals worldwide. The company offers Basaglar, Humalog, Humalog Mix 75/25, Humalog U-100, Humalog U-200, Humalog Mix 50/50, insulin lispro, insulin lispro protamine, insulin lispro mix 75/25, Humulin, Humulin 70/30, Humulin N, Humulin R, and Humulin U-500 for diabetes; Jardiance, Mounjaro, and Trulicity for type 2 diabetes; and Zepbound for obesity.

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Entergy Co. (NYSE:ETR  Get Free Report) CEO Andrew S. Marsh sold 3,200 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Monday, August 5th. The shares were sold at an average price of $121.46, for a total transaction of $388,672.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief executive officer now directly owns 150,731 shares of the companys stock, valued at $18,307,787.26. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this link.

Entergy Stock Up 0.2 %

Shares of NYSE ETR opened at $117.49 on Friday. Entergy Co. has a 1 year low of $87.10 and a 1 year high of $123.61. The firms 50 day moving average price is $109.88 and its 200 day moving average price is $106.27. The firm has a market cap of $25.09 billion, a P/E ratio of 11.78, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.29 and a beta of 0.71. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.81, a quick ratio of 0.45 and a current ratio of 0.94.

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Entergy (NYSE:ETR  Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Thursday, August 1st. The utilities provider reported $1.92 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $1.76 by $0.16. Entergy had a net margin of 14.75% and a return on equity of 10.10%. The firm had revenue of $2.95 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $2.98 billion. During the same quarter last year, the business earned $1.84 earnings per share. As a group, sell-side analysts anticipate that Entergy Co. will post 7.21 earnings per share for the current year.

Entergy Dividend Announcement

Analyst Ratings Changes

The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, September 3rd. Investors of record on Tuesday, August 13th will be given a dividend of $1.13 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Tuesday, August 13th. This represents a $4.52 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 3.85%. Entergys dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 45.34%.

A number of brokerages have issued reports on ETR. Mizuho increased their target price on shares of Entergy from $107.00 to $114.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Friday, May 31st. Scotiabank increased their target price on shares of Entergy from $104.00 to $115.00 and gave the company a sector perform rating in a report on Friday, August 2nd. Wells Fargo & Company increased their target price on shares of Entergy from $125.00 to $137.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a report on Friday, August 2nd. Morgan Stanley lowered their price target on shares of Entergy from $103.00 to $98.00 and set an underweight rating on the stock in a research report on Monday, June 24th. Finally, Guggenheim increased their price target on shares of Entergy from $118.00 to $128.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Friday, August 2nd. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, four have issued a hold rating and nine have assigned a buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the company presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $118.19.

Read Our Latest Stock Analysis on Entergy

Hedge Funds Weigh In On Entergy

A number of hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in ETR. Private Trust Co. NA boosted its holdings in shares of Entergy by 9.1% in the 4th quarter. Private Trust Co. NA now owns 2,041 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $207,000 after purchasing an additional 170 shares during the last quarter. Allworth Financial LP boosted its holdings in shares of Entergy by 20.0% in the 4th quarter. Allworth Financial LP now owns 3,643 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $369,000 after purchasing an additional 606 shares during the last quarter. Prime Capital Investment Advisors LLC boosted its holdings in shares of Entergy by 17.0% in the 4th quarter. Prime Capital Investment Advisors LLC now owns 19,020 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $1,925,000 after purchasing an additional 2,757 shares during the last quarter. Stratos Wealth Partners LTD. boosted its holdings in shares of Entergy by 1.9% in the 4th quarter. Stratos Wealth Partners LTD. now owns 6,657 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $674,000 after purchasing an additional 124 shares during the last quarter. Finally, DekaBank Deutsche Girozentrale boosted its holdings in shares of Entergy by 5.3% in the 4th quarter. DekaBank Deutsche Girozentrale now owns 38,941 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $3,872,000 after purchasing an additional 1,959 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 88.07% of the companys stock.

Entergy Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Entergy Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, engages in the production and retail distribution of electricity in the United States. It generates, transmits, distributes, and sells electric power in portions of Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas, including the City of New Orleans; and distributes natural gas.

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Laboratory Co. of America Holdings (NYSE:LH  Get Free Report) EVP Lance Berberian sold 12,093 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Monday, August 5th. The stock was sold at an average price of $229.10, for a total transaction of $2,770,506.30. Following the completion of the sale, the executive vice president now directly owns 15,921 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $3,647,501.10. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is accessible through this hyperlink.

Laboratory Co. of America Stock Performance

LH opened at $226.46 on Friday. The firms 50-day moving average price is $208.19 and its 200 day moving average price is $210.54. The firm has a market capitalization of $19.09 billion, a PE ratio of 45.57, a PEG ratio of 1.76 and a beta of 1.05. Laboratory Co. of America Holdings has a twelve month low of $191.97 and a twelve month high of $238.46. The company has a current ratio of 0.88, a quick ratio of 0.76 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.39.

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Laboratory Co. of America (NYSE:LH  Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, August 1st. The medical research company reported $3.94 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $3.78 by $0.16. Laboratory Co. of America had a net margin of 3.60% and a return on equity of 15.39%. The business had revenue of $3.22 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $3.19 billion. During the same period in the prior year, the company posted $3.42 EPS. The businesss revenue for the quarter was up 6.2% on a year-over-year basis. As a group, sell-side analysts expect that Laboratory Co. of America Holdings will post 14.84 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Laboratory Co. of America Announces Dividend

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, September 13th. Shareholders of record on Thursday, August 29th will be paid a dividend of $0.72 per share. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, August 29th. This represents a $2.88 annualized dividend and a yield of 1.27%. Laboratory Co. of Americas dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 57.95%.

A number of equities research analysts have recently issued reports on LH shares. Barclays boosted their price target on shares of Laboratory Co. of America from $213.00 to $249.00 and gave the company an equal weight rating in a report on Friday, August 2nd. StockNews.com raised shares of Laboratory Co. of America from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research note on Friday. Evercore ISI boosted their price target on shares of Laboratory Co. of America from $210.00 to $215.00 and gave the company an in-line rating in a report on Tuesday, July 9th. UBS Group increased their target price on shares of Laboratory Co. of America from $260.00 to $270.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Friday, August 2nd. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. lowered their price target on shares of Laboratory Co. of America from $261.00 to $243.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a research report on Thursday, May 30th. Four investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and eleven have issued a buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the company currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $249.15.

Check Out Our Latest Report on Laboratory Co. of America

Institutional Investors Weigh In On Laboratory Co. of America

Institutional investors and hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the stock. Diamond Hill Capital Management Inc. increased its stake in shares of Laboratory Co. of America by 25.4% in the second quarter. Diamond Hill Capital Management Inc. now owns 1,949,640 shares of the medical research companys stock valued at $396,771,000 after buying an additional 395,197 shares in the last quarter. Allspring Global Investments Holdings LLC boosted its stake in Laboratory Co. of America by 58.8% in the 1st quarter. Allspring Global Investments Holdings LLC now owns 1,613,854 shares of the medical research companys stock valued at $352,563,000 after purchasing an additional 597,571 shares during the period. Bank of New York Mellon Corp lifted its position in shares of Laboratory Co. of America by 135.0% during the 2nd quarter. Bank of New York Mellon Corp now owns 1,609,826 shares of the medical research companys stock valued at $327,616,000 after acquiring an additional 924,881 shares during the period. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP raised its holdings in shares of Laboratory Co. of America by 2.4% during the 2nd quarter. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP now owns 1,417,645 shares of the medical research companys stock worth $288,519,000 after buying an additional 33,497 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Norges Bank acquired a new position in Laboratory Co. of America in the 4th quarter worth about $291,045,000. 95.94% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

Laboratory Co. of America Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Laboratory Corporation of America Holdings operates as a life sciences company that provides vital information to help doctors, hospitals, pharmaceutical companies, researchers, and patients make clear and confident decisions. It operates in two segments, Labcorp Diagnostics (Dx) and Biopharma Laboratory Services (BLS).

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City Holding Co. lifted its stake in shares of iShares iBoxx $ High Yield Corporate Bond ETF (NYSEARCA:HYG  Free Report) by 21.9% during the second quarter, HoldingsChannel.com reports. The firm owned 15,573 shares of the exchange traded funds stock after purchasing an additional 2,799 shares during the period. City Holding Co.s holdings in iShares iBoxx $ High Yield Corporate Bond ETF were worth $1,201,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

Other institutional investors and hedge funds have also made changes to their positions in the company. Wetzel Investment Advisors Inc. acquired a new stake in iShares iBoxx $ High Yield Corporate Bond ETF in the 4th quarter valued at about $26,000. Able Wealth Management LLC acquired a new stake in iShares iBoxx $ High Yield Corporate Bond ETF in the 4th quarter valued at about $39,000. American National Bank grew its stake in iShares iBoxx $ High Yield Corporate Bond ETF by 13,150.0% in the 4th quarter. American National Bank now owns 530 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $41,000 after acquiring an additional 526 shares during the last quarter. Pathway Financial Advisers LLC acquired a new stake in iShares iBoxx $ High Yield Corporate Bond ETF in the 1st quarter valued at about $41,000. Finally, Tidemark LLC acquired a new stake in iShares iBoxx $ High Yield Corporate Bond ETF in the 4th quarter valued at about $44,000.

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iShares iBoxx $ High Yield Corporate Bond ETF Stock Performance

NYSEARCA HYG traded down $0.01 during trading hours on Friday, reaching $77.97. The companys stock had a trading volume of 29,759,928 shares, compared to its average volume of 37,242,238. The stock has a market cap of $14.88 billion, a PE ratio of 9.60 and a beta of 0.36. iShares iBoxx $ High Yield Corporate Bond ETF has a fifty-two week low of $71.68 and a fifty-two week high of $78.60. The companys 50-day moving average is $77.55 and its two-hundred day moving average is $77.23.

iShares iBoxx $ High Yield Corporate Bond ETF Company Profile

iShares iBoxx $ High Yield Corporate Bond ETF (the Fund), formerly iShares iBoxx $ High Yield Corporate Bond Fund, is an exchange-traded fund (ETF). The Fund seeks to track the investment results of the Markit iBoxx USD Liquid High Yield Index (the Index), which is a rules-based index consisting of liquid the United States dollar-denominated, high yield corporate bonds for sale in the United States, as determined by the index provider.

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Want to see what other hedge funds are holding HYG? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for iShares iBoxx $ High Yield Corporate Bond ETF (NYSEARCA:HYG  Free Report).

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Petroleo Brasileiro S.A.  Petrobras (NYSE:PBR  Get Free Report) has earned a consensus recommendation of Moderate Buy from the six research firms that are presently covering the company, MarketBeat.com reports. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and four have given a buy rating to the company. The average twelve-month price target among brokerages that have updated their coverage on the stock in the last year is $17.33.

PBR has been the topic of a number of recent analyst reports. Jefferies Financial Group lowered shares of Petroleo Brasileiro S.A.  Petrobras from a buy rating to a hold rating and reduced their price target for the company from $21.20 to $17.70 in a research report on Wednesday, May 15th. Bank of America raised Petroleo Brasileiro S.A.  Petrobras from a neutral rating to a buy rating and boosted their target price for the company from $16.80 to $17.90 in a research note on Thursday, June 27th.

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Check Out Our Latest Report on Petroleo Brasileiro S.A.  Petrobras

Institutional Investors Weigh In On Petroleo Brasileiro S.A.  Petrobras

Petroleo Brasileiro S.A.  Petrobras Stock Up 0.2 %

A number of institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in the business. Quantbot Technologies LP boosted its holdings in shares of Petroleo Brasileiro S.A.  Petrobras by 35.1% during the 2nd quarter. Quantbot Technologies LP now owns 246,178 shares of the oil and gas exploration companys stock valued at $3,567,000 after buying an additional 63,910 shares in the last quarter. Poehling Capital Management INC. boosted its holdings in Petroleo Brasileiro S.A.  Petrobras by 8.0% in the 2nd quarter. Poehling Capital Management INC. now owns 173,665 shares of the oil and gas exploration companys stock worth $2,516,000 after buying an additional 12,799 shares during the period. Retirement Planning Co of New England Inc. lifted its holdings in Petroleo Brasileiro S.A.  Petrobras by 6.5% in the 2nd quarter. Retirement Planning Co of New England Inc. now owns 23,023 shares of the oil and gas exploration companys stock worth $334,000 after purchasing an additional 1,410 shares in the last quarter. D Orazio & Associates Inc. lifted its stake in Petroleo Brasileiro S.A.  Petrobras by 9.7% in the 2nd quarter. D Orazio & Associates Inc. now owns 15,803 shares of the oil and gas exploration companys stock worth $229,000 after purchasing an additional 1,396 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Choreo LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Petroleo Brasileiro S.A.  Petrobras during the 2nd quarter worth approximately $198,000.

PBR opened at $14.22 on Monday. The company has a market capitalization of $92.71 billion, a PE ratio of 4.13, a P/E/G ratio of 0.15 and a beta of 1.41. Petroleo Brasileiro S.A.  Petrobras has a one year low of $12.90 and a one year high of $17.91. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.60, a quick ratio of 0.81 and a current ratio of 1.08. The stocks fifty day moving average is $14.47 and its 200-day moving average is $15.59.

Petroleo Brasileiro S.A.  Petrobras (NYSE:PBR  Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Monday, May 13th. The oil and gas exploration company reported $0.75 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $0.84 by ($0.09). The firm had revenue of $23.77 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $24.63 billion. Petroleo Brasileiro S.A.  Petrobras had a return on equity of 31.07% and a net margin of 22.46%. During the same quarter in the prior year, the business posted $1.11 earnings per share. On average, equities analysts predict that Petroleo Brasileiro S.A.  Petrobras will post 3.36 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Petroleo Brasileiro S.A.  Petrobras Cuts Dividend

The company also recently disclosed a Variable dividend, which will be paid on Friday, September 27th. Investors of record on Thursday, June 13th will be paid a dividend of $0.0288 per share. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, June 13th. This represents a yield of 16%. Petroleo Brasileiro S.A.  Petrobrass dividend payout ratio is currently 26.16%.

Petroleo Brasileiro S.A.  Petrobras Company Profile

(Get Free Report

Petroleo Brasileiro SA  Petrobras explores, produces, and sells oil and gas in Brazil and internationally. The company operates through Exploration and Production; Refining, Transportation and Marketing; and Gas and Power. It also engages in prospecting, drilling, refining, processing, trading, and transporting crude oil from producing onshore and offshore oil fields, and shale or other rocks, as well as oil products, natural gas, and other liquid hydrocarbons.

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Royal Bank of Canada reiterated their sector perform rating on shares of B&G Foods (NYSE:BGS  Free Report) in a report issued on Wednesday morning, Benzinga reports. The brokerage currently has a $10.00 target price on the stock.

A number of other analysts have also recently issued reports on BGS. StockNews.com cut B&G Foods from a hold rating to a sell rating in a research report on Friday, May 10th. Piper Sandler cut their price objective on B&G Foods from $9.00 to $8.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a research report on Thursday, July 11th. Finally, Barclays cut their price objective on B&G Foods from $10.00 to $8.00 and set an equal weight rating for the company in a research report on Friday, July 19th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating and five have assigned a hold rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, B&G Foods has an average rating of Hold and an average target price of $8.88.

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Check Out Our Latest Analysis on BGS

B&G Foods Stock Down 4.8 %

NYSE BGS traded down $0.42 during trading hours on Wednesday, hitting $8.24. 1,171,838 shares of the company traded hands, compared to its average volume of 1,085,647. The businesss 50-day moving average is $8.43 and its 200-day moving average is $9.74. B&G Foods has a twelve month low of $7.20 and a twelve month high of $13.15. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.58, a quick ratio of 0.92 and a current ratio of 3.22. The stock has a market capitalization of $651.38 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of -5.72 and a beta of 0.61.

B&G Foods (NYSE:BGS  Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, August 6th. The company reported $0.08 EPS for the quarter, meeting the consensus estimate of $0.08. B&G Foods had a positive return on equity of 8.33% and a negative net margin of 5.42%. The firm had revenue of $444.60 million during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $435.83 million. During the same period in the prior year, the firm posted $0.15 earnings per share. The businesss quarterly revenue was down 5.3% compared to the same quarter last year. Sell-side analysts anticipate that B&G Foods will post 0.77 earnings per share for the current year.

B&G Foods Dividend Announcement

The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, October 30th. Stockholders of record on Monday, September 30th will be paid a dividend of $0.19 per share. The ex-dividend date is Monday, September 30th. This represents a $0.76 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 9.22%. B&G Foodss dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently -52.78%.

Insider Transactions at B&G Foods

In related news, EVP Scott E. Lerner acquired 11,755 shares of the stock in a transaction on Monday, May 13th. The shares were purchased at an average price of $8.51 per share, for a total transaction of $100,035.05. Following the purchase, the executive vice president now directly owns 189,144 shares in the company, valued at $1,609,615.44. The purchase was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available at this hyperlink. In related news, Director Stephen Sherrill acquired 125,000 shares of the stock in a transaction on Monday, May 13th. The shares were purchased at an average price of $8.59 per share, for a total transaction of $1,073,750.00. Following the purchase, the director now directly owns 270,136 shares in the company, valued at $2,320,468.24. The purchase was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available at this hyperlink. Also, EVP Scott E. Lerner acquired 11,755 shares of the stock in a transaction on Monday, May 13th. The shares were bought at an average price of $8.51 per share, for a total transaction of $100,035.05. Following the purchase, the executive vice president now owns 189,144 shares in the company, valued at $1,609,615.44. The disclosure for this purchase can be found here. Over the last quarter, insiders have bought 141,955 shares of company stock worth $1,218,453. Company insiders own 3.20% of the companys stock.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On B&G Foods

A number of large investors have recently modified their holdings of the business. Texas Permanent School Fund Corp boosted its holdings in shares of B&G Foods by 1.4% in the 1st quarter. Texas Permanent School Fund Corp now owns 68,433 shares of the companys stock valued at $783,000 after purchasing an additional 960 shares in the last quarter. SummerHaven Investment Management LLC boosted its holdings in shares of B&G Foods by 1.9% in the 4th quarter. SummerHaven Investment Management LLC now owns 53,151 shares of the companys stock valued at $558,000 after purchasing an additional 1,007 shares in the last quarter. Mutual of America Capital Management LLC boosted its holdings in shares of B&G Foods by 8.6% in the 4th quarter. Mutual of America Capital Management LLC now owns 13,761 shares of the companys stock valued at $144,000 after purchasing an additional 1,090 shares in the last quarter. Versant Capital Management Inc boosted its holdings in shares of B&G Foods by 36.9% in the 2nd quarter. Versant Capital Management Inc now owns 5,768 shares of the companys stock valued at $47,000 after purchasing an additional 1,555 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Rhumbline Advisers boosted its holdings in shares of B&G Foods by 0.7% in the 2nd quarter. Rhumbline Advisers now owns 248,716 shares of the companys stock valued at $2,010,000 after purchasing an additional 1,625 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 66.15% of the companys stock.

B&G Foods Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

B&G Foods, Inc manufactures, sells, and distributes a portfolio of shelf-stable and frozen foods, and household products in the United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico. The company's products include frozen and canned vegetables, vegetables, canola and other cooking oils, vegetable shortening, cooking sprays, oatmeal and other hot cereals, fruit spreads, canned meats and beans, bagel chips, spices, seasonings, hot sauces, wine vinegar, maple syrups, molasses, salad dressings, pizza crusts, Mexican-style sauces, dry soups, taco shells and kits, salsas, pickles, peppers, tomato-based products, crackers, baking powder and soda, corn starch, nut clusters, and other specialty products.

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Shopify (NYSE:SHOP  Free Report) (TSE:SHOP) had its target price lowered by Truist Financial from $65.00 to $55.00 in a research report report published on Tuesday, MarketBeat.com reports. The firm currently has a hold rating on the software makers stock.

SHOP has been the topic of several other reports. Needham & Company LLC reissued a hold rating on shares of Shopify in a research report on Thursday, May 9th. StockNews.com raised Shopify from a sell rating to a hold rating in a research report on Wednesday, April 24th. TD Securities dropped their target price on Shopify from $80.00 to $72.00 and set a hold rating on the stock in a research report on Thursday, May 9th. CIBC dropped their target price on Shopify from $100.00 to $85.00 and set an outperformer rating on the stock in a research report on Thursday, May 9th. Finally, Barclays dropped their target price on Shopify from $68.00 to $63.00 and set an equal weight rating on the stock in a research report on Thursday, May 9th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, fifteen have assigned a hold rating and twenty-three have issued a buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $77.24.

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Read Our Latest Analysis on Shopify

Shopify Trading Up 1.1 %

Shares of SHOP stock traded up $0.75 during mid-day trading on Tuesday, hitting $69.30. 10,931,244 shares of the companys stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 10,422,090. Shopify has a fifty-two week low of $45.50 and a fifty-two week high of $91.57. The stock has a 50-day simple moving average of $63.43 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $69.96. The company has a quick ratio of 7.14, a current ratio of 7.14 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.10. The stock has a market cap of $89.31 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of -407.65, a PEG ratio of 3.14 and a beta of 2.30.

Shopify (NYSE:SHOP  Get Free Report) (TSE:SHOP) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, August 7th. The software maker reported $0.26 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.20 by $0.06. Shopify had a positive return on equity of 7.36% and a negative net margin of 2.82%. The business had revenue of $2.05 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $2.01 billion. During the same quarter last year, the firm earned ($0.08) earnings per share. The businesss revenue was up 20.7% on a year-over-year basis. Equities analysts expect that Shopify will post 0.62 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On Shopify

Several institutional investors and hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of the stock. Wealth Alliance grew its holdings in shares of Shopify by 26.2% during the 2nd quarter. Wealth Alliance now owns 6,972 shares of the software makers stock valued at $461,000 after acquiring an additional 1,448 shares in the last quarter. L & S Advisors Inc purchased a new position in shares of Shopify during the 2nd quarter valued at $304,000. Axxcess Wealth Management LLC grew its holdings in shares of Shopify by 15.1% during the 2nd quarter. Axxcess Wealth Management LLC now owns 12,469 shares of the software makers stock valued at $824,000 after acquiring an additional 1,633 shares in the last quarter. Abbot Financial Management Inc. grew its holdings in shares of Shopify by 43.8% during the 2nd quarter. Abbot Financial Management Inc. now owns 11,404 shares of the software makers stock valued at $753,000 after acquiring an additional 3,472 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Citizens Financial Group Inc. RI purchased a new position in shares of Shopify during the 2nd quarter valued at $2,781,000. 69.27% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

About Shopify

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Shopify Inc, a commerce company, provides a commerce platform and services in Canada, the United States, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, the Asia Pacific, Australia, China, and Latin America. The company's platform enables merchants to displays, manages, markets, and sells its products through various sales channels, including web and mobile storefronts, physical retail locations, pop-up shops, social media storefronts, native mobile apps, buy buttons, and marketplaces; and enables to manage products and inventory, process orders and payments, fulfill and ship orders, new buyers and build customer relationships, source products, leverage analytics and reporting, manage cash, payments and transactions, and access financing.

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Shore Capital reissued their buy rating on shares of Capita (LON:CPI  Free Report) in a research note issued to investors on Wednesday, MarketBeat Ratings reports.

CPI has been the topic of a number of other research reports. Royal Bank of Canada raised their target price on shares of Capita from GBX 1,800 ($23.00) to GBX 2,200 ($28.12) and gave the company a sector perform rating in a research note on Thursday, July 18th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft restated a buy rating and set a GBX 35 ($0.45) price objective on shares of Capita in a research note on Tuesday, May 7th.

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Capita Trading Up 2.4 %

Capita Company Profile

LON:CPI traded up GBX 0.42 ($0.01) on Wednesday, hitting GBX 18.24 ($0.23). 10,773,646 shares of the stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 8,432,083. The stock has a market cap of 308.26 million, a PE ratio of -177.22, a PEG ratio of 0.18 and a beta of 1.81. Capita has a fifty-two week low of GBX 12.48 ($0.16) and a fifty-two week high of GBX 23.20 ($0.30). The company has a current ratio of 0.49, a quick ratio of 0.53 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 628.81. The stock has a fifty day moving average of GBX 16.48 and a 200-day moving average of GBX 15.84.

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Capita plc provides consulting, digital, and software products and services to clients in the private and public sectors in the United Kingdom and internationally. It operates in two divisions: Public Service and Capita Experience divisions. The company offers solutions for finance and accounting, procurement, property and infrastructure, travel and event, and workplace administration.

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August 19, 2024: Israeli forces have been using AI (Artificial Intelligence) since 2021 for planning and carrying out combat operations. This became necessary because Israeli targeting specialists found themselves bogged down with too much information on who the targets were and where they were. IDF (Israeli Defense Forces) require timely and accurate data to ensure that the right targets are hit in a timely fashion. If the timing isnt right the target could have moved and the attack is not only wasted but could hit civilians instead of enemy forces.

Now the IDF finds that it has often collected too much data on potential targets. This makes it difficult to find the current targets it needs to hit. Efforts to use AI to find the right targets in time to attack them have stumbled over the inability to sort out the available target data to find current targets that need to be hit. Another problem is that using AI to analyze the data and find the right targets concentrates on speed rather than accuracy. As a result the IDF is often hitting the wrong targets and doing so faster than before. Before AI, human analysts were used. This process was slower and often missed targets buried in a massive amount of target data. With human analysts you had better accuracy but the process was often so slow that the target had moved out of view by the time IDF air, artillery or ground attacks were launched.

Current criticisms of inaccurate targeting and civilian casualties are the result of Israeli target planners choosing speed over accuracy. Greater civilian casualties are also caused by the frequent use of the wrong weapon. Often a half-ton aerial bomb is used when a ground based anti-tank missile would have done the job. Another problem was that Israeli target planners had stopped keeping track of how many civilians were killed during attacks. When recent data on the actual number of civilians killed in recent Gaza attacks became known, it was an embarrassment for Israeli target planners and a tragedy for the victims.

The IDF is now reviewing its target selection and attack methods to eliminate the problems recently encountered in Gaza.
Toubani Resources Limited (ASX:TRE  Get Free Report) insider Scott Perry bought 300,000 shares of Toubani Resources stock in a transaction dated Friday, August 2nd. The stock was acquired at an average cost of A$0.19 ($0.12) per share, for a total transaction of A$56,100.00 ($36,428.57).

Scott Perry also recently made the following trade(s):

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On Thursday, May 30th, Scott Perry acquired 900,000 shares of Toubani Resources stock. The shares were acquired at an average cost of A$0.16 ($0.10) per share, for a total transaction of A$139,500.00 ($90,584.42).

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Toubani Resources Limited engages in the exploration and development of gold properties in West Africa. It focuses on the Kobada Gold project located in Southern Mali. The company was incorporated in 2002 and is based in West Perth, Australia.

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August 10, 2024: The Yemeni Houthi rebels appear to have paid attention to the Ukrainian success at using USVs (Unmanned Surface Vessels) and are now using similar USVs for attacks on commercial ships moving north towards the Suez Canal. Commercial ships have no defense against this tactic and the British and American warships and combat aircraft in the area have been unable to find and destroy the locations where the USVs are manufactured and stored. Since February 2024 Americans warships and carrier aircraft have launched six missile attacks at rebel positions in Yemen. This did not inflict enough damage to halt the attacks. The USVs are relatively small and easy to hide. Attacks from ships and aircraft have been unable to find all the USVs.

Because the USVs explode at the waterline, the damaged ship portions quickly fill with water and the ship often sinks. Since November 2023 the Yemeni rebels have launched more than 70 attacks with missiles and USVs. The attacks are uncoordinated and often inept but quantity has a quality all its own and, so far, two cargo ships have been sunk and two ships captured and held for ransom by the rebels. One captured ship was released while the other remains in rebel custody.

The Iran-backed Shia Yemeni rebels have been a problem for over a decade. Iran still smuggles in weapons, despite a naval blockade. Iran accepts the losses to the blockade and depends on some of the smuggling ships getting through to keep them supplied with weapons for their attacks on Red Sea shipping.

Because of the attacks, maritime insurance companies have increased their premiums commercial ships moving through the Red Sea must pay. So far, the increased premiums have cost the shipping companies yearly half a million dollars per ship.

At the same time, Chinese owned ships have rarely been attacked and any attacks were accidental. As a result Chinese ships pay insurance premiums that amount to only a quarter of what everyone else is paying.
McDonalds partnership with the Irish Youth Foundation has helped the Drogheda-based Foroige CABLE Youth Project to support over forty young adults to undergo training and skill-based courses across a variety of areas.

The project welcomed employees from the McDonalds Drogheda restaurant to its base in Moneymore, Drogheda to see the hugely positive impact made by the restaurant chains support at a local level.

The Foroige CABLE Youth Project is one of the ten community-based projects to receive funding from McDonalds through the companys wider partnership with the Irish Youth Foundation.

With the support of the partnership since 2023, forty-two young adults have undergone various courses such as Safe Pass, Manual Handling and Forklift driving to barista training and lash application courses.

Through its wider partnership with the Irish Youth Foundation, McDonalds has already supported almost 5,000 young people directly across the Republic of Ireland. In April 2024, McDonalds launched its nationwide Makin It initiative  a programme that provides young people with genuine opportunity in the areas in which they live.

Before its official April launch, McDonalds piloted the programme for 18 months in Ireland in partnership with the Irish Youth Foundation and 10 local youth projects. To date, 4,898 young people aged 15-24 have been supported directly, with 42 youth workers also supported in their work with young people nationally and 50 volunteer mentors engaged in programmes across Ireland.

McDonalds Drogheda Franchisee Elaine Sterio commented: McDonalds is proud of its partnership with the Irish Youth Foundation and helping these youth organisations across the country support young adults to unlock their potential.

Read Next: McDonalds Drogheda Crew members pictured at the Foroige CABLE Youth Project in Drogheda

"At McDonalds, we are passionate about providing training and development opportunities to our people to grow in their careers. To see an extension of this in the local community here in Drogheda and learning first-hand the incredible work the Foroige CABLE Youth Project provides to young people is inspiring to see.

Youth Worker Eainne Donohoe, from the Foroige CABLE Youth Project commented: The courses our young participants have been able to undertake really helps to invigorate both their self-esteem and confidence. We are hugely appreciative of the support the McDonalds partnership has given to our participants to help them gain both a practical and employable skillset.
The HSE MMR vaccine catch up programme is now running in community vaccination clinics in Louth.

Clinics will be running at the below locations:

The MMR vaccine is a safe and effective combined vaccine. It protects against 3 serious conditions caused by viruses:

measles

measles mumps

mumps rubella (german measles)

These conditions are very infectious. They can easily spread between unvaccinated people and lead to serious problems. For example, meningitis, hearing loss and problems during pregnancy.

Two doses of the MMR vaccine provide the best protection.

Measles is a highly infectious disease that can cause serious complications, particularly in children under one year of age, pregnant women, and the immunosuppressed.

The MMR catch-up campaign aims to protect against measles due to a rise in cases of the disease in the UK and Europe.

The campaign focuses on delivering the MMR vaccine to key groups, who may have missed their vaccines in the past:

Children age 1 year and older

Children age 1 year and older Health and Care workers

Health and Care workers People born in Ireland on or after 1 January 1978

People born in Ireland on or after 1 January 1978 People born outside of Ireland and at risk of measles infection

Those eligible are those born in Ireland from 1 January 1978 and do not have evidence of two MMR vaccines or if born outside of Ireland and do not have evidence of two MMR vaccines at any age.

If you are planning a holiday outside Ireland, you can now get your baby vaccinated before you go. They must be between 6 and 11 months. They should then get their next dose as normal at 12 months and the final dose in junior infants.

Read Next: Driver in Louth tests positive for cocaine after overtaking on solid white line

MMR vaccines are available free of charge from GPs to all groups, but primarily to those under 18 years, and from HSE community clinics for eligible people.

A list of Vaccination Clinics is available here: https://www2.hse.ie/services/mmr-vaccine/vaccination-clinics.

All clinics are walk-in or you can book an appointment by visiting: https://www2.hse.ie/services/mmr-vaccine/book-an-appointment.

Additionally, the HSE will also provide targeted clinics for specific groups including students and young people in education settings and underserved groups.

Further information about measles symptoms is available at: https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/measles/.

If you have these symptoms, please seek medical advice. Phone ahead before attending your GP, Emergency Department or other healthcare provider to inform the healthcare professionals that you have these symptoms, so they can make necessary arrangements. In addition, please alert medical staff if you have been in contact with someone who has measles or if you have recently travelled to an area where you know measles has been spreading.
Life Pharmacy, part of the Uniphar Group, is celebrating welcoming its 100th Pharmacy in with a nationwide fundraising campaign to raise vital funds for the Jack and Jill Childrens Foundation.

As part of the Life100 campaign, Life Pharmacy teams across Louth will participate in sponsored activities within their local communities, from now until the end of August with the aim of raising the equivalent of 10,000 hours of support for families caring for children, up to the age of six, with severe learning disabilities associated with complex medical needs.

Herlihy's Life Pharmacy, Drogheda is among the participating Life Pharmacies taking part in the fundraiser.

Life Pharmacy is calling on its loyal customers and community members across Louth to show their support by making a donation to their local Life Pharmacy either in store or online, which will directly contribute to the essential services provided by the Jack and Jill Childrens Foundation. Just 18 will provide one hour of in-home nursing care and respite support  a lifeline for Jack and Jill families.

Speaking about the campaign, Mairead Reen, Chairperson, Life Pharmacy, said: We are delighted to welcome our 100th Life Pharmacy with a campaign that involves our entire store network as well as our customers. Through the support of our local Life Pharmacy teams and generous donations from the public, we have the opportunity to give the gift of time to families supported by the Jack and Jill Childrens Foundation. This campaign is not just about celebrating our growth, but also about making a tangible difference in the lives of those who need it most."

Deirdre Walsh, CEO of the Jack and Jill Childrens Foundation said: This is a remarkable community fundraising initiative to celebrate Life Pharmacy reaching this significant milestone of 100 member pharmacies across Ireland. Like Life Pharmacy, we are all about family and community, and with 416 families currently under our care across the country, the ambition of raising 100 hours of in-home nursing and respite care hours across each of the 100 pharmacies is substantial.

Read Next: 'Totally oblivious' - Dundalk Gardai send message to driver on their phone before seizing car

10,000 hours of care would make a truly meaningful difference in the lives of the families under our care for whom Jack and Jill is a lifeline. We would like to extend our gratitude to our friends at Life Pharmacy for this amazing support and are looking forward to seeing the community fundraising spirit kick into action throughout August, in support of local families.

The Jack and Jill Childrens Foundation is a nationwide charity that offers up to 100 hours of in-home nursing care and respite support each month to families with children under six who have severe learning disabilities and complex medical needs. In 2023, Jack and Jill supported 534 families across Ireland with in-home nursing care and respite support. Today, there are 416 families under its care and 3,040 families have been supported by Jack and Jill since 1997.

If you are interested in talking about what being part of the Life Pharmacy community could bring to your pharmacy, give Laura Garrett a call on 087 119 4374 or lgarrett@uniphar.ie
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CALLS have been made for dog owners in Cork city to ensure they are complying with the obligations around dog licences and leashing in public places.

Figures obtained from Cork City Council show that the local authority issued 10 fines to people in recent years for owning a dog but failing to hold a valid dog licence.

Anyone owning a dog in Ireland is legally required to have a dog licence.

However, there are some exceptions, such as guide dogs and puppies under four months old that are still with their mother.

Asked about the number of fines issued over the period from the start of 2021 until the end of June this year, the city council told The Echo that 10 fines were issued in total - three in 2022, five in 2023 and two so far this year.

The total value of these fines amounted to 1,100 - 100 each for 2022 and 2023 and 150 for the fines issued this year.

Meanwhile, when asked about fines issued for dogs found off the leash in public places over the same period, the local authority said:

Cork City Council issued five fines to people, between 01/01/2021 and 30/06/2024, under the 2011 Parks, Open Spaces and Cemeteries Bye-Laws for not having their dog on a lead.

The value of these fines are 75.00 each.

The council confirmed that all five fines were issued in 2024.

LEASH

The current bye-laws state that, no person shall take into or allow to remain in a park, cemetery or open space any dog unless it is on a leash.

Commenting on the latest figures, Labour councillor in the citys South East ward Peter Horgan urged dog owners to comply with the regulations.

The requirements to hold a dog licence shouldnt be overlooked by owners who have not purchased one.

Its your responsibility to ensure that your dogs documents are kept up to date, he said.

There is an issue with a lack of a dog park in the city with ad hoc arrangements previously in operation now not viable.

Its something we need to look at in perhaps identifying certain times in certain locations for off lead areas but its vital that in shared community areas that dogs are on a lead for their safety and everyone elses, Mr Horgan continued.

Meanwhile, Sinn Fein councillor in the citys South West ward Joe Lynch acknowledged that while the vast majority of dog owners are responsible, issues around dog control are still raised with him quite frequently.

I think it's important to point out that the vast majority of dog owners are responsible and abide by the laws that exist to keep people safe.

'CRACKDOWN'

However, we must get serious about cracking down on those that are not.

We have seen from recent incidents around the country that dog attacks can be both dangerous and fatal.

Dog control, or the lack of dog control, is a serious issue that is raised with me regularly; particularity in relation to Ballincollig Regional Park, but further afield also, he said.

Under citys current bye-laws, Mr Lynch pointed out that no restricted breeds are permitted in the city's parks, cemeteries and open spaces.

Mr Lynch claimed that in recent years there has been little enforcement of this, but said he believed enforcement now appears to be picking up.

"The additional resources promised by central government must be delivered as quickly as possible so Cork City Council, and the CSPCA - who do great work - can ensure that irresponsible dog ownership is stamped out, and the city's parks and streets are safer places for all, he added.

A spokesperson for Cork City Council said:

Through its agent under the Control of Dogs Acts, Cork Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals ( CSPCA), the city council funds three dog wardens, up from one a few years ago.

Each warden has a van, and as part of their duties, they patrol parks across the city six days a week, in addition to responding to calls from the public in relation to dog control issues, and inspecting for dog licenses.

The Regional Park in Ballincollig receives the most visits from the wardens given its size and the footfall it attracts.

We do not get complaints about restricted dog breeds in our parks and do not consider it to be an issue.

Both the city council and the CSPCA regularly review the service provided to ensure that it best serves the needs of the public.
Third-level students seeking accommodation in Cork, and those from Cork looking for lodgings in Dublin and other major urban centres, are being targeted by unscrupulous gangs and individuals via internet-based fraud schemes, a senior Garda has warned.

Detective Superintendent Michael Cryan of the Garda National Economic Crime Bureau was speaking to The Echo as the service issued a warning to inform students and their parents that the August to October period was the busiest period for reports of accommodation-related scams.

Students are returning to college or seeking accommodation for the first time in anticipation of the release of Leaving Cert results, due to be published on August 23.

For the first six months of the year, reports were down 11%, said Det Supt Cryan.

But this is the high-risk period of the year because of students coming back to college and new students looking for accommodation.

Theres always a bulk in reports at this time of year, he added.

Challenges

While much of this type of crime occurs online and via social media, and there are challenges in terms of locating the fraudsters, Det Supt Cryan confirmed that students in Cork are impacted as well as those seeking accommodation near the UCC and MTU campuses.

There are certainly victims from Cork, from everywhere in Ireland, because there are students from everywhere in Ireland going to college in the bigger urban areas, so you would have Cork students going to college in Dublin and Limerick, Galway, and students from all over Munster going to college in Cork, he said.

We dont really pin it down in geographical area because obviously where you have the higher population, you have the colleges, you will have reports.

A number of case studies were cited in a statement from the Garda Press Office. According to these, 12 victims reported a total loss of 20,746, an average of 1,729 each. The largest single amount was 3,685 and the smallest loss was 380.

Ten of these 12 victims were Irish based and lost a total of 15,231, or an average of 1,523 each. Two were based abroad but were moving to Ireland, and they lost 5,515 between them. At least eight of the 12 victims were deceived through social media/online adverts or contacts.

Red Flags

The Garda statement points to red flags which can warn prospective renters to seek alternative accommodation, as well as giving advice in terms of how to safeguard payments to landlords and where to seek legitimate accommodation.

One red flag to look out for is rent that appears too good to be true. The statement warned that cheap accommodation does not exist, particularly in urban areas. Other warning signs are if a property is advertised only through social media or if the landlord will only get in touch via Messenger or WhatsApp.

A demand for immediate payment, by cash, cryptocurrency, money via a wire transfer or vouchers should also place a prospective renter on alert. Also if it is described a one-time offer or includes grammar and spelling mistakes.

Advised

Prospective students are advised to seek accommodation through the third level institutions, accommodation offices or a students union. Its also advised to see if the property is registered on the Residential Tenancy Board website. People are also advised to get a proper receipt and tenancy agreement.

Other garda advice is to search Google Maps for properties advertised online and to reverse-image-search pictures of properties that are advertised to see if they pop up elsewhere on the internet.
Cork Nature Network is bringing two free events to Beaumont Quarry later this month to mark Heritage Week.

Heritage Week is an annual event which invites people of all ages to engage with and explore the stories, traditions, and landscapes that shape our national identity.

The first event at Beaumont Quarry is a Bio Blitz event on Saturday, August 17, from 2pm to 4pm.

Funded by Cork City Council, the event promises to be a fun-filled afternoon as participants work together to identify as many plants, insects, and animals as possible within two hours.

Explore

The event is billed as a fantastic opportunity for nature enthusiasts of all ages to explore the biodiversity of Beaumont Quarry.

Experts will be on hand to verify species identifications, ensuring an informative experience for all participants and following the blitz there will be a guided walk through the quarry, providing further insights into the unique flora and fauna of the area.

Cork Nature Network, a charitable organisation which seeks to protect Irelands wildlife through education, research, and conservation, will also celebrate Heritage Week with a special storytelling event also at Beaumont Quarry on Sunday, August 18, from 12pm to 2pm.

Part of their Creative Connections series, this event offers a unique opportunity to share and reflect on the transformation of Cork citys natural environment and is supported by Cork City Council through the Creative Ireland Programme.

Rewilding

Not always the tree-filled oasis it is today, Beaumont Quarry has undergone significant rewilding, a process witnessed firsthand by many.

This event will feature stories from those who have seen its progress, providing valuable insights into the evolution of our local green spaces.

They are inviting participants to share their own stories and memories of Cork citys wild spaces and their changes over time, or simply come to listen and enjoy a beautiful day out in the quarry.

All stories will be recorded for an oral history archive, preserving these valuable experiences for future generations.

For more information or to preregister for the Beaumont Quarry Heritage Week events visit: https://www.tickettailor.com/events/corknaturenetwork.
The final sample of a 13-year all-island soil survey has been collected by geologists on Irelands southernmost point, Mizen Head, in County Cork.

The last sample of the Tellus survey, being conducted by Geological Survey Ireland, was collected on the West Cork peninsula in July and ends work that began in Irelands southern counties in 2011.

The Northern Ireland work was completed in 2006.

Teams of samplers have been covering thousands of hectares, travelling through fields, bogs, and over mountains to collect more than 42,000 samples of soil from 20,660 locations.

Samples were taken every 4km2 on a regular grid, ensuring all types of soil, as part of the national survey.

Samples were also collected within urban locations every 500m2.

The samples are sent to a laboratory for the chemistry of the soil to be analysed.

Viability

This helps to provide information on the variability of soils in different regions. The data is also being used by Geological Survey Ireland, as well as Teagasc, the EPA, and researchers to map soil for agricultural, environmental, health and geological benefits.

Secretary general of the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications, Oonagh Buckley, described the work, since the first samples were collected in Donegal, as an immense effort over many years.

It is great that it is finishing up here on Mizen Head, in County Cork, overlooking the sea, because this sample will mean that Ireland will be one of the best geochemically mapped countries in the world, said Ms Buckley.

This is a hugely significant moment for Ireland, as we will have better scientific data to help make decisions on how we best manage our soils.

We will be making this data freely available, and I look forward to seeing it support research in a variety of areas.

Final geochemical data from the Tellus survey is currently available for more than 50% of the country, with more data being released over the coming months and years. Once all the data has been released, it will be used to deliver positive economic, environmental, and agricultural benefits.
A group of residents in Shannonvale, West Cork, gathered yesterday for the official opening ceremony of their local park, which they have renamed 'Uisce Eireann Park' to protest sewage issues which have left the park rendered unusable for almost three decades.

The event was organised by the Clonakilty Clean Water Committee, who have printed new signage for the official name change and marked the occasion by cutting a 'ribbon' made of toilet paper, and handed out 'poo cakes' - specially decorated chocolate cupcakes to highlight the sewage issue.

Highlighting

Addressing the gathering committee chair Alan Dromey said: The group that we have here today came together with the view of promoting and highlighting change.

Over the last 12 months, its been enormously successful, he said, explaining that the community had held events to fundraise and promote their activity, and thanking them as well as the local pub Phair's and the committee members.

Mr Dormey said their support demonstrated how the people of West cork are behind this".

Ronan Landers, Donnacha Drumey, Aoibhin Drumey, Adam Moloney, Lila Drumey and Fiadh Landers, pictured in a lane outside the newly named 'Uisce Eireann Park' in Shannonvale Cork. Picture: Chani Anderson.

"This event is symbolic really its a 27 year old issue and we feel that Uisce Eireann are wholly accountable for this."

Mr Dromey told The Echo that 16,000 people have been reached by their Facebook campaign, in Ireland and beyond, saying: We need to hold them (Uisce Eireann) to account to ensure were part of their next capital plan.

Mr Dromey added that one local he was chatting to a man who has an adult daughter who is applying for planning permission in the area.

"His daughter was never able to use this park, now hes just hoping that his grandchildren will be able to."

Powerless

Fellow committee member Karen Whooley added: Everybody just feels powerless. Holly Cairns recently raised it with Simon Harris and he said he would talk to the CEO of Uisce Eireann but still nothing happened. If the Taoiseach cant make any difference, what hope do we have?

People that have lived here all their lives, the light goes out of their eyes when you mention the park  its a really depressing situation.

Evie Nevin, a committee member and Labour Party representative for West Cork said that when canvassing for the recent local elections, at every single house, the same issue came up over and over again".

People were - rightly so - very angry about the situation, their only green area where their children can play has been taken away - people who were raised here, who played here, who want that same experience for their children.

Shannonvale feel very forgotten about. Its fantastic to see the turnout and the residents so passionate, getting mobilised to do something about it and taking on the big guns of Irish Water.

Assessment

Uisce Eireann previously told The Echo that a stage-1 assessment is under way, and it is planned that: Shannonvale Park will be included for consideration in the development of the next Capital Investment Plan 2025-2029 having regard to approved funding and prioritisation.

The next capital-investment plan is subject to CRU approval and there is no commitment to progressing projects that are not currently at construction stage.

Once the stage-2 assessment has been complete, further updates on the budget and timelines for delivery will be available.
The deaths of more than 100 journalists in Gaza was today condemned by Palestinian writer and filmmaker, Naser Al-Swirki at the 44th weekly Cork Palestine Solidarity Campaign demonstration in the city.

The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) recently reported that at least 111 journalists and media workers have been killed in Gaza during the war.

Protestors wearing blue press vests highlight the deaths of journalists in Gaza

CPJ programme director, Carlos Martinez de la Serna, said: Since the war in Gaza started, journalists have been paying the highest price  their lives  for their reporting.

Without protection, equipment, international presence, communications, or food and water, they are still doing their crucial jobs to tell the world the truth. Every time a journalist is killed, injured, arrested or forced to go to exile, we lose fragments of the truth.

Letter

Addressing to a crowd of around 700 people, Mr Al-Swirki read from an open letter to the Jews of the world.

In it, he said: They told you that Israel is a safe haven for Jews, and they hid from you that this comes at the expense of other people who were deprived of their homeland, their history erased, and the imposition of a narrative based on superstitious myths.

The myth of a people who were persecuted, and had an end in which they triumphed over history. But forgive me; no history is so naive, you see the disastrous results of simplistic narratives that ignore reality and ignore deep injustice.

Babies

Also speaking at the march - the 44th weekly protest in Cork since the war began - was Shadi Alnaqla from Gaza, who is currently a guest of the Sherkin Island Palestine Solidarity Group.

He said: Babies have been born during the war and have died during the war. None of them were in Hamas.

Dominic Carroll, of the Cork Palestine Solidarity Campaign, was highly critical of some sections of the Irish media with regard to coverage of the war, saying that the national broadcaster, has many questions to answer about what he described as the "very limited and woefully skewed coverage of the war".

Many people now watch Al Jazeera for the news about Gaza. That speaks volumes about RTEs poor reporting, Mr Carroll added.
Chinese books, paintings welcomed at New Zealand exhibitions

Xinhua) 13:34, August 10, 2024

AUCKLAND, Aug. 10 (Xinhua) -- Book and painting lovers in New Zealand indulged themselves in over 2,000 books from China at a book exhibition in Waipa District on Saturday.

The book exhibition, which coincides with the Panda Meets Kiwi Youth International Art Exhibition, also included 235 paintings drawn by children from both countries. Both exhibitions were organized by China International Book Trading Corporation (CIBTC), New Zealand Culture and Arts Foundation and Prime Media Group of New Zealand.

Chen Shijie, Chinese consul-general in Auckland, noted reading is one of the most important ways that Chinese people realize equal dialogue, mutual learning and common development with other countries, including New Zealand.

"China's relations with the world changed dramatically. The world needs to understand China better, and China also needs to introduce itself to the world better. China's publishing industry has made remarkable achievements in its globalization, supporting China to expand its influence in major book fairs and increase the popularity of Chinese publishing enterprises," he added.

Yang Lufeng, vice president of CIBTC, said that CIBTC is a pioneer and main force in the promotion of Chinese culture going global, committing to building a bridge of cultural exchange and friendship between China and other countries, constantly leading Chinese publishing units to go global, and continuously building a platform for Chinese culture to go global. He hoped both exhibitions would further promote cultural exchanges and integration between China and New Zealand, allowing more and more New Zealand readers to understand a real China.

Deputy Mayor of Waipa District Council, Liz Stolwyk noted that this is the third time that Waipa people have met both exhibitions. They have become an important window for the local area to understand China, and an important link connecting local Chinese and other ethnic groups. "They bring two nations' people together in such an inspiring way."

Local citizen James visited the exhibitions together with his daughter. He said that New Zealanders are eager to learn about China, the country's largest trading partner. "Books and paintings are the best ways to know a country and its culture."

The books will be donated to local libraries and schools.

(Web editor: Cai Hairuo, Sheng Chuyi)
Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands--(Newsfile Corp. - August 9, 2024) - Coffee With Q, hosted by Jaci Patrick, is thrilled to announce a new interview with Pam Ebanks-Small, a distinguished entrepreneur and founder of Girl Power Limited, a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering young women. This exclusive content dives into Pam's journey and her mission to inspire and nurture the next generation through her organization, Girl Power Limited.

Pam Ebanks-Small

In the interview, Pam Ebanks-Small shares her experiences and insights from the recent Queens Gala, a landmark event that highlighted the achievements of young women and underscored the importance of empowerment and community support. The discussion covers the impact of pageantry on confidence, resilience, and leadership, offering practical advice and personal anecdotes that resonate with a wide audience.

Coffee With Q continues to serve as a platform for engaging conversations and in-depth articles with leaders and innovators. This latest feature with Pam Ebanks-Small is a testament to our commitment to delivering quality content.

Key Highlights:

The role of Girl Power Limited in empowering young women through training and mentoring programs.

Insights from the inaugural Queens Gala and its significance in fostering leadership among young women.

Practical advice for young women on building confidence and resilience.

Watch the full interview on Coffee With Q website

About Coffee With Q Show

Founded by Qamar Zaman, with the support of talented hosts like Jaci Patrick, Coffee With Q is a premier video podcast dedicated to showcasing inspiring stories, insightful interviews, and in-depth articles featuring leaders and innovators across various industries. Jaci Patrick, a seasoned host and rising Caymanian branding expert, brings a unique perspective to the show, spotlighting Cayman Islands subject matter experts. Our mission is to foster meaningful conversations, share valuable insights, and connect a diverse audience through quality content and engaging storytelling.

About Pamela Ebanks-Small

Pamela Ebanks-Small is a dynamic entrepreneur and business leader from the Cayman Islands with over 20 years of experience in the telecommunications industry. In December 2023, she founded Purpose Ltd., a consulting firm, and Girl Power Ltd., a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering women and girls. She also holds the franchise for Miss World and Miss Supranational in the Cayman Islands. Additionally, Pamela serves as a Member of the Business Staffing Board for Cayman Islands Immigration, further contributing to her community and business landscape.

Source: CoffeeWithQShow

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/219512

SOURCE: Prodigy PR
Kupfer wird oft als das Gold der Energiewende bezeichnet, weil es aufgrund seiner hervorragenden elektrischen Leitfahigkeit eine zentrale Rolle in vielen Technologien spielt, die fur nachhaltige Energiesysteme entscheidend sind. Experten gehen aufgrund der Angebotsknappheit von einem Superzyklus aus.

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Building the Next Generation of Traders: TopTier Academy Announces Innovative Training Platform

TopTier Trader, a prominent player in the proprietary trading firm sector, is proud to announce the launching of TopTier Academy, a groundbreaking educational platform dedicated to fostering successful Forex traders. The Academy, launched on August 7, 2024, was founded by entrepreneur Quillan Black, better known as Cue Banks. The Academy aims to revolutionize the Forex prop trading industry by providing comprehensive training and support to aspiring investors.

"Our academy was created to educate and provide tools to achieve financial independence and freedom through trading the Forex market," expresses one of the founders of TopTier Academy. Inspired by the vision of Cue Banks, TopTier Academy aims to address the gap in proper training for new traders entering the market. The Academy offers a comprehensive program covering essential topics such as Introduction to Trading, The Psychology of Investing, Highlights of The Forex Market, Trading Platforms, and How to Create a Trading Plan. This initiative is designed to empower individuals at all skill levels, fostering a community committed to mastering the intricacies of Forex trading.

One of the key driving forces behind the interest in Forex trading among individuals is the freedom and flexibility it offers. With advancements in technology, remote work has become increasingly prevalent, allowing people to trade from anywhere in the world. Forex trading fits perfectly into this digital nomad lifestyle, as it can be conducted online, enabling traders to work remotely and have control over their schedules. This freedom is particularly attractive to people who value independence and the ability to design their own way of life. By mastering the art of trading, individuals can generate substantial income streams, allowing them to break free from the constraints of a traditional job (9-to-5 model) and take control of their financial future. Furthermore, Forex trading offers the flexibility to work part-time or full-time, granting traders the ability to strike a balance between work and personal life.

In place of conventional scholarships, the academy offers a different opportunity: upon completing the program, participants receive a funding challenge account. This allows them to apply their newfound skills in real trading environments and potentially earn profits. Importantly, the program is entirely free of charge, providing not only education but also a pathway for individuals to generate income through the trading skills they acquire. TopTier Academy's vision extends beyond immediate student success. The Academy plans to develop college-level classes where a portion of student earnings could contribute to tuition costs. Additionally, high school outreach programs and international expansion are on the horizon, with the ultimate goal of creating a global network of empowered and financially free traders.

About TopTier Academy

TopTier Trader is a leading forex prop trading firm dedicated to providing exceptional resources, training, and funding opportunities for forex traders worldwide. With a focus on transparency, risk management, and trader success, TopTier Trader strives to create the optimal environment for forex traders to achieve their full potential.

Media Details:



Company Name: TopTier Trader

Company Email: esther@ebmanagement.io

Company Address: 1000 Brickell Plaza, Miami, FL, 33131

Company Website: https://www.toptiertrader.com/en

SOURCE: TopTier Trader

View the original press release on accesswire.com
Atchison, Kansas--(Newsfile Corp. - August 10, 2024) - Hundreds of Customers LLC, operating under the brand "Rank With News" and led by founder Justin West, is proud to announce a significant enhancement to its Guaranteed SEO Service.

The company, based out of Kansas City, now offers Spanish distribution to all of their social and major media partners. This strategic addition aims to bolster the online visibility and credibility of businesses targeting Spanish-speaking markets.





The "Rank With News" Guaranteed SEO Service from Hundreds of Customers LLC

"Rank With News" has built a reputation for delivering unparalleled, guaranteed search engine optimization success through innovative media campaigns. By securing strategic placements in top-tier outlets, the company guarantees first-page Google rankings, ensuring businesses achieve maximum online exposure. The new Spanish distribution feature is set to further amplify these results by tapping into the vast and growing Spanish-speaking demographic.

Justin West, CEO of Hundreds of Customers LLC, emphasized the importance of this new service feature in a recent statement:

"Expanding our Guaranteed SEO Service to include Spanish distribution is a game-changer for our clients. It allows businesses to reach a broader audience and engage with the Spanish-speaking community more effectively. This enhancement underscores our commitment to providing comprehensive and inclusive SEO solutions."

He continued, in Spanish, to reiterate, saying, "Expandir nuestro servicio de SEO garantizado para incluir distribucion en espanol es un cambio de juego para nuestros clientes. Permite a las empresas llegar a una audiencia mas amplia y conectarse con la comunidad hispanohablante de manera mas efectiva. Esta mejora subraya nuestro compromiso de proporcionar soluciones de SEO integrales e inclusivas."

West notes that while he himself is not fluent in Spanish, the state of technology has allowed him to and his company to use state of the art, cutting-edge Artificial Intelligence technology to accurately translate into Spanish.

"Unfortunately, I don't speak Spanish. But ChatGPT does, and it does an IMPRESSIVE job of not just translating words, but conveying ideas and context in a way that no system has been able to do before, allowing us to tap into this market in a very unique way."

The inclusion of Spanish distribution aligns with the company's mission to enhance online visibility and credibility for businesses across diverse markets. By offering this service, "Rank With News" not only broadens the reach of its clients but also ensures that their messages resonate with a wider audience, thereby driving more significant engagement and results.

"Many businesses struggle with getting noticed online due to the highly competitive nature of search engine rankings. Without proper SEO strategies, it's challenging to achieve visibility, attract potential clients, and drive business growth. Imagine investing time and money into your website and marketing, only to remain invisible on search engines. Your competitors are grabbing all the attention, leaving you frustrated and questioning the effectiveness of your efforts. This lack of online presence translates into missed opportunities and lost revenue," remarked West.

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"Rank With News" continues to lead the industry with its innovative approach to SEO and media placements. The company's expertise spans various fields, including business, advertising, marketing, law, regional business news, international business, Canada, the United Kingdom, and website design. This diverse expertise enables "Rank With News" to craft tailored media campaigns that meet the unique needs of each client.

West also said: "Rank With News stands out among SEO companies by offering specialized services that cater to businesses aiming to connect with the Spanish-speaking market. As a premier SEO agency, we understand the importance of reaching your target audience through organic traffic and aligning our efforts with your business goals. Our expertise in digital marketing ensures that we avoid keyword stuffing and instead focus on using relevant keywords that boost your keyword rankings and improve user experience. By targeting potential customers with high-quality content, we help you achieve first-page rankings, thereby enhancing your visibility and credibility.

"Our SEO firm employs a comprehensive approach that includes understanding search engine algorithms and providing high-quality backlinks to improve your SEO ranking," he continued. "As a trusted SEO provider, we prioritize organic search and adhere to search engine guidelines to ensure sustainable results. Our services are particularly beneficial for businesses targeting the Spanish market, as we offer tailored solutions that resonate with this target market. With a focus on long-term strategy and effective digital marketing strategies, Rank With News helps businesses achieve higher conversion rates and significant search rankings over a period of time. By partnering with us, you can avoid black hat tactics and rely on a reputable digital marketing agency that delivers measurable results."

As the digital landscape evolves, Hundreds of Customers LLC remains at the forefront, adapting its services to meet the changing demands of the market. The addition of Spanish distribution to its Guaranteed SEO Service is a testament to the company's dedication to providing cutting-edge solutions that drive measurable results for businesses worldwide.

Businesses looking to enhance their online presence and reach Spanish-speaking audiences can now leverage the expanded capabilities of "Rank With News". With a proven track record of success and a commitment to innovation, Hundreds of Customers LLC continues to set the standard in the SEO industry.

Guaranteed rankings and increased traffic with innovative SEO strategies, now in Spanish and English.

About Hundreds of Customers LLC / Rank With News

"Rank With News", the flagship product operated by Hundreds of Customers LLC and led by founder Justin West, is based out of Kansas City. The company specializes in enhancing online visibility and credibility for businesses by securing strategic placements in major news outlets. Through innovative media campaigns, Rank With News guarantees first-page Google rankings, helping businesses achieve unparalleled search engine optimization success.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/219443

SOURCE: Rank With News
Taapsee Pannu recently tied the knot with the love of his life Mathias Boe in March 2024 after dating for a long time. However, when the actress met the badminton player for the first time her friends were concerned and careful.

While Mathias was in Denmark and Taapsee was in India, the duo met for the first in Dubai and the actress friends were worried and warned her to be careful and said that he might sell her to some Sheikh.

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We met around like, say, 10-11 years back and then he proposed to me a year after we met. That was very quick. Yeah, nine years of engagement, none of us changed our minds and we still believe that we can stay together for most of our lives, yeah, the Phir Aayi Hasseen Dillruba actress told Raunaq Rajani on his show Relationshit Advice.

Talking about the craziest thing she did for love, Pannu said, That has been For the first date, cross-continent or rather cross-country, first date when you dont know the other person at all, that has been the craziest thing Ive ever done for anybody. He proposed to me saying that I would like to take you on a date either in Denmark or Dubai. Because these are the two places I know very well. So, I said, who will go to Denmark? Schengen visa, oh my God.

She added, I was like, why is this guy interested in me? First of all, our confidence, being from this part of the world, we always feel like, youre a white person, why would he be interested in us? That tiny bit of inferiority complex is there at all times anyway.

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So, I went there and then my friends were like, You take care of yourself. Dont let him sell you. Im not kidding. My friends actually gave me My best friends sister stays in Dubai. So, she gave me her number and I dont know, if hes selling me to a Sheikh, she wont be able to stop the deal, right? He turned out to be a good guy. Thats why 10-11 years passed. Im sure I would still want to stay with him, the actress said.
In just one week, six murals have popped up across the different corners of London, each depicting animals in silhouette by elusive street artist, Banksy. From a goat teetering atop a narrow wall to elephants reaching out from bricked-up windows. Whats the message behind the art? read more

Londons streets have become nothing short of a canvas, all credit to the elusive street artist, Banksy.

In just one week, six mysterious murals have popped across the different corners of the city, each depicting animals in silhouette.

From a goat teetering atop a narrow wall to elephants reaching out from bricked-up windows, these striking artworks have left many pondering about the meaning behind the latest creations by the street artist, who has highlighted themes such as war and climate change in his previous work.

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So, whats so special about these murals and why are they capturing so much attention? Lets take a closer look

London Zoo

It began with the mountain goat on Monday, precariously perched on a ledge amid falling rocks, rendered in Banksys signature stencil style on a wall in Richmond, west London.

Next came two elephant heads, peering out of two blocked-out windows on the side of a house in the upscale Chelsea followed by three monkeys that were spotted hanging from a railway bridge near Brick Lane in east London.

Two elephant heads, peering out of two blocked-out windows on the side of a house appeared in the upscale Chelsea. Reuters

One local resident told BBC News, Its genuinely really exciting. A friend messaged me early this morning telling me its appeared on my street so we arranged to come down as soon as we could.

On Thursday, a silhouette of a wolf howling at the sky painted onto the face of a satellite dish on Rye Lane appeared in southeast Londons Peckham, which also within hours is believed to have been stolen.

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The next day, a fifth mural emerged: two pelicans devouring fish on the wall of a fish and chip shop in Walthamstow, north-east London.

Another local Hannah, who lives doors away from the pelican mural told BBC, it was very exciting. I was lying in bed, scrolling through social media and it popped up. I said come on kids, get your coats on, were going to go out and see the new Banksy on Bonners, she added.

The next day, a fifth mural emerged: two pelicans devouring fish on the wall of a fish and chip shop in Walthamstow, north-east London. Reuters

On Saturday, a big cat was spotted doing a stretch on a dilapidated billboard on Edgware Road in Cricklewood, northwest London.

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All the street art has been shared on Banksys Instagram, however, the artist has left the posts without captions, fuelling intense speculation among social media users about the message behind the murals.

Some have dubbed the collection the London Zoo series, theorising connections to various social and political issues, from far-right riots to environmental crises.

Buzz around the murals

The new murals have stirred a whirlwind of theories among art critics and the public alike.

Paul Gough, vice-chancellor of Arts University Bournemouth and author of Banksy: The Bristol Legacy, noted to The Guardian that Banksys method of releasing a series of works so rapidly is quite unusual as the artist leaves gaps of a few months between before unveiling his work.

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Regardless, he appreciated the murals saying that their simplicity is what makes them so memorable. The work is instantly accessible. Its rarely over-complicated visually, yet its simplicitystencils and iconic designsimprints on your memory. The message resonates because its finely tuned to global issues. Its art with an edge, he said.

Three monkeys that were spotted hanging from a railway bridge near Brick Lane in east London. Reuters



Banksy, who began as a street artist, has achieved significant acclaim beyond his graffiti. His piece Love is in the Bin set a record at Sothebys, selling for 18.6 million (over 198 crore) in 2021, and was hailed as the pre-eminent artwork of the 21st century.

Dr. Isobel Harbison, a lecturer in critical studies at Goldsmiths, University of London, told The Guardian that she was perplexed by the images and the buzz around them. She suggested that the variety of animals might indicate that Banksy is building quite a congress with his art.

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In contrast, art critic Jonathan Jones questioned the attention the murals are receiving. He described them as crude stencils without nuance, and remarked, These bland silhouettes of animals would not be out of place in the Royal Academy summer exhibition. Whats provocative or insightful about them? Is anyone really excited to see which animal comes next?

**What is the meaning behind the murals?

**

According to Gough, Banksy has often used animals to convey urgent messages about environmental issues, threats to habitat, and the impact of climate change. But they are also powerful metaphors for the state of global politics and the troubled world we have created."

Domestic animals  cows, pigs and sheep  are invariably augmented by less savoury beasts  chimps, rats  sporting acerbic placards with an air of playful thuggery, he said.

Speculation about the murals meaning is rife. Some suggest they could be related to recent conflicts in Gaza or the recent surge of riots and racist attacks across the UK.

People gather against an an anti-immigration protest, in London, Britain, August 7, 2024. Reuters

Nice one Banksy. I see this as a critique on the wild and chaotic behaviour currently erupting across the UK. Far right thugs on the prowl, commented a user on Banksys Instagram post.

Others connected the murals to the climate crisis and the notion that humanity is hastening its own downfall. Humanity is not going to last  animals will be taking over, wrote another user.

Whether these murals signify a new direction for Banksy or a reaction to contemporary issues, they have undoubtedly succeeded in capturing the publics imagination.

With input from agencies
The death of a trainee doctor has led to a massive outrage in Kolkata with the victims family and opposition parties alleging that the medical student was raped before being murdered. The Kolkata Police has so far arrested one accused based on CCTV footage read more

The 31-year-old postgraduate trainee doctor's brutalised body was found in a semi-nude state in the seminar hall of state-run R G Kar Medical College and Hospital. Image for Representation. Pixabay

The shocking death of a trainee doctor has stirred a massive outrage in Kolkata with the victims family members and opposition parties alleging that the second-year medical student was raped before being murdered.

The 31-year-old postgraduate trainee doctors brutalised body was found in a semi-nude state in the seminar hall of state-run R G Kar Medical College and Hospital on Friday, putting the campus on the boil and prompting the administration to rush the city police chief and health secretary to the spot.

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The incident has also sparked outrage among students who are demanding a swift probe into the case and are raising questions about the safety and security on the hospital premises.

So far, the police has arrested one person, Sanjoy Roy, on the basis of CCTV footage from the hospital as investigation into the gruesome incident continues.

Heres what we know happened

The incident

According to sources in the hospital, the junior doctor who was in charge of patients in the chest medicine in the hospital ward was on night duty and was on the premises till 2 am, before going up to the seminar room on the third floor, to take a break and study.

Around 7.30 am an intern called her up but her cellphone kept ringing. He then went to the seminar room and found her body. He alerted other students, who called up hospital officials and alerted cops, one of the victims colleagues told The Times of India (TOI).

Those who saw the body said she was lying on a podium in the seminar hall. A blue bed sheet covered the body from the neck to the knees. Her kurta was dishevelled and the trousers missing. Her laptop, a notebook, cellphone, and a water bottle were next to the body, the source further said.

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After the body was discovered, Kolkata Police Commissioner Vineet Goyal and Additional CP Murlidhar Sharma visited the spot for inspection. A forensic team was called for an initial examination of the body at the spot, police sources told The Indian Express.

The 31-year-old postgraduate trainee doctors brutalised body was found in a semi-nude state in the seminar hall of state-run R G Kar Medical College and Hospital. Image courtesy: X

The police officer said that the victims body bore scratch marks, implying that there was some struggle. The four-page initial autopsy report also revealed injuries found all over her body.

Her neck bone was also found broken. It seems that she was first strangulated and then smothered to death. There was bleeding from both her eyes and mouth, injuries over the face and nail. The victim was also bleeding from her private parts. She also has injuries in her belly, left legneck, in her right hand, ring finger andlips, it said.

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Forensic experts told TOI that they had found blood stains and human hair all over the mattress on which she was lying and a broken spectacle next to the body.

After the horrific incident came to light, CM Mamata Banerjee called up the victims father and assured him of all help to ensure justice.

She (Mamata) has assured us of all help. But we have lost our daughter. Unless we get justice we can never be satisfied. I suspect my daughter was raped and murdered but the authorities initially tried to cover up facts, the father was quoted as saying by TOI.

Following the incident, the hospital has formed an 11-member inquiry committee to investigate the matter. Additionally, the Police have formed a Special Investigation Team, including members of the homicide department.

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Police said they are also interrogating the five people, including doctors and nurses who were on duty with the victim on Thursday night.

Protests erupt

The incident has ignited fury among trainee doctors at the hospital, who are demanding a faster investigation by authorities and action against the culprits.

On Friday, students from RG Kar Medical College organised a candle march in the city to protest the heinous crime.

#WATCH | Medical student found dead RG Kar Medical College & Hospital in Kolkata | Students of RG Kar Medical College & Hospital take out a candle march in the city. pic.twitter.com/a5j6SIt1MG  ANI (@ANI) August 9, 2024

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A section of junior doctors has also declared that except in the emergency ward, they will not work due to the prevailing lack of security at the hospital.

They placed demands before the college administration that included better safety measures such as installing CCTV cameras in each of the departments and a proper duty room with attached toilets for doctors, and 24x7 guards among others.

Manas Gumta, the secretary of the Association of Health Service Doctors, told The Indian Express, My blood boils. I dont think such an incident has ever happened in the history of West Bengal. If our demands are not taken seriously, the all-doctors association will assemble in the hospital

On Saturday, several nurses in Kolkata also rallied in support of the victim and demanded justice and accountability.

#WATCH Kolkata, West Bengal | Nurses hold a rally demanding justice after a woman post-graduate trainee (PGT) doctor was found dead inside the seminar hall of government-run RG Kar Medical College and Hospital on Friday, August 9 pic.twitter.com/VJfw1x6wLo  ANI (@ANI) August 10, 2024

The outrage has extended beyond the medical community. The student and youth wings of CPI (M), SFI, and DYFI announced plans to hold road blockades across West Bengal over the weekend to protest the doctors murder and demand a quicker investigation.

Political uproar

The brutal incident also brought a sharp reaction from CM Mamata Banerjee on Saturday after opposition parties, including BJP and Congress parties, alleged the state of hiding the crime.

Firstly, the incident is unfortunate and despicable. It feels like a personal loss to me. Their (doctors) anger and demand is justified. I support it. Police have also accepted their demands, Banerjee said while speaking to Bengali news channel ABP Ananda.

I have directed the case to be taken to a fast-track court. If needed, the accused will be hanged. But they should be given the strictest punishment, she added.

Earlier, several BJP and Congress leaders joined the doctors protests and demanded an independent investigation by the central agency CBI.

BJP MLA Agnimitra Paul alleged that if the postmortem is done under the state system, the truth will be buried.

#WATCH | Second-year medical student found dead RG Kar Medical College & Hospital in Kolkata | West Bengal BJP MLA Agnimitra Paul says, "The condition in which her body was found, completely naked with bruises all over it, makes it look like she was raped and then murdered. We pic.twitter.com/ljYPhqqvSV  ANI (@ANI) August 9, 2024

We demand a CBI investigation. You cant conduct a postmortem after the evening, but they did it hereIf postmortem is done under the state system, truth will be buried. We want a re-postmortem by a Central Government hospital. This is all we demand so that she gets justice, she said.

BJP leader Amit Malviya accused the Mamata Banerjee government in the state of hiding the crime.

Mamata Banerjee Govt is trying to hide the crime. Kolkata Police has been asked to cover up, and show it as suicide. Media is not being allowed in. Repeat: no woman is safe in West Bengal, he wrote in a post on X.

With input from agencies
The Centre tabled The Waqf (Amendment) Bill in the Lok Sabha, which proposes more than three dozen changes to the 1995 Waqf Act. The proposed legislation was vehemently opposed by the opposition. But what changes have been introduced? All this and more in our weekly roundup of stories from India read more

The weekend is here. This week saw several major developments in India. The Centre introduced The Waqf (Amendment) Bill in the Lok Sabha, which faced major objections from opposition parties.

Indias friendly neighbour Bangladesh witnessed political turmoil as the week began, with its prime minister Sheikh Hasina resigning and fleeing the country. She is in India for the moment but her stay could be extended.

In a big relief for the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), its leader and former Delhi deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia secured bail from the Supreme Court in corruption and money laundering cases linked to the Delhi excise policy scam.

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Heres all this and more in the weekly round-up of stories from India.

1. Union Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju brought The Waqf (Amendment) Bill in the Lok Sabha, which suggests over three dozen changes to the 1995 Waqf Act that governs waqf boards in India. The proposed changes have created outrage, with many opposition MPs calling it an attack on the Constitution and federalism.

The bill has sparked a war of words between the Centre and opposition. Home Minister Amit Shah accused the opposition of misleading Muslims and said the amendments were necessary as the present act had many mistakes and could not serve its purpose.

What are the amendments proposed by the Centre? Why has the bill triggered outrage? We explain in this report.

2. Sheikh Hasina has been in India since she fled her country on Monday. The former Bangladesh PM has reportedly requested asylum in the United Kingdom but the Keir Starmer government is not playing ball. The embattled leaders sister, Sheikh Rehana, who fled with her is a citizen of the UK. Rehanas daughter Tulip Siddiq is a member of the British Parliament. Thus, the UK was Hasinas first choice.

Sheikh Hasinas stay in India has been extended. File Photo/Reuters

Hasinas stay in India was expected to be a stopover. However, as her UK plans have hit a roadblock, she is likely to remain in India. New Delhi has always been a trusted ally of the Bangladesh leader and her family. Now that her stay has been extended, how will India accommodate her? Read our story to find out.

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3. After spending a year and a half in jail, Manish Sisodia walked out of jail on Friday, hours after he was granted bail by the Supreme Court in both the CBI and ED cases in the alleged Delhi liquor policy scam. The top court bench comprising Justices BR Gavai and KV Viswanathan said the former Delhi deputy CM had been deprived of the right to a speedy trial.

VIDEO | "I want to thank Abhishek Manu Singhvi for helping me walk out of the jail," says AAP leader Manish Sisodia (@msisodia).



(Full video available on PTI Videos - https://t.co/dv5TRAShcC) pic.twitter.com/WAFDn4607u  Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) August 9, 2024

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Sisodias bail is a major relief for the AAP, whose convenor Arvind Kejriwal remains behind bars. The party has faced several setbacks and needs a boost, especially ahead of the crucial Assembly elections in Delhi and Haryana. Read our report to know what Sisodias bail means for the AAP.

4. It was a major heartbreak for India as wrestler Vinesh Phogat was disqualified from the Paris Olympics, just before her bout for the gold medal. The 29-year-old received tonnes of love and support from all corners after reports emerged that she was disqualified from the womens 50 kg wrestling at the Paris Olympics for being overweight by a mere 100 grammes.

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Hours later, Vinesh hung up her boots. Ma, wrestling has won, I have lost. Please forgive me, your dreams and my courage, everything is broken. I dont have any more strength now. Goodbye wrestling 2001-2024. I shall be indebted to you all. Forgive (me), she wrote in a post on X.

Vineshs disqualification sparked conspiracy claims on social media. It also led to opposition leaders questioning the government. But why? Read in our explainer.

5. Sheikh Hasinas ouster has triggered concerns that it could hurt India. Trade between the two nations was affected after the ex-PM fled the country. Reports surfaced that goods trucks were halted at the Changrabandha in West Bengals Cooch Behar.

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Dhaka is New Delhis largest trading partner in Asia and its 25th largest overall. India is Bangladeshs second-largest trading partner, after China. However, bilateral trade has been hit due to the political crisis in Bangladesh. We explain in this story.

6. Kerala is witnessing a surge in cases of amoebic meningoencephalitis, or amoebic brain fever, with seven infections found in the capital Thiruvananthapuram itself. The rare brain infection claimed the life of a young man in July.

The rising cases of amoebic brain fever in Kerala have triggered concerns. Earlier, the infection was reported mostly in children but now it is being seen in adults. The disease, which is caused by Naegleria fowleri or brain-eating amoeba, has a high mortality rate. Read our report to know how dangerous amoebic brain fever is.

This is all that we have for you this week. If you like our explainers, you can bookmark this page to stay updated.
On Friday, a Voepass flight tragically crashed in a neighbourhood near Sao Paulo, killing all 61 people onboard. The plane dropped 17,000 feet in just one minute. What went wrong? read more

Authorities are investigating the cause of the plane crash that killed all 61 people on board in Brazil. Image for Representation. Reuters

In a heart-wrenching incident that has left Brazil reeling, a Voepass flight tragically crashed near Sao Paulo on Friday, killing all 61 people onboard. The airline confirmed the devastating news in a statement, marking the nations worst aviation disaster since 2007.

The ATR-72 plane fell into what aviation experts described as a flat spin before plummeting into a residential neighbourhood in Vinhedo, approximately 80 km northwest of Sao Paulo.

Videos shared on social media captured the aircraft spiralling out of control and disappearing behind a cluster of trees, followed by a massive plume of black smoke.

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Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has declared a three-day nationwide state of mourning, expressing profound sadness over the tragedy. All my solidarity to the families and friends of the victims, he posted on social media, reflecting the national grief.

As Brazil mourns, the focus now shifts to uncovering what went wrong in the moments leading up to the crash. Heres what we know so far from the preliminary investigation.

But first, what happened?

The airline Voepass said that its plane, an ATR 72 twin-engine turboprop, was travelling from Cascavel, in the Brazilian state of Parana, and was headed for Sao Paulos International Airport Guarulhos with 57 passengers and four crew members aboard.

The horror began as Flight 2283 which had been cruising at 17,000 feet until 1:21 pm local time, dropped approximately 250 feet in 10 seconds. It then climbed approximately 400 feet in about eight seconds.

Eight seconds later, it lost just under 2,000 feet. Then, in approximately one minute, it began rapidly descending  roughly 17,000 feet in just one minute, flight tracking data showed.

Arthur Rosenberg, a former pilot and aerospace engineer told American news agency News Nation, The plane is falling, rolling, spinning. Its disorientingYou physically feel it on your body. The level of fright that these people went through defies description."

Social media videos of the crash showed the plane spiraling out of the sky before hitting the ground as people in the neighbourhood of Vinehedo shouted in fear.

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Nathalie Cicar a woman who lives near the crash site, recalls that she heard the plane before she saw it.

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I heard a very loud noise, very close to me. I thought it was a drone. I looked up to the sky and saw the plane spinning, Nathalie Cicari told CNN Brasil.

Within seconds, I realised that it was not a normal movement for a plane, she further told the broadcaster.

In those next few seconds, Cicari said she learnt she had no time to run  the plane was too close to where she was standing. She said she ducked just before she heard a loud crashing sound.

When I realised it had passed, I went to the balcony and I saw a gigantic black smoke rising, Cicari stated.

 PLANE CRASH NEAR SAO PAULO KILLS ALL 62 ONBOARD



A tragic plane crash near Sao Paulo, Brazil, has claimed the lives of all 62 people aboard a Voepass aircraft. The crash occurred northeast of the city, with local officials in Valinhos confirming that there were no survivors. pic.twitter.com/O0teHmG94d  Royal FM 94.3 Kigali (@RoyalFMRwanda) August 9, 2024

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Soon after the fatal plane crash, multiple agencies, including Civil Defence and the Public Security Secretariatare were mobilised at the scene helping with rescue efforts. The fire department also sent seven teams to the scene of the crash, the Sao Paulo Government said in a statement.

One eyewitness told Reuters the plane fell on the roof of a home of an elderly couple. However, no residents have been hurt in the neighbourhood.

One eyewitness said the plane fell on the roof of the home of an elderly couple. Reuters

The governor of the state of Sao Paulo, Tarcisio de Freitas, and Vinhedo City Hall have also declared three-day mourning periods to honour the victims of the crash.

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The authorities have sealed off the entrance to the residential area where the plane went down and the Brazilian Air Force team is called in to investigate the cause of the deadly plane crash, a statement by the Vinhedo City Hall said.

What caused the crash?

The planes unusual circling motion before crashing triggered widespread curiosity among aviation experts about the underlying cause of the tragedy.

Some experts speculate that ice buildup on the plane might have played a crucial role. Voepass Chief Operations Officer Marcel Moura mentioned in a press conference, Today ice was predicted (at the altitudes the plane was flying at), but within the acceptable range. But the plane is sensitive to ice, that could be a starting point. He further noted that the planes de-icing system and all other systems were operational before takeoff.

Echoing similar views, Brazilian aviation engineer and crash investigator Celso Faria de Souza suggested that ice accumulation might have caused the plane to stall and spiral as it did, Reuters reported.

Brazilian aviation engineer and crash investigator Celso Faria de Souza told Reuters that that ice accumulation might have caused the plane to stall and spiral as it did and crash. AFP



This scenario is reminiscent of a 1994 incident where an American Eagle ATR 72-200 crashed and the US National Transportation Safety Board determined that the probable cause was ice buildup while the plane was circling in a holding pattern. The plane rolled at about 8,000 feet and dove into the ground, killing all 68 people on board.

However, Brazilian aviation expert Lito Sousa cautioned in an AP report that meteorological conditions alone might not suffice to explain why the plane fell in the manner that it did on Friday.

According to Science News magazine, Captain Ross Aimer, a leading aviation expert, pointed to engine failure as a potential cause, which could result in insufficient thrust to sustain flight. He also mentioned the possibility of a malfunction in the flight control systems, impairing the pilots ability to maintain the aircrafts trajectory.

Additionally, he speculated that a failure of a critical component, such as a wing part crucial for flight stability, could have destabilised the plane.

Amidst these speculations, authorities have recovered the black box from the charred remains of the plane. This device, which stores flight data, can provide crucial insights into the final moments of the flight and potentially help reveal the cause of the crash.

authorities have recovered the black box from the charred remains of the plane. This device, which stores flight data, can provide crucial insights into the final moments of the flight and potentially help reveal the cause of the crash. AP



Voepass CEO Eduardo Busch stated in a press conference that the plane had two black boxes, designed to withstand crashes, and there are two highly qualified laboratories available for analysis.

On one hand, it is possible to retrieve data from the recorder, but on the other hand, there is a chance that, due to the severity of the accident, the recorders were damaged, making it impossible to access the recorded data, Busch said. He added, In any case, the agency has international partnerships that can help them understand what happened with the accident.

Busch further emphasised that the airline is closely working with the Center for Investigation and Prevention of Aeronautical Accidents (CENIPA) to determine the actual cause of the crash.

With input from agencies
The recommendation for tougher checks on the finances of politically exposed persons (PEPs) is part of a FATF review of Indias anti-money laundering systems that began in 2023 read more

The Financial Action Task Force (FATF) global anti-money laundering watchdog has asked India to improve due diligence on the bank accounts of local politicians, government officials and their families, two government sources said.

The recommendation for tougher checks on the finances of politically exposed persons (PEPs) is part of a FATF review of Indias anti-money laundering systems that began in 2023. The group is due to publish its final report soon.

Under global rules, politicians, their families, and close associates are subject to checks on their bank accounts due to their potential susceptibility to bribery and corruption.

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A FATF report shared with the government recommended more rigorous monitoring of the source of funds in the accounts of domestic PEPs as well as requiring senior bank managers to approve any new accounts for them or their families.

The sources, who have been briefed of the FATFs recommendations, could not be named because they were not authorised to speak to the media. The FATF did not respond to requests for comment.

India already implements strict banking checks on foreign political figures.

There are areas where we need to improve which we will, a senior finance ministry source said.

Last December, before general elections that brought Prime Minister Narendra Modi back to power, the government told parliament it did not intend to put domestic political figures under stricter banking scrutiny, adding that it would wait for the FATFs report before making any changes.

The FATF in June said India had reached a high level of compliance in enforcing anti-money laundering laws. The government has five years to implement the recommended banking rules before the next review, one of the sources said.

The FATF rated India as compliant and largely compliant on 37 out of the 40 parameters for enforcing anti-money laundering laws, the sources said.

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The three areas in which there is partial compliance include bank scrutiny of domestic political figures and oversight of the finances of non-profit organisations and non-financial businesses and professionals.

In June, the Indian government described opens new tab the FATFs evaluation as yielding an outstanding outcome but did not disclose any specifics.

An interim report, discussed at the FATF June meeting in Singapore, recommended that India expedite the prosecution of money laundering and terrorist financing cases while ensuring that non-profit organisations are not unfairly targeted.
According to a government circular, Jai Hind will replace good morning in schools so that students can be inspired everyday with the spirit of national unity and respect for the rich history of the country read more

Good morning is set to be replaced by Jai Hind in all Haryana schools from this Independence Day onwards, according to a government circular.

The move, initiated by the Haryana government, aims to instill a deep sense of patriotism and national pride among students, the directorate of school education, said in the circular issued on Thursday.

Jai Hind was coined by Subhas Chandra Bose during Indias freedom struggle and was adopted as a salute by the armed forces after Independence, the circular said.

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The directorate of school education sent the circular to all district education officers, district elementary education officers, district block education officers, block elementary education officers, principals and headmasters.

According to the circular, Jai Hind will replace good morning in schools so that students can be inspired everyday with the spirit of national unity and respect for the rich history of the country.

The patriotic greeting Jai Hind will encourage students to appreciate sacrifices made for the countrys freedom, it said.

Jai Hind transcends regional, linguistic and cultural differences and promotes unity among students from diverse backgrounds, it said.

Regular use of greetings like Jai Hind will inculcate a sense of discipline and uniformity among students, the circular said.

Jai Hind has been implemented as a greeting by the armed forces, paramilitary forces and police forces whose services are recognised as disciplined, it added.

Incorporating traditional greetings into daily routine promotes cultural heritage and respect for national traditions, the circular said.

This greeting is both inspirational and motivational, reminding students of their potential to contribute to the progress of the nation. Jai Hind is a source of inspiration for young Indians which encourages them to contribute positively to the development of India, it added.
BSF officials struggled to hold them back as this was perhaps the largest group of Bangladeshis who had tried to enter India in the hope of seeking refuge in the past week. They were later removed from the spot by the Border Guards Bangladesh personnel, the Border Security Force confirmed read more

Its been five days since Sheikh Hasina fled Bangladesh in view of widespread discontentment against her leadership. The situation in the country was expected to get normal after her exit but violence continues to rage in several parts of Bangladesh. Amid this, desperate Bangladeshis, mostly Hindus, have been trying to make their way into India to escape religious persecution.

The Border Security Force on Friday foiled an attempt by over 1,000 Bangladeshi nationals to cross over to India from the Sitalkuchi fenced land border area of Cooch Behar district in West Bengal.

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#WATCH | Amid political crisis & violence in Bangladesh, a large number of people from the neighbouring country gather at India-Bangladesh border. They've been stopped by BSF at Zero Point



Visuals across the border in Bangladesh, captured from Indian side at Pathantuli in pic.twitter.com/uaqYnyKHX4  ANI (@ANI) August 9, 2024

Meanwhile, the Indian Ministry of Home Affairs on Friday formed a committee to monitor the situation at the Indo-Bangladesh border.

How did BSF manage to send them back?

BSF officials struggled to hold them back as this was perhaps the largest group of Bangladeshis who had tried to enter India in the hope of seeking refuge in the past week. They were later removed from the spot by the Border Guards Bangladesh personnel, the Border Security Force confirmed.

The crowd, reportedly comprising mostly Bangladeshi Hindus, assembled some 400 metres away from the fence alongside a water body at the Genduguri and Doikhawa villages in the Lalmonirhat district of Bangladesh.

Heavy deployment of the 157 Battalion of the BSF at the Pathantuli village, maintaining vigil on automobiles and on foot, made the infiltration bid of the foreigners impossible.

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Hindu groups hold rallies

Meanwhile, back at home, the Bangladesh Hindu Jagran Mancha protested against the violence perpetrated against Hindus in the country. During their rally, the group laid down their demands which included the creation of a minority affairs ministry.

We were born in this country. This country belongs to everyone. Hindus will not leave the country. This is also the birthplace of our ancestors. We didnt fly here. This is nobodys fathers country. This is nobodys husbands country. We will not leave this country. Even if I die, I am not leaving my native land, one of the demonstrators said according to Dhaka Tribune.

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With inputs from PTI
Timor-Leste plays a significant and evolving role in Indias Act East Policy, which is a strategic initiative aimed at strengthening Indias ties with countries in the Asia-Pacific region read more

In a first-ever visit from India to Timor-Leste, President Droupadi Murmu arrived in the Southeast Asian nation on Saturday to strengthen the bilateral relationship between the two countries, building on the momentum established earlier this year.

This visit comes seven months after the President of Timor-Leste visited India and attended the Vibrant Gujarat Summit in January of this year. Murmu arrived here on the last leg of her three-nation visit which also took her to New Zealand and Fiji.

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President Droupadi Murmu arrived in Dili, Timor-Leste on the last leg of her three-nation visit, the Presidents Office said in a post on X.

President Droupadi Murmu arrived in Dili, Timor-Leste on the last leg of her three nation visit. In a special gesture, she was warmly received by President Jose Ramos-Horta of Timor-Leste at the airport. Cheerful children greeted her on the way from the airport. pic.twitter.com/EDzbFkF6LJ  President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) August 10, 2024

President Jose Ramos-Horta of Timor-Leste warmly received the President at the airport. Cheerful children greeted her on the way from the airport.

In a post on X, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, Furthering the Delhi-Dili connect! President Droupadi Murmu @rashtrapatibhvn arrived in Dili for the first-ever Head of State level visit from India to Timor-Leste. In a special gesture, President @JoseRamosHorta1 of Timor-Leste warmly received President Murmu at the airport During the visit, apart from the bilateral meeting with President Jose Ramos-Horta, there will also be a meeting with Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao, who will call on Murmu.

President Droupadi Murmu arrived in Dili, Timor-Leste on the last leg of her three nation visit. In a special gesture, she was warmly received by President Jose Ramos-Horta of Timor-Leste at the airport. Cheerful children greeted her on the way from the airport. pic.twitter.com/EDzbFkF6LJ  President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) August 10, 2024

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This is the first-ever presidential visit from India to Timor-Leste, a Southeast Asian nation. The president will also attend a community reception with the Indians in Timor-Leste and Friends of India, according to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).

Before this, President Murmu visited New Zealand, setting a new landmark in bilateral partnership.

Timor Leste supports Indias permanent membership in the UNSC. This was formally announced by PM Alkatiri in 2003 at the UNGA. The country also supported Indias candidature for a non-permanent seat during 2011-12. It has backed Indias candidacies for various UN positions
While the US justification for arming Israel rests on ensuring the security of a key ally in a volatile region, it also reflects broader strategic objectives, including the containment of Iranian influence. Contrastingly, Russia has positioned itself as a key arms supplier to countries that are often at odds with American interests read more

The US and Russia's ongoing arming of Israel and its adversaries is a microcosm of the larger geopolitical struggle between these two powers. Image: Ahmad Gharabli/AFP

The international arms trade has long been a key instrument of geopolitical influence, shaping regional dynamics and global power structures. The United States and Russia, two of the worlds foremost military powers, have been particularly active in this arena, with the former heavily arming Israel and the latter supporting various adversaries of the US and its allies, including Iran. As these two nations continue to supply advanced weaponry to opposing sides in critical geopolitical regions, the implications for regional stability and global security are profound and multifaceted.

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The US and Israel: A Strategic Alliance

For several decades, the United States has cultivated a deeply entrenched and formidable military partnership with Israel, characterised by the transfer of substantial arms and the fostering of comprehensive defence cooperation. This alliance is not merely a matter of convenience; it is rooted in a convergence of strategic interests, particularly in the shared objective of countering the growing influence of Iran and its allied proxies across the volatile Middle Eastern landscape.

In its steadfast support of Israel, the US extends approximately $3.8 billion annually in military aid, a figure that not only highlights the magnitude of their collaboration but also reflects the profound commitment the US has towards ensuring Israels security amidst an increasingly complex regional dynamic. This aid is far from nominal; it encompasses some of the most advanced military technologies available today. Among these are the highly sophisticated F-35 fighter jets, renowned for their stealth and combat capabilities, and precision-guided munitions that allow for pinpoint accuracy in targeted strikes, minimising collateral damage and maximising strategic impact.

Moreover, the US has also been instrumental in bolstering Israels defensive capabilities through the provision of state-of-the-art missile defence systems such as the Iron Dome and Davids Sling. The Iron Dome has gained global recognition for its effectiveness in intercepting and neutralising short-range rockets and artillery shells, thereby providing a critical shield against threats emanating from hostile territories. Davids Sling, on the other hand, is designed to counter medium- to long-range rockets, cruise missiles, and other aerial threats, ensuring a layered defence system that significantly enhances Israels security apparatus.

This military relationship, underscored by the consistent and robust flow of advanced weaponry and defence systems, exemplifies the enduring bond between the two nations. It is a partnership that goes beyond mere transactions; it is a strategic alliance that is pivotal to the geopolitical balance of power in the Middle East. The United States, by reinforcing Israels military prowess, is not only safeguarding its ally but is also asserting its own influence and interests in a region that remains one of the most strategically significant and conflict-prone in the world.

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In the broader context, this extensive military support also serves as a deterrent against the ambitions of Iran and its proxies, signalling that any aggression will be met with a formidable defence. The US-Israel military cooperation, thus, stands as a bulwark against instability, seeking to maintain a semblance of order amidst the ongoing turbulence in the Middle East. This relationship, rooted in shared strategic imperatives, continues to be a cornerstone of US foreign policy in the region, reflecting a commitment to security and stability that resonates far beyond the immediate borders of Israel.

This level of military support has enabled Israel to maintain a qualitative military edge over its regional adversaries. However, it also contributes to the ongoing arms race in the region, as rival states, particularly those aligned with Iran, seek to counterbalance Israeli capabilities. The US justification for arming Israel rests on ensuring the security of a key ally in a volatile region, but it also reflects broader strategic objectives, including the containment of Iranian influence and the protection of US interests in the Middle East.

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Russia and Its Strategic Counterbalance

In contrast, Russia has positioned itself as a key arms supplier to countries that are often at odds with U.S. interests. Iran, Syria, and, to a lesser extent, Hezbollah, have all benefited from Russian military support. This support includes sophisticated air defence systems like the S-400, which has recently been delivered to Iran, signalling a significant escalation in military capabilities that could alter the balance of power in the region.

Russias strategy of arming these states serves multiple purposes. First, it bolsters Russias influence in the Middle East, a region where it has historically sought to challenge US hegemony. By providing advanced weaponry to Iran and other anti-American proxies, Russia not only strengthens these states militarily but also politically, as they become more capable of resisting US and Israeli pressure.

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Moreover, Russias arms transfers are part of a broader geopolitical strategy aimed at undermining US influence globally. By aligning itself with states like Iran, Russia can indirectly challenge US interests in the Middle East while also securing lucrative arms deals that bolster its defence industry at home.

Implications for Regional Stability

The ongoing arms race between US-backed Israel and Russian-supported adversaries like Iran poses significant risks to regional stability. The influx of advanced weaponry into an already volatile region increases the likelihood of military confrontations, which could escalate into larger conflicts. For instance, Israels acquisition of advanced US weapons systems is often perceived as a direct threat by Iran, prompting it to seek similar capabilities from Russia.

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Furthermore, the militarisation of regional conflicts through external arms supplies complicates diplomatic efforts to resolve these disputes peacefully. As states become more heavily armed, their reliance on military solutions to geopolitical problems increases, diminishing the prospects for negotiation and peaceful conflict resolution.

The situation is further exacerbated by the involvement of state-sponsored actors, such as Hezbollah, who also receive advanced weapons from state sponsors like Iran and Russia. These groups operate outside the traditional state framework, making them unpredictable and difficult to deter, which adds another layer of complexity to the regional security environment.

The Broader Global Implications

The ongoing rivalry between the United States and Russia in supplying arms to opposing factions in the Middle East is emblematic of a broader and deeply rooted pattern of global competition between these two superpowers. This geopolitical tug-of-war is not confined to the tumultuous sands of the Middle East; it stretches its tentacles into other strategically vital regions, such as Eastern Europe. Here, the arms supplied by both the US and Russia play a pivotal role in shaping the contours of conflicts like the ongoing war in Ukraine, a stark reminder of how this rivalry reverberates across the globe.

As the United States and Russia continue to deploy arms supplies as instruments of their geopolitical influence, the stakes in this great game rise ever higher. The spectre of proxy conflicts escalating into direct confrontations between these nuclear-armed giants looms large, casting a long shadow over global peace and stability. The contemporary security landscape is increasingly dominated by a multipolar arms race, where not only the US and Russia but also other powers like China are fiercely vying for global influence through the projection of military might.

This trend, if allowed to persist, could have far-reaching and perilous consequences. In the long run, it heralds the emergence of a more fragmented and unstable world order, where regional conflicts become more frequent and devastating, fuelled by the unrelenting flow of sophisticated weaponry. The international communitys capacity to manage these simmering conflicts through diplomacy and established international institutions will be put to the test. The norms and frameworks that have governed international relations since the end of the Cold War are increasingly under strain, eroding as great-power competition intensifies.

In this evolving scenario, the delicate balance that has maintained global peace for decades is at risk of unravelling. The continuous infusion of advanced weaponry into volatile regions exacerbates tensions, creating an environment where the possibility of miscalculations and unintended escalations becomes ever more likely. The very fabric of international diplomacy, woven through years of careful negotiation and mutual understanding, is fraying as these powerful nations pursue their divergent interests with little regard for the broader implications.

Moreover, the implications of this arms race are not confined to the regions directly involved in these conflicts. The ripple effects are felt across the world, from the corridors of power in distant capitals to the everyday lives of people who may find themselves caught in the crossfire of this global competition. The unchecked flow of arms fuels not only state-level conflicts but also empowers terrorists and insurgent groups, further destabilising already fragile regions.

As India observes these developments from a position of strategic autonomy, there is a clear recognition of the dangers posed by this unbridled arms race finding its way to forces inimical to India. The lessons of history are not lost on a nation that has seen its share of conflicts and understands the value of diplomatic engagement and peaceful coexistence. The world stands at a crossroads, where the choices made by global powers in the coming years will determine whether we move towards a more peaceful, cooperative global order or descend into an era of perpetual conflict and instability.

The challenge for the international community, and particularly for rising powers like India, is to advocate for and contribute to a new paradigm of global securityone that emphasises dialogue over discord, cooperation over confrontation, and peace over proliferation. As the traditional structures of global governance face unprecedented challenges, there is an urgent need for renewed efforts to strengthen multilateral institutions, promote disarmament, and build a collective security framework that can withstand the pressures of this new era of great power rivalry. The path forward is fraught with challenges, but with a commitment to peace and stability, a more secure and prosperous world remains within reach.

Conclusion: A Precarious Future

The US and Russias ongoing arming of Israel and its adversaries is a microcosm of the larger geopolitical struggle between these two powers. While these arms transfers serve their immediate strategic interests, they also contribute to a more dangerous and unstable global security environment. The Middle East, already a region fraught with conflict, stands at the brink of further escalation because of this arms race.

The future of regional and global stability hinges on the ability of the international community to address the underlying causes of these conflicts and manage the competition between the US and Russia in a way that minimises the risk of escalation. Without concerted diplomatic efforts and a rethinking of current strategies, the world may be heading towards a period of increased instability and conflict, with potentially catastrophic consequences.

The author is a columnist, Group Captain (retd) and a former fighter pilot of the IAF. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views.
India must engage proactively with the new government in Dhaka, emphasising the importance of stability, development, and mutual interests read more

The political landscape in South Asia has witnessed a seismic shift with the resignation of Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina amid widespread protests. These protests, which have swept across the nation, are rooted in deep-seated economic grievances, allegations of corruption, and a burgeoning demand for democratic reforms, with speculations of some hidden foreign hands.

The departure of a leader who has been at the helm for over a decade marks a significant turning point for Bangladesh, creating a vacuum of power and uncertainty about the countrys immediate future. This development holds significant implications for Indo-Bangla relations, raising pressing questions about the future trajectory of bilateral ties. It was clear that the US had issues with the Hasina government, now that the new government has taken charge in Bangladesh, it has to be seen how it maintains its ties with Washington, Beijing and New Delhi.

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For decades, India and Bangladesh have shared a complex relationship characterised by both cooperation and occasional friction. During Sheikh Hasinas tenure, India and Bangladesh enjoyed a period of unprecedented cooperation, with landmark agreements on issues such as border management and water sharing. However, the abrupt political transition in Dhaka now places this relationship at a critical juncture. The emergence of a military-backed government introduces new variables into the geopolitical equation. It brings into focus how such a government might reorient Bangladeshs foreign policy, economic strategies, and security priorities in ways that could either align with or diverge from Indias interests.

Historical Context

The foundation of Indo-Bangla relations was laid during the Bangladesh Liberation War of 1971, when India played a pivotal role in supporting the independence movement against Pakistan. The subsequent establishment of Bangladesh as an independent nation forged a bond between the two countries, marked by shared cultural, historical, and geographical ties. Over the decades, this relationship has been characterised by cooperation in various sectors, including trade, security, and connectivity, as well as occasional disputes over water sharing, border management, and migration.

Under Sheikh Hasinas leadership, India and Bangladesh witnessed a period of enhanced cooperation and stability. Hasinas government prioritised economic development, counter-terrorism measures, and regional connectivity, aligning closely with Indias strategic interests. Notably, the resolution of the long-standing land boundary dispute in 2015 and the successful implementation of the Land Boundary Agreement underscored the commitment of both nations to resolving contentious issues through dialogue and diplomacy.

The Impact of Sheikh Hasinas Resignation

Sheikh Hasinas resignation amid protests represents a significant turning point in Bangladeshs political trajectory. The protests, driven by economic grievances, allegations of corruption, and demands for democratic reforms, reflect deep-seated frustrations within the Bangladeshi populace. As the nation navigates this political transition, the immediate impact on Indo-Bangla relations will largely depend on the nature of the government that succeeds Hasina and its approach to foreign policy.

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(i) Political Stability and Economic Cooperation

One of the cornerstones of Indo-Bangla relations under Hasinas tenure was economic cooperation. Bangladesh emerged as one of the fastest-growing economies in the region, with India being a crucial trade partner. The bilateral trade volume reached new heights, driven by tariff reductions, improved connectivity, and investment opportunities. However, political instability in Bangladesh could disrupt this economic momentum, affecting trade flows and investment prospects. A government that is US leaning, if committed to economic reforms and stability, could mitigate these risks and ensure continuity in economic cooperation.

(ii) Security and Counter-terrorism

Security cooperation has been a pivotal aspect of Indo-Bangla relations, with both countries collaborating to combat terrorism and insurgency in the region. The Hasina government took stringent measures to crack down on extremist groups, earning praise from New Delhi. The potential rise of a government leaning towards the West raises questions about the continuity of these counter-terrorism efforts. Indias security concerns, particularly in the northeastern states, necessitate a stable and cooperative government in Dhaka.

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(iii) Regional Connectivity and Infrastructure Projects

The India-Bangladesh relationship has also been bolstered by initiatives aimed at enhancing regional connectivity. Projects such as the BBIN (Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal) initiative and the development of multimodal transport corridors have facilitated the movement of goods and people, promoting economic integration. The transition to a new government must not derail these projects, which are vital for regional development. The new government, recognising the strategic importance of connectivity, could prioritise the completion of ongoing projects and explore new avenues for collaboration.

The US Factor: Implications for India

The prospect of a West-inclined government in Bangladesh introduces a new dimension to Indo-Bangla relations. Historically, US influence in South Asia has been a double-edged sword for India, with periods of both cooperation and tension and thus warrants careful consideration.

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(i) Geopolitical Alignments

Accession of a new government in Bangladesh is bound to result in realignment of geopolitical priorities in the region. The US has strategic interests in South Asia, including countering Chinas influence and ensuring regional stability. Indias strategic partnership with the US, highlighted by defence cooperation and shared democratic values, could find a complementary partner in the Bangladeshi government. This alignment could enhance trilateral cooperation in areas such as security, trade, and infrastructure development.

(ii) Balancing Relations with China

Bangladeshs relationship with China has grown significantly in recent years, with Beijing investing heavily in infrastructure projects under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). The new and ostensibly West-inclining government might recalibrate Dhakas approach to its ties with China, potentially reducing Beijings influence. This shift could align with Indias efforts to counter Chinas presence in the region. However, it is crucial for India to navigate this dynamic carefully, ensuring that Bangladeshs foreign policy remains balanced and independent, avoiding excessive reliance on any single power.

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(iii) Human Rights and Democratic Values

The US places a strong emphasis on promoting democratic values and human rights in its foreign policy. The new government in Bangladesh might prioritise democratic reforms, media freedom, and civil liberties. This emphasis on democratic governance aligns with Indias own democratic ethos and could create a conducive environment for deeper bilateral cooperation. However, the implementation of such reforms should be context-sensitive, respecting Bangladeshs sovereignty and socio-political realities.

Future Prospects

The resignation of Sheikh Hasina marks a critical juncture in Bangladeshs political evolution, with far-reaching implications for Indo-Bangla relations. The emergence of a new government which might have greater support of the US and West presents both opportunities and challenges for India. The continuity of economic cooperation, security collaboration, and regional connectivity initiatives will be paramount in shaping the future trajectory of bilateral ties.

India must engage proactively with the new government in Dhaka, emphasising the importance of stability, development, and mutual interests. Diplomatic efforts should focus on fostering a balanced foreign policy in Bangladesh, ensuring that the nations relations with major powers, including the US and China, remain harmonious and independent. As the political sands shift in Bangladesh, the onus is on both nations to reaffirm their commitment to a robust and dynamic partnership. The future of Indo-Bangla relations hinges on the ability to navigate this transition with foresight, pragmatism, and a shared vision for regional peace and prosperity.

The author is a masters student of Politics and International Relations in Pondicherry University. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views.
Sunita Williams and Barry Wilmore are still stuck in space. A trip to the International Space Station, which was supposed to last just over a week, has left the two astronauts stranded in space for over two months, with no confirmed return date, as of now.

We are hearing reports that NASA and Boeing are conducting over 1,00,000 computer model simulations to find the best possible way to bring the Suni and Butch back to Earth, but have been unable to find a concrete solution to undock the Boeing Starliner from the International Space Station safely and allow it to re-enter Earths atmosphere and land.

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Meanwhile, Sunita Williams is allegedly facing eyesight issues, a common occurrence due to long exposure to microgravity.

So, what went wrong?

On May 6, the day the Starliner was initially scheduled for launch, after years in the making, it was called off within a few hours of liftoff when the technicians and engineers discovered an abnormality on the pressure regulation valve in the liquid oxygen tank of the rocket.

Mission experts and engineers then worked on the Starliner for a few more weeks while the next launch date was scheduled for June 1. However, again a software glitch delayed the mission, till June 5 when the Starliner finally took off with Sunita Williams and Barry Wilmore, ready to power onwards to the International Space Station.

On June 6 at 1.34 pm, the Starliner successfully docked on the front-facing port of the Harmony module of the International Space Station. The good news was marred by the news that NASA had discovered further helium leaks on the Starliner after its arrival in orbit.

On June 9 NASA announced that there would be a delay in the return date of the two astronauts who were meant to spend only a week at the ISS, as engineers were looking into system checkouts of the Starliner. On June 14, a second delay was announced, with the astronauts scheduled to now undock from the ISS on June 25.

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On June 21, the return date for the spacecraft and the astronauts was shifted to July. On July 10, after unease began to set in the minds of the general public, hoping for the safe and quick return of their beloved space conquerors, Williams and Wilmore appeared in a reassuring telecast by NASA, while their experts and scientists laboured through tests to gain a better understanding of the issues that occurred during the Starliners launch and flight.

We are now in August with reassuring updates and statements from NASA, but no actual date of return.

Boeing is feeling scorching heat, as a company hit by massive scandals in the recent past, with a string of problems one after the other with its 737 MAX aircraft, deaths of whistleblowers, and now this.

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Boeing and SpaceX have been in a space race since 2019. NASAs Commercial Crew Program saw Boeing being given a contract worth $4.8 billion while SpaceX was given $3.1 billion to develop their respective space machines. However, SpaceX has managed to edge past Boeing in recent years, with Boeings space projects racking up $1.5 billion in unplanned costs in the past few years due to a series of technical mishaps and woes.

This has caused Boeing to go severely over budget and caused major delivery delays. This tardy and laid-back approach in a sector as sensitive as space aviation is unpardonable. If this was the private sector, they would have been fired by now, with SpaceX stepping in to make the capsules.

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Boeing and NASA had set in motion two unmanned test flights many years ago. While the first one was a near disaster, the second was just about passable.

The third flight manned by Sunita and Barry, launched in June, whose safe return is currently in the daily prayers of most, especially the astronauts families.

Though NASA and Boeing are repeatedly issuing confident statements, problems have now come to a head when it has been revealed that NASA hasnt approved the Starliner to fly under non-emergency circumstances.

Over the last few days, the possibility of the crew returning on Boeings arch nemesis, SpaceXs capsule Dragon, has gone from a No Way! to Were looking into it.

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With NASA continuing to delay the exact return date, though the astronauts arent stranded, they cant leave yet. Their ride up was by all accounts compromised and the ride down is either the as of now unsafe Starliner or the SpaceX Dragon which has not reached them yet.

The optics of having the Dragon bring the astronauts down is going to be awful for Boeing. This would not be the most favourable option for NASA either, since the entire reason they approved the crew capsules is that the Starliner has a high level of redundancy with its 28 RCS thrusters. This meant that despite one complete thruster failure, scientists and engineers have managed to bring four dysfunctional thrusters back online to ensure the safety of docking and undocking. All said and done, at the end of the day, the safety of the astronauts is the ultimate priority.

Can the Starliner bring the astronauts back safely? Most likely, yes.

In space aviation, re-entry is much less complicated than the extraordinarily precise docking process a spacecraft has to go through to get onto the International Space Station to begin with. Also, the complicated bits of the re-entry process are not something that this test flight has had any issues with, yet.

However, just a most likely is not enough to greenlight a space mission with a crew involved that has already run into many problems. Especially, since they have a proven alternative in SpaceXs Dragon.

Also, Boeings long history of failures to get the thrusters working properly, despite years of well-documented issues, does not inspire great confidence. Ultimately whether its a Russian Soyuz, the SpaceX Dragon, or the greenlit Starliner, we hope political or corporate conflicts can be ignored in favour of the safety of the astronauts and we see them back on Earth as soon as possible!

Maybe, it is time NASA overhauled its programme and looked beyond its immediate pastures, at ISROs Gaganyaan or the Dream Chaser spacecraft in development.

For a global population, now being exposed on a daily basis to dreams and ambitions of extensive space exploration and possible human colonisation of Mars and the Moon, maybe its time for Boeing to gracefully exit the space aviation sector. Meanwhile, we wait with bated breath for the two astronauts to give us their signature thumbs up as they crawl out of their return capsule once it hits the good old-fashioned soil of Earth.

The author is a freelance journalist and features writer based out of Delhi. Her main areas of focus are politics, social issues, climate change and lifestyle-related topics. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views.
One suspects his presence as the head of the interim government may give cover to the worst abuses and perhaps lend his name to the accession of an authoritarian regime read more

My only trip to Bangladesh was in December 2008. I was an election observer for Washingtons International Republican Institute assigned to Chittagong. Returning to Dhaka, I attended a rally for Sheikh Hasina and then had the opportunity to talk to her aides. It was a time of hope, but the nations sorrow showed through. The legacy of the 1971 war remained apparent, and, as I roamed among the various political parties, I heard complaints about war criminals, those like Jamaat-e-Islami, who sided with Pakistans military as it conducted genocide against Bengalis.

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In the West, many analysts portray the coup against Sheikh Hasina as the revenge of Generation Z. Sheikh Hasina had grown increasingly autocratic, and her efforts to crush protests by brute force backfired. However, the aftermath of the coup shows that the spirit of genocide grows just below the surface in Bangladeshs Generation Z.

Islamists and opportunistic youth launched a pogrom against Bangladeshs small Hindu community, seizing, selling, and raping women in scenes reminiscent of the Islamic State assault on Iraqs Yezidi population in Sinjar. Religious freedom is the true reflection of a governments commitment to liberalism and democracy. In hindsight, Sheikh Hasina was a finger in the dyke. The mob today shows that their vision of the future is not much different than Pakistans was in 1971.

Radicals also lynched actor Shanto Khan and his father, Selim Khan, a prominent Tollywood producer. Their crime? Selim had produced Tungi Parar Miya Bhai, based on the life story of Sheikh Hasinas father, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the founder father of Bangladesh. This is reminiscent of how, upon taking power in Cairo, the Muslim Brotherhood sought to prosecute Adel Emam, whose 1994 film The Terrorist had satirised the cynicism, ignorance, and power obsession of Egyptian Islamists, initially sentencing him (in absentia) to three months in prison. President Mohamed Morsi did not appreciate that his actions simply affirmed everything Emam had done. To target artists is to signal absolute disdain for free speech. Authoritarians use force to stifle speech only when they fear it. By lynching the Khans, Bangladeshs revolutionaries signal revenge rather than ideology, which motivates them, and they have not the intellectual capacity to defend their own positions and beliefs. They are autocrats whose thin veneer of idealism is fake.

The same movement invited Nobel Laureate Muhammad Yunus, an 84-year-old Nobel Peace Laureate, to return as interim leader, which Yunus accepted. While appointing Yunus signals moderation to the international community where Yunus is popular, he should have reconsidered or at least conditioned his acceptance. One suspects that his acceptance of the role of head of the interim government might cover up the worst abuses and perhaps lend his name to the accession of an authoritarian regime.

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Rather, Yunus should have reconditioned his acceptance on the willingness of the revolutionaries and student movement to turn over for justice those who target the Hindu and other minority communities and those who lynch artists simply because they do not like their films. Yunus has done well to ask for the cessation of violence against the minorities, or else he will resign. But Yunus must have considered and the international community must reconsider: Will he really have influence, or will his legacy become a cover for a new generation of autocrats and religious chauvinists?

Michael Rubin is a senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute and director of policy analysis at the Middle East Forum. The views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the writer. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views.
Washington maintains a military presence of 900 troops in Syria and 2,500 in neighbouring Iraq, with their stated mission focused on advising and assisting local forces in preventing a resurgence of the Islamic State (IS) read more

US troops in the Middle East have sustained a second attack in a week. Image used for representative purpose/AP

United States troops stationed in northeastern Syria were targeted by a drone attack, a US official told Reuters on Friday (August 9). Initial reports indicate that no injuries were sustained.

This incident marks the second recent attack on US forces in the Middle East, as the region braces for potential escalations involving Iran and its allies.

Earlier in the week, five US personnel were injured when two Katyusha rockets struck the Ain al-Assad airbase in western Iraq. The Pentagon has attributed this attack to Iran-backed proxy groups.

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Washington maintains a military presence of 900 troops in Syria and 2,500 in neighbouring Iraq, with their stated mission focused on advising and assisting local forces in preventing a resurgence of the Islamic State (IS), which had captured significant territory in both countries in 2014 before being pushed back.

According to _The Intercep_t, US and allied forces have been attacked at least 173 times since October 7. Of these, 102 attacks happened in Syria, 70 happened in Iraq, and one attack took place in Jordan.

The strike in Jordan in January had led to a round of escalatory US counterattacks against Iranian-allied targets. Consequently, Irans use of proxied subsided.

The latest round of strikes in Iraq and Syria suggest a resumption of low-level war between the US and Irans proxies in the Middle East.

This has a lot to do with Israel widening the Gaza war, attacking targets in Lebanon, Iran, and Yemen. Owing to that, Iran-backed partners have allegedly resumed attacks on US outposts across the region.

With inputs from Reuters
Israel has vowed to destroy the Palestinian group in retaliation for its October attack, but during 10 months of war across the Gaza Strip, the military has found itself returning to some areas to fight the militants again. read more

A Palestinian youth flees the Khan Younis area of the Gaza Strip, following Israeli military evacuation orders, saying its forces will soon operate there, Thursday, Aug. 8, 2024. File Photo- AP

More than 100 Palestinians were killed and dozens injured in an Israeli strike on a Gaza school that was sheltering displaced people, according to the official Palestinian news agency on Saturday. However, Israel refuted the claim, saying that the strike was a precise attack on Hamas operatives within a command and control center located inside the Al-Tabaeen school.

In a statement, the Hamas-run Gaza government media office said that the Israeli strikes targeted the displaced people while performing Fajr (dawn) prayers, a matter that led to a rapid increase in the number of casualties. Forty martyrs and dozens wounded after the Israeli bombing of the Al-Tabaeen school in the Al-Sahaba area in Gaza City, agency spokesman Mahmoud Basal said in a post on Telegram.

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Basal described the incident as a horrific massacre, with some bodies catching fire.

In its statement, the Israeli army said its air forces struck command and control centre served as a hideout for Hamas terrorists and commanders.

The IAF precisely struck Hamas terrorists operating within a Hamas command and control center embedded in the Al-Tabaeen school and located adjacent to a mosque in Daraj Tuffah, which serves as a shelter for the residents of Gaza City, it said, adding that before the strike, numerous steps were taken to mitigate the risk of harming civilians, including the use of precise munitions, aerial surveillance, and intelligence information.

The Gaza war has already pulled in Iran-aligned groups in the region, and fears of a broader Middle East war have surged following vows of vengeance for the killing of two senior militants, including Hamass political leader.

Regional tensions have soared since Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh was killed July 31 in Iran by a presumed Israeli strike. Retaliation has been expected.

World leaders are pushing for a cease-fire in Gaza. Late Thursday, Israel confirmed it will send negotiators for indirect discussions with Hamas in response to a proposal by the United States, Egypt and Qatar to resume stalled cease-fire talks on Aug. 15.

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With inputs from agencies.
The appointment of the new chief justice came hours after his predecessor Justice Obaidul Hassan resigned amid nationwide protests read more

Appellate Division Justice Md Ashfaqul Islam was appointed as the acting chief justice of Bangladesh, hours after his predecessor Justice Obaidul Hassan resigned amid nationwide protests. According to Bangladeshi news outlet The Dhaka Tribune, the Supreme Courts Public Relations Officer, Md Shafiqul Islam confirmed the appointment on Saturday.

Islam holds a bachelors and a masters degree in law from the University of Dhaka. The appointment came amid reports that five judges of the Appellate Division may resign from the post after the chief justice stepped down.

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There has been a major change in Bangladeshs leadership that operated in different institutions, following the resignation of the countrys Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The 15-year-long rule of Hasina came to an end due to the nationwide anti-government protests that led to the death of over 200 people. After Hasina fled Dhaka, the Bangladeshi army and countrys president chose Nobel Prize Winner Muhammad Yunus to lead the interim government which took over.

Bangladesh chief justice, central bank governor step down

In light of the protests, Bangladeshs chief justice and central bank governor resigned from the post on Saturday. The law ministrys adviser Asif Nazrul, confirmed Hassans resignation on Saturday after students reportedly warned the latter of dire consequences if he did not resign.

Dont damage any public property, said, Nazrul who assumed the role after the new caretaker government came to power.

Meanwhile, Bangladesh Bank Governor Abdur Rouf Talukder tendered his resignation the same day. However, his resignation was not accepted given the importance of the position, finance ministry adviser Salehuddin Ahmed averred.

Not only this, the vice-chancellor of Dhaka University, ASM Maksud Kamal, has also resigned. It is pertinent to note that the University was at the epicentre of the deadly protests that escalated in July against the Hasina administrations decision to increase quotas in government jobs for individuals whose family members were part of the Bangladesh liberation movement.

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The protests slowly morphed into an oust-Hasina campaign, leading to the prime minister fleeing the country. Since Hasinas departure, Bangladesh has also seen appointments of a new police chief as part of a shake-up of the security top brass that also included a new head of the technical intelligence monitoring agency and changes among senior army officials.

With inputs from agencies.
A boat accident in southern Nigeria has resulted in at least 20 deaths, with emergency workers recovering 11 burnt bodies. The incident, caused by an engine explosion, highlights ongoing safety issues in Nigerias boat travel, with over 100 market merchants reported to be on board read more

At least 20 people died in a boat accident in southern Nigeria earlier this week, the countrys emergency agency and police said on Saturday.

Emergency workers have recovered 11 burnt bodies and are still searching for others, an official of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) told AFP.

The boat was a big ferry carrying over 100 people who are market merchants, said Adebiyi Babatunde Razaq from NEMA, noting that the accident occurred in the early hours of Wednesday.

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Nigerias waterways authority said in a statement that the accident was caused by an engine default explosion.

Although there has been no formal announcement about the cause of the accident, the state governor Duoye Diri has called for strict observation of safety regulations.

The news is even more disturbing that the accident has claimed some lives and injured many hardworking and resilient traders who were out fending for themselves and their loved ones, Diri said in a statement on X.

Travel by boat is popular in Nigeria, especially in the coastal Niger Delta region.

The accident in the coastal southern Ijaw of Bayelsa State marks the latest boat tragedy in the country, where capsizes often occur due to overloading, poor safety and heavy flooding.

At least nine people, including five children, died after the boat in which they were travelling was hit by high waves in Andoni, in neighbouring Rivers state in January.

At least 24 farmers died after a boat capsized in north-central Nigeria last September.
Hassan, who was appointed to helm the Supreme Court last year and is seen as a loyalist to ousted premier Sheikh Hasina, was told to step down by protesters who gathered outside the court in the capital Dhaka read more

The Chief Justice of Bangladesh has decided to step down from his post as calls for his resignation grew on Saturday. Student protesters had set an ultimatum for Obaidul Hassan to relinquish his post as the head of the judiciary body.

Hassan, who was appointed to helm the Supreme Court last year and is seen as a loyalist to ousted premier Sheikh Hasina, was told to step down by protesters who gathered outside the court in the capital Dhaka.

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Talking to reporters at the Supreme Court premises, Hassan said that he had taken the call to resign considering the safety of lawyers.

There are some formalities for the resignation. Completing those, I will send my resignation letter to President Mohammed Shahabuddin by this evening, he said.

Protesters from the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement demanded the resignation of the chief justice, giving him an ultimatum. Failure to abide by it would lead to a besiege of his and judges residences, one demonstrator said.

Calls for Hassans and judges of the Appellate Divisions resignation intensified days after former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina fled Dhaka.

Lawyers aligned with Khaleda Zias Bangladesh National Party (BNP) even led a protest march under the banner of Lawyers Against Discrimination Coordination Council." During the demonstrations, the lawyers demanded the resignation of Chief Justice Obaidul Hassan and all justices of the Appellate Division.

Former president of the Dhaka Bar Advocate Mohsin Mia, former president Khorhshed Alam, former general secretary Omar Faruq Faruqi, former general secretary Khorhshed Mia Alam and hundreds of other lawyers took part in the protests, according to a report by Dhaka Tribune.

The chief justice, justices of the Appellate Division, and any other judges who have violated their oath of impartial justice to implement the agenda of the Awami League government must resign within 24 hours. Otherwise, we will initiate a strong movement against them, Mia said.
In his message to India, Joy said that the country should play a greater leadership role in the world. Joy said that Hasinas government was the only one who could keep Bangladeshs economic growth steady and maintain peace in the country read more

Former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasinas son Sajeeb Wazed Joy on Saturday once again thanked the Indian government for saving his mothers life after she fled Dhaka earlier this week.

Hasina is reportedly lodged in New Delhi after she had to leave Bangladesh due to widespread protests against her leadership.

My message to the government of India is my personal gratitude to Prime Minister Modi for his governments quick action in saving my mothers life. I am eternally grateful, Joy told ANI.

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#WATCH | Washington, DC: Former Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina's son, Sajeeb Wazed Joy says, "My message to the government of India, is my personal gratitude to Prime Minister Modi for his government's quick action in saving my mother's life. I am eternally grateful. My second pic.twitter.com/luXYynELey  ANI (@ANI) August 9, 2024

Bangladesh got a new interim government with Nobel Laureate Muhammad Yunus as its chief advisor on Thursday after the fall of Hasinas administration.

It is, however, not clear how long the Awami League leader will stay in Delhi. It was earlier reported that Hasina would seek refuge in London but visa restrictions put a halt to those plans. Meanwhile, Joy says that his mother would return home as soon as the interim government declares fresh elections.

India should take a leadership role

In his message to India, Joy said that the country should play a greater leadership role in the world.

India needs to take a leadership role in the world, and not let other foreign powers dictate the situation. Because this is Indias neighbourhood, he said from Washington DC.

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Joy said that Hasinas government was the only one who could keep Bangladeshs economic growth steady and maintain peace in the country.

It is a proven track record that no one can deny that Sheikh Hasinas government kept peace in Bangladesh, kept economic growth, stopped insurgency and kept the eastern side of our subcontinent stable. We are the only government that has proven we can do it.

Curious to see how they will perform

Talking about the new interim government that took oath earlier this week, Joy said, I personally believe, having seen the functioning of government and having served as a government, as an honorary advisor to the government, that it is one thing to be handpicked and appointed to a position. Its a whole other thing to govern and without political experience, without governance experience, it is very, very difficult to run a country. Im actually curious to see how they will perform, and whether they are even capable of running the country.

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Hasinas son added that currently there is no democracy in Bangladesh as the countrys Constitution says that a non-elected government cannot run the government even for a minute.

They are talking about democracy, but there is no DemocracyIf they want to have Democracy, they have to have elections. And our Constitution is very clear on this provision that from the day parliament is dissolved, new elections have to be held within 90 days. There is no way around it, Joy said.
A number of Hindu temples, households and businesses were vandalised, women assaulted and at least two Hindu leaders affiliated with the Awami League party headed by Hasina were killed in the violence in Bangladesh after she fled the country, according to community leaders in Dhaka. read more

Thousands of Bangladeshi Hindus have been trying to flee to neighbouring India to escape the violence. Bangladesh unrest: File- AFP.

Amid reports of incidents of attacks against Hindus and vandalism of minoritys religious structure across Bangladesh since the fall of the Sheikh Hasina-led government on August 5, two leading Indian-American lawmakers have called for direct US intervention to stop the coordinated attacks against minority Hindus in the country.

The lawmakers emphasised that the regions instability, driven by religious intolerance and violence does not serve the interests of the US or its allies.

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According to the data, at least 205 attacks on members of minority communities in 52 districts have been recorded since Monday, when Hasina, 76, resigned and fled to India following widespread protests against her government over a controversial quota system in jobs.

Among those protesting against Hasina and her partys 15-year rule are the pro-Pakistan Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and Islamist Jamaat-e-Islami. While the agitation began as a student-led protest against the quota system in the country, the political forces turned it into a mass movement against Hasinas rule which climaxed on Sunday when nearly 100 people were killed. Earlier on Monday, Hasina resigned as the premier and fled the country for her life.

In a letter dated August 9 to Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Congressman Shri Thanedar said he is not alone in his stance against the atrocities being committed against Hindus in Bangladesh. Many in the international community, including some from his own district, have condemned the violent actions being committed against minority groups in Bangladesh.

With Muhammad Yunus stepping up as the interim Prime Minister for Bangladesh, the United States has an obligation to assist this new government, to ensure that violence and civil unrest comes to an end. I urge the Biden administration to grant persecuted Bangladesh Hindus and other religious minorities temporary protected status as refugees, the Congressman from Michigan wrote to Blinken.

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Yunus, the 84-year-old Nobel laureate, was sworn in on Thursday as the head of an interim government in Bangladesh.

Thanedar urged Blinken to work closely with Yunus and his government to bring an end to the coordinated attacks against the Bangladesh Hindus.

He underlined that Yunus has called for an end to the violence and welcomed his willingness to rebuild the country.

This is a critical time for Bangladesh, and we must do everything we can to support them in their efforts to bring an end to the violent actions and rhetoric being targeted towards Hindus in the country, said the Indian-American lawmaker.

In a letter dated August 8 to Blinken, a copy of which was released to the press on Friday, Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi said credible eyewitness reports of the anti-Hindu attacks in various media reports demonstrate the scale of the attacks.

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I am writing to you regarding the fluid situation in Bangladesh and the rise of coordinated anti-Hindu violence in the wake of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasinas resignation. Now that Muhammad Yunus has been sworn in as Chief Adviser for the interim government, it is of utmost urgency that the United States engage with his government for both bringing the violence to an end and the perpetrators to justice, Krishnamoorthi wrote.

Sadly, this is not the first time that anti-government protests in Bangladesh have metastasised into anti-Hindu violence. The anti-Hindu riots in October 2021 left nine people dead amidst the destruction of hundreds of homes, businesses and templesIn 2017, more than 107 Hindus were killed and 37 disappearedfollowing the International Crimes Tribunal conviction of Jamaat-e-Islami leader Delwar Sayeedi for war crimes, he said.

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Krishnamoorthi underlined that instability in the region, fuelled by religious intolerance and violence, is clearly not in the interest of the United States or our allies.

He urged Blinken to engage directly with the interim government and exert US influence to help his administration end the violence and bring those responsible to justice.

Thanedar in his letter noted that political violence in Bangladesh is not a new phenomenon and that the country has experienced many coups and leadership changes since its inception in 1971.

Targeting of its Hindu population is also not new. Hindus only make up eight per cent of Bangladeshs population, exposing this minority to risk of discrimination and violence, the Congressman said.

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With inputs from agencies.
There has been an increased risk of escalation into a broader Middle East war after recent killings of Palestinian Islamist group Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Iran and of Hezbollah military commander Fuad Shukr in Beirut drew threats of retaliation against Israel read more

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken told Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant in a phone call on Friday that the escalation of tensions in the Middle East was in no partys interest while also stressing the need for a Gaza ceasefire, the State Department said.

There has been an increased risk of escalation into a broader Middle East war after recent killings of Palestinian Islamist group Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Iran and of Hezbollah military commander Fuad Shukr in Beirut drew threats of retaliation against Israel.

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As a result, many fear a widening of Israels war in Gaza that has already killed tens of thousands and caused a humanitarian crisis, following Hamas Oct. 7 attack on Israel.

The Secretary reaffirmed the United States ironclad commitment to Israels security and discussed how escalation is in no partys interest, the State Department said in a statement.

Blinken stressed the urgent need to reach a ceasefire in Gaza that could release hostages held in the enclave and create the conditions for broader regional stability, the State Department added.

A day earlier, Gallant spoke to U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin about the situation in the region.

The latest bloodshed in the decades-old Israeli-Palestinian conflict was triggered on Oct. 7 when Hamas attacked Israel, killing 1,200 and taking about 250 hostages, according to Israeli tallies.

The Gaza health ministry says that since then Israels military assault on the Hamas-governed enclave has killed nearly 40,000 Palestinians while also displacing nearly the entire population of 2.3 million, causing a hunger crisis and leading to genocide accusations that Israel denies.

President Joe Biden laid out a three-phase ceasefire proposal in an address on May 31. Washington and regional mediators have since tried arranging the Gaza ceasefire-for-hostages deal but have consistently run into obstacles.
Bangladeshs Chief Justice Obaidul Hassan and Central Bank Governor Abdur Rouf Talukder have resigned amid widespread student protests, which have intensified against officials appointed by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The unrest, which has led to over 300 deaths, forced Hasina to seek refuge in New Delhi read more

Bangladeshs chief justice and central bank governor have resigned, officials said on Saturday, as student protests that forced Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to flee widen to target more officials appointed during her regime.

Chief Justice Obaidul Hassan resigned, a law ministry official said on the condition of anonymity, after students warned him of dire consequences if he did not. Reuters could not immediately contact Hassan.

Bangladesh Bank Governor Abdur Rouf Talukder has also resigned but his resignation has not been accepted given the importance of the position, finance ministry adviser Salehuddin Ahmed told reporters. Reuters could not contact Talukder.

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Days earlier, four deputy governors were forced to resign by 300 to 400 bank officials accusing them of corruption.

Hasina has been sheltering in New Delhi since Monday following an uprising that killed about 300 people, many of them students, ending her uninterrupted rule of 15 years in the South Asian nation of 170 million people.
Rebel leaders from Sri Lankas Sri Lanka Peoples Front (SLPP) are forming a new political party to support President Ranil Wickremesinghe in the upcoming presidential election, despite the SLPP backing Namal Rajapaksa. The move reflects ongoing divisions within the SLPP over economic reforms and leadership read more

Rebel leaders from the party led by the Rajapaksa family have decided to form a new outfit next week in their bid to support the incumbent President Ranil Wickremesinghe in the September 21 presidential election, it was announced on Saturday.

Preparations are underway to form the new party, Mahindananda Aluthgamage, a former Rajapaksa family loyalist, said while addressing a political gathering in the central district of Kandy earlier in the day.

Rajapaksas are one of the powerful political dynasties in Sri Lanka and their Sri Lanka Peoples Front (SLPP, also known locally by its popular Sinhalese name, Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna) has ruled at the Centre for over two decades.

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Over 100 SLPP MPs from the over 145 elected to parliament in 2020 are now behind 75-year-old Wickremesinghe who has announced himself an independent candidate.

They have defied the party despite the SLPP naming the Rajapaksa heir Namal Rajapaksa, 38, as the partys candidate.

The SLPP had backed Wickremesinghe in July 2022 to elect him for the balance term of the then president Gotabaya Rajapaksa, who fled the country and resigned after months-long street protests due to precarious economic conditions.

It was soon after mid-April 2022 when the island nation declared its first-ever sovereign default since gaining independence from Britain in 1948.

Since then, Wickremesinghe ran the government with the SLPPs young brigade of ministers who undertook some of the major reforms in the power and energy sector to bring the countrys economy on track.

However, the SLPP hardliners oppose Wickremesinghes economic reforms set in conjunction with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) bailout.

The party is particularly opposed to the policy of selling state-owned enterprises, a key element in the IMF reform programme to minimise state revenue losses.

Meanwhile, the SLPP has warned of disciplinary action against all party members who would back any candidate other than Namal Rajapaksa.
Travis Scott was released by French police after 36 hours in custody, with no charges filed against him. The Paris prosecutors office dropped the case, citing insufficient evidence to support the offense read more

French police on Saturday released US star rapper Travis Scott after 36 hours in custody in Paris over suspected violence, a US-based representative for the artist and prosecutors said.

Travis Scott has been released with no charges, the representative said, while the Paris prosecutors office confirmed the release from custody of Travis Scott today as well as the dropping of the case over the offence being insufficiently established.

More details awaited
IDF noted that according to intelligence at least 20 terror operatives, including senior commanders, were at the site when it was attacked read more

As the world condemns Israels recent strike at a school in Gaza City, the Israeli Defence Force (IDF) expressed heavy scepticism toward the death toll issued by the Gaza Strips Hamas-run civil defence agency. The agency, operating in the war-stricken coastal enclave claimed that over 100 people died in the strike, which they described as a horrific massacre.

The IDF maintained that it struck a command room that terror operatives set up at the school where Palestinian children were seeking refuge. In the statement, IDF noted that according to intelligence at least 20 terror operatives, including senior commanders, were at the site when it was struck.

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According to a preliminary examination, the numbers published by the government media office in Gaza  which acts as a media arm of Hamas  are exaggerated and do not match the information available in the IDF, the precise munitions used, and the accuracy of the strike, the IDF said in a statement.

The army reiterated that they struck the al-Tabaeen school complex, in Gaza Citys Daraj neighbourhood because it had an active Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad command room. The IDF stated that to mitigate harm to civilians, they conducted aerial surveillance before the strikes, The Times of Israel reported.

IDF accuses Hamas of violating international law

After justifying itself, the Israeli military went on to accuse Hamas of systematically [violating] international law and [operating] from within civilian shelters, brutally exploiting the civilian population and institutions as human shields for their terror activities.

Meanwhile, Hamas media office maintained that the strikes hit when people sheltering at the school were performing dawn prayers, leading to the high casualty count. The Palestinian group maintained that no militant was present at the location.

Today, the IDF and ISA struck terrorists operating in a Hamas command and control center, which was embedded inside a mosque in the Al-Tabaeen school compound. Following an intelligence investigation, it can be confirmed at this time that at least 19 Hamas and Islamic Jihad pic.twitter.com/97fw1Q9cHy  Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) August 10, 2024

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The world condemns the incident

Amid the chaos, several countries and world leaders condemned the tragic incident. They are as follows:

US

The White House said that it is deeply concerned about the civilian casualties in the attack. We are deeply concerned about reports of civilian casualties in Gaza following the strike, National Security Council spokesman Sean Savett says in a statement, adding that the US has been told by its Israeli counterparts that the strike targeted senior Hamas officials, and is asking for further details.

He said that the strike underscores the urgency of a ceasefire and hostage deal, which we continue to work tirelessly to achieve.

EU

The European Unions foreign policy chief Josep Borell expressed horror over the deadly strike. Horrified by images from a sheltering school in Gaza hit by an Israeli strike, with reportedly dozens of Palestinian victims. At least 10 schools were targeted in the last weeks. Theres no justification for these massacres, he wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter.

Horrified by images from a sheltering school in Gaza hit by an Israeli strike, w/ reportedly dozens of Palestinian victims.



At least 10 schools were targeted in the last weeks. Theres no justification for these massacres



We are dismayed by the terrible overall death toll. 1/2  Josep Borrell Fontelles (@JosepBorrellF) August 10, 2024

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UK

UKs Foreign Secretary David Lammy also shared his condemnation over the matter on X. Appalled by the Israeli Military strike on al-Tabeen school and the tragic loss of life. Hamas must stop endangering civilians. Israel must comply with International Humanitarian Law, the British diplomat wrote on X. We need an immediate ceasefire to protect civilians, free all hostages, and end restrictions on aid, he added.

Appalled by the Israeli Military strike on al-Tabeen school and the tragic loss of life.



Hamas must stop endangering civilians. Israel must comply with International Humanitarian Law.



We need an immediate ceasefire to protect civilians, free all hostages, and end restrictions  David Lammy (@DavidLammy) August 10, 2024

Iran

Iran referred to the incident as barbaric while condemning the attack. The attack showed once again that Israel does not respect any of the rules and regulations of international law and moral and human principles, foreign ministry spokesman Nasser Kanani said in a statement, AFP reported.

He maintained that the strike was a clear example of the simultaneous perpetration of genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity by Israel.

France

The French foreign ministry condemned the incident in the firmest terms. For several weeks, school buildings have been repeatedly targeted, with an intolerable number of civilian victims, the French foreign ministry said. Israel must respect international humanitarian law, it added.

Turkey

Meanwhile, Turkey described the attack as a new crime against humanity. Israel has committed a new crime against humanity by massacring more than a hundred civilians who had taken refuge in a school, the ministry said, accusing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of wanting to sabotage ceasefire negotiations.

With IDFs statement, the death toll in the Gaza attack remains unclear.

With inputs from agencies.
India has always been one of our closest friends and a vital development partner, Maldivian Foreign Minister Zameer said, adding that the enduring friendship was built on a foundation of mutual trust and respect and has continued to flourish over the years. read more

EAM S Jaishankar's visit aims to reset the bilateral relationship with the Maldives and is the first high-level trip from India after the archipelago nation's pro-China president, Mohamed Muizzu, assumed office last year. Image/X/@DrSJaishankar

India and Maldives have signed an agreement to introduce the Unified Payments Interface in the archipelago nation, which will have a very positive impact on its tourism sector, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has said.

The Memorandum of Understanding was signed on Friday during Jaishankars three-day official visit to the Maldives.Witnessed signing of MoU between (the) National Payments Corporation of India and (the) Ministry of Economic Development and Trade of Maldives on (the) introduction of (a) digital payment system in the Maldives, he said in a post on X.

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Held productive discussions today with Foreign Minister @MoosaZameer in Male.



 Agenda covered our engagement in development partnership, capacity building, bilateral and regional security, trade and digital cooperation.



 Jointly inaugurated 6 High Impact Projects in areas pic.twitter.com/lTA9KK3q3Y  Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) August 9, 2024

Developed by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), Unified Payment Interface (UPI) is an instant real-time payment system to facilitate inter-bank transactions through mobile phones.

Addressing a press conference with his Maldivian counterpart Moosa Zameer after their productive discussions, Jaishankar said that India, through its UPI, has revolutionised digital transactions.

Stressing that it has taken financial inclusion in India to new levels, he said Today 40 per cent of the worlds real-time digital payments take place in our country. We see this revolution, every day in our lives. I am pleased to note that with the signing of the MoU today, we have taken the first step towards bringing this digital innovation to Maldives," he said.

I wish the very best to stakeholders on both sides and hope that we will soon see the first UPI transaction here. I should mention that it will have a very positive impact on tourism, he added. Tourism is the main source of economic activity for the Maldives, contributing nearly 30 per cent of the GDP and generating more than 60 per cent of foreign exchange.

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Jaishankars visit aims to reset the bilateral relationship with the Maldives and is the first high-level trip from India after the archipelago nations pro-China president, Mohamed Muizzu, assumed office last year.Indias partnership with the Maldives is based on our deep desire to work together for each others welfare and interests. It is a partnership that has enabled us to always swiftly and effectively respond to challenges, as witnessed in the past, Jaishankar said.

It is a partnership that has enabled us to deliver results and bring tangible benefits to our people in accordance with their wishes, aspirations and priorities, he said. In a post on X, Jaishankar also said, Jointly inaugurated six High Impact Projects in areas of street lighting, mental health, children speech therapy and special education.

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Welcome renewal of MoU between National Centre for Good Governance and Civil Services Commission on (the) training of additional 1,000 civil services officers, he added. Addressing the joint press conference, Maldivian Foreign Minister Zameer said, India has always been one of our closest friends and a vital development partner.

He said the enduring friendship was built on a foundation of mutual trust and respect and has continued to flourish over the years.High-level exchanges between our countries have deepened our dialogue and cooperation in areas of shared interest. We remain dedicated to strengthening and advancing this mutually beneficial partnership, he said.

Minister Dr Jaishankar and I agreed that much more needs to be done to promote trade and investment between the Maldives and India, he said, adding that both sides are committed to establishing effective mechanisms to enhance economic cooperation, fostering a vibrant and prosperous partnership that will benefit both the nations.

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Zameer said he conveyed President Muizzus proposal to begin negotiations on a Free Trade Agreement between the Maldives and India. This agreement alongside other economic and trade-related agreements will facilitate trade liberalisation and ease the risks of doing business in both our countries, he said.

Zameer said that India and Maldives have also mutually agreed to further strengthen their partnership by continuing joint exercises and expanding training opportunities for officers from both countries, asserting that this reflects our commitment to working together to ensure the security of our nations as well as ensuring the safety and stability of the Indian Ocean region.Indias relations with the Maldives suffered a major setback last year when President Muizzu demanded the withdrawal of Indian military personnel manning three aviation platforms in the Maldives.

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Subsequently, the Indian military personnel were replaced by civilians by May 10, the mutually agreed date.On regional and multilateral issues of importance, our countries have a common understanding and are united in our efforts to resolve them. We agreed to continue our cooperation on issues ranging from combating terrorism, violent extremism, drugs, human trafficking and to the promotion and protection of human rights, Zameer said.

In his press statement, Jaishankar said that India and the Maldives are not just close neighbours, we are also natural partners.Today, we are mutually invested in each others development and progress. In a globalised and interconnected world, we see a lot of volatility and global tensions. Even as the world is recovering from the impact of the COVID pandemic, we have been confronted with new challenges arising from international conflicts, he said.

In this tumultuous environment, India has been, and will be, an anchor of stability for its friends, partners and neighbours. To the Maldives specifically, India has provided support to deal with economic challenges through financial assistance and budgetary support, and by ensuring an uninterrupted supply of critical items, he noted.

Indias actions have been and will continue to be guided by its firm commitment to the philosophy of Sabka Saath, Sabke Vikas - which is- Together, we prosper, Jaishankar said.
Jaishankar is on a three-day official visit to Maldives to reset the bilateral relationship, the first high-level trip from India after the archipelago nations pro-China president Muizzu assumed office last year. read more

The Maldives is one of Indias key maritime neighbours in the Indian Ocean region and the overall bilateral ties, including in the areas of defence and security, witnessed an upward trajectory under the previous government in Male. Image- X/@DrSJaishankar

Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met with Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu on Saturday, reaffirming New Delhis commitment to strengthening India-Maldives relations for the benefit of both nations and the wider region.

Privileged to call on President Dr Mohamed Muizzu. Conveyed greetings of PM @NarendraModi. Committed to deepening India-Maldives ties for the benefit of our people and the region, Jaishankar posted on X along with a photograph of the meeting.

Privileged to call on President Dr Mohamed Muizzu. Conveyed greetings of PM @NarendraModi.



Committed to deepen India-Maldives ties for the benefit of our people and the region.@MMuizzu pic.twitter.com/FSP1kqefbx  Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) August 10, 2024

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Jaishankars trip to the Maldives comes weeks after President Muizzus visit to India in June to attend the swearing-in ceremony of Prime Minister Narendra Modis government.

Earlier, Jaishankar met Maldivian Defence Minister Ghassan Maumoon and discussed bilateral security cooperation and the shared interest in maintaining peace and stability in the region, amidst Chinas growing presence in the archipelago nation.

The bilateral relations between India and the Maldives came under severe strain since Muizzu, known for his pro-China leanings, took charge of the top office in November 2023.

Virtual inauguration of Water and Sanitation Projects in 28 Islands of Maldives.



 

https://t.co/y95ffKnjzh  Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) August 10, 2024

Within hours of his oath, he had demanded the withdrawal of Indian military personnel manning three aviation platforms in the Maldives. Subsequently, the Indian military personnel were replaced by civilians by May 10, the mutually agreed date.

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Maldives is Indias key maritime neighbour and an important partner in Indias Neighbourhood First policy and our Vision SAGAR, that is, Security and Growth for All in the Region," the MEA had said in a statement.

The visit is aimed at strengthening the close partnership between the two countries and to explore avenues to enhance the bilateral relationship further, the MEA statement added.
Biden reiterated that his exit was important to re-unite the Democratic Party ahead of the polls since beating Donald Trump is the most important thing this November read more

This combination of photos taken in Columbia, South Carolina shows former US President Donald Trump (left) on February 24, 2024, and US President Joe Biden on January 27, 2024. AP

While delving more into his reason behind quitting the 2024 race for the White House, US President Joe Biden reiterated that his exit was important to re-unite the Democratic Party ahead of the polls. In an interview with CBS News Biden said that he wanted the party to focus on Trump.

The POTUS also managed to take potshots at his own age. When I ran the first time, I thought of myself as being a transition president, the 81-year-old told CBS News. I cant even say how old I am  its hard for me to get it out of my mouth, he added. He insisted that beating Trump in the upcoming elections should be the partys main priority.

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Although its a great honour to be a president, I think I have an obligation to the country to do what I most important thing you can do. And that is  we must, we must, we must defeat Trump, he said. Biden announced his exit from the presidential race after his deplorable performance against Trump in this years first presidential debate.

He went on to endorse Vice President Kamala Harris, who is now gaining an edge against Trump with the Democratic ticket. Harris eventually chose Minnesota Governor Tim Walz to be her running mate. The presidents full interview from the White House with CBS News is scheduled to air on Sunday.

Kamala gains momentum

With the elections just three months away, new polls suggested that Vice President Kamala Harris is up four points against former president Donald Trump in three battleground states. The figures can be seen as concerning for the Republicans since there are just few weeks left until the 2024 US Presidential Elections.

The survey published by The New York Times/Siena College on Saturday morning found that Harris has taken the lead over Trump in the states of Michigan, Wisconsin and Pennsylvania, garnering 50 per cent support to Trumps 46 per cent in the hypothetical matchup.

Harris numbers mark a significant improvement when compared to President Bidens performance in the same swing state. In the NYT/Siena polls conducted earlier this year, Biden garnered 45 per cent support to Trumps 48 per cent in Pennsylvania. Polls from April and early May, however, showed the president leading his GOP rival in Michigan (47 per cent to 46 per cent) but trailing Trump in Wisconsin (46 per cent to 47 per cent).
Former President Donald Trump faced an unexpected diversion of his plane to Billings, Montana, due to a mechanical issue while en route to a rally in Bozeman. Despite the delay, Trump continued his campaign efforts, focusing on unseating Democratic Senator Jon Tester, who narrowly survived Trumps previous attempts to remove him from office in 2018 read more

Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump is in Montana in hpes of ousting the state's Democrat senator Ron Tester. AP

Former President Donald Trump traveled to Montana on Friday, August 9, for a rally aimed at unseating the states Democratic senator. However, his flight had to be redirected to a different airport due to a mechanical issue, according to airport officials.

Trumps plane was originally headed for Bozeman, Montana, but was diverted in the afternoon to Billings, about 142 miles east, said Jenny Mockel, an administrative assistant at Billings Logan International Airport. From there, Trump continued his journey to Bozeman on a private jet.

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In a video posted by his campaign after landing, Trump expressed his pleasure at being in Montana but made no mention of the unexpected diversion.

Trump to target Jon Tester

The former president returned to Montana with the goal of addressing unfinished business from 2018, when his efforts to unseat incumbent Democratic Senator Jon Tester were unsuccessful.

Senator Tester has tried to reassure voters of his alignment with Trump on various issues, employing a strategy that previously helped him win six years ago. However, this approach faces a tougher challenge this fall, with Testers Republican opponent, former Navy SEAL Tim Sheehy, attempting to tie the three-term senator to Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris.

Trumps focus not on swing states

Nationally, Harris has gained momentum among key Democratic groups, who quickly rallied around her after President Joe Biden exited the race last month. This week, she drew large crowds in swing states, campaigning alongside Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, her pick for vice president.

Meanwhile, Trumps only rally this week is set in a state he won by 16 percentage points four years ago, rather than in a battleground state. Responding to questions on Thursday about why he hasnt focused on swing states, Trump dismissed them as stupid, saying,I dont have to go there because Im leading those states, he said. Im going because I want to help senators and congressmen get elected.

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In addition to the rally, Trump has planned fundraising events in Wyoming and Colorado.

With inputs from AP
Thousands of homes in North Koreas city of Sinuiju and Uiju County were flooded due to heavy rainfall, North Korea said last week read more

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un attends the 10th Plenary Meeting of the 8th Central Committee of the Workers' Party of Korea in Pyongyang, North Korea, in this undated photo released by North Korea's official Korean Central News Agency, July 2, 2024. File Image/Reuters

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un revisited a flooded area near the countrys border with China this week to address plans to support those affected by recent heavy rainfall and floods, including bringing about 15,400 people to the countrys capital until new homes are built, state media KCNA said on Saturday.

Kim made a two-day trip on Thursday and Friday to Uiju County, one of the affected areas, to offer additional support for those affected, KCNA reported.

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Thousands of homes in North Koreas city of Sinuiju and Uiju County were flooded due to heavy rainfall, North Korea said last week.

In late July Kim visited flooded areas and inspected rescue works where the military organised around 10 planes to make roughly 20 trips each to rescue 4,200 people within about a half-day after the region had been hit by heavy rainfall from Tropical Storm Gaemi.

KCNA said Kim addressed plans to provide state support for elderly people, soldiers, children and mothers in the countrys capital Pyongyang until their new homes are built, adding about 15,400 people could be brought to Pyongyang.

Kim said it would take at least two to three months for flood victims to stabilize their lives after construction of houses and repair work is done due to the large scale of the damage.

Kim also thanked those countries and international organizations that have reached out to North Korea and showed intention to provide humanitarian support, but said the country will forge its own path with its own strength and effort, KCNA quoted Kim as saying.

On Sunday, North Korea said Russian President Vladimir Putin has offered humanitarian aid to North Korea. Kim gave thanks for the offer but said since his government has already taken measures to conduct recovery work, he would ask for help if aid is necessary, KCNA reported.

Last week, South Koreas Red Cross said the South was ready to provide the North with relief supplies for damage caused by recent heavy rainfalls.
The Philippine military has condemned Chinas air force for performing dangerous maneuvers and dropping flares near a Philippine surveillance plane over Scarborough Shoal, escalating tensions in the South China Sea. China defended its actions as lawful and warned the Philippines to cease what it called provocative behavior read more

The Philippine military on Saturday accused Chinas air force of dangerous and provocative actions against one of its planes patrolling over a disputed South China Sea reef.

Two China air force aircraft executed a dangerous manoeuvre at around 9:00am and dropped flares in the path of our NC-212i, armed forces chief General Romeo Brawner said in a statement, recounting the alleged incident Thursday over Scarborough Shoal.

He said the Chinese action endangered the lives of our personnel undertaking maritime security operations, adding that the pilot and crew were unharmed and safely returned to a northern Philippines air base.

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China defended its operations on Saturday, saying it had organised naval and air forces to lawfully (drive) away the Philippine plane, following repeated warnings, according to a statement by the Southern Theater Command of the Peoples Liberation Army.

The statement did not say what specific actions China took, describing its operations as professional, standard, legitimate and legal.

We sternly warn the Philippines to immediately stop its infringement, provocation, distortion and hype, the statement said, adding that China has indisputable sovereignty over Huangyan Island (Scarborough Shoal) and adjacent waters.

The incident is the latest in an increasingly tense confrontation between Manila and Beijing, which claims most of the South China Sea and seized the shoal after a 2012 standoff with the Philippines.

In June, the Philippine military said one of its sailors lost a thumb in a confrontation off Second Thomas Shoal, in another area of the South China Sea, when the Chinese coastguard also confiscated or destroyed Philippine equipment including guns.

Beijing has blamed the escalation on Manila and maintains its actions to protect its claims are legal and proportional.

Following the Second Thomas Shoal clash, the two countries agreed on a provisional arrangement for resupplying Filipino troops based on a decrepit warship grounded atop the reef, and also to increase the number of communication lines to resolve disputes in the waterway.

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The Chinese air force action Thursday took place a day after China carried out a combat patrol near the flashpoint reef to test the strike capabilities of its troops.

- Provocative actions -

Beijing claims almost the entire South China Sea, brushing off rival claims of several Southeast Asian countries, including the Philippines, and an international ruling that its assertion has no legal basis.

Scarborough Shoal, a triangular chain of reefs and rocks, is 240 kilometres (150 miles) west of the Philippines main island of Luzon and nearly 900 kilometres from the nearest major Chinese land mass of Hainan.

Brawner said the Philippine military strongly condemns the dangerous and provocative actions of the Peoples Liberation Army Air Force that endangered the lives of our personnel undertaking maritime security operations recently within Philippine maritime zones.

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The incident posed a threat to Philippine Air Force aircraft and its crew, interfered with lawful flight operations in airspace within Philippine sovereignty and jurisdiction, and contravened international law and regulations governing safety of aviation, he added.

A Philippine military spokesman told AFP the Chinese aircraft involved in the incident were MRF, an abbreviation for multi-role fighter jets.

The Indonesia-built NC-212i is a multi-role turboprop plane designed for maritime surveillance, troop transport, medical evacuation and special mission, according to the manufacturers website.
India and Timor-Leste share warm and friendly relations based on our shared commitment to the values of democracy and pluralism. I am confident that this will further strengthen bilateral relations between the two countries, she said. read more

President Murmu said that the honour is a reflection of the ties of friendship between India and Timor-Leste. Image/X/@rashtrapatibhvn

President Droupadi Murmu was conferred the Grand-Collar of the Order of Timor-Leste, the countrys highest civilian award, by her counterpart Jose Ramos-Horta on Saturday.

President Jose Ramos-Horta of Timor-Leste conferred the Grand-Collar of the Order of Timor-Leste, the countrys highest civilian award, upon President Droupadi Murmu. The award is in recognition of her achievements in public service and dedication to education, social welfare and empowerment of women. President Murmu said that the honour is a reflection of the ties of friendship between India and Timor-Leste, her office said in a post on X.

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President Jose Ramos-Horta of Timor-Leste conferred the Grand-Collar of the Order of Timor-Leste, the country's highest civilian award, upon President Droupadi Murmu. The award is in recognition of her achievements in public service and dedication to education, social welfare and pic.twitter.com/V7YmnW7Jiu  President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) August 10, 2024

This visit comes seven months after the President of Timor-Leste visited India and attended the Vibrant Gujarat Summit in January of this year. Murmu arrived here on the last leg of her three-nation visit which also took her to New Zealand and Fiji.

President Murmu said that the honour reflects the ties of friendship between India and Timor-Leste. Murmu arrived in Dili on the last leg of her three-nation visit on Saturday after concluding her trip to New Zealand and Fiji.

India and Timor-Leste share warm and friendly relations based on a shared commitment to the values of democracy and pluralism, President Droupadi Murmu said on Saturday, as she held extensive discussions with her counterpart Jose Ramos-Horta on enhancing bilateral cooperation in diverse fields.

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.She was accorded ceremonial reception and guard of honour in Presidential Palace, Dili.India and Timor Leste share warm and friendly relations based on our commitment to democracy and pluralism. I am confident that this will further strengthen bilateral relations between the two countries, she said.

During the visit, apart from the bilateral meeting with President Jose Ramos-Horta, there will also be a meeting with Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao, who will call on Murmu. The president will also attend a community reception with the Indians in Timor-Leste and Friends of India, according to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).

With inputs from agencies.
The statement came months after India has been pressing Russia to ensure the safety and repatriation of its nationals employed by the Russian Army read more

India has 'pressed' the Russian authorities for early repatriation of mortal remains of two Indian nationals killed in conflict. Representational Image/ REUTERS

Expressing condolences over the death of Indian nationals who were serving in the Russian army, the Russian Embassy in India issued a statement, assuring that they are working to discharge Indians from the war-stricken countrys military. In a statement, the Russian consulate in Delhi also denied that Moscow was engaged in any public or obscure campaigns to recruit Indian nationals into the army.

The statement came months after India has been pressing Russia to ensure the safety and repatriation of its nationals employed by the Russian Army. In the statement released on Saturday, the embassy assured that Moscow will fulfil all contractual obligations and provide compensation to the Indians who joined the army of the country which is currently engaged in the war against Ukraine.

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Not only this, Russia also mentioned that since April this year, the countrys Ministry of Defence has stopped the admission of citizens of a number of foreign countries.

The Embassy expresses deep condolences to the Government of India and the families of the deceased. The agencies concerned in both countries work in close coordination for early identification and discharge of Indian nationals who voluntarily contracted for military service in Russia, the embassy said in a statement.

All contractual obligations and due compensation payments will be fulfilled in full measure. Since April this year, the Ministry of Defence of the Russian Federation has stopped the admission of citizens of a number of foreign countries, including India, to military service in the Russian Armed Forces. The Embassy outlines that the Russian Government has at no point in time been engaged in any public or obscure campaigns, more so in fraudulent schemes to recruit Indian nationals for military service in Russia, the statement further reads.

The plight of Indians who got duped into fighting for Russia

For months, Indias Ministry of External Affairs has been raising the issue of Indians fighting in the war, through diplomatic channels. Things became even more concerning after two more Indian nationals serving in the Russian military lost their lives in June this year.

Since the first day, we have constantly been discussing this matter with the Russian authorities, the system and the leadership, Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra said a day after the death of the two nationals.

All of our efforts are aimed at keeping the Indians safe, he said at a media briefing while responding to a question on the matter. We have clearly told the Russian officials that all Indians in the war zone, howsoever they got there is another matter, should be returned (to India)," he added. As of now, four Indians have lost their lives in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war.

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According to the MEA officials, a total of 10 Indians working as support staff with the Russian military have been released and repatriated to India as of now.

As per the media reports, at least 200 Indian nationals were recruited as security helpers in the Russian military, throughout the course of the war.

With inputs from agencies.
The timing of this aid is crucial, as it coincides with Ukraines unexpected offensive into Russias western Kursk region. The aid package is also important as Ukraine grapples with Russian advances in Pokrovsk, a key logistical hub for Kyiv. However, while the US aid is critical, it is by no means a complete game-changer read more

The United States has announced a new $125 million military aid package for Ukraine. This latest assistance arrives as Ukrainian forces execute a surprise offensive inside Russian territory.

The package, revealed on Friday (August 9), was purported to show the US steadfast support for Ukraine. Our unwavering commitment to [Ukraine] as they continue to battle back against Russian aggression, stated National Security Council spokesman John Kirby.

What will Ukraine get?

The aid will not be financial. Instead, it will be drawn from US stockpiles. This includes air defence interceptors, munitions for rocket systems and artillery, multi-mission radars, and anti-tank weapons, all designed to bolster Ukraines defensive and offensive capabilities.

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US Secretary of State Antony Blinken emphasised that this aid would enhance Ukraines ability to protect its troops, civilians, and cities from Russian attacks while also reinforcing its capabilities across the front lines.

The US Department of State, on August 9, said To date, we have provided more than $55.4 billion in military assistance since Russia launched its premeditated, unprovoked, and brutal full-scale invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022.

So, how is the aid going to help Ukraine?

Supporting the surprise offensive

The timing of this aid is crucial, as it coincides with Ukraines unexpected offensive into Russias western Kursk region, which began earlier this week. Although Ukrainian authorities have not officially confirmed the operation, President Volodymyr Zelensky hinted at its significance, stating that Russia must feel the consequences of its invasion.

Reports from the US-based Institute for the Study of War (ISW) suggest that Ukrainian forces are present up to 35 kilometres from the international border, marking one of the most significant cross-border attacks since the onset of the conflict.

Despite this, ISWs analysis indicates that Ukrainian troops do not yet control the entirety of this area, highlighting the ongoing challenges of the operation.

It is possible that the weapons Ukraine receives are used to bolster the offensive inside Russian territories.

Defending Pokrovsk

The aid package is also important as Ukraine grapples with Russian advances in Pokrovsk, a key logistical hub for Kyiv.

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Russian forces have made significant gains in this area, with reports indicating that they were approximately 20 kilometres from Pokrovsk by the end of July.

This strategic location is vital for Ukraines defence of the broader Donetsk region, where cities like Toretsk and Niu-York have stood as strongholds against Russian forces since 2014.

Ukraines surprise attack inside Russian territory could be interpreted as a diversionary tactic aimed at spreading Russian forces thin and preventing the loss of critical areas like Pokrovsk.

This manoeuvre may reflect a broader strategic calculation by Ukraine to force Russia to overextend its resources across multiple fronts, thereby weakening its overall military effectiveness.

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Not a game-changer

While the US aid is critical, it is by no means a complete game-changer. Ukraines arms inventory is still overshadowed by the sheer scale of Russias military arsenal. Despite Ukraines determination, Russia continues to outpace Ukraine in terms of weaponry and troops.

The slow, unrelenting advances by Russian forces, coupled with Ukraines outnumbered troops, make it increasingly difficult for Kyiv to mount a decisive counteroffensive. What aid packages like the present one do, is help Ukraine buy time and prepare better.

With inputs from agencies
Sheikh Hasinas son Sajeeb Wazed said that his mother did not get the time to resign and has not formally stepped down from her post. Ss far as the constitution goes, she is still the prime minister of Bangladesh, he said read more

Sheikh Hasina's son said that she is still the prime minister of Bangladesh since she never really resigned from the post. AFP.

Sajeeb Wazed, long-time Bangladeshi leader Sheikh Hasinas son and adviser, said that his mother did not resign as prime minister before fleeing her country.

My mother never officially resigned. She didnt get the time, he told Reuters from Washington on Saturday (August 10), adding that as far as the constitution goes, she is still the prime minister of Bangladesh.

Sheikh Hasina fled to India this week as anti-government protesters began marching on her official residence.

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Wazed said that the president had dissolved parliament after consulting with military chiefs and opposition politicians. Instating a caretaker government without the prime minister formally resigning could be challenged in the court.

He said his mother was ready to face trial back home, as demanded by the students who led the uprising.

My mother has done nothing wrong. Just because people in her government did illegal things, did not mean my mother ordered it. That does not mean my mother is responsible for that.

Hasina has sought shelter in New Delhi since Monday after an uprising that resulted in the deaths of about 300 people, many of whom were students, ending her 15-year uninterrupted rule in the country.

Wazed did not say who in the government was responsible for allowing the shooting of people during the protests.

He did shift the blame to police officers, saying that his mother did not order them to shoot anyone.

Those who are responsible, they should be brought to justice. My mother absolutely did not order anyone to commit violence against the protesters. The police were trying to stop the violence, but some police officers used excessive force, he said.

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Wazed said that Hasinas government suspended the police officers that shot at students.

Additionally, Wazed told Reuters that Hasinas Awami League party would contest the next election.

Im confident the Awami League will come to power. If not, we will be the opposition. Either way is fine, he said.

He demanded that the elections be held within three months time.

With inputs from Reuters
Zambada was taken against his will while Joaquin Guzman Lopez voluntarily surrendered, Ambassador Ken Salazar said at a news conference, two weeks after the Sinaloa cartel leaders landed in a private plane in the US state of New Mexico read more

A newspaper seller arranges newspapers reporting the El Paso, Texas, U.S., arrest of Mexican drug lord Ismael "El Mayo" Zambada and Joaquin Guzman Lopez, "El Chapo" Guzman's son, in Mexico City, Mexico. Reuters File

Mexican drug lord Ismael El Mayo Zambada was arrested in the United States after flying there against his will with a son of his former cartel partner, the US ambassador to Mexico said Friday.

Zambada was taken against his will while Joaquin Guzman Lopez voluntarily surrendered, Ambassador Ken Salazar said at a news conference, two weeks after the Sinaloa cartel leaders landed in a private plane in the US state of New Mexico.

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I want you to understand very clearly, there were no resources from the United States in this operation, Salazar continued.

Salazars statement came hours after Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador complained there is no cooperation from Washington on clarifying the circumstances around the arrests of Zambada and Guzman.

They have not given us sufficient information, Lopez Obrador said at a press conference Friday.

Guzmans father, Joaquin El Chapo Guzman, co-founded the Sinaloa cartel in the 1990s with Zambada, and it has since risen to be one of the most powerful criminal operations in Mexico alongside the Jalisco New Generation cartel.

Zambada, 76, escaped arrest for much of his life and was the most wanted drug trafficker in the United States, with a $15 million reward offered for information that could lead to his arrest.

For his part, Guzman Lopez was extradited to Chicago where he pleaded not guilty to drug trafficking charges.

Spiraling criminal violence has seen more than 450,000 people murdered in Mexico since the government of then-president Felipe Calderon launched a military offensive against drug gangs in 2006.
Things became complicated for Trump after the new polls suggested that Harris was up 4 points in three battleground states read more

As US Vice President Kamala gains the lead in three crucial battleground states against Republican Presidential nominee Donald Trump, the former president seemed like regretting debating Joe Biden. Why the hell did I debate him? Trump said while he was addressing a rally in Bozeman, Montana, on Friday.

However, the business-mogul-turned politician later said that it will be easier to beat Harris in the upcoming 2024 Presidential Elections. During the rally, Trump took jabs at Bidens age but he accused the Democrats of taking it away from him.

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Were going to get Joe Biden out of the White House. Whats he doing there now? You know he wanted to debate. If we didnt have a debate, hed still be there. Can you imagine? Why the hell did I debate him? he exclaimed.

How did he do? Do you think hes happy? I dont think so. Hes not too happy. You know, they took it away from him, they really did. The guy had 14 million votes. She had none, but Id rather run against her. I think shes easier to beat I really do, the former president furthered.

Trump and Biden held what was initially decided to be the first of three debates between the two rivals in Atlanta. In the light of Bidens bad performance on debate night, the Democrats asked him to step out of the race. The POTUS succumbed to the pressure and announced that he wouldnt be running for re-election on July 21. He went on to endorse his VP Harris, who eventually became the face of Democrats this election.

Trump slows it down while Harris and Walz ramp up the rallies

It is interesting to note that Trumps Montana rally was only the second he has held in August. Meanwhile, Harris and her running mate Minnesota Governor Tim Walzh held rallies in Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, Michigan and Arizona. They are due to hold another in Nevada on Saturday.

Trump discussed this during a press conference at his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida on Thursday. The former president said that he held relatively fewer public events over the past weeks because he is leading a lot, referring to his lead in the polls.

However, things became complicated for Trump after the new polls suggested that Harris was up 4 points in three battleground states. The survey was published by The New York Times/Siena College on Saturday morning and found that Harris has taken the lead in the states of Michigan, Wisconsin and Pennsylvania.

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In the presser, Trump also said that he wants to wait for the Democratic National Convention to finish on August 22 and is doing lots of radio and television interviews.

With inputs from agencies.
The survey published by The New York Times/Siena College on Saturday morning found that Harris has taken the lead over Trump in the states of Michigan, Wisconsin and Pennsylvania, garnering 50 per cent support to Trumps 46 per cent in the hypothetical matchup read more

As the race to the White House intensifies, new polls suggested that Vice President Kamala Harris is up four points against former president Donald Trump in three battleground states. The figures can be seen as concerning for the Republicans since there are just three months left until the 2024 US Presidential elections.

The survey published by The New York Times/Siena College on Saturday morning found that Harris has taken the lead over Trump in the states of Michigan, Wisconsin and Pennsylvania, garnering 50 per cent support to Trumps 46 per cent in the hypothetical matchup.

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Harris numbers mark a significant improvement when compared to President Bidens performance in the same swing state. In the NYT/Siena polls conducted earlier this year, Biden garnered 45 per cent support to Trumps 48 per cent in Pennsylvania. Polls from April and early May, however, showed the president leading his GOP rival in Michigan (47 per cent to 46 per cent) but trailing Trump in Wisconsin (46 per cent to 47 per cent).

Harris garnered a large number of support from the Democratic electorate when she started her presidential campaign after Biden announced that he was dropping out of the presidential race.

Trump launches fresh attacks

The NYT/Siena polls were conducted between Aug. 5-8 with 619 registered voters in Michigan and 661 in Wisconsin. Meanwhile, the survey in Pennsylvania was conducted between Aug. 6-9 with 693 registered voters.

As several polls tilted in favour of Harris, Trump continued with his bizarre attacks against Harris. During his so-called general news conference at Mar-a-Lago, Trump told his supporters that nobody really knows his opponents last name.Kamala Harris. You know its interesting nobody really knows her last name, he exclaimed.

If you ask people, do you know what her last name is, nobody has any idea what it is Harris. Its like Harris," he continued mispronouncing her name repeatedly.

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Meanwhile, during his rally in Bozeman, Montana, Trump seemed remorseful about US President Joe Bidens exit. Were going to get Joe Biden out of the White House. Whats he doing there now? You know he wanted to debate. If we didnt have a debate, hed still be there. Can you imagine? Why the hell did I debate him? he exclaimed.

How did he do? Do you think hes happy? I dont think so. Hes not too happy. You know, they took it away from him, they really did. The guy had 14 million votes. She had none, but Id rather run against her. I think shes easier to beat I really do, the former president furthered.

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Trump and Biden held what was initially decided to be the first of three debates between the two rivals in Atlanta. In the light of Bidens bad performance on debate night, the Democrats asked him to step out of the race. The POTUS succumbed to the pressure and announced that he wouldnt be running for re-election on July 21. He went on to endorse his VP Harris, who eventually became the face of Democrats this election.
The United Nations sanctioned Eslami in 2008 for being engaged in, directly associated with or providing support for Irans proliferation of sensitive nuclear activities or for the development of nuclear weapon delivery systems, when he was the head of Irans Defense Industries Training and Research Institute read more

Irans newly-elected president reappointed a US-educated official who came under United Nations sanctions 16 years ago as head of the countrys nuclear department, state TV reported Saturday.

Mohammad Eslami, 67, will continue his work as chief of Irans civilian nuclear programme and serve as one of several vice presidents. Eslamis reappointment by President Masoud Pezeshkian comes as Iran remains under heavy sanctions by the West following the collapse of the 2015 deal that curbed Irans nuclear activities in exchange for sanctions relief.

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Pezeshkian had said during his presidential campaign that he would try to revive the nuclear deal.

The United Nations sanctioned Eslami in 2008 for being engaged in, directly associated with or providing support for Irans proliferation of sensitive nuclear activities or for the development of nuclear weapon delivery systems, when he was the head of Irans Defense Industries Training and Research Institute.

He was appointed as the chief of Irans nuclear department for the first time by late President Ebrahim Raisi in 2021, before that, from 2018, in moderate former President Hassan Rouhanis era, Eslami served as Transport and Urban Development Minister.

He has experience working in Irans military industries, for years, most recently as deputy defense minister responsible for research and industry.

Eslami holds degrees in civil engineering from Detroit University of Michigan and the University of Toledo, Ohio.

The US, France, Britain and Germany accused Iran of escalating its nuclear activities far beyond limits it agreed to in the 2015 deal and of failing to cooperate with the UN nuclear watchdog, the International Atomic Energy Agency.

Iran accused the US and its allies of continuing to apply economic sanctions that were supposed to be lifted under the deal, and insisted its nuclear programme is peaceful and geared towards generating electricity and producing radioisotopes to treat cancer patients and remains under constant oversight by the IAEA.

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Iran is building two nuclear power facilities to supplement its sole operational 1,000-megawatt reactor at the southern port town of Bushehr, which went online with Russias help in 2011. Under its long-term energy plan, Iran aims to reach 20,000-megawatt nuclear electric capacity.

The nation has in recent months faced country-wide power outages.
The ban aimed to pressure Saudi Arabia to wind down the Yemen War. Riyadhs improved conduct in Yemen, turmoil in Middle East due to the Gaza war, and warming US-Saudi relations have contributed to the ban being lifted read more

Joe Bidens administration has decided to lift the ban on US sales of offensive weapons to Saudi Arabia, the State Department said on Friday (August 9). This reverses a three-year-old policy that aimed to pressure the kingdom to wind down the Yemen war.

The State Department has lifted its suspension on certain transfers of air-to-ground munitions to Saudi Arabia.

A senior department official confirmed this decision, telling Reuters, We will consider new transfers on a typical case-by-case basis consistent with the Conventional Arms Transfer Policy.

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One source said sales could resume as early as next week.

Here are five reasons why US is lifting the ban:

Improved conduct in Yemen: Since a UN-led truce in March 2022, Saudi Arabia has significantly reduced its military actions in Yemen, with no airstrikes and minimal cross-border fire. The US acknowledges the positive steps Saudi Arabias Ministry of Defence has taken to improve processes that minimise civilian harm, partially due to US training and advisory efforts.

Geopolitical shifts and Middle East turmoil: The recent turmoil in the Middle East, particularly after Hamas attack on Israel, has shifted priorities. As regional tensions rise, the U.S. finds it strategically important to strengthen ties with Saudi Arabia, which is seen as a crucial partner in maintaining stability in the region.

Warming US-Saudi relations: The relationship between the US and Saudi Arabia has improved, particularly in the context of addressing broader regional security issues and considering a potential defense pact and nuclear cooperation agreement. These negotiations are part of a larger strategy to bring Saudi Arabia closer to normalizing ties with Israel.

Strategic defence partnerships: The US is negotiating a broader defence pact with Saudi Arabia, including potential civil nuclear cooperation. This is part of its strategy to align Saudi Arabia more closely with US interests, including efforts to normalise relations between Riyadh and Tel Aviv. The removal of the ban may be seen as a gesture of trust.

Response to Iranian influence: The US perceives the conflict in Yemen as a proxy battle between Saudi Arabia and Iran. By resuming arms sales, the US aims to bolster Saudi Arabias ability to counter Iranian influence in the region, particularly given the Houthis alignment with Tehran and their support for Hamas.

With inputs from Reuters
Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has refused to negotiate with opposition leader Maria Corina Machado following his disputed reelection. The only person in this country who needs to negotiate with Machado is the public prosecutor, Maduro said after his hearing read more

President Nicolas Maduro on Friday (August 9) ruled out negotiating with opposition leader Maria Corina Machado after he appeared before Venezuelas Supreme Court, asking the countrys top judicial body to ratify his disputed reelection.

He was responding to Machados offer of guarantees and incentives for a negotiated transition of power that would see him leave office, in an interview with AFP as she continues to challenge the July 28 vote.

The South American nation has been in political crisis since election authorities declared Maduro the winner of last months poll, a decision questioned both at home and abroad.

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The National Electoral Council (CNE) has yet to release detailed results from the vote, while the opposition has released copies of 84 percent of ballots cast, showing an easy win for their candidate, Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia. The government says those results are forged.

The Supreme Court widely seen as aligned with Maduro summoned all presidential candidates before it, though Gonzalez Urrutia refused to attend.

Maduro did so on Friday, after which he directed a warning to Machado.

The only person in this country who needs to negotiate with Machado is the public prosecutor, Maduro said after his hearing.

She should surrender to the courts and answer for the crimes she has committed in contesting the election result.

She is currently in hiding amid fears for her safety.

The disputed election sparked protests that have left at least 24 people dead, according to rights groups, and more than 2,000 arrested.

Completely lost legitimacy

Machado called for greater support from the international community.

Speaking to AFP via voice notes, she said the opposition was determined to move forward in a negotiation.

It will be a complex, delicate transition process, in which we are going to unite the whole nation, said the 56-year-old Machado, who was barred from running herself against Maduro.

She added that Maduro has completely, absolutely, lost legitimacy and that all Venezuelans and the world know that Edmundo Gonzalez won in a landslide.

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Lawmaker Diosdado Cabello, a powerful Maduro ally, dismissed Machados offer.

She is not in a position to negotiate anything, he told reporters as he arrived at the supreme court, shortly before Maduro.

Offering conditions, to whom? Here the CNE, which is the governing body, gave a result: Nicolas Maduro won.

Giulio Cellini, a director at the political consultancy group LOG Consultancy, said the whole process was an ambush of Gonzalez Urrutia, who is also in hiding, since both the high court and election authority are controlled by Maduro.

What the Supreme Court of Justice of Venezuela says will be the law of the republic, it will be a holy sentence, Maduro said ominously after his hearing.

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He indicated, however, his willingness to call for dialogue with the countrys 38 parties, including the Democratic Unity Roundtable (MUD) opposition coalition that supported Gonzalez Urrutia.

Fellow left-wing governments from Brazil, Colombia and Mexico noted the verification process undertaken by the court but asked that the CNE transparently disclose the electoral results.

Maduro said he was available 24 hours a day, every day to talk with the leaders of the three countries, although a call between the foursome had been cancelled due to what he said was scheduling problems.

The CNE ratified Maduros victory, saying he had earned 52 percent of votes. In addition to not publishing detailed results, it has also claimed to have been hacked.

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Jennie Lincoln, head of the Carter Center delegation that was invited to monitor the Venezuelan election, told AFP that it had no evidence of a cyberattack.

Furthering his post-election crackdown on Thursday, Maduro suspended access to the social media site X as he faced continued international pressure.

The president announced his government was blocking the social media platform formerly known as Twitter for 10 days, while accusing the sites owner Elon Musk of inciting hate and fascism in Venezuela.

Maduro and Musk have been locked in a war of words via X.

Maduro has overseen a national collapse, including an 80 percent drop in the once-wealthy oil-rich countrys GDP, amid domestic economic mismanagement and international sanctions.

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According to the United Nations, more than seven million Venezuelans have fled the country of 30 million since Maduro took over in 2013, mostly to other Latin American countries and the United States.
The attack happened on Monday (August 5) as families were waiting to cross into neighboring Bangladesh. Three witnesses said that the attack was carried out by the Arakan Army read more

A drone strike on Monday (August 5) led to destruction and massive loss of life in Rakhine state in Myanmar. Image used for representative purpose/AFP

A drone attack on Rohingya refugees fleeing Myanmar resulted in the deaths of dozens of people, including families with children, according to several witnesses. Survivors were reported to have been searching among the bodies to identify their dead and injured relatives.

The attack happened on Monday (August 5) as families were waiting to cross into neighboring Bangladesh. It was the deadliest known assault on civilians in Rakhine state during the recent weeks of fighting between junta troops and rebels.

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Witness accounts

Videos posted to social media showed piles of bodies strewn across muddy ground, their suitcases and backpacks scattered around them. Three survivors said more than 200 had died while a witness to the aftermath said he had seen at least 70 bodies.

Mohammed Eleyas, a 35-year-old , told Reuters his heavily pregnant wife and 2-year-old daughter were wounded in the attack and later died. He was standing with them on the shoreline when drones began attacking the crowds. Eleyas is now in a refugee camp in Bangladesh.

Three witnesses told Reuters on Friday (August 9) that the attack was carried out by the Arakan Army; the group denied these allegations. Both the militia and Myanmars military blamed each other for the incident.

Arakan Army and violence in Rakhine

The Arakan Army describes itself as a revolutionary armed organization of the peoples of Arakan. The group, formed in 2009 as the military wing of the United League of Arakan (ULA), says it is fighting for self-determination, national equality, justice and freedom.

Clashes have been occurring in Rakhine since the Arakan Army (AA) attacked junta forces in November, ending a ceasefire that had been largely holding since a military coup in 2021.

At least 1,000 Rohingya have fled the war in Myanmars Rakhine state to Bangladesh in the past few weeks, AFP cited Adnan Chowdhury, the government administrator of Bangladeshs Teknaf border town.

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With inputs from agencies
Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council estimates at least 52 of the countrys 64 districts have been impacted by communal violence since Aug. 5 and has sought the help of Muhammad Yunus, the Nobel Peace Prize winning economist who took charge as head of a caretaker administration on Thursday. read more

A demonstrator displays a placard during a protest against what they say violence against Hindu communities during ongoing unrest, in Dhaka, Bangladesh, August 9, 2024. File Photo- Reuters

Hindu communities in Bangladesh have announced a new blockade at Shahbagh as part of their ongoing protest. The protesters are calling for increased security for minorities and have outlined four specific demands: the formation of a dedicated Ministry for Minority Affairs, the establishment of a minority protection commission, the implementation of strong laws to prevent attacks on minorities, and the reservation of 10% of parliamentary seats for minority representatives.

Our homes, temples, and businesses are being vandalized, and we lack adequate security. Some have fled to neighboring countries, and arrangements must be made to bring them back with dignity, Shanti Ranjon Mondol, President of Bhakta Sangha Bangladesh told bdnews24.

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Mondol further said From now on, Hindu homes and temples should not require guarding, just like mosques. We want to feel secure.

Members of minority communities in Bangladesh faced at least 205 incidents of attacks in 52 districts since the fall of the Sheikh Hasina-led government on August 5, according to two Hindu organisations in the violence-hit nation.

The Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council and the Bangladesh Puja Udjapan Parishad on Friday presented the data in an open letter to 84-year-old Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, who was sworn in as the head of an interim government, The Daily Star newspaper reported.

According to the data, at least 205 attacks on members of minority communities in 52 districts have been recorded since Monday, when Hasina, 76, resigned and fled to India following widespread protests against her government over a controversial quota system in jobs.

We seek protection because our lives are in a disastrous state. We are staying up at night, guarding our homes and temples. I have never seen anything like this in my life. We demand that the government restore communal harmony in the country, Nirmal Rosario, one of the three presidents of the unity council, said.

Asserting that the situation was deteriorating, Rosario urged Yunus to resolve the crisis by giving it top priority and putting an end to the violence.

The letter, signed by Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council General Secretary Rana Dasgupta and Bangladesh Puja Udjapan Parishad President Basudev Dhar, welcomed Yunus as the leader of a new era born from the unprecedented student-and public-led mass uprising aimed at establishing an equitable society and reform.

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When peoples victory is advancing towards its destination, we, with sorrow and heavy hearts, observe that a vested quarter is hatching a conspiracy to tarnish this achievement by carrying out unprecedented violence against minority communities, the letter said.

It said that the ongoing communal violence has caused widespread fear, anxiety, and uncertainty among minorities in Bangladesh and has also resulted in international condemnation.

We demand an immediate end to this situation, the report said, citing the letter.

Kajal Devnath, a praesidium member of the unity council, said, Those involved in attacking minorities must be brought to justice. If a minority individual is attacked for political reasons, it is still unacceptable. Anyone who commits a crime should be judged, but burning homes and looting will not lead to justice. Asserting that many Hindu community members are now taking refuge in others homes, he said, I, too, am forced to stay at a friends house. On Friday, Yunus announced the portfolios of his 16-member council of advisors after he was sworn in a day earlier as the chief advisor - a position equivalent to the prime minister.

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Yunus first task was to bring stability to Bangladesh after he responded to a call by student protesters for him to temporarily lead the country following weeks of deadly anti-government demonstrations against the government led by Hasina.

Foreign Affairs adviser Hossain said that restoring law and order is the key priority of the interim government at the moment, and others will be back on track once the first goal is achieved.

On Thursday, Farhan Haq, Deputy Spokesperson for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, said that he stands against any racially based attacks amid violence against the minority Hindu community in Bangladesh.

What weve made clear is we want to make sure that the violence that has been occurring in Bangladesh in recent weeks is tamped down. Certainly, we stand against any racially based attacks or racially based incitement to violence, Haq said.

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Over 230 people were killed in Bangladesh in the incidents of violence that erupted across the country following the fall of the Hasina government on Monday, taking the death toll to 560 since the anti-quota protests first started in mid-July.

A number of Hindu temples, households and businesses were vandalised, women assaulted and at least two Hindu leaders affiliated with the Awami League party headed by Hasina were killed in the violence in Bangladesh after she fled the country, according to two community leaders in Dhaka.

Meanwhile, a large crowd gathered outside the United Nations headquarters on Saturday, demanding protection for Hindus and other minorities in Bangladesh. HinduACTion, a Washington-based NGO, said that people from all walks of life showed up spontaneously.

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On Friday, Hundreds of people protested in the Bangladeshi capital Dhaka against violence targeting the countrys minority Hindus since former prime minister Sheikh Hasina quit and fled the country earlier this week.

Earlier, US Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi had written to US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, asking for assistance in helping the Bangladeshi government end violence against Hindus in the country.

Hindus, who make up about 8% of Bangladeshs population of 170 million, have traditionally supported Hasinas Awami League party, which sparked peoples anger after violent clashes between anti-quota protesters and security forces last month.

The office of the United Nations Secretary-General has said the violence in Bangladesh should be tamped down, adding it stands against any racially based attacks or racially based incitement to violence.

Thousands of Bangladeshi Hindus have been trying to flee to neighbouring India to escape the violence.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi also appealed for the safety and protection of Hindus and Bangladeshs other minorities in a message on X on Thursday.

In a televised address after he took the oath of office, Yunus said his governments goal would be to ensure democracy, justice, human rights, and full freedom of fearless expression for all.

With inputs from agencies.
World Lion Day was founded to raise awareness about the predicament of lions and support their protection, and it has since become an important forum for campaigning and education on the conservation of these wonderful beasts read more

Every August 10, World Lion Day is a global celebration dedicated to saving and commemorating one of the planets most iconic and beautiful creatures.

Lions were previously common throughout Africa, Asia, and Europe, but their populations have plummeted owing to habitat destruction, human-wildlife conflict, and poaching.

In truth, the African lion population has declined by about 43% in the last two decades, and Asiatic lions are severely endangered, with less than 600 animals left in the wild.

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History

World Lion Day was started in 2013 by Dereck and Beverly Joubert of Big Cat Rescue, the worlds biggest recognised lion sanctuary. The Jouberts, a husband and wife team, realised the need to raise awareness about diminishing lion numbers and the risks they face in the wild. In 2009, they approached National Geographic and created a collaboration to establish the Big Cat Initiative.

Significance of World Lion Day

World Lion Day was founded to raise awareness about the predicament of lions and support their protection, and it has since become an important forum for campaigning and education on the conservation of these wonderful beasts.

World Lion Day celebrates lions distinctive features via many types of art, photography, and cultural activities. Many organisations, wildlife conservation groups, and individuals take part in activities and campaigns, or utilise the day to generate donations for lion conservation programs, anti-poaching operations, habitat protection, and research initiatives. Workshops, seminars, webinars, and public speeches are routinely held to educate people about lions, their behaviour, the problems they face, and conservation methods.
Escuchar la noticia Escuchar la noticia

The November 2024 presidential elections in the United States will be a pivotal event in the countrys political history, going beyond mere electoral mechanics to touch the very essence of democracy and government management. Following President Joe Bidens decision not to run for re-election, the political landscape has changed dramatically, paving the way for Vice President Kamala Harris to assume the Democratic nomination. Her subsequent selection of Minnesota Governor Tim Walz as her running mate signals a clear strategic bet on unity and resilience within the party, which could represent a possible resurgence of the Democratic coalition.

The Resurgent Democratic Party

Philadelphia (United States), 05/29/2024.- (FILE)  US President Joe Biden (below) with Vice President Kamala Harris (above) concludes his remarks during a campaign rally at Girard College in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA, May 29, 2024 (reissued July 21, 2024). Joe Biden announced on July 21 on his X account (formerly Twitter) that he would not seek re-election in November 2024 and endorsed Harris to be the new Democratic candidate. (Elections, Philadelphia) EFE/EPA/SHAWN THEW

The 2024 Democratic National Convention (DNC) will be a crucial partisan event, likely characterized by a palpable sense of optimism and historical significance. While Kamala Harris is expected to be unanimously chosen as the Democratic candidate, the formalities of the convention will provide opportunities to gather support among the various factions within the party. Harris' candidacy is not only a symbolic victory for American womens representation against a misogynistic opponent, but would also be a significant milestone in racial pluralism as the first woman of color nominated for the presidency by a major national party. Moreover, Kamala Harris' nomination could serve as a rallying point for progressive activism in a nation undergoing profound changes and heated ideological conflicts.

The choice of Tim Walz as Harris' vice presidential candidate represents an effort to balance the aspirations of the progressive wing with the sensibilities of moderate sectors. Walz is an experienced politician known for his pragmatism and empathy in governance. His political roots in the traditionally Democratic state of Minnesota allow Harris' candidacy to appeal to a wide range of voters. Walz has an excellent track record in Minnesota on education, healthcare, and climate change advocacy, elements that could deeply resonate in urban and rural electoral districts.

Electoral Geography

As Democrats gear up for the November elections, attention must focus on key states historically favoring Republicans but showing signs of weakening support. States like Texas, Georgia, Arizona, and North Carolina present unique opportunities for a potential Democratic resurgence. The demographics in these states indicate significant shifts in various regions: in Texas and Georgia, the growth of diverse and younger populations bodes well for Democrats. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Texas saw a 15.9% population increase between 2010 and 2020, driven primarily by Latino and Asian-American communities, demographics traditionally leaning toward Democrats.

To effectively regain these key states, Democrats must develop specific outreach strategies focusing on local issues and grassroots movements. They should align with the struggles of working-class citizens, notably regarding access to healthcare and economic opportunities. Addressing economic disparities directly by advocating for universal healthcare and increasing the minimum wage can empower voters to identify with the Democratic vision.

Proposals for Progress

Donald Trump.

Although political parties in the U.S. dont represent specific ideologies beyond Corporate Ideology, defined in "profit over people," the current landscape articulates a strong ideological struggle ranging from confronting neo-fascist and far-right ideologies to proposals of a progressive nature. Both Democratic and Republican parties are Corporate parties. However, in American social culture, there is currently a strong clash between neo-fascist and progressive ideologies. For the Democratic candidacy to stand strong against Donald Trump (who has maintained a consistent solid base thanks to his populist message, charismatic displays, and incendiary rhetoric), clear and viable proposals must be the backbone of the Democratic campaign strategy. The risks of Trumps explosive rhetoric cannot be underestimated, as survey data suggests it continues to motivate a committed block of voters.

Democrats can counter Trumps appeal by prioritizing comprehensive healthcare reform, addressing both the immediate consequences stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic and structural inequalities in the U.S. healthcare system. They should also emphasize economic policies aimed at reducing inequality, such as taxing the wealthy and supporting small businesses, while pushing for more ambitious climate legislation linking sustainability and environment protection to job creation.

Democrats, with Harris and Walz at the forefront, must advocate for and promote justice system reform, immigration policies emphasizing compassion over division, and an educational agenda offering tangible aid to students and professionals burdened by significant student loan debt. Engaging in open dialogues about systemic racism and inequality can help mobilize marginalized voters and broaden the coalition supporting their candidacy.

The Coming Political Landscape

The 2024 U.S. presidential elections are expected to be among the most polarized in recent history, marked by immense social discontent and profound ideological divisions characterizing contemporary politics. According to recent Gallup polls, dissatisfaction with the federal government and polarization are at record levels, underscoring the need for an unequivocally progressive yet unifying platform.

Several scenarios could unfold in the lead-up to the elections: a successful Democratic mobilization could mark the beginning of unprecedented participation among young and minority voters. Conversely, a cohesive narrative addressing voters' concerns honestly could attract moderates seeking stability in government. In contrast, a divided Democratic coalition (if progressive and moderate factions fail to align) could hinder their chances against an imposing and charismatic opponent like Trump, whose campaign is likely to exploit any signs of incipient division.

The 2024 U.S. presidential elections will inevitably shape the nations course for years to come. While radical or structural changes may not be within reach, regardless of the election outcome, certain aspects of American society will likely remain consistent from 1970 to today.

In terms of domestic policies, the United States will continue to be a nation that sustains and reproduces wealth concentration facilitating power concentration and unprecedented economic inequality. Regulators (Congress and the Executive branch) will remain controlled by the regulated (Corporations). Both Democrats and Republicans have supported the expansion of the military-industrial complex and increased surveillance and security powers, often at the expense of civil liberties; that trend is unlikely to change.

On the international political stage, the U.S. will continue to be a militarily and politically interventionist nation, ostensibly promoting democracy but often yielding results that primarily benefit American corporate interests. Whether Democrat or Republican wins, the U.S.s Economic Imperialism will remain the same, promoting international economic policies favoring large American corporations, often impoverishing developing nations.

However, there are essential differences between Democrats and Republicans, especially concerning the existential possibility of socially organized human survival. While Republicans (specifically Trump) promote neo-fascist policies rooted in racism, denial of rights, acceptance of conspiracy theories, far-right extremism, and climate change denial, Democrats have a more moderate political approach and socially supportive policies protecting majorities and advocating for environmental protection against climate change challenges. These differences should be enough to favor Democrats in the upcoming elections, and these are the differences that Kamala Harris and Tim Walz should promote.

A significant portion of the Republican Party believes that violence is necessary to "save" the country. This belief manifests in armed militias and the January 6 attack on the Capitol, which was undoubtedly an attempted coup. There are sophisticated efforts to undermine democracy from the Republican Party, taking measures to ensure future attempts to overturn election results are more successful. This includes gerrymandering, voter suppression, and promoting the 'Big Lie' that the 2020 elections were stolen. There is a clear trend towards neo-fascism from within the Republican Party, which, in a society like the United States with declining social cohesion and effective organizing capacity, makes the population more susceptible to demagoguery and authoritarianism. This trend is evident in the proliferation of disinformation and propaganda. The proliferation of false narratives and conspiracy theories creates an environment where people can be easily manipulated and distrust democratic institutions.

From that perspective, the Democratic Party is obligated to halt the advance of neo-fascism in the United States, and that challenge is practically universal because its not the same if a small nation like Hungary becomes a fascist state as it is for the most powerful nation on the planet to have a fascist government.

There is much at stake for partisan politics and the democratic ethos in general. By nominating Kamala Harris alongside Tim Walz, the Democratic Party has the opportunity to redefine its identity and reach a divided electorate to create a mandate for change. Grounded in progressive principles and committed to unity, they are on the cusp of advancing a transformative agenda or succumbing to the allure of populism that has dominated recent politics. As this critical juncture unfolds, it remains imperative for Democrats to unify their base, connect with moderate voters, and present a future that truly embodies the dreams and aspirations of the majority of Americans.
Explore the rich history and architectural beauty of Trinity Episcopal Church in this captivating tour given by Reverend Jimmy Abbott. Join J.R., Lisa, Erika, and Reverend Jimmy in uncovering the layers of history, from its founding in 1841 to its role in wartime and natural disasters.
At least 100 Palestinians killed in Israeli attack in Gaza City

Xinhua) 13:36, August 10, 2024

GAZA, Aug. 10, (Xinhua) -- At least 100 Palestinians were killed on Saturday by Israeli airstrikes at a school serving as shelters for displaced people in Al-Daraj neighborhood in Gaza City, Palestinian medical and security sources said.

They told Xinhua that the fatal victims included women and children and were transferred to Al-Ahli Hospital in Gaza.

The Israeli warplanes targeted the Al-Tabi'in School in the Al-Daraj neighbourhood in central Gaza City while the displaced people in the school were performing the Fajr prayer.

Local eyewitnesses told Xinhua that for lack of available resources of ambulances and civil defence equipment in the city, the victims were transported to the hospital via private cars and animal-drawn carts.

The Hamas-run government media office in Gaza said in a press statement that the Israeli army "directly bombed the displaced people while they were performing the Fajr prayer, and this is what increased the number of dead rapidly."

"The Israeli bombing of a displaced people's school comes within the framework of the crime of genocide and ethnic cleansing against our Palestinian people in a clear manner," the office said.

(Web editor: Cai Hairuo, Sheng Chuyi)
09:42 | Lima, Aug. 10.

"The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Peru extends its deep sorrow and solidarity to the Government and people of Brazil over the unfortunate aviation accident that occurred in Sao Paulo today (Friday); and expresses its heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims," the government agency expressed on the X platform.





According to international agencies, a total of 61 people on board an airplane died after it crashed in southeastern Brazil, with no known cause for its crash into a residential area.





In information released on Friday, it was reported that the Brazilian Air Force (FAB) stated that the flight was proceeding normally. However, later the aircraft neither responded to control calls "nor declared an emergency or reported adverse weather conditions."





It was also indicated that the black box "has already been found and is apparently preserved," according to AFP.





The town of Vinhedo, where the plane crashed, has about 76,000 inhabitants and is located some 80 kilometers northwest of Sao Paulo.
U.S. Army NATO focuses on convergence challenges

By Troy Darr, U.S. Army NATO August 9, 2024

GARMISCH, Germany -- The U.S. Army NATO hosted its 23rd annual Senior Army Leaders Meeting July 29 to August 1 to give leaders from 82 locations in 22 countries the opportunity to meet face-to-face and share knowledge and ideas on NATO operations and how best to support the roughly 1,100 Soldiers serving within NATO organizations.

"This year we are marking the 75th Anniversary of the signing of the North Atlantic Treaty, NATO's founding document, and one of the most important international agreements of the 20th century," said Gen. Darryl A. Williams, commanding general of U.S. Army Europe and Africa. "Your meeting comes on the heels of the Washington Summit, which marked the adoption of several important initiatives as NATO returns to its core mission of collective defense in the wake of Russia's illegal invasion of Ukraine."

"As we navigate the complex landscape of security challenges in Europe and increasingly in Africa, it is crucial for us to align our efforts and work collaboratively towards common objectives," he said. "At the operational and tactical levels, convergence is, the most important, and sometimes the most challenging thing we do."

Convergence in this context refers to the process of synchronizing and aligning NATO's lines of effort across the alliance and all combat domains.

"The SALM provides U.S. senior national representatives and senior Army leaders assigned to NATO units with a forum to receive strategic guidance and create shared situational understanding of the current strategic environment," said Col. Ryan Raymond, U.S. senior national representative at NATO Allied Land Command headquartered in Izmir, Turkiye. "The meeting further affords U.S. Army NATO the opportunity to coordinate and synchronize goals and objectives, operational planning and execution for the coming year."

"Finally, the meeting facilitates face-to-face interactions and relationship building with geographically separated senior leaders, identifying issues, concerns, and opportunities to improve warfighter support to Soldiers and families assigned to NATO organizations," said Raymond.

Allied Land Command or LANDCOM is NATO's theater land component command responsible for coordinating and synchronizing NATO and partner nations' land forces by enabling land domain readiness, interoperability, standardization and competency.

Raymond has served for 11 years in NATO billets and was selected along with Col. Kyle Bayless, U.S. senior army officer at Allied Joint Force Command Brunssum in the Netherlands to serve as mentors during the New Senior Army Officer Orientation on day one of SALM XXIII.

"On the first day of the event I had the opportunity to serve as a mentor for some of the new senior Army officers who are just coming into the formation, and I was able to provide them some insight on how this NATO environment differs from our traditional Army formations," said Raymond. "I think moving into the NATO environment for the first time can be particularly challenging, so this event provides an early opportunity for American officers who are going to be senior in their locations to communicate with and maybe learn from some who are more experienced in this theater."

Another seasoned veteran of NATO at SALM XXIII was Col. John Shermer, the senior national representative for NATO Rapid Deployable Corps-Italy headquartered in Milan. His unit was officially designated as NATO's Allied Reaction Force on July 1.

The NATO Allied Reaction Force is a strategic, high-readiness, multi-domain capable force that provides forces from across the alliance to produce effects at shorter notice than has previously been possible.

"It is incredibly important that we are prepared and ready to deploy on short notice," said Shermer. "The Senior Army Leader Meeting is an opportunity to ensure my Soldiers are ready to provide crucial support for the deterrence and defense of the Euro-Atlantic area, and that we can respond swiftly and effectively to any threat in an evolving security environment."

"For most Soldiers that are in NATO we are chopped to these NATO units where we're very far away from senior Army leadership," he said. "We're very far and this is a chance for all the senior national representatives to get together and to talk about our issues and to really understand the strategic imperatives that we need to carry forward."

U.S. Army NATO includes about 725 U.S. Soldiers assigned to NATO billets across 21 countries in Europe and at the NATO units in Norfolk, Va. U.S. Army NATO also includes another 75 U.S. Soldiers assigned to the Military Personnel Exchange Program and as students at schools of other nations.

These 800 Soldiers are supported by a cadre of some 275 national support element Soldiers who conduct mission essential training to achieve and maintain rapid deployment readiness, improve interoperability with allies and partners and protect U.S. personnel and interests.

The national support element Soldiers are assigned to U.S. Army NATO Brigade, Allied Forces North Battalion, Allied Forces South Battalion, and nine companies located strategically in the North Atlantic Treaty area of responsibility. The brigade and battalion commanders and command sergeants major attend SALM XXIII.

"The AFNorth Battalion provides administrative and logistical support to 18 locations across 13 countries in the northern part of Europe," said Command Sgt. Maj. Larry Forrest, Allied Forces North Battalion headquartered in Mons, Belgium. "That's everything from housing and logistical support to contracting support and readiness training to meet mission requirements."

"I think from a senior enlisted leader standpoint, it's critical for us to be present here at the SALM to translate strategic insight down to our subordinate units," said Forrest. "I think one of my most important roles as a senior enlisted leader is to understand operational requirements and guidelines and be able to communicate that in a way that is digestible down to Soldiers and their families, so they understand the mission that's ahead of them and what that's going to require."

"General Williams gave a talk yesterday and he directed the audience here to provide the exact insights and inputs that they're gaining from the SALM back to their host nations and multinational partners," said Forrest. "I think that is the biggest takeaway from this that the opportunity for all of us to come together in one room as senior leaders across Europe and gain that shared understanding that we talked about and share that understanding across NATO to our multinational partners and across the alliance is the critical component of why we're here today."

While the plenary sessions of SALM XXIII held during days two, three and four were the main features of the event, the U.S. Army NATO staff took advantage of having leaders and some of their families in one place.

"This year's meeting also included a Spouses Forum, where we sought to build relationships with geographically separated families," said Col. Jeremiah D. Pope, U.S. Army NATO Brigade commander. "Activities included discussions and one-on-one opportunities with various members of the staff, offered in a flexible and open schedule. This allowed participants the opportunity to gain knowledge on the variety of capabilities and tools available to them in the field while building relationships and enjoying all that the Garmisch area has to offer."

Additionally, the U.S. Army NATO Chaplain, Lt. Col. Craig Johnson, offered a Building Strong and Ready Teams session during the weekend immediately following SALM XXIII. Building Strong and Ready Teams is a unit-based, chaplain-led program which assists commanders in building individual resiliency by strengthening the Army Family.

"I really appreciate the U.S. Army NATO Brigade staff for putting on this event annually, because it is a great opportunity to ensure that we are moving in the same direction and that we have a common understanding of how to converge our U.S. leadership's objectives with those of our NATO leadership," said Raymond.

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An increasingly popular tourism industry has reportedly claimed an unsuspecting victim. Source: Jam Press

A cosmetic tourist has died after undergoing plastic surgery in Turkey.

Perla Virginia Baez Garay, 42, fell ill and passed away hours after undergoing several medical procedures at a private clinic in Sisli, Istanbul.

Ms Baez travelled to Turkey from her home in the Spanish capital Madrid to undergo the operations on August 5.

She reportedly suffered acute respiratory distress syndrome at the private hospital where she was being kept for observation.

Ms Baez, who was originally from Paraguay, was taken to the intensive care unit, but passed away shortly afterwards.

The authorities have yet to release the results of an autopsy. Her body was handed over to her family and consulate officials to be sent back to Spain for burial, according to local reports.

The surgeon in question was reportedly arrested for negligent homicide shortly after Ms Baezs death, but has since been released on bail as the investigation continues.

The victim, who worked as a hairdresser, leaves behind two children aged 12 and eight. Istanbul has become a hotspot for cosmetic and medical tourism in recent years, offering a wide range of services from hair transplants and breast augmentations to IVF procedures. But authorities in Australia are quick to caution on the dangers.

Jam Press

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Statement following establishment of new interim government in Bangladesh

Global Affairs Canada

Statement

August 9 - Ottawa, Ontario - Global Affairs Canada

The Honourable Melanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today issued the following statement:

"Canada supports a peaceful way forward in the resolution of the ongoing crisis in Bangladesh. In this regard, we welcome the inauguration of a new interim government, led by Dr. Muhammad Yunus. This is the first step in restoring peace, to pave the way for free and fair elections and democratic governance.

"During this period of transition, Canada looks forward to engaging with the interim government in supporting a process that is inclusive with broad political participation by all sectors of society, including religious minorities, youth, women and other minorities.

"Canada reiterates its calls for calm and urges all parties to work together to promote the principles of democratic and inclusive governance, respect for human rights, and the rule of law. Canada also calls on the interim government to maintain full access to internet and other communication means to support the exercise of freedom of expression, and to pursue accountability and a full impartial investigation into the deaths and violence that have occurred.''

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August 9, 2024

Release

OUSD R&E Accelerating Capability Transition Through Experimentation of Select Emerging Technologies

The Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering (OUSD (R&E)) and the Indiana National Guard will host the second 2024 Technology Readiness Experimentation event (T-REX 24-2) to mature and assess promising capability prototypes.

T-REX is scheduled for Aug. 19 - 28 at Camp Atterbury, Indiana.

T-REX is a critical component of the experimentation campaign being executed through the Rapid Defense Experimentation Reserve (RDER) program. RDER was envisioned in FY22 (funded in FY23) to help accelerate promising new prototypes into experimentation campaigns that would build the 'body of evidence' to enable accelerated fielding. It focuses on joint and multi-domain kill chains based on Combatant Command priority gaps. In support of RDER, T-REX was developed to enable technical evaluation and obtain user feedback on capabilities under development in order to ensure they are ready for more advanced and integrated operational evaluations.

"T-REX is valuable for helping us identify joint technologies that we should quickly push through the development timeline for combatant commanders to use sooner rather than later," said Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering Heidi Shyu. "It will also help advance capabilities for participation in the Maritime Big Play exercise happening this fall with our AUKUS partners."

While T-REX is laser focused on RDER success, DoD leverages the event to enable joint technology demonstration and acceleration across the department. T-REX 24-2 will include more than 75 new and innovative defense technologies from traditional and non-traditional defense companies that will either undergo full-scale tactical assessment or will be on display. In partnership with DoD's Replicator initiative, prototypes being evaluated include uncrewed, multi-domain, autonomous systems with resilient communications.

The multi-week event will be broken into two parts, with National Guard soldiers and other units conducting scenario-based training events using the capabilities being tested, and culminating with open house events providing senior leaders and media opportunities to observe demonstrations and interact with the technologies, developers, and evaluators.

The experiments include participants from Australia and the United Kingdom who have been instrumental partners and are our first international partners on the RDER program.

Since its inception, the DoD has built and expanded an incredible partnership with the National Guard through T-REX. The Indiana National Guard has hosted four T-REX events and has been instrumental in helping test critical military technologies, while also developing a program to train personnel across the services.

https://www.defense.gov/News/Releases/Release/Article/3867607/

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August 9, 2024

By David Vergun, DOD News

DOD Integrates Its Industrial Base With Allies, Partners

The strength of the Defense Department and international security lies with defense industrial base cooperation with allies, partners, industry and academia, said Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Navy Adm. Christopher W. Grady.

Speaking today at a National Defense Industrial Association event on emerging technologies, Grady said there's just one defense industrial base, and that's the international defense industrial base.

The admiral provided an example of how that works.

After Russia's illegal and unprovoked invasion of Ukraine, some 50 allies and partners have been meeting regularly to supply defensive arms to Kyiv, he said. Each partner nation has something to bring to the table.

For example, Grady said Latvia is good at manufacturing drones.

Also, a combined joint requirements oversight council has been established with international partner nations to better utilize each of their industrial strengths, he said.

Regarding DOD's industrial base, the admiral said speed matters when it comes to critical technology development and rollout. The Defense Innovation Unit and the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency really shine in compressing timelines, he said, adding that timeline compression should be a priority elsewhere in the department, as well.

Transparency regarding the requirements would also be helpful, particularly for small businesses and startups because they don't have a lot of experience navigating the bureaucracy, he said.

Grady also discussed talent management, saying there should be an easier way to recruit cyber talent. He said one way might be to make the workplace more relaxed for talented young people, while another would be to create a pathway for talented industry professionals to work for the department for a time and then return to industry to cross-pollinate their knowledge and experience.

The admiral said the U.S. is a superpower, not just on the strength of its weapons and talented workforce; it's also dominant because of things that have less public visibility, like outstanding testing facilities and methods, infrastructure, training, ranges, recruiting, management and other items.

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August 9, 2024

By Matthew Olay, DOD News

DOD Official Lauds New Program to Streamline Acquisition Process

William A. LaPlante, undersecretary of defense for acquisition and sustainment, on Wednesday praised a new Defense Department pilot program designed to streamline DOD's process for procuring new military technology by making what has been a sequential process for onboarding new military capabilities more simultaneous.

During a panel discussion at an industry conference on emerging defense technologies in downtown Washington and in a recent opinion piece he authored on the topic, LaPlante explained how the Competitive Advantage Pathfinders program seeks to identify technology potentially useful to multiple military services that may be stuck somewhere in the acquisition process.

LaPlante labeled the three traditional, bureaucratic processes  determining requirements, determining funding and acquiring new technology  "the three-legged stool" or "iron triangle," and explained to conference attendees that CAP-derived solutions are arrived at by facilitating collaboration, removing barriers to the process and then validating and disseminating lessons learned throughout DOD.

"CAPs work by getting representatives  and buy in  from the resources, requirements and acquisition communities [the legs of the stool/triangle] together to address whatever might be the cause of the delay, be it funding, contract rules or interservice concurrence," he wrote in the op-ed.

"In all, CAPs can accelerate a specific technology or align requirements, budgeting and acquisition processes to deliver needed capability faster (speed) and, as importantly, into production at a high rate (scale)," LaPlante wrote.

During the panel, LaPlante also spoke about other priorities of his office, including protecting and sustaining the joint force and fostering a resilient, robust industrial base to meet the demands of protracted conflicts.

"At some point, you're having one industrial base fighting another industrial base [via] the warfighters," LaPlante said. "And I think we have to remember that an industrial base includes the sustainment piece, and that's a different way of thinking than we [were] thinking probably up until a few years ago."

LaPlante also used a portion of his remarks to praise those who dedicate their careers to defense acquisition.

"Acquisition, of course, is a profession and an expertise," he said. "And there are 187,000 acquisition professionals doing incredible work."

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Israel/Palestine: Statement by the High Representative on behalf of the EU in support of the call by the Leaders of the US, Egypt and Qatar to conclude ceasefire and hostages release negotiations

European Council / Council of the European Union

Council of the EU

Press release

9 August 2024 22:00

The European Union fully supports the call by the Leaders of the US, Egypt and Qatar to conclude the ceasefire and hostages and detainees release deal.

The EU has consistently supported the tireless efforts by the US, Egypt and Qatar to facilitate the negotiations to end the conflict and welcomed the adoption of the UN Security Council Resolution 2735, based on the principles outlined by President Biden on 31 May 2024. Last June, EU leaders, while recognising Israel's right to defend itself, called for the full implementation of the terms of the ceasefire proposal without delay and without conditions.

The EU has repeatedly reiterated its deep concern with the situation in Gaza and deplored the loss of civilian life, noting the unacceptable number of civilian casualties. The deal on ceasefire and hostages and detainees release is urgently needed. That deal will also pave the way for a regional de-escalation.

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First joint drills of Vietnam, Philippines 'should not be over-interpreted'

Global Times

China keeps rational attitude toward cooperation, opposes inciting confrontation: expert

By Liu Xin and Guo Yuandan Published: Aug 09, 2024 09:53 PM

The Philippines and Vietnam are reportedly set to hold their first joint maritime drills on Friday, a move that some Western media have interpreted as "historic" and aimed at China. However, experts argue that these reports overlook the fact that a Vietnamese vessel is currently on a friendly visit to China, and the drills between the Philippines and Vietnam are normal cooperation between sovereign nations and not directly related to maritime disputes.

Vietnam's 90-meter ship CSB 8002 arrived at the port of Manila on Monday for a five-day port call and is scheduled to carry out training exercises with the Philippines' 83-meter offshore patrol vessel, BRP Gabriela Silang, on Friday. Some media, including Nikkei Asia, reported the drills and claimed that this initiative aims to "counter" China in the South China Sea.

Ding Duo, a deputy director of the Institute of Maritime Law and Policy at the China Institute for South China Sea Studies, said the drills between the Philippines and Vietnam are normal cooperation, and some media outlets have over-interpreted them. These exercises reflect the two countries' willingness to strengthen security and military cooperation, and should not be directly linked to maritime disputes.

Although both the Philippines and Vietnam have maritime disputes with China, the locations and contents of Friday's drills indicate that the exercises are primarily focused on low-sensitivity, non-traditional security fields, Ding told the Global Times.

According to media reports, the drills include search and rescue operations, fire and explosion training, and message passing or communication exercises.

Commenting on the drills, Zhang Xiaogang, spokesperson for China's Ministry of National Defense, said on July 25 that "We have consistently maintained that military cooperation between relevant countries should not target or harm the interests of a third party, nor should it undermine mutual trust among regional countries or disrupt regional peace and stability."

China and Vietnam have also held frequent joint drills. For example, in June, the two countries' navies concluded their 36th joint patrol in the Beibu Gulf. Additionally, Vietnamese missile frigate Tran Hung Dao arrived at a naval port in the city of Zhanjiang in South China's Guangdong Province on Wednesday, marking the start of a five-day visit. During the visit, the Chinese and Vietnamese navies will organize ship tours, deck receptions, cultural exchanges, joint exercises, and other activities, according to the Xinhua News Agency.

Ding said China maintains a clear stance on international cooperation: it does not oppose or interfere with other countries' collaborations, provided they do not target a third country or infringe on China's sovereignty and maritime interests.

What China opposes are drills and joint patrols in the South China Sea that involve the Philippines and external countries, specifically those targeting China. China also opposes the formation of small cliques in the South China Sea, said Ding, noting that regional countries should be vigilant against any attempts to incite confrontations or alliances targeting one country.

"We maintain a rational attitude toward normal cooperation on security and defense among other countries, but oppose any actions that may intensify Cold War mentality or regional confrontations," said Ding.

The exaggerated coverage of these drills by some Western media reflects a broader trend of external forces sensationalizing any South China Sea-related activity, which undermines trust and complicates the management of disputes, said the expert.

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Hezbollah, Yemen resistance launch new operations against Israeli-linked targets

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Aug 9, 2024

Tehran, IRNA -- The Lebanese Hezbollah Resistance Movement and Yemen's Ansarullah movement have conducted fresh operations against Israeli-linked targets.

Hezbollah announced in a statement on Friday that the Islamic Resistance fighters targeted Israeli soldiers building in the Al-Manara settlement with appropriate weapons, inflicting direct hits, reported the Beirut-based Al Mayadeen news network.

Also, in a large-scale rocket attack from Lebanese territory, the occupied area of the Galilee panhandle was targeted.

Israeli media reported that the rocket sirens activated in Al-Metula and Kfar Yuval.

Meanwhile, the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) announced that a ship 45 nautical miles south of Al-Mokha port on the southern coast of Yemen was targeted with four rockets and a remote-controlled vessel for the second time in a few hours.

Earlier on this day, the UKMTO announced that a commercial ship was targeted 58 nautical miles southwest of al-Hudaydah in Yemen with a drone attack.

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Zionist regime continues to bomb Gaza

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Aug 9, 2024

Tehran, IRNA -- News sources have reported that the Zionist regime continued to bombard various areas of the Gaza Strip.

The Zionist regime bombed a house in the east of the Jabalia refugee camp in the northern Gaza Strip today, injuring 18 Palestinians, reported IRNA, citing Al Jazeera on Friday.

The Zionist regime's army announced that the 98th Battalion of the Zionist regime's army launched an offensive military operation in the Khan Yunis area in southern Gaza.

Israeli forces also claimed to have targeted 30 sites belonging to the Hamas movement in Khan Younis, including weapons depots.

Additionally, a number of military vehicles and bulldozers of the Zionist regime entered the west of the Nuseirat refugee camp.

News sources reported that eight people were killed in today's attacks by the Zionist regime in the center and south of the Gaza Strip.

Earlier on Thursday, the Palestinian Ministry of Health announced in the Gaza Strip that the occupying regime of Israel has committed four more massacres against Palestinian civilians in the Gaza Strip in the past 24 hours.

The ministry added that 22 Palestinians were martyred and 77 people were injured in these attacks.

The number of Palestinians martyred and wounded in Israeli attacks against Palestinians in the Gaza Strip since the outbreak of war on October 07, 2023, has increased by 39,699 and 91,722 respectively.

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Iran FM spox rebukes Islamic countries for not supporting Palestine in practice

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Aug 9, 2024

Tehran, IRNA -- Iran's Foreign Ministry Spokesman Nasser Kanaani has criticized the inaction of Islamic countries in defending Palestine.

In a Farsi post on his official account on Friday, Kanaani stated, "If the Islamic countries and Muslim nations had supported the oppressed people of Palestine and the defenseless residents of Gaza based on their Islamic, humanitarian, and legal duties, then the Palestinian citizens, including children and women, would not have been slaughtered by the murderous tribe."

This comment follows the revelation that the Zionist regime's ambassador to Japan was not invited to participate in the annual atomic bombing ceremony of the Japanese city of Nagasaki, leading to a boycott of the ceremony by the ambassadors of the United States, Group of Seven (G-7), and some Western countries.

The US dropped the world's first atomic bomb on Hiroshima on August 6, 1945, destroying the entire city and killing 140,000 people. They dropped a second bomb three days later on Nagasaki, killing another 70,000.

Israel's war on Gaza, which has been raging for more than ten months, has destroyed large swaths of the besieged territory. Israeli occupation forces have, particularly targeted schools, colleges, universities, and hospitals.

Nearly 40,000 people have been killed, the great majority of them women and children. Thousands more are missing or presumed to be dead under the rubble.

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Hamas terms Israeli admission of genocide in Gaza major scandal

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Aug 9, 2024

Tehran, IRNA -- Member of the Hamas Political Bureau Izzat Al-Rishq has described the confession of Bezalel Smotrich, Israeli far-right finance minister, regarding the genocide in the Gaza Strip as "a major scandal" for the Zionist regime.

Referring to Smotrich's remarks about considering starving the residents of Gaza as "justified and moral," Al-Rishq emphasized that such comments once again showed that the Zionist regime had planned a policy of genocide against the residents of Gaza, reported IRNA, citing the Palestinian Samaa news agency.

Al-Rishq said, "We usually see criminals cover up their crimes, but we are dealing with an enemy who openly confesses to their heinous crimes."

He called on the Prosecutor General of the International Criminal Court to issue an arrest warrant for the terrorist who promotes and supports genocide to prosecute Smotrich and his neo-Nazi party.

Smotrich made the incendiary remarks during a speech earlier this week. His comments were seen as a direct threat to commit the war crime of deliberately starving civilians.

Smotrich's inflammatory rhetoric comes amid a backdrop of heightened tensions in the region. Just this week, Israeli security camera footage emerged allegedly showing the sexual assault on a Palestinian detainee from Gaza at a military detention camp in Israel.

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Dr Anya Salih from the University of Technology Sydney and her colleagues have monitored coral fluorescence around Heron Island using blue-light torches. Source: Anya Salih

In the wake of the worst coral bleaching event ever recorded in the southern Great Barrier Reef, I travelled to Heron Island to continue research I started over 30 years ago. This time, the devastation was overwhelming.

The once vibrant and highly diversified reef had transformed into a desolate wasteland. Yet, amidst the destruction one striking element shone though  a vividly coloured phenomenon called coral fluorescence. And we believe it can help us predict which corals will survive in the short-term on the reef.

Coral fluorescence is where corals emit a bright light under UV or blue illumination, and it has fascinated me for years. The function of this glowing display, mostly green but often blue, orange, or red, is not fully understood.

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My research and that of other scientists, found it plays a crucial role in corals resilience to the threats like warming water caused by climate change. These fluorescent pigments regulate light within the coral, shielding them from excessive sunlight, amplifying it when light is limited and aiding photosynthesis  the process of transforming light into energy.

Under water in the 'eerily apocalyptic' reef

The beauty and significance of coral fluorescence stands in stark contrast to the current state of the Heron Island reefs. The once-thriving ecosystem has been decimated by climate change, with dead corals now overgrown by algae.

Related: Disbelief as Australia smashes 400-year-old Great Barrier Reef record

Recent aerial surveys by the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority revealed ocean temperatures started increasing late last year, leading to the confirmation of the fifth mass bleaching event on the Great Barrier Reef by March 2024. This event was the most extensive ever recorded, with almost half the reefs experiencing record levels of heat stress.

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Accompanied by Rob Brennan, a Californian artist and businessman, who had regularly assisted me in researching the reef, we witnessed an unprecedented degree of coral mortalities following this latest bleaching. Corals were not just bleached, most were dead. We were at ground zero, finding that most corals on the upper reef slopes were dead, already overgrown with dark brown algae that made the scene eerily apocalyptic.

In the lagoon and the reef crest, large areas were also dead. Roberta Dixon-Valk, marine ecologist and co-founder of conservation non-profit Take 3 for the Sea, who assisted our research was also appalled by what she saw. Having been fortunate to visit Heron Island as a student in 1984 and then again with Dr Anya Salih 20 years ago, it breaks my heart that I am a witness to this reefs destruction," she said.

What fluorescence can tell us about coral survival

Swimming with my blue-light torch at dusk, I discovered that there was a shift in the surviving corals composition and assisted by Rob Brennan and Roberta Dixon-Valk, I found an unusual change.

Most of the corals that were strongly fluorescent were the clear winners in the struggle to survive.

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To view fluorescence, we used blue-light torches to illuminate corals in the dark at dusk because, in daylight, the strong sunlight overwhelms fluorescence. But in the dark fluorescence can be so bright that it blinds the eyes.

However, the overall diversity of coral colours had drastically reduced, with non-fluorescent varieties almost entirely wiped out. The once abundant branching Acropora had suffered devastating losses, with only small patches of fluorescent colonies remaining. The strikingly beautiful large table-like acropora corals suffered devastating losses, with less than one per cent of the once-thriving community now surviving. It was incredibly heartbreaking to see the reef I grew to love and know so well, to be decimated. I never imagined that this would happen in my lifetime.

The research team were devastated by the coral loss around Heron Island in 2024. Source: Rob Brennan

Even fluorescent corals failing as waters warm

During our visit, I was joined by a group of scientists from the University of Copenhagen, Denmark, led by Professor Michael Kuhl. The team worked with me to study coral fluorescence and how these pigments protect corals from excessive sunlight, which exacerbates the impact of increased water temperatures.

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The Danish team brought highly sophisticated equipment including microsensors and 3D mapping technology to measure corals' responses to light and temperature. We were able to compare corals with and without their colourful fluorescent pigments to understand their effect on coral resilience. However, as temperatures continue to climb, even these defences become overwhelmed, and large areas of previously resilient fluorescent corals were found dead.

Why increased coral cover on the reef is not good news

The initial surveys for the 2023-2024 global mass coral bleaching event by the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority and Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS) were very grim, particularly for the southern Great Barrier Reef, where Heron Island is located.

But how is it that annual surveys prior to 2024 by AIMS scientists reported coral cover on the Great Barrier Reef has remained stable, even after severe crashes after the consecutive bleaching events in 2016, 2017 and 2019?

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The fact that the coral cover recovered after the back-to-back bleaching events from 2016 to 2022 has been used by some conspiracy theorists to argue climate change and its damaging effects on reefs have been exaggerated by scientists.

The reason for the recorded high cover on recovering reefs is similar to what happens in an old-growth forest with diverse communities of slow and fast-growing trees. When this diverse community is destroyed, it is replaced by fast-growing, low-diversity forests that have a low ability to withstand stresses and crash easily. On the Great Barrier Reef, the lowered diversity but high cover achieved by branching, fast growing corals makes these reefs vulnerable to further temperature increases. They crash and die quickly.

I believe that the recovery of reefs devastated by rising seawater temperatures is becoming increasingly difficult and, in some places, impossible. As temperatures continue to climb due to climate change, back-to-back bleaching events are wearing down corals' ability to recover, leading to their collapse. There is almost no scope for adaptation at such rapidly increasing temperature rates. Reproduction will be increasingly affected, and there will be no new recruitment of young corals to repopulate.

A glowing Lobophyllia coral in the Heron lagoon with fluorescence. Source: Anya Silah

Reef's collapse a 'dire warning' for planet

Rob Brennan said he felt "traumatised" by what he witnessed. What we saw was completely devastating  dead and dying corals, collapsed reef tops, bleached and dying corals everywhere. No one forecast such a rapid collapse. These reefs are now extremely stressed, and with sea temperatures continuing to rise, corals can't adapt fast enough. I am grateful that I've had the opportunity to have spent so many hours on these reefs assisting with research, and experienced the magic and mystery of corals, and a vibrant coral reef. We are in an extinction event, and I am a witness to it. I am now concerned for the viability of the planet as we knew it 10 years ago!

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The coral catastrophe unfolding at Heron Island serves as a dire warning, highlighting the irreversible damage wrought by human-induced environmental changes. The increasing temperatures driven by climate change sicken corals. They bleach and lose their life-supporting micro-algae, reducing corals' ability to recover between bleaching events, which have become so frequent that they are occurring almost every year. Even the most resilient corals, so-called super corals, cant keep up with the building stresses and succumb.

What can individuals do to help save the reef? Immediate and decisive measures are necessary to slow global warming and give corals a chance to adapt and survive. As individuals, we can contribute to the fight against climate change by reducing our carbon footprint, supporting sustainable practices, and advocating for strong environmental policies. The future of the Great Barrier Reef and countless other ecosystems depends on our collective actions.

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U.S.-British coalition launches 3 air strikes on Yemen's Red Sea port city: Houthi TV

People's Daily Online

(Xinhua) 16:40, August 09, 2024

SANAA, Aug. 9 (Xinhua) -- The U.S.-British coalition launched three air strikes late Thursday on the Ras Issa area in Yemen's Red Sea port city of Hodeidah, Houthi-run al-Masirah TV reported early Friday.

Meanwhile, the U.S. Central Command said in a post on social media X early Friday that its forces during the past 24 hours had destroyed two Houthi anti-ship cruise missiles, a Houthi ground control station and a Houthi uncrewed boat in the Red Sea.

"These weapons presented a clear and imminent threat to U.S. and coalition forces, and merchant vessels in the region," it said, adding this reckless and dangerous behavior continues to threaten regional stability and security.

Ras Issa is located in the district of Salif, northwest of Hodeidah. The Houthi rebel group controls much of northwestern Yemen, including Hodeidah.

Residents said on social media that they heard powerful explosions that shook the area.

Since November last year, the Houthis have been targeting Israeli-linked ships to show solidarity with the Palestinians in the Gaza Strip.

In response, the U.S.-British naval coalition stationed in the waters has conducted regular air raids and missile strikes against Houthi targets since January to deter the group.

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No concern over Chinese warships tailing WPS quad drill flotilla

Philippine News Agency

By Priam Nepomuceno

August 9, 2024, 9:59 am

MANILA -- There is no reason to be concerned over the presence of Chinese naval vessels in the first-ever multilateral maritime cooperative activity (MMCA) among the Philippines, Australia, Canada, and the United States in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).

"Not a cause of concern. We are also monitoring them. If they monitor us, we also monitor them," Philippine Navy (PN) spokesperson for the WPS, Rear Adm. Roy Vincent Trinidad, said in an interview with reporters on Thursday afternoon.

He also called the presence of these naval vessels "dubious and inappropriate."

Earlier reports said three People's Liberation Army Navy ships - one Jiangkai class frigate, the Huangshan with number 570, and two Jiangdao class corvettes with bow numbers 668 and 626, were spotted following the MMCA flotilla.

The distances of these ships varied from 4 nautical miles to 8 nautical miles from the MMCA naval formation.

The four nations' MMCA was set from Wednesday to Thursday.

In a separate message, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) spokesperson, Col. Francel Margareth Padilla, said the MMCA ended "past 6 p.m." Thursday. No other details were provided for security reasons.

Trinidad also clarified that the MMCA was not a show of force to any particular country but a show of the four nations' commitment to upholding international law.

He, meanwhile, said Filipinos could expect more multilateral maritime drills with the country's allies.

The MMCA featured various naval and air assets of the participating countries.

The Philippine contingent included the BRP Jose Rizal (FF-150), along with its AW-159 anti-submarine helicopter and the BRP Ramon Alcaraz (PS-16).

Australia deployed a P-8A "Poseidon" maritime patrol aircraft while Canada sent the HMCS Montreal (FFH-336) and a Sikorsky CH-148 "Cyclone" helicopter.

The US, meanwhile, deployed the USS Lake Erie (CG-70) and a Sikorsky MH-60R "Seahawk" helicopter.

The MMCA covered a series of events designed to enhance interoperability among the participating forces, such as pre-sail briefing, communication exercise, division tactics/officer of the watch maneuver, photographic exercise, cross deck landing operations, anti-submarine warfare exercise, replenishment at sea, contact reporting/maritime domain awareness, and a final exercise.

Boosting tactical, interoperability capabilities

Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. on Friday said the just-concluded MMCA allowed the Philippine military to meet its tactical and interoperability capabilities aside from fostering deeper cooperation among the country's allies.

"This multilateral exercise met our objectives of enhancing tactical capabilities and interoperability. The seamless coordination and execution of the planned activities highlight the strong defense relationships we share and our collective commitment to ensuring a stable and secure Indo-Pacific Region," he said in a statement.

Brawner also said the exercise proceeded without any significant incidents, and all objectives were met as planned which further solidified the operational readiness and cooperation among the participating forces.

He added that the success of the MMCA underscores the commitment of the Philippines and its allies to upholding international maritime security and promoting a free and open Indo-Pacific. (PNA)

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Hezbollah says scored 'direct hit' on Israeli troopers in 'Dovev Barracks'

Iran Press TV

Friday, 09 August 2024 6:42 PM

Lebanon's Hezbollah resistance movement has carried out yet another retaliatory strike against the Israeli forces deployed in the northern part of the occupied Palestinian territories.

The group announced in a statement released via the Telegram messaging app on Friday.

Hezbollah said it staged the operation against the troops stationed at "Dovev Barracks" earlier in the day "with appropriate weapons, hitting them directly."

The Israeli regime has been conducting near-daily attacks against the southern parts of the country since October 7, when it launched a genocidal war on Gaza.

Hezbollah has been responding with strikes aimed both at retaliating against the regime and supporting the war-hit Gazans.

The statement likewise underlined that the latest operation was carried out "in support of our steadfast Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip and in support of their brave and honorable resistance and in response to the Israeli enemy's attacks on the steadfast southern [Lebanese] villages and on safe homes."

The regime, which waged wars against Lebanon in 2000 and 2006, has, meanwhile, been repeatedly threatening to expand its attacks into another wholesale military onslaught against the country.

Hezbollah has vowed to defend the Lebanese soil with all its resources.

It has also pledged to avenge the blood of Fuad Shukr, one of the group's senior commanders, and Ismail Haniyeh, political leader of the Palestinian resistance movement Hamas, who were killed in separate assassination operations conducted by Tel Aviv in Beirut and the Iranian capital Tehran.

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Israeli military launches new offensive on Gaza's Khan Younis amid mass displacement

Iran Press TV

Friday, 09 August 2024 3:19 PM

The Israeli military has launched a new ground offensive in the southern Gaza city of Khan Younis, targeting dozens of sites after issuing new evacuation orders for exhausted Palestinians.

The attacks followed what the regime claimed is intelligence indicating that fighters from the Palestinian Hamas resistance movement still operate there despite repeated incursions.

The army announced on Friday that the offensive is being carried out by the 98th Division, which withdrew from the city for the second time just last month, following a week-long onslaught.

It said troops were searching for Hamas fighters above and below ground while locating weapons and infrastructure.

The military added that more than 30 airstrikes were carried out in Khan Younis as ground forces with the 98th Division pushed into the city in the southern Gaza Strip over the past day.

Israel targets 'safe zones' again

Reports, meanwhile, said fatalities occurred in an Israeli military attack on al-Mawasi "safe zone" near Khan Younis.

This came as Palestinians from eastern Khan Younis were fleeing toward al-Mawasi, which had been a designated humanitarian zone.

Thousands of Palestinians left the heavily destroyed eastern districts of Khan Younis on Thursday, carrying essentials like small gas cylinders, mattresses, tents, backpacks and blankets.

Qassam Brigades claims attack on Israeli forces in Rafah

Meanwhile, the Qassam Brigades, the military wing of Hamas, said in a statement that its fighters had attacked a building in the Tal as-Sultan neighborhood of western Rafah, where a group of Israeli troopers was holed up.

It added that it targeted nine soldiers with two TBG shells, killing or wounding them.

The statement added that Palestinian fighters observed Israeli army helicopters landing nearby to evacuate the dead and wounded.

Israel bombs nine Gaza City school shelters in eight days

Additionally, an international human rights organization says the Israeli army has stepped up its bombardment of schools used as shelters for internally displaced Palestinians in Gaza City, killing and injuring hundreds of them.

The Geneva-based Euro-Mediterranean Human Rights Monitor said in a report that these attacks over the past eight days have killed 79 Palestinians and injured 143 others, mostly women and children.

The report says that the actual casualty figures are likely much higher, due to the "loss of others under the rubble who cannot be recovered due to the lack of appropriate equipment for rescue crews."

Israel launched the war on Gaza on October 7 after Palestinian resistance groups carried out a surprise retaliatory operation into the occupied territories.

Concomitantly with the war, the regime has been enforcing a near-total siege on the coastal territory, which has reduced the flow of foodstuffs, medicine, electricity, and water into the Palestinian territory into a trickle.

So far during the military onslaught, the regime has killed at least 39,699 Gazans, most of them women, children, and adolescents. Another 91,722 Palestinians have sustained injuries as well.

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Sinwar's appointment proves path of resistance 'eternal': Leader's advisor

Iran Press TV

Friday, 09 August 2024 2:41 PM

The appointment of Yahya Sinwar as Hamas's new political leader signifies that Palestinians remain committed to resisting the Israeli regime and liberating Al-Quds, says Ali Akbar Velayati, a senior advisor to Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei.

In a congratulatory message on Friday to Sinwar, who replaced Ismail Haniyeh earlier this week, Velayati expressed confidence in Sinwar's leadership and the unity of resistance groups, hoping for the eventual liberation of Palestine and the end of the Zionist regime.

"Your deserved selection shows that Hamas leaders, as in the past, will continue to stand, fight, and resist against the criminal Zionist regime and for the liberation of Al-Quds, more determined than ever, because the path of resistance is not endable," said Velayati, who also served as Iran's foreign minister for more than fifteen years from December 1981 to August 1997.

"With the fall of the flag from one commander, another commander will raise the flag of resistance, and this luminous path will continue, and undoubtedly the only way to victory is resistance, and this has been proven to the world by the fighters of the resistance front and the brave and courageous people of Palestine and Gaza," he wrote.

Velayati honored the memory of Haniyeh, who was assassinated in an Israeli attack in Tehran last week, and expressed confidence in Sinwar's leadership and the unity of resistance groups.

"We firmly believe that the honorable background of you faithful and revolutionary brother in fighting against the criminal Zionist regime and the unity and cohesion of the resistance groups heralds the continuation of the luminous path of the martyr of Al-Quds, Dr. Ismail Haniyeh until the sacred goal of liberating Al-Quds and dismantling the occupation and usurpation of dear Palestine is achieved," he said.

Velayati wished Gaza resistance fighters victory over the Israeli regime and expressed hope the world will soon witness the liberation of Palestine and the destruction of the Zionist regime.

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Hezbollah says targeted Israeli Iron Dome missile systems

Iran Press TV

Friday, 09 August 2024 7:56 AM

Hezbollah fighters have conducted multiple operations at the northern side of the Israeli-occupied territories, targeting various military installations in the area in retaliation for attacks on towns and villages in southern Lebanon.

Hezbollah said in a brief statement that its members launched a barrage of Katyusha rockets on Thursday at an Israeli military outpost in Manot moshav in the Western Galilee region, targeting a number of Iron Dome missile batteries as well as artillery bunkers stationed there.

The statement noted that the rocket attack was conducted in reprisal for the Israeli strike on the village of Doueir in southern Lebanon.

Hezbollah forces also fired several heavy-caliber Burkan missiles at the Zarit barracks, which serves as the headquarters of the Israeli army's Western Battalion, in response to the Israeli aggression against the southern Lebanese town of Majdal Zoun.

Moreover, Lebanese resistance fighters struck Biranit barracks with a salvo of Burkan missiles, causing damage at the site and sparking a major fire there. The operation was reportedly conducted in retaliation for the Israeli attack on the southern Lebanese village of Aitaroun.

The group said it also hit several other Israeli sites, including the al-Samaqa site in the occupied Lebanese Kfar Shuba hills, the Ramim barracks and the al-Malikiyah site.

Hezbollah resistance forces targeted espionage devices at the Ruwaisat al-Alam site in the occupied Lebanese Kfar Shuba hills.

Furthermore, they used a kamikaze drone to target a gathering of Israeli troops at the al-Marj site, hitting the designated targets precisely and causing casualties.

Hezbollah and Israel have been exchanging deadly fire since early October last year, shortly after the regime launched a genocidal war against the Gaza Strip following a surprise operation by the Palestinian Hamas resistance group.

The Lebanese resistance movement has vowed to keep up its retaliatory attacks as long as the Israeli regime continues its Gaza war, which has so far killed at least 39,699 Palestinians, mostly women and children, in Gaza.

Hezbollah officials have repeatedly said they do not want a war with Israel while stressing that they are prepared in case it occurs.

Two Israeli wars waged against Lebanon in 2000 and 2006 were met with strong resistance from Hezbollah, resulting in the retreat of the regime in both conflicts.

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Yemeni forces, Iraqi resistance hit vital target in Israel

Iran Press TV

Friday, 09 August 2024 3:17 AM

Yemeni Armed Forces and the Islamic Resistance in Iraq carried out another joint operation against the Israeli regime in retaliation for the genocide in Gaza.

In a statement, Yemen's Armed Forces said on Friday morning that a vital Israeli target was struck in the occupied port city of Umm al-Rashrash, also known as Eilat.

It added that the resistance forces successfully hit the target with several drones.

The Yemeni Armed Forces stressed that they will continue these joint military operations until the Israeli aggression in Gaza stops and the siege on the Palestinian people is lifted.

The leader of Yemen's Ansarullah has said that the battle against Israel is now at its height after the regime assassinated Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh and Hezbollah commander Fuad Shukr.

"The Zionist regime's crime of assassinating Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh and Hezbollah commander Fuad Shukr has greatly impacted the region's state of affairs," Abdul-Malik al-Houthi said on Thursday afternoon.

The Ansarullah chief said the recent assassinations have had a significant impact on the entire West Asia.

Ever since the onset of Israel's genocidal war on Gaza in October, the Yemeni forces have carried out scores of operations in support of the war-hit Gazans, striking targets throughout the occupied Palestinian territories, in addition to targeting Israeli ships or vessels heading towards ports in the occupied territories.

The attacks have forced some of the world's biggest shipping and oil companies to suspend transit through one of the world's most important maritime trade routes. Tankers are instead adding thousands of miles to international shipping routes by sailing around the continent of Africa rather than going through the Suez Canal.

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EU condemns Israel revoking Norwegian diplomats' status

Iran Press TV

Friday, 09 August 2024 1:11 AM

The European Union (EU) has strongly condemned Israel's decision to revoke the diplomatic status of Norway's envoys to the Palestinian Authority.

In a statement on Thursday, EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell called Israel's move "unwarranted."

He said the decision disrupts the EU's normal relations with the Palestinian Authority, adding that Norway has played a major role in supporting Palestinians.

"I strongly condemn this unwarranted decision, which contradicts the spirit of Oslo Accords and disproportionately disrupts the normal relations and cooperation with the Palestinian Authority," Borrell said.

"Norway has played a major role on the Middle East Peace Process and in support of the Palestinian population," he added.

Norway played a significant role in ironing out the Oslo Accords of the 1990s.

Borrell said he had discussed Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide after Israel's decision and said the EU stood in "full solidarity" with Oslo.

"Upon my instructions, the Head of the EU Delegation in Tel Aviv has conveyed our position to the Israeli Government," Borrell said, referring to the Tel Aviv regime.

"This is not a bilateral question between Israel and Norway, but one of interest for all those working for peace and stability in the Middle East," he stated.

The Palestinian foreign ministry also accused Israel of resorting to baseless pretexts to put pressure on any government or international institution that tries to halt crimes and violations against Palestinians.

Reacting to Israel's decision, Norway's foreign minister said it would have consequences for Oslo's relations with Tel Aviv.

Most countries in the world already recognize Palestinian statehood.

Norway, along with Spain and Ireland, has already announced its decision to recognize the Palestinian state.

The move has increased the number of UN member states recognizing a Palestinian state to 146.

In the past months, several other European countries indicated a plan to recognize a Palestinian state, saying the move is essential for lasting peace in the region.

The planned recognition will add pressure on Israel as its bloodiest-ever military campaign in the besieged Gaza Strip is in its eighth month now.

The barbarous regime has massacred at least 39,700 Palestinians, mostly women and children, in Gaza since early October.

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Philippine, Vietnamese coast guards sail together to bolster nautical cooperation

One global security analyst says engaging Beijing could be more effective in settling South China Sea disputes.

By Jason Gutierrez and Jojo Rinoza for BenarNews 2024.08.09 -- The Philippine and Vietnamese coast guards sailed together for the first time in disputed South China Sea waters Friday in an exercise aimed at bolstering cooperation in a sea region where both nations have claims to the waterway.

The drills came seven months after President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. visited Hanoi in January when both countries agreed to enhance collaboration between their coast guard forces and set up a communication hotline to handle maritime incidents.

The sail took place in the West Philippine Sea - waters in the South China Sea within Manila's exclusive economic zone (EEZ).

"In this exercise, we would be able to promote better cooperation and collaboration among the claimants of the South China Sea. Being members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations [ASEAN], it would be good for us to have one direction which is the rules-based approach when it comes to the issue," Lawrence Roque, commanding officer of BRP Gabriela Silang, told reporters onboard.

The drill came at the end of a five-day visit by a 90-meter Vietnamese patrol ship in Manila, which joined the Gabriela Silang, simulated rescues of fishermen in distress along with fire and explosion prevention training.

During the activity, larger ships hosed down a smaller one presumably in distress, while a rubber boat maneuvered nearby.

The scenario was reminiscent of recent developments involving Philippine forces, which have been bombarded by water cannons from Chinese ships during rotation and resupply missions to Manila's outpost in the South China Sea.

Regional tensions

Defense analysts said Friday's drills were meant to demonstrate resolve and cooperation despite regional tensions.

Vietnam, a fellow Southeast Asian country, has been engaged in artificial island-building in areas it claims in the region, though it maintains friendly relations with the Philippines.

Even as the Philippines has experienced maritime wranglings with China, neighbors have been quietly observing on the side despite their own conflicts with the regional super power, analysts said.

"One of the issues in the region has been the lack of open support from coastal states and ASEAN as a grouping, to the Philippines in the face of China's aggression in their EEZ," Jennifer Parker, a defense analyst from the Australian National University's National Security College, told BenarNews on Friday.

She was referring to ASEAN, a 10-nation bloc that includes sea claimants Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines and Vietnam.

"Joint sails are a positive way of demonstrating support - it sends a message that the Philippines isn't alone," said Parker, who has two decades of experience at the Australian Department of Defense.

Parker noted that the Philippines-Vietnam exercise was the latest cooperative activity in the sea region involving Manila.

Earlier this week, the Philippines, United States, Australia and Canada took part in a "multilateral sail" in the South China Sea.

"I don't think in the near-medium term, China will change their position on the nine-dash line; it is too ingrained in their current national identity. However, I do think China can be swayed to reduce the level of aggression by which they try and enforce their claims," Parker said.

The support of regional players such as Australia, and far-flung allies including Canada, on top of the backing by the Philippines' staunchest military ally, the United States, in the face of China's aggression was also crucial, she said.

"Support from Canada and extra-regional actors demonstrates [the maritime dispute] is a global concern, not just a regional one," she said. "This is important to counter China's narrative that it's a regional issue only, which allows China to use its relative military and economic power to the region to coerce coastal states."

International security analyst Rommel Banlaoi said the best way for states was to "engage" China for a peaceful solution to the dispute.

While the joint exercise between Vietnam and the Philippines was an "exemplary practice," there is room to expand it and include Beijing, said Banlaoi, chairman of the Philippine Institute for Peace, Violence and Terrorism Research.

"The war games will irk but will not deter China from its current activities," he told BenarNews on Friday.

"China has better preparation on how to deal with countries ganging up against her. Engagement and not deterrence can influence China's actions as China has already developed a counter-deterrence capability."

Still, he said the "intentions" of joint training should be made clear "that they have no anti-China agenda.

"Otherwise, trainings like this can only provoke China to harden its actions."

The Vietnamese ship's visit to Manila at this time of tensions "might raise eyebrows in Beijing," although unlikely to cause any problems, said Nguyen Khac Giang, a visiting fellow with ISEAS-Yusof Ishak University in Singapore.

He noted that Vietnam has made similar visits to China in the past, and coorganized drills and patrols with the China Coast Guard.

"There is no reason for them to react in this case," he said.

The Chinese Embassy in Manila did not immediately respond to BenarNews requests for comment.

RFA staff contributed to this report by BenarNews, an RFA-affiliated online news organization.

Copyright 1998-2024, RFA. Used with the permission of Radio Free Asia, 2025 M St. NW, Suite 300, Washington DC 20036. For any commercial use of RFA content please send an email to: mahajanr@rfa.org. RFA content August not be used in a manner which would give the appearance of any endorsement of any product or support of any issue or political position. Please read the full text of our Terms of Use.

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Jailed Cambodian opposition leader's final appeal denied

Thach Setha was jailed in the lead-up to last year's national election, from which his party was excluded.

By RFA Khmer 2024.08.09 -- Cambodia's Supreme Court on Friday upheld a three-year prison sentence handed down last year to Thach Setha, a senior leader of the country's embattled opposition, for "inciting" social chaos.

The longtime opposition figure was in October sentenced to prison on charges of discrimination and incitement for remarks about the Cambodia-Vietnam Friendship Monument and the January 7 holiday, which marks Vietnam's 1979 overthrow of the Pol Pot regime.

Thach Setha was filmed meeting with Cambodian workers in South Korea and discussing Vietnam's 1979 invasion of Cambodia, which replaced the Khmer Rouge with a new communist regime that later became the currently ruling Cambodian People's Party, or CPP.

Following the Supreme Court's upholding of the sentence Friday, Thach Setha's wife, Thach Sokborany, told reporters her husband had done nothing except exercise his right to freedom of expression.

"The court officials sleep comfortably under the air conditioner, their children go to good schools, so I ask why do they not pity us?" Thach Sokborany said. "Are they happy? I am in so much pain every day."

Thach Setha also had a heart condition and high blood pressure, she added, and was not getting adequate care in an overcrowded prison.

'Intimidation' of opposition activists

Thach Setha was already in prison when his three-year sentence was handed down in October, having previously been sentenced to 18 months behind bars in January 2023 for writing bad checks - a charge his lawyer argued lacked evidence and was politically motivated.

But an appeal against that verdict was denied in May this year.

Thach Setha's arrest came in the lead-up to the July 2023 national election, from which his Candlelight Party was excluded on dubious administrative grounds. It marked the second successive national election in Cambodia without an independent opposition party.

The septuagenarian had served as the Candlelight Party's vice president, and its exclusion allowed the CPP to win nearly all the seats in the National Assembly. Prime Minister Hun Sen then handed over power to his son, Hun Manet, in the month following the vote.

Repression of the Candlelight Party has continued under Hun Manet's government, though, with three party activists reportedly arrested Thursday in Takeo, Kampong Cham and Battambang provinces.

A party statement urged authorities to release the activists and to stop "intimidating" others, noting a recent campaign of harassment.

At least one of the activists was arrested for incitement to commit crimes, according to a statement from the Phnom Penh Municipal Court, but a court spokesman could not be reached for comment.

Translated by Yun Samean. Edited by Alex Willemyns.

Copyright 1998-2024, RFA. Used with the permission of Radio Free Asia, 2025 M St. NW, Suite 300, Washington DC 20036. For any commercial use of RFA content please send an email to: mahajanr@rfa.org. RFA content August not be used in a manner which would give the appearance of any endorsement of any product or support of any issue or political position. Please read the full text of our Terms of Use.

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As the age at which young people view pornography for the first time continues to fall, a psychologist is reporting a concerning increase in violent adult films.

Australian youth are accessing porn for the first time at ages younger than ever before, studies have revealed. Source: Supplied/Getty

As the age at which children view pornography for the first time continues to fall, and internet content becomes "much more readily available", one of the country's leading psychologists is reporting an alarming rise in violent adult films.

Consensual or not, aggressive pornography is not conducive to healthy connections, Swinburne University psychologist Dr Simone Buzwell told Yahoo News Australia. "There has also been a scary increase in violent pornography," she warns.

Buzwell said as young people are exposed to it more frequently, they might find it difficult to understand "what is truly beneficial in a relationship", particularly when it comes to topics such as pleasure. Her sentiment comes after NSW this week announced a parliamentary inquiry into the impacts of pornography on young people.

Studies have shown children are accessing adult content online at extremely young ages, often during primary school, and sometimes that means being exposed to violence, including scenes that incorporate choking. Buzwell warns not only could this exposure potentially one day be physically harmful to the viewer's sexual partner, it perpetuates damaging attitudes toward sex in general.

Sydney escort Katija Cortez this month told news.com.au about being chocked in bed without her consent and how common it has become.

"When I was younger, a lot of guys had started doing it, which I think definitely came from seeing it in porn. Choking during porn is very, very common and is becoming increasingly more common," she said.

Sydney escort Katija Cortez says she was young when she was first choked during sex. Source: Instagram

According to the Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health, of the 1529-year-olds surveyed, 100 per cent of boys and young men, and 82 per cent of girls and young women reported ever viewing pornography. The median age for first exposure to porn was 13 years for boys and 16 for girls, a recent study revealed.

Buzzwell says this comes as no surprise. She explained that while the data "is rubbery at best", possibly due to people feeling "too shy" to respond truthfully to surveys, it "does appear that young people are accessing porn earlier and earlier because it's just so available".

"At the moment, because porn is so accessible to young people, it's shaping the sexual scripts [guidelines] for appropriate sexual behaviour and sexual encounters about what they think is normal in the sexual domain," she told Yahoo.

Unhealthy relationships with pornography can lead to misunderstandings of sexual pleasure, experts say. Source: Getty

Pornography is not conducive to healthy relationships, expert says

"So unfortunately, much of the pornography that's available to young people is not healthy. There seems to be lots of violence involved lately. Choking seems to be very popular at the moment. There's often not much of a discussion about consent as well.

"None of these factors make it a healthy situation for people trying to establish intimate relationships."

Buzzwell said pornography in general is "so male focussed" which is another, major issue for young people because it shows a "very one-sided" perspective.

"Particularly for people that are in heterosexual relationships or relationships with women, because then their pleasure or what's enjoyable to them is not considered," she explained, adding that violent content stands to "normalise" domestic violence against women.

"That's the really problematic thing. They often call it the slippery slope.

"That then can go further into more violent activities, but even consensual  and it doesn't seem to be consensual most of the time  even if it is said to be consensual. I don't think people understand the damage it can cause momentarily. Choking can lead to the increased likelihood of strokes later on in life."

Nation needs 'more funding' into impacts of porn

Buzzwell said Australia must fund more research into sexual trends and behaviours, and in particular when it comes to young people. "Because we just don't know enough  and the research in the areas often could be constructed better than it is, because it's hard to get people to talk about sex  so you don't know how they're responding to the surveys," she said.

"The people that respond, are the ones that are more open about sex. So we need to have funding so we can do larger studies to have a better view of what people are actually really thinking and doing."

When it comes to young people, "they'll come up with all sorts of reasons to access porn" and just think what they see is normal, but "it's unfortunately not".

NSW launches parliamentary inquiry

Meanwhile, NSW is set to analyse the production and distribution of deepfake and AI-generated content, and will cover what NSW Women's Safety Commissioner Dr Hannah Tonkin described as the circulation of extreme forms of violent pornography and how Australian youth access and view it.

The inquiry will be the first at a state level following federal probes into age verification for online pornography and gambling. Restrictions on access will be examined to consider ways of improving them.

The state's Attorney-General Michael Daley said the inquiry would investigate the impact online pornography has on young people. "A generation of young men are growing up with unprecedented access to the online world and this includes early and easy access to pornography, with harmful depictions of the treatment of women," he said.

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Iran And Russia See Africa As A Land Of Opportunity

By Michael Scollon August 09, 2024

Russia and Iran have both seen their international standing diminish in recent years. And as each seeks a way to boost their military and diplomatic influence, Africa looks like a land of opportunity.

There are no signs that Moscow and Tehran, whose bilateral ties have become closer as they each try to counter punitive international sanctions, are working in lockstep in Africa.

But their aims in the continent often align, and experts say the two are each attempting to capitalize on similar situations, including political instability, war, and apathy toward the influence of Western powers.

"Both Iran and Russia, what they see in Africa is an opportunity to break their diplomatic isolation," said Cameron Hudson, fellow at the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington. "They have been isolated by the West, financially, politically -- essentially branded as pariah states. And so, in Africa, they see 54 opportunities to break that status."

Russia and Iran have stepped up their engagement with African states, some of which are wary of the West and open to finding alternative trade and investment partners. Tehran and Moscow are notably active in places of conflict, such as West Africa and the Sahel, where juntas have made clear that Western forces are not welcome.

Hudson said Moscow's and Tehran's involvement in Africa also has the "ancillary benefit of thumbing their nose" at the Western states behind the crippling international sanctions imposed on them.

The sanctions -- imposed over Russia's war in Ukraine and Iran's controversial nuclear program, among other things -- have effectively cut both Russia and Iran off from the global financial system and harmed their lucrative trade in arms and oil.

New Avenues

By opening new avenues of trade and influence in Africa, Moscow and Tehran can show that the attempts to isolate and punish them "is only marginally successful, and that they can build coalitions of states who support their interests," Hudson said.

The two countries see Africa as "a battleground where they can supplant the West and better position themselves economically, politically, and even militarily for prolonged tension with the West," said Liam Karr, an analyst with the American Enterprise Institute's Critical Threats Project.

Karr noted that Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger -- former French colonies in the central Sahel where anti-Western military juntas have taken power -- "have increased cooperation with Iran and Russia as they distanced themselves from France."

The situation has already led to the expulsion of French troops from Niger and Mali. U.S. forces battling Islamist insurgents in the region have withdrawn from Niger's capital, Niamey, and will completely leave the country by September.

The rapidly changing landscape has led to some uncomfortable situations, such as when Russian troops backing Niger's junta were deployed in May to an air base housing U.S. soldiers.

Both Iran and Russia "use military engagement to 'get their foot in the door' with unstable or other isolated countries to pursue greater economic and political cooperation," Karr explained. Such military engagement, he added, also "allows them to use limited resources to threaten critical waterways, such as the Mediterranean and the Red Sea."

'Opportunity In Chaos'

Moscow's influence is marked by high-level political engagement, business dealings including arms sales, and the ubiquitous presence of pro-Kremlin mercenaries in conflict areas.

"Russia finds opportunity in chaos. And so, when there is political instability in a country, when there is a kind of organic rejection of the West, which we have seen in a lot of states in Africa that view the West as a kind of neocolonial actor, then that creates openings and opportunities for Russia to come in with its narrative," Hudson said.

Russia's military footprint is also the most hazardous, as evidenced by the deaths of scores of Russian Wagner mercenaries in fighting against Tuareg separatists linked to the Al-Qaeda terrorist network in Mali last month.

Iran is playing catch-up to its Russian ally, working to expand its influence on the continent through trade ties, arms sales, and the use of proxies and militant partners as part of its "axis of resistance" against Israel and the West in general.

In West Africa, Iran has reached out to the trio of juntas in Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger. In Nigeria, Tehran has established a proxy group called the Islamic Movement of Nigeria, which functions like other proxies and partners.

Tehran has also used proxies to make its presence felt across the Sahel to the Horn of Africa, allowing it to put more pressure on regional adversaries, primarily Israel.

'Aligned Interests'

Iran's and Russia's interest in Africa sometimes overlaps, as is the case in Niger and in Sudan, where both are playing a role in the yearlong civil war between the Sudanese military and rebel forces.

"Sudan is a clear area where they both have military interests. Iran and Russia have both offered military support to the Sudanese Armed Forces hoping to secure a military base on Sudan's Red Sea coast that would enable them to improve their military posture in the area vis-a-vis the West," Karr said. "Iran has offered drones, whereas Russia has offered 'unrestricted qualitative military aid.'"

Juntas that have taken power in Mali and Niger, meanwhile, are looking to Moscow and Tehran to fortify their positions.

"They certainly lack legitimacy in the West and among international institutions, and so building relations to Iran or to Russia helps them build legitimacy, because all of a sudden they look like state actors," Hudson said. "They look like they're doing the trade and diplomacy that a legitimate government would do."

Both Karr and Hudson say there are no clear signs that Russia and Iran are coordinating their strategies in Africa.

Karr said that "similar aims and methods mean that most of their efforts mutually reinforce each other," while Hudson noted "a set of aligned interests, but not interests that are being explicitly coordinated."

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/iran-russia-africa-sanctions- west/33070446.html

Copyright (c) 2024. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036.

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Today's Autocracies Are Networked In Efforts To Erode Democracy, Says Author Anne Applebaum

By Robert Coalson August 09, 2024

Autocracies around the world have become increasingly mutually reinforcing in their competition with democratic societies, Pulitzer Prize winning U.S. journalist and historian Anne Applebaum said in an interview with Current Time.

"Russia, China, Iran, North Korea, Venezuela, and Zimbabwe, Azerbaijan, and Angola don't have a common ideology," Applebaum said. "But they have places where they can cooperate and common interests. And some of their interests are financial."

"The Chinese invest in autocratic regimes all over the world and help prop them up," she added. "The Russians do the same.... They offer mercenaries to dictators in Africa who are in trouble. They look for areas where they have something in common and where they can help one another."

"They don't need a common ideology to do that," Applebaum said.

In her new book, Autocracy, Inc.: The Dictators Who Want To Rule The World, Applebaum writes that such governments are undergirded by "sophisticated networks composed of kleptocratic financial structures, surveillance technologies, and professional propagandists, all of which cooperate across multiple regimes," the book argues, according to the author's website.

Applebaum told Current Time this is a fundamental difference from the geopolitical situation in the 20th century, "when there was a thing called the communist bloc and they all used the same language...and they even had very similar political and social systems."

Despite the lack of a centralizing ideology, the world's autocracies share a "common enemy," she noted.

"The common enemy is...anybody who lives in the democratic world and anybody who uses the language of democracy...of human rights, transparency, accountability, the rule of law, justice," Applebaum said. "That language is threatening to them and, of course, it is most threatening to them when it comes from their own opposition movements and their own internal critics and...dissidents."

In addition, freed from ideology, modern authoritarian regimes have much greater scope to influence political and social developments in open societies.

"Authoritarian propaganda can now reach people in the United States in a way that communist propaganda could not," Applebaum said. "The money that autocratic states have gives them a kind of power that, again, the Soviet Union never had, whether it's to invest as investors, whether it's to buy influence among politicians or...the business community, whether its even in the form of dark money to fund political campaigns."

"All those things give them more tools to influence the internal debates and political conversations of democracies, as well as their economies, than they used to have," she added.

Media outlets like the Kremlin's RT network, Applebaum added, "turned out to be good at...crafting an authoritarian narrative that described autocracies as safe and secure and stable, and democracies as divided, chaotic, and degenerate."

"And some version of that, in millions of forms, is now available on the Internet," she said. "And that...chimed with a part of the American political spectrum that is...feeling disgruntled, that doesn't like social change, demographic change, economic change, and political change over the last couple of decades and is seeking to reverse it."

Authoritarian regimes did not cause the "backlash against democracy" in the United States and other democratic countries, "but they helped give it language," she said. "They make existing divisions deeper."

Nonetheless, these regimes understand that democratic values and language remain in demand. In Venezuela, for instance, people have taken to the streets to call for transparency, justice, and the rule of law despite the country's "really ugly dictatorship."

"People want to live in a society where there's rule of law, where judges are real judges," Applebaum told Current Time, a Russian-language TV and digital network run by RFE/RL. "I think you can see this in a lot of places. It's about the innate appeal of the idea of living in a more fair society where citizens have some influence."

"I think this one of the reasons why the autocratic world has, if you will, rearmed itself or has girded itself against the democratic world in a much more dramatic way than it did two decades ago," Applebaum said.

Written by RFE/RL's Robert Coalson based on reporting by Current Time correspondent Ksenia Sokolyanskaya.

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/applebaum-autocracy-democracy- values-corruption-propaganda/33070743.html

Copyright (c) 2024. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036.

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Azerbaijani Opposition Leader Faces Criminal Charges

By RFE/RL's Azerbaijani Service August 09, 2024

BAKU -- The chairman of the opposition Popular Front Party of Azerbaijan (AXCP), Ali Karimli, said on August 9 that a criminal case had been filed against him on charges of slander and insult, which he called "a falsification" by the authorities.

Karimli added that he was summoned to a Baku court, which will hold a preliminary hearing in the case on August 13.

He said later that the case was based on a lawsuit filed by Aydin Aliyev, who was expelled from the AXCP in 2019, but had his membership restored by a court decision.

Karimli told journalists that he expected that the authorities will try to trump up some charges against him amid an ongoing crackdown on dissent.

"Twelve members of the AXCP are currently serving prison terms. Following our party's last congress (in June 2023), the authorities have intensified pressure against our party.... The same person [Aydin Aliyev] filed another lawsuit earlier that may lead to the AXCP's being shut down. And now, the same plaintiff targets me, filing a lawsuit against me," Karimli said.

Karimli has been under pressure from authorities for decades. In 1994 he had to fight a charge of illegally possessing explosives. Since 2006 he has been unable to travel internationally, as the authorities have refused to issue him a passport.

Also on August 9, political analyst Sahin Cafarli said he was officially banned from leaving the country over his links to the Toplum TV channel.

In March, nine staff members at Toplum TV and its affiliated Democratic Initiatives Institute were charged with smuggling foreign currency. Seven of them were arrested and two were placed under police supervision.

Cafarli, who used to work as a presenter at Toplum TV, has been summoned for police questioning several times since the arrests.

All nine suspects reject the charges, while human rights groups have recognized them as political prisoners and demanded that the authorities release them immediately and drop all charges.

Azerbaijani officials have insisted that there are no political prisoners in the tightly controlled country.

The president of the oil-rich South Caucasus state, Ilham Aliyev, has ruled with an iron fist since 2003 after taking over from his father, Heydar, who was president for a decade.

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/azerbaijani-opposition-leader- ali-karimli-charge-slander-insult/33072324.html

Copyright (c) 2024. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036.

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Israel Reports Another Hamas Commander Killed in Lebanon Amid Escalating Tensions

Sputnik News

20240809

MOSCOW (Sputnik) - An Israeli drone struck a car at the entrance to the Palestinian camp of Ain Al-Hilweh near the city of Sidon in southern Lebanon, killing one of the commanders of the Hamas movement, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said on Friday.

Earlier in the day, a source told Sputnik that the Hamas commander was killed in the Israeli strike.

"A short while ago ... IAF aircraft struck in the area of Sidon in Lebanon, and eliminated the terrorist Samer Mahmoud al-Haj, a senior commander in the Hamas terrorist organization in Lebanon, who was responsible for advancing terror attacks and projectile launches from Lebanon toward Israeli territory," the IDF said in a joint statement with the Israel Securities Authority (ISA).

Israel carried out dual assassinations last week of leaders of the Lebanese Shiite movement Hezbollah and the Palestinian movement Hamas in Beirut and Tehran, respectively. Iran and Hezbollah are expected to launch retaliatory attacks on Israel.

NBC News reported, citing an unnamed Israeli official, that the Jewish state was preparing for a potential prolonged attack by both Hamas and Hezbollah, keen to avenge the deaths of their leaders.

The situation on the Israeli-Lebanese border escalated after Israel started hostilities in Gaza in October 2023. The Israel Defense Forces and Hezbollah fighters conduct attacks almost daily on each other's positions in areas along the border.

 Sputnik

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Israel Launches 'Above, Below-Ground' Operation in Gaza's Khan Yunis

Sputnik News

20240809

MOSCOW (Sputnik) - The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced on Friday that it had launched an operation in the area of the southern Gaza city of Khan Yunis in an effort to degrade Hamas' capabilities across the Gaza Strip.

On Thursday, the IDF ordered an urgent evacuation from the eastern areas of Khan Yunis. The military said that the measure was provoked by a rocket launch from the city.

"Following intelligence indicating the presence of terrorists and terror infrastructure in the area of Khan Yunis in southern Gaza, and as part of the effort to degrade the terror organizations' capabilities throughout the Gaza Strip as they attempt to regroup, the IDF's 98th Division began operational activity in the Khan Yunis area," the IDF said on Telegram.

The operation will proceed "both above and below ground" in order to eliminate Hamas fighters and locate their weaponry and infrastructure.

"Alongside the operational activity, the IAF [Israeli air force] struck more than 30 Hamas terror targets in Khan Yunis including weapons storage facilities and terrorist gathering areas. Furthermore, a number of terrorists, including terrorists at the tactical level who planned and carried out mortar and sniper fire attacks toward IDF troops and the State of Israel, were eliminated in the strikes," the Israeli military added.

On October 7, 2023, Israel was subjected to an unprecedented rocket attack from the Gaza Strip. After that, Hamas fighters penetrated the border areas, opening fire on military and civilians and taking more than 200 people hostage. According to Israeli authorities, about 1,200 people were killed in the raid.

The IDF launched Operation Iron Swords in the Gaza Strip, which included strikes on civilian targets. Israel announced a complete blockade of the enclave, cutting off supplies of water, electricity, fuel, food and medicine. The death toll from Israeli strikes on the Gaza Strip since October 7 has reached almost 39,700, with more than 91,700 injured.

 Sputnik

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Secretary Blinken's Call with Jordanian Foreign Minister Safadi

US Department of State

Readout

Office of the Spokesperson

August 9, 2024

The below is attributable to Spokesperson Matthew Miller:

Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken spoke today with Jordan's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates Ayman Safadi. They discussed efforts to calm tensions in the region and prevent further escalation of the conflict. The Secretary and Foreign Minister Safadi discussed the joint statement by the United States, Egypt, and Qatar which called for an immediate ceasefire to provide relief to both Palestinians in Gaza and the hostages and their families. The Secretary stressed the urgent need to conclude the ceasefire deal and emphasized that no party in the region should take actions that would jeopardize a ceasefire being reached. Secretary Blinken reiterated thanks for Jordan's leadership providing life-saving humanitarian aid to Palestinian civilians and promoting regional peace and security.

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Foreign Secretary David Lammy gave a statement on Qatar, Egypt and US calling for an immediate resumption of ceasefire negotiations between Israel and Hamas.

9 August 2024

The Foreign Secretary, David Lammy, said:

The UK welcomes the tireless efforts of our partners in Qatar, Egypt and the United States, and fully endorses their joint statement calling for the immediate resumption of ceasefire negotiations and a hostage release deal between Israel and Hamas.

This government has prioritised working to end this conflict and secure the safe release of hostages, in co-ordination with international partners, since day one.

We agree with our partners: there can be no more delays, the fighting must stop now, and all hostages still cruelly detained by Hamas must be released. We also need to see the urgent delivery of unfettered aid into Gaza.

A deal is on the table, and it is in the long-term interests of the Israelis, Palestinians and all relevant parties to agree to it urgently and bring this devastating conflict to an end.

We also cannot risk an escalation of tensions between Israel and Lebanese Hizballah. UN Security Council Resolution 1701 must be implemented in full.
Geneva Palais briefing note: Unrelenting war in Gaza continues to inflict horrors on children

UNICEF

This is a summary of what was said by UNICEF Communication Officer Salim Oweis - to whom quoted text may be attributed - at today's press briefing at the Palais des Nations in Geneva

09 August 2024

AMMAN/GENEVA, 9 August 2024 -- "The unrelenting war in Gaza continues to inflict horrors on thousands of children, keeping far too many separated from their loved ones. On Saturday, I met 8-month-old Yahya. Four days and several attempts later, after a long and dangerous drive together, through military checkpoints to the North of the Gaza Strip, Yahya met his father, Zakaria, for the first time.

"Little Yahya was born at Kamal Adwan Hospital on 27 November 2023. The boy was born prematurely and was transferred to Shifaa Hospital for neo-natal medical care. Shortly after, a military operation took place around Shifaa Hospital, and he was evacuated to Al-Aqsa Hospital in Deir al-Balah - the middle of the Gaza Strip. But his parents were forced to stay in the north.

"Once well, Yahya was eventually placed into temporary care and kept safe with the support of UNICEF and partners, who managed to stay in touch with his family. Finally, the time came to reunite him with his mother and father, who had to endure months of uncertainty and fear before being able to hold him in their hands.

"The successful mission included seven children from four families and was a rare moment of joy in an otherwise bleak environment. But it wasn't without its complexities. Our mission has been denied access three times before, despite pre-coordination and initial approvals. Just two weeks earlier, another UNICEF car on a reunification mission was hit by three bullets, while waiting at a holding point on its way to the north. But our small win - seeing Zakaria cry with joy and relief - is why we persist despite the many challenges.

"I was shocked by the depth of suffering, destruction and widespread displacement in Gaza. The footage the world sees on television gives an important peek into the living hell people are enduring for over 10 months. What it does not fully show is how behind the crumbled buildings - whole neighbourhoods, livelihoods and dreams have been levelled to the ground.

"When you see an image of a displaced mother carrying her child and all their possessions on her back, you do not see hundreds of uprooted people following her up the road.

"One lost child, like Yahya, is really the story of thousands.

"The life of a child in Gaza, in month ten of this conflict, is not a life. We cannot say it enough - there is no safe place, and everything is running out - food, water, fuel, medicines. Everything.

"When you walk through the mazes of makeshift shelters, you struggle to climb the sand they lay on and you smell the strong odour of sewage filling the paths around. You are struck by the many children hovering around asking one question "Mr. when will the war end?"

"Water and waste are a huge problem.

"In Deir al-Balah, where the bulk of displaced people have fled in recent months, the partially functioning sanitation system is estimated to be overloaded by seven times its capacity due to these massive waves of displacement to the area. Consequently, the decades-old sewage network is mostly clogged, and leaking.

"Families urgently asked me for soap and hygiene supplies. They are using water and salt to clean their children or boiling water with lemons to try and treat skin rashes. They tell me doctors don't have the capacity or medicines to treat them, with more serious medical cases arriving every hour and no supplies on the shelves. And so, the rashes spread.

"There is also a serious lack of medicine for children with pre-existing conditions like cancer and congenital ailments.

"At Al-Aqsa Hospital I met 10-year-old Abdel Rahman, who suffered a leg injury during an airstrike. His leg never healed, and after following up with doctors he was diagnosed with bone cancer. His mother Samar said to me with a broken voice: "I wish my child would die and not to be suffering as he is now - can you believe that I wish that now?"

"A child with a disease in the Gaza Strip has been handed a sentence to a slow death because he cannot receive the treatment he needs, and he is unlikely to survive long enough to make it out.

"Their only hope of survival is a ceasefire. The children of Gaza are still clinging to the belief that this day will come, and UNICEF shares this hope. Achieving a ceasefire is still possible, more necessary now than ever and way overdue, and everyone must do everything in their power to advocate for it."

#####



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UN rights chief 'shocked and appalled' by Israeli minister's comment on starving Gazans to death

9 August 2024 - The UN human rights office, OHCHR, called on Friday for the Israeli authorities to monitor senior officials whose public statements on the Gaza conflict may promote war crimes.

OHCHR spokesperson Jeremy Laurence said UN Human Rights High Commissioner Volker Turk "is shocked and appalled" by comments made by Israeli finance minister Bezalel Smotrich, who suggested that letting two million Palestinians in Gaza starve to death could be "justified and moral" in order to free hostages.

The High Commissioner condemned these words in the strongest terms, which also incite hatred against innocent civilians.

Risk of incitement

Mr. Laurence explained that the starvation of civilians as a method of warfare and the collective punishment of the Palestinian population are both war crimes.

"This direct and public statement risks inciting other atrocity crimes," he said. "Such statements, especially by public officials, must cease immediately. They must be investigated and if found to amount to a crime, must be prosecuted and punished."

Mr. Laurence also reiterated OHCHR's long-standing appeal for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, the release of all hostages and increased humanitarian aid flows into the enclave.

"This is an immediate call to the Israeli authorities that it is their responsibility to monitor this behaviour," he said. "Beyond that, let's take it one step at a time. That is the first stage. It is the Israelis' responsibility."

'Exodus' from Khan Younis

Meanwhile, the effects of the latest evacuation order in Gaza are already "very visible", a senior communications officer with the UN agency that assists Palestine refugees, UNRWA, said on Friday.

Louise Wateridge spoke to UN News a day after the Israeli military issued the directive, forcing thousands to flee eastern and central Khan Younis and the Al Salqa area of Deir Al-Balah.

Ms. Wateridge was in Khan Younis on Thursday afternoon and witnessed hundreds of families heading west in temperatures that surpassed 30 degrees Celsius (86 degrees Fahrenheit).

"The scenes were horrific," she said. "It's like an exodus of these people once again. They're carrying whatever they can. They don't appear to have many belongings left. We saw less vehicles with families and it was mostly people on foot."

Polio vaccine campaign

Ms. Wateridge also addressed plans to vaccinate more than half a million children in Gaza against polio following the discovery of the disease in sewage samples last month.

UNRWA, together with the UN Children's Fund (UNICEF) and the Gaza Ministry of Health are set to launch two rounds of inoculations in the coming days.

"This campaign, of course, would be much easier to facilitate and much quicker to facilitate with a ceasefire," she said.

"We have been calling for a ceasefire for several months. It will deeply benefit any kind of humanitarian response in the Gaza Strip, including the vaccination response to polio."

She underlined UNRWA's deep commitment to lead the vaccination campaigns on the ground, highlighting the agency's role as the largest organization in the Gaza Strip.

No safe space for children

Separately, UNICEF continues to highlight the dire situation of children in Gaza whose "only hope of survival is a ceasefire", communications officer Salim Oweis told journalists in Geneva on Friday.

"The life of a child in Gaza, in month 10 of this conflict, is not a life. We cannot say it enough - there is no safe place, and everything is running out - food, water, fuel, medicines. Everything," he said, speaking from Amman, Jordan.

Mr. Oweis was recently in Gaza, where he was "shocked by the depth of suffering, destruction and widespread displacement".

Sanitation system overburdened

He spoke of walking through "mazes of makeshift shelters" where "you struggle to climb the sand they lay on and you smell the strong odour of sewage filling the paths around."

Water and waste are a huge problem, he said, referring to the situation in Deir Al-Balah, where most displaced people have fled in recent months.

The partially functioning sanitation system there is estimated to be overloaded by seven times its capacity, meaning that the decades old sewage network is mostly clogged and leaking.

Lack of medicines

"Families urgently asked me for soap and hygiene supplies. They are using water and salt to clean their children or boiling water with lemons to try and treat skin rashes," Mr. Oweis said.

"They tell me doctors do not have the capacity or medicines to treat them, with more serious medical cases arriving every hour and no supplies on the shelves. And so, the rashes spread."

He pointed to the serious dearth of medicines for children with cancer, congenital ailments and other pre-existing conditions.

While at Al-Aqsa hospital, Mr. Oweis met a 10-year-old boy called Abdel Rahman, whose leg was injured in an airstrike and never healed. He was later diagnosed with bone cancer.

The boy's mother, Samar, told him that she wished her son would die and not be suffering - something she could not believe that she would wish for.

Slow death sentence

"A child with a disease in the Gaza Strip has been handed a sentence to a slow death because he cannot receive the treatment he needs, and he is unlikely to survive long enough to make it out," said Mr. Oweis.

"Their only hope of survival is a ceasefire. The children of Gaza are still clinging to the belief that this day will come, and UNICEF shares this hope."

He insisted that "achieving a ceasefire is still possible, more necessary now than ever and way overdue, and everyone must do everything in their power to advocate for it.

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Sudan's displaced millions face escalating hardship amid war and floods

By Vibhu Mishra

9 August 2024 - Millions of displaced people in Sudan, already suffering from the devastating impact of a nearly 16-month-long war, are now grappling with worsening conditions due to heavy seasonal rains and flooding, the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) said on Friday.

The conflict, which erupted last April between rival militaries - the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), has left over 12 million people displaced, both within Sudan and across its borders.

"Heavy rains and flooding have already impacted tens of thousands of people across Sudan, causing further displacement, injuries and deaths," UNHCR spokesperson Olga Sarrado told journalists at a regular press briefing at the UN Office at Geneva (UNOG).

In the past two weeks, refugees in eastern Kassala province have been impacted by severe floods, including many families who recently arrived after fleeing violence in Sennar state and who were sheltering in five gathering sites and reception centres.

Displaced multiple times

Ms. Sarrado informed the press that the displaced have been forced to move three or four times since the start of the conflict.

"They have lost their belongings, including food rations, and are facing significant challenges in accessing clean water and sanitation facilities, increasing the risk of waterborne diseases," she said.

"[We] and our partners are on the ground making every effort to assist the most vulnerable. Together with state authorities, new land has been identified where tents are being set up to accommodate the affected families," she added.

Children most at risk

Children, meanwhile, continue to remain most at risk. On top of the prevailing insecurity and multiple displacements, their futures are also at risk.

According to the UN Children's Fund (UNICEF), 18 million children in Sudan are out of schools.

Sheldon Yett, incoming Representative for Sudan at UNICEF, spoke with UN News from Port Sudan, stressing that classes, even if remote, are vital.

"It provides a location, a sense of normalcy for children, a place for them to meet with their friends, their peers, to feel at home. It is crucial that we get schools up and running, that we get them open, that schools are actually used for education, not for displaced centres, but for places for students for learning. And we have more work to do on that," he said.

"This is the largest displacement crisis in the world right now. Many schools are hosting displaced populations. We need to ensure those schools are reopened for children."

Flooding situation

According to UNHCR, the situation is particularly dire in Shagarab refugee camp, where more than 400 shelters have been destroyed, leaving an already vulnerable population in even greater distress.

As the rains continue, the agency's teams are bracing for further impacts in other states, including Gedaref, White Nile, and Blue Nile, prepositioning key relief items and shelter kits, cleaning drainage systems and building dikes to protect.

However, in the war-torn Darfur region, flooding is severely hindering the ability of aid agencies to reach those in need, exacerbating an already catastrophic humanitarian situation.

Decimated livelihoods

The conflict in Sudan has decimated crops and livelihoods, with the climate crisis further endangering the displaced population. Flooded land has rendered farming impossible, intensifying hunger in regions already plagued by drought and violence.

Considering the escalating crisis, UNHCR launched a regional floods appeal for nearly $40 million to assist and protect 5.6 million refugees, returnees, internally displaced persons (IDPs) and local communities across East Africa, including in Sudan.

So far, however, only $5 million of the needed funds have been secured.

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A Taiwanese passenger on Norwegian cruise liner has died after reportedly falling overboard, with the chilling moment captured on camera.

WARNING - DISTRESSING CONTENT: A passenger has died after falling overboard from a cruise ship, with the horrifying moment captured on camera. A tourist inadvertently recorded the moment the man plummeted from an upper floor of the Norwegian Spirit cruise liner.

The haunting image shows a couple looking out to sea with a young child as the victim flashes past in front of them. The man plunged into the ocean at around 11am on August 8.

The cruise liner departed from Keelung Port in Taiwan on Sunday for a six-day trip to Nagasaki in Japan and South Koreas Jeju Island. It was making its way back to Taiwan, where it docked yesterday, when the passenger reportedly fell overboard.

A photo from on board the ship shows the moment captures on a passenger's Sony camera.

Rescue boats successfully retrieved the man's body from the ocean. Source: Jam Press

One eyewitness said: We were sightseeing on the deck at that time, just looking at the sea, and then we heard a huge noise. Then everyone looked towards us and someone realised that a passenger had fallen into the sea.

The cruise was stopped for nearly 40 minutes while staff activated safety protocols, launched search boats, and informed the maritime authorities.

The mans dead body was found in the water shortly afterwards.

The victim was a 30-year-old man surnamed Li who lived in Taoyuan, Taiwan. He boarded the ship with his brother four days before the tragedy.

His body was reportedly stored in a freezer until the ship docked at Keelung Port. Investigators then boarded the vessel to preserve any relevant evidence and to begin trying to establish how the man fell overboard.

The investigation is ongoing.

Jam Press

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World News in Brief: Ukraine attacks condemned, new cybercrime treaty, 'alarmingly high' executions in Iran

9 August 2024 - The outgoing UN senior humanitarian official in Ukraine condemned a deadly Russian attack on Friday that killed and injured dozens in the eastern town of Kostiantynivka, in the Donetsk region.

"Civilians pay the highest price in this war," Denise Brown said in statement. "We must not allow this to be normalized. International humanitarian law must be respected, and civilians and civilian infrastructure must be protected at all times."

According to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), increasing attacks in the Donetsk and Sumy regions over the past two days killed and injured many civilians and damaged infrastructure.

The attacks also heightened the needs of about 60,000 people in vulnerable communities, and mass casualties have affected people in the towns of Myrnohrad, Pokrovsk and Toretsk.

OCHA said aid workers continue to provide food, hygiene supplies, school materials, cash assistance, and legal and psychological support to affected civilians in the Donetsk region.

Developments in Russia

Meanwhile, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) ia monitoring reported military activities taking place in the vicinity of the Kursk Nuclear Power Plant in Russia.

Ukrainian troops launched an incursion into the Kursk region, international media reported this week.

IAEA Director-General Rafael Mariano Grossi reminded all parties of the seven indispensable pillars to ensure nuclear safety and security during an armed conflict.

He called on all sides "to exercise maximum restraint in order to avoid a nuclear accident with the potential for serious radiological consequences."

Finalization of new cybercrime treaty 'a landmark step'

UN Member States have finalised a new treaty targeting cybercrime, the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) reported on Friday.

After three years of work, the committee established by the UN General Assembly to negotiate the convention agreed on a draft text on Thursday.

The draft convention is expected to be adopted by the General Assembly later this year, thus becoming the first global legally binding instrument on cybercrime.

"The finalisation of this convention is a landmark step as the first multilateral anti-crime treaty in over 20 years and the first UN Convention against Cybercrime at a time when threats in cyberspace are growing rapidly," said UNODC Executive Director Ghada Waly.

Safeguarding digital spaces

The achievement represents the culmination of a five-year effort by Member States, with the input of civil society, academic institutions and the private sector.

UNODC served as the substantive secretariat for the negotiations.

"We will continue to play a central role in assisting in the implementation and ratification of the convention, once adopted by the General Assembly, as well as providing technical assistance to Member States as we work with all countries and partners to safeguard digital spaces," Ms. Waly said.

According to the draft convention, technology has created opportunities for a greater scale, speed and scope of crimes, from terrorism to drug trafficking to trafficking in persons, migrant smuggling, firearms trafficking and more.

It provides tools that will enhance international cooperation, law enforcement efforts, technical assistance and capacity building relating to cybercrime.

Human rights alarm over executions in Iran

The UN human rights office, OHCHR, voiced deep concern on Friday over reports that Iranian authorities executed at least 29 people across the country in the space of two days this week.

The Office verified that 38 people were executed in July, bringing the reported number of executions to at least 345 this year, among them 15 women, according to OHCHR spokesperson Liz Throssell.

"This represents an alarmingly high number of executions in such a short period of time," she said.

Those executed were primarily convicted of drug related offences or murder, she added, noting that nearly half of the executions since the beginning of 2024 were for drug-related offences.

"Imposing the death penalty for offences not involving intentional killing is incompatible with international human rights norms and standards, as we have repeatedly emphasized," she said.

Ms. Throssell also reiterated concerns over the lack of due process and fair trial standards in many of these cases, and that several executions were carried out with neither the prisoner's family nor legal counsel being informed.

"It is time for Iran to join the growing consensus worldwide towards universal abolition, by imposing a moratorium on executions, with a view to ultimately abolishing the death penalty," she stressed.

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UNRWA Situation Report #127 on the situation in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, including East Jerusalem. All information from 2 August- 7 August 2024, is valid as of 7 August 2024 at 22:30

UNRWA

9 Aug 2024

Key Points

The Gaza Strip

Ongoing strikes by Israeli Security Forces (ISF) continue, with aerial, land and maritime bombardment across the Gaza Strip. These result in civilian casualties, displacement of people and the destruction of residential structures and public infrastructure.

Additional evacuation orders continued to be issued during the reporting period, with a new evacuation order on 5 August warning people living in parts of Khan Younis and northern Rafah to immediately move to Al Mawasi. According to the "Site Management Working Group", this latest evacuation order affects 41 displacement sites, 19 water and sanitation facilities, 12 schools and two functional medical points.

According to the UN, up to 1.9 million people (or nine in ten people) across the Gaza Strip are internally displaced, including people who have been repeatedly displaced (some up to 10 times).

Humanitarian Clusters and Technical Working Groups provided an update on current operations and challenges inside Gaza. Several clusters reported ongoing access challenges preventing clusters from delivering humanitarian aid; critical sectors including WASH, shelter and health urgently require an increase in the volume of humanitarian supplies to maintain operations. For example, the WASH cluster notes that the depletion of chlorine reserves, consumed at double the rate before the war, requires the urgent importation of new chlorine supplies, which is used to purify water critical for safe drinking water.

UNOSAT published findings that estimate that 63 per cent of structures in the Gaza Strip are assessed as destroyed or damaged (severely, moderately or possibly). Its latest findings showed an increase in damage and destruction of buildings across Gaza compared to its analysis from May. For example, the governorates of North Gaza and Rafah have experienced the highest increase in damage, with around 17,300 new structures damaged. Following the Israeli military operation in Rafah city (that started on 6 May), the total number of buildings assessed as damaged now stands at 13,237 structures, 76 per cent of which (10,100) have been newly assessed as damaged.

According to WHO and the Health Cluster, following 300 days of war, the health system remains barely functional with 90 hospitals and primary health care centres not functioning. UNRWA remains a major actor in the health sector, providing health services across 10 primary health centres and up to 100 mobile medical points across the Gaza Strip.

As of 7 August, the total number of UNRWA colleagues killed since 7 October is 205 .

. Several challenges stand in the way of collecting much needed humanitarian supplies from the Karem Abu Salem (Kerem Shalom) crossing point in southern Gaza. These include deteriorating law and order, war and insecurity, damaged infrastructure, fuel shortages and access restrictions.

The latest information on supplies entering Gaza can be found below:

The West Bank, including East Jerusalem

The West Bank, including East Jerusalem update is now once a week.

According to OCHA, between 7 October 2023 and 5 August 2024, at least 587 Palestinians were killed. Separately, UNICEF[1] reported that 143 children were killed in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, since 7 October - an average of one child is killed every two days.

Between 29 July and 4 August there were at least 183 recorded ISF search and arrest operations across the West Bank, including East Jerusalem. At least 140 Palestinians, including Palestine Refugees, were detained by the ISF during this period. During this period, there were 15 recorded Palestinians killed, of which nine were killed by ISF drone strikes.

Two ISF drone strikes took place on 3 August: one in A'ttil and one in Bal'a, near Tulkarm in the northern West Bank. The strikes hit Palestinian vehicles. Nine Palestinians were killed in the two strikes. On the same morning, the ISF launched a search operation in Tulkarm Camp and Tulkarm city, with bulldozers damaging infrastructure and property.

A Palestinian child was shot and killed by the ISF on 31 July for allegedly attempting to stab an ISF personnel at Beit E'inun junction, in the southern West Bank. A stabbing attack took place in Holon, south of Tel Aviv, on 4 August, with two Israelis reported killed by a Palestinian alleged assailant. The Palestinian was shot and killed, with another detained.

On 2 August, at least three Palestinians were reportedly detained by ISF in the vicinity of Al Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem, including Sheikh Ekrima Sabri, a prominent religious figures and previously the Mufti of Jerusalem. He was released later the same day. At least five Palestinians including Sheikh Sabri were issued with temporary banning orders by the ISF preventing them from entering the Al Aqsa compound.

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US Air Force reaches price agreement for E-7A rapid prototype program with Boeing

Published Aug. 9, 2024

Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs

ARLINGTON, Va. (AFNS) -- The U.S. Department of the Air Force has successfully negotiated a price agreement with Boeing for the E-7A Wedgetail weapon system rapid prototype program. This paves the way for the delivery of two operationally representative prototype E-7A weapons systems.

The Undefinitized Contract Action has now been definitized, with a total contract value of $2,560,846,860.

"This agreement is a significant win for our warfighters, paving the way for ensuring the Air Force's ability to provide advanced airborne moving target indication in the coming years," said Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Acquisition, Technology, and Logistics Andrew Hunter. "It is also an exemplar of our ability to leverage and support the expertise and investments of our partners and allies to support our common security objectives."

The rapid prototyping program integrates U.S.-based mission systems into existing E-7 airborne platforms to meet DAF requirements while simultaneously ensuring interoperability with coalition partners already operating the E-7.

The E-7A provides advanced airborne battle management and command and control and moving target indication capabilities. Its advanced multi-role electronically scanned array radar will enhance airborne battle management, providing improved situational awareness and enabling long-range kill chains with potential peer adversaries.

Until the E-7A is fielded, the DAF will continue relying on the E-3 AWACS, as ongoing E-3 modernization efforts meet the 2022 National Defense Strategy intent. The E-3 will continue worldwide BMC2/AMTI operations as required by the DAF and the Department of Defense.

The E-7A rapid prototyping program will inform a planned production decision in FY26. The two operationally representative prototype aircraft are planned to be delivered in FY28.

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Naval War College Hosts Symposium on Innovation and Future of Warfare

US Navy

09 August 2024

From Courtesy Story

NEWPORT, R.I. -- The U.S. Naval War College (NWC) held its eighth annual Future Warfighting Symposium (FWS) focused on the future of warfare, onboard Naval Station Newport, Aug. 7 - 8.

Titled "Innovation: The Future of Joint Warfare," FWS 2024 welcomed 462 in-resident students, including officers from all branches of the U.S. armed forces, U.S. government agencies and more than 70 partner and Allied nations. The symposium also brought together a broad group of subject matter experts on emerging and disruptive technologies like artificial intelligence, cyber warfare and space operations.

"My charge to you this day and in future events - participate. Fully invest in the program," Rear Adm. Pete Garvin, president of NWC, told students in his opening remarks. "This race we're about to run is not for you individually, but for the future of the international rules-based order we've enjoyed since World War II."

Students participated in panel discussions supported by 20 speakers, covering topics such as conflict and competition in cyberspace, competition in the space domain, deterrence in the 21st century, artificial intelligence and data analytics, and deterrence in the 21st century. Topics were chosen after being identified by the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (CJCS) as special areas of emphasis for professional military education.

"We support the National Defense Strategy and CJCS Officer Professional Military Education Program by challenging NWC students to think innovatively about new capabilities and domains that are changing the character of war," said Garvin.

Speakers and panelists represented the Office of the Chief of Naval Operations (OPNAV), Carnegie Endowment for International Peace (CEIP), Northeastern University (NU), The Brookings Institution, Tufts University, Massachusetts institute of Technology (MIT), and additional U.S. government, military, academic and industry organizations.

Discussions during the symposium will continue throughout the academic year via NWC's new Perspectives on Modern War (PMW) course. PMW combines theoretical analysis of war with the development of practical solutions to mitigate current and future global security challenges.

FWS 2024 began with keynote remarks by Max Brooks, author of "World War Z: An Oral History of the Zombie War," who has participated in various think tanks and speaking engagements at military institutions, sharing his knowledge on crisis management and emphasizing adaptability, resilience and innovative thinking in preparing for future conflicts.

Brooks encouraged participants to foster a culture of innovation and flexibility when anticipating and preparing for a broad spectrum of potential threats.

"Have the courage to champion great ideas, listen to those who have good, creative ideas, trust your instincts, and support your peers in creative pursuits," Brooks stated. "It is powerful to make people understand what is possible."

Brooks also offered that building partnerships is an overwhelming asymmetric force.

"An American-led world is a partnership. We are here as partners, for we are all working together for common goals," he added. "If we double down on our alliances and collaborate with one another, these alliances can hold the line."

Panelists also encouraged participants to expand their understanding of new and emerging environments where competition and conflict are taking place, including the cyber and space domains.

"Cyberspace is a warfighting domain," said Rear Adm. Heidi Berg, assistant deputy chief of naval operations for operations, plans, and strategy at the Office of the Chief of Naval Operations (OPNAV). "You must understand cyberspace and space if you want to detect threats and employ weapons for command and control over the horizon."

FWS 2024 ended with remarks by Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro, during which he discussed his three years in office and NWC's critical role in developing the Nation's maritime strategy throughout its history.

"The Naval War College is a national treasure. There is no institution better suited to build the intellectual foundation of maritime statecraft. It is in your DNA. Luce, Mahan, Simsicons of this institutionchanged the world with revolutionary works on sea power, " said Secretary Del Toro. "They recognized then, as now, that for the United States, maritime strategy is grand strategy. Extraordinary thought leadership here in Newport made the nation a global power at the dawn of the 20th Century."

Initiated in 2017 by Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) mandate, FWS gives NWC the opportunity to further its training and education on new emerging forms of war. The symposium supports Navy and Department of Defense priorities by challenging leaders to think innovatively about capabilities and threats in space; the global information grid and emerging technologies such as nanotechnologies, biological agents, robotics and artificial intelligence.

Established in 1884, NWC is the oldest institution of its kind in the world. The college delivers excellence in education, research, and outreach, informing today's decision makers, educating tomorrow's leaders, and engaging partners and Allies on all matters of naval power in order to preserve the peace, respond in crisis, and win decisively in war.

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MSC Ships Provide Logistics Support During RIMPAC 2024

US Navy

09 August 2024

HAWAII -- Military Sealift Command (MSC) combat logistic fleet (CLF) ships have completed their support to the world's largest, international maritime exercise, Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2024, in Hawaii.

Throughout the four-weeks long exercise, MSC fleet replenishment oiler USNS Pecos (T-AO 197), and MSC dry cargo/ammunition ship USNS Washington Chambers (T-AKE 11) delivered nearly four million gallons diesel ship fuel (DFM) through and over one million gallons JP5 aviation fuel, and 1256 pallets of food, dry stores, mechanical parts, supplies and mail, to U.S. Navy and U.S. Coast Guard, and foreign navies' through a series of 101 replenishment at sea evolutions.

While moving cargo is a day's work on an MSC CLF ship, the RIMPAC operations tempo is unlike a regular day, where a ship may service one or two ships. During RIMPAC, the operations tempo could see the CLF ships service up to ten ships a day, with underway replenishments (UNREPS) being conducted on both sides of the ship with U.S. Navy and foreign navy ships.

"Supporting RIMPAC gives us the opportunity to provide UNREP services to the numerous allied countries who are participating," said Capt. Keith Walzak, Pecos' civil service master. "This allows both us and them to do real time actual alongside operations, which without an event like RIMPAC would leave questions as to the abilities of the naval ships to be able to get those same services in a real wartime environment. As a duty oiler, the ship's mission is to provide services for the local fleet, be it in San Diego, or Pearl Harbor. In RIMPAC, everyday has the ship providing some sort of service, or role-playing different types of ships for the training of the engaged forces."

As a multi-national exercise, RIMPAC's unique aspect is the interaction between participating countries and the U.S. Navy. This is true for MSC ships as well, who provided logistics services to foreign navy ships during the exercise. Working with crews whose first language is not English, can prove challenging. For this reason, fostering relationships, before getting underway for the exercise, helped increase the communications with all the ships, making the UNREP evolutions smoother.

"One of the biggest challenges is communications," explained Nathan Wheeler, Washington Chamber's civil service Operations Chief. "One of the best ways to overcome these challenges is to host meet and greet visits onboard the vessel while in port, which Washington Chambers has done with countries such as the Republic of Korea."

With the closing of the Navy's fuel terminal at Red Hill, MSC CLF ships received fuel through a series of consolidated cargo operations (CONSOLs) with two MSC chartered tankers; Overseas Mykonos and Allied Pacific. The two tankers delivered over two million gallons of JP5 and DFM through 17 CONSOLs with the MSC ships and to the New Zealand Navy's Polar-class sustainment vessel HMNZS Aotearoa (A11).

The key to meeting the demands of RIMPAC is MSC's ability to work in concert, directly with Commander Third Fleet and Commander Task Force 173. The MSC Representative Pearl Harbor coordinated the delivery of food and stores, as well as the pierside time at the correct pier for the loadouts of cargo to the specific ships scheduled for later RAS.

"Being part of RIMAPC allows us to participate with other nations that have common goals, and ideologices," said Walzak "There have been multiple events scheduled, ashore to allow all the RIMPAC participants to gather together, and share cultures. The best one was 4th of July fireworks."

Twenty-nine nations, 40 surface ships, three submarines, 14 national land forces, more than 150 aircraft, and 25,000 personnel are participating in RIMPAC in and around the Hawaiian Islands, June 27 to Aug. 1. The world's largest international maritime exercise, RIMPAC provides a unique training opportunity while fostering and sustaining cooperative relationships among participants critical to ensuring the safety of sea lanes and security on the world's oceans. RIMPAC 2024 is the 29th exercise in the biennial series that began in 1971.

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Philippines, Vietnam conduct 1st joint drills amid South China Sea tensions

By Pehong Lim August 09, 2024

The Philippines and Vietnamese coast guards conducted their first joint drills Friday in firefighting, rescue, and medical response in Manila Bay, off the west coast of Luzon, the Philippines' main island, leading into the South China Sea.

This exercise represents the first such joint activity between the coast guards of the two countries amid ongoing territorial disputes with each other and, more significantly with China, which claims almost the entire South China Sea as its own.

The drills featured a simulated search and rescue operation and the use of water cannons to repel a mock threat.

According to Jay L. Batongbacal, a professor at the University of the Philippines College of Law, the strengthened relations and security cooperation between Vietnam and the Philippines serve as a significant counter to China's increasingly expansionist and assertive actions in the South China Sea.

"Since both [countries] carry these activities out fully in accordance with international law, it should be seen as a stabilizing factor and deterrent to Chinese aggression, and at the same time stand for asserting and maintaining international law," Batongbacal told VOA.

Strategic shifts

Although the Philippines and Vietnam face overlapping sovereignty disputes with China in the South China Sea, Batongbacal views this first-ever Philippines-Vietnam exercise as a key demonstration of how claimant countries should interact.

"It is a demonstration of what is possible between claimants who are sincere in their declarations to cooperate and improve relations, temporarily setting aside the disputes and maintaining the status quo," Batongbacal said. "So even if they do not have active and direct cooperation, their activities contribute to maintaining the regional balance of power because of their common goals and converging interests."

Vietnam in late June said it was open to discussing overlapping claims with the Philippines in the South China Sea.

Since Ferdinand Marcos Jr. took office in 2022, the Philippine government has adopted a more assertive stance on the South China Sea, differing from his predecessor Rodrigo Duterte. This shift has heightened maritime tensions with China as Beijing has sought to assert its claims to the region.

In mid-June 2024, the Philippines accused Chinese coast guards of boarding a Philippine navy vessel near Second Thomas Shoal, confiscating equipment, and causing a severe injury to a Philippine sailor.

Just ahead of the joint exercise with Vietnam, the Philippines conducted multilateral maritime exercises with the U.S., Australia, and Canada on August 7-8.

The exercises aimed at "safeguarding the right to freedom of navigation and overflight in the South China Sea," according to a joint statement.

Additionally, the Philippines and Japan held their first joint exercises in the South China Sea on August 2, despite Beijing's repeated warnings to "extraterritorial states" against interfering in the region.

Chinese response

China's Foreign Ministry has not yet commented on the Philippines-Vietnam joint drills but Tuesday spokesperson Mao Ning repeated Beijing's claim, "It is the Philippines, not China, that is creating problems in the South China Sea."

The Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) announced on August 7 that its Southern Theater Command had conducted air and sea combat patrols near Scarborough Shoal an area with a long-standing sovereignty dispute between China and the Philippines.

According to Ding Duo, deputy director of the Institute of Marine Law and Policy at the China Institute of South China Sea Studies, Beijing is likely to respond with measured concern to the Vietnam-Philippines joint exercise despite the ongoing disputes over territorial sovereignty and maritime boundaries.

"The venue for the Vietnam-Philippines joint exercise is Manila Bay, and the scale of the exercise is relatively small," Ding said. "Its defensive nature suggests that China will probably view it as a routine instance of bilateral security and military cooperation among regional nations."

Ding said China aims to prevent Vietnam-Philippines cooperation from growing into a broader alliance that could challenge its interests.

"I believe China may use diplomatic or party-to-party channels to address military security concerns and mitigate the risk of potential miscalculations," Ding said.

Beijing has been stepping up its friendly military engagements and exercises with Hanoi, as the two sides have sought to reduce historic tensions in the South China Sea.

China's state-run Xinhua news agency reported on August 7, the Vietnam people's navy's guided-missile frigate 015 Tran Hung Dao arrived at Zhanjiang, a naval port in southeast Guangdong province for a visit.

The PLA stated that the visit would include "ship tours, deck receptions, cultural exchanges, joint exercises, and other activities" aimed at "improving mutual understanding and trust between the Chinese and Vietnamese navies and further strengthening the friendship between the two naval forces."

Four ships from the Chinese and Vietnamese navies in June held a two-day joint patrol exercise in the Gulf of Tonkin between Vietnam and China, which Chinese state media said was their 36th such drill.

China and the Philippines have tried to improve their relations since the June clash.

Chinese and Filipino officials in a July 2 meeting in Manila agreed to reduce tensions and even consider cooperation between their coast guards.

Regional impact

Nonetheless, analysts say this first joint exercise between Hanoi and Manila is likely to carry significance beyond its immediate scope.

Nguyen Khac Giang is a visiting scholar at the Vietnam Studies Program at the ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute.

"I think that is important because although this is only a search and rescue exercise and not a military drill, I think it will signal further collaboration between the two countries in the future, including military exercises and other activities in the region. So I think it's very important for both countries going forward," Nguyen told VOA.

Nguyen highlighted that Vietnam and Indonesia successfully concluded negotiations on their exclusive economic zone (EEZ) in the South China Sea at the end of 2022. He suggested that if Vietnam and the Philippines can use this joint exercise to address their overlapping border issues, it could represent the potential for Association of Southeast Asian Nation (ASEAN) claimants in the South China Sea to enhance cooperation and collectively address challenges posed by China.

"Because China always wants to divide and conquer, they want to negotiate with each country individually because it will give them better leverage," Nguyen said.

However, Nguyen noted that if ASEAN countries like Vietnam and the Philippines can work together, it would strengthen their ability to counter Chinese influence not only in terms of military presence in the South China Sea but also on diplomatic and economic fronts.

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US election looms over US-South Korea-Japan security cooperation

By Young Gyo Kim August 09, 2024

Experts in Washington are split on their perspectives of the durability of the recently elevated U.S.-South Korea-Japan security cooperation in the event of former President Donald Trump winning the November U.S. presidential election, given his critical stance toward U.S. alliances in the past.

Last month, the U.S., South Korea and Japan signed a memorandum of cooperation on the Trilateral Security Cooperation Framework (TSCF), which is aimed at institutionalizing the countries' security partnership against threats from China and North Korea.

While not legally binding, the memorandum is expected to facilitate trilateral security cooperation regardless of any leadership changes in their respective countries.

The agreement calls for regular high-level talks, joint exercises and other exchanges among the three nations.

Some in Washington, however, question whether the United States, South Korea and Japan would successfully institutionalize the enhanced security cooperation in a second Trump presidency.

"Certainly, the greatest and near-term concern is if President Trump is reelected, whether he would undo some of the progress of recent years," Bruce Klingner, senior research fellow for Northeast Asia at the Heritage Foundation, told VOA Korean by telephone Wednesday.

Klingner added that the three governments hoped that signing the memorandum would regularize and operationalize the ongoing security improvements among the three nations.

The Biden administration says stronger trilateral cooperation is an integral part of its Indo-Pacific strategy.

The administration also has been touting the August 2023 summit at Camp David with the U.S., South Korea and Japan as a historic meeting, saying the three leaders "inaugurated a new era of trilateral partnership" there.

In a Washington Post opinion piece published this week, Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan said that the U.S. security partnership in the Indo-Pacific region is working more effectively than before, citing the cooperation among the United States, South Korea and Japan as an example.

"President [Joe] Biden brought together Japan and South Korea  two countries with a difficult history  to join the United States in the Camp David Trilateral Summit, spurring unprecedented defense and economic cooperation among our countries," they wrote.

Uncertainty looms

It is uncertain how the U.S. trilateral partnership with South Korea and Japan would shape up if Trump returns to power, as the former president has not publicly articulated a stance on the trilateral cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region.

Trump has put strong emphasis on U.S. allies paying their "fair share" of defense costs.

During his presidency, Trump demanded that South Korea and Japan pay more for the cost of the U.S. military presence in their countries. He warned the U.S. could withdraw its troops unless the demands were met.

Michael O'Hanlon, director of foreign policy research at the Brookings Institution in Washington, told VOA Korean via email Wednesday that it would be hard to predict whether the TSCF would survive a possible Trump second term.

"Most things are personalized with him, or they relate to his instincts and impressions based on previous business dealings," he said.

"Both the leaders [of South Korea and Japan] he dealt with when president are now gone. So, it's a wild card or blank slate."

However, some disagree.

Richard Armitage, who served as deputy secretary of state during the George W. Bush administration, told VOA Korean by telephone Thursday that Trump would likely allow the institutionalization of the TSCF, considering the strong support from both sides of the aisle.

"I find the majority [of] members on Capitol Hill are very positive to it," Armitage said.

"I do notice that some of the people who are rumored to be coming in, should Mr. Trump win, are actually quite international in their outlook," he added, declining to say who those people are.

Alliance commitment

Frederick Fleitz, who served as chief of staff of the National Security Council in the Trump White House, told VOA Korean by phone Wednesday that he would expect the agreement on the security framework among the U.S. and the two U.S. allies in Asia to be upheld in a second Trump administration.

"It's going to remain," Fleitz said. "He [Trump] is a strong supporter of alliances, particularly our alliance in the Asian Pacific."

Fleitz added that the stronger security ties among the three countries is "a significant achievement that's going to continue."

Evans Revere, who served as acting assistant secretary of state for East Asia and Pacific affairs, told VOA Korean via email that China's rise to become the greatest threat in the Indo-Pacific theater is a fact not to be ignored by any of the three countries.

"There is every reason to believe the three countries can effectively institutionalize trilateral security cooperation, even if there is a change of administration in one or more of the three capitals," Revere said. "There is a growing perception in all three countries of the threats and challenges they share in common. China's attempts at political, military and economic intimidation are becoming more frequent."

Meanwhile, Vice President Kamala Harris, who is running to become the successor to Biden, is widely predicted to continue on the path Biden forged.

"Harris does not have a clearly established record on U.S.-South Korea-Japan security cooperation, but I expect that she will follow the policies of the Biden administration on this issue," Gary Samore, former White House coordinator for arms control and weapons of mass destruction during the Obama administration, told VOA Korean via email.

Blinken, Austin and Sullivan highlighted in the Post opinion piece that the transformed approach toward the Indo-Pacific region is "one of the most important and least-told stories of the foreign policy strategy advanced by President Biden and Vice President Harris."

Joeun Lee contributed to this report.

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White House slams Israeli finance minister for opposing Gaza talks

By Patsy Widakuswara August 09, 2024

The White House blasted "extremists" in the Israeli government, saying they are standing in the way of a renewed push by the United States, Qatar and Egypt for a deal to halt the fighting in Gaza and secure the release of the hostages.

In a briefing to reporters Friday, John Kirby, the White House national security communications adviser, accused Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich of "misleading the Israeli public" in opposing cease-fire negotiations.

"This deal was negotiated over months, fully protects Israel's national security interests," Kirby said. "In fact, on the third of July, over one month ago, Hamas accepted the key terms that had been demanded by Israel."

Smotrich's argument that the war in Gaza should continue indefinitely is "dead wrong," Kirby added.

The unusually harsh statements reflect the Biden administration's growing frustration with far-right members of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's coalition, who have presented some of the biggest political obstacles to ending the war.

Smotrich announced his opposition to negotiations Friday, saying the U.S. and other international allies were pushing Israel into "a dangerous trap." He urged Netanyahu not to sign a "surrender agreement" that would leave the country weakened.

Netanyahu said Friday he would resume cease-fire talks, following a joint statement Thursday by U.S. President Joe Biden and leaders of key mediators Qatar and Egypt calling for resumption of talks.

"Pursuant to the proposal by the U.S. and the mediators, Israel will  on 15 August  send the negotiations team to a place to be determined in order to finalize the details of the implementation of the framework agreement," Netanyahu's office said in a statement.

When pushed by Washington, Netanyahu has typically expressed willingness to send delegations to talks. He has, however, repeatedly found ways to delay and demand additional conditions "to prevent a deal and portray Hamas as the main one to blame," said Nimrod Goren, senior fellow for Israeli Affairs at the Middle East Institute.

"There are still no indications that this time he will act differently," Goren told VOA.

With the Israeli Knesset on a three-month recess and unable to vote the prime minister out of power for signing a cease-fire, many are hoping Netanyahu will agree to at least phase one of the deal, which would deliver a six-week truce for the release of some hostages held by Hamas in exchange for some Palestinians in Israeli prisons.

Khan Younis offensive

Hours after Netanyahu agreed to participate in cease-fire talks, the Israel Defense Forces announced it had launched an offensive in the Khan Younis area in southern Gaza, the third such ground operation conducted since Hamas' October 7 attack on Israel.

Israel said the campaign was in response to Palestinian rocket fire and "intelligence indicating the presence of terrorists and terror infrastructure." Residents and displaced people were told to evacuate the area where many had just returned after Israel's last incursion into the city in July.

U.S. and Israeli officials have said that new Hamas leader, Yahya Sinwar, is believed to be in hiding in Khan Younis. The October 7 mastermind was recently named to replace Ismail Haniyeh, who was killed in the Iranian capital of Tehran in an assassination widely attributed to Israel.

Hamas has not responded to the calls to resume talks as Sinwar cannot be quickly reached by intermediaries. However, Kirby said that the Qataris have assured the U.S. that Hamas representatives will come to the table.

'The time has come'

In a joint statement Thursday, Biden, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi and the Qatar Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani underscored "the time has come" to reach a deal.

The leaders agreed to present a "final bridging proposal" to resolve "remaining implementation issues," if necessary. Kirby and other officials declined to elaborate on the proposal.

The state of negotiations is now less about substance or language and more about political calculations and the timetable between Netanyahu, Sinwar and Biden, said Aaron David Miller, a former U.S. negotiator for the Middle East who is now a senior fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace.

It's unclear whether Netanyahu and Sinwar are ready to proceed at the pace of "the Biden clock, which is running very fast," Miller told VOA.

Miller noted that Biden's Democratic Party is gearing up for its national convention on August 19, when Vice President Kamala Harris and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz will be celebrated as the ticket to rival Republican nominees, former President Donald Trump and Ohio Senator JD Vance, in the November election.

Democrats are keen to avoid the optics of massive anti-war demonstrations at the convention from progressive and young voters, as well as Arab and Muslim Americans angered by the president's staunch support for Israel. Some of these groups have threatened to withhold their vote for the Democratic ticket.

The White House denies that domestic politics is a motivating factor.

Efforts to resume negotiations have "nothing to do" with the upcoming convention and "everything to do" with what regional partners believe is reasonable for scheduling talks, Kirby told VOA during the briefing Friday.

Kirby and other U.S. officials say expectations that Tehran will attack Israel in retaliation for Haniyeh's killing last week on Iranian soil have added to the urgency for a truce. Israel also faces retaliation from Hezbollah in southern Lebanon in the wake of its strike in the suburbs of Beirut last week that killed Fouad Shukur, a commander of the Iranian-backed group. Tehran-backed militias have also launched attacks on U.S. military positions in Iraq and Syria in recent weeks, ending months of calm.

However, Tehran appears to be signaling moderation in its response. The Iranian mission to the United Nations in New York said in a statement Friday that its "priority is to establish a lasting ceasefire in Gaza," and that it would recognize "any agreement accepted by Hamas." The Iranian response to Israel, it said, "will be timed and conducted in a manner not to the detriment of the potential ceasefire."

'Last-ditch effort'

The renewed cease-fire push is a "last-ditch effort to prevent regional escalation that harms U.S. interests and could trigger an unnecessary confrontation before the U.S, elections," said Ahmed Fouad Alkhatib, senior fellow at the Atlantic Council.

"Stabilizing Gaza and preventing uncontrollable downward spiraling of events in the Middle East would rob the Trump campaign of their claim that the Biden administration and a future Harris presidency have failed to prevent conflict and war," Alkhatib told VOA.

Israelis are bracing for attacks.

"We're all pretty certain that Hezbollah and Iran are going to launch rather a lot of missiles," said Jonathan Rynhold, head of the political studies department at Israel's Bar-Ilan University.

"The question is, how bad?" Rynhold told VOA. If the parties manage to refrain from a wider war, "there's a better chance for a deal," he added.

Leaders across Europe, including European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and French President Emmanuel Macron, again Friday expressed support for a cease-fire.

VOA's Natasha Mozgovaya and Michael Lipin contributed to this report.

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Regional players back Gaza cease-fire mediation

By Jeff Seldin August 09, 2024

Several regional states added their voices Friday to a call from the three main mediators to finalize a cease-fire in Gaza and resume talks next week.

The leaders of the United States, Qatar and Egypt issued a joint statement Thursday saying the time had come to conclude the cease-fire and release of hostages and detainees, "to bring immediate relief both to the long-suffering people of Gaza as well as the long-suffering hostages and their families."

"There is no further time to waste nor excuses from any party for further delay. It is time to release the hostages, begin the cease-fire and implement this agreement," said President Joe Biden, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi, and the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office said Thursday that Israel would send a negotiating team on August 15 "to the agreed place to conclude the details of implementing a deal." Hamas has not yet publicly said whether it will send a delegation to the talks, which the mediators propose to hold in either the Qatari or Egyptian capital.

In separate statements, the United Arab Emirates and Jordan expressed support for concluding a cease-fire.

In Beirut, caretaker Foreign Minister Abdallah Bou Habib said Lebanon also joined the mediators' call.

"It is time to act decisively and fulfill our obligations to bring peace, assist the needy and affected individuals, and restore calm to the region," he said Friday.

Lebanon is tense as it awaits promised retaliation by Hezbollah on Israel for the assassination of one of its top commanders in Beirut last week, and as it ponders whether that will trigger a wider regional war that could have catastrophic consequences for the tiny country, which has been crippled by a five-year economic crisis.

Iran has also promised retribution for the July 31 killing of Hamas political chief Ismail Haniyeh during a visit to Tehran.

The United States has reinforced its positions in the Middle East, with a contingent of F-22 Raptor fighter jets arriving in the region on Thursday, positioned to help defend Israel against a potential strike by Iran and its proxies.

On Friday, Israel's military said it carried out an airstrike that killed a Hamas military figure in Sidon, south Lebanon. Samer al-Hajj was the head of security in Lebanon's largest Palestinian refugee camp, Ain al-Hilweh. Hamas confirmed his death.

Meanwhile, in Gaza, the United Nations estimates at least 60,000 Palestinians have moved toward western Khan Younis in the past 72 hours, following Israel's latest order issued Thursday for residents in parts of central and eastern Khan Younis to immediately leave.

The Israeli military said Thursday that it had conducted raids in the Rafah area of the southern Gaza Strip, where it has battled Hamas militants for months. Israeli fighter jets also destroyed a militant firing site in northern Gaza, the military said.

Israel has vowed to destroy Hamas in retaliation for the October 7 terror attack that killed 1,200 people and led to the capture of 250 hostages. Israel's counteroffensive has killed nearly 40,000 people in Gaza, mostly women and children, according to the territory's Health Ministry, while Israel says the death toll includes thousands of Hamas fighters it has killed.

Nearly three-quarters of Gaza's 2.3 million population is displaced, and nearly the entire population is at risk of famine, according to the United Nations.

Some information for this story came from The Associated Press, Agence France-Presse and Reuters.

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Female delegates to join Sudan peace talks, address gender violence

By Nike Ching August 09, 2024

Representatives from female-led Sudanese civil society groups are planning to take part in next week's Sudan peace talks in Geneva, a significant gesture of inclusion in addressing widespread gender-based violence in the 15-month conflict.

The U.S.-mediated talks, set to begin August 14, aim to resolve the civil war between Sudan's two rival military factions, alleviate a dire humanitarian crisis, and develop a monitoring and verification system to ensure implementation of any deal.

But these talks are not designed to address broader political issues, according to the State Department.

The United States has invited leaders of the Sudanese Armed Forces, or SAF, and the Rapid Support Forces, or RSF, to discuss a potential cease-fire. The RSF has confirmed its participation in the talks.

While SAF representatives have not yet confirmed their attendance, Sudan's Sovereign Council said on Friday that it has sent a delegation to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, for consultations with the U.S. regarding next week's planned negotiations. General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, the leader of SAF, also serves as the head of that council.

Entisar Abdelsadig, a senior adviser at the peacebuilding organization Search for Common Ground, said that 12 Sudanese women from various civil society sectors are expected to be in Geneva from August 14 to 24, with Abdelsadig leading the delegation.

She told VOA that the women-led delegation prioritizes protecting people against atrocities, particularly gender-based violence.

She said Sudanese women seek involvement in the monitoring mechanism, which is an anticipated outcome of these talks. If enacted, the mechanism would involve civilian-led confidential reporting to ensure safety, using physical and online channels.

Women also wish to actively participate in distributing humanitarian aid rather than merely receiving it, said Abdelsadig.

"There can be no military victory to this war," State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller told reporters during Thursday's briefing.

More than a year of fighting between SAF and paramilitary RSF troops has displaced nearly 10 million people across the Greater Horn of Africa country and left 26 million facing crisis-level hunger.

On Monday, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken spoke with General al-Burhan, reiterating the need for SAF participation in the upcoming cease-fire talks.

Co-hosted by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Switzerland, the Geneva talks  the first significant mediation attempt to resolve the conflict in months  include the African Union, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates and United Nations as observers.

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As Ryan Corbett marks two years of being wrongfully detained by the Taliban in Afghanistan, it's time for President Joe Biden to prioritize his release.

Corbett, a western New York native, was captured on Aug. 10, 2022. For the last 730 days, he has been held in terrible conditions. His health is worsening, according to his wife, Anna Corbett.

The Biden administration achieved a diplomatic victory with the release of Americans who were held by the Russians. It was a bittersweet moment for Anna, who knows what the detainees' families experienced while they awaited the release of their loved ones.

While interviewing Anna two days ago, she detailed the dire conditions Ryan is facing in captivity. He is visibly weak and his mental health is worsening.

"It's really getting difficult for him to keep hope," Anna said.

The Biden administration should make Ryan's case a high priority. Others, including those who were held by Russia and hostages in Gaza, have received more attention. Meanwhile, Ryan has been held in a basement cell for two years with, as Anna said, no light at the end of the tunnel.

To give Ryan more hope, the White House should start by setting up meetings between Anna and top officials, namely President Biden and National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan. This will send a clear message that Ryan's case is getting the attention it deserves.

So far, Anna has been unable to meet with Biden and Sullivan. That needs to change.

From there, the Biden administration needs to accelerate efforts to bring Ryan home. This is an urgent matter because of Ryan's deteriorating condition. Anna said her family recently had a phone conversation with Ryan that last 14 minutes. She asked Ryan about his health. He told her, "It feels like nothing is ever going to be good again."

"It's really getting worse and worse," Anna said. "When you get that weak physically, all it takes is one small thing and it really declines so rapidly. He's seen others not cared for properly and he knows that he doesn't have access to good medical care and that he will not make it through."

Ryan needs to come home. The Biden administration should do whatever is necessary, as they did in the exchange with the Russians, to make that happen.
Bangladesh seen heading toward political crisis

By Redwan Ahmed August 09, 2024

Nearly 80 hours after former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina fled Bangladesh amid violent protests that resulted in more than 300 fatalities, Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus was sworn in to lead the country's interim government.

At 84, Yunus took the oath of office during a ceremony held Thursday night at the presidential palace in Dhaka. The event was attended by political leaders, civil society figures, military generals, and diplomats, and was set against the backdrop of continuing unrest in the country. Analysts say Yunus faces a challenging path ahead, as the nation may be on the brink of deeper political crisis.

The 17-member Cabinet, referred to as "advisers," includes two key coordinators from the student-led movement, Nahid Islam and Asif Mahmud, and prominent human rights defender Adilur Rahman Khan, previously imprisoned under Hasina's government for documenting rights violations.

The Cabinet also includes economists, NGO activists, academics, and a retired military officer. The planned duration of the interim government has not been announced.

Earlier that day, arriving at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, the microfinance pioneer delivered an emotional speech to reporters as he prepared to take up his new duties. Yunus expressed his hope to restore peace and rebuild Bangladesh following the uprising that ended Hasina's 15-year, increasingly autocratic reign.

"Law and order have been disrupted; people are attacking each other, setting homes and property on fire, looting, and burning offices. They are attacking Hindus, Buddhists, Christians, Ahmadis," Yunus told the reporters. The Ahmadis are a messianic Islamic movement that began in the 19th century.

"We must protect them and restore order, as violence and chaos are major enemies of progress," he added.

Political analysts, however, say a major challenge will be governing with a Cabinet that, despite emerging from a "mass revolution," lacks a democratically obtained mandate.

Political crisis ahead?

Dhaka-based political analyst Zahed Ur Rahman expressed concerns that political parties, which have been sidelined from power for an extended period, may not provide the interim government with enough time to execute the "nation-rebuilding" envisioned by the new Cabinet.

He said that under Hasina's leadership, her Awami League political party had "debilitated every state mechanism."

"From the police to the media, the bureaucracy is thoroughly corrupted; even the election commission is completely ineffective. Therefore, to restore effectiveness, the interim government will need to undertake extensive efforts, which will require a significant amount of time," Rahman told VOA.

The current crisis presents an opportunity to put Bangladesh back on the path of genuine democracy and move beyond the hyperpartisan, winner-take-all electoral dynamics that have caused so much damage over the past three decades, said Thomas Kean, International Crisis Group senior consultant.

"It needs to embark on the long task of rebuilding democracy in Bangladesh, which has been so badly eroded in recent years," Kean said in a statement.

While political parties have welcomed the movement that ousted the Hasina regime and the appointment of Yunus as the head of the interim government, they appear reluctant to allow much time for this new administration to establish itself.

Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, a leading figure in Bangladesh's major political party, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party, told VOA, "We fully support this government, which is endorsed by the country's youth and students who drove this change. I am very hopeful for their success. However, we expect that they will fulfill their constitutional duty to conduct a free and fair election within 90 days."

As the country shifted to the interim government, the BNP held a rally in Dhaka Wednesday. The rally was led by former prime minister Khaleda Zia, who was recently released from house arrest after receiving a presidential pardon and addressed the party activists in a prerecorded video message.

This action by BNP is perceived by many as an indication of impatience and a desperate bid for power. "The wound from this movement is still fresh, and there is no government and law and order, how can you hold a rally under such condition? This impatience from them will send the country towards a deeper crisis in this crucial time," Rahman said.

Skepticism on military's role

In Bangladesh, marked by a tumultuous history of military coups and countercoups, there is significant skepticism regarding the military's current role, which it claims is merely to steward the current political turmoil and oversee the transition of power.

"I don't trust the military to run this country," Hasan Robayet, a 38-year-old poet and civil society member, told VOA. "We have seen the outcomes of past military rule. The military should not dictate terms to this government. This revolution was won by the students and the masses; they should hold full control of the government."

The military declared an emergency in January 2007 after widespread political unrest and installed a military-backed caretaker government for two years, following which Hasina and her Awami League secured a decisive victory in the elections.

A general close to the army leadership told VOA that the current chief, Waker-Uz-Zaman, is not inclined to pursue a full military takeover. Instead, he aims to support the interim government from the sidelines, facilitating a smooth transition and the swift handover of power to a democratically elected government, the general said.

Bangladesh experienced military rule from 1975 to 1990, beginning with the assassination of its founding leader, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. This period included multiple coups, particularly starting in 1977 under General Ziaur Rahman, who shifted the nation from a single-party socialist state to a multiparty system, though the military retained significant influence.

Following General Zia's assassination in 1981, General Hussain Muhammad Ershad assumed the presidency in 1983. The military regime in Bangladesh ended in 1990 following a massive public uprising for democratic reforms, led by opposition parties and a strong student movement that staged strikes and protests nationwide, and compelled Ershad to resign in December 1990.

Despite all challenges, Nahid Islam, the coordinator of the movement and now an adviser in the interim government, has vowed to fulfill the promises made to the people during the mass uprising.

"We have come to government to fulfill the promises that led to this mass uprising, promises for which hundreds of our brothers and sisters were injured or killed. We are committed to fulfilling these promises as soon as possible," he told VOA after being sworn in.

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UN: Climate change wreaks havoc through large parts of Africa

By Lisa Schlein August 09, 2024

United Nations aid agencies warn climate change is wreaking havoc throughout large parts of eastern and southern Africa, worsening the plight of millions of people struggling to survive conflict, poverty, hunger and disease.

Since mid-April, El Nino-related heavy rainfall has led to extreme weather events across East Africa, including flooding, landslides, violent winds and hail.

In Sudan

The U.N. refugee agency, UNHCR, reports climate-induced heavy rains and flooding have upended the lives of tens of thousands of people in war-torn Sudan this year, displacing, injuring and killing many.

The agency warns that heavy seasonal rains are creating further misery for thousands of displaced, including refugees in dire need of humanitarian aid.

UNHCR spokesperson Olga Sarrado told journalists in Geneva Friday that torrential rains and severe floods in the past two weeks are having a devastating effect on the lives of thousands of refugees and internally displaced, noting that more than 11,000 people in the eastern Kassala state are in desperate straits.

"They include many families who recently arrived after fleeing violence in Sennar state," she said. "Some have been displaced three or four times already since the start of the conflict.

"They have lost their belongings, including food rations, and are facing significant challenges in accessing clean water and sanitation facilities, increasing the risk of waterborne diseases," she said.

The International Organization for Migration reports that more than 10 million people have become displaced inside Sudan and 2 million have sought refuge in neighboring countries since mid-April 2023, when rival generals from Sudan's Armed Forces and paramilitary Rapid Support Forces plunged Sudan into war.

The UNHCR reports Sudan continues to host about 1 million refugees and asylum seekers from other countries.

Sarrado said the UNHCR is prepositioning core relief items and shelter kits in the eastern and western parts of the country where more rainfall is expected. She added that flooding in the Darfur region is causing concern among aid agencies, as this will further limit their ability to reach thousands of destitute people.

"The humanitarian needs are reaching epic proportions in the region, as hundreds of thousands of civilians remain in harm's way and famine has been recently confirmed in a displacement site, as you all know," she said. "The conflict has already destroyed crops and disrupted livelihoods. The climate crisis is making those displaced even more vulnerable now."

In Southern Africa

While the heavy rains continue to pound refugees and displaced communities in Sudan, the World Food Program reports that more than 27 million people across Southern Africa, devastated by an El-Nino-induced drought are going hungry.

"I have just returned from Zimbabwe and Lesotho, two of the worst-affected countries, where 50% and 34% of the countries' respective populations are food insecure," said Valerie Guarnieri, WFP assistant executive director, program operations.

Speaking from Rome, she said the drought sweeping across the region has decimated crops, causing food prices to spiral and triggering a hunger crisis at a time when their food stocks are at the lowest.

She noted that the onset of this year's lean season, which is usually from October to March, has come early this year.

"People are facing an early and much deeper lean season," she said, adding that the situation is likely to get worse, "given production shortfalls and dwindling supply."

She said that 21 million children, 1 out of 3 in southern Africa, are stunted and 3.5 million children are struggling with acute malnutrition and require nutrition treatment.

"These numbers are not as stark as they are in other parts of the region. Countries that are facing famine  Sudan, for instance. However, we should not have these kind of numbers in Southern Africa," she said.

"We know that to deal with stunting, to prevent wasting, we need to be ensuring that all children and all women of child-bearing age, in particular, have access to the nutrients that they require in order to grow and to thrive."

To deal with this crisis, Guarnieri said WFP is scaling up its operation to provide emergency food and nutrition support to 5.9 million people in seven countries between now and March.

She said that WFP is facing a $320 million funding shortfall "that jeopardizes our ability to mount a response at the scale required."

UNHCR's Sarrado also expressed concern that her agency's appeal for nearly $40 million to assist and protect 5.6 million refugees, returnees, internally displaced and local communities in Sudan and five countries of refuge "has so far received only $5 million in funds."

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Russo-Ukraine War - 09 August 2024 - Day 898

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A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While GlobalSecurity.org takes utmost care to accurately report this news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

On 24 February 2022, Ukraine was suddenly and deliberately attacked by land, naval and air forces of Russia, igniting the largest European war since the Great Patriotic War. Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a "special military operation" (SVO - spetsialnaya voennaya operatsiya) in Ukraine in response to the appeal of the leaders of the "Donbass republics" for help. That attack is a blatant violation of the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine. Putin stressed that Moscow's goal is the demilitarization and denazification of the country. The military buildup in preceeding months makes it obvious that the unprovoked and dastardly Russian attack was deliberately planned long in advance. During the intervening time, the Russian government had deliberately sought to deceive the world by false statements and expressions of hope for continued peace.

"To initiate a war of aggression... is not only an international crime; it is the supreme international crime differing only from other war crimes in that it contains within itself the accumulated evil of the whole." [Judgment of the International Military Tribunal]

The UK Ministry of Defence reported that Russian Ground Forces have continued conducting offensive operations along multiple areas of the frontline, with Russia achieving further tactical advances.

The focus of Russian operations almost certainly remains in central Donetsk oblast. Recent Russian advances have brought the city of Pokrovsk within approximately 16km from the current frontline. Pokrovsk is a significant logistical hub which supports Ukrainian operations in Donetsk oblast.

Russia has also continued to make gains in the contested town of Niu York and its advances in the area are threatening the town of Toretsk. Russia continues to rely on costly infantry-led assaults to make gradual advances into Ukrainian territory.

The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported that in total, since the beginning of this day, there have been 70 combat clashes. Ukrainian defenders continue to decisively interrupt the Russian attempts to advance deep into Ukrainian territory, giving him an effective fire effect. The enemy is most actively coming in the Intercession direction.

Russian zagarbniki made on the territory of Ukraine two strikes with two rockets, and 51 air strikes, dropping 62 cabis. In addition, 458 kamikaze drones were recruited and carried out more than 3,300 shelling at the positions of Ukrainian troops and settlements.

In the Kharkiv direction, Russian forces twice attacked the defensive borders of Ukrainian warriors near vovcans ka. The battle is still going on.

In the direction of Kupyans komu, there was one combat near Tabaivka.

In the Lyman direction during the day Russian zagarbniki attacked the positions of Ukrainians near Nevsky, Makiyivka and in the Serebryans komu forest. Ukrainian defenders repelled seven attacks, three more to go.

In the Siversky direction during combat clashes, defenders of Ukrainian land stopped nine Russian attacks in the areas of Bilogorivka, Verkhnyokamiansky, Spirnogo and Vyimka.

In the Kramators komu direction, Russian forces carried out six offensive actions near Ivanivsky, Stupocok and Chasovoy Yar. Defense forces repelled four attacks, two more to go.

In the Toretsky direction Russians 12 times attacked Ukrainian troops near the White Mountain, Diliyivka, Toretsk and New York. Ten fights completed, two are still ongoing.

In the Pokrovsky direction, since the beginning of this day, there have been 25 battles near the settlements of Vozdvizhenko, Novooleksandrivka, Zelene Pole, Kalinove, Hrodivka, Zhelanne and Yasnobrodivka. Defense forces repelled 17 attacks, eight are still going.

According to detailed information, today in this direction 234 Russian occupants were defecated, 84 of them - irrevocably. Also destroyed an armored transporter MT-LB, two D-30 howlers, four UAVs of different types and six vehicles. In addition, two tanks, four artillery systems, a 2B9 automatic mortar, one UAV and four vehicles were damaged.

In the kurakhivs .komu direction, Russian forces three times attacked Ukrainian positions near paraskoviivka and konstantinivka. As a result of the boezitknen - - suffered defeats.

In the Vremivs komu direction, Russian forces took an offensive action towards Vodanogo. The attack is still going on. The situation is under the control of Ukrainian defenders.

In the Orihiv direction, the Russian assault of the positions of Ukrainian units near Mala Tokmacka was unsuccessful.

In other directions, the situation has not changed much.

The Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation reported that from 3 to 9 August 2024, the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation carried out 19 group strikes by high-precision weapons and attack unmanned aerial vehicles to hit: Ukrainian defence industry and relevant energy industry facilities, airfield infrastructure, air defence systems, UAV assembly facilities and storage areas.

In addition, the strikes hit fuel tanks, arms and ammunition depots, areas where Ukrainian reserves were concentrated, temporary deployment areas of nationalist formations and foreign mercenaries.

The Sever Group of Forces continue to repel attempts of the Armed Forces of Ukraine to invade the territory of the Russian Federation in Kursk direction. Army aviation strikes and artillery fire are foiling raid operations of the enemy targeting the depth of the Russian Federation.

Since the beginning of hostilities in this direction, the enemy has lost up to 945 troops and 102 armoured vehicles, including 12 tanks, 17 armoured personnel carriers, six infantry fighting vehicles, 67 armoured fighting vehicles, 12 motor vehicles, two Buk M1 self-propelled artillery systems, and three field artillery guns.

Moreover, the Group hit manpower and military hardware of one mechanised brigade, one motorised infantry brigade, and two assault brigades of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, one marine brigade, and three territorial defence brigades in Volchansk and Liptsy directions.

Seven counter-attacks of AFU assault group were repelled.

Over the past week, the enemy has suffered losses of up to 1,650 troops, 14 tanks, 92 armoured fighting vehicles, 45 motor vehicles, and 33 field artillery guns. Two Buk M1 SAM self-propelled launchers, six electronic and counter-battery warfare stations, and eight field ammunition depots were eliminated.

Over the past week, the Zapad Group of Forces took more advantageous lines and positions, and defeated the units of the six mechanised brigades, one assault brigade, and one airmobile brigade of the AFU and the three territorial defence brigades. Nine counter-attacks of the Armed Forces of Ukraine were repelled.

The AFU losses amounted to up to 3,260 Ukrainian troops a week, four tanks, including two German-made Leopard tanks, 12 armoured fighting vehicles, 68 motor vehicles, 45 field artillery guns, including fifteen 155-mm self-propelled artillery systems and howitzers (made in USA, UK, Germany, and Poland).

In addition, seven electronic and counter-battery warfare stations and 16 field ammunition depots were eliminated.

The Yug Group of Forces improved the situation along the front line, defeated manpower and hardware of four mechanised brigades, four assault brigades, one motorised infantry brigade, two airmobile brigades of the AFU, and two territorial defence brigades.

Seven counter-attacks launched by the AFU assault detachments were repelled.

The AFU losses amounted to up to 4,240 Ukrainian troops, one tank, six armoured fighting vehicles, 47 motor vehicles, one Croatian-made RAK-SA-12 MLRS launcher, 47 field artillery guns, including eighteen howitzers and 155-mm self-propelled artillery systems of NATO manufacture.

Seven electronic warfare stations and seven field ammunition depots have been eliminated.

As a result of active operations, the Tsentr Group of Forces have liberated Timofeyevka, Novosyolovka Pervaya, and Vesyoloye (Donetsk People's Republic) during the week.

Russian troops hit one tank brigade, five mechanised brigades, one infantry brigade, two assault brigades of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, two territorial defence brigades, and one Lyut assault brigade of the Ukrainian National Police.

Twenty-two counter-attacks of the AFU units were repelled.

Over the past week, the enemy has suffered losses of up to 2,520 troops, two tanks, 17 armoured fighting vehicles, including two U.S.-made Bradley infantry fighting vehicles, one German-made Marder infantry fighting vehicle, and five U.S.-made M113 armoured personnel carriers, 27 motor vehicles, 24 field artillery guns, and three electronic and counter-battery warfare stations.

The Vostok Group of Forces captured more advantageous lines, defeated manpower and hardware of two AFU mechanised and motorised infantry brigades, two territorial defence brigades, and one national guard brigade. Four counter-attacks of AFU assault groups were repelled.

The enemy losses amounted to up to 760 Ukrainian troops, four tanks, three armoured fighting vehicles, 48 motor vehicles, 19 field artillery guns, including thirteen howitzers and 155-mm self-propelled artillery systems of western manufacture.

Five electronic and counter-battery warfare stations and eight field ammunition depots have been eliminated.

The Dnepr Group of Forces have engaged the units of one mechanised brigade, one infantry brigade, one mountain assault brigade, one marine brigade, and three territorial defence brigades.

Russian troops foiled an attempt of one AFU sabotage and reconnaissance group to land on Kinburn Spit. As a result of the Dnepr Group's actions, the enemy's landing party was eliminated.

During the week in this direction, the enemy suffered losses of up to 550 Ukrainian troops, one tank, two infantry fighting vehicles, 44 motor vehicles, 20 field artillery guns, and six U.S.-made 155-mm M777 howitzers. Four electronic warfare stations and six field ammunition depots have been eliminated.

Operational-Tactical Aviation, unmanned aerial vehicles, Missile Troops and Artillery of the Russian Groups of Forces have eliminated two MiG-29 fighter jets of the Ukrainian Air Force, three Czech-made Vampire MLRS combat vehicles, two S-125 anti-aircraft missile launchers, and three radars (one U.S.-made AN/MPQ-65 and two P-18 stations.

Over the past week, air defence systems have shot down three Ukrainian fighter jets: two Ukrainian MiG-29 and Su-27 fighter jets, four French-made SCALP-EG air-launched cruise missiles, 14 U.S.-made ATACMS operational-tactical missiles, one French-made Hammer aerial guided bomb, two U.S.-made Patriot anti-aircraft guided missiles, 72 projectiles of HIMARS, Vampire, and Olkha systems; and 668 unmanned aerial vehicles.

At night, the Black Sea Fleet repelled an attack of seven uncrewed surface vehicles at the Sevastopol naval base. All uncrewed surface vehicles were neutralised.

Over the past week, 55 Ukrainian servicemen have surrendered on the line of contact.

In total, 637 airplanes and 278 helicopters, 29,507 unmanned aerial vehicles, 563 air defence missile systems, 17,004 tanks and other armoured fighting vehicles, 1,399 combat vehicles equipped with MLRS, 13,050 field artillery guns and mortars, as well as 24,562 units of special military equipment have been destroyed during the special military operation.

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Poland to Produce Patriot Air Defense Missile Launchers - Defense Ministry

Sputnik News

20240809

MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Poland will manufacture missile launchers for US Patriot air defense systems, the Polish Defense Ministry said on Friday, adding that the correspondent agreement will be signed on August 12.

"On Monday [August 12], at the 3rd Warsaw Missile Brigade in Sochaczew, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of National Defense Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz and Deputy Defense Minister Pavel Beyda will participate in the signing ceremony of an agreement between the Huta Stalowa Wola and Raytheon Polska enterprises for the production of 48 M903 launchers that are part of Patriot air and missile defense systems," the statement read.

Parts of Patriot systems will be produced in Poland as part of equipping the Polish troops under the Wisla air defense program aimed at bolstering the country's air and missile defense capabilities.

The air systems production will run through 2027-2029.

A Sputnik

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Russia, China Agree to Strengthen Coordination in Use of Space

Sputnik News

20240809

MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Russia and China have agreed to strengthen coordination in the use and exploration of outer space, as well as ensuring the safety of such activities, the Russian Foreign Ministry said.

"An agreement was reached to strengthen coordination in this area both bilaterally and at relevant multilateral venues," the ministry said in a statement on Thursday.

The statement added that the foreign ministries of Russia and China held consultations in Moscow on peaceful space issues. During the consultations, a number of topics in the areas of the use and exploration of outer space for peaceful purposes, international legal regulation and ensuring the long-term sustainability and safety of space activities were discussed, the ministry said.

A Sputnik

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August 9, 2024

Release

AUKUS Pillar II Milestones Hint at Future Integrated Autonomous, Artificial Intelligence Operations

In March 2024 AUKUS experts successfully deployed autonomous and artificial intelligence (AI)-enabled sensing systems during the Resilient and Autonomous Artificial Intelligence Technology (RAAIT) trials as part of the AUKUS advanced capabilities line of effort, or Pillar II.

The trials took place at multinational Project Convergence exercises hosted by the U.S Army. Military personnel from the three AUKUS nations tested cutting edge autonomous and AI-enabled sensing capabilities in a multi-domain battlespace - land, maritime, air and cyber - that minimize the time between sensing enemy targets, deciding how to respond, and responding to the threat. These trials demonstrated significant progress since the first AUKUS RAAIT trails in the UK in April 2023 and show tangible results of the AUKUS Pillar II commitment to making our warfighter more lethal on the battlefield.

Once matured and integrated into national platforms, these new sensing systems will yield more reliable data that commanders can use to make optimal decisions and service members to act more quickly against kinetic threats - all while enabling seamless joint and combined military operations involving multiple services and nations.

One such system deployed at RAAIT is a plug-in for the Tactical Assault Kit (TAK) - a map-based software application- that helped a UK RedKite Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) detect opposing force locations using on-the-fly adjustments based on the data collected, while another UAV provided detailed imagery as confirmation. The information was passed to the Tactical Operations Center (TOC) where a uniformed "AI officer" provided human oversight prior to triggering an Australian XT-8 UAV to perform a simulated strike. The TAK is already being put to good use, and the U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) plans to release the plug-in for wider dissemination.

"It used to be that each nation used its own datasets to develop separate models and deploy those models on their own platforms. Under RAAIT, we've matured the AI pipeline, focusing on interchangeability and interoperability, which allows for any combinations of datasets, models, algorithms and platforms to be used across all three nations," said Dr. Kimberly Sablon, the Principal Director of Trusted Artificial Intelligence and Autonomy in the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering.

Lessons learned at the RAAIT trials will be used for future training events, where the AUKUS Artificial Intelligence and Autonomy (AIA) Working Group hopes to leverage findings to develop an AIA ecosystem that will one day enable the three partner nations to share data for operational success in contested environments.

"Our goal is to get to the point where we have a pipeline that is interchangeable and interoperable but robust," Sablon said. "Being able to collect data, train our AI systems, conduct testing and evaluation and even adapt to unanticipated threats in less than 10-hours at the edge is a huge milestone for our partnership."

A video highlighting this important effort is available here.

U.S. participation in the RAAIT trials at Project Convergence was led by the office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering (OUSD(R&E)). OUSD(R&E) champions research, science, technology, engineering, and innovation to maintain the United States military's technological superiority. Learn more at www.cto.mil or visit on LinkedIn at OUSD(R&E).

https://www.defense.gov/News/Releases/Release/Article/3867890/

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Australia strikes 'landmark' nuclear defense agreement with AUKUS allies

By Phil Mercer August 09, 2024

Australia Friday called a new nuclear technology agreement with the United States and Britain a "very significant step down the ... path" toward a nuclear-powered fleet of submarines. Australia struck the deal Monday, aimed at allowing transfer of nuclear equipment and technology for the country's proposed fleet. It is the latest advance in the 2021 AUKUS security pact linking the three countries.

The agreement, described by U.S officials as another significant "AUKUS milestone," is a further step to giving Australia the technology and hardware to build, run and maintain nuclear-powered submarines.

Australian Defense Minister Richard Marles, who is also the deputy prime minister, signed the latest part of the trilateral accord in the United States Monday. He called the agreement "a key foundational document."

Under plans unveiled in San Diego, California, last year, Australia intends to spend up to $242 billion over the next 30 years to first buy second-hand Virginia-class submarines from the United States and then develop a new fleet of nuclear-powered submarines using technology from Rolls Royce.

Marles told the Australian Broadcasting Corp. Friday the AUKUS pact is taking an important step forward.

"This agreement is the legal underpinning for that technology to be provided to Australia, for ultimately the nuclear equipment to be provided to Australia. So, that is both the Virginia Class submarines from the United States [and] the nuclear reactors from Rolls Royce that will form part of the submarines that we build in Australia," he said.

The AUKUS accord is widely seen as a counter to China's growing influence in the Indo-Pacific region. Beijing has said the security pact undermines peace and stability.

China accused Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States of fueling military confrontation when the AUKUS accord was signed in 2021.

The alliance has been criticized by former Australian Prime Ministers Malcolm Turnbull and Paul Keating, who have said the deal would erode the country's sovereignty.

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Minister Joly announces sanctions on fourth anniversary of fraudulent presidential elections in Belarus

Global Affairs Canada

News release

August 9, 2024 - Ottawa, Ontario - Global Affairs Canada

The Honourable MAlanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today announced that Canada is imposing sanctions against ten individuals and six entities under the Special Economic Measures (Belarus) Regulations. These persons are sanctioned on the fourth anniversary of the fraudulent presidential elections in Belarus, in response to their involvement in ongoing and systematic human rights abuses in Belarus and support for Russia's illegal war of aggression against Ukraine.

The list of sanctioned individuals includes judges who, in blatant contravention of human rights obligations, have arbitrarily condemned and sentenced democracy defenders and regular citizens for expressing their opposition to the fraudulent elections of 2020. It also includes individuals who coordinate military production in Belarus and in close coordination with Russia.

The entities being sanctioned operate as part of the Belarusian defence and military-industrial complex and are involved in the production or repair of military equipment which enables Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Canada is also sanctioning a Belarusian state-owned enterprise which suppressed its employees' right to peaceful protest following the fraudulent elections of August 2020, intimidating and firing employees who joined peaceful protests and strikes.

These measures, which are imposed in coordination with international partners including the European Union, the United Kingdom and the United States, are the latest example of Canada's ongoing efforts to exert further pressure on Belarusian authorities and to pursue accountability for those supporting Putin's brutal war of aggression against Ukraine.

Quotes

"Today, we are sending a clear message to the Government of Belarus: Canada will not accept the Lukashenko regime's blatant violations of human rights. We will continue to work with our international partners to ensure that the voices of the people of Belarus are heard and to hold those who support Russia's brutal and unjustifiable war against Ukraine accountable for their crimes." - MAlanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs

Quick facts

The Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) characterized the 2020 presidential elections in Belarus as severely flawed, "not transparent, free or fair", and recommended the results be annulled "due to irregularities at all stages of the process".

To date, Canada has announced 15 rounds of sanctions under the Special Economic Measures Act (Belarus) on a total of 221 individuals and 77 entities.

Canada has announced over $3 million to support civil society organizations working to advance democracy in Belarus, with a focus on women and independent media.

Since 2014, Canada has imposed sanctions on more than 3,000 individuals and entities in Russia, Belarus, Ukraine and Moldova who are complicit in the violation of Ukraine and Moldova's sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as gross and systematic human rights violations.

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Foreign Ministry's statement on the 4th anniversary of peaceful protests of the Belarusian people against the fraudulent presidential elections

Republic of Lithuania - Ministry of Foreign Affairs

2024-08-09

On the fourth anniversary of the peaceful protests of the Belarusian people against the fraudulent presidential elections in Belarus, Lithuania expresses its solidarity with the people of Belarus in their fight for democracy and freedom.

The Belarusian public voted for the democratic leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya instead of Alexander Lukashenko in 2020. The electoral fraud sparked mass protests, and the regime unleashed an unprecedented crackdown on peaceful protesters. In pursuit of the Kremlin's interests, the Lukashenko regime continues its aggressive imperialist policy of Russification. Economic, military, and cultural subordination of Belarus to Moscow is rampant. Furthermore, the Belarusian regime is an accomplice in Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine.

Lithuania's position on the Lukashenko regime is strictly uncompromising: We do not recognize Lukashenko as President, and we consider his regime illegal. We seek Lukashenko's total international isolation, sanctioning, and criminal accountability for the repression in Belarus and support for Russia in its war against Ukraine.

Belarus and Lithuania share historical ties, a joint fight against Russia's domination, and European cultural heritage and identity. Considering the Belarusian people's aspirations, the country should remain part of Europe's political, cultural, and economic space. We, therefore, strongly support the declarations adopted by Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya and the Belarusian democratic forces on the European aspirations of the Belarusian people.

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Joint Statement on Belarus

US Department of State

Media Note

Office of the Spokesperson

August 9, 2024

The text of the following statement was released by the Governments of the United States of America, Canada and the United Kingdom, and the European Union.

Begin Text:

Four years on from the fraudulent 2020 presidential election and the appalling human rights crackdown in Belarus, the United States of America, Canada, the European Union, and the United Kingdom stand in solidarity with the people of Belarus who, in spite of continued repression by the Lukashenka regime, have peacefully and courageously pressed for democratic change, respect for human rights, and the release of all political prisoners. We affirm that the sanctions we have recently announced represent a coordinated, multilateral effort to advance accountability for the Lukashenka regime.

We call on Belarusian authorities to immediately and unconditionally release the almost 1,400 political prisoners being held in Belarusian prisons. We will continue to consider our options, including additional sanctions, to hold accountable those who enable the Lukashenka regime's suppression of democracy in Belarus. We will also continue to take meaningful steps to expose and cut off the flow of crucial support and components through Belarus that fuel Russia's unprovoked war against Ukraine, while maintaining our support for the Belarusian people.

End Text.

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Treasury Tightens Sanctions on Belarus's Military Support to Russia and Lukashenka Regime

U.S. Department of the Treasury

August 9, 2024

WASHINGTON -- Today, the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) is taking action against 19 individuals, 14 entities, and one aircraft pursuant to Belarus-related Executive Order (E.O.) 14038. This action targets persons involved in supporting Russia's war in Ukraine through military resource production and transshipment of goods to Russia, sanctions evasion on behalf of Belarusian defense entities, and revenue generation for Belarusian oligarchs in Alyaksandr Lukashenka's inner circle. OFAC is concurrently designating five of these targetsathree individuals and two entitiesapursuant to Russia-related E.O. 14024.

Lukashenka's support for Russia's indefensible war against Ukraine comes at a high cost for Belarus. Lukashenka has traded his country's autonomy and standing in the international community for his and his cronies' own financial and political benefits. Today's action reinforces the United States' commitment to holding the Lukashenka regime accountable for its attacks on the Belarusian democratic movement and its flagrant exploitation of the Belarusian people.

"As Belarus marks another year under Lukashenka's rule, the regime's blatantly corrupt, destabilizing, and anti-democratic actsaalong with its continued support for Russia's illegal invasion of Ukraineahave only further ostracized Belarus from the global community," said Acting Under Secretary of the Treasury for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence Bradley T. Smith. "The United States, in coordination with our allies and partners, remains committed to holding the regime and its key facilitators accountable."

In the wake of the fraudulent August 2020 Belarusian Presidential election, Lukashenka resorted to brutal crackdowns on peaceful protesters, democratic organizations, and journalists in order to illegitimately retain power. Since then, Lukashenka's actions have eroded Belarusian civil society and enabled Lukashenka, his family, and his inner circle to enrich themselves at the expense of Belarus's citizens and sovereignty. The Lukashenka regime continues to support Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine by hosting Russian military bases and allowing Russian forces to use Belarus as a staging point for military operations.

Today's designations are amplified by actions undertaken by the United States' partners in the European Union (EU)awho targeted Belarusian authorities involved in human rights abuses earlier this weekaand Canada and the United Kingdom, who today also announced additional sanctions on the Lukashenka regime. Together, these actions signal the international community's continuing solidarity with the Belarusian people in their struggle for a free, democratic, and sovereign Belarus.

The Department of State also took steps to impose visa restrictions on 19 regime officials and their affiliates for their involvement in undermining democracy in Belarus, pursuant to Presidential Proclamation 8015.

PELENG SANCTIONS EVASION NETWORK

As part of the strong ties between Russia and Belarus with respect to their technology and defense-industrial industries, Belarus provides Russia with components for satellite communication systems and optical equipment. U.S.-designated Peleng JSC (Peleng) is the leading design enterprise in Belarus's optoelectronic industry, producing components for spacecraft, satellites, and sights with thermal imagers for military vehicles. Peleng is one of Russia's most important industrial partners in Belarus and has partnered with Russia on ventures ranging from artillery unit complex development to airfield automated meteorological systems supply. OFAC designated Peleng on December 2, 2021 pursuant to E.O. 14038 for operating or having operated in the defense and related materiel sector of the economy of Belarus and for operating or having operated in the security sector of the economy of Belarus.

LLC Laboratory of Additive Technologies (LAT), also recently known as LLC Laser Devices and Technologies, is identified as a Belarus-based entity focused on research and development in the natural sciences; however, LAT generates its revenue by supplying components to companies, including Peleng, that produce weapons for the Russian Federation and are under U.S. and EU sanctions. For example, LAT has procured encoder disksaa component for sensors that detect motion and are used in panoramic sights for T-72s or other tanksafrom a Taiwanese precision instrument maker and bypassed sanctions to move the encoder disks and payment through a third-country intermediary. Yuri Aleksandrovich Chivel (Chivel), a Belarusian national, is LAT's Director and has signed contracts certifying that LAT intends to and has supplied components to Peleng.

OFAC is designating LAT pursuant to E.O. 14038 for having materially assisted, sponsored, or provided financial, material, or technological support for, or goods or services to or in support of Peleng, a person whose property and interests in property are blocked pursuant to E.O. 14038. OFAC is designating Chivel pursuant to E.O. 14038 for having been a leader, official, senior executive officer, or member of the board of directors of LAT, an entity whose property and interests are blocked pursuant to E.O. 14038.

OOO Ruchservomotor (Ruchservomotor) is a Belarusian developer and manufacturer of precision coordinate systems, including high precision milling and engraving products and services. Ruchservomotor's Director, Aliaksandr Uladzimiravich Zharski (Zharski), a Belarusian national, and its Deputy Director, Siarhei Mikalaevich Sidaruk (Sidaruk), also a Belarusian national, signed contracts agreeing to supply LAT with components. Ruchservomotor also produces components for panoramic commander's sights for T-72 and T-90 Russian tanks, for which Peleng is the end user. By using LAT as an intermediary to ship Russian military equipment components, Ruchservomotor has attempted to obfuscate its direct sales and connection to the Russian military.

OFAC is designating Ruchservomotor pursuant to E.O. 14038 for having materially assisted, sponsored, or provided financial, material, or technological support for, or goods or services to or in support of LAT, a person whose property and interests in property are blocked pursuant to E.O. 14038. OFAC is designating Zharski and Sidaruk pursuant to E.O. 14038 for having been leaders, officials, senior executive officers, or members of the board of directors of Ruchservomotor, an entity whose property and interests are blocked pursuant to E.O. 14038.

Belarusian manufacturers LLC AlYurTekh (AlYurTekh) and its Deputy Director, Aleksey Nikolaevich Yavorski (Yavorski), a Belarusian national; ALC Diskoms (Diskoms) and its Deputy Director, Arkady Samuilovich Dimenshtein (Dimenshtein), a Belarusian national; LLC MOT (MOT) and its Commercial Director, Viktoriya Orestovna Savruk (Savruk), a Ukrainian national; LLC Grosver Grup (Grosver Grup) and its representative, Siarhei Uladzimiravich Kastsianok (Kastsianok), a Belarusian national; and Limited Liability Company Tochnaya Mekhanika (Tochnaya Mekhanika) and its Director, Aleksandr Mikolaevich Leschanka (Leschanka), a Belarusian national, have all signed contracts committing the respective companies to supply Peleng with goods or services.

OFAC is designating AlYurTekh, Diskoms, MOT, Grosver Grup, and Tochnaya Mekhanika pursuant to E.O. 14038 for having materially assisted, sponsored, or provided financial, material, or technological support for, or goods or services to or in support of Peleng, a person whose property and interests in property are blocked pursuant to E.O. 14038.

OFAC is designating Yavorski pursuant to E.O. 14038 for having been a leader, official, senior executive officer, or member of the board of directors of AlYurTekh, an entity whose property and interests are blocked pursuant to E.O. 14038. OFAC is designating Dimenshtein pursuant to E.O. 14038 for having been a leader, official, senior executive officer, or member of the board of directors of Diskoms, an entity whose property and interests are blocked pursuant to E.O. 14038. OFAC is designating Savruk pursuant to E.O. 14038 for having been a leader, official, senior executive officer, or member of the board of directors of MOT, an entity whose property and interests are blocked pursuant to E.O. 14038. OFAC is designating Kastsianok pursuant to E.O. 14038 for having acted or is purported to have acted for or on behalf of, directly or indirectly, Grosver Grup, an entity whose property and interests are blocked pursuant to E.O. 14038. OFAC is designating Leschanka pursuant to E.O. 14038 for having been a leader, official, senior executive officer, or member of the board of directors of Tochnaya Mekhanika, an entity whose property and interests are blocked pursuant to E.O. 14038.

CARGO AIRLINE COMPANIES

Aviakompaniya Rada LLC (Rada) and UE RubiStar (RubiStar) are two private Belarusian cargo airline companies that have long operated in the international transportation of a variety of products, including general cargo, engineering equipment, live animals, and dangerous goods.

In addition to their activities in the Belarusian transportation sector, both Rada and RubiStar have provided support to Russian defense activities. More specifically, Rada provided support to internationally designated Russian Private Military Company Wagner (Wagner Group) (designated on June 20, 2017, November 15, 2022, and January 26, 2023) by moving Wagner Group personnel and supplies to and from Africa. Additionally, on multiple occasions in 2024, RubiStar provided mission support to Russia by transporting Russian military personnel to Africa; and relatedly, at the request of a Russian company, RubiStar conducted the shipment of military helicopters to Africa. Finally, Rada has also participated in the trafficking of exotic animals between Mexico and Venezuela.

Rada is led by its Commercial Director Dmitry Olegovich Ishchenko (Ishchenko), a Russian national, and its Belarusian Director Ivan Nikolaevich Nareiko, while RubiStar is represented by its Belarusian Director, Evgeniy Ivanovich Mikholap (Mikholap).

OFAC is designating Rada, RubiStar, Ishchenko, Nareiko, and Mikholap pursuant to E.O. 14038 for operating or having operated in the transportation sector of the Belarus economy.

OFAC is also designating Rada, RubiStar, Ishchenko, Nareiko, and Mikholap pursuant to E.O. 14024 for operating or having operated in the defense and related materiel sector of the Russian Federation economy. On June 12, 2024, Treasury broadened the definition of Russia's military-industrial base to include all persons blocked pursuant to E.O. 14024. This means that foreign financial institutions risk being sanctioned for conducting or facilitating significant transactions, or providing any service, involving any person blocked pursuant to E.O. 14024. Foreign financial institutions face sanctions risk for continuing to facilitate transactions involving Russia's military-industrial base. Financial institutions should review OFAC's updated sanctions advisory for practical guidance on how to identify sanctions risks and implement corresponding controls.

Aviakompaniya Belkanto LLC (Belkanto) is another Belarus-based private cargo airline company that was formed on paper in 2020, but began operating in 2022 under the leadership of former executives of Belarusian state-owned cargo airline company Transaviaexport. On December 2, 2021, OFAC designated Transaviaexport for operating or having operated in the transportation sector of the economy of Belarus and for being owned or controlled by, or having acted or purported to act for or on behalf of, directly or indirectly, the Government of Belarus (GoB). Following Transaviaexport's designation, Belkanto took ownership of one of Transaviaexport's planes and began leasing other aircraft from the company. Belkanto's business is focused on many of the same areas of operation as Transaviaexport, including the transshipment of goods to Russia.

OFAC is designating Belkanto pursuant to E.O. 14038 for operating or having operated in the transportation sector of the Belarus economy.

LOGISTICS COMPANIES GENERATING REVENUE FOR LUKASHENKA 'WALLETS' AND RE-EXPORTING GOODS TO RUSSIA

Ruzekspeditsiya LLC (Ruzekspeditsiya) and VLATE Logistic LLC (VLATE) are two Belarus-based logistics entities involved in the management of border crossing logistics and transportation services through Belarus to Russia, including the re-export of machinery, hydrocarbons, and Western European goods to Russia. These companies form the core of a logistics network controlled by U.S.-designated Lukashenka 'wallets' a Belarusian oligarchs who receive preferential treatment from the GoB in exchange for providing funds to Lukashenka and other members of his inner circle; financing Lukashenka's personal projects; and publicly supporting the regime a Aliaksandr Zaitsau (February 24, 2022), Mikalai Varabei, and Aliaksey Aleksin (both on August 9, 2021). Since the August 9, 2021 U.S. designation of these oligarchs' logistics company, Bremino Group, Ruzekspeditsiya and VLATE have taken over many of Bremino Group's former operations, increasing these two companies' revenue exponentially. As a result of Ruzekspeditsiya and VLATE's connections to Zaitsau, Varabei, and Aleksin, both companies receive privileged tax status and limited customs fees from Lukashenka.

Ruzekspeditsiya and VLATE are owned and directed by six individualsaBelarusian businessmen Oleg Romualdovich Gerasim (Gerasim), Oleg Fedorovich Barabanov (Barabanov), Dmitry Mikhailovich Zamulevich (Zamulevich), and Evgeniy Yurievich Krokhotin (Krokhotin), and Russian businessmen Vladimir Mikhailovich Arkadiev (Arkadiev) and Oleg Vladimirovich Petrov (Petrov)awho are all personally connected to Zaitsau, Varabei, and Aleksin, and represent these oligarchs' interest in the companies.

OFAC is designating Ruzekspeditsiya, VLATE, Gerasim, Petrov, Barabanov, Zamulevich, Arkadiev, and Krokhotin pursuant to E.O. 14038 for operating or having operated in the transportation sector of the Belarus economy.

DEFENSE SECTOR ENTITIES SUPPORTING RUSSIAN WAR EFFORT

Joint Stock Company Plant Legmash (Legmash) is a Belarus-based manufacturing plant that has shifted its operations to produce artillery ammunition to supply the Belarusian and Russian armed forces. In May 2024, Lukashenka visited Legmash and alongside Legmash's Belarusian Director, Vladislav Nikolaevich Pavlenko (Pavlenko), inspected Legmash's new defense sector operations and commented on Legmash's importance to the Belarusian defense-industrial sector.

OFAC is designating Legmash and Pavlenko pursuant to E.O. 14038 for operating or having operated in the defense and related materiel sector of the Belarus economy.

KB Unmanned Helicopters (UAVHeli) is a Belarusian unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) developer and manufacturer that specializes in the production of drones for use in the security and defense sectors. Since its inception, UAVHeli has been led by Belarusian businessman Vladimir Vladimirovich Chudakov (Chudakov), who has sold UAVHeli's products to the Belarusian and Russian defense sectors.

OFAC is designating UAVHeli and Chudakov pursuant to E.O. 14038 for operating or having operated in the defense and related materiel sector of the Belarus economy.

LUKASHENKA'S LUXURY AIRLINER

Lukashenka maintains a fleet of Government of Belarus-owned planes that he uses professionally and for his personal leisure. EW-001PB is a Boeing 767-32K(ER) owned by the Government of Belarus and used as part of the fleet of presidential aircraft. OFAC is identifying EW-001PB as property in which Lukashenka, a person whose property and interests in property are blocked pursuant to E.O. 14038, has an interest. OFAC has previously identified as blocked property several other aircraft in the presidential fleet, including EW-001PA (March 24, 2023) and EW-301PJ (August 9, 2023).

SANCTIONS IMPLICATIONS

As a result of today's action, all property and interests in property of the designated persons described above that are in the United States or in the possession or control of U.S. persons are blocked and must be reported to OFAC. In addition, any entities that are owned, directly or indirectly, individually or in the aggregate, 50 percent or more by one or more blocked persons are also blocked. Unless authorized by a general or specific license issued by OFAC, or exempt, OFAC's regulations generally prohibit all transactions by U.S. persons or within (or transiting) the United States that involve any property or interests in property of designated or otherwise blocked persons.

In addition, financial institutions and other persons that engage in certain transactions or activities with the sanctioned entities and individuals may expose themselves to sanctions or be subject to an enforcement action. The prohibitions include the making of any contribution or provision of funds, goods, or services by, to, or for the benefit of any designated person, or the receipt of any contribution or provision of funds, goods, or services from any such person.

The power and integrity of OFAC sanctions derive not only from OFAC's ability to designate and add persons to the SDN List, but also from its willingness to remove persons from the SDN List consistent with the law. The ultimate goal of sanctions is not to punish, but to bring about a positive change in behavior. For information concerning the process for seeking removal from an OFAC list, including the SDN List, please refer to OFAC's Frequently Asked Question 897 here. For detailed information on the process to submit a request for removal from an OFAC sanctions list, please click here.

Click here for more information on the individuals and entities sanctioned today.

###

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UK announces new Belarus sanctions to mark anniversary of sham election

The UK has sanctioned 4 individuals and 3 entities from Belarus in coordinated action with international partners.

9 August 2024

UK sanctions 4 individuals and 3 entities from Belarus in coordinated action with international partners, in response to human rights violations and ongoing facilitation of Russia's illegal invasion of Ukraine

today marks 4 years since the deeply flawed presidential election and start of the crackdown on civil society

UK announces A2.5 million of planned funding to support the survival of Belarusian human rights and civil society causes in the face of continued political pressure

The UK has today (9 August) sanctioned a further 7 individuals and entities on the fourth anniversary of the deeply flawed 2020 presidential elections in Belarus in coordinated action with international partners, taking the total number of sanctions against Belarus to over 200.

The conduct of the election, which was widely condemned by the international community, sparked widespread peaceful protests across the country. These were met by a brutal campaign of repression and a purging of civil society, independent media and the democratic opposition at the hands of the Lukashenko regime, with political prisoners detained in penal colonies. Commanding officers of 4 of these penal colonies, who have contributed to human rights violations and the repression of civil society, have been hit with UK sanctions today.

Belarus has also provided instrumental support for Russia's illegal invasion of Ukraine since it began in 2022. It has allowed the use of its territory and airspace to launch attacks and provided kit and logistical support, with three Belarusian entities in the defence and military industrial sector being added to the UK's sanction list, preventing them from doing business with UK companies.

Following the designations, Foreign Secretary David Lammy said:

Four years on from the brutal scenes we witnessed in Belarus, Lukashenko's relentless crackdown on civil society has shown no signs of abating: over 40,000 citizens arrested on trumped up political charges, civil society and independent media trampled and a regime with no regard for democracy or human rights. We stand with the people of Belarus and their pursuit of freedom and democracy and call on the regime to release all political prisoners immediately and unconditionally.

The individuals and entities sanctioned today are:

1. Denis Anatolievich TOLSTENKOV: commanding officer of penal colony 4

2. Andrei Sergeevich PALCHYK: former commanding officer of penal colony 1

3. Filip Vladimirovich STURCHANKA: commanding officer of penal colony 3

4. Aleksey Valerievich LAZARENKO: commanding officer of penal colony 15

All 4 individuals are, or have been, responsible for, engaging in, providing support for and promoting the commission of a serious human rights violation, repression of civil society and democratic opposition and actions and activities that undermine democracy and rule of law in Belarus.

5. OJSC StankoGomel: a Belarusian machine tool manufacturer exporting goods to Russia for use in the Russian military industrial sector

6. JSC NIIEVM: a Government of Belarus affiliated entity carrying on business in the Belarusian defence sector

7. Ruchservomotor LLC: a Belarusian machine tool manufacturer exporting goods to Russia for use in the Russian military industrial sector

Alongside sanctions, the UK is announcing planned funding of A2.5 million this financial year to supporting Belarusian human rights and civil society causes, including further funding to the International Accountability Platform Belarus - a coalition that collect, verify, and preserve evidence of gross human rights violations constituting crimes under international law allegedly committed by Belarusian authorities.

Since August 2020, the Belarusian authorities have made over 40,000 politically motivated arrests and pursued at least 12,000 politically motivated criminal cases. According to the Viasna Human Rights Centre, a Belarusian non-governmental organisation, 1389 political prisoners remain incarcerated in Belarus, including human rights defenders, journalists, members of the democratic opposition and trade unionists.

At least 6 political prisoners have died in detention since 2021, while many others remain held in appalling conditions, subject to violence, deprived of medical attention and starved of contact with the outside world.

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Justice Department Disrupts North Korean Remote IT Worker Fraud Schemes Through Charges and Arrest of Nashville Facilitator

Thursday, August 8, 2024

For Immediate Release

Office of Public Affairs

Defendant Used a "Laptop Farm" to Deceive Companies Into Thinking They Had Hired a U.S.-Located Worker

Matthew Isaac Knoot, 38, of Nashville, Tennessee, was arrested today for his efforts to generate revenue for the Democratic People's Republic of Korea's (DPRK or North Korea) illicit weapons program, which includes weapons of mass destruction (WMD).

The FBI, along with the Departments of State and Treasury, issued a May 2022 advisory to alert the international community, private sector, and public about the North Korea IT worker threat. Updated guidance was issued in October 2023 by the United States and the Republic of Korea (South Korea) and in May 2024 by the FBI, which include indicators to watch for that are consistent with the North Korea IT worker fraud and the use of U.S.-based laptop farms.

According to court documents, Knoot participated in a scheme to obtain remote employment with American and British companies for foreign information technology (IT) workers, who were actually North Korean actors. Knoot allegedly assisted them in using a stolen identity to pose as a U.S. citizen; hosted company laptops at his residences; downloaded and installed software without authorization on such laptops to facilitate access and perpetuate the deception; and conspired to launder payments for the remote IT work, including to accounts tied to North Korean and Chinese actors.

"As alleged, this defendant facilitated a scheme to deceive U.S. companies into hiring foreign remote IT workers who were paid hundreds of thousands of dollars in income funneled to the DPRK for its weapons program," said Assistant Attorney General Matthew G. Olsen of the Justice Department's National Security Division. "This indictment should serve as a stark warning to U.S. businesses that employ remote IT workers of the growing threat from the DPRK and the need to be vigilant in their hiring processes."

"North Korea has dispatched thousands of highly skilled information technology workers around the world to dupe unwitting businesses and evade international sanctions so that it can continue to fund its dangerous weapons program," said U.S. Attorney Henry C. Leventis for the Middle District of Tennessee. "Today's indictment, charging the defendant with facilitating a complex, multi-year scheme that funneled hundreds of thousands of dollars to foreign actors, is the most recent example of our office's commitment to protecting the United States' national security interests."

"As today's charges demonstrate, the FBI will relentlessly pursue those who aid the North Korean government's illegal efforts to generate revenue," said Assistant Director Bryan Vorndran of the FBI's Cyber Division. "Where illicit proceeds may be used to fund the regime's kinetic capacity, we will prioritize our work to disrupt that flow of money. This indictment should demonstrate the risk faced by those who support the DPRK's malicious cyber activity."

The DPRK has dispatched thousands of skilled IT workers to live abroad, primarily in China and Russia, with the aim of deceiving U.S. and other businesses worldwide into hiring them as freelance IT workers to generate revenue for its WMD programs. DPRK IT worker schemes involve the use of pseudonymous email, social media, payment platform and online job site accounts, as well as false websites, proxy computers, and witting and unwitting third parties located in the United States and elsewhere. As described in a May 2022 tri-seal public service advisory

released by the FBI, the Department of the Treasury, and the Department of State, such IT workers have been known to individually earn up to $300,000 annually, generating hundreds of millions of dollars collectively each year, on behalf of designated entities, such as the North Korean Ministry of Defense and others directly involved in the DPRK's UN-prohibited WMD programs.

The indictment unsealed today in the Middle District of Tennessee alleges that Knoot participated in a scheme to assist overseas IT workers to obtain remote IT work at U.S. companies which believed that they were hiring U.S.-based personnel. The IT workers, who were North Korean nationals, used the stolen identity of a U.S. citizen, "Andrew M.," to obtain this remote IT work. The scheme defrauded U.S. media, technology, and financial companies, ultimately causing them hundreds of thousands of dollars in damages.

According to court documents, Knoot ran a "laptop farm" at his Nashville residences between approximately July 2022 and August 2023. The victim companies shipped laptops addressed to "Andrew M." to Knoot's residences. Following receipt of the laptops, and without authorization, Knoot logged on to the laptops, downloaded and installed unauthorized remote desktop applications, and accessed the victim companies' networks, causing damage to the computers. The remote desktop applications enabled the North Korean IT workers to work from locations in China, while appearing to the victim companies that "Andrew M." was working from Knoot's residences in Nashville. For his participation in the scheme, Knoot was paid a monthly fee for his services by a foreign-based facilitator who went by the name Yang Di. A court-authorized search of Knoot's laptop farm was executed in early August 2023.

The overseas IT workers associated with Knoot's cell were each paid over $250,000 for their work between approximately July 2022 and August 2023, much of which was falsely reported to the Internal Revenue Service and the Social Security Administration in the name of the actual U.S. person, Andrew M., whose identity was stolen. Knoot and his conspirators' actions also caused the victim companies more than $500,000 in costs associated with auditing and remediating their devices, systems, and networks. Knoot, Di, and others conspired to commit money laundering by conducting financial transactions to receive payments from the victim companies, transfer those funds to Knoot and to accounts outside of the United States, in an attempt both to promote their unlawful activity and to hide that transferred funds were the proceeds of it. The non-U.S. accounts include accounts associated with North Korean and Chinese actors.

Knoot is charged with conspiracy to cause damage to protected computers, conspiracy to launder monetary instruments, conspiracy to commit wire fraud, intentional damage to protected computers, aggravated identity theft and conspiracy to cause the unlawful employment of aliens. If convicted, Knoot faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, including a mandatory minimum of two years in prison on the aggravated identity theft count.

Under the Department-wide "DPRK RevGen: Domestic Enabler Initiative," launched in March 2024 by the National Security Division and the FBI's Cyber and Counterintelligence Divisions, Department prosecutors and agents are prioritizing the identification and shuttering of U.S.-based "laptop farms" a locations hosting laptops provided by victim U.S. companies to individuals they believed were legitimate U.S.-based freelance IT workers a and the investigation and prosecution of individuals hosting them. Today's announcement follows successful action taken by the Department in October 2023 and May 2024, which targeted identical and related conduct.

The FBI is investigating the case.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Josh Kurtzman for the Middle District of Tennessee and Trial Attorney Greg Nicosia of the National Security Division's Cyber Section are prosecuting the case.

An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

Topic: National Security

Components: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

National Security Division (NSD)

USAO - Tennessee, Middle

Press Release Number: 24-987

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No sign of North Korean missile launchers arriving on southern border: Seoul

The South's military said they found no evidence to confirm whether North Korea's launchers might be mock-ups.

By Taejun Kang for RFA 2024.08.09 -- There is no sign of North Korea deploying missile launchers toward its border with South Korea, the South's military said on Friday, casting doubt on a North Korean announcement that it was sending 250 new tactical ballistic missile launchers to the border.

"It was reported as if they were being deployed to the front, but there is currently no sign showing that," an official from the Joint Chiefs of Staff told a briefing.

"The production of missiles to fill the launchers is also expected to take a considerable time," the official added.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un attended a ceremony on Sunday to commemorate the transfer of a new-type tactical ballistic missile weapon system, which showcased the launchers.

The North's state-run Korean Central News Agency published photographs on Monday showing what appeared to be vehicle-based missile launchers, with dozens of large green military trucks lined up in rows before Kim.

Asked if the North Korean launchers shown in the pictures could be mock-ups, the South Korean official said that they had found no evidence to support that.

Kim said in a speech on Sunday the new missile launchers were built with North Korean technology, adding that the display was the first stage of work for the planned missile force deployment by border units.

The North Korean leader blamed the U.S. for creating various types of threats that forced his country to enhance its military capabilities.

At that time, South Korea's military said the new weapons would likely be used to threaten the South, a move that would put pressure on the South and its allies to counter with more advanced missiles and defense systems of their own, according to experts.

Edited by RFA Staff.

Copyright 1998-2016, RFA. Used with the permission of Radio Free Asia, 2025 M St. NW, Suite 300, Washington DC 20036. For any commercial use of RFA content please send an email to: mahajanr@rfa.org. RFA content August not be used in a manner which would give the appearance of any endorsement of any product or support of any issue or political position. Please read the full text of our Terms of Use.

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Assistant Secretary Kritenbrink Participates in Trilateral Consultations on the DPRK

US Department of State

Media Note

Office of the Spokesperson

August 9, 2024

Assistant Secretary for East Asian and Pacific Affairs Daniel J. Kritenbrink, Republic of Korea (ROK) Vice Foreign Minister for Strategy and Intelligence Cho Koo-rae, and Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs Director General for Asian and Oceanian Affairs Namazu Hiroyuki, held a trilateral phone call on August 6 to discuss current developments related to the DPRK.

The three officials discussed efforts to deepen trilateral security cooperation, bring global attention to the DPRK's malicious cyber activities, and call on the DPRK to return to dialogue rather than continue its reckless and dangerous actions that escalate tension on the Korean Peninsula. They discussed the DPRK's deepening relationship with Russia, including arms transfers, which help prolong Russia's war against Ukraine, undermine the global non-proliferation regime, violate UN Security Council resolutions, and upend regional stability. The officials called on the PRC to use its influence with the DPRK to halt the regime's destabilizing activity. Assistant Secretary Kritenbrink reiterated the United States' ironclad commitments to the defense of the ROK and Japan.

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Respected Comrade Kim Jong Un Takes Important Measures for Rehabilitation in Flood-hit Areas

Korean Central News Agency of DPRK

Pyongyang, August 10 (KCNA) -- The sacred leadership of the great father, who with warm love and ennobling spirit of making devoted service for the people as his natural character, continues the long journey of devoted service for their wellbeing while dedicating his tireless thinking and efforts to the sake of the people all the time, has touched the flood-stricken people again, redoubling their confidence in and optimism about the future.

Kim Jong Un , general secretary of the Workers' Party of Korea and president of the State Affairs of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, visited the flood-hit area in Uiju County of North Phyongan Province again on August 8 and 9 and took important measures for rehabilitation.

He, who pioneered an honorable campaign for providing the homeless people in the disaster-stricken areas with fine homes as soon as possible, visited again the flood victims of Uiju County on August 8.

He was accompanied by Jo Yong Won, Pak Jong Chon, Kim Jae Ryong, Ju Chang Il and Han Kwang Sang, leading officials of the WPK Central Committee.

The respected Comrade Kim Jong Un was greeted on the spot by Ri Hi Yong, chief secretary of the North Phyongan Provincial Committee of the WPK, the chairman of the provincial people's committee, the chief secretary of the Uiju County Party Committee and the chairman of the county people's committee.

On a hillock near a bank of the River Amnok overlooking the inundated island of Uiju County, he learned in detail about the specific conditions of the flooded area whose configuration begins to surface, and gave important instructions for rehabilitation.

He stressed the need to expand and propel the rehabilitation in a forward-looking and development-oriented way from the viewpoint that the rehabilitation is not only an undertaking for eradicating the aftermath of natural disaster but also a crucial issue of implementing the Party's far-reaching regional development programme.

Calling for decisively raising the water-passage capacity in order to tackle the chronic vulnerability of the area that turns into a "reservoir" in downpour, he instructed the hydraulic engineering and designing sectors to take practical measures after jointly examining in a scientific way the current state of a river bank and the flood-prevention capacity of Uiju County which is bound to suffer flood damage due to the growing water level of the River Amnok.

Saying that a radical change should be made in building a highly-civilized and fashionable residential district as good as the ones in city, occasioned by the construction of new dwelling houses in Uiju County, he called for building an ideal "rural cultural city," where all amenities related to urban management, ranging from the supply of electricity and drinking water to sewage disposal, are perfectly provided.

Then, he visited tents being used by flood victims as temporary dwellings and warmly consoled them.

The flood victims, unexpectedly seeing Kim Jong Un who visited their quarters in sweltering weather, broke into cheers of "Hurrah!" in tears of great excitement.

They paid tribute to him out of grateful feelings, looking up in tears to the father of a large socialist family, who had driven his way through rough waters to visit the flood-stricken areas and stayed there for a long time to rescue all of them from critical danger some days before, and even visited the tents where they live to show paternal affection that day.

Sitting knee to knee with flood victims, Kim Jong Un took meticulous care of their living, warmly asking them whether they had something inconvenient, how their meals were provided and if there were any ill persons.

They replied that they have nothing inconvenient as all necessary amenities have been provided thanks to his boundless love and the whole country renders all-out assistance, expressing in an excited tone their single desire to live up to his great benevolence.

Telling them that it would be so hard for them to live away from home, he called on them to endure such pain a little more until the day when a paradise will be built on the ruins left by the natural disaster to provide them with a better life. He thanked them for invariably believing in our Party, saying rehabilitation doesn't matter as there exists such deep trust.

Feeding children with confectionary he personally brought and putting lovely clothes on them, he said that seeing children he felt really encouraged and more deeply awakened to the sense of the duty he assumed to make the country stronger for the rising generations.

Feeling the warm parental affection by the fatherly leader, who talked with them for a long time despite sultry weather, warmly taking their hands to console them and redouble their confidence and courage, flood victims hardly repressed their great emotion and thrust themselves into his embrace, raising stormy cheers in tears.

Flood victims followed him step by step, reluctant to part from him. Telling them to go back, he promised to visit them again the next day

He met flood victims of Uiju County again on August 9 to clarify our Party and government's stand related to rehabilitation, take crucial measures and console them.

He made sure that aid materials prepared by the Party Central Committee for the flood victims of Sinuiju City and Uiju County were conveyed to them by his private train.

He also authorized the members of the Political Bureau of the Party Central Committee to convey the aid materials to the flood victims in Jagang and Ryanggang provinces on the spot.

Cadres of the Party Central Committee handed over the aid materials to the flood victims.

The flood victims of Uiju County, who received the aid materials associated with his warm care, raised loud cheers of "Hurrah!" in floods of tears, overwhelmed by deep gratitude, great happiness and high excitement.

Kim Jong Un showed warm parental care for children, warmly hugging them in new clothes, caressing their hair and talking with them in whispers.

He made a consolatory speech before the flood victims.

Noting that he came again to acquaint himself in more detail about their living conditions on the spot, reassign a series of tasks related to the recovery work and take crucial state measures helpful to the victims in addition, he said that he felt much relieved and greatly encouraged to see all of them living in good health without any inconvenience.

Pointing out that the people constitute the foundation and pillar of the Party and the state, the starting point and the focus of all their activities, he said that he takes pride in the people absolutely and unconditionally believing in the Party and the government even in the period of disaster-brought hardship. He told them about the important measures to be taken, clarifying the stand of the Party and the government on the issue of promoting the flood victims' living and rehabilitation.

Recalling that the Party and the state concentrate their efforts on the rehabilitation campaign, he said that strong construction forces, including service personnel of the People's Army and young people, had already been deployed and transport of rehabilitation materials is underway under an emergency system.

The most urgent issue, arising in the period of two or three months until the housing construction is completed and their living stabilized, is the one of life and education of children and students, he said, adding that childcare, edification and education are the primary state affairs never to be given up in any emergency situation.

He announced such an important measure as putting into operation an emergency system to bring all the children and students in the families of flood victims in North Phyongan, Jagang and Ryanggang provinces to Pyongyang to take educational care of them in a secure and convenient environment at the expenses of the state and in its direct charge until the rehabilitation finishes, and rendering state-backed protection and care to the old and sick persons, honoured disabled soldiers and baby mums after bringing them to Pyongyang.

He said that he leaves everything to individual intentions and decisions of the flood victims for there may be different personal problems but the above-said measure is to be taken as a top priority of the state so the Party and the government will take full charge and care of the health and life of the flood victims who will come to Pyongyang in the sincerest manner and do their best to that end.

Noting that the enemies persist in their foolish attempt to abuse the flood damage suffered by us as a chance for tarnishing the image of our state, he denounced the enemies on the strongest rhetorical terms, branding their fabrications as a smear campaign and a grave provocation against the DPRK and an insult to the flood-stricken people who are all safe and well.

There is no need to make educational materials exclusively as such a stark fact serves as good educational materials for giving a clear understanding of what a disgusting clan the enemies are, what an extremely anachronistic mode they have employed in their fabrications and politically-motivated false propaganda, what a black-hearted intention lurks behind it, and why we call them enemies and human scum, he stressed.

Noting that we are facing a very important task to prevent natural disasters, which is more serious and urgent than the on-going large-scale rehabilitation, he set forth the tasks and ways for building nationwide disaster-prevention capabilities, including the issue of establishing a rapid and orderly weather forecast system for proactively controlling the factors vulnerable to natural disasters, and the issue of setting up an integrated water control system in all units in charge of managing power stations and dams, in particular.

Expressing thanks to various foreign countries and international organizations for their offer of humanitarian support, he said what we regard as the best in all realms and processes of state affairs is the firm trust in the people and the way of tackling problems thoroughly based on self-reliance. Our Party Central Committee and government will depend entirely on the patriotic enthusiasm and courage of our people and the potentialities of our country in the ongoing rehabilitation, too, he added.

Referring to the fact that the DPRK has taken sure advantage in the ongoing rehabilitation by dint of nationwide concentration and all-people mobilization, he solemnly declared that our Party and government will readily brave any challenges to accomplish without fail the tasks of the times, the historic tasks which they decided and shouldered of their own accord for our great people and future, and surely live up to the people's trust with faithful service and good results.

The undying story, in which Kim Jong Un visited the flood-stricken people again to console and encourage them and take important state measures repeatedly for stabilizing their living and successfully carrying out the rehabilitation, will be recorded in history as another legendary tale about his paternal love for the people to be etched in the great father's journey of devoted service, and as a significant event that adds vitality to the drive of the people all out in response to the Party's call, proving once again that the programme and policies of the WPK and the DPRK government are based on the people-first doctrine. -0-

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IRGC releases footage of surveilling US warships at Strait of Hormuz

Iran Press TV

Friday, 09 August 2024 5:47 PM

Iran's IRGC Navy has released new footage showing surveillance of US and allied navy vessels in the Persian Gulf.

The images feature a San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock (LPD) of the US Navy, a Wasp-class amphibious assault ship of the US Navy, and the Spanish helicopter carrier Juan Carlos I.

The video footage released shortly after a ceremony celebrating the addition of 2,640 missile systems, drones, and other equipment to the IRGC Navy's combat organization.

Tensions in the region have been high following the Israeli assassination of Hamas political chief Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran, prompting Iran to vow retaliation against Israel.

This is not the first time Iranian drones have captured detailed images of American military assets. In April 2021, the IRGC released close-up footage of an American aircraft carrier taken by the force's drones during an overflight in the Persian Gulf.

The video, recorded by a four-strong drone squadron, provided real-time, detailed views of every warplane and other military equipment on the carrier's deck.

Testifying before the US Congress that year, General Kenneth McKenzie, then-head of the United States Central Command, stated that Iran's widespread use of drones meant that the US was operating without complete air superiority for the first time since the Korean War.

In 2019, Iranian media released high-quality, close-up footage showing an Ababil-III surveillance drone flying over the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower aircraft carrier in the Persian Gulf.

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Iran has no goal to accelerate cyber activities to influence US elections: UN mission

Iran Press TV

Friday, 09 August 2024 5:42 PM

Iran's permanent mission to the United Nations says the country has no goal or interest in "cyber activities" to influence the 2024 US presidential election.

"Iran does not have any goal or a plan for a cyber attack and it does not interfere in the US elections which is an internal issue of this country," the mission said on Friday.

It vehemently rejected a report released on Friday claiming that Microsoft has identified a series of actions by Iranian cyber actors aimed at influencing the upcoming US election. These include email phishing attacks, fake news sites, and impersonating activists.

"Iran has been a victim of various cyber offensive operations against the country's infrastructures, public service centers and industries," the mission said.

It emphasized that Iran's cyber power is defensive and proportionate to the threats posed against the country.

Late in July, Iran's mission to the UN dismissed allegations that Tehran intended to disrupt the election and negatively affect it in favor of Donald Trump, the Republican Party candidate.

The mission described a major part of such accusations as psychological operations to give false momentum to election campaigns.

Under the facile pretext of preventing Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons, the US and Mossad have been carrying out a campaign of sabotage and cyber attacks on Iran's civilian nuclear program for quite some time.

One of the most well known cyber attacks utilized the notoriously malicious Stuxnet worm.

In 2011, Tehran announced that an investigation had concluded that both the United States and Israel were behind the Stuxnet attack.

Israeli sabotage attempts against Iran's nuclear program have miserably failed despite the regime's assassinations of Iranian nuclear scientists through unrelenting US support.

Mossad has assassinated Iranian nuclear scientists using methods ranging from magnetic mines attached to their cars and allegedly the use of a remote controlled robotic assassin.

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IRGC Navy takes delivery of new cruise missiles with highly explosive warheads

Iran Press TV

Friday, 09 August 2024 11:35 AM

The Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) Navy has received new domestically-made equipment, including cruise missiles equipped with highly explosive warheads capable of evading current missile systems.

The naval force took delivery of 2,640 missile systems, drones, and other equipment in a Friday ceremony attended by IRGC chief commander Major General Hossein Salami.

Among the deliveries are new radar-evading cruise missiles that feature high-explosive warheads, capable of causing severe damage and sinking destroyers.

The addition also includes various types of long-range and medium-range missiles, combat and reconnaissance drones, unmanned aerial vehicles featuring electronic warfare (EW) capabilities, as well as electronic warfare systems.

Only 210 homegrown systems out of a total of 2,654 were put on display on Friday as other strategic weapons systems could not be showcased for security considerations, Tasnim News Agency reported, adding that these systems represent some of the navy's most advanced anti-surface and sub-surface weapons.

"In today's world, nations must choose between becoming strong and independent or giving in to external pressures; there is no middle ground," Salami said in the event, adding, "Nations can either strive for strength and freedom, breaking free from the control of global powers, or opt for compromise and submission."

The sea is a vast arena where all military powers converge, making it a critical meeting point for global forces, he said, noting, "Naval combat and defense represent a comprehensive level of warfare. The sea itself is a complete battlefield, and naval powers are typically self-sufficient in all aspects of combat."

Naval battles are "decisive," he stressed. "At sea, speed equates to power, allowing one to outmaneuver the opponent. Precision is crucial; the volume of fire is less important than the accuracy. You must be able to destroy a target with a single hit."

"In naval operations, utilizing artificial intelligence across all levelsafrom vessels to missiles, defenses, submarines, and minesais a crucial aim," he said elsewhere.

Iranian military experts and engineers have in recent years made remarkable breakthroughs in manufacturing a broad range of indigenous equipment, making the armed forces self-sufficient.

Iranian officials have repeatedly underscored that the country will not hesitate to strengthen its military capabilities, including its missile power, which are entirely meant for defense, and that Iran's defense capabilities will be never subject to negotiations.

Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei has repeatedly called for efforts to maintain and boost Iran's defense capabilities.

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Iran's IRGC Enhances Naval Capabilities With 'Untrackable' Anti-Ship Missiles Amid Rising Tensions

Sputnik News

20240809

TEHRAN (Sputnik) - The navy of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has expanded its arsenal with high-explosive anti-ship cruise missiles that cannot be tracked, Iranian news agency Tasnim reported on Friday.

The anti-ship cruise missiles with new capabilities, including a high-explosive warhead, have entered service with the IRGC navy on the orders of IRGC Commander-in-Chief Hossein Salami, the news agency reported, citing the navy.

Iran is reportedly preparing to attack Israel soon after Palestinian movement Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh was killed by an Israeli strike in Tehran last week. Haniyeh was in Tehran to attend the inauguration of Iran's new president. The movement blamed Israel and the United States for Haniyeh's death and said the attack would not go unanswered.

The IRGC vowed to carry out a retaliatory strike at an appropriate time and place. Iran's ambassador to the United Nations, Amir Saeid Iravani, also said that Iran reserves the right to respond to Haniyeh's death when it deems it necessary.

A Sputnik

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Secretary Blinken's Call with Israeli Defense Minister Gallant

US Department of State

Readout

Office of the Spokesperson

August 9, 2024

The below is attributable to Spokesperson Matthew Miller:

Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken spoke with Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant today. The Secretary and Defense Minister discussed ongoing efforts to de-escalate tensions in the region. The Secretary reaffirmed the United States' ironclad commitment to Israel's security and discussed how escalation is in no party's interest. The Secretary reiterated the urgent need to reach a ceasefire in Gaza that would secure the release of hostages, allow a surge of humanitarian assistance, and create the conditions for broader regional stability. He also underscored the importance of reaching a diplomatic resolution that allows both Israeli and Lebanese families to return to their homes.

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Astana Hosts 6th Consultative Meeting Of Central Asian Leaders

By RFE/RL August 09, 2024

The presidents of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan convened in the Kazakh capital, Astana, on August 9 to hold the sixth consultative meeting of the leaders of Central Asian states, the Kazakh president's office said.

Kazakh President Qasym-Zhomart Toqaev greeted his counterparts and stressed that the regular meetings of the regional leaders indicate the Central Asian states' commitment to strengthen "centuries-long ties of friendship and further develop cooperation between the neighboring nations."

Toqaev said thanks to the five countries' joint efforts "enormous progress has been achieved" in developing the meetings since the first such gathering was held in 2018 in Astana.

"The results of the previous five meetings, at which important agreements were concluded, clearly demonstrate that," he said.

Toqaev also called on his colleagues to take into account global challenges when reaching mutual agreements on the Central Asian region's further development.

Presidents Sadyr Japarov of Kyrgyzstan, Emomali Rahmon of Tajikistan, Serdar Berdymukhammedov of Turkmenistan, and Shavkat Mirziyoev of Uzbekistan arrived in Astana on August 8.

The presidents signed several documents, including a joint statement on the results and the Central Asia -- 2040 development concept, outlining the priorities for regional convergence, primarily aimed at expanding five-party interaction and strengthening Central Asia's international subjectivity.

Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and Kakha Imnadze, head of the UN Regional Center for Preventive Diplomacy for Central Asia, attended the meeting as guests.

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/central-asian-leaders- consultative-meeting/33072952.html

Copyright (c) 2024. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036.

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Some 5,000 Rohingya who fled recent fighting waiting to cross to Bangladesh

The minority Muslims left their homes in western Myanmar as fighting between the junta and insurgents intensified.

By RFA Burmese 2024.08.09 -- Approximately 5,000 minority Rohingya Muslims attempting to flee from this week's fighting in western Myanmar have been waiting for several days near the Naf River for an opportunity to cross into Bangladesh, residents said.

Intense combat in Rakhine state's Maungdaw township between ethnic insurgent Arakan Army and Myanmar military junta forces have caused thousands of Rohingya to leave the township's administrative center and surrounding villages in search of safety.

More than 1,500 Rohingya have arrived in camps in Bangladesh over the last several days, a Rohingya resident of Bangladesh identified as Mahmud Hussain told Radio Free Asia.

"About 500 are detained by the Bangladesh Border Guard force," he said. "They are kept in one place. More than 1,000 people have arrived in the camp."

About 1 million stateless Rohingya refugees live in tightly packed border camps in Bangladesh. Most fled there in 2017 to escape violent crackdowns in Rakhine state that were blamed on the Myanmar military.

But more Rohingya have been seeking refuge in Bangladesh lately as security has deteriorated in Rakhine state.

People are being charged 800,000 kyat (US$150) to be carried across by boat from Maungdaw to Bangladesh, according to Hasan, a 25-year-old Rohingya man who spoke to RFA earlier this week.

On Monday, homemade rockets, artillery and drones were fired at Rohingya on a riverbank, leaving dozens of people dead.

Witnesses who spoke to RFA put the death toll as high as 200, although RFA was unable to verify those estimates.

Several Rohingya told Radio Free Asia that the Arakan Army, or AA, were responsible for the attack. The AA denied in a statement on Wednesday that their troops fired the weapons.

Maungdaw city flashpoints

The AA has recently made gains in its fight for control of Maungdaw township - part of a wider civil conflict that has consumed much of the country since a 2021 military coup.

Residents on Thursday told RFA that junta troops continue to fight fiercely to defend their positions.

"The AA is attacking at four or five places in Maungdaw city," one resident said.

Thousands of civilians are trapped in the city's junta-controlled neighborhoods. In villages near fighting taking place outside of the city, AA troops have been escorting people - most of them Rohingya - to safer areas, residents who requested anonymity for security purposes said.

Various armed groups, including the AA and some smaller groups aligned with the junta, have been using Rohingya residents as human shields in the recent fighting, according to Rohingya rights activist Mamud Kasein.

"The current situation is very terrible," he said. "All armed groups are concerned with these crimes. International organizations must protect these civilians."

RFA was unable to contact AA spokesperson Khaing Thu Kha, junta spokesperson Maj. Gen. Zaw Min Tun and Rakhine state Attorney General Hla Thein on Friday.

The Bangladesh Embassy in Yangon didn't immediately reply to an email sent Friday asking for comment on the numbers of Rohingya attempting to cross into Bangladesh.

Translated by Aung Naing. Edited by Matt Reed.

Copyright 1998-2024, RFA. Used with the permission of Radio Free Asia, 2025 M St. NW, Suite 300, Washington DC 20036. For any commercial use of RFA content please send an email to: mahajanr@rfa.org. RFA content August not be used in a manner which would give the appearance of any endorsement of any product or support of any issue or political position. Please read the full text of our Terms of Use.

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Myanmar junta authorities prevent young adults from leaving the country by air

The new measure comes as citizens try to seek work abroad amid civil war at home.

By RFA Burmese 2024.08.09 -- Myanmar authorities under the ruling junta are now preventing young adults who want to get jobs abroad from leaving the country via Yangon's international airport, people with knowledge of the situation said.

Young people have been leaving Myanmar in droves to work in other countries since the military seized control in a February 2021 coup d'Atat followed by violent crackdowns on civilians and civil war.

The new measure is one of various methods used by the ruling military council to control the number of citizens leaving for employment opportunities abroad because of the civil war, economic downturn and military conscription.

Men ages 18 to 35 years and women ages 18 to 27 must serve a minimum of two years in the military under Myanmar's conscription law.

In May, the junta temporarily banned all men from working abroad amid widespread public concern over the implementation of the military conscription law.

Authorities are denying people between the ages of 23 and 35 from taking flights out of Yangon, the country's largest city, since the beginning of August, said a city resident.

They have implemented tighter passenger scrutiny and are turning away young adults regardless of the type of passport they hold, citing incomplete documentation, said the person, who like other sources in this report asked not to be named for fear of retribution.

Myanmar issues nine types of passports, including one for overseas workers, known as PJ, one for tourists, known as PV, and one for sailors, known as PS.

But there is no specific policy detailing which types of people are restricted from traveling, the Yangon resident said.

"Even those with all the required documents and a PJ passport people have been barred from leaving the country," the person said.

Neither junta spokesman Maj. Gen. Zaw Min Tun or Nyunt Win, permanent secretary of the Labor Ministry, responded to requests for comment on the travel restrictions.

Illegal ways to go abroad

RFA has not been able to determine how many people have been affected by the measure so far.

A labor union leader criticized the new restrictions, saying they would push young people to find illegal ways to go abroad.

"Due to the pressure on people to leave because they can't find work in this country, it is the foreign employment agencies that are most affected," he said. "As a result, illegal agencies are beginning to emerge, and brokers are becoming more active."

Authorities previously didn't check whether passports matched corresponding visas, but now if there's a mismatch, the person is not allowed to leave the country, said an employee at an overseas job search service in Myanmar.

"Some travelers were sent back because they were using PV passports with a work visa, even though the passport type appeared to match the visa type," the person said, adding that those with such visas cannot use them for other travel purposes.

"In other words, if you hold a tourist passport, you will no longer be allowed to go abroad for work, study or similar purposes," the source said.

In June, the military council also revoked the right to change passport types. Additionally, PJ passport holders are now permitted to work overseas only if they possess an Overseas Worker Identification Card.

A young woman aspiring to work abroad said she believes the cash-strapped junta is restricting those with PV passports from leaving the country for jobs elsewhere because it doesn't collect taxes from them.

"It would be more convenient if, after allowing people to go, the authorities required 25% of their salary to be transferred back at a set amount, deducting the government's share," she said. "This system could then be applied to PV passport holders in the same way."

A young sailor told RFA that he and others who must renew their passports have to wait longer than previously to get a new travel document.

Passports must be valid for at least 18 months before sailors set off and leave Myanmar, but unforeseen delays in waiting for a QR code after submitting a renewal application are preventing them from working, he said.

"I have about six months left on mine, but I can't work on a ship with only six months remaining," he added.

Translated by Kalyar Lwin for RFA Burmese. Edited by Roseanne Gerin and Matt Reed.w

Copyright 1998-2024, RFA. Used with the permission of Radio Free Asia, 2025 M St. NW, Suite 300, Washington DC 20036. For any commercial use of RFA content please send an email to: mahajanr@rfa.org. RFA content August not be used in a manner which would give the appearance of any endorsement of any product or support of any issue or political position. Please read the full text of our Terms of Use.

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Four more killed in sweeping crackdown in Myanmar's Sagaing

Junta troops have burned at least 400 houses in one Sagaing region since late July, residents said.

By RFA Burmese 2024.08.09 -- Myanmar junta forces shelled a village in the Sagaing region killing four people, residents said, in the latest attack in an anti-insurgent campaign in which hundreds of homes have been torched and thousands of villagers have been displaced, residents said on Friday.

The central Sagaining region, largely populated by members of the majority Burman community, has seen some of the worst of the violence that has engulfed Myanmar since the military overthrew an elected government in early 2021.

Outraged by the coup and a subsequent crackdown that shattered hopes for reform, pro-democracy activists from towns and cities, and central rural areas that had been largely peaceful for decades, have taken up arms to fight to end military rule.

Sagaing has become a hotbed of dissent and junta forces have responded with full force, including airstrikes and shelling that have killed hundreds of civilians and raids in which villages have been largely destroyed and residents detained and tortured.

Residents of the arid heartland region told Radio Free Asia that junta forces shelled Yinmarbin township's Htan Taw Gyi village, about 125 kilometers (77 miles) west of the city of Mandalay, on Wednesday night for no apparent reason, killing four civilians and wounding six.

The fire from the junta camp about eight kilometers (five miles) away hit the eastern part of the village, said one resident, who declined to be identified for security reasons.

"Three people died on the spot. Seven people were wounded but one of them died in the morning, so four people have died in total. There was no battle at that time," said the resident.

RFA telephoned the Sagaing region's junta spokesperson, Nyunt Win Aung, for comme but he did not answer the phone.

Residents identified the four people killed as Myint Than Aung, Phyo Zaya, Pho Thet Wai and Hlwan Moe, all aged between 20 and 40.

The injured were receiving medical care, residents said, without giving details.

Junta spokesmen have denied targeting civilians but insurgents say the military has for decades cared little about civilian casualties as it tries to cut rebel forces off from civilian populations that sympathize with the rebels' cause.

Homes burned

Independent verification of accounts related by residents is almost impossible but the evidence suggests junta operations in Sagaing have resulted in widespread dislocation of civilian populations and destruction.

Residents of Kanbalu township, to the north of Yinmarbin, estimated that a junta operation there had forced about 30,000 people from their homes since a July 24 attack by a pro-democracy militia on a junta force post in Kyi Kone village.

Fighters armed with homemade or looted weapons in what are known as People's Defense Forces, or PDFs, regularly raid outposts and ambush forces throughout the country.

The July raid by the Kanbalu-based PDF sparked a junta sweep of some 20 villages in which an estimated 400 homes have been torched, residents said.

About 70 soldiers stationed in Bo Te Kone and Min Kone villages had torched numerous homes, said one villager who fled the crackdown. The displaced were struggling to make do outdoors in the rainy season, too fearful to venture back to their villages to see what remained, he said.

"The weather is not good so our health is affected. We had no time to carry food or drinks with us when we ran, so we're having a hard time," said the villager, who also declined to be identified.

Junta forces have burned 95,450 civilian homes across Myanmar since the coup, according to the independent research group Data for Myanmar.

Translated by RFA Burmese. Edited by Kiana Duncan.

Copyright 1998-2024, RFA. Used with the permission of Radio Free Asia, 2025 M St. NW, Suite 300, Washington DC 20036. For any commercial use of RFA content please send an email to: mahajanr@rfa.org. RFA content August not be used in a manner which would give the appearance of any endorsement of any product or support of any issue or political position. Please read the full text of our Terms of Use.

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Myanmar's junta loses first regional command base since 2021 coup

By Zsombor Peter August 09, 2024

Armed groups in Myanmar fighting the country's military regime are making major, even "historic," gains in the northeast since the breakdown of a cease-fire in June, experts tell VOA, setting up a possible push toward Mandalay, the country's second-largest city.

The centerpiece of the groups' recent string of wins was the taking last weekend of Lashio, the headquarters of the Myanmar military's northeast regional command, in Shan State.

Lashio anchors one of 14 regional commands across the country and is the first to fall to resistance groups since the military seized power from a democratically elected government in February 2021, setting off a bloody civil war.

With a population of some 150,000, it is also the largest city the military has lost and straddles the main highway between Mandalay and Myanmar's border with China, a key trade route.

"It's just a massive, historic achievement for the resistance, something that hasn't been seen before ... so, it will have a lot of ramifications," said Matthew Arnold, an independent Myanmar analyst tracking the fighting.

Of the 14 regional command bases, he said, Lashio was among the most heavily fortified and defended.

"This was a massive, massive garrison, with layers of defense," Arnold said. "If they can't keep Lashio, it starts to open up lots of other questions about what they can keep."

Cease-fire collapsed

The rebel advance is part of Operation 10-27, for October 27, the date last year that a trio of ethnic minority armed groups based in Shan a the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army, Ta'ang National Liberation Army and Arakan Army a launched a coordinated offensive against the junta.

After sweeping across much of northern Shan in a few months, the so-called Three Brotherhood Alliance agreed to a cease-fire brokered by China in January but has been back on the offensive since the truce collapsed in June.

Jason Tower, Myanmar program director for the United States Institute of Peace, a U.S. government-funded think tank, estimates the alliance has seized at least another 12,000 square kilometers (about 4,630 square miles) since then, an area greater than all of Jamaica.

He says its latest push has seen more cooperation between the ethnic armed groups, which have been around for decades, and the People's Defense Forces, local community militias that have sprung up across Myanmar to resist the junta.

Tower said the first phase of 10-27 saw some collaboration, but less coordination between the two.

"But now, for phase two, you see where the TNLA is very publicly working with the Mandalay PDF, and operations are going on down in Mandalay Region," he said.

"That alliance is quite significant and also sends a sign ... that you could well see a much more robust type of relationship begin to emerge between the Brotherhood and the PDFs."

That cooperation and coordination was on show in Lashio, where hundreds of PDF and other fighters helped the MNDAA seize control, said Ye Myo Hein, a senior adviser at the USIP and a global fellow at the Wilson Center, another Washington think tank.

By taking Lashio, he said, the groups have proven their ability to wage and win in conventional urban warfare in what has been a largely rural armed resistance movement using mostly guerrilla tactics.

"Resistance forces have demonstrated their ability to defeat junta troops even in conventional warfare, advancing toward key cities like Mandalay. If the resistance succeeds in gaining ground in major cities such as Mandalay in the upcoming wave of operations, the regime will find it exceedingly difficult to maintain control in Naypyidaw and Yangon in 2025," said Ye Myo Hein.

Naypyidaw, Myanmar's capital, and Yangon, its largest city, remain firmly in the junta's hands.

The TNLA and Mandalay PDF have each claimed victories in recent weeks in towns inching ever closer to Mandalay, though. That includes Mogok, the source of the world's most-prized rubies, landing another financial blow against a junta already hit hard by international sanctions.

A spokesperson for the regime could not be reached for comment.

In a rare move, junta leader Min Aung Hlaing on Tuesday admitted the military was under pressure in Shan in a televised address on state media. He accused "foreign technology experts" of aiding its enemies.

The general's remarks were widely seen as a stab at China. Myanmar's giant neighbor has been one of the military's main weapons suppliers. But it is also widely believed to be aiding some ethnic armed groups, which have in turn been helping arm and train some of the PDFs.

'What does the junta lose next?'

Despite a broadly unpopular conscription drive started earlier this year to shore up the military's dwindling ranks, the analysts say the momentum in the war is squarely with the resistance.

"The question is, what does the junta lose next, and overall, how does it stem the momentum of the resistance? And I think for everybody across the resistance, they can sense that the junta is ... gravely weakening," said Arnold.

"It just doesn't have experienced, combat-proven units that it can maneuver to launch counteroffensives, so what it tries to do is pump in fresh conscripts," he said. "It's just not an adequate response."

Since the coup, resistance groups have been pushing the junta farther and farther away from the country's borders and inching closer to its strongholds in the center.

The fighting has come at a grave cost. More than 5,000 civilians are estimated to have been killed, on top of tens of thousands of fighters on both sides. The United Nations says more than 2.8 million have been displaced.

Seeing the junta's latest run of losses in Shan, the analysts say, resistance groups elsewhere across Myanmar are likely to try to push the military a bit harder, and the Brotherhood's successful siege of Lashio could give them some valuable lessons on how to take other well-fortified positions.

"I think across the country you're going to see more waves ... by both ethnic armed organizations and other PDFs to try their own hand against the Myanmar military given that they have seen just how readily people are surrendering and how easy it's been for the Brotherhood to finish off this operation," said Tower.

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Transcript of the Press Briefing by the Spokesperson on Friday, 9 August 2024

Pakistan Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Assalam-o-Alaikum,

Welcome to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Thanks for joining us for the Weekly Briefing.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar visited the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to participate in the Extraordinary Meeting of the OIC Executive Committee. The Meeting was convened at the request of the State of Palestine and the Islamic Republic of Iran to discuss the ongoing Israeli aggression against Palestine and other regional states.



In his statement the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister reiterated Pakistan's longstanding support for the Palestinians in their struggle against an illegal and brutal occupation. He also expressed solidarity with the people of Palestine and Iran following the extraterritorial assassination of the Head of Political Bureau of Hamas.

The Deputy prime Minister expressed an unequivocal condemnation of Israeli brutalities and war-mongering and its actions that have caused irreparable damage to the already fragile and volatile Middle East. He also called for preventing further escalation of tensions and violence in the region.



The Deputy prime Minister and Foreign Minister called for enhanced humanitarian assistance to Palestinians in Gaza; for opening all access points of supply to Gaza; and for allowing all UN and international agencies, including UNRWA to operate fully in Gaza.

Deputy Prime Minister also underlined the need for the establishment of an international judicial mechanism, which would seek "restitution, damages and satisfaction" from Israel for its crimes against humanity, war crimes and genocide in Gaza and hold accountable those responsible for their crimes.

On the Occasion of the ASEAN Day, the Deputy Prime Minister / Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar extended Pakistan's warmest felicitations to the governments and peoples of the ASEAN member states.



The Deputy Prime Minister reaffirmed Pakistan's partnership with ASEAN and appreciated its central role in promoting peace, stability and prosperity in the Asia-Pacific region. Pakistan's relations with ASEAN are underpinned by a shared commitment to principles of mutual respect, non-interference, and constructive engagement.

Earlier this week the people and Government of Pakistan observed 'Youm-e- Istehsal' in solidarity with our Kashmiri brothers and sisters to mark the fifth anniversary of India's illegal and unilateral actions of 5 August 2019 in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK).



The Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar addressed letters to the leadership of the United Nations and Organization of Islamic Cooperation to draw their attention towards the grave consequences of Indian actions since 5 August 2019. He called for implementation of the relevant UN Security Council resolutions to enable the people of Jammu and Kashmir to determine their own future.



Pakistan will continue to extend political, diplomatic and moral support to our Kashmiri brothers and sisters for the just and peaceful settlement of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute in accordance with the UN Security Council Resolutions.



I Thank you all

***a

(Zeeshan Yousafzai, Dunya News): Madam, A Pakistani national was arrested in July in the United States and in August, the Foreign Office shared that it has come to Foreign Office's notice through media and it is viewing the reports. So did the Americans not share any information with you?



(Anas Mallick, Capital TV): Has there been a US demand on cooperation, particularly with regards to this individual, and has Pakistan decided to extend a hand of cooperation or not?

Spokesperson: You may have seen the statement that we issued earlier. We have contacted the US authorities, and we await details from the US authorities about this development. We have also noted the statement by US officials that this is an ongoing investigation.

(Azaz Syed, Geo News): Ma'am, if we check the travel record of Asif Merchant, he has had more than 15 visits of Iran, Iraq and Yemen since 2015. Do we have a mechanism to locally monitor such individuals with suspected travel records so that they do not defame Pakistan at international level?

Spokesperson: First of all, I would like to reiterate what I just said, that we are awaiting details of this case from the US authorities. Secondly, we cannot legally determine any individual's nationality unless we receive the relevant information. The particular question that you have asked does not pertain to the Foreign Office, but with the Ministry of Interior and FIA and I would advise you to contact the concerned authorities for this question.

(Kiran Butt, Khorasan diary): Ma'am. This is the second case. So, my question that in first case, Pakistanis recieved consular access and also have been charged and that's also linked to Iran. So, these are the two cases in one year in which Pakistani nationals are in contact with Iran and are being arrested on anti-US charges. So, what is the update on the recent persons who were charged and have you raised this issue with the Ministry of Interior or any one else that how this whole nexus is working?

Spokesperson: Last time I shared with you the details of the efforts that our Mission is making with regards to Pakistani nationals and that we were granted consular access in the first case to which you have referred. Any information from the US authorities in the second case will be examined in Pakistan. We will be also be able to give our public reaction once we have further details.

(Saima Shabbir, Arab News Pakistan): Ma'am, my question is also the same, that two individuals from Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps have been indicted yesterday in the US. And along with them, there was one Pakistani. I think his name is Pehlwan and he's also in the custody of the US. So, is Pakistani government aware of that, and what Pakistan is doing about its citizens in the custody of US, please?

(Azaz Syed, Geo News): Ma'am, I had asked you a question related to this and as I remember you responded that we have requested for consular access and upon asking again you said that there is no consular access yet. What is the status of consular access regarding this matter?

Spokesperson: I had informed some time back that we were given consular access to those Pakistanis. But the recent cases, when we receive information from the US authorities, only then we would be able to determine our response.

(Khawaja Nayyar Iqbal, Media Today): Ma'am, Bangladesh's former Prime Minister Sheikh Haseena Wajid was more inclined to India. So after the regime change in Bangladesh, how does Pakistan see the relationship of Pakistan and Bangladesh after these recent developments?

Spokesperson: Pakistan and Bangladesh have positive relations, and these relations have continued to grow over the last several years. With regards to the recent developments in Bangladesh, we have issued a statement. The government and people of Pakistan have expressed their support and solidarity with the people of Bangladesh. We sincerely hope for a peaceful and swift return to normalcy. We are confident that the resilient spirit and unity of the Bangladeshi people will lead them towards a harmonious future. You may have also seen that the Prime Minister of Pakistan has extended felicitations to Professor Mohammed Yunus on his swearing in as chief Advisor of the government of People's Republic of Bangladesh. The Prime Minister has wished him great success in guiding Bangladesh towards a harmonious and prosperous future, and expressed the desire to work with Mr. Yunus to deepen cooperation between Pakistan and Bangladesh in the days ahead.

(Anas Mallick, Capital TV): Two parts on Bangladesh, particularly, with regards to the interim government. Has a contact been established at a working level with the new interim government? And secondly, yesterday was the oath-taking of the interim government. Was our High Commissioner invited?

Spokesperson: To your second question, yes, our High Commissioner attended the inauguration ceremony that took place yesterday and the Government of Pakistan and the Prime Minister has congratulated Dr. Yunus on his appointment.

(Ali Hussain, Business Recorder): Ma'am, there is a lot of commentary in the Indian media regarding involvement of Pakistan in Bangladesh. What would be your response to such reports?



Spokesperson: Pakistan rejects all such statements. Such statements depict India's disturbing obsession with Pakistan. Indian political leaders and their media have a habit of blaming Pakistan for their failures in domestic and foreign policy. Pakistan has expressed its strong support for the people of Bangladesh and solidarity with them as they continue to work towards a harmonious future.

(Sara Zaman, VOA): VOA has spoken to a couple of former law enforcement officials in the Jammu territory. They have said that Pakistan is behind the increase in militant attacks in the Jammu region. What would be your response on that?

Spokesperson: This question was asked previously as well, and I would reiterate that Pakistan rejects such statements. The Indian authorities and their media have a habit of blaming Pakistan for anything negative that happens under their watch. We urge them to understand the sentiments of the people of Jammu and Kashmir and to take steps in implementation of the UN Security Council resolutions to determine the future of the people of Jammu and Kashmir and holding an impartial plebiscite as enshrined in the UN Security Council resolution.

(Shaukat Piracha, AAJ News): There was a lot of pomp and show at the seventh Extraordinary Executive Committee meeting on Middle East. Has this meeting of the Executive Committee of OIC Foreign Ministers been able to stop the cloud of war in the Middle East and the potential conflict between Iran and Israel? What is specially the message that has been conveyed by Iran to Pakistan about its intentions of retaliation, in its self-defence.

Spokesperson: I'm sure you have seen the joint communiquA, which was issued at the end of the open-ended Extraordinary Meeting of the Executive Committee at the level of Foreign Ministers. The meeting discussed the ongoing crimes by the occupying power against the Palestinian people and its infringement of the sovereignty of the Islamic Republic of Iran. The statement is quite clear. It has held Israel responsible for the heinous attack that led to the assassination of Mr. Ismail Haniyeh. The act was defined by the OIC as a crime of aggression, a flagrant violation of international law and the UN Charter and a serious infringement of sovereignty, territorial integrity and national security of the Islamic Republic of Iran. It also warned that the ongoing crimes of Israel undermine security and stability in the region. It has urged an effective and urgent intervention of the UN Security Council, which has the primary responsibility of maintaining international peace and security. So, I must underline that under international law, it is the responsibility of the United Nations Security Council to uphold international peace and to ensure that the Middle East region does not descend into violence and chaos.

(Charlotte, Reuters): Has Pakistan had any direct talks or communication with Iran or with Washington over de-escalation and preventing the risk of any retaliatory strikes on Israel by Iran?

(Azaz Syed, Geo News): Ma'am, there is likelihood of escalation between Iran and Israel. So, what are our preparations?

Spokesperson: First, with regards to the recent developments in the Middle East, including following the assassination of the head of the Political Bureau of Hamas, the Foreign Minister of the Islamic Republic of Iran held a telephone conversation with the Deputy Prime Minister of Pakistan, and he conveyed the concerns of Iran on the recent development. Later on, this issue has been discussed extensively at the OIC as well. Pakistan has strongly condemned the assassination. We strongly condemn the Israeli adventurism in the region. Since October last year, we have repeatedly called for an urgent and unconditional ceasefire and lifting of siege in Gaza, because we believe that Israeli actions against the Palestinians and against its neighbours are creating instability in the region. We also believe that a war in the Middle East must be avoided. Pakistan will therefore support all efforts to ensure peace in the Middle East.

(Anwar Abbas, 24 News): A report by Jerusalem Post, retweeted by Tehran Times stated that Pakistan has committed to sending Shaheen III missiles to Iran following the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh. Can you comment?a

Spokesperson: Such reports are patently false. Before paying any attention to such reports, it is important to reflect on the source behind such baseless reports and the malicious agenda behind them. This is a critical time in the Middle East. We, therefore, urge all parties, including the media, not to indulge in peddling of fake news.

(Aghar Ali Mubarak, The Daily Mail International): Pakistan won a Gold Medal in the Olympics after 40 years and no official statement has come from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.



Spokesperson: The entire Pakistani nation is proud of yesterday's development. The Prime Minister of Pakistan has congratulated the entire nation on this feat of Mr. Arshad Nadeem. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs joins the nation in this celebration.

(Abdullah Momand, Dawn News): In the recent India-US Defence Cooperation Bill that mostly targets China, once again, Pakistan has been targeted. Your comment please?

Spokesperson: Regarding the bill that has been introduced in the US Congress, we have noted the reports. We have also noticed some unwarranted references to Pakistan. We have conveyed our concerns to the US side. Establishment of defence relations is the sovereign decision of countries. However, in doing so, friendly countries should not be targeted. We have been urging our international partners to take a holistic view of the issues of peace and security in South Asia. As we have said before, Pakistan values its close relationship with the United States. We believe in constructive engagement and dialogue based on sovereign equality, mutual respect and understanding and non-interference in each other's domestic affairs. We also believe that deliberations of legislative bodies should contribute to promoting positive dynamics in bilateral ties that should be based on mutual respect and understanding. We hope that the US Congress will play a supportive role in strengthening Pakistan US ties and focus on avenues of mutual collaboration that benefit both our peoples and countries.

(Khawaja Nayyar Iqbal, Media Today): On the basis of a fake news, Muslims and their properties were attacked in the Great Britain. On such incidents, what response will Pakistan give?

Spokesperson: We have seen the developments in the United Kingdom. We have also noted the steps that have been taken by the UK administration to restore order. We have also seen the statement by the British Prime Minister condemning the violence and racist rhetoric against Muslim communities. He has underlined that those responsible for violence will be brought to justice. We hope, therefore, that the situation would become normal at the earliest.

(Anas Mallick, Capital TV): On OIC and the Foreign Minister's participation. There was a demand in the Foreign Minister's address, calling on countries to end trade and impose oil sanctions. And I quote "We should make it clear if the Israeli leadership continues to support the legally binding demand for an immediate and permanent ceasefire, the entire OIC membership would take several collective measures in response, including imposition of trade and oil sanctions." (Unquote). Has there been any assurance from other member countries from the OIC on this particular demand by Pakistan that's been put forward? Thank you.

Spokesperson: Okay. First, as you know, Pakistan does not have any trade links with Israel. Secondly, you may have seen the Joint CommuniquA of the OIC, which is the collective view of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, and that reflects the consensus in the organization. During the debate, countries present their views and the decision is taken by consensus.

(Siyar Ali Shah, Khyber News): Thank you, Ma'am. Asif Merchant Case is an alleged terrorism case and there is a lot of talk between Pakistan and the US on counter-terrorism cooperation. According to you, America has not shared any information on this specific case. Is there no mechanism of information sharing or is there an issue of trust deficit?

Spokesperson: We have, between Pakistan and the United States, several channels of communication including on issues pertaining to counter-terrorism and security and defence matters. As far as this particular case is concerned, we can only comment once we have details from the US authorities.

(Saqib Ali Rathore, Daily Kashmir Times): Ma'am, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has extended an invitation to India to sit across a table to discuss the Kashmir issue. A statement also came from Farhan Haq from the United Nations. On diplomatic front, is Pakistan serious to resolve Kashmir issue and have the efforts been accelerated?

(Aftab Jahan, News One): Ma'am, there are some objections on Foreign Office from some political parties and some analysts that the Ministry lacks an effective strategy on Kashmir and Gaza issue. Your comments on this?

Spokesperson: Responding to Ms. Aftab Jahan's question, I would invite the public to see for themselves, the several statements that Pakistan has made, the proposals it has brought before the United Nations and the OIC, on both the Palestine question and on the issue of Jammu and Kashmir. Pakistan remains committed to its Kashmiri brothers and sisters, and this commitment was once again reinforced on the fifth of August this year, when on the fifth anniversary of the unilateral and illegal measures by Indian occupation forces in IIOJK, the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister addressed letters to the leadership of the United Nations and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation to draw their attention towards the grave consequences of Indian actions on and since fifth of August 2019. He called for implementation of relevant UN Security Council resolutions to enable the people of Jammu and Kashmir to determine their own future. This reflects Pakistan's seriousness in resolving the Kashmir dispute in accordance with international law and UNSC resolutions.

(Saima Shabbir, Arab News Pakistan): Thank you very much, ma'am. My question is that in an interview with Arab news, Minister for Overseas Pakistanis, Chaudhary Salik Hussein, has spoken about visa restrictions by UAE on Pakistanis and that the Foreign Office is quite engaged with the UAE authorities. My question is, what exact measures or steps have been taken and how the issue has been taken with UAE authorities, and what are the expected outcomes in process?

Spokesperson: First, I would not like to explain any statement which has been made by the Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis. They can better explain statements that they issue from time to time. With regards to Pakistan's relations with the UAE, our two countries have multi-dimensional and historic relations. In this important relationship, the two sides have several mechanisms of engaging with each other and sharing our respective concerns, including with respect to facilitation of visas. As far as I understand, there is no ban on issuance of visas to Pakistani nationals. However, Pakistan remains engaged with the UAE to facilitate all Pakistanis traveling to the UAE.

(Rizwan Abbasi, Daily Ausaf): Madam, on visa issue, people are facing difficulties in obtaining visa of Italy and Spain. An India-based company BLS International is operating in Pakistan and it has a visa processing centre for these two countries. Pakistanis are facing a lot of problems with this company. Do you have information regarding BLS International that it is an Indian based company and why it is operational in Pakistan?

Spokesperson: I do not have information with regards to any such company, and therefore, I cannot comment on it. We would like to seek further information on your question.

(Abdullah Momand, Dawn News): The United States religious freedom watchdog has shown reservation about the minority situation inside Afghanistan. They mentioned in their reports that minorities are fleeing from Afghanistan, specifically, their religious freedom and liberties have been shrunken. So, what is the view of Pakistan on this development? Thank you.

Spokesperson: First, I am not aware of the report that you are referring to. So, I'm not in a position to comment on the report. Pakistan believes that it is important for the international community to work with Afghanistan to facilitate the people of Afghanistan in its move towards peace, prosperity and stability.

(Khawaja Nayyar Iqbal, Media Today): A controversial Waqf property bill has been presented by the Indian Government in Lok Sabha and various Indian Muslim Organizations and Muslims in India have shown grave reservations on this bill. What is Pakistan's reaction to this?

Spokesperson: Pakistan has, from time to time, expressed concerns about the rising Islamophobic sentiment in India and the recent developments are of concern to Pakistan. We urge the Indian authorities to ensure that the rights of the Muslim population are protected and they are able to profess and practice their religion freely.

(Mateen Haider, G News): Ma'am, on Fifth of August, we have observed Youm-e-Istehsal. So what options does Pakistan have beyond extending moral, political and diplomatic support to the issue of Jammu and Kashmir and to the oppressed people of Jammu and Kashmir? Do we still have claim on disputed territory, because there have been no such sign from India despite pressures, Pakistan's protest and CommuniquAs. So what other options Pakistan has regarding its claim on this disputed territory of Jammu and Kashmir?

Spokesperson: The territory of Jammu and Kashmir belongs to the people of Kashmir. We believe that it is the right of the people of Jammu and Kashmir to determine their own future in accordance with the UN Security Council resolutions, and Pakistan will continue to provide moral, diplomatic and political support to this cause.

(Aghar Ali Mubarak, The Daily Mail International): Ma'am, large number of Pakistanis are visiting Iran, Iraq and Damascus for visit to religious sites. In view of the recent tensions in the Middle East regarding Iran, has any special advisory been issued like there was one issued for Lebanon?



Spokesperson: At this point, we have issued an advisory for Pakistani nationals who are in Lebanon, or who intend to travel to Lebanon. We continue to follow the developments in the region very closely, and depending on the situation, we will be updating our advisories as and when required.

(Shaukat Piracha, AAJ News): Madam, when you say you are following the situation in the region, particularly the situation between Iran and Israel, what assessment the Government of Pakistan has about the possibility of a full-fledged war between the two countries, as Iran intends to strike Israel in its self defence. Will the war be averted in your assessment, or is the war imminent there?

Spokesperson: I would not like to characterize the developments, except to say that Pakistan remains concerned about the developments taking place in the region. We believe that the Israeli aggression against the people of Gaza and its actions against its neighbours are creating a situation which is dangerous for the entire region. We therefore urge and reiterate our call on the United Nations Security Council to take immediate and effective action to rein in the Israeli occupation authorities from continuing the genocide against the Palestinian people and the threat that it continues to pose to other countries in the region.

(Anwar Abbas, 24 News): Ma'am, I have two questions, First, how many students have remained in Bangladesh, if you can confirm their total number, please. Secondly, in 1971, Ghazi Submarine drowned, its wreckage and mortal remains of 200 to 250 Pakistani sailors are still in the Indian waters. Similarly, in Kargil, dead bodies of hundreds of our martyred soldiers are still present on the Indian territory. We have several times demanded the return of their mortal remains but India did not respond or rejected. Also some Pakistani soldiers remain incarcerated in India jails. Is there any diplomatic level contact to bring back the dead bodies of our martyrs, who sacrificed their lives for the nation?

Spokesperson: First regarding Pakistani students in Bangladesh. We have briefed the media earlier as well. Our High Commission in Dhaka has remained in contact with all Pakistani nationals, including Pakistani students. According to our assessment, most students in Bangladesh have, sorry, I correct myself. According to our information, about 100 students still remain in Bangladesh. Our High Commission remains in contact with the students. It is our assessment that the situation of security is improving, and we will continue to ensure the safety of our students, who remain in Bangladesh. With regards to your second question; it is a question with regards to some historic developments. I do not intend to engage in a historical debate. However, I would like to underline that every year when Pakistan exchanges lists of prisoners with India, as per the bilateral protocol between the two sides, we urge the Indian authorities to free missing defence personnel who remain incarcerated in Indian jails

I thank you all

********

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Islamabad dismisses allegations of secret Iran-Pakistan military activity as 'baseless'

Iran Press TV

Friday, 09 August 2024 10:56 AM

Pakistan's Foreign Ministry spokesperson has dismissed as "groundless" a report by an Israeli media outlet, calling it an attempt to "disturb public opinion with false information."

Speaking at her weekly press conference, Mumtaz Zahra criticized the report from the Jerusalem Post, describing it as "fake news" and cautioning against spreading false claims during a sensitive time.

The Israeli newspaper, citing Arab sources, claimed that in the event of a military conflict between Iran and Israel, Pakistan would provide medium-range ballistic missiles to Iran.

Zahra firmly rejected these allegations and added that Pakistan has no intention of doing so.

Additionally, Zahra mentioned a recent phone conversation between Pakistani officials and Iran's acting foreign minister following the assassination of Ismail Haniyeh, the head of Hamas' political bureau.

Pakistan condemns Israeli aggression

A Pakistani delegation attended a special session of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) in Jeddah, convened at the request of Iran and Palestine following the assassination of Hamas political chief Ismail Haniyeh last week.

During the meeting, the violation of Iran's sovereignty and territorial integrity, along with Israel's aggressions, were strongly condemned and the attending countries expressed their solidarity with Iran and Palestine.

Pakistan's Foreign Ministry spokesperson emphasized Islamabad's commitment to preventing any "escalation of hostility and sparking war" in West Asia.

Meanwhile, Iranian Interim Foreign Minister Ali Bagheri Kani met with Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar on Thursday, where he stressed that the Israeli regime poses a threat not just to Palestine but to the security of all Islamic nations.

In a statement, the Pakistani foreign office noted that Dar, who also holds the foreign ministry portfolio, expressed Pakistan's eagerness to work closely with Iran's new political administration to deepen bilateral cooperation.

Additionally, in a meeting with Somalia's Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Ahmed Moallim Fiqi, on the sidelines of the OIC session, Bagheri Kani called for a united response from Islamic countries against the Israeli regime.

The Iranian diplomat also emphasized the importance of strengthening relations among Islamic countries to confront common enemies, stating that Iran has no restrictions on expanding ties with African nations.

He praised the Somali government for its efforts to revive Tehran-Mogadishu relations.

Fiqi, for his part, expressed satisfaction with the opportunity to meet, reaffirming his country's support for the Palestinian cause.

He condemned Israel's aggression against Iran's sovereignty and offered condolences on the martyrdom of Ismail Haniyeh.

He said Somalia respects the role of the Islamic Republic of Iran in supporting the Palestinian issue and defending the rights of the oppressed Palestinian people.

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Militants stage deadly raid on Pakistani army posts near Afghan border

By Ayaz Gul August 09, 2024

A group of heavily armed militants launched coordinated attacks Friday on three Pakistan military posts near the border with Afghanistan, reportedly killing several security personnel and wounding many more.

The military's media wing, Inter-Services Public Relations, reported hours later that the predawn raid took place in the volatile border district of Khyber. It resulted in the deaths of at least three soldiers, while the ensuing clashes killed four assailants.

The statement did not share further details, but multiple security sources in the battle zone reported that more than a dozen Pakistani soldiers were also wounded.

Militants tied to an outlawed entity known as the Hafiz Gul Bahadur group claimed responsibility for the attack in a social media post.

The group has stated publicly that its fighters are waging insurgent attacks in coordination with the globally designated terrorist organization Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan, or TTP.

Militancy-hit Khyber and surrounding border districts often encounter deadly attacks aimed at Pakistani security forces and their facilities.

Pakistan complains that the TTP and leaders of other antistate groups have taken shelter in Afghanistan after fleeing counterinsurgency operations and orchestrated cross border attacks from sanctuaries there.

The violence has intensified and killed hundreds of Pakistanis, mostly security forces, since the Taliban reclaimed control of Afghanistan three years ago.

The de facto Taliban government denies the presence of foreign militants in the country, insisting that it does not allow anyone to threaten other countries, including Pakistan, from Afghan soil.

The United Nations has backed Pakistani assertions, noting in its latest situation report that the TTP is "the largest terrorist group" in Afghanistan and receives growing support from the ruling Taliban to launch cross-border attacks.

The report, released last month, estimates that up to 6,500 TTP militants, including Afghan fighters, are operating in Afghanistan and being trained as well as armed at al-Qaida-run camps there.

U.N. officials have repeatedly warned about the threat of terrorism emanating from Afghanistan, identifying Islamic State Khorasan, or IS-K, an Afghan offshoot of Islamic State, as the most serious regional threat.

The head of the U.N. counterterrorism office told a Security Council meeting on Thursday that IS-Khorasan has intensified its recruitment efforts in Afghanistan and that there is a risk of the group carrying out attacks abroad.

"ISIL-K has improved its financial and logistical capabilities in the past six months, including by tapping into Afghan and Central Asian diasporas for support," Vladimir Voronkov said, referring to the terror organization by an acronym.

Zabihullah Mujahid, the Taliban's chief spokesperson, responded to the U.N. assessments late Friday, dismissing them as "unfounded and driven by propaganda."

He reiterated in a statement posted on X, formerly known as Twitter, that sustained counterterrorism operations by Taliban security forces have "significantly weakened" IS-K in Afghanistan.

He said the Taliban government does not allow anyone to use Afghan soil to threaten other countries and claimed that "the entire territory of Afghanistan remains firmly" under their control, leaving no room for external groups to operate.

"Despite the prevailing security, stability and robust presence of security forces in Afghanistan, any expressed apprehensions regarding the presence and activities of ISIS or other groups constitute a campaign that should be halted to prevent the manipulation and distortion of public perception," Mujahid said.

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Russian-German National Extradited for Illegally Exporting to Russia Sensitive U.S.-Sourced Microelectronics with Military Applications in Violation of U.S. Export Controls

Friday, August 9, 2024

For Immediate Release

Office of Public Affairs

Arthur Petrov Allegedly Participated in a Russia-Based Illicit Procurement Network That, Subsequent to Russia's Invasion of Ukraine, Illegally Procured Large Quantities of Sensitive Microelectronics for a Russian Company That Supplies Manufacturers for the Russian Military

Arthur Petrov, 33, a dual Russian and German national, made his initial appearance in federal court today, following his extradition from the Republic of Cyprus for criminal offenses related to export control violations, smuggling, wire fraud and money laundering. Petrov allegedly participated in a scheme to procure U.S.-sourced microelectronics subject to U.S. export controls on behalf of a Russia-based supplier of critical electronics components for manufacturers supplying weaponry and other equipment to the Russian military. Petrov was arrested on Aug. 26, 2023, in the Republic of Cyprus at the request of the United States.

"Today's extradition demonstrates the Justice Department's enduring commitment to cutting Russia off from the western technologies that fuel President Putin's war machine," said Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco. "Together with global partners, the Department's Disruptive Technology Strike Force and Task Force KleptoCapture will vigorously investigate and prosecute efforts to evade the global sanctions and export controls imposed to counter Russia's brutal war in Ukraine. The defendant's extradition is a vital step towards holding Russia accountable, and I am grateful to our Cypriot partners for their assistance in this matter."

"Our charges allege that, after Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the defendant and his co-conspirators formed an elaborate tech-trafficking syndicate to supply microelectronics to Russia's military-industrial complex," said Assistant Attorney General Matthew G. Olsen of the Justice Department's National Security Division. "Together with our international law enforcement partners, the Justice Department will now hold Petrov to account in a U.S. courtroom and continue dismantling criminal networks that threaten our collective security."

"As demonstrated by today's extradition, just because you're located overseas doesn't mean we won't find you," said Assistant Secretary for Export Enforcement Matthew S. Axelrod of the Commerce Department's Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS). "If you procure sensitive U.S. microelectronics with military applications for Russia, you risk the very real threat of facing justice in a U.S. courtroom."

"Arthur Petrov is alleged to have conspired to smuggle shipments from U.S. distributors of microelectronics with military applications through intermediary countries to Russia as part of an illicit Russian-based procurement network," said U.S. Attorney Damian Williams for the Southern District of New York. "As alleged, he concealed the ultimate destination of these sensitive materials, and he knew that these transactions and shipments were in violation of U.S. export controls relating to Russia. Thanks to the efforts of our law enforcement partners here and abroad, Petrov is now in U.S. custody and will face justice in a U.S. courtroom. This case demonstrates that we will work tirelessly with our law enforcement partners to protect national security and disrupt and prosecute the illicit supply of U.S.-sourced military technology to Russia."

"The extradition of Arthur Petrov and the allegations laid out in a criminal complaint send a strong message about the resolve and commitment of the FBI and its partners to stop the illegal transfer of sensitive, military-use technology," said Executive Assistant Director Robert Wells of the FBI's National Security Branch. "In the hands of hostile nations, such technology presents a significant threat to U.S. national security. Today's actions demonstrate the power and reach of law enforcement partnerships to dismantle even the most elaborate schemes while keeping Americans safe in the process."

According to court documents, Petrov worked for LLC Electrocom VPK (Electrocom), a Russia-based supplier of critical electronics components for manufacturers supplying weaponry and other equipment to the Russian military. Petrov and two co-conspirators (CC-1 and CC-2), who are Russian nationals also working for Electrocom, operated an illicit procurement network in Russia and elsewhere overseas. They fraudulently procured from U.S. distributors large quantities of microelectronics subject to U.S. export controls on behalf of Electrocom. To carry out the scheme, Petrov, CC-1, and CC-2 used shell companies and other deceptive means to conceal that the electronics components were destined for Russia. The technology that Petrov and his co-conspirators have procured in contravention of export controls during the course of the conspiracy have significant military applications and include various types of electronics components of the sort that have been recovered in Russian military hardware on the battlefield in Ukraine, such as Russian guided missiles, drones and electronic warfare and communications devices.

To perpetrate the scheme, Petrov first acquired the controlled microelectronics from U.S.-based electronics exporters using a Cyprus-based shell company, Astrafteros Technokosmos LTD (Astrafteros), which he operates. Petrov procured these sensitive electronics components by falsely representing to the U.S. exporters that Astrafteros was purchasing the items for fire security systems, among other commercial uses, and that the ultimate end-users and destinations of the electronics are companies in Cyprus or other third countries a when in fact, the components are destined for Electrocom in Russia, which supplies manufacturers for the Russian military. The microelectronics that Petrov has procured as part of the conspiracy include, among other things, microcontrollers and integrated circuits that are on the Commerce Control List maintained by the Commerce Department and cannot lawfully be exported or reexported to Russia without a license from the Commerce Department. Invoices provided to Petrov by the U.S. distributors expressly noted that these microcontrollers and integrated circuits are subject to U.S. export controls.

To evade these controls, Petrov, CC-1, and CC-2 worked together to transship the controlled items procured by Petrov using pass-through entities operated by CC-1 and CC-2 in third countries. CC-1 and CC-2 then caused the items to be shipped, sometimes through yet another country, to the ultimate destination: Electrocom in Saint Petersburg, Russia. At all times, Petrov, CC-1, and CC-2 concealed from the U.S. distributors that they were procuring the controlled electronics components on behalf of Electrocom and that the items were destined for Russia. During the course of the conspiracy, Petrov, CC-1, and CC-2 procured from U.S. distributors and shipped to Russia more than $225,000 worth of controlled electronics components with military applications.

On Aug. 26, 2023, Petrov was arrested and detained by the Cypriot authorities at the request of the United States. The United States thereafter submitted a formal extradition request. On July 18, after extradition proceedings in the Cypriot courts concluded with extradition being approved, the Cypriot Minister of Justice and Public Order issued the extradition order.

Petrov is charged with one count of conspiracy to defraud the United States, which carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison; one count of conspiracy to violate the Export Control Reform Act (ECRA), which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison; three counts of violating the ECRA, each of which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison; one count of conspiracy to smuggle goods from the United States, which carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison; three counts of smuggling goods from the United States, which each carry a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison; one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison; and one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Kevin Sullivan for the Southern District of New York and Trial Attorney Maria Fedor of the National Security Division's Counterintelligence and Export Control Section are prosecuting the case.

Today's actions were coordinated through the Justice Department's Task Force KleptoCapture and the Justice and Commerce Departments' Disruptive Technology Strike Force. Task Force KleptoCapture is an interagency law enforcement task force dedicated to enforcing the sweeping sanctions, export restrictions and economic countermeasures that the United States has imposed, along with its allies and partners, in response to Russia's unprovoked military invasion of Ukraine. The Disruptive Technology Strike Force is an interagency law enforcement strike force co-led by the Departments of Justice and Commerce designed to target illicit actors, protect supply chains and prevent critical technology from being acquired by authoritarian regimes and hostile nation states.

A criminal complaint is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

Topics: Export Control

National Security

Components: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

National Security Division (NSD)

Office of the Deputy Attorney General

USAO - New York, Southern

Press Release Number: 24-996

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Deadly Turning Points Over Vladimir Putin's 25 Years In Power

By Robert Coalson August 09, 2024

A quarter-century ago, on August 9, 1999, Russian President Boris Yeltsin picked Vladimir Putin as prime minister and anointed the then little-known former KGB operative as his successor, urging Russians to vote for him in the presidential election the following year.

Putin has been president or prime minister ever since. After eight years as president, he stepped back into the No. 2 position in 2008-2012 to avoid violating a constitutional limit of two straight Kremlin terms -- but later engineered an amendment that allowed him to secure a new six-year stint as president this past March, along with the right to run again in 2030.

With the massive death and destruction it has wreaked, Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine -- launched in February 2022 and raging on today with no clear end in sight -- has defined Putin's time in power much more starkly than anything else.

Hundreds of thousands of combatants and civilians have been killed. Millions of Ukrainians have been displaced by the largest war in Europe since World War II, while hundreds of thousands of Russians have fled their country either to protest the war or to evade a call-up.

The war has intensified Putin's crackdown on dissent, independent media, and civic activism. It has served as a pretext for intensifying jingoistic indoctrination in schools and cultural institutions and for adopting draconian legislation that could determine Russia's direction for years to come.

But while the scale is far greater, the war is just one of many deadly milestones that have marked the Putin era. RFE/RL takes a look at some of the most consequential.

Apartment-Building Bombings

Less than a month after Putin was made prime minister, Russia was rocked by a spate of deadly apartment-block bombings that left more than 300 dead and 1,000 injured in September 1999. The government blamed the blasts on Chechen militants, but there was no claim of responsibility.

The perpetrators were somehow able to produce or obtain several tons of explosives, move them to cities all over the country, and plant them in a professional way that caused the buildings to collapse. In addition, a suspicious device was found and defused in an apartment building in Ryazan on September 22 in a bizarre incident in which local police arrested three Federal Security Service (FSB) operatives. FSB Director Nikolai Patrushev later asserted that it was an anti-terrorism training operation, but questions remain to this day.

Several people involved in independent investigations of the bombings - including former FSB officer Aleksandr Litvinenko and State Duma deputies Yury Shchekochikhin and Sergei Yushenkov - were killed in the ensuing years. Twenty days after the first bombing, Putin launched the Second Chechen War amid a widespread climate of fear and anger.

Second Chechen War

The Second Chechen War officially ended in April 2000, but the ensuing state of emergency remained in place until April 2009 amid a continuing insurgency in the North Caucasus.

According to various estimates, some 50,000-80,000 civilians, militants, and Russian servicemen were killed during the often-brutal fighting. In a 2007 report, Amnesty International put the civilian death toll at about 25,000, with thousands more missing. The independent Committee of Soldiers' Mothers estimated in 2005 that about 14,000 Russian soldiers had been killed. Chechen sources put all the numbers much higher.

The war facilitated Putin's installation of former separatist fighter Ramzan Kadyrov as head of the region, a post he has held since 2007. In the years since, activists, reporters, and victims have provided voluminous evidence linking him to widespread human rights abuses, including extrajudicial killings in Russia and abroad, abductions and disappearances, torture, and the persecution of the LGBT community. Putin has continued to support Kadyrov and the government has never investigated the allegations against him. The war also marked the beginning of Putin's dismantling of Russian federalism and the construction of his so-called "power vertical."

Sinking Of The Kursk

On August 12, 2000, the nuclear submarine Kursk was crippled by explosions and sank while participating in Russia's first major naval exercise in a decade. All 118 seamen aboard died, although 23 survived the initial blasts and lived for another six hours or so.

Putin was widely criticized at the time, including on state television and by government officials and relatives of the victims, for continuing his summer vacation in Sochi during the crisis. The Russian military and government were also criticized for rejecting foreign offers of assistance during the crucial initial phase.

After the sinking, Putin began in earnest to bring the Russian media under control. By the middle of 2001, the once-feisty NTV had been brought under de facto state control, while tycoon-owned ORT television had been transformed into state-controlled Channel One by 2002.

Nord-Ost Hostage Crisis

On October 23, 2002, nearly 50 Chechen gunmen burst into the Dubrovka theater in Moscow during a performance of the musical Nord-Ost and held hundreds of people hostage for 57 hours, demanding the withdrawal of Russian forces from Chechnya. During the ordeal, prominent political and cultural figures conducted talks with the hostage-takers and about 300 of the 912 hostages were released.

Early on October 26, special forces units raided the theater after pumping it full of an unidentified aerosol anesthetic. Russia's health minister later said the chemical was based on the opioid fentanyl. Putin's government said 132 hostages and 40 terrorists were killed in the raid, although independent sources believe as many as 200 hostages died, many because they were not given adequate care after being dragged from the building unconscious. A Moscow health official later said only one hostage died from gunshot wounds.

The government was widely criticized for failing to prepare to treat hostages for the effects of the gas, as well as for security lapses that allowed a busload of heavily armed terrorists to penetrate the capital undetected.

Beslan School Siege

On the first day of school in 2004, September 1, more than 30 attackers took more than 1,100 pupils, parents, and staff hostage at a school in the North Ossetian town of Beslan. Most of the hostages were held for more than 52 hours in a hot, crowded gymnasium.

Shortly after noon on September 3, at least two explosions rang out and a fire erupted on the roof. Gunfire was exchanged and Russian security forces began to storm the building, supported by tanks and helicopters. After several hours of intense fighting, about half of the militants escaped.

Putin made a brief visit to the scene on September 4 but did not meet with the families of victims. Authorities said 334 hostages were killed, including 186 children.

In the aftermath, the government was again criticized for security lapses that enable the terrorists to carry out the attack. Critics said the assault was poorly prepared, and the government had not brought in sufficient medical equipment and personnel in advance.

In the wake of the attack, Putin's government passed anti-terrorism and anti-extremism legislation that critics say has been used ever since to crack down increasingly hard on political dissent and minority-rights activism.

Putin also rolled back democracy, eliminating the direct election of regional leaders, reorganizing the legislative system to enable the ruling United Russia party to cement its control of the parliament, and stepping up state control over the media and civic organizations.

Aleksandr Litvinenko Poisoning

Aleksandr Litvinenko, a former FSB officer turned Kremlin critic, died in London in 2006 of acute radiation poisoning. British investigators concluded he was poisoned with polonium-210 slipped into his drink at an upscale London hotel by Andrei Lugovoi, a former FSB officer and current member of the State Duma, and Dmitry Kovtun, a former KGB officer.

Litvinenko, 44, had been a harsh critic of Putin, accusing him of creating a "mafia state" and writing two books alleging Russian security agency involvement in the 1999 apartment-block bombings. Weeks before his poisoning, he claimed that Putin had ordered the murder of prominent investigative journalist Anna Politkovskaya, who was shot dead in Moscow on Putin's birthday in October 2006.

Although it was not the first killing abroad linked to Russian security agents, it was among the most prominent, as the assassins left a radioactive trail across a NATO member's capital. It seemed to presage the attempted assassination of former Russian intelligence officer Sergei Skripal in the British city of Salisbury with a deadly nerve agent in 2018.

The European Court of Human Rights found Russia responsible for Litvinenko's death and ordered Moscow to pay 100,000 euros($109,000) in damages. Russian security forces were later linked to poisoning attempts targeting the Kremlin's domestic political foes, including opposition leaders Aleksei Navalny and Vladimir Kara-Murza.

Sergei Magnitsky's Death

In November 2009, tax lawyer Sergei Magnitsky, 37, died after 11 months in custody, during which supporters said he was denied medical care, beaten, and subjected to conditions amounting to torture. Magnitsky had been pursued by the same Interior Ministry officials he had accused of engineering a $230 million tax fraud. Ella Pamfilova, at the time the chairwoman of President Dmitry Medvedev's human rights council, called Magnitsky's death "a murder and a tragedy."

In 2012, the United States adopted the Magnitsky Act, which allows for the imposition of sanctions on Russian officials believed to be human rights abusers. The European Union and several more countries have passed similar laws. Moscow retaliated by barring U.S. citizens from adopting Russian children. Magnitsky's death is regarded as a landmark in the souring of Russia's relations with the West, which accelerated when Moscow seized Crimea and fomented war in eastern Ukraine in 2014.

MH17 Shot Down

On July 17, 2014, Malaysia Airlines Flight 17 (MH17) was shot down by Russian-backed separatist militants over eastern Ukraine, killing all 298 passengers and crew. Although Russia denied involvement in the incident and blamed the Ukrainian military, an exhaustive international investigation determined in 2016 that the airliner had been shot down by a Russian Buk antiaircraft system, which had been brought from Russia on the day of the incident and was hastily returned to Russia immediately afterward.

A court in the Netherlands, where the MH17 flight began, convicted three Russians and a Ukrainian militant in absentia of murder in 2022 and determined that Russia had been in control of the militant forces at the time. A Dutch prosecutor said there were "strong indications that [Putin] decided on supplying the Buk to the separatists."

The MH17 disaster played a significant role in galvanizing much of the international community against Russia's aggression in Ukraine. At the same time, Kremlin-controlled media and social-media channels developed and perfected what came to be known as "the firehose of falsehood propaganda model," in which the goal is not to convince people of anything, but rather to confuse and muddle issues until people conclude the truth is unknowable. "Russian propaganda entertains, confuses, and overwhelms the audience," researchers at the Rand Corporation think tank wrote in a 2016 study.

Boris Nemtsov Killing

Late on February 27, 2015, former deputy prime minister and leading opposition politician Boris Nemtsov was shot to death on a bridge near the Kremlin. One of Putin's most prominent foes, Nemtsov was a vocal critic of the aggression Russia launched against Ukraine in 2014 and had been working on a report - completed by allies after his death -- detailing evidence of the extent of Russia's involvement in the war in the Donbas. Five Chechen men were convicted of the killing in June 2017, but -- as in the slayings of Politkovskaya and other Kremlin opponents -- the identity of the person who ordered it has never been uncovered.

Two weeks after Nemtsov was gunned down, Putin awarded Chechen leader Kadyrov -- who a day earlier had publicly praised the leading suspect in the case as "a true Russian patriot" -- the Order of Honor for "professional achievements, public activities, and many years of diligent work.

Nemtsov's acolytes maintain an informal memorial to the slain politician on the bridge where he was killed, although police, city workers, and vigilantes regularly attack them and try to dismantle it.

Kemerovo Mall Fire

In March 2018, at least 64 people died, half of them children, in a fire at the Winter Cherry shopping complex in the western Siberian city of Kemerovo. The Russian investigation found that fire exits had been blocked, an alarm system had been disabled, and regulations had been violated during the mall's construction. Local prosecutors also said emergency responders "lacked the necessary equipment and skills" to cope with the situation.

Putin visited the site two days after the disaster and promised that "all those who are guilty will be punished." Ten people, including the co-owner of the mall and the former Kemerovo region emergencies minister received prison sentences in the case on charges including embezzlement, fraud, negligence, and bribery.

Putin's critics charge that his focus on quashing political dissent and solidifying his own power have left Russia vulnerable to real terrorists and to disasters such as the Kemerovo fire that are caused or exacerbated by corruption and negligence.

Aleksei Navalny's Death In Prison

Russian opposition leader Aleksei Navalny died in a remote Arctic prison in February 2024 after years of persecution and prosecution by the Putin government.

His widow and many supporters believe Putin is responsible for his death. The charismatic lawyer had been held in custody since returning to Russia from Germany, where he had been treated for the effects of a nerve-agent poisoning that he blamed on Putin and the FSB, in January 2021.

In June 2021, his Anti-Corruption Foundation and his network of regional offices were declared "extremist organizations." Navalny himself was designated a terrorist and an extremist in January 2022. Many of his top associates were either imprisoned or fled the country to avoid prosecution.

Since Navalny's death, the Russian opposition has lacked a leader and has been frequently mired in division and acrimony. Analysts agree there is no democratic political force remaining in Russia that is capable of presenting a realistic challenge to Putin at this point.

By contrast, Putin's government was briefly shaken in June 2023 when thousands of Wagner mercenaries led by Yevgeny Prigozhin staged a short-lived mutiny, briefly controlling the large city of Rostov-on-Don and marching toward Moscow.

The situation was quickly defused and order was restored, Prigozhin and Wagner co-founder Dmitry Utkin were killed two months later when their private jet crashed north of Moscow. Wagner-affiliated social media claimed the plane had been shot down by the Russian military, and many observers believe Putin had them killed.

Crocus City Attack

On March 22, 2024, four gunmen attacked the Crocus City Hall concert venue outside Moscow, killing 145 people and injuring more than 500 others. It was the deadliest terrorist incident in Russia since the Beslan school siege in 2004.

The extremist group Islamic State claimed responsibility for the attack, although many Russian officials, including Putin, and media personalities claimed without evidence that the attack was organized by Ukraine with the help of the United States -- an assertion the U.S. State Department dismissed as "absurd."

On March 7, the United States had warned Russia that "extremists" were planning an attack in the capital.

The Washington Post reported on April 2 that the U.S. warning specifically mentioned the Crocus concert hall. Three days before the attack, Putin appeared to dismiss the warnings as "provocative statements" that "resemble outright blackmail and the intention to intimidate and destabilize our society." Foreign Intelligence Service head Sergei Naryshkin said the U.S. warning was "too general."

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/putin-anniversary- russia-authoritarian-history-milestones/33070208.html

Copyright (c) 2024. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036.

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Dual Russian-German Citizen Held In U.S. For Operating Alleged 'Tech-Trafficking Syndicate'

By RFE/RL August 09, 2024

A dual Russian-German citizen has been ordered held without bail in New York City on charges that he conspired to smuggle U.S. microelectronics to military manufacturers in Russia to aid its war in Ukraine.

Arthur Petrov, 33, made a brief appearance in federal court on August 9, the U.S. Justice Department said in a news release. The department said the charges against him included export-control violations, smuggling, wire fraud, and money laundering.

Petrov's lawyer declined to comment on the numerous charges brought against his client, which collectively carry a potential penalty of over 150 years in prison, according to AP.

Petrov was arrested in Cyprus at the request of the United States and was extradited on August 8.

"Our charges allege that, after Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the defendant and his co-conspirators formed an elaborate tech-trafficking syndicate to supply microelectronics to Russia's military-industrial complex," said Assistant Attorney General Matthew Olsen of the Justice Department's National Security Division.

U.S. Attorney Damian Williams added in the statement that Petrov concealed where he was sending the electronics and knew that shipping them violated U.S. export controls relating to Russia.

Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco said the extradition reflected the Justice Department's determination to cut Russia off from the Western technologies that fuel the Russian military.

Court documents quoted in the statement say Petrov worked for LLC Electrocom VPK, a Russia-based supplier of critical electronics components for manufacturers supplying weaponry and other equipment to the Russian military. Petrov and two co-conspirators, who are identified only as Russian nationals also working for Electrocom, operated an illicit procurement network in Russia and elsewhere overseas.

"They fraudulently procured from U.S. distributors large quantities of microelectronics subject to U.S. export controls on behalf of Electrocom," the Justice Department said.

They used shell companies and other deceptive means to conceal that the electronics components were destined for Russia, the department said. The technology they procured has significant military applications, including in Russian guided missiles, drones, and electronic-warfare and communications devices, it added.

Authorities said Petrov falsely claimed that he was purchasing the items for fire-security systems and other commercial uses for companies in Cyprus and countries other than Russia.

With reporting by AP

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/ukraine-russia-smuggling- electronics-drones/33073102.html

Copyright (c) 2024. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036.

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Training ship Smolniy finishes call at port of La Guaira of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela

09.08.2024

The Baltic Fleet's training ship Smolniy, performing a long-distance sea voyage to conduct maritime practice of cadets of naval training institutions of the Ministry of Defence of the Russian Federation, completed an unofficial call to the port of La Guaira of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela.

The training ship's crew stayed in the port of Venezuela from 6 August. During this time, in the port of Venezuela, the training ship Smolniy replenished its supply of water and food. Cadets and crew had a rest on the shore from a long sea voyage and conducted a technical inspection of the ship. At present, the Baltic Fleet's training ship Smolniy put to the sea and set a course in the designated area of the Atlantic Ocean according to the long-distance voyage plan.

A stay programme was organised for the Russian naval personnel with visits to historical sites, the administration centre of La Guaira, and cultural and sporting events.

Previously, from 27 to 30 July, the training ship Smolniy visited the port of Havana in the Republic of Cuba with an unofficial visit.

The training ship's long-distance sea voyage is a part of the maritime practice of cadets of naval training institutions of the Ministry of Defence of the Russian Federation. Future naval officers carry out a training programme on the ship, in particular on communication and shipping. In total, more than 300 cadets take part in the sea voyage.

Department for Media Affairs and Information

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Pacific Fleet ships leave Indian port of Cochin

09.08.2024

A detachment of ships of the Pacific Fleet made up of the missile cruiser Guards Order of Nakhimov Varyag and frigate Marshal Shaposhnikov finished a business call and left the Indian port of Cochin.

The ships resupplied their stocks at the port in India, and servicemen participated in cultural events and friendlies with Indian sailors.

Russian sailors visited the port of Cochin and observed the ships of the Southern Naval Command of the Indian Navy.

Along with Indian servicemen, the Pacific Fleet's sailors held a friendly volleyball match.

At the moment, a detachment of warships of the Pacific Fleet is making a long-distance voyage across the Arabian Sea.

The long-distance mission of the Pacific Fleet's detachment began on 22 January 2024. During this time, the Pacific sailors have conducted dozens of training sessions in combat training and organisation of the ships' daily activities at sea. The crews also made business calls at the ports of countries such as the Republic of India, Republic of Sri Lanka, Islamic Republic of Iran, State of Qatar, and State of Eritrea.

Press Service of the Eastern Military District

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Four soldiers injured in Israeli aggression on central Syria

Iran Press TV

Friday, 09 August 2024 6:04 AM

At least four Syrian soldiers have been injured when Israeli aircraft conducted strikes on several military installations and buildings in central Syria.

Syria's official news agency SANA, citing a military source, reported that the Israeli aerial assault occurred at approximately 8:55 p.m. local time (1755 GMT) on Thursday.

The report added that the attack originated from the direction of northern Lebanon, resulting in injuries to four soldiers and causing material damage. However, the report did not specify the exact area that was targeted.

Earlier, the so-called Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR) claimed that seven people were wounded after Israeli airstrikes targeted a missile depot near the Shayrat Airbase in Syria's central province of Homs.

The Britain-based war monitor reported that successive explosions were heard at the targeted site for nearly an hour, with fires visible in the area.

The Israeli airstrike against the crisis-hit Arab nation comes amid the regime's bloody onslaught against Palestinians in the besieged Gaza Strip.

Israel has launched relentless air and ground attacks on the coastal territory, including hospitals, residences, and houses of worship, since Palestinian resistance movements launched their surprise attack, dubbed Operation al-Aqsa Storm, against the regime on October 7.

At least 39,699 Palestinians, most of them women and children, have been killed while another 91,722 individuals have sustained injuries.

Israel frequently targets military positions inside Syria, especially those of the Lebanese resistance movement Hezbollah which has played a key role in helping the Syrian army in its fight against foreign-backed terrorists.

The Tel Aviv regime rarely comments on its attacks on Syrian territories, which many see as a knee-jerk reaction to the Syrian government's phenomenal success in confronting and decimating terrorism.

Israel has been the principal supporter of terrorist groups that oppose the democratically-elected government of President Bashar al-Assad since the foreign-backed militancy erupted in Syria.

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Australia, Canada stress cross-strait peace in defense statement

ROC Central News Agency

08/09/2024 09:27 PM

Sydney, Aug. 9 (CNA) Australia and Canada released a joint statement on Friday regarding the strengthening of their bilateral defense relationship, which reaffirmed the importance of maintaining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait.

The statement issued by Bill Blair, Canada's Minister of National Defence, and Richard Marles, Australia's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence, also voiced opposition to any unilateral changes to the status quo across the strait.

"We call for the peaceful resolution of differences through dialogue without the threat or use of force or coercion," read the statement, which was released after a meeting in Vancouver.

The statement followed joint sea and air drills conducted by the United States, Australia, Canada and the Philippines on Aug. 7 in the disputed South China Sea in a show of military interoperability to uphold the right to freedom of navigation and overflight.

In the statement, Australia and Canada also expressed concerns for China's expansive maritime claims in the South China Sea that they said are inconsistent with international law.

"We reiterate our strong opposition to destabilizing or coercive actions in the South China Sea, including dangerous maneuvers and the militarization of disputed features," according to the statement.

(By Yang Chun-hui and Lee Hsin-Yin)

Enditem/AW

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Foreign Ministry Spokesperson's Remarks on Japan's Recent Detainment of Taiwan's Fishing Boats

Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the People's Republic of China

Updated: August 09, 2024 19:50

Q: It was reported that recently Taiwan's "Fu Yang 266" fishing boat and "Fu Shen" fishing boat were detained by Japanese official vessels for violating fishing regulations. They were then released after paying the fines. The Taiwan authorities believe the vessels did violate Japan's fishing regulations. What is China's comment on this?

A: The Chinese government attaches great importance to safeguarding the lawful interests of Chinese fishermen, including those from the Taiwan region. According to the China-Japan Fisheries Agreement, Japan has no right to take enforcement measures against Chinese fishing vessels in relevant waters. China has protested over this, asking the Japanese side to immediately correct the wrongdoing, and take effective measures to prevent similar incidents from happening again.

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PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan

ROC Ministry of National Defense

2024/08/10

PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan



1.Dateis

6 to 6 a.m. (UTC+8) Friday to Saturday, Aug. 9-10



2.PLA activitiesis

28 PLA aircraft and 10 PLAN vessels operating around Taiwan were detected up until 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today. 22 of the aircraft crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait and entered Taiwan's southwestern and eastern ADIZ. ROC Armed Forces have monitored the situation and employed CAP aircraft, Navy vessels, and coastal missile systems in response to the detected activities.







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UK shows commitment to Indo-Pacific following major exercises

The UK has demonstrated it's commitment to the Indo-Pacific as a series of major multinational military exercises conclude

9 August 2024

The Royal Air Force, Royal Navy and Royal Marines have taken part in a series of major exercises in the Indo-Pacific region

Deployments saw UK personnel operate alongside nearly thirty international partners in exercises taking place in Australia, India, and Hawaii

Exercises demonstrate the UK's enduring commitment to supporting security and stability in the region, which is critical for the UK economy

Hundreds of UK Armed Forces personnel have been deployed in the Indo-Pacific region this summer to participate in a series of major multi-national exercises across air, land, and sea in support of collective security and stability.

The Indo-Pacific is crucial to the UK's economy due to the significant trade volume associated with the region and the UK works closely with partners and allies to promote its stability.

Activity throughout the last month has seen Royal Air Force fighter jets fly more than 9,000 miles to train in a series of exercises alongside aircraft from more than 20 different nations, while the Royal Marines landed on the northern shores of Australia as part of a series of amphibious assault exercises.

The deployments provided a unique opportunity to demonstrate the ability of the UK Armed Forces to conduct global deployments and work closely with partners and allies to integrate and operate alongside each other more effectively.

Defence Secretary John Healey said:

This Government is determined to build on our Indo-Pacific commitments.

Euro-Atlantic security is inextricably linked to stability in the Indo-Pacific. These deployments of the Royal Air Force, Royal Navy and Royal Marines strengthen our bonds and interoperability with our important partners.

Our deployment of the Royal Navy aircraft carrier HMS Prince of Wales next year will further deliver on our commitment to strengthening UK relationships in the region.

Flying more than 9,000 miles from the UK to Australia, six Royal Air Force Typhoon fighter jets and a Voyager refuelling aircraft joined more than 140 aircraft from 20 different nations for Exercise Pitch Black during July.

The journey to Australia, called Griffin Strike, was carried out jointly with the French Air and Space Force, further emphasising our deep defence ties during the 120th year of the Entente Cordiale.

In week one, the RAF practiced air-to-air combat engagements against another nation, while in weeks two and three the aircrew focused on intercept scenarios in a complex air environment, meaning participants were divided into either 'red team' or 'blue team', flying from separate locations attacking one another in varying scenarios. The overarching aim was to practice offensive counter-air and defensive counter-air combat in an airspace that is larger than the UK.

Meanwhile, landing on the beaches of Northern Australia, the Royal Marine Commandos conducted amphibious warfighting exercises with Australia, the US and the Philippines. Exercise Predators Run enabled the Commandos to practice deploying from small boats onto the shore, where they could form the spearhead of an assault onto land.

Patrolling the skies around Hawaii, two RAF P-8A Poseidon aircraft also joined 28 other nations at the Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) exercises for their longest and furthest range exercise ever. The P-8A is a state-of-the-art multi-role maritime patrol aircraft that excels at anti-submarine warfare, surveillance and search and rescue missions.

And starting this week, an RAF contingent of 130 personnel, six Typhoons, two Voyagers, and an A400M transport aircraft arrived in India to take part in India's largest multinational air exercise, Tarang Shakti. The RAF will fly alongside aircraft from the US, Germany, France, and other nations in the coming weeks.

International alliances are a crucial component of a secure Britain, and domestically the Government will ensure that defence and security are at the heart of economic growth and the prosperity of the UK. In 2023 the defence industry supported more than 200,000 UK jobs to make and sustain the critical equipment used globally by our Armed Forces.

The UK remains committed to upholding the stability of the Indo-Pacific as demonstrated through the Royal Navy's maintenance of a persistent presence through HMS Spey and HMS Tamar, and in 2025 the Prince of Wales Carrier Strike Group will deploy to region to exercise with partners and allies to help promote a free and open Indo-Pacific.

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IAEA Director General Statement on Developments in the Russian Federation

International Atomic Energy Agency

Vienna, Austria

9 Aug 2024

The IAEA has been monitoring the situation on the reported military activities taking place in the vicinity of the Kursk Nuclear Power Plant (NPP).

This NPP has six units of two different reactor types: RBMK-1000 and VVER-510. Two of the RBMK-1000 are in shutdown and two are fully operational. The two VVER-510 units are under construction.

In view of the reportedly significant military activity, I wish to remind all parties of the seven indispensable pillars for ensuring nuclear safety and security during an armed conflict. Additionally, I emphasize the five concrete principles to help to ensure nuclear safety and security which have been established for the Zaporizhzhya NPP in the context of the current conflict between the Russian Federation and Ukraine, and which are equally applicable in this situation. These include, among others, the imperative to ensure the physical integrity of a nuclear power plant. This is valid irrespective of where an NPP is situated.

At this juncture, I would like to appeal to all sides to exercise maximum restraint in order to avoid a nuclear accident with the potential for serious radiological consequences. I am personally in contact with the relevant authorities of both countries and will continue to be seized of the matter. I will continue to update the international community as appropriate.

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Read the full story on The Auto Wire

When Brake Checking A Cop Backfires Badly

Someone with what appears to be a new Chevy Silverado thought they could push an Arkansas trooper around. Instead, when this person leveraged the weight and size of the pickup, the trooper taught the suspect an important lesson in why you shouldnt brake check people and also why you should just pull over when youre caught speeding.

Thieves beat up a boy and stole a familys Porsche.

The incident, which went down on August 23 at about 8:30 pm, started with the trooper clocking the Silverado going above the speed limit while in the left lane. This is the kind of situation so many of us have faced and one cops deal with all the time.

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Instead of being a mature adult and just pulling over, taking the ticket, then either fighting it in court or paying the fine/doing traffic school this driver decided to teach the trooper a lesson. Maybe it was the illusion of the impervious nature of the new truck (it had temporary tags) or this guy is a hothead, we dont know. Whatever it was, the situation ended badly for the Silverado driver.

At the beginning of the video, we see the trooper was driving in the right lane with a semi in the center lane, so the Silverado driver likely didnt notice a cop was anywhere nearby. After a slower SUV exits the left lane into the center, the Chevy goes for it and the trooper notices, trailing him at about 90 mph before flipping on her lights.

It looks like the Silverado driver considered pulling over for a moment, then decided running would be better. What a dumb decision.

For a while the guy leaves his right signal on, then he flips on his hazard lights. Why do so many people who run from cops do this? Do they think with their hazards on police will just leave them alone? Its weird.

After exiting the highway, the truck slows down and thats when the suspect seems to think if he cant outrun the trooper, hell make her crash by brake checking her. She tries to get into position for a PIT a few times and the suspect crowds her out.

Story continues

From the ride height of the ASP vehicle it appears to be an SUV, so the Silverado might have a slight weight advantage, but the trooper has more training and thus better driving skills. When the troopers vehicle hits the truck, its the suspect who loses control and ends up careening into a field.

Next time, just pull over and take the ticket.

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Lithuania to transfer a robust assistance package to Ukraine

Republic of Lithuania - Ministry of National Defence

2024-08-09

International cooperation | Security and defense policy

The Ministry of National Defence further renders continued military assistance to Ukraine with yet another robust package of aid underway. Tactical equipment, anti-drones, vehicles and logistic equipment, and some of the older equipment from the Lithuanian Armed Forces arsenal will get to Ukraine in August.

"We have, we are and we will continue helping Ukraine fight the aggressor. Lithuania will soon hand over to Ukraine the critically needed short-range air defence systems as a contribution to the German, U.S. and French-led Air and Missile Defense Capability Coalition, Lithuania is a part of. We will also transfer more equipment, systems and weapons needed on the battlefield on a daily basis. Our assistance is an investment in our own security," says Minister of National Defence Laurynas Kasciunas.

In total, Lithuania will deliver 14 pieces of M113 armored personnel carriers, short-range air defence systems with missiles, drone jamming systems, solo drone jammers, tactical trailer, 20-tonne telescopic loaders, ATVs with spare parts, wheeled loaders, guns, ammunition, smoke munitions, gun accessories and parts.

Responding to Ukraine's requests, this year Lithuania has delivered to Ukraine 155 mm ammunition, M577 and M113 armored personnel carriers, drone jamming equipment, Carl Gustaf recoilless rifle ammunition, RISE-1 long-range smart initiation system, disassembled L-39ZA Albatros aircraft and other aid so far.

Lithuania's enduring assistance to Ukraine has reached a billion euros to date, while the military assistance this far amounts to over EUR 641 million.

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Russian Forces Are Advancing In The Donbas. Ukraine's Response? Invade Russia.

By Mike Eckel August 09, 2024

Ukraine has repeatedly crossed the border into Russia since the start of Moscow's all-out invasion: intelligence operatives doing clandestine operations; drones targeting airfields hundreds of kilometers away; ragtag, unofficial militia groups raiding border villages.

This time, it's different.

Hundreds of uniformed Ukrainian troops, backed by armored vehicles and other heavy equipment, this week punched into Russia's Kursk region north of the Ukrainian city of Sumy. As of August 9, the troops had seized control of about 600 square kilometers of territory, and more than two dozen settlements, according to local officials, pro-war bloggers, and open-source intelligence reports.

The head-snapping incursion -- the largest by Ukrainian forces since Russia launched the invasion in February 2022 -- comes as Ukrainian troops struggle to hold back Russian advances in at least three locations across the 1,100-kilometer front line further to the south. Russian troops are nearing a major Donbas highway whose capture would threaten Ukrainian supply lines along the entire front.

"The situation in general is not good for Ukrainian forces," said Ivan Stupak, a Ukrainian military expert and former intelligence officer. For Russia, "the main idea is to split the Ukrainian armed forces into two pieces; split the enemy and to try and destroy them part by part, step by step. It's much easier to destroy that way."

Confused? Here's what the battlefield looks like nearly 900 days into the biggest land war in Europe since World War II.

The Bad News For Ukraine

To the southeast of the logistical hub of Pokrovsk, the situation is "much more dangerous" and "critical," according to military experts and open-source analysts. Momentum there turned toward Russia in April, when its forces took the village of Ocheretyne amid a Ukrainian troop rotation that some reports say was botched, and they have steadily moved west and north since then.

As of August 6, Russian forces were reported on the eastern outskirts of Vozdvyzhenka, a village located about 5 kilometers from the T-0504 highway.

"The situation in the Pokrovsk direction is extremely difficult," said the Center for Defense Strategies, a Kyiv think tank headed by a former Ukrainian defense minister.

Running out of Pokrovsk is a highway, known variously as the N23 or the T-0504, that heads east and then northeast toward Kostyantynivka, a railway junction city that has served a critical supply line for Ukrainian troops.

Russia wants the highway badly.

Taking the road, which is used to shuttle ammunition and supplies, as well as transport of wounded soldiers, would be a major rupture of Ukrainian supply lines.

The road is not the only route in this section of the battlefield, Stupak said. But it's the best one: Other routes might be more circuitous and unpaved, meaning slower driving speeds -- and when the weather turns and autumn rains begin, Ukraine's legendary mud will make them nearly impassable.

"If you cut the road, [Ukrainian] forces will start suffering," he said. "It's not the end of the war, but it's also not good."

Feint And Parry

If nothing dramatic changes in the coming days and weeks, Russia will get the highway, putting Ukraine's fraying defenses in an even more tenuous position.

Which may be why Ukraine decided to invade Russia.

"To say that this incursion into the Kursk Oblast caught many, including the Russian command, by surprise is an understatement," said one Ukrainian military observer who writes under the name Tatarigami.

For three days after the initial reports of the raid, Ukrainian officials said nothing, aside from suggestions that official Russian reports were grossly understating its scale. On August 8, President Volodymyr Zelenskiy also offered a hint.

"Everyone can see that the Ukrainian army knows how to surprise. And knows how to achieve results," he said at an event.

Mykhaylo Podolyak, a top Zelenskiy adviser, made a less veiled confirmation.

"War is war, with its own rules, where the aggressor inevitably reaps corresponding outcomes," Podolyak said in a post to Telegram.

But Russian authorities, military bloggers, and local officials and residents point to an unusually large invading force, with armored vehicles and even tanks, that has moved quickly, overcoming light Russian defenses and undermanned border guard units. Analysts said the vehicles involved, including U.S.-supplied Stryker armored vehicles, pointed to the 22nd Mechanized Brigade -- one of Ukraine's more battle-hardened units -- as leading the charge.

Satellite imagery and reports by Deep State, an open-source organization with ties to the Ukrainian Army, suggested troops had advanced as far as 90 kilometers from the border in some places. Russian military bloggers point to similar advances. Estimates from both Russian and Ukrainian analysts as to the amount of territory captured ranged from 500 to 600 square kilometers as of August 9.

Russian President Vladimir Putin called a session of his Security Council on August 7, and he opened the meeting with televised remarks calling the offensive a "large-scale provocation." Russia's top military commander, General Valery Gerasimov, said the force might be the size of an entire battalion: as many as 1,000 men.

Residents of a Kursk region border town, Sudzha, posted an angry video to Telegram on August 8, saying Putin was being misled by his commanders as to the scale of the invasion.

"These lies are making the residents die," one woman said. Military commanders "told you the situation is under control, but today huge battles are under way" in the district.

The goal of the operation is unclear, and analysts say chances of a major tactical success are slim. Diverting an experienced battalion-sized unit from the front line to stage an uncertain incursion is problematic: Ukrainian commanders do not have deep reserves of men or equipment at their disposal, which is why units across the Donbas front have been unable to check Russian advances.

Ukraine also did not notify its biggest supplier of weaponry, the United States, before conducting the incursion.

In June, as Russian forces pressed a localized cross-border offensive northeast of Kharkiv, the U.S. administration softened a standing policy and gave the green light for Ukraine to use U.S. weaponry to hit Russian targets inside Russia.

Despite not getting advance notice, the administration did not consider the incursion a violation of the wider U.S. prohibition, U.S. officials said.

"It is consistent with our policy and we have supported Ukraine from the very beginning to defend themselves against attacks that are coming across the border," Pentagon spokeswoman Sabrina Singh said August 8.

Crossing The Canal

About 55 kilometers northeast of Pokrovsk, at the other end of the T-0504 highway, is Kostyantynivka, with a railway spur that runs northwest to Slovyansk and Kramatorsk -- bigger, heavily fortified cities where Ukrainian forces have hospitals, forward command posts, and other critical infrastructure.

Russia wants Kostyantynivka, but in order to occupy it, Moscow's forces need to take Chasiv Yar, a height-of-land city with a manmade waterway, the Siverskiy Donets-Donbas Canal, that splits the town's main district from the eastern Kanal district.

Russian troops occupied all of the Kanal district sometime in June, and have pushed forward to the canal itself, which is a natural defense that the Ukrainians have relied heavily on. Over the past months, small groups of Russian soldiers have tried to cross the canal and establish positions on its west side. Other Russian units have also tried to flank the canal from the north and south.

"The Russians attack in small groups. They drive all the way to a hideout in light vehicles, gather a few people, and then this small group starts to storm and reach the positions of our guys without being noticed," Andriy Polukhin, a spokesman for the 24th King Danylo Mechanized Brigade, told RFE/RL's Ukrainian Service. "But at the moment, it is not true; [Russian troops] crossing the canal and positioning on the other side. This has not happened."

Serhiy Hrabskiy, a retired Ukrainian Army colonel, said the attacking Russian units are still dismounted infantry -- units that do not have cover from tanks or artillery.

For Ukraine, "the tactic is exhausting, but the Russians are still able to advance with...numerical superiority. The question is how long they can continue in such a manner," he said.

Nyu-York: A Hell Of A Town

To the east of Pokrovsk, Russian units have successfully pushed a bulge, a salient, in Ukrainian lines, toward Nyu-York, which is frequently spelled New York. On August 7, Russian military bloggers reported that Russian troops had entered one of the town's districts.

The Russian bulge at Nyu-York puts more pressure on Ukrainian defenses just to the north, at the city of Toretsk, where Russian troops have also gradually crept forward.

Capturing Toretsk would give Russia control of a wider, sprawling urban region that includes the main regional city, Donetsk, and places like Horlivka, Makiyivka, and other industrial locations, Hrabskiy said. Capturing Toretsk will also threaten Kostyantynivka, 22 kilometers to the northwest.

"Will it cause a total break in Ukrainian positions? No, because the Ukrainians have been able to build other defensive lines," he said.

Wait, Didn't Ukraine Just Mobilize Its Population?

Manpower has been one of the biggest problems Ukrainian commanders have grappled with. While Russia has been able to replenish its units by enticing volunteers with extraordinarily high wages and benefits, Ukraine was slow in passing legislation to codify mobilization rules.

With passage of the law in May, Ukrainian recruiters were able to start getting men into the pipeline for training and equipping. Some frontline units have already reported the arrival of new recruits, and Hrabskiy said the bulk of the newest soldiers should appear by mid-September.

"To be honest, I'm surprised how our guys are able to hold their lines. They're completely exhausted, not enough men, not enough ammunition," he said.

That should stabilize the front lines, Hrabskiy predicted, but mounting another counteroffensive -- like two successful drives in 2022 or the one that fizzled last year -- is likely impossible for now.

"I'm doubtful that Ukrainian forces will be able to do anything before the middle of 2025," he said.

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/ukraine-russia-kursk-donbas- offensive/33070663.html

Copyright (c) 2024. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036.

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Death Toll In Ukraine Supermarket Strike Rises To 14 As Rescue Effort Suspended

By RFE/RL's Ukrainian Service August 09, 2024

The death toll from a Russian strike on a supermarket in Kostyantynivka, a town in Ukraine's eastern Donetsk region, has gone up to 14, the head of the regional military administration said, and that 43 people were injured.

Vadym Filashkin said it was believed there are three children among the dead and one of the injured is in serious condition.

He said earlier that a Kh-38 missile had been used in the strike.

"This is another targeted strike on a place of gathering of people, another act of terror by the Russians," Filashkin said on Telegram.

President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said the strike amounted to a terrorist attack.

"Russian terrorists hit an ordinary supermarket and a post office. There are people under the rubble. A rescue operation is under way, and everything will be done to save them," Zelenskiy said on X.

A search-and-rescue operation had been temporarily stopped around dusk due to concerns about security, officials said.

Images from the scene showed black smoke rising over the smoldering remains of the supermarket.

Moscow's forces hold large areas of the Donetsk region. Ukrainian-held areas regularly come under Russian shelling and air strikes.

The region is one of the hottest areas of fighting as Russia targets places in the direction of the strategic eastern logistics hub of Pokrovsk.

Meanwhile, in Kherson, the Russian military attacked a civilian car with a drone, the press service of the regional military administration reported.

"Russian troops attacked a civilian car from a drone in the Dnipro district of Kherson. As a result of an enemy attack, a 29-year-old woman received an explosive injury and a shrapnel wound on her forearm," the press service said.

Earlier, local Ukrainian officials reported that six people had been killed in Russian attacks on four regions over the past 24 hours.

With reporting by Reuters

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/strike-supermarket- kostyantynivka-deaths-russia-ukraine/33071848.html

Copyright (c) 2024. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036.

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Russia Notifies IAEA on Situation at Kursk Nuclear Power Plant Amid Ukrainian Attack on Region

Sputnik News

20240809

MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Russia has notified the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) about the situation at the Kursk Nuclear Power Plant amid Kiev's attempted attack on the region, Russia's permanent mission in Vienna said on Friday.

"Russia informed the IAEA about the situation at the Kursk Nuclear Power Plant in light of Ukraine's attack of the Kursk Region," the mission said in a statement on its Telegram channel.

"On August 8, fragments and remnants - presumably fragments of downed [Ukrainian] missiles - were found at the station, including in the area of the radioactive waste processing complex," the statement read, adding that Ukraine's reckless actions threaten not only the Kursk power plant but put the entire global nuclear industry at risk.

The Kursk region, which borders Ukraine in Russia's western part, was attacked by about 1,000 Ukrainian troops and scores of armed vehicles on August 6. Russian troops retaliated by stopping the Ukrainian military from penetrating deep into Russian territory.

A Sputnik

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US Unveils $125Mln Ukraine Aid Package, Includes Stingers, Artillery Shells - White House

Sputnik News

20240809

WASHINGTON (Sputnik) - The United States is providing Ukraine a new $125 million aid package that includes additional Stinger missiles and artillery shells, White House National Security Communications Adviser John Kirby said on Friday.

"Included in this package are Stinger missiles, more 155 and 105 millimeter artillery ammunition, which has been instrumental, and anti-armor systems as well," Kirby told reporters.

Kirby noted that the package is valued at $125 million.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken in a separate statement said the package also includes air defense interceptors, munitions for rocket systems, multi-mission radars, and anti-tank weapons.

The Kremlin has consistently warned against continued arms deliveries to Kiev since the start of Russia's military operation in Ukraine in February 2022, saying it would lead to further escalation of the conflict.

In April 2022, Russia sent a diplomatic note to all NATO countries on the issue of arms supplies to Ukraine. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has warned that any cargo containing weapons for Ukraine will become a legitimate target for Russian strikes.

A Sputnik

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Russia's Kursk Nuclear Plant Operating Normally, Radiation Level as Usual - Press Service

Sputnik News

20240809

MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Russia's Kursk nuclear power plant (NPP) is operating normally, and the radiation level is normal, the press service of the plant said on Friday.

"The Kursk NPP is operating normally. At the Kursk NPP, power units No. 3 and No. 4 are in operation at the capacity set by the dispatch schedule. Power units No. 1 and No. 2 are in operation mode 'without generation," the statement read.

The radiation level at the station and in its vicinity is at a level corresponding to the normal operation of power units and does not exceed natural indicators, the plant said.

On Tuesday, the Russian Defense Ministry said Ukrainian forces had launched an offensive to seize territory in the Kursk Region. The next day, Russian Chief of the General Staff Valery Gerasimov said the advance deep into Russian territory had been halted.

The United Nations is closely monitoring the situation in Russia's Kursk region, UN spokeswoman Florencia Soto said on Friday.

"We have been closely monitoring the developments," Soto said during a UN briefing when asked about the UN position on Ukraine sending troops into Russian territory.

The UN is gathering information but does not have a presence on the ground to verify reports, she added.

Commenting on the Kursk Region attack, Russian President Vladimir Putin accused Kiev of launching a large-scale provocation. He also said that Ukrainian troops had shelled Russian regions indiscriminately, firing at civilian infrastructure and ambulances.

A Sputnik

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Build-Up of Russia's Forces Fighting in Kursk Region Underway

Sputnik News

20240809

MOSCOW (Sputnik) - The Russian Defense Ministry said on Friday that it was building up forces, who were engaged in active hostilities against Ukrainian formations in the Sudzha district of the Kursk Region, by sending tanks and other heavy tracked military equipment there.

"The columns marching to the areas of the tasks include the BM-21 Grad multiple rocket launcher systems, towed artillery guns, tanks transported on trawls, heavy tracked vehicles, Ural and KamAZ vehicles," the ministry said in a statement.

The ministry also posted a footage showing the movement of the military equipment toward the Kursk Region.

On the morning of August 6, Ukrainian units, numbering up to 1,000 soldiers, attempted to seize a section of the Sudzha district in the Kursk region. According to a report delivered to President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday by Chief of the General Staff Valery Gerasimov, Russian forces halted the advance of the Ukrainian Armed Forces (UAF) into the region. Gerasimov emphasized that the operation in the Kursk region would end with the enemy's defeat and the restoration of control up to the state border.

The Russian Ministry of Defense reported that the enemy has already lost up to 945 personnel and 102 pieces of armored equipment in the fighting in the region. The Investigative Committee noted that during the attempted invasion, several dozen Russian civilians, as well as military personnel, were injured. Acting Deputy Governor of the Kursk region, Andrey Belostotsky, reported that four people were killed, and the number of injured children has risen to nine.

A federal-level state of emergency has been declared in the Kursk region.

A Sputnik

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Russian Forces Continue to Repel Ukraine's Attempted Invasion of Kursk Region

Sputnik News

20240809

Earlier in the day, the Russian Army's Sever (North) Battlegroup and the approaching reserves prevented attempts by Ukrainian forces to raid deep into Russian territory.

The Russian Armed Forces continue to tackle the Kiev regime's attempted invasion of Russia's Kursk region, the Russian Ministry of Defense (MoD) has said in a statement.

Earlier on Friday, forces including those from the Sever (North) Battlegroup inflicted fire damage on Ukrainian troops and equipment in the areas of Darino, Gogolevka, Melovoy, and Nikolsky settlements, and the western outskirts of Sudzha, according to the MoD.

In the Yuzhny area, the Russian combat aviation destroyed five Ukrainian Stryker armored personnel carriers, while in the settlement of Martynovka, Russian forces eliminated a Ukrainian column comprising of a tank, four armored personnel carriers and a Kozak armored combat vehicle.

Russian warplanes and missile forces have meanwhile defeated Ukrainian reserves in the territory of the Sumy region.

During the day, Ukrainian losses amounted to more than 280 militants and 27 armored vehicles, including four tanks, five armored personnel carriers, 18 armored combat vehicles, as well as six vehicles, a 155 mm M777 howitzer, a 155 mm self-propelled artillery "Krab" and a 152 mm D-20 gun.

In total, during the fighting in the Kursk region, they have lost up to 945 military personnel and 102 armored vehicles, including 12 tanks, 17 armored personnel carriers, six infantry fighting vehicles, 67 armored combat vehicles, as well as 12 vehicles, two self-propelled fire launchers of the Buk M1 anti-aircraft missile system, and three field artillery guns, per the MoD.

On Tuesday, the MoD said that Ukrainian forces had launched an offensive to seize territory in the Kursk region. The next day, Russian Chief of the General Staff Valery Gerasimov said Russia's air, missile and artillery strikes had prevented about 1,000 Ukrainian troops from advancing deep into Russian territory. Russian President Vladimir Putin, for his part, underscored that the Kiev regime had undertaken another large-scale provocation and was firing indiscriminately at civilian targets.

A Sputnik

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Civilians continue to pay the highest price of this war - Deadly attack shakes another community in the war-ravaged Donetsk Region

UNOCHA - United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs

HUMANITARIAN COORDINATOR FOR UKRAINE DENISE BROWN CONDEMNS A DEADLY ATTACK BY THE RUSSIAN ARMED FORCED IN KOSTIANTYNIVKA

As my mission in Ukraine draws to a close, I am outraged to receive, once again, terrible news.

Just a few hours ago, an attack by the Russian Armed Forces struck a populated area in Kostiantynivka Town in the Donetsk Region, killing and injuring dozens of civilians. A market and a post office - frequented by people every day - were severely damaged.

This comes amid escalating hostilities in the Donetsk Region. Selydove, Myrnohrad, Pokrovsk and Toretsk are only a few among the many communities torn by years of the war that have endured repeated attacks since early August. Homes, schools and health facilities have been damaged.

Civilians pay the highest price in this war. We must not allow this to be normalized. International humanitarian law must be respected, and civilians and civilian infrastructure must be protected at all times.

For further information, please contact: Pilirani Semu Banda, OCHA: +380 50 344 16 87, pilirani.semubanda@un.org OCHA press releases are available at www.unocha.org or www.reliefweb.int

9 August 2024



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US announces $125M military aid package for Ukraine

By VOA News August 09, 2024

The United States announced on Friday that it would be sending a $125 million military aid package that includes Stinger missiles and anti-armor systems to Ukraine following multiple civilian deaths from a fresh Russian attack.

The package will be the 10th sent to Ukraine since U.S. President Joe Biden signed the Ukraine Security Supplemental Appropriations Act in April. The U.S. has approved $175 billion to be sent to Ukraine since Russia invaded the country in February 2022, according to the Council on Foreign Relations, a foreign policy research group in New York.

The announcement of the package came hours after a Russian missile hit a supermarket in Kostiantynivka, Ukraine, killing at least 14 people and wounding 44. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy wrote on the social media platform X that "Russia will be responsible for this terror." Russia has yet to comment on the attack.

Emergency services were working to find survivors who might have been buried under the rubble from the attack, according to Zelenskyy. Damage was reported to shops, homes, cars and a post office in the area.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken released a statement explaining the contents and purpose of the military aid package. "This $125 million package of support, provided under Presidential Drawdown Authority, includes air defense interceptors, munitions for rocket systems and artillery, multimission radars and anti-tank weapons that will help Ukraine protect its troops, its people and its cities from Russian attacks and reinforce its capabilities across the front lines," it read.

The statement reaffirmed the United States' support of Ukraine and said the U.S. "will deploy this new assistance as quickly as possible to bolster Ukraine's defense of its territory and its people."

In a post on X, Zelenskyy thanked Biden and the U.S. for the package.

"It is critical that the United States continues to take strong steps and demonstrate leadership in protecting Ukrainian freedom and European stability," he wrote. "We appreciate the United States' support from the very first days of Russia's full-scale invasion, which has already allowed us to save many lives together."

Russia has said it is facing a cross-border Ukrainian assault and declared a "federal-level" emergency Friday in its Kursk region. Russian and Ukrainian forces clashed in this area for a fourth consecutive day, according to Russia's Defense Ministry.

Russia described it as one of the largest cross-border incursions by Ukrainian forces during the war, which started 2A years ago with Moscow's invasion.

At the same time, Reuters reported that Russian military personnel were in Iran and were being trained to use the Fath-360 close-range ballistic missile system. European intelligence sources reportedly said that they were expecting Iran to deliver the weapons to Russia.

White House national security spokesperson John Kirby said the U.S. and allies "are prepared to respond swiftly if Iran were to move forward with such transfers, which would represent a dramatic escalation in Iran's support for Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine."

A Russian Defense Ministry statement said its military and border guards had blocked Ukrainian forces from advancing deeper into the Kursk region in southwest Russia. It said the army was attacking Ukrainian combatants who were trying to advance from Ukraine's Sumy region.

Washington gave its approval of the Ukrainian operation. The incursion into the Kursk region "is consistent with our policy," Pentagon deputy press secretary Sabrina Singh said while briefing reporters Thursday.

Singh said the U.S. still did not support long-range attacks into Russia by Ukraine, but she noted that Ukrainian forces in Kursk "are taking actions to protect themselves from attacks that are coming from a region that are within the U.S. policy of where they can operate our weapons, our systems, our capabilities."

Some information for this report came from The Associated Press and Reuters.

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Chinese, New Zealand publishers discuss strengthening cooperation

Xinhua) 14:13, August 10, 2024

New Zealand Minister of Arts, Culture and Heritage Paul Goldsmith (R) speaks during a seminar on China Books Overseas Distribution and Copyright Cooperation in Auckland, New Zealand, Aug. 9, 2024. (Photo by Sun Xueliang/Xinhua)

AUCKLAND, New Zealand, Aug. 9 (Xinhua) -- A seminar on China Books Overseas Distribution and Copyright Cooperation was held on Friday in Auckland, New Zealand.

The seminar, organized by the China International Book Trading Corporation (CIBTC) and Prime Media Group of New Zealand, aimed to deepen cooperation and exchanges between China and New Zealand in the publishing industry, said organizers.

Minister of Arts, Culture and Heritage Paul Goldsmith said New Zealand values its friendship with China, and is looking forward to deepening relations between the two countries.

A seminar on China Books Overseas Distribution and Copyright Cooperation is held in Auckland, New Zealand, Aug. 9, 2024. (Photo by Sun Xueliang/Xinhua)

New Zealand is well known for creative industries. The connections between our two countries have enormously potential opportunities in trade and books and many other creative industries, he said.

Chen Shijie, Chinese consul-general in Auckland, said that China's publishing industry has witnessed rapid growth in recent years, adding "The growing trends of online literature and digital publishing have injected strong impetus into the development of China's publishing industry. Publications introducing China have been widely attracting overseas readers, promoting overseas copyright cooperation and cultural exchanges."

"The publishing industry cooperation between China and New Zealand enjoys a sound momentum. The two countries have established cooperation mechanism in exhibition, digital library cooperation, protection of ancient books and resource sharing," he said.

At the seminar, representatives from Chinese and New Zealand publishing industries discussed ways to explore cooperation opportunities.

(Web editor: Cai Hairuo, Sheng Chuyi)
Read the full story on The Auto Wire

Road Rage Doesnt End Well For Ford Escape

Chances are where you live youve noticed road rage is an increasing problem. Most people believe where they are is one of the worst, if not the worst place in the country for drivers targeting others aggressively as they rage out. But few have caught on camera a road rage incident like this one in Dallas, Texas.

Watch a Tesla and diesel pickup get into a road rage fight.

The battle on a highway transition ramp involves someone in a Ford Escape crossover deciding theyre going to try stopping a Ram truck pulling an empty trailer from passing. The little Ford brake checks the much larger, heavier truck and swerves as the other driver tries angling into the other lane.

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This standoff causes traffic behind to back up, with our initial camera car honking its horn as that driver is obviously frustrated by the dangerous stoppage on the highway. That isnt enough to shame the Escape driver into just dropping things as that person keeps swerving to keep the Ram from passing.

Finally, the Ram guns it and the Escape moves to block late, the truck ramming it (and living up to its name). As the pickup slides past the Ford, the trailer catches on the front bumper cover, tearing it off.

A lot of people are having trouble feeling sympathy for the Ford driver. While we dont know what happened before, even if the Ram driver had done something dangerous or rude, this kind of behavior is inexcusable.

Ultimately, the Ford driver couldnt escape the consequences of his actions and now will face a likely steep repair bill. Local news station WFAA said it to the Dallas Police Department to see if anyone had been charged in the incident, but they hadnt received a response.

Image via WFAA/YouTube

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New York, United States , Aug. 09, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Global Refurbished PC Market Size is to Grow from USD 11351 Million in 2023 to USD 21321 Million by 2033, at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 6.51% during the projected period.





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Refurbishing is the act of restoring and testing a previously owned device so that it can be sold. Refurbished electronics are pre-owned electronic devices, such as smartphones, tablets, or PCs that have been extensively examined appraised, cleaned, repaired, and enhanced by a reseller to ensure that they are fully functioning before being resold. Computers and mobile devices have their data erased, and drives are reset to factory defaults. Refurbished gadgets provide a financially viable alternative to brand-new equipment, making them an appealing option for organizations and customers looking for reliable technology at a cheap cost. In recent years, the market for refurbished laptops and desktops has expanded dramatically, owing to a mix of economic concerns, environmental consciousness, and rising demand for low-cost, high-quality computing products. The main advantage of reconditioned smartphones is their lower cost as compared to new ones. As consumers seek lower-cost options, the affordability of used laptops and PCs becomes a compelling proposition. Refurbished gadgets undergo extensive testing, repair, and refurbishment to assure their performance and dependability. Furthermore, one of the key concerns about the expansion of the reconditioned electronic device sector is the scarcity of popular models.

Browse key industry insights spread across 236 pages with 105 Market data tables and figures & & charts from the report on the " Global Refurbished PC Market Size, Share, and COVID-19 Impact Analysis, By Type (Refurbished Laptops, Refurbished Desktops, and Refurbished Workstations), By Application (Enterprise, Educational Institute, Government, Personal, and Others), and By Region (North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Middle East, and Africa), Analysis and Forecast 2023  2033."

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The refurbished laptops segment accounted for the largest revenue share of the refurbished PC market during the projected timeframe.

Based on the type, the refurbished PC market is divided into refurbished laptops, refurbished desktops, and refurbished workstations. Among these, the refurbished laptops segment accounted for the largest revenue share of the refurbished PC market during the projected timeframe. Refurbished PCs can be acquired through customer returns, lease returns, excess inventory, and trade-in programs, among other sources. Refurbished PCs are generally less expensive than new computers, allowing businesses to save money while acquiring high-quality technology.

The enterprise segment is anticipated to grow at the highest CAGR of the refurbished PC market during the projected timeframe.

Based on the application, the refurbished PC market is divided into enterprise, educational institute, government, personal, and others. Among these, the enterprise segment is anticipated to grow at the highest CAGR of the refurbished PC market during the projected timeframe. Enterprises have emerged as the most frequent purchasers of refurbished PCs and laptops, motivated by a need to strike a balance between cost-effectiveness and reliability. Large enterprises, in particular, sought reconditioned devices to supply their employees with cost-effective but reliable computing resources, allowing for optimal business operations without losing performance.

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North America is expected to hold the largest share of the refurbished PC market over the forecast period.

North America is expected to hold the largest share of the refurbished PC market over the forecast period. Refurbished PC sales are quickly increasing in North America, particularly in the United States, thanks to experienced technology stores such as Walmart and Best Buy. Refurbished laptops and computer equipment offer reasonable pricing for consumers and sellers, and they are growing in popularity due to the money saved by both parties. Local vendors also sell high-quality reconditioned laptops and computers at wholesale prices. Customers may shop for their ideal laptops and computer accessories while saving money because all brands are available on the same platform. The increased popularity stimulates demand in this region for used and reconditioned computers.

Asia Pacific is predicted to grow at the fastest pace in the refurbished PC market during the projected timeframe. Asia-Pacific is predicted to have the largest worldwide repaired electronics market share. Asia-Pacific has a large number of resale and online marketplaces for used electronics, along with significant production capabilities. It is one of the world's most populous regions, with the majority of people living in the middle and lower income brackets. This demographic appears to prefer remanufactured products for their affordability, sustainability, and durability. People in India are increasingly purchasing refurbished and used PCs to replace their pricey laptops and make the switch from feature laptops to computers.

Europe was developed as the dominant region in the refurbished computer and laptop industry, with rapid expansion and market dominance. Countries such as the United Kingdom, Germany, and France are important contributors to this expansion. Furthermore, government initiatives to promote sustainability and circular economy principles create an ideal environment for the growth of Europe's refurbished device business.

Competitive Analysis:

The report offers the appropriate analysis of the key organizations/companies involved within the global market along with a comparative evaluation primarily based on their product offering, business overviews, geographic presence, enterprise strategies, segment market share, and SWOT analysis. The report also provides an elaborative analysis focusing on the current news and developments of the companies, which includes product development, innovations, joint ventures, partnerships, mergers & acquisitions, strategic alliances, and others. This allows for the evaluation of the overall competition within the market. Major vendors in the frozen seafood market include Premium Seafood Company Inc, The Sirena Group, M&J Seafood Ltd, Beaver Street Fisheries, Mazetta Company LLC, High Liner Foods Inc, Mowi ASA, Forster Frozen Foods Pvt Ltd., IFC Frozen Seafoods, Castlerock Inc, Sterling Seafood Corp., Clifton Seafood Company, Marine Harvest ASA, Austevoll Seafood ASA, Charoen Pokphand Foods, and Other key companies.

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Recent Developments

In March 2024, Lenovo established a new program called "Certified Refurbished Products," which aims to provide users with inexpensive technology. This program focuses on selling refurbished computers and other objects. The company's objective is to reach new user groups while simultaneously addressing the problem of electronic waste.

Key Target Audience

Market Players

Investors

End-users

Government Authorities

Consulting And Research Firm

Venture capitalists

Value-Added Resellers (VARs)

Market Segment

This study forecasts revenue at global, regional, and country levels from 2020 to 2033. Spherical Insights has segmented the refurbished PC market based on the below-mentioned segments:

Global Refurbished PC Market, By Type

Refurbished Laptops

Refurbished Desktops

Refurbished Workstations

Global Refurbished PC Market, By Application

Enterprise

Educational institute

Government

Personal

Others

Global Refurbished PC Market, Regional Analysis

North America US Canada Mexico

Europe Germany Uk France Italy Spain Russia Rest of Europe

Asia Pacific China Japan India South Korea Australia Rest of Asia Pacific

South America Brazil Argentina Rest of South America

Middle East & Africa UAE Saudi Arabia Qatar South Africa Rest of the Middle East & Africa



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New York, New York, Aug. 09, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Silly Nice, a distinguished Black and veteran-owned cannabis brand based in Harlem, has achieved a major milestone by securing the #2 spot on Headset.ios latest New York Concentrates sales list. Within just five months of its launch, Silly Nices flagship product, Diamond Powder, has captivated the market with its exceptional 84% THC potency, establishing itself as a leading choice among cannabis enthusiasts in New York State.

From its Harlem roots, Silly Nice embodies the vibrant spirit of New York. The brand is proud to be featured in over 60 dispensaries across New York City, Queens, Albany, and beyond. Alongside Diamond Powder, Silly Nice offers a range of premium products, including the Diamond Frosted & Infused Flower and Frosted Hash Ball, which is currently ranked #6 on Headset.ios New York State concentrate list.

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Highlights:

Alaska Energy Metals announces a new offering of $0.17 Special Warrants and Units for up to CAD$5,000,000 in proceeds.

Proceeds to be used primarily for continued drilling at the Canwell prospects and for step-out drilling at the Eureka nickel deposit at the Nikolai project in Alaska.

VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Aug. 09, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Alaska Energy Metals Corporation (TSX-V: AEMC, OTCQB: AKEMF) (AEMC or Alaska Energy Metals or the Company) is pleased to announce that it is undertaking a non-brokered offering of up to $5 million in a combination of special warrants (the Special Warrants) and/or units (the Units), to be issued at the price of $0.17 per Special Warrant or Unit, as applicable, (the Offering). The Company had previously intended to undertake the Offering at the price of $0.15 per Special Warrant or Unit but was unable to obtain TSX Venture Exchange (the TSXV) approval to complete an offering at that price.

Each Special Warrant will automatically convert into one Unit of the Company, as described below. Each Unit shall consist of one common share of the Company (a Share) and one common share purchase warrant (a Warrant). Each Warrant shall entitle the holder thereof to acquire one Share at a price of $0.225 per Share for a period of three years following the date of issue.

Each Special Warrant will automatically convert, for no additional consideration, into Units on the date that is the earlier of (i) the date that is three business days following the date on which the Company files a prospectus supplement to a short form base shelf prospectus with the applicable securities regulatory authorities qualifying distribution of the Units underlying the Special Warrants (the Prospectus Supplement), and (ii) the date that is four months and one day after the closing of the Offering.

The Company will use its commercially reasonable efforts to file the Prospectus Supplement within 60 days of the closing of the Offering (not including the date of closing), provided, however, that there is no assurance that a Prospectus Supplement will be filed with the securities commissions, prior to the expiry of the statutory four-month hold period.

The Company will pay cash finders fees of 7% of the gross proceeds to certain finders. As additional compensation the Company will issue that number of non-transferable broker warrants (each a Broker Warrant) as is equal to 7% of the Special Warrants or Units issued. Each Broker Warrant will be exercisable for one Share at the exercise price of $0.225 for a period of three years.

The Company anticipates closing the Offering prior to August 31, 2024 (the Closing Date) and completion of the Offering is subject to certain conditions including, but not limited to the receipt of all necessary approvals, including the approval of the TSXV.

Prior to the filing of the Prospectus Supplement and the automatic conversion of the Special Warrants, the securities issued under the Offering will be subject to a four-month hold period from the Closing Date in addition to any other restrictions under applicable law. Any Units issued directly upon the closing of the Offering will be subject to a four-month hold period, in accordance with applicable securities laws.

The net proceeds from the Offering will be used for Canwell prospect and Eureka deposit drilling at the Nikolai Nickel Project in Alaska, metallurgical studies, non-flow through costs associated with the Companys Angliers-Belleterre nickel project in Quebec, working capital and marketing purposes.

It is anticipated that insiders of the Company may participate in the Offering, and such Special Warrants and/or Units issued to insiders may be subject to a four-month hold period pursuant to applicable policies of the TSXV. The issuance of Special Warrants and/or Units to insiders will be considered a "related party transaction" within the meaning of Multilateral Instrument 61-101  Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions ("MI 61-101"). The Company is relying on exemptions from the formal valuation requirements of MI 61-101 pursuant to section 5.5(a) and the minority shareholder approval requirements of MI 61-101 pursuant to section 5.7(1)(a) in respect of such insider participation as the fair market value of the transaction, insofar as it involves interested parties, does not exceed 25% of the Company's market capitalization.

For additional information, visit: https://alaskaenergymetals.com/

About Alaska Energy Metals

Alaska Energy Metals Corporation is an Alaska-based corporation with offices in Anchorage and Vancouver working to sustainably deliver the critical materials needed for national security and a bright energy future, while generating superior returns for shareholders.

AEMC is focused on delineating and developing the large-scale, bulk tonnage, polymetallic Eureka deposit containing nickel, copper, cobalt, chromium, iron, platinum, palladium, and gold. Located in Interior Alaska near existing transportation and power infrastructure, its flagship project, Nikolai, is well-situated to become a significant domestic source of strategic energy-related metals for North America. AEMC also holds a secondary project, Angliers-Belleterre, in western Quebec. Today, material sourcing demands excellence in environmental performance, carbon mitigation, and the responsible management of human and financial capital. AEMC works every day to earn and maintain the respect and confidence of the public and believes that ESG performance is measured by action and led from the top.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD

Gregory Beischer

Gregory Beischer, President & CEO

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:

Sarah Mawji, Public Relations

Venture Strategies

Email: sarah@venturestrategies.com

Forward-Looking Statements

Some statements in this news release may contain forward-looking information (within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation), including, without limitation, the closing of the Offering, receipt of approval for the offering including the approval of the TSXV, the statements as to the filing of the Prospectus Supplement, the use of proceeds, to drill exploratory drill holes at the Canwell prospects and Eureka deposit, and to perform metallurgical studies. These statements address future events and conditions and, as such, involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance, or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance, or achievements expressed or implied by the statements. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date those statements are made. Although the Company believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guaranteeing of future performance and actual results may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause the actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include regulatory actions, market prices, and continued availability of capital and financing, and general economic, market or business conditions. Investors are cautioned that any such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on the beliefs, estimates and opinions of the Company's management on the date the statements are made. Except as required by applicable law, the Company assumes no obligation to update or to publicly announce the results of any change to any forward-looking statement contained or incorporated by reference herein to reflect actual results, future events or developments, changes in assumptions, or changes in other factors affecting the forward-looking statements. If the Company updates any forward-looking statement(s), no inference should be drawn that it will make additional updates with respect to those or other forward-looking statements.

This news release does not constitute an offer for sale, or a solicitation of an offer to buy, in the United States or to any U.S Person (as such term is defined in Regulation S under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the 1933 Act)) of any equity or other securities of the Company. The securities of the Company have not been, and will not be, registered under the 1933 Act or under any state securities laws and may not be offered or sold in the United States or to a U.S. Person absent registration under the 1933 Act and applicable state securities laws or an applicable exemption therefrom.

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.


New York, United States , Aug. 10, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Global Wind Speed and Direction Sensor Market Size is to hold a significant share by 2033, at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 7.8% during the projected period.

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An anemometer is a sensor for detecting wind speed and direction. An anemometer is a piece of specialized equipment that measures wind speed and air velocity. It is also known as a general weather station instrument and is used to detect and monitor changes in a fluid's physical properties. Anemometers measure wind speed in mph, kph, m/s, or knots. Wind speed and direction sensors can track the effects of fluids on a mechanical device or equipment integrated into the flow. They can measure the velocity of air or gases in both unconfined flows, including atmospheric wind, and contained flows, such airflow in a duct. Furthermore, advantageous regulations for such projects, including increased overall wind energy consumption, are expected to drive growth. Furthermore, an airborne condition is a disease caused by a bacterium that travels via the air. Rapid improvements in wind speed and direction sensor technologies have brought about enhanced accuracy and reliability. The increased need for renewable energy sources is boosting the usage of wind energy systems, therefore raising the market for wind speed and direction sensors. High initial expenditures are associated with wind speed and direction. Sensor systems have restricted market access, particularly in emerging countries.

Browse key industry insights spread across 230 pages with 110 Market data tables and figures & charts from the report on the " Global Wind Speed and Direction Sensor Market Size, Share, and COVID-19 Impact Analysis, By Type (Optical, Ultrasonic, and Others), By Application (Meteorological, Industry, Energy, Manufacturing, and Other), and By Region (North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Middle East, and Africa), Analysis and Forecast 2023  2033."

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The ultrasonic segment dominates the market with the highest market share of the wind speed and direction sensor market during the projected timeframe.

Based on the type, the wind speed and direction sensor market is divided into optical, ultrasonic, and others. Among these, the ultrasonic segment dominates the market with the highest market share of the wind speed and direction sensor market during the projected timeframe. An ultrasonic wind speed direction sensor utilizes ultrasonic technology to measure wind speed and determine direction. It is composed of ultrasonic transducers that transmit and receive ultrasonic waves. The time it takes these waves to travel helps to calculate the wind's speed and direction. These sensors are widely used in several applications, including weather monitoring, wind farms, aviation, and maritime.

The meteorological segment is anticipated to grow at the highest CAGR of the wind speed and direction sensor market during the projected timeframe.

Based on the application, the wind speed and direction sensor market is divided into meteorological, industry, energy, manufacturing, and other. Among these, the meteorological segment is anticipated to grow at the highest CAGR of the wind speed and direction sensor market during the projected timeframe. Meteorology is a branch of the atmospheric sciences that covers atmospheric chemistry and physics and focuses on weather forecasting. Meteorological phenomena are detected and determined utilizing variables such as temperature, air pressure, water vapor, and mass movement, as well as their variations and interactions throughout time. Accurate wind measurement is required for reporting and simulating meteorological conditions.

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North America is expected to hold the largest share of the wind speed and direction sensor market over the forecast period.

North America is expected to hold the largest share of the wind speed and direction sensor market over the forecast period. A growing number of established businesses, combined with significant investments in renewable energy infrastructure, fuels market expansion. Stringent environmental monitoring rules, combined with the increased adoption of smart agriculture technologies, are driving up demand for wind sensors. Regulatory concerns and infrequent supply chain disruptions jeopardize market stability. Wind speed and direction sensors are frequently used in autonomous aircraft vehicles to monitor weather changes and perform safer take offs and landings. The popularity of autonomous aerial vehicles is growing, as is the demand for wind anemometers. Engineers throughout the world are learning about the applications of wind anemometers and creating them for use in autonomous aircraft.

Europe is predicted to grow at the fastest pace in the wind speed and direction sensor market during the projected timeframe. Government policies that promote renewable energy solutions encourage market growth in countries including Germany and Denmark. Sensor advancements are driven by technological innovation and collaboration between academic institutions and industrial entities. Intermittent concerns about wind power generation, as well as land constraints for wind farm building, pose substantial hurdles.

Competitive Analysis:

The report offers the appropriate analysis of the key organizations/companies involved within the global market along with a comparative evaluation primarily based on their product offering, business overviews, geographic presence, enterprise strategies, segment market share, and SWOT analysis. The report also provides an elaborative analysis focusing on the current news and developments of the companies, which includes product development, innovations, joint ventures, partnerships, mergers & acquisitions, strategic alliances, and others. This allows for the evaluation of the overall competition within the market. Major vendors in the wind speed and direction sensor market are Vaisala, Optical Scientific, Columbia Weather Systems, Stevens Water Monitoring Systems, Applied Technologies, Dyacon, Met One Instruments, NovaLynx, Campbell Scientific, Hunan Rika Electronic Tech, R. M. Young, PM Ecology, Microcom, Pulsonic, and others.

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Recent Developments

In March 2024, Weems & Plath disclosed the latest addition to their OGM Series of LED Navigation Lights. This year's Discover Boating Miami International Boat Show includes BRIGHTWind, the world's first ultrasonic wind sensor/LED TriColor/LED Anchor light combination. The BRIGHTWind provides wind speed and direction data to any NMEA 0183 or NMEA 2000 display via a converter.

Market Segment

This study forecasts revenue at global, regional, and country levels from 2020 to 2033. Spherical Insights has segmented the wind speed and direction sensor market based on the below-mentioned segments:

Global Wind Speed and Direction Sensor Market, By Type

Optical

Ultrasonic

Other

Global Wind Speed and Direction Sensor Market, By Application

Meteorological

Industry

Energy

Manufacturing

Other

Global Wind Speed and Direction Sensor Market, By Regional Analysis

North America US Canada Mexico

Europe Germany UK France Italy Spain Russia Rest of Europe

Asia Pacific China Japan India South Korea Australia Rest of Asia Pacific

South America Brazil Argentina Rest of South America

Middle East & Africa UAE Saudi Arabia Qatar South Africa Rest of the Middle East & Africa



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VANCOUVER, Aug. 09, 2024 - Ascot Resources Ltd. (TSX: AOT; OTCQX: AOTVF) ("Ascot" or the "Company") is pleased to announce the Company's unaudited financial results for the three and six months ended June 30, 2024 ("Q2 2024"), located on Nisga'a Nation Treaty Lands in the prolific Golden Triangle of northwestern British Columbia. For details of the unaudited condensed interim consolidated financial statements and Management's Discussion and Analysis for the three and six months ended June 30, 2024, please see the Company's filings on SEDAR+ (www.sedarplus.ca).



All amounts herein are reported in $000s of Canadian dollars ("C$") unless otherwise specified.

Q2 2024 AND RECENT HIGHLIGHTS

On July 25, 2024, the Company closed the previously announced bought deal financing, including the full exercise of the over-allotment option, for gross proceeds of approximately $34,000 (the "Offering"). The Offering consisted of 30,242,000 flow-through units (the "Flow-Through Units") at a price of C$0.496 per Flow-Through Unit and 44,188,000 hard dollar units (the "HD Units") of the Company (together, the "Offered Securities") of C$0.43 per HD Unit. Each Offered Security consisted of one common share of the company and one common share purchase warrant of the Company. Each warrant entitled the holder to acquire one share (each, a "Warrant Share") at a price of C$0.52 per Warrant Share for a period of 24 months following closing.



In Q2 2024, the Big Missouri deposit delivered 47,158 wet tonnes of material. Total mine development in Q2 achieved 1,764 meters of which 1,381 metres related to Big Missouri and 383 metres relate to Premier Northern Light ("PNL"). Significant progress in the second half of the quarter has been made at PNL where the development rates have increased to over 6 metres per day.



The second egress and exhaust vert raise at the Big Missouri deposit was completed on June 18, 2024. The operation is moving from mining lower-grade commissioning ore from the development headings to mining of planned higher-grade stoping areas.



During Q2 2024, the plant processed 85,436 dry tonnes of mostly development ore in the commissioning of the mill, containing an estimated total of 5,713 ounces of gold; poured 839 ounces of gold and 1,288 ounces of silver, and an estimated 3,178 ounces of gold-in-process remained as at June 30, 2024.



In Q2, 2024, the Company sold 735 ounces of gold to the offtaker and delivered 42 ounces of gold and 562 ounces of sliver pursuant to stream and royalty arrangements.



On May 7, 2024, the Company announced a $5,000 non-brokered flow-through private placement (the "Offering"), the proceeds of which will be used to fund the 2024 exploration program at PGP. The Offering consisted of 6,024,096 common shares of the Company, which qualify as "flow-through shares" within the meaning of the Income Tax Act (Canada) (the "FT Shares"), at a price of C$0.83 per FT Share. The first tranche of $1,000 was closed on May 29 and the second tranche of $4,000 was closed on June 20, 2024.



Rock was introduced into the grinding circuit of the mill on March 31, 2024, and first gold-bearing ore was introduced to the mills on April 5, 2024. On April 20, 2024, first gold was poured as a part of the commissioning process. Commissioning of the processing plant at PGP is ongoing, with commercial production anticipated in second half of 2024.

In July 2024, the plant has shown an ability to operate for several days at its design capacity in terms of tonnages put through the crushing and grinding circuit; however there remains a number of challenges to pour more gold. July's gold production improved dramatically over the prior months, but the operation is still struggling to continuously run the gravity circuit and achieve regular stripping schedule and gold pours.

In July 2024, the plant processed 40,304 dry tonnes of materials from a combination of Big Missouri development ore and stoping ore and surface stockpile material. A total of 1,670 ounces of gold and 3,157 ounces of silver were poured.



Overall, the commission process has gone slower that expected due to a combination of challenges with process plant and lower grades from the development ore from the Big Missouri mine. The key challenge for the Company is to access higher grade stopes from Big Missouri and mine enough material to feed the mills until the PNL is brought into production which is anticipated in Q4 of 2024. In addition, the reliability of the plant in the gravity circuit, the elution circuit and the tailing thickener need to improve so the that the plant can operate continuously. The Company continues to focus on addressing these challenges.

FINANCIAL RESULTS FOR THE THREE SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2024

The Company reported a net income of $2,950 for Q2 2024 compared to a net loss of $3,073 for Q2 2023. The decrease in net loss of $6,023 for the current period is primarily attributable to a combination of factors, including:

First gold sale with revenue, net of transportation and refinery costs, recognized of $2,419;

A $2,262 decrease in the loss on extinguishment of debt; and

A $3,583 increase in fair value of derivatives mainly driven by higher gold and silver prices, which is a non-cash item.



These positive factors were partially offset by an increase in cost of sales of $2,362.

The Company reported a net loss of $3,258 for the first half of 2024 compared to $10,662 for the first half of 2023. The decrease in net loss of $7,404 is primarily attributable to a combination of factors including:

First gold sale with revenue, net of transportation and refinery costs, recognized of $2,419;

A $1,128 decrease in financing costs;

A $4,432 decrease in the loss of extinguishment of debt; and

An $4,152 increase in fair value of derivatives mainly driven by higher gold and silver prices, which is a non-cash item.

These positive factors were partially offset by an increase in cost of sales of $2,362 and foreign exchange loss of $1,292.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

As at June 30, 2024, the Company had cash & cash equivalents of $12,710 and working capital deficiency (current assets minus current liabilities) of $75,713. The working capital deficiency is caused by an estimated $16,844 as the current portion of the deferred revenue only to be settled with future production from the Project, an estimated $7,167 as the current portion of future extraction services and the $30,944 value of the Convertible facility, which is classified as current due to the lender's right to exercise the conversion option at any time at a variable exercise price. Excluding these non-cash current liabilities, the working capital deficiency was $20,758. In H1 2024, the Company issued 75,803,225 common shares, 10,164,528 warrants, and granted 210,000 stock options, 28,667 Deferred Share Units. Also, 3,965,015 stock options expired or were forfeited, 151,674 RSUs were forfeited, 13,710,500 warrants expired and 371,369 stock options, 137,533 DSUs and 303,092 RSUs were exercised in H1 2024.

The Company has negative working capital at the end of June and was in technical non-compliance with certain covenants. The Company obtained waivers for this non-compliance through the end of July. After the bought deal financing closed on July 25, 2025, the Company was back in compliance with the covenants. If production ramp up is further delayed, the Company may be in non-compliance with such covenants. Additional waivers or fundings may be required.

MANAGEMENT'S OUTLOOK FOR 2024

In 2024, the Company intends to transition from the construction of the mine and related infrastructure to the operation of the entire site and becoming a gold producer.

The key activities and priorities for the remainder of 2024 include:

In order to operate the processing plant at 2,400 tpd (100 tph) the company needs to complete the mine development of PNL, ensuring that it, in conjunction with Big Missouri production, supplies sufficient mill feed to the processing plant. Management is addressing this mine development by developing over 6 m per day at PNL continuously with anticipation of breakthrough to the Prew ore zone in early September, but the key challenge will be to manage the operating costs effectively until this development is completed.

Implementing production mining in the A6 and A5 zones across various areas in Big Missouri which is expected to enhance the feed grades in Q3. To allow the mine to develop into PNL and establish production horizons, the plant will be operated on a bi-weekly basis until such time that PNL is contributing to the mill feed.

In conjunction with the above, and to continue to optimize and improve the plant and ensure it operates continuously, management is working on a two-week maintenance period to address the capacity of the gravity circuit by improving the screen openings to allow more flow, optimizing CIL management and the reliability of elution circuit, and improving the flocculant system for the thickener to ensure clean water is effectively circulated through the processing plant

Completing the exploration and infill drilling program

Finalizing the commission of the Moving Bed Bio-Reactor ("MBBR") portion of the water treatment plant



Corporate Changes

On July 26, 2024, Ascot relocated to the 430 - 1095 West Pender Street, Vancouver, BC V6E 2M6 (previously suite 1050);

On July 31, 2024, David Stewart, Ascot's VP Corporate Development and Shareholder Communications, resigned from the Company for personal reasons.

Qualified Person

John Kiernan, P.Eng., Chief Operating Officer of the Company is the Company's Qualified Person (QP) as defined by National Instrument 43-101 and has reviewed and approved the technical contents of this news release.

On behalf of the Board of Directors of Ascot Resources Ltd.

"Derek C. White"

President & CEO

For further information contact:

Derek White

President & CEO

info@ascotgold.com

778-725-1060 ext. 1010

About Ascot Resources Ltd.

Ascot is a Canadian mining company focused on commissioning its 100%-owned Premier Gold Mine, which poured first gold in April 2024 and is located on Nisga'a Nation Treaty Lands, in the prolific Golden Triangle of northwestern British Columbia. Concurrent with commissioning Premier towards commercial production, the Company continues to explore its properties for additional high-grade gold mineralization. Ascot's corporate office is in Vancouver, and its shares trade on the TSX under the ticker AOT and on the OTCQX under the ticker AOTVF. Ascot is committed to the safe and responsible operation of the Premier Gold Mine in collaboration with Nisga'a Nation and the local communities of Stewart, BC and Hyder, Alaska.

For more information about the Company, please refer to the Company's profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca or visit the Company's web site at www.ascotgold.com.

The TSX has not reviewed and does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information

All statements and other information contained in this press release about anticipated future events may constitute forward-looking information under Canadian securities laws ("forward-looking statements"). Forward-looking statements are often, but not always, identified by the use of words such as "seek", "anticipate", "believe", "plan", "estimate", "expect", "targeted", "outlook", "on track" and "intend" and statements that an event or result "may", "will", "should", "could", "would" or "might" occur or be achieved and other similar expressions. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, included herein are forward-looking statements, including statements in respect of advancement and development of the PGP and the timing related thereto, the completion of the PGP mine, the production of gold, the use of proceeds from our financings, our ability to secure additional financing, our financing needs, the resolution of commissioning challenges, the anticipated grade of mineral production, the operation of the mill and management's outlook for the remainder of 2024 and beyond. These statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results or events to differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking statements, including risks associated with uncertainties relating to the grade of mineral deposits; the inability to resolve commissioning challenges; lack of liquidity; being in default under our credit facilities; the need to obtain additional financing to develop properties and uncertainty as to the availability and terms of future financing; the possibility of delay in exploration or development programs and uncertainty of meeting anticipated program milestones; risks related to exploration and potential development of Ascot's projects; business and economic conditions in the mining industry generally; fluctuations in commodity prices and currency exchange rates; uncertainties relating to interpretation of drill results and the geology and continuity of mineral deposits; the need for cooperation of government agencies and indigenous groups in the exploration and development of Ascot's properties and the issuance of required permits; uncertainty as to timely availability of permits and other governmental approvals; and other risk factors as detailed from time to time in Ascot's filings with Canadian securities regulators, available on Ascot's profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca including the Annual Information Form of the Company dated March 25, 2024 in the section entitled "Risk Factors". Forward-looking statements are based on assumptions made with regard to: the grade of mineral production; the capacity and operation of the mill; production results and aggregate gold sales; the estimated costs associated with construction of the Project; the ability to maintain throughput and production levels at the PGP mill; the tax rate applicable to the Company; future commodity prices; the grade of mineral resources and mineral reserves; the ability of the Company to convert inferred mineral resources to other categories; the ability of the Company to reduce mining dilution; the ability to reduce capital costs; and exploration plans. Forward-looking statements are based on estimates and opinions of management at the date the statements are made. Although Ascot believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements and/or information are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on forward-looking statements since Ascot can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. Ascot does not undertake any obligation to update forward-looking statements, other than as required by applicable laws. The forward-looking information contained in this news release is expressly qualified by this cautionary statement.
Not for distribution to United States newswire services or for release publication, distribution, or dissemination directly, or indirectly, in whole or in part, in or into the United States.



Highlights:

Alaska Energy Metals announces a new offering of $0.17 Special Warrants and Units for up to CAD$5,000,000 in proceeds.

Proceeds to be used primarily for continued drilling at the Canwell prospects and for step-out drilling at the Eureka nickel deposit at the Nikolai project in Alaska.

VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Aug. 09, 2024 -- Alaska Energy Metals Corp. (TSX-V: AEMC, OTCQB: AKEMF) ("AEMC" or "Alaska Energy Metals" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it is undertaking a non-brokered offering of up to $5 million in a combination of special warrants (the "Special Warrants") and/or units (the "Units"), to be issued at the price of $0.17 per Special Warrant or Unit, as applicable, (the "Offering"). The Company had previously intended to undertake the Offering at the price of $0.15 per Special Warrant or Unit but was unable to obtain TSX Venture Exchange (the "TSXV") approval to complete an offering at that price.

Each Special Warrant will automatically convert into one Unit of the Company, as described below. Each Unit shall consist of one common share of the Company (a "Share") and one common share purchase warrant (a "Warrant"). Each Warrant shall entitle the holder thereof to acquire one Share at a price of $0.225 per Share for a period of three years following the date of issue.

Each Special Warrant will automatically convert, for no additional consideration, into Units on the date that is the earlier of (i) the date that is three business days following the date on which the Company files a prospectus supplement to a short form base shelf prospectus with the applicable securities regulatory authorities qualifying distribution of the Units underlying the Special Warrants (the "Prospectus Supplement"), and (ii) the date that is four months and one day after the closing of the Offering.

The Company will use its commercially reasonable efforts to file the Prospectus Supplement within 60 days of the closing of the Offering (not including the date of closing), provided, however, that there is no assurance that a Prospectus Supplement will be filed with the securities commissions, prior to the expiry of the statutory four-month hold period.

The Company will pay cash finder's fees of 7% of the gross proceeds to certain finders. As additional compensation the Company will issue that number of non-transferable broker warrants (each a "Broker Warrant") as is equal to 7% of the Special Warrants or Units issued. Each Broker Warrant will be exercisable for one Share at the exercise price of $0.225 for a period of three years.

The Company anticipates closing the Offering prior to August 31, 2024 (the "Closing Date") and completion of the Offering is subject to certain conditions including, but not limited to the receipt of all necessary approvals, including the approval of the TSXV.

Prior to the filing of the Prospectus Supplement and the automatic conversion of the Special Warrants, the securities issued under the Offering will be subject to a four-month hold period from the Closing Date in addition to any other restrictions under applicable law. Any Units issued directly upon the closing of the Offering will be subject to a four-month hold period, in accordance with applicable securities laws.

The net proceeds from the Offering will be used for Canwell prospect and Eureka deposit drilling at the Nikolai Nickel Project in Alaska, metallurgical studies, non-flow through costs associated with the Company's Angliers-Belleterre nickel project in Quebec, working capital and marketing purposes.

It is anticipated that insiders of the Company may participate in the Offering, and such Special Warrants and/or Units issued to insiders may be subject to a four-month hold period pursuant to applicable policies of the TSXV. The issuance of Special Warrants and/or Units to insiders will be considered a "related party transaction" within the meaning of Multilateral Instrument 61-101 - Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions ("MI 61-101"). The Company is relying on exemptions from the formal valuation requirements of MI 61-101 pursuant to section 5.5(a) and the minority shareholder approval requirements of MI 61-101 pursuant to section 5.7(1)(a) in respect of such insider participation as the fair market value of the transaction, insofar as it involves interested parties, does not exceed 25% of the Company's market capitalization.

For additional information, visit: https://alaskaenergymetals.com/

About Alaska Energy Metals

Alaska Energy Metals Corporation is an Alaska-based corporation with offices in Anchorage and Vancouver working to sustainably deliver the critical materials needed for national security and a bright energy future, while generating superior returns for shareholders.

AEMC is focused on delineating and developing the large-scale, bulk tonnage, polymetallic Eureka deposit containing nickel, copper, cobalt, chromium, iron, platinum, palladium, and gold. Located in Interior Alaska near existing transportation and power infrastructure, its flagship project, Nikolai, is well-situated to become a significant domestic source of strategic energy-related metals for North America. AEMC also holds a secondary project, 'Angliers-Belleterre,' in western Quebec. Today, material sourcing demands excellence in environmental performance, carbon mitigation, and the responsible management of human and financial capital. AEMC works every day to earn and maintain the respect and confidence of the public and believes that ESG performance is measured by action and led from the top.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD

"Gregory Beischer"

Gregory Beischer, President & CEO

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:

Sarah Mawji, Public Relations

Venture Strategies

Email: sarah@venturestrategies.com

Forward-Looking Statements

Some statements in this news release may contain forward-looking information (within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation), including, without limitation, the closing of the Offering, receipt of approval for the offering including the approval of the TSXV, the statements as to the filing of the Prospectus Supplement, the use of proceeds, to drill exploratory drill holes at the Canwell prospects and Eureka deposit, and to perform metallurgical studies. These statements address future events and conditions and, as such, involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance, or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance, or achievements expressed or implied by the statements. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date those statements are made. Although the Company believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guaranteeing of future performance and actual results may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause the actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include regulatory actions, market prices, and continued availability of capital and financing, and general economic, market or business conditions. Investors are cautioned that any such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on the beliefs, estimates and opinions of the Company's management on the date the statements are made. Except as required by applicable law, the Company assumes no obligation to update or to publicly announce the results of any change to any forward-looking statement contained or incorporated by reference herein to reflect actual results, future events or developments, changes in assumptions, or changes in other factors affecting the forward-looking statements. If the Company updates any forward-looking statement(s), no inference should be drawn that it will make additional updates with respect to those or other forward-looking statements.

This news release does not constitute an offer for sale, or a solicitation of an offer to buy, in the United States or to any "U.S Person" (as such term is defined in Regulation S under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "1933 Act")) of any equity or other securities of the Company. The securities of the Company have not been, and will not be, registered under the 1933 Act or under any state securities laws and may not be offered or sold in the United States or to a U.S. Person absent registration under the 1933 Act and applicable state securities laws or an applicable exemption therefrom.

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Watch Police Hold Nothing Back To Chase Down A Cop Killer

Murdering a cop in the line of duty is a horrible thing to do. Not surprisingly, police take that super personally, almost like every time they put on the uniform and walk out the house, they dont know if its the last time they see their family. When a drug dealer shot and killed a New Mexico State Police officer, the whole force and cops from nearby agencies went hard to take him down.

Watch what happens when a security guard allegedly tries pulling over an off-duty cop.

Officer Darian Jarrott pulled a white pickup truck driven by Omar Felix Cueva over just outside of Deming, New Mexico. He was ill-prepared for the repeat offender and drug dealer who was armed and ready to kill.

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With their colleague dead, all law enforcement in the area pulled out the stops, going hard to find the cop killer.

Pulling out all the stops apparently involves a Camaro from a local police department leading the chase. We dont see too many police Camaros these days and when we do, just like the police Mustangs theyre usually unmarked with the lights embedded in the grille, headlights/taillights, etc. This one instead has roof lights, which is just super weird to see on a sixth-gen.

Whats even better is seeing the muscle car do a PIT maneuver on Cuevas truck. Since the Camaro is low to the ground, and were assuming its outfitted with a push bar on the nose, it can pull off a TVI with amazing precision. This makes us wonder why more departments havent been using Camaros for chases.

Cueva reportedly was ready for a fight. What police didnt know was he had a bulletproof vest on. You see in the dashcam footage right after the PIT the officer in the Camaro gets out, gun drawn, and immediately is shot by Cueva who rushes at him.

Thats when multiple other law enforcement officers open up on Cueva. Despite having many of his vital organs covered by the vest, he still was killed in the hail of gunfire.

Image via NM Bodycam/YouTube

Story continues

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MONTREALAccording to a filing by the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of New York, Pornhub parent company Aylo has retained Henein Hutchinson Robitaille LLP of Toronto to oversee the monitorship mandated in the company's deferred prosecution agreement (DPA) reached between its counsel and prosecutors.

The letter was transmitted by email to U.S. District Judge Brian M. Cogan, noting the Justice Department approved of the appointment of attorneys Scott Hutchinson and Danielle Robitaille of the prestigious white shoe law firm bearing their names.

"Aylo Holdings S.a.r.l. [has] formally retained Scott Hutchinson and Danielle Robitaille of Henein Hutchinson Robitaille LLP to serve as independent compliance monitors in this case," reads the letter that was signed by U.S. Attorney Breon Peace and his assistant federal prosecutors.

"Accordingly, the three-year term of the deferred prosecution agreement begins as of today," the letter continues, noting the DPA now enters force.

AVN reported that Aylo and the Justice Department reached a deferred prosecution agreement to resolve a 30-month criminal investigation. The investigation involved a charge that Aylo profited from sex trafficking by hosting videos produced by the disgraced studio GirlsDoPorn.

U.S. Attorney Peace, along with James Smith, assistant director-in-charge of the New York Field Office for the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), explained in a press release in December 2023 that the DPA holds the parent company of Pornhub.com accountable for its role in hosting videos and accepting payments from criminal actors who coerced young women into engaging in sexual acts on videos that were posted without their consent.

With the DPA, Aylo is not pleading guilty to any crime, and the government will dismiss its charge against the company after three years, subject to the courts approval of the agreement and the companys continued compliance with it.

An independent monitor will ensure that Aylo and its properties will comply with the agreement. The duties and scope of the independent monitor are outlined in the 76-page DPA released by the Department of Justice.

Aylo was also ordered to pay more than $1.8 million to the U.S. government for restitution and to settle lawsuits filed against the company related to the case. Aylo announced the deferred prosecution agreement last November, with its compliance executives expressing "deep regret" for hosting the videos produced by the GirlsDoPorn sex trafficking ring led by Michael Pratt and associates.

Pratt was captured in Spain and extradited to the United States. He was arraigned in a San Diego federal district court in March 2024 and pleaded not guilty to the 19-count indictment against him. The charges include sex trafficking, the production of child pornography, and money laundering.

At one point, Pratt was named to the FBI's Ten Most Wanted list alongside serial killers, terrorists, drug traffickers, and high-level fraudsters.
Apple will likely unveil the iPhone 16 lineup in September, and it has reportedly set a shipment target of 90 million iPhone 16 units. To meet the target, Apple's manufacturing partner Foxconn has hired 50,000 new workers at its Zhengzhou factory in China, reports BusinessKorea.

The peak iPhone production season usually begins in August and ends in December, and in an effort to ramp up the iPhone 16 production by hiring new workers, Foxconn started offering an increased hourly wage of up to 25 Yuan (about 4,800 Won) in late July.

The Taiwanese manufacturer also increased the hiring bonus from 6,000 Yuan to up to 7,500 Yuan at the Zhengzhou factory, which is the world's largest iPhone production base.

We recently heard that Samsung and LG have also started mass-producing the iPhone 16 lineup's display. Apple has reportedly ordered 80 million display panels from Samsung and 43 million from LG.

Source
Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports

Chris Russo made a big splash while taking aim at an MLB owner on MLB Network Thursday.

And while the Mad Dog was at his best as he ripped Jerry Reinsdorf, this level of criticism has been tame compared to 670 The Score.

Most  if not all of the local Chicago radio hosts  have done their part to hold the embattled owners feet to the fire. Still, they also have aimed at the play-by-play voice, the now-ousted manager, and so many more faces within and around the organization.

Dan Bernstein has sometimes been critical of the White Sox, lamenting the weasels in the organization while debating with his co-host, Laurence Holmes, whether manager Pedro Grifol should be the one to wear this futility fully. While that argument no longer matters since Grifol has been relieved of his duties, there was discussion about what the White Sox claimed to be an exhaustive search for their next manager.

One of the names mentioned was Skip Schumaker, a year removed from being the National League Manager of the Year and will almost certainly not be back with the Miami Marlins next season. Bernstein was asked if hed remove Schumaker from consideration solely because of his proximity to former manager Tony La Russa.

Its certainly a mitigating factor in any criticism, says Bernstein. I dont think it rises to the level of disqualification, but the rot in this organization runs so deep that every time more important people step to the microphone, we have more and more questions. Its just not run properly. This is a crumbling end-stage operation. The only thing thats going to correct it is an ownership change.

And thats not going to happen until Jerry leaves us; its just not. At the moment, theyre behaving like a shambling corpse of an organization.

.@dan_bernstein on the White Sox: This is a crumbling end-stage operation. The only thing thats going to correct it is an ownership change. Listen to transition: https://t.co/h7UxwbE7Ch pic.twitter.com/0r9gD6kV2H  670 The Score (@670TheScore) August 9, 2024

Dan Bernsteins scathing assessment perfectly encapsulates the White Soxs current state: This is a crumbling end-stage operation. The only thing thats going to correct it is an ownership change. Whether that change comes about remains to be seen, but the pressure on Jerry Reinsdorf is unlikely to subside anytime soon.

[670 The Score]




Haiti - FLASH : Weapons, ammunition and armored vehicles arrive as reinforcements





According to our information, weapons, ammunition and armored vehicles, among others, are on their way to strengthen the operational capabilities of the Haitian National Police (PNH), the Haitian Armed Forces (FAdH) and the Multinational Mission led by Kenya.



Let's recall that a spokesperson for the Commander of the Kenyan forces Godfrey Otunge had declared at the beginning of August "[...] The armored vehicles provided by the United States are used to transport troops but do not allow us to fight against armed gangs.

..." https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-42900-haiti-news-zapping.html requesting from the Americans, armored combat vehicles equipped with a turret. Similarly, the mission finds it necessary to have at least one combat helicopter to meet the needs such as the Hughes MD 500 Defender"...



In addition to the problem of administrative delays between requests and responses to these requests, increasing equipment alone will not be enough to resolve the situation. There is also a problem of personnel, information and the need to address the situation in a holistic (global) manner, if we want to resolve the problem definitively as a whole.



Given the sensitive nature of this information, and for obvious security reasons, we do not know what has been taken into account, what will actually be delivered and when this logistical reinforcement will arrive in Haiti.



SL/ HaitiLibre






















Haiti - CARICOM : Group of Eminent Personalities arrives today





This Saturday, August 10, 2024, the Haitian authorities will welcome the Group of Eminent Persons (GPE) of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), designated as mediator of the Haitian crisis, composed of the former Prime Ministers : Kenny Anthony of Saint Lucia, Bruce Golding of Jamaica and Perry Christie of the Bahamas. The GPE comes to follow "the progress in the establishment of the transitional bodies," specified the President of the Transitional Council (CPT), Edgard Leblanc Jr.



The delegation will remain in Haiti until August 16, specified Leblanc, who also stressed that some organizations have already begun to form the National Conference and establish the Provisional Electoral Council (CEP).



Let's recall that in order to meet the crucial challenges facing the country, the CPT published on July 20 an order creating a participatory mechanism called the National Conference https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-42809-haiti-politicsthe-cpt-published-a-decree-concerning-the-establishment-of-the-national-conference.html .



This National Conference will bring together actors from all horizons, associations, organizations, movements and interest groups, all authorized to debate problems related to the fundamental interests of the Nation.



Although its duration is limited to 9 months, this Conference will allow all actors in Haitian society to contribute to the development of solutions that will serve as proposals to form regulatory texts and guidelines on important projects.



For his part, Haiti's transitional Prime Minister, Garry Conille, reiterated his commitment to focus on holding general elections in Haiti



See also :

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-42809-haiti-politic-the-cpt-published-a-decree-concerning-the-establishment-of-the-national-conference.html



S/ HaitiLibre






















Haiti - Health : Conille for the strengthening of the Police Health Insurance Service





On Friday, August 9, 2024, Prime Minister Garry Conille, who is in favor of strengthening the Haitian Police Health Insurance Service, visited the Bernard Mevs Hospital to learn about the conditions in which Haitian police officers who are injured in the line of duty receive care in accordance with their status.



It was an opportunity for the Head of Government to also greet hospitalized police officers.



"Our visit is part of the Government's vision to support law enforcement officers injured in the line of duty. Following the visit, I remain reassured and confident in the quality of care provided to police officers. It is an international standard and the service is comparable to any hospital in the world," explained Conille.



"I would also like to take this opportunity to thank the Hospital officials and all other partners of Haiti and the Government for their support to the Haitian National Police (PNH). The time has come for us to see together how to do better to provide more support, assistance and care to our valiant police officers throughout the national territory, who risk their lives every day to protect and serve members of the population [...]" continued Dr. Garry Conille.



"I am very satisfied with the services we offer to the police officers. I am also very happy and reassured that the families of the police officers benefit from the same quality of care and the same medical opportunity..." concluded the Prime Minister.



HL/ HaitiLibre


















Dhakas recent political convulsion follows an oft-seen pattern, where a seemingly placid polity suddenly explodes with violence. The ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina remains in a safe house near Delhi, while Muhammad Yunus, a Nobel laureate, called upon by students to lead the country out of the chaos, takes over as the caretaker Prime Minister. Bangladesh serves as a parable. For a nation-state that was born of violence in 1971, this kind of violent and bloody shake-up is not new. In fact in its 400-year old history as a political centre, the capital itself has seen political and social turbulence fairly frequently.

Rise of early kingdoms

According to Willem van Schendel, The linguistic history of Bangladesh explains why archaeologists have long avoided the prehistoric period. Our understanding of South Asian archaeology is intimately related to the extensive early literature in Indo-European languages, notably Sanskrit and Prakrit. Writers in these languages were from more western parts of the Ganges valley and they had little knowledge of the area now covered by Bangladesh. In the most ancient epics, the Bengal delta appears as a distant land of barbarians, beyond the pale of Sanskritic culture

In the Bengal delta, states had first emerged in the south and west before gradually spreading across the region; with myriad forms of territorial organisation emerging: from village leaders to larger states that subsumed within them smaller chiefdoms.

It is presumed that the ancient Kamrup or Pragjyotish kingdom covered the Brahmaputra valley, and parts of undivided Bengal including Dhaka. Like many other parts of India, in the first half of the first millennium of the Common Era (CE), Bengal saw the rise of kings who patronised or embraced Buddhism.

According to the Tibetan legends a Buddhist king named Vimala was master of Bengal and Kamrup, and therefore of Dhaka. Hiuen Tsiang who visited Kamrup in the second half of the seventh century states that Samtata, which probably included the pargana of Bikrampur, was a Buddhist kingdom although the king was a Brahman by caste. In the Raipura thana brass images of Buddhist origin have been discovered and two copper-plates with inscriptions of Buddhist kings. These have been assigned by experts to the end of the eighth and beginning of the ninth century, and a copper plate found in the Faridpur district, which is ascribed to the same period, proves that the Bikrampur pargana was also under Buddhist rule, wrote B.C. Allen in the Eastern Bengal District Gazetteer of Dhaka.

In fact, present-day Bikrampur, situated just 20 kilometres from Dhakas centre, was the capital of this eastern region through the reigns of various dynasties like the Chandras (930-975 CE), the Varmans (1035-1150 CE), and the Sens (1070 -1230 CE).

An economic and socio-cultural frontier

The Bengal Delta served as a gateway to both the hinterland and the vastness of the Indian Ocean, ensuring that it was integrated into wider networks of trade, pilgrimage, and cultural exchange. In terms of the former, ancient maritime exports included cassia, rhinoceros horn, silk fabric, muslin cloth and horses. Cotton, of course, was the main commodity known for its high quality from ancient times, and remains prized even today.

As early as the third century BCE, we find evidence of cowrie shells as a form of currency. These were not locally found and were imported from the Maldives. Schendel notes that connections with Greece can also be attested by the discovery of a silver drachma of 300 BCE near Dhaka.

Lying very close to Dhaka, Sonargaon, or the golden hamlet became the hub of the plain weave cotton known as muslin, which was valued in ancient Greece and Rome. The ruins of Wari-Bateswar near Sonargaon are the only urban site dating back to the Iron Age (400-100 BCE) that has been discovered so far, according to Bangladeshi scholars, excavations here have found Janapada era (600-400 BCE) punch-marked coins and Mauryan era coins.

According to Sufi Mostafizur Rahman, the archaeologist who led the first excavations in the 1990s, the presence of Roman-style roulette and knobbed pottery indicates that Wari-Bateshwar could be the Sounagoura or emporium referred to in the Geographia by Ptolemy.

The deltas wealth and strategic location naturally attracted traders and travellers alike. Marco Polo, a 13th-century Italian traveller and merchant writes about Bengal: The province Bengal has a proper king and peculiar language. The inhabitants thereof are all idolaters: They have masters who keep schools and teach idolatries and enchantments: A thing common to all the great men of that country. They eat flesh, rice and milk: They have cotton in great plenty, and by reason thereof, much and great trading is exercised there.

Further, the region was also seen to possess sites of religious learning. For example, Hiuen Tsiang, who visited Samatata in eastern Bangladesh wrote: There are thirty or so monasteries with about 2,000 priests. They are all from the Theravada Buddhist school. There are some hundred Brahmanical [Deva] temples . . . The naked ascetics called Jains are most numerous 

Interestingly, Islam is said to have reached Bangladesh in two ways: Through the seaborne route via traders and travellers, and also by land, brought by invading rulers.

Dhaka, situated by the Buriganga, remained a small village while the bigger town of Sonargaon acquired wealth and status during the Delhi sultanate. Firoz Shah, the Governor of Gauda (an older name for the Bengal kingdom), opened a mint in Sonargoan, over the short-lived reigns of successive governors the town emerged as a regional hub of Islamic culture and learning.

Nawabs and the British

The Portuguese established a textile trading post in Dhaka in the 16th century, followed by the Dutch, the English and the French, which also marked the beginning of missionaries promoting Christianity. By the 17th century, Bengal had seen contestation between the Ahom kings, the Afghan chiefs, the Arakanese rulers, and the Portuguese.

It was in 1607 when Islam Khan was appointed governor of Bengal that the hamlet of Dhaka started gaining prominence. He shifted the capital from Rajmahal to Dhaka owing to its suitability for military operations but chiefly due to changes in the course of the Ganga which necessitated a new port at Dhaka.

Islam Khan became the first Nawab of Dhaka and named the new town Jahangir Nagar after his eponymously named foster brother and Mughal emperor Jahangir. From the 17th century onwards, Dhaka grew rapidly as a centre of trade and Mughal rule in this easter region lying in the Ganga  Brahmaputra delta. The legendary governor Shaista Khan (1644-1688) administered the province ably taking the city to its peak of prosperity.

According to Thomas Bowrey, an English merchant, the citys population consisted of over nine lakh people surpassing that of London. Bengal became the financial driver of the Mughal empire on the back of exports of rice, silk and cotton textiles.

The city grew rapidly with massive construction projects, notable among them the Lal Bagh fort which was built by its governor prince Azam Shah (son of emperor Aurangzeb who later became emperor himself) in 1678.

During the Nawabi period, Dhaka remained one of the four divisions of Bengal. However, Dhakas decline as a political centre was imminent with the growing internal conflict between the Diwan of Bengal, Murshid Quli Khan (1717-1727) and Azam Shah. Eventually, Murshid Quli Khan prevailed over the Shah and shifted the capital to Murshidabad declaring himself the independent Nawab of Bengal.

The exploitative taxation policies of the East India Company led to a degradation of peasantry and Dhakas development was ignored at the cost of Calcutta, the westward stronghold and later colonial capital of the English.

It was after the British took over Bengal after the Battle of Plassey (1757), that Dhakas fortunes started reviving, where the takeover precipitated a new life in the jute trade. However, as Schendel observes, it was unable to recover its 1800 population levels till well over 100 years later, in the 1930s, and its industrial prowess nearly 200 years later, in the 1970s.

The independence of India was an internecine affair with Dhaka becoming the capital of East Pakistan, a scenario which was untenable owing to regional identity-based Bengali nationalist politics. Since the ignition of the Bangladesh Liberation War, and the creation of the independent Bangladesh in 1971, the country and capital Dhaka has been a parable of revolution and agency; witness to frequent and violent regime changes, even as it remains the global sweatshop-producing textiles for international companies.

HistoriCity is a column by author Valay Singh that narrates the story of a city that is in the news, by going back to its documented history, mythology and archaeological digs. The views expressed are personal
The Biden administration on Thursday announced plans to bar the sale of antivirus software made by Russia's Kaspersky Lab in the United States, with Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo saying that Russia's influence over the company poses a significant security risk. A view shows the software produced by Russia's Kaspersky Lab at the company's office in Moscow, Russia. (Reuters)

The software's privileged access to a computer's systems could allow it to steal sensitive information from American computers or install malware and withhold critical updates, enhancing the threat, a source said, noting that Kaspersky's customers include critical infrastructure providers and state and local governments.

Also Read: Cisco to lay off thousands more in second job cut this year: Report

"Russia has shown it has the capacity and ... the intent to exploit Russian companies like Kaspersky to collect and weaponize the personal information of Americans and that is why we are compelled to take the action that we are taking today," Raimondo said on a briefing call with reporters.

Kaspersky said it believed the U.S. decision was based on "the present geopolitical climate and theoretical concerns, rather than on a comprehensive evaluation of the integrity of Kaspersky's products and services."

In an emailed statement, Kaspersky added that its activities did not threaten U.S. national security and that it will pursue legal options to preserve its operations.

Also Read: Who was Susan Wojcicki? A look at the journey of YouTube's former CEO

The Russian Embassy did not respond to requests for comment. Previously, Kaspersky has said that it is a privately managed company with no ties to the Russian government.

The sweeping new rule, using broad powers created by the administration of former President Donald Trump, will be coupled with another move to add three units of the company to a trade restriction list, Raimondo said, dealing a blow to Kaspersky's reputation that could hammer its overseas sales.

The plan to add the cybersecurity company to the entity list, which effectively bars a company's U.S. suppliers from selling to it, and the timing and details of the software sales prohibition were first reported by Reuters.

Also Read: Something big soon India, Hindenburg Research cryptically teases on X

The moves show the Biden administration is trying to stamp out any risks of Russian cyberattacks stemming from Kaspersky software and keep squeezing Moscow as its war effort in Ukraine has regained momentum and the United States has run low on fresh sanctions it can impose on Russia.

It also shows the administration is harnessing a powerful new authority that allows it to ban or restrict transactions between U.S. firms and internet, telecom and tech companies from "foreign adversary" nations like Russia and China.

"We would never give an adversarial nation the keys to our networks or devices, so it's crazy to think that we would continue to allow Russian software with the deepest possible device access to be sold to Americans," said Democratic Senator Mark Warner, chair of the Senate Intelligence Committee.

The new restrictions on inbound sales of Kaspersky software, which will also bar downloads of software updates, resales and licensing of the product, kick in on Sept. 29, 100 days after publication, to give businesses time to find alternatives. New U.S. business for Kaspersky will be blocked 30 days after the restrictions are announced.

Sales of white-labeled products  that integrate Kaspersky into software sold under a different brand name  will also be barred, the source said, adding that the Commerce Department will notify companies before taking enforcement action against them.

The Commerce Department will also entity list two Russian and one UK-based unit of Kaspersky for allegedly cooperating with Russian military intelligence to support Moscow's cyber intelligence goals.

Kaspersky's Russian business is already subject to sweeping U.S. export restrictions over Moscow's invasion of Ukraine. But its UK-based unit will now be effectively barred from receiving goods from American suppliers.

Kaspersky has long been in regulators' crosshairs. In 2017, the Department of Homeland Security banned its flagship antivirus product from federal networks, alleging ties to Russian intelligence and noting Russian law lets intelligence agencies compel assistance from Kaspersky and intercept communications using Russian networks.

Media reports at the time alleged Kaspersky Lab was involved in taking hacking tools from a National Security Agency employee that ended up in the hands of the Russian government. Kaspersky responded by saying it had stumbled upon the code but said no third parties saw it.

Pressure on the company's U.S. business grew after Moscow's move against Kyiv. The U.S. government privately warned some American companies the day after Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022 that Moscow could manipulate software designed by Kaspersky to cause harm, Reuters reported.

The war also prompted the Commerce Department to ramp up a national security probe into the software, first reported by Reuters, that resulted in Thursday's action.

Under the new rules, sellers and resellers that violate the restrictions will face fines from the Commerce Department, the source added. If someone willfully violates the prohibition, the Justice Department can bring a criminal case. Software users will not face legal penalties but will be strongly encouraged to stop using it.

Kaspersky, which has a British holding company and operations in Massachusetts, said in a corporate profile that it generated revenue of $752 million in 2022 from more than 220,000 corporate clients in some 200 countries. Its website lists Italian vehicle maker Piaggio, Volkswagen's retail division in Spain and the Qatar Olympic Committee among its customers.
US-based investment research firm Hindenburg Research on Saturday shared a cryptic post hinting at another major India-focused report. This comes more than a year after the firm released a report alleging insider trading and other stock market violations by the Adani Group of companies. The previous accusations of financial misconduct led to a significant drop in Adani's stock prices. Researcher Nate Anderson of Hindenburg Research.(Twitter)

In an X post on Friday, the firm worte, Something big soon India.

In 2023, following the allegations against the Adani Group, shares of various Adani companies plummeted, with reported losses exceeding USD 100 billion. The report accused the group of financial irregularities, though the group has denied these claims.

Previous Hindenburg report on Adani Group

The Hindenburg report accused the conglomerate of stock manipulation and fraud, alleging that Adani had artificially inflated its share prices. These accusations, detailed in the report by the short-seller Hindenburg Research, led to a decline in the stock prices of various Adani Group companies, with losses reportedly exceeding USD 100 billion.

The US-based short seller released its report just two days before Adani Enterprises issued a USD 2.5 billion follow-up public offering.

The Adani Group has denied all the allegations made in the Hindenburg Research report.

In July this year, senior lawyer and BJP leader Mahesh Jethmalani alleged that a US-based businessman with ties to China had commissioned the Hindenburg Research report, which caused a significant drop in Adani Group company shares from January to February 2023.

Jethmalani claimed that Mark Kingdon, the American businessman behind Kingdon Capital Management LLC, was responsible for hiring Hindenburg Research to create a report targeting the Adani Group.

In a social media post on X, Jethmalani alleged that "spy" Anla Cheng and her husband Mark Kingdon had engaged Hindenburg Research to prepare the report on Adani Group companies.

The senior lawyer also asserted that they used Kotak Mahindra Investments Limited (KMIL) to establish a trading account for short-selling Adani shares, profiting millions at the expense of Indian retail investors.

Supreme Court gives clean chit

In January, the Supreme Court of India cleared the Adani Group of the allegations made in the Hindenburg report. The apex court said that it could not intervene in the domain of the regulatory regime and that the Hindenburg report or anything similar could not serve as the basis for a separate investigation. The court also instructed the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) to proceed with its investigation in accordance with the law.

The court also dismissed a review petition that sought the establishment of a court-monitored Special Investigation Team (SIT) to investigate the Adani-Hindenburg matter.

In March of this year, Gautam Adani, chairman of the Adani Group, claimed that the Hindenburg report was a deliberate attempt to destabilise his company and damage the reputation of India's current government. These remarks came over a year after the US-based firm Hindenburg Research had published its report concerning Adani Group stocks.

In June, during the Annual General Meeting (AGM) of Adani Enterprises, Group Chairman Gautam Adani said that they had been confronted with unfounded accusations from a foreign short seller, which cast doubt on our decades of hard work.

In the face of an unprecedented attack on our integrity and reputation, we fought back and proved that no challenge could weaken the foundations on which your Group has been established, he told the gathering.
In a disturbing incident at a popular coffee chain, Third Wave Coffee, in Bengaluru, a hidden camera was allegedly discovered in the washroom on Saturday morning, according to an eyewitness. A smartphone was allegedly placed in the dustbin of the washroom by an employee. *The man has now been terminated, Hindustan Times has learnt.* The device, set on flight mode, belonged to an employee and has prompted a police investigation.

A social media post by the eyewitness said a woman found the smartphone that was allegedly recording videos for approximately two hours at that point, with its camera positioned to face the toilet seat. The incident roused deep concerns on privacy and safety, with the coffee chain assuring that they have initiated legal action against the employee in question.

READ | Bengaluru shocker: Bike-taxi driver accused of changing route, harassing woman

The safety and well-being of our customers is always our priority. With regards to the isolated incident that occurred at BEL Road Cafe on August 10, the person under question has been immediately terminated. We have a stringent zero tolerance policy and have initiated necessary legal action against him. We will work closely with the concerned authorities for appropriate action, the chain told Hindustan Times.

Here's how the disturbing incident unfolded:

The smartphone was placed in flight mode so it would not make any noise, and the dustbin bag had a hole cut out specifically for the camera so that the rest of the phone was not visible, according to the social media post by the eyewitness.

READ | Bengaluru faces power outages today; See complete list of impacted areas, timings: Report

A woman found a phone in the washroom, hidden in the dustbin, with video recording on for about 2 hours, facing the toilet seat. It was on flight mode so that it makes no sound, and was carefully hidden in the dustbin bag which had a hole made in it so that only the camera is exposed, the witness, a woman who runs a popular cinephile Instagram account, wrote on the platform.

Upon discovering the phone, the woman alerted the cafe staff, who then identified the device as belonging to one of their employees. The incident was promptly reported to the police, who arrived quickly at the scene. Authorities are currently investigating the matter and taking appropriate action.

READ | Bengaluru's Kempegowda International Airport wins seven awards at FAB conference in California: Report

It was quickly found that the phone belongs to one of the men working there. The police was called and they arrived soon enough, and action is being taken. This was so horrific to witness. I will be vigilant at any washroom I use from now on, no matter how well-known the chain of cafe or restaurant is. And I request all of you to do the same. This is absolutely disgusting, she wrote.

It can happen anywhere with any chain of cafes or restaurants, and even bars where people are not too much in their senses when they use washrooms. It's not just trial rooms and hotel rooms where we need to watch out for hidden cams. Keep this in mind. The world is a sick place, she added.
In a scene reminiscent of an action film, a Tumakuru district constable apprehended a suspect with over 40 cases against him by clinging to his scooter at a busy Bengaluru intersection on Tuesday. The intense pursuit, captured on CCTV and widely shared on social media, took place at a crowded Sadashiva Nagar junction. (X)

ALSO READ | Bengaluru shocker: Bike-taxi driver accused of changing route, harassing woman - Report

The intense pursuit, captured on CCTV and widely shared on social media, took place at a crowded Sadashiva Nagar junction. It garnered huge praise for Dodda Lingaiah, a constable from the Koratagere police station, who displayed lots of courage in capturing the suspect.

The footage shows Lingaiah in plain clothes, covertly approaching Manjesh, also known as Hotte Manja, as he stopped at a traffic signal on his white scooter.

ALSO READ | Man in Bengaluru arrested for creating fake ID card and claiming to be secretary of Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah: Report

When Manja realized he was trapped, he attempted to escape, but Lingaiah clung on to his scooter. Manja ended up dragging Lingaiah several meters as he sped away. However, Bengaluru traffic officers at the scene, initially unaware of the situation, quickly intervened with the aid of bystanders and helped apprehend Manja.

According to the Tumakuru police, Manja has been linked to multiple thefts across various districts and had been under their surveillance, the Deccan Herald reported. The arrest operation, which took nearly a month of coordination, involved Lingaiah maintaining constant communication with Bengaluru's Command Centre, the report added.

ALSO READ | Bengaluru bus conductor assaults Flipkart employee over 5 change, demands he speak in Kannada. Video

Watch the CCTV footage here:

With five years of service at Koratagere and a background with the Indian Army Corps of Signals, Lingaiah's military skills were instrumental in this successful capture, the publication added.
{Admitted for court-sanctioned abortion} Deputy commissioner Sakshi Sawhney has sought a report from the local health department regarding the alleged harassment of a 13-year-old rape survivor admitted to the civil hospital for a court-sanctioned abortion, officials said. (HT File)

Deputy commissioner Sakshi Sawhney has sought a report from the local health department regarding the alleged harassment of a 13-year-old rape survivor admitted to the civil hospital for a court-sanctioned abortion, officials said.

The minor was brought to the hospital for an abortion on August 7. Her mother alleged that she had to struggle for 24 hours to arrange a unit of B+ blood for the procedure.

The court ordered termination of the minors pregnancy after taking her age into consideration and she was then brought to the facility by police. However, the mother of the girl claimed that though the blood bank at the hospital had 124 units of B+ blood, the staff was forcing them to bring a blood donor for her daughter.

She said this led to arguments between the police and the hospital staff, following which the bank provided blood.

The hospital staff also allegedly misbehaved with the police official investigating the case when the latter asked for the reason behind blood not being provided to the minor.

The hospital staff kept asking me to bring someone who can donate a unit of blood to my daughter even though they had enough stock in the blood bank. They misbehaved with the girl as well, the complainant said.

Assistant sub-inspector (ASI) Radhey Shyam, who is investigating the case, said that the hemoglobin level of the minor was just 6 gm.

When I asked the staff to provide a unit of blood and told them that I will send a report to the court if they dont do so, they misbehaved with me. When I brought the matter to the knowledge of the senior medical officer (SMO) Dr Mandeep Mandher, she also misbehaved with me, the ASI alleged.

I mentioned the incident in a daily diary report (DDR) and put in on record. I have asked the SMO to provide the footage from closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras installed at the hospital and her office where the staff misbehaved with me. I brought the matter to the knowledge of senior police officials, he added.

Meharban station-house officer (SHO) filed a DDR after the ASIs complaint.

DC Sawhney said, I asked them (health officials) to submit a report at the earliest.

Civil surgeon Dr Jasbir Singh Aulakh said, We are looking into the matter. The hospital staff has also levelled serious allegations against the police officer.
Kolkata: The Kolkata Police said they have arrested an accused in connection with the alleged rape and murder of a postgraduate trainee doctor who was found dead at the RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. (Representative Photo)

The semi-nude body of the second-year student of the respiratory medicine department was found inside the seminar hall of the state-run hospital in Kolkata on Friday.

The accused has been identified as Sanjay Roy. He is not a staff. Further investigation is going on, said an invetigating officer, adding that he was arrested on Saturday morning after grilling.

A preliminary autopsy report suggested that she was sexually assaulted and murdered. Police have registered a case of rape and murder, and a special investigation team (SIT) has been set up to probe the case.

The preliminary autopsy report, the officer added, also confirmed the presence of blood marks on the womans private parts, mouth, and eyes, while there were injuries on her face, belly, left ankle, neck, right ring finger, and lips.

A bone near the neck region was broken, suggesting that she was probably throttled to death, the officer said, adding the incident took place sometime between 3am and 6am.

The womans parents told media her daughter was found in a semi-naked condition with her spectacles broker.

The 28-year-old was on duty on Thursday night, a doctor at the hospital told reporters, requesting anonymity. She also had dinner with her juniors and later went to the seminar room since there is no separate on-call room to take some rest.

On Friday morning, her body was found in the seminar room on the fourth floor of the emergency department building. A security guard first spotted the body. Her laptop, bag, and mobile were found on the spot, the doctor added.

After receiving information about the incident, Kolkata police commissioner Vineet Goyal and West Bengal health secretary NS Nigam visited the hospital and held a meeting with senior hospital officials.

Police collected the duty roster of doctors and other staff who were on duty on Thursday night at the hospital.

The incident triggered a protest at the hospital, with fellow PG trainees and doctors at the hospital demanding that the autopsy of the body be conducted in the presence of a judicial magistrate.

Initially, PG trainees and doctors had refused to hand over the body to the police until their demands were met.

Officials familiar with the matter said the hospital has set up an 11-member probe committee, headed by Dr B Mukherjee, dean of the students body, to look into the incident.
Despite all efforts, the Uttar Pradesh Power Corporation Limited (UPPCL) has been unable to curb escalating commercial and technical losses even as it seeks a tariff hike from the regulator to address the around- 12,000-crore revenue gap for the current financial year. For representation only (HT FIle Photo)

According to the Corporations own data, these losses have surged by approximately 7% as of June this year, compared to the same period last year, peaking to a whopping 40.04% at present: meaning, the UPPCL received no payment for over 40% of the power it supplied to consumers across the state.

One of the primary reasons for the increase in the aggregate technical and commercial (ATC) losses over the previous year is the uninterrupted 24x7 power supply that was maintained during the three months of the Lok Sabha elections in the state.

For the UPPCL, providing more power to people, especially in villages, means incurring more losses due to poor revenue recovery. So, supplying uninterrupted power during elections naturally added to the losses, a senior UPPCL official said.

Additionally, rampant theft of electricity, inefficient billing processes, presence of defective meters, poor revenue realisation, especially from villages, delayed bill payments by some government departments, etc, contribute to the corporations mounting losses, he added.

During a review meeting of all discoms by UPPCL chairman Ashish Kumar Goyel on August 7, it was found that the UPPCLs ATC losses that were 33.07% (already high) up to June 2023, rose to 40.04% during the same period of the current financial year, the increase being by 6.97%.

Among the discoms, the Varanasi discom reported the highest losses at 52.37% followed by 42% by the Agra discom, 35.42% by the Meerut discom, 34.27% by the Lucknow discom and 20.94% by the KESCO, the company that caters to urban consumers.

However, the increase in losses over the previous year was registered to be the highest by the Agra discom at 9.94%. The losses in the Lucknow discom rose by 9.46%, the second highest, followed by 6.19% in the Varanasi discom, 5.75% in the Meerut discom and 4.27% in the KESCO.

In the electricity division-II Baraut in Baghpat, the ATC losses were found to be as high as 54.53% that too after decreasing by 8.02% this year. The Amroha division reported losses to be 54.98% with an increase by 37.15%. The Greater Noida division also reported high ATC losses at 49.22%.

The UPPCLs distribution losses that largely indicate theft of electricity were found to be 21.75%. The highest distribution losses (read power theft) was reported by the Meerut discom at 22.74%.

The ATC losses that include distribution losses too, should ideally be less than 10% for any power utility to be viable, the official pointed out.

The increase in losses comes at a time when the UPPCL is looking to the UP Electricity Regulatory Commission (UPERC) for a tariff increase to bridge its substantial revenue shortfall.

The UPERC has to decide whether it should pass discoms inefficiency on to consumers by increasing the tariff or direct discoms to deal with the shortfall by plugging theft, improving billing efficiency and streamlining revenue recovery. The commission is expected to announce the new tariff next month.
The three chief constituents of the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) alliance have started preliminary seat-sharing talks for the Maharashtra assembly polls, senior Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala said on Saturday. AICC General Secretary in charge of Maharashtra Ramesh Chennithala (right) with Maharashtra Congress President Nana Patole during party workers meeting, in Mumbai, Friday, Aug. 9, 2024. (PTI Photo/Shashank Parade)

The Congress, Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) and Nationalist Congress Party (Sharadchandra Pawar) are the main parties in Maharashtra's opposition alliance. Chennithala is the state in-charge of the grand old party.

Preliminary seat-sharing talks have commenced and we will contest elections unitedly, he told reporters after holding a meeting in Latur with the party's office-bearers from the Latur, Beed, and Dharashiv districts.

The western state, which will elect its next government in October, has a 288-member assembly. In the general elections, held earlier this year, the MVA won 30 of Maharashtra's 48 parliamentary seats (Congress-13, Sena (UBT)-9, NCP (SP)-8).

Meanwhile, at the same Latur programme, Nana Patole, who heads the Congress in Maharashtra, was asked about the coalition's chief ministerial face.

The chief minister will be declared after the results, after consulting all the elected legislators. Saving the state's self-respect is our priority, Patole responded.

Shiv Sena supremo Uddhav Thackeray held the post during the MVA's November 2019-June 2022 tenure. He was succeeded by Eknath Shinde, the current CM, the former's now one-time aide whose rebellion triggered the Aghadi government's collapse. Shinde also split the party; the Election Commission recognises his faction as the real Shiv Sena, while the Thackeray group functions as Shiv Sena (UBT).

The Shinde-led Sena, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Ajit Pawar, who heads the real NCP, form the ruling Mahayuti coalition of the state. They hold 17 of Maharashtra 48 Lok Sabha seats.

(With PTI inputs)
Mumbai: The blood and urine samples of 23-year-old Mihir Shah, the accused in Worli-hit-and-run case, have tested negative for alcohol, police sources said, adding that negative reports were expected as Shah was on the run after the accident and was caught only on the third day. Mumbai, India. July 10, 2024: Mihir Shah, the main accused in the Worli BMW Hit-&-Run case, was produced before the Sewree court on Wednesday in Mumbai, India. July 10, 2024. (Photo by Raju Shinde/HT Photo)

This was expected as the incident occurred in the early hours of July 7 and Mihir was arrested on July 9. We were not likely to get much. However, we have strong evidence against him  we have his statement where he confessed to being drunk, which is recorded on video.

Additionally, there are statements from the bar owner in Juhu where he consumed liquor and the bar owner in Malad from where he picked up beer. He fled from the accident spot without helping the deceased. We also have the CCTV footages of the Juhu bar, where he was with friends, said the investigating officer from Worli police station. He said Shah is still in judicial custody.

Mihir crashed his BMW into a scooter which was being driven by Pradeep Nakhwa, 50, with his wife Kaveri, 45, riding pillion. While Pradeep escaped with a few injuries, Kaveri, who was caught between one of the tyres and the bumper of the car, was dragged for almost 2.5 kilometres, following which Mihirs driver Rajrishi Bidawat took over the wheel and ran over the deceased once again while reversing.

Shah, who earlier denied drinking alcohol, later accepted consuming copious amounts of liquor in two phases before the crash.

Mihirs father Rajesh Shah, a leader of Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena was also arrested by the police and later granted bail by a court.

The police have applied sections 105 (culpable homicide not amounting to murder), 281 (rash or negligent driving so as to endanger human life), 125(b) (endangering life or personal safety of others), 238 (causing disappearance of evidence), 324(4) (destruction of property with the intent to cause wrongful loss to the public or any person) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, (BNS) and relevant sections of the Motor Vehicles Act, on the accused.
Ghaziabad: Two members of the Hindu Raksha Dal (HRD), a right-wing outfit, allegedly singled out and attacked several families of Muslim workers living in shanties near Guldhar railway station in Ghaziabad on Friday evening, accusing them to be nationals of Bangladesh, where members of the Hindu community were allegedly being targeted following the August 5 ouster of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina after a students uprising, police officers aware of the matter said on Saturday. The incident occurred under the jurisdiction of Madhuban Bapudham police station area around 7.30pm, and the land has a presence of about 100-150 shanties. (Sakib Ali/HT Photo)

A Ghaziabad police official on Saturday said the two key accused, HRD chief Bhoopendra Tomar alias Pinki Chowdhary and Badal alias Hari Om, were arrested in this connection.

The incident occurred under the jurisdiction of Madhuban Bapudham police station area around 7.30pm. The land has a presence of about 100-150 shanties, the officers added.

Abhishek Srivastava, assistant commissioner of police, Kavi Nagar circle, said, A probe has been initiated in the case and a search is on for the suspects. Those attacked were Muslim families, but none of them were from Bangladesh... The supporters of Pinki Chaudhary have been booked.

Also Read | Bangladesh's Muhammad Yunus condemns heinous attack on minorities

One of the neighbours of the victims, Locho Devi, said: There were about 30 people who arrived and started attacking four to five families, alleging that they were Bangladeshi nationals... Those attacked were Muslims, and mostly from Shahjahanpur, and their belongings were also burnt. The girls and women were also beaten up and subjected to misbehaviour.

We tried to save them, but in vain. Those who were beaten and attacked fled the spot. The attackers also set fire to the belongings of the victims. Police arrived when the damage was already done, she added.

Chief of HRD along with 15-20 others attacked and damaged shanties of Muslims living in the area, alleging that they were Bangladeshis. They damaged three to four shanties. We tried to tell them that the Muslims living in the shanties were not from Bangladesh, but the attackers refused to listen to us and continued to beat them up, the first information report stated.

HRD chief Chaudhary also posted live videos of the incident on social media.

Chaudhary told HT, HRD members along with me were involved in the incident and we claim full responsibility for the attack. We also know that the police have registered an FIR and a copy is available with us.

Also Read | Be on watch out!: VP Jagdeep Dhankhar condemns Bangladesh can happen in India remarks

Chaudhary and his outfit first came to be known in 2014, when he and his associates allegedly led an attack on the Aam Aadmi Partys office in Kaushambi. In 2016, he contested the mayoral by-polls of the Ghaziabad municipal corporation as an independent candidate and came fourth.

His outfit again made news in January 2020, when it claimed responsibility for the violence on the Jawaharlal Nehru University campus in the Capital.

The First Information Report has been lodged under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita sections 191(2) (rioting), 354 (act caused by inducing person to believe that he will be rendered an object of divine displeasure), 115(2) (causing voluntary hurt), 117(4) (five or more persons cause hurt to a person on the ground of his race, etc), 299 (deliberate and malicious acts intended to outrage religious feelings of any class by insulting its religion) and 324(5) (causing damages).
EducationUSA is organising a fair for students who are looking forward to embarking on their study abroad journey. The fair will be open to students from August 16-25, 2024, at various locations across the country. EducationUSA fair will be conducted from August 16-25 across 8 cities in the country. The fair will be held in Hyderabad, Chennai, Bengaluru, Kolkata, Ahmedabad, Pune, Mumbai and New Delhi. (Unsplash)

EducationUSA is a U.S. Department of State network of over 430 international student advising centers in more than 175 countries and territories. In India, EducationUSA has six centers across five cities.

U.S. Ambassador in India Eric Garcetti invited students to be a part of the education fair which provides a platform for students to meet representatives from more than 80 U.S. universities and clarify their queries on choosing the best university for their higher studies.

Students and parents, Im thrilled to invite you to our #EducationUSA Fairs, which are taking place all over India this month. This is your chance to meet representatives from more than 80 U.S. universities and learn about admissions, scholarships and much more. Register now to make your dream of studying in the U.S. a reality, mentioned Eric Garcetti on X (formerly Twitter).

Also Read: Germany granted 80,000 work visas till June 2024 mainly to attract skilled labour, details inside

EducationUSA fair will be conducted from August 16-25 across 8 cities in the country. The fair will be held in Hyderabad, Chennai, Bengaluru, Kolkata, Ahmedabad, Pune, Mumbai and New Delhi.

Direct Link to register for the EducationUSA fair

Students and parents participating in the fair can interact with the representatives of the U. S colleges and universities who can clarify their queries regarding admissions, scholarships, campus life, etc. There will also be sessions on preparing your applications, securing financial aid and understanding the student visa process, informed Eric Garcetti.

Important Dates:

Hyderabad- August 16, 2024

Chennai - August 17, 2024

Bengaluru - August 18, 2024

Kolkata- August 19, 2024

Ahmedabad- August 21, 2024

Pune- August 22, 2024

Mumbai- August 24, 2024

New Delhi- August 25, 2024

For more information, visit the official website.

Also Read: More than 13.35 lakh Indian students pursuing higher studies abroad, Canada top destination, US next, check list
Karnataka Examinations Authority, KEA has released KCET 2024 Round 1 mock seat allotment result. Candidates who have registered themselves for the counselling round can check the mock allotment result on the official website of KEA at kea.kar.nic.in. KCET mock allotment result 2024 live updates KCET 2024 Round 1 mock seat allotment result out at kea.kar.nic.in, direct link here

The mock seat allotment result have been announced for Engineering, Architecture, Yoga & Naturopathy, Veterinary, Farm Science, B. Pharma, Pharma D, B.Sc (Nursing) etc courses but not for Medical, Dental and AYUSH.

Direct link to check KCET 2024 Round 1 mock seat allotment result

KCET 2024 Round 1 mock seat allotment result: How to check

All those candidates who have registered themselves for the counselling round can check the mock allotment by following these steps.

Visit the official website of KEA at kea.kar.nic.in.

Click on KCET 2024 Round 1 mock seat allotment result link available on the home page.

Enter the login details and click on submit.

Your seat allotment result will be displayed on the screen.

Check the seat allotment result and download the page.

Keep a hard copy of the same for further need.

Karnataka passes resolution to scrap NEET, calls to reinstate CET for UG medical admissions

The second mock allotment results will be released on August 14, 2024. The provision to change option entry by eligible candidates can be done from August 14 to August 18, 2024. The first round allotment result will be released on August 21, 2024. For more related details candidates can check the official website of KEA.
KCET Mock Allotment Result 2024 Live: Karnataka Examinations Authority has released the KCET Mock Allotment Result 2024 on Saturday, August 10, 2024. Candidates who have registered themselves for Round 1 can now check the list on the official website of KEA at kea.kar.nic.in. Direct link to check KCET Round 1 mock allotment results...Read More

The KCET 2024 round 1 mock allotment Result was earlier scheduled to be out on August 7, which was postponed due to unknown reason.

The options entered by the candidates upto August 4, 2024 will be considered for first mock seat allotment.

The mock allotment has been announced for Engineering, Architecture, Yoga & Naturopathy, Veterinary, Farm Science, B. Pharma, Pharma D, B.Sc (Nursing) etc courses but not for Medical, Dental and AYUSH.

The second mock seat allotment result will be out on August 14, 2024. The first seat allotment result will be released on August 21, 2024. Follow the blog for latest updates on results, direct link and more details.
Meghalaya Education Minister Rakkam A Sangma on Saturday said the state school education board will conduct two class 10 examinations from next year. Meghalaya will hold two SSLC (Class 10) exams from 2025, with an objective to give a second chance to students who did not pass the board exam. (Representative Photo)

The Meghalaya Board of School Education (MBOSE) will conduct two Secondary School Leaving Certificate Examination (SSLC) examinations in 2025, Sangma told PTI.

He said this proposal to amend the Meghalaya Board of School Education Regulation for the Secondary School Leaving Certificate Examination 2011 was approved by the state cabinet on Friday.

Also read: KCET 2024 Round 1 mock seat allotment result out at kea.kar.nic.in, direct link here

This move to have two SSLC examinations is to provide a second chance to students who did not pass the board exam.

"From the beginning of 2025, MBOSE will hold two SSLC board exams each year. The first exam will take place in February or early March, and the second will allow students who fail in all or a few subjects to retake the exam within one to two months which will be in May," said Sangma.

Also read: Himachal Pradesh declares JOA (IT) results after 4 years, 1,841 candidates qualify exams, details here

The education minister said that this move aligns with the ongoing implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP) and is designed to support students by reducing the time lost between attempts.

The cabinet had also approved the decision to do away with optional paper or 'best of five papers' from 2026-2027 academic years, this means that all students from 2026-2027 will have to pass all six subjects in the board examination.

Also read: CSAB Special Round-II Seat Allotment Results 2024 released at csab.nic.in, check via direct link

The cabinet also approved the Service Rules for the Meghalaya Public School Service Rules, the Meghalaya Subordinate Water Resources Engineering Service Rules, 2024 and the Farmers Empowerment Commission (Amendment) Bill, 2024.
With barely 24 hours left for the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) PG 2024 to be conducted, the National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences or NBEMS has issued a notice on Saturday, August 10, explaining the normalisation procedure for the preparation of the results. NEET PG 2024: In the latest notice, the NBEMS said that it has adopted the process which is currently being used by AIIMS-New Delhi to prepare results. (HT File Photo)

In the official notice, the NBEMS said it has adopted the process which is currently being used by AIIMS-New Delhi for its various examinations conducted in more than one shift including but not limited to INI-CET, in preparation of result for NEET-PG 2024.

The NBEMS further referred to the AIIMS Delhi notice dated January 20, 2023, wherein it has been mentioned that the Percentile score is the Normalised Score for the examination.

What is the Percentile Score?

As per the AIIMS Delhi notice, the Percentile Score is the percentage of candidates that have scored EQUAL TO OR BELOW (same or lower raw scores) in that particular Percentile in that examination.

In other words, the topper (highest score) of each group (shift) will get the same Percentile of 100, which is desirable. The marks obtained between the highest and lowest scores are converted to appropriate Percentiles.

Also read: NEET PG 2024 Exam tomorrow in two shifts for over 2 lakh candidates, check list of documents required

Also, the Percentile Scores will be calculated to 7 decimal places to avoid the bunching effect and reduce ties, the notice stated.

In this method of scoring, the HIGHEST SCORE in each paper (irrespective of the raw scores/percentage obtained) will be the 100 Percentile indicating that 100% of candidates have scored equal to or lesser than the highest scorer/ topper for that shift, it added.

Also read: NEET PG 2024 examinations to be conducted at 500 test Centres on August 11, centres reduced as precautionary measure

Meanwhile, the lowest score would have a percentile depending on the total number of candidates who have taken the examination.

Notably, the latest notice by the NBEMS comes only a day after the Supreme Court rejected the petition seeking postponement of the NEET PG 2024 on Friday. Apart from citing issues concerning travel arrangements to the allocated seats, the petitioners had also sought disclosure of the normalisation formula of the four sets of question papers to candidates to keep any possibility of arbitrariness in the process at bay.

Also read: SC refuses to defer NEET PG 2024, says can't jeopardise exam for 2 lakh students

The top court, in its verdict, had said it could not put the careers of over 2 lakh candidates in jeopardy, adding that the interests of a few petitioners could not overpower the broader concerns of the vast majority of students and their families.
Education is meant for all but due to the constraints of funding and the cost of acquiring quality education can be stressful to many students who deserve it. In such situations, scholarships can help make the dreams of students come true. Scholarships can be helpful for students to reduce the burden that they would incur in their educational journey.(Bachchan Kumar/Hindustan Times/For representation only)

Need for Scholarship

Scholarships can be helpful for students to reduce the burden that they would incur in their educational journey. Be it for graduation or for higher education, scholarships can help students afford to study in educational institutions with less worry. With a good education comes the prospect of leading a better life and giving back to society. Scholarships can help talented individuals to go ahead with their educational journey without increasing the financial burdens and develop innovation through bright ideas.

Also Read: ISRO invites applications for free AI/ML and DL course, here's direct link to register

There are various scholarship options for students to choose from. Take a look at the following scholarships for students:

PM Scholarship Scheme

Prime Minister's Scholarship Scheme was introduced in the academic year 2006-07 to encourage higher technical and professional education for the dependent wards and widows of Central Armed Police Forces & Assam Rifles Personnel.

From the academic year 2012-20, the scheme was extended to dependent wards of State/UTs Police Personnel who were martyred during terror/naxal attacks.

Benefits:

A total of 2,000 eligible candidates get benefits under this scheme every year and the number of girls receiving this scholarship is equal to the number of boys receiving this scholarship. The amount of scholarship given to girls is 3,000/month and for boys is 2,500/month, paid annually.

The duration of the scholarship may vary from one year to five years depending on the course duration. 500 more scholarships (250 for boys and 250 for girls) will be given to the wards of the State Police Personnel who are martyred during Naxal/Terror attacks from 2019-20 onwards.

Check the official website for more information.

Bharti Airtel Scholarship Program

With an aim to support deserving students from diverse socio-economic backgrounds with a focus on girl students, to become future technology leaders, Bharati Airtel introduced a scholarship program.

Benefits:

Scholarships are for the full duration of the Undergraduate courses including integrated courses for up to 5 years (subject to meeting the renewal criteria)

The scholarship covers 100% of annual fees as per the fee structure of the respective institute.

The hostel and mess fees shall be given to all selected scholars who apply for it.

For scholars staying in PG/outside hostel, the support shall be extended as per the hostel/mess charges of the institute

A provision of laptop for all Bharti Scholars (responsibility for the safety/security will be with the student. No replacements will be provided)

Once the Bharti Scholars graduate & are subsequently gainfully employed, they will undertake to voluntarily extend financial support to at least one student at a school or college level at any point of time, to the extent they can, mentioned the official website.

Also Read: IIM Sirmaur launches Post Graduate Programme for Executives on Leadership in Smart Manufacturing

Eligibility Criteria:

Confirmed admission in the first year (starting with the 2024 cohort) of the UG/5 year integrated courses in fields of Electronics & Communication, Telecom, Information Technology, Computer Sciences, Data Sciences, Aerospace and Emerging Technologies (AI, IoT, AR/VR, Machine Learning, Robotics) at the top 50 NIRF Engineering universities/institutes (Basis the lastest list available).

Must be a citizen and resident of India

Family annual income from all sources should not exceed INR 8.5 Lakh

Applicants should not be recipients of any other scholarships or grants for the same purposes supported by the Bharti Airtel Foundation.

AICTE Pragati Scholarship

All India Council For Technical Education (AICTE) with an aim to uplift and support girls in their educational journey introduced the Pragati Scheme.

Benefits:

The AICTE Pragati Scholarship aims to reward a total of 5,000 scholarships to girl students. The students selected for the scholarship would receive 50,000 per annum for every year of study as a lump sum amount towards payment of college fees, purchase of books, purchase of equipment, purchase of laptops and software, and purchase of desktops. (i.e. maximum 4 years for Degree for first-year admitted students and maximum 3 years for Degree students admitted through lateral entry)

Eligibility Criteria:

Applicants must be admitted to the 1st year or 2nd year (through lateral entry only) of the technical diploma/degree programme of an AICTE-approved college/institute in the current academic year through the centralised admission process of the State/Central Government.

Two girls per family are eligible to apply for the scholarship.

The annual family income of the applicant must not exceed  8,00,000 during the preceding financial year.

Also Read: EducationUSA fair to be open to students from August 16, here's direct link to register
The Federation of Automobile Dealers Associations (FADA) Academy, in collaboration with the Indian Institute of Technology Delhi (IIT Delhi), announced the launch of the Advanced Certificate Program in Automotive Operation and Future Technologies. This 7-day intensive program held at IIT Delhi campus, aims to revolutionise the automotive industry by equipping Dealer Principals and leadership teams at auto dealerships with cutting-edge knowledge and skills.(Handout )

This 7-day intensive program held at IIT Delhi campus, aims to revolutionise the automotive industry by equipping Dealer Principals and leadership teams at auto dealerships with cutting-edge knowledge and skills.

This partnership with IIT Delhi marks a significant milestone in our mission to empower the automotive dealership community with advanced education and training. With the uncertainties in future technologies, such as different transmission systems, and the inherent complexities of dealership operations, it is crucial to get Dealer Principals ready to navigate these challenges. Our goal is to foster innovation, enhance operational efficiency, and drive sustainable growth in the automotive sector, said Vinkesh Gulati, Chairman of FADA Academy and Research.

Also Read: EducationUSA fair to be open to students from August 16, here's direct link to register

The curriculum includes automotive operations and future technologies, team dynamics, managing with power, change management, data mining, IT and AI in dealerships, charging infrastructure, battery technology, hybrid and alternate energy vehicles, automotive health monitoring, and sustainability.

The curriculum is meticulously designed to cover both management and technical topics that are critical for the future of the automotive industry. Participants will gain insights from leading experts and hands-on experience in state-of-the-art laboratories at IIT Delhi, said Dr Deepak Kumar, Professor at the Centre for Automotive Research and Tribology, IIT Delhi.

Also Read: ISRO invites applications for free AI/ML and DL course, here's direct link to register

This program provides a unique blend of theoretical knowledge and practical insights, particularly in the rapidly evolving fields of electric and hybrid vehicles. Our aim is to prepare participants to not only understand but also to lead the transformation towards more advanced and sustainable automotive technologies, said Bijaya Ketan Panigrahi, Professor in the Department of Electrical Engineering at IIT Delhi.

The curriculum also covers connected and autonomous vehicles, operations management, inventory and demand management, predictive analysis, financial and marketing management, and visits to related laboratories.

Participants will have the opportunity to engage with IIT professors, and network with industry peers, mentioned the press release by Federation of Automobile Dealers Associations (FADA) Academy.

Also Read: List of scholarships to consider to help students make their dreams come true
The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur has launched the SATHEE IBPS, an innovative program that has been designed to help candidates prepare for banking exams conducted by the Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS). The SATHEE IBPS has been designed to help candidates with comprehensive study material for the IBPS Clerk exam and seeks to expand its offerings to cover other IBPS exams in the future, a press release informed. (Representative image)

The SATHEE IBPS helps candidates with comprehensive study material for the IBPS Clerk exam and seeks to expand its offerings to cover other IBPS exams in the future.

It also provides high-quality educational resources to aspiring students across India. It prioritizes students from financially weaker backgrounds and remote areas, thereby ensuring equal opportunity and access to the highest quality learning materials.

Also read: FADA Academy and IIT Delhi collaborate to launch Advanced Certificate Program, details inside

As per a press release issued by the institute, that program has been launched with the support of the Ministry of Education.

Prof Manindra Agrawal, Director of IIT Kanpur, stated that the launch of SATHEE IBPS reaffirms the institutions commitment to democratizing elite education, and also exemplifies the proactive use of technology to empower students nationwide, preparing them not just for exams but for a successful future in line with the goals of the National Education Policy 2020.

Also read: List of scholarships to consider to help students make their dreams come true

Highlighting the unique features of SATHEE IBPS, Amey Karkare, the Principal Investigator of the project, said By incorporating our AI-driven tutoring system, SATHEE IBPS delivers a structured learning experience that adapts seamlessly to the distinct needs of every student, ensuring personalized support throughout their preparation journey.

Govind Jaiswal, Joint Secretary at the Ministry of Education, said that the SATHEE IBPS platform is designed to bridge the digital divide, creating an educational environment for the aspirants preparing for IBPS and helping them excel in their ambitions, regardless of their geographic or economic limitations.

Also read: KCET 2024 Round 1 mock seat allotment result out at kea.kar.nic.in, direct link here

Meanwhile, aspirants can register for the SATHEE IBPS program through the dedicated portal ibps.iitk.ac.in or by downloading the SATHEE app from the App Store or Google Play Store.

For more information, aspirants can visit the official website of IIT Kanpur.
Actor Aamir Khan and his ex-wife, director Kiran Rao, attended the screening of their film Laapataa Ladies at the Supreme Court. As reported by news agency ANI, during the event on Friday, Aamir shared his motivation for producing the film. He said that he wanted to give back to society by providing a platform for new talent. He reflected on his time during the Covid-19 pandemic when he decided to use '15 more years of active work' to contribute more significantly to the film industry. (Also Read | CJI warns against stampede as Aamir Khan attends Laapataa Ladies screening at Supreme Court) Aamir Khan spoke about Laapataa Ladies.

Aamir Khan on producing Laapataa Ladies

He said, "During Covid, I had a lot of free time and used to keep thinking. I realised that I might have 15 more years of active work left...uske baad zindagi kisne dekhi hai (who has seen life after that)...I wanted to give back to people whatever I have learned in the past so many years. The industry, society, and country have given me so much."

"I thought that I could do one film a year as an actor, but as a producer, I can produce many more films. I want to give a platform to new talents. I can provide a platform for new writers, directors, and everyone involved in the process. Laapataa Ladies is the first project in that sense. I want to promote this kind of talent, and hopefully, I can produce four to five films a year. I want to be the shoulder for talent," he added.

Laapataa Ladies screening at Supreme Court

The screening of Laapataa Ladies was held to commemorate the 75th year of the Supreme Court. It was attended by the judges of the apex court, their spouses, and members of the registry. Laapataa Ladies, which focuses on gender equality, premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) in September 2023 and received a standing ovation.

About Laapataa Ladies

The film stars Nitanshi Goel, Pratibha Ratna, Sparsh Shrivastav, Ravi Kishan, and Chhaya Kadam in pivotal roles. Laapataa Ladies is a comedy drama film directed by Kiran Rao. The film tells the story of two young newly-wed brides who get exchanged during a train ride to their husband's homes.
New Delhi, Superstar Aamir Khan says his decision to produce Laapataa Ladies was driven by the realisation that he can't act in every exciting story and now he wants to create opportunities for emerging talent. Can't act in all films, want to give a platform to new talents: Aamir Khan

The Kiran Rao-directed film was screened at the Supreme Court on Friday evening for judges, their families and officials. Both Khan and Rao were welcomed by Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud.

Speaking at a session post the screening, Khan said during the COVID-19 pandemic, he had ample time for contemplation about his career.

"I was 56 at the time and I thought I might have 15 more years of active work left. Ill work till the age of 70, who knows what will happen after that? the actor said.

Khan added that Laapataa Ladies is the first project which he has backed with the idea of providing an opportunity to newer talent.

"When I was thinking about this, I thought, as an actor, Ive had one film release in three years. So, whatever Ive learned in the past so many years, I wanted to give back to the people because the industry, society, and country have given me so much. I thought that I could do one film a year as an actor, but as a producer, I can produce many more films.

"I want to bring out stories that touch my heart. I wont be able to act in all films but I can produce them. I want to give a platform to new talents. I want to be a platform for new writers, directors, artists, and others. So, Laapataa Ladies is the first project in that sense. I want to promote this kind of talent, the actor said, adding, he intends to back four to five films a year," he said.

Released in March to glowing reviews, Laapataa Ladies is a heartwarming and empowering take on two brides in rural India who accidentally get swapped during a train journey.

Starring Nitanshi Goel, Pratibha Ranta, Sparsh Srivastav, and Ravi Kishan, the film is produced by Jio Studios, Rao's Kindling Productions and Khan's Aamir Khan Productions.

Rao said Khan has been working with new and first-time directors since the beginning of his acting career.

To this, the superstar said, My films as an actor release once in three years, Im trying to do this more often .

This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text.
Actor-director Farhan Akhtar seems to have a different opinion from his father, lyricist Javed Akhtar, when it comes to Sandeep Reddy Vangas Animal. While he wasnt showering praise on the film, he said on YouTuber Raj Shamanis podcast that he doesnt believe filmmakers should be censored. (Also Read: Farhan Akhtar reveals Hrithik Roshan was first choice for Don, how Shah Rukh Khan landed the part) Farhan Akhtar and Ranbir Kapoor in Dil Dhadakne Do and Animal.

Who are you to tell

When comparisons were drawn between his character in Dil Dhadakne Do and Ranbir Kapoors character in Animal, Farhan was quick to say that he doesnt believe that something should not be made.

He said, I dont believe that some things should not be shown. We are in a field where if someone tells me, you cant make a film like this, Ill be like, who are you to tell me what I should and should not make? I am permitted by the laws of this country, and I have the freedom of artistic expression to say whatever I want. What the audience wants to listen to, that theyll decide. Id never ever tell any filmmaker or writer or producer or anyone, yaar dont make this, or, this kind of movie cant be made. To each their own, because I dont feel thats right and thats a dangerous thing to do.

Farhan also was asked if he thinks women end up liking alpha male characters to which he replied, I cannot answer for women. There are different types of people in the world. There are people who are fascinated by different kinds of human beings. So, I am sure there are people who find alpha males (attractive). To me, an alpha is someone who is the leader of the pack, the top of the pyramid.

Javed Akhtar on Animal

Javed, on the other hand, has been quite vocal about his disdain for Animal. Talking at the Ajanta Ellora International Film Festival in Aurangabad in January this year, he did not bring up the films name but referred to a scene between Ranbir and Triptii Dimri. He said, If theres a film in which a man asks a woman to lick his shoe, if a man says its okay to slap a womanand the film is a super hit, thats dangerous.
Disney has announced the future arrival of highly anticipated sequels, including Moana 2, Avatar: Fire and Ash, Toy Story 5 and more! After a long wait, fans are going to see their favourite films back on screen. The films are meant to follow similar storylines, connecting old characters to new intriguing plots. With the beginning of D23, an exclusive Disney fan event, the production house has begun teasing forthcoming exciting favourites-to-be to their striking fantasy collection. Still from Moana 2.

D23 is currently happening at the Anaheim Convention Center and Honda Center in California. Spanning from August 9 to August 11, 2024, it is a crucial moment for Disney to showcase all that it has in store for its fans and share its journey with the world.

Disney sequels announced at D23

Animated Disney sequels in production

The Walt Disney production has finally announced that Toy Story 5 is in the works. The sequel is expected to be released in the Summer of 2026. Fans can view its teaser on Disney's official Instagram page! The fifth installment of the beloved animated franchise is expected to revolve around the theme of toys vs technology, where Woody and his friends will try to fight changing times.

Moana 2 will hit the silver screen on November 27, 2024. The official trailer for the sequel is now streaming and has left the audience wanting more. The trailer features Moanas little sister and explores her adventurous journey in breaking an ancient curse.

Also Read | Disney's D23 fan convention showcases 'Moana 2,' 'Incredibles 3' and 'Mufasa: The Lion King' films

The chief creative officer of Walt Disney Animation Studio, Jennifer Lee, also revealed the concept art of another upcoming animated project, Frozen 3. After the success of Frozen 1 and 2, the fandom eagerly waited for the arrival of a threequel. Now, it seems the wait has come to an end.

In Frozen 3, sisters Elsa and Anna prepare for the arrival of a deadly creature. Disney plans to release the film in 2027. The Frozen Broadway musical filmed live on stage will also be available to view on Disney Plus in 2025.

Zootopia 2 is also expected to be seen on the big screen. Disneys Instagram page has revealed the official poster and announced its release window for November 2025. Actor Ginnifer Goodwin disclosed that Ke Huy Quan will also be a member of the Zootopia 2 team.

Also Read | Frozen 4 is already in the works alongside part 3, Disney CEO Bob Iger reveals

In addition to the animated projects coming ahead, D23 also announced the title for their upcoming Avatar project. The poster for Avatar: Fire and Ash was recently posted on Disneys official Instagram, and it is set to hit the big screen on December 19, 2025. The production house has yet to release the official teaser and trailer. Upcoming production Tron: Ares was also a highlight at D23. It is official that American rock band, Nine Inch Nails will be composing the score for the film. Director Joachim Ronning is going to lead this project.

8 upcoming Disney sequels in the making

1. Freakier Friday

2. Incredibles 3

3. Toy Story 5

4. Zootopia 2

5. Frozen 3

6. Avatar: Fire and Ash

7. Moana 2

8. Tron: Ares
By Dawn Chmielewski Disney expected to announce plans for its theme parks

ANAHEIM, California, - Walt Disney is expected to announce new attractions at the company's theme parks Saturday at its D23 fan convention, revealing how the company will begin deploying $60 billion in capital investments.

Disney said it would deepen its investments in the parks, nearly doubling its spending over the next decade, as it re-imagines attractions at its 12 parks around the world and increases the capacity of its cruise line.

The parks have become a reliable profit engine for Disney, helping to cushion the impact of declines in its traditional television and losses in its video streaming business, which last quarter turned a profit.

The experiences unit, which includes parks, cruise ships and consumer products, contributed 60% of the company's operating profit in the most recent quarter up from 30% just a decade ago.

Disney CEO Bob Iger has said the company planned to spend $17 billion over the next decade at the Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando.

These investments would build on such recent attractions as Tiana's Bayou Adventure - inspired by Disney's animated movie "The Princess and The Frog" - the Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind roller coaster, and the Tron Lightcycle/Run.

The company faces intensifying competition in central Florida from rival Universal Studios, which plans to open Epic Universe next year, adding 750 acres to be populated by Harry Potter, dragons from the Viking world of "How to Train Your Dragon," classic Universal movie monsters such as Frankenstein and Nintendo's Donkey Kong.

In Anaheim, California, Disney earlier this year won approval for a development plan that clears the way for a $2 billion investment in the Disneyland Resort.

The company has yet to offer any details, beyond saying it is seeking the flexibility to blend hotels, shops and attractions within the same themed world, as it has in Fantasy Springs at Tokyo DisneySea Park.

"We have an obligation to continue to develop these huge businesses and amazing experiences that we have here in California and in Florida," Disney Experiences Chairman Josh D'Amaro told Reuters recently. "And we will invest aggressively and heavily and intelligently."

This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text.
Ben Affleck is maintaining a steady public demeanor amid growing speculation about the state of his marriage to Jennifer Lopez. The usually grumpy-faced actor was spotted looking upbeat and focused as he dived headfirst into work, spending long hours on set, while Jennifer Lopez continues flocking to restaurants and spending time with the kids. According to insiders, the actor, still living in his Brentwood property, is doing well as he works non-stop amid rumors of marital woes with Jennifer Lopez. US actors Jennifer Lopez (L) and Ben Affleck arrive for the world premiere of "The Flash" at Ovation Hollywood in Hollywood, California, on June 12, 2023. (Photo by Michael Tran / AFP)(AFP)

Ben Affleck is doing well as he returns to work

A source told People that Affleck has yet to move into his newly purchased LA mansion, which he reportedly bought on JLos birthday. Bens doing well. He thrives when hes busy, and hes been working nonstop, the source said. They emphasised that the summer has been particularly challenging for him as he continues to live in his Brentwood, California property, separate from his wife.

Also read: Jennifer Lopezs trusted circle hates Ben Affleck including long time bestie: They went along anyway because

While the pop star was busy with her time in the Hamptons and her European tour, Affleck was frequently photographed spending time with his children from his previous marriage to Jennifer Garner. One reason cited for his decision to leave the marital home with JLo was its distance, making it inconvenient for the kids to visit. The source noted, The kids are still off from school. He spends a lot of time with them, too.

Ben Affleck shares three children with ex-wife Jennifer Garner: Violet, 18; Seraphina, 15; and Samuel, 12. Jennifer Lopez has two children from her previous marriage to Marc Anthony: 16-year-old twins Maximilian "Max" David Muniz and Emme Maribel Muniz.

Also read: Meghan Markle screamed at producers and couldn't stand Prince Harry speaking post interview

"It hasnt been the easiest summer for him either," the source adds. "Hes just trying to stay focused and make every day as good as possible.

Jen and Bens divorce drama drags on

From speculation about a split to rumours of reconciliation and now imminent divorce on tables, the Gigli co-stars are sending clear signals that theyre unlikely to reunite, given the massive distance between them. Its been months since theyve been seen together, and sources reveal that they are close to filing for divorce, though the potential embarrassment has delayed the process. Following Afflecks recent home purchase, it was reported that the pop star too is on a house hunt after they listed their Beverly Hills mansion for sale.

An eyewitness told the Daily Mail that the actor appeared jolly as he arrived for work, greeting everyone with a wave and a smile. The busy actor and acclaimed director has been occupied with filming a sequel to his successful 2016 action movie,The Accountant.
After months of speculation, Disney has finally unveiled the first trailer for the live-action remake of Snow White. The trailer was released at the fan-favourite event D23 in Anaheim, California, on Friday. While the film became a subject of controversy when it was first announced in 2016, the teaser has only added fuel to the fire, with fans attacking Rachel Zegler and Peter Dinklage online. Disney released the first trailer for Snow White live-action remake on Friday

Netizens slam Disney for casting Rachel Zegler as Snow White

The 23-year-old actress has been under fire even before Disney released a trailer for the Snow White remake. Last year, Zegler faced major criticism for her controversial remarks about the upcoming film, which is set to hit the theatres in 2025. I just mean that its no longer 1937. We absolutely wrote a Snow White that ... shes not going to be saved by the prince, and shes not going to be dreaming about true love," she said at the time, per Variety.

Shes going to be dreaming about becoming the leader she knows she can be and that her late father told her that she could be if she was fearless, fair, brave and true, Zegler added. However, following the release of the teaser trailer, which provided a first look at Gal Gadot as the Evil Queen, things took a different turn. Netizens are now comparing Zegler's appearance to that of the Wonder Woman star.

Ardent Disney fans have flooded social media criticising showrunners, with one saying, This looks like hot garbage. Are you really expecting us to believe that Snow White is more beautiful than the villain? wrote another user on X, formerly Twitter. The clip, which was aimed at providing viewers with a magical experience, has sparked a debate over woke casting, with another user saying, Woke flop. Lets add it to the list.

Another user said, The trailer looks fine but unfortunately Rachel Ziegler has done irreparable damage to this film by trashing the original film for clout. If the classic plot elements that she said are omitted from the film really arent there, then this is going to be a dumpster fire.

Peter Dinklage slammed for CGI dwarves

Zegler is not the only actor facing backlash for the Snow White remake. Dinklage, who is famed for Game of Thrones, is drawing heat for his past comments about the seven dwarves. I was a little taken aback by [the fact] they were very proud to cast a Latina actress as Snow White, Dinklage told podcaster Marc Maron, adding, but youre still telling the story of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.

Youre progressive in one way but youre still making that f**king backward story of seven dwarves living in the cave. What the f**k are you doing, man? Have I done nothing to advance the cause from my soapbox? I guess Im not loud enough, the 55-year-old actor continued. They were so proud of that, and all love and respect to the actress and the people who thought they were doing the right thing but Im just like, What are you doing?" he added.

Dinklage's harsh criticism of the film provoked showrunners to scrap the seven dwarves altogether and use CGI instead. This change did not sit well with fans, considering the film is a live-action remake. This movie could have started so many careers for up and coming dwarf actors. But no, peter Dinklage just had to ruin it for his community. If he wasnt type casted no one would know who Peter is. Also Snow White isnt Latino. Please boycott this horrid movie, one angry user said.
Actor Joaquin Phoenix opted out of a movie in the eleventh hour which might result in the project never seeing the light of the day. He was supposed to play the lead in a gay romance flick, however, the actor got cold feet at the last minute which resulted in him leaving the project abruptly. Joaquin Phoenix departed from a new gay romance film after at the last minute as he got 'cold feet'.(REUTERS)

Also Read: Cardi B details freak accident that almost caused miscarriage: 'I couldn't move for two days straight'

Phoenix exits from a gay romance movie

The film which was going to be directed by Todd Haynes revolved around two gay lovers who left California for Mexico and allegedly had a few dicey intimacy scenes, as reported by Deadline. The subject matter of the film was a factor in Phoeneixs exit from the movie, as reported by Page Six. The actors exit came as a shock to the director and Jon Raymon as he was very involved with the screenplay of the film.

Last year in an interview with IndieWire, Haynes said, The next film is a feature thats an original script that I developed with Joaquin Phoenix based on some thoughts and ideas he brought to me. We basically wrote with him as a story writer. Me and Jon Raymond and Joaquin share the story credit. And we hope to be shooting it beginning early next year. Its a gay love story set in 1930s LA.

According to a source, the project is as good as dead because it was pitched to distributors with Phoenix as the lead was the reason it was sold. The crew of the film is now out of work and it will create a debt surpassing seven figures as the stakeholders are yet to be paid.

Also Read: Travis Scott arrested in intoxicated state after brawl with bodyguard at Paris hotel

Phoenixs work takes a toll on his mental health

The Joker actor is known for his method of acting combined with the intense characters he has played over the years has taken a toll on his mental well-being. In 2017 the cator discussed checking into a rehab because of his character Johnny Cash in Walk in Line due to excessive drinking and partying even after parting with the character.

A film producer who had worked with Phoenix said, Hes better at being a character than being himself. He really thinks hes boring. Hiding is just a natural state for him. He added the actor was good at playing traumatized because he was traumatized. The producer also shared insights from the actors childhood where he mentioned that the Her star grew up  in a cult. His brother died in front of him. None of that presupposes someone whos going to turn out normal.

In February, Phoenix announced he would be expecting a second child soon with his wife Rooney Mara.
Spoiler alert

Paul said that they had wanted Robert to do a cameo and written a scene with him in mind. He added, Behind the scenes, we didnt know about the Doctor Doom. And theres no way he was going to do both. And then we said, Oh, Downey doesnt say no to Ryan Reynolds, does he? No one says no to Ryan Reynolds. And Ryan gave him the hard press. We wrote scenes, and Downey read the scenes, but what we didnt know behind the scenes was this Doctor Doom thing.

More details

Rhett added, It was a version of what you saw in the sense that he rejected Wade. He just said he wasnt a team player or whatever and questioned his team-player abilities. So it was actually pretty close to the scene that you saw. It just had two guys instead of one. And then Jon [Favreau] was, graciously, connected to it from the start. It worked out great. I mean, look, we wouldve loved to have Downey. But, at the same time, I think Marvel had this ace in their hole, which is hes about to come back in this different character. So, to have him be Tony Stark? Knowing that Doctor Doom was coming on the heels of that? It just didnt make sense.

Last month, Robert Downey Jr announced his return to the Marvel Cinematic Universe as the supervillain Doctor Doom. His casting was announced during San Diegos Comic-Con by MCU President Kevin Feige.
Travis Kelce's father, Ed, has publicly criticised Kanye West for a lyric referencing his son and Taylor Swift on West's new album, Vultures 2. The Kansas City Chiefs tight end's high-profile relationship with the pop superstar has made him a frequent target for pop culture references and rap war name drops with West's lyric being the latest example. While the couple has remained mum on the matter, Kelce Sr. didn't hesitate to voice his disapproval of the rapper's words. Kanye West's New Lyric Sparks Backlash from Travis Kelce's Father (Pic (Twitter/X))

Ed Kelce reacts to Kanye Wests lyrics

The fight between Kanye West and Taylor Swift is heating up again with West's newest album, Vultures 2. They've had a rocky relationship since the 2009 MTV Video Music Awards mess that got even messier with Kim Kardashian getting involved. West has mentioned Swift in his song "Famous" before, but this is the first time he's brought Travis Kelce into the fray.

A line in the song Lifestyle by rapper Wayne says, "I twist my Taylor spliffs tight at the end like Travis Kelce," adding more fuel to the already fiery feud.

Also read: Boycott Dunkin Donuts trends as MAGA influencers rage over Rumble refusal: Its time to Bud Light'

ED took to Facebook to share a Daily Mail post discussing the Yeezy rapper's mention of the couple. He captioned the post, "Mental illness on full display." West has previously admitted to struggling with bipolar disorder.

If you dont take medication every day to keep you at a certain state, you have a potential to ramp up and it can take you to a point where you can even end up in the hospital, West went candid about his mental health in 2019 and shared his struggle with David Letterman in a Season 2 episode of the Netflix series My Next Guest Needs No Introduction With David Letterman.

Did Taylor Swift subtly shade Kanye West

Swifties are convinced that Taylor Swift hasnt brushed off Kanye Wests jab at her and her beau. The pop princess rocked a "22" tee with the sassy slogan "I Bet You Think About Me" during her Warsaw concert. While this isn't her first rodeo with this particular shirt, fans are convinced it's a not-so-subtle shade thrown Kanye's way. After all, the song, from her re-recorded album Red (Taylor's Version), is widely interpreted as a diss track aimed at the rapper.

Also read: Justin Bieber caught yelling at teens harassing him while meeting pregnant Hailey Bieber: Get out of here

In the meantime, three of Taylor Swift's concerts in Vienna, Austria, were cancelled due to a potential security threat. The suspects have been arrested, and an investigation into the alleged terror threat is underway. Taylor's shows at Wembley Stadium are set to proceed as planned on August 15, 16, 17, 19, and 20.
 

YouTube 

315,455 202489

'I Can't Believe This Is The UK' As Islamic Groups Begin More Protests!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=frWk4Rlo0UY



'I Can't Believe This Is The UK' As Islamic Groups Begin More Protests!

315,455 202489

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=frWk4Rlo0UY

for those of you in the UK you will be well aware that our media shows one agenda especially with regards to the ongoing riots however today we want to share with you the truth and to be perfectly honest I can't believe that this is the UK hit the like And subscribe button and let's get into it in a disturbing turn of events in the UK Muslims have again clashed with British Nationals over the alleged burning of a mosque amidst the Southport stabbing however as we are all aware only one side of the story gets shown as its clear two-tier policing is ongoing this first clip shows a chant of some Islamic gibberish that I can't quite work out but can you believe this is England and not somewhere in the Middle East here check this clip honestly I'm blow away every time watching that and can't seem to get over the fact that it's in England this next clip shows thousands of protesters taking to the streets heading toward a violent alteration with British nationalssome was again we are well aware that everyone has the right to protest but why does only one side of the story ever get shown in the media what are your thoughts on the going riots let me know down in the comments below and don't forget to hit like And subscribe to hear us share all the real ongoings in this country.

4,050 

@barbaraliptrott 1

As a 75 year old English woman I am sitting crying at the utter chaos in my country. What would my Father and Grandfather think after protecting this country in 2 world wars

@rememberme3852 1

I need to get my children out of this country for their own safety. Never thought I'd have to leave my home country due to a radical left tyrannical government.

60  

@jameshawkey342 1

I don't think you are alone , myself and my family have been having discussions on leaving the U.K.

@aussiecarol 1

Problem is, where do you go? This is a global problem, Europe and the US are currently the worst but all Western countries are being brought down fast. This is no accident. God help us all.

@leechapman-ri9rb 1

Try Romania or Bulgaria. Both have beautiful countryside with mountains. Bulgaria has even cheaper prices for buying houses and land. Since 2007 I have lived in Romania.

@leechapman-ri9rb 1

@aussiecarol Eastern Europe is perfectly fine. Since 2007 I have lived in Romania. Check out the amazing prices of homes for sale in the Bulgarian countryside, cheapest places in Europe.

@Ililililililililillli 23

Australia was eaten by the Chinese. Poor Anglo-Saxon

@gillduale8020 23

I understand how you feel, but this is our Country and nobody's chasing me from my homeland!????????????????????????

@MMAxMT 23

Dont move to germany, its the same over here. You have to move to poland or ungary

@section5760

23

AnnaTalbot-p3q yet we complain about immigration and know you have become one? The irony of some British people? No retreat no surrender this is our home land. God bless Great Britain .

10

@markeh1971

23

A lot of people feel this way and about 6 hundred thousand a year leave. I came back without my family to this joy. Living the dream every day! M.

@bluestreak2701

23

Poland is my port of call when the shit hits the fan.

3

@giveusanesirbobholness7199

22

?@AnnaTalbot-p3q what demographic made you leave. ?

@julietjadov

22

Do not leave ur country for strangers.ur mom and dad did not

4

@free00to00ryhme

22

Don't leave. Stay and fight.

@mamasugar1 22

This is global. There is no where to go.

@johndrake3472 22

You never thought - well, thats the collective problem in a nutshell. Too many people dont have the ability to think, if they did they wouldve seen this coming a light year away.

@fazmercs532 22

This channel and all the people promoting hate need to get a life. Life is too short to hate on others. Why cant you just enjoy living in one the best countries in the world. Instead of wanting to blame and promote hurt on others.

@johndrake3472

@Kevin-d3t 22

We left years ago . Good luck

@DadihJaya-nl5xt 21

palestinians experienced that when the zionists came and evicted them

@christinaabrahams8362 21

I'm leaving too .

2

@willyholdsman3956

21

Because the monarchy is for the SHARIA LAW///

2

@morgangentle1515

21

My aunt and uncle and their 4 daughters moved over because of it

2

@NIC-nr3zg

21

@aussiecarol Russia !

1

@salzissalz

21

@willyholdsman3956 hopefully you r joking. Because No Polygamy, no 4 wives, no sister wives ->no toxic

1

@BruceJackson-lx2dw

21

...but where to go ?

1

@SannTenny

21

Its the same here in the United States. Its getting more dangerous and disgusting here every day. If you have suggestions on where to flee to, please share them!

4

@Panzer489

21

Get out whilst you can

1

@colinmiller5502

20

? @aussiecarol let's a few of us chip together and buy an island in the outer hebrides.

3

@Al-lv7vg

20

Where are you going to run? Maybe fighting for your country would be a smarter choice. This is happening to all western countries because we are weak with misguided compassion.

3

@CanDeeMarie

20

? @bluestreak2701 can I get residency if a great grandparent was born there?

@khyatisingh404

20

Stay back and fight for ur country madam !

1

@patkearney9320

20

Come to Ireland yes we have problems with same folk but we dont just sit and watch it happen, European people are turning right something I never wanted but we are left with no choice.

@patkearney9320

19

@khyatisingh404 leave that for the men.

@scottrowntree7846

19

@aussiecarol Singapore

1

@giveusanesirbobholness7199

19

@khyatisingh404 well said mate.

2

@khyatisingh404

19

@patkearney9320 country belongs to men and women both .

@patkearney9320

19

@khyatisingh404 Yes true but the grave yards are full of men.

@patkearney9320

19

@jameshawkey342 Ireland has work anyone who wants work will find work with us English are now cousins.

@patkearney9320

19

@Al-lv7vg Eh no the Irish dont think like that its in our DNA read some Irish history and you will see we keep coming, remember its the ones who will suffer the most wins the prise not the ones who inflict the most. The whole world knows about the Irish ?.



@barbaraliptrott

1

As a 75 year old English woman I am sitting crying at the utter chaos in my country. What would my Father and Grandfather think after protecting this country in 2 world wars.

156 

@daniellebcooper7160 1

well said. Best wishes from your cousins in Australia.

93

@mainy1984

1

I feel ashamed. We have let those brave heroes down. They served in 2 world wars for us, and this is how we repay them. Disgusting. I wish you and your family all the best in these uncertain times.

81

@Rugged2Rich

1

War shouldn't have happened in the first place

30

@mariusbabii

1

dear lady, as a Romanian punk rocker, who loves England, and the English, people, I'm on your side, but I'm here in America, i even have an ST GEORGE a flag on the back of me car to support England, my ancestors also comes from queen victoria, back in the 1800s, i', 54 years old still a punk rocker dress punk and loves England, I'm hoping England will win, and dark skin people will be deported,.......all of them,...oh, and my other ancestors from Romania are, VLAD TEPES and MICHAEL THE GREAT,(YES I'M A ROYAL, ME AND ME FAMILY),...........marius(punk rules).

33

@vanessavonhagen3296

1

Sending you

20

@salzissalz

1

? @MANN0363 you poor bitter thing

18

@User63765

1

Get over the colonial stuff this is a different century, you don't hear us bleating on about the vikings and the norman Saxons and the Romans, it's history. We need to focus on the here and now.

40

@andywatts8654

1

@MANN0363 We have a great relationship with countries we colonised -- they even volunteered soldiers to fight with us. Try harder

34

@helmutfortunat6859

1

Gott schutze Sie und England.

Grue aus Osterreich

20

@davepridmore8777

1

? @Rugged2Rich exactly , they were brothers wars, this isn't ????????????????????????

16

@Seeley-b6l

1

@barbaraliptrott god bless you

6

@wilburgraham6260

1

One of your more inventive ones proggoprong, as soon as i seen 'Cooper' i knew,

@Rozalina-yz2xv

1

2

@chacha-oy5sb

1

@MANN0363 THIS IS a part of the problem, sure !

3

@cornishplumber5051

1

@MANN0363

What did the Romans ever do for us ? )

6

@TradesRus8

1

yes i agree, we all fought to remove facism and here we go again

5

@mochachinolatte4397

1

Your crown has sold you. Im sorry, get good with god. This is a spiritual war.

7

@cmdrreggit

1

@MANN0363 Sins of the father?

So - war it is then?

4

@chacha-oy5sb

1

@MANN0363 SANA DOUTE une partie du probleme : les occidentaux ont peu proteste contre les colonisations...qui perdurent d'ailleurs (esprit colonial en Nlle Caledonie), et la mondialisation-delocalisation-immigration sauvage n'en est que la poursuite... forcement il faut s'attendre au RETOUR DE BATON, c'est la loi naturelle !

@BruceJackson-lx2dw

1

at least they are both in "a better place" Barbara.

2

@beatrizfernandes4695

1

Exactly , it's heartbreaking to see the current situations of the ,I love England and English people, God protect England ??

6

@dewigoliath4526

1

Hear hear

1

@rolandsmith2141

1

? @salzissalz you mist out the word 5tupid.

2

@robshaw3655

1

we feel your pain ,anger frustration and tears. My late dad was a Normandy veteran and fought against the Nazis. Now we have the people wanting to eradicate Israel and the Jews flag waving on our streets..

9

@chz76

1

? @User63765 Your country is still interfering in other countries affairs where they colonized.

8

@devikasuryavanshi6061

1

@Rozalina-yz2xv well on second thought I hope all has changed and you get your country back on track. Let's have a really great Britain.

3

@bibby65

1

? @MANN0363 you mean civilised their countries

11

@alexanderferguson2199

1

@beatrizfernandes4695

It's not the UK, it's England.

3

@yggdrasild755

1

Your father and grandfather inadvertently fought for the tyranny we live in today

8

@user-fr4es3yh4r

1

 

4

@josephobi.837

1

A lot of heroes in the war, were immigrants who died fighting for the British. You people never mention them do you? I wonder why that is.

2

@RiazPatel-fn1ei

1

@barbaraliptrott we helped you win ww2

3

@neilgillespie4498

1

@josephobi.837 I hope you enjoy the future you deserve it

3

@shanehumberstone5262

1

If they knew then what the uk would be like now,I guarantee that we would all be speaking German now

7

@patduffyforever

1

Yes I keep feeling my ancestors are spinning in their graves over this.

1

@guyspearing4608

1

And how many Muslims do you think died to save us in both the World Wars?

My father fought shoulder to shoulder with them and said he was proud to have served with the bravest men he had ever fought with.

2

@hagestad

1

Perfectly balanced as all things should be. IF your Grandfather served in WW2 he also occupied Suez Canal for example - long after the war. Now they will occupy your country for a bit. No one gets to occupy others all the time.

3

@neilgillespie4498

1

@shanehumberstone5262 no he loved us respected us greatly!

@dadelaar650

1

You chose the wrong side though. This is the result. Now deal with it

5

@margaretdavis6776

1

I'm in Australia & also hv cried.

@tsiva4398

1

Over 2.5 million Indians fought in ww2 on your behalf . Do you know that ? Is this how you treat Indian communities????

3

@Red-lg9hv

1

They'd probably get tired of having to donn a uniform and grab the old rifle again

@Anglo-Saxon-Glory

1

@Rugged2Rich If the war had not happened, we would be speaking German today and under the rule of the Third Reich. Where would your freedom of speech be then? You lefties never cease to amaze me with your inane rhetoric.

4

@edwardoleyba3075

1

@chz76 . Yes. I think its time to stop giving them money.

@TinfoilHatWearer-w9v

1

Sad to say but fighting in the world wars is what enabled this to happen. They weren't actually protecting the country, they were dooming it.

3

@TinfoilHatWearer-w9v

1

@mainy1984 Their service is what caused this to happen. This is what they fought for.

3

@BAZABBASI3039

1

Not only urs but our grandpearents also fought in those wars for your country. Whites were not the only ones fighting for britain. Lol lol lol

2

@TinfoilHatWearer-w9v

1

@User63765 Britain dropped Israel on them in 1948. Still a fresh wound.

2

@TinfoilHatWearer-w9v

1

@Anglo-Saxon-Glory Completely untrue. Germany never wanted to go West. It was Britain and France that declared war on Germany. Germany continually sued for peace. Britain caused the war to happen.

5

@sbeasley1785

1

I have visited war graves of relatives who fell fighting for this country in both world wars all over Europe  I am very angry and will never succumb to the deceit of our politicians and elites lies.may the Good Lord watch over you.

4

@neilthorley359

1

God bless you lady it's sickening

@TinfoilHatWearer-w9v

1

@shanehumberstone5262 Why would you be speaking German? Germany wanted peace with the West. Britain and France declared war. Britain was the aggressor.

4

@edwardoleyba3075

1

@josephobi.837 . They, and their valuable contribution is well acknowledged and documented and there are a number of memorials to them. We have never forgotten them. You have.

1

@davidk3729

1

?What have the Romans ever done for us?

@mattt5006

1

They would arrest your politicians and police. Then handle business.

@user-ht9jw5mo4s

1

I share your tears.

@bjornhartmann6839

1

+@barbaraliptrott

You got this all wrong, it was your father and grandfather who actively fought for this madness to enable in the first place. Mosley was right on everything.

1

@rayclam8079

1

They were on the wrong side.

4

@davidk3729

1

? @hagestad 400 years in Spain. Some of their culture was ok, eg: The Alhambra.

@edwardoleyba3075

1

@RiazPatel-fn1ei . So did the Americans, the Free French, the Belgians, the Greeks, the Indians, the Nepalese etc, no one is special, and we were all absolutely insane to embark on another debacle.

@gemlouise1260

1

? @Rugged2Rich War has happened since the beginning of human history, and so have invasions, empires and colonisation. These people's countries have done more of it than anyone else, including Britain.

2

@Anglo-Saxon-Glory

1

@TinfoilHatWearer-w9v Now that's interesting. I always thought that France, Belgium, Holland, Norway, Sweden and Denmark, were west of Germany. So Adolf's goons must have take a wrong turn then? Or perhaps the planned invasion of Britain and the Battle of Britain, which stopped it, never happened. Or the bombing of British cities by the Luftwaffe?

Perhaps the history I was taught was wrong and it was actually Britain that invaded Poland. Also, If Germany were wanting peace, why did they invade neutral countries and why then did they come up with the Final Solution?

I would hate to know what you were taught at school.

1

@gemlouise1260

1

? @User63765 They need to have a better view of world history. The middle east has not a leg to stand on in terms of conducting war, invasions, and empire building or conolising, they have done it themselves since human history began.

1

@wallinggraham3836

1

@guyspearing4608 thopse muslims have nothing to do with it

@RiazPatel-fn1ei

1

@edwardoleyba3075 hue edwards

@stevebull4578

1

He'd be thinking, we should have let the Germans have it.

2

@beatrizfernandes4695

1

? @alexanderferguson2199 got it

@Anglo-Saxon-Glory

1

@TinfoilHatWearer-w9v Can I suggest that you try very hard to remember to keep taking your meds.... logic like yours is what happens when you forget.

1

@edwardoleyba3075

1

@TinfoilHatWearer-w9v . Read The Palestinian Mandate. You might be surprised.



@baitcastartist6054

19

I am Polish, I live and work in England, I feel at home here. This is the country of the English, their culture, their history.. No one can change that, I am definitely pro-English. I stand with British !

87

5 

@ja-mm1mz

1

I am an American. It only took an hour for me to what the problems are in the UK!!

Favoritism of Muslims - including financial, housing legal help, benefits, policing etc

Total blindness to the needs and concerns of the actual white British citizens.

75

1 

@eversun77

1

You dont have police in the UK, you have a security force for the protection of Islam.

1005

25 

@urgumskurgum7570

1

Our government DISGUSTS ME

430

11 

@jonathanandrews5916

1

I am from India I stand with British patriots.you are paying the price for allowing this hooliganism.AWAKE

145

3 

@nr01vid

1

big up to the UK patriots, stay strong against the ennemis, support from France

28

@TheRussRave

1

England has been invaded. The enemy is within the gates and your government ushered them in!

My father, uncles, and grandfathers all served in the British military and fought in WW1 & WW2 to protect this country. One paid the ultimate price and is buried in France.... all to allow this carnage today! I am deeply saddened and aggrieved that it has come to this and the sacrifice and memory of my forebearers has been trampled upon! God save England now because the King and the government certainly aren't going to do it.

465

24 

@memory432

1

Dont come to this country the police have made it unsafe.

191

2 

@mikestreet3592

1

My Grandfather fought in WW1 my Farther in WW2 and I served for 6 years as part of the British Army Of The Rhine. Because of their service and the efforts of the Men and women I served with we do not speak German or Russian.

These People would not be allowed to say and do the things they do here in the countries they are from and where is this muslim utopia they want to live in, and yet they are free to trample on the memorials and graves of the very people who gave them the freedom to demonstrate.

Some one called it the Elephant in the room, Islam the religion of hate and destruction is the problem, a multicultural society will destroy us all and yet they demonstrate every Saturday without any fear of retribution. Two tier justice, police, politics is here to stay.

31

@fryerturk127

1

This is what I was dreading with these free pally protests. The Islamists growing in confidence.

39

1 

@mollyemeraldempress

1

America stands with the BRITISH people ???? much love stay strong

220

5 

@tiborcsanyi741

1

This should not be allowed anymore. Wake up Brits !

176

3 

@user-x2z6r

1

'Two Tier' will damage the UK irreparably.

12

@michaelsnyder4644

1

Take your country back. Make them pay.

13

@George.Coleman

1

*Arrives*

*Stays*

*Outbreeds*

*Encourages More Arrivals*

*Becomes Majority*

*Pushes Out Minority*

971

57 

@alanritchie8890

1

Starmer makes Trudeau look like an amateur.

A lethal Bolshevik.

388

7 

@codycasey3126

1

Peace was never an option. Wake up England ????????????????????????

27

1 

@brianbisnath2254

22

I stand with the British people.

9

1

While the common man is at war with each other on the streets the real enemy are laughing at them!

654

36 

@jimmycreamer7905

1

This is what the WEF wants, anytime you allow your borders wide open this will happen and then you have a society that we will all coexist this is what will happen. I visited England in 1981. The Pakistani were taking over then, England wasnt doing really good with that then. Stand strong England. This is all you have. We stand behind you here in America.

100

1 

@danielwelch5479

1

Blair and brown must be so proud of their multi cultural society

10

@Icecold0505

23

Poland looking like Geniuses right now.

33

@jk-pq5dd

1

It's not racist. It's common sense. Take care of your own citizens first.

1727

37 

@cycleguy1943

1

UK-ISTANFreedom of Religion is everyones rightbeing AFRAID OF IT ,IS NOT!!! Stay strong Britain,much love from U.S.

100

7 

@bigboy0625

23

This is disgusting to see who the UK has gone. Them poor soldiers in WW1 and WW2 that died for our freedom

27

4 

@alistairdodds6156

1

The British citizens need to remove this goverment

4

@laurentottone1367

1

With all my heart to British people from Italy

118

4 

@ladybistre9596

1

I stand with the British people. Love from America.

308

13 

@rudolfrednose7351

16

Since Islam isnt a race, can someone criticise Islamists without being called a racist?

6

@realist3530

17

I cannot believe Britain wouldn't protect it's own first! Absolutely terrifying!

2

@theretiringbarber

1

Rise up Brits and bring back your once great country. Deport by the tens of thousands. Police need to change sides or all hell will break out. PM. must be fired .

77

1 

@steveb54uk

1

Be careful of commenting, the thought police are watching

182

17 

@wolvi6431

5

TOTAL SUPPORT FROM FRANCE TO OUR ENGLISH CHRISTIAN BROTHERS AND SISTERS! TO THESE HEROES WHO FIGHT INJUSTICE AND CLAIM THE RIGHT TO LIVE FREE IN THEIR COUNTRY!

1

@robertearll7031

1

The primeminister must do the right thing and resign

3

@frankcolgan5742

1

YOU DON'T HAVE TO UNDERSTAND WHAT THEY ARE SAYING.ITS ALWAYS PROMOTING VIOLENCE AGAINST NON MUSLIMS.

241

1 

@macwurmi9824

1

Dear Brits, you have defended Europe and freedom in the past. Please do it again, now!

42

1 

@lisbethgiverhaug9513

21

Amazing how upset Starmer is when a mosque is destroyed,.When muslim burn down churches , he does not give a sh..t. Lisbeth

2

@lynneevans6839

20

My Grandfather fought in the war for this country, what a disgrace to his memory and others like him .This Government needs to be ashamed.

2

@bobross8569

1

Islam: offended by everything,ashamed of nothing.

3

1 

@clivewalker5465

1

This is how the fall of that mostly Christian , Peaceful , Wealthy Country Lebanon started , after they allowed muslim Palestinians in ..

309

16 

@marlenechicoine4005

1

The entitlement is beyond belief! They are breaking the law and feel they can demand things.

52

@Outlier1060

23

They conquered Britain without any resistance from the British

2

@Anglo-Saxon-Glory

1

Starmer needs to be tried for treason.

767

26 

@malcolmbacon7892

1

Absolutely disgraceful this country is dead

213

4 

@jeandupont7066

23

The police in France seems better trained and better commanded in RIOT-contra-attacks.

3

@Powerneck

23

You either support

Or you support ????????????????????????

This is ENGLAND NOW

2

@alexpervanoglu7420

1

Lot of other countries both giving travel warning re visiting the UK and also comparing the UK to Soviet Russia.

They are correct.

207

5 

@papasmurf159

1

Look at Iran history if you want to know how this works

714

37 

@DoreenResch

22

We are a Christian Nation ?? We want Our Country BACK ?

16

3 

@realist3530

17

GET THEM OUT!!! If Britain wants to survive, get them out!!!!

1

@Glamrock01

1

Where are the Police?...we rest our case.

191

3 

@junegoodings3973

1

Why weren't those chanting arrested yet our British people are getting arrested for nothing

56

1 

@CyrusTheGreat-b3k

1

Empathy and sympathy from India!

I cant wait them to play Azaan over loud speakers at 5:00 am!

2

@eg6853

22

Britain for the Britons. Love your people, love your country, love your culture, protect their future. Real Americans support our brothers and sisters in Great Britain. The insanity must stop.

1

@michellestaniforth6486

1

Not a police officer anywhere we all know why

723

21 

@jossgower

1

Keep speaking up British! Don't give up.

504

19 

@Cheeky_Sheikhy

16

I stand with the UK. Don't let up, never let up.

1

@tersemerkhet4633

1

It's what the traitor Starmer wants

3

@bigpthebutcher1979

1

Stamer is a disaster for this country

102

6 

@Attackx_

1

where `1slam prospers`, civilization dies.

204

6 

@princesharming8693

1

What kind of idiotic quote is that ?

1

@groupb5420

1

correct ?ancer.

13

@beataolejarczuk3949

1

Christianity is failing in Europe so what do you expect!

2

@janeburke147

13

Apparently that happened in 79 I r 2n

@supersurfer1

6

@Attackx_ Islam prospers civilisation prospers .

1

@Attackx_

3

@supersurfer1 Ecology legitimizes wolf politics

@zakw4110

20

The police should be ashamed. They'll get whats coming to them soon enough when islam wins.

1

@peteince

23

Remember the protests outside the school in Batley three years ago. The teacher is still in hiding after the threats towards him. How many of those involved were arrested and jailed?

3

@Maxillz

1

You can't be racist against an ideology

111

3 

@AntoinetteHewer-xe3oh

1

Every time a native English/British try to voice our concerns about the state of our country we are called racists then shut down the genuine fears and apprehension of what will happen if we dont stand up

79

4 

@Jezza-k3y

1

Well... we now know that destroying the Third Reich for the "bankers" was the worst thing we, as a nation, ever did. Rule Britannia!

1

@stefdelandtsheer2142

22

Support from a Belgian couple! We left our country (we were living in Antwerp) because we had the same problems. We sold our property and live in Alicante (Spain) for 4 months now. Police is very prominent here and we feel safe and secure. Very sad we had to leave Belgium to have our peace!!

6

4 

@Pauline-b1u

1

About time Starmer told us what he intends to do about illegal immigrants before the country is destroyed ....he knows that over crowding with these people is the trouble so get on with it.

323

18 

@noddymax8527

1

Can you imagine if 2 or 3 thousand English men were on the streets of any other country in the world?????? No other country would stand for this ..what the hell is wrong with us,,,the world is laughing at us.

88

11 

@neriko22

21

I stand with the British people. Big love from Israel

4

@alunevans380

23

The British and Irish are going to lose their ancestral homelands forever if they all don't come together and stand strong.

1

@mriot7225

1

"Allah hu akbar" I feel unsafe in Britain.

153

11 

@Valerius123

1

They will never leave peacefully and Brits lost their manhood a long time ago to do anything about it. Afraid of losing your job are you? You're going to lose your WHOLE COUNTRY! Wake up!

141

5 

@TheLang0lier

17

Britain is lost if this government stays .

1

@oryparker103

23

Many around the globe stand with the protesters.

1

@notebeat

1

These are the people you helped to a better life. But they only wanted your country!

171

5 

@codeblue9004

1

Why were so many of the wrong people let into the country? Its a disgrace.

57

@lorenabg7632

1

Terrifying. It is like having an entire different country inside Uk

2

@philipmear8680

1

The root of the problem is integration. The lack of integration over decades, but particularly since the 1997 Labour government is the cause of unrest. Recent illegal immigration has compounded the unease. In principle, its the historical question about the loyalty of Roman Catholicism to the Crown or to the Pope. Today the issue is traditional British values or Islamic values.

6

3 

@robbillingsley9545

1

Starmer you need to resign

127

7 

@TheRealIndian33

1

They are getting constant funding from Muslim businessmen. We people buy from them and some how we are responsible for their financial freedom. We must boycott all their stores first.

32

@pauljones4871

1

I hate to think what my Grandchildren have got to look forward to. Our government are a disgrace, they are letting us all down.

2

@Madeley-Mick

5

As a 69 year old man I am disgusted at the way this country is going. To all people who hate our great U.K country, if you're not happy here then move away, nobody is making you stay!

@Zefyna

1

What on earth are they protesting about? They arrive here illegally and given everything they need - food, housing, money. It is the British who are now forced to live on the streets through no fault of their own that have good reason to protest.

319

8 

@donturner-rz5ox

1

Remember these are the same 'men' that abandoned their families in the middle east when war broke out.

85

@darrenmunro2880

23

We have child loving Muslim men who manage our streets! Chanting god is great.. thank god I dont live in these Lancashire towns that are mostly effected. God help the families who have no choice but to put us with this real threat to our society. These are my thoughts and opinions.

2

@cyberman211

22

WE NEED THE REFORM PARTY IN GOVERNMENT AND WE NEED THEM NOW! DON'T FORGET THAT THOUSANDS MORE ARE ARRIVING HERE MONTH BY MONTH,AND THEY WON'T STOP COMING, EVER! UNLESS WE STOP THEM

3

@PytheasFidus

1

Support to english patriots from France. We must understand that the European people are facing the same problem and have solidarity between us to fight this enemy who seeks to destroy us. Stay strong in this fight.

82

4 

@TheWctman

1

The muslim population in Britain is 6%. They are just getting warmed up. Wait until it hits 15% (like London, currently at 16%).

34

3 

@1234hhh1

23

It is not only Islamic groups protesting but all the British people that stand for Humanity.

@jh2625

17

I hope this is the turning point for the EU.

All stand together against the Muslims.

@GaryMorris-t1r

1

Why are the police not arresting these people

74

3 

@coraynbell8991

1

Where Islam goes blood flows!

17

@marcospazos548

1

Stand up British people fight for what is right

1

@Fellowtraveller2

1

If they have to call in the army,then Two tier Keir is history

73

3 

@samus6256

1

2 tier system is not right.

218

7 

@ratna6495

23

Rise up patriots for your motherland

1

@peted3276

23

British people have got to stand together ????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????

1

1 

@stayliftedgermany4041

1

Take your Country Back proud british people Much love from Germany ????

37

@Ryzen_56X

1

What I still cannot understand is that no Islamic association resident in the UK or the EU has issued any statement expressing its total rejection of all the lethal and serious crimes committed by hateful radical extremists, nor offering its full collaboration so that these episodes cease completely, at least as far as I know. What is more, I believe that these Muslim communities are becoming radicalised not only in the UK but also in the EU with the simple motive of colonising us by eliminating Christianity and European history, and that is even more serious.

37

2 

@BobF-lp7qb

23

I don't understand why the so-called Royal family would let this happen in their country.

@chrismcglone639

1

Thanks for showing us the silent majority the truth.

We need this.

35

2 

@MarkWilliams-pu7mq

1

Once again the police turn a blind eye. A total disgrace.

135

@kathytimko7730

4

BRITS ARE GOING TO HAVE TO STAND UP FOR THEIR COUNTRY!!!!

@gerdragnhildjentoftsen3967

1

Watching from Norway. So sad to see what is going on in your country! Stay strong and peaceful!

1

@andybigbs9466

1

Liebour have basically given them license to do what they like now.

76

@SnackAttack6

1

We dont have the right anymore to voice our opinions, therefore I will click like for your video but say nothing

330

11 

@patilshiva1208

21

i am INDIAN please Wake up we are suffering from 70 year

@baggerdave

12

The Motherland is becoming something unimaginable. WAKE UP!

@avtarbhurji653

1

Apart from Muslims every other person in Britain is classed as second class citizen. Why haven't the two brothers from Manchester charged yet? What is news on the officers beaten by two brothers, nobody is reporting on them, it is a real shame.

23

1 

@patrickscott838

1

And they have the nerve to say there isn't two tier policing!

22

@timothy4557

1

The Islamists are not holding the Union Jack flag for some reason.

2

@philliprollo1646

1

People won't say anything on line, Because they can expect a knock on the door from speech police.

45

1 

@TT09B5

1

Got to love when people move to a better country and THEN protest/riot but wouldn't do it in their country they came form.

60

2 

@nonine5304

23

Wake up uk

If not now... when will you ????

2

@brianjoseph-jo2gx

1

They brought in people they know won't assimilate to cause violence and unrest while they gain power and control.

1

@robertpewsey8931

1

One rule for them, much stricter rules for us in rapidly turning islamc Britain.

22

@karelnapitupulu7710

1

Take your country back. Brits!!

34

@richardwhite2460

35

Where Islam grows....blood flows....

@howardlong6735

22

An evil tree tree cannot produce good fruit. The fruit of Islam is bitter and inedible.

1

1 

@iainseymour-hart3347

1

That's not the Britain I have always loved!

147

5 

@SpartanHeaven

1

Here in Australia if you come illegally by sea they burn the boat then send you back

only after authorities photograph you band you for life not to return.

66

3 

@anthonyhayden8731

22

Lets sort it out democratically . Have a referendum asap.

Do you agree with illegal economic migrants being allowed into the country without any restrictions and no proof of identification?

1

@richardbarrett4537

20

We will all be heading to Europe as refugees soon

1

@Melroy-xv5ix

1

They Muslim are not afraid of the police, law nor ready to follow British law, for they know they're well protected by starmer & labour party.

73

3 

@geertabrahams4656

1

Kier Starmer is the new dictator off England

12

@whateva2830

8

Wasn't Mr B Johnson fired ?

What's stopping this new PM from being Fired ?

1

@KB-uu4fy

1

These get protection though ! And Ill probably get my door kicked down and arrested for liking this video !

172

8 

@johnf.1969

1

Now having established a beachhead, the Islamic Expeditionary Force, is advancing. More reinforcements arrive daily.

16

@CameronsCandorOriginal

1

This is what they want... why don't you hold the people accountable who helped them get into your country.

1

@leandrop7190

1

Someon save our island, we are going to medieval age. Who did this to our country!

1

@amaurychavrier2014

1

Lets' clean the country. England to the english.

84

5 

@moomagpie4265

1

A Brit just got 12 weeks in the slammer for shouting at a cop! wtf

18

@briansmith-qq9pi

1

Now you can see how much we are paying out because none of them work

1

@jimmy0999

1

And they wonder why civilized people don't want them in their countries.

1

@johnswift1736

1

Usa has it right. We should be able to own guns.

65

2 

@glendamorris3049

1

Disgusting that foreigners get away with this behaviour

18

1 

@peteby485

2

When you run from war you take your family with you , when you go to war you leave your family behind.

@andreaarganiosa347

1

i will include you British People to my prayers ? Dont Give up take it back your country

43

3 

@moanykk3296

38

If anyone lost Jesus Christ, he will loose his freedom, dignity, respect as a Human and lose his identity as a spiritual child of Almighty God...!!!

@GGYBRTTOPpsSkcSEC

1

'N0 Is1am , No deaths/wars'

66

@Krzychu3005

23

And why the police isn't arresting them at all? There is no safety and law in England anymore

1

@firequeen7872

1

Love from NZ ?????????????????????????? stay strong ho,d the line

19

@smartuser4112

1

Such a peaceful religion. "Sir" said he will protect them at all cost and persecute those who disagrees with these peaceful, loving people.

7

@anthonymorris5084

11

Only Donald Trump could save England.

@gefparx6442

32

Starmer will never be a Statesman . He is Stateless .

@grahammathers9235

1

Theyve been taught that anything is acceptable if you wave a Palestinian flag.

4

@Dhoggy

1

And not a single police uniform in sight or yellow riot van. Obviously sent in the opposite direction. Maybe satnav told them it was the First Right but actually it's further than they think.

65

1 

@TheBiggsy911

1

Message the convicted

Stop your council tax .. when in prison you do not DO NOT have to pay council tax ! Or if you live with your spouse it's a twenty five percentage reduction so apply immediately pass this onto everyone immediately.... Councils will suffer stop your council tax

2

@dazzaMusic

1

Starmer is a traitor who needs to resign with immediate effect

@g.b.2189

1

Richard Lionheart????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????

18

1 

@Kerry-ft2zf

1

Starmer is the lawyer who made sure Jimmy Savile went free.

35

2 

@user-ru5xz3lz9c

23

Only the politicians are to blame, in my opinion.

1

@stevenhoskins7850

1

How about we let some real asylum seekers into America? THE BRITS!

66

5 

@edwardbowen-humphreys9758

1

If the cops don't do their job as prescribed by law, "WE THE PEOPLE" will defend our families and homes!

6

1 

@tipsbargainsdiywhateverels3956

1

Who is his boss ask yourself.. therefore how can he be tried for treason when the man has a doctorate in Islam and its his preferred religion

1

@anthonymiller2546

20

Take your country back,Jesus is king

@jossgower

1

Shouting Allahackbah should be banned as a terror call.

56

6 

@user-hr1uc2ru3c

1

Why is it that this is not taken to your Supreme Court? Why is the court not stepping in?

And why starmer still in government. Kick him out now. He is the problrm. If he loved his country, he would not sell it to wicked people. He should be tried for treason. Call in the army. Let them take over.

9

@user-tv2ju9fw3e

22

Wherever they are there is chaos.

1

@antusanaum8626

1

Where is the police when islamists protest?!Shame on you UK police!!!!

@williamthompson4389

1

We need a proper PM to represent the real people of our country. Enough is Enough.

33

6 

@alcube57

1

I cannot see any police in the vicinity. Is this what we called  Two- tier policing?

18

1 

@markmitchell8566

18

What a complete disgrace

1

@smearpipe

1

This is what you get. Karma Police

33

@mojesus680

1

When will Islam take Buckingham Palace and Dethrone Charles

11

@darrendavid5217

21

I'm sure the police will not be as aggressive with the Muslim protesters. We are in danger of losing our country.

@jeanettemurphy3778

22

Frightening for the natives.

1

@Markcain268

1

Will i get into trouble for liking this video?

176

9 

@Seeley-b6l

1

Shocking the rest of the world doesnt see it on the news god help Britain

29

2 

@FreeIreland

20

You real British are very welcome here in Ireland!

@millimunatti

23

This is hot karma Britain, talk about paying for your forefathers crimes. Africa is yet to heal from the scars and we see you exactly how you saw us. Welcome to a world you created.

1

1 

@ashleynightingale8459

1

Remember what happened to Lebanon and Iran they were both Christian.

13

1 

@matejhorvat817

1

if you can't believe this is the UK, then I'd like to ask you where you've lived for the last two decades

31

3 

@TheBOFAcookie

21

two kingdoms, one is rioting but Scotland is not

@DS222203

20

They havent seen our true force yet, let them play whilst they believe they can. Do not fear Britons. Do not fear.

@RuiR.

1

Brits must not give up the fight or forget those who are attacking and imprisoning them. Save your country

15

@Heygoodlooking-lk9kg

1

I'd love to know what starmer is doing about Muslim trouble makers and the boats and the illegals and the so called asylum seekers and the so called refugees

7

3 

@DL-ip4im

1

When I think of the British and ANZAC soldiers who sacrificed their lives For our freedoms in WW1 & WW2! I feel very angry

@TommyRitson

1

This can't be right. What a mess

1

@Brit246

1

Prime example of two tier policing

25

@harryo6126

1

Starmer has been radicalised

13

@randommcdonald1225

23

Lord help us all. When we arent aloud to voice our opinions about the governments tyranny then thats when its over and the world ends. I love you all, people of the world! I keep asking myself, why does the government want us dead? Ill pray for you all

@johnrussell2570

23

Doesnt it p*ss you off that we're paying all their benefits!

1

@mangloreanwithabeard

1

What are they protesting for ?? Less Government benefits ?? Starmer is a joke

1

@davepridmore8777

1

We the English can see what's going on , by God we will have our Country back !!! ????????????????????????

8

1 

@bornintottenhamn1743

1

My uncle is an officer, he's admitted to two tier policing so the force don't look one sided and racist. It's been like that for years

22

@howardlong6735

22

Starmer has learned nothing in life but bullying. This is the nature of any dictator. He is surely destined to fall.

@ayushisingh4250

22

Save your country from Islam....

@joelwahlang1591

1

Shocking to see visual that the Union Jack has been folded and flags of other Islamic countries been raised.Have they lost their senses

9

@GlennWW

1

Said it all when he didnt even try to talk to or reassure the grieving parents in Southport when he went and laid flowers.. heartless gutless cowardice.. hes a legal out of touch robot and has no compassion false as they come.

10

@oldgibbon

3

This is how the Bosnian and Kosovo wars started. Good luck UK.

@andreassulek7499

16

Dear England send the check to Jews, Obama and present dementic us president !

@stephenyoung1484 1

We are starting to understand the problems Germans had in 1933.
Actors Naga Chaitanya and Sobhita Dhulipala got engaged in Hyderabad on August 8. Chaitanya flew to Rajahmundry to attend his assistants wedding a day after his engagement. He could be seen posing for photos with the bride and groom, apart from their families in a video shared by a paparazzo. (Also Read: Sobhita Dhulipalas parents, Naga Chaitanyas father Nagarjuna, Amala and Akhil Akkineni pose in unseen engagement pics) Naga Chaitanya attended his assistant's wedding in Rajahmundry.

Naga Chaitanya attends assistants wedding

A paparazzo shared videos on Instagram of Chaitanya attending the wedding of an assistant named Venkatesh. Dressed in a blue kurta, the actor can be seen smiling wide as he greets the guests there.

He later shakes hands with the groom and greets the bride, Sunitha. He also posed for pictures with the bride and grooms family later on. Fans left numerous comments under the videos, sharing heart and fire emojis.

Naga Chaitanya gets engaged to Sobhita Dhulipala

After dating for 2 years, Chaitanya and Sobhita got engaged at his home on August 8. The intimate ceremony was attended only by their families. The couple kept their relationship mum till Nagarjuna announced it on X (formerly Twitter). He stated he was overjoyed as he welcomed Sobhita to the family. He also shared the significance of their engagement date. On Friday, Sobhita also shared unseen pictures from the engagement with a poem on Instagram. Chaitanya was previously married to Samantha Ruth Prabhu from 2017 to 2021.

Upcoming work

Chaitanya was last seen in the 2023 film Custody and the Amazon web series Dhootha. The former received a lukewarm response, while the latter was praised. He will soon be seen in Chandoo Mondetis Thandel with Sai Pallavi as his co-star. He plays a fisherman from Srikakulam. Sobhita was last seen in Dev Patels Monkey Man, which is yet to be released in India. She will soon be seen in Sitara.
The era of rapid technological advancements and evolving skills requirements has diminished the traditional college degree's status as the sole measure of a candidate's potential. We are instead seeing today, more and more companies prioritising a skills-based hiring strategy over degrees, a strategic shift that is revolutionising the talent acquisition landscape. Workplace (Photo by Ant Rozetsky on Unsplash)

The rise of skills-based hiring can be attributed to several factors, each contributing to a more holistic and efficient employment ecosystem. One of the key drivers is the fast-paced evolution of technology, which has rendered certain skill sets obsolete while creating an insatiable demand for new ones. As industries digitise and automate, employers seek candidates who possess the technical prowess required to navigate this new world of work. This change underscores the importance of a workforce that can quickly adopt new technologies and make a significant contribution to the innovation-driven economy.

At the heart of this ongoing transformation lies the idea of a skills taxonomy, a crucial tool for locating, classifying, and utilising the variety of skills present in an organisation, and a tool that is increasingly indispensable in the face of rapid technological change.

The current labour market in India is characterised by unique challenges. According to recent data from the World Bank, roughly 9% of India's labour force may lose their jobs to automation by 2030. Unemployment remains low, yet organisations struggle to fill open positions, partly due to skills gaps and the rapid pace of technological change. Moreover, many college graduates lack the skills necessary for immediate employment in their chosen fields. This disconnect has driven companies to reconsider traditional hiring practices emphasising candidate potential, practical skills and experiences over degrees.

The goal of skills-based hiring is to promote inclusivity in the workplace in addition to technical proficiency. By emphasising skills, employers can break down barriers based on age, gender, or educational background and access a wider talent pool. This strategy allows people with non-traditional career paths to demonstrate their skills, resulting in a more inventive and diverse workforce.

This inclusive hiring approach is essential for realising the potential of the populace in a country as diverse as India. It uses diverse skills that could go unnoticed in a more inflexible, qualification-focused system.

In India, according to a report by EY and iMocha, 14% of HR leaders focus on building future skills, 7% on establishing skills-first career paths, and 5% on improving talent mobility and rewards, indicating a shift towards skill-centric HR objectives.

Additionally, industry-specific priorities vary, with tech companies focused on building future skills and career paths, banking, financial services and insurance companies focused on adapting to rapid industry changes and AI integration, and telecom companies focused on addressing talent shortages and enhancing research and development (R&D).

A skills taxonomy is an organised framework that classifies skills according to their nature, degree of complexity, and applicability to particular roles. This taxonomy-style approach is essential for modern-day businesses adopting skills-based hiring strategies and developing a more flexible and agile workforce. With a skills taxonomy, organisations can more efficiently match candidates to job requirements, resulting in a better fit and higher performance, by methodically identifying and cataloging the skills required across various job roles.

Creating a comprehensive skills taxonomy involves several steps that include:

*Identification of skills: Establish which skills are needed for which roles within the company. This covers hard and soft skills, like teamwork, communication, and problem-solving.

*Classification and categorisation: Put each skillset into groups and subgroups. For instance, programming languages, data analysis, and system administration would be categorised as technical skills, while leadership, cooperation, and flexibility would fall under soft skills.

*Validation and refinement: Based on input from leadership, managers, employees, and market trends, the skills taxonomy should be updated and improved regularly, ensuring your taxonomy is kept current and in-line with the organisation's changing requirements.

The implementation of a skills taxonomy yields various strategic advantages for organisations. It enhances the recruitment process by shifting the focus to specific skills rather than academic degrees, expanding the talent pool to encompass individuals who have acquired expertise through alternative pathways such as vocational training, online courses, or hands-on experience. Moreover, it strengthens talent management by furnishing a coherent framework to evaluate employee skills, pinpoint gaps, and devise developmental strategies, ensuring that employees possess the requisite skills for present and future job demands.

Additionally, a skills taxonomy fosters workforce agility in an ever-changing business landscape by facilitating more flexible workforce planning and promoting a clear comprehension of the skills accessible within the organisation. It bolsters employee development and retention by identifying the skills essential for career progression and providing targeted training and development opportunities, elevating job satisfaction and retention rates.

Workforce agility encompasses an organisation's ability to predict, leverage, and respond to changes and use them as opportunities to advance the organisation's goals. A meticulously developed skills taxonomy assumes a pivotal role in cultivating this agility, with key skills taxonomy functions including:

*Empowering organisations to align employees with projects or roles that complement their specific skillsets: This ensures the appropriate allocation of human resources, enhancing operational efficiency and productivity. For instance, in a project necessitating proficiency in AI and data analysis, the skills taxonomy can expeditiously pinpoint employees possessing these skills, facilitating a prompt and effective response.

*Enabling organisations to proactively discern burgeoning skill requisites and devise training initiatives to address them: This guarantees that personnel are consistently equipped with contemporary skills, thus prepared to confront novel challenges as they materialise. For instance, with the emergence of new technologies, the skills taxonomy can underscore the necessity for training in these domains, enabling the organisation to maintain a forward-looking stance.

The move towards skills-based hiring is imperative for modern organisations. Implementing a robust skills taxonomy helps companies identify, categorise, and leverage diverse skills within their workforce. This approach enhances recruitment and talent management and drives workforce agility, enabling organisations to thrive in a rapidly changing business environment.

This article is authored by Nishchae Suri, managing director, Cornerstone OnDemand, India.
Filmmaker Onir, known for his work in promoting open discussions about gender identity and sexuality, is now taking his vision to a global audience. He has partnered with directors Rima Das, Kabir Khan, and Imtiaz Ali for My Melbourne, an anthology that highlights stories celebrating the LGBTQIA+ community, disability, and gender diversity. It will be premiered at the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne on August 15. Filmmaker Onir

Also read: Laila Majnu to Raja Babu: 8 movies you can watch which are re-releasing in theatres

I knew the producer of the film and I was associated with the project right from the conception. I knew they are putting together something across countries. My entire segment (in My Melbourne) is about migrant experiences, says Onir, known for directing films such as Pine Cone (2023), I Am (2010) and My Brother Nikhil (2005).

Speaking further about the film, the 55-year-old says, My Melbourne I feel is different. I don't see it as a small film. It has names like Kabir (Khan) and Imtiaz (Ali) attached.

But as a filmmaker, who is frequently invited to showcase his work at international festivals, does he receive more acclaim abroad than in his own country given his films tackle unconventional themes and subjects? Onir replies, The festival support helps, be it on OTT platforms or theatres. Films like ours unfortunately aren't valued enough in our country, as much as they are valued abroad. However, if people like the film, they will come. It's more true for people like me, who make films with small budgets.

Also read: Action for the sake of action is like an item number: Kabir Khan

He adds, "Rima and I might be more festival kind of filmmakers, whose works are more festival-centric. How Kabir and Imtiaz shoot their films... I don't think this one (My Melbourne) would need a festival's stamp of approval."

Meanwhile, Onir reveals he has another film which will screen at IFFM. It is a short Kashmiri film made by one of my students. I am so happy and proud, Onir wraps up without revealing further details about the project.
Once a symbol of constraint and discomfort, the controversial corset has made a fashionable comeback. Now worn as outerwear, its also making waves in India with an unconventional pairing with the saree. Blending flow with structure, the corset accentuates the waistline while the saree featuring a drape shapes a stunning silhouette. Spearheading this trend off the runway are Bollywood actors

Designers Rahul Mishra, Abu and Sandeep Khosla showcased their interpretations of this trend at the 2024 Hyundai India Couture Week, elevating the drape to new levels of opulence and style.

Spearheading this trend off the runway are Bollywood actors. Recently, Kiara Advani turned heads in a Tarun Tahiliani creation, blending the 90s mermaid silhouette with a structured corset drape saree at businesspersons Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchants wedding. Alia Bhatts fusion of chikankari and zardozi on her corset-drape saree exuded contemporary elegance. In the younger generation, actor Palak Tiwari embraced this trend by opting for a strappy corset blouse with a cutout pattern.

Calling it the ultimate styling shortcut, designer Rina Dhaka explains, The corset has undergone a remarkable transformation. Today, a corset-draped saree is a versatile piece that can be worn by everyone, regardless of size.

This sartorial combination is touted to be the perfect blend of contemporary style and traditional charm. It captures the grace and elegance of a saree in a modern way and accentuates the figure with an hourglass silhouette, says designer Nachiket Barve.
Raipur: At least four people, including three of a family, were killed after they came under attack from a wild elephant in Chhattisgarhs Jashpur, officials aware of the incident said. (Representative Photo)

The latest incident brings the total number of fatalities due to elephant attacks in the district to nine in the past month.

Officials said that the incident took place in the Gamhriya area of Bagicha Nagar Panchayat on the intervening night of Friday.

The victims were sleeping in their homes when they came under attack. The deceased have been identified as Ramkeshwar Soni (35), his daughter Ravita (9), his brother Ajay (25), and their neighbour, Ashwin Kujur (28).

Jitendra Upadhyay, divisional forest officer (DFO) Jashpur division, said that the elephant entered the Bagicha Nagar Panchayat at midnight on Friday and strayed into the village.

Subsequently, the wild animal damaged the wall of Sonis house before trampling the trio to death. When his neighbour Kujur heard their screams and rushed to the scene, he was also trampled.

We were not aware of the elephant entry in our village, and there was no power supply.The elephant damaged the house and killed three people. The villagers raised an alarm, after which the elephant went into the jungle, said a resident of the village.

Officials said that forest and police personnel reached the incident spot after being informed and retrieved four bodies in the morning and sent them for post-mortem. The families of the deceased have been provided with an immediate relief amount of Rs.25,000, with an additional Rs.5.75 lakh to be given after completing necessary formalities, said officials.

The forest department has been monitoring the movement of the tusker, which has been causing damage to houses in the area, and plans to relocate it to another location, the DFO said.

Human-elephant conflict is a growing concern in Chhattisgarh, with the state reporting 104 human deaths and 243 crop damage cases due to elephant attacks in 2022 alone.

In the last one week, eight people have allegedly been killed by wild elephants in Chhattisgarh.
Manish Sisodia of the Aam Admi Party visited a Hanuman temple in Delhi to seek blessings on Saturday, a day after being granted bail in connection corruption cases linked to now-scrapped Delhi excise policy case after 17 months of custody. AAP leader Manish Sisodia visited a Hanuman temple in Connaught Place following his bail granted by the Supreme Court in corruption and money laundering cases linked to the Delhi excise policy case, (PTI Photo)(PTI)

The Delhi's former deputy chief minister along with party leaders also visited Raj Ghat in the national capital. Manish Sisodia was joined by other AAP leaders such as Sanjay Singh and Saurabh Bharadwaj. Saurabh Bharadwaj said Manish Sisodia will address party workers around 12pm at the AAP headquarters on DDU Marg.

I have prayed to Lord Bajrangbali, and I have received his blessings... Arvind Kejriwal will soon receive blessings from Lord Bajrangbali, Sisodia told the reporters.

Chief minister Arvind Kejriwal remains in custody in the Delhi excise case.

AAP MP Sanjay Singh said, The fight that has started under the leadership of Arvind Kejriwal for education, health, electricity, water and to provide facilities to the common man, we will take a pledge to take that forward. 

Also Read: Manish Sisodia may return to CM Kejriwal's Delhi cabinet

The people in power should think about this...Aam Aadmi Party is a family, a strong family, we will not break and will fight together strongly...Soon Arvind Kejriwal will also come out, he said.

Sisodia was arrested by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on February 26 last year for alleged irregularities in the formulation and implementation of the now-scrapped Delhi excise policy 2021-22.

On Friday, the Supreme court granted him bail and said his long incarceration of 17 months without trial had deprived him of the right to speedy justice.

Sisodia praised the power of the constitution after walking out of the Tihar jail and said the same power will ensure the release of Arvind Kejriwal as well.
East Godavari district administration along with the help of nature lovers have taken up the task to revive a 150-year-old tree, which was uprooted due to floods earlier this week, on the banks of Godavari river in Kumaradevam village in Andhra Pradesh. The tree, locally called Nidra Ganneru chettu, is popularly called cinema tree or movie tree as it was featured in more than 300 South Indian films and a few Bollywood films. (HT)

The tree, locally called Nidra Ganneru chettu (botanical name: Samanea saman), has immense cultural and historical significance and is popularly called cinema tree or movie tree as it was featured in more than 300 South Indian films and a few Bollywood films.

On Monday, this tree developed a huge crack in its trunk and got uprooted due to heavy rains and floods. The tree had withstood bigger floods in 1953, 1986, and 2022, and also the super cyclone of 1996 in the area. This time, it just collapsed, local resident K Sailendra said.

District administration officials, including collector P Prashanti and joint collector Himanshu Koushik visited the area and inspected the tree on Wednesday. We were told the tree can be brought back to life. So we decided to take up the restoration process with the help of the Rotary Club of Rajamahendravaram, Prashanti said.

Prashanti also promised to develop the entire area as a tourist spot. The people of Rajahmundry have a sentimental attachment to this tree as it is a perfect shooting spot for the films. We will revive its glory, Prashanti said.

On Friday, representatives of Rotary Club began the revival process of the tree by formally performing a ritual in the presence of the joint collector.

We are planning to give it a chemical treatment, along with careful reassembling of the broken tree. It will take 45 to 60 days. A four-month timeline for recovery after the treatment is required, Rotary Club president Venkat Immanni said.

He further said that a lot of support from the local community, who can contribute in whatever manner possible, is required to complete the project. This will not only ensure the restoration of the Cinema Tree but also transform the site into a place of tourism and cultural importance, Koushik said.

Kumaradevam gram panchayat vice president G Ramakrishna suggested that the state government should rope in the forest department and plantation experts in the restoration process. Many renowned and award-winning filmmakers such as K Vishwanath, Bapu, K Raghavendra Rao and Kodandarami Reddy shot their films near this tree.

Any film that was shot on the banks of Godavari river would have a scene under this tree, because it used to present a picturesque frame of the river in its backdrop. I cannot imagine shooting a film on Godavari without this magnificent tree, said popular Telugu film director Vamsi Nallamalli, who also hails from East Godavari district and has several hits to his credit.
Guwahati, The Assam Police is on a high alert along the India-Bangladesh border to ensure that no person can enter the state illegally in view of the unrest in the neighbouring country, a top police officer said on Saturday. Assam Police on high alert along Indo-Bangla border: DGP

The Centre has issued a directive that no person will be allowed to enter India from Bangladesh, the Director General of Police, G P Singh, said.

"The BSF is the first line of defence along the border and the Assam Police as the second line is also on a high alert," Singh told reporters on the sidelines of a book launch here.

''There is, however, a rider that Indian passport holders, mostly students and traders, will be allowed to enter if their documents are found valid after due verification," the DGP said.

Another directive has been issued by the Centre that citizens of the neighbouring country will be escorted back to Bangladesh after due verification of their passports and visa through a safe corridor, he added.

''Besides these movements, there has been no entry of any person to the state... the Assam police is conducting joint patrolling with the BSF,'' he said.

Regarding measures taken for the ensuing Independence Day celebrations in Assam, the DGP said that adequate steps have been taken to ensure fool-proof security in the state.

"The SPs have been directed to beef up security in the parade grounds," he said.

The top police officer recently visited several districts of Upper Assam to review security arrangements following reports of the presence of a group of ULFA militants along the Assam-Arunachal Pradesh border.

''We reviewed the prevailing situation with the police, army, CRPF and Assam Rifles and discussed necessary steps to be taken to neutralise the group,'' he said.

He urged the outfit not to indulge in violence and create disturbances when increased investments had led to economic prosperity in the state.

''If the ULFA has anything to say, both the central and state governments are ready to hold talks with them,'' the DGP added.

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New Delhi: India and Russia have differing views on the status of 91 Indian nationals recruited into the Russian military, though New Delhi takes the matter very seriously and has pressed Moscow to ensure the release and repatriation of the citizens, external affairs minister S Jaishankar said in Parliament on Friday. EAM S Jaishankar (File Photo)

The issue of Indians recruited in the Russian Army has emerged as an irritant in bilateral ties, especially after the death of eight Indians while serving with units on the frontlines of the war with Ukraine. Several more Indians, recruited as support staff such as cooks and helpers, have been injured.

A total of 91 Indians have been recruited into the Russian Army, and 14 of them were discharged or had come back to India, Jaishankar said during question hour in Lok Sabha. A total of 69 Indian citizens are currently awaiting release from the Russian Army, he said.

The problem...is that the Russian authorities maintain that these Indian nationals entered into contracts for service with the Russian Army. We are not necessarily subscribing to that, Jaishankar said, while replying to a supplementary question from Congress MP Adoor Prakash.

The Indian side has raised the issue of the repatriation of the Indians with the highest levels of the Russian leadership, including President Vladimir Putin, he said.

We take this issue very seriously. I have myself raised it numerous times with the Russian foreign minister, and when Prime Minister [Narendra Modi] was in Moscow [in July], he raised it personally with President Putin, and he got President Putins assurance that any Indian national who is in the service of the Russian Army will be discharged and released, he said.

Jaishankar further said, It would be fair to say that after the prime minister himself has taken up the matter with the Russian president and the Russian president has himself given an assurance, we should not jump the gun and say the Russians are not serious on this matter.

I think it is important to hold the Russian government to their word. We are here to get back those 69 people because Indian citizens should not be serving in the army of foreign countries, he added.

Jaishankar said many of the Indians recruited into the Russian military were misled, and they told that they were going for some other job and then deployed with the Russian Army.

The bodies of four of the eight Indians who died while serving with the Russian Army had been brought back to India. In the case of a man from Haryana and another from Punjab, the Russian side has sought DNA samples to confirm their identity.

In the case of a man from Gujarat, the family has provided authorisation for him to be cremated in Russia, while the family of another man from Uttar Pradesh has asked for his body to be brought back to India.

At the same time, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has registered a criminal case against 19 individuals and entities for their alleged role in recruiting Indian nationals for the Russian Army.

They have examined those 14 people who have returned from Russia. Sufficient evidence has surfaced against 10 human traffickers whose identities we know. During the investigation, two of the accused were arrested on April 24 and two more on May 7. All four accused are presently in judicial custody, Jaishankar said.

In a written reply to a question from Congress MPs Adoor Prakash and Gaurav Gogoi, Jaishankar said the total number of Indians in the armed forces of other nations is not known. Whenever Indian nationals are lured abroad for jobs by fraudulent agents or entities, the external affairs ministry and Indian missions take decisive action.

A total of 3,042 illegal recruiting agents have been notified on the governments e-Migrate Portal till June 2024, he added.
The government moved amendments to the banking laws on Friday, allowing account holders to propose up to four nominees either successively or simultaneously (with the proportion of their shares specified), in an effort to bring more clarity to the inheritance of bank deposits. Proceedings of the Lok Sabha underway during the Monsoon Session of Parliament. (HT PHOTO)

The Banking Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2024, introduced by minister of state for finance Pankaj Chaudhary in the Lok Sabha on behalf of Union finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman, aims to protect depositors interests and improve the governance standards of financial institutions, including cooperatives that act as banks.

According to an official who requested anonymity, the Bill ensures consistent reporting by banks to the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), enhances protection for depositors and investors, improves audit quality in public sector banks, and increases the tenure of directors (other than chairperson and whole-time director) in cooperative banks.

The official added that the Bill offers greater flexibility and convenience for depositors and their legal heirs by including provisions for simultaneous and successive nominations, particularly concerning deposits, articles in safe custody, and safety lockers.

The Banking Regulation Act of 1949 will be amended to replace the words one person with one or more persons not exceeding four, either successively or simultaneously in sub-section (1) of section 45ZA. The Bill stipulates that when a nomination is made successively in favour of more than one person, it shall be effective only in favour of one person in the specified order of priority. In the case of a simultaneous nomination in favour of multiple persons, the nomination shall be effective in proportion to the declared percentage.

In the latter scenario, nomination will be limited to four or fewer people and will need to explicitly state the proportion of amount of deposit in percentage in favour of each nominee. If, however, one of the multiple nominees dies, their proportion will be treated as having not been assigned a nominee.

Some Opposition members opposed the introduction of the Bill, arguing that it subsumed amendments in five Acts, including the Reserve Bank of India Act, 1934, the Banking Regulation Act 1949, the State Bank of India Act, 1955, the Banking Companies (Acquisition and Transfer of Undertakings) Act 1970, and the Banking Companies (Acquisition and Transfer of Undertakings) Act, 1980. Sougata Ray, the Trinamool Congress MP from Dum Dum (AITC), questioned the approach of amending four different laws in a single Bill, deeming it unnecessary, superfluous, and against the peoples interest.

Sitharaman defended the governments approach, citing past examples and emphasising the prudence of amending related Acts simultaneously instead of repeating the process through separate legislation. She assured Congress leader Manish Tiwari that the Bill does not infringe upon the powers of states, as it covers only those cooperatives that act as banks and not primary agricultural cooperative societies. Sitharaman explained that the route taken was necessary when dealing with related functions of banks, whether under cooperative societies or banks.
Chinese researchers develop unmanned system for tunnel emergency rescue

Xinhua) 15:27, August 10, 2024

BEIJING, Aug. 9 (Xinhua) -- The China Aerospace Science and Industry Corporation (CASIC) on Friday said it has developed an unmanned emergency rescue system for tunnels, with independent intellectual property rights.

Compared to highway rescues, tunnel rescues face a multitude of difficulties, including terrain intricacies, diminished perceptual capabilities, the absence of satellite signal coverage, restricted access to the incident site, and a lack of effective navigational tools, according to the CASIC.

The researchers overcame key technical challenges in their development of the system, such as those related to autonomous tunnel navigation, radar obstacle detection and avoidance, autonomous route planning, tunnel communication transmission, and ultra-low-altitude firefighting.

The system has successfully implemented autonomous navigation in tunnels devoid of satellite signal, enabling the intelligent recognition and precise location of fire sources and individuals. It is designed to deliver rescue equipment and fire-extinguishing materials accurately, facilitating a swift response at the onset of a fire. The innovative system effectively tackles such difficulties as the absence of satellite signal and traffic jams during expressway tunnel fires.

The system has undergone successful trials related to autonomous navigation in tunnels, autonomous obstacle avoidance and the deployment of fire-extinguishing grenades. It is poised for broader application across a range of emergency rescue scenarios, including firefighting on expressways.

(Web editor: Cai Hairuo, Sheng Chuyi)
In the quiet fields surrounding Bareilly, a shadow of fear loomed over the past year. Women working alone in fields or venturing into wooded areas disappeared, their bodies later discovered strangled -- a grim signature left by a killer who seemed to strike at will. Kuldeep Kumar Gangwar

Over 13 months, nine women, aged 42 to 60, fell victim to what police now say was a single perpetrator, whose killing spree came to an end thanks to a chance tip last month.

The Uttar Pradesh Police identified the accused as 38-year-old Kuldeep Kumar Gangwar, who was apprehended on Thursday following an extensive search operation dubbed Operation Talash, according to district police officials. Gangwar, they added, has owned up to six murders, while there is evidence tying him to three more.

The accused targeted women whenever he found them alone working in fields and jungle areas, a senior officer said, speaking on condition of anonymity.

The killings occurred in villages near Bareilly between June 2023 and July 2024.

According to the officer, Gangwar would approach solitary women to make sexual advances. He would become violent and attack the women on facing denial or resistance and strangle them to death, the officer said.

However, sexual assault has not been confirmed in post-mortem reports of any of his victims, the officer added.

Police recovered items belonging to victims, including identity cards and personal effects, from Gangwars possession. He would items found on this victims -- bindi, lipstick, identity cards -- as trophies.

Investigators believe Gangwars troubled childhood may have contributed to his alleged crimes. The suspects father reportedly remarried whilst his mother was alive, leading to domestic violence that deeply affected Gangwar.

He developed much hate and anger for his stepmother and other women, the anonymous officer said, adding that he will be administered a mental health test.

Bareilly senior superintendent of police (SSP) Anurag Arya said police consulted clinical psychologists while investigating the cases to learn about the pattern followed by the serial killer.

During the probe, the police marked a 25-km radius around Shahi and Sheeshgarh police station limits to identify suspects, he said.

We formed 22 teams to trace the killer and assigned them different work related to scanning call details of around 150.000 suspicious mobile numbers, scanning footages of over 1,500 CCTV cameras, installation of 600 new CCTV cameras and study modus operandi or the pattern of crime, he added.

The SSP said the breakthrough came when some people reported having seen Gangwar commit the murder of Anita Devi in Bhujia Jageer village under Shahi police station limit on July 3, which helped the create his first sketch.

On Thursday, Gangwar was identified and arrested by a team from Shahi police station from near the banks of the Mathiya with the help of a tip and previously prepared sketches and videos, the SSP said.

The latest victim, Anita Devi from Haujpur village, was found with strangulation marks on July 2. The first victim was Kusma from Khajuria village who was killed almost a year ago on July 22.

The lack of leads prompted Inspector General of Police (Bareilly Range) Rakesh Singh to take direct command of the investigation.
BJP MLA Kirori Lal Meena, who submitted his resignation as minister several days ago, said on Friday that he has given up the ministerial post in the Bhajanlal Sharma government in Rajasthan because party leaders did not give weightage to him. BJP MLA Kirori Lal Meena submitted his resignation as a minister in Rajasthan because party leaders didn't give him weightage, according to him(File Photo)

Also Read: Jaisalmer: Famous 12th century 'golden fort' wall collapses in heavy rain

Meena submitted resignation as cabinet minister following the BJP's underwhelming performance on some seats in the Lok Sabha polls in the state. However, his resignation has not been accepted yet.

Also Read: Two children in Rajasthan drown after going for a swim in Bharatpur river

"Maine to is Bhajanlal sarkar me mantri pad ko thokar isliye maar di jahaan main 45 saal se seva kar raha tha... un logon ne meri baat ko nahi rakha (I gave up the ministerial post in this Bhajanlal government because the people I have been serving for 45 years did not listen to me)," he said.

Also Read: Rajasthan govt considering enacting law for Uniform Civil Code: minister

Speaking at a tribal day function in Dausa, Meena addressed a large number of the community people and also asserted that he will not let any kind of tampering happen with reservation.

"Before the election, people used to say that (Prime Minister Narendra) Modi will come and will end reservation. Modi has come and it is the responsibility of Dr Kirori Lal that he will not let any kind of tampering happen with reservation," he said.
The Narendra Modi government on Saturday appointed 1987 batch Indian Administrative Services (IAS) officer TV Somanathan as Cabinet Secretary for a tenure of two years. He succeeds Rajiv Gauba, a 1982 batch IAS officer who had an unprecedented five year term as Cabinet Secretary.



The Appointments Committee of Cabinet has also approved the appointment of Shri TV Somanathan, IAS (TN:87) as an officer on special duty in the cabinet secretariat from the date he joins the assignment till he takes over as the cabinet secretary, the statement read.



Gauba was appointed as the cabinet secretary in 2019 for a term of two years. He was later given a year-extension in 2021 and then in 2022 and 2023. He is said to be the architect of the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019, under which the erstwhile state of J&K was bifurcated into two UTs following the abrogation of Article 370.



ALSO READ: Prefer a conservative approach while estimating GDP growth: Finance Secretary TV Somanathan is new Cabinet Secretary(File)

Who is TV Somanathan?

A 1987 batch IAS officer, Somanathan has held various positions in the Tamil Nadu government. He holds a Ph. D. in Economics from Calcutta University.

Prior to his appointment as finance secretary, Somanathan served as finance expenditure secretary from 2019 to 2021. He had replaced Girish Chandra Murmu, who was appointed the first lieutenant governor of the Union territory of Jammu and Kashmir.

He was also a joint secretary at Prime Minister's Office (PMO) between 2015 and 2017 and later served as additional secretary at the PMO. Somanathan also served for a brief stint as joint secretary at the ministry of corporate affairs. He was also deputed as director, corporate affairs at the World Bank in Washington DC.



In his parent cadre of Tamil Nadu, Somanathan served as managing director of Chennai Metro Rail Corporation Ltd from 2007 to 2010. He also served as joint secretary at the Chief Minister's office.
New Delhi, More than 12 years after a man was booked for the alleged dowry death of his wife, a court here has acquitted him, saying the prosecution has failed to provide cogent or convincing evidence to prove his guilt. Delhi court acquits man of dowry death, cruelty charges

Additional Sessions Judge Sharad Gupta was hearing a case against Satender Gautam, who was accused of harassing and beating up his wife Poonam for dowry, because of which she committed suicide by consuming poison in November 2011.

Taking note of the evidence before it, including the testimonies of the deceased's parents, the court said the prosecution was unable to prove that the woman was subjected to cruelty or harassed for dowry.

"This is especially more so when apparently, her family members were not even aware of the marriage of the deceased with the accused," it said in a recent order.

It noted the prosecution's version of a quarrel between the woman and the accused the day before her death.

However, the deceased's friend, Sneha, who testified about the quarrel, was not a "sterling witness" as she had "flip-flopped and changed her stance" during the proceedings, the court said.

"There is nothing on record to suggest that the actions of the accused instigated deceased Poonam to take her life or that he conspired with others to ensure that the person committed suicide or any act of the accused or omission instigated the deceased, resulting in the suicide," the judge said.

"Fights between husband and wife are a normal part of domestic wear and tear and are a part of everyday life. It could not be said that the accused, by quarrelling with the deceased, had intended to abet the suicide," he added.

The court said as the prosecution has failed to discharge the burden of proving the accused's guilt beyond a reasonable doubt by providing cogent or convincing evidence, the latter has to be exonerated.

"There is a long distance between may be true and must be true. It is the cardinal principle of criminal jurisprudence that an accused is presumed to be innocent," the court said, acquitting the man.

The Najafgarh police station here had registered an FIR against the man in February 2012.

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Ghaziabad, Members of a Hindu right wing outfit assaulted a group of people living near a railway station here and destroyed their shanties, claiming that they were Bangladeshi infiltrators, police said on Saturday. Fringe group attacks shanty-dweller Muslims in UP calling them Bangladeshi infiltrators, 2 held

Bhupendra Chowdhary, the president of the Hindu Raksha Dal, and Badal alias Hariom Singh were arrested in connection with the case late Saturday, they said.

Officials said that those attacked are not Bangladeshis and an FIR had been lodged against Chowdhary, also known as 'Pinky,' and 20 others for rioting, hurting religious feelings and other offences.

Some of the residents were injured in the incident that occurred around 7.30 pm on Friday, they said.

Ghaziabad Police Commissioner Ajay Kumar Mishra told PTI, "Those living in the shanties are from Shahjahanpur , not Bangladesh."

"The police are contemplating invoking the National Security Act against the attackers in the case," Mishra added.

The incident occurred near Guldhar railway station when Chowdhary along with 20 of his supporters reached there, according to the police.

The group accused the residents of being illegal Bangladeshi immigrants and went on to vandalise their temporary shelters, the police said.

According to ACP Abhishek Srivastava, on receiving information about the incident, an investigation was conducted which revealed that the victims were not Bangladeshi nationals.

Sub-Inspector Sanjiv Kumar, who was on duty in Sanjay Nagar Sector-23, filed the First Information Report at the local Madhuban Bapudham police station.

In his complaint, Kumar alleged that after hearing some commotion, he along with his police team arrived at the scene, where they observed Pinky and his supporters abusing and assaulting some Muslims while shouting anti-Bangladeshi slogans. The group also demolished the shanties.

"I tried to explain to them that these people are not from Bangladesh, but they continued beating them and damaging their shelters," Kumar alleged in his complaint.

The FIR has been lodged against Chowdhary and 20 unidentified individuals under relevant provisions of the law, the police said.

ACP Srivastava said that legal action will be taken against those involved and the culprits will be apprehended soon.

Chowdhary is the only named accused in the FIR, which was lodged under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita sections 191, 115 , 117, 299 , 324 and 354 .

This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text.
A group of right-wing extremists attacked Muslims living near a railway station in Ghaziabad on Friday evening, accusing them of being Bangladeshi infiltrators. The assault, carried out by members of the Hindu Raksha Dal, left several residents injured and their makeshift shelters destroyed. The group shouted anti-Bangladeshi slogans as they vandalised the shelters and assaulted the residents.

The attack, which took place around 7:30 p.m., was led by Bhupendra Chowdhary, known as 'Pinky,' the president of the Hindu Raksha Dal. He and about 20 of his supporters descended on the shanties, accusing the residents of being illegal Bangladeshi immigrants.

The group shouted anti-Bangladeshi slogans as they vandalised the shelters and assaulted the residents, most of whom were Muslims, according to police.

Sub-Inspector Sanjiv Kumar, who was on duty nearby, reported that he arrived at the scene with his team to find Pinky and his supporters abusing and assaulting some Muslims while shouting anti-Bangladeshi slogans.

"I tried to explain to them that these people are not from Bangladesh, but they continued beating them and damaging their shelters," Kumar recounted in his complaint.

Ghaziabad Police Commissioner Ajay Kumar Mishra confirmed that the residents were not Bangladeshi nationals.

"Those living in the shanties are from Shahjahanpur, not Bangladesh," Mishra said, adding that the police are considering invoking the National Security Act (NSA) against the perpetrators.

ACP (Kavinagar) Abhishek Srivastava said that legal action will be taken against those involved and the culprits will be apprehended soon.

An FIR has been lodged against Pinky and 20 unidentified individuals for rioting, voluntarily causing hurt, and other offences under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). The charges also include deliberate acts intended to outrage religious feelings, as the victims were targeted for their Muslim identity.

Attack on Hindus in Bangladesh

The attack comes at a time when Hindus and other minority communities in Bangladesh are facing attacks in 52 districts since the fall of the Sheikh Hasina-led government on August 5.

Bangladesh's interim leader Muhammad Yunus on Saturday condemned attacks on the minority communities in the violence-hit nation, terming them as "heinous", and urged the youth to protect all Hindu, Christian, and Buddhist families from harm.

With PTI inputs
Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari has written to Punjab chief minister Bhagwant Mann, expressing serious concerns over recent attacks on engineers and contractors associated with the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) in Jalandhar and Ludhiana. Union road and transport minister Nitin Gadkari (File Photo)

The minister said that he had been informed about two incidents which occurred recently on the Delhi-Katra Expressway projects, adding, In one incident in Jalandhar District, the Engineer of the Contractor was brutally assaulted.

He cited another incident in Ludhiana district, where the project camp of the contractor of Delhi-Katra Expressway was attacked by miscreants and also threatened engineers of burning the project camp and their staff alive.

Gadkari urged the Punjab government to take immediate corrective measures, including the registration of FIRs and strict action against those responsible for the attacks.

Read: Final stretch of Char Dham near China border to be 10m wide: Gadkari

The Union minister stressed that such steps are necessary to restore confidence among NHAI officers and the staff of concessionaires working on various highway projects.

"It is pertinent to note that due to pending issues related to land acquisition and the prevailing law & order conditions, concessionaires have requested to foreclose contracts and have raised claims against NHAI. If the situation does not improve, NHAI will have no other option but to cancel/terminate 8 other severely affected projects with a total length of 293 km costing 14,288 crore," Gadkari warned.

Read: Congress takes dissent, rumblings jibe at PM Modi over Nitin Gadkari's letter to FM Nirmala Sitharaman

Punjab Police responds

Punjab Inspector General of Police (IGP) Sukhchain Singh Gill assured that the situation is under control and that the matter is being closely monitored by the chief minister. Gill said that a Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been constituted to investigate the incidents, and FIRs have already been registered.

"It is under CM review. We have constituted an SIT on it and FIR has been registered. The law and order situation is under control. There were two such incidents and we will look for security if needed by NHAI," Gill told reporters.
New Delhi: The ministry of information and broadcasting (MIB) told the Rajya Sabha on Friday that the government is guided by a differentiated approach for content regulation on over-the-top (OTT) platforms such as Netflix and Amazon Prime Video, and cable TV networks. (Representative Photo)

Minister of state for information and broadcasting, L Murugan, in a written response to Trinamool Congresss (TMC) Dola Sen, said that this is because content on OTT platforms is consumed on-demand, while content on cable TV networks is distributed in a linear manner.

Fridays response came amid MIBs attempts to draft a new law to regulate all broadcasters, including online streaming platforms and, arguably, all user-generated content online.

The latest version of the Broadcasting Services (Regulation) Bill, or BSRB, can classify all online content creatorsfrom independent journalists on YouTube and Instagram to thought leaders on LinkedIn to newsletter writers who write about crochetingas either OTT broadcasters or as digital news broadcasters, as the case may be.

The new version of the bill, which has been watermarked to trace leaks and was given to select stakeholders between July 24 and July 25, has drawn significant concerns and criticism about its opaque consultation process and about the governments attempts to control online media, in particular independent journalists on YouTube.

To be sure, both the 2023 and 2024 versions of the BSRB allow the central government to prescribe different programme and advertising codes for OTT broadcasters and linear broadcasters. In at least three meetings that the MIB held with industry stakeholders between May 29 and July 9, ministry officials assured the industry that the government would differentiate between the programme code for traditional broadcasters (such as Sony, Star, and Zee) and online streaming services, HT had reported on July 12. When a top Airtel official had argued that could lead to regulatory arbitrage between broadcasters and streaming platforms, I&B secretary Sanjay Jaju rejected it.

In response to Sens question, Murugan, citing the annual reports of the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI), said that the number of cable TV subscribers had declined from 103 million in March 2020 to 64 million in March 2023, excluding DTH and free dish subscribers. The decline may be partly attributable to the advent of Over-the-Top platforms, he said.
New Delhi, The Delhi High Court has sought the Delhi government and the NIA's response on a plea by a terror funding case accused seeking quashing of a circular not allowing e-mulakat and telephone facilities to prisoners without a no-objection certificate from an investigating agency. HC asks Delhi govt, NIA to reply to plea against circular stopping prisoner's telephone facilities

The audio-cum-video e-mulakat is an extension of the inmate phone call facility.

The circular, which was issued by prison authorities in April this year, deals with prisoners covered under Rule 631 of the Delhi Prison Rules. Those covered by the Rule include people charged in offences against the State, for terrorist activities and henious crimes, and under laws such as the Maharashtra Control of Organized Crime Act, the National Security Act and the Public Safety Act.

Justice Sanjeev Narula issued notice to the Delhi government and the National Investigation Agency on the petition filed by Masasasong AO seeking to set aside the circular and direct the authorities to restore or allow the facility of e-mulakat and telephone facilities to him.

Advocate M S Khan, representing Masasasong, submitted that the petitioner, arrested in February 2020 and lodged in Tihar jail, was granted permission to make phone calls to his minor sons and daughter for five minutes every day from the prison.

He said the petitioner has aged parents who are at the fag-end of their lives and are struggling to cope with their age-related ailments. He is deeply concerned about the welfare of his parents and children, and communication facilities were the only solace available to him, Khan said.

"Discontinuation of the communication facilities provided to the petitioner is in sheer contravention of not only the provisions of Delhi Prison Rules, 2018 but also the impugned circulars, moreover, no reason given on the part of the respondents to withdraw/ stop the facilities which is otherwise available to the petitioner and introduced with the pious objective of allowing the inmates to communicate with their near and dear ones," the plea said.

It said the circular infringes the fundamental right to life and personal liberty guaranteed under Article 21 of the Constitution as the right of an under trial to communicate with his family and counsel is an essential component of fundamental rights.

The plea said the circular and the consequent action on the part of the authorities discriminate against inmates without any reasonable classification or justification.

According to jail rules, prisoners covered under Rule 631 are not eligible for communication facility in the interest of public safety and order.

However, the jail superintendent will be empowered to take appropriate decisions on an individual case to case basis with the prior approval of Deputy Inspector General , the rules stated.

According to the circular, the inmate phone call facility can be permitted to prisoners covered under Rule 631 of Delhi Prison Rules, 2018, and also for those who are lodged in high security ward, only after obtaining no-objection certificate or approval from the concerned prosecuting agencies.

The jail superintendent shall provide the landline/mobile numbers furnished by the inmate to the prosecuting agency for their NOC/approval of such facility from jail, it said.

The circular said e-mulakat facility is an extension of inmate phone call facility which is at a higher pedestal, and therefore, more scrutiny or precaution is required for keeping in view of security threat or any other misuse of such facility by the inmate or by his/her visitor through e-mulakat.

Later an addendum was issued to the circular and it stated that for prisoners who are already availing the facility of e-mulakat/telephone facility on or before April 22, 2024, the facility will remain in force till the NOC from the investigating agencies is obtained. PTI SKV ANB ANB

This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text.
Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) chairperson Madhabi Puri Buch and her husband Dhaval Buch have denied allegations against them by short-seller Hindenburg Research in its latest report, PTI reported. Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) chairperson Madhabi Puri Buch.(PTI)

Hindenburg Research, a US-based investment research firm, has alleged that Madhabi Puri Buch and Dhaval Buch owned stakes in offshore entities linked to the Adani Group's alleged financial misconduct.

Citing "whistleblower documents", the report claims that these entities were part of a network used by Vinod Adani, Gautam's elder brother, to "siphon money". It further argued that SEBI's impartiality in conducting a probe against Adani Group is questionable due to the potential conflicts of interest.

In response, Buchs said in a statement that the allegations are untrue and that their life and finances are an open book.

"In the context of allegations made in the Hindenburg Report dated August 10, 2024 against us, we would like to state that we strongly deny the baseless allegations and insinuations made in the report," they said, according to PTI.

"The same are devoid of any truth. Our life and finances are an open book. All disclosures as required have already been furnished to SEBI over the years," the statement added.

They further said they have no hesitation in disclosing any and all financial documents, including those that relate to the period when they were strictly private citizens, to any and every authority that may seek them.

"Further, in the interest of complete transparency, we would be issuing a detailed statement in due course," they added, according to PTI.

In January 2023, Hindenburg Research had accused Gautam Adani, then the third wealthiest person in the world, of carrying out the biggest con in corporate history, a charge denied by him. Later that year, the Supreme Court of India directed SEBI to investigate the allegations against Adani.

What Hindenburg Research said in its latest report

Citing whistleblower documents, Hindenburg Research said that Madhabi Buch and her husband had undisclosed investments in obscure offshore funds in Bermuda and Mauritius, the same entities allegedly used by Vinod Adani, brother of Gautam Adani, to manipulate the financial markets.

These investments reportedly date back to 2015, well before Madhabi Buchs appointment as a full-time member of SEBI in 2017 and her elevation to SEBI chairperson in March 2022.

The report alleges that just weeks before Buchs appointment to SEBI, her husband requested the transfer of their investments into his sole control, potentially to avoid any scrutiny related to her new regulatory role.

"In the letter, Dhaval Buch requested to "be the sole person authorised to operate the Accounts", seemingly moving the assets out of his wife's name ahead of the politically sensitive appointment," it alleged.

The couples investments were reportedly funnelled through a complex, multi-layered offshore structure, raising questions about their legitimacy and purpose.
Citing whistleblower documents, US-based short seller Hindenburg Research on Saturday said that Madhabi Buch, chairperson of market regulator SEBI (Securities and Exchange Board of India) and her husband Dhaval Buch, had stakes in offshore entities linked to the Adani Group's alleged financial misconduct. Chairperson of the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) Madhabi Puri Buch (PTI/File Photo)

In January 2023, Hindenburg Research had accused Gautam Adani, then the third wealthiest person in the world, of carrying out the biggest con in corporate history, a charge denied by him. Later that year, the Supreme Court of India directed SEBI to investigate the allegations against Adani.

SEBI, which had been investigating the Adani Group even before the Hindenburg report, had told a Supreme Court-appointed panel that the market regulator was investigating 13 opaque offshore entities that held between 14% and 20% across five publicly traded stocks of the conglomerate. However, It hasn't stated if two of its incomplete probes have since been completed.

Madhabi and Dhaval Buch had hidden stakes in the exact same obscure offshore Bermuda and Mauritius funds, according to this latest Hindenburg revelation.

Here are 10 key highlights of the report:

(1.) Madhabi and Dhaval Buch allegedly had stakes in offshore entities connected to the Adani Group's financial misconduct.

(2.) These entities were part of a network used by Vinod Adani, Gautam's elder brother, to siphon money.

(3.) The impartiality of SEBI is questionable due to potential conflicts of interest.

(4.) Its investigations into the Adani Group were lenient.

(5.) Concerns raised about the 'transparency' of the market regulator's leadership.

(6.) Alleged offshore funds were obscure and had complex structures.

(7.) Lack of action against Adani Group highlighted as suspicious.

(8.) Offshore funds were central to the Adani money siphoning scandal.

(9.) Emphasis on the alleged connection between Buch's personal interests and her regulatory role.

(10.) Greater scrutiny needed into SEBIs investigations into the Adani Group.
External affairs minister S Jaishankar on Friday said India's partnership with the Maldives is based on its deep desire to work together for each other's welfare and interests, as he emphasised that the relationship with Male was one of the cornerstones of India's Neighbourhood First policy. EAM Jaishankar to meet Maldives President Dr Mohamed Muizzu today

Jaishankar arrived in Male for a three-day official visit to reset the bilateral relationship with the Maldives, the first high-level trip from India after the archipelago nation's pro-China president Mohamed Muizzu assumed office last year.

The visit follows a period of strained relations between the two countries earlier this year, when three Maldivian ministers and some parliamentarians made derogatory remarks about Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Tensions escalated further after the Maldives, under new President Mohamed Muizzu, reiterated its demand for the withdrawal of Indian troops from the country. As a result, the Indian military personnel were replaced by civilians.

Muizzu, known for his pro-China stance, led an India out campaign against the then Maldivian President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih. Muizzu defeated the India-friendly Solih in the presidential runoff held in September.

During his election campaign, Muizzu promised to remove Indian military personnel from the Maldives, a pledge he fulfilled.

These Indian military personnel were stationed to operate and maintain two helicopters and a Dornier aircraft that New Delhi had gifted to Male.

Muizzu notably made China his first overseas destination as president and signed several defense agreements with Beijing.

Muizzu suspended three ministers after their social media posts, which caused concern in India and led to calls for a boycott by Indian tourists, who were the largest group visiting the Maldives, followed by Russians, with Chinese tourists ranking third.

However, relations between the two countries now seem to be improving.

In May, after Maldivian foreign minister Moosa Zameer Zameers visit to New Delhi, India extended a $50 million loan to the Maldives at Males request.

India has removed export restrictions on items such as potatoes, onions, eggs, rice, wheat flour, sugar, dal, stone aggregates, and river sand, significantly benefiting Maldives' construction sector.

In June, Muizzu attended Prime Minister Narendra Modis swearing-in ceremony. Muizzu described his first official visit to India as a success".

Jaishankar's joint press conference with Maldivian counterpart

Addressing a press conference with Moosa Zameer after their talks, Jaishankar said, "India's partnership with the Maldives is based on our deep desire to work together for each other's welfare and interests. It is a partnership that has enabled us to always swiftly and effectively respond to challenges as witnessed in the past."

"Maldives is one of the cornerstones of our 'Neighbourhood First' policy, it is also one of our Vision SAGAR, as well as of our commitment to the Global South. To put it succinctly in the words of my Prime Minister Narendra Modi  for India, neighbourhood is a priority and, in the neighbourhood, Maldives is a priority," he said.

"We also share the closest of bonds of history and kinship," Jaishankar said.

This visit is an opportunity to take stock of what both countries have achieved together as well as to chart out an aspirational blueprint for the coming years, Jaishankar said.

Jaishankar will also call on President Muizzu on Saturday.

The projects to be launched

Jaishankar said over the next three days, we will be showcasing the results of our partnership and demonstrate how it has enabled the Government of Maldives to build infrastructure, broaden the economic base, make the economy more robust and resilient.
New Delhi: India and the Maldives on Friday signed an agreement on introducing the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) in the Indian Ocean archipelago, with external affairs minister S Jaishankar saying it will have a positive impact on tourism. EAM S Jaishankar met with Maldivian counterpart Moosa Zameer in Male (X/@DrSJaishankar)

The memorandum of understanding (MoU) on the digital payment system was signed between the National Payments Corporation of India and the Maldives economic development and trade ministry after Jaishankar concluded his meeting with his Maldivian counterpart Moosa Zameer.

Jaishankar began a three-day visit to the Maldives on Friday, his first since the government of President Mohamed Muizzu assumed office in November 2023. The visit is being seen as part of efforts to reset bilateral ties, which ran into rough weather after Muizzu took several steps to reduce his countrys dependence on India and to move it closer to China.

The two sides also renewed another MoU between Indias National Centre for Good Governance and the Civil Service Commission of the Maldives for an additional 1,000 slots for training Maldivian civil servants.

At a joint media interaction with Zameer, Jaishankar said UPI has taken financial inclusion to new levels, with 40% of the worlds real-time digital payments taking place in India. The MoU signed on Friday is the first step towards bringing this digital innovation to the Maldives..

I wish the very best to stakeholders on both sides and hope that we will soon see the first UPI transaction here. I should mention that it will have a very positive impact on tourism, he said.

The two ministers jointly inaugurated six community development projects, including a speech therapy unit, a mental health unit, and a child development centre at three different hospitals, that were implemented with Indian grants.

Despite the recent downturn in bilateral ties, which began with Muizzus demand last year for the removal of more than 80 Indian military personnel deployed in the Maldives to operate two helicopters and an aircraft mainly used for humanitarian missions, New Delhi continued with its development aid for Male.

On Saturday, the Indian side is set to hand over 28 water and sewage projects and a reclamation and shore protection project in Addu city.

Zameer thanked India for providing vital budgetary support to the Maldives with the rollover of treasury bills worth $50 million and described India as an important source market for tourism.

Referring to cooperation in the defence and security sector, Zameer said: This ongoing collaboration reflects our commitment to work together to ensure the security of our nations as well as ensuring the security and stability of the Indian Ocean region.

Zameer said the two sides will continue their cooperation in combating terrorism, violent extremism, drugs, and human trafficking, while Jaishankar described the Maldives as one of the cornerstones of our Neighborhood First policy.

Jaishankar is scheduled to meet Muizzu and the Maldivian ministers for economic development, finance, and defence on Saturday.

Referring to new challenges arising from international conflicts, Jaishankar said, In this tumultuous environment, India has been and will be, an anchor of stability for its friends, partners and neighbours.
Police in Jammu and Kashmir's Kathua have released sketches of four terrorists, saying that they were last seen in the higher reaches of the district. The sketches released by Kathua Police on social media (Courtesy: X/@KathuaPolice)

Also, a reward of 20 lakh has been declared for actionable information on the terrorists.

Kathua Police releases sketches of 04 terrorists who were last seen in dhoks (mud-houses) of Malhar, Bani & Seojdhar. A reward of 05 lakhs on each terrorist for an actionable information. Anyone with credible information of terrorists will also be suitably rewarded, it said in a post on X (formerly Twitter) on Saturday.

In recent months, the Jammu region has witnessed several terror attacks, starting with the June 9 targeting of a pilgrim bus in Reasi, resulting in the killing of 11 passengers. The Reasi attack unfolded even as prime minister Narendra Modi was taking oath for his third consecutive term, in New Delhi.

On July 8, terrorists ambushed a patrol of the Indian Army in Kathua's Machedi, with five soldiers, including a Junior Commissioned Officer (JCO) losing their lives. On July 15, four soldiers, including a Captain, were killed in action in an encounter with a separate group of terrorists in Doda district's Desa forests.

On July 26, the 25th anniversary of India winning the Kargil War vs. Pakistan, PM Modi, who visited the Kargil War Memorial in Ladakh, warned Pakistan that its nefarious plans would never materialise.

"Pakistan faced defeat whenever it carried out any misadventure. It has not learned any lessons from history. Today I am speaking from a place where the masters of terror can hear my voice directly. I want to tell these patrons of terrorism that their nefarious intentions will never succeedour soldiers will crush terrorism with full force, and the enemy will be given a befitting reply, he vowed in his address.
Chandigarh, The kingpin of the 487 kg cocaine smuggling case in Germany has been arrested by the Punjab Police in a joint operation with central agencies, a top police officer said on Saturday. Key man behind smuggling of 487 kg cocaine in Germany, held in Punjab

Simranjot Singh Sandhu, 30, was arrested after leads police got from local drug smugglers Beant Singh and Sukhdeep Singh who were nabbed with 1 kg heroin on June 16.

At their instance, police booked one Mandeep Singh, who is presently based in the USA, and Simranjot Singh Sandhu, who was allegedly searching for heroin buyers in Punjab at Mandeep's directions, Director General of Police Gaurav Yadav said.

The DGP termed Sandhu the lynchpin of an international drug cartel, and wanted in Germany for several drug offences.

Preliminary investigations have revealed that Sandhu played a major role in smuggling drugs in India and other European countries, he said.

Inspector General of Police Headquarters Dr Sukhchain Singh Gill said police arrested Sandhu a native of Gokhuwal village in Batala from Bhaloor village in Moga.

Sandhu had gone went to Germany in 2002 and worked as a taxi driver.

Between March 2020 and June 2020, he stored and transported at least 487 kg cocaine, 66 kg marijuana and 10 kg hashish. The contraband was supplied from Brazil and other South American countries and landed at the port of Hamburg Germany.

Sandhu used to communicate through encrypted mobile app 'Encrochat', through which the drug network was unearthed by the Germany Police, the IG said.

Sandhu was convicted for eight years and six months under the Narcotic Drugs Act by a German court on February 28, 2022, but he fled to Dubai in July 2023 and then came to India in September 2023.

The IG said over these 11 months, Sandhu stayed at various places, including Amritsar, Chandigarh, Rajasthan, and Moga to evade arrest.

This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text.
The Indian Medical Association (IMA) on Saturday issued a strong statement demanding immediate action in the alleged rape and murder of a second-year postgraduate resident doctor in Kolkata and warned of nationwide protests if the demands are not met within 48 hours. Junior doctors, PGT doctors, house staff, interns, and other medical professionals start indefinite cease work protest by lighting mobile torch over the alleged rape and murder of a trainee doctor at R G Kar Medical College & Hospital in Kolkata, India, on Saturday, August 10, 2024. (Photo by Samir Jana/ Hindustan Times)

The IMA expressed deep shock over the murder of the trainee doctor and condemned the prevailing conditions that allowed such a heinous crime to take place on campus.

"The entire medical fraternity of India is shocked beyond words at this brutal murder," the IMA said. This crime is an index of the anarchy and insecurity prevailing on the campus.

The body of the young doctor, a trainee in the department of chest medicine, was found in a semi-naked state in the seminar hall of R.G. Kar Medical College on Friday morning. The autopsy report pointed to the sexual assault of the medical student before being strangled and smothered to death.

The harrowing details of the injuries, which include bleeding from the eyes, mouth, and private parts, as well as multiple other injuries, have intensified the call for swift justice.

"There was bleeding from both her eyes and mouth, injuries over the face and nail. The victim was also bleeding from her private parts. She also has injuries in her belly, left leg neck, in her right hand, ring finger and lips," the four-page report said.

Read: Resident doctors' body calls for swift action in Kolkata student's murder, threatens nationwide shutdown

The IMA outlined three key demands, including a thorough and unbiased investigation into the case, a comprehensive inquiry into the conditions that enabled this crime, and urgent implementation of measures to improve the safety and security of doctors, particularly women, in their workplaces.

The association has given the authorities a 48-hour ultimatum to arrest those responsible and address these demands. Failure to do so, the IMA warned, would result in nationwide protests, with the medical community prepared to take decisive action.

Police arrested one person for his alleged involvement in the sexual assault and murder of the trainee doctor. A city court on Saturday ordered a 14-day police remand for the accused, an outsider, charged under sections 64 (rape) and 103 (murder) of the BNS.

CPI(M) protests in Kolkata

Meanwhile, the CPI(M) workers held a rally in Kolkata demanding justice in the murder case.

The city which we used to call 'City of Joy' has now become 'City of Bhay' (City of Fear). Here, even a doctor is not safe. The Principal (of RG Kar Medical College and Hospital) is close to CM Mamata Banerjee...The Police Commissioner of Kolkata was suppressing the case...We demand a judicial inquiry into this matter," CPI(M) West Bengal secretary, Md Salim told ANI.
Manish Sisodia of the Aam Aadmi Party posted a selfie with his wife on social media on Saturday morning, a day after walking out of jail. In the photo, Manish Sisodia is seen enjoying a cup of tea with his wife, Seema Sisodia. Manish Sisodia with his wife Seema Sisodia (Photo - X)

The heartwarming selfie by the former Delhi deputy chief minister comes a day after the Supreme Court granted him bail in the Delhi liquor policy case on August 10. Manish Sisodia had been lodged Tihar jail for the last 17 months.

Posting on X in Hindi, Manish Sisodia wrote, First morning tea of independence..after 17 months! The freedom that the Constitution has given to all of us Indians as a guarantee of the right to live. The freedom that God has given us to breathe in the open air with everyone.

Manish Sisodia stepped out of Tihar jail at around 6:45pm on August 9, and said that that he got bail due to the power of the Constitution. He said that the same power will soon be applied to Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal, who is also in jail in the excise policy case.

Party leaders Atishi, Sanjay Singh, and Durgesh Pathak reached Tihar Jail to receive Sisodia and stood in the rain holding umbrellas as they waited for the former Delhi deputy chief minister to come out.

Not only me but every person of Delhi and children of the country were with me emotionally in jail. I thank the Supreme Court from the bottom of my heart for using the power of the Constitution to give a tight slap to the dictatorship in the country, Sisodia said after his bail.

After his release from Tihar, Sisodia visited Arvind Kejriwal's home and met his wife Sunita Kejriwal, as well as other family members. He was seen hugging Kejriwal's wife and children, and greeted his parents by touching their feet.

Around 9.30 pm, Sisodia reached his previous official residence at Mathura Road, currently allotted to minister Atishi. The house is where his family still stays.

While granting Sisodia bail, a Supreme Court bench consisting of Justices B R Gavai and K V Viswanathan said, As observed time and again, prolonged incarceration before being pronounced guilty of an offence should not be permitted to become punishment without trial.

(With inputs from agencies)
Imphal: The turmoil in Bangladesh has significantly impacted its trade with Meghalaya, which shares a 443km international border with the neighbouring country, people aware of the matter said. Meghalaya is the key exporter of coal, limestone, and boulders to Bangladesh (File Photo)

People mentioned above said that transactions through various land ports and borders that usually deal in essential commodities like food grains, onions, sugar, and local fish from Bangladesh have been disrupted.

They said that the Meghalaya government has temporarily suspended these trade activities amid the ongoing unrest, considerably affecting the local economy in the border villages.

While the residents are largely silent on the issue, the potential long-term impact on the local economy on both sides is evident. The state has been missing out on significant revenue from mineral royalties and customs duties. Meghalaya is also the key exporter of coal, limestone, and boulders to Bangladesh.

Sanjay Goyal, Meghalayas commissioner and secretary for industries, confirmed that the state has seen a revenue drop of approximately Rs.2.54 crore in just five days due to the closure of the border trade.

Conservative estimates, in consultation with the customs department, suggest a loss exceeding Rs.2.5 crore, with around 32.5 MT of limestone and boulders failing to cross the border, Goyal said.

He assured that the state government is actively engaging with the government and the central agencies to resolve the issue as swiftly as possible.

Also Read: How turmoil in Bangladesh is affecting turmeric export in Hingoli

The key trade points that have been affected due to closure include the Dawki Integrated Check Post (ICP), Ghasuapara Land Customs Station (LCS) in South Garo Hills, Borsora LCS in West Khasi Hills, and Shella LCS in East Khasi Hills. Border haats in Balat, Ringku, Majai, Nalikata, and Kalaichar have also been closed since August 8, 2024.

A senior customs official based in Shillong said, The department is maintaining strict vigilance at all trade points and is currently assessing the revenue loss. We expect to have detailed data by Monday.

Dolly Khonglah, a prominent exporter from Dawki, highlighted the gravity of the situation, stating that approximately 1,000 trucks carrying limestone and boulders daily are now at a standstill. We transport limestone at 12 MT per truck and boulders at 5 MT per truck through the Dawki ICP, so the volume of loss is substantial, Khonglah explained.

Khonglah also noted that while there are no issues on the Indian side, Bangladeshs customs offices have been vandalized by criminal elements. Furniture and fixtures have been looted, and the offices are empty. The Bangladesh customs have requested time to resume operations so that trade can restart as soon as possible, she added.

Inspector General Harbax Singh Dhillon of the Border Security Force (BSF), Meghalaya Frontier, reported that troops and field commanders are on high alert. The situation at the international border is being closely monitored to address any unforeseen issues. Senior officers and commandants are stationed at the border, operating in mission mode, he said.

Mankhraw Ryngksai, the village headman of Dawki, reassured that there is no immediate threat to the border populace. Everything is normal on the Indian side, and the local people are assisting the BSF in whatever manner needed. The situation is being managed well.

Due to credible intelligence indicating potential increases in cross-border movements by Bangladesh nationals, insurgency groups, smugglers, and other criminal elements, the state government has decided to keep the trade points closed until the situation stabilises, officials aware of the matter have said.

On August 5, 2024, the state government imposed a curfew along the international border from 6pm to 6am daily, pending further notice. A meeting with stakeholders, including the BSF and state police, has been convened to address potential risks and discuss measures to handle the situation effectively.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday evoked the harrowing memories of the 1979 Morbi dam disaster in Gujarat after he visited the landslide-devastated areas of Wayanad district, Kerala, offering empathy and assuring all possible support from the central government. Prime Minister Narendra Modi visits the landslide-affected area in Wayanad on Saturday. (ANI Photo)(DPR)

The prime minister was on a day-long visit to Wayanad, where he conducted an aerial and on-the-ground survey of the destruction caused by the July 30 landslides, which have claimed over 200 lives and left many more missing.

Read: PM Modi on meeting landslide victims in Kerala's Wayanad: Disaster not normal

Speaking at a review meeting after his tour, Modi reflected on his experience with the Morbi disaster, one of the deadliest dam failures in India's history.

"I have seen and experienced a disaster very closely. About 45-47 years ago, there was a dam in Morbi, Gujarat. Heavy rains occurred, and the dam was completely destroyed, leading to water flooding Morbi city. There was 10-12 feet of water in the entire city, and more than 2,500 people died," Modi recounted.

"I stayed there for about six months as a volunteer...I can well understand these circumstances and I assure you that the country and the Government of India will leave no stone unturned," he added, expressing his deep understanding of the suffering faced by those in disaster-stricken areas.

Read: Rahul Gandhi faces a UPA II hurdle in PM Modi declaring Wayanad as national disaster

Modi surveys damage

During his visit, Modi trekked through the severely impacted Chooralmala region, where he surveyed the extensive damage and interacted with rescue personnel, state officials, and local residents. He also visited a relief camp in Meppadi, spending time with survivors, including children who had lost family members in the landslides. Visuals from the visit showed Modi offering comfort to the victims, placing his hands on their shoulders as they recounted their traumatic experiences.

The prime minister was accompanied by Kerala governor Arif Mohammed Khan, chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan, and Union minister Suresh Gopi. Together, they walked on a 190-foot Bailey bridge constructed by the army in Chooralmala following the disaster.

Modi's visit also included an aerial survey, where he observed the origins of the landslide at Iruvazhinji Puzha (River) and some of the worst-hit areas, including Punchirimattam, Mundakkai, and Chooralmala.

As Modi departed Wayanad, he assured the state of Kerala that the central government would provide all necessary resources to aid in recovery and rebuilding efforts.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited disaster-stricken areas in Kerala on Saturday and promised all support from the Union government in relief and rehabilitation of the survivors, eleven days after two massive landslides pulverised densely populated settlements in Wayanad, killing at least 229 people and leaving 130 more missing. Wayanad, Aug 10 (ANI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi visits the landslide-affected area in Wayanad on Saturday. (ANI Photo) (DPR)

Accompanied by chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan, governor Arif Mohammad Khan and Union minister of state (MoS) Suresh Gopi, the PM undertook an aerial survey of the devastated hamlets of Chooralmala, Mundakkai and Punchirimattom aboard an Indian Air Force chopper.

This disaster is not normal. The dreams of several families have been crushed, said Modi, speaking later at a meeting with the states top functionaries.

Also Read | Modi in Wayanad: PM recalls 1979 Morbi disaster as he vows to leave no stone unturned

Visuals showed the state chief secretary V Venu accompanying Modi as his helicopter flew over the grim landscape where in the early hours of July 30, a massive flow of earth, boulders and slush cascaded down the hill to flatten homes, schools, shops and religious structures.

Apart from the official fatality figure of 229, at least 198 incomplete body parts, most of which have not been identified, have been retrieved from under the rubble and from the nearby Chaliyar river.

Following the aerial survey, Modi, along with top officials, returned to the SKMJ school ground in Kalpetta, where he was received by state ministers PA Muhammad Riyas and K Rajan and local MLA T Siddique. He then proceeded by road to Chooralmala, one of the most-affected villages, where he was seen trekking through the area strewn with massive boulders, trunks of trees and damaged homes.

Also Read | PM Modi on meeting landslide victims in Kerala's Wayanad: Disaster not normal

The PM then spent at least 50 minutes walking through the most-affected sites, surveying the damage to the Government Higher Secondary School in Vellarmala and collecting information about the impact of the disaster from district collector DR Meghasree, state police ADGP MR Ajith Kumar and the chief secretary.

He also crossed the temporarily-constructed bailey bridge and interacted with army personnel who took part in the rescue operations.

Subsequently, PM Modi visited a relief camp set up at a government high school in Meppadi where he spoke with around 12 survivors of the disaster including children who had lost both parents.

Ayyappan, a Mundakkai resident who interacted with the PM, later told reporters, I told the PM that I lost nine members of my family including my elder brother in the landslide. I conveyed only one request: a permanent home. He held my shoulders and said that the country stands with us. I am hopeful that the Centre will grant a special relief package for Wayanad.

The PM then proceeded to the Aster Wayanad Speciality Hospital where he interacted with some of the injured, followed by a review meeting that he chaired at the district collectorate in Kalpetta.

The CM, governor Khan, MoS Gopi, state ministers, bureaucrats and MLAs were among those who attended the meeting.

At the meeting, Modi said: I have seen the impact (of the landslide) there and I spoke with the survivors who saw the disaster unfold in front of them. The results of our collective work was on display on the first day itself when I told the chief minister that we will try to mobilise all resources to the disaster site. I also sent our MoS there as soon as we heard the news.

He described how he had seen the similar impact of a natural disaster in 1979 during the collapse of the Machchu dam in Morbi, Gujarat. When the dam collapsed due to heavy rain, water filled the town of Morbi, inundating hundreds of homes. Around 2,500 people died. I worked as a volunteer there at the time for up to six months and I have seen homes filled with mud and slush. I can imagine how tough the circumstances must have been for people (here) to battle the mud and survive, he said.

Modi underscored the need to stand with survivors and ensure their long-term rehabilitation, and said he has asked the state government to send a detailed memorandum on the impact of the disaster. As soon as the memorandum comes, we will consider it generously to find solutions to all the problems. The Centre will stand with the Kerala government. I can promise that the rehabilitation works will not be suspended in the absence of funds, he added.

In a statement, CM Vijayan said he requested the PM to declare the landslide as a calamity of severe nature, provide financial aid for the rehabilitation of survivors and assist the state in battling long-term climate change challenges.

On Friday, the state government conveyed to a central team that visited Wayanad that at least 2,000 crore would be needed for rehabilitation efforts.

A detailed assessment of the damages is underway. The prima facie assessment is that the damages are worth thousands of crores. The state will submit a detailed petition to the central government in this regard later, he said.

Vijayan said the pre-monsoon heat wave in the state and the landslide in Wayanad were the result of the climate crisis as he urged Modi PM to open special centres and regional offices with advanced studies of agencies like Geological Survey of India (GSI), India Meteorological Department (IMD) and Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS).

Modern systems need to be put in place for weather monitoring. High resolution hazard assessment tools, land use planning maps and digital elevation model based on LiDAR can be used for that, the CM said.

The PM left by chopper from Kalpetta for Kannur airport shortly around 5 pm and departed for Delhi later by Air India One.
External affairs minister S Jaishankar and Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu on Saturday participated in the official handover ceremony of completed water and sewerage projects across 28 islands in the Maldives. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar calls on Maldives President Dr Mohamed Muizzu.(@DrSJaishankar)

"It was a pleasure to meet Dr S Jaishankar today and join him in the official handover of water and sewerage projects in 28 islands of the Maldives," Muizzu posted on X, sharing a photograph of the meeting.

I thank the Government of India, especially Prime Minister Narendra Modi for always supporting the Maldives. Our enduring partnership continues to strengthen, bringing our nations closer through cooperation in security, development, and cultural exchange. Together, we build a brighter, more prosperous future for the region, he added.

Read: India, Maldives sign agreement on UPI

The meeting between Muizzu and Jaishankar comes amid a three-day official visit by the external affairs minister to the Maldives, a visit aimed at resetting and deepening the bilateral relationship following Muizzu's ascension to the presidency last year.

Strained India-Maldives ties

Muizzu, who is known for his pro-China stance, has previously taken steps that strained ties with India, including a demand for the withdrawal of Indian military personnel stationed in the Maldives.

Despite these initial tensions, the latest engagements signal a concerted effort by both nations to renew and reinforce their partnership.

During the handover ceremony, President Muizzu reiterated his recognition of India's longstanding support for the Maldives. "India has always been one of the closest allies and invaluable partners, facilitating and providing aid whenever the Maldives has needed it," he said.

He extended deep gratitude to Prime Minister Modi, the Indian government, and the "friendly people" of India for their "generous and continued assistance" to the Maldives.

The Maldives is one of India's key maritime neighbours in the Indian Ocean region and the overall bilateral ties, including in the areas of defence and security, witnessed an upward trajectory under the previous government in Male.
Russia on Saturday denied having engaged in any public or obscure campaigns in fraudulent schemes to recruit Indian citizens for military service in the country.



In a statement quoted by ANI, the Russian Embassy in Delhi stated,"The Embassy expresses deep condolences to the Government of India and the families of the deceased."



Earlier, the Narendra Modi government had said in Parliament that eight Indian nationals had died while serving in the Russian forces.



 The agencies concerned in both countries work in close coordination for early identification and discharge of Indian nationals who voluntarily contracted for military service in Russia. All contractual obligations and due compensation payments will be fulfilled in full measure, the Russian embassy statement added.



ALSO READ: Recruitment of Indians by Russian Army is of utmost and deep concern: New Delhi



"Since April this year, the Ministry of Defence of the Russian Federation has stopped the admission of citizens of several foreign countries, including India, to military service in the Russian Armed Forces. The Embassy outlines that the Russian Government has at no point of time been engaged in any public or obscure campaigns, more so in fraudulent schemes to recruit Indian nationals for military service in Russia." the statement read. The Narendra Modi government had said in Parliament that eight Indian nationals had died while serving in the Russian forces(Representational image)

Awaiting release of 69 Indian nationals: Jaishankar

On Friday, external affairs minister S Jaishankar had told the Lok Sabha that the Centre is awaiting the release of 69 Indian citizens recruited into the Russian army, adding that in many cases there are indications that they were misled into joining the military in that country.

"We should not jump the gun and say Russians are not serious on this matter. I think it is important to hold the Russian government to their word and most important for us, we are not here to score points or enter into debates. We are here to get back those 69 people because Indian citizens should not be serving in the army of foreign countries," he said in reply to queries by All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) MP Asaduddin Owaisi.



(With agency inputs)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said the landslides in Wayanad is not normal.



I have been taking information about the landslide since the time I got to know about the incident. All the agencies of the Central Govt who could have helped in the disaster were mobilised immediately, the prime minister was quoted by ANI as saying at a meeting to review rescue and rehabilitation efforts for the victims of landslide that have killed more than 200 people. Prime Minister Narendra Modi visits the relief camp to meet and interact with the victims and survivors of the landslide, in Wayanad on Saturday. (ANI)

"This disaster is not normal. The dreams of thousands of families have been shattered. I have seen the situation on the spot. I met the victims at relief camps who faced this disaster. I also met the injured patients in the hospital," he added.



During the review meeting, Modi assured all support to the state in rehabilitation. The prime minister said that the Centre will make all efforts to fulfil all state government requests.



ALSO READ: Rahul Gandhi faces a UPA II hurdle in PM declaring Wayanad as national disaster



Kerala chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan, governor Arif Muhammed Khan, Union minister Suresh Gopi, state ministers A Rajan, AK Saseendran, PA Mohammed Riyas, and Kerala ADGP (law and order) MR Ajith Kumar were also present.



The prime minister along with Vijayan also conducted an aerial survey of the landslide-hit areas. He later met the survivors at a relief camp.

As many as 226 people have lost their lives and over 130 remain missing in one of the worst calamities to have struck Kerala in the early hours of July 30.



Kerala seeks national disaster tag for Wayanad tragedy

The Kerala government has requested the Centre declare this a national disaster and a severe calamity. The Central Government has constituted an Inter-Ministerial Central Team (IMCT) to visit the affected areas of the State and review the situation.



ALSO READ: Kerala government unveils financial aid for victims in landslides-hit Wayanad



All those affected in Mundakkai and Chooralmala areas will receive this assistance. An adult member from families who have lost their livelihood will receive a daily allowance of Rs. 300. This benefit will be available for up to two individuals per family.



(With ANI inputs)
The prosecution in the Pune Porsche crash case has claimed that blood samples were not only swapped for the 17-year-old accused but also for his two friends who were with him. This was done at the government-run Sassoon hospital to show that they were not under the influence of alcohol, news agency PTI reported. It was revealed in sessions court that the blood samples of two friends accompanying the accused involved in the Pune Porsche crash were also replaced. (File Photo)(HT_PRINT)

The sessions court, which is hearing the bail applications of six accused in the Kalyani Nagar (Pune) hit-and-run case, is investigating the alleged involvement of the accused's parents Vishal and Shivani Agarwal, middlemen Ashpak Makandar and Amar Gaikwad, as well as Sassoon hospital's Dr Ajay Taware and Dr Shreehari Halnor.

Also Read: Pune Porsche case: Teen driver submits road safety essay as part of bail conditions

The accused, who is a minor, was released from an observation home following a high court order. However, his parents and doctors at the Sassoon hospital remain under the scanner due to accusations of his blood samples being replaced to establish he was not drunk during the hit-and-run.

Also Read: Pune Porsche accident: Teen's friends bring new twist in case amid sample row

The incident in question took place on May 19, when the drunk minor allegedly killed two 24-year-old IT professionals on a motorbike after hitting them with his Porsche car in Kalyani Nagar, Pune.

In his arguments against the bail plea, special prosecutor Shishir Hiray claimed that Dr Halnor, in spite of his knowledge of forensic medicine and the legal consequences of his actions, replaced the blood samples of the 17-year-old driving the car, and his two friends, after the accident.

Also Read: Pune Porsche crash: Teen's father, grandfather booked in separate case of suicide

The prosecutor told additional sessions judge that this was orchestrated by the parents of the minor and Dr Taware - who received Rs. 2.5 lakh for it.

The statement of a trainee (resident) doctor who was asked to collect blood samples of Shivani Agarwal, was presented in court. As per the police, the minor's blood samples were replaced with those of his mother.

In the case of his two friends, the plan was to use the blood samples of their their mothers as a substitute as well, according to another resident doctor. However, the prosecutor shared that this could not be done because one mother-son duo did not share the same blood group, while the other's mother had also consumed 30 ml of alcohol.

Therefore, the samples of two other men were switched with the blood of the boys. The trainee doctors were instructed to use dry cotton instead of cotton dipped in alcohol (spirit) to avoid possible alcohol contamination, the prosecutor added

The prosecutor also cited the statement of another resident doctor, to whom Dr Halnor allegedly handed over the 2.5 lakh in cash he had received. Dr Halnor also did not allow any junior doctor to prepare the notes and did it himself, he said.

"Dr Halnor came to his hostel at B J Medical College on May 23 and told him he had received some money through Dr Taware, and since he had no cupboard in his hostel room, requested him to keep it in his cupboard. When the friend asked him what did he receive the money for, Dr Halnor said he will explain it later and he had done nothing wrong," advocate Hiray said.

An eye witness at the scene of the crime said that a mob had gathered after the crash and pulled the minor driver out of his car. The minor could not stand properly, indicating his intoxication, the prosecutor said.

Just a few hours later, in a preliminary medical report, Dr Halnor gave a negative finding on alcohol consumption, he pointed out.

Prosecutor Hiray, assisted by advocate Sarthi Pansare, will continue his arguments on Monday.
New Delhi: While Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi has urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Centre to declare the Kerala's Wayanad landslides  that killed over 400 people  a national disaster, a 2013 reply in Parliament by a Congress-led UPA government minister shows that no concept of national disaster exists under the rules of the central government. Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi visited a landslide-hit area in Wayanad district on Augusts 2.(PTI)

On Saturday, PM Narendra Modi will visit Wayanad to evaluate the ongoing relief and rehabilitation operations and engage with survivors of the recent landslides in the region.

On Sunday, the Bharatiya Janata Party responded to demands from various quarters, including Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, who was elected to the Lok Sabha from Wayanad in 2019 and 2024, to declare the devastating landslides a national disaster, saying that such a concept doesn't exist under central government guidelines, a policy unchanged since the UPA government's tenure.

A 2013 Parliament document accessed by HT shows then minister of state for home, Mullappally Ramachandran, stated that there is no provision to declare a natural disaster as a national disaster.

"The concept of a 'national disaster' does not exist under the Central government's guidelines, a fact that has been the case since the UPA government's tenure. This was explicitly stated by the then Union Home Minister, Mullappally Ramachandran, in a response to a question in the Lok Sabha on August 6, 2013," said Muraleedharan, who is also a former Union Minister.

He also stated that state governments concerned are primarily responsible for undertaking necessary recue and relief measures in the wake of natural disasters.

The priority is immediate relief and response assistance in the context of a natural calamity. As such there is no fixed prescribed norms, he had said.

However, for calamity of a severe nature, additional assistance is also considered from the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF) after following the established procedure, the reply stated.

At least 400 people died and many remain unaccounted for after landslides hit Mundakki, Chooralmala and Vellarimala villages in district Wayanad on July 30 in what is seen as one of the biggest natural disasters to have impacted the southern state.

Centre's rescue and relief efforts in Wayanad
Noida Supernova rave party: The Uttar Pradesh Police on has busted a rave party after conducting a raid on a flat at a posh society in Noida sector-94 and detained 39 university students, some minors, news agency PTI reported. Information about the rave party at the Supernova residential apartment was received on Friday night, a Noida Police spokesperson said. The Noida Police spokesperson said a team reached the spot and detained 39 students of a well-known university.

The Noida Police spokesperson added that a team reached the spot and detained 39 students of a well-known university over the rave party. The age of the detained students is between 16 and 20 years, the police told PTI.

According to the police, a large number of Haryana-labelled alcohol bottles and hookahs among other things were recovered from the flat.

According to the police, a large number of Haryana-labelled alcohol bottles and hookahs among other things were recovered from the Supernova flat.( @upuknews1/X)

During interrogation, it was found that students were invited for the party on WhatsApp. The entry fee was 500 per person and 800 per couple, the spokesperson said, added that a case has been registered.

Some reports, citing residents of the society, claimed that the students misbehaved with them when they were confronted. They also allegedly threw alcohol bottles off the balcony of the flat, NDTV reported.

During interrogation, it was found that students were invited for the party on WhatsApp.( @upuknews1)

House party that is going to be a total blast. Join us at our crib at 6 pm and let's make some memories that'll last, NDTV reported citing the invite message.

FIR against Elvish Yadav

In November last year, the Noida Police had busted another high profile rave party after receiving a complaint from an NGO alleging that an organised group was selling snake venom at parties.

Five men were arrested while Bigg Boss OTT winner and YouTuber Elvish Yadav was named in the FIR. The 26-year-old YouTuber has refuted all charges against him and expressed willingness to cooperate with the probe.

The police had recovered 20 ml of snake venom, five cobras, one python, a couple of two-headed snakes and a rat snake. Police later said krait venom' was found in samples sent to the FSL lab in Jaipur.

A case was lodged on a complaint by an official from animal rights group, PFA (People For Animals). PFA chairperson and BJP leader Maneka Gandhi had also accused Elvis Yadav of involvement in illegally selling snake venom and sought his immediate arrest.
The Federation of Resident Doctors Association (FORDA) has written to Union Health Minister JP Nadda, demanding immediate action in the murder of a second-year postgraduate resident doctor at R.G. Kar Medical College in Kolkata. Medical students and doctors of RG Kar Medical College & Hospital staged a sit-in protest after the murder of a trainee doctor in Kolkata on Saturday, August 10, 2024. (Photo by Samir Jana)

The body of the young doctor, a trainee in the department of chest medicine, was found semi-nude in the hospital's seminar hall on Friday morning. According to an initial autopsy report, the trainee doctor had been sexually assaulted before being strangled and smothered to death.

The harrowing details of the injuries, which include bleeding from the eyes, mouth, and private parts, as well as multiple other injuries, have intensified the call for swift justice.

The circumstances surrounding the death of this young doctor, found in the hospital seminar hall, are deeply disturbing, with credible allegations of assault, rape, and murder emerging, the letter read.

In their letter, FORDA highlighted the "glaring deficiencies in security" at medical institutions, stressing that the safety of healthcare professionals is of paramount importance. They demanded an immediate, impartial, and transparent investigation into the crime, with strict action against the perpetrators and those responsible for maintaining security at the hospital.

The letter also called on the government to expedite the implementation of the 'Central Protection Act for Doctors,' which aims to safeguard medical professionals from violence and ensure their safety while on duty.

The association warned that if their demands are not met, they may be forced to escalate their actions, potentially leading to the shutdown of medical services across the country within 24 hours.

We will continue to monitor developments closely and will provide further directives as necessary, it added.

1 arrested

The Kolkata Police have formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the crime, and one suspect, an outsider with suspicious activities, has been arrested.

"We have arrested one person, who is an outsider. His activities are quite suspicious and he seems to be directly involved in the crime," a police officer told PTI.
Political slugfest has erupted in Telangana over the collapse of the retaining wall of an under-construction intake well and pump house complex at Sunkishala near Nagarjunasagar dam on Krishna river in Nalgonda district due to heavy inflows into the river in the early hours of August 2. BRS working president KT Rama Rao blamed it on the negligence on the part of chief minister A Revanth Reddy, who also handles the municipal administration portfolio, for the collapse of the retaining wall of the Sunkishala project. (PTI)

While opposition Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) blamed the Congress government for its negligence in overseeing the project works and demanded a judicial probe into the incident, the Congress alleged that it was due to the poor quality of construction of the project during the BRS regime at a cost of 2,215 crore.

BRS working president KT Rama Rao blamed it on the negligence on the part of chief minister A Revanth Reddy, who also handles the municipal administration portfolio, for the collapse of the retaining wall of the Sunkishala project.

KTR said: The incident took place due to lack of proper supervision of the project works despite the caution of the engineers not to erect gates during the flood season.

He demanded government order for an inquiry into the incident, involving the public exchequer, with a sitting or retired judge.

Though the incident happened on August 2 when the assembly session was on, the government deliberately avoided informing the assembly and the people, he said.

He demanded that the government keep the contracting agency executing the work in blacklist till the inquiry was over, if the government was sincere about the incident.

The Sunkishala project was taken up by the BRS government to draw water from the foreshore of Nagarjunasagar reservoir when the water level goes down to the minimum draw-down level (MDDL) of 462 feet, to meet the drinking water needs of Hyderabad.

For extracting water from the Nagarjuna Sagar reservoir, three tunnels were being constructed below the MDDL, and an intake well was being built to channel the water coming through these tunnels. Gates were installed to manage the water flow from these tunnels and a retaining wall was constructed for protection during the construction of the intake well.

On August 1, the retaining wall of the Sunkishala intake well collapsed. As a result, Krishna water entered the surge pool through these tunnels, breaking the gates.

A senior official of the Hyderabad Metro Water Supply and Sewerage Board (HMWS&SB) said construction materials including earthmoving equipment and machinery submerged in the water. There was no loss of life in the incident as it happened during the time when workers change shifts, he said.

After the wall collapse on August 2, deputy chief minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka visited the project site. He later lashed out at the BRS working president for criticising the present government, instead of accepting the blunder committed by the previous BRS government.

He said it was the same contractor, who was responsible for the collapse of the retaining wall at Lakshmi pump house of Kaleshwaram project on July 22, who was awarded the contract for Sunkishala project as well.

Vikramarka said the Congress government would definitely order an inquiry to ascertain the quality of all the projects on Krishna River taken up during the time of BRS government in the wake of the Sunkishala incident.

Kaleswaram and Sunkishala projects were constructed under BRS government rule. Kaleshwaram project got sunk even before water was released and Sunkishala projects shoddy work got exposed after water was released, Vikramarka said, adding that it was during the BRS government that the retaining wall for Sunkishala project was built.
New Delhi: Russia said on Saturday that it had stopped recruiting Indian nationals into its armed forces in April this year and that authorities are working for the early discharge of Indians who voluntarily contracted for military service. About 50 Indian nationals serving with the Russian military had approached Indian authorities seeking help to be discharged (Reuters Photo)

The Russian embassy in New Delhi outlined the position on Indians serving in the Russian military a day after external affairs minister S Jaishankar informed Parliament on Friday that the two sides have differing views on the status of 91 Indians recruited into the Russian military.

Jaishankar said in Lok Sabha during question hour that India takes the matter very seriously and has pressed Russia to ensure the release and repatriation of all its citizens serving in the Russian armed forces. Eight Indians have been killed so far while serving with Russian units on the frontlines of the war with Ukraine.

Since April this year, the ministry of defence of the Russian Federation has stopped admission of citizens of a number of foreign countries, including India, to military service in the Russian Armed Forces, the Russian embassy said in a statement.

The agencies concerned in both countries work in close coordination for early identification and discharge of Indian nationals who voluntarily contracted for military service in Russia, the statement said.

Also Read: Awaiting release of 69 Indians citizens from Russian Army: Jaishankar in Lok Sabha

The embassy said it was responding to requests from the media to comment on Indian citizens in service in the Russian armed forces as there have been unfortunate instances of casualties among them in the course of the special military operation in Ukraine.

The Embassy expresses deep condolences to the Government of India and the families of the deceased, the statement said. All contractual obligations and due compensation payments will be fulfilled in full measure, it added.

The embassy said the Russian government has at no point of time been engaged in any public or obscure campaigns, more so in fraudulent schemes to recruit the Indian nationals for military service in Russia.

Jaishankar had on Friday outlined the differing views of the two sides on the matter: The problem...is that the Russian authorities maintain that these Indian nationals entered into contracts for service with the Russian Army. We are not necessarily subscribing to that.

He further said many Indians recruited into the Russian military were misled, and they were told that they were going for some other job and then deployed with the Russian Army.

Jaishankar said a total of 91 Indians were recruited into the Russian Army, and 14 of them were discharged or had come back to India. Sixty-nine Indian citizens are currently awaiting release from the Russian Army.

Besides the eight Indians who died on the frontlines of the war with Ukraine, several more, recruited as support staff such as cooks and helpers, have been injured.

Jaishankar said he had raised the issue numerous times with his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi raised it with President Vladimir Putin when he visited Moscow in July. Modi received an assurance from Putin that any Indian national in service with the Russian Army will be discharged and released.

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has registered a criminal case against 19 individuals and entities for their alleged role in recruiting Indian nationals for the Russian Army. Two accused were arrested on April 24 and two more on May 7.
New Delhi There is no provision for creamy layer in the reservations for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes in the Constitution, and the government is committed to upholding it, the Union Cabinet said on Friday, hinting that the Centre will not take up a suggestion by the Supreme Court to institute income-based exclusions in the quota. Vaishnaw said the government was dedicated to upholding the Constitution. (PTI)

The remarks by Union minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, while briefing the media about the decisions taken by the Cabinet, came days after several members of a seven-judge Constitution bench called on governments to evolve criteria to institute creamy layer within SC/ST quotas.

Vaishnaw said the government was dedicated to upholding the Constitution.

The Supreme Court had pronounced a judgment regarding the reservation and made a suggestion regarding SC and ST reservation. Today a detailed discussion took place during the Cabinet meeting and the well thought through decision is that the NDA government is committed to adhering to the provisions of the Constitution formed by BR Ambedkar. According to BR Ambedkars Constitution, there is no provision for creamy layer within SC and ST, Vaishnaw said.

The Cabinet also announced 10 million houses for urban poor and middle-class families under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Urban 2.0 scheme, financial assistance for the construction of 20 million houses under Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana  Gramin (PMAY-G) during 2024-25 to 2028-29, eight new railway projects at a total estimated cost of 24,657 crore, a Clean Plant Programme (CPP) with an outlay of 1,766 crore to revolutionise Indias horticulture sector, and an extension of the PM Jeevan programme, which promotes production of ethanol from biomass.

The pronouncement came hours after leaders from the SC and ST communities from the Bharatiya Janata Party met Prime Minister Narendra Modi to urge the government not to implement the courts suggestion. Allies such as the Lok Janshakti Party had also opposed the suggestion and announced that they would take legal recourse.

Currently, creamy layer is only implemented for other backward classes (OBC) quota, where people with more than 8 lakh in annual income cannot avail benefits.

On August 1, the Supreme Court ruled that state governments have the authority to create subclassifications within the Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs) for the purpose of preferential reservations. By allowing subclassification, the Supreme Court opened the door for states to identify and provide targeted benefits to the most disadvantaged sub-groups within the broader SC/ST categories, provided they base their decisions on empirical evidence and rational criteria.

The decision by a seven-judge Constitution bench was passed with a 6-1 majority. Chief Justice of India Dhananjaya Y Chandrachud, and justices BR Gavai, Vikram Nath, Pankaj Mithal, Manoj Misra and Satish Chandra Sharma comprised the majority while justice Bela M Trivedi dissented.

The bench rendered six separate opinions. CJI Chandrachud wrote an opinion for himself and justice Misra while justices Gavai, Nath, Mithal and Sharma wrote separate but concurring opinions. Justice Trivedis dissenting opinion affirmed the 2004 Chinnaiah ruling.

But in his verdict, justice BR Gavai articulated the need for the exclusion of the creamy layer within SCs and STs from the benefits of reservation policies so as to ensure that the benefits of affirmative action reach those who are genuinely in need, rather than those who have already transcended their social disadvantages.

Historically, the Supreme Court had confined this principle to the OBCs, explicitly stating that it had no relevance in the case of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes. However, justice Gavai challenged this long-held position, arguing that it is time to re-evaluate the exclusion of the creamy layer from SC/ST reservations in light of contemporary realities.

The judges opinion was supported by CJI Dhananjaya Y Chandrachud, and justices Vikram Nath, Pankaj Mithal, Manoj Misra and Satish Chandra Sharma.

Though it was not an order and only a suggestion, the creamy layer discussion triggered an uproar and stoked anger among SC and ST communities.

In a post on X, LJP leader and Union minister Chirag Paswan said respecting the sentiments of millions of SC/ST people and those of his late father Ram Vilas Paswan, the PM accepted that even today discrimination was being carried out, and in such a situation provisions like creamy layer have no place.

The Prime Minister has assured that the reservation provisions made by Baba Saheb Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar will remain the same. There will be no tampering with the reservation. After the Supreme Courts decision, my party also expressed its strong opposition to this decision. In such a situation, we express gratitude for this historic decision of the Prime Minister, he said in the post in Hindi.

Following the courts observation, BJP leaders speaking on the condition of anonymity had said that while there was merit subcategorisation to ensure benefits of reservation percolate to the poorest and most marginalised, the issue of creamy layer will have an adverse impact. Several party leaders explained that the concept of creamy layer that is at present limited to the OBCs, will be opposed by the SC and STs that still face discrimination and exclusion.

The leaders also feared that the suggestion to implement creamy layer could have an adverse impact on the BJPs outreach towards the communities and its electoral fortunes.

The Congress, on its part, had said that the Supreme Court suggestion reinforces the need for a nationwide caste census and the need to remove the cap of 50% ceiling on reservation through a constitutional amendment.
The initial autopsy of the post-graduate trainee doctor in Kolkata, whose body was found at a state-run hospital on Friday, found that she was murdered following a sexual assault. The autopsy also ruled out suicide, and a case has since been filed at the Tala Police Station. Medical students protest demanding justice in the murder of a woman postgraduate trainee doctor at the state-run RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata. (PTI)

This is not a case of suicide; the woman was murdered following sexual assault, a police officer told news agency PTI.

Earlier in the day, the partially clothed body of the woman, a post-graduate trainee doctor, was found inside the seminar hall of the government-run hospital in the city.

The 28-year-old victim was a second-year student in the respiratory medicine department at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. Her body, marked by multiple injuries, was found in the chest seminar room on the fourth floor of the emergency building, according to a senior police officer.

A doctor from the hospital, who preferred to remain anonymous, said, She had dinner with her juniors around 2am. She then went to the seminar room because there was no separate on-call room to rest. In the morning, we found her body there.

According to the police, five people on duty with her Thursday night have been questioned.

Here are the details of the autopsy report

The four-page report indicated that there was bleeding from the womans genital area, along with injury marks on other parts of her body.

"There was bleeding from both her eyes and mouth, injuries over the face and nail. The victim was also bleeding from her private parts. She also has injuries in her belly, left leg neck, in her right hand, ring finger and lips," it said.

A senior police official said the crime occurred between 3 and 6 am.

Her neck bone was also found broken. It seems that she was first strangulated and then smothered to death. We are waiting for the full report of the autopsy, which will help us identify the culprits, he was quoted as saying by PTI.

The Kolkata Police has established a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to investigate the crime, which includes members from the homicide department and other specialised units.

BJP demands CBI probe

Leader of the Opposition and BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari called for a CBI investigation into the death of the 28-year-old postgraduate trainee doctor in Kolkata. He also urged student groups to protest against the state government's inadequate response.

According to PTI, chief minister Mamata Banerjee contacted the woman's parents to promise appropriate action against those responsible. Ruling Trinamool Congress leader Santanu Sen said, We seek a fair, transparent, and comprehensive investigation into the incident.

The Mamata Banerjee administration has always prioritised the safety and security of women, said Sen, who is a former national president of the Indian Medical Association.

Meanwhile, postgraduate trainee doctors at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital have halted work in all departments except the emergency ward, demanding the immediate arrest of the perpetrators.
Kolkata, Senior Trinamool Congress leader Abhishek Banerjee on Saturday asked the Centre introduce a Bill in Parliament to fast-track trial and conviction of rapists and murderers within a week, ensuring they receive exemplary punishment. TMC leader Abhishek pushes for legislation to expedite justice in brutal rape and murder cases

Banerjees comments came soon after an administrative meeting at Amtala in his Diamond Harbour constituency.

Talking to reporters on RG Kar Hospital issue, the TMC national general secretary criticised BJP leaders for protesting on the streets following the brutal sexual assault and murder of a postgraduate trainee doctor in a state-run hospital, urging them instead to press the Centre to pass a Bill for swift justice.

Banerjee assured that the Trinamool Congress, as the opposition at the Centre, would support such a Bill, which would likely garner backing from other parties like the Congress and the Left.

He emphasised that such a law would prevent prolonged trials, which can last five to six years, and would save taxpayer money by ensuring that rapists and murderers do not live in society.

"These rapists, who dont deserve to live in society, should be dealt with either through encounter or by hanging," Banerjee asserted.

Acknowledging the failure of political parties to prevent heinous crimes against women in cases like Hathras, Unnao, Manipur, the Nirbhaya case in Delhi, and incidents in West Bengal, Banerjee called for reforms in the justice system to ensure swift and fair trials for such crimes.

He criticised the Centre for being more focused on extending the tenure of the Enforcement Directorate through ordinances than on ensuring speedy justice in rape cases.

Commending the swift action of the police in arresting a suspect within 24 hours of the incident, Banerjee stressed the need for stricter security measures in hospitals, questioning the free movement of people after 10 pm.

He also hinted at an impending organisational overhaul within the TMC, extending his earlier three-month deadline for action against party members not adhering to its principles to five months due to the festive season.

In response, BJP state president and Union Minister Sukanta Majumdar accused Banerjee of trying to deflect attention from the states failure to ensure womens safety in hospitals, calling his comments a desperate attempt to manage mounting public anger over the incident.

Majumdar criticised Banerjee's remarks, likening them to advocating for vigilante justice in a "banana republic," which he said has no place in India.

This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text.
The semi-nude body of a woman post-graduate trainee doctor was found inside the seminar hall of a government-run hospital in Kolkata on Friday, with police saying prima facie she was sexually assaulted and murdered. The victims mother said her daughter was found in a semi-naked condition with her spectacles broken. (Representational image)

The 28-year-old deceased was a second-year student of the respiratory medicine department of the RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. Her body, with multiple injury marks, was found in the chest seminar room on the fourth floor of the emergency building, a senior police officer said.

Preliminary autopsy report suggests that she was sexually assaulted and murdered. We have registered a case of murder, the senior officer said, adding a special investigation team (SIT) has been set up to probe the case.

The preliminary autopsy report, the officer added, also confirmed presence of blood marks on the womans private parts, mouth and eyes while there were injuries on her face, belly, left ankle, neck, right ring finger and lips. A bone near the neck region was broken suggesting that she was probably throttled to death, the officer said, adding the incident took place sometime between 3 am and 6 am.

The victims mother said her daughter was found in a semi-naked condition with her spectacles broken.

My daughter was raped and murdered, her father told reporters. She is gone. We cant bring her back. At least we should get justice. We last spoke to her around 11 pm on Thursday.

Chief minister Mamata Banerjee was learnt to have called the victims parents and assured them of an unbiased probe.

The 28-year-old was on duty on Thursday night, a doctor at the hospital told reporters, requesting anonymity. She also had dinner with her juniors and later went to the seminar room since there is no separate on-call room to take some rest.

On Friday morning, her body was found in the seminar room on the fourth floor of the emergency department building. A security guard first spotted the body. Her laptop, bag and mobile were found from the spot, the doctor added.

After receiving information about the incident, Kolkata police commissioner Vineet Goyal and West Bengal health secretary NS Nigam visited the hospital and held a meeting with senior hospital officials.

Police have collected the duty roster of doctors and other staff who were on duty on Thursday night at the hospital.

Investigation is going on. We are talking to doctors, nurses and others who were on duty with her last night. CCTV footage are being checked. However, there were no cameras installed in the seminar room, the IPS officer cited above said.

The incident triggered a protest at the hospital, with fellow PG trainees and doctors at the hospital demanded that the autopsy of the body be conducted in the presence of a judicial magistrate.

There should a judicial magistrate in the autopsy team along with two PG trainees and the family members, a doctor at the hospital told reporters. We have also demanded that the autopsy should be videographed.

Initially, PG trainees and doctors had refused to hand over the body to the police until their demands are met.

Officials familiar with the matter said the hospital has set up an 11-member probe committee, headed by Dr B Mukherjee, dean of the students body, to look into the incident.

The incident also triggered a political row in the eastern state, with the Opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) accusing the Mamata Banerjee government of trying to suppress the incident while the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) said the government will ensure a transparent probe.

We demand a CBI probe. The state machinery has failed completely. We want the autopsy should take place in a central government-run hospital, BJP legislator Agnimitra Paul told reporters at the hospital, where a group of party leaders and workers held a demonstration.

The TMC hit back, with party MP Santanu Sen saying: This is not a BJP-ruled state where cases are supressed and fake encounters are done. Under the Mamata Banerjee administration, the probe will take place in a transparent and unbiased manner and the guilty wont be spared.
Thane, Shiv Sena president Uddhav Thackeray on Saturday evening said his party workers were his `wagh-nakh', and he was not afraid of "Abdali". Earlier, as Thackeray arrived for a gathering of his party workers at the Gadkari Rangayatan auditorium here, workers of the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena staged a protest and threw tomatoes and cow dung at his convoy. Recently Uddhav Thackeray had dubbed BJP leader Amit Shah as "Ahmed Shah Abdali" after the Union home minister accused him of being the head of the "Aurangzeb fan club." "My Shiv Sainiks are my `wagh-nakh', I have no fear of Abdali," Thackeray said at the program. `Wagh-nakh' or tiger-claw, a hand-held weapon, is said to have been used by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj when he killed Bijapur sultanate general Afzal Khan in 1659. The weapon is currently on display at a museum in Satara. His party's original name and electoral symbol were "stolen" and the adversaries spent crores of rupees, still Shiv Sena candidates secured more than five lakh and four lakh votes in Thane and Kalyan Lok Sabha constituencies, respectively, Thackeray said. Both the seats, strongholds of the undivided Shiv Sena, were won by the rival Sena faction led by Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. Thackeray also noted that his party won Mumbai Graduates and Mumbai Teachers Legislative Council seats recently. Hitting out at the Shinde government's `Ladki Bahin' scheme under which eligible women will be getting 1500 per month, Thackeray said how did the 15 lakh shrink to 1500. " 15 lakh were promised to be transferred in each and every Indian's bank account....the amount has come down to 1500. People want their rights, and not alms," he said. Women should take benefit of the scheme announced ahead of assembly elections as it is their own money, but should not compromise on self-respect, the former chief minister added. Earlier, MNS workers staged a protest outside the Gadkari Rangayatan and some of them threw tomatoes, bangles and balls of dry cow dung at Thackeray's convoy. Police detained some MNS workers. Thackeray made no mention of the incident in his speech. On Friday, Sena supporters had thrown betel nuts at the convoy of MNS chief Raj Thackeray, Uddhav's estranged cousin, in Beed city.

Shiv Sena workers my `wagh-nakh', I have no fear of `Abdali': Uddhav
New Delhi: The Union Cabinet headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday approved a clean plant programme, an integrated horticulture development project aimed at tackling diseases caused by viruses in fruit and vegetable crops, along with nine state-of-the-art centres that will facilitate the scheme, Union information and broadcasting minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said, briefing reporters. The horticulture development project is aimed at tackling diseases in plants (Representative Photo)

The programme will ensure farmers get access to high-quality disease-free planting material developed by nurseries that will be certified for propagating superior quality saplings and seeds, according to a Cabinet note. The programme will be implemented by the National Horticulture Board in association with the Indian Council for Agricultural Research.

The minister said the programme, worth Rs.1,765 crore, will address different agro-climatic zones by developing region-specific varieties of clean plants, which refers to disease-free traits. Horticulture is a major source of income for farmers. This project will help raise both productivity and quality of our fruits and vegetables, Vaishnaw added.

Depending on their locations, the nine centres will cater to grapes, apples, almonds, walnuts, citrus fruits, mango, guava, avocado, litchi, and pomegranate, among major fruits, the note added.

High-quality fruits will enhance Indias export potential, the minister said, adding that the value of shipments of horticulture produce from the country had gone up to over 50,000 crore in the past 10 years. This years budget talked about emphasis on agricultural research. This programme is a step in that direction.

The Cabinet also cleared an extension of the PM Jeevan programme that promotes production of ethanol from biomass by another five years at a cost of Rs.1,900 crore, the minister announced. According to Vaishnaw, this will help to increase ethanol output in the country and increase blending of petrol. Ten years ago, the blending rate stood at 1.5%, while in July 2024, that number had risen to 16%. Ethanol would also be blended with aviation turbine fuel, he said.

Mixing petrol with ethanol is a high-priority national programme to help lessen the amount of oil India imports. Ethanol can also be produced from rice, maize, and biomass. On June 5, 2021, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the advancing of the target year for 20% ethanol-blending in petrol by to 2025.
Patna, A day after the Union Cabinet asserted that there was no provision for a creamy layer in the reservation for SCs and STs in the Constitution, Union Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi requested the Centre to address the needs of Dalit castes that are lagging behind. Union Minister Manjhi urges Centre to take steps to help lagging Dalit castes

Speaking to reporters here on Saturday, Manjhi, who previously served as Bihar Chief Minister from 2014 to 2015 and is currently the Union Minister for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises, emphasised the necessity for targeted measures to uplift less advantaged Dalit castes.

"I was present at the Union Cabinet meeting on Friday where it was confirmed that there would be no provision for a creamy layer within the SC and ST reservation quotas. During the meeting, I requested the government to introduce provisions aimed at improving the socio-economic conditions of those castes among Dalits who are currently lagging behind," he added.

Manjhi, the founder of Hindustani Awam Morcha and an ally of the NDA, pointed out that benefits from the SC/ST reservation system are predominantly enjoyed by only a few Dalit castes.

He explained, "Only three to four castes among Dalits are reaping the full benefits of the reservation system, including gaining positions as IAS and IPS officers and engineers. Meanwhile, several other Dalit groups, such as Bhuiya, Musahar, Dom, and scavengers, continue to lag significantly behind due to a lack of education and other factors. The government must implement specific measures to uplift these disadvantaged castes within the Dalit community."

The Union Cabinet, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, affirmed on Friday that there is no constitutional provision for a creamy layer within the SC-ST reservation framework as outlined by B R Ambedkar.

In contrast, Bihar BJP leaders welcomed the Cabinet's decision.

Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary expressed his support saying, "The Union Cabinet, chaired by the Prime Minister, has reaffirmed the governments commitment to uphold the constitutional provisions laid out by Dr B R Ambedkar. There is no provision for a creamy layer in SC/ST reservation according to the Constitution. The Cabinet has decided that SC/ST reservations will remain as per the constitutional guidelines."

This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text.
A standout moment of the opening ceremony of the Paris Olympics was when the French heavy-metal band Gojira played a version of the French song Ah! Ca Ira (Oh! Itll Pass).

The song, which dates to 1790, was a sort of anthem during the French Revolution, which began in 1789. As rain lashed the city, the band members, perched on window ledges at the Conciergerie (a former courthouse and prison that is now a museum), belted out their version with metal musics archetypal intensity and fury. Pyrotechnics lit up the building in what turned out to be explosions of red ribbon. A performer dressed as a decapitated Marie Antoinette appeared to sing along.

The song lasted barely three minutes, but for Gojira, the effect has been huge. Their powerful rendition was enhanced by the fact that behind them stood the building where thousands, including Marie Antoinette, were imprisoned and eventually executed by guillotine during the revolution.

The setting and narrative have translated into an overwhelming interest in the band. The day after the performance, Gojira saw a 100% rise in daily streams across France, and an overall increase of 80% on Spotify worldwide.

Formed in 1996 in Ondres in south-west France, the band is named after the original Japanese Godzilla, a giant fictional monster created in a devastated post-war Japan, in 1954.

At the French bands core are the Franco-American brothers Joe Duplantier (guitarist, vocalist and lyricist) and drummer Mario Duplantier. Christian Andreu plays lead guitar; Jean-Michel Labadie plays bass.

Through their albums and lyrics, Gojira raise awareness of and funding for environmental causes and NGOs.

Gojiras music has all the hallmarks of a top-of-the-line heavy-metal act: heavy, down-tuned guitar riffs; complex rhythmic patterns and time signatures; powerful, often guttural, vocals interspersed with clean singing; intricate high-speed drumming; and deep basslines. Yet the band stands out from the pack because of what they stand for.

Their commitment to environmental causes is a defining, and rare, characteristic. Most of Gojiras songs directly address environmental issues, deforestation, climate change, and humanitys impact on nature. Many of their albums, including From Mars to Sirius (2005) and The Way of All Flesh (2008), feature ecological themes.

The commitment, chiefly driven by the beliefs of frontman Joe Duplantier, extends into activism. Their song Amazonia, from the album Fortitude (2021), was released as a single, with proceeds passed on to NGOs that work with indigenous communities under threat in the Amazon rainforest.

Alongside the release of Fortitude, Gojira organised an auction of band memorabilia, with those proceeds passed on as well. At the time, they called for solidarity from other metal bands such as Metallica, Tool, Slayer, Slash, Sepultura, Deftones, and Lamb of God, who did join in. The auction eventually raised more than $300,000.

Before this, in 2016, the bands Silvera music video drove a reforestation campaign, with trees planted for every thousand views. Before that, in 2010, Gojira partnered with the marine-conservation NGO Sea Shepherd, donating proceeds from merchandise sales.

At concerts, amid earth-shaking riffs, one might find information booths about environmental causes.

In the world of heavy metal, where dark themes and aggression reign supreme, Gojiras progressive metal sound stands apart as being intricately crafted and technically sophisticated. So does their mission.

Joe Duplantier, 47, has said the band believes music can be a force for positive change.

In the song Global Warming, from the album From Mars to Sirius, his guttural roar warns, We will see our children growing / We will see our children die, a chilling reminder of what is at stake.

(To write in with feedback, email sanjoy.narayan@gmail.com)
Kareena Kapoor attended a charity event last night. The actor wore an elegant ivory salwar suit set designed by Abu Jani Sandeep Khosla for the occasion. Her ensemble reminded the internet of her iconic character Geet from Jabe We Met. (Also Read | Sidharth Malhotra brings 70s glam to Shantanu and Nikhil show as Zeenat Aman opens, Saba Azad sets the mood: Watch) Kareena Kapoor wears an ivory suit set by Abu Jani Sandeep Khosla. (HT photo/Varinder Chawla)

Kareena Kapoor's elegant Abu Jani Sandeep Khosla suit set for an event

Kareena Kapoor, Brand Ambassador of UNICEF, attended the Jewellers For Hope (JFH) charity organised by the Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC) last night. The paparazzi snippets from the event show Kareena posing for the cameras and having a gala time. She wore an elegant ivory short kurta, pants and a dupatta set designed by ace couturiers Abu Jani and Sandeep Khosla. Read on as we decode her look.

Decoding Kareena Kapoor's ethnic look

The ivory kurta features a round neckline, silver sequin embellishments, intricate hand-embroidered kadhai on the borders, silver gota embroidery, full-length sleeves, side slits, a relaxed silhouette, and a thigh-length hem. Kareena paired the short kurta with flared palazzo pants featuring embellishments on the hem. Lastly, she completed the ensemble with a silk chikankari embroidered dupatta draped on the shoulder.

Kareena chose a diamond ring, embellished strapped high heels, and statement emerald earrings to accessorise the ethnic outfit. Meanwhile, for the glam picks, she opted for feathered brows, kohl-lined eyes, black eyeliner, mascara on the lashes, rouge-tinted cheeks, glossy pink lips, smoky eyes, and a sleek bun.

How did the internet react?

Kareena garnered compliments from her fans over the traditional look for the charity event. One user complimented her smile, and another wrote, "Geet vibes." A fan commented, "The nawabi vibes are impeccable." Another remarked, Queen energy.

Kareena Kapoor congratulates Neeraj Chopra and Aman Sehrawat

Meanwhile, Kareena congratulated Indian track and field athlete Neeraj Chopra and professional wrestler Aman Sehrawat for their silver and bronze medal wins. She called Neeraj a 'champion' in her Instagram stories.
Tulsidas Jayanti is a celebration dedicated to Goswami Tulsidas, a revered Hindu saint, poet, and illustrious author of the Ramcharitmanas. Observed annually on his birth anniversary, this occasion honours the spiritual legacy he left behind. Tulsidas was born on Saptami Tithi of Shukla Paksha during the sacred month of Shravan, making Tulsidas Jayanti a significant event, typically observed on the 7th day of this month, which usually occurs in July or August. His monumental contribution to Hindi literature, especially through the Ramcharitmanas, which narrates the divine story of Lord Rama in the Awadhi language, has left an indelible mark on Indian culture and devotion. From date to history, scroll down to know more. (Also read: Lions Gate Portal 2024: Tailored rituals and affirmations for every zodiac sign to maximise this cosmic opportunity ) Tulsidas Jayanti will be celebrated on August 11 this year.(shutterstock)

Tulsidas Jayanti 2024 Date and Timings

This year, the 527th birth anniversary of Tulsidas will be observed on Sunday, August 11. According to Drik Panchang, the auspicious timings to observe the occasion are as follows:

Saptami Tithi Begins - 05:44 AM on August 11, 2024

Saptami Tithi Ends - 07:55 AM on August 12, 2024

Tulsidas Jayanti 2024 History

Born in 1532 CE in Rajapur, Uttar Pradesh, Tulsidas is celebrated not just as a poet but as a spiritual luminary believed to be a reincarnation of Maharishi Valmiki, the original composer of the Ramayana. Tulsidas' most renowned work, the Ramcharitmanas, is an epic poem that eloquently narrates the life and virtues of Lord Rama. By writing in the vernacular Awadhi dialect, Tulsidas made the divine tale of Rama accessible to the common people, allowing them to connect deeply with the story in their own language. This poetic rendition of the Ramayana is not only a spiritual guide but also a literary masterpiece, standing alongside Valmiki's original Sanskrit text in reverence and importance.

In addition to the Ramcharitmanas, Tulsidas authored several other significant works, including the Hanuman Chalisa, a widely revered devotional hymn dedicated to Lord Hanuman, as well as Vinay Patrika, Dohavali, and Kavitavali. His writings are marked by their simplicity, deep devotion, and timeless wisdom, making them universally relatable and cherished across generations.

Tulsidas Jayanti 2024 Celebrations

On Tulsidas Jayanti, people honour the legacy of Goswami Tulsidas by immersing themselves in his literary works, particularly the Ramcharitmanas, which they listen to at homes and temples. Many devotees also visit temples dedicated to Lord Rama and Lord Hanuman to offer prayers. Several temples across India house idols of Tulsidas Ji, where special ceremonies are held in his honour.

Devotees often engage in acts of charity, making donations, and feeding the needy and Brahmins on this auspicious day. Additionally, people organize Ramayana Patha ritual reading of the Ramayanawhere they worship Lord Rama and Hanuman and then share the blessed prasad with everyone, fostering a spirit of devotion and community.
Popping supplements, drinking herbal teas and signing up for lifestyle classes, China's youth are turning to the wellness industry as work stress and pandemic memories spur a growing interest in health. These new habits are part of a global wellness boom, but the traditional concept of "yangsheng" -- literally meaning "cultivating one's life force" -- has given the trend a unique cultural twist in China. In Shanghai, Annie Huang sat in a trendy cafe-like establishment that sold traditional herbal teas, sipping a bitter concoction purported to protect the body against the summer heat. As stress from modern work culture and lingering pandemic fears take their toll, China's youth are turning to the ancient practice of "yangsheng" to boost their health. (AFP photo)

"Young people today frequently pull all-nighters... so they want to drink something that they feel is good for their body," Huang, in her thirties, told AFP. Rooted in Taoism and traditional Chinese medicine beliefs, the vast umbrella of "yangsheng" includes habits like avoiding foods thought to make the body cold, and targeted massages that purportedly treat a range of ailments. Capitalising on the trend, state-run traditional Chinese medicine giants such as Beijing Tongrentang have opened fashionably decorated stores offering "all-nighter water" and goji berry lattes alongside traditional ingredients believed to promote health like bird's nest and ginseng.

Thousands of "yangsheng" influencers have filled Chinese social media with posts that offer tips on "expelling body dampness", how to incorporate ginger juice into daily meals, and finger exercises that allegedly improve blood circulation. The passion for "yangsheng" has even spilled over into tourism, with youths flocking to desert areas to lay on sand in the belief that the practice rids the body of unhealthy dampness.

Willing to invest

The world's second largest economy is battling sluggish consumption against the backdrop of a property crisis and stubborn youth unemployment. But health and wellness spending, especially among millennials and Gen Z, remains a bright spot. Wellness purchases are "definitely increasing more than other categories" despite many younger spenders tightening their belts overall, said Jason Yu, greater China managing director at consumer research firm Kantar Worldpanel.

"Nutrition supplement is one of the categories they really value and that they are willing to actually invest in," Yu told AFP. The health craze has taken many forms ranging from medically proven to pseudoscience. Chinese start-ups are selling everything from vitamin gummies to probiotic powders, vying for attention with traditionally more trusted imported brands.

Health anxiety

The trend is inextricably tied to widespread anxiety about the negative health effects of high-pressure modern work culture. Reports of overworked youth dying at their desks have prompted consumers to spring for "sudden death prevention packs" -- combinations of supplements aimed at countering the impact of daily takeout meals and long workdays. "You think you're just working, but you're actually cutting your lifespan," warned one post by a "yangsheng"-focused office worker influencer on the Xiaohongshu platform.

Young women juggling demanding careers with the pervasive pressure to have children are turning to classes that teach them to optimize their reproductive health. At a night school in Shanghai, traditional Chinese medicine practitioner Zhang Qinhai pointed to a diagram of a uterus and ovaries as she warned her oversubscribed class of mostly young women about the declining chances of a healthy birth at higher maternal ages.

"People are under too much pressure, so they're in a state of poorer health," a 33-year-old student told AFP. Meanwhile, health fears sparked by the Covid-19 pandemic have lingered. People feel that their immunity has been lowered by Covid, and "they may catch colds and fevers more easily," Tommy Qin, owner of the herbal tea cafe, said. Yu of Kantar Worldpanel said he believed perception played a big part in young consumers' rush to protect their health. "Higher awareness of different health issues, especially aided by social media, are really helping (to drive consumption), because everybody feels they're not healthy enough."
The Centre has made creditable efforts towards universal health coverage through Ayushman Bharat, Digital Health Mission, and the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY), among other initiatives. It has started various women-oriented schemes to dispense welfare benefits, too. However, awareness and access remain a challenge for millions, especially women in the informal economy. Obtaining and securing documentation at a single, easily accessible place is a significant hurdle. Blockchain use will ensure users retain control over their own identities, protecting their data from unauthorised access. (Getty Images/iStockphoto)

A pilot project to remedy this is underway in partnership between AlgoBharat, the Algorand Foundations India arm, and Lok Swasthya SEWA, the Self-Employed Womens Association (SEWA)s health team. SEWA Shakti Kendras (SSKs) will serve as hubs for women to get blockchain-enabled Digital Health Passports (DHP)  secure and immutable records of their verified credentials  in order to access health benefits and social security programmes. SSKs can scale more rapidly and fine-tune services based on each households unique needs. Anil Kakani, vice president and country head of Algorand Foundation said, We want to democratise data through an inclusionary platform so women dont have to run from one office to the other to get documentation to claim their benefits.

Each SSK provides vital information on health and related services, collects and validates documents manually, and then transfers and consolidates individual-level data in spreadsheets on nearly 34,000 households (200,000 individuals) it currently reaches. The DHP will reduce errors while maintaining information in a secure manner, compliant with Indian laws. Blockchain use will ensure users retain control over their own identities, protecting their data from unauthorised access. Lok Swasthya SEWA will also gain a macro-view of the population it serves, allowing it to more effectively target its services to informal women workers and their families.

Mirai Chatterjee, director of SEWA Social Security, said, This collaboration will aid the work of the SSKs by encouraging thousands of women workers to participate more actively in their health care journey. We are hopeful for improved health outcomes and ultimately a sense of ownership and confidence that will help them achieve economic empowerment and self-reliance.

Purnimaben, a woman farmer from Lakhya village, Sabarkantha district in north Gujarat, said, SSK brought health information to our aangan. Who else will come to our remote village in the Aravallis? When Lakshmiben, SEWA aagewan (volunteer), started the centre, said Purnimaben, the villages women learned of the health schemes and those specifically started for them. We are all Bhil Adivasis and had no idea of all this. We got our PMJAY cards and a young girl in our village got her disability allowance. Her parents had no idea this was possible. Now, many more women come to the Kendra asking for support.

SSKs are also enabling women to access various other State benefits, which they could not earlier due to lack of awareness or documents or both. Maniben Vasava from Jhanand village in Ahmedabad, said, I was widowed 15 years ago. I had no idea that I was eligible for widows pension till the SSK was set up in my village. SEWA aagewan Gitaben explained the pension scheme and what documents were required to obtain this support. But I did not have my husbands death certificate. I did not know how to go about getting it. Now, for the last three years I have been getting my pension.

The project will give women control and access to their own documentation and enable them to demand the benefits that are owed to them. This, in turn, will give them control over their lives. Who can argue with that?

The views expressed are personal
The Quit India Movement, launched on August 8, 1942, stands out in the metanarratives of the Indian Freedom Struggle. It was the last of the major anti-colonial agitations launched under the leadership of Mahatma Gandhi. The extent of spontaneous public mobilisation, the severity of the government crackdown, and the high level of violence that accompanied the agitation, all make it distinctive in the history of nationalist politics in India. The Quit India Movement, launched on August 8, 1942, stands out in the metanarratives of the Indian Freedom Struggle (HT Archive)

The larger geopolitics in which the agitation was embedded is important. Its launch is inseparable from the decisive setback European imperialism encountered at the hands of the Japanese military, with the collapse of the French in Indochina, the Dutch in what is now Indonesia, and the British in Malaya and Burma. To many, this heralded a major political change in India. Certainly, both panic and a sense of doom that Britains back was to the wall explain the ferocity of the colonial governments repressive measures after August 1942.

For the nationalist leadership, a long hibernation followed. Mahatma Gandhi was jailed in the Aga Khans palace on the outskirts of Poona and freed only in May 1944. The Indian National Congress leaders and activists also faced extended jail terms across the country. Its principal leaders  the dozen-strong Congress Working Committee (CWC)  were jailed in the Ahmednagar Fort, a medieval structure housing a military garrison (which it still does). Jawaharlal Nehru, Vallabhbhai Patel, AK Azad, JB Kripalani and others would spend, in all, some 32 months here with only each other for company.

This was a like-minded group in its broad thinking, in that they had been in the Congress for many years, and the circumstances of their confinement made for strengthening this sense of camaraderie. It was a stressful time in personal terms. Mahadev Desai, Mahatma Gandhis much-loved secretary, died on August 15, 1942, within a week of their arrival at the Aga Khans palace. Kasturba Gandhi would also die there. Maulana Azads wife died in April 1943; he learned of it only sometime later. Many detainees were in bad health, and nursing each other, supporting each other to overcome loneliness and depression, and, finally, just being together in a closed space for so long, cut off from all outside contact, further enhanced their sense of fraternity.

Yet, inevitably, they would get on each others nerves. Personal differences were further exacerbated, and pre-existing factions on political issues were further consolidated. How far should they have gone to defy the colonial State? Some felt that going all out on an agitational mode in the midst of a war creeping ever closer to India was a wrong judgement call and a costly mistake. This moderate voice was in the minority in the Congress High Command. There may have been other takers, but in the inner dynamics of the Congress in 1940-42, there was also a general inclination to go along with whatever the Mahatma decided.

Maulana Azad and Asaf Ali were amongst this moderate group  insufficiently powerful to influence events and always vulnerable to the charge that they were only the Muslim shopfront for the Congress. Their concern also was that by isolating itself in an oppositional mode, the Congress was allowing the Muslim League to demonstrate its value as a loyal British ally and thereby establish itself as politically strong. Underwriting this was the larger question of how the Congress should approach the Muslim League, and whether a different kind of federal thinking could accommodate the Muslim Leagues aspirations.

Ahmednagar Fort, a Nizam Shahi structure, was, therefore, the venue of many acrimonious, but ultimately inconclusive, discussions between 1942 and 1945. A record survives in the form of the prisoners diaries, recollections and memoirs. Reading them decades later, it is possible to see it as an ensemble of how conflicted and different ideas of India could exist even within a largely like-minded group.

Apart from the geopolitics, the high politics, and the internal dynamics within the Congress, there are other voices and stories that emerged from August 1942. To Asaf Ali, incarceration for such a long time during a critical period was the result of wrong tactics. He was essentially a constitutionalist and an incrementalist and had been so from the early 1920s. To him, the way forward on the Hindu-Muslim issue was negotiating with Jinnah and the Muslim League, since choosing from a menu of bad options was preferable to being left later with no choices or being overwhelmed by events. That he was married to a Hindu  Aruna Asaf Ali  marked him out as being a Muslim Congressman with a difference.

In Ahmednagar Fort, apart from all the political issues and disputes, what weighed on him the most was the welfare of his wife. Aruna Asaf Ali nee Ganguly had defied custom and family in September 1928 by marrying at 19, a Muslim lawyer 20 years her senior. Since then, she followed the well-trodden path of being a supportive wife. She had been jailed multiple times while not showing any sign that she would move beyond the Congress toolkit of peaceful non-cooperation.

In August 1942, all this changed. Aruna went underground even as her husband and other CWC members were being arrested. Thereafter, for almost three years, she remained a wanted figure by the police and was charged as being responsible for various acts of violence against the State. Appeals to her by her husband and other Congress leaders, including Mahatma Gandhi, to surrender were to no avail. In brief, she had changed.

If, to Asaf Ali, the Quit India Agitation was an extreme posture that should have been avoided, to Aruna, it was the opposite. August 1942 was that pure moment, she wrote, when the Indian came nearest to perfection. Hers was a radically different vision of how the nation should be constituted. To Aruna, this was the time when a hitherto unacknowledged mass of people had seized the initiative into their own hands, a day on which our passion for freedom burnt at its whitest. There was little prospect of these conflicting views being reconciled, and amongst the many things that irreversibly changed from August 1942 onward, was Asaf Alis marriage.

From late 1945 onwards, a new trajectory emerged in the national movement that ended finally with freedom, and Partition, in 1947. If both these end-states had a long prehistory and gestation, it was, to a very great extent, in the crucial period since August 1942 that the new architecture for South Asia was, in fact, forged.

TCA Raghavans latest book is Circles of Freedom: Friendship, Love and Loyalty in the Indian National Struggle (Juggernaut, 2024). The views expressed are personal
A man who was denied entry on the flight that crashed in Sao Paulo, killing everyone on board, has opened up about how it feels. He also credited an airline staff member, who didnt let him board the flight after he was late, with saving his life. The image shows a man named Adriano Assis, who was supposed to board the flight that crashed and killed all on board in Sao Paulo. (Screengrab)

In an interview with Brazilian news outlet TV Globo, Adriano Assis shared why he missed the flight. A part of his interview went viral and was reshared across various social media platforms.

This man wasnt allowed to board the plane that just crashed in Vinhedo in Sao Paulo, Brazil because he was LATE. He argued with the man at the boarding gate, but ended up hugging him after hearing the plane had crashed. This is unbelievable, an X user wrote while sharing the video.

The man told the outlet that he thought he was supposed to board a Latam flight when he reached the airport. He waited for the passengers to be called, but there wasnt any notification. Later, he realised there had been a mix-up, and he was supposed to board the regional carrier Voepass flight that crashed.

Upon realising his mistake, he rushed to the gate but was denied entry by an airline staff member. At that point, he also fought with the employee and got angry. Assis also revealed in the interview that now he is grateful to the man and said that the staff saved his life.

Take a look at the viral video:

Assis is not the only one who missed the fateful flight. Another passenger made the same mistake and missed his flight. The passenger said to the outlet, Thank God we didnt get on that plane. We didnt know it was going to be with that company [Voe Pass], we thought it was going to be with Latam, and Latam was closed. I even arrived early [at the airport] and waited, waited and nothing.
Vedantas Anil Agarwal took to X to share a special birthday post for his youngest daughter, Priya Agarwal Hebbar. In his share, he opened up about his childrens upbringing, adding how they never had any special privileges and that he always taught them to be fighters. Vedantas Anil Agarwal posted this image with a birthday post for his youngest daughter, Priya Agarwal Hebbar. (X/@AnilAgarwal_Ved)

Maine hamesha apne bachhon ko fighter banna sikhaya (I have always taught my children to be fighters). I have mostly been hard on them aur kabhi spoil nahi kiya (never spoiled them), the entrepreneur wrote in the first few lines of his post.

He recalled how his daughter Priya Agarwal Hebbar was never given any special privileges and used to travel by local transport despite having all the resources while they lived in Mayfair, London.

She has always lived a simple life, remained culturally-rooted and followed the Indian value system despite growing up in different countries. She chose to move to Mumbai and work for several social causes, the proud father wrote.

When she wanted to start her dream project YODA (Youth Organization in Defense of Animals) at the age of 16, she did not take a single rupee from me. She set it up all by herself, raised funds and has been successfully running it. Bezubaan janwaron ke liye woh fully dedicated hai, he added.

Agarwal added that he had always seen her working really hard and taking more and more responsibility in the core businesses. He concluded his post by saying, I know I don't say this enough but Priya you make me really proud. Keep chasing your dreams. I will always have your back. He also posted a few throwback photos.

Take a look at the post here:

Priya Agarwal Hebbar is the Chairperson of Hindustan Zinc Limited and a non-executive director at Vedanta Limited. He is also the founder of TACO, an animal welfare organisation. She has a Bachelor's degree in Psychology and Business Management from the University of Warwick in the UK.
As a demonstration of brute sea power, few events can match the biennial Rim of the Pacific exercise (RIMPAC) hosted by America in Hawaii. The worlds largest naval drill, which was due to finish on August 2nd, after this article was published, has brought together 25,000 sailors, airmen and soldiers from 29 countries. Over the past month, like-minded navies have honed their skills on tasks ranging from disaster relief to anti-submarine warfare. It has included a sinking exercise: the opportunity to torpedo a rusty, 36,000-tonne American amphibious assault ship.

Beyond the martial pomp, exercises like RIMPAC serve as a way to cement and bolster relations. And when it comes to wooing regional states, America continues to thump China as the exercise partner of choice in the region. A survey of military exercises held in Asia between 2003 and 2022 published by the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS), a think-tank in London, shows that America took part in 1,113 exercises with regional countries. China mustered a paltry 130 drills over the same period (see chart 1).

What explains the disparity? It suggests how each country would fight, were a war to break out. China would be fighting in its own backyard; America would be a long way from home and relying on the support and capabilities of its allies, notes Evan Laksmana, a co-author of the survey. That sort of coalition warfare requires regular and intense training to smooth out potential kinks in communications or technology. China, by contrast, is unlikely to have any real allies to fight alongside in the first place. Although it trains with Russia in the region, the Kremlins clapped-out navy is unlikely to offer much brawn.

Second, combined military exercises depend on trust, and few countries trust China. It claims nearly the entirety of the South China Sea as its own, and uses its navy and coastguard, as well as maritime militias of armed fishing fleets, to intimidate its neighbours. That imposes a limit on how many states are willing to train with China (see chart 2), says Ian Storey of the ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute, a think-tank in Singapore. China has sought to alleviate those fears by conducting more prosaic exercises, such as counter-terrorism or disaster relief (see chart 3). But these are often relatively unsophisticated, says Mr Storey.

Of course, China sees some value in doing joint exercises, not least because it can get its eyes on Western military gear. Its ad hoc partners, such as Singapore and Thailand, operate Western-built platforms and systems. They also offer a shop window for Chinas own military kit. Moreover, for a country that has not fought a big war in four decades, joint exercises offer an opportunity to practise.

Ousting Uncle Sam as Asias pre-eminent defence partner will be tough. The IISS report concludes that China is likely to focus on deepening ties with a smaller group of countries, such as Pakistan, Russia and Thailand. But for American officials, the fact that more regional countries are interested in its exercises is yet further evidence that its alliance-building efforts in the region are working.

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Muhammad Yunus, the leader of Bangladesh's caretaker government, on Saturday unequivocally condemned the ongoing attacks targeting the crisis-hit nation's minority communities, particularly Hindus, as heinous. Nobel laureate and chief adviser of Bangladesh's new interim government, Muhammad Yunus (C), visits slain Abu Sayeed's house, who was killed by police during the anti-quota protests, in Rangpur on August 10, 2024. (Photo by AFP)

Are they (minorities) not the people of this country? You (students) have been able to save this country; can't you save some families? You must say, 'No one can harm them. They are my brothers; we fought together, and we will stay together, the Nobel Prize winner told students at the Begum Rokeya University in the Rangpur city.

Also, the renowned economist, 84, who earlier accepted a call by student leaders to head Bangladesh's interim administration  the caretaker arrangement was necessitated by the ouster of the Sheikh Hasina-led government by a student-led uprising against her  cautioned that the attacks on minorities could be a sabotage by those seeking to undermine their progress.

There are many standing by to make your efforts futile. Don't fall this time, Yunus stated.

According to two Hindu organisations  Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council and the Bangladesh Puja Udjapan Parishad  there have been at least 205 attacks on members of minorities communities in 52 districts since the government of Sheikh Hasina fell.

Since then, thousands of Bangladeshi Hindus have been trying to flee to neighbouring India to escape the violence and save their lives.

Hindus are the largest minority group in Bangladesh, accounting for around 8% (at 13 million/1.3 crore) of the total population of 170 million (17 crore) of India's neighbour in the east.

(With PTI inputs)
Bangladesh Bank governor Abdur Rouf Talukder has resigned amid mounting pressure on top officials following the ouster of prime minister Sheikh Hasina. Abdur Rouf Talukder's resignation comes amid fresh spells of recent protests, including a storming of the central bank's headquarters. Abdur Rouf Talukder, governor of Bangladesh Bank.(Bloomberg)

ALSO READ- Bangladesh chief justice to resign as hundreds of protesters gherao Supreme Court, give ultimatum

Why Bangladesh Bank governor resigned?

Abdur Rouf Talukder submitted his resignation to Bangladesh's finance ministry on Friday, The Dhaka Tribune reported. His departure is part of a wave of resignations from government and semi-autonomous institutions after the fall of the Awami League-led government.

He citied personal reasons for resignation.

Abdur Rouf Talukder has not been seen at the office since Monday, after the ouster of Sheikh Hasina due to a mass uprising, the report said.

On August 7, four deputy governors also agreed to resign amid growing criticism of enabling financial mismanagement, leading to calls for their resignations.

ALSO READ- Did Sheikh Hasinas leaning towards China cause her downfall?

Sheikh Hasina still in India

Sheikh Hasina fled to India by helicopter on Monday as protesters flooded the streets of Dhaka, marking a dramatic end to her 15-year rule.

The unrest leading up to Hasina's departure claimed over 450 lives, including dozens of police officers killed during clashes with demonstrators.

In the immediate aftermath of Hasina's fall, businesses and homes owned by Hindus, a minority group making up about eight percent of Bangladesh's population, were attacked, as they were seen by some as her supporters.

Hundreds of Bangladeshi Hindus have since gathered at India's border, seeking to cross over.

ALSO READ- Tension prevails as 1,000 Bangladeshis gather at Bengal border, BSF foils infiltration bid | Video

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday urged "safety and protection of Hindus and all other minority communities".

The caretaker administration led by Muhammad Yunus has stated that restoring law and order is its "first priority."
Bangladesh unrest updates: At least 232 people have reportedly died in various attacks and conflicts across Bangladesh over the past three days, after prime minister Sheikh Hasina resigned and fled to India on August 5 amid massive protests demanding her ouster, The Dhaka Tribune reported Members of the Bangladeshi Hindu community hold banners and chant slogans against violence targeting the country's minorities during a protest in Dhaka on August 9, 2024, days after a student-led uprising ended the 15-year rule of Sheikh Hasina.(AFP)

Severe and bloody anti-government protests in Bangladesh over the past three weeks, which led to the fall of the Sheikh Hasina government and the taking over of the countrys administration by an interim government led by Nobel Laureate Muhammad Yunus, has resulted in an overall death of 469 people till reports last received, news agency Reuters reported.

Local media outlets have reported severe persecution of minorities in Bangladesh in the wake of the violence leading to several attempts by panicked Bangladeshis to illegally cross over to India over the past few days.

The death of 232 people was reported by by daily Prothom Alo on Thursday. The report states that most of the deaths took place on Tuesday, with some people dying while undergoing treatment.

Bangladeshs main opposition party, Bangladesh Nationalist Party, said Sheikh Hasina must face criminal charges in the country, and warned India risked damaging ties with its neighbour because its sheltering the former leader, Bloomberg reported.

Top updates on Bangladesh political crisis

The Dhaka Tribune reported that during the quota and anti-discrimination student movements between July 16 and August 4, a total of 328 deaths were reported. Thus, the total number of deaths over the past 23 days has reached 560. On Monday, Dhaka Medical College Hospital received 10 bodies from recent clashes, including six police officers and one member of the Ansar force. On Tuesday, six prisoners were killed when they attempted to escape from Kashimpur High Security Prison in Gazipur, leading to a confrontation with prison guards who opened fire. On Wednesday, three additional people died while receiving treatment in Savar, Dhaka. In Gagnibari, Meherpur district, a Tuesday night house attack and subsequent clash resulted in the death of Naharul Islam, who was associated with the Bangladesh Nationalist Party, and left seven others injured. On Friday, hundreds of people demonstrated in the Bangladeshi capital, Dhaka, in response to violence targeting the country's Hindu minority following the departure of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina earlier this week, Reuters reported. A school teacher was killed, and at least 45 others were injured as Hindu homes, businesses, and temples in Muslim-majority Bangladesh came under attack after Hasina resigned on Monday. Protesters, some holding signs calling for the protection of Bangladeshi minorities, chanted "who are we, Bengali Bengali" and urged for peace as they blocked a major intersection in Dhaka. Hindus, who comprise about 8 per cent of Bangladesh's 170 million population, have traditionally supported Sheikh Hasina's Awami League party, which became a focal point of public anger following violent clashes between anti-quota protesters and security forces last month. Sheikh Hasina faces allegations of murder, forced disappearance, money laundering and corruption, and must face the law, Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury, a senior member of the BNP, said on Friday. An interim government was appointed in Bangladesh Thursday, led by Nobel Prize-winning economist Muhammad Yunus. Under the constitution, an election needs to be called within 90 days, although Yunus, the military  which backs the interim government  and the president havent commented on when elections will be held. Indias role in sheltering Sheikh Hasina may emerge as a flashpoint in relations between New Delhi and the interim government in Dhaka, Bloomberg reported, adding Prime Minister Narendra Modi backed Hasina over the years despite growing concerns about human rights abuses and political repression.

(With inputs from agencies)
The Canadian government has said it looks forward to engaging with the interim government in Bangladesh, towards an inclusive process that includes religious minorities. Canadian Foreign Minister Melanie Joly (AFP)

In a statement on Friday, Canadas Minister of Foreign Affairs Melanie Joly said that Ottawa supports a peaceful way forward in the resolution of the ongoing crisis in Bangladesh and welcomed the inauguration of the interim government led by Nobel Laureate Muhammad Yunus.

In this regard, we welcome the inauguration of a new interim government, led by Dr. Muhammad Yunus. This is the first step in restoring peace, to pave the way for free and fair elections and democratic governance, she said.

During this period of transition, Canada looks forward to engaging with the interim government in supporting a process that is inclusive with broad political participation by all sectors of society, including religious minorities, youth, women and other minorities, the statement added.

The Leader of the Opposition Pierre Poilievre also addressed the turmoil and said the Conservative Party stood with the people of Bangladesh during this difficult time.

We are very concerned about the hundreds killed and thousands injured during student-led protests and horrified by the subsequent violence against religious minorities, including Hindus and Christians, who are being senselessly targeted by violent mobs, he added.

Poilievre also said, We call for the restoration of democracy and the rule of law, ensuring all Bengalis are protected and enjoy equal citizenship. We call for justice for the murdered and the persecuted, and an end to the violence against Bangladeshs religious minorities.

Earlier, Global Affairs Canada, the countrys foreign ministry, said it was deeply concerned by reports of violence in Bangladesh, particularly targeting religious minorities and other vulnerable groups.

We strongly condemn these actions and urge an end to the violence and a peaceful way forward, it added.

Minorities of Bangladeshi-origin in Canada have protested the violence against them following the departure of Sheikh Hasina, the ousted Prime Minister. They held a demonstration at the City Hall in Calgary on Wednesday against the persecution of minorities and held a vigil at the city council in London, Ontario on Friday to raise awareness over the genocide of Bangladeshi Hindus.
Shri Thanedar, an Indian-American member of the United States Congress, has written to Secretary of State Antony Blinken, seeking intervention by President Joe Biden's administration against the ongoing coordinated' targeting of Hindus in Bangladesh. Hundreds of Bangladeshi Hindus have been demonstrating on the streets of Dhaka, in protest against the violence against the Hindu minority community after the ouster of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. (AFP)

With Muhammad Yunus stepping up as the interim prime minister, the US has obligation to assist this new government to ensure that the violence and civil unrest comes to an end. I urge the Biden administration to grant persecuted Bangladeshi Hindus and other religious minorities, temporary protected status as refugees, Thanedar's Friday letter to Blinken, read.

Many from the international community, including some in my own district, have condemned these violent actions. When the Congress returns from recess, we must hold hearings to learn more about the failures to protect the Hindus and other minority groups in Bangladesh, and how to prevent such actions from happening in the future. We must do everything to support them in this critical time, he added.

On Thursday, Yunus, Bangladesh's 84-year-old Nobel laureate, was sworn in as the chief adviser,' a role in which the renowned economist will lead the Asian nation's interim government  he will be assisted by a 16-member advisory council  an arrangement necessitated by the August 5 ouster and escape to India of Sheikh Hasina, the prime minister since 2009, following a student-led uprising.

However, the fall of Hasina-led government was followed by attacks on Bangladesh's minorities, particularly Hindus. At around 8% (1.3 crore; as per the 2022 census), Hindus are the largest minority group in the country of 170 million people.

Minority community members in Bangladesh have faced at least 205 attacks in 52 districts since the now-former premier's exit, according to two Hindu organisations: Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council and the Bangladesh Puja Udjapan Parishad.

(With PTI inputs)
An Israeli airstrike on a Gaza City school compound housing displaced Palestinian families killed around 100 people, the Gaza Civil Emergency Service said on Saturday, while Israel said the toll was inflated and 19 militants were among the dead. In this image made from a video, people inspect the dome at a school after being hit by an Israeli airstrike in Gaza City Saturday, Aug. 10, 2024. (AP)

Video from the site showed body parts scattered around and more bodies being carried away and covered in blankets on the floor. Empty food tins lay in a puddle of blood, and burnt mattresses and a child's doll lay among the debris.

In another video, men prayed over a dozen body bags laid out on the ground of the Tabeen school complex.

The territory's Civil Emergency Service, which has a credible record in stating casualty numbers, and the Hamas-run government media office said in separate statements that the complex had been attacked as its occupants were performing dawn prayers.

"So far, there are more than 93 martyrs, including 11 children and six women. There are unidentified remains," Palestinian civil defence spokesperson Mahmoud Bassal told a televised press conference.

Tens of thousands of displaced Palestinians have sought shelter in Gaza's schools, most of which have been closed since the war began 10 months ago.

Around 350 families had been sheltering at the compound, Bassal said - some of the hundreds of thousands of Palestinians displaced by Israel's onslaught on Gaza.

The upper floor housing families and the lower floor, used as a mosque, were both hit, he said.

The Israeli military said the death toll was inflated.

"The strike was carried out using three precise munitions, which can not cause the amount of damage that is being reported," the military said in a statement.

It added that no severe damage was caused to the compound, and provided aerial photos and videos which it said proved this.

The compound, and the mosque that was struck within it, served as an active Hamas and Islamic Jihad military facility," Lieutenant Colonel Nadav Shoshani said on X.

An Israeli army official said the part of the mosque that was struck was reserved for men.

Israel says Palestinian militants embed themselves among Gaza's civilians, operating from within schools, hospitals and designated humanitarian zones - which Hamas and its allies deny.

Hamas said the strike was a horrific crime and a serious escalation. Izzat El-Reshiq of Hamas's political office said the dead did not include a single combatant.

A separate strike on Saturday killed three Palestinians in Al-Nuseirat in central Gaza and another killed one person in nearby Deir Al-Balah, medics said.

Later in the day an Israeli strike killed three Palestinians in Rafah, near the border with Egypt, where the Israeli army has operated since May, medics said.

Separately, the Israeli military said the head of general security in Hamas's military wing, Walid Alsousi, had been assassinated in southern Gaza. There was no immediate Hamas comment.

The Iranian-backed Hezbollah armed group in Lebanon said it launched a drone attack against military positions in northern Israel.

NEW ROUND OF CEASEFIRE TALKS

The White House said it was "deeply concerned" about the Israeli strike on the Gaza City school compound and that it was in contact with Israeli officials asking for further details.

The European Union's foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said on X that he was horrified by the images from the school. France and Britain condemned the airstrike.

A spokesperson for Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, Nabil Abu Rudeineh, urged Israel's ally Washington to put an end to "blind support that leads to the killing of thousands of innocent civilians, including children, women, and the elderly".

Egypt, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and Turkey all condemned the strike.

Senior Hamas official Sami Abu Zuhri said it should serve as a turning point as mediators push to resume ceasefire talks.

A Hamas official told Reuters the group was studying a new proposal for discussion but did not elaborate.

Egypt said the killing of Gaza civilians showed Israel had no intention of ending the war. Qatar's foreign ministry described the strike as a "horrific massacre".

Speaking to Al-Jazeera television, Khalil Al-Hayya, the head of the Hamas team for the indirect ceasefire talks with Israel, said statements of condemnation were no longer sufficient.

"Dismiss (Israeli) ambassadors, close down embassies, and sever ties with the occupation," he said.

Egypt, the United States and Qatar have scheduled a new round of ceasefire negotiations for Thursday, as fears grow of a broader conflict involving Iran and its Lebanese ally Hezbollah.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who has said he will not end the war until Hamas no longer poses a threat to Israelis, said he would send a delegation.

Israel launched its assault on Gaza after Hamas fighters stormed into southern Israel on Oct. 7, killing 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and capturing more than 250 hostages, according to Israeli tallies.

Since then, nearly 40,000 Palestinians have been killed in the Israeli offensive in Gaza, according to the health ministry, which does not distinguish between combatants and civilians.

Health officials say most of the fatalities have been civilians but Israel says at least a third are fighters. Israel says it has lost 329 soldiers in Gaza, while Iranian-backed Hamas does not publish its casualties.

(Reporting by Ali Swafta, Maayan Lubell, Nidal al-Mughrabi; Muhammad Al Gebaly, Hatem Maher, Ahmed Tolba, Maytaal Angel and Kanishka Singh; Editing by Miral Fahmy, Mark Potter, Ros Russell, Kevin Liffey and Giles Elgood)
While expanding her family with Prince William, Kate Middleton established a set of life rules, ensuring that her duties as a royal would not overshadow her responsibilities at home. Kate Middleton at Wimbledon 2024

According to royal author and journalist Robert Jobson, these guidelines were carefully communicated to Queen Elizabeth II and then-Prince Charles III in 2015 while Kate was pregnant with her second child, Princess Charlotte.

Jobson explains in his book Catherine, the Princess of Wales how Kate laid out her terms for balancing her royal duties with her family life. Although these life rules werent documented formally, Prince William conveyed Kates wishes to grow into her role and said she needed more time to adapt to the peculiarities of royal life.

She was clear from the outset that she would not be pigeonholed into carrying out particular duties and insisted on having her full quota of maternity leave, away from the glare of the media and public. Her priority, she emphasized, would always be her family, Jobson writes.

ALSO READ| Prince William and Kate disgusted as Harry set to cash in on huge $8.5M Royal inheritance: Report

This was evident throughout Kates time in the royal spotlight, as she consistently showed her commitment to her royal duties and her childrenPrince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis.

Kate Middleton balances cancer treatment with family time

Kate's dedication to her family has been particularly poignant this summer, as she battles cancer while continuing to prioritize her children. After publicly announcing her diagnosis in March, following planned abdominal surgery in January, Kate has taken a step back from her royal duties to focus on her health and her family. However, Kate attended the Trooping the Colour in June and made an appearance at Wimbledon in July.

Christopher Andersen, author of The King, explained to Fox News Digital that the couple has always valued the summer months as a time to provide their children with as much normalcy as possible, away from the constant scrutiny of the press. Kate and William have always made the most of their summers with the children, Andersen said.

The side effects of chemo are bound to make that level of participation more daunting for Kate, but shes not about to let that spoil the childrens summer.

ALSO READ| Meghan Markle screamed at producers and couldn't stand Prince Harry speaking post interview

He also added, Kate doesnt want them to worry about hershes always believed its her job to worry about themand that means keeping George, Charlotte, and Louis busy with the sort of thingshorseback riding, swimming, having sleepovers with cousins and schoolmatesthat they always do during their vacation break.
An Israeli strike on a school in Gaza has left over 100 people dead and dozens injured on Saturday morning, Gaza's civil defence agency claimed. Palestinians inspect the damage at the site of an Israeli strike (Photographer: Ahmad Salem/Bloomberg)(Bloomberg)

"The death toll is now between 90 to 100 and there are dozens more wounded. Three Israeli rockets hit the school that was housing displaced Palestinians," agency spokesman Mahmud Bassal told AFP. Gaza's government media office said there were "more than 100 martyrs" in the strike.

The Israeli attack against the school led to a massive fire on the premises, and rescue operations to help trapped Palestinians is currently underway. Describing the strike as horrific, the agency said that some bodies caught on fire during the attack.

"The crews are trying to control the fire to retrieve the bodies of the martyrs and rescue the wounded," Bassal said.

This comes after the Israeli military conducted strikes against two schools in Gaza on Thursday, killing at least 18 people. The Israeli military said at the time it had struck Hamas command centres.

After the airstrike on the Al-Taba'een school in the Al-Sahaba area in Gaza City on Saturday, the Israeli Defence Force (IDF) said that it had precisely struck Hamas terrorists operating within a Hamas command and control center embedded in the premises.

Rescue teams were unable to reach the women and children trapped in the flames of the Gaza school as the Israeli authorities have cut water in the area, reported Al Jazeera.

According to media reports from Gaza, three rockets hit the school as people were attending morning prayers inside the building. The school was being used as a shelter for people displaced amid the war between Israel and Hamas, said local media reports.

Israeli military said that terrorists were running their operations from inside the school hit in the airstrike. In its statement, the military further said that "several steps were taken to reduce the possibility of civilian casualties.
Some of the hostages held by Hamas in Gaza are presumed to be in critical condition and may not be able to survive in captivity for long, a senior security official told TV network Channel 12 on Friday. Hostages kidnapped by Hamas may not be able to survive in captivity for long, an anonymous source says REUTERS/Ricardo Moraes(REUTERS)

The official, who remained anonymous, told the channel, We know that some of the hostages will not survive much longer in the conditions in which they are being held, and in light of their physical and mental health.

The official claimed that this was not just an assumption and that the Israeli government had information about the situation that proved hostages were in a serious condition.

Out of 111 hostages still held by Hamas, 39 have been confirmed as dead by the IDF.

Also Read: Ireland, Norway and Spain recognise Palestinian state

Pressure to accept a ceasefire in exchange for hostages has been increasing, as the retaliation against Gaza also continues, with the UN condemning Israel for illegal occupation as well.

The security official also told the channel, The thought that they are being held in relatively good conditions, like Noa Argamani and the hostages released in the [special forces] operation, is incorrect,"

He was referring to a rescue mission in June in which four hostages were released in notably good condition relative after eight months of captivity.

He added, "The argument that they are suffering but not dying does not hold up to scrutiny, referring to comments by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during a cabinet meeting in July.

The anonymous comments by the source, come a day after the US, Egypt and Qatar asked for a final deal without delay.

It is time to bring immediate relief both to the long-suffering people of Gaza as well as the long-suffering hostages and their families. The time has come to conclude the ceasefire and hostages and detainees release deal, said the statement published by Qatari state media.
First responders launched high-water and helicopter rescues of people trapped in cars and homes in rural New York and Pennsylvania as heavy rain from the remnants of Debby slammed the Northeast with intense floods. Eric Combs, Maverick Knight and Michelle Knight paddle away as they traverse high water along Canisteo River Road in Canisteo, N.Y., Friday, Aug. 9, 2024, after remnants of Tropical Storm Debby swept through the area. (AP Photo/Craig Ruttle)(AP)

The worst of the flash flooding so far in New York was occurring in villages and hamlets in a largely rural area south of the Finger Lakes, not far from the Pennsylvania border.

In Steuben County, which borders Pennsylvania, officials ordered the evacuation of the towns of Jasper, Woodhull and part of Addison, and said people were trapped as floodwaters made multiple roads impassable. By mid-evening, some of those orders were being lifted as threat of severe flooding passed.

In the hamlet of Woodhull, a rain-swollen creek ran so ferociously that the water overtopped a bridge. Area resident Stephanie Waters said parts of sheds, branches and uprooted trees were among the debris that slammed into the span.

Hearing the trees hit the bridge was scary, she said.

Fire Chief Timothy Martin said everybody was safe in the town, but every business in Woodhull is damaged.

ALSO READ| Tropical Storm Debby's death toll rises to 6, causing widespread flooding and damage in the US Southeast

John Anderson said he watched the floodwaters come up quickly, overwhelming some vehicles in Canisteo, in Steuben County, and nearby in Andover, in Allegany County. Its not a slow rise. Its been very fierce, said Anderson, who was providing dispatches to The Wellsville Sun. He said he watched peoples belongings get carried away by the raging water.

Dairy farm suffers heavy damage in Canisteo, owner beyond heartbroken

In Canisteo, farm owners Cliff and Deb Moss suffered heavy damage to their dairy farm, which has been there for more than five decades. A neighbors double-wide trailer floated down a field to a river during the flooding, said their daughter, Stacey Urban.

Urban said the catastrophic damage to the community was still coming into focus and was hard to fathom.

They have lost a lot. Beyond heartbreaking, Urban said.

Ann Farkas, who also lives in Canisteo, said it was the first time her home, one of the oldest in the county, has flooded since she moved there in 1976. She now has to shovel out layers of thick and heavy silt that were left behind.

The waters going down, and so what's left is this really thick  it's like wet concrete  mud, Farkas said. Her plans are to clean out a garage so furniture can be moved there before the baseboards, floorboards and possibly the subflooring on the first floor can be ripped up.

Like a lot of people, I dont have flood insurance, so I doubt my homeowners is going to cover any of this," she said.

Steuben County manager Jack Wheeler said the storm was hitting some of the same areas as Tropical Storm Fred three years earlier and that a half-dozen swift water rescue teams were retrieving people trapped in vehicles and homes.

About 20 evacuees arrived at a shelter set up at a high school, Red Cross spokesperson Michael Tedesco said. A second shelter was also being set up at another high school in Steuben County.

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul and Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro declared states of emergency.

Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency Director Randy Padfield said a National Guard helicopter with aquatic rescue capability was sent to Tioga County because flooding conditions had become severe in the region, which runs along the New York state line.

Padfield said Tioga officials have asked for help with eight to 10 rescue locations, and multiple boat-based rescues were also being conducted.

In Potter County, also on the border with New York, the storm took out bridges and did severe damage to Route 49, Commissioner Bob Rossman said.

My understanding is the roadway is pretty much well gone, Rossman said. Thatll be a very costly replacement. And one of the main thoroughfares in the county.

He said one firefighter suffered water-related injuries, but Rossman did not know the extent.

More than 150,000 customers were without power across New York and Pennsylvania, according to PowerOutage.us.

ALSO READ| South Carolina Gov braces for coming dangers as Tropical Storm Debby makes second US landfall

Flooding and power outages hit Vermont as Debby's remnants pass through

Debby was downgraded to a tropical depression late Thursday afternoon and was a post-tropical cyclone on Friday, the National Hurricane Center said. It made landfall early Monday on the Gulf Coast of Florida as a Category 1 hurricane, emerged over the Atlantic Ocean and then hit land a second time early Thursday in South Carolina as a tropical storm.

In Vermont, where more than 47,000 customers were without power, Gov. Phil Scott had warned that Debby's remnants could cause serious damage, including in already drenched places that were hit by flash flooding twice last month. But a flood watch was called off by mid-evening. Flooding that slammed the northeastern part of the state on July 30 knocked out bridges, destroyed and damaged homes, and washed away roads in the rural town of Lyndon. It came three weeks after deadly flooding from the remnants of Hurricane Beryl. President Joe Biden approved Vermonts emergency declaration.

Rick Dente, who owns Dentes Market in Barre, Vermont, worked to protect his business with plastic and sandbags as the rain poured down on Friday. There isnt a whole lot else you can do, he said.

Jaqi Kincaid, hit by flooding last month in Lyndon, Vermont, said the previous storm knocked out her garage and well, so they have no water. It also felled a 120-foot (36-meter) tree and took down fencing.

Were doing a lot of this, Kincaid said, holding her hands together as if in prayer.

Stormwater swamped parts of downtown Annapolis, Maryland, including at the U.S. Naval Academy on Friday. And flash flooding hit the South Carolina town of Moncks Corner, where one of Debbys early bands unleashed a tornado on Tuesday. Across the surrounding Berkeley County, emergency crews made 33 high-water rescues.

ALSO READ| Debbys Fury: Deadly tornado, torrential rain, and flooded rivers wreak havoc

There were eight dam breaches in Georgia, half of them in rural Bulloch County northwest of Savannah, Gov. Brian Kemp said. At one point, 140 people were in shelters, he said. Some poultry facilities flooded, and some cattle were lost in flooded pastures, officials said.

There have been at least nine deaths related to Debby, most in vehicle accidents or from fallen trees.
Ancient American geological formation, the Double Arch, suddenly collapsed on Wednesday, the National Parks Service said. Also known as the Toilet Bowl and the Hole in the Roof, the natural structure is located in Utahs Glen Canyon National Recreation Area. The sudden fall of the 190 million-year-old structure has sparked fears, with a local tribe calling it a bad omen. Utah's ancient structure Double Arch suddenly collapsed on Wednesday

Fall of ancient structures sparks fear, are dark times ahead?

The massive geological structure that was formed from Navajo sandstone in the late Triassic to early Jurassic periods attracts thousands of tourists every year. Officials suspect the reason behind its sudden fall to be changing water levels and erosion from waves in Lake Powell. Michelle Kerns, superintendent of the recreation area, said in a statement, These features have a life span that can be influenced or damaged by manmade interventions.

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The Double Arch's collapse comes just nine days after an ancient pyramid at the Ihuatzio Archaeological Zone in the Mexican state of Michoacan buckled under intense rain. While increased water levels are suspected to be the culprit behind the fall of Utah's structure, drought conditions may have caused cracks in the pyramid, according to experts, per Mirror. However, Purepecha tribe members have expressed fears that supernatural forces may be at play.

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For our ancestors, the builders, this was a bad omen that indicated the proximity of an important event, Tariakuiri Alvarez told The US Sun. The Purepecha defeated the Aztecs and ruled for 400 years before the Spanish invasion in 1519. Before the arrival of the conquistadors, something similar happened, which for the Purepecha worldview of that time was because the gods Nana Kuerhaepiri and Keri Kurikweri were displeased, Alvarez added.
Former President Donald Trump recounted an unusual story to reporters on Thursday, claiming that he was once involved in an emergency helicopter landing with former San Francisco Mayor Willie Brown during a press conference at Trumps Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida, his first since the Democratic ticket was announced. Former US President and Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump speaks during an election campaign rally in Bozeman, Montana, on August 9, 2024. (Photo by Natalie BEHRING / AFP)(AFP)

When asked by a reporter about Vice President Kamala Harris' past relationship with Brown, Trump responded, I know Willie Brown very well. In fact, I went down in a helicopter with him. We thought maybe this is the end. We were in a helicopter going to a certain location together, and there was an emergency landing.

This was not a pleasant landing, and Willie was, he was a little concerned. So I know him, I know him pretty well. I mean, I havent seen him in years.

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Brown quickly rejected Trumps account as completely false

Brown refuted Trump's claim in a hole call with CNN, Ive never been in a helicopter with him in my life.

He is trying his best to get some way to degrade Kamala, Brown said. There is no reason why her name ought to be mentioned anywhere near his lies, period.

Brown further emphasized his position on Friday, telling CNNs John Berman that he had no idea what Trump was talking about. Never happened, period, Brown stated. And I think my memory is probably better than his.

Amid the confusion, a Trump campaign senior adviser pointed to a story from The New York Times, which reported that Trump had previously told a similar story in his 2023 book, Letters to Trump, featuring correspondence between himself and Brown. However, the Times suggested that Trump might have confused Willie Brown with former California Governor Jerry Brown, with whom Trump toured wildfire damage by helicopter in November 2018.

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Despite this, Trump doubled down on his story on Friday, claiming he had not confused the two men. Posting on his Truth Social platform, Trump insisted, First of all, it was in New Jersey, not California, and it was Willie Brown, not former Governor Jerry Brown.

The Times also reported that California Governor Gavin Newsom, who was part of the 2018 wildfire tour, debunked Trumps story. I call complete B.S., Newsom told the Times, adding that I was on a helicopter with Jerry Brown and Trump, and it didnt go down. Newsom also mentioned that Trump.
Despite the recent roaring cries surrounding the Swifties for Harris movement, the Democratic presidential candidate, Kamala Harris, seems to be going a different way. The present-day US vice president's campaign for the 2024 election bid is not feeling the Hollywood fever for the upcoming Democratic National Convention. Minnesota Governor and Democratic vice presidential candidate Tim Walz (L) gestures alongside US Vice President and Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris during a campaign event at Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale, Arizona, on August 9, 2024.(AFP / Robyn Beck)

Sources with direct knowledge have come forward with bold claims that the Harris-Walz campaign is limiting celebrity involvement in the forthcoming prestigious Chicago-based event. Spilling details about how the Kamala Harris campaign is anxious about the DNC being portrayed as a Hollywood liberal elite episode, sources told TMZ that officials have seemingly learnt a lesson from Hillary Clinton's election bid. At the time, the Democratic Party's 2016 nominee for president of the United States largely relied on celebrities' influence to push her campaign. However, it all ended up working against them.

As a result, the Harris campaign has reportedly put a cap on celebrity appearances to balance out its accessibility to the country's average person.

Also read | Former San Francisco mayor Willie Brown calls out Donald Trump's lies about helicopter emergency landing incident

Celebrities supporting the Kamala Harris campaign

Taylor Swift is already booked and busy with her ongoing Eras Tour, which barely leaves room on her calendar to headline the convention's performances. On the contrary, Beyonce is heavily rumoured to take the lead, having already granted the Harris campaign permission to use her 2016 hit Freedom as the theme song for the first Black female presidential nominee. However, TMZ's sources also turned the tables on these speculations, casting doubt on any Queen Bey performance at the DNC closing or a campaign rally.

Nevertheless, it's only inevitable that the event will possibly end up being a star-studded affair, given how many celebrities, including John Legend, Megan Thee Stallion, George Clooney, Charli XCX, Cynthia Nixon and others, have publicly punched in their support for Harris in the 2024 presidential election. The outlet seemingly confirmed Legend's presence at the event. Additionally, the Daily Beast said that Oscar nominees Jeffrey Wright, Octavia Spencer and Boyz II Men, among others, are expected to be in attendance at this year's convention.

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The road to the 2024 DNC, set to begin on August 19 in the Windy City, is going to be tough for the Harris campaign because if these claims hold any truth, they will presumably have to turn down many celebrities hoping to be involved in the convention. This aspect especially takes the cake because insiders reported that Harris' team was flooded with inquiries from prominent A-list artists to join her campaign as soon as Joe Biden pulled out of the presidential race.

What the Harris For President campaign said about celebrity involvement

Contradicting the aforementioned report, Adrienne Elrod, senior spokesperson of the Harris For President campaign, highlighted how celebrities play a consequential role in bringing in new voters: We are living in the most personalised media environment ever, so it's crucial we are leveraging the unparalleled excitement around this historic ticket by doing everything we can to break through to the voters who will decide this election.

"Celebrities bring new voters into the fold by speaking authentically to their fan bases about the election and the issues at stake in ways only they can."
Tensions within the royal family are reportedly at an all-time high as Prince Harry stands to inherit a substantial $8.5 million windfall. The impending payout comes from a trust fund started by the late Queen Mother and is set to be released to the Duke of Sussex on his 40th birthday next month. Sources close to Prince William and Kate Middleton claim the couple is deeply upset and disgusted by the financial boon for their estranged brother, particularly when they believe he has done nothing to earn so. Kate, the Duchess of Cambridge, and Prince Harry (right) applaud Prince William after his speech during the promotion of the charity Heads Together at the Queen Elizabeth II Park in London. (REUTERS)

Harry to receive $8.5M royal fortune

Williams pretty disgusted that once again Harrys going to be cashing out and taking millions back to his Montecito home without lifting a finger for it, an insider told the New York Post. The Duke will celebrate his 40th birthday in September, and thanks to Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother, he will not have to worry about financial troubles in future.

Also read: Meghan Markle screamed at producers and couldn't stand Prince Harry speaking post interview

This huge chunk of money is coming from $90 million. trust fund set up by his great-grandma With a foresight for her familys future, the Queen Mother allocated a portion of her wealth to a trust fund for her descendants. The rule of this fund is that Prince Harry will get his piece when he turns forty. William on the other hand will be benefitted from Duchy of Cornwall. This big gift is going to really help Harry become more financially independent.

William and Kates lack of trust for Harry

The estranged brother rift is reportedly deepening over time, and sources believe that the Prince and Princess of Wales do not think Harry deserves that income. Theres nothing he can do about it, aside from shaking his head, but if it were up to him, Harry would not be getting this payday. William doesnt think his brother is in any position to be getting this handout and hes letting it be known that he thinks its a pretty rotten situation, the insider added.

While King Charles is reportedly keen to move past old grievances and welcome Harry back, William and Kate are said to still hold a grudge over the harsh comments directed at them by the Duke in his Spare. William reportedly feels that Harry is being "rewarded" despite the negative treatment he has shown them.

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William and Kate dont trust Harry or Meghan one bit, so the idea that Harrys now cashing in on his great-grannys inheritance leaves a very bitter taste in their mouths, the source added.

Unlike his brother, who got a big party at Westminster Abbey for his 40th birthday, Harry's going to get a lot more - a whopping $8.5 million which is far more than what William received when he turned 40. This comes in addition to making a ton of money from his Netflix deal with Meghan in September 2020.

What is Harrys net worth?

Harry and Meghan's money stash is about to shoot up a lot because of this new cash flow. The combined net worth of the Sussexes is currently estimated at $60 million, according to the Mirror, since they stepped down from their royal duties in 2020 and moved to California. Much of their financial success comes from the lucrative business deals they've secured. The couple is looking forward to rolling out their new Netflix shows and podcasts in addition to managing lifestyle business among other philanthropic works.
As Donald Trump adjusts to the reality of his new race against Kamala Harris, his campaign is counting on younger male voters to give him the edge in November in a presidential contest they insist is his to lose. This combination of photos taken at campaign rallies in Atlanta shows Vice President Kamala Harris on July 30, 2024, left, and Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump. (AP Photo)(AP)

Trump and his Republican campaign now face a dramatically different race than the one just three weeks ago, before President Joe Biden abandoned his bid. While they acknowledge polls have tightened with Harris as the Democratic nominee, they maintain that the fundamentals of the race have not changed, with voters deeply sour over the direction of the country, and particularly the economy.

What has happened is we are witnessing a kind of out-of-body experience where we have suspended reality for a couple of weeks, Trump campaign pollster Tony Fabrizio told reporters during a briefing in West Palm Beach on Thursday of the current state of the race.

It was a message echoed by Trump during a press conference at his Mar-a-Lago club.

The honeymoon periods gonna end, he insisted while minimizing the size of the crowds Harris has been drawing and lashing out at his new opponent. Let me tell you: We have the enthusiasm."

Campaign officials acknowledge that Harris had energized the Democratic base and that her team has taken the lead on fundraising. But they insist they have more than enough to do what they need to win. Trump's campaign and its affiliates reported raising $138.7 million in July  far less than the eye-popping $310 million sum reported by Harris. Her campaign began August with more cash on hand.

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Trump campaign focus on persuadable voters frustrated by economy

With less than three months to go, senior campaign officials are focused on a group of persuadable voters that they believe is key to victory. The targets, which they say comprise about 11% of the electorate in key battleground states, skew younger and are disproportionately male and moderate. While more than half are white, they include more nonwhites, especially Asians and Hispanics, than the broader electorate.

They are especially frustrated by the economy, including their personal finances, and are pessimistic things will improve.

Its a very narrow band of people that we are trying to move, Fabrizio said of the efforts. Since these voters don't engage with traditional news outlets and have traded cable for streaming services, the campaign has been working to reach them in novel ways.

"There is a reason why were doing podcasts. There is a reason why were doing Adin Ross," Fabrizio said, referring to the controversial internet personality who ended his interview with the former president earlier this week by giving him a Tesla Cybertruck wrapped in images of Trump raising his fist after his assassination attempt.

There is a reason why we are doing all of those things. You know what these people pay attention to? MMA, Adin Ross," he said. MMA refers to mixed martial arts.

Trump campaign officials acknowledge the Democratic base is now motivated in a way it wasnt when Biden was the nominee. Harris, they say, will likely do better than Biden would have with Black voters, especially women and older men.

But they argue Harris is doing little to appeal to swing voters. And they intend to spend the next 80-plus days painting her as a radical liberal and as the incumbent rather than a change, tying her to the most unpopular Biden administration policies.

Theres way more information about her that they dont know that theyre going to hear. And were going to make sure theyre going to get," Fabrizio said.

By the end of the race, they believe, neither candidate will be liked, but voters will choose the candidate they feel will most improve their economic conditions.

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They pointed to a line Harris has been using to refer to Trump's presidency  We are not going back  as particularly ill conceived, given that some voters say things were better when Trump was in office than they are now.

Trump campaign aides said they now have staff on the ground in 18 states, ranging from critical battlegrounds to states like Virginia, where Democrats have been favored, that they hope they can put into play.

The campaign says it now has hundreds of paid staff and more than 300 Trump and GOP offices open across battleground states. The Harris campaign, meanwhile, says it has 1,500 paid staffers and 265 offices across the country.

But much of the Trump effort relies on volunteers and outside groups.

They are trying to replicate a model they used successfully during the GOP primary in Iowa this winter, where volunteer caucus captains were given a list of 10 neighbors they pledged to get out to the polls. The campaign has credited that model with boosting turnout on a brutally cold and icy caucus night.

What is Trump Force 47?

The Trump Force 47 program is focused on targeting low- and medium-propensity voters. Volunteers will be canvassing, writing postcards, phone banking and organizing their neighbors.

So far, 12,000 captains have been trained and given voter target lists, according to officials. An additional 30,000 have volunteered, with more than 2,000 expected to be trained per week between now and Election Day.

A large part of the campaign's outreach will also rely on outside groups, which will be running paid canvassing and get-out-the-vote efforts thanks to new guidance from the Federal Election Commission that allow campaigns to coordinate with outside groups in ways that were previously not allowed.

The campaign said more than 1,000 paid canvassers are on the ground in battleground states, and they're also working to register about 1.6 million targeted voters in those competitive places.

The Harris campaign, meanwhile, says it is amassing its own army of volunteers. In the first two weeks of her candidacy, they said, 200,000 volunteers joined the campaign and signed up for 29,000 canvass shifts and 197,000 phone banking shifts.

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The reality is, Donald Trump and his orbit were late to build a program, and theyre now scrambling to play catch-up," said Harris-Walz battleground director Dan Kanninen in a statement. In an election that is expected to be extremely close, he said, "building an effective and disciplined field operation, and being able to be in communities and build trust and relationships for months as we have, is absolutely essential. The Trump campaign simply isnt doing it.
Donald Trump has doubled down on his claim that he was involved in an emergency helicopter landing with Willie Brown. Despite the former San Francisco mayor's denial, the Republican presidential nominee told the New York Times that he has flight records to back his story. Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump arrives to speak at a campaign rally in Bozeman, Mont., Friday, Aug. 9, 2024. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)(AP)

Trump doubles down on claims he had near-death experience in a helicopter alongside Willie Brown

On Thursday, the former president recounted a near-death experience during a helicopter ride with Brown. However, it appeared that Trump had confused him with Jerry Brown, the former governor of California. However, a spokesperson for Jerry refuted the claim, saying, There was no emergency landing and no discussion of Kamala Harris.

The drama escalated when 95-year-old former Los Angeles city council member Nate Holden told Politico that it was he who was aboard the aircraft with Trump. Willie is the short Black guy living in San Francisco, Holden told the outlet, adding, Im a tall Black guy living in Los Angeles.

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Meanwhile, Harris' 2021 biography, Kamala's Way: An American Life, revealed that in 1994, Trump had sent his private plane for Kamala and Brown to fly them from Boston to New York City. The vice president and the former San Francisco mayor dated during the 1990s.

Amid the growing mystery and confusion around Trump's story, the ex-POTUS doubled down on his theory saying he has solid proof. Despite asserting that he has flight records to prove his helicopter ride with Brown, he hasn't produced them. We have the flight records of the helicopter, the GOP nominee told the New York Times on Friday.

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Trump also claimed that the helicopter made an emergency landing in a field before saying that he was probably going to sue the outlet for its coverage of his meandering news conference on Thursday at Mar-a-Lago. However, this is not the first time that the former president has narrated the helicopter story.

In his 2023 book Letters to Trump, the Republican nominee published a series of personal letters he received from a number of politicians, including Brown. We actually had an emergency landing in a helicopter together. It was a little scary for both of us, but thankfully we made it, he wrote in the book.
Harris County Sheriffs Office in Texas found a recording from a Ring doorbell which shows a middle school teacher, David Garza, who intervened to save a 15-year-old girl from an alleged sexual assault. Ring doorbell footage shows teacher intervening in tense scene(KHOU)

Shot five miles outside Houston, the tape shows the tense scene in which naked Garza brandished a gun and scared the intruder away.

On late July 28 Garza noticed a disturbing scene from his apartment window. I looked out the window, and I saw a man beating up a woman on the ground, Garza told local station KHOU. He was trying to take her clothes off. Garza quickly grabbed his pistol from upstairs and rushed outside.

As Garza approached, he heard the girl scream for help: The girl screamed, 'I'm 15! Help me!' So, I pointed my gun at [the suspect].

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He took his hands off right away. He went chasing after her, I went chasing after him and she got away, allowing the girl to escape to a friend's apartment.

I was scared, too, I'm not going to lie, the teacher shared.

But she needed help more than I was afraid, so I had to do it. But he felt he just did the right thing in this instance.

Suspect still at large after attempted assault on teen girl

The Harris County Sheriff's Office reported that the suspect had been on the same bus as the 15-year-old girl and had followed her to her apartment complex before attempting the assault. The girl was able to escape unharmed.

The suspect managed to flee, and authorities are still searching for him. The police have released a surveillance photo of the man, who was last seen wearing a black Reebok hoodie, a black hat, blue jeans, and white sneakers, and are urging the public to assist in locating him.

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Neighbours who witnessed the event described it as a frightening experience. One woman, who observed the incident from her window, expressed, At first, I was scared. I thought she was going to get raped.

I think if [Garza] didn't come out, she would have gotten raped.
New artifacts including jugs and glass bottles from cargo have been found on the legendary Spanish galleon San Jose, Colombia's government announced Thursday, after the first robotic exploration of the three-century-old shipwreck.

In February, the Colombian government announced it would begin extractions from the ship off its Caribbean coast, with the wreckage believed to be holding treasures worth billions of dollars.

"Results of this exploration have revealed an unprecedented set of archaeological evidence, which has greatly expanded our knowledge," the institutions in charge of exploring the wreck said in a statement.

It said a robot surveyed the wreck, whose exact location has been kept secret since its discovery in 2015, between May 23 and June 1.

"Although a concentration of archaeological remains was detected in 2022 in the area of the shipwreck, the recent exploration has allowed to characterize these accumulations in more detail and to discover new isolated elements," the statement said.

Among the new artifacts are an anchor, as well as part of the ship's cargo such as jugs and glass bottles. Four observation campaigns were carried out in 2022 by the Colombian Navy with high-tech equipment to verify the condition of the wreck.

The images reported had shown, among other things, cast iron cannons, porcelain pieces, pottery and objects apparently made of gold.

"We believe that it is possible to find new remains that would deepen the information we have so far," said Alhena Caicedo, director of the Colombian Institute of Anthropology and History, quoted in the statement.

The San Jose was owned by the Spanish crown when it was sunk by the British navy near Cartagena in 1708. Only a handful of its 600-strong crew survived.

Colombia's government believes that this first exploration "raises questions about the exact causes of the sinking."

British documents state that the ship suffered an "internal explosion," which would have caused it to sink with its treasure and hundreds of passengers, according to Colombia's government. Spanish reports however point to a battle.

The ship had been heading back from the New World to the court of King Philip V of Spain, laden with treasures such as chests of emeralds and some 200 tons of gold coins.

Before Colombia announced the discovery in 2015, the ship had long been sought by adventurers.

Spain had laid claim to the ship and its contents under a UN convention Colombia is not party to, while Indigenous Qhara Qhara Bolivians claim the riches were stolen from them.

But Petro's government has insisted on raising the wreck for purposes of science and culture, with the project estimated to cost some $4.5 million.

The wreck is also claimed by US-based salvage company Sea Search Armada -- which insists it found it first more than 40 years ago and has taken Colombia to the UN's Permanent Court of Arbitration, seeking $10 billion dollars.
A Texas doctor-patient love triangle was exposed when a married therapist allegedly pulled a gun on his lover after she tried to end their affair, cops said.

Thaddeus Tolbert has been charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and burglary, in connection with an alleged attack on his now former girlfriend in April 2024, according to charging documents reviewed by HNGN.

Tolbert first met the victim, Jhyah Scales, in October 2023, when he was treating her son at his clinic, Discerning Minds Consulting, in Houston. In February, Scales also became a patient.

By March, Tolbert and Scales became romantically involved, but a month later, she found out he was married with children, and she tried to end things at his office.

In response, he allegedly threatened her with a gun, pinned Scales against the wall, and screamed at her not to leave him, according to the records.

Tolbert allegedly only freed her when someone knocked on his office door. Scales took the opportunity to flee to her car, pick up her child from school, and return to her apartment, where Tolbert was allegedly waiting for her.

Scales handed her daughter off to a neighbor and she ran inside her apartment through a back door. Tolbert allegedly forced his way in through the front.

He then allegedly kissed her while he choked her out, told her loved her, "and that they would die before he let her walk away," the documents read.

"He pulled out his gun to put to my head and pushed it down, and he hit it back up, so it hit me when it came back up. And I was just, like, 'Please just leave,' and he said, 'I am going to kill you. I am going to kill us both,'" Scales told KTRK-TV Thursday.

He later left and returned about 30 minutes later when she threatened to tell his wife about their affair.

The pair allegedly scuffled over her cell phone and Tolbert allegedly waived his gun at Scales again and choked her several times, while stating, "I'm going to kill you... I'm going to kill us both... why are you doing this... I love you too much," according to the documents.

Scales allegedly sustained multiple bruises and a black eye before her attacker eventually left her apartment.

"I was really caught off guard. I didn't think someone like this could be capable, because he is a mental health professional, because he's a therapist, and because he is active in the community," Scales told the station.

"I feel as embarrassed as I am. I have to do something because I could've died in there with my child," she added, accusing Tolbert of using her trauma to manipulate her.

"I just got out of a very toxic and traumatic relationship, which I had to express to him as my therapist, the reason why I was in therapy. And I feel like he used everything I just told him, (what) I went through, (was used) against me," explained Scales.

Tolbert's defense attorney, Michael Monks, said his client is innocent and they look forward to their day in court, the outlet reported.

Tolbert was released on $50,000 bond and is prohibited from having any contact with Scales, according to a protective order.
The former head of the Scottish government has slammed tech mogul Elon Musk for using his social media platform to spread what he called "right-wing" lies to incite violence among protesters over the murder of three young girls at a British dance event.

Musk fired back on X Friday, calling the former leader, the Scottish-born son of Pakistani immigrants, a "super super racist" who "loathes white people."

Former First Minister Humza Yousaf said in an appearance at Edinburgh's Fringe Festival on the "Iain Dale All Talk" podcast Thursday that Musk was deliberately "amplifying" white supremacists and "far-right neo Nazi conspiracy theories" to sow chaos in Britain.

He has leveraged his wealth to create "evil," Yousaf charged.

A 17-year-old boy has been charged in the stabbing deaths late last month of three young girls, ages 6 to 9, at a Taylor Swift-themed dance event in the resort town of Southport that sparked anti-immigrant unrest throughout Britain.

Musk posted several incendiary tweets on X, including that "civil war is inevitable" when protesters began rioting throughout Britain over the killings, and he helped peddle the lie that the attacker was an asylum seeker from Syria when in fact he was born in Cardiff, Wales, in the United Kingdom.

Musk also posted multiple images, memes and a fake right-wing headline fueling violence at the anti-immigration protests, Yousaf charged. The headline falsely indicated that protesters would be arrested and held in a detainment center on the Falkland Islands.

Musk, who was born and raised in apartheid South Africa, later removed the headline and some tweets but only after the inflammatory messages were viewed by hundreds of thousands of his millions of social media followers, sparking the ire of British Prime Minister Keir Starmer.

Yousaf branded Musk "one of the most dangerous men on the planet."

Musk is "not accountable to anybody. He has vast wealth at his fingertips, and he uses it for some of the most wicked evil I've seen," the former minister added.
A Florida man was killed during a dispute over a handicapped parking space, and a disabled homeless man has been charged in the slaying, according to a report.

Jonathan Arias was gunned down after he, his wife and a friend drove into a Sarasota parking lot during a weekend getaway on Saturday, Fox 13 reported.

Arias, of Orlando, pulled his truck into one of two handicapped spots in the lot to unload fishing gear, the station reported.

Richard Minor, 66, a disabled amputee, was living in his car parked in the other handicapped space.

Minor questioned Arias about parking in the parking space, asking if they were disabled, a situation that escalated when "both men exchanged words," the station reported, citing court documents.

As Arias, his wife, and friend left for the pier, witnesses said Minor began calling after them.

At some point, Arias decided to leave.

As Arias pulled out, Minor yelled at him for driving in the wrong direction.

Arias got out of his truck and approached Minor's passenger side window when more words were exchanged and Minor doused him with bear spray.

When Arias came around to the driver's side window, Minor fired several shots at Arias, killing him.

Minor is being held in the Sarasota County Jail on charges of murder and aggravated assault with a firearm.
A Russian chess champion allegedly attempted to poison her rival with mercury ahead of a chess match in an effort to "knock her opponent out of the tournament," cops alleged.

Amina Abakarova, 43, was captured on surveillance footage allegedly smearing mercury on 30-year-old Umayganat Osmanova's chess pieces before the start of a tournament in Makhachkala, Russia, last week, police said, Russian media RTVI and The Independent reported.

Footage of the alleged incident shared on social media appeared to show Abakarova approach her opponent's chess board ahead of her arrival, and taint the pieces with a substance that subsequently turned out to be mercury, according to authorities.

 Russian chess player Amina Abakarova blasted her supergirl Umayganat Osmanova with mercury at a chess tournament in Dagestan. She spilled mercury on the table shortly before the competition in order to knock her rival out of the tournament.



" pic.twitter.com/84mQdGChnk  Tracey SBU Fella  #NAFO (@trajaykay) August 8, 2024

The victim later on claimed to feel dizzy and nauseous, and a doctor suggested she had been poisoned.

Speaking with RTVI, Osmanova said she felt "terrible, disgusting and morally depressed" and that she and Abakarova have been chess rivals since childhood. They reportedly got into an argument a week prior at another chess match.

"I still feel bad. In the first minutes I felt a lack of air and a taste of iron in my mouth... I had to spend about five hours at this board  I don't know what would have happened to me if I hadn't seen it earlier," she said.

The Russian Chess Federation announced the suspension of Abakarova "from participating in all competitions held under the auspices of the Russian Chess Federation until the conclusion of law enforcement agencies, on the basis of which a final decision will be made, up to and including a lifetime disqualification," it said in a statement, according to the outlet.

"Like many others, I am perplexed by what happened, and the motives of such an experienced competitor as Amina Abakarova are incomprehensible,"Russian Minister of Sport Sazhida Sazhidova told The Telegraph.

"The actions she took could have led to a most tragic outcome, threatening the lives of everyone who was present, including herself. Now she must answer for what she did by the law."
Donald Trump two years ago reportedly shared a private flight from his Palm Beach home with the architect of Project 2025, the controversial extemist plan for the next conservative administration which the former president has repeatedly claimed to know "nothing" about.

The Washington Post published a photo from the flight of Trump with Kevin Roberts, the head of the right-wing Heritage Foundation which produced the conservative manifesto.

The two were on their way to the annual Heritage Foundation conference, where Trump would tell the organization's members that they would "lay the groundwork and detail plans for exactly what our movement will do."

Trump has furiously tried to backpedal from the foundation's hugely controversial Project 2025 as details about the plan have emerged in the media.

The 900-page plan, which organizers aim to begin launching the first day of a Trump presidency, includes shutting down the federal Department of Education, ending all abortion rights, slashing Medicaid, and firing tens of thousands of federal employees to replace them with loyalists.

It would also officially support only "intact" heterosexual families because all other relationships are "unstable" and create "bad behavior," the plan states, and would quickly execute  or "obtain finality for"  all prisoners on death row.

Organizers know the plan will trigger dissent, and are "anticipating large protests" if Trump is elected, the New Yorker reported late last month, citing an inside source and life-long Republican who is frightened by the scheme.

Trump allies are already working on plans to impose a "version" of the Insurrection Act that would allow Trump to "dispatch troops to serve as a national police force" to quell dissent, according to the magazine.

When Trump was in the White House he asked Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Mark Milley about shooting Black Lives Matter protesters during a 2020 meeting, his Defense Secretary Mark Esper told NPR in an interview.

"Can't you just shoot them, just shoot them in the legs or something?" an "enraged" Trump asked, recounted Esper, who said the question took everyone in the room "aback."

Many of the plans for the envisioned Trump administration would be launched within "hours" of the moment the former president retakes office, according to the New Yorker - which is why Trump told Sean Hannity late last year that he wouldn't be a dictator "except for Day One,"

In an awkward development for the Republican ticket, it turned out Trump's running mate J.D. Cance had already written a forward to an upcoming book by Kevin Roberts on Project 2025. The publication of the book has now been delayed  until after the election, reports the Associated Press.
Gaza's civil defense agency said Saturday an Israeli air strike on a school housing displaced Palestinians killed 93 people, as Israel's military accused militants of using the building as a command center.

Aence France Presse could not independently verify the toll which, if confirmed, would appear to be one of the largest from a single strike during 10 months of war between Israel and Hamas Palestinian militants.

Hamas denounced the "dangerous escalation" in north Gaza, which came after international mediators invited the warring sides to resume next Thursday talks towards a long-sought ceasefire and hostage-release deal.

Jordan's foreign ministry said the timing of the school strike "is an indication of the Israeli government's efforts to obstruct and thwart these efforts."

Civil defense officials in the Hamas-ruled territory said three Israeli missiles hit the school in Gaza City while people performed dawn prayers.

"Their bodies were torn apart," civil defense spokesman Mahmud Bassal told AFP. "It reminds us of the first days of the war in the Gaza Strip."

With most of Gaza's 2.4 million people displaced during the war triggered by Hamas' Oct. 7 attack on southern Israel, many have sought refuge in school buildings, which have been hit at least 14 times since July 6, according to an AFP tally.

Israel's army said Saturday it had "precisely struck Hamas terrorists operating within a Hamas command and control centre embedded in the Al-Tabieen school."

The military has repeatedly made similar accusations after strikes on the school shelters. Hamas has previously denied Israeli claims that it uses schools, hospitals and other civilian facilities for military aims.

AFP-TV live images from the scene showed a large complex with a courtyard where debris lay inside and out. Part of the structure appeared to be a mosque, the upper story of which was partially blown out and charred.

Images also showed white-shrouded bodies, blood stains on the ground, and smoke rising from the rubble.

Hamas's October attack resulted in the deaths of 1,198 people, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally based on Israeli official figures.

Palestinian militants seized 251 hostages, 111 of whom are still held in Gaza, including 39 the Israeli military says are dead.

Israel's retaliatory military campaign in Gaza has killed at least 39,699 people, according to Gaza's health ministry, which does not give details of civilian and militant deaths

Israel has vowed to destroy Hamas. In January the military said it had dismantled the group's command structure in northern Gaza. But the military has since found itself returning there and to other areas of the territory to battle militants again.

Iran has accused Israel of wanting to spread war in the Middle East, and Hamas officials, some analysts and critics in Israel have said Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has prolonged the fighting.

However, Netanyahu's office on Thursday said Israel would send negotiators "to conclude the details of implementing a deal," after the joint invitation from mediators the United States, Qatar and Egypt.

The mediators' invitation followed intense diplomacy aimed at averting a region-wide conflagration.

In a joint statement Thursday, the three countries' leaders invited the warring parties to resume talks on Aug.t 15 in Doha or Cairo "to close all remaining gaps and commence implementation of the deal without further delay."

Recent discussions have focused on a framework outlined by U.S. President Joe Biden in late May and later endorsed by the United Nations Security Council.

Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant, in talks with his U.S. counterpart Lloyd Austin, "raised the importance of swiftly achieving" a hostage release deal, Gallant's office said.

European Union chief Ursula von der Leyen said on social media platform X: "We need a ceasefire in Gaza now" and expressed strong support for the mediators' efforts.
WASHINGTON  The diplomat from Williamsville who led the State Departments effort to tell Americas story abroad took up a new challenge this month: She is now the top aide to the Democratic nominee for vice president of the United States.

Elizabeth M. Allen, a Williamsville South and SUNY Geneseo grad who has made a career of hopscotching between the State Department and Democratic Party politics, made another jump when the Kamala Harris presidential campaign named her chief of staff to Harris running mate.

The move came several days before Vice President Harris named Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz as her vice presidential nominee. Allen had spent the past year as undersecretary of state for public diplomacy and public affairs at the State Department after performing the role in an acting capacity for the previous 15 months and serving in another State Department position before that.

Upon Allens departure, her boss at the State Department, Secretary of State Antony Blinken, gave her a glowing review.

Liz has lived the mantra that our people are our greatest asset, Blinken said in a statement. A tireless advocate for the almost 5,000-person strong global public diplomacy team, she has equipped and empowered them to navigate an increasingly complex media environment, including through enhanced training opportunities, emerging technology and the use of artificial intelligence. More broadly, she has helped infuse a public diplomacy perspective across our entire workforce.

Williamsville South grad now ranks as one of the top US diplomats Elizabeth M. Allen, a Williamsville South and SUNY Geneseo graduate, is now the youngest-ever under secretary of state for public diplomacy and public affairs. Earlier this month, the Senate confirmed her nomination in a 66-33 vote.

In addition, Liz has been an indispensable advisor and sounding board to me and so many others across the Department, Blinken added. I am deeply grateful for her leadership, and on behalf of her colleagues, I thank her for her service.

Allen joined the Harris campaign along with some of her top colleagues from Barack Obamas 2008 campaign for president, including campaign strategist David Plouffe, who twice helped Obama win the White House.

Now 39, Allens first formative experience in Democratic politics came when she served as associate director of operations for the 2008 Democratic National Convention. She later served as deputy communications director to then-Vice President Joe Biden, deputy communications director at the Obama White House and communications director for Harris when she ran for vice president in 2020.

In between those jobs, she held a number of posts at the State Department, where she interned during college. But her most recent job was her biggest.

It is about telling Americas story, explaining our foreign policy, conveying our vision, creating economic opportunity, developing the leaders of tomorrow, empowering independent media and calling out foreign propaganda, disinformation and foreign malign influence, she said at a Senate hearing last year.

Williamsville native Elizabeth Allen named assistant secretary of state President Biden on Wednesday appointed Williamsville native Elizabeth M. Allen, a longtime Democratic communications whiz, to serve as assistant secretary of state for global public affairs.

This past week, though, Allen has been traveling from Philadelphia to the Midwest to Arizona, tracing the steps of Harris and Walz and advising the prospective vice president along the way.

Allen was too busy to accommodate an interview request, but she described her career in two words via text.

Wild ride...  she wrote.
The "most violent" of the Jan. 6, 2021, rioters at the U.S. Capitol who beat officers with poles and doused them with bear spray was sentenced to 20 years in prison, according to a report.

David Dempsey, 37, was sentenced Friday by U.S. District Judge Royce Lamberth, handing out the second-largest sentence of all the nearly 1,000 defendants sentenced to this point, the Washington Post reported.

Enrique Tarrio, the leader of the Proud Boys, was sentenced to 22 years after his conviction on a seditious conspiracy charge.

"Your conduct on January 6 was especially egregious," Lamberth told Dempsey, the newspaper reported.

"You didn't make a split-second decision to use violence. You did not get carried away in the moment. You have a long and well-documented history of inflicting violence on political opponents," the judge said.

Lamberth also referred to Dempsey's criminal history in California for burglary, drug dealing, evading police and "assault with a caustic chemical" for drenching anti-Trump protesters with bear spray in 2020.

The report said Dempsey showed up at the Capitol along with thousands of pro-Donald Trump supporters wearing a bulletproof tactical vest, a helmet and a covering over his face.

In an interview before he climbed up the Capitol steps, Dempsey ticked off the names of Democrats he hated while standing next to a makeshift gallows erected near the building.

"They don't need a jail cell," Dempsey said, the Washington Post reported. "They need to hang from these."

Dempsey attacked police in the lower West Tunnel, tossing poles at them, showering them with bear spray, and beating an officer in the head with crutches, giving him a concussion.

At one point he shot bear spray inside the mask of one officer, leading the officer to fear for his life.

Dempsey pleaded guilty to two counts of assaulting police with dangerous or deadly weapons.

In a sentencing memo, prosecutors said Dempsey "was one of the most violent rioters, during one of the most violent stretches of time."
Donald Trump posted bragging-rights photos of the crowd at his Montana rally Friday night, but it was dwarfed by close to 20,000 at Kamala's Harris and Tim Walz's campaign event in Arizona the same day.

Trump's own social media message and other tweets on X show what appeared to be a packed Brick Breeden Fieldhouse at the University of Montana in Bozeman with a capacity of 8,400.

But sections of the crowds were in shadows in Trump's photos, and at least two of the photos he posted were of the same section of seats from different angles.

Other tweets posted photos of empty seats, though it was difficult to know when they were taken, and people leaving mid-rally, and mocked the "tens of people" at the Trump event.

Meanwhile, Desert Diamon Arena in Glendale, Arizona, near Phoenix holds 20,000, and the place was nearly filled to capacity, several photos revealed.

New vice presidential candidate Tim Walz took the opportunity to mock Trump's numbers, with joy.

Trump used the rally, which was delayed after his flight was diverted over undisclosed mechanical issues, to call Walz "freakish" in a bid to counteract their complaints that he's "weird."

He also claimed that President Joe Biden was going to resurrect his campaign at the Democratic convention for another chance to debate Trump.

#TrumpIsDone #TrumpMeltDown in Bozeman Montana. Trump actually told his rally supporters that Biden is coming back to debate him. The crowd was quiet & did not laugh. They witnessed first hand his deteriorating mental state. Its the same craziness he posted on Truth Social.  pic.twitter.com/OUApcwgAUU  Beyond My 4 Walls (@VWalls4) August 10, 2024

Donald Trump Truth Social 01:10 AM EST 08/10/24 @realDonaldTrump pic.twitter.com/iMRAP69PRI  Donald J. Trump Posts From His Truth Social (@TrumpDailyPosts) August 10, 2024

The view from the 200 level of Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale at the Harris Walz rally. @CopperCourier pic.twitter.com/IDJsvaMpFg  Jessica Swarner (@jessica_swarner) August 9, 2024

Ahahaha. Tim Walz cracks a joke at Trumps expense about crowd size.



The event in Arizona is apparently the largest political event in state HISTORY.



pic.twitter.com/xOcJ2fS3bl  CALL TO ACTIVISM (@CalltoActivism) August 10, 2024
Olympic breaker Manizha Talash, who fled her native Afghanistan in 2021, was disqualified from competition on Friday for wearing a cape that said: "Free Afghan Women," the Associated Press reported.

Talash, 21, who represents the Olympic Refugee Team, was disqualified for "displaying a political slogan on her attire during the Pre-Qualifier battle," the World DanceSport Federation said in a statement.

B-girl Talash had the words written on a light blue cape she wore for the battle against India Sardjoe of the Netherlands, which she lost.

Talash left Afghanistan for Spain after the Taliban took control of the war-torn country.

"I'm here because I want to reach my dream. Not because I'm scared," she told the AP before the Olympics from her home in Spain.
Donald Trump sparked iceberg-sized mockery on social media after his campaign played Celine Dion's "Titanic" theme song before his Friday rally in Montana.

Many quipped that it's an apt analogy for his presidential run.

In an even bigger swipe, the singer's management team and her record label Sony issued a short-tempered warning Saturday that "in no way is this use authorized, and Celine Dion does not endorse this or any similar use."

The statement added archly: "And really, THAT song?"

Dion was shown on video before the event in Bozeman belting out "My Heart Will Go On" from the 1997 blockbuster and Academy Award-winning film about the doomed ocean liner.

The crowd had plenty of time to watch the performance during Trump's delay after his plane was diverted to another airport due to an undisclosed mechanical issue.

"Trump and Vance playing *Titanic's* 'My Heart Will Go On' at their Montana rally? Perfect-because when your campaign's headed for an iceberg, you might as well set it to music," Marc Broklawski posted on X.

Trump and Vance playing *Titanic's* My Heart Will Go On at their Montana rally? Perfectbecause when your campaigns headed for an iceberg, you might as well set it to music.   #TitanicVibes #SinkingFeeling pic.twitter.com/FPedO1mmaJ  Marc Broklawski (@marcbroklawski) August 10, 2024

"Great metaphor for the sinking ship," wrote Thorne on the site.

Another user, SnarkTank, quipped: "I think he's plugging his new movie," and created a meme of Trump and running mate J.D. Vance on the bow of a ship recreating the iconic scene created by Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet.

"TrumpTantic Collide with Failure," said the caption on the illustration.

I think hes plugging his new movie pic.twitter.com/c68RNj8ODE  SnarkTank (@TheSnarkTank99) August 10, 2024

Vice President Kamala Harris' campaign posted a video of Dion at the rally, noting simply: "Trump campaign plays the theme from the Titanic at his rally."

Trump's rally followed a campaign event in Arizona with Harris and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, her vice president nominee, in an arena where nearly 20,000 people attended, AZ Central reported.

The mockery over the Titanic also comes as Harris is riding a wave of enthusiasm among supporters and is climbing in the polls.

A New York Times/Siena College poll found that Harris has pulled ahead of Trump by four percentage points in the battleground states of Michigan, Wisconsin and Pennsylvania.
Triplex Cinema Screening of 'Bill Cunningham New York'

GREAT BARRINGTON, Mass.  The Triplex Cinema announced a special screening of the award-winning documentary "Bill Cunningham New York."

The screening will be followed by talkback with director Richard Press and producer Philip Gefter, interviewed by award-winning documentarian Bobby Houston.

The screening will take place on Wednesday Aug. 14 at 7:00 pm. Tickets are available at Triplex Cinema Website.

According to a press release:

Cunningham was for more than 50 years a legendary photographic chronicler of fashion trends, often seen on the streets of New York City and at high society charity events. His work appeared in many places, most notably in The New York Times Style section in his columns "On the Street" and "Evening Hours." Appearing in the film and speaking about Cunningham and his work are noted society figure Brooke Astor, Vogue Editor Anna Wintour, philanthropist David Rockefeller, New York Times publisher Arthur Sulzberger Jr., and journalist and novelist Tom Wolfe, among others.

Made to honor Cunningham on his 80th birthday, director Richard Press and producer Philip Gefter spent two years following Cunningham (after eight years spent trying to convince him to make the film) as he went about his work, while also interviewing him in the famed Carnegie Hall studios, where he was one of the last two residents remaining in the building. The film was made without any crew, relying on small handheld cameras so that Cunningham, a famously private person, would not feel intruded upon. Cunningham continued to work up until the time of his death in 2016.

Philip Gefter, who recently appeared at the Triplex to speak about his new book "Cocktails with George and Martha: Movies, Marriage, and the Making of Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf," is a longtime writer on the world of photography, including more than fifteen years with the New York Times. His books include "What Becomes a Legend Most," a biography of Richard Avedon, and "Wagstaff: Before and After Mapplethorpe."

Joining Philip Gefter and Richard Press in conversation is Academy Award-winning documentarian Bobby Houston.

Triplex Board President Nicki Wilson said: "we could not be happier to welcome Philip Gefter back to the Triplex after our great "Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf" event earlier this year. "Bill Cunningham New York" is a wholly original film about a wholly original person, and we know that director Richard Press, Philip and Bobby Houston will have a lively and memorable conversation about this important, moving and memorable film."
Andrew Hogeland leads a memorial ceremony for the Spruces in 2021 as chair of the Select Board. Hogeland is moving to Connecticut and is stepping down after nearly 20 years on town boards and committees.

Hogeland Stepping Down from Williamstown Select Board



Andrew Hogeland with fellow board member Jane Patton in 2019. WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass.  For nearly two decades, Andrew Hogeland has demonstrated a sense of civic duty and a commitment to his adopted hometown.

It took an even greater commitment to lead him to end his time in town government.

"I think people recognize that grandchildren are very valuable things," Hogeland said Friday when asked about the reaction he's received to Thursday's announcement that he is resigning mid-term from the Select Board.

Hogeland posted Thursday on Facebook that he and his wife, Anne, are relocating to Connecticut later this year to be closer to family.

That means he will not be finishing the fourth consecutive three-year Select Board term he won in the town election in 2023.

Hogeland, who has called Williamstown home for 30 years, has served the town in various capacities for 19 of those years, including stints on the Planning Board, Conservation Commission and Finance Committee.

Although he is confident that he and Anne are making the right call, it was still a difficult decision, Hogeland said.

"My connections to Williamstown and how much town service has meant to me made it a hard thing to finally come around to deciding," he said. "There's a real sense of loss that I won't be doing it anymore."

For a decade, Hogeland has been a measured, principled, calming presence for the Select Board. His commitment to the principle that the local elected officials should not weigh in on matters they were not elected to consider has sometimes frustrated advocates for causes and even colleagues on the board.

But he points to one such instance as one of the most memorable moments on the board.

When asked to point to accomplishments he was most proud of in the last 10 years, he pivoted to two occasions that were, "not a matter of pride but a matter of learning."

One was last winter's appeals by residents both for and against the Select Board signing on to a resolution calling for a ceasefire in Gaza and a suspension of American military support to Israel.

"I think most of us were sympathetic to the need for a ceasefire," Hogeland said. "It was just very hard to listen to a lot of passionate, very emotional statements in terms of doing this and come up as best I could with a way of explaining why I don't think it's our job to do it.

"It was about making sure people knew they were heard even if we did not do the thing they wanted us to do."

In March, in front of a meeting room packed mostly with advocates for the resolution, Hogeland put it this way:

"It's a deeper philosophy about governance, about being mindful that there are limits to our duties and not letting our natural urges to be expansive in what our job is get out of hand," Hogeland said. "This table is not a pulpit. No one elected us to opine on Mideast politics, military strategy or the terms of prisoner exchanges."

It was the most recent and highly watched example of a principle that came to be associated with Hogeland: that the Select Board should "stay in its lane," when it came to matters not directly under its purview.

Hogeland's other answer to the question, "What are you most proud of?" pointed to a period when the Select Board grappled with an issue very much under its purview: supervision of the town manager, who, in turn, supervises the chief of police and operations at the Williamstown Police Department.

He called it a period that allowed him to "grow in different ways."

"It was a big lesson in learning how to listen and come up with an organized response," he said.

Both the WPD controversy  which played out in the immediate aftermath of the murder of George Floyd and a renewed national conversation on racial equity  and the Gaza ceasefire resolution debate occurred in the era of Zoom, which appeared to bring a different tenor to Town Hall discourse.

Hogeland said the advent of virtual meetings has presented a challenge and an opportunity.

"I think during the Police Department troubles, Zoom actually made communication much more difficult," he said. "It allowed people to speak to each other in ways they might not if they were in the same room.

"It's evolved to where it's just another way for people to watch what's going on, and it's convenient to people. You watch on Willinet or you watch on Zoom. And it's made being involved in government easier and a tad bit more accessible to people."

Hogeland called his involvement on the board of the town's Affordable Housing Trust one of his most rewarding experiences over the last two decades.

"Housing generally, in the last five or six years, has become more of an issue for me that we need to deal with at all levels of government," he said. "COVID brought out how so many lives are on the edge, and if you're out of work for two or three weeks things can fall apart.

"Most of the work the Trust is doing now is work that was set up before I got there, but I'm so happy to help people with their rent or with their mortgage. It's a nice intersection of being able to put together a government program that thinks through what needs to be done and having the money to do it."

The AHT  where Hogeland serves in a seat allocated to a member of the Select Board  also brings to mind one of his regrets as he sees his tenure come to an end.

"I would have enjoyed being able to get the Summer Street project all the way through permitting and transfer the property over," he said.

But that Trust initiative and several active projects before the Select Board still might benefit from Hogeland's expertise even after his departure from the board, currently planned for the end of September.

"I'm not dying yet," he said. "I'm available by phone or email.  My goal is to get things in as great an order as I can, but I'm happy to work on them even after I lose my formal title."

Hogeland has asked the Select Board to name his replacement by the end of next month, and the body has the replacement procedure on its agenda for this Monday's meeting. Per the town charter, the board can appoint someone to fill the seat through the next town election; in May, voters will decide who fills the remaining one year left on his term, which ends in May 2026.

That means at this time next year, as many as three seats on the five-person Select Board will have a new occupant.

Current Chair Jane Patton is on record saying she will not seek a fifth term in the seat she was re-elected to in 2022. Randal Fippinger, who was elected to his first term in 2022, confirmed to iBerkshires.com on Friday morning that he currently does not plan to seek a second term.

While change may be brewing at the elected level, Hogeland on Friday noted that the town benefits from continuity and professionalism in the staff that keeps the lights on at Town Hall.

"Part of the success of town government for me has been the quality of the Town Hall staff," he said. "They are a dedicated and knowledgeable group of people, and they're very service oriented. The town should be grateful that they have a Town Hall staff like that there."

Will some town in Connecticut have the benefit of a volunteer whose resume includes three decades as a practicing attorney, 19 years in town government and a stint as president of the Massachusetts Municipal Association?

Probably not any time soon.

"I'm not quite ready to make that leap yet," Hogeland said. "One of my initial thoughts was, 'I wonder how town government works in Connecticut?' But it might be better to keep to myself and do something new and different. I have no particular plans along those lines.

"I retired from my paying job 10 years ago without a clear plan of what to do. I'm in the same situation now, and it worked out fine last time."
Tackling health inequities in communities of color has been a challenge here and elsewhere. So imagine the excitement when Dr. Timothy F. Murphy and University at Buffalo leaders announced they had landed a sought-after grant: a $3.6 million award over five years from the National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities.

The effort was three years in the making when Murphy and community leaders first met to plan how UB could land the grant.

The grant, as reported by The News Jon Harris, will bolster UBs efforts to study the root causes of inequities in Buffalo, a city of pride for natives but also a city where a Black person dies, on average, 10 to 12 years younger than a white person. The grant also could have other beneficial effects in luring new research talent to Buffalo.

UB wants researchers to address Buffalo's health inequities. A $3.6 million grant will help The five-year grant from the National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities bolsters UB's efforts to study the root causes of inequities in Buffalo, a city where a Black person dies on average 10 to 12 years younger than a white person.

Dr. Allison Brashear, dean of UBs Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, called the grant transformative. UB will use the grant to establish the Center of Excellence in Investigator Development and Community Engagement, which will be part of the universitys Community Health Equity Research Institute led by Murphy.

Brashear put the grant in context, explaining that UB is one of only 10 institutions across the country that received funding from the National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities to establish such a center.

That the new center will support research that benefits people who experience health inequities resulting from the social drivers of health creates another opportunity for positive change.

$500,000 for Cazenovia Park upgrades

Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie received quite the tour recently when Assemblyman Patrick Burke took him to Duerstein Street in South Buffalo where Burke grew up to the edge of Cazenovia Park.

The tour was well worth the time.

Heastie announced $500,000 in state funding to help pay for some capital projects in Cazenovia Park.

Assembly Speaker Heastie announces $500,000 grant for Cazenovia Park On Tuesday, Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie announced $500,000 in state funding to help pay for some capital projects in Cazenovia Park.

They were joined by Buffalo Common Council President Christopher P. Scanlon and Olmsted Park Conservancy Executive Director Catie Stephenson. The executive director shared how the new state resources will benefit Cazenovia Park.

As Heastie said, since the pandemic there has been a greater appreciation for outdoor spaces and outdoor activities. This park is absolutely breathtaking. Sometimes, the infrastructure needs upgrades and to be modernized, and were just happy to do our part. This is your money. This is the taxpayers money.

Well put, Mr. Speaker.

Providence Farm Collective: Empowering refugee youth

ICYMI (in case you missed it), Natalie Brophys piece on the Providence Farm Collective in Orchard Park is a fascinating look into efforts to help young people and their families who have migrated to this country.

The story starts with Clementine Adamu, a 20-year-old refugee  born in Tanzania to parents from Democratic Republic of the Congo  who has spent the last two summers at the farm through a youth therapy program offered by Jewish Family Services.

'Like home': Trauma therapy program brings refugee youths to Orchard Park farm Jewish Family Services partners with Providence Farm Collective to help young refugees navigate life in a new place.

The story describes how Jewish Family Services started its Trauma Systems Therapy program at Lafayette International High School in Buffalo in 2021 to address the complex mental health needs of young refugees and how the program has evolved. Jewish Family Services partnered with Providence Farm Collective to offer additional opportunities and support to refugee young people.

Supporting young people adapting to their new home benefits everyone invested in the success of our community by cultivating healthy, happy and productive newcomers.

Whats your opinion? Send it to us at lettertoeditor@buffnews.com. Letters should be a maximum of 300 words and must convey an opinion. The column does not print poetry, announcements of community events or thank you letters. A writer or household may appear only once every 30 days. All letters are subject to fact-checking and editing.
Saturday 10 August 2024, 10:34 - Last updated: 10:46

Farewell to Susan Wojcicki, the former Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of YouTube, the most famous video platform on the internet, who passed away due to lung cancer. The woman died at 56 years old on the night of Friday, August 9, 2024.

Susan Wojcicki, who she was

In a Facebook post, her husband Dennis Troper, with whom she was married for 26 years, explained that the woman was suffering from non-small cell lung cancer, the most common form of lung cancer. As explained by the doctors of the European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO), lung cancer is the third most common malignant neoplasm in Europe, and non-small cell lung cancer accounts for between 85 and 90 percent of all diagnosed malignant lung tumors. The name "non-small cell" is related to the appearance of the diseased tissue under the microscope.

Susan Wojcicki, ex CEO of YouTube, just died at 56 to cancer This sucks. Thanks for everything you did  pic.twitter.com/E9xaz153CI  Arun Maini (@Mrwhosetheboss) August 10, 2024

Susan Wojcicki, born on July 5, 1968, was the mother of five children. One of them, Marco, was found dead in February of this year in a dormitory at the prestigious University of California, Berkeley. The cause of death was attributed to a drug overdose. Wojcicki graduated with honors in History and Literature from Harvard University in 1990. She earned a master's degree in Economics in 1993 from the University of California and another degree in 1998 from the School of Management at the same university. She began collaborating with Google in 1998 when she rented her garage to Larry Page and Sergey Brin, the founders of what would become a tech giant.

In 1999, she became responsible for Google's marketing, taking a leading role in online advertising. She suggested the acquisition of YouTube, which was incorporated in 2006 with a cost of $1.65 billion. She was appointed CEO of the video platform in 2014, a role she held until 2023, when she then resigned.
I first heard about Margaret Forsters Hidden Lives on a park bench during a lunchtime escape from the office. I was longing to become a writer and a girlfriend and I were discussing the book I wanted to write. It was about a great-grandmother who wrote a recipe book in a Japanese concentration camp because, years earlier, she had been trapped in a miserable first marriage and resurrected it by cooking.

A hundred years ago, it had been the only option she had. She wasnt famous, I told my friend. She hadnt made her mark on history but the limitations and struggles she had faced and how she dealt with them fascinated me, as a woman. Would it make a book?

Read Hidden Lives, my girlfriend said. I bought it on the way home that evening  a paperback whose front was a collage of black-and-white photographs taken in different decades of the 20th century. Hidden Lives:, it read, a family memoir. I looked at the people on the cover, wondered who they were, where they were. Then I opened the first page and was hooked.

Hidden Lives is social history at its engaging best. Forster follows the lives of her grandmother, Margaret Ann, her mother, Lilian, and then her own. In so doing she traces the path of women from the late 19th century to the late 20th, showing their changing expectations and opportunities and how lives were governed by marriage and unplanned childbearing.

When, on reaching Oxford, Forster herself discovers contraception, she wonders why did everyone stress the importance of the vote for women when control over their own bodies matters so much more?

Hidden Lives didnt just make me think; it opened my eyes to how riveting the history of real girl-next-door women could be.

I was gripped by the detail. Even at academic schools, boys might be taught fractions and equations, physics and chemistry, while girls were not stretched beyond multiplication and botany. That women in the civil service used to have to give up work when they married. How a woman adjusted from earning a good salary to lighting the oven coals at 6.30am and spending half her week scrubbing her familys clothes.

Through Hidden Lives, I found the confidence to write my own great-grandmothers story. Within a couple of years I was a full-time writer, about women who fought to break out of the narrow confines of their lives in the generations before us. Another biography followed, and then a novel, Park Lane.

I am not sure that they, or any future books, would be written were it not for Hidden Lives.
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James Cameron has revealed the official title for Avatar 3.

Cameron has been hard at work on his four Avatar sequels for years now, and in December 2022, the gamble of whether the world wanted to revisit the world of Pandora paid off when sequel Avatar: The Way of Water became one of the highest-grossing films of all time.

With takings of $2.3bn (1.8bn), it sits two spots behind 2009s first Avatar film, which is the number one spot with $2.9bn (2.2bn).

Cameron has three more Avatar films to unveil over the next 10 years, and the next one will arrive in December 2025.

On Friday (9 August), at D23 in California  an event showcasing forthcoming Disney films  Cameron, alongside the films stars Sam Worthington and Zoe Saldana, revealed the film would be called Avatar: Fire and Ash.

Cameron told the audience: I came 7,000 miles from New Zealand for this, but said there were no clips ready to show.

He then teased what fans can expect from the film.

High emotional stakes. New cultures and settings. Youll see more of Pandora the planet than you ever saw before. The new film isnt what you expect, but its definitely what you want.

Cameron previously revealed what fans could expect from the third film, explaining that it will explore different cultures from those I have already shown.

In the first and second parts of the film, viewers were introduced to two different Navi clans, the Omaticaya and the Metkayina.

Avatar: The Way of Water ( Disney )

In both Avatar and Avatar: The Way of Water, the Omaticaya and the Metkayina clans are peaceful tribes and only resort to violence when their land is seized by humans.

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However, Cameron has revealed that the next film will see the fire side of these tribes, which will be represented by the Ash people.

He told Frances 20 Minutes: I want to show the Navi from another angle because, so far, I have only shown their good sides, he explained.

In the early films, there are very negative human examples and very positive Navi examples. In Avatar 3, we will do the opposite. We will also explore new worlds, while continuing the story of the main characters.

I can say that the last parts will be the best. The others were an introduction, a way to set the table before serving the meal.

James Cameron, Sam Worthingon and Zoe Saldana at D23 ( Getty Images for Disney )

The final two Avatar films will be released in December 2029 and December 2031, respectively.
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Sir Michael Caine has issued the perfect two-word response to the ongoing race riots in Britain.

Over the past fortnight, violent disorder has spread across the country in the wake of the stabbings of three young children in Southport after misinformation spread that the killer was a Muslim asylum seeker.

Thousands of police officers were deployed to prepare for further action after racist and Islamophobic attacks led to stabbings, street beatings, and mosques under siege.

Follow our live coverage of UK riots and disorders

Piers Morgan and Krishnan Guru-Murthy called out billionare tech owner Elon Musk, who has been accused of fanning the flames of unrest in the UK

But Caine, the 91-year-old star of films including Alfie, Get Carter and The Dark Knight, seemingly hinted at the racist and Islamophobic attacks with a blunt post thats being celebrated for its succinctness.

On Wednesday (7 August), shared a post on X/Twitter that merely said: Calm down.

Sage wisdom from the OG, one person replied, with another adding: He has spoken.

Meanwhile, a Twitter account dedicated to Downing Streets Larry the Cat replied, in reference to Caines role in The Muppet Christmas Carol: Sound advice from a great man who knows how to deal with muppets.

Michael Caines perfect two-word response to race riots in Britain ( X/Twitter )

Britain is on the cusp of descending further into civil unrest, with a standing army of 6,000 police officers preparing for a new wave of violence at 39 demonstrations planned around the UK.

Musks comments on the situation have called for a travel ban to be imposed on the X/Twitter owner over fears that his tirade of tweets being posted on his own social media website could fan the flames of riots.

Mr Musk, who has 193 million followers on X and is donating millions to Donald Trumps re-election campaign, suggested on Monday that civil war is inevitable in the UK  comments which were criticised by Downing Street.

In 2021, Caine clarified his political views, revealing that he thought Boris Johnson was great but had grownvery disappointed with the former prime minister.

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The actor, who has often voted Conservative in the past, shared the view after maintaining his support for Brexit. Two years earlier, Caine revealed that he thought it was important for the UK to be in charge of their own future even if it means being poorer, saying he would rather be a poor master than a rich servant.

Sir Michael Caine previously voiced his support for Brexit ( John Phillips/John Phillips/Getty Images for BFI )

Speaking on the Today show, he said: People say Oh, youll be poor, youll be this, youll be that. I say Id rather be a poor master of my fate than having someone I dont know making me rich by running it.
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Donald Trump is being lampooned for the ironic use of Celine Dions Oscar-winning song from Titanic at his latest rally.

Shortly before the presidential candidate appeared on stage in Bozeman, Montana, on Friday, his supporters watched as a clip of Dion singing her 1997 track My Heart Will Go On was played on a large screen.

It has since been revealed that Dion, who recently performed at the Olympics opening ceremony that Trump went on to criticise, did not endorse the usage of the song. The singers management team and record label shared a statement calling out the politician on Saturday (10 August).

Dion previously refused to perform at Trumps inauguration when he was elected president in 2016.

open image in gallery Donald Trump supporters watch on as Celine Dions Titanic song is played at Montana rally. Now, the former president is being mocked for the songs use. ( X/Twitter )

The decision to use the song has been widely lampooned on social media. Many are highlighting the irony that the song is from a film about a sinking ship, and was used days after Kamala Harris appeared to be pulling ahead of Trump in presidential election polling for the first time.

In a new survey, the Democrat took a three-point lead over Trump in a new survey. The songs usage arrived one day after the former president held a widely condemned press conference filled with false claims.

Wait, did Celine Dion give Trump permission to use her Titanic song? It is rather fitting since his campaign is sinking, one person wrote on X/Twitter, with another stating: This is so on the nose to whats happening with his campaign, the cognitive dissonance is astounding.

One person added: I cant help but laugh. It perfectly fits the analogy that the Trump campaign is a sinking ship.

Trump has used My Heart Will Go On at his rallies before, including in November 2020, shortly before losing the election to Joe Biden.

open image in gallery Trump has used My Heart Will Go On at his rallies before, including in November 2020, shortly before losing the election to Joe Biden. ( Getty Images )

His campaign has also used songs without requesting rights before  in January 2024, The Smiths guitarist Johnny Marr reacted with disbelief to footage of the bands 1984 song Please Please Please Let Me Get What I Want being played at Trump rally.

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In July 2020, the family of the late Tom Petty issued a statement objecting to Trumps use of the song I Wont Back Down in his campaign.

Trump had played the hit 1989 song at his rally in Tulsa, Oklahoma, but Pettys estate claimed he was not authorised to use it. In a statement, the family said Trumps campaign leaves too many Americans and common sense behind.

Both the late Tom Petty and his family firmly stand against racism and discrimination of any kind, they continued. Tom Petty would never want a song of his used for a campaign of hate. He liked to bring people together.

The following month, Neil Young sued Trump for copyright infringement over the use of two of his songs in what the artist calls a campaign of ignorance and hate.
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Euphoria breakout Hunter Schafer is distancing herself from being labeled a transgender activist, arguing that she just happens to be a tranny whos famous.

The 25-year-old actor, best known for playing Jules in HBOs hit teen drama, addressed her trans identity in a new interview.

I just happen to be a person whos part of a marginalized community in the public eye, and people love to call me an activist, she told Rolling Stone. Its like, No. Im just a tranny whos famous, you know?

Schafer, who transitioned at age 14, has previously called the constant conversations about her being trans demeaning and reductive.

Especially after high school, I was sick of talking about it. I worked so hard to get to where I am, past these really hard points in my transition, she said in an April interview with GQ, and now I just want to be a girl and finally move on.

Schafer expressed her hopes that someday she and other queer and trans people wont be defined by their gender or sexual identity. She admitted that shes strategically tried to prevent her transness from being brought up in interviews at all.

It has not just happened naturally by any means. If I let it happen, it would still be giving Transsexual Actress before every article ever, she said at the time.

open image in gallery Hunter Schafer says shed prefer if her identity wasnt brought up in interviews at all ( Getty Images )

Its a privilege, but its been very intentional, she acknowledged. Ive gotten offered tons of trans roles, and I just dont want to do it. I dont want to talk about it.

Earlier this week, Schafer, who currently stars in her first lead role in the new horror film Cuckoo, shared concerns that filming the third season of Euphoria will be too emotional following the death of co-star Angus Cloud.

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A lot has happened. Its hard to talk about. Weve had deaths. Im going to get emotional. I think everyone feels a certain sense of anticipation for if we are supposed to do season three, she said on an episode of Alex Coopers Call Her Daddy podcast.

Its been over two years since the shows second season premiered. Season three of the gritty drama has faced significant delays due to the casts conflicting filming schedules as well as the tragic death of Cloud, who played Fezco ONeill on the show.

She revealed that there are industry political reasons Euphoria season three still has no production date. But [grief] is emotionally a big part of whats happening too, Schafer said.
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Strictly pro Graziano Di Prima has spoken out for the first time since Zara McDermotts false allegations against him, which he says have ruined his life.

The Italian dancer was dropped from Strictly Come Dancing last month after an investigation into the show was launched due to Amanda Abbigtons complaints about Giovanni Pernice.

Di Prima was swiftly axed from the series after it was alleged that footage showed him kicking McDermott in the rehearsal room during last years series. The footage has not been made public, and the circumstances surrounding it are unknown.

He has now said the claims are vile and false, and said that he does not know where they stemmed from.

You cant imagine how many times my mind has been going back and forward trying to think of something that happened all those months ago that I cant figure out, he said in his first full interview since the scandal.

He told MailOnline: The only thing I can think of is the time I kicked the floor in frustration. Wed practised hour after hour to perfect a routine with lifts. It wasnt easy but thats the pressure of the show. I was in pain from lifting her so many times but wanted to get it right. I thought I could save her [from elimination].

I wasnt meaning to kick her. Id never, never do that. My foot brushed her after I kicked the floor. Afterwards I hugged her and said I was sorry. There was no problem. We carried on.

He added: Im not a monster. Im not an abusive man.

Di Prima, who said he has had ugly thoughts since being dropped from the series, revealed he was even more blindsided by the development due to his friendship with McDermott since the show ended.

The outlet states that McDermott  in a group chat with Di Prima and his wife, Giada  sent a video of a cat on 9 July. It was 20 minutes after the last message in the exchange that Di Prima learnt he was being let go by Strictly producers.

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open image in gallery Strictly stars Graziano Di Prima and Zara McDermott ( BBC )

These vile, false allegations ruined my life in a matter of minutes  professionally, financially, psychologically and reputationally, he said.

McDermott said in a statement shortly after that she wrestled with the fear of opening up and admitted she had been afraid of public backlash and victim-shaming.

She wrote: So much of my Strictly experience was everything I could have dreamed of. The entire production team and everyone behind the scenes as well as my fellow contestants were so amazing to work with.

However, my experience inside the training room was very different. Reports have been made about my treatment on the show and there were witnesses to some events, as well as videos of particular incidents, which are incredibly distressing to watch.

But after a lot of conversations with those I love, Ive gained the strength to face these fears, she said.

open image in gallery Graziano Di Prima hits out at Zara McDermotts false and vile accusations ( MailOnline )

The Independent has contacted McDermott for comment.

When life is difficult, Samaritans are here  day or night, 365 days a year. You can call them for free on 116 123, email them at jo@samaritans.org, or visit www.samaritans.org to find your nearest branch.

If youve been raped or sexually assaulted, you can contact your nearest Rape Crisis organisation for specialist, independent and confidential support: www.rapecrisis.org.uk.

In the US, contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1 800 273 8255 or chat online for help.
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North Korea will not seek outside help to recover from floods that devastated areas near the countrys border with China, leader Kim Jong-un said as he ordered officials to bring thousands of displaced residents to the capital to provide them better care.

Mr Kim said it would take about two to three months to rebuild homes and stabilise the areas affected by floods. Until then, his government plans to accommodate some 15,400 people  a group that includes mothers, children, older adults and disabled soldiers  at facilities in Pyongyang, North Koreas official Korean Central News Agency said on Saturday.

KCNA said Kim made the comments during a two-day trip to the northwestern town of Uiju through Friday to meet flood victims and discuss recovery efforts. The agency gave Mr Kim its typical effusive praise, saying the visit showed his sacred leadership and warm love and ennobling spirit of making devoted service for the people.

State media reports said heavy rains in late July left 4,100 houses, 7,410 acres of agricultural fields, and numerous other public buildings, structures, roads and railways flooded in the northwestern city of Sinuiju and the neighbouring town of Uiju.

The North has not provided information on deaths, but Mr Kim was quoted blaming public officials who had neglected disaster prevention for causing the casualty that cannot be allowed.

Traditional allies Russia and China, as well as international aid groups, have offered to provide North Korea with relief supplies, but the North hasnt publicly expressed a desire to receive them.

Expressing thanks to various foreign countries and international organisations for their offer of humanitarian support, (Mr Kim) said what we regard as the best in all realms and processes of state affairs is the firm trust in the people and the way of tackling problems thoroughly based on self-reliance, KCNA said.

Mr Kim made similar comments earlier in the week after Russian president Vladimir Putin offered help, expressing his gratitude but saying that the North has established its own rehabilitation plans and will only ask for Moscows assistance if later needed.

While rival South Korea has also offered to send aid supplies, its highly unlikely that the North would accept its offer.

Tensions between the Koreas are at their highest in years over the Norths growing nuclear ambitions and the Souths expansion of combined military exercises with the United States and Japan.

The North had also rejected South Koreas offers for help while battling a Covid-19 outbreak in 2022.

During his recent visit to Uiju, Mr Kim repeated an accusation that South Korea exaggerated the Norths flood damages and casualties, which he decried as a smear campaign and a grave provocation against his government.

Some South Korean media reports claim that the Norths flood damages are likely worse than what state media have acknowledged and that the number of deaths could exceed 1,000.
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Japanese prime minister Fumio Kishida has cancelled his high-level diplomatic visit to Central Asia in the wake of the first-ever warnings of a megaquake off Japans southern coast from scientists.

People have also reportedly been advised to avoid panic buying and hoarding daily necessities and disaster supplies amid the warning.

Shortly after a 7.1 magnitude earthquake shook Japans eastern coast of Kyushu island on Thursday, the Japan Meteorological Agency issued its first-ever megaquake advisory and warned of a possible major earthquake from the underwater Nankai Trough.

Mr Kishida was set to visit Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and Mongolia from 9 to 12 August for a diplomatic visit but announced that he has cancelled the visit due to the advisory.

I have decided to stay in the country at least for about a week to make sure that government measures and communication are fully in place, he said.

The Japan Meteorological Agency stated that the likelihood of a major earthquake occurring in the Nankai Trough is higher than usual. The trough, which runs along Japans Pacific coast, has been the source of past devastating earthquakes.

People in the quake-hit areas have been advised to exercise high caution for about a week, according to seismologists at the agency. They held an emergency meeting after Thursdays quake to assess whether it had impacted the nearby trough and to reevaluate the risk of a major earthquake.

At least 16 people were injured on Thursday after the earthquake rocked southwestern Japan, however, no major damages were reported. Authorities also issued tsunami warnings for several areas but lifted them hours later.

At least 707 municipalities have been identified as at risk from a Nankai Trough earthquake by the fire and disaster management agency, and have been asked to review their disaster response measures and evacuation plans.

The advisory has triggered public unease and prompted local government offices, rail operators and other agencies to begin introducing precautionary measures, affecting holiday travellers during the summer Obon holiday week. Rail companies serving the Wakayama prefecture said their trains will operate at slightly reduced speeds as a precautionary measure.

Additionally, signages have been pasted in supermarkets apologising to customers over shortages of certain products due to quake-related media reports.

Potential sales restrictions are on the way, a sign at a Tokyo supermarket said, adding bottled water was already being rationed due to unstable procurement.

Some municipalities have also closed parks or cancelled events for the coming week, although officials and experts stressed that there was no need to shut down any normal activity. They said the advisory was aimed only at raising awareness of an increased probability over the long term, and that it was not for any specific timeframe or location.
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A U.S. Coast Guard cutter on routine patrol around Alaskas Aleutian Islands came across a Russian ship in international waters but within the U.S. exclusive economic zone, officials said.

The crew on the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Alex Haley on Monday detected the vessel about 30 miles (48 kilometers) southeast of the Amukta Pass, the Coast Guard said in a Friday statement. A helicopter aircrew from Coast Guard Air Station Kodiak also spotted the vessel.

The vessel was transiting in international waters but still inside the U.S. Exclusive Economic Zone, which extends 200 nautical miles (370 kilometers) from the U.S. shoreline, according to the statement.

The Coast Guard vessel did not communicate with the Russian ship but followed it as it moved east, the statement said.

We met presence with presence to ensure there were no disruptions to U.S. interests in the maritime environment around Alaska Cmdr. Steven Baldovsky, commanding officer of the Alex Haley, said in the statement.

In July, the Coast Guard while on patrol spotted four Chinese military ships north of the Amchitka Pass in the Aleutian Islands in international waters but also within the U.S. exclusive economic zone, officials said.

Russian and Chinese bombers later that month flew together for the first time in international airspace off the coast of Alaska, in a new show of expanding military cooperation that U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said at the time raises concerns.

The flights weren't seen as a threat, and the bombers were tracked and intercepted by U.S. and Canadian fighter jets. But it was the first time that Chinese bomber aircraft flew within the Alaskan Air Defense Identification Zone. And it was the first time Chinese and Russian aircraft took off from the same base in northeast Russia.
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Police videos and 911 calls from the 2022 Uvalde, Texas, school massacre, which left 19 students and two teachers dead, were released Saturday by city officials after a prolonged legal fight.

The release of the records came in response to a lawsuit brought by The Associated Press and other news organizations after Uvalde officials refused to publicly release documents related to the shooting at Robb Elementary School.

The delayed law enforcement response  nearly 400 officers waited more than 70 minutes before confronting the gunman in a classroom filled with dead and wounded children and teachers  has been widely condemned as a massive failure. The gunman killed 19 students and two teachers on May 24, 2022, one of the worst school shootings in U.S. history.

Multiple federal and state investigations into the slow response laid bare cascading problems in training, communication, leadership and technology, and questioned whether officers prioritized their own lives over those of children and teachers in the South Texas city of about 15,000 people 80 miles (130 kilometers) west of San Antonio. Families of the victims have long sought accountability for the slow police response.

Two of the responding officers now face criminal charges: Former Uvalde school Police Chief Pete Arredondo and former school officer Adrian Gonzales have pleaded not guilty to multiple charges of child abandonment and endangerment. A Texas state trooper in Uvalde who had been suspended was reinstated to his job earlier this month.

Some of the families have called for more officers to be charged and filed federal and state lawsuits against law enforcement, social media, online gaming companies, and the gun manufacturer that made the rifle the gunman used.

The police response included nearly 150 U.S. Border Patrol agents and 91 state police officials, as well as school and city police. While dozens of officers stood in the hallway trying to figure out what to do, students inside the classroom called 911 on cellphones, begging for help, and desperate parents who had gathered outside the building pleaded with officers to go in. A tactical team eventually entered the classroom and killed the shooter.

Previously released video from school cameras showed police officers, some armed with rifles and bulletproof shields, waiting in the hallway.

A report commissioned by the city, however, defended the actions of local police, saying officers showed immeasurable strength and level-headed thinking as they faced fire from the shooter and refrained from firing into a darkened classroom.
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An Idaho judge has entered a not guilty plea on behalf of an escaped prisoner charged with killing a man while he was on the lam for 36 hours.

Prosecutors have said they intend to seek the death penalty if Skylar Meade, 32, is convicted of the murder charge in connection with the shooting death of James Mauney. Meade was arraigned on the charge in Nez Perce County on Thursday. When 2nd District Judge Michelle Evans asked if he was ready to enter a plea, Meade's defense attorney Anne Taylor said, your honor, he intends to stand silent.

Declining to enter a plea is a right that is protected by the Fifth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, and Idaho court rules state that when defendants exercise that right, a judge will enter a not guilty plea on their behalf.

Meade has already been sentenced to life in prison in a separate court case after pleading guilty to the March escape from a Boise hospital, where prison officials had taken him for treatment of self-inflicted injuries March 20.

Prosecutors say that as correctional officers prepared to take Meade back to the prison around 2 a.m. that day, an accomplice outside the hospital began shooting.

Two of the officers were shot by the accomplice, and a third was shot when a police officer mistook him for the shooter and opened fire, according to police. All three survived.

Meade and the other man then fled, investigators said, first driving several hours to north-central Idaho.

Mauney, an 83-year-old Juliaetta resident, didnt return home from walking his dogs on a local trail later that morning, and his body was found miles away.

Police say that soon after, the two men headed back to southern Idaho. They were arrested in Twin Falls.
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The family of Bebe King, who died after being stabbed in Southport have described how their other daughter witnessed and managed to escape the attack, and paid tribute to both sisters.

Parents Lauren and Ben King said their world had been shattered by the death of their precious youngest daughter on 29 July at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class at the Hart Space.

They praised the extreme bravery of their older daughter, Genie, after revealing that the nine-year-old was in the same class and saw the horrific attack unfold.

She has shown such incredible strength and courage, and we are so proud of her, they said in a statement released via Merseyside Police.

Her resilience is a testament to the love and bond she shared with her little sister, and we will continue to support her as we navigate this painful journey together as a family.

Ben and Lauren King with daughters Bebe and Genie ( Merseyside Police )

The parents said they were deeply touched by the response across Liverpool and further afield.

Our beloved Bebe, only six years old, was full of joy, light, and love, and she will always remain in our hearts as the sweet, kind, and spirited girl we adore, they said.

The outpouring of love and support from our community and beyond has been a source of incredible comfort during this unimaginably difficult time. From the pink lights illuminating Sefton and Liverpool, to the pink bows, flowers, balloons, cards, and candles left in her memory, we have been overwhelmed by the kindness and compassion shown to our family.

They said their thoughts are with everyone involved in and affected by the knife attack, and thanked the emergency services for their care and professionalism.

We are also thinking of Elsie and Alices families, who are sharing in this unimaginable loss, and we hold them close in our hearts, they added.

Our hearts are broken, but we find some comfort in knowing that Bebe was so deeply loved by all who knew her. She will forever be our shimmering star, and we will carry her with us in everything we do.

Thousands of counterprotesters demonstrated peacefully on Wednesday night ahead of expected further far-right unrest ( PA Wire )

Axel Rudakubana, 18, of Banks in Lancashire, has been charged with three counts of murder and 10 counts of attempted murder, as well as possession of a bladed article.

Bebe and Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven, were pronounced dead shortly after the incident, while nine-year-old Alice Dasilva Aguiar later died from her injuries in hospital.

Eight more children were injured, including five left fighting for their lives in hospital. Two adults were also in critical condition.

Rudakubana was remanded into custody in a youth detention centre to appear at a plea and trial preparation hearing on 25 October.

The deaths of the children sparked riots across the country after far-right mobs seized on false information shared regarding the identity of the suspect.

Police had warned more than 100 demonstrations could take place on Wednesday after a week of violence from hooligans who have attacked police, torched hotels, attacked ethnic minorities and subjected them to vile racist taunts.

But around 25,000 anti-racist demonstrators took to the streets of Britain on Wednesday night to defy the far right and send a message that communities would not be divided by hate.

Counterprotesters chanted We fight back, Refugees are welcome here and Oppose Islamophobia across cities and towns in the UK.
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A group of four men who beat a man up in Newham in east London so badly that he endured a brain injury have been jailed.

The 35-year-old victim was taken to a critical care unit straight after the brutal attack, where it was discovered he had suffered several bleeds to the brain that led to him being put in a medically induced coma.

He was also left with a fractured rib, a fracture to a part of his spine, a collapsed lung and a fractured jaw bone.

Police said the man is still recovering from his injuries and is slowly adjusting to daily activities, but doctors say he will suffer long-term repercussions from the brain injury which will affect many cognitive functions.

The injuries he sustained have left him at higher risk of developing epilepsy, with the victims mental health drastically worsening since the incident.

Lewis Jacobs, 30, was sentenced to two years and three months in jail ( Met Police )

Pierre Jacobs, 20, was sentenced to two years in prison ( Met Police )

The attack occurred after two car collisions took place on the evening of 16 May last year. The victim was driving when Andre Jacobs approached in a silver BMW from the opposite way.

The victim reversed into a black Ford Focus containing Lewis Jacobs and Pierre Jacobs, before then driving back up Clements Road and colliding with the silver BMW.

Police said seconds after this Kirtys Mackenzie turned up in his white BMW, driving up to the damaged vehicles.

The suspects are then said to have jumped out of their vehicles and dragged the victim out of his car before subjecting him to kicks and blows in an assault which went on for around 20 seconds.

The victim was left motionless face down on the floor, with MacKenzie coming back around a minute later and stamping on the head of the victim.

After the brutal attack, the group of men stayed at the scene and rung police, purporting to have detained him after he threatened them with a knife.

Andre Jacobs, 28, was also sentenced to two years and three months in jail ( Met Police )

MacKenzie, 30 and of Beckton, was convicted in June of the more serious Section 18 GBH more recently sentenced to four years and three months in prison ( Met Police )

Police officers realised the man was seriously injured and sought immediate help from the London Ambulance Service and Londons Air Ambulance paramedics.

Detective constable Joanne Trevor, the investigating officer, said: The build-up to this assault was linked to an earlier incident in which the victim and Pierre Jacobs had had an altercation at a gym in East Ham at around 6.30pm the same day.

The argument spiralled and escalated outside of the gym into the public. The victim was outnumbered and didn't stand a chance. For some time it was not clear if the victim was suffering life-threatening or life-changing injuries - he could have lost his life that day.

The officer explained the case involved getting medical evidence alongside expert opinions and CCTV footage.

We also obtained mobile phone data which uncovered communication between the defendants after the incident in the gym, leading to them finding the victim later on in their separate vehicles, she added. This evidence illustrated how those involved intended to cause serious harm to the victim and was key to the conviction.

MacKenzie, 30 and of Beckton, was convicted in June of the more serious Section 18 GBH, and brothers Pierre Jacobs, 20, Andre Jacobs, 28, and Lewis Jacobs, 30, all from East Ham, were each convicted of Section 20 GBH at a hearing at Inner London Crown Court in early June.

At court earlier this month, MacKenzie was sentenced to four years and three months in prison, while Andre and Lewis Jacobs were sentenced to two years and three months and Pierre Jacobs was sentenced to two years.
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The wife of a Tory councillor could face 18 months in prison on charges of stirring up racial hatred when far-right violence swept the country.

Lucy Connolly was refused bail and will appear at Northampton Crown Court accused of writing tweets calling for attacks on asylum seekers.

Wearing a pink jumper while sat in police custody, Ms Connolly said yes when asked by the Nottingham Magistrates Court if she understood.

Posted on X, fomerly Twitter, she wrote: set fire to all the f****** hotels full of the b******* on the day of a stabbing in Southport that left three young children dead.

Lucy Connolly has been arrested over a Twitter post ( social media )

District Judge Rahim Allen-Khimani told Ms Connolly and the court the matter was too serious for this court to deal with.

The 41-year-old childminder is married to Conservative West Northamptonshire councillor Raymond Connolly.

She is alleged to have written the social media posts on the same day three young children were killed in a stabbing attack while attending a Taylor Swift themed dance class in Southport, Merseyside.

Soon after the attack, false claims of the suspects identity were spread online with some posts speculating he was a Muslim migrant who had arrived in the UK by boat in 2023.

Merseyside Police later identified the suspect as 17-year-old Axel Rudakubana, the son of Rwandan parents from Cardiff, Wales.

Merseyside Police later identified the suspect as 17-year-old Axel Rudakubana ( Liverpool Echo )

But far-right riots then engulfed the country, with over 700 people arrested and 300 charged in relation to the violent disorder.

In Rotherham, South Yorkshire, a far-right mob tried to set fire to a Holiday Inn Express believed to be housing asylum seekers.

Towns and cities including Liverpool, Plymouth and Birmingham also saw widespread violence, with people arrested for offences ranging from violent disorder to theft and antisocial behaviour.
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A teenager has pleaded guilty to stealing 19,000 worth of vapes as a man admitted taking knuckledusters to a protest in the latest line of thugs arrested over far-right violence that swept the country last week.

The 16-year-old admitted the theft of the vapes as Liverpool was engulfed by riots following a stabbing attack in Southport that left three young girls dead.

The boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons, used an electric scooter to smash the window of a shop before stealing 15,000 worth of disposable e-cigarettes on 3 August, Sky News reported.

Follow the latest updates here

Police officers face protesters in Liverpool as the city was engulfed by far-right riots last week ( James Speakman/PA Wire )

He then went to another shop where he looted another 4,000 worth of vapes after jumping on top of a police vehicle and smashing its windscreen.

He was also seen on CCTV with a group of people who pulled a police officer off his bike before attacking him, Liverpool Magistrates Court heard.

He pleaded guilty to all charges and was released on bail with conditions after appearing at Liverpool Magistrates Court. He will be sentenced at the citys youth court on 17 September.

Meanwhile, a 42-year-old scaffolder from Southampton admitted possessing a knuckle-duster during riots in the city on 7 August.

Lee James was arrested at his home in the Hampshire city after police were told he had the weapon in Grosvenor Square.

His lawyer said James had attended the protest out of curiosity and couldnt get it off after putting the weapon on his hand due to having quite thick knuckles. She stressed he was not a racist.

A 42-year-old scaffolder from Southampton admitted possessing a knuckle-duster during riots in the city on 7 August ( PA Archive )

Representing him, Janet Brownlow said there was no suggestion James had threatened anyone with the knuckle duster. He was remanded into custody and will appear before a sentencing hearing on 12 August.

In London, a man who racially abused and spat at a bus driver in the same week of unrest was convicted of a racially aggravated public order offence and criminal damage.

The driver had refused to let passenger Michael Mongan board as he did not have sufficient funds to pay for his journey.

Mongan then spat at the bus drivers cab a number of times while shouting Islamophobic abuse and other threats.

Far-right mob violence swept the country after three young girls Bebe and Alice, both nine, and Elsie, seven, were killed in an attack on a Taylor Swift-themed dance class on 29 July.

Seventeen-year-old Axel Rudakubana has been charged with the murder of the three girls ( Liverpool Echo )

Soon after the attack, false claims of the suspects identity were spread online with some posts speculating he was a Muslim migrant who had arrived in the UK by boat in 2023.

Merseyside Police later identified the suspect as 17-year-old Axel Rudakubana, of Banks in Lancashire.

He has been charged with the murder of the three girls at the Hart Space in Southport, Merseyside. He is also charged with the attempted murder of yoga class instructor Leanne Lucas, businessman John Hayes, and eight children, who cannot be named for legal reasons, and possession of a kitchen knife with a curved blade.
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A terrifying crowd crush left festival-goers injured during a music festival in Cornwall on Friday evening with people claiming broken ankles and legs.

Revellers were injured during the crush at a DJ set at Boardmasters Festival, in Newquay, the regions police force said.

People on social media reported claims of broken ankles, broken legs and drink spiking, although none of these have been officially reported.

A mother-of-two who attended the festival with her husband and daughters said the crush was terrifying and alleged the crowd control was poor.

Were you affected by this incident? Email alexander.butler@independent.co.uk

File photo of Boardmasters music and surfing festival in Cornwall, where revellers were left terrified following a crowd crush ( PA Media )

My daughter and I got crushed against the barriers so I heaved her up and over a barrier and then pulled myself out, she said.

I warned the security guards again that there was a big problem brewing. Nothing seemed to be done There was no security stopping people.

She added: My daughters were terrified. Ive been to many festivals over the years  Ive never seen one so overcrowded and with such poor and dangerous crowd control measure.

Boardmasters is an annual event held in Cornwall, usually spanning five days on the second weekend of August.

It is a combination of live music, surfing and skateboarding competitions in and around the town of Newquay and has been running since 1981.

Devon and Cornwall Police said: We have been notified following a crowd surge at Boardmasters music festival in Newquay on Friday 9 August, which left a small number of attendees injured.

The injured parties are currently being treated on-site by medical staff or have been taken to hospital to be checked over. None of the injuries are considered serious. This is an isolated incident and the festival continues.

Boardmasters added: We can confirm that Sammy Virjis set was cancelled and that The Point stage was closed to allow onsite teams to respond to an incident in the audience.

No serious injuries have been reported and the pit and medical teams immediately assisted those involved. Safety is our number one priority and we thank Sammy and our audience for their understanding.

All other stages have been unaffected and performances continue as planned.

In a later statement, Boardmasters festival said seven attendees have been discharged from hospital after receiving treatment for minor injuries.

It added that the festival has undertaken a multi-agency review and The Point stage has reopened.Our welfare teams are available 24 hours a day for any festivalgoers who would like a chat or support, the statement added.It also flagged that concerned parents could make contact through the Boardmasters website.
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A number of communities rocked by the most serious riots since 2011 suffer from high levels of deprivation and soaring levels of child poverty.

More than 700 people have been arrested, dozens of police officers have been injured and communities are paralysed by fear, with the violent disorder concentrated in specific parts of the country.

Prime minister Sir Keir Starmer vowed rioters will regret taking part in the violent scenes which have scarred the country over the last week, as more than 6,000 police are on standby for another potential weekend of unrest.

The chaotic scenes across the country were initially sparked by the killing of three children on 29 July in Southport and the social media misinformation about the identity of the knife attacker, who was falsely identified as an asylum seeker.

Thousands of far-right thugs infiltrated communities to attack asylum hotels, mosques, the police and Muslim neighbourhoods and businesses.

An individual at the front of a group of people sprays the contents of a fire extinguisher at police officers behind riot shields outside a hotel in Rotherham ( PA Wire )

Middlesborough, Blackpool, Hartlepool, Hull, Manchester, Blackburn and Liverpool all saw outbreaks of violence and are all in the top 10 most deprived areas by local authority, analysis undertaken by the Financial Times of the governments Indices of Deprivation showed.

Rob McNeil, deputy director of the Migration Observatory at the University of Oxford, told the newspaper: These are often communities that are already socio-economically deprived, and have high unemployment, which can contribute to a sense that there is competition for scant resources.

Zoe Billingham, director of the Institute for Public Policy Research, told The Independent there was no economic justification for the riots of violence seen over the past week but some of the areas did suffer from high levels of poverty.

A car burns on Parliament Road after it was set alight by far-right activists holding a demonstration in Middlesbrough ( Getty Images )

The first thing to say is there is no justification for the riots or violence that has swept through the country over the last week. There is nothing that can justify or rationalise the far-right violence and racism that we have seen in various parts of the country. There is a danger that people can use an economic justification for these riots and that would be incorrect.

It would be remiss for us not to acknowledge that there is a certain level of deprivation in some of the areas where violence has taken place.

Deprivation, high levels of inequality and significant budget cuts from austerity can be used as descriptors for some of these places. However, the economic status of an area is not a justification for violence which was whipped up online and does not represent the communities it has impacted.

People protest in Blackpool ( Michael Holmes/PA Wire )

A number of other areas that saw violence have pockets of deprivation. In Sunderland one in three children living in poverty, according to the most recent report from the Joseph Rowntree Foundation.

It said 35 per cent of children in Sunderland are in poverty, which is significantly higher than the national average of 29 per cent. The regions overall poverty rate is 25 per cent, which is again higher than the national average of 22 per cent.

In Rotherham, where far-right thugs attacked a hotel housing asylum seekers, a quarter of residents live within the 10 per cent most deprived areas in England, according to the councils local plan.

The towns MP Sarah Champion has previously warned of the issue of child poverty in her constituency, saying that 42.7 per cent of kids were suffering from deprivation.

Rubble lies at the feet of police officers thrown by protesters in Liverpool ( PA Wire )

According to Liverpool City Council, around 63 per cent of the population live in the top 20 per cent of the most deprived areas in England. In Southport, 24 neighbourhoods fall into the most deprived five per cent nationally and five are in the most deprived one per cent.

Figures from the Joseph Rowntree Foundation (JRF) showed Middlesborough has a child poverty rate of 41 per cent - the highest of any area in the North East.

Andy McDonald, Labour MP for Middlesbrough since 2012, told PoliticsHome a legacy of rampant inequality had left the way open to the terrible behaviours and abuse of recent days.

He said: Over these years of rampant inequality, our public services have been so appallingly resourced that it leaves the way open to terrible behaviours and abuse.

And this was such an opportunity, an excuse for those who know about just how weakened weve been over these years to really indulge themselves.
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Ministers are urged to help universities in England in the wake of a warning that institutions face a tipping point in their financial struggles this autumn.

It is claimed the future of certain universities hangs in the balance ahead of A-level results day next Thursday  with finances dependent on how many students opt to enrol with them.

Leaders in the sector told The Guardian that financial instability could mean certain departments are culled and institutions are pushed into joining forces.

Vice chancellor of the University of East Anglia, David Maguire, told the publication an awful lot of institutions are placing extremely large bets on this recruitment round.

He added: Quite frankly I dont think there are enough students to go around.

Mr Maguire said universities are being forced to aggressively recruit more undergraduates from the UK through the clearing process, due to international student recruitment dramatically decreasing.

Leaders in the sector fear certain departments could be culled and institutions may be pushed into joining forces ( Getty )

I think the tipping point will follow clearing  its usually 1 October before the dust has settled and people know how many students they are going to get, he added.

I think some [governing] councils will be calling in the books, as it were, and assessing the financial viability of their organisations. So Im very worried about the months of October, November and December.

He called for the government to support universities before their finances further deteriorate.

The government is misguided here and they should recognise the severity of the situation. They really ought to be encouraging universities to look for opportunities for merger, for reassessing their provision, and doing this in an organised and controlled fashion, Mr Maguire added.

A different vice chancellor, who wanted to remain anonymous, warned many universities would have to cut hard and stumble through their struggles.

Last month, education secretary Bridget Phillipson announced universities in England grappling with financial problems should not bank on being bailed out by the government.

The UKs University and College Union (UCU) has released a list of 66 universities in financial distress this year  with this sizeable chunk constituting over a third of all universities in the UK.

Education secretary Bridget Phillipson said universities with financial problems should not bank on being bailed out by the government ( Jordan Pettitt/PA Wire )

Many of these institutions are already being forced to dismiss staff and cut courses altogether  with the humanities and creative arts hit hardest.

UCUs general secretary Jo Grady, in a letter she recently wrote to Ms Phillipson and skills minister Jacqui Smith, said: Anything short of an emergency rescue package for the sector will be insufficient to stave off catastrophe.

This funding package should, though, come with conditions such as ensuring jobs are protected. We think there are three universities we have been able to identify that could be close to financial collapse and would benefit from state intervention and support.

If they do not get state support they will struggle still and use cuts to staff as shock absorbers. We see this as a systemic crisis. We dont think parents and prospective students understand the total mess some of our universities are in.

It comes after Professor Alan Smithers, director of the Centre for Education and Employment Research at the University of Buckingham, suggested around 16,000 fewer top A-level grades could be awarded this summer as part of ongoing aims to get back to pre-pandemic grading.

But exams regulator Ofqual thinks this year's A-level results in England will be broadly similar to last summer, when grades were brought back to what they were before Covid hit.

The pandemic triggered a rise in top GCSE grades in 2020 and 2021 due to the performance being hinged on teacher assessments rather than examinations.

A spokesperson for the Department of Education said: The government is acting to establish certainty and sustainability for the higher education sector, securing our universities as engines of growth, excellence and opportunity.

That is why we are refocusing the role for the Office for Students, concentrating on key areas including monitoring financial sustainability. We are committed to creating a secure future for our world-leading universities so they can deliver for students, taxpayers, workers and the economy  and play their part in breaking down the barriers to opportunity.
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Boris Johnson has launched a scathing attack against prime minister Sir Keir Starmer over his handling of the far-right riots and his approach to immigration.

The former PM, who was disgraced over breaking lockdown rules during the pandemic and misleading parliament, accused Sir Keirs government of being deaf to public concerns about immigration.

Writing in his MailOnline column, Mr Johnson suggested Sir Keir needed to pack his Factor 50 and go on holiday to reflect on his premiership so far.

He added in his outburst: Nothing excuses a government that seems deaf to public concerns, and that suggests, moreover, that they actively dislike all members of the public who share those concerns.

The former Tory leader accused Sir Keir of giving the clear impression of a man who has no plan to stop illegal immigration, because he simply doesn't care.

His comments come after Sir Keir attacked former PM Rishi Sunaks approach to the small boats crisis as gimmicks, not serious government and established the partys own plans to clamp down on people smugglers back in May.

Former PM Boris Johnson has launched an attack on current prime minister Keir Starmer ( PA Wire )

The Labour leader said there are thousands of migrants from countries including Bangladesh, India and others with which Britain does not need returns agreements to deport those arriving in small boats.

The comments were fiercely criticised by some in the Bangladeshi community and his party at the time, with the deputy leader of the Labour group on Tower Hamlets council in east London resigning.

In a statement shared on social media site X, councillor Sabina Akhtar said: I cannot be proud of the party any more when the leader of the party singles out my community and insults my Bangladeshi identity.

In his attack, Mr Johnson also argued the Labour leader should go on holiday as it has become ever clearer, over the past week, that your presence has made no difference whatever to the disturbances  or, if anything, made things marginally worse.

The comments come after far-right riots have erupted across England and Northern Ireland in the wake of the fatal stabbing of three young girls at a Taylor Swift-themed holiday club in Southport at the end of July.

Responding to Mr Johnsons comments, Labour MP Bill Esterson said: Boris Johnson went on holiday when he was Mayor of London in 2011 during the London riots. Keir Starmer chose not to go on holiday to deal with the riots across the country this week. Those are the facts if you hear Johnson saying something different.

Keir Starmer attacked former PM Rishi Sunaks approach to the small boats crisis as gimmicks, not serious government ( PA Wire )

Rioters have attacked mosques, ambushed riot police, set fire to a hotel housing migrants and torched a public library and a Citizens Advice Bureau building. There have been multiple incidents of ethnic minorities being attacked on the streets, with more than 700 people arrested in connection with the far-right violence so far.

Mr Johnson left No 10 back in July 2022 in the wake of a slew of domestic political scandals, with the politician criticised over his handling of groping allegations levied against former Tory whip Chris Pincher.
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Keir Starmer has cancelled his holiday next week in the wake of the riots across the country.

The prime minister had been expected to travel to the continent for a summer break with his family this weekend.

But it is understood he will instead work between No 10 and Chequers, the PMs grace and favour country home, next week.

On Friday the Labour leader warned the police to remain on high alert amid fears of more trouble this weekend.

6,000 riot officers are being deployed to potential hotspots, in a bid to prevent more violence erupting.

Police forces with riot gear prepare for a far-right anti-immigration protest in Newcastle on Saturday ( AP )

But Sir Keir was told to to pack his Factor 50 and go on holiday to reflect on his premiership so far as he came under fire from Boris Johnson over his handling of the far-right riots and his approach to immigration.

The former PM, who was found to have lied repeatedly over Partygate breaches of lockdown rules during the pandemic, accused Sir Keirs government of being deaf to public concerns.

In his MailOnline column, he said the PM should go on his planned trip as it has become ever clearer, over the past week, that your presence has made no difference whatever to the disturbances  or, if anything, made things marginally worse.

The ex- Tory leader also accused Sir Keir of giving the clear impression of a man who has no plan to stop illegal immigration, because he simply doesnt care.

Sir Keir Starmer will not now travel abroad next week (Toby Melville/PA) ( PA Wire )

Bill Esterson, the Labour MP for Sefton Central, in Lancashire, hit back at Mr Johnson, accusing the former PM of holidaying when he was Mayor of London in 2011 during the London riots. Keir Starmer chose not to go on holiday to deal with the riots across the country this week, he added in a post on X, previously Twitter.

Mr Johnson was in Canada when the London riots broke out and faced criticism at the time after he initially refused to cut short his family holiday to return to the capital.

More than 700 people have now been arrested over rioting, according to the National Police Chiefs Council (NPCC), of whom more than 300 have been charged.

Violence erupted in the wake of the fatal stabbing of three young girls at a Taylor Swift-themed holiday club in Southport.

False claims the alleged attacker was on a watchlist and Muslim were used to stir up far-right mobs.

As the violence spread, rioters attacked mosques, ambushed riot police and set fire to a hotel housing migrants, while people were still inside.
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Rapper Tauheed Epps, better known as 2 Chainz, is suing a Los Angeles cannabis company over an investment deal gone wrong.

The rapper invested $1.5 million in the company in 2021, according to a lawsuit filed last week in California by Antimatter Holdings, an investment firm through which Epps made the deal. However, the deal quickly fell through, leaving Epps and his company without their money, according to the suit.

The investment company is seeking $10.65m in damages.

Epps invested in Pineapple Express, a Hollywood dispensary, with the founders telling the rapper that the store would open by April 2021, the filing stated. However, the opening was delayed nearly a year to March 2022.

Tauheed Epps, also known as 2 Chainz, pictured performing at a music festival on July 5. Epps investment firm is suing a cannabis company for more than $10m after a 2021 deal went south ( Getty Images for ESSENCE )

Epps agreement indicated he could pull out of the deal for 110 percent of his original investment if he gave a months notice, according to the lawsuit. In May 2022, Epps used this clause to pull out of the deal.

However, the lawsuit claims that Epps and the investment company never got their money back.

In December 2022, Epps texted executive, Vincent Zadeh, to ask about his money, according to the lawsuit. Zadeh told the rapper their company was no longer honoring his investment deal with the dispensary, the lawsuit claims.

Matthew Feinstein, co-founder of Pineapple Express and a defendant in the lawsuit, told The Independent that the company didnt have the funds available in May 2022 but said they would get back to [Epps] when there were enough funds available to honor his request.

Feinstein added: Anything else mentioned in the complaint is disputed and the matter will proceed to arbitration and be resolved there because there is an arbitration provision within the contract he signed which bars the filing of a lawsuit.

Zadehs attorney, Andrew Holmes, also dismissed the allegations.

Opportunistic plaintiff lawyers are just using it as a means to sensationalize what is actually a non-issue, Holmes said in a statement shared with The Independent.

This isnt the first time Zadeh has run into trouble. The Securities and Exchange Commission filed a complaint against him in 2017, according to the lawsuit, and as a result he agreed to pay $12m in penalties.

The Independent has contacted Antimatter Holdings attorney for comment.

Epps, 46, is an award-winning music star whose latest album, Welcome 2 Collegrove, was a collaboration with fellow rapper Lil Wayne and released in 2023. His song No Problem, performed alongside Chance the Rapper, won Best Rap Performance at the 2017 Grammy awards.
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The letters came to a Georgia PO box, 17 of them in all, missives written behind bars by an infamous Irish mob boss to the nephew of historys most legendary jailbreakers.

James Whitey Bulger had sought out correspondence with the family of John and Clarence Anglin, two brothers hed met in prison who went on to escape Alcatraz with a fellow felon in 1962. The trio were never found but presumed dead by the FBI, which closed the file in 1979  the same year Clint Eastwoods Escape from Alcatraz added further celeb status to the already famous tale of breaking for freedom from The Rock.

Bulger reached out through an emissary to the Anglins during the 50th anniversary events being held on the California island, now a national park and no longer an operating correctional facility; among the relatives attending in 2012 was Ken Widner, son of Marie, one of the Anglins 12 siblings.

Brothers John, left, and Clarence Anglin escaped from Alcatraz  the foreboding and supposedly escape-proof California penitentiary nicknamed The Rock  in June 1962 ( United States Penitentiary, Alcatraz )

He and the numerous other Anglin cousins had grown up among hushed whispers, winks and quickly-changed subjects; their relation to the notorious and colourful Alcatraz escapees had always been the only reality theyd known. Widner had been a baby on his mothers knee as she watched news reports of her brothers jailbreak but now, decades later, his curiosity was growing  along with a desire to more three-dimensionally set the record straight about his uncles lives.

That included how they grew up, who they were as men, how they fooled authorities and, most importantly, how the family says they secretly succeeded in their escape eventually making their way to South America, where they carved out lives and families in Brazil.

Widner and his family have the picture they believe can prove it  as they work to hunt down long-lost relatives in the bowels of the worlds seventh most populous country.

And Boston mobster Whitey Bulger  the man Widner calls James who spent 16 years as a fugitive before his 2011 recapture saw him charged with 19 murders  would prove invaluable in doing so.

He thought very highly of John and Clarence, Widner says of Bulger, who first met the pair in prison in Atlanta in 1958 and ended up serving time with them again in Alcatraz. We became these really good penpals. And I started to ask him about what life was like in Alcatraz with John and Clarence, and could you tell me anything about my uncles that I wouldnt have known?

As part of the Anglins escape plan with fellow felon Frank Morris, they fashioned dummies to leave in their cell beds to fool guards ( FBI )

He shared a lot of things  and then, eventually, he says: Im going to tell you something Ive never told anybody. And he goes into great detail about his involvement in the escape and how he helped them, Widner tells The Independent.

Bulger had first met the Anglins in prison in Atlanta in 1958, Widner writes with co-author Mike Lynch in their new book Alcatraz: The Last Escape. The brothers, who grew up poor in Florida and showed an early aptitude for petty crime  much to their parents chagrin  had ended up behind bars yet again after being sentenced for an Alabama bank robbery pulled off with a third sibling, Alfred.

John and Clarence Anglin were transferred separately to Alcatraz, where they began plotting their escape with fellow inmates Frank Morris and Allen West. Furtively hoarding materials, they began implementing a multi-pronged plan: digging out behind the grates in their cells with spoons and other implements to tunnel to freedom, hiding their progress with touched-up paint and fake replacement grates; creating dummy heads for their beds to fool guards on the night of the escape; and fashioning life preservers and a raft from raincoats gathered from other inmates.

The men planned to hitch the raft to a prison transport boat, then get picked up in the freezing San Francisco Bay by a waiting vessel arranged by another underworld contact, Mickey Cohen, whod been released from Alcatraz months before the planned escape.

Bulger was advising throughout, he told Widner in his letters, offering expertise hed picked up from his unexpected hobby of scuba diving.

Relatives believe that this 1975 photo, given to them by a family friend who claimed to have visited the Anglin brothers in Brazil, proves that they made it to freedom and built lives in South America ( Widner Family )

He showed them how to make wetsuits, Widner tells The Independent. Whats so crazy is that all of what he told me backs up what was in the FBI files; they didnt take any of their clothes with them out of their cells  they took rubber cement and they painted the inside of the legs of trousers that they were keeping up on top, along with their shirt, and then they tied off their ankles with a black cloth tag, which they found inside of Johns cell.

They were painted black so they couldnt hardly be seen, and it also prevented the water from flowing in and out of their clothes very fast, so it kept them warmer longer  and then, of course, he taught them about how to survive if they ever go into the current. He shared a lot of what a scuba diver would do.

In the end, only the Anglins and Morris would make a break for it; West couldnt widen the hole in his cell enough on the night of June 11, 1962, as his co-conspirators desperately tried to help but eventually were forced to abandon the effort. West could reportedly be heard sobbing in his cell afterwards.

The others, however, made it out of the complex and to the water, though Morris badly cut his leg and was bleeding into the raft as they attached it with an electrical cord to the intended boat  surreptitiously hitching a ride into the dark waters, where they were then plucked from the water by a waiting white boat, according to the book.

That boat piloted them to land, where the trio were met by a friend and one of the Anglin sisters before scurrying to a small airport, where their childhood buddy, Fred Brizzi, sat behind the controls of a small plane. They took off for Mexico, where they spent some time before relocating to Brazil, where theyd likely be safer and less threatened by discovery.

Bulger took quite a bit of credit for that coup, too.

The Anglins nephew, Ken Widner, has co-written new book Alcatraz: The Last Escape, painting a fuller picture of the background and escapades of John and Clarence, pictured ( Widner Family )

The biggest piece of information he gave them, he told them: When you get out, go to Brazil, marry a local woman, have children, and they can never bring you back, Widner tells The Independent.

And thats exactly what his uncles did, he insists  including in the book firsthand accounts from at least one relative and one friend who claimed they visited the pair.

Brizzi, who knew the family from back in Florida, paid a visit to the Anglins in 1992 with a trove of photos and stories  even acquiescing to being recorded as he shared how hed not only flown the brothers to safety but also visited them at their eventual home in South America.

Widners other uncle, Robert  affectionately known among the family as Uncle Man  had also been peculiarly coy in the decades after his brothers escape. According to the book, hed visited them in Mexico and reported on their life there to still-imprisoned Alfred back in Georgia  sparking a notable change in the mood of that brother, who sadly later died behind bars under mysterious circumstances.

Robert was the only member of the Anglin family repeatedly polygraphed, and authorities clearly believed he knew more than he was letting on  rightly, it turned out, given the 2009 deathbed statements he gave to family.

The federal penitentiary on Alcatraz Island, nicknamed The Rock, stopped operating as a prison in 1963, the year after the mens escape ( Courtesy of San Francisco Public Library )

The final confirmation came from Man himself in 2009 shortly before he died, Widner writes in the new book. He shared these words with my mom and sister: Your brothers are fine and I have been in constant touch with them for over twenty-five years.

Widner didnt find out about his uncles admission until the 50th anniversary of the escape in 2012, though there had been indications for years within the family  whod felt hounded by authorities  that the brothers had gotten free and clear. Christmas cards, annual presents of roses for the mens mother and even a pair of mysterious, veiled, large stranger women attending her funeral certainly pointed towards their survival.

So would Widners deep-dive into public and family records, which turned up even more supporting evidence of the Anglin escapees thriving life elsewhere. The escapees nephew credits his career as an IT specialist with Georgia Pacific with making him really good at data analyzing and just seeing the bigger picture, digging into details.

The book includes details of a deathbed confession from a man who claimed to have been on the boat that picked them up on the night of the escape; it also details how searchers found a raft filled with blood on an island near Alcatraz  blood that likely came from Morris gushing leg.

Most compellingly, of course, is a picture Widner took special notice of among the photos Brizzi left with the family  a photo of two men posing in Brazil who, though ageing, look remarkably like John and Clarence. The childhood friend, incredibly, never flagged the photo to family or identified the men pictured as the Anglins; Widner was aghast when he re-discovered it and made the connection while doing research. So was everyone he showed it to; unrelated facial recognition experts have insisted the image does, in fact, show the two jailbreakers.

Once we find their families, theyre going to have photos with either their granddad or their dad  and I think well get some more information, he says.

Hes cagey about how far that search has gotten  but confirms we have somewhere down there that is a specialist in tracking people down.

Ken Winder, the Anglins nephew, was a baby on his mothers knee as she watched reports of the pairs escape on television; he believes John and Clarence lived out their days in Brazil, and it has become a mission of his life to uncover answers while keeping their story alive ( Ken Widner )

He doesnt say what will happen when they find the long-lost family; hes certainly hoping for perhaps a reunion and/or more details about his uncles lives.

There is a small, small, slim chance that John is still alive . I doubt both of them, for sure, but its a possibility.

I love the fact that were keeping the story alive, he says. Its been a mission.

It might sound romantic to believe his uncles escaped the impenetrable Rock, evaded authorities for decades a forged a fantasy life in South America; Widner, however, points not only to family whispers and admissions but also to the trove of clues hes outlined  and an absence of proof to the contrary.

No bodies have ever turned up; while floating debris surfaced in the immediate aftermath of the escape, Widner writes in the new book, it was all part of the plan. The trio felt the detritus would throw searchers off the scent, supporting a conclusion that they drowned  and thats exactly what transpired.

While the FBI closed its file in 1979, the case remains open for the US Marshals, who continue to search for fugitives until theyre captured or dead.

Ive had people who have told me they dont believe any of this and I always ask them the same question, just like I ask the US Marshals: What piece of evidence have you ever seen that supports your theory? Widner says. There is none  so its just a theory.

And Ive challenged the US Marshals many times: You bring all of your circumstantial evidence, Ill bring all of mine, lets get before a group of people [and] see who has the best story.
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Debby finally moved out of the U.S. on Saturday after the storm spent the better part of week unleashing tornadoes and flooding, damaging homes and taking lives as it moved up the East Coast after first arriving in Florida as a hurricane.

Debbys last day over the U.S. before blowing into Canada inundated south-central New York and north-central Pennsylvania with rain, prompting evacuations and rescues by helicopter. The post-tropical cyclone continued dropping rain on New England and southern Quebec, Canada, on Friday night with conditions expected to improve Saturday morning as the system continued moving northeast.

Some of the worst flash flooding in New York on Friday happened in villages and hamlets in a largely rural area south of the Finger Lakes.

In Steuben County, which borders Pennsylvania, officials ordered the evacuation of the towns of Jasper, Woodhull and part of Addison, and said people were trapped as floodwaters made multiple roads impassable. By mid-evening, some of those orders were lifted as threat of severe flooding passed.

In the hamlet of Woodhull, a rain-swollen creek overtopped a bridge. Area resident Stephanie Waters said parts of sheds, branches and uprooted trees were among the debris that slammed into the span.

Hearing the trees hit the bridge was scary, she said.

Fire Chief Timothy Martin said everybody in the town was safe, but every business in Woodhull is damaged.

John Anderson said he watched the floodwaters come up quickly, overwhelming some vehicles in Canisteo, in Steuben County, and nearby in Andover, in Allegany County. Its been very fierce, said Anderson, who was providing dispatches to The Wellsville Sun. He said he watched peoples belongings get carried away by the raging water.

In Canisteo, farm owners Deb and Cliff Moss suffered heavy damage to their dairy farm, which has been there for more than five decades. A neighbors double-wide trailer floated down a field to a river during the flooding, said their daughter, Stacey Urban.

Urban said the catastrophic damage to the community was hard to fathom.

They have lost a lot. Beyond heartbreaking, Urban said.

Ann Farkas, who also lives in Canisteo, said it was the first time her home, one of the oldest in the county, has flooded since she moved there in 1976.

The waters going down, and so what's left is this really thick  it's like wet concrete  mud, Farkas said.

Like a lot of people, I dont have flood insurance, so I doubt my homeowners is going to cover any of this," she said.

Steuben County manager Jack Wheeler said the storm was hitting some of the same areas as Tropical Storm Fred three years earlier and that a half-dozen swift water rescue teams had retrieved people trapped in vehicles and homes.

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul and Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro declared states of emergency.

Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency Director Randy Padfield said a National Guard helicopter with aquatic rescue capability was sent to Tioga County, which borders New York, because of severe flooding conditions in the region. Padfield said Tioga officials asked for help with eight to 10 rescue locations, and boat-based rescues were also conducted.

In Potter County, also on the border with New York, the storm took out bridges and did severe damage to Route 49, Commissioner Bob Rossman said.

My understanding is the roadway is pretty much well gone, Rossman said. Thatll be a very costly replacement. And one of the main thoroughfares in the county.

He said one firefighter suffered water-related injuries, but Rossman did not know the extent.

Late Friday, more than 90,000 customers were without power in New York and Pennsylvania, down from 150,000 customers earlier in the day, according to PowerOutage.us. In Ohio, nearly 144,000 customers were still waiting for power to come back on Friday night after Debby-related storms including tornadoes blew though the northeastern part of the state on Wednesday.

Debby was downgraded to a tropical depression late Thursday afternoon and was a post-tropical cyclone on Friday, the National Hurricane Center said. It made landfall early Monday on the Gulf Coast of Florida as a Category 1 hurricane, emerged over the Atlantic Ocean and then hit land a second time early Thursday in South Carolina as a tropical storm.

There have been at least nine deaths related to Debby, most in vehicle accidents or from fallen trees.

In Vermont, where more than 44,000 customers were without electricity on Friday night, Gov. Phil Scott had warned that Debby's remnants could cause serious damage, including in already drenched places that were hit by flash flooding twice last month. But a flood watch was called off by mid-evening. Flooding that slammed the northeastern part of the state on July 30 knocked out bridges, destroyed and damaged homes, and washed away roads in the rural town of Lyndon. It came three weeks after deadly flooding from the remnants of Hurricane Beryl. President Joe Biden approved Vermonts emergency declaration.

Rick Dente, who owns Dentes Market in Barre, Vermont, worked to protect his business with plastic and sandbags as the rain poured down on Friday. There isnt a whole lot else you can do, he said.

Jaqi Kincaid, hit by flooding last month in Lyndon, Vermont, said the previous storm knocked out her garage and well, so they have no water. It also felled a 120-foot (36-meter) tree and took down fencing.

Were doing a lot of this, Kincaid said, holding her hands together as if in prayer.

___

Associated Press journalists Carolyn Thompson in Buffalo, New York; Lisa Rathke in Barre, Vermont; Jeffrey Collins in Columbia, South Carolina; and Susan Haigh in Norwich, Connecticut, contributed to this report.
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Melissa Witt was planning to surprise her mom at an Arkansas bowling alley in December 1994  but the college student never made it inside the building.

A trail of blood snaked through the parking lot and was found in Witts car. There were signs of a struggle, according to investigators, but the teenager had vanished.

Six weeks later, on January 13, 1995, two animal trackers found Witts body in the Ozark National Forest, some 50 miles from where she went missing.

Witt, who was 19 years old, had been strangled and stripped of her clothes, shoes, and a Mickey Mouse watch. Those items have never been found.

What happened to the slain teen is still a mystery 30 years later, and is explored in a new four part docuseries, At Witts End  The Hunt for a Killer, an ABC News Studios docuseries available now on Hulu.

Trail of blood could be key to solving Melissa Witts 1994 murder

What happened to Missy?

On December 1, 1994, Melissa worked at her afterschool job at a dentist office and then returned to the Fort Smith, Arkansas home she shared with her mother.

The two had an argument earlier that day, but Melissas mother had left her a note inviting her to the bowling alley where she offered to buy her a hamburger.

Melissa drove to Bowling World, where her mother was playing in a league, but never made it inside. Her mom assumed Melissa had gone out with friends instead but began worrying when she didnt come home and reported Melissa missing to the Fort Smith Police Department.

Melissas Mitsubishi was parked at the bowling alley in December 1995, and there were blood stains on the pavement nearby, but she was nowhere to be found ( Hulu )

A few days later, police received a call from Bowling World informing them that a customer had turned in a set of keys on a keychain labeled Missy  Melissas nickname. There was blood smeared on it.

On December 5, Melissas Mitsubishi was found parked at the bowling alley. Near the car, investigators discovered blood stains, a gold hoop earring and a broken hair clip.

The Suspects

The Hulu docuseries focuses on two potential suspects: Charles Ray Vines and Travis Crouch.

Vines - also known as the River Valley Killer - had a criminal record that included two murders in the 1990s near where Melissa had been killed.

His heinous acts against women were similar to the way Melissa was murdered, according to investigators.

In 2000, Vines was convicted of murdering 58-year-old Juanita Wofford and raping a 16-year-old girl who he allegedly tried to kill.

Investigators tried to make a deal with him that if he confessed to unsolved cases, including the murder of Melissa Witt, he would be taken off death row.

Cops zeroed in on Charles Ray Vines as the prime suspect in the case. He died in 2019 ( Arkansas Department of Correction )

In 2019, FBI agents Rob Allen and Rueben Gay led a new investigation into Vines.

There was a lady who had emailed a detective, Allen said. She worked with Charlie Vines mother, and Charlie Vines sometimes would show up to his mothers work, and this witness reported that she saw him wearing a bowling league shirt of some sort."

Investigators discovered that Vines had a work order within an 8-minute drive of where Melissas body was found on Ozark Mountain and that he was known to draw maps of the area.

The FBI agents continued their efforts to get an interview with Vines, but he became ill and then in 2019, he died without ever speaking to them.

Vines remained a prime suspect and detectives continued their investigation.

Investigators returned to the site where Melissas body was found as they continued their probe into Charles Vines ( Hulu )

The working group, Fort Smith PD and FBI, went out to the dump site of Melissa Witt, and this was 27 years later after she had been located, Agent Allen said.

The test was what would we see if we ran the dogs on this site where decomposition had happened? What would that even look like? And it was admittedly just a test to, out of curiosity. And what we did was we had them start at a point where they wouldnt know if they were even going to cross a crime scene of any sort.

Canine units found a cigarette filter and mattress cover with Vines DNA at one location. It was the same Cambridge brand cigarette filter that was located where Melissas body was found, Allen said.

Meanwhile, another suspect was being looked at  Travis Crouch. Crouch, who has a long criminal history, had moved to Arkansas and lived near Melissa at the time of her murder after being released from jail in another state.

But investigators could never link him to Melissas murder.

He was convicted of assault in 1997 and sentenced to 64 years in prison in Colorado where he currently remains today.

All the Lost Girls

Author LaDonna Humphrey has dedicated years to Melissas case, producing three books and a documentary.

Humphrey, along with Amy Smith, founded All the Lost Girls with a specific goal in mind, according to the website: Finding justice for female strangulation cold cases in the United States.

She told Newsweek that she was not contacted to participate in the Hulu documentary, which she says goes a different direction than the one she produced in 2023, Uneven Ground: The Melissa Witt Story, but is still really excited and hopeful that the exposure will "bring more eyes and more awareness to Melissas case.

I have carried this torch for a very long time, kind of on my own with the small little team that I had assembled, so its exciting and interesting for me to see somebody else come out here and say, I care about this case too. Lets put it on this global platform. So, Im hopeful. I really, really want to see justice for Melissa, she added.

Melissa was an ambassador to her college, worked hard and had big dreams for her life ( Hulu )

Humphrey said she believes Melissas killer is a man the teen wrote about in her diary. Yet, the Hulu doc focuses on serial killer Charles Ray Vines.

The author added that the most important thing people can do is call the police if they have any information.

Its just going to take that one little piece of information that might seem insignificant to someone to break the case wide open, she told Newsweek.

Im kind of sitting here on the edge of my seat knowing that you know were on the cusp of this coming out. It could change the trajectory of the case.

She had big dreams

Charlene Shirk, a former reporter for KFSM-CBS, covered Melissas case for years.

She went to meet her mom at bowling, at a bowling church league. Its everything were told to do as young people, you know, get a good education, work hard, have a good close relationship with your parents, and be a good kid, Shirk said on the docuseries.

She was an ambassador to her college, which meant the college had her go and recruit students because they wanted students like her. You know, she worked after school. She was already a hard worker. She had big dreams for her life.

Melissas mother never got answers in her daughters murder. She passed away in 2011 at the age of 75.

If youre travelling abroad and want to stream At Witt's End - The Hunt for a Killer then you might need a VPN to unblock your streaming app. Our VPN roundup is here to help: get the best VPN deals on the market.
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Authorities have dropped a murder charge against a former Philadelphia police officer who fatally shot a man in his car about a year ago.

The Philadelphia District Attorneys Office removed the charge against 28-year-old Mark Dial on Thursday in the shooting of Eddie Irizarry, 27, on 14 August 2023, CNN reported. After the charge had been dropped, Dial became eligible for bail.

A Common Pleas Court judge had moved to reinstate all charges against the ex-cop in 2023, which included murder, manslaughter, official oppression and four other counts after a Philadelphia judge threw the case out.

The District Attorneys Office withdrew the first-degree murder charge on Thursday. Dial had previously argued that he acted in self-defense during the shooting.

In the body-worn camera footage, Irizarry is seen holding a knife close to his right leg as an officer approaches his vehicle during the August 2023 traffic stop.

Police body cam video shows Philadelphia Police Officer Mark Dial with his weapon drawn at Eddie Irizarry on 14 August 2023. This week, a judge dropped a murder charge against the officer in the case ( Philadelphia Police Department )

After walking over to the car, Dial fired six rounds at Irizarry at close range. Police had previously said that Irizarry lunged at an officer with a knife, prompting the officers actions. Police officials later walked those statements back.

Dials attorneys had previously requested to move the trial out of Philadelphia. A judge denied the request stating that there was no evidence that the man could not get a fair trial in the city.

Dials trial on the murder charge was scheduled for September. A trial for the charges of manslaughter, official oppression and others is now scheduled to take place in May 2025.

Kevin OBrien, an attorney representing Irizarrys family, told reporters following the development that the District Attorneys Office could not tell him why the charge had been dropped due to a gag order in the case.

I can tell you this, the decision, whatever it is, is very frustrating for the family, and it does nothing to deter our pursuit of civil justice across the street at City Hall, he said.

Following the shooting, the family filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the Philadelphia officer responsible for the mans death.
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A school worker admitted to stealing $1.5 million worth of chicken wings and other food during the pandemic and will now head to prison.

In January 2023, Vera Lidell, 67, was arrested by authorities in Cook County, Illinois, according to Fox 32 . She began working as the Director of Food Services for Harvey School District 152 in July 2020.

Between her start date and February 2022, Liddell made hundreds of unauthorized orders for food items, including 11,000 cases of chicken wings.

The orders were made separately from the districts needed orders.

Vera Liddell pleaded guilty to stealing $1.5 million worth of chicken wings from an Illinois school district and was sentenced to nine years in prison. ( Cook County State's Attorney's Office )

"The massive fraud began at the height of Covid during a time when students were not allowed to be physically present in school. Even though the children were learning remotely, the school district continued to provide meals for the students that their families could pick up," prosecutors said at the time, according to the report.

District officials paid for the orders. Liddell then used a district cargo van to pick up and transport the stolen food. The food was never brought to the school or provided to the students.

The fraud was discovered when an investigation found that the food service department exceeded its budget by $300,000 halfway through the year.
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An Illinois deputy who last month fatally shot Sonya Massey in her home after she called 911 about a potential prowler, will remain in jail despite his release request, a judge ruled.

The decision came the same day that Sangamon County Sheriff Jack Campbell, whose department employed ex-deputy Sean Grayson, announced he would retire at the end of the month, despite resisting previous calls to step down.

Grayson had asked the county court to reconsider an order from last month denying pre-trial release in his murder case, arguing the facility where hes being held, Menard County Jail, would not provide sufficient care for medical conditions, including colon cancer.

His attorneys also claimed he was not a threat to the public because he was fired after the early July shooting and no longer had access to weapons.

Former Deputy Sean Grayson will not be released from jail ahead of his trial for fatally shooting Sonya Massey, an Illinois judge ruled. ( Sangamon County Sheriff's Office )

A Sangamon County judge, however, found that a real and present threat remained if the former officer was let out.

The July 6 incident prompted community outrage, and calls from Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker for Campbell to step down.

In a Friday statement obtained by local TV station WAND, Campbell said the current political climate has made it nearly impossible for him to do his job. The sheriff had previously apologized and said his department failed Sonya, but that he would not resign.

Grayson shot Massey, a Black woman, on the morning of July 6, as he and a partner responded to her call about a potential prowler.

Illinois officials called for Sangamon County Sheriff Jack Campbell to step down after the shooting of Massey, a Black woman, drew outrage from the community.

The shooting took place during a tense encounter where the officers told Massey to step away from a boiling pot of water as she said, I rebuke you in the name of Jesus, according to body camera footage captured by his partner.

Prosecutors allege Grayson didnt turn on his body camera until after the shooting.

I swear to God. I will shoot you right in your f------ face, Grayson responds, according to the footage, and pulls his pistol, shooting Massey seconds later as she apologizes and crouches on the ground.

The footage also captures the former officer telling his partner not to render first aid to the 36-year-old mother of two, believing her injuries were too severe.

Grayson, 30, had worked at six different law enforcement agencies in the previous four years, had two DUI convictions, and was discharged from the Army for serious misconduct. Hed also been the subject of a complaint from a female arrestee, who claimed he tried to watch her be strip-searched.

Grayson is charged with first-degree murder, to which he has pleaded not guilty. His next court date is on August 26.
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A mom is accused of kidnapping and taking a toddler from Utah to a religious compound in Missouri, federal prosecutors say.

Three other people were also arrested in connection to the case.

Kimberly Dell Davidson-Drolet, 53, kidnapped her non-custodial 4-year-old child in Utah and took them Springfield, Missouri, according to Fox 13. The child was allegedly taken in January 2023. An arrest warrant was issued in December 2023 and she was recently arrested

Prosecutors said the child was in Missouri until June 2024.

Drolet left Utah with the child and devised an elaborate plan to take the child to Missouri with the help of the other three suspects, according to OzarksFirst.com.

The 53-year-old was in the process of a divorce and did not have custody of the toddler, according to the report.

Kimberly Dell Davidson-Drolet, 53, is accused of kidnapping a child in Utah and taking them to a religious compound in Missouri. ( National Center for Missing & Exploited Children )

The mom was on the run for more than a year and prosecutors said they used burner phones and the postal service to evade capture.

Drolet was seen with the child and living at a religious compound led by Paul Dean, according to prosecutors. Dean is the head of a Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints religious-type cult, according to prosecutors and reports.

Dean and Drolet are related, though its unclear how.

Kristine Merrill, 53, of Murray, Utah, 30-year-old Jaxson Davidson of Washington, Utah and Dallas Davidson, 23, of Washington, Utah, were also charged in the case. Jaxon Davidson is Drolets son.
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A Defense Department contractor is accused of printing over 150 pages of classified government documents marked top secret, then heading for Mexico, according to a federal court case unsealed in Virginia.

Gokhan Gun, an electrical engineer who works with the Air Force, was arrested Friday morning as a ride-hailing driver was about to take him to the airport for a flight to Puerto Vallarta, The Washington Post reports.

In court on Friday, Gun appeared confused, and told the judge, This is a surprise, sir, for me, according to the paper. His public defender told the court he wasnt a flight risk and was heading to Mexico for a fishing trip.

Air Force contractor Gokhan Gun is accused of mishandling classified documents and police said they arrested him on the way to Mexico. ( Alexandria Sheriffs Office )

A search of Guns home revealed 155 pages of top secret documents, among the most sensitive state secrets, stacked in his dining room and stored inside a backpack, according to court documents.

There was no word on what was contained in the documents.

Hes charged with the unauthorized removal and retention of classified material, and could face up to five years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

The Independent has contacted Guns public defender for comment.

Since starting with the Air Force in 2020, Gun printed a total of around 3,400 pages of documents, a mix of classified and non-classified materials, according to The New York Times.

He carried the documents out of his office in rolled-up wads in plastic shopping bags, a law enforcement source told the paper.

In a voluntary interview with the FBI, the contractor denied taking anything classified back to his home and suggested materials found with such classifications might be expired.

Earlier this week, Gun printed 406 pages, including 82 marked top secret, according to the complaint.

In March, Massachusetts Air National Guard member Jack Teixeira pleaded guilty in federal court to leaking highly classified military documents on the social media platform Discord, including assessments of the war in Ukraine.
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The grizzly bear, long an icon of Americans Mountain West, has bounced back since being placed on the endangered species list in 1975, with at least 2,000 roaming the country.

The population growth is a major conservation success, so much so that the bears were removed from the list in 2017, but the increase means that humans and bears are encountering each other more often.

The apex predators, which can top 500 pounds, seem increasingly comfortable across a range thats grown to some 27,000 milesa development thats put them in new and dangerous situations, as well as their human counterparts, whove experienced burglarized homes, dead livestock and personal injury.

Now, because of the alarming spike in encounters, states such as Idaho, Montana and Wyoming are pushing federal wildlife managers to remove the grizzlys protected status and allow hunters to target the famous species.

The successful conservation of grizzly bears in the U.S. has led to new tensions between the animals and humans. As bear populations have grown, so have the number of face-to-face meetings. ( Copyright 2020 The Associated Press. All rights reserved )

They need to be scared of us, raft guide Samantha Justice, who carries a rifle when she goes into the woods in the region, toldThe Wall Street Journal.

In Cody, Wyoming, rancher Bridget Gallgher told the paper shes had to put up an electric fence to keep grizzlies from entering her corn fields, where wildlife managers trapped four bears last year.

I do a lot of praying, she said.

As recently as the early 1990s, bears were responsible for about 50 human-animal conflicts each year, a figure thats risen to more than 400 in recent years, according to the Journal.

Over the July 4 holiday, a hiker in Montanas Glacier National Park had a close encounter with a grizzly.

I took out my bear spray, got low and backed away slowly from the bear, Amanda Wylie said on social media. I talked to him nice and once I felt a safe enough distance away, I got my phone out to record, wondering if these would be my last moments.

As recently as the early 1990s, bears were responsible for about 50 human-animal conflicts each year, a figure thats risen to more than 400 in recent years ( Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks )

Video of the interaction shows her telling the creature, Youre OK. Please dont come here. Thank you. Please go.

It eventually shook his body, which let me know I could relax a little, she explained. Once he turned away, I rejoiced, knowing I would live to see another day and have an amazing encounter story to share.

The previous month, across the border in Canada, a rare white grizzly and its two cubs were involved in two car accidents.

In May, a grizzly bear at Grand Teton National Park sent a man to the hospital.

Last year, wildlife officials euthanized a grizzly that broke into a home in Montana and killed a female hiker near Yellowstone in July 2023.

In September of 2023, a hunter suffered a series of injuries after being mauled in Montana by a grizzly, prompting officials to partially close Custer Gallatin National Forest.
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Former President Donald Trumps plane was diverted while heading to a rally in Montana on Friday.

The Associated Press reported that the plane was diverted from Bozeman, Montana due to a mechanical issue but landed safely at Billings Logan International Airport. A staff member at the Billings airport confirmed the incident.

The former president was going to a rally in Bozeman, about 140 miles west of Billings, to support Tim Sheehy, a Republican Senate Candidate, at a 10pm rally.

His aircraft had mechanical issues, and he was diverted into the Billings-Logan Airport, a spokesperson for the airport told The New York Post. Hes continuing to Bozeman on a private jet, they added.

Trumps campaign confirmed that the ex-president had landed in a video posted to Truth Social around 5.30pm but it did not mention anything about the reported technical issues surrounding his arrival in the state.

Members of former President Donald Trump's team disembark from his Boeing 757 after arriving at the Billings Logan International Airport in Billings, Mont., on Friday afternoon, Aug. 9, 2024, enroute to Bozeman ( AP )

I just landed in a really beautiful place, Montana, Trump said in the video. So beautiful flying over and you just look down and thats the way its supposed to be.

We have a very high rating in Montana. We have a lot of popularity. I like them. They like me. Trump continued the video message by stating his intentions to stop in different states over the weekend.

 Message from President @realDonaldTrump



Wheels down in MONTANA! pic.twitter.com/F46PfztnAp  Margo Martin (@margommartin) August 9, 2024

The Independent has emailed officials at the Billings Logan International Airport for comment.

This is a developing story...
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Vice President Kamala Harris told pro-Palestine protesters at a rally in Glendale, Arizona that now is the time to get a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas to end the war in Gaza.

Harriss words differ vastly from two days ago when she told pro-Palestine protesters at a rally in Detroita state with a large Arab-American populationthat If you want Donald Trump to win, then say that. Otherwise, I'm speaking.

By contrast, early in her speech at the Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale, Arizona, she received heckles from pro-Palestine protesters chanting free, free Palestine. In response, Harris tried to speak from a policy perspective.

I have been clear: now is the time to get a ceasefire deal and get the hostage deal done, she said to applause. Now is the time. And the president and I are working around the clock every day to get that ceasefire deal done and bring the hostages home. So, I respect your voices, but we are here to now talk about this race in 2024.

Harris had briefly met with activists supporting the Uncommitted Movement, which pushed to have voters select uncommitted in Democratic primaries. In Detroit, they briefly met with Harris in Michigan and said she agreed to a meeting to discuss an arms embargo.

But Harriss national security adviser said on X that she would not support an arms embargo.

She does not support an arms embargo on Israel, Phil Gordon said. She will continue to work to protect civilians in Gaza and to uphold international humanitarian law.

Harriss rally was part of her larger tour with her running mate, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, whom she selected earlier this week.

Initially, attendees at the rally attempted to drown out the demonstrators, which led to people repeatedly chanting USA. The Harris team said that 15,000 people attended the rally. Walz commented that it was the biggest political gathering in the history of the state.

Harris also sought to further articulate her policy toward immigration, which has become one of her weakest political points and one that Republicans have used to attack her. Harris has long said she would support a bipartisan deal to restrict immigration at the US-Mexico border that Trump killed. But she also revealed a new plank to offer relief for migrants who came to the United States illegally.

We know our immigration system is broken and we know what it takes to fix it: comprehensive reform, she said. That includes strong border security and an earned pathway to citizenship.

The crowd was often raucous, playing music varying from Beyonce, a longtime favorite of Harris, Prince and Charli XCX, who backed Harris when she said Kamala Harris is brat.

Harris is making a large play for Arizona. The Harris campaign said it will ultimately open 18 field offices in Arizona as it hopes to keep the state that Joe Biden narrowly won in 2020 in the Democratic column.

As part of that strategy, the rally also featured the Republican mayor of Mesa John Giles, the co-chairman of Republicans for Harris, who told fellow voters in the center that they do not owe a damn thing to the GOP. He also invoked the spirit of Senator John McCain, who criticized and voted with Trump in equal measure.

In addition, the rally also featured Representative Ruben Gallego, whose Senate campaign is far ahead of even Harriss in his race against former news anchor and election denier Kari Lake. The two are running to fill the Senate seat being vacated by Kyrsten Sinema, the former Democrat who became an independent.

Senator Mark Kelly of Arizona, who was in the running to become Harriss running mate, also spoke ahead of Harris and she thanked him.

A poll from Highground, a public affairs firm and one of the top pollsters, showed that Harris had taken a slight lead against Trump, though still within the margin of error.

Harris and Walz will head to Las Vegas on Saturday.

But it will likely not be the last time that Harris will face a challenge from pro-Palestine protesters. Harris will head to Chicago later this month for the Democratic National Convention, where a number of uncommitted delegates will likely use their voices to express concerns.
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Vice President Kamala Harris and former president Donald Trump are set to face off against each other for the first time on the national debate stage on Tuesday and how they perform under the limitations of the rules will be under a microscope.

After several days of back-and-forth, the two candidates finally agreed to comply with the same rules that Trump and President Joe Biden used during the first presidential debate back in June.

That includes muted microphones, no pre-written notes, no live audience, no sitting, and no speaking with campaign staff between commercial breaks.

Though many of the rules are standard for presidential debates, the originally agreed-up regulations could put Harris at a disadvantage since she has a different skill set than President Joe Biden.

Here are the rules for Tuesdays debate in Philadelphia and who stands to benefit.

Muted mics

Microphones will be live only when the candidate whose turn it is to speak is talking. Otherwise, they will remain muted.

This was a rule that Biden and Trump initially agreed upon. But its one that Harris tried to change once she became the Democratic presidential nominee.

Despite Trump saying it doesnt matter to him whether microphones stay on, his team threatened to pull out of the debate if the rules were changed.

Former president Donald Trump during the first presidential debate against President Joe Biden. Audiences and the media agreed that Trump prevailed in the first debate ( Getty Images )

Trump is notorious for interrupting people and making snide comments when he is being attacked. During his civil and criminal trials, judges have scolded the former president for speaking out of turn in the courtroom.

Brian Fallon, a top aide for Harris, wrote on X that Trumps handlers dont trust him to spar live.

Ultimately, Harris agreed to the muted microphone rule but Fallon told ABC News that Harris would be fundamentally disadvantaged.

However, a pool of journalists will be permitted in the hall and can report on remarks that are muted for television audiences, according to AP.

No prepared notes or help

Candidates cannot bring pre-written notes or props to the podium and must stand for the entire duration. They will be given a pen, pad of paper and water bottle. Additionally, campaign staff may not interact with either candidate during the two commercial breaks.

Improvising is neither Harris nor Trumps strong suit but the former president has more experience doing so than Harris.

Vice President Kamala Harris during the 2020 vice presidential debate. Audiences largely considered Harris to be the winner of that debate ( AFP via Getty Images )

Trump goes on long-winded, off-topic tangents at rallies, press conferences and during interviews. But hes good at praising his agenda and policies while tearing down Democrats, although sometimes it results in him making extreme statements.

As a former prosecutor, Harris excels in getting to the point concisely and clearly. But when asked to improvise, she can stumble and say things that are easily misconstrued. In previous interviews, she has been mocked or criticized for misspeaking.

No opening statements

There will be no opening statements during the debate, only closing statements. Trump has won a coin toss and chose the order of statements. Harris will give the first closing statement and Trump will go last.

The former president is at a slight advantage since he can hear all of Harriss talking points before delivering the final word of the debate.

Moderators will ask the questions

Only the moderators of the debate, David Muir and Linsey Davis, will be permitted to ask questions and there will be no live audience.

This means candidates must answer the question in full, and give a rebuttal in a direct and easy-to-understand way, because it will be a slightly more formal setting than previous debates.

Harris has a slight advantage to the former president in this aspect because she is better at remaining on topic and hitting multiple points more quickly than Trump.

The debate will air on ABC News beginning at 9 p.m. ET on Tuesday.
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The most recent financial disclosures of JD Vance have revealed an electic investment portfolio - from the right-wing streaming service, Rumble and a popular Catholic prayer app, to a controversial biotech firm.

The 2022 filings, made to the Senate Ethics Committee, shows that Trumps running mate also had financial interests in a housekeeping services provider, legal technology developer and student loans assistance company, among others. The Ohio senator has requested an extension on his 2023 filings.

The investments have been made through different companies set up by Vance and his associates, some named in apparent reference to JRR Tolkiens Lord of the Rings trilogy.

One of those is Mithril Capital Management. Vance got his start in Silicon Valley in 2016 at Mithril, a firm which invests in cutting-edge technologies including AI and robotics, and was founded by his friend and billionaire investor Peter Thiel.

Mithril appears to reference the fictious elvish metal from the fantasy novel series. Vance also has investments through Narya Capital, which he co-founded in 2019, and seems to be named after one of the Rings of Power from the Tolkien novels.

JD Vance at a campaign rally in Atlanta on August 3. His most recent financial disclosures reveal eclectic investments, including a right-wing streaming service, a controversial biotech firm and popular Catholic prayer app ( AP )

One of Vances biggest investments is in the conservative video platform, Rumble, which hosts a number of pundits banned from other social platforms. These include white supremacist commentator Nick Fuentes, accused human trafficker Andrew Tate, and conspiracy theorist Alex Jones, who has been ordered to pay nearly $1bn to families of the Sandy Hook school shooting after claiming their children hadnt been killed but instead were crisis actors.

In 2022, Vance held two tranches of Rumble shares, one worth between $100,001-$250,000, and another for $15,001- $50,000, according to his disclosure. Members of Congress are required to declare investments within ranges, rather than specific amounts.

Vance also holds shares in biotech startups including AmplifyBio, a company founded in 2021 to develop next generation cell and gene therapies. The Republican held two tranches of shares of AmplifyBio in 2022, worth $50,001- $100,000, and $1,001- $15,000.

JD Vance began his career in venture capitalism in 2016 at Mithril Capital Management, which was founded by his billionaire friend Peter Thiel (pictured) ( Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. )

The Ohio-based firm tests cell therapies and other drugs, some of which may be derived from stem cell lines, including those recovered from aborted fetuses or live embryos, Rolling Stone has previously reported. AmplifyBio told Rolling Stone that it does not directly use stem cell lines in its testing but also does not require companies it works with to disclose whether such cells were used in development.

The Independent has contacted AmplifyBio about its use of stem cell lines.

Vance has spoken repeatedly of his support for a national abortion ban and voted against the Right to IVF Act in Congress this June.

What Ive said consistently is the gross majority of policy here is gonna be set by the states, Vance told CBS News in May. I am pro-life. I wanna save as many babies as possible. And sure, I think its totally reasonable to say that late term abortions should not happen with reasonable exceptions.

The Independent has contacted Vances campaign for comment.

Vance is also invested in Catholic prayer app, Hallow, which helps users foster a relationship with God and the peace of prayer through guided prayer and meditation. Hallow boasts of being the #1 Catholic App, and topped the Apple store charts for free apps in February.

Vance held two tranches of shares of Hallow, each worth $1,001-$15,000, according to the 2022 disclosures.

The GOP candidates other investments include Mint Apartment Cleaning - a hotel-style, housekeeping startup for apartment buildings that is based in Chicago - and Off The Record, a legal technology platform developer. He held shares between $1,001-$15,000 in each.

Vance also held stocks in supermarket giant Walmart, valued from $50,001- $100,000.
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Donald Trumps selection of JD Vance as his running mate may be one of the best things he ever did for Democrats, according to Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer.

Seemingly every day, the Republican senator from Ohio has made headlines for resurfaced misogynistic comments, awkward campaign appearances and fringe policy positions on issues that the former presidents campaign has desperately been trying to avoid.

Vance stepped off the stage of the Republican National Convention with the worst favorability ratio of any non-incumbent vice presidential candidate in nearly 45 years, while presumptive Democratic nominee Kamala Harris erased Trumps leads in crucial swing states and saw a surge in donations within just weeks of her candidacy.

He later was revealed as a close collaborator with the Heritage Foundations Project 2025 authors and a natalist evangelist with a history of supporting extreme ideas about abortion care and IVF.

Trump has defended his running mate, who he sees as a bridge to a new generation of far-right populists reshaping a Republican Party made in his MAGA image.

But Vances campaign trail debut has left some speculating whether Trump could end up kicking him off. There isnt a dedicated Trump-Vance campaign website, and the former presidents campaign page doesnt include Vance at all.

It is still technically possible, but a decision would likely have to come very soon.

JD Vance prepares to board a plane after visiting the US-Mexico border on August 1. ( Getty Images )

Republican and Democratic parties have separate rules for deciding who ends up on the ticket, but states will begin printing and mailing out absentee ballots as early as September.

Most states require parties to submit their presidential candidates within 60 to 75 days before Election Day, which falls on November 5 this year. That means most deadlines will fall around mid-August. States with earlier deadlines  such as Ohio, which initially determined that names be finalized by August 7  have extended those to accommodate later submissions.

Ohios initial deadline prompted Democratic National Committee officials to start a virtual nomination process before the partys convention on August 19. But Ohios secretary of state moved the deadline to September 1.

Republican National Committee rules explain how to fill a vice presidential vacancy that may occur as the result of death, declination, or otherwise after the nominating convention. The Republican National Convention ended on July 18.

Under party rules, members can reconvene or hold a vote among a smaller group that could determine Vances replacement. A replacement would need a majority of votes to be selected.

A similar process would follow if Vance voluntarily stepped aside.

Its extremely unlikely, and it would be unusual, but it has happened before.

Donald Trump greets JD Vance at a campaign event in Minnesota on July 27. ( AP )

Weeks after the Democratic National Convention in 1972, George McGoverns running mate Tom Eagleton revealed that he had endured electroshock therapy for severe depression in the 1960s.

McGovern initially said he was backing Eagleton 1,000 percent but Eaglelon withdrew at McGoverns request  roughly 19 days after he was nominated, triggering a new search for a running mate with roughly three months left to Election Day.

In 1912, Vice President James Sherman died six days before Election Day as President William Howard Taft was running for re-election. Taft, with newly selected vice presidential candidate Nicholas Butler, was defeated in that years election by Woodrow Wilson.

Despite rules that would allow him to swap out a running mate, doing so would likely ignite a scandal that would create an immense unwanted distraction for Republicans and potential voters at a vulnerable moment in the crucial weeks before Election Day.

And then there are the influential pro-Vance figures whose endorsements likely got him on the ticket in the first place  people like Tucker Carlson, Donald Trump Jr, Steve Bannon and Charlie Kirk, who have hoped to channel their extremely online far-right agendas into a Trump-Vance administration.

Silicon Valley figureheads with ties to Vance from his venture capitalist days have also been prepared to inject enormous sums of cash into the Trump campaign.

But Trump himself even seemed to acknowledge that whoever ends up as his running mate doesnt matter all too much.

I will say this, and I think this is well documented: Historically, the vice president, in terms of the election, does not have any impact. I mean, virtually no impact, Trump said during a 34-minute panel at the National Association of Black Journalists conference in Chicago on July 31.

He also has repeatedly defended Vance, even against the one-word tidal wave of weird to describe Trump and the GOPs agenda.

Theyre the weird ones, Trump said of Democrats during a radio interview on August 1. Im a lot of things, but weird Im not, and Im up front, and hes not either. I will tell you, JD is not at all. They are.

He has a choice: Does he keep Vance on the ticket  where he  already has a whole lot of baggage, hes probably going to be more baggage over the weeks because well hear more things about him  or does he pick someone new? Schumer told CBS on July 28. Whats his choice?
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Following Thursdays tsunami of absurd and false statements at his seemingly pointless general news conference at Mar-a-Lago, a free-wheeling Donald Trump bizarrely told supporters on Friday night that nobody really knows his opponents last name.

The reclusive former president emerged from hiding at his Palm Beach, Florida, estate and flew  with a slight mechanical interruption  to a rally in Bozeman, Montana, in support of Republican Senate candidate Tim Sheehy, who is looking to unseat Democratic Senator Jon Tester.

On stage, Trump reeled through his standard list of grievances and disparaging remarks about America, adding some new material for the crowd.

Kamala Harris. You know its interesting nobody really knows her last name, he said.

If you ask people, do you know what her last name is, nobody has any idea what it is, continued the former president. Harris. Its like Harris.

I dont know, how the hell did this happen? he added, segueing into talking about Joe Biden exiting the presidential race.

The remarks come as Trump appears to be struggling to nail down a successful line of attack against the vice president as her rising popularity alongside her chosen running mate, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, has reversed polling trends in key battleground states.

Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump arrives to speak at a campaign rally in Bozeman, Montana. During the event, Trump said nobody knows Kamala Harriss last name. ( AP )

Harris has benefitted nationally from a burst of enthusiasm among core Democratic constituencies, who coalesced quickly around her after President Biden withdrew from the campaign last month.

To Trumps reported dismay, she has drawn big crowds this week alongside Walz in a tour of swing states that will likely decide the outcome of the election.

The former president has an obsession with crowd size as was evident at Thursdays news conference when he falsely claimed to have had a larger crowd in Washington, DC, than Martin Luther King Jr.

In contrast to her packed schedule, Trump has remained at home claiming he has been recording campaign videos, with the press conference and Bozeman rally his only public events.

Trump kicked off his Montana rally about 90 minutes behind schedule and tried workshopping a nickname for his new rival for the White House: Were going to evict crazy Kamala.

Facing new pressure in the race from a candidate with surging enthusiasm, the former president on Thursday called questions about his lack of swing state stops stupid.

I dont have to go there because Im leading those states, he said. Im going because I want to help senators and congressmen get elected.

Trump won Montana by 16 points in the 2020 election and Republicans hope that his name will help unseat Tester and contribute to the party retaking the Senate from Democrats.

The former president will add on fundraising stops in Wyoming and Colorado during his trip to the Western states. On Saturday morning, the public events page of his website reads: No events scheduled.

After drawing a crowd of more than 15,000 in Glendale, Arizona, on Friday night, Harris and Walz have a rally scheduled for Las Vegas and another campaign event in San Francisco.

With additional reporting from the Associated Press
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Donald Trump doubled down on his questions about Kamala Harriss race - which have drawn a strong rebuke - saying I think I was right.

The revelation comes in a sprawling New York Times report detailing the Trump campaigns missteps and difficulties in the last three weeks. Trump had seemingly everything in his favor after the attempt on his life and the start of the Republican National Convention.

But, President Joe Biden dropped out of the race paving the way for Vice President Harris to ascend to the top of the Democratic ticket. It was a move that has put the Trump campaign on its heels as Harris has surged in polls and momentum.

The Trump campaign denied the Times report that the Republican nominee has seen struggles in his campaign. Still, several examples show the potential pitfalls Trump has encountered in recent weeks.

Donald Trump doubled down on questioning Kamala Harriss race during a recent fundraiser telling attendees he thought he was right, according to a report. ( AP )

Trump faced widespread criticism after questioning Harriss background during a panel interview with Black journalists in Chicago. There, Trump said I didnt know she was Black until a number of years ago when she happened to turn Black and now she wants to be known as Black. So, I dont know, is she Indian or is she Black?

That comment drew outrage from both sides of the political aisle.

However, during an August 2 Hamptons, New York, fundraising dinner, Trump didnt change his tune, according to the Times.

I think I was right, the former president told those in attendance.

Trump was also asked how he planned to take the election narrative back from the Democrats and what his positive vision was for the country.

Instead of answering, Trump criticized Harris and then added: I am who I am.

During the dinner, Trump continued his assault on the media - this time complaining that he had a meltdown since the attempt on his life during a July 13 rally in Pennsylvania. One attendee said Trump was angry because they - assumed to be Democrats - tried to have him killed and bankrupt him.

Those close to Trump reported he has been in a bad mood for weeks, according to the Times. That includes calling Harris nasty during an appearance on Fox & Friends. He also called her a bitch in private.

The Trump campaign strongly denied that claim to the Times saying it was not language the Republican nominee would use to describe his rival.

Harris says 'America deserves better' after Trump's race comments

Trump has also fielded calls from donors who are upset about his running mate, JD Vance, and the Ohio senators previous comments including referring to Harris as a childless cat lady.

Trump dismissed calls for Vance to be replaced on the ticket, but he also asked advisers if they were aware of the comments before Vance was selected.

At the Hamptons dinner, Trump also downplayed the Democrats strategy of painting the GOP as weird.

Not about me. Theyre saying that about JD, Trump said, according to the Times.

Publicly, Trump has supported Vance as the vice president nominee hits the campaign trail as Trump remains mostly absent from campaign stops. Vance has seen his approval ratings dip, as the Trump campaign has fallen behind in polls since Harris took the nomination.

Trumps team denied a report that his campaign has struggled in recent weeks and that the former president has been angry in private. ( AP )

Trump has questioned those close to him about whether Harris can keep her momentum in the race. Pollster Tony Fabrizio told campaign staff that polls would get worse before they got better, but stressed the race had not fundamentally changed.

Fabrizio said voters will saddle Harris with Bidens policies and her backing of a liberal approach to criminal justice. That will cause a dip in her polls, but not for three weeks, according to the Times.

The Trump campaign denied the Times report telling the outlet that Trump continues to run a winning campaign and has built a movement focused on making our nation great again.

Spokesman Steven Cheung, also said that Trump has put forward a positive vision for the country, in contrast to the liberal policies of the Democrats.
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Tim Walz misspoke in a 2018 video where the Minnesota governor linked his stance on gun regulations to handling weapons in war, according to the Harris campaign, as Republicans continue to allege Walz has been exaggerating his military record.

Earlier this week, the Kamala Harris campaign shared a video of Walz talking about why he supports background checks, public health research and other Democratic priorities around gun legislation.

In the clip, the Walz described his nearly quarter century serving in the Army National Guard and said, We can make sure those weapons of war, that I carried in war, is the only place where those weapons are at.

Democratic vice presidential nominee Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz speaks at a campaign rally in Arizona. His campaign is trying to walk back his previous comments about using weapons in war. ( AP )

"In making the case for why weapons of war should never be on our streets or in our classrooms, the Governor misspoke, the Harris campaign told NBC News. He did handle weapons of war and believes strongly that only military members trained to carry those deadly weapons should have access to them, unlike Donald Trump and JD Vance who prioritize the gun lobby over our children.

Republicans have been attacking Walz with accusations of stolen valor.

Do not pretend to be something that youre not, GOP VP pick JD Vance, who also served in the military, said at a recent event. Id be ashamed if I was saying that I lied about my military service like you did.

The US senator from Ohio has also accused Walz of dropping out of his unit on the eve of a deployment to Iraq.

In 2003, Walz deployed for nine months during the war in Afghanistan, providing security at US bases across Europe amid Operation Enduring Freedom, but did not fight on the frontlines himself.

Walz retired from the Guard in 2005 as he pursued a run for Congress. His last day with the service was in May of that year. His unit had been warned it might have to deploy to Iraq, but did not receive formal orders to do so until March of 2006, according to The Washington Post.

Democrats have accused Republicans of resorting to unfounded Swift Boat attacks on Walz, a reference to the notorious false 2004 campaign to discredit the military service of Democratic presidential candidate John Kerry.

Its a tired, old strategy and the American people are too smart to fall for that, especially from anyone allied with a draft dodger like Donald Trump, a person close to the Harris-Walz campaign recently told The Independent.
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Irans newly-elected president reappointed a U.S.-educated official who came under United Nations sanctions 16 years ago as head of the countrys nuclear department, state TV reported Saturday.

Mohammad Eslami, 67, will continue his work as chief of Iran's civilian nuclear program and serve as one of several vice presidents. Eslami's reappointment by President Masoud Pezeshkian comes as Iran remains under heavy sanctions by the West following the collapse of the 2015 deal that curbed Irans nuclear activities in exchange for sanctions relief.

Pezeshkian had said during his presidential campaign that he would try to revive the nuclear deal.

The United Nations sanctioned Eslami in 2008 for being engaged in, directly associated with or providing support for Irans proliferation of sensitive nuclear activities or for the development of nuclear weapon delivery systems, when he was the head of Irans Defense Industries Training and Research Institute.

He was appointed as the chief of Irans nuclear department for the first time by late President Ebrahim Raisi in 2021, before that, from 2018, in moderate former President Hassan Rouhanis era, Eslami served as Transport and Urban Development Minister.

He has experience working in Irans military industries, for years, most recently as deputy defense minister responsible for research and industry.

Eslami holds degrees in civil engineering from Detroit University of Michigan and the University of Toledo, Ohio.

The U.S., France, Britain and Germany accused Iran of escalating its nuclear activities far beyond limits it agreed to in the 2015 deal and of failing to cooperate with the U.N. nuclear watchdog, the International Atomic Energy Agency.

Iran accused the U.S. and its allies of continuing to apply economic sanctions that were supposed to be lifted under the deal, and insisted its nuclear program is peaceful and geared towards generating electricity and producing radioisotopes to treat cancer patients and remains under constant oversight by the IAEA.

Iran is building two nuclear power facilities to supplement its sole operational 1,000-megawatt reactor at the southern port town of Bushehr, which went online with Russias help in 2011. Under its long-term energy plan, Iran aims to reach 20,000-megawatt nuclear electric capacity.

The nation has in recent months faced country-wide power outages.
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At just past 4am on Saturday, Palestinian families displaced from other parts of Gaza, gathered for Fajr prayers at dawn inside al-Tabaeen school that had turned into a makeshift shelter in Gaza City.

The multi-storey compound  which houses a mosque on the lower floor  had become home for around 4000 people, according to local authorities.

Just before prayers were about to begin, the Israeli missiles tore through the congregation leaving bodies of worshipers cut to pieces, witnesses told The Independent.

Osama Al-Kahlout, 28, who was displaced from Gaza City and was living in the school with his family, said his father  a 63-year-old Arabic language university lecturer  was among the people killed in the bombing. Mr Kahlout said his father prayed at dawn every day and that his body was found in a bloodbath under the rubble.

The damaged al-Tabaeen school in the Daraj Tuffah neighbourhood of Gaza City ( EPA )

We could not find my fathers head. We could only identify him from his hands, with a certain mark, his distraught son told The Independent. The ground was full of blood and bodies. Wherever you walked, you found blood.

Ibrahim al-Masry, who was also sheltering in the school after being displaced from Beit Hanoun, said he only survived as he was running late, and so was standing on the upper floor of the building when the bombing began. He says it took him 15 minutes to get down to the site of the strike, as the fire raging was so huge.

He said: The injuries were horrifying: amputated hands and legs. I saw two wounded people engulfed in flames running out of the mosque and screaming help up, help us.

The powerful missiles were described as emanating a heat so intense one doctor treating the wounded at al-Ahli hospital said in a voice note the bodies were shattered, burned, roasted actually.

Palestinians mourn for a relative killed in the Israeli bombardment of the Gaza Strip, at a hospital in Deir al-Balah ( AP )

The Palestinian civil defence in Gaza told The Independent that at least three missiles hit al-Tabaeen school and mosque.

Palestinian medics treating the wounded said they counted at least 80 dead, including women, children and the elderly. The Hamas-run health ministry said the total death toll was more than 100.

The Israeli military acknowledged the strike, but cast doubt on the Palestinian death toll saying three precise munitions had been used.

In a statement the Israeli military claimed Hamas and Islamic Jihad had embedded a command centre within the school and mosque, and that the strike had eliminated 19 Hamas and Islamic Jihad militants who were operating there. Prior to the strike they said the military had taken numerous steps... to mitigate the risk of harming civilians.

I hope this massacre will be the last massacre and the whole world will wake up Dr Khamis Elessi, al-Ahli hospital

Hamas denied having a base at the school and civilians living in the compound said they were sheltering there because they had fled their homes.

The strike, which came just days ahead of renewed US and Qatar-backed ceasefire talks, was widely condemned, with the White House saying it was deeply concerned about the bombings, adding far too many civilians continue to be killed and wounded in the Gaza war.

Foreign secretary David Lammy said he was appalled by the strike and the tragic loss of life.

We need an immediate ceasefire to protect civilians, free all hostages, and end restrictions on aid, he said on X, formerly Twitter. Hamas must stop endangering civilians. Israel must comply with International Humanitarian Law, he added.

The EUs foreign policy chief Josef Borrell Fontelless said there was no justification for these massacres adding that at least 10 schools had been hit by Israeli strikes over the last few weeks. Egypt, Jordan, Turkey and Saudi Arabia also condemned the killings.

Israel imposed a crippling siege and unleashed an unprecedented bombardment of Gaza in retaliation for Hamas militants bloody 7 October attack on southern Israel where more than 1000 people were killed and 250 taken hostage.

Since then Israeli strikes have killed more than 40,000 people, the vast majority women and children according to the Palestinian health authorities.

Families with victims of the strike on the school in Gaza City ( Reuters )

The UN human rights office said that since October there had been systematic attacks on schools by Israel, with at least 21 since 4 July, leaving hundreds dead, including women and children. For many, schools are the last resort to find some shelter and possible access to food and water, it added.

Juliette Touma, director of communications at the UNs Palestinian refugee agency UNRWA, said that while al-Tabaeen was not a UN school, Unrwa have recorded that attacks on its school-shelters have killed more than 570 people, and injured more than 1,700 since October.

She called on all parties in the conflict to remember that civilian infrastructure is protected at all times.

There has been a flurry of diplomacy in recent days after the assassination of Hamas political leader, Ismail Haniyeh, prompted fears of a wider regional war.

There were hopes of a breakthrough in deadlocked peace talks with world leaders uniting in calls for a meeting either in Qatar or Egypt for Thursday.

An injured child in the yard of the Al-Aqsa Martyrs hospital in Deir el-Balah on Saturday ( AFP )

US president Joe Biden, Egyptian president Abdel Fattah el-Sisi and Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani personally signed the statement backing the 15 August talks.

But there are concerns that this will be scuppered by the bloody attack. At al-Ahli hospital which treated the wounded from the bombing, the hospital director Dr Fadel Naim told The Independent they were struggling to treat dozens of injuries as they lacked even basic medical supplies for burns, including gauze, sterilisation equipment and dressings.

Medics were able to identify at least 70 bodies sent to them but Dr Naim said between five and 10 body parts were so mutilated and in pieces that were completely unidentifiable. Dr Khamis Elessi, a neuro-rehabilitation consultant at al-Ahli said: I hope this massacre will be the last massacre and the whole world will wake up.

This savagery will serve as an urgent call for every person with a conscience to wake up to act and act swiftly to stop this war against civilians, he added.
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Its possible I got a bit carried away. We were standing on the central arch of the Kalogeriko-Plakidas bridge in central Zagori, on a crystal-clear summer morning. An emerald-coloured river snaked away through a valley of deep green trees towards a mountain village. There was the slightest breath of wind.

I announced to my somewhat bemused wife that I was going to change my will. I wanted my ashes to be cast from this very spot, right there in the heart of Zagori. Given Id no connection to the place and that wed only been there a couple of days, it was a slightly weird thing to do.

Back home, when the enchantment of that trip wore off, I decided the Jones mortal remains wouldnt end up in that patch of Greece after all. But the spell of the place lingered. Was I getting carried away? Now Id get the chance to find out. After several years away, I was about to return to Zagori. But what was it about this place that had moved me so dramatically?

First  where, again? Zagori is a mountainous region in the Epirus region of northwest Greece. Youll also see it called Zagorichoria (hard to say: try it while choking on an almond) or after its most celebrated landmark, Vikos.

open image in gallery Bridging the gap: Theres no shortage of stone paths across waterways in Zagori ( Getty Images/iStockphoto )

Read more on Greece travel:

We drive from Athens, over the Patras bridge  is there a finer 21st-century bridge in Europe?  and stop off at the village of Zitsa, near the regional centre of Ioannina. The poet Lord Byron had a great night here in 1810. and I wanted to see what he so liked about the place. The answer was the wine, the hospitality and the views. There, on the horizon, is a line of snow-capped peaks: the Zagori.

I might as well relieve the tension now. As we drive through the first Zagori village, Mesovouni, it is obvious nothing had changed. Its still heaven and no-one has been allowed to pollute it.

The region became very prosperous during the long centuries of Ottoman overlordship  especially in the 18th century, when its close connection to the Balkans states and beyond made its people fabulously rich. Two groups especially prospered: herbalist healers, the so-called Vikos doctors, who became renowned in the Ottoman court; and bridge builders.

open image in gallery The hospitality found in the region is one the reasons is was so popular with people such as Lord Byron ( Mark Jones )

They left a legacy of mountainside villages and fine, substantial houses. They also embraced an early form of nimbyism. No-one was allowed to build between the villages. They still arent. Its that kind of far-sightedness that gets you a Unesco geopark listing. Its justified: Zagori makes Tuscany look scrappy.

Yet the 20th century brought decline, poverty and  during the war years  violent oppression. Zagori was the site of a famous victory against the Italian army in 1941, commemorated in a fine monument on the Asprengalon road above Aristi and another in the village of Kalpaki. The Nazis took over the job of suppressing the region with predictably savage results.

The renaissance began with the political changes of the 1990s, when labour and skills from neighbouring and liberated Albania helped restore those Georgian-style mansions. The EU funded a fine new highway from Thessaloniki. The hoteliers moved in and Zagori grew a new economy based on active travellers seeking pure air, soft adventure and wonderful, homemade food.

All of those are in rich supply in Zagori. Your main decision now is how soft you want your adventure to be, and where to base yourself.

open image in gallery Village life: The stone houses of Mikro Papigo ( Getty Images/iStockphoto )

High on a walking trail above Mikro Papigo I discovered option one when I meet father and son tourists, both keen hikers. They told me they were trekking between inns: no forward booking, just showing up and spending about 50 (43) a night. Those inns are plain, sturdy and always in beautiful places  as there is no other kind of place around here. What a wonderful (and cheap) trip thatd be.

Option two is what I did last time. Choose a central location thats handy for a wide range of adrenaline-filled adventures. On that first trip, we were in Aristi and the excellent Aristi Mountain Resort and Villas. We went whitewater rafting and took the horrendously scary, and completely exhilarating, cliff path between the Monastery of Saint Paraskevi in Monodendri and hermits cave 800 metres above the gorge.

We walked the Vikos Gorge itself, Europes deepest and widest. It takes several hours from Mododendri to the village of Vikos (the gorge is 900 metres deep and 1,100 metres from rim to rim). The last part, back up to Vikos itself, is punishing. But its worth every drop of lactic acid in the joints, not least for the cold Mythos beer at the end.

open image in gallery Vikos Gorge home to many endangered species and a host of ecosystems ( Getty Images )

Option three was the one we took this time. With less time  three days  we choose to base ourselves in a single village, forget about the car, and just immerse ourselves in the place.

To get to Mikro Papigo, you head north-east from Aristi: then you are confronted with Greeces version of the Stelvio Pass  a mad succession of hairpin bends. The road is quite good fun the first time; you dont want to be doing it several times a day.

You then descend to a narrow bridge over the Voidomatis river. This is about as busy as Zagori gets. Its a favourite picnic spot for daytrippers, and also where the whitewater and kayaking companies launch their various craft.

There are two Papigos. The first, Megalo, has two streets and sort-of square; but it seems positively urban compared to its smaller neighbour, Mikro. As you dip down into the valley between the villages, theres the Rogovo stream. The river has cut a path through flat limestone, creating a tiered path leading to a wide rock pool. This may just be the perfect respite for tired, hot feet.

I wanted my ashes to be cast from this very spot, right there in the heart of Zagori

Mikro is nestled in the mountainside. At certain times of the day, the dark limestone of the houses can be hard to pick out. Readers from Yorkshire might encounter a Zagori village like this and be momentarily fooled that theyre in Hebden Bridge.

But only momentarily, because behind Mikro are the Towers of Papigo, a line of limestone mountains reaching almost 2,500 metres at Astraka, the highest point; Hebden Bridge doesnt have anything like that.

Mikro is so micro that you have to park the car by the Taxiarchon church and walk to your accommodation. It is the end of this particular Zagori line: after this, its all scree, woods and cliffs.

The Mikro Papigo 1700 hotel is a cluster of traditional buildings built in  you may have guessed  1700. The main houses bedrooms have small balconies, while the separate, larger annex room has double doors leading onto its own sun terrace. Like every place in Zagori Ive been to, the food is local, healthy and wonderful. Its one of those rare and fortunate places where it really is cheaper and easier to source your meat and veg from the local area; the 17 (14.50) beef fillet would cost five times that in a London restaurant.

open image in gallery Koukouri, or Kokkori, Bridge  poetry in stone ( Mark Jones )

And thats about it. Three days of pastries, the very good local rose, strong coffee, gentle walks through woods of oak, maple and spruce, the purple blossom of the Judas tree lighting up the hillsides.

I do one excursion. Zagoris option four is to get a map of the bridges constructed by the regions master craftsmen in the 18th and 19th centuries. Some are more dramatic than others, but all are poetry in stone. I choose to walk between two of them. From the much-photographed, high span of the Koukouri (or Kokkori), you take a riverside path through an almost Scandinavian landscape of baked mud, grassland, glades and low trees before reaching one of the smallest and most secluded of Zagori bridge builders masterworks: the Misios.

I look back down on a river of white pebbles and boulders. Its been a lot drier than it should be here. Local people call it the year without a winter. It turns out nothing changes in the Zagori, except one thing: the climate.

Travel essentials

How to do it

There are daily flights to Athens from London Heathrow with Aegean Airlines. Hire a car from local firm Arena.

Where to stay

Mikro Papigo 1700, Mikro Papigo

St George Lycabettus, Athens

Read more: The perfect holiday destinations in Greece for every type of traveller
Search-and-rescue operator CHC takes legal action against new contract holder Bristow

Move is to provide certainty and clarity to staff before handover, the company says

A Bristow helicopter in Irish Coast Guard livery

John Mulligan Sat 10 Aug 2024 at 03:30

A dispute over the transition of the countrys air search and rescue (SAR) service to a new operator has boiled over into a fresh High Court action.
Our book columnist highlights four novels that didnt receive the acclaim they deserved, featuring Frida Isberg, Noel ORegan, Georgi Gospodinov and

When I write and talk about books, I spend a disproportionate amount of time banging the drum for ones that I think didnt get the love they deserved at the time of publication or since. Theres no exact or official number, but a few years ago Unesco estimated there were around 180,000 books published each year in the UK and Ireland, so its an amazing achievement not to get lost. Its a huge haystack. Here are some needles.

Im starting with The Mark by Frida Isberg (translated by Larissa Kyzer) because, despite it having recently been published, it has been reviewed almost nowhere in these parts and Ive seen little chat about it online. Its set in a very near future Reykjavik where the Icelandic government has a test for assessing empathy and, as far as they are concerned, potential for anti-social behaviour. Companies, shops, buildings and even entire suburbs have decided to make themselves only accessible to people who have passed  people with the mark. The country is about to vote in a wildly divisive referendum on whether the test should be made compulsory.
Lindsay Lohan and Jamie Lee Curtis are back in Freakier Friday, the sequel to their hit 2003 comedy.

The pair were greeted with a standing ovation on stage at D23, the Disney fan event, with Curtis describing the film  set to debut in 2025  as more fun and more emotional than the original.

Weve stayed in touch throughout the years and were very close to each other so it feels like we are picking up from where we left off, which is really beautiful, Lohan said.

It doesnt really feel like work, it just feels like a really great experience.

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Oscar-winner Curtis told the audience: For me, it feels like no time has passed.

We love these characters, we love each other, we love you and you love us and the movie and the story and what it means to you  thats why were here.

The pair confirmed One Tree Hills Chad Michael Murray and NCIS actor Mark Harmon are reprising their roles in the sequel.

And the band which Lohans character fronted in the original film is set to make a return, with Curtis stating: Pink Slip is back.

Lindsay Lohan and Curtis starred in Freaky Friday more than 20 years ago (Ian West/PA)

The audience were also shown a trio of pictures from the new film which saw Curtis sporting a silver bobbed hairdo driving Lohan in an open top car, the pair screaming while in pyjamas and both appearing to hold the hand of a fortune-teller.

In the new film, Lohans character Anna Coleman has a daughter of her own.

Freaky Friday, about a mother and daughter who switch bodies thanks to a magical Chinese fortune cookie, is based on a 1972 novel by Mary Rodgers. The original 1976 movie adaptation starred Jodie Foster and Barbara Harris.

Curtis added: Seriously, the only reason we are back here doing this is because of your love for this movie.
Inside Irelands loneliness epidemic: Its hard for me to say I havent seen a human in five days

Its been declared a global health threat by the WHO and, according to new research, Ireland is now the loneliest place in Europe. Tanya Sweeney talks to those struggling to connect and the experts trying to turn the tide on a national crisis that is affecting young and old

The World Health Organisation last year declared loneliness a 'pressing health threat'. Photo posed

Tanya Sweeney Sat 10 Aug 2024 at 03:30

When Joyce OMahonys body was found at her family home in the Lough area of Cork in May of this year, officers investigating the death of the 58-year-old initially theorised that she may have died as far back as 2021. Later, after unearthing newspapers and supermarket receipts, investigating gardai posited that OMahony may have been undiscovered in the house for about a year. Unfortunately, this case is not unique. A week before OMahonys discovery, a memorial service took place to remember 61-year-old screenwriter Mark Waters, who was found dead in his apartment in Castletownbere. It is thought that he may have died up to six months before the discovery of his body.
Northern Ireland First Minister Michelle ONeill said the executive in the North is unequivocally saying no to racism. Photo: Arthur Allison/Pacemaker Press

Racism corrodes and attacks our collective humanity. Its toxicity corrupts and creates division and distrust, which devalues and debases us all.

The disturbing scenes in Britain, and in the North, as well as the undercurrents we are experiencing here, demand a response from us all. American entrepreneur Mellody Hobson, at a time of such tension in her own country, urged people to get comfortable with the uncomfortable conversations about race.

Instead of being colour-blind, we need to be colour- brave, she said.

The outrageous injustice and hurt caused by targeting the very people who are keeping our countries going is a slap in the face to all.

Without the incalculable contributions of migrants, our health services  and many other vital services  would collapse. In Belfast, First Minister Michelle ONeill said the Northern Ireland Executive is unequivocally saying no to racism.

That people from ethnic minorities could be afraid to go about their normal routines ought to challenge us all. Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly said the fact that some healthcare workers were thinking of leaving as a result of the violence was deeply disturbing.

Of course, the vile intimidation and thuggery are not representative of the vast majority. Nonetheless, that majority have a heightened moral and social responsibility to protect and defend those who are being targeted. We know from sad experience that simply calling for such abhorrent behaviour to stop is not enough.

Northern Secretary Hilary Benn also condemned the racist violence. It was a cause of shame that some people currently do not feel safe in their own homes, he added.

Clearly, you will never defeat racism with force alone. It can only be overcome through solidarity.

Those who think they are powerful and can bypass the law to frighten and coerce people to flee must be challenged and exposed as the impotent bullies they truly are. Whether its source is ignorance or resentment, alienation or the anger and frustration of being marginalised, there is no licence for attacking anyone because of their identity or skin colour. Inequality must always be addressed.

Lashing out at someone simply because they appear different to you is grievously wrong. The 19th-century Irish novelist Marguerite Gardiner, Countess of Blessington, summed it up well when she wrote: Prejudices are the chains forged by ignorance to keep men apart.

A curse of our times is how easily cultures of grievance and a sense of victimhood can be cultivated and exploited online. Fomenting civil unrest and fanaticism is a far-right objective. The notion that anyone could be regarded as inferior in the 21st century ought to be an aberration and an indictment of our age.

Surely it is those who see themselves as so superior that they can treat others as subhuman who need to feel unwelcome.
West Belfast rap crew Kneecap have been in the headlines from day one.

Performing mostly in Irish about drugs, the DUP and social exclusion, thats perhaps not surprising.

The band have made a semi-fictionalised film about themselves starring Hollywood A-lister Michael Fassbender. The film Kneecap debuted at the prestigious Sundance Film Festival earlier this year. Picked up by Sony for world distribution, it was released on August 8th with star studded premiers taking place in both Dublin and Belfast.

The film has attracted rave reviews, but concerns have been raised over some of the public funding it received. The biopic was part-funded by the National Lottery via the British Film Institute (BFI)  who provided 810,000  alongside Northern Ireland Screen, who awarded 805,000 in funding.

In December last year the band sought funding for a Music Export Growth Scheme (MEGS) grant allocated to support the expansion of UK-registered artists in global markets.

The controversial rappers application was said to have been shortlisted and approved by a British Phonographic Industry (BPI) panel.

However, the initiative is overseen by the Department for Business and Trade and the Department for Culture, Media and Sport at Westminster.

Judicial review proceedings were issued after UK Business Secretary Kemi Badenoch decided to refuse the funding.

In June the group secured High Court permission to challenge the UK Governments decision to block them from receiving a 15,000 funding award.

Todays episode of The Indo Daily is brought to you by our sister podcast, The BelTel and originally released in February 2024.

Niamh Campbell is joined by Belfast Telegraph reporter Liam Tunney and music journalist Dave Hanratty, meanwhile Olivia Peden spoke to ex-PSNI officer Jon Burrows who voiced his concerns.
Its heartbreaking and very frightening  Carlow girl (6) forced to travel to USA for urgent surgery

The family have set up a Go Fund Me page to help raise money to cover Roxannes urgent medical treatment in Florida

Roxanne Kelly (6) has been forced to travel to Florida for urgent medical treatment

Aisling Bolton-Dowling Sat 10 Aug 2024 at 11:00

The family of a young Carlow girl born with a rare condition say they feel overlooked by the Irish healthcare system as they are forced to travel abroad to access urgent medical treatment.
To celebrate its 40th anniversary, the Corish Wallace Performing Arts School staged a production of Roald Dahls iconic show, Charlie & The Chocolate Factory, in the OReilly Theatre at the National Opera House.

A cast featuring students ranging in age from 4-18 were joined by professional actor and local man, Pete McCamley as Willy Wonka, Paul Walsh as Grandpa Joe, and Dylan Walsh as Augustus Gloop.

The show also featured an original score composed by Marc Shaiman with lyrics by Shaiman and Scott Wittman.

Following two successful shows, director Carmel Corish Wallace said, We are thrilled with such positive reviews and look forward to more celebrations over the next year. We would like to thank all our clients and the people of Wexford for their continued support of our business over the last 40 years.
On a humid Wednesday afternoon at an Afton distillery, a Republican from a blue state and a Democrat from a red state explained to a crowd of 60 people why they will be voting for Vice President Kamala Harris this November, and why they hope conservatives and moderates will join them.

Former Rep. Denver Riggleman, a Republican, and former New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu, a Democrat, argued that the best thing for the Republican Party would be for its presidential nominee to lose.

If you want to have a party going into the future, in a very strange way, you have to vote for Kamala Harris, said Landrieu, who serves at co-chair of the Harris campaign.

He and Riggleman spoke to the crowd as part of a push by Republicans for Harris, an organization trying to sway Republicans and independents to walk away from former President Donald Trump. At the heart of their case is a belief that the upcoming election presents an opportunity for a Republican renaissance: A Harris victory, they say, will purge the party of Trump and allow it to be reborn, released from the tight grip of the Make America Great Again movement.

Im here today because I think there has to be two viable parties. I think we only have one right now, and I dont think thats the Republican side, Riggleman said. I dont know if theyre actually Republicans, but theyre more like Trump believers and almost a cult-like behavior that were seeing with people that no matter what he does, they still seem to support him.

In 2018, Riggleman was elected to represent Virginias 5th Congressional District. But he only lasted one term. In 2020, he lost the Republican nomination to Rep. Bob Good in a convention contest after he faced pushback for officiating a wedding between two men who were friends and volunteers for his campaign.

Riggleman has made a name for himself as a Never Trumper, speaking out on the House floor against the conspiracy theories pushed by the Trump-supporting QAnon group and serving as a senior staffer to a House select committee investigating the Jan. 6, 2021, attempt to overturn the presidential election in Trumps favor.

Good himself lost the GOP primary this past June to state Sen. John McGuire in a race where Trump played a pivotal role. During the campaign, Good was repeatedly attacked from the right for disloyalty to Trump and endorsing Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis over Trump in the presidential primary.

On Wednesday, Riggleman and Landrieu tried to make a case that Trumps rhetoric and policy positions do not represent true Republican values. Voters, they pleaded, need to give the pre-MAGA Republican Party a chance to regroup.

It was not their first time speaking out against Trump. Even so, Riggleman said that publicly advocating for people to turn away from Trump is a daunting endeavor.

Its a little bit scary. Im not going to lie, Riggleman said. You can be a little bit afraid, but youre allowed to stretch. Youre allowed to do whats OK for your country. And if youre like, Im going to vote for Harris, but Im not going to tell anybody, Im fine with that.

The event was held in a pavilion at Silverback Distillery in Afton, which Riggleman owns with his wife. He and Landrieu each had a glass of bourbon at a small table between them. Republicans for Harris signage was plastered around them, including one that read, Country over party. Riggleman referenced the sign as the thick August air slowly melted the single ice cube in his glass.

The sign was fitting, he said, but he suggested different wording may be more accurate: Sanity over party.

Its actually reality, a pro-reality army thats going to come out and beat some of these insane things, Riggleman said.

The former Virginia congressman did not mince words. He does not have to be kind, he said. And after what he saw during his time working with the Jan. 6 committee, much of it confidential, he genuinely believes that Trump presents an existential threat to democracy. Landrieu believes the same.

Thats the message they hope will sway voters.

Help us save democracy, Landrieu told The Daily Progress. If Democracy goes away, Republicans and Democrats alike who are commonsense, thinking people will not have a future that is a happy time for anybody in the country.

Its a line thats unlikely to convince the Trump faithful, who reject the notion that the Republican nominee poses any threat. But there is some evidence it could reach other voters.

In 2022, many Trump-endorsed candidates, particularly those that perpetuated the conspiracy theory that the 2020 election was rigged, lost handedly in midterm races across the country.

There might be some small sliver of voters that are receptive to that, Kyle Kondik of the University of Virginias Center for Politics told The Daily Progress. What percentage of people is that, and how many of them are open to this message? I wouldnt necessarily put a number on it.

Its a figure that would be hard to gauge.

Prior to President Joe Biden withdrawing from the race, roughly 15% of Americans were considered double-haters, that is, voters who disliked both Biden and Trump and did not want to see a rematch between the two candidates. But that number has decreased since Harris became the Democrats presumptive nominee.

Those sorts of voters are still out there who are suspicious of both major party candidates, Kondik said.

While Democrats are still riding a high from Harris entering the race, and while her favorability rating has significantly increased since that decision, the election is still likely to be a tight race. Its still too early to tell what effect selecting Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz as her running mate or conspiracy theorist-turned-independent candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. making it onto ballots will have on the race.

I do want you to know that notwithstanding how exciting the last 15 days have been, and any politician in here thats looked at this has been like, Ive never seen anything like it, I want to assure you that this is going to be a very, very, very close race, Landrieu said.

The excitement has brought the race back to even, he said, but not secured any victory.

Harris has racked up an impressive list of Republican endorsements from right-of-center politicians who dont want to see Trump return to the White House. That list includes former Trump White House officials Stephanie Grisham and Olivia Troye, more than a dozen former GOP members of Congress, former Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel, former Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood, former Georgia Lt. Gov. Geoff Duncan and former Republican Govs. Jim Edgar of Illinois, Bill Weld of Massachusetts and Christine Todd Whitman of New Jersey.

And while there may not be a large number of persuadable voters, considering how close the election is expected to be, Riggleman and other Republicans voting for Harris may not need to convince that many people.

Near the start of Wednesdays gathering, Riggleman took an informal poll. He found that most of the people in the crowd were Democrats. But roughly a dozen said they were Republicans, and others identified as independents. He estimated the latter groups made up 40% of the crowd.

If thats the ratio going into this election, Kamala Harris wins. We know that, right? Kamala Harris wins, and thats why youre here, Riggleman said.

Nelson County residents Stu and Kathy Armstrong both identify as independents. Kathy Armstrong said she was a Republican until 2016.

I like the idea of a bipartisan event with both Republicans and Democrats attending. Thats what we need, she told The Daily Progress.

Both she and her husband want to see politicians that are willing to compromise. Stu Armstrong thinks Riggleman embodies getting to yes, an ability to work with others and get things done.

I wish hed run again, Stu Armstrong told The Daily Progress, with his wife in agreement.

Riggleman, he said, has the commonsensical approach to getting to yes. And thats what I think Harris and Tim Walz are going to do. ... Its very exciting.
Cllr Patsy Glennon, Cathaoirleach of Wicklow County Council, Cllr Paul O'Brien, WCC Chief Executive Emer O'Gorman and John Mullen at the 2024 Tinahely Agricultural Show.

Wicklow County Council showed its support for the annual Tinahely Agricultural Show with a marquee highlighting the councils services and the countys attractions.

The Tinahely Agricultural Show is one of the largest and longest-running agricultural shows in Ireland and attracted over 20,000 visitors across the day and featured 400 trade exhibitors.

The show has been running since 1935 and continues to showcase the richness and diversity of rural life in County Wicklow with a huge range of entertainment, livestock competitions, equestrian events, arts and crafts, family fun and local food produce.

This years show featured some of the best livestock in the country, with over 1,000 entries in cattle, sheep, horses, ponies and poultry.

It also hosted the Interbreed Cattle championships, sheep shearing and geese herding, along with an equestrian section which included show jumping, horse racing and pony games.

The wealth of creativity within the county was celebrated at the craft village, which featured over 100 stalls selling handmade craft items, including jewellery, pottery, woodwork and textiles.

The show also had a food village where visitors could sample some of the finest local produce from County Wicklow and beyond.

Wicklow County Council put on The Best of Wicklow marquee, which showcased the services offered by the Council along with associated groups.

Stalls and stands in the Best of Wicklow marquee included Wicklow Naturally, Wicklow County Council Fire Service, County Wicklow Mobile Library, Local Enterprise Office, Climate Action Team, Civil Defence, Wicklow Tourism. Pure Mile Project, LEADER (County Wicklow Partnership), RNLI, Shuttle knit crafts, Tinahely Arts Office, Public Participation Network, Tinahely Mens Shed, The Plug and Grow Group, The Rathnew Craft Group, The 402 Community Arts Group and West Wicklow Mental Health Association.

Wicklow County Council also sponsored the sensory and changing places buses at this years show.

Commenting on the day, Cathaoirleach of Wicklow County Council, Cllr Paul OBrien said: I am honoured to attend the show in my capacity as Cathaoirleach.

The Tinahely Agricultural Show continually showcases the best of agricultural produce and helps preserve the traditions of rural Ireland. It is a fantastic day out and we thank everyone who participated in such a wonderful occasion.
Britain

Postman who hid more than 4,000 parcels and letters in loft said he had too many bags to deliver
No ifs, no buts  Katie Price is ordered to attend further court hearing over bankruptcy woes following Heathrow airport arrest

Celebrity was surrounded by photographers as she attended the hearing in London

Katie Price arrives at court in London. Photo: Aaron Chown/PA

Jane Dalton UK Independent Sat 10 Aug 2024 at 03:30







A judge has ordered former glamour model Katie Price to attend a further hearing later this month over her two bankruptcies with no ifs or buts or going abroad.
Politician put on a straw hat and slipped away from cops in Barcelona

Catalan police say they have arrested a police officer on suspicion of helping exiled Catalan leader Carles Puigdemont escape back to Belgium.

Two police officers were detained for suspected involvement in the escape, including one whose car was allegedly used by Mr Puigdemont to flee. One of them has since been released.
I needed as much help as I could get  how Irelands first baby bank provides a lifeline to women struggling with costs of having a baby
Venezuelan president Nicolas Maduro has blocked his countrys access to X while accusing CEO Elon Musk of using the platform to promote hatred. The 10-day ban comes in the wake of the countrys disputed presidential election, held on July 28. Journalists in Caracas found that by Thursday night posts had stopped loading on X, formerly known as Twitter, on two private telephone services and state-owned Movilnet. The block follows descriptions by Mr Musk on the social media platform that described the Venezuelan leader as a dictator and a clown.
Palestinians look at damages at the site of an Israeli strike on a school sheltering displaced people, amid the Israel-Hamas conflict, in Gaza City August 10, 2024. REUTERS/Abed Sabah

President Michael D Higgins has said there is no room anymore for anyone to avert their gaze following an Israeli airstrike on a Gaza school compound housing displaced families which killed around 100 people.
Photo Courtesy: Pixabay/RG Kar Medical College and Hospital website

At least one person has been detained in connection with the suspected rape and murder of a second-year female medical student at Kolkata's RG Kar Medical College Hospital even as anger and protest over the incident spread.

According to reports, the detained person was an outsider but he used to visit the hospital quite regularly.

Police are trying to find if any other person was involved in the incident.

The body of the 31-year-old post-graduate student had injury marks and was recovered under mysterious conditions.

The victim, who hailed from Sodepur near Kolkata, and was pursuing her post-graduation in Chest Medicine. She was on duty on Thursday night.

The initial autopsy report found her body had several injury marks.

The report states that the victim was bleeding from eyes, mouth and private parts. Injury marks were visible on the face, lips, neck, nails, stomach, right-hand ring finger, left leg and left leg ankle, reported The Telegraph.

Tension in hospital

The incident has triggered a massive outage in the state-run RG Kar Medical College Hospital with fellow PGTs, interns and house staff joining a flash strike, disrupting regular operations in the medical facility.

Various medical bodies and political outfits have also criticised the incident.

Demand for justice posts on social media timelines go viral.

Victim's father allege they were initially informed their daughter committed suicide by hospital authorities.

He told The Telegraph: "I wonder why the hospital authorities had initially told us that she had committed suicide. What were they trying to hide?"

Demanding justice for her daughter, he said: "She did not deserve this. We want the truth to come out."

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee reportedly spoke to the victim's parents who claimed their daughter was killed.

"They killed my daughter. She was found disrobed. There are injury marks in her body and neck. She cannot be brought back, we want justice," the victim's mother told the mediapersons breaking down in tears.

According to media reports, she had dinner with her juniors around 2 AM and then went to the seminar room.

Her body was found in the seminar room of the Emergency building by fellow students.

All India Medical Students' Association (AIMSA) President Jitendra Singh posted on X: "Horrific & Unbelievable incident: Our 2nd year chest Medicine pgt Doctor of RG Kar Medical College, kolkata,West Bengal. In the morning her body discovered in a way that raped and murder suspected."

Horrific & Unbelievable incident:

Our 2nd year chest Medicine pgt Doctor of RG Kar Medical College, kolkata,West Bengal.

In the morning her body discovered in a way that raped and murder suspected. @MamataOfficial @WBPolice @JPNadda @PMOIndia @BJP4India #MedTwitter #Mbbs pic.twitter.com/mjn2My36hS  Dr.Jitendra Singh (@DrJsinghRajawat) August 9, 2024

IMA Junior Doctors Network demanded an impartial investigation into the incident.

"IMA Junior Doctors Network has demanded for the impartial investigation in the recent death case of second-year postgraduate doctor at R.G. Kar Medical College,Kolkata," the body wrote on X.

West Bengal Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari has demanded a CBI inquiry into the incident suspecting it to be a case of rape and murder.

"This is a clear case of murder (with the probability of rape). The case should be immediately transferred to the CBI (@CBIHeadquarters). Instead the State Govt has formed a 11 member enquiry committee for this incident. Strangely some of the Committee members are Internees," he posted on X.
Photo courtesy: Mamata Banerjee Facebook/Pixabay/RG Kar Medical College and Hospital website

Kolkata/IBNS: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has called the alleged rape and murder of a trainee doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata "inhuman and deplorable crime" and said she has no objection to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the incident that led the state government face the heat.

Speaking to ABP Ananda, Banerjee said, "This was an inhuman and deplorable crime. I feel as if I have lost a family member. We can never defend such a crime. There can be no leniency for this kind of crime."

"I stand by the doctors. Their demands are completely justified... The role of the hospital authorities will also be probed and if negligence is proved, action will be taken," she added.

"The culprit will not be spared," said the Chief Minister who said she spoke to the parents of the victim.

The incident has triggered a political slugfest with Leader of Opposition and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLA Suvendu Adhikari demanding a CBI probe into the incident.

"This is a clear case of murder (with the probability of rape). The case should be immediately transferred to the CBI (@CBIHeadquarters). Instead the State Govt has formed a 11 member enquiry committee for this incident. Strangely some of the Committee members are Internees," Adhikari posted on X.

The body of the second-year Postgraduate Student of RG Kar Medical College, who was found dead inside the Seminar Hall on the 3rd floor of the emergency building inside the campus under mysterious circumstances, reportedly had injury marks.

Unconfirmed reports suggest that there pic.twitter.com/IWOa03R6BR  Suvendu Adhikari (@SuvenduWB) August 9, 2024

When asked about the demand for a CBI probe, Banerjee said she is open to it.

"The state government has formed an 11-member inquiry committee. Some of the committee members are interns. In my opinion, the state government is either trying to sweep the matter under the mat so that the negligence on their part doesn't get exposed or they are not at all serious about this matter," the Chief Minister said.

One person has been detained in connection with the suspected rape and murder of a second-year female medical student.

According to reports, the detained person was an outsider but he used to visit the hospital quite regularly.

Police are trying to find if any other person was involved in the incident.

The body of the 31-year-old post-graduate student had injury marks and was recovered under mysterious conditions.

The victim, who hailed from Sodepur near Kolkata, and was pursuing her post-graduation in Chest Medicine. She was on duty on Thursday night.

The initial autopsy report found her body had several injury marks.

The report states that the victim was bleeding from eyes, mouth and private parts. Injury marks were visible on the face, lips, neck, nails, stomach, right-hand ring finger, left leg and left leg ankle, reported The Telegraph.

Tension in hospital

The incident has triggered a massive outage in the state-run RG Kar Medical College Hospital with fellow PGTs, interns and house staff joining a flash strike, disrupting regular operations in the medical facility.

Various medical bodies and political outfits have also criticised the incident.

Victim's father allege they were initially informed their daughter committed suicide by hospital authorities.

He told The Telegraph: "I wonder why the hospital authorities had initially told us that she had committed suicide. What were they trying to hide?"

Demanding justice for her daughter, he said: "She did not deserve this. We want the truth to come out."

According to media reports, she had dinner with her juniors around 2 AM and then went to the seminar room.

Her body was found in the seminar room of the Emergency building by fellow students.
Image Credit: x.com/VPIndia

New Delhi: Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar has expressed shock and concern over senior Congress leader Salman Khurshids remark that a Bangladesh-like situation could also arise in India and advised Congress leaders to guard against promoting such narratives, media reports said.

At a book release function on Tuesday night, Congress Working Committee (CWC) member Salman Khurshid said that though "everything may look normal on the surface", what is happening in Bangladesh could happen in India, reported news agency PTI.

On Monday, Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, 76, fled the country in a helicopter amid violent protests led by students to longtime ally New Delhi.

During Hasina's 15-year tenure, her rule was marked by the arrest of opposition leaders, restrictions on free speech, and the suppression of dissent.

"Be on watch out. Efforts by some to infuse a narrative that what happened in our neighbourhood is bound to happen in our Bharat, is deeply concerning. How can a citizen of this country having been a Member of Parliament, and the other who has seen enough of Foreign Service takes no time in saying that what happened in the neighbourhood will happen in India," said the Vice President at the platinum jubilee celebrations of the Rajasthan High Court in Jodhpur today.

Be on watch out!!



Efforts by some to infuse a narrative that what happened in our neighbourhood is bound to happen in our Bharat, is deeply concerning.



How can a citizen of this country having been a Member of Parliament, and the other who has seen enough of Foreign Service pic.twitter.com/MWEoz1Ao1C  Vice-President of India (@VPIndia) August 10, 2024

BJP slammed Khurshid over the remark, terming it an anarchist statement.

"He is also a member of the CWC, this is an anarchist statement, and I think it is a kind of sedition. It's unfortunate that the Congress is resorting to such anarchist statements to hide its failure," Rudy was quoted as saying by PTI.

BJP MP Sambit Patra said the Congress leaders remark was a serious issue. "This is a serious issue. When we are witnessing such a situation in neighbouring countries, the main opposition party Congress wants the same situation in India," BJP MP Sambit Patra told reporters outside Parliament.

"This is a warning Salman Khurshid has given on behalf of the Congress. Other leaders, including Shashi Tharoor, were present at the book launch event, in a way supporting what he said," Patra said.

"What is the thought process of the Congress party? Rahul Gandhi used to say there will be arson and riots in this country, there will be attacks on the PM, why was he saying that," Patra asked.

He also questioned Rahul Gandhis remarks, seeking foreign intervention in the internal matters of India, during his visits abroad.

On Salman Khurshids remarks, Congress MP Shashi Tharoor said, "You'll have to ask him exactly what he meant, it is not my job to comment on the comments of others."

"Generally speaking, the larger message that the Bangladesh experience has given is the importance of democracy, of free and fair elections, transparency, engaging people in the system, making sure all institutions of democracy function fairly," Tharoor said.

"When that happens, there will be much less cause of this kind of thing to occur," he said.
Photo Courtesy: Wikimedia Commons/ShareAlike 4.0 International

Russia has notified the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) that suspected fragments of downed missiles were found close to the Kursk Nuclear Power Plant (Kursk NPP) amid the Ukrainian attack in Kursk city.

"On August 8, fragments and debris, presumed to be parts of downed missiles, were found at the site, including in the vicinity of the radioactive waste processing facility. Although there have been no confirmed reports of direct shelling on the city of Kurchatov, the nuclear power plant, or related energy infrastructure, the situation remains tense," Russia's permanent mission to international organizations in Vienna was quoted by TASS News Agency as saying on its official Telegram channel, reported Xinhua.

The mission said, "Ukraine's reckless actions not only threaten Russia's nuclear facility but also put the entire global nuclear industry at risk."

According to reports, Ukraine launched a massive attack on defence position in Kursk on Tuesday.

Russia has declared a state of emergency in Kursk.

The Russian defence ministry said it was continuing to repel Ukraines military, which it claimed had lost more than 280 personnel in the past 24 hours - a figure that has not been independently verified, reported BBC.

IAEA Director General says he is monitoring situation



IAEA Director-General Rafael Mariano Grossi said it has been monitoring the situation on the reported military activities taking place in the vicinity of the Kursk Nuclear Power Plant (NPP).

This NPP has six units of two different reactor types: RBMK-1000 and VVER-510.

Two of the RBMK-1000 are in shutdown and two are fully operational.

The two VVER-510 units are under construction.

"In view of the reportedly significant military activity, I wish to remind all parties of the seven indispensable pillars for ensuring nuclear safety and security during an armed conflict," Grossi said.

"Additionally, I emphasize the five concrete principles to help to ensure nuclear safety and security which have been established for the Zaporizhzhya NPP in the context of the current conflict between the Russian Federation and Ukraine, and which are equally applicable in this situation," he said.

"These include, among others, the imperative to ensure the physical integrity of a nuclear power plant. This is valid irrespective of where an NPP is situated," he said.

He appealed to all sides to exercise maximum restraint in order to avoid a nuclear accident with the potential for serious radiological consequences.

"I am personally in contact with the relevant authorities of both countries and will continue to be seized of the matter. I will continue to update the international community as appropriate," he said.

Meanwhile, the outgoing UN senior humanitarian official in Ukraine condemned a deadly Russian attack on Friday that killed and injured dozens in the eastern town of Kostiantynivka, in the Donetsk region.

"Civilians pay the highest price in this war," Denise Brown said in statement. "We must not allow this to be normalized. International humanitarian law must be respected, and civilians and civilian infrastructure must be protected at all times."

According to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), increasing attacks in the Donetsk and Sumy regions over the past two days killed and injured many civilians and damaged infrastructure.

The attacks also heightened the needs of about 60,000 people in vulnerable communities, and mass casualties have affected people in the towns of Myrnohrad, Pokrovsk and Toretsk.

OCHA said aid workers continue to provide food, hygiene supplies, school materials, cash assistance, and legal and psychological support to affected civilians in the Donetsk region.
Photo Courtesy: Wikimedia Commons/Creative Common license version 4.0 (CC 4.0)/Rownak Shahriar Ruhan

Dhaka/IBNS: Days after the Sheikh Hasina government was toppled, students, who have been protesting against the quota system, on Saturday demanded the resignation of all judges including the Chief Justice, media reports said.

The students have surrounded the Bangladesh Supreme Court demanding an immediate resignation of the Chief Justice.

The protests were triggered after the Chief Justice had called a full-court hearing without any consultation with the newly-formed interim government, which is headed by Nobel Laureate Muhammad Yunus.

The court hearing was abruptly called off following the protests.

Reports claim the Chief Justice, who has been given an hour to resign by the protesters, might have fled his residence.

Signalling the beginning of a new era after 15 years of Sheikh Hasina's regime, Yunus took oath as the head of the interim government in Bangladesh on Thursday.

In the last few weeks, Bangladesh witnessed deadly protests which began with students protesting against the job quota and then it slowly spiralled into a mass movement that demanded Hasina's resignation as the Prime Minister.

The violence led to the death of over 300 people.

The showdown took a new turn when Hasina was forced to resign which led to the toppling of her government and ending her 15-year rule.

Hasina escaped to India in a helicopter.

Following Hasina's resignation and Army's takeover, violence further escalated with the protesters barging into the Prime Minister's residence, bringing down tall leader Sheikh Mujibur Rahman's statue, looting, setting houses and government properties on fire.

Several Hindu families were allegedly attacked in the country, which was set free from Pakistan in 1971.
Photo courtesy: Bangladesh Awami League X handle

Dhaka/IBNS: Bangladesh Awami League leader Sheikh Hasina's son Sajeeb Wazed has claimed his mother is still the Prime Minister of the country as she didn't get time to formally resign before fleeing to India following violent anti-quota protests by students.

Wazed told Reuters, "My mother never officially resigned. She didn't get the time."

"She had planned to make a statement and submit her resignation. But then the protesters started marching on the prime minister's residence. And there was no time. My mother wasn't even packed.

"As far as the constitution goes, she is still the Prime Minister of Bangladesh," he told the news agency.

Wazed claimed the President had dissolved the Parliament in consultation with the military chief and opposition leaders.

The formation of an interim government without the formal resignation of the Prime Minister "can be challenged in court".

The claim has been made on a day protesting students demanded the resignation of all judges including the Chief Justice.

The students have surrounded the Bangladesh Supreme Court demanding an immediate resignation of the Chief Justice.

The protests were triggered after the Chief Justice had called a full-court hearing without any consultation with the newly-formed interim government, which is headed by Nobel Laureate Muhammad Yunus.

The court hearing was abruptly called off following the protests.

Reports claim the Chief Justice, who has been given an hour to resign by the protesters, might have fled his residence.

Signalling the beginning of a new era after 15 years of Sheikh Hasina's regime, Yunus took oath as the head of the interim government in Bangladesh on Thursday.

In the last few weeks, Bangladesh witnessed deadly protests which began with students protesting against the job quota and then it slowly spiralled into a mass movement that demanded Hasina's resignation as the Prime Minister.

The violence led to the death of over 500 people with 232 lives lost since Hasina fled the country.

The showdown took a new turn when Hasina was forced to resign which led to the toppling of her government and ending her 15-year rule.

Hasina escaped to India in a helicopter.

Following Hasina's resignation and Army's takeover, violence further escalated with the protesters barging into the Prime Minister's residence, bringing down tall leader Sheikh Mujibur Rahman's statue, looting, setting houses and government properties on fire.

Several Hindu families were allegedly attacked in the country, which was set free from Pakistan in 1975.
Photo Courtesy: HinduACTion X page

A large number of people assembled outside the United Nations headquarters in New York and demanded protection for Hindus and other minorities in Bangladesh where violent protests toppled the former PM Sheikh Hasina-led government and created a political vacuum last week.

According to reports and social media posts, a large number of Hindu temples and houses were targeted by radicals ever since Sheikh Hasina's government tumbled down and she fled to India.

HinduACTion, a Washington-based NGO, shared videos and pictures of the protest which occurred outside the UN.

The NGO wrote: "Protests outside the @UN ongoing- calling for saving the Hindus and the minorities in #Bangladesh. Very impressive to see people from all walks of life show up spontaneously on a work day."

The NGO said more protests were held in other parts of New York city in the USA.

The NGO appreciated several US Representatives for speaking in support of the Hindu community members who were targeted in Bangladesh during the recent demonstration.

The group said: "Within the first 100 hours of events unfolding, @CongressmanRaja,@RepMcCormick

@RepShriThanedar,@RepRoKhanna and @RepTomSuozzi have called on the

@WhiteHouse and @StateDept to take responsibility for the security of the Hindus and other religious minorities in #Bangladesh."

Reacting to the attacks on Hindu members in Bangladesh, Republican Congressman Pat Fallon recently posted: "I strongly condemn the ongoing political violence and religious persecution that we are witnessing in Bangladesh. I implore the interim government to act in the shared interest of the Bangladeshi people and put an end to this violence at once. "

"The targeting of Hindus, Buddhists, Christians and any other religious minority is reprehensible. Those who have instigated and participated in these acts of violence must be held responsible," he said.
A scene of Hindu protest in Dhaka. Photo courtesy FB Screenshot

A mass demonstration was recently held outside the UK Parliament to highlight the plea of Hindu community members who were targeted in Bangladesh during the recent protests.

The demonstration was recently held on August 6.

Organised under the banner Save Bangladeshi Hindus, UK, the protest highlighted the escalating dangers faced by these vulnerable groups, reported Bangla Mirror.

During the protest, demonstrators said Bangladesh is on the verge of collapse due to ineffective law enforcement, creating a dangerous power vacuum.

The minority communities of Bangladesh are in great danger, Pushpita Gupta, one of the protest organisers, told Bangla Mirror.

Gupta said We urgently call on the international community to raise their voices against these atrocities and show solidarity with the persecuted minorities.

The event, jointly organised by Hindu groups in the UK, featured addresses from community leaders including Himangshu Goswami, Hindol Goswami, Shilpi Baiddyo, Rimpi Baiddyo, Piklu Baiddyo, Suranjit Gupta, Ferdausi Lipi, Shahid Ali, Tapan Saha, Ram Saha, and Sukumar Saha.

The protesters emphasised the critical need for immediate action to protect the rights, safety, and religious freedoms of minority communities in Bangladesh.

They asked international organisations and global leaders to intervene and prevent further escalation of tension.
Photo Courtesy: Pixabay

At least three security personnel died and dozens of others were injured in a series of terrorist attacks on several security posts in Khyber district of Pakistan, media report said on Friday.

The assaults took place as security forces attempted to intercept militants infiltrating the Rajgal Valley from Afghanistan, reported Dawn News.

Sources told the newspaper that this was the first time that the banned Gul Bahadur group and Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) jointly carried out attacks in the region, expanding their operations beyond their usual strongholds in Bannu, Lakki Marwat and Karak to the Khyber district

Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said four terrorists were killed in the incident.

ISPR identified the three soldiers, including Havildar Inam Gul, 37, resident of Mianwali district; Sepoy Muhammad Imran, 29, resident of Tank district; and Sepoy Iltaf Khan, 22, resident of Mardan district, the Pakistani newspaper reported.

Zarin Khan, a resident of the area, told Dawn by phone that Bagh Markaz, the local market, was open on Friday morning, with shops operating as usual and transport running normally. He observed no unusual movement of security forces despite the militant attack.
Liechtenstein celebrates its National Day on August 15, which coincides with both its national holiday and the Feast of the Assumption in the Catholic Church.
Tamil family drama My Perfectt Husband is all set to release on the OTT platform Disney+ Hotstar. The show has actor Sathyaraj in one of the lead roles. My Perfectt Husband OTT release date has been set for August 16, 2024. This show is among the many Tamil-language series that Disney Plus has been releasing for quite some time on public demand.



Here's the trailer for My Perfectt Husband:

Plot

As per the trailer for My Perfectt Husband, the series is about a wife who is very proud of her husband and thinks that her husband is a perfect husband. But as they say, there is nothing perfect in this world, there is something from his past that the husband is hiding. The story of the series will progress, with characters being introduced from the husband's past and present lives. There will be love stories shown by different generations in the show.



Cast and crew

Other than actor Sathyaraj in the lead role, the cast of My Perfectt Husband includes Rekha, Seetha, Varsha Bollamma, Rakshan, Livingston, Ajeedh Khalique, Krithika Manohar, Raghavi, and Reshma Pasupalty, among others.

Also Read: Phir Aayi Hasseen Dillruba ending explained: Here's how Rani and Rishu escape the UP police this time

The light-hearted series is directed by Thamira, with production done by Mohamed Rasith. The camera and editing are done by Parthasarathy. The music has been handled by Vidyasagar.

As people are demanding more Tamil content on OTT, streaming platforms like Disney Plus are also trying their best to provide the type of content the viewers are into. Disney Plus has recently released many Tamil series. Two of the most recent trending series are Chutney Sambar and Uppu Puli Kaaram.

For more news and updates from the world of OTT, and celebrities from Bollywood and Hollywood, keep reading Indiatimes Entertainment.


Netflix has announced the Nice Girls OTT release date. The film, which is based on a cop and detective working together, will be released on the streaming platform on August 21. The main leads in the thriller film are actors like Alice Taglioni, Stefi Celma, and Baptiste Lecaplain, among others.

Here's the trailer for Nice Girls shared by OTT platform Netflix

Plot

As per the official description given by Netflix, the film revolves around "a maverick cop" and a "meticulous detective" and how they join forces with a "charming ex-hacker" in order to solve an "officer's disappearance."

The movie is being described as raunchy, quirky, and goofy at the same time. The genres under which the film falls are French, comedy movies, mystery movies, and action and adventure movies.

There's also a trailer in India's Tamil language released by Netflix for Nice Girls. Click here to watch.

The total duration of the French movie is 1 hour and 32 minutes.

Also Read: Yeh Meri Family 4 OTT release date Amazon MiniTV: When to watch this family drama

What is the film Nice Girls all about on Netflix?

Nice Girls on Netflix will be released soon. It is about two brave individuals who fight together against evil in the story.

Cast and crew

Other than the main leads mentioned earlier, there are actors like Melanie and Noemie Lvovsky in character roles.

The director of the film is Noemie Saglio. Noemie is known for her contributions to 2015's I Kissed a Girl, Connasse, Princesse des Curs, and 2018's The Hookup Plan.

The writers who are involved in the writing of the film are Antoine Dallancour, Philippe Planells, and also Noemie Saglio herself.

For more news and updates from the world of OTT, and celebrities from Bollywood and Hollywood, keep reading Indiatimes Entertainment.


Phir Aayi Hasseen Dillruba can be binge-watched this weekend on OTT platform Netflix. Directed by Jayprad Desai, the sequel to Hasseen Dillruba, this film is also a thriller that involves Rishu (Vikrant Massey) , Rani (Taapsee Pannu), and a new character this time, Abhimanyu (Sunny Kaushal). The film this time also revolves around a triangle that leads to people killing each other. But who stays till the end, and do Rani and Rishu get united? Well, to have answers to such curiosity-filled questions, you have to watch the film streaming now. Have you not watched it yet or have watched it but need help with the last scenes, which are full of suspense? Here's an ending explained for you:

From where did the second installment of the romantic thriller originate?

In the first few scenes of Phir Aayi Hasseen Dillruba, Rishu and Rani are shown managing their lives separately. It is clear that they have managed to hide the truth of Neel's death from the world and live freely in society. The couple is still in touch, but Rani is living alone in a PG, and Rishu is renting somewhere else. They are shown working hard to save money so that they can settle in some other country, away from the UP police, who are still after them to investigate how Neel died.

Police call Rani for interogation

Everything was going smoothly as Rani and Rishu were working hard to save money for their future plans, but then the UP police entered the scene. A police officer played by Jimmy Shergill, who also happens to be Neel's uncle, comes to Agra, especially to question Rani about Neel's death and ask where Rishu is.

Also Read: Phir Aayi Hasseen Dillruba X review: Top 10 tweets you should read before watching Taapsee Pannu's show on Netflix

Who is the new character, Abhimanyu, played by Sunny Kaushal?

As the police investigation against Rani gets intense, they find out that she keeps calling a guy a number of times, and they doubt it is only Rishu who is dead for the world. To save Rishu and herself from this situation, Rani convinces Abhimanayu to marry her. Abhimanyu, played by Sunny Kaushal, is an Agra localite who is portrayed as a compounder in the film.

After eventually getting married to Abhimanyu, Rani one day gets drunk and spits out all the truth she has been hiding from Abhimanyu.

Also Read: Ahead of Phir Aayi Hasseen Dillruba's Netflix release, here's a Hasseen Dillruba recap: How the story ends and is Rishu really dead?

Rani's now-husband, Abhimanyu, decides to help her and Rishu escape to Thailand, but he is heartbroken too.

Abhimanyu, who is also the murderer of his own family, now tries to show that he is helping Rani and Rishu flee India, but on the other side, he hates Rishu and wants Rani in his life. Eventually, when the three make a plan to escape the police and get away from the mess, Abhimanyu ditches Rishu, makes crocodiles attack him under water, and takes Rani away somewhere in the mountains.

Abhimanyu and Rani start a new life, thinking Rishu is dead.

All about the last scenes where Rishu comes back

X/Poster of Phir Aayi Hasseen Dillruba

In the last scene, Rani is seen teaching kids as she has started a new life away from UP police thinking Rishu is dead. She was thinking only about Rishu when she received a note from him. The two again plan to ditch Abhimanyu and the police.

Rani, as part of her new plan, asks Abhimanyu to come to a spot. She also invites Jimmy Shergill and his team to see the truth through their eyes. Rani accuses Abhimanyu of killing Rishu. Rani, after telling the police about the murders that Abhimanyu has committed, jumps off a mountain, and it looks like she eventually died.

But did she really die? The police arrest Abhimanyu, and as part of Rani's plan, she swims away to Rishu once again.

Will there be Part 3?

Well, since Rani and Rishu are still alive and not arrested for Neel's murder, Part 3 of Hasseen Dillruba can be made.

There can also be a revenge story for Abhimanyu.



For more news and updates from the world of OTT, and celebrities from Bollywood and Hollywood, keep reading Indiatimes Entertainment.


The Senna OTT release date for Netflix has been announced. The real-life action drama is inspired by the life journey of a Brazilian F1 driver who impressed the whole world with his game. The series is releasing on the OTT platform Netflix on August 29.

Here's the teaser for Senna shared by OTT platform Netflix:

As per the teaser and trailer shared by the makers of Senna, the series will give fans of Ayrton Senna a glimpse of how their player used to live, what his hobbies were, and his passion. It will help the viewers understand how the player became so famous and how hard he worked on himself.

Plot

The series Senna is based on the real events that occurred in the life of F1 racer Ayrton Senna. His life was full of challenges as a race car driver, and that's what the series will shed light on. The series is said to have been shot mostly in and around Brazil. The series will also show the last race of the player, which took place in Italy.

X/Stills from Senna

Ayrton Senna was considered the fastest Formula 1 driver of his time. He had won three Formula 1 world titles between the years 1984 and 1994.

The series will come out in six parts on Netflix.

Also Read: Senna On Netflix: All About Real-Life Story Of Race Car Driver Ayrton Senna

Cast and crew

Senna, to be released on Netflix, is directed by Asif Kapadia. Among the long list of actors in the series is Gabriel Leone, who will be playing the iconic Ayrton Senna.

Other cast members include Alice Wegmann, Camila Mardila, Christian Malheiros, Hugo Bonemer, Julia Foti, and Kazuhiro Muroyama, among many others.

For more news and updates from the world of OTT, and celebrities from Bollywood and Hollywood, keep reading Indiatimes Entertainment.


Kareena Kapoor Khan is once again making headlines with her royal sense of style. The star turned up in a bespoke ivory suit set for a charity event last night and fans could not help but be reminded of her iconic character Geet from Imtiaz Ali's 'Jab We Met'. The diva always manages to turn heads with her impeccable sense of style and last night was just another example! Let's decode her mesmerizing look and what the internet had to say about it.



Kareena Kapoor's ivory suit set

UNICEF brand ambassador, Kareena attended the Jewellers For Hope (JFH) charity organised by the Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC). The timeless beauty looked ethereal in an all-white Abu Jani Sandeep Khosla suit featuring a short kurta, pants and dupatta. The beautiful set was adorned with intricate silver-sequin embellishments, matching gota work and white chikankari embroidery and paired with strappy silver heels.

Credit: kareenakapoorkhan/Instagram

The actor accessorised her outfit with her diamond engagement and wedding rings and emerald earrings. She rounded off her look with her signature minimum makeup, kohl-lined eyes and sleek bun.



Also Read: Sidharth Malhotra brings '70s glam to Shantanu & Nikhil show, fan calls him 'Indian Michele Morrone'

Internet reacts to Kareena Kapoor's 'nawabi' look

Credit: kareenakapoorkhan/Instagram

Netizens on the internet rightfully pointed out how regal the diva looked in her suit set and these back-and-white photos shared by her are proof!



Credit: Instagram| Internet reacts to Kareena's look

Reacting to her Instagram post, fans as well as several Bollywood celebs shared their appreciation for her in the comments. While actor Kiara Advani lovingly wrote, "How dare you", fashion model Soniya Shrestha called her. "Forever favorite"



Fans also could not stop gushing about her good looks. While one wrote, "Stunning always", another jokingly commented, "Just looking like a wow"

Also Read: Designer Sabyasachi's new collection out now! 5 accessories we are absolutely in love with

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The political crisis underway in Bangladesh following the massive student-led protests is showing no signs of improving as Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, Obaidul Hassan, is set to step down. The chief justice said Saturday he had agreed to resign "in principle" after a one-hour ultimatum to do so from protesters.

CREDIT: REUTERS

Why protesters want Chief Justice to resign



Obaidul Hassan was told to step down by protesters who gathered outside the court in the capital, Dhaka. Local media reported that the protesters had threatened to besiege the Chief Justice's residence if he failed to resign before the deadline.

Justice Hassan, who was appointed as the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court last year, is seen as a loyalist of Sheikh Hasina, who was ousted from power by the protesters.

As a judge, Hassan oversaw the much-criticized war crimes tribunal that ordered the execution of Hasina's opponents, and his brother was her longtime secretary.

Also read: Who is Nahid Islam, student leader who led protests that ousted Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina

Central Bank Governor and Police Chief resign

He will be the third high-profile resignation in Bangladesh following the ouster of Hasina from power on Monday.

On Friday, Bangladesh Bank Governor Abdur Rouf Talukder had resigned from his post under similar circumstances.

CREDIT: AP

Talukder stepped down Friday and cited personal reasons two days after protesters stormed the central banks headquarters in Dhaka, demanding his resignation.

Another Hasina appointee, who was instrumental in the crackdown on the protests, Bangladesh Police Chief, IGP Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun, had also resigned on Tuesday night.

There are also reports that most of Hasina's cabinet members have gone underground following her resignation.

'Build new Bangladesh'

Meanwhile, Bangladesh's interim leader Muhammad Yunus on Saturday appealed for calm.

Also read: Who is Muhammad Yunus and why protesters want him to be the interim Prime Minister of Bangladesh

CREDIT: REUTERS

The Nobel laureate, who returned from Europe this week to helm the interim administration in Bangladesh, said: "Our responsibility is to build a new Bangladesh."

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Susan Wojcicki, the former CEO of Alphabet-owned YouTube, from 2014 to 2023 has passed away at the age of 56 after a two-year-long battle with cancer. Wojcicki's husband, Dennis Troper, confirmed her death in a Facebook post.

CREDIT: WIRED

Dennis Troper's Facebook post

It is with profound sadness that I share the news of Susan Wojcicki's passing. My beloved wife of 26 years and mother to our five children left us today after two years of living with non-small cell lung cancer. Susan was not just my best friend and partner in life, but a brilliant mind, a loving mother, and a dear friend to many. Her impact on our family and the world was immeasurable. We are heartbroken, but grateful for the time we had with her. Please keep our family in your thoughts as we navigate this difficult time, Troper said in a Facebook post.

Hard to imagine world without her: Sundar Pichai

Google CEO Sundar Pichai said he was unbelievably saddened by the loss of a dear friend.

Unbelievably saddened by the loss of my dear friend Susan Wojcicki after two years of living with cancer. She is as core to the history of Google as anyone, and its hard to imagine the world without her. She was an incredible person, leader, and friend who had a tremendous impact on the world, and Im one of countless Googlers who is better for knowing her. We will miss her dearly. Our thoughts are with her family. RIP Susan, Pichai wrote on X.

Unbelievably saddened by the loss of my dear friend @SusanWojcicki after two years of living with cancer. She is as core to the history of Google as anyone, and its hard to imagine the world without her. She was an incredible person, leader and friend who had a tremendous  Sundar Pichai (@sundarpichai) August 10, 2024

Google started from Wojcicki's garage

Wojcicki's association with Google started right from when the search engine giant was established. Famously, it was at Wojcicki's garage in Menlo Park, California, in September 1998 that co-founders Larry Page and Sergey Brin set up the office of Google. Wojcicki also helped Google in its initial days to create its logo and marketing campaigns.

Also read: Did You Know YouTube's Ex-CEO Susan Wojcicki Was Also Google's First Landlord

CREDIT: INSITES

Wojcicki's impact on Google, YouTube

Wojcicki, who became the first product manager of Google AdSense, was made the CEO of YouTube in 2014, which was acquired in 2006.

Wojcicki played a key role in growing the small video-sharing platform to the largest of its kind in the world today.

CREDIT: REUTERS

In February 2023, following her cancer diagnosis, Wojcicki stepped down from her role at YouTube, saying she wanted to focus on "family, health, and personal projects."

Wojcicki's death comes just months after her 19-year-old son Marco Troper died from a drug overdose.



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If youre planning to handle some banking tasks today, August 10, you might be puzzled about why the banks are closed. In India, banks follow a specific schedule for holidays, and todays closure is part of that routine. Understanding why banks are closed and when they are open can help you plan your visits better and avoid any last-minute surprises. Lets take a look into the details of todays bank holiday and what you need to know.



Understanding Bank Holidays

In India, banks are typically closed on specific days each month. Generally, they are open on the first, third, and fifth Saturdays of the month. However, on the second and fourth Saturdays, banks are closed. This pattern also applies to Sundays and national holidays.

Why Banks Are Closed on August 10

Today is August 10, which falls on the second Saturday of the month. As per the standard schedule, banks are closed on the second Saturday of each month. This is part of the routine bank holiday schedule mandated by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).

August 10 Bank Holiday and Its Impact

For those planning bank-related tasks today, it's important to note that banks are not open. Customers should plan their visits accordingly and check with their local bank branches for any additional regional holidays or closures.

Upcoming Bank Holidays in August

August is a month with several bank holidays due to various festivals and celebrations. According to the RBIs list of holidays, banks will be closed on the following days in August:

August 13: Patriots Day - Observed in Manipur to honour fallen Manipuri commanders.

August 15: Independence Day - A national holiday marking Indias independence.

August 19: Rakshabandhan - A Hindu festival celebrating the bond between brothers and sisters.

August 20: Sree Narayana Guru Jayanthi - A state festival in Kerala honouring the birth of social reformer Narayana Guru.

August 26: Janmashtami - Celebrates the birth of Lord Krishna.

Each of these holidays may affect banking services, so its advisable to check the specific holiday schedule of your local branch in advance.

For the latest and more interesting financial news, keep reading Indiatimes Worth. Click here
A meeting of the Scientific Risk Assessment Committee was held on Saturday at the Ministry of Climate Crisis and Civil Protection to assess the weather conditions expected for the upcoming week
For lack of jurisdiction, Federal High Court sitting in Kaduna declined to hear the suit filed by Nasir El-Rufai, former Governor of the State against the State House of Assembly.

Rilwanu Aikawa, the Presiding Judge, in his ruling transferred the case to the Kaduna chief judge for determination.

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Recall that in June, El-Rufai sued the Kaduna Assembly over a claim that his administration diverted N423 billion when he was the State Governor.

Through Abdulhakeem Mustapha, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, El-Rufai filed the fundamental rights suit at the Federal High Court

He asked the court to declare the report of the ad hoc committee set up by the house of assembly unconstitutional, null, and void for violating his right to a fair hearing.

READ ALSO: Tinubu Should Admit His Mistakes, Review Policies  Former Kano Gov

The Kaduna Assembly had in June recommended the probe of el-Rufai over the allegation of public funds diversion and money laundering during his administration.

It made the recommendation after a report by an ad hoc committee set up to investigate the states finances under the administration of el-Rufai.

El-Rufai was Governor of Kaduna from 2015 to 2023.

In the ruling delivered on July 30, Aikawa dismissed the applicants application, asking him to recuse himself.

The Judge held that the applicant failed to provide cogent reasons or facts.

In July, the former Kaduna Governor petitioned John Tsoho, chief judge of the federal high court, accusing Aikawa of gross bias, injustice, and denial of a fair hearing.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu says rejigging the economy for sustainable growth and development is the first priority of his administration and not working for a new Constitution.

Tinubu disclosed this to The Patriots, a group of eminent Nigerians led by Emeka Anyaoku, former Commonwealth Secretary-General, who visited him at the State House on Friday.

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He however assured the group that their request for the convening of a national constituent assembly with the mandate to draft a new constitution will be reviewed.

Anyaoku, speaking on behalf of The Patriots, had appealed to the President to send an executive bill to the National Assembly, proposing two measures:

The convening of a national constituent assembly with the mandate to produce a draft peoples democratic constitution. The constituent assembly should be of directly elected individuals, on a non-political basis, from the 36 states of the federation, possibly three individuals per state, and one from the FCT.

They should be assisted by seven constitutional lawyers, one drawn from each of the six geo-political zones and the FCT. The deliberations of the constituent assembly should take into full account the 1960/63 constitutions, as well as the recommendations of the 2014 National Conference and indeed of the various national conferences that considered the Nigerian constitutions, he said.

Anyaoku also said The Patriots requested legislating for a national plebiscite to which the draft constitution emerging from the constituent assembly should be subjected.

READ ALSO: Tinubu Should Admit His Mistakes, Review Policies  Former Kano Gov

Reacting to their requests, the President expressed his respect for The Patriots and their contributions to national discourse.

He said, I want to assure all of you that as I listened to your two major requests on the path to referendum and that should lead to constitutional measures that will fit our diversity and governance so that we avoid conflicts and break-ups.

I believe in the unity of this country and I want to assure you that whatever is necessary to put happiness and good governance in the hands of all Nigerians is what I would do.

President Tinubu also noted that the clamour for constitutional reforms is a longstanding issue in national discourse.

He acknowledged the examples presented by The Patriots on pluralistic countries, such as Canada and India, which have maintained unity by addressing their diversity through their constitutions.

The avoidance of chaos is necessary to build this country and move its aspirations forward for the benefit of all of us.

I am currently preoccupied with economic reform. That is my first priority. Once this is in place, as soon as possible, I will look at other options, including constitutional review as recommended by you and other options, the President said.

President Tinubu told Chief Anyaoku that he would be invited again for a more detailed conversation on the submissions of the Patriot.

As you present this, just believe that it will be reviewed, and I commit myself to the belief that you want a stable and prosperous Nigeria, Tinubu concluded.
Maverick entertainer Charles Oputa, also known as Charly Boy, has stated that the only solution to Nigerias poor governance is revolution.

According to Mr Oputa, the nationwide protest from August 1 to 10, was a mere rehearsal for the main event.

The popular performer and advocate predicted that the revolution would occur unexpectedly, emphasising that it would not be televised.

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In a post on his official X page on Friday, Charly Boy stated that if the Nigerian government fails to address the youths demands, the revolution will be destructive and brutal.

READ MORE: Ive Never Been Involved In Crime, Criminalities  Tonto Dikeh Dismisses Arrest Rumour

He wrote, It will take A Revolution To find A Solution to bad leadership. I see the August 1st to 10th as a dress rehearsal for the main event.

The main event will be Unannounced.

It will be madder than we ever Imagined.

The REVOLUTION will not be Televised.

Destruction and Blood will line in its wake.

Hopefully, it will be The Outcome That Will Bring The SOLUTION.

It should be noted that Nigerian youths have been on the streets since August 1 demanding an end to the ravaging hardship in the country.

The demonstration organisers have planned a one-million-man march across the country on Saturday.

SEE POST:
Living hundreds of feet underwater in a nuclear submarine for months on end, the last thing you want is an erratic, selfish commander-in-chief who looks down on sacrifice.

During the 1980s at the Cold Wars height, I served in the U.S. Navy in subs at the tip of the spear against Soviet aggression and at the Pentagon as a personal aide to the chief of naval operations, or CNO. In both instances, I witnessed great leadership firsthand, and often those I admired most were classic conservatives, like then-President Ronald Reagan.

As America moves closer to the most consequential election in our lifetime, I urge all Virginians, and especially its almost 1 million veterans and active-duty service members, to reflect on leadership when making their choice this November. Remind yourselves what Donald Trumps presidency meant and what another Trump term could mean.

Consider the former presidents approach to Americas critical military alliances such as NATO. In my time at the Pentagon, while working for the CNO (the equivalent of the Navys CEO), I traveled to nearly 20 countries and saw the nexus of military and diplomatic ties with our allies come to life.

Those visits strengthened Americas relationships; our allies relied on our security commitments, and we relied on their local and regional power to keep conflict away from our shores. Historians note that Reagan valued our military global presence and security agreements with our allies so much that they were the core principles that led to the Cold Wars peaceful end.

Reagans other great strength was standing up to authoritarian figures. Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall, he once famously said.

Trump, on the other hand, has been envious of and deferential to authoritarian figures. This is genius, he said of Vladimir Putin after Russia invaded Ukraine. Hes now president for life. I think its great, he said about Xi Jinpings iron-grip hold on China.

As for our allies, Trump showed no interest in building our strategic relationships with our past friends around the globe. As former Trump officials have noted, working with allies runs counter to Trumps lived experience of transactional relationships for his own personal gain.

This was Trumps so-called America First foreign policy, which defense and security analysts, former officials and others not in Trumps MAGA movement, generally agree is the antithesis of the Republican Partys traditional conservative principles. Imagine what Reagan would have thought about America First.

Additionally disturbing is Trumps disrespect for our military. He mocked John McCain for his nearly six years as a POW in Vietnam and called fallen soldiers suckers and losers, according to his then-chief of staff Gen. John Kelly, whose own son was killed in Afghanistan.

So shallow is Trump that he once told a biographer that he always felt that I was in the military because of his experience at the New York Military Academy, an expensive prep school. His family wealth helped him avoid Vietnam and he later bragged to Howard Stern that avoiding sexually transmitted diseases was his personal Vietnam.

As one who dedicated nearly three decades of service to America, this all stings deeply, as does the memory of Jan. 6 and Trumps disregard for the rule of law. It also hurts that the Republican Party and its leaders whom I admired are gone in the age of Trump, leaving me and many classic conservatives political nomads.

But as hard as these times are, I see hope in what binds us together. As part of their military service, almost 1 million Virginians have taken an oath to defend the Constitution. I took the oath seven times during my career. We sacrifice for America, to make us and the world safer.

Today, deep under the oceans, thousands of American sailors are defending America. An erratic, selfish commander-in-chief makes their jobs harder by inviting aggression from authoritarian regimes and undermining our allies.
Some Organisers of the #EndBadGovernance have called for the dismissal of Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, over his attitude towards killing of peaceful protesters across the nation.

INFORMATION NIGERIA reports that the call was made during a candlelight symposium held in honour of the victims at the Rights House in Ikeja, Lagos State, on Friday.

Recall that the organising committee, based at the Gani Fawehinmi Freedom Park in Ojota, Lagos, had declared three days of mourning for those killed nationwide during the ongoing #EndBadGovernance protests.

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At the candlelight symposium, the National Spokesperson of the Youth Rights Campaign, Hassan Taiwo, emphasised the urgency of sacking the IGP, stating that more than 40 people have lost their lives nationwide.

READ MORE: Tinubu Mourns Victims Of #EndBadGovernance Protest, Warns Those Vandalizing Public Properties

He said: We are demanding the sacking of the Inspector General of Police.

Weve just been informed by the police that the Commissioner of Police has directed us not to go to Alausa. Comrades, I propose, if you dont mind, that we take control of this procession ourselves, rather than giving them the chance to dictate our actions.

They should not mistake our gentility for cowardice.

The nationwide protest which is said to be peaceful movement, turned into mayhem in some parts of the country.

Recall that that some governments properties were looted in Kano, why business activities were also disrupted in Delta and Bayelsa state.


Gunmen, suspected to be bandits have abducted ten members of a single family in Kaduna State.

Among the abducted victims are the wife and two daughters of a Kogi-based journalist, Muhammed Bashir.

His wife and his two daughters arrived in Kaduna earlier on Thursday for a holiday with her (the wifes) family in a suburb of Kaduna.

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Bashir, a correspondent with the Nigeria Telegraph, confirmed to the incident to colleagues on Friday in Lokoja, the Kogi State capital, in a terse statement.

READ ALSO: Telling Igbos To Leave Lagos Is Arrant Nonsense, They Pay Taxes  Bode George

My dear colleagues, please I need your prayers. My two daughters and their mother, including eight others, were kidnapped yesterday by unknown gunmen in Kaduna where they went for a holiday. Pls pray for me, he wrote in the Kogi Correspondents Chapel WhatsApp platform.

He disclosed that he had reached out to the police and the Department of State Services, and had been assured that steps were being taken to rescue the victims and arrest the kidnappers


Nigerias former President, Olusegun Obasanjo, says until leaders and citizens embrace moral rearmament, the country will not achieve its goal.

He also warned that Nigeria is sitting on a keg of gunpowder that could explode if the nation fails to take courageous and decisive steps to address its numerous challenges.

Obasanjo made these remarks on Friday when he received six members of the House of Representatives, who are co-sponsors of bills proposing a single six-year term, rotation of the presidency between the North and South, and rotation of governorship slots among the three senatorial districts of each of the 36 states.

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He described Nigeria as a nation that takes two steps forward, one step aside, and four steps backward.

According to him, demands of #EndBadGovernance protesters are very legitimate.

The government, he said, should heed the peoples grievances and cease pretending that all is well.

Obasanjo lamented that succeeding governments have failed to build on the foundation he established, resulting in significant setbacks for the country.

His words: As I have warned earlier, we should recognise that we are all sitting on a powder keg if we fail to begin doing the right thing. For instance, what the youth are demanding is very legitimate and should be listened to. Why should they be denied what rightfully belongs to them?

They are frustrated, they are hungry, they are angry, they are unemployed, and they deserve to be heard.

More than anything else, such as changing our system of government or adopting a single term of six or four years, we must change our ways of doing things. We must reform our thinking and character.

READ ALSO: I Was In My Mothers Womb For 12 Months  Obasanjo

I wish that succeeding governments had built upon the foundation we laid, even if not as quickly as hoped, but sadly, the blocks we put in place are being removed.

What I know about Nigeria is that if we get it right  both leadership and team  because one tree does not make a forest, you need a good leader but also a good team for a well-done job.

If we get it right in about two and a half years, we could overcome some challenges, and in about 10 years, we will have a solid foundation. In about 25 years, we could be there.

But we always take one step forward, two steps aside, and four steps backward, which is why we are where we are.

For me, it is not just about the system; we may need to rethink our liberal democracy. In Africa, we often talk about loyal opposition, but what we do is reach a consensus, and then there is no opposition; everyone is on the same page and moves together.

In many African languages, the word for opposition translates to enemies. What do you do with loyal enemies? Once you take power, you claim everything, and the opposition is left in the wilderness. This approach is not beneficial. We need everyone to join hands to advance society.

Our main problem is ourselves. Whether we adopt a single term of six years or two terms of four years, if we maintain the same mentality and approach, nothing will change.

The real issue is ourselves. Yes, the system needs rethinking, but the character of people in government must change. With all due respect, many in government should currently be behind bars or on the gallows.

The legislators who visited Obasanjo at his Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library in Abeokuta are: Abdulmalik Danga from Kogi, Dr Usman Midala from Borno, Matthew Nwogu from Imo, Peter Aniekwe from Anambra, Kama Nkemkanma from Ebonyi, and Ugochinyere Ikenga from Imo.
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Oyo State has arrested four suspected human traffickers and rescued nine victims being exploited as prostitutes.

The command also stated that 55 30-litre kegs of petrol had been recovered at Gwagwasu Moore Road in Kishi, in the states north.

Augustine Padonu, NSCDC Commandant in the state, said this while parading the suspects at the commands headquarters in Ibadan on Friday.

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Padonu stated that the commands Anti-Human Trafficking and Child Protection Unit apprehended the suspects and rescued the victims on Tuesday at a hotel in Ibadans Apata neighbourhood for alleged trafficking for prostitution purposes.

He identified the rescued victims as seven female adults and two underage minors.

The commandant stated that three of the accused specialised in transferring young girls from communities for prostitution.

He claimed that the fourth suspect was the hotels male manager, who coordinated with the three female suspects to employ trafficking underage girls as sex workers there.

The Oyo State Command of NSCDC has made a significant breakthrough in its fight against human trafficking and smuggling of petroleum products.

This demonstrates our unwavering commitment to protecting vulnerable individuals, especially children, from exploitation and abuse as well as safeguarding the nations economy from illegal activities, he said.

READ MORE: Police Foil Car Theft Attempt, Arrest Two Benin Nationals In Lagos

Speaking about the seized smuggled petrol, Padonu stated that the commands monitoring team received credible intelligence about the smuggling of petrol on July 30 in Kishi town and responded quickly.

He stated that during the operation, the command uncovered 55 30-litre petrol cans stashed in the jungle.

Padonu stated that the discovery underscored the continuous challenges created by smuggling petroleum products across borders, which undermines the economy and endangers public safety.

He stated that the suspects involved in petrol smuggling fled upon seeing NSCDC officers and are currently at large.

We are intensifying our efforts to locate and apprehend the suspects.

We urge the public to assist by reporting any information regarding the smuggling of petroleum products to NSCDC.

NSCDC remains committed to protecting vulnerable individuals, especially children, from exploitation and abuse.

We are resolute in our fight against smuggling of petroleum products across the border and will continue to take decisive actions to protect our commonwealth, Padonu said.


Polish diplomats, on Friday, appealed for the release of seven citizens who were detained in Nigeria.

Six Polish students and a lecturer from Warsaw University, who were taking part in a program to study the Hausa language, were detained earlier in Kano State.

Recall that the Department of State Services said they were arrested for carrying Russian flags during the #EndBadGovernance protest.

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Polish Foreign Minister, Jakub Wisniewski however appealed to Nigeria to allow the Faculty of Oriental Studies students and lecturer to return home to their families.

During the meeting, I conveyed that I was convinced that the students behavior could have resulted from their ignorance of local customs, culture and laws. I appealed for the possibility of their return to Poland, to their homes, where their families are waiting for them, Wisniewski said.

READ ALSO: Protest: Were Probing Polish Nationals Over Russian Flags In Kano  DSS

Wisniewski said he did not believe the students had been carrying Russian flags.

However, Polish Deputy Foreign Minister, Andrzej Szejna told the Polish Press Agency (PAP) that the Poles were not carrying any flags, but were taking photos, it seems.

Polish consular services are seeking their release; they are in contact with both the Nigerian authorities and the students families.

In a separate statement, Polands Foreign Ministry said that it was establishing the exact circumstances of the incident with the local authorities in order to support our citizens.

It is also in contact with the families of those who have been detained.

The University of Warsaw issued its own statement saying It has been determined that their going out at night outside their accommodation was considered by the local police to be a violation of local law.
The Nigeria Police Force has denied a viral report, claiming that its officers invaded the secretariat of the Nigeria Labour Congress, in Abuja (NLC).

Recall that the NLC had earlier raised alarm over some armed security men, who raided its building, on Thursday.

The union, however, described the security agentss action as unlawful act.

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Reacting to the development in a statement made by the Force spokesman Muyiwa Adejobi, on Friday, the NPF disclosed that a suspected criminal was traced to a shop in the Centre Business District of Abuja which coincidentally was the NLC building.

Adejobi added that the raid had nothing to do with the NLC, its Secretariat, staff, or leadership.

He said: Detectives, armed with the appropriate legal authority, conducted an operation at the location, which turned out to be the NLC building.

This well-coordinated, lawful operation was solely aimed at apprehending the prime suspect, a foreign national implicated in numerous criminal activities across Nigeria and other African countries.

READ MORE: Hunger Protest: IGP Orders Police Chiefs To Protect Nationwide Protesters

The NLC Secretariat was not the focus of the operation, which was targeted at a rented shop within the building used by the suspect as a front for his criminal activities in Nigeria.

The Nigeria Police Force seeks the cooperation and support of the NLC leadership as we continue this investigation, which is vital to safeguarding our nation.

The high-profile nature of the suspect poses a significant security threat to Nigeria and other African nations, making this investigation crucial for the safety of all involved, including the NLC.
The Rivers State Police Command has vowed to arrest anyone demonstrating outside designated venues just as a one-million-man march to end the 10-day long hardship protest occurs today, Saturday.

The Command said the two places approved for the protest remained the Isaac Bora Park and the Pleasure Park both along Aba Road in Port Harcourt, the state capital.

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The police said the warning became imperative following a plot by some hoodlums who could not loot throughout the protest to use the final day to do so and cause mayhem in the State under the guise of #EndBadGovernance protest.

Grace Iringe-Koko, spokesman for the state police command, stated this in a statement issued in Port Harcourt, the state capital on Friday.

The Rivers State Police Command has been informed about the planned One Million Man Protest scheduled to take place across the 36 states of Nigeria and the Federal Capital Territory on Saturday, August 10, 2024.

We are aware that some miscreants, who were previously prevented from engaging in looting and other criminal activities during the earlier days of the protest, have resolved to use this final day to harass innocent citizens, unleash mayhem, loot, and extort unsuspecting residents of the state.

READ ALSO: Hardship: Protest Organisers Plan One-Million-Man Demonstration In All States Saturday

In light of this, the Commissioner of Police, Rivers State, Olatunji Disu, has directed all would-be protesters to converge at the designated areas of Abali Park and Pleasure Park to carry out the exercise.

This will enable the police to effectively protect the protesters and curtail any breakdown of law and order in the state. The Command will not condone any protest or procession outside of these two designated areas, the statement read.

It said it has placed all heads of tactical units and divisional heats on red in their various locations, saying it will not condone any act capable of causing a breach of peace.

The Commissioner of Police has further instructed all Area Commanders, Divisional Police Officers and Tactical Team Commanders to implement robust patrol strategies and maintain close monitoring across their respective Areas of Responsibility.

Their mandate is to apprehend and prosecute any individuals or groups found to be engaging in unlawful activities or causing disturbances. The Rivers State Police Command has demonstrated the highest level of professionalism in managing the protests over the past nine days, which has resulted in the state not recording any casualties.

The command is committed to maintaining this record and will respond swiftly to any breach of law and order, without hesitation. The public is advised to refrain from any actions that may compromise the peace and security of the state. The Command is dedicated to ensuring the safety and well-being of all residents and will not tolerate any attempt to disrupt the public order, the statement added.
A North Jersey man has been charged with providing gifts to a Burlington County juvenile in exchange for nude photos and videos of the boy, authorities said Friday.

Burlington County Prosecutor LaChia L. Bradshaw and Cinnaminson Township Police Chief William Obuchowski announced that 27-year-old Sebastian Romero, of Somerset, was arrested on Aug. 2 while law enforcement officers were executing a search warrant at his residence.

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Romero was charged with production of child sexual abuse material, aggravated sexual extortion, luring, and related offenses, Bradshaw said. Romero was denied release during a detention hearing Friday in Superior Court in Mount Holly and was being held at the Burlington County Jail.

Bradshaw said the investigation began last month after the juveniles family contacted the Cinnaminson Township Police Department. Law enforcement determined that Romero allegedly contacted the minor in a chat room for an online gaming platform.

Investigators alleged that Romero knew the juveniles age and obtained personal information about the minor before offering electronic gift cards in exchange for nude photos and video.

Bradshaw said that Romero allegedly arranged to meet the juvenile for a sexual encounter and, after the boy failed to appear, then began making threatening statements toward the minors family.
The Philadelphia School District is changing the way students apply to its selective admissions schools, including Academy at Palumbo, shown in this 2022 file photo. Read more

Philadelphia School District officials are changing the systems selective admissions process again, allowing students for the first time to rank up to five schools by preference in their applications.

Students can begin applying to any public school that has room to accept them for the 2025-26 school year on Sept. 13 at 4 p.m. The selection window closes at the end of the day Oct. 23.

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Superintendent Tony B. Watlington Sr. said in a statement Friday that the district had partnered with a new technology provider that would result in a less confusing process for families, give more students an initial offer, shorten the time in which students get acceptances, and cut down on the time it takes to fill open seats in public schools across the city.

Watlington said the changes came in response to feedback from families and students.

Three years ago, the district made sweeping changes to the way it admits students to its 39 criteria-based admissions schools, moving to a centralized lottery rather than giving principals discretion over who was admitted. The shift happened in the name of equity; some of the districts magnet schools racial demographics did not match the citys, with an overrepresentation of white and Asian students and an underrepresentation of Black and Latino students.

The changes proved controversial and did not solve the inequity issues, though some progress was made in the percentage of Black and Latino students applying to and getting into selective admissions schools. Some schools, including Masterman and Central, still are underrepresented among those groups.

Watlington said the district had partnered with a company called Avela to launch a tool its calling Explore to provide information about schools to those applying.

Heres whats changed:

Students will be able to rank their top five school choices. In the past, eligibility and seats available were considered exclusively. Now the new system uses an algorithm to generate the best offer based on the students eligibility as well as their preference based on ranked choice. Students will receive only one offer during the first phase of acceptances. In the past, some students were accepted to multiple schools, and other students were completely shut out  even though they were eligible for some or all of their choices. Now, offers can continue in a second phase based on the order students ranked their choices, their eligibility, and available seats. Students will remain on the wait list only for higher-ranked schools for which they qualified but did not receive an offer. The district offered this example: If a student received an offer to their No. 3 school, they would remain on a wait list for their first and second choices, but would be automatically declined for their fourth and fifth choices. If they eventually receive a wait list offer for their second choice, they could accept that offer  and their third choice offer would be automatically declined, but they would stay on the wait list for their first choice. If they eventually received a seat at their first choice, they could accept that seat.

The district will still consider grades, attendance, and state standardized test scores, and give preference to students who live in certain underrepresented zip codes for admission to Academy at Palumbo, George Washington Carver High School of Engineering and Science, Central High, and Masterman.

(The district said it would no longer consider the Pennsylvania Alternate System of Assessment, or PASA, as a standardized test score for purposes of school admissions. Some students with disabilities take the PASA rather than the PSSA, or Pennsylvania System of School Assessment, which is given to the vast majority of students in public schools.)

The zip codes considered for preference have changed slightly for the coming year: Those with preference are 19140, 19133, 19132, 19136, 19124, and 19134.

Eighth-grade students who attend Carver, GAMP, Hill-Freedman, Masterman, and Science Leadership Academy at Beeber will still automatically be admitted to those schools for high school if they meet that high schools criteria, a change that was put in place for the 2024-25 admissions cycle.

Reaction to the changes

The changes drew early praise from Lauren Overton, the veteran principal of Penn Alexander, the West Philadelphia district K-8 school.

I think its a good move, said Overton. Im hopeful that ranked choice is going to make things more equitable and give more opportunities to more kids across the board.

School selection can be a stressful process for families, and Im hopeful that this will give more people more hope moving forward, Overton said. I will give the district credit that theyve been trying to make changes as they receive feedback. I know that ranked choice is something that people really advocated for. Im hopeful that this will help out with the wait list issues that have happened in the past.

Walette Carter, president of the citywide Home and School Council, said the tweaked method of school selection has its advantages, but she said it could still be confusing to parents.

And while she worries about equity in admissions at some district magnets, Carter said, shes also worried about equity at the K-8 level that prevents some students from qualifying for top city schools.

A lot of these neighborhood schools dont have algebra, so the kids cant get into Masterman, anyway, Carter said.
Rick Williams, (left), of 6ABC, Laurie Burklin and Chris Sowers of 6ABC attended the "Get in the Game" 2015 benefit for Philadelphia Futures at the South Bowl in Philadelphia on Thursday, April 23, 2015. ( For the Inquirer / Maggie Henry Corcoran ) Read more

Veteran meteorologist Chris Sowers is leaving 6abc after 13 years for a position in West Palm Beach.

Sowers announced the move to the ABC affiliate station on Facebook Friday.

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A huge opportunity has presented itself and I will be joining the talented WPTV weather team in West Palm Beach, Florida in October, Sowers wrote. This is an opportunity for me to finally move off of weekends. Im excited to work in one of the busiest weather markets in the entire country!

Sowers joined Action News in 2011 and had been broadcasting on weekends between early morning and midafternoon. Sowers was known for his avid social media presence, as well as his viral dungeon segments broadcasted from his basement.

Cecily Tynan, one of Sowers fellow meteorologists at the station, replied to Sowers post saying it was so incredibly sad to see you leave.

You deserve the best, my friend, because you ARE the best! Glad weve been friends for so many years, Tynan said. Ill be watching your forecasts online. And, dont forget, Ill be down a lot over the next winter to teach you how to water ski!

Adam Joseph, another Action News weather reporter, replied: Sadly youre no longer with us, but will always be one of us.

Sowers departure is the latest shake-up at 6abc. Legendary anchor Jim Gardner ended his four-decade run at the station in 2022.

Sports anchor Jamie Apody and veteran reporter Dann Cuellar also departed the station in recent years.
A file photo taken during the 2024 primary election. A Montgomery County man has been federally charged with election fraud, double voting and falsely registering to vote in 2020 and 2022. Read more

A Montgomery County man has been charged with election fraud, double voting and falsely registering to vote, federal prosecutors announced Friday. The case represents a rare example of documented voter fraud.

In a news release, the U.S. Attorneys Office for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania alleged that Philip C. Pulley, a 62-year-old from Huntingdon Valley, successfully registered to vote in Montgomery and Philadelphia Counties in Pennsylvania, as well as in Broward County, Fla.

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Pulley allegedly registered in Philadelphia using a false address and false social security number. In 2020, prosecutors said he voted in both Florida and Montgomery County and requested a mail-in ballot in Philadelphia. In 2022, Pulley is accused of voting in both Montgomery and Philadelphia Counties.

If convicted, he faces up to five years in prison and three years of supervised release, alongside a fine of up to $250,000. Court records did not list an attorney for Pulley on Friday.

Philadelphia County Commissioner Seth Bluestein, a Republican, said his office began investigating the allegations against Pulley in June 2023, and referred the case to the FBI.

He said the case should give voters confidence in the election process, and in the officials working to prevent fraud.

This is not an indication of something that is widespread, Bluestein said of the case. It is an indication, though, of when there are irregularities and fraud of them being investigated and caught.

Though it is important to investigate and prevent any and all cases of double voting, Bluestein said such instances are not widespread enough to impact election outcomes on a large scale.

An Associated Press review of six battleground states in the 2020 election found that disputed ballots represented just 0.15% of President Joe Bidens margin of victory in those states.
Former officials in Donald Trumps administration have been helping Philly-area billionaire Jeffrey Yass work to prevent a ban of TikTok, according to the New York Times.

Yass Bala Cynwyd-based trading firm, Susquehanna International Group, reportedly owns a 15% stake in ByteDance, according to the Wall Street Journal. Yass is the richest man in Pennsylvania. Based on his assets, Forbes estimates his net worth at $28.5 billion while Bloomberg estimates it at nearly $45 billion.

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Trumps apparent help to protect the app from a U.S. government ban is a reversal of the ex-presidents previous stance.

In 2020, the former Republican president tried to ban TikTok himself.

His recent flip-flop represents the continuation of an awkward but potentially symbiotic relationship between Trump and Yass, a prolific political donor whos become the monied face behind school choice vouchers.

Neither the special counsel for Susquehanna nor a spokesperson for Yass responded to requests for comment before publication Friday.

Bipartisan American legislators are concerned about closeness between the Chinese government and TikToks owners. The FBI and Federal Communications Commission have warned that TikTok may be forced to comply with orders to share personal user information with the Chinese government. TikTok has also been accused of using its algorithm to spread misinformation, allegations TikTok has denied.

Yass involvement in TikTok began more than a decade ago when, in 2012, his firm became an early investor in ByteDance. The company has since seen an exponential return, as TikTok has become among the worlds most downloaded apps.

Yass is a registered Libertarian and wrote in the Wall Street Journal in April that though Trump may be the best option for school choice, Yass wont donate to his campaign.

Susquehanna last year bought a chunk of shares in Digital World Acquisitions Corp., which merged in March with Trumps social media company, Truth Social. Susquehanna said it shorted an equal value of shares, and made the share purchase, not as an investment, but in order to serve as a market-maker when the company became publicly-traded.

Yass, 65, lives on Philadelphias Main Line in Haverford.

Staff writer Joseph N. DiStefano contributed reporting.
Voters are suddenly much more enthusiastic about the November election, new polling shows. Read more

In the waning days of an extraordinary political summer, Vice President Kamala Harris is ahead of former President Donald Trump in Pennsylvania and two other critical battleground states that previously seemed to be slipping out of reach for Democrats, according to new surveys of likely voters by the New York Times and Siena College.

The findings suggest that the presidential race remains tight, and also that the dynamics of a contest many voters saw as stale and lifeless have been fundamentally altered with less than 100 days to go.

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Harris leads Trump by four percentage points, 50% to 46%, among likely voters in Pennsylvania, Wisconsin and Michigan, according to the new polls. The surveys were conducted among a representative sample of registered voters in the three states from Aug. 5 to 9. The margin of error is between 4 and 4.5 percentage points.

The findings capture an election still in flux: Harris announced that Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz would be her running mate a day into the polling, on Aug. 6.

Still, the results are significant because nearly a year of polls showed a dead heat between Trump and President Joe Biden, with Trump gaining ground in recent months. The new polls reflect increased enthusiasm across both parties in a previously weary electorate: In May, 58% of voters said they were satisfied with the presidential candidates they had to choose from. In August, that percentage jumped by 15 points.

Among likely voters in Pennsylvania, Harris leads Trump 50% to 46%, with voters citing the economy, abortion, and immigration as the top three issues motivating them to vote. A majority of those likely voters said they believed Trump would be better on the economy and immigration, while Harris would be better on abortion and democracy.

In Pennsylvania, Trump maintains a strong advantage among white voters with no college degree, and voters in the center of the state. Harris leads among nonwhite voters, white voters with a college degree, and voters in the greater Philadelphia area and Allegheny County, which includes Pittsburgh.

In the Pennsylvania Senate race, likely voters showed a strong preference for Democratic Sen. Bob Casey over Republican challenger Dave McCormick, with Casey leading by 14 percentage points.

Since Biden dropped out of the race and endorsed Harris on July 21, Harris has seen a spate of positive media attention, raised millions of dollars, and packed stadiums across the country. Trump has referred to it as Harris honeymoon, and predicted that it will end. The feeling of positivity toward Harris is reflected in the latest poll: Her favorability rating increased by 10 percentage points among registered Pennsylvania voters in the last month.

The dust has not yet settled, but the fundamentals of the race are already drastically different than they were just a few months ago. In May, Trump led Biden by 3 percentage points in a two-way race, within the margin of error of a survey of registered voters in a Philadelphia Inquirer/New York Times/Siena College poll. At the time, voters expressed concerns over the economy and voiced that they were eager for change. Support for Biden in May was eroding among young voters and nonwhite voters, and Bidens age was a large and growing issue.

As Benjamin Duerr, a 29-year-old electrician from Upper Darby who planned to vote for Biden, told The Inquirer at the time, I just feel like Bidens pretty incompetent. ... But he wont [expletive] up things too much, you know?

In the new August polls, a majority of registered voters across the three states said Harris, more than Trump, has the temperament to be an effective president, and more said Harris was intelligent. A striking 81% of registered voters said they were enthusiastic to vote.
Back in the 1980s when the words, Ireland and recession were near interchangeable and an especially battered Cork was the unemployment blackspot of the country, Leeside cinemas came up with a notion to reduce ticket prices for afternoon matinees to the princely sum of IR1. They were soon doing surprisingly tidy business, especially on dole day and, a less than dedicated schoolboy, Id often watch several films a week.

One afternoon, in the Palace Cinema (now the Everyman Palace Theatre) on MacCurtain Street, I watched Christiane F, a German arthouse movie about teenage drug addiction in the squalid squats of 1970s Berlin, the citys bleak nihilism perfectly echoed by a soundtrack of classic David Bowie songs from his own drug-addled sojourn in Berlin.

Usually, upon leaving a darkened cinema, returning to reality can hit with a jolt, especially in day time. Not on this day. MacCurtain St may have a compelling history and may play host to some of Corks most compelling architecture, but back then it was so bruised and battered by neglect and decline, so seedy, so edgy, I felt as if the film was still rolling but I was now in it.

Whats more, MacCurtain Streets decrepitude lingered on for years afterwards, the unwanted, unloved step-child of the city centre, at best a route that had to be reluctantly negotiated to go somewhere else. I, ever fond of a little grit in my oyster, was always drawn to it, but my opinion was inevitably in the minority.

Next Wednesday evening, 400 diners will sit at a long table running the length of MacCurtain St for an exclusive Cork on a Fork festival dinner served up by a selection of the myriad hospitality establishments now dominating the storied old street and ancillary streets that make up the VQ (formerly, the Victorian Quarter). I shall be among those diners and, I suspect, not alone in finding the whole experience to be quite surreal.

Though Ive observed the changes in the area over decades, the recent acceleration in improvements has been breathtaking, culminating in the elimination of two of four traffic lanes, returning space to pedestrians with the creation of plaza-style wide footpaths for al fresco wining and dining, bringing the party out onto the street.

MacCurtain Street is now the unquestioned centre of Cork hospitality, with a multiplicity of pubs, cafes, restaurants, and hotels, running the gamut from fast food all the way up to fine dining, and there is a newfound and vibrant energy that suggests the best is yet to come.

Cork City Council certainly deserves a share of plaudits and, an infinitely wealthier nation than 40 years ago, consumer spending has also had an impact but, ultimately, the rebirth of MacCurtain Street all boils down to a most remarkable group of traders, led by its indomitable hospitality practitioners, who harnessed the unmatchable power of a community working together towards a common goal.

Michael, Catherine and Philip Ryan, Isaacs

Michael and Philip Ryan of Isaac's Restaurant. Picture: Larry Cummins

In 1992, save annual October pilgrimages to The Metropole Hotel for the Cork Jazz Festival, the majority of Corkonians socialised elsewhere in the city so when Michael Ryan, who had cheffed for years in the family business, Michelin-starred Arbutus Lodge, and his wife, Catherine, decided to open a restaurant in a former warehouse on MacCurtain Street, everyone thought they were mad.

Actually, the Ryans were pathfinders, not just for the city but for much of the country at large. Inspired by a similar dining space in Amsterdam, the Ryans were among the very first to properly practice casual dining in Ireland.

Excellent food, though not quite Michelin star level, is still innovative, and staid tropes of fine dining, white linen, silverware, stuffy waiters, are dispensed with for bare tabletops and more personable service, every bit as attentive and efficient but a lot more fun. Isaacs was a smash from day one, then debuting as one of the most buzzing restaurant spaces in the country.

Isaacs is the child of recession, says Michael Ryan.

The first Bush war was on, Arbutus Lodge was on its knees, I was a married man with three children, a wife and I was looking for a job. I called down here [Isaacs] to visit a friend working on a renovation project [of the entire premises, also housing Isaacs Hotel and Greenes Restaurant] and walked in and got an absolute rush, a complete physical reaction to it because I went to school in Christians and never knew this room existed.

I went, oh, my God, this is it. We were so fed up of the stuffiness of Arbutus. I said to a friend of ours, Canice Sharkey, the brightest of all the chef alumni we ever had in Arbutus, that I have a project I think youd like. At that time, there was nowhere in Cork where you could eat real food at a decent price, or have a single dish if thats all you wanted.

The manager of the Metropole said to me, the problem with McCurtain Street is, if its a sunny day, people wont cross [Patricks] bridge. They lie down in a park. If its a rainy day, theyre definitely not coming across the bridge. So it was a deeply unfashionable street and people said so but it was the room that drew me in. We had no money. We were absolutely on our knees. But we had a queue outside the door from very, very early days, they came in their droves. Initially it was the old Arbutus clientele but after three years, I walked in one night and didnt know a single soul and I went, yes, weve done it.

Catherine ran front of house for years  I remember my father-in-law coming in the first day and telling us we didnt stand a chance. He took that back many times after, she chuckles  but the couple have now handed over to their son, Philip, who has his own substantial CV in Cork hospitality and he heads up the VQ hospitality steering committee.

Ive worked here on and off since I was a child before I left and did other things, says Philip, but I came on board in Isaacs about four years ago and my dad encouraged me to get involved in the VQ, and there were only six active members.

The small group decided to hire a director of operations, tapping fellow traders on the street to raise funds to hire Shane Clarke, an urban planner/designer, formerly director of the Nano Nagle Centre, on Douglas St.

So Shane would action all the suggestions and requests from our meetings each week, and that really changed the dynamic of the group. We now have 85 paid memberships and were hoping to get it to 100 very soon. I dont think theres another group like it in the city, as united and proactive.

Philip Gillivan, The Shelbourne

Philip Gillivan of The Shelbourne Bar. Picture: Larry Cummins

A Mayo man who came to Cork originally in 1987 to work in the Silversprings convention centre, Gillivan bought the then Siol Broin pub, in 1996.

The Shelbourne is now one of the most popular pubs in the city, its magnificent collection of over 600 Irish whiskeys an attraction in its own right, and a quintessential MacCurtain St experience is enjoying a pint, either inside the pub or out on the terrace while dining on smashing fish and chips from one of the streets newer establishments, the cracking Eco-Fish, across the road.

All I wanted was to get my own place, says Philip.

I couldnt afford a hotel but this came up. It had a fabulous clientele but completely outside my comfort zone. There was a great crowd from the Crawford School of Art, you could have a judge, a prisoner, a guard, all having a pint, a lot of the art crowd, musicians, a lot of the gay scene, always very welcome here. I inherited a very lovely business, and I went by the philosophy of, if it aint broke, dont fix it. I remember we were watching the [Irish stage of the 1998] Tour de France on the TV and when it passed Silversprings and was heading towards MacCurtain Street, we locked the pub and walked down with high stools to the end of Bridge Street which was six deep with people and stood at the back on the stools and got a great view.

Then next door came up for sale and we expanded and reopened as The Shelbourne in the week of the jazz, 1999. The street is so different now, Isaacs was the main draw before anyone else, they started the change. It was always a great street but we did market research about 15 years ago and they said, everyone who used MacCurtain Street loved it, and everybody else thought it was a waste of space, full of dodgy pubs and strange men in raincoats and the only reason they came up was to get chips and a taxi.

To me the best thing is we have changed the narrative, we wanted it to be the Portobello road, the left of centre, non retail street and thats what weve achieved.

Noreen Gannon, Gallaghers

Noreen Gannon of family-run Gallagher's. Picture: Larry Cummins

Gallaghers pub, at the corner of MacCurtain Street and Bridge Street is a thriving gastro-pub, especially renowned for its Beef & Beamish pie, and is named after the late Rory Gallagher who was raised further up the street.

When we bought Gallaghers in 2012, says Noreen, we got an incredible legacy and the people asked us to keep the name and Im glad we did, and since then I learned an awful lot about the music and the food side of things. We have a bronze-cast statue of Rory and people come in and sit there and take pics and when the sun comes back around 7pm in the evening, you have a great view of Shandon, from inside and out. Im happy with what weve achieved, the work that everyone has done for the street and the camaraderie among the traders  we are very proud of that.

The Metropole Hotel

The Metropole Hotel. Picture: Larry Cummins

Designed by Arthur Hill, father of the late Myrtle Allen, and built over 125 years ago on then King Street before it was renamed in 1922 in honour of assassinated Cork Lord Mayor Tomas MacCurtain, The Metropole Hotel has many a story to tell.

Originally an upper floor hotel with dry status (ie no booze), retailers on the ground floor included iconic Cork sweet brand, Hadji Bey, renowned at home and abroad for its Turkish Delight. Since 1978, it has been the festival club and spiritual home of the Cork Jazz festival, often the only time of year many Corkonians would ever bother to socialise on the street.

Its an integral part of MacCurtain Streets rich tapestry, says Aaron Mansworth, managing director of Trigon Hotels, owners of The Metropole.

Weve been a cornerstone of this iconic street, which is steeped in history and culture and it has transformed into a cool, cultural epicentre for Cork. The Metropole has played a pivotal role in this evolution.

Recently departed as hotel manager after 24 years working in The Metropole, Roger Russell, now manager of newly opening Moxy & Residence Inn hotel on the quays, retains memories of MacCurtain Street that will endure forever.

About 16, 17 years ago, says Roger, there were only two street lights on the whole street, but its transformed, all sorts of different businesses, but everyone shared a vision and a set of values of what we wanted to achieve, to create a destination street with an eclectic vibe, and support each other with a positive outlook.

I often started very early, at 7am and on a sunny day when its quiet, no cars, trucks, and the sun comes down the middle of the street, theres a lovely feeling to the place. Theres [an off-street] waterfall [by Greenes restaurant] and a family of ducks lived on the pond. Every every year the duck would take her ducklings out on to MacCurtain Street and lead them down to Patricks Quay to the river around the corner  one year, they ended up in the hotel restaurant! Its a different kind of street.

Andy Ferreira, Cask

Andy Ferreira, managing partner at Cask and co-owner of Paladar on Bridge Street. Picture: Larry Cummins

When Richard Evans, proprietor of Greenes, another MacCurtain Street stalwart, tapped up Andy Ferreira to open a gin bar next to his restaurant, in 2017, Ferreira nudged him in the direction of cocktails, specifically, seasonal cocktails based around foraged Irish produce, then entirely new in Ireland.

Soon, the eminently stylish bar was a national multi-award winning bar with an international reputation.

From the very beginning [of Cask], says Andy, there has always been a great relationship with the other traders on the street, The Shelbourne, The Glass Curtain. For years wed go down to the White Rabbit to use their smoker. Weve done collaborations with Brian in the Glass Curtain, all these little relationships really enhance the experience of working on the street from a professional point of view, and having The Everyman across the road is wonderful, crowds appear before the show, booked in for food and drinks. It could be a Tuesday, it could be a weekend. And they might come back for a little nightcap.

"And we get lots of tourists, often from the Metropole and the amount of times I see our lads writing local tips for maybe the Corner House or Gallaghers for the pie on the back of napkins or into phones, tourists just appreciate that so much. I know I do when I go to different countries and you really can enhance peoples experience of your city and your area just by being kind with your time and being considerate.

Brian Murray, Glass Curtain

Brian Murray of The Glass Curtain. Picture: Larry Cummins

Brian Murray always had a soft spot for MacCurtain Street and his Glass Curtain, which opened in 2019, very soon established itself as one of the best restaurants in Cork.

Wed come to Crowleys Music Store [where Rory Gallagher bought his first guitar] and sit and play guitars, every Saturday for the entire summer all through secondary school, pretending we were about to buy, says Brian.

I remember going to The Metropole for the jazz. When I found [the Glass Curtain], the premises, the building, the history, it felt right, it was a general nostalgia I had for the area, not particularly food. But back in 2019, people were saying anything below Isaacs towards the train station is dead and dark on both sides of the street down as far as where The White Rabbit used to be. I remember asking the landlord about the lack of lights on the street. Now our end of the street is really happening.

Its an amazing spot to be, with bars, restaurants, hotels, every one on the same page even though theres different offerings. I walk down the street and 20 people will say hello to me or any of my staff. It feels like the right place to be.

It has different energies throughout the day. In the morning on a nice day, theres a lovely gentle energy, people around, getting a coffee before work, a solitary meditative experience before a busy day. At 5pm sunset, sitting outside the Wine Cellar or 11pm Friday night after work, it is like a night club, vibrant energy, people are totally different. On a Friday evening when service is in full flow, dockets mounting up, energy peaking, I have the kitchen behind me, a full restaurant in front of me and I can see people outside the Wine Cellar with glasses, and down Harley St and across the river, its an awesome experience.

Trudy Ahern and Sean Gargano, MacCurtain Wine Cellar

Trudy Ahern of MacCurtain Wine Cellar. Picture: Larry Cummins

One of the loveliest new additions to the street is MacCurtain Wine Cellar, a gorgeous restoration of a high-windowed corner premises, owned and operated by husband and wife team, Chicagoan Sean Gargano and his Cork-born wife Trudy Ahern.

I have always loved MacCurtain Street, says Trudy. My mum is from up by the barracks and my uncle worked for Thompsons bakery so I was always around here. It had a different kind of a feel than the rest of the city. I brought Sean down here about 16, 17 years ago, it was really rundown then, dodgy.

She was talking about opening something on the street, says Sean, and I said, no way, are you out of your damn mind!

But I just knew that it was going to be cool, says Trudy. Slowly, other businesses came in and changed the vibe. The Glass Curtain made a massive change.

For me, says Sean, the groundwork was laid by guys like Philip from The Shelbourne, I cant thank them enough. We had zero budget but the community is amazing. From day one, they all came in offering help. It was fantastic. Wed come from Dublin where we didnt really see that happening. Also, they were all owner-operators which really creates an atmosphere of community, because not only can we have real one-on-one relationship swith customers, we can also have them with other business owners.

Shane Clarke, VQ director of operations

Shane Clarke of the VQ getting his hands dirty planting olive trees in planters on the street. Picture: Larry Cummins

There is a very strong sense of community, for the most part they are owner occupiers and entrepreneurs, either there a long time or new arrivals, and they get on very, very well, says Shane.

The recent public realm improvements prioritise the pedestrian. Were doing a new plan, a slightly more strategic plan. Kent station is going to get a lot busier and there is all the new development along Horgans Quay and we know the City Council has exciting plans for the riverside.

It is one of the finest nexus of educational establishments in the country  primary, secondary, third level and international language schools  and we want to make more of that. Heineken [also in the VQ] have come on board as sponsors and we are planning heritage and community projects, urban greening projects.

Its a fabulous, diverse community  thats a winning ticket, it feels comfortable and natural, its not trying too hard. But there is so much more to come.
Make no mistake: self-professed childless cat lady, Sarah Rees Brennan has already left an indelible mark on society, and shes just getting started.

The New York Times best-selling author was diagnosed with stage 4 non-Hodgkins lymphoma in 2016 and now mentors women with cancer.

The support systems awful. If I was in America, I would have just died. But the Irish healthcare system saved my life so I feel a responsibility to give back, she says.

Strong in spirit, Sarah managed to find the lighter moments throughout her treatment but there were days when she felt judged, lonely, and too weak to summon up the positive attitude often expected of people with cancer.

Even people who were there for me during the chemo afterwards, were like; Remember when you were an unreasonable bitch? And I was like; When? When I was so sick I couldnt walk?

Hurt and feeling trivialised by those caustic comments, she imagined what it would be like not to care. And thus her newest novel was born, her first foray into the adult fantasy novel genre, the first of a trilogy.

 Long Live Evil is about finding escape in stories, about waking up and finding yourself a villain.

Sarah Rees Brennan: Long Live Evil is her first foray into the adult fantasy novel genre, the first of a trilogy.

Its a lonely place to be, says Sarah. People are only patient with you for so long.

Since President Nixon declared a War on Cancer, we have been subjected to tired military tropes of patients as brave soldiers battling cancer  as if it were a war to be won or lost. Using equally patronising language, womens bodies have been weaponised; presented as battlefields for men to dominate, attack, and ultimately control.

A scathing critique of the patriarchy via the military comparisons underpins the narrative of Long Live Evil.

Rae has her feelings about her previous body, which is cancer-wracked but her new body is curvaceous. Shes Jessica Rabbit, shes the villainous harlot. I wanted to show how we see curvy ladies.

Immoral, Im guessing? Yes, she says.

Inspired by Sarahs own experience, Rae goes from an unassuming cheerleader to a treacherous bitch with a beauty mark, killer curves, and long, flowing locks.

I had my own body transformations. I lost a lot of weight. I was stick thin but people were saying; Oh, but thats good. You look great.

When I did start gaining weight, people were like; Why are you wearing that top? The tits are there but youre four cup sizes bigger than you were.

Sarah Rees Brennan: I was stick thin but people were saying; Oh, but thats good. You look great.

A conversation about fertility proved triggering for Sarah who was still grappling with what felt like a death sentence.

When I was diagnosed; they said; Ok pause, you need to go freeze your eggs. I was like; Well, I cant exactly have babies if I die.

It wasnt Sarahs first time dealing with a serious illness.

I had terrible cataracts. I had an operation when I was a baby and they saved the sight of one eye but they never got the other.

Escaping into books has always been Sarahs safe space. A precocious child, she remembers being refused entry to the adult section of the Dalkey library.

They wouldnt let me into the adult section so I stumbled onto childrens fantasy novels.

She began eating up the stalwarts of the genre, especially women authors like Diana Wynne Jones.

It was a natural choice for her to study ancient Greek and Roman civilisation and history and after graduating with an Arts degree from UCD, she applied for and was accepted onto an internship in the US.

I moved to New York at 22 and worked at LifeTime Media in the nonfiction division. I learned a lot but it was an uphill climb.

Sarah Rees Brennan: 'Escaping into books has always been Sarahs safe space'

After a year of working in publishing, Sarah knew her rightful place was in creative writing.

Id learned a lot about books but I didnt have a permanent job. I had no salary so I did my masters in creative writing at Kingston University and worked in a library to pay for it.

Armed with an insiders knowledge of the publishing industry, after getting her masters, she set about signing with an agent.

I knew agents were the ones who called the shots, she says.

Well-versed in strategy at this stage, Sarah made the ultimate power move and sparked a bidding war.

I fired off manuscripts to quite a few. When one agent offered representation, I went to my favourite and was like; Do you want to offer as well? And they said yes.

Just as she started making headway in her career, Sarah began to experience mood changes and faced a series of consecutive illnesses that left her feeling

depleted and irritable.

I got sick and a lot of people didnt want to know anymore. Im talking friends, boyfriends, my second agent. My family were great, especially my brother, who was there for me every step of the way. I celebrate those people.

Sarah Rees Brennan: 'I knew agents were the ones who called the shots'

A long-term fan of Taylor Swift, Sarah underwent a metamorphosis that ushered her into her villain era. When youre young, you are the shiny drone but that doesnt last long  and it cant.

Rather villain than victim, says Sarah who allowed herself to feel bad without sugarcoating her experience. Bald, and unapologetic, she felt a new wave of empowerment.

When I went to the Reputations era tour, I had no hair. That was a very cathartic thing to do.

After the hashtag #TaylorSwiftIsASnake began trending back in 2017, the pop icon leaned into the characterisation and posted a series of social media posts with a slithering reptile.

Snakes are a villain thing. Alice Roosevelt also had a pet snake, which she called Emily Spinach and she was notoriously not a nice lady.

In a nod to Taylor, Alice, and Emily, the protagonist in Sarahs new book has a pet snake called Victoria Broccoli and features on one iteration of the books cover.

My German publishers had a jacket hand-painted with the heroine holding the snake so I wore that to see Taylor.

What about Taylor the lover? Sarah sees herself in that era too: You see so many generations of women feeling free to love and to be unashamed about it. For fans, its part of an identity.

Sarah Rees Brennan underwent a metamorphosis that ushered her into her 'villain era'

Sarah almost had to learn to fall in love again; with her life, her friends and family and with her craft that eluded her when she was in the throes of cancer.

My family were great but I was reeling from betrayal. I took comfort and joy in art. But I kept thinking; What is it like to be wicked? When you have cancer, you give yourself permission to be selfish. You can say; Ok, fuck you.

A new-found anger energised her and she found freedom in accepting that her life as she knew it was fundamentally over: In some ways, remission is dying because youre not the same person.

A chance meeting with a key player at Scholastic in 2019 led to her being commissioned to write the Chilling Adventures of Sabrina.

It doesnt tend to be paid that well but for the entirety of my teenage years, I had watched Sabrina the Teenage Witch. Salem is still the best character.

She says this in hushed tones  perhaps to spare her loyal feline friends, Jadis and Binx, who are milling about in the background. Theyre indifferent.

Sarah Rees Brennan with one of her cats.

This new project was quite different from Sarahs other books in that she was given the ideas, characters, and plot fully baked.

Some writers look down on it because its someone elses property. I found it liberating.

Hot on the heels of a cancer-free prognosis and the success of Sabrina, the author was approached again by Netflix in 2021, this time to write supernatural teen drama Fate: The Winx Saga.

Some reviewers critiqued the adaption for having a Riverdale sheen or feeling like a Mary Sue fan fiction come to life but ultimately, 163,659 people signed a change.org petition to bring it back after it was cancelled in 2022.

Sarah Rees Brennan is legally blind in one eye. Shes short-sighted in the other but her vision is clear: she wants teenage girls to feel seen and heard.

Teenage girls create language but its seen as slang and cringe. Its codified into language by their sons and then it becomes respectable.

Women are always communicating and building bridges. Theres real power in that.

Long Live Evil by Sarah Rees Brennan

Long Live Evil by Sarah Rees Brennan published by Orbit is out now, 15.99
When it comes to catwalk trends, theres a thin line between the tricky and the downright terrible. Often, thats half the fun. If fashion favours the brave, then those who dare, win  especially on social media.

But what about in real life? Can we get away with granny pants and a cardigan down at our local pub? Will fully fledged #balletcore fly at the Q2 marketing meeting?

Set your scruples aside and prepare for a hot take on the most divisive trends with tips on how to approach them and the ones to avoid.

Overstuffed bags

Carrying anything load-bearing is now tantamount to an act of self-harm and a no-go according to my physio. Picture: Julien de Rosa/AFP via Getty Images

After 15 years of dragging garment bags and industrial-sized steamers up elevators, down steps, on trains, through traffic, across the country and back again, my right shoulder and I are not on speaking terms  unless you count the occasional expletives when applying Deep Heat. Carrying anything load-bearing is now tantamount to an act of self-harm and a no-go according to my physio: no totes, no shoppers; no gargantuan suitcases.

With overstuffed bags this seasons curious runway edict, I cant help but think of character Tom Wambsgans ludicrously capacious monologue (and viral meme) from the HBO hit series, Succession. You could take it camping. You could slide it across the floor after a bank job. You could also be robbed of your worldly belongings which are currently on show.

Assuming the kitchen sink is best left where it belongs, give this trend a miss or get a shopping trolley.

VERDICT: Avoid unless youre comfortable with AC surgery.

Cowboy hats

Queen Bey's new country album, Renaissance Act II, has seen search results for cowboy hats rise exponentially. Picture: Michael Loccisano/Getty Images

When Beyonce sat front row at Luars fall 2024 show, she nearly shut down New York Fashion Week. Not only was she in a Bushwick warehouse on a Monday night; she was wearing a Stetson. Not that this is anything new for the Texan (the apparel, that is) whose new country album, Renaissance Act II, has seen search results for cowboy hats rise exponentially.

While I can see the appeal of boots, bolo ties and fringed suede jackets (not necessarily together), the traditional 10-gallon hat feels like a line-dancing step too far. Granted, the disco ball beauty created by Etsy shop owner Abby Misbin for Queen Beys Renaissance tour announcement is a work of art but beyond celebrity fanfare, red-carpet appearances and festival season, I dont see this workingat least not in my day-to-day or on my weirdly large noggin.

If this is your first rodeo, why not indulge in prairie-inspired broderie blouses and embroidered waistcoats, suede separates, and low-slung studded belts for that taste of the Wild West? If the hat still beckons, opt for a modified fedora style in suede.

VERDICT: Give a nod to Western-lite without the hat tip.

Slingbacks

Those who can wear slingbacks, Godspeed just watch out for the cracks in the pavement. Picture: Victor Virgile/Gamma-Rapho via Getty Images

Fashion is a cruel mistress: she giveth, and she taketh away. I finally found a shoe I can walk in only to find I cant.

Despite the perfect one-inch kitten heel proportions and pointy toe, Ive discovered that I not only have fallen arches but have a flat heel too. With nothing for the back strap to grip, each time I step forward, I am slung unceremoniously from the slingback. Combine the shoes delicate heel circumference with some steel grates on Patrick Streetet voila  instant faceplant.

Every time I wear a pair, I feel like Im playing Call of Duty: constantly having to assess the inhospitable terrain ahead, so I dont get killed. Much to my dismay, I must concede defeat.

Those who can wear them, Godspeed just watch out for the cracks in the pavement. Youll be soliciting passers-by to extract you while you slowly die inside.

VERDICT: Approach with caution.

Barely there

If the autumn/winter 24 catwalks are any indication, theres yet another season of displaying our wares ahead. Picture: Albert Urso/Getty Images for NYFW: The Shows

Sheer, naked, nude dressing: call it what you want. This trend is like the last person at a house party you just cant seem to shake them off. If the autumn/winter 24 catwalks are any indication, theres yet another season of displaying our wares ahead.

Although part of me loves the theatre of the runway, the inescapable wearability factor will always trump aesthetics. Diaphanous sheaths worn over lingerie with embellished flats may look dreamy, but will they fly with the local gardai when written up for indecent exposure?

If you still hanker for a game of peek-a-boo, try semi-opaque fabrics instead, which allude to the silhouette without being too overt. Layer a chiffon or tulle midi over a skirt that sits at or above the knees for a flash of flesh and finish with an oversized blazer for contrast and coverage.

VERDICT: Err on the side of modesty with a few modifications.

Pedal pushers

Maybe stick to a simple pair of trousers with a mid-calf kick flare and call it a day. Picture: John Nacion/Getty Images

Anyone familiar with the lore of tricky trends knows that if you can make it work, youre in the club. Spoiler alert: very few if any do.

Enter the pedal pushers. As seen at Sandy Liang, and 3.1 Phillip Lim, these truncated trousers ostensibly reflect the whimsy of the `60s. Unlike Audrey Hepburns signature capris, the high streets crop of tightly cropped pants ends abruptly at the kneecap, cutting inches off your height and making formerly iffy trends like Bermuda shorts look wearable.

Theres a margin of flexibility when offset with a broader hem of ribbons or feathers (as seen at Susan Fang and Chris Yates) assuming the #softgirl aesthetic is to your taste.

Unless youre a pro at balancing proportions, maybe stick to a simple pair of trousers with a mid-calf kick flare (Arket.com is your best bet) and call it a day.

VERDICT: Avoid unless you have an acreage of leg to spare.
The sound is strange, and it is close. Our eyes struggle to adjust: overwhelmed by our verdant surroundings, we scan the thick growth for a tell. The culprit stands feet away from us, nibbling nervously on something hard, but we just cant see it.

There are some beautifully weird creatures in the jungle surrounding Mexicos Palenque archaeological zone. Keel-billed toucans and a multitude of rainbow-coloured birds; bright and noisy amphibians that revel in the damp; Yucatan black howlers and a coterie of monkey species that swing from high branches.

But this sound cant be attributed to any of them.

The agouti is a strange little creature, a fantastical mix of rat and deer, and it is remarkably well-camouflaged. Had it not been so intent on munching its nuts, it would have gone unnoticed, but, as it is, we eventually spot it  and it spots us.

The rodent holds our gaze, quivering, apparently calculating something inside its little head. Satisfied with its workings, with a quick look right and left, it resumes nibbling.

It is getting late, and the sky is blackening. Our journey from San Cristobal de las Casas earlier this morning was a long and stressful one, thanks to our bus drivers fondness for overtaking on tight bends. Alighting safely, my girlfriend and I were happy to retire to our cabin early to watch the coming storm unfold from bed.

Tomorrow we plan to explore the nearby ruins of Palenque, a once powerful Maya city state which reached its height between 500 and 700 AD. For reasons that are not entirely clear  theories suggest a combination of overpopulation, ecological destruction, and power disputes  the city was abandoned around the dawn of the 10th century, before, eventually, being reclaimed by the jungle.

Palenque was reclaimed by the jungle after being abandoned around the dawn of the 10th century

Lulled by the distant roar of thunder and the heavy rain on our roof, we sleep well, oblivious to a stream that has burst its banks and is now flowing through our hostel complex.

There is an understandably frantic air among the staff when we awake. They explain that while this unusual weather could be attributed to the natural climate pattern known as El Nino, it isnt normal. The situation has been much exacerbated by climate change.

The morning starts sunny, but by the time we reach the entrance of the Palenque archaeological site, the mist has rolled back in and the rain is pouring. Lending a suitably atmospheric mood to the occasion, we pass through the jungle encircling the old city, crossing streams and waterfalls made ever more impressive by the rain. In the distance, we hear the monstrous roars of boisterous howler monkeys.

It feels as if weve slipped into a true wilderness, but the illusion is quickly broken.

Creeping deeper into the site, easing up old, stone stairways slick with rain, we are taken aback by a decidedly contemporary scene: a building site. New toilets are being installed on the fringes of this ancient centre, presumably in response to the growing popularity of the ruins. The jarring change serves as a bleak reminder that destruction, in the name of tourism, is playing its part in defining this region.

During the summer of 2020, construction began on a high-speed railway network connecting Palenque to other major tourism hubs across the Mexican parts of the Yucatan Peninsula. The Maya Train, as its known, has been framed by the Mexican government as a means to create jobs in tourism and, therefore, to reduce poverty in an otherwise severely underdeveloped region.

Mexico pumped huge sums of money into the project, which, in a turn that would humble even the planners of Irelands National Childrens Hospital, has increased in cost from an early estimate of about $8bn to closer to $30bn.

A bas-relief in the Palenque archeological site that depicts Upakal K'inich, the son of K'inich Ahkal Mo' Naab III.

Enormous swathes of land have been deforested to make way for the railway, placing many of the regions already at-risk species under even greater strain, while local Indigenous communities have been displaced. The ecological damage and the promised influx of tourists, too, will likely place greater pressure on water supplies which are already beginning to dwindle.

Even as one is humbled by the exquisite beauty of Palenque, the idea of destruction is impossible to avoid. While this particular Mayan city was abandoned long before the arrival of the Spanish, the wider legacies of colonisation are plain to note here and throughout Chiapas more broadly.

Climbing the steep steps at Palenque up one of the tallest temples in the complex, we marvel at the remarkable sophistication of the Mayans achievements. Their temples remain grand and their art intricate.

A distant roar pierces the air. It is the sound, not of howler monkeys, but of heavy machinery.

Early the next day, we feel adventurous and decide to follow a trail behind our hostel to see where it will take us.

Within half an hour, we are surrounded by roars that, this time, we know are the local primates. We sense they are close by so in a rush to the head, and with naive enthusiasm, we sprint off the trail and into the jungle, hopping over streams and ducking under low-hanging branches, blindly dedicated to locating the troop.

We are soon lost.

Stumbling onto someones land, we spy a farmhouse from which a man appears. His name is Geronimo, and, after exchanging pleasantries, he offers to take us on a tour of the jungle for a few hundred pesos. With his promise to bring us to the monkeys, we gladly accept.

We are walking for only a minute, when Geronimo stops and points up to the treetops. There they are: mammy, daddy, and two baby monkeys. We watch, rapt for as long as our craning necks can endure, as the cosy clan go about their business. When not screaming at their rivals, these howlers seem to live peaceful lives.

Howler monkeys

We walk with Geronimo for hours. As he clears a path ahead of us with his machete, he shares his local knowledge about the wondrous plants and

animals we encounter along the way. He tells us, too, about the Zapatistas.

On January 1, 1994, the Zapatista Army of National Liberation (EZLN) gained global notoriety by revolting against the Mexican government and demanding regional autonomy and indigenous rights.

The uprising was short-lived, with a ceasefire coming into effect 12 days later, but it ushered in a new era of self-governance across Chiapas, in which community-run schools, health clinics and other services were established.

Geronimo is evidently proud of the Zapatistas achievements, but what he fails to mention is that Chiapas, today, is in flux.

While we are in the tourist-friendly Palenque, having come from the safe city of San Cristobal, other parts of the state have recently succumbed to the scourge of cartel violence.

The future of the Zapatistas, in the face of such chaos, is far from clear.

As his tour, and our day, nears its end, Geronimo points to a field in the distance, where a man can be seen standing alone, axe in hand, chopping wood. We stand silently watching him for a while, the sound of his axe periodically filling the air.

It is a simple scene of a simple life, moving and memorable. People throughout Chiapas, like everyone else, want to live with dignity and security. The tragedy is that, despite struggling for it, they may not be permitted to.

Later that night, my girlfriend and I wander around in the darkness beyond our cabin. The weather is calm, and, as we snake along the trail, little yellow lights began to appear all around us. The fireflies are putting on a show, determined, it seemed, to convince us that these woods are enchanted.

It seems a fitting end to the trip: a moment of magic, in a beautiful land under terrible, unseen strain.

Escape notes

The agouti, a fantastical mix of rat and deer

Getting to Chiapas from Ireland isnt easy or cheap. Make your way, first, to Heathrow Airport and fly with British Airways to Mexico City. Spend a night or two there, enjoy the street food, and proceed south by bus or plane.

The ADO buses are comfortable, cheap, and more environmentally friendly than flying, but its a long drive.

You could alternatively fly into Tuxtla Gutierrez International Airport with Aeromexico and get an OCC bus to the modern city of Palenque, which is the gateway to the ruins.

November through to March is the ideal time to visit Palenque; the rainy season, falls between May and October, and should be avoided.

A range of accommodation is available at the edge of the archaeological zone. For those on a budget, El Panchan offers simple rooms in a beautiful, jungle environment. At the higher end, Piedra de Aqua Palenque is a five-star hotel with a spa and outdoor pool.

Keeping safe

Increasing violence in wider Chiapas is undoubtedly a concern, but sticking to tourist-friendly areas such as Palenque and San Cristobal de las Casas should

ensure your safety.

Locals convinced us that we should not rent a car to transport ourselves around the state, as it is easy to take a wrong turn and end up along dangerous routes. It is much safer to travel by bus, but, if you do rent a car, never drive at night. If youre unsure about a route, ask a friendly local for advice.
The Department of Defence has confirmed it is to buy a multi-role vessel (MRV) for the navy, costing up to 300m, while ships of near that value are non-operational due to mechanical issues and personnel shortages.

Senator Gerard Craughwell has expressed serious concern about investing in new hardware at this stage when there are not the personnel to crew the ships we have.

At present, there is only one ship on operational patrol. The other three P60 class vessels capable of withstanding Atlantic weather conditions are tied up due to personnel shortages and mechanical issues.

These vessels have a combined value of around 210m.

Meanwhile, the two smaller P70 class vessels, purchased from the New Zealand navy for 26m, are not fully operational.

Mr Craughwell said that, while it is good to plan for the future, he thinks it would be better to use the money to invest in navy recruitment and retention.

I think there is no doubt that the Defence Forces will definitely require an [vessels] in the future

However, at this time we should be concentrating more on addressing the failings in recruitment and retention. The priority must be to seek a serious improvement in personnel levels, he said.

A multi-role vessel would be big enough to carry a large contingent of troops, be equipped with a helicopter pad, and small hospital onboard. It would be designed to be capable of launching amphibious and airborne landings.

Humanitarian emergencies

The purchase of such a vessel was first mooted by Enda Kenny when he was taoiseach, who said it would be deployed for humanitarian emergencies both at home and abroad.

A spokeswoman for the Department of Defence said it has appointed expert advisors to support the procurement of a multi-role vessel to replace the now decommissioned flagship, LE Eithne.

A prior information notice was published in the Official Journal of the European Union in January (2024) to advise the market of the departments intention to run a tender competition to procure a [vessel]. Work is currently underway that will inform next steps, she said.

If the navy eventually gets a vessel, it will be the largest ship in its history.

If the navy eventually gets a multi-role vessel, it will be the largest ship in its history and would have a crew of up to 60  which is far more than the P60 Atlantic-capable vessels, at just over 40, and the P70 vessels which can be crewed by just 20.
There can be "no impunity" for those committing "undoubted war crimes" in Gaza, Taoiseach Simon Harris said following an Israeli attack on a school in Gaza, where hundreds of families were sheltering

Some 100 people, including children, were killed in the air strikes on the Tabeen school, according to Gazan authorities.

The Taoiseach described images taken inside the school after the Israeli air strikes as gut-wrenching.

Ireland condemns outright such awful and wholesale loss of civilian life, Mr Harris said.

This weekend has brought the grisly milestone of 40,000 deaths in Gaza a step closer.

There is growing evidence of a prolonged humanitarian catastrophe, and I am particularly disturbed by the confirmation this weekend by the United Nations that the number of aid deliveries reaching Gaza has halved, from a daily average of 169 trucks in April to fewer than 80 trucks a day in June and July.

Hundreds of thousands of Palestinians have been displaced from their homes by Israel's onslaught on Gaza, with many sheltering in schools and hospitals in the hope of safety.

Almost all school buildings in Gaza have been directly hit or damaged in Israeli air strikes on the civilian infrastructure.

Palestinians flee the Khan Younis area of the Gaza Strip, following Israeli military evacuation orders, saying its forces will soon operate there, Thursday, Aug. 8, 2024.

Only 24 of 67 planned aid missions to northern Gaza this month have been facilitated by Israel, according to the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, Mr Harris said.

And the United Nations has assessed that more than 80% of the Gaza Strip has been placed under evacuation orders since October of last year.

When people are told to leave, they have nowhere to go, so they often go to schools, Mr Harris said.

We have all been horrified by the many undoubted war crimes that have been committed in Gaza. There can be no impunity. Those responsible must be held to account."

This image made from a video, shows the yard of a school after being hit by an Israeli airstrike in Gaza City Saturday, August 10, 2024.

Mr Harris said that all the legally binding orders of the International Court of Justice must be implemented in full, which called for an end to its illegal occupation of the Gaza Strip.

Too many innocent lives have been lost in 10 months, Mr Harris added.

The world is standing at the precipice of a horrific moment, and yet all levers to bring an end to the violence are not being used.

I again call for an urgent review of the EU-Israel Association Agreement. The agreement contains human rights clauses, and I do not believe it is conscionable for the EU to continue to render them redundant.

Ireland calls for an immediate ceasefire, the unconditional release of Israeli hostages, and for aid trucks to flow unimpeded.

According to the United Nations, 477 out of 564 school buildings were directly hit or damaged in Gaza as of July 6 and more than 12 have been targeted since.

Hundreds of displaced people recently arrived in the Tabeen school desperately seeking shelter after the Israeli army ordered them to leave their homes in the town of Beit Hanoun.

Israel claimed it hit a Hamas command centre in the school on Saturday.

Meanwhile, President Michael D Higgins has condemned, the boming of the school sheltering refugees as a horrific violation of human rights".

"The attack which has taken place on a school site in Gaza, where a reported 6,000 displaced people were sheltering and many preparing for morning prayers, will be condemned by all those seeking to find peace in what is a continuing horrific violation of human rights, President Michael D Higgins said.

The comments made by the High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs, Josep Borrell, that there is no justification for the massacres which have taken place following the targeting of at least 10 schools in recent weeks must be taken with the utmost seriousness by all Member States."

A Palestinian youth flees the Khan Younis area of the Gaza Strip, following Israeli military evacuation orders, saying its forces will soon operate there, Thursday, Aug. 8, 2024.

Urgent practical diplomatic efforts are needed to stop the deaths and total devastation of infrastructure in the region.

There is no room anymore for anyone to avert their gaze," President Higgins said.

"The outrageous level of killing must end with an immediate ceasefire, the release of all hostages, and the immediate provision of all necessary aid."

ActionAid Ireland CEO, Karol Balfe, said the horrific attack on the Tabeen school where 6,000 displaced people were sheltering could amount to a grave violation of international humanitarian law.

"Yet another brutal attack on a school has seen dozens killed and hundreds of people left grieving and traumatised, Ms Balfe said.

We cannot let this kind of atrocity become normalised. The world must not become numb to the horror that people in Gaza are having to live through every single day - this nightmare has to end.

"A permanent and immediate ceasefire is urgently needed and states must do everything in their power to bring about an end to the crisis - including banning arms sales to the Israeli government and imposing sanctions on senior Israeli officials linked to alleged violations of international humanitarian law, such as travel bans and asset freezes. There can be no more delay."

Meanwhile, protestors wearing blue press vests highlighted the deaths of more than 100 journalists in Gaza in the weekly Cork Palestine Solidarity Campaign demonstration in Cork today.

Palestinian writer and filmmaker, Naser Al-Swirki, speaking at the demonstration, condemned the killings.
Spend any time in Jeremy Corbyns company, and its perhaps easy to understand why he never became British prime minister.

Politics aside, he is simply much too understated. Too normal. So interested in other people that you might be forgiven for thinking its a diversion tactic  ask the journalist about themselves, thereby eating up the limited time available to speak of weightier things  but Corbyns lack of pretension is as obvious as the crack in his spectacles.

Jeremy Corbyn at the annual Hiroshima-Nagasaki Peace Event at the Spanish Arch in Galway. Picture: Ray Ryan

A prerequisite for 10 Downing Street has long been an ego as big as the defence budget. Thatcher, Blair, Cameron, Johnson  these names hardly scream humility. As he stood under grey clouds in Galway last weekend waiting to address the annual Hiroshima-Nagasaki Peace Event at the Spanish Arch, it was difficult to pick him out of the modest crowd.

It was only when he started to speak that you understood you were in the presence of a politician different to his peers. Mostly because, after 40 years on the front benches of British politics, he utterly believes in what hes saying.

What he was saying was less a missive on peace and reconciliation, more a warning of what increased alignment with NATO will bring a neutral country like Ireland in the short to medium term.

Things have undoubtedly become a lot more complicated for Ireland in recent years. I mentioned Sean McBride in my speech earlier. Your reputation as a country of neutral standing is long established, and one which should be protected.

Jeremy Corbyn: 'Your reputation as a country of neutral standing is long established, and one which should be protected.' Photo: Ray Ryan

"Your country has always had a moral basis from which to exert positive influence in world affairs, but the closer you get to NATO, the more compromised that position becomes.

Is there a practical space in which a neutral country like Ireland can operate?

Not if it continues like this. The EU has deliberately built for itself this close relationship with NATO, and Ursula von der Leyen is very keen on having a European army, whether shell achieve that I dont know but its certainly conceivable that she will achieve some sort of European military command where member states contribute to it.

"What is Ireland going to do at that point, especially as one of the few remaining member states that boasts neutrality? The EU was set up as an economic and social bloc, it was never set up as a military bloc. If Ireland wants to retain its neutrality it may need to exercise its power of veto.

We don't need a visiting politician to lecture us on the precariousness of our neutrality, but Corbyn has more than earned the right, and he views whats long been happening in the UK as a cautionary tale for what might be coming our way.

I believe very strongly in issues of international peace and international justice, thats a huge part of my work. What I find increasingly worrying is that in the UK, NATO is driving military spending up to 2.5% of the GDP, which means itll go up by around 30bn a year by 2030.

Jeremy Corbyn: 'If Ireland wants to retain its neutrality it may need to exercise its power of veto.' Photo: Ray Ryan

"Think about that. Thats two-and-a-half billion pounds a month more on arms expenditure, and its the only area of government policy where there's predicted growth. And thats under the new government in Britain. The Labour government.

In all the discussion about Ukraine and Gaza and the Middle East, the word peace rarely gets mentioned. Actors talk solely in terms of weaponry and capabilities. Not diplomatic solutions.

"Adversarial countries can very quickly reach agreements when it comes to matters of economic security, but issues involving arms sales and potential peaceful interventions seem to be impossible. Youd have to wonder why that is.

Ireland's 'neutrality'

In truth, Corbyn might well be giving Ireland's neutrality far too much credit. Since 2002 close to three million US troops have transited through Shannon Airport, most of them en route to wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Added to that, only months after American-initiated military action in Afghanistan in order to topple the Taliban regime and eradicate Al Qaeda, the Irish Defence Forces deployed its first troops to Kabul as part of ISAF, the American-led coalition there.

Ireland continued to deploy senior officers and non-commissioned officers to staff jobs in the multinational headquarters up until 2016.

Jeremy Corbyn: 'In all the discussion about Ukraine and Gaza and the Middle East, the word peace rarely gets mentioned.' Photo: Ray Ryan

The government was allowed to do so under a Partnership for Peace initiative that allowed non-aligned nations to contribute to Nato missions without technically compromising their neutrality, once the commitment of troops remained below a certain number (in Ireland's case, the number was seven).

It was a cosy little arrangement for Ireland, one that ingratiated themselves to Washington, and exposed its officers and senior NCOs to a level of warfighting (albeit it, with the exception of our EoD teams, predominantly office-bound) they would never experience in traditional peacekeeping missions with the United Nations.

It was a mutually beneficial relationship, too. You might think that such a small number of personnel would matter little to American generals, but, when Ireland finally withdrew its token number in 2016, the withdrawal was greeted with a sense of soft betrayal.

English-speaking, western-trained officers and NCOs are a valuable commodity in multi-national headquarters. Especially those who come with agreeable dispositions, eager to please.

Yet, for all the attention the use of Shannon Airport drew, and continues to draw, the consistent deployment to ISAF (and from 2014, Resolute Support) went under the radar. This despite the staff appointments the Irish personnel fulfilled in the HQ being roles of significant importance.

One wonders then, was Jeremy Corbyn being polite when he spoke of Ireland's moral basis when it comes to intervening in world affairs.

Jeremy Corbyn: 'Ursula von der Leyen is very keen on having a European army,' Photo: Ray Ryan

The war in Afghanistan, much like its running mate in Iraq, has largely been exposed as just another vehicle of American imperialism.

Neutral Ireland supported it, more in action than words. Which speaks louder?

Defence Forces

In May this year, the Chief of Staff of the Irish Defence Forces, Lt Gen Sean Clancy was elected as chair of the European Union Military Committee (EUMC), the highest military body within the EU. He will assume his role in 2025 and take to Brussels a staff of about 10 senior Irish officers.

His appointment comes at a time Ireland had reduced its commitment to UN Missions, and increased its involvement in EU-aligned projects, like the EU Battle Group.

General Clancys appointment means a new Chief of Staff needs to be identified at a time when recruitment and retention within the organisation is existentially bad, and, despite increased spending on Defence by the much-maligned department, the ineffective Human Resources element of the institution remains its most critical obstacle to progress.

Jeremy Corbyn MP addresses the annual Hiroshima-Nagasaki Peace Event at the Spanish Arch in Galway. Photo: Ray Ryan

It is impossible to retain personnel when you cannot assure them where they'll be working next week. It doesnt help when a profession beset with a culture of careerism loses its Chief of Staff mid-term.

Such rudimentary issues have little to do with neutrality, but everything to do with ensuring the troops you deploy overseas are professionally trained, supported, and led, whatever the theatre.

Much uncertainty awaits. What is unequivocal is neutrality being the next big question this country faces. The government has already indicated it does not qualify for a referendum within our constitution.

Which is a shame, as that democratic mechanism may be the only forum to properly educate us all on what implications a shift in policy might have. It also would force us to confront our complicated past with the N word, and why we may not be as neutral as we think.
The owners of this 200 sq m Carrignavar property have been tipping away at it over the years.

Built in 1991, its been extended, renovated, had windows replaced, a new patio laid, walls pumped, attic floored  the list goes on. The standout change was the extension/renovation of the main living space into an open plan kitchen, living, dining room with wall-to-wall bifold doors that open onto an expansive patio.

Its an attractive, light-filled space with a good sprinkling of windows, including some roof lights, and a feature stone wall with solid fuel stove (and handy back boiler).

This spacious room is the star turn at Clamont, a two-storey, detached, five bedroom property within a stones throw of Carrignavar village.

Also impressive is the patio, a generous west-facing space. Accessible through the bi-fold doors, its perfect for accommodating any overspill from the main living area when entertaining is on a large scale. A retractable awning provides cover from the elements  shade in sunshine, shelter in a downpour.

The new living space and patio area were the result of upgrades in 2016 but there were several others. New sash windows were installed at the front of the house the same year. The front door was replaced by double French entrance doors.

In 2019, moves to improve energy efficiency led to the attic being floored and insulated. In addition, the walls were pumped. The upshot is a respectable C2 energy rating.

Tirza Hourihane, selling agent with Sherry FitzGerald, says a new bio cycle unit has just been installed.

The house is very well done in fairness, she says, adding that its on a fine site of c 0.35 acres.

Its very private too, with electric gates to the driveway, where there is parking for several cars, Ms Hourihane says.

Out front is mainly hard landscaping, with hedging and trees along the boundaries.

To the rear is the patio, and beyond it, lawn. The area is fully enclosed by mature plants, trees and shrubbery, as well as raised flower beds.

Ms Hourihane says Clamont, in Laharn, is 100% a family home. Shoring up this claim is its location, just down the road from a new state-of-the-art primary school, Scoil an Athar Tadhg, which after 50 years in prefabs, is now housed in a state-of-the-art building, set on four acres. The new school was officially opened just before the summer holidays. Carrignavar can also lay claim to one of the countrys few outdoor heated swimming pools, run by community volunteers.

Ms Hourihane says Clamont is just a 20 minute drive from Cork city centre.

She says theres a good range of accommodation. As well as the large open plan area, theres the option of a second ground floor reception room or a fifth bedroom.

Theres also a shower room and a laundry room. Overhead, one of four bedrooms has an en suite.

Theres a 231 sq m detached garage too which new owners may look at converting - home office/gym/additional accommodation potential?

With the owners relocating, Ms Hourihane brings Clamont to market with a guide price of 525,000.

VERDICT: Family all the way. Good connectivity between indoors and outdoors via the bi-fold doors.
Thousands of anti-racism protesters have gathered outside Reform UKs headquarters with some accusing party leader Nigel Farage of spreading dangerous rhetoric.

Demonstrators joined Stand up to Racisms gathering which met outside the partys headquarters in Victoria, central London, chanting in support of refugees before marching through Whitehall and towards Trafalgar Square to listen to speeches from activists.

Organisers said the turnout of about 5,000 people showed the depth of support for refugees and other minority groups targeted in recent disorder, amid fears of further violence this weekend.

Today our movement stood tall. Across the country, anti-racists and anti-fascists mobilised to oppose the far right.



Were building a mass movement to take on the racists and fascists. Be part of it #StandUpToRacism pic.twitter.com/3b5MFDRrfv  Stand Up To Racism (@AntiRacismDay) August 10, 2024

Samira Ali, who made the closing speech, told the PA news agency: We feel like we have turned the tide. Its a testament to our mobilisation that they failed to come out.

They would not have been stopped if it was not for our mobilisation.

Another speaker, Gary McFarlan, 63, told the crowd: A few days ago, the atmosphere was very different. Lots of people were very scared, worried about coming out on to the streets, thinking, Will I get a half-brick in my head? Will I get kicked in the face by a Nazi?. We turned it around this week.

Mr McFarlan, a journalist from Haringey, north London, made historical comparisons to emphasise the significance of Saturdays march.

Referring to the Battle of Cable Street, he said: We smashed them in 1936. We gave our strength in the East End of London. We smashed them in the 1970s with anti-Nazi leagues.

Weve had our battles since then, against the British National Party, the English Defence League  the back of which was broken 12 years ago.

Thats why we brought the protest to his doorstep today, because we believe he has questions to answer for

Ms Ali said organisers had chosen Reform UKs headquarters as the starting point for the demonstration because of Mr Farages stance on immigration.

She said: We were protesting outside of Reform UK, against the likes of Nigel Farage and his dangerous rhetoric.

The constant rhetoric about stop the boats, about immigration being a problem, about refugees and Muslims being to blame in society. This is all rhetoric thats been replicated on the far-right riots. Thats created the toxic atmosphere in which the far right have been able to build.

Thats why we brought the protest to his doorstep today, because we believe he has questions to answer for.

Ms Ali dismissed the suggestion that Saturdays demonstration would mark the end of the counter-protest movement after rioting.

She said: We want this movement to reach into every area, every workplace, every community. The far right is on the back foot now, but were going to keep pushing.

Nigel Farage (Zac Goodwin/PA)

As protesters marched down Whitehall, a GB News reporter said his broadcast had been interrupted after a demonstrator attacked one of the crew.

Charlie Peters, who said he had been reporting on the mostly peaceful protest since it started, told PA: As we approached Downing Street one of the protesters recognised us as GB News and people started chanting GB News off our streets.

One man got close and started gesticulating towards the camera while we were filming and tried to stop us broadcasting. In doing so, he then attacked one of my colleagues.

Its a shame that journalists have to have security arrangements while broadcasting in central London.

A man was briefly removed from the march by police.

Officers said no arrests had been made.
Strongly support  It will improve public transit and pedestrian safety

Somewhat support  It will benefit public transit, but I'm concerned about traffic or business impacts

Neutral  I see both pros and cons, but dont have strong feelings either way

Somewhat oppose  I think it will cause traffic problems and harm local businesses

Strongly oppose  It is a bad idea and will hurt both motorists and businesses

Vote

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Idaho State Police Col. Kedrick Wills will be retiring next week, with Lt. Col. Bill Gardiner taking over the state law enforcement agency.

ISP will have a change of command ceremony at 10 a.m. Aug. 14 at ISP Meridian Headquarters to mark the transfer of leadership from Wills to Gardiner as he becomes the new director of the agency, according to a news release from ISP.

Wills will retire Aug. 15 and has served as colonel since 2017 and been part of ISP since 1996. Wills was asked by Idaho Gov. Butch Otter to serve as director of Idaho State Police in 2017 and he continued in that role with Idaho Gov. Brad Little in 2020. He was confirmed by the Idaho State Senate for both of those cabinet positions, according to the news release.

It has been an honor and a privilege to serve alongside the dedicated men and women who selflessly protect the people of Idaho, Wills said in the new release. As I retire after 29 years with the Idaho State Police, I have witnessed this agencys remarkable progress and evolution throughout my career. Together, we have upheld the highest law enforcement standards, ensuring the safety and security of our communities. I am immensely proud of what we have accomplished together and am confident that the ISP will continue to thrive and serve with excellence.
According to American generals and intelligence sources in the Middle East, the Houthi group in Yemen killed 70 soldiers and mercenaries who were part of the US and Israeli commandos, who wanted to carry out a planned operation in the country. Yemen.

Col. Douglas MacGregor, a retired American officer, said that the Houthis were killed, and that the soldiers would have carried out a serious plan in Yemen. delivered by the Houthis in Yemen.

A planned operation was sent to these commandos, which appears to be Ismidamin, but the Houthis strongly resisted it.

Videos shared on Twitters X Point show Yemeni armed forces lying on top of corpses, chanting Allahu Akbar.

Recently, American generals and intelligence sources in the Middle East have reported that the Houthi group in Yemen has killed 70 soldiers and mercenaries who were part of a planned operation by US and Israeli commandos in the country. According to Col. Douglas MacGregor, a retired American officer, the soldiers were targeted by the Houthis while attempting to carry out a serious mission in Yemen.

The details of the planned operation remain unclear, but it is evident that the Houthis were aware of the presence of these commandos and were prepared to resist any incursion into their territory. Videos shared on social media show the aftermath of the attack, with the Yemeni armed forces celebrating their victory over the foreign troops.

The Houthis, who have been engaged in a prolonged conflict with the Yemeni government and a Saudi-led coalition, have proven to be a formidable force in the region. Their ability to thwart a planned operation by US and Israeli commandos demonstrates their strength and determination to defend their sovereignty.

This incident serves as a reminder of the complex and volatile situation in Yemen, where multiple factions are vying for power and control. The involvement of foreign powers only adds to the chaos and instability in the country, further complicating efforts to achieve peace and stability.

As the situation in Yemen continues to deteriorate, it is crucial for all parties involved to prioritize diplomacy and dialogue in order to find a peaceful resolution to the conflict. The loss of 70 soldiers and mercenaries in this failed operation is a tragic reminder of the human cost of war and the need for a peaceful and sustainable solution to the crisis in Yemen.
Aug 10 (Jowhar.com)  The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkey, Hakan Fidan, announced that Ethiopia will officially request Somalia for a port.

He also said that it will recognize the independence and territorial unity of Somalia, which means that Ethiopia has withdrawn from the MOU agreement with the president of Somaliland.

The statement of the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkey who visited Addis Ababa last week shows the progress made in Turkeys mediation between Somalia and Ethiopia, with the expectation that next week the second phase of dialogue between the two sides will resume. extended to Ankara.

This announcement marks a significant development in the relationship between Ethiopia and Somalia, as well as Turkeys role as a mediator in the region. The recognition of Somalias territorial integrity by Ethiopia is a positive step towards promoting peace and stability in the Horn of Africa.

The upcoming dialogue in Ankara will provide an opportunity for both countries to further discuss and resolve their differences, with the hope of reaching a mutually beneficial agreement. Turkeys continued involvement in the mediation process demonstrates its commitment to fostering diplomacy and cooperation in the region.

As the international community closely watches these developments, there is optimism that this renewed dialogue will lead to lasting peace and cooperation between Ethiopia and Somalia. The role of Turkey in facilitating these discussions will undoubtedly be crucial in achieving a positive outcome for all parties involved.
The Washington State University student accused of assaulting and raping a female student last fall denied the crimes in court Friday.

Jayce Carnahan, 21, pleaded not guilty to second-degree assault with sexual motivation and two counts third-degree rape in Whitman County Superior Court on Friday morning.

It was his first appearance in court. Carnahan had been summoned to appear July 26 but failed to show up. He attended virtually last week and was ordered to show cause Friday.

Carnahan said in court he wasnt aware of the case until last week because the summons were mailed to his Pullman address while he resided in Sumner, Wash., over the summer.

Court documents show the case began when Pullman police met with a reported rape victim at the Pullman Regional Hospital in August 2023.

The woman told officers she had been drinking at a Sigma Nu fraternity party when a man grabbed her, took her to his residence and forced himself on her.
Transparency about UAPs

I am writing to address our governments lack of transparency for 75 years concerning its knowledge about UAP (Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena).

Personally, I disregarded the topic until December 2017, when the New York Times revealed a secret government program investigating UAP. Three videos were leaked to the New York Times where unknown vehicles displayed the five observables of UAP (1. Sudden and instantaneous acceleration; 2. Hypersonic velocities without signatures; 3. Low observability; 4. Trans-medium travel; 5. Positive lift.)

People ask me if I believe in UAP. My answer is that belief is irrelevant. The government has acknowledged UAPs existence. Unidentified being the key word in UAP. We dont know what this phenomenon is. In June 2021, the Director of National Intelligence issued a report acknowledging that UAP are real.

In July 2023, I watched the UAP hearing in its entirety. Intelligence officer turned whistleblower David Grusch testified under oath before Congress that our government is in possession of an intact nonhuman craft  and its nonhuman occupants  and has been concealing a UAP crash retrieval and reverse engineering program for decades, even from Congress and some presidents. I found the testimony to be an ontological shock but worthy of serious investigation.

People sometimes ask me why we should care about this topic. The vehicles filmed by our military pilots are using physics beyond our current understanding. Even if science determines these are human-constructed and not NHI (Non-Human-Intelligence) constructed, these technologies could provide solutions to our energy needs and climate crisis.

As a democracy, we must have an open and transparent government. Its time we, the public, take action and contact our representatives in Washington, D.C., to demand more UAP hearings with whistleblowers like David Grusch. It is time for us to learn the truth about the UAP phenomenon.

Anthony Haynes

Pullman

Undecided voters

There have been town halls and group interviews by both parties as well as the media trying to understand the indecision of these voters.

Having watched some of these talks, it seems to me these people are more interested in their own individuality than anything else. After watching both the presidential candidates actions over the last eight years, everyone else has decided. If these undecided people cant choose between Harris and Trump by now, then they dont understand the difference between democracy and dictatorship and shouldnt vote but rather enroll in the witless protection program.

RM Strongoni

Moscow

Cant trust Harvest Hills Wind Project

Recently, the Harvest Hills Wind Project had a public viewing of their project around Kamiak Butte. I was surprised and shocked to see two of their photo simulations depicting wind turbines on our property and neighbors property next to Kamiak Butte.

This seems like a sloppy disregard for the property owners and citizens of Whitman County. If they cant get their approximate simulations correct, what else is goofed up? Are they not showing turbines where they know they have leases already? Are the turbines in the photos at the actual height they are scheduled for in the project? What is else is inaccurate?

Other people in the community know that I am against this project and would never have turbines on my property. However, if they saw the erroneous photo at the viewing with turbines on my land, they would think I had changed my mind. There is already deliberate gossip spread by certain landowners claiming that some of their neighbors are signing leases for turbines when that is not the case. We dont need further misinformation spread in the community by an inaccurate photo simulation.

Ive talked to Harvest Hills five times over the last couple of years and their information is always changing. I dont believe they can be trusted. They will say what they need to say to get the project.

I encourage those who have not signed leases to not be tempted by the temporary dollars, and for those who have, to back out now and save our land and community!




Saturday, August 10, 2024 - Acting on a tip-off, officers from Bamburi Police Station have arrested a suspected gang member and seized a Ceska pistol from him.

The suspect, Stephen Mutunga Kimeu, 43, was apprehended in Bamburi while walking along old Malindi road. This followed reports from the public about a suspicious individual who appeared to be carrying a weapon along that road.



Officers responded swiftly and intercepted the suspect. Upon conducting a quick body search, they found a Ceska pistol with serial number g4151 (KE KP G4151) in his possession.



Further examination revealed that the firearm was ready and loaded with five rounds.



Additionally, an ID bearing his name, an itel phone, and two buscar bus tickets for a trip to Lamu were recovered.



The suspect was escorted to Bamburi police station for processing pending arraignment.





The Kenyan DAILY POST.






Friday, August 9, 2024 - A man who was upset that he was not allowed to board a plane has reacted after he learned the plane crashed and all 62 people on board died.

Adriano Assis narrated how he finished his shift at a hospital and was running late to catch the 11:56 am flight at Cascavel Regional Airport in Cascavel, Parana to Sao Paulo/Guarulhos International Airport in Sao Paulo.

Assis said he got to the airport early, by 9:40am, but there was no agent at the counter to check him in so he waited upstairs and had coffee to pass the time.

He was hoping to hear an announcement on the microphone regarding check in for his flight, but there was none and no one said anything.

After a while, he came downstairs by 10:30am, there was a long queue and he waited.

When it clocked 10:41, an airport staff refused to let him check in because it was already an hour to boarding time.

He argued with the staff but they still won't let him check in.

Sadly, Voepass Airlines flight 2283 crashed behind a condominium in Vinhedo, a city in the southeastern Brazilian state of Sao Paulo on Friday. All 58 passengers and four crew members on the aircraft were killed.

While still at the airport, Adriano saw on the news that the plane had crashed and no one survived.

He later went back to hug the airport staff who refused to let him check in. He thanked the staff for doing his job. He added that the staff saved his life by refusing to let him check in.

Apart from Assis, 10 other passengers who were waiting by the wrong gate were also unable to board the flight and some of them are now speaking out to express gratitude.

Watch the video below.




Saturday, August 10, 2024  Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga is still the party leader of ODM.

This is after he allegedly refused to give up the position during a party shake-up yesterday ahead of his exit from the party to take up the African Union Commission (AUC) Chairmanship role.

ODM unveiled its new leadership as it navigates internal turbulence and prepares for a potential transition of power.

In the lineup, Raila will remain at the helm of the party, but a series of changes will see new faces stepping into key positions.

This reshuffle comes amid growing concerns about regional representation and party unity.

ODM has named Abdulswamad Nassir, the Mombasa Governor, Simba Arati, the Kisii Governor, and Godfrey Osotsi, the Vihiga Senator as the new Deputy Party Leaders.

Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga will now serve as the party Chairperson, replacing John Mbadi.

Rarieda MP Otiende Amollo will also serve alongside Turkana South MP John Ariko as Vice Chairperson while Ruth Odinga will take up the position of Deputy Organising Secretary.

The party also proposed Kisumu West MP Rosa Buyu to take up the Secretary for Political Affairs position.

These appointments follow the resignation of several ODM leaders who joined President William Rutos Cabinet.

The Kenyan DAILY POST






Friday, August 9, 2024 - A foul-mouthed defendant has been put in jail for over a year after he told a Michigan, USA judge to kiss my a in an expletive-laced outburst in court, wild video shows.

Darrell Jarrell appeared before Washtenaw County Judge Cedric Simpson on Wednesday, August 7 for a simple misdemeanour trespassing charge but as the judge was about to adjourn, he decided to sound off.

Im tired of this state. Im ready to leave this state as soon as possible, Jarrell said.

Its trespassing. I could technically leave, and you guys could issue a warrant and as long as I dont return, you can just kiss my ass, he ranted, video shows.

Simpson did not appreciate the swearing.

You know what? No, no no. Im gonna tell you what  he started.

Fk you! Jarrell interrupted.

Thats contempt. Thats 93 (day misdemeanour), Simpson shot back.

But Jarell again said Fk you, to which Simpson ordered he be slapped with another 93 days.





As the bailiff escorted Jarell out of the courtroom, he continued hurling profanities at the judge six times, nabbing a total of 558 days behind bars.

Thats six 93s, consecutive, Simpson told the court.

The issue reportedly stemmed from Jarell being unhappy about his court date but when Simpson attempted to explain that his attorneys had been unable to get in contact with him, causing the delay, he became upset, Fox 2 Detroit reported.

The judge quickly moved on to the next case for defendant Keith Jenkins, whose jaw dropped to the floor in shock during Jarells arrogant misbehaviour as he waited his turn on a Zoom call, video shows.

Jenkins remained speechless as Simpson introduced his case.

How are you doing your honour? How are you doing, sir? Jenkins, chuckling, politely asked.

Im doing great! Simpson responded with a laugh and told Jenkins he was unbothered by Jarells conduct.






Friday, August 9, 2024 - Former Chelsea midfielder John Mikel Obi has talked up his successful spell at Premier League giants.

Mikel spent 11 years at Stamford Bridge winning multiple titles, including two Premier League titles, four FA Cups, one Champions League and one UEFA Europa League.

Prior to his arrival at Chelsea, the former midfielder was inactive for around a year due to the transfer struggle between the Blues and Manchester United.

The midfielder later moved to Chelsea on June 2, 2006.

It was a massive relief. Obviously, it was going on for a year almost, I couldnt play for any club because of the whole saga, he told the obionepodcast.

But after that was settled, it was a massive relief for me and I joined the club that I really wanted to play for, which was Chelsea. And I just couldnt wait to be unveiled as a Chelsea player, because it was taking such a long time to get settled.

But after that was done, you know, I was happy to be here. Amazing career. Had won everything to be to be won. And my memory here is absolutely fantastic. I will never, never trade it for anything.






Friday, August 9, 2024 - Former President Donald Trump might have a future as a fantasy writer, according to former San Francisco Mayor Willie Brown, who has dismissed Trump's recent claims about the two of them as pure "creative fiction."

During a news conference at Mar-A-Lago on Thursday, Trump made a series of controversial statements, including a story about Brown. Trump claimed that he once flew in a helicopter with Brown that nearly crashed during a shaky landinga moment that Trump said left Brown visibly shaken.

Trump further alleged that during this supposed encounter, Brown made disparaging remarks about Vice President Kamala Harris, with whom Brown was once romantically involved.

However, Brown quickly refuted Trump's story in an interview with San Francisco's KRON 4, stating that he has never conducted business with Trump or taken a helicopter ride with him.

Brown dismissed the entire account as a fabrication, suggesting Trump was merely concocting a "creative fiction" to tarnish Harris's reputation.

Brown went on to joke that he wouldn't board a helicopter with Trump under any circumstances, fearing that someone with an agenda might sabotage the aircraft.

Trump's remarks appear to be an attempt to reignite discussions about Harris's political rise, a topic that has been the subject of baseless rumours and accusations from some conservative commentators.

Despite the sensational claims, Brown is adamant that Trump's story is a complete fabrication, perhaps better suited for a political thriller than a news conference.






Friday, August 9, 2024 - A Chinese organ-harvesting victim managed to escape from his captors after he woke up chained to a bed with parts of his liver and lung missing.

Cheng Pei Ming, 58, the first known survivor of Chinas forced organ harvesting campaign against religious prisoners said he was now ready to speak out and expose the evil of the Chinese Communist Party.

Cheng, who will talk publicly for the first time in Washington on Friday, August 9, described how he still feels extreme pain 20 years after parts of his lung and liver were forcibly removed.

I believed they would kill me. Im not sure they thought I could survive, but I did, Mr Cheng told The Telegraph as he took off his shirt to expose a scar that wraps around his chest all the way to his back.

Mr Cheng says he was detained and tortured for years by the Chinese state for practising Falun Gong, a spiritual movement founded in the early 1990s. The movement swept across the country, but was outlawed in 1999 and then brutally suppressed by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), who branded it an evil cult and a threat to the state.

Beijing has long viewed religious groups as a threat to social order and the partys ideological grip on power.

In the decades after the Falun Gong was banned and its followers persecuted, Chinas organ transplantation industry exploded. Vital organs became readily available within a matter of days in state-run hospitals.

In 2019, an independent tribunal in London ruled that the Chinese government continued to commit crimes against humanity by targeting minorities, including the Falun Gong movement, for organ harvesting.

The CCP has denied accusations of organ harvesting and repeatedly denied that Falun Gong practitioners have been killed for their organs.

But in 2021, UN human rights experts reported that along with Falung Gong practitioners, other minorities had been targeted, including Uyghurs, Tibetans, Muslims and Christians in detention in China.

Mr Cheng said he could not understand why they would crack down on a religion that promoted peace.

Falun Gong teaches people to be good and to have compassion and empathy for all people. We mean no harm to society, the persecution against us should have never happened, he said.

Mr Cheng was first arrested in September 1999. He said he was tortured and told to give up his faith and that when he refused he was expelled along with his family from his home in the eastern province of Shandong.

In the years that followed, he was kidnapped by the CCP five times, each time suffering unbearable torture, he said.

I remembered asking: Why dont you kill me instead? And they said: It is too easy, we get great pleasure in torturing you, Mr Cheng said.

In 2002, he was sentenced to eight years in jail. He recalled seeing other Falun Gong inmates disappear. Some were sent to so-called re-education labour camps; others were tortured to death.

In July 2004, Mr Cheng said he was dragged into a hospital where agents from the CCPs infamous 610 office  dubbed Chinas Gestapo  tried to make him sign consent forms. When he refused, they knocked him down and put him to sleep. His family was told that he was undergoing surgery and had a 20 per cent chance of survival.

Mr Cheng woke up three days later, terrified, shackled to a bed, and with a 35cm incision across his chest.

Transplant experts have since confirmed that scans show sections of Mr Chengs liver and left lung were surgically removed.

Two years later, prison guards took him back to hospital.

There was no reason for them to operate, so I understood I would be killed. My family were told I had swallowed knives and wasnt likely to survive.

But an unexpected opportunity presented itself for escape. His guard had fallen asleep, so Mr Cheng made a run for it.

For nine years I lived a life of escape and hiding under false names, he said, adding that the CCP wanted to find men and kill me to cover up what they had done.

He eventually escaped to Thailand where I felt I could have been killed anytime, Mr Cheng said.

After 14 years of evading Chinese authorities, including five years in Thailand where he was granted UN refugee status, Mr Cheng reached the US in July 2020.

He only felt safe once he reached US soil in 2020.

In June 2024, the US House passed The Falun Gong Protection Act, which aims to force an end to the persecution of Falun Gong by the CCP as well as forced organ harvesting from apprehended practitioners of the faith.

Mr Cheng, whose family largely remains in China, still cant feel parts of his chest, and he struggles on a daily basis with shocks of pain that ripple through his body. But he is now ready to tell his story.

He said: I want the world to know how evil the CCP is. It does not only seek to harm people in China but the world. I have to expose what has happened to the Falun Gong.

Dr Charles Lee, a leading advocate for the Falun Gong movement, who himself was arrested and tortured for his beliefs by the CCP in 2003, told The Telegraph that the importance of Mr Chengs testimony cannot be overstated.

We heard reports for decades about the extremely inhuman treatment Falun Gong faced, those that were tortured to death, their bodies cut open and organs missing. But now we have the first live witness.

He added: This should be an alarm to people and governments around the world that the CCP does not care for human lives.




Saturday, August 10, 2024  Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga is just a heartbeat away from being elected as the next African Union Commission (AUC) Chairperson.

This is after his former rival for the coveted seat and former Somalia Foreign Affairs Minister Fawzia Yusuf Adam pledged her support for Baba after dropping out of the race.

n a statement on X, the former Prime Minister said he met with Fawzia and discussed issues concerning the African continent.

According to Raila, Fawzia offered to support his bid to become the next African Union Commission (AUC) chairperson.

Glad to have discussed key issues regarding our continent with Fawzia Yusuf Adam, former Somalia Foreign Affairs Minister.

Grateful for her support in my bid for AUC Chair. Wishing her all the best as she continues to champion Africas progress, said Odinga.

Fawzia was among the individuals who had expressed interest in vying for the AUC chairperson position.

However, the former Somalia Foreign Minister dropped out of the race and was not among the candidates who submitted their bids before the deadline on August 6.

Raila is set to face Djiboutis Foreign Minister, Mahmoud Youssouf, as Anil Kumarsingh Gayan from Mauritius and Richard Randriamandrato from Madagascar.

Kenya formally submitted the requisite documentation for Odinga on Monday, July 29 to the Dean of Eastern Region, Dharmraj Busgeeth.

The AUC chairperson election will be held in January 2025 during the African Union Summit.

The Chairperson of the AU is elected by the assembly once for a renewable four-year term.

The Kenyan DAILY POST




Saturday, August 10, 2024 - Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party leader Raila Odinga surprised Kenyans on Friday by refusing to address the press regarding the injustices committed by President William Ruto's administration during the police raid on Wanjigis home, where his wife and children were harassed.

Politicians, including Martha Karua and Democratic Action Party (DAP) leader Eugene Wamalwa, visited Wanjigis Muthaiga home and condemned the incident.

However, when Raila Odinga arrived at the home, he remained silent and did not condemn the raid by Ruto and his masked goons..

This came a day after a multi-agency security team broke into Wanjigis home on Thursday afternoon as they sought to arrest him.

The team had camped outside the home, seeking to get into the compound for hours before they finally broke in.

They then conducted a search of the house, looking for Wanjigi and what they described as "more evidence."

Police later told journalists that they recovered tear gas canisters from an alleged car parked at the entrance to Wanjigi's Muthaiga home in Nairobi.

However, Wanjigi said he is not the owner of the aforementioned car.

The Kenyan DAILY POST




Saturday, August 10, 2024  Former Prime Minister Raila Odingas ODM has demanded the immediate release of all Kenyans who were arrested during the nane nane protests on Thursday.

In a statement, ODM said Kenyans have the right to picket and are allowed by the constitution to present petitions to the government on what they feel is not being done right

As a Party, we believe in adherence to the provisions of the Constitution by the citizens of Kenya, the right to hold peaceful demonstrations notwithstanding and in accordance with the provisions of the law.

With this background, the ODM Party is asking for the unconditional release of the over seventy Kenyans who were arrested yesterday during the public protests in Nairobi and other parts of the country, read the statement in part.

The Raila Odinga-led party noted that the majority of the protestors are held at the Central Police Station in Nairobi.

The opposition party also mentioned that some of the arrested protestors are persons living with disability (PWDs).

The Thursday demos were mostly held in the Nairobi CBD with anti-riot police officers heavily deployed in the area to contain the protests.

Acting Inspector General of Police Gilbert Masengeli on Thursday evening revealed that the police arrested 174 individuals nationwide during the protests.

The Kenyan DAILY POST




Saturday, August 10, 2024 - A video is trending of a brave journalist who confronted a police officer threatening to beat him while covering the raid of businessman Jimmy Wanjigis home in Muthaiga on Friday.

The police officer was part of a contingent sent to Wanjigis home by President William Ruto to frustrate the family of the prominent businessman.

In the video, the masked officer threatened to beat the journalist.

"How are you speaking to me? I will slap you...look at this guy," said the officer as he walked towards the journo.

Agitated, the scribe took matters into his hands as the situation almost degenerated into fisticuffs.

The journalist was immediately restrained by other officers at the scene as they tried talking him out of his fury.

He claimed the foolish officer was trying to intimidate him since he was only holding a phone.

Here is the video of a brave journo confronting a police officer.

"Niguze uone,nitazima Camera nikutandike!" Drama as fearless journalist goes head on with a police officer trying to block him from recording at Jimmy Wanjigi's home!#nanenanemarch pic.twitter.com/TgycCBqBG2  Quraish Abdi Habashow  (@QuraishHabasho) August 9, 2024

The Kenyan DAILY POST






Friday, August 9, 2024 - An American teenager lost her leg in a shark attack while vacationing in Belize this week, her family said.

Annabelle Carlson, 15, was on a diving trip to the Lighthouse Reef near Half Moon Caye in the Gulf of Honduras with her family and a tour group when the attack occurred Tuesday morning, August 6, according to the Aspen Daily News.

Carlson, of Aspen, Colorado, had taken off her diving equipment and hopped into the water for a post-excursion swim when she was bitten, the outlet said.

Annabelle was able to fight off the attack as best as she could but was critically injured in the fight, a GoFundMe page set up for the teens family stated.

Annabelle 1, shark 0.

The tour operators with Belize Dive Pro rescued Carlson from the water and immediately brought her to a Coast Guard base, where officials helped stabilize her, Adm. Elton Bennett of the Belize Coast Guard told ABC.

Photos from the incident showed a team of people carrying the teen to safety once they got back on land.

It was her right leg that received a bite from the shark. So, she lost her right leg, Bennett explained.

After she was stabilized at a hospital in Belize City, Carlson was airlifted to a trauma center in the US, the GoFundMe said.

The shark attack was the first in recent memory in Belize, Channel 5 Belize said.

Were very saddened about it, but I want to highlight that this is something that is very rare and I dont think this is a time to say, well, you know, we dont want to go swimming again or something, Belizes Minister of the Blue Economy told the outlet.

Carlson, who is a rising sophomore at Aspen High School, will have a very long road of recovery ahead of her, the familys fundraiser page said.

As of Friday afternoon, August 9, the GoFundMe had raised over $98,800 of its $250,000 goal.




Saturday, August 10, 2024  Azimio Spokesman Prof. Makau Mutua has warned President William Ruto not to take the victory lap yet over the decline of anti-government protests led by the Gen Zs.

Gen Zs have been piling pressure on Ruto through weekly protests to resign due to bad governance coupled with corruption; a move that forced Ruto to sack his entire Cabinet.

The Gen Zs even stormed Parliament after it passed the draconian Finance Bill, which has since been withdrawn.

The pressure from the young people forced Ruto to look for his archrival Raila Odinga and the two have formed a broad-based government after Baba donated four of his ODM luminaries to join the Cabinet, a move that has seen protests subside.

Taking to his X account, Mutua admitted that indeed the Gen Z revolution is over.

However, he warned Ruto to address the concerns raised by the young people or else they will stage another deadly protest.

The GEN Z revolt is OVER, but its IDEALS arent DEAD.

"A more cataclysmic reckoning is coming unless Kenya works hard and unceasingly to meet those ideals, Makau Mutua stated.

The Kenyan DAILY POST




Saturday, August 10, 2024 - Renowned businessman Jimmy Wanjigi has told police officers to stop raiding his house, stating that they will never find him.

On Friday, police, acting on orders from State House, broke into Wanjigis house in Muthaiga in an attempt to arrest him.

They were unsuccessful, as he was hiding in one of his many strong bunkers.

Wanjigi later addressed the press, reflecting on a similar raid at the same home seven years ago that lasted three days. He said the constant harassment by the police should stop, asserting that they only need to issue summons, and he will appear as directed.

Wanjigi has been accused by corrupt Kenya police of sponsoring and financing Gen Z protests and also arming them with tear gas canisters.

Seven years ago, they looked for me in this house, they couldnt find me. Even now, youll look for me in this house, youll not find me, he said.

So, please, msijaribu tena, youre wasting your time. If you want me, its a simple summons and Ill appear where you want me.

"Stop looking for me in this house, youll never find me. Wanjigi stated

The Kenyan DAILY POST




Saturday, August 10,2024 - Narc Kenya chairperson Martha Karua has pleaded with Kenyan police officers not to allow selfish leaders and politicians to use them to abuse the rights of other Kenyans.

In a statement on Saturday, Karua, who constantly speaks about police abuses, said that the 2010 Constitution is a living document that must be adhered to by all persons.

The 2022 presidential running mate for Azimio la Umoja - One Kenya coalition party pointed out that human life and dignity must be respected.

Reminding the Inspector General of Police that the constitution of Kenya 2010 is a living document that must be adhered to by all persons, respect for human life and dignity is not an option, your continued violations will be accounted for individually, Karua said.

Karua spoke after a contingent of police officers was sent to businessman Jimmy Wanjigis home, where they harassed his wife and children while searching for him.

Wanjigi was being sought by police after four teargas canisters and a complex communication gadget were reportedly found in his car.

However, on Friday, the high court temporarily stopped his arrest until a case he filed is heard and determined.

The Kenyan DAILY POST
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Rebecca Black and Cillian Sherlock, PA

Around 1000 people gathered in Belfast for a counter-protest against several hundred anti-immigration demonstrators on Friday evening.

A heavy police presence and barriers were put in place to keep the two groups apart at Belfast City Hall, while Donegall Square North and Wellington Place were closed to traffic for several hours.

The people at the anti-immigration protest were seen holding signs with slogans such as Shankill Road says no to illegal immigration and chanting Send them home.

Trade union banners and signs with anti-racism messages were being held aloft at the counter-protest, with chants of When migrant lives are under attack, what do we do? Stand up, fight back and Belfast is anti-fascist.

Sinn Fein MLAs Gerry Kelly and Caral Ni Chuilin were among the counter-protesters.

By 7.30pm, most of the anti-immigration protesters had dispersed, and the police presence had dwindled.

Police planned a significant, visible operation ahead of the protest and counter-demonstration in Belfast city centre on Friday evening.

Queens University closed its campus and a number of businesses closed their offices as a precaution following violent scenes at an anti-immigration protest last Saturday.

The city has been hit with further disorder in the evenings since then, with 10 police officers injured.

Assistant Chief Constable Melanie Jones said the police expected a very busy weekend across Northern Ireland with a risk of spontaneous protest as well as scheduled events such as the Apprentice Boys of Derry parade in Londonderry and the West Belfast Festival.

She also said that from today, officers may have additional powers to stop and search or require the removal of face coverings.

We will have a significant visible policing operation in place across Northern Ireland to ensure that everyone is kept safe, she told media at a press conference at PSNI headquarters in east Belfast.

We will be supporting the right to peaceful protest that is lawful, but this does not extend into intimidation, harassment or disorder.

I encourage anyone who is planning to engage in protest to do so peacefully and within the law, and to engage with the police and follow our advice and instruction.

Police responded to several race-related hate crime incidents and other disorder on Thursday night, in what the police said was the fifth night of disorder that officers have dealt with.

She said incidents included a number of reports of criminal damage to properties, a car set on fire and houses attacked.

In east Belfast, a number of bins were set on fire in Castlereagh Street, and the police were attacked by a group of masked men who threw bricks and masonry at officers in Flora Street, she said.

Thankfully no officer was injured and we were able to quickly and effectively deal with the situation.

Ms Jones said she wants to reassure the public that police are working very hard to keep everyone safe.

A total of 26 people have been arrested as part of investigations into disorder in recent days, with 21 people charged.

We are also investigating who is organising and orchestrating this disorder and we will bring those people to justice, she said.

The scenes we have seen across Belfast over the last week have been a disgrace. They have no place in our communities.

Those who are intent on causing disorder or committing offences will be brought to justice.

Anyone contemplating getting involved needs to understand the consequences of their actions. We will use all lawful means and tactics at our disposal to gather evidence and arrest people involved in criminality.

Ms Jones also confirmed that police are expecting to be supported by a further 120 officers from Police Scotland next week, agreed through mutual aid arrangements.

This will give us a vital additional resilience that we need to continue to deal with this effectively, she said.

On Thursday, the Northern Ireland Assembly was recalled and MLAs backed a motion condemning the recent disorder and rejecting all forms of racism.

Assembly speaker Edwin Poots said that while he could not take part in the Assembly debate, his MLA office has engaged with victims of racist attacks, community organisations, local businesses and the PSNI.

The rioting has been devastating, primarily to the victims, but it has also been immensely harmful to the wider community, he said.

As we approach this weekend, I would urge calm and restraint and for individuals not to get involved in violence of any kind.

He added: Very often, faceless people on social media encourage people on to the streets but leave others to take part and carry the consequences. It is clear that everyone loses out of violence.

There is no justification for it and, if anything, it will make attracting investment and securing solutions to other local issues for every part of our community, much more difficult.

DUP MP Gregory Campbell urged the public to be careful with language to avoid inflaming tensions.

The intimidation of foreign nationals, on whom our economy and health service depend, is cruel and utterly wrong. The people living here are not to blame for bad Government policy. It is Government policy that needs to be challenged and changed rather than attacking people and property.
An man who admitted engaging in sexual activity when he was 18 and his victim was 14 years old was handed down a two-year suspended sentence at Kilkenny Circuit Court.

Prosecuting barrister, Dylan Redmond said that at the time of the offence his victim was under the age of 15. When the accused first met the injured party he was 17 and had turned 18 at the time of the offence.

Detective Garda Mary Beamish said that on May 2, 2021, gardai received a report that a young male had camped in lands close to the victims family home in Co Kilkenny. Gardai spoke to the victims father who said that an 18-year-old male had engaged in sexual activity with his 14-year-old daughter and that they had engaged in full sexual intercourse on May 1 in his tent.

A garda investigation took place and gardai went to the location where the defendant had his tent. The defendant spoke to gardai and made certain admissions.

A probation report which was before the court stated that the defendant had met the injured party through the social media messaging platform, Snapchat. There were four incidents involving sexual activity between the defendant and the injured party, three of the incidents happened when the defendant was 17 and were the subject of a nolle prosequi. The only charge before the court was of engaging in sexual activity with a child under the age of 15 on May 1, 2021 in a tent in a location in Co Kilkenny.

Det Gda Beamish told the court that the defendant was arrested on June 22, 2021 and indicated a guilty plea at the earliest opportunity. The defendant also told gardai that he was aware of the injured partys age and that she was 14, at all times.

Gardai examined mobile phones belonging to the victim and the defendant and the data confirmed the nature of the sexual interactions between them.

The defendants barrister said his client said he had let his feelings and emotions get the better of him and has not come to adverse garda attention since.

In a victim impact statement read out to the court the now 18-year-old woman said she can finally see that I was never in the wrong.

I constantly thought that even as a 14-year-old I should have known better, she said adding that now I know it was never my fault.

No child should have to go through what I did or feel the way I did, she added.

The defendant apologises to the injured party through his barrister who read a letter to the court which stated that the defendant deeply regrets his actions.

I never intended to cause you any hurt, I cant say sorry enough, he said.

Judge Jonathan Dunphy applauded the strength and courage of the injured party and added that he was beyond impressed by her composure when delivering her victim impact statement.

You have your whole life ahead of you, this will not define you, he said.

Judge Dunphy said that mitigating factors in the case included that the defendant had accepted responsibility, expressed genuine remorse and has apologised unreservedly.

He accepts that he knew her age and that she could not consent at the time, he added. The judge also remarked that he was taking into account the young age of both of the parties and that there was no evidence of any threats or persuasion.

Judge Dunphy imposed a two year sentence which he suspended subject to conditions including that he co-operative with the Probation Services and to have no contact directly or indirectly with the victim or her family and to keep the peace and be of good behaviour.
Green Party TD for Carlow-Kilkenny and Minister for Nature, Heritage and Electoral Reform Malcolm Noonan has welcomed the news that June and July were the two best months on record for solar energy.

According to data from Green Collective, an open source data collector, the sun generated a record 3.5% of Irelands energy over the last two months, with figures showing communities and households across Kilkenny are benefitting from this 'solar revolution'.

The national growth in solar is reflected in the figures for Kilkenny. In the last four years over 1,300 households in Kilkenny have availed of SEAI grants to install solar PV panels and an incredible 69% of those were in the last year alone. That compares to just 57 homes in Kilkenny installing solar from 2015 to 2019.

FOR MORE LOCAL NEWS, CLICK HERE

So far in 2024 over 100,000 homes across the country have installed solar panels.

"Irelands solar revolution is real, and solar energy is now creating thousands of jobs, securing Irelands energy supply, and reducing both emissions and household energy bills," Mr Noonan commented.

"Its clear solar is becoming increasingly attractive to people, and with the payback period now as low as six years, there are huge savings to be had," Minister Noonan added.

"Kilkenny householders can reduce their energy bills, protect themselves from global energy price spikes, and sell their excess electricity back to the grid. Now is definitely the time to take advantage of the opportunity thats there to use clean energy to lower bills and carbon emissions."
The son of Edna OBrien has said the purpose of his mothers writing was to illuminate, inspire, give courage to those who struggled to speak out, her funeral mass heard.

OBrien, a novelist, short story writer, memoirist, poet and playwright, died aged 93 last month after a long illness.

A violinist and cellist performed ahead of the service at St Josephs Church in Tuamgraney, Co Clare, on Saturday.

Irelands President Michael D Higgins joined the family and friends of Edna OBrien to pay tribute to the Irish novelist at her funeral mass.

Speaking at her funeral mass, her son Marcus Gebler said: In the last week, Ive been moved and overwhelmed by the tributes and affection for our mother from so many different people in so many countries.

He continued: For many writers, it is their first book that is their best, and they never quite live up to that initial curated distillation of their own life.

But in our mothers case, her development as a writer was an arc continually ascending from the lives of young women in 1940s Ireland  through age, experience and suffering  to 1990s Bosnia or Nigeria in 2014.

Reflecting on the purpose of his mothers stories, he added: I believe in her case, it has been and will remain, to illuminate, inspire, give courage to and speak for those who are rendered dumb.

Mr Gebler also read a poem he wrote for his mother, which received a round of applause from the congregation.

He became emotional as he recalled what a doctor told him at the birth of his son, Oscar: The most important thing you can do is to give him love as much as possible and all the time, and that is what we got from her.

President Higgins was joined by his wife Sabina Coyne, who appeared emotional throughout the service. Independent Clare TD Michael McNamara was also in attendance.

During the procession of symbols, family and friends laid items which held significance for OBrien.

Her grandson Oscar presented her French Legion of Honour to represent a lifetime of extraordinary achievement.

Other items included a Buddha statue offered by her niece, which was said to symbolise how OBrien was a deeply spiritual woman whose curiosity and open heart led her to many faiths throughout her lifetime, including Buddhism.

Her Irish literary inspirations were honoured by a friend who carried a copy of James Joyces Ulysses, and another presented a portrait of the late author Samuel Beckett, a friend of OBrien.

Among the songs performed during the service was the hymn The Lords My Shepherd.

Edna OBriens friend, Scottish novelist Andrew OHagan, paid tribute to her legacy, including how she changed the perception of Irish female writers.

During his speech at her funeral mass, he recalled fond memories of the writer and spoke about how funny she was, saying: Her comic engine was always turning, even, or especially, in the midst of of anxiety  the comic engine, along with those other great turbines of creativity, outrage, ambition.

But at the centre of it all was a talent so singular, that nothing could countermand it, nor age, nor illness, or lack of stamina.

She lived inside her prose like no writer Ive ever known. Her gifts were both solid and ethereal, like the sprites in her favourite play, A Midsummer Nights Dream.

Yet they were rooted in the history and the byways of Ireland, which was forever the landscape of her imagination, the seedbed of her writing and her soul.

Novelist Andrew OHagan added in his tribute to Edna OBrien: Weve heard a lot in the last two weeks about Ednas revolutionary intervention in Irish fiction, her opening up of the novel to the truths of desire and the complexities of interior female complexity.

But we must remember, as we celebrate her now, the hard road she had to navigate, even amongst her heroes. Men are governed by lines of intellect, James Joyce wrote, Women by curves of emotion.

But Edna made it her task on an international stage both to embody and to defy that thought, marrying the intellectual to the sensual, coupling the emotional and the thoughtful, raising the bar on common experience and on inheritance, our pride of worth.

OBrien was best known for her portrayal of womens lives against repressive expectations in Irish society.

Her first novel, The Country Girls, was published in 1960 and became part of a trilogy that was banned in Ireland for their references to sex and social issues.

OBrien, who has lived in London since 1958, described an outraged response from people in Ireland in contrast to the books international success.

Ms OBrien will be laid to rest on Holy Island, where an ancient monastic settlement is still in use as a burial ground and where her mother was laid to rest.
Singapore's Scoot to launch new flights to Indonesia, Malaysia

Scoot and Singapore Airlines planes sit on the tarmac at Singapore's Changi Airport March 23, 2020. Photo by Reuters

Budget airline Scoot has announced it will launch new routes to Kertajati in Indonesia from September and Melaka in Malaysia from October.

The Singapore-Kertajati service will be operated twice a week from Sept. 28, while flights to Melaka will take place five times each week from Oct. 23, Scoot said in a statement.

The airline said the new flights use Embraer aircraft. Passengers can already book flights to these destinations via the airline's website and app.

Previously, the airline also plans to run a new service to Subang in Malaysia on Sept. 1.

Kertajati is home to an international airport that serves the Greater Bandung and Cirebon areas, allowing nature lovers to gain easier access to Indonesia's lush forests and natural waterfalls.

Melaka state is famous for ancient houses, cruise river tours and luxury hotels.
Garry Moller writes:

If I had it my way, I would scrap many of Wellingtons cycleways, and do it better. Allow me to elaborate.  For Wellington to thrive, ample on-street parking is essential. Despite the influx of more public service employees and contractors in recent years, central Wellington is struggling. Many long-term Wellington residents, like myself, feel the inner city is in a state of decay and is losing its once vibrant soul. Putting in one cycleway after another is not helping the situation. To the contrary, they are making things worse. The cycleways were made with good intentions, but they have taken away many parking spots for residents and businesses. They are now hurting small and medium-sized businesses and degrading property values. Small businesses depend on customers being able to find convenient parking. Without it, they suffer  we all do  and the vibrancy of our city diminishes, as it is.

Cycleways are good but parks are also good. We shouldnt do one at the expense of the other.

Dedicated cycleways that do not detract from traffic flow are great. For example, the cycleway to Ngauranga Gorge and the cycleway from Oriental Bay to Evans Bay are excellent, although their cost-benefits are still questionable. These routes offer safe paths for cyclists without significantly impacting traffic or residents. In contrast, the cycle way in Aro Valley, the one in Island Bay, and the one from Te Aro to Brooklyn, to name a few, are problematic.

We have some good ones and some awful ones.

What I am saying here is that cycleways should be separate from main arterial streets and not impede traffic flow or lead to the loss of parking spaces. Merely removing traffic lanes and carparks to make way for rarely-used cycleways is nonsensical.

Absolutely. Do cycleways away from main streets, like the one to Petone which looks to be amazing.

And for those not familiar with his name, Gary Moller cant be described as someone who is anti-cyclist. To the contrary he is the current UCI Masters world champion cyclist for his age group!

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I (and Curia) have just resigned as members of the Research Association of New Zealand. It is something I never thought I would do, and do with great sadness.

I have been an enthusiastic member of the industry body.

I joined in 2004 when I formed Curia Market Research. It was an honour to be nominated by (Professor) Jack Vowles and Gabriel Dekel.

I served on the executive of its predecessor. I was the lead author on the NZ Political Polling Code. I was a guest speaker or panelist at AGMs, including last years one.

So what happened?

Up until around two years there had been no issues. But over the last two years the complaints process has been weaponised against me. I cant even count up how many complaints there have been. I will cover in some detail the significant ones.

Now lots of people have to put up with complaints processes. I wish I could be like Mike Hosking who probably doesnt even blink if someone complains about him to the BSA.

But these numerous complaints have caused me huge stress. I wont go into the details of it here, but it has been very significant.

Yesterday I saw an e-mail from RANZ that, not only had the PSG upheld the latest complaint against me, but that it was considering a recommendation that could involve suspension to expulsion.

I was absolutely stunned. I could not believe how what I saw as a subjective dispute over question design could possibly meet the threshold for such a move. Ill get into the details later, but basically it was over whether a client should be allowed to ask:

The UK health service (the NHS) has stopped the use of puberty blockers, which begin the gender transition process, for children under 16 as it deemed they are too young to consent. Do you support or oppose a similar ban in New Zealand on the use of puberty blockers for young people 16 or younger?

My first response was considering getting people to complain against polls from other companies (I have a large file of potential complaints). But I calmed down and tried to remember my motto of dont be an arsehole or deliberately harm others. That is why I have never ever encouraged a complaint against another company, despite many many opportunities. I have even tried to talk people out of them.

I decided I would trust the process and argue my case to an independent panel. I was very confident that there is no way the current dispute could be seen as resulting in a sanction that I dont think has been used in recent history. I engaged a lawyer and I started collating information. I looked at processes for other professional bodies, and also obtained detailed advice on whether the actions of RANZ could breach the Bill of Rights by putting pollsters in a position where they have to refuse questions on controversial issues, because if they accept them they get suspended or worse.

So I had my plan. I was confident my chances of not having a decision of suspension or expulsion was pretty damn good (but of course you cant know). I was all set to spend what would have been tens of thousands of dollars, confident in my belief that I should trust in the process.

But then I reflected what happens if I do win. It wont stop. Ill still have the usual people complaining about most of my polls and I would be having to run Curia with the massive anxiety that every single poll I prepared would have to be defended, arguing over what is an incredibly subjective area of question writing.

This is insane! I do political polling and many people oppose some of what my clients stand for. But this is weaponising an appeals process. It forces people like myself into the impossible position of either not serving my clients, or trying to satisfy a professional body that should be objective and neutral, but I sadly dont think is being either.

So, with the deepest regret I resigned from RANZ today.

Since I made the decision I feel so much better, that I know it is the right thing to do. My stress levels have improved knowing I dont have to spend the future fighting endless complaints against me

In the rest of this post I want to detail a bit of history of Curia, how important reputation is to me, the whole area of question design, and details of some of the complaints (including where I could have done better), and some suggestions for RANZ.

Finally I am going to cover a proposed accountability scheme for Curia going forward, so people can still raise issues in good faith and get them resolved.

20 years of Curia

Curia for many years was most well known as being Nationals pollster. I first got involved in electorate polling for National as a Young National volunteer in 1993. I was one of many callers, but had a real interest in it so Al McLauchlan and Jack McFaull who ran the programme for National showed me what they did, and answered my many questions.

In 1996 I ended up working in Parliament and Al retired from his polling roll. With MMP coming the party engaged a professional polling form for most of their polling, but I was asked to take over from Al and do occasional electorate polls using a team of volunteers .

The results were good enough that for the 1999 election ,my internal team top volunteers was asked to supplement the polling from the external pollster and in 2002 I was doing most of the polling for National. I was very proud that they placed equal trust in what I could do with a team of volunteers, with companies that had been operating for decades.

In 2004 I had been in Parliament for 8 years and was exhausted (when I left they replaced me with three staffers) and I had so enjoyed doing the polls, I thought I would take a leap in the dark and set up my own polling company  Curia. National agreed to become a client (my decision wasnt dependent on that though) and Curia was born.

Since then I have done work for over 300 different clients. I have never had to advertise  it has all been word of mouth. I literally could not count up how many actual polls I have designed and analysed, but it is probably over 3000

Im very proud to have provided polling services to five NZ Prime Ministers and four Opposition Leaders.

And while I am known as a National supporter, I provide a professional service regardless of politics. I have actually provided polling services to 10 different political parties that range the entire political spectrum.

I have done polling for Labour MPs and Ministers. I have polled for Green Party members and Alliance members standing in local body election. I have polled for lobby groups I agree with and lobby groups I totally disagree with. I have even polled for groups on opposing side of an issue such as euthanasia. I told both groups that I had been asked to poll for the other side also, and they both consented as they really wanted to use Curia and trusted me to be absolutely professional.

Reputation

It is hard to understate how important reputation is to me. As I said, I have never had to advertise for clients. I am able to have discussions with senior Labour MPs where they trust me not to ever quote them. I have sat on numerous cross-party parliamentary groups on particular issues where MPs from ACT to the Greens take party and we have some very undiplomatic conversations.

I also take pride in my relationship with many in the media. I think I have declined just one interview request in the last eight years or so. I always give my honest opinion to them, however I do of course keep some things to myself.

I believe Curia has a good reputation for accuracy. In the 2023 election we were one of only two companies that had all parliamentary parties within the margin of error. In 2014, John Key kindly called me the best pollster in New Zealand in his victory speech.

In 2023 an independent researcher (https://public.flourish.studio/visualisation/12585241/ ) found that Curia had the least divergence from the all-firm trend between 2020 and 2023.

The public polls for the Taxpayers Union in 2023 correctly predicted the winner in Northland, Auckland Central, Napier and Ilam. The Tamaki poll had Brooke (who had been regarded as a long shot) just 2% behind, which arguably helped her momentum to win the seat.

The polls for the Maori electorate seats were less accurate but they are notoriously difficult to poll (and if I get to poll them again, I am going to try some new things to identify Maori roll voters) but they did point to the risk of Nanaia Mahuta losing, which wasnt widely expected.

By contrast in 2017 one RANZ member produced a poll which was 22% out on the National-Labour gap and in 2011 another RANZ member had a poll which was 16% out on the National-Labour group. I wonder aloud what does more damage to the industry  polls that get a general election result completely and massively wrong, or arguments over the wording of questions?

No polling company should be judged by their last pre-election poll.as all companies have polls that turn out not to to be very accurate Curia, like all companies, have polls that are not as accurate as one would like. In 2023 I had National below their actual result (but within the margin of error) and in 2020 I had them higher (as almost everyone else did as their support fell away in the last week).

The vast majority of polling companies in NZ work very hard to get accurate results. I often recommend my competitors if people dont want to use me. I have sent clients to UMR/Talbot Mills, Research NZ, Colmar Brunton etc.

Question Design

Two of the three upheld complaints I received related to the wording of questions on controversial or sensitive issues. Question design is a very subjective area. Every day in the world there are thousands of people critiquing a poll question, claiming it is leading or biased etc. Just as people critique political arguments and fact checkers critique claims (and some fact checkers have been shown to do a horrible job).

What is absolutely key is that any poll report must include the exact question asked. This allows people to judge the results in light of the wording. I actually think people are quite good at working out if question wording has had an impact on results.

Clients commission polls for a number of reasons, and this impacts question design. Some just want to know what opinion is on an issue without any context given, for their own decision making. Some try to explain the pros and cons of an issue to then see what a more informed rather than instinctive reaction is. Some have a firm view on an issue and wish to test what language or facts are most likely to persuade people.

For example one client asked me in 2019 to poll four different phrases in a poll on euthanasia  assisted dying, euthanasia, assisted suicide and assisted killing. We tested support and opposition on each phrase so they would know which phrase was most helpful to them.

The client wants questions that are of value to them. This does not mean they get to ask any old question, and nor does it mean they get the result they want (many clients have received results which were unhelpful to them, and didnt publish them) but it does mean as a pollster you need to understand the client. I have described polling as both an art and a science and question writing is an art. I have no idea how many polling questions I have written but if Ive done 2,000 or so polls, it could well be many thousands.

It is extremely rare for me to just accept the questions the clients propose. I almost always suggest changes, and/or warn that their proposed wording will make it easier for people to downplay the results.

In fact, the client, whose poll was the subject of the final complaint, has said they use me despite the fact I actively campaign and oppose them on probably around 80% of the issues they campaign on because they like the fact I will give pushback on the questions, to make them more defensible.

I also fact check questions, so that any assertion in the question is robust. For the question on puberty blockers for under 16 year olds I actually spent almost two hours reading the Cass Report.

A poll by another company for the Better Public Media Trust claimed that 60% of NZers supported the TVNZ/RNZ merger, but the actual question was:

The government is planning to merge TVNZ and RNZ into a new state-owned public media service, with an extra $109 million per year, which equals to $22 per person per year. If this organisation provided new content for niche, minority and regional audiences while keeping the current TV, radio and online services as well, would you support it?

Now I think it is a pretty ridiculous question as it rests on a premise that is hypothetical. Its like saying would you support merging the DHBs together if it meant every hospital kept providing their current services, plus you get 50,000 more operations. Who would say no to that?

I would strongly advise the client against the question, on the basis that, while some media might run it without scepticism, it will have zero impact on the actual decision makers. But if they insisted, I would be okay with running it, because clients do have the right to ask questions.

But now we seem to be in a situation where a decision to run wording like the above can result in potential expulsion from the Research Association. This should be of concern to many in the industry.

I would have thought the threshold for finding a question is biased is if it is factually incorrect or uses incredibly inflammatory language. I guess examples would be.

Will you vote for the former war hero John McCain or Bill Clinton who dodged the draft? Or, would you rather spend $500 million on new cancer drugs to save lives or on new frigates to help the Defence Force kill enemies more efficiently?

But the two upheld against Curia have been ones where I think reasonable people could agree to disagree.

The complaints

The first of the significant complaints was in 2022 over a poll for the Auckland Mayoralty. It was because I had only listed the major candidates, not all 15 of them. Basically, a guy who had a miniscule chance of winning (he was not in the top eight finishers) was complaining that he had not been included in his own right.

Now with polls on voting, there are three ways broadly you ask the voting question.

Unprompted. You dont even give them the options. You just ask who they will vote for. This works well for parliamentary polls about parties as most people know the parties and have a preference. It is not very effective for local government polls where many dont even know who is standing. Prompt major candidates and include another option. It is often clear who the major candidates are. Clients basically just want to find out the relative support amongst those in with a shot. This is absolutely normal in political polling. Do you think many US pollsters ask people if they are voting for Chase Oliver or Randall Terry for President? Provide a list of all candidates. This is feasible for online panels but for phone polls it just isnt practical to read out 15 or 20 names. You just end up with many more undecideds.

Now this particular complaint was not upheld, but I had to spend considerable time justifying why we hadnt included a candidate who had no chance of winning. I was surprised the complaint was even accepted as substantive.

The second complaint was about a survey of academics done by the Free Speech Union, which I analyse for them. Now I am quite happy to say there were things I could have done better with that poll. Curia is far from perfect.

A lot of the issue was whether a response rate should have been included and whether it was a probalistic sample or not. My practice is to include response rates for polls of communities where the client has a relationship with them. So, when I poll members of an industry group, I give a response rate. For polls which are regarded as probabilistic you do a margin of error. As the poll of academics was not on behalf of the universities (they sadly had no interest in knowing the views of their staff on academic freedom) it was done by the FSU trawling e-mails off university websites and I saw it as an unsolicited poll, akin to a public poll.

Now I should have, in hindsight, included the response rate. It was sort of there implicitly, but it should have been explicit because the low response rate does mean it is difficult to know how well those who responded reflect all academics. Because many academics hate the FSU, they were arguably less likely to take part.

Also due to a miscommunication, I did not see the final report from the FSU and their report placed more reliance on the actual percentages than was justified. However they did have a cover note I insisted on noting there was a low response rate.

After this complaint was upheld, I reviewed all our templates against the Code of Practice and developed a new client policy stating explicitly that any information they release must be run by Curia in advance, and this policy is now automatically attached to quotes for new clients.

I also included extra details of methodology on our standard report template, and even go so far as to provide a paragraph summarising the methodology that clients are requested to include in media releases, with an explicit request for media to include the statement.

So what I am getting at is I took the finding very seriously. I made significant changes.

The next (third) complaint was about the wording of a poll on the Golden Mile. The wording was: Do you think the Wellington City Council should commit to spending $139 million, (of which the outgoing Government pledged $71 million) on the Golden Mile project considering the blowout in the Town Hall renovation and growing Council debt?

The Professional Standards Group found against it because it introduced two different concepts  the Town Hall blowout and the Golden Mile project. I understand their point, but I believe that is quite justifiable in this case there is only one pot of money. All of politics is about trade-offs. If the Government is running a surplus you might support a spending project while you wouldnt if they have huge deficits.

So I thought the question was fine, and the PSG didnt. Its fine to ask about an imaginary outcome for merging TVNZ and Radio NZ together, but not to mention Council spending blowouts with relation to another major Council project.

. Here is a poll questions asked by another company:

After previously signing up to international commitments to protect vulnerable marine ecosystems, home to deep sea coral and sponges, the New Zealand government has this year lobbied for bottom trawling to continue in these sensitive areas. Some warn that bottom trawling is known to destroy deep sea coral ecosystems, with New Zealand being the only country still using this method in the South Pacific.

You could argue that is leading as it doesnt provide any context in support of bottom trawling. But no complaints about that.

The fourth complaint was from an individual who has complained literally scores of times on almost every single poll I have published in the last year. I have probably had over 200 e-mails from him. He is the obvious vexatious litigant, but I still had to go through the formal process of having one of his complaints assessed.

The final complaint was about this question earlier this year:

The UK health service (the NHS) has stopped the use of puberty blockers, which begin the gender transition process, for children under 16 as it deemed they are too young to consent. Do you support or oppose a similar ban in New Zealand on the use of puberty blockers for young people 16 or younger?

I have not seen the decision of the PSG yet but I am told they decided the question was biased. This staggers me as the decision by the NHS was not a different concept but directly relevant to the question. I carefully considered the decision on the Golden Mile complaint and concluded this was not at all similar.

The complainant said we could have chosen a country that hadnt banned them. Now the UK decision on the back of the Cass review was major world news. It probably will lead to other countries changing their policies. To suggest it is not relevant just seems crazy to me.

One reason I was so surprised by the latest decision is that RANZ declined to uphold a complaint against a poll which said:

There is a proposal to sell off the Auckland Port operating business which is currently 100% owned by Auckland Council and Aucklanders, via a lease. How strongly do you support or oppose the sale of the port operations?

Now this question is simply factually wrong. There is no sale. It is a lease. A sale transfers ownership. A lease does not. The question is obviously written to get more people to be opposed. Yet RANZ said it was absolutely fine. This is why I think there is a double standard. It might not be deliberate, but it is there.

Now I dont think the company that did that poll should be sanctioned for it either. It isnt totally egregious, and as I say I dont think RANZ should be second guessing question design. But after having read that they said that was okay, I was pretty surprised to have them apparently rule the totally factually correct question on puberty blockers was unacceptable.

I could provide many more examples of what I see as inconsistent decisions, but my aim isnt to get into tit for that. I wasnt party to their discussions and I am sure that from their backgrounds they genuinely think there was a difference. Different people have different worldviews.

I have detailed these cases so I cant be accused of hiding what the complaints have been, but also to stress than when a complaint has been upheld I take it very very seriously.

RANZ

I have no ill will towards RANZ. I have many friends in RANZ and theres not a single person there I dislike (even if the same may not be true in reverse). The Officers have been very supportive iof me, and the PSG Complaints Officer has always been professional, despite the obvious divergence in views.

I wish them well, but I do have some genuine advice for their complaints procedure going forward, because it has been weaponised and there are many other companies that could be targeted. They may not have owners with the same stress levels as me, but Id rather they dont have to go through it.

Make it easier to dispose of vexatious complaints Consider a limit for the maximum number of complaints you will accept from one person Change the process so that the PSG can meet with the member and discuss the issues, rather than merely deciding based on one written response. It was extremely frustrating to not be able to discuss the issues, the intentions, the interactions in detail with back and forth. I really think it is very dangerous to have RANZ/PSG become the arbiter of what is a good question, unless the question is so horribly biased. This is a subjective area and it has a chilling effect. You have to write hundreds of questions every few months, with the worry that because three or four people dont like it, you can then suffer severe consequences. The consequences of bad questions should primarily be public scrutiny, and less impact on decision makers. If you are going to remain the arbiter of what is an acceptable question, then consider far more detailed guidance. You could do case studies at the AGM. You could even have an advisory service where a panel of fellows could provide feedback. The threshold for suspension or expulsion should be clearly defined and reserved for conduct that is along the lines of other professions, ie accountants who steal, lawyers who shoplift, doctors who kill, engineers whose buildings collapse. Disputes over question wording should not be at that level.

I will remain a supporter (not a member) of RANZ and the work they do for the industry. I will also strive to uphold best practice of their codes and the global industry codes.

Future Accountability

One benefit of RANZ membership was the code of practice and complaints procedure, that helped as quality assurance. So what will Curia do, without being a member of RANZ?

I plan to have a three stage process. They are:

Discussion. If you have a question or concern about a poll, then talk to me. Im happy to meet in person. I often take questions about methodology at the many conferences I speak to. I am speaking on radio next week about the challenge of polling Pacific communities. I am always looking for how to improve also. Complain to Curia. If you are unhappy with any discussion, then there will be the ability to send in a complaint about a Curia poll through our website. This models what the Press Council and BSA do, where you have to complain to the member first. If your complaint is not vexatious, I will respond on our website. I will allow you to respond and vice-versa up to a maximum three rounds. I may agree that some things could have been done better, or I may defend why I did it the way I did. People will be able to see the exchange on the same site as the results. I could even link the exchange to the results. This may also build up a useful FAQ over time, on issues such as why dont you publish a response rate. Finally I am looking at a peer review ability. If you are really unhappy with Curias response, then I will ask an expert in polling (which is a specialised subset of market research) to do a peer review where they can critique the poll, and I will publish all peer reviews favourable and unfavourable. Now this will have a cost as the peer reviewer will be paid. As I will be saving around $1,000 a year in RANZ membership I will use that to pay for half the cost of any peer reviews, and the complainant the other half. This also means the peer reviewer is not paid solely by me, making them more independent. It will also mean that people will only go to this level if they really feel strongly I have it wrong.

This isnt the same as the RANZ procedure, but I do think it will demonstrate my commitment to best practice and transparency. In one way it will be more transparent as all complaints will be published, not just those upheld.

I do a bit of work in other countries, and may also look at whether I can join an overseas industry group, and be subject to their code of practice and complaints procedure. Also if RANZ changes their complaints procedure, then I would even look at rejoining, if they thought it was desirable (which they probably wont as I imagine I cost them a huge amount of time and money dealing with all this).

I hope this post fully explains my decision.

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Shares of Canadian Western Bank (TSE:CWB  Get Free Report) have earned an average rating of Moderate Buy from the thirteen analysts that are presently covering the company, Marketbeat.com reports. Four equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and nine have assigned a buy rating to the company. The average 1-year target price among brokerages that have updated their coverage on the stock in the last year is C$40.29.

CWB has been the subject of a number of recent analyst reports. Scotiabank boosted their price objective on shares of Canadian Western Bank from C$30.00 to C$52.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a report on Tuesday, June 18th. Royal Bank of Canada downgraded Canadian Western Bank from an outperform rating to a sector perform rating and reduced their price objective for the stock from C$32.00 to C$28.00 in a report on Monday, June 3rd. CIBC cut shares of Canadian Western Bank from a neutral rating to a tender rating and upped their target price for the company from C$30.00 to C$55.80 in a research note on Tuesday, June 18th. Desjardins lifted their price target on shares of Canadian Western Bank from C$52.00 to C$53.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Tuesday. Finally, BMO Capital Markets downgraded shares of Canadian Western Bank from an outperform rating to a market perform rating and increased their price objective for the company from C$35.00 to C$52.00 in a research report on Wednesday, June 12th.

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Canadian Western Bank Stock Performance

Shares of CWB traded down C$0.07 during mid-day trading on Friday, reaching C$46.92. The company had a trading volume of 186,673 shares, compared to its average volume of 373,884. The company has a market capitalization of C$4.53 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 14.22, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.95 and a beta of 1.54. The firm has a 50-day moving average price of C$42.05 and a 200 day moving average price of C$32.81. Canadian Western Bank has a 52 week low of C$24.66 and a 52 week high of C$48.37.

Canadian Western Bank (TSE:CWB  Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Friday, May 31st. The company reported C$0.81 EPS for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of C$0.86 by C($0.05). Canadian Western Bank had a return on equity of 8.58% and a net margin of 31.97%. The company had revenue of C$285.92 million during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of C$290.33 million. As a group, research analysts forecast that Canadian Western Bank will post 3.5933775 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Canadian Western Bank Increases Dividend

The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, June 20th. Shareholders of record on Thursday, June 6th were issued a dividend of $0.35 per share. This is a positive change from Canadian Western Banks previous quarterly dividend of $0.34. This represents a $1.40 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 2.98%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Thursday, June 6th. Canadian Western Banks dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 40.61%.

Insider Transactions at Canadian Western Bank

In other Canadian Western Bank news, Senior Officer Jenny Siman sold 1,000 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Monday, July 22nd. The shares were sold at an average price of C$46.05, for a total transaction of C$46,050.00. In other Canadian Western Bank news, Senior Officer Trent Albert Erickson purchased 4,312 shares of Canadian Western Bank stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, June 14th. The shares were bought at an average price of C$41.44 per share, for a total transaction of C$178,680.66. Also, Senior Officer Jenny Siman sold 1,000 shares of the stock in a transaction on Monday, July 22nd. The shares were sold at an average price of C$46.05, for a total transaction of C$46,050.00. Insiders own 0.32% of the companys stock.

About Canadian Western Bank

(Get Free Report

Canadian Western Bank provides personal and business banking products and services in Western Canada. The company offers current, savings, US dollar, chequing, flex notice, organization, business trust, and trust fund investment accounts. It also offers commercial lending and real estate, equipment financing and leasing, aviation financing, and dealership financing products; agriculture lending products and AgriInvest savings account; variable and fixed rate mortgages; line of credit; registered retirement savings plan, consolidation, and vehicle loans; and credit cards.

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Manning & Napier Advisors LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Norfolk Southern Co. (NYSE:NSC  Free Report) during the 2nd quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the SEC. The institutional investor acquired 63,471 shares of the railroad operators stock, valued at approximately $13,627,000.

Several other institutional investors also recently bought and sold shares of the company. Vanguard Group Inc. grew its position in Norfolk Southern by 5.9% during the 1st quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 19,623,690 shares of the railroad operators stock valued at $5,001,490,000 after purchasing an additional 1,088,072 shares during the last quarter. Price T Rowe Associates Inc. MD boosted its holdings in shares of Norfolk Southern by 2.1% during the 1st quarter. Price T Rowe Associates Inc. MD now owns 5,986,180 shares of the railroad operators stock valued at $1,525,699,000 after acquiring an additional 124,362 shares during the last quarter. EdgePoint Investment Group Inc. boosted its holdings in shares of Norfolk Southern by 10.2% during the 1st quarter. EdgePoint Investment Group Inc. now owns 3,752,050 shares of the railroad operators stock valued at $956,285,000 after acquiring an additional 347,852 shares during the last quarter. Boston Partners boosted its holdings in shares of Norfolk Southern by 157.1% during the 1st quarter. Boston Partners now owns 2,890,665 shares of the railroad operators stock valued at $735,749,000 after acquiring an additional 1,766,135 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Norges Bank purchased a new stake in shares of Norfolk Southern during the 4th quarter valued at about $556,797,000. 75.10% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

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Insider Buying and Selling at Norfolk Southern

In other Norfolk Southern news, EVP Nabanita C. Nag sold 355 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, July 29th. The shares were sold at an average price of $249.38, for a total transaction of $88,529.90. Following the completion of the sale, the executive vice president now directly owns 1,488 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $371,077.44. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available at this link. In related news, EVP Nabanita C. Nag sold 355 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Monday, July 29th. The shares were sold at an average price of $249.38, for a total value of $88,529.90. Following the completion of the transaction, the executive vice president now directly owns 1,488 shares of the companys stock, valued at $371,077.44. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available at the SEC website. Also, Director Sameh Fahmy bought 700 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, August 1st. The stock was acquired at an average cost of $245.15 per share, with a total value of $171,605.00. Following the completion of the acquisition, the director now owns 7,700 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $1,887,655. The disclosure for this purchase can be found here. Insiders purchased a total of 10,350 shares of company stock valued at $2,353,715 in the last three months. 0.19% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders.

Norfolk Southern Price Performance

NSC traded down $2.41 during trading on Friday, reaching $239.62. 693,744 shares of the company traded hands, compared to its average volume of 1,303,235. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.30, a quick ratio of 0.54 and a current ratio of 0.63. Norfolk Southern Co. has a 12-month low of $183.09 and a 12-month high of $263.66. The firm has a fifty day simple moving average of $226.11 and a 200 day simple moving average of $238.43. The company has a market cap of $54.13 billion, a P/E ratio of 38.56, a PEG ratio of 2.41 and a beta of 1.32.

Norfolk Southern (NYSE:NSC  Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, July 25th. The railroad operator reported $3.06 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $2.86 by $0.20. Norfolk Southern had a net margin of 14.85% and a return on equity of 19.64%. The business had revenue of $3.04 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $3.04 billion. During the same period last year, the firm posted $2.95 EPS. The companys revenue was up 2.1% on a year-over-year basis. On average, equities analysts forecast that Norfolk Southern Co. will post 11.78 EPS for the current year.

Norfolk Southern Announces Dividend

The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, August 20th. Shareholders of record on Friday, August 2nd will be issued a dividend of $1.35 per share. This represents a $5.40 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 2.25%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, August 2nd. Norfolk Southerns dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 86.96%.

Analyst Ratings Changes

A number of analysts have recently issued reports on NSC shares. Benchmark raised their price target on shares of Norfolk Southern from $266.00 to $270.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Monday, July 29th. Royal Bank of Canada dropped their price target on shares of Norfolk Southern from $270.00 to $267.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a report on Friday, July 26th. Loop Capital raised their price target on shares of Norfolk Southern from $261.00 to $270.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Thursday, April 18th. Sanford C. Bernstein dropped their price target on shares of Norfolk Southern from $288.00 to $285.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a report on Monday, July 8th. Finally, Wells Fargo & Company increased their price objective on shares of Norfolk Southern from $260.00 to $270.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research note on Friday, July 26th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, five have given a hold rating and twelve have assigned a buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $264.24.

View Our Latest Stock Report on Norfolk Southern

About Norfolk Southern

(Free Report)

Norfolk Southern Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, engages in the rail transportation of raw materials, intermediate products, and finished goods in the United States. The company transports agriculture, forest, and consumer products comprising soybeans, wheat, corn, fertilizers, livestock and poultry feed, food products, food oils, flour, sweeteners, ethanol, lumber and wood products, pulp board and paper products, wood fibers, wood pulp, beverages, and canned goods; chemicals consist of sulfur and related chemicals, petroleum products comprising crude oil, chlorine and bleaching compounds, plastics, rubber, industrial chemicals, chemical wastes, sand, and natural gas liquids; metals and construction materials, such as steel, aluminum products, machinery, scrap metals, cement, aggregates, minerals, clay, transportation equipment, and military-related products; and automotive, including finished motor vehicles and automotive parts, as well as coal.

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Novel melds hum-drum of life in Korea with macabre disaster that envelops all that touch its surface

By Daniel J. Springer

In a very realistic twist on the adage be careful what you wish for, Cho Yeeun has created a very dark and twisty novella about an inexplicable and almost baffling massacre at a place called New Seoul Park. If you think of famous theme parks in Korea, youre probably thinking of the same one as everyone else, and the similarities between the real and fictional parks cannot be denied.

This would be pretty obvious to any reader before even opening up "The New Seoul Park Jelly Massacre," translated into English by Jung Yewon and published by Honford Star.

The setup to this macabre fantasy is that a mysterious man is going around New Seoul Park handing out jelly candies. The sinister vendor promises something that almost anyone would go for. That is, the jellies will create an unbreakable bond with your loved ones, and youll be together forever.

What happens next as people eat and enjoy these off-brand pink jellies is a horrific disaster that would beggar belief for any investigator or news reader in any society.

Everyone at the park melts and dies. This is by no means a spoiler to the story, for that is not where it lies  so fear not, fair reader.

Cho here weaves the story through the first-person perspective of several victims and onlookers to the massacre, both human and otherwise.

There is a 9-year-old girl whose parents are sure to be heading for divorce court soon, a young worker who is desperately trying to save money and move to Seoul by spending days sweating in the stifling heat as the parks mascot, a famous CEO with a very dark secret interest, a single mother desperate to make a days magic for her daughter on a shoestring budget and even a cat whose old house used to be on the grounds of the park.

The truly strong aspect of "The New Seoul Park Jelly Massacre" is that within its mere 200 pages of dark tragedy, there is appeal to be found and representation for almost any generation living in Korea. The depiction of grinding reality and cutthroat competition in this country is expertly described within these first-person narratives that tell of a historic, devastating and very surreal night in the history of Korea.

With its short chapters and copious breaks, it is an exceedingly easy read for any level or age, including those with very short attention spans.

Despite the grotesque nature of the book's titular event, what does stand out in the final analysis is a book that sings beautiful sonatas of the everyday: Living at a gosiwon studying for exams, friendly and romantic relationships and their various trajectories, the struggles of having kids and the struggles of being a kid.

These and many other everyday narratives are the stories that make Chos literary painting shine with bright color, which admittedly is borderline paradoxical, but nonetheless an actuality.

What punches the ho-hum and hum-drum periods of the story with a vengeance, of course, is how each character finally ends up tying into the massacre itself. Chos description of the violence and chaos surrounding the main event itself is remarkably descriptive and flowing, which is both praise for the author herself and the English translator.

Take this excerpt from the book, which is featured on the back cover:

She stared blankly at the limbs that fell from the sky and squashed like pudding against the ground. She ran, looking straight ahead, amid the festival-like sounds of people screaming and bodies exploding like firecrackers.

In each individual chapter of the book, one person is highlighted, and what makes this book shine is you get almost lulled to sleep by the repetitive everyday nature of whats happening and then...SPLAT! Either the massacre is happening, or somebody is making a very scary discovery or a brutal murder is going down off the main set.

Another aspect of this book that reads very well is the social commentaries, which both Koreans and foreigners who live or have lived here can identify with. The rigid nature of jobs, the pressure of money, testing culture and tragic occurrences all have a place at the table here, and Chos commentaries are there, but not easy to read and on the sleeve.

Its an outstanding combination that makes this a generally satisfying and easy read.

This is not surprising, as Cho has won both literary acclaim and awards for works like "Cocktails, Love, Zombies" along with earlier works, and she has become a prolific writer in recent years.

However, this book does fall somewhat flat in a couple of different aspects. While the cat is a great addition to the book, there is a character that teams up with it at the end of the story that feels somewhat cartoonish and hollow.

Another aspect to the book that felt like a mixed bag was the aftermath of the actual massacre, which in ways felt extremely on point in its estimation of what would actually happen after such a completely ghoulish catastrophe. However, it also felt disjointed in other aspects that seemed bordering on plot hole territory.

Cho leaves it up to the reader to fill in the blanks on the aftermath of the tragedy, along with the ultimate destination of some of the survivors and other characters. This would be understandable if there is, in fact, a follow-up to this novel.

But if thats it, it may ring a bit hollow to a lot of readers.

Overall, this is a very satisfying read from Honford Star, an outstanding local publisher which was founded in 2016 that continues to put out neglected and deserving stories from Korea, China and Japan, both modern and classic. "The New Seoul Park Jelly Massacre" is a solid addition to their acclaimed portfolio, with more to come in the near future. Visit dbbooks.com for more information and to order a copy of the book.

Daniel J. Springer is the former host of The op with Danno on GFN. He is a voice actor, teacher and DJ. Follow @thedropwithdanno on Instagram.
The leader of the ruling People Power Party (PPP) has expressed opposition to granting a highly anticipated special pardon to a former South Gyeongsang Province governor convicted in an online rigging case, his aide said Saturday.

Han Dong-hoon voiced concerns after Kim Kyung-soo, a close associate of former President Moon Jae-in, was included in a list of candidates for President Yoon Suk Yeol's special pardon to be granted next week on the occasion of the Aug. 15 Liberation Day, according to a senior PPP official.

"Han said reinstating the right of someone who has not regretted committing a crime against democracy may not gain widespread public support," the official told Yonhap News Agency by phone.

Kim was released from prison under a special pardon in late 2022 while serving a two-year prison term for online opinion rigging ahead of the presidential election in 2017.

But the pardon at that time fell short of reinstating his rights, barring him from running for public office until December 2027.

If his rights are reinstated as part of next week's pardon, he will be able to run in the next presidential election set for March 2027.

Kim is considered a potential rallying point in the main opposition Democratic Party (DP), particularly among factions not aligned with former DP leader Lee Jae-myung, who is widely expected to be reelected as the party leader later in the day.

The presidential office has remained cautious over the politically sensitive issue.

"Pardons and reinstatement of rights are within the president's inherent powers," a senior presidential official told Yonhap News Agency by phone, while adding that no final decision has yet been made. (Yonhap)
President Yoon Suk Yeol will have a dinner meeting with former President Lee Myung-bak next week, an informed source said Saturday.

Yoon has invited Lee, who served as president from 2008 to 2013, and his wife for dinner, according to a source familiar with the issue, without providing details on the schedule and the location.

First lady Kim Keon Hee and Chung Jin-suk, Yoon's chief of staff who had served as a senior secretary to Lee for political affairs, plan to attend the dinner, the source said.

It will be their first dinner meeting since Yoon took office in May 2022. Yoon and Lee briefly met at the funeral of Yoon's father in August 2023.

In December 2022, Yoon granted a special pardon to Lee, who had been serving a 17-year prison term for bribery and embezzlement, canceling his remaining prison term of about 15 years and about 8.2 billion won ($6.48 million) of unpaid fines. (Yonhap)
Shares of Korean players drop 1.8%p in 1st half

By Lee Min-hyung

Chinese battery manufacturers have rapidly expanded their global presence despite ongoing safety concerns both at home and abroad, according to data and industry officials, Friday.

According to data from market tracker SNE Research, global battery consumption for plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, electric vehicles (EV) and hybrid cars  excluding those in China  totaled 165.3 gigawatt-hours (GWh) in the first half of 2024, up 13.1 percent from the previous year.

The increase was driven by the robust growth of multiple Chinese battery firms.

The figure for CATL, the worlds largest battery firm, came in at 44.9 GWh, up 12.1 percent during the same period. The company held a 27.2 percent share of the global battery market from January to June.

CATL's influence is growing as top-selling EVs from global automakers source their batteries from the Chinese company. They include Teslas Model 3 and the Model Y. Mercedes-Benz also sources batteries from CATL for the carmakers EQ series. Volkswagen is also forging a supply partnership with CATL.

BYD, another rapidly growing battery player in China, also expanded its presence by attaining growth of 144.8 percent. BYD battery consumption reached 6 GWh.

Of particular interest is Farasis Energy, which also achieved triple-digit growth in global battery consumption. The firms battery consumption reached 3.1 GWh. Its global market share also edged up 0.8 percentage point to 1.8 percent in the first half of this year.

However, Farasis Energy is making headlines here for all the wrong reasons, after a Mercedes-Benz EQE sedan, equipped with a nickel cobalt manganese (NCM) battery from the Chinese battery maker, caught fire earlier this month. An investigation into the accident is still ongoing, but a potential battery fault is emerging as a likely cause. The incident also resulted in over a hundred vehicles parked near the EQE being completely destroyed by the fire.

Against this backdrop, LG Energy Solution lost some of its market share to Chinese competitors. According to data from market tracker SNE Research, the Korean battery manufacturer's market share declined by 1.5 percentage points to 26.5 percent. Despite this, LG Energy Solution remains the world's second-largest battery firm, following CATL.

SK On, the third-largest battery player, also ended up losing some of its market share to Chinese rivals. Its market share fell 0.7 percentage point to 10.5 percent here and abroad during the same period.

However, Samsung SDI succeeded in expanding its global footing with a market share of 9.9 percent, up 0.5 percentage point, making it the worlds fourth-largest battery maker.

Industry watchers noted that it seems unlikely for any Korean battery manufacturers to surpass the influence of Chinese firms in the foreseeable future.

Chinese firms are advancing rapidly in the global battery market with their price competitiveness, an official at a carmaker said.

Their focus on the cheaper lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries generates tangible outcomes, as the global EV industry grows. With an increasing number of carmakers focusing on launching more price-competitive EVs, reducing battery costs has become essential.
U.S. troops in northeastern Syria were attacked by a drone, a U.S. official told Reuters, Friday, although there were no injuries according to initial reports.

This is the second attack in recent days against U.S. forces in the Middle East as the region braces for a possible new wave of attacks by Iran and its allies.

Ismail Haniyeh, the political leader of Iran-backed Hamas, was assassinated in the Iranian capital Tehran on July 31, an attack that drew threats of revenge by Iran against Israel, which is fighting the Palestinian Islamist group in Gaza. Iran blamed Israel for the killing. Israel has not claimed responsibility.

The assassination, and the killing of the senior military commander of the Iran-backed Lebanese group Hezbollah, Fuad Shukr, by Israel in a strike on Beirut, have fueled concern the conflict in Gaza was turning into a wider Middle East war.

Iran has said the U.S. bears responsibility in the assassination of Haniyeh because of its support for Israel.

"Initial reports do not indicate any injuries, however medical evaluations are ongoing. We are currently conducting a damage assessment," the U.S. official said on the condition of anonymity about the attack in Syria.

The attack took place at Rumalyn Landing Zone, which hosts U.S. troops along with those from the U.S.-led coalition.

Five U.S. personnel were injured when two Katyusha rockets were fired at Ain al-Asad airbase in western Iraq on Monday, an attack the Pentagon blamed on Iran-backed proxies.

The United States has 900 troops in Syria and 2,500 in neighboring Iraq, who it says are on a mission to advise and assist local forces trying to prevent a resurgence of the Islamic State, which in 2014 seized large swaths of both countries but was later pushed back. (Reuters)
Figures from the Skillnet Ireland Annual Report 2023, reveal the national agency for workforce development delivered over 30,500 training days in County Kildare last year.

50% of those who undertook training were men and 50% were women, while those aged 30 to 39 years were the largest group of people availing of upskilling supports.

The vast majority (93%) of the Kildare companies that upskilled their workforce with Skillnet Ireland in 2023 were small and medium enterprises. The greatest uptake came from the Food & Drink sector followed by Services, Health, Construction, Retail, Agriculture and Tourism & Travel. Companies based in Kildare undertook upskilling programmes with more than 50 of the 70 Skillnet Business Networks based on the sector in which their company operates, or with one of the Networks in their region, which include Green Tech Skillnet, L&D Skillnet and Rural Food Skillnet.

In 2023, Skillnet Ireland provided upskilling and training programmes to the value of 83.4 million to over 26,600 businesses and more than 97,700 workers nationally, across the Irish economy. Companies contributed 31.4 million or 37% of the total investment towards upskilling their staff, a 4.9 million increase on 2022, signalling a high level of buy-in from industry sectors to develop their teams in partnership with Skillnet Ireland.

Commenting on the uptake of Skillnet Ireland supports from businesses in 2023, Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, Patrick ODonovan TD, said: The Irish economy continues to benefit greatly from Skillnet Irelands delivery of industry-led upskilling initiatives for businesses of all sizes. More than 97,000 people working in companies across Ireland took part in upskilling with Skillnet Ireland in 2023, across areas of increasing importance such as sustainability, digitalisation, innovation, and leadership. These results demonstrate the significant work that is ongoing to nurture and support our nations greatest asset, our talent.

Skillnet Ireland Chief Executive, Paul Healy, said: As we celebrate the 25th anniversary of the establishment of Skillnet Ireland, there is increasing recognition among employers of the importance of upskilling in a competitive and rapidly evolving business landscape. By investing in staff, through the cost sharing approach with Skillnet Ireland, businesses in this region, and throughout the country, are more agile and adapt to technological advancements more seamlessly. Upskilling is proven to increase employee retention and creates a pipeline of future talent. I would like to commend the almost 27,000 companies that chose to work with Skillnet Ireland in 2023 and for putting the development of their teams centre stage. We look forward to continuing to support businesses, and the Irish workforce into the future.

As the national talent development agency, Skillnet Ireland is making substantial progress in futureproofing businesses in Kildare, as well as enhancing the specialist skills of the Irish workforce through talent development.

Established 25 years ago this year, Skillnet Ireland provides programmes to businesses of all sizes in key areas such as digital skills, skills for a green transition and enterprise leadership. Every business, large or small, is facing challenges, from the need for digital advancement, to talent shortages and skills gaps. The upskilling and lifelong learning supports offered by Skillnet Irelands 70 Business Networks and National Initiatives - Skillnet Climate Ready Academy, Skillnet Innovation Exchange and MentorsWork  are all designed to bridge skill gaps, empower individuals, and drive innovation.
A display of celestial fireworks is expected to light up the night skies this weekend as the Earth passes through a cloud of cometary dust, producing up to 100 meteors every hour.

If skies are clear, the Perseid meteor shower should be visible across Ireland throughout the weekend, peaking on Monday August 12.

According to Astronomy Ireland, the Perseids have been observed for around 2000 years, and are the result of Earth passing through a cloud of dust left behind Comet Swift-Tuttle.

As Earth moves through this cloud, the particles fall into our atmosphere and burn up, creating spectacular streaks of light in the sky, known as meteors or shooting stars.

This shower is named after the constellation Perseus, from which the meteors appear to come from in the sky.

The showers fall so close, and so frequently during peak times that you don't need a telescope to observe them.

Astronomy Ireland are encouraging the public to get out and count as many meteors as possible over the weekend and during the peak on Monday.

"Count how many meteors you see every 15 minutes (if possible, start on the hour or quarter past the hour), and note it down. Then email us your report with your name, location, and the night you observed," the group said on their website, also sharing a template of how to report findings with them.
Kelly ORourke, an emerging fashion designer from Carrigallen, is celebrated for her remarkable passion for creativity and beauty. Inspired by her grandmothers work in a clothing factory during her childhood, the Leitrim designer has made her craft into an admirable talent.

My grandmother worked in the local clothing factory in Newtowngore and one time I got to see the factory and it brought me so much excitement. It sparked something in me and I was so curious about clothes and where they came from, Kelly explained.

Her creative interests continued to flourish in school, with a passion for all things artistic. After finishing school, Kelly faced a pivotal decision; whether to pursue an academic career or follow her creative passions.

She pursued a teaching degree at UCD but couldn't find love for it. Kelly then spent a year creating an art portfolio, which ultimately transformed her career path.

I did a portfolio year in Ballyfermot and the rest then is history, Kelly said.

I applied to Limerick and did a fashion design course. During that, I went to Barcelona and did an internship. The interest kept coming and I wanted to work in that environment, I knew I was in the right place.

Kelly really found her feet when she did another internship in Istanbul. During this, she was given more responsibility and got the opportunity to design for the Paris showrooms.

I got a lot of experience and grew a lot of confidence. Id see dresses I had designed and helped create being in Paris showrooms and on catwalks, and I thought, I can't believe that Im able to do this!

Kelly started a dress making school during Covid, but her end goal was always to have her own brand which she successfully launched under her name in 2023.

Still residing in the countryside, Kelly draws inspiration for her designs from Leitrims scenery.

My work is inspired a lot by nature. It inspires the colours and the patterns and even the textiles. As a fashion designer youre very much influenced by what you see, she explained.

Kelly recently had the opportunity to design five dresses for her friends to wear at the Galway Races as part of a promotional campaign for her brand.

Megan O'Rourke, Annmarie Buckley, Kelly O'Rourke, Sinead O'Neill and Shannen O'Rourke

The dresses were based on their personality and their own personal style. They gave me a lot of free range.

For aspiring designers, Kellys main advice is to make sure you really love what youre doing.

A lot of time you're working for free, it's a labour of love like most artistic careers and you need to have that determination and passion to keep going if its something you really want to do.

For me, I wouldn't know what to do with myself if I didnt have it in my life. Its my calling. I really like making beautiful things and making people feel beautiful.

I love creating and I can't let go of that side of myself, I'm just waiting for the day I get back what I put in.

Kelly is currently working on her Autumn/Winter collection. She has a photoshoot planned for the end of the year, and the collection will then be released in 2025. She creates a diverse range of womens clothing, including trousers, dresses, tops, and jackets, using materials such as linen, cotton, silk, and satin.

With her brand now established and gaining recognition, Kelly O'Rourke's future in fashion looks incredibly bright, and her story is an inspiring example of following one's passion to achieve success.

Kellys collections are available to discover at kellyorourke.co
Consumer participation in insurance rate review, billions in consumer savings, at risk from Commissioner Lara's actions, Says Consumer Watchdog





LOS ANGELES, Aug. 9, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Consumer Watchdog issued the following statement about Commissioner Lara's action today threatening consumers' voice in insurance rate review.

"For the past two months Consumer Watchdog has shared with state lawmakers our concerns that the budget trailer bill proposed by Governor Newsom and Insurance Commissioner Lara would cut the public out of insurance rate review and cost consumers billions of dollars. The Commissioner's abrupt action today to abandon the bill in favor of unilateral executive action makes clear those concerns were gaining traction," said Carmen Balber, executive director of Consumer Watchdog. "However, we remain concerned that the new procedures announced by the Commissioner will short-circuit public participation and rates will be rubber-stamped."

Today's bulletin mirrors provisions of the withdrawn budget trailer bill that would:

Curtail consumers' voice in rate increases below 7% by preventing the public from meaningfully participating before a rate increase is approved

Require the insurance commissioner to make rate decisions based on incomplete information

Encourage insurers to apply for three 7% rate hikes a year to avoid public hearings

"Consumer Watchdog will analyze this action to determine if it is an illegal underground regulation or otherwise violates Proposition 103 by shutting consumers out of the process," said Balber.

The public intervenor process results in significant savings for consumers. A review of home insurance rates approved in 2022 and 2023 shows that when the commissioner reviewed rates on his own, insurance companies got on average 97% of the rate increase they sought. When Consumer Watchdog participated, home insurance companies received on average 62% of the increase they requested.

Consumer Watchdog endorsed timely rate review and said it need not come at the expense of public participation. A review of rate approvals in 2022 and 2023 shows that intervenors do not slow the process down. The average approval time for home insurance rates was the same in 2022-23 whether Consumer Watchdog participated, or the commissioner acted on his own.

Consumer Watchdog rate challenges over two decades, 2002-2024, have resulted in $6 billion in savings for consumers. More than half of these challenges involved rate increase requests below 7% which are targeted by the bulletin.

Read the letter six consumer groups sent to the governor and legislative leaders opposing the trailer bill and a chart showing problems with the trailer bill and amendments proposed by Consumer Watchdog.

Read the study, "How Citizen Enforcement of Proposition 103 has Saved Californians $5.5 Billion ? and Why the Insurance Industry Hates It," for more information about how the public intervenor process gives consumers a voice in rate review and saves consumers money.

SOURCE Consumer Watchdog

9 august 2024 at 18:17

News published onand distributed by:
THE BOOK of evidence has been served on a man accused of raping a woman in county Limerick.

He will now be sent forward to the Central Criminal Court in Dublin.

The man, aged in his 60s, appeared before Judge Patricia Harney at a local court on one count of rape.

Detective Garda Shane Hogan, of Roxboro garda station, formally served the book of evidence on the accused.

READ MORE: Man sent forward to circuit court over alleged growhouse in county Limerick

The man, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was granted bail on his own bond of 100 on the condition that he be of good behaviour and that he have no contact, by any means, with the alleged injured party.

The alleged rape is said to have occurred on a date in late 2022, at a location in east Limerick.

The defendant is represented by Daniel Krieth, solicitor, and by barrister Liam Carroll.

Judge Harney granted legal aid to Mr Krieth, as well as providing legal aid for one junior counsel and one senior counsel, owing to the nature of the charge.

The judge also served the accused with an alibi warning.

The case will now go forward to the next sitting of the Central Criminal Court.

Judge Patricia Harney advised the members of the media in attendance in the court that full reporting restrictions continue to apply to this case and that the accused and the alleged injured party cannot be identified in any way.
LIMERICK has lost two circuit court judges in a matter of weeks with long-serving Judge Tom O'Donnell retiring in June and Judge Dermot Sheehan being permanently appointed to the Cork Circuit.

Tributes were paid to Judge Sheehan last week at the conclusion of the Trinity term. He sat in Limerick Courthouse in Mulgrave Street for the best part of a year and a half.

Prosecuting barrister John OSullivan began proceedings after Judge Sheehan took his seat on Wednesday morning. Speaking on behalf of the South Western Circuit, he wished the departing judge a long life and continued good health on the bench.

Mr OSullivan said Judge Sheehan very much carried on the fine tradition of Cork judges who we were lucky enough to have preside in the circuit.

Thank you for your consideration and courtesy to all the citizens who have appeared before you, gave evidence as victims of crime and appeared before you as accused persons. I wish you success, long life and good health on the bench in Cork and wherever else, said Mr OSullivan.

State solicitor Padraig Mawe addressed the judge in Irish before saying on behalf of himself, former and current State solicitors Aidan Judge and Brendan Gill, Director of Public Prosecutions and her staff, and all the State authorities he represents, I would like to thank you for your efficiency and professionalism in the administration of justice here in Limerick.

You navigated some difficult cases with skill and patience to appropriate outcomes. You have always been very kind, courteous and patient with practitioners, service users and all stakeholders.

Hopefully, what you have gleaned and possibly learned here in Limerick can be utilised in Cork and I wish you all the very best, said Mr Maw.

Michael ODonnell, on behalf of Limerick solicitors, echoed Mr OSullivans and Mr Mawes kind words and noted how very nice and fair the judge was in administering justice.

Sergeant Tony Miniter, on behalf of An Garda Siochana and Chief Superintendent Derek Smart, thanked Judge Sheehan for everything he has done during his tenure in Limerick. The very best of luck on your new journey in the real capital, said Sgt Miniter.

READ MORE: 'Anybody who goes to a garda station with drugs - I dont know who the joke is on' - Limerick judge

Judge Sheehan thanked one and all for their kind words.

It's been a privilege to work here in Limerick with you. We judges are obviously independent office holders but it has become fashionable now to have a mentor.

I adopted a mentor - I dont know if he realised that - but it was the recently retired Judge ODonnell. I regarded him as my mentor. I wouldn't say I plagued him with questions but questions I brought to him were answered with great learning and great care. He helped me. I'll miss having Judge ODonnell next door to help me along the way, said Judge Sheehan.

He said he might appear again in this very courtroom if called upon to do so.

I thoroughly enjoyed being a judge of this circuit, said Judge Sheehan, who thanked practitioners for their support and kind words.
Limerick GAA has confirmed that to extend the draw for their WinAHomeInAdare fundraiser by two weeks to August 18.

The exciting fundraiser, offers the chance to win a beautiful home in Adare. The apartment is situated in the heart of the picturesque village. Limerick GAA say the builders are putting the final touches to the prize, and are about two weeks from completing the apartment.

Consequently, the Limerick Co Board has decided to extend the draw by a fortnight to Sunday, August 18. The draw will take place at 9pm at the Fitzgeralds Woodlands House Hotel & Spa and will be live-streamed on Facebook.

There will be a number of special guests along with refreshments. Limerick GAA say they aim to invite the winner to view their new home on August 20.

Adare is one of the most sought-after locations to live in Ireland, boasting fantastic pubs and restaurants, great hotels, and parks. It offers access to major retail hubs, three universities, and world-renowned sporting venues.

We are really excited about this fundraiser and have received wonderful support to date from people both at home and abroad. Weve sold tickets in all four provinces as well as across Europe, Asia, America, and Australia, said Sean Scanlan, Chairperson, Club Limerick.

The bright and spacious two-bedroom apartment features a large living/kitchen area and stunning views from both sides of the property. For just 100, you could win keys to your very own home, so make sure you are in that draw, added Sean.

Everyone who buys a ticket will also be entered into all bonus draws. The latest draw is for two Hogan Stand premium tickets to Coldplay in Croke Park on the opening night, Thursday, August 29.

Tickets are on sale now at winahomeinadare.com
Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media Catherine Martin and Failte Ireland have announced that Saint Marys Cathedral is among the five venues awarded a total of 1 million through the Platforms for Growth Gala Dinner Venues Investment Scheme.

The investment has been allocated to five projects to facilitate the development of gala dinner venues of scale in four of Irelands business events hubs in Dublin, Kerry, the Shannon Region and Galway.

This investment will go towards the development and enhancement of the venues, to enable them to compete to win international business events for Ireland. It is estimated that 67 million worth of incremental business events could be delivered for the country over a 5-year period on the back of this investment.

Saint Marys Cathedral is one of the oldest buildings in Limerick and stands in the heart of the city. Its location, history, atmosphere and acoustics offer a unique Gala Dinner Venue, enhancing any visit to Limerick for business events delegates and resulting in a positive economic impact for the city and region.

Dean of Saint Marys Cathedral, The Very Revd, Niall Sloane, commented on the announcement, saying: We are delighted to receive this welcome news and look forward to developing our offering in Limerick to the city, mid-west and the international market. This grant will help enhance our facilities in the Cathedral, our hosting of Gala Dinners is not only a benefit to Saint Mary's, but also to the local economy. We are grateful to Failte Ireland for this opportunity and in thanking them, I also pay tribute to our own team who have worked to bring this project to fruition.

Minister Catherine Martin added: The business events industry is a key component of Irelands tourism offering and driver of economic benefit for Ireland, with an estimated contribution of almost 800 million to our economy and supporting 20,000 jobs.

READ MORE: Green Limerick: Pakman Awards to showcase the very best environment advocates

Todays investment announcement will ensure world-class venues are developed that will attract international business events to our key business events hubs. This is critical to strengthening Irelands reputation internationally as a leading business events destination and will have far reaching impact on Irelands tourism sector and the wider Irish economy.

Gala dinners are a key component of international conferences, incentive trips, and large corporate meetings and Irelands current gala dinner venue offering is not sufficient to deal with demand. The Gala Dinner Venues Investment Scheme was established to accommodate demand in the market, and to ensure the sustainable growth of business events revenue, which is central to Failte Irelands The announcement is the culmination of a competitive application process which began in 2022. The projects receiving investment were strategically selected under strict eligibility criteria, including an ability to deliver not only on capacity but also on accessibility, in terms of their proximity to one of Irelands business events hubs.

The venues were also required to deliver on the wow factor, which means they had to offer an exceptional venue, in a spectacular location, which would instantly appeal to an international audience. The selected venues will be required to adhere to and promote sustainability best practice in the operation of the venue and should support the business events industry to deliver events complying with best practice environmental sustainability measures.

The Gala Dinner Venues Investment Scheme is a part of Failte Irelands 150 million Platforms for Growth Programme, which falls under the Government's Project Ireland 2040 strategy. The Platforms for Growth Programme targets projects that have the greatest potential to grow tourism throughout the year.
The funeral of acclaimed Irish writer Edna O'Brien will take place in Co Clare today.

The author passed away peacefully following a long illness in her London home on July 27, at the age of 93.

Ms O'Brien - a novelist, short story writer, memoirist, poet and playwright  is best known for her portrayal of womens lives against repressive expectations in Irish society.

Her first novel, The Country Girls, was published in 1960 and became part of a trilogy that was banned in Ireland for their references to sex and social issues.

Prior to her death, Ms O'Brien had expressed her desire to return home for her funeral.

Her Funeral Mass takes place today, Saturday, August 10 at 11 am in St. Joseph's Church, Tuamgraney, Co. Clare with burial afterwards in Holy Island. Mourners such as President Michael D Higgins and heavyweights of the literary world are expected at today's funeral.

Inis Cealtra, also known as Holy Island, is one of Ireland's most famous monastic sites. Located on an island in the beautiful Lough Derg, this historic site has been a place of significant importance for hundreds of years. The island lies approximately 1km from the mainland and about 2km from Mountshannon village, and is only accessible via boat.

Ms O'Brien is predeceased by her brother John, sisters Patricia and Eileen and her husband Ernest Gebler. She is "deeply regretted by her family, sons Carlo Gebler and Marcus Gebler, daughter-in-law Tyga Gebler, Marcus's partner Marieme Dieng, her grandchildren India, Jack, Finn, Georgia, Euan and Oscar, great-grandchildren Sam, Noah and Lexi, brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law," according to her death notice on RIP.ie.

The funeral will be livestreamed here and there will also be coverage on the RTE News Channel from 11am.
Bengaluru/Mumbai/New Delhi: The upcoming festive season is likely to spark a scramble for gig workers as quick commerce firms like Zepto and Blinkit to online retailers Meesho and Amazon anticipate a spike in demand for an assortment of goods.

These companies are likely to hire up to 20% more during the August to December festive season than they did last year, expecting more buyers for everything from mobile phones and washing machines to trendy apparel, staffing firms said.

Consumer durables, fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) and BFSI (banking, financial services, and insurance) sectors are also expected to boost hiring, although at a slower pace, as muted pay hikes during the recent appraisals may keep customers from making big-ticket purchases like a car or high-end electronic appliances that are typically financed through bank loans.

"We have 38,000 mandates from clients as of now, and expect it to reach 42,000 by the Independence Day weekend. The quick commerce and e-commerce hiring this year is estimated to be 15-20% more than last year in both temporary and gig worker space," Lohit Bhatia, president of workforce management at staffing company Quess Corp, said.

Rival Adecco sees this rise in demand for manpower as "reasonable ".

"We are estimating a 20-30% increase in festive hiring based on our discussions with our clients in e-commerce, logistics, consumer products, and this is also snowballing into BFSI, particularly credit card and bank assurance sales," said Sunil Chemmankotil, country manager for Adecco India.

Peak recruitment season

The festive season, which kicks off on Raksha Bandhan or 15 August (India's Independence Day), whichever is earlier, is the peak recruitment season stretching into December. The period sees pitched battles between physical stores and online platforms, as the latter vie for a larger share of sales with discounts.

The advent of quick commerce has ensured another set of player joins the battle for fleet-on-the-street workers - delivery and logistics executives. The BFSI sector also joins this seasonal war for workers to meet a higher demand for credit cards. Car purchases on bank loans, and consumer electronics goods such as TVs, and laptops through credit cards are popular.

E-commerce firm Meesho said it aims to create 250,000 seasonal job opportunities through its partnerships with third-party logistics players such as Ecom Express, Delhivery, Shadowfax and Xpressbees as well as Valmo. "Over 60% of these opportunities will be from tier-3 and tier-4 regions," said Sourabh Pandey, general manager for fulfilment and experience at Meesho.

Fulfilment and experience in e-commerce refers to picking, packing, and shipping goods to make sure the orders are delivered to customers efficiently and safely, without delay. This is important for customers to make repeat purchases on online platforms.

Temporary or gig

Hiring during the festive season is split between temporary and gig workers. The former are recruited by staffing firms, earning 1,600-2,200 a day, besides getting statutory benefits like provident fund. They are on the payrolls of the staffing firms. By contrast, gig workers are hired, often for just those few days when the demand is high, directly by a client for 500-900 a day without any additional benefits.

While e-commerce companies recruit gig workers in large numbers, BFSI, consumer durable firms and retail chains that deal with customer data in large volumes depend on staffing firms for temp workers.

"Early indicators say that hiring will go up, but it is sector-specific. For instance, in the BFSI segment , where credit cards, loans etc shoot up during this period, recruitment is expected to be muted. We estimate a 10% rise in the July-September quarter from the previous muted six months - January-July," said Kartik Narayan, chief executive officer for staffing at recruitment firm TeamLease Services.

Also read | How dark stores are lighting up the online beauty business

Quick commerce, whose desirability and viability were both questioned at one point, has grown in popularity, with many startups operating in the space. They service orders for household essentials within minutes. Zepto, a unicorn, Zomato-owned Blinkit and Swiggy Instamart are key entities in the segment. These platforms are also expected see a spike in non-essential items like sweets, apparel, appliances, gift items, and accessories in the coming months, and need more hands to deliver orders swiftly.

Logistics firm Emiza, which offers warehousing and delivery services for consumer brands and e-commerce platforms, had 1,500 workers and increased it by about 200 last festive season. It now has 2,000 gig workers and will hire another 250-300 this festive season. "While this may not be entirely sufficient, the idea is to manage and optimize demand by rotating workers through shifts of 12 hours instead of 8 hours and starting night shifts for faster fulfilment," said Ajay Rao, founder and chief executive officer (CEO) of Emiza.

Physical stores also optimistic

Logistics company Shadowfax has 200,000 delivery partners, and plans to increase it by 25-30% this festive season, anticipating a doubling of demand during peak hours over the next few months.

"We offer a range of incentive programmes designed to reward our riders based on their delivery performance and effort. During peak days, riders can enjoy a payout increase of 20-25%," co-founder Praharsh Chandra said.

Meanwhile, retailers with physical stores are also optimistic that consumer spending will rebound and footfalls increase this festive season, prompting them to offer their employees incentives to keep them motivated.

Electronics retailer Vijay Sales will offer incentives to employees, largely in line with the previous years, as it expects consumers to continue spending on air-conditioners, refrigerators and washing machines. The summer saw shoppers buy more air-coolers and air-conditioners, without denting demand for other consumer electronics.

So, we will see consumers continue to buy household appliances and electronics," said Nilesh Gupta, managing director, Vijay Sales. During the festive season, the Mumbai-based company typically offers its sales staff 10,000-15,000 and 20,000-25,000 as incentives beyond the monthly salary, depending on categories.

Packed October

To be sure, the festive season will commence in real earnest in the first week of October with Navratri, followed by Diwali that falls on 1 November. Thus, retailers are looking at an October packed with auspicious days, and expect demand to soar.

Hiring in the retail sector is associated with how retailers expand in a given year, and not so much linked to the festive season because demand for appliances is now spread throughout the year, Gupta added. This fiscal year, Vijay Sales will add 12-15 stores in total, with plans to close the year with 150 outlets, said Gupta.

Also read | Advertising brings a new revenue stream to quick commerce companies

Meanwhile, some of the big e-commerce players are taking time to reveal their hiring plans.

"Usually by this time, brands and marketplaces like Amazon and Flipkart start engaging with logistics players for planning inventory and manpower requirements. But this year, the conversations have been fairly subdued," Rao of Emiza said.

A spokesperson for Amazon India said the company creates seasonal job opportunities every year during the festive season across its fulfilment centres, sort centres, and delivery network across the country. "We will share more information over the next few weeks," the spokesperson said.

Flipkart and Myntra did not respond to emailed queries.
Hindenburg-Adani case: US short seller firm Hindenburg research has in their latest report alleged that SEBI Chairperson has bought stakes in obscure offshore entities used in Adani money siphoning scandal. The allegations come a year after Hindenburg research published a report accusing the Adani Group of financial irregularities, which caused a dramatic decline in the company's stock prices.

Adani group and chairman Gautam Adani have on multiple occasions vehemently denied all the allegations leveled by Hindenburg Research in January 2023 report.

The Hindenburg report alleges, The current SEBI Chairperson and her husband, Dhaval Buch, had hidden stakes in the exact same obscure offshore Bermuda and Mauritius funds, found in the same complex nested structure, used by Vinod Adani.

We have reached out to SEBI for a response on the latest report by Hindenburg Research. The story will be updated once we receive response

Who is Dhaval Buch accused in Hindenburg report? Dhaval Buch's LinkedIn profile mentions he is a Senior Advisor at Blackstone and Alvarez & Marsal. Buch has been working with Blackstone since July 2019. Blackstone has been one of the largest investors and sponsors of REITS, a Nascent Asset class in India, Hindenburg report says.

 Dhaval Buch has worked with Bristlecone and Hindustan Unilever before working with Blackstone

Dhaval Buch's LinkedIn profile confirms he also serves as a non-executive director on the Board of Gildan.

An IIT-Delhi alum, Dhaval Buch has a Bachelors in Mechanical Engineering

 The Hindenburg report mentions, Dhaval Buch, the husband of SEBI Chairperson Madhabi Buch, describes himself as having deep experience in procurement and all aspects of the supply chain, per his Linkedin. He spent most of his time at consumer company Unilever, rising to become Chief Procurement Officer, according to his Linkedin.

What Hindenburg alleges against Dhaval Buch? Following are the allegations made by Hindenburg Research in their latest investigative report. Mint could not independently verify the allegations.

 He (Dhaval Buch) was with Unilever when the alleged investment in Vinod Adani firms occurred, according to the whistleblower documents cited by Hindenburg.

 During Madhabi Buchs tenure as a whole time member at SEBI, her husband was appointed as a senior advisor to Blackstone in 2019, reads Hindenburg's new investigative report

 He had not worked for a fund, in real estate or capital markets before, per his LinkedIn profile, alleges Hindenburg

 Despite the lack of experience in these areas, he joined Blackstone, a global private equity firm and large investor in India, as a Senior Advisor in July 2019, per his Linkedin.
FERGUSON, Mo. (AP)  A Ferguson, Missouri, police officer was critically injured outside the city's police station during protests on the 10th anniversary of the fatal shooting of Michael Brown, a pivotal moment in the national Black Lives Matter movement, police said Saturday.

Ferguson police chief Troy Doyle said Officer Travis Brown suffered a severe brain injury Friday after being knocked to the ground.

He is in an area hospital right now fighting for his life, Doyle said.

Two other officers also were hurt, one sustaining an ankle injury and another an abrasion.

The team of officers went out to make arrests Friday for destruction of property at the police station, where protesters gathered to remember Michael Brown, the unarmed Black 18-year-old who was killed by Darren Wilson, a white police officer in 2014.

THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. APs earlier story follows below.

Police in the St. Louis suburb of Ferguson arrested two people and said more arrests were likely following protests on the 10th anniversary of the fatal shooting of Michael Brown, a pivotal moment in the national Black Lives Matter movement.

Issues arose as protestors gathered outside the suburb's police station on Friday to remember Brown, the unarmed Black 18-year-old who was killed by Darren Wilson, a white police officer.

The protest started as a reunion, with traffic diverted as around 40 people congregated outside the police headquarters, drinking beer and eating food, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reported.

We wanted to give peaceful protesters the space to do so, police spokeswoman Pat Washington said Saturday morning.

Around midnight, however, at least five protesters tried to knock down part of the fence surrounding the police station, leading to the arrests.

Washington said the department is still trying to make arrests and review footage to decide the charges.

There will be others, she said Saturday.

Police didn't immediately return a phone message from The Associated Press seeking comment. The department's Facebook page said the police chief would issue a full statement later in the day.

Meanwhile, the St. Louis Fire Department placed a member of the department on leave after he made an social media post that the department described as insensitive.

We take this matter seriously and do not condone such behavior, the department wrote.

The department didn't disclose the contents of the post, but KMOV reported that it read: Happy ALIVE day to Darren Wilson!

Brown's death turned Ferguson into the focal point of the national reckoning with the historically tense relationship between U.S. law enforcement and Black people.
MEXICO CITY (AP)  Mexican drug cartel leader Ismael El Mayo Zambada said that he was ambushed and kidnapped when he thought he was going to meet the governor of the northern state of Sinaloa, and then taken against his will to the United States, according to a letter released Saturday by his lawyer.

In the two-page letter, Zambada said that fellow drug lord Joaquin Guzman Lopez asked him to attend a meeting on July 25 with local politicians, including Sinaloa Gov. Ruben Rocha Moya, from the ruling Morena party.

But before any meeting took place, he was led into a room where he was knocked down, a hood was placed over his head, he was handcuffed, and then taken in a pickup truck to a landing strip where he was forced into a private plane that finally took him and Guzman Lopez, one of the sons of imprisoned drug kingpin Joaquin El Chapo Guzman, to U.S. soil, according to the letter.

Zambada's comments were released a day after the U.S. ambassador to Mexico confirmed that the drug lord was brought to the United States against his will when he arrived in Texas in July on a plane along with Guzman Lopez.

After Zambada's comments, which raised question about links between drug traffickers and some politicians in Sinaloa, President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador asked reporters to wait to get more information and to hear the governor's version.

The governor's office didn't immediately reply to a request for comment on Saturday. When the arrests of Zambada and Guzman Lopez were announced, Rocha told local media that he was in Los Angeles that day.

In early August, Zambada, 76, made his second appearance in U.S. federal court in Texas after being taken into U.S. custody the week before.

Guzman Lopez apparently had been in negotiations with U.S. authorities for a long time about possibly turning himself in. Guzman Lopez, 38, has pleaded not guilty to drug trafficking and other charges in federal court in Chicago.

But U.S. officials said they had almost no warning when Guzman Lopezs plane landed at an airport near El Paso. Both men were arrested and remain jailed. They are charged in the U.S. with various drug crimes.

Ken Salazar, the U.S. ambassador to Mexico, said that the plane had taken off from Sinaloa  the Pacific coast state where the cartel is headquartered  and had filed no flight plan. He stressed the pilot wasnt American, nor was the plane.

The implication is that Guzman Lopez intended to turn himself in, and brought Zambada with him to procure more favorable treatment, but his motives remain unclear.

Zambada was thought to be more involved in day-to-day operations of the cartel than his better-known and flashier boss, El Chapo, who was sentenced to life in prison in the U.S. in 2019.

Zambada is charged in a number of U.S. cases, including in New York and California. Prosecutors brought a new indictment against him in New York in February, describing him as the principal leader of the criminal enterprise responsible for importing enormous quantities of narcotics into the United States.

___
New Delhi: Five state-owned banks with public shareholding well below the minimum level mandated by the markets regulator risk missing an extended deadline to meet that requirement, potentially slowing the central governments efforts to dilute its stakes in them.

The Securities and Exchange Board of India recently pushed its deadline for these lendersUCO Bank, Central Bank of India, Punjab and Sind Bank, Bank of Maharashtra, and Indian Overseas Bankto increase their public shareholding by two years, till 31 July 2026.

Now it appears that these five banks will need at least three more years to increase their public shareholding above the mandated 75%, two persons said.

Four of the five banks have over 90% government shareholding and would require at least three years to bring it below 75%. Considering the valuation of the banks, increasing public shareholding can only be done step by step, and not all at once," said one of them, a senior government official.

Qualified institutional placements (QIPs) are also under consideration to reduce the governments stake in these banks. Depending on the market conditions, the first round of QIPs could be carried out in the second half of FY25."

The quantum of share sales in the QIPs will be determined closer to the offers, though it will likely remain between 5% and 10% of a banks paid-up equity capital this year, the second person mentioned above said. Further share sales will be staggered over FY26 and early part of FY27."

Both of them spoke on condition of anonymity.

Current public shareholding in the five public sector banks ranges from 1.75% to 13.54%.

Why QIPs?

Mint reported on 25 June that these five banks would hit the stock market with QIPs in 2024-25 to comply with Sebis mandate.

A QIP is a capital-raising tool for a listed company to issue equity shares, fully and partly convertible debentures, or any security (other than warrants) that is convertible to equity shares.

Apart from a preferential allotment of stock, a QIP is the only other speedy method of private placement of equity for a listed company to issue shares or convertible securities to a select group of investors.

But unlike in an initial public offer (IPO) or a follow-on public offer (FPO), only institutions or qualified institutional buyers (QIBs) can participate in a QIP issuance.

State-run lenders such as Union Bank of India, Indian Bank, Bank of India, Federal Bank, and J&K Bank raised capital through QIPs in 2023, effectively diluting the governments stake in them.

This process will be more structured this year with bigger capital-raising exercises by banks, said the official mentioned above.

Spokespersons of the ministry of finance and the five banks did not reply to emailed queries.

Does the market have enough appetite?

The central government wants banks to raise capital from the stock markets based on the strength of their vastly improved financial position, reducing their reliance on it.

With the government not providing capital to state-run banks through the Union budget in recent years, the lenders have to rely on the markets to shore up their capital adequacy ratio, improve provisioning, increase lending, and write off bad debts.

But this will have to be done gradually since the market will not be ready to absorb such large stocks at once, said experts.

Practically speaking, big organisations like big public sector banks cant bring down 10-15% equity overnight. You also have to understand the markets appetite before going for such a share sale process," said Madan Sabnavis, chief economist at Bank of Baroda.

The government will take a call about the absorption capacity of the market. Also, it cant be a blanket rule across all banks, since each bank has a different share price, and the quantum of share sale will vary across banks," he added.

The total value of the government shares that needs to be sold for the five banks to reach 75% public shareholding is 60,000 crore to 65,000 crore at current market prices.

The total net profit of listed public and private sector banks jumped 39% year-on-year to cross 3 trillion for the first time in 2023-24. While the 26 private lenders posted a net profit of 1.78 trillion, the 12 public sector banks reported a net profit of 1.41 trillion in FY24.

Apart from a phased dilution of its equity in public sector banks, the government is expected to take a similar route to raise public shareholding in state-owned Life Insurance Corporation.

Sebi has granted LIC a three-year extension to achieve a 10% public shareholding by May 16, 2027. As of March 31, public shareholding in LIC was 3.5%.
ISTANBUL (Reuters) -Turkey said on Saturday it had restored access to social media platform Instagram after the company agreed to cooperate with authorities to address the government's concerns.

Turkey blocked access to the social media platform on Aug 2 for failing to comply with the country's "laws and rules" and public sensitivities.

A top Turkish official accused Instagram of blocking condolence posts over the assassination of Ismail Haniyeh, leader of the Palestinian militant group Hamas.

Turkey has denounced Israel's attacks on Gaza, called for an immediate ceasefire and criticised what it calls unconditional support for Israel by the West.

The nine-day ban triggered protests from users and small businesses who reach their customers through the platform.

Turkey ranks fifth in the world in terms of Instagram usage, with more than 57 million users, following India, the United States, Brazil and Indonesia, according to data platform Statista.

"As a result of our negotiations with Instagram officials, we will lift the access block...after they promised to work together to meet our demands regarding catalog crimes and on censorship imposed on users," Transport and Infrastructure Minister Abdulkadir Uraloglu said in a post on X.

Catalog crimes in Turkish law include acts such as murder, sexual assault, drug trafficking, abuse and torture.

"Significant gains have been achieved in increasing security in the digital environment in Turkey, legal compliance, protection of user rights and the development of a fair inspection mechanism," Uraloglu said.

Instagram parent Meta had agreed to comply with Turkish law and ensure efficient removal of posts and content if they carry elements of certain crimes or "terrorism propaganda", Uraloglu said.

Instagram was not immediately available for comment when contacted by Reuters.

"Live metrics show Instagram is being restored across Turkey's main internet providers after national restriction spanning nine days. This is the country's longest ban of a major social media platform in recent years," Internet monitor NetBlocks said.
Istanbul (AP)  Turkey reinstated access to Instagram on Saturday night, after more than a week of being blocked nationwide.

The Information and Communication Technologies Authority barred access to Instagram on Aug. 2 without providing a specific reason. Government officials later said the ban was imposed because the social media platform failed to abide by Turkish laws.

In our talks with Instagram officials, we were assured our requests would be met, especially those regarding criminal activity, and given a promise that we would work together on a means of censoring users, Abdulkadir Uraloglu, Turkey's transportation and infrastructure minister wrote on the social media platform X Saturday.

Uraloglu elaborated in a video also posted on X, saying that the platform was to establish compliance with Turkish law and that in instances where the law was violated, there would be quick and effective intervention.

He added that all accounts owned by terrorist organizations would be banned and all content promoting such organizations would be removed, singling out the PKK, PYD and FETO.

The PKK, or Kurdistan Workers Party, is an outlawed group that has waged a decades-long insurgency within Turkey to establish an autonomous region in southeastern Turkey. The PYD is a Syrian Kurdish political organization that Turkish officials claim is an arm of the PKK. FETO is the movement led by Fethullah Gulen, a former ally of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, that the government blames for a failed coup attempt in 2016.

Instagram has more than 57 million users in Turkey, a nation of 85 million people, according to We Are Social Media, a digital marketing news company based in New York.
Aditya Agarwal joined Facebook as a new engineer during the initial days of the company. Within a week of joining Facebook , Mark Zuckerbergs advice and motivation changed Aditya Agarwals life.

According to him, Zuckerbergs advice defined 30 seconds of his life. Agarwal met Meta founder through an acquaintance in 2005. He joined Facebook as an early engineer and during his initial days he was given a project.

The project was on building Facebooks search engine. Zuckerberg asked him to finish this task all alone without a team. Agarwal shared this incident during the episode Mark Zuckerberg on Llama, AI, & Minus One. The search engine project was essential for the social media platform as it would help users to find and connect with people.

Zuckerberg insisted that he finish the project despite Agarwals suggestions of replacing him with any developer from Google or Yahoo. On this the Meta founder said, Dude if I can build Facebook you can build a damn search engine.

Agarwal developed the search engine crediting his success to Meta founders words of motivation. Eventually, Agarwal became Facebooks first Director of Product Engineering.

Also Read | Donald Trump claims Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg apologised

The Youtube video also explores various topics such as Llama, AI, -1 to 0, and MMA to how Facebook succeeded and Metas current phase, also features Aditya Agarwal and his wife, Ruchi Sanghvi. His wife is the former CMU colleague of Agarwal.

This was the best event we've ever hosted at SPC, and that's a very high bar. It was a privilege to host our old boss and good friend, Aditya Agarwal wrote on his social media handle.

And I'll admit, hearing that one of the greatest founders of our time shares the @southpkcommons -1 to 0 philosophy made me a bit emotional, he said.
Chinas reform and opening" policy began more than four decades ago in the countryside. It involved dismantling Mao Zedongs disastrous peoples communes" and giving farmers their own plots of land to tend. Food production soared, as did farmers incomes. Now some Chinese leaders want to disentangle rural property from a web of Mao-era restraints on ownership and let villagers enjoy another boom. The impact could be as far-reaching as those changes in the 1980s. But this time officials are proceeding more gingerly.

As more than 360 of the Communist Partys most senior members prepared to hold a much-trumpeted gathering in July, some Chinese experts called for a big overhaul of the rural-property-rights system. The moment seemed apt. The secretive meeting, known as the third plenum" because of its position in the partys five-yearly cycle of policy pow-wows, was expected to focus on economic reforms, including in the countryside. State media stressed its importance by recalling that it was at a third plenum in 1978 that reform and opening officially started (although it wasnt until the early 1980s that reforms to agriculture took hold).

As it turned out, last months plenum gave little sign that any sweeping change was in the offing, either in the rural domain or any other. It re-emphasised the well-known policy preferences of Chinas leader, Xi Jinping, who wants a technology-led economic recovery and tighter party control over everything. The meetings pronouncements offered no promise of what some Chinese commentators see as the most badly needed ownership right for farmers: the freedom to sell their homes to whomever they wish. Since the 1980s, about 300m rural residents have moved to cities to work. As a result, about one-fifth of Chinas rural homes are unoccupied or abandoned. Their value, and that of the land they occupy, is being wasted.

Those calling for change include Meng Xiaosu, a former official who was one of the governments main advisers on property matters in the late 1990s when it decided to privatise urban housing and allow it to be freely traded. Those reforms unleashed a property boom that powered Chinas economy until 2021, when the market slumped. GDP growth is now faltering. In February Mr Meng told a forum that if rural housing could be sold in the same way as urban homes, I believe it could drive Chinas economic growth to over 8% for more than 20 years." Such a rate has not been achieved since Mr Xi assumed power in 2012, apart from a surge in 2021 as China recovered from the initial shock of the pandemic. Last years growth was 5.2%.

Another outspoken advocate of reform is Wang Huiyao, who heads the Centre for China and Globalisation, a think-tank in Beijing. Freeing the rural-property market, says Mr Wang, would be low-hanging fruit" that, if plucked, would trigger the next revolution" in Chinas economy, comparable to the rural reforms of the 1980s, urban-housing reform in the 1990s and Chinas emergence as a trading giant following its accession to the World Trade Organisation in 2001.

It would not be straightforward, however. Urban land is owned by the state but is leased to homeowners, typically for 70 years, with an assurance of automatic renewal. That is enough of a guarantee for most city-dwellershence house prices in the biggest cities that (despite recent falls) are among the worlds least affordable. In the countryside, land is owned by the collective" (the village). Rural households have a right to use a piece of land to build their homes, but may not sell their property to people elsewhere. In practice some do, especially near cities where demand is high for cheaper homes or rural retreats. But buyers beware: when disputes arise courts usually rule that non-villagers have no right to the houses they have paid for.

Change has been slow. The government fears that lifting restrictions would encourage more farmers to sell and thus deprive them of a safety-net if they lose their urban jobs. It worries that cities may fill with large numbers of destitute people, potentially triggering unrest. Another concern is that a surge of new supply could deal a further massive blow to Chinas crashing property market. There is an ideological restraint, too: the notion of collective ownership in the countryside is dear to the party. Admitting it is flawed would challenge a core ideological belief.

Since 2015, reforms have been carried out in more than 130 counties and a handful of prefectures, a tiny fraction of the total. Rarely have these involved relaxing the ban on selling to non-villagers, and even then only to others in the same area. More often the changes have focused on encouraging farmers who have moved to cities to give up their rural homesteads in return for compensation. In some cases farmers relinquish their land so that it can be used for commercial projects from which they get dividends. In other cases counties offer cash in return for housingusually very little. In Fengyang county in Anhui province villagers can get an extra 50,000 yuan ($7,000) if they buy a new flat locally.

In the neighbouring county of Quanjiao, officials have been inspecting properties to check who owns what and then issuing hongben, or red booklets, as proof of ownership. These look just like urban-property certificates. In one village, however, residents are unable to produce themthey say they are being stored by the village authorities (a clue, probably, to who really controls the rights). In a nearby village where the majority of houses are empty, residents say that big changes have happened in the management of their agricultural land. The central government is encouraging experiments with the pooling of fields to make farms bigger and more efficient. Now all of the villages rice paddies are being tended by two people. But hongben have yet to be handed out. Villagers suspect that local officials have a tourism project in mind and do not want NIMBY-ish hongben-waving residents to block it.

State media have suggested that the recent third plenum may ultimately result in further reforms. But if the plenum in 1978 is any guide, they could be slow to unfold. On July 24th, six days after the meeting ended, the agriculture ministrys party chief, Han Jun, told reporters that reforms would be carried out cautiously". Just to be clear he added: The right to use homesteads is a right enjoyed by members of rural collective economic organisations, meaning that non-members of these organisations have no right to obtain or indirectly obtain these rights." In other words, do not bet the farm on a breakthrough.

 2024, The Economist Newspaper Ltd. All rights reserved. From The Economist, published under licence. The original content can be found on www.economist.com
Foreign portfolio investors (FPIs) snapped their two-month buying streak in Indian equities and turned net sellers in August. FPIs were consistent buyers for June and July as stability had returned to Indian markets. However, FPIs had halted their buying streak with the onset of the new fiscal 2024-25 (FY25).

FPIs sold 13,431 crore worth of Indian equities, and the net investment stood at 7,044 crore as of August 9, taking into account debt, hybrid, debt-VRR, and equities, according to the National Securities Depository Ltd (NSDL) data. The total investment in debt markets stood at 6,261 crore so far in August.

"Globally stock markets witnessed a sharp correction for the week ended 9th August. The correction was triggered by the unwinding of the yen carry trade and recession fears in the US,'' said Dr. V K Vijayakumar, Chief Investment Strategist, Geojit Financial Services.

FIIs resorted to big selling in the cash market. The selling in the cash market amounted to 19,544 crore in the first four days on the week. But on Friday when the market stabilised FIIs tuned buyers, though for a limited amount of 406 crore,'' he added.

What's fuelling the sell-off from FPIs in Indian markets? According to market experts at Geojit, FIIs were sustained sellers in financial services for the fortnight ending 31st July, This partly explains the weakness in financial services segment in the market now. FIIs, during this period, were buyers in IT, autos, capital goods and metals.

Analysts believe that the domestic funds are bullish on the Indian markets due to several factors. This resilience is attributed to the robust economic growth of India, effective monetary policy by the central bank, and record inflows from retail investors.

Domestic funds have greater confidence in the long-term growth story of India, driven by sectors like manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, and renewable energy. The growing financial literacy and an increasing investment culture among Indians have boosted fund inflows, further fuelling market optimism,'' said Alok Agarwal, Head - Quant & Fund Manager, Alchemy Capital Management.

Despite global negative news, the Indian stock market has demonstrated remarkable resilience. This resilience is attributed to the robust economic growth of India, effective monetary policy by the central bank, and record inflows from retail investors. Unlike previous trends, retail investors are now using market dips as opportunities to increase their equity allocations.

In typical scenarios, fund managers refrain from making significant cash calls on the market to avoid substantial underperformance. However, the strong inflows from retail investors are pressuring fund managers to invest in the equity market, leaving them with limited alternatives,'' said Sunil Damania, Chief Investment Officer, MojoPMS.

FPIs typically pursue valuations. Currently, Indias valuations are at a premium compared to historical premiums of other emerging markets. It's worth noting that FPIs generally do not heavily invest in the Indian market for two consecutive years, as per historical patterns. Last year, the Indian market saw record inflows from FPIs, leading to expectations of muted inflows this year. The average monthly inflows from FPIs in 2024 were 15,000 crore, which has come down to 4,000 crore year-to-date in 2024,''added Damania.

When will inflows resume? Market analysts believe the investor fraternity looks at India as a preferred jurisdiction compared to other markets. They also highlight that FPIs in India will continue to grow under a stable government regime, a conducive environment backed by inflation control, fiscal prudence, and a far-sighted vision for India to become a global hub for capital markets.

According to Geojit's Dr. V K Vijayakumar, going forward, if the market continues to rise, FIIs are likely to press more sales since Indian stock valuations continue to remain elevated, particularly in relation to valuations in other markets.

Predicting FII flows remains challenging due to their sensitivity to global economic and geopolitical developments. However, there are reasons to be optimistic about a positive trend in the future. India's strong economic growth, coupled with its political stability and ongoing structural reforms, makes it an attractive destination for global investors,'' Alchemy's Alok Agarwal.

Moreover, the increasing integration of India into global supply chains and its strategic initiatives in digital transformation and infrastructure development are likely to draw sustained foreign investments. While short-term volatility in FII flows is expected, the long-term outlook remains positive,'' added Agarwal.



FPI activity in Indian markets In July, FPIs invested 32,365 crore in Indian equities, and the total investment in debt markets stood at 22,363 crore on the back of strong market resilience, which attracted greater inflows.

FPIs snapped their two-month selling streak and turned net buyers in June, infusing 26,565 crore in Indian equities and 14,955 crore in the debt market. The selling reversed after stability returned to the market as election jitters faded.

In May 2024, FPIs offloaded 25,586 crore worth of Indian equities, and the debt inflows stood at 8,761 crore. Uncertainty over the outcome of the Lok Sabha elections 2024, high US bond yields, high Indian market valuations, and the outperformance of Chinese stocks weighed on sentiments.

FPIs offloaded 8,671 crore in Indian equities in April and 10,949 crore in debt markets over high US bond yields. However, they pumped 35,098 crore in Indian equities during March 2024 - the highest inflows recorded in the first three months of 2024. FPI outflow declined in February 2024 until they were net buyers by the end of the month despite high US bond yields.

The inflow into Indian equities stood at 1,539 crore in February 2024 and the debt market investment rose to 22,419 crore during the month on top of the 19,836 crore bought in January. The inclusion of government bonds to JPMorgan and Bloomberg debt indices had triggered foreign fund inflows into debt markets.

FPIs turned massive sellers in January 2024, snapping their buying streak. Investments saw a sharp uptick in December 2023 after they reversed their three-month selling streak in November 2023. However, inflow intensified in December 2023 after the US Federal Reserve signalled the end of its tightening cycle and raised expectations of rate cuts. This led to a crash in US bond yields and triggered foreign fund inflows into emerging markets like India.

According to NSDL data, FPIs bought 1.71 lakh crore in Indian equities for the entire calendar year 2023, and the total inflow, taking into account debt, hybrid, debt-VRR, and equities, stands at 2.37 lakh crore. FPIs' net investment in the Indian debt market stood at 68,663 crore during 2023.
Nike Inc. suspended online sales in Turkey via its website and mobile appdays after Turkey increased customs taxes on online purchases from abroad.

We cannot guarantee our consumers that their orders will arrive smoothly and on time, so we are suspending online orders from Turkey for the time being, the US sneaker giant said in a statement published on its official Turkish website.

We continue to examine the impact of recent changes to Turkeys customs regulations on the shopping experience of Turkish consumers, NIke added.

While Nike didnt specify which changes had triggered its move, a new Turkish regulation this week lowered the cap to charge tax on individuals online purchases to 30 euros ($33) from 150 euros. The tax rate was also raised to 30% from 20% for goods purchased from the European Union, and to 60% from 30% on goods bought from other countries.

The company continues to sell its products in Turkey at its own stores and those of its retail affiliates.
US short-seller Hindenburg Research has published another explosive new report linking SEBI chairperson Madhabi Puri Buch to the Adani money siphoning scandal. The report comes more than a year after the firm published allegations of insider trading and other stock market violations by the Adani Group  claims that have been repeatedly denied by the Gautam Adani-led conglomerate.

The new report focuses on an offshore Mauritius fund called IPE Plus Fund that was set up by Vinod Adani through India Infoline. It also cites the Bermuda-based Global Dynamic Opportunities Fund (which then invested in IPE Plus Fund 1). The Dubai-based businessman is the older brother of Chairman Gautam Adani and remains associated with the Group.

We had previously noted Adanis total confidence in continuing to operate without the risk of serious regulatory intervention, suggesting that this may be explained through his relationship with the SEBI Chairperson. What we hadnt realized: the current SEBI Chairperson and her husband, Dhaval Buch, had hidden stakes in the exact same obscure offshore Bermuda and Mauritius funds, found in the same complex nested structure, used by Vinod Adani, the report said.

We have reached out to SEBI for a response on the latest report by Hindenburg Research. The story will be updated once we receive response. Details shared in this article are on the basis of the Hindenberg report have have not been independently confirmed by Mint.
KYIV, Ukraine  Russia on Saturday announced increased security measures in the border region of Kursk, where an incursion this week by Ukrainian forces caught Russian troops off guard and exposed its military vulnerabilities in the nearly 2-year-old war.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy appeared to refer indirectly to the operation in his nightly address on Saturday, the closest a Ukrainian official has come to acknowledging it.

Zelenskyy commended Ukrainian combat brigades across the front line, including the Sumy region, which lies adjacent to Kursk. He also said that Gen. Oleksandr Syrskyi, the commander of Ukraine's armed forces, had sent him multiple reports about the front-line situation and our actions to push the war out into the aggressor's territory.

Fighting was continuing in the Kursk region and Russia is sending reinforcements to counter Ukraines raid, with Russia deploying multiple rocket launchers, towed artillery guns, tanks transported on trailers and heavy tracked vehicles, Russias Defense Ministry said.

About 76,000 residents of the area have been evacuated, a Russian Emergencies Ministry spokesman said Saturday.

There is fighting on the outskirts of Sudzha, about 10 kilometers from the Ukraine border. The town has an important pipeline transit hub for Russian natural gas exports to Europe.

The measures announced for Kursk, and for the neighboring Belgorod and Bryansk regions that border Ukraine, allow the government to relocate residents, control phone communications and requisition vehicles.

The raid that began on Tuesday is the largest cross-border foray of the war and raises concerns about fighting spreading well beyond Ukraine.

The strategic aims of the daring Ukrainian operation are unclear and there is little reliable information. Ukrainian officials have refused to comment on the incursion, which is taking place about 500 kilometers southwest of Moscow.

Five days after it was launched, Ukrainian officials have remained quiet about the operation, but some Ukrainian soldiers appeared to break with that policy of silence by posting videos and photos on social media.

In one video posted late Friday, soldiers purported to be from the 61st Brigade hold a Ukrainian flag appear to be standing outside a local Gazprom facility in Sudzha based on sign in the background.

Everything is calm in the town, they say, adding, All the buildings are safe, strategic object of Gazprom in Sudzha is under the control of the 99th Mechanized Battalion.

A press officer for the brigade said they couldn't comment on the authenticity of the video. The Associated Press has established that there is a Gazprom facility about 2 kilometers from the center of Sudzha, in a neighboring village on the outskirts of the town about 8 kilometers from the border.

In another video, Ukrainian soldiers from the 252 Battalion claim to be standing in the village of Poroz in Russias Belgorod region, about 3 kilometers from the border. The video marks the first time any incursion into that area has been reported. The geolocated the building where the soldiers stood, but couldn't determine when the videos were shot.

Asked about Ukraines incursion, White House national security spokesman John Kirby said Friday the United States was in touch with our Ukrainian counterparts, but that he wouldn't comment until those conversations are complete.

Theres been no changes in our policy approaches, Kirby said when asked about U.S. policy on use of weapons. Theyre using it in an area where we had said before that they could use U.S. weapons for cross-border strikes. The end goal here is to help Ukraine defend itself.

Mathieu Boulegue, a defense analyst at the Chatham House think tank in London, said the Ukrainians appear to have a clear goal, even if theyre not saying what it is.

"Such a coordinated ground force movement responds to a clear military objective, Boulegue told the . Also, the raid has spooked the Russian public and delivered a slap in the face to Russian President Vladimir Putin, offering Ukraine a great PR coup, he said.

The attack is a massive symbol, a massive display of force that the war is not frozen, he said.

Jim Heintz reported from Tallinn, Estonia.
BELGRADE, Serbia  Tens of thousands gathered Saturday for a rally against lithium mining in Serbia despite officials' warnings of their alleged plot to topple populist President Aleksandar Vucic and his government.

Vucic said earlier he had been tipped by the Russian intelligence services that a mass unrest and a coup were being prepared Saturday in Serbia by unspecified Western powers that wish to oust him from power.

The big crowd chanted There Will Be No Mining and Treason, Treason.

Government officials and the state-controlled media have launched a major campaign against the rally, comparing it to the Maidan uprising in Ukraine's capital Kiev that led to the toppling of the country's then pro-Russian President Viktor Yanukovych in 2013. Organizers of the Belgrade protest have said the protest would be peaceful.

Our rally today is ecological and has no political ambitions but the government has accused us of seeking to stage a coup, said popular actor Svetlana Bojkovic.

We came here today to raise our voice against something that is beyond politics.

The rally in the downtown of the capital comes after weeks of protests in dozens of cities throughout Serbia against a government plan to allow lithium mining in a lush farming valley in the west of the country.

This plan had been scrapped in 2022 after large demonstrations were held that included blocking of the key bridges and roads. But it was revived last month and received a boost in a tentative deal on critical raw materials signed by Vucic's government with the European Union.

The Balkan nation is formally seeking EU membership while maintaining very close ties with both Russia and China. The EU memorandum on the mining of lithium and other key materials needed for green transition would bring Serbia closer to the bloc and would reduce Europe's lithium battery and electric car imports from China.

While the government insists the mine is an opportunity for economic development, critics say it would inflict irreparable pollution on the Jadar valley, along with its crucial underground water reserves and farming land.

Locals in the valley are strongly opposed to the mine that would be operated by multinational Rio Tinto mining company. Both the government and the company have pledged highest environmental standards in the mining process but opponents haven't been convinced.

Tens of thousands have turned out for environment protection rallies held throughout Serbia in the past weeks posing a major challenge to Vucic and his increasingly autcratic rule. Opponents want the government to formally outlaw any lithium and boron mining in the entire country.

The government has set up a medical team to monitor any potential health hazards and a call center that citizens can dial to voice their concerns, an apparent bid to cushion some of the opposition.

Serbian Mining and Energy Minister Dubravka Djedovic Handanovic told The Associated Press earlier this week in an interview that Serbia would not only export raw materials but would develop a value chain in the country linked to producing batteries and electric vehicles to help develop new technologies.

Residents of the Jadar valley, however, said nothing could persuade them to agree to the mine. They said they were ready to do everything to prevent the mine from opening.

Associated Press writer Dusan Stojanovic contributed to this story.
Photo: Press Service of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan

BAKU, Azerbaijan, August 10. President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has sent a congratulatory letter to President of Ecuador Daniel Noboa Azin on the occasion of the national holiday of Ecuador, Independence Day, Trend reports.

"Dear Mr. President,

On behalf of myself and the people of Azerbaijan, I sincerely congratulate you and your people on the occasion of the national holiday of the Republic of EcuadorIndependence Day.

I believe that the relations between Azerbaijan and Ecuador will further expand, and our cooperation in multilateral institutions will continue in the future.

On this remarkable day, I extend my best regards to you and wish your people everlasting peace and prosperity," the letter reads.
At the heart of Tokyo in Japan is Jimbocho, a neighbourhood that is home to close to 200 bookstores that sell rare, used, second-hand and antique books. This historical arcade, a sepia-toned wonderland of books, comes vividly alive in Japanese writer Satoshi Yagisawas 2023 debut novel Days at the Morisaki Bookshop, translated by Eric Ozawa.

An international bestseller and winner of the Chiyoda Literature Prize (named after the district that is home to Tokyos beloved Jimbocho neighbourhood of bookshops), Yagisawas book is the story of 25-year-old Takako, who, after having broken up with her boyfriend and quit her publishing job, comes to live with her maternal Uncle Saturo, the owner of the Morisaki bookshop.

This thirty-year old bookshop that has been in the family for three generations and which specialises in literature of the modern era (housing classics by Ryunosuke Akutagawa, Soseki Natsume, Ogai Mori, Junichiro Tanizaki, among others) rests comfortably in one corner of the bustling book district. Takako makes the cramped little room inside the bookshop her temporary home, where she spends her days and nights surrounded by books. Sleepless, heartbroken and despondent, and despite having no real affinity with books and reading, one day Takako gives herself another chance at lifeunable to sleep one night, she pulls out a copy of Saisei Muros Until the Death of the Girl from one of the overflowing shelves and stays up until morning reading it. Thus begins her journey of reading and discovering many books and authors.

Also read: The best of art in the month ahead

Days at the Morisaki Bookshop is just one of the recent books that falls into the category of books about books from Japan translated into English. Its recently-released sequelMore Days at the Morisaki Bookshop (also translated by Ozawa) is another, along with Nanako Hanadas The Bookshop Woman (translated by Cat Anderson, 2024) and Michiko Aoyamas What You Are Looking For Is In The Library (translated by Alison Watts, 2023)

Each of these books does an excellent job of chronicling the many pleasures of readingthe joy of browsing various bookstores, the act of staying up till dawn to finish a book, the thrill of encountering fellow readers who love the same author, the weirdly familiar musty smell of old books. The books hold within them some excellent recommendations too, although this topic sparks a debate in Hanadas book where she writes, You couldnt recommend a book to someone if you didnt know themand you couldnt recommend a book if you didnt know it well yourself." As a reader, recommending books to non-readers may get tricky. If youve enjoyed reading a book, youd want another person to read it too, but your endorsement may not sit well with another everytime. But does that mean one should stop recommending books?

Michiko Aoyamas What You Are Looking For Is In The Library deviates a bit to the library. It brings together the stories of five individuals, none of whom are readers. Their somewhat directionless outlook towards life is nonchalantly guided by an enigmatic librarian, Ms Sayuri Komachi, who intuitively recommends books from the community library, which proves to be instrumental in changing their lives for the better.

View Full Image Covers of the Japanese books about books.

The book feels like a warm hug and its heartening to see non-readers finding purpose after reading a booktheres Tomoka, a 21-year-old sales assistant who knows she wants to pick up a new skill but doesnt know which one; Hiroya, a young manga artist who is uninspired to pursue his talent; Natsumi, former magazine editor who, after her maternity leave, is hopeful about getting back to her job; Masao, a 65-year-old man dealing with the monotony of retired life; and Ryo, a middle-aged accountant who secretly harbours the passion to open an antique store someday.

Japans reading culture has spawned a separate bookish vocabularytachiyomi suru (to browse or read while standing), heiki dokusho (to read multiple books at a time), tsundoku (buying more books than actually reading them), and kikobonkyo (a person who collects rare and antique books). All of these terms resonate with the books about books by Yagisawa, Hanada and Aoyama.

Hanadas The Bookshop Woman was inspired by her own life. After separating from her husband, she stumbled upon a dating site where she met people of all kinds and started giving them personalised book recommendations. Its an unassuming, simple story about a woman trying to figure things out and doing what she does bestrecommend books.

Perhaps books arent supposed to be as complicated as people make them out to be, because this story resonated with readers so much so that royalties from the book sales (a total of 60,000 copies in Japan alone) allowed Hanada to open her own bookstoreKani Booksin Tokyo, a dream that many of us hope to live.

Arunima Mazumdar is the founder of Dokusha Book Club for fans of Japanese literature.
Mangoes can make or break a friendship. Much like tiramisu. Unlike the mango, the tiramisu isnt seasonal, but the comforting flavours of each, in their own way, spark arguments and challenges, and kick off quests for the best. Chefs have as many takes on the tiramisu as there are varieties of mango, which is why these debates are endless and impossible to judge. Both these familiar favourites are in our issue this week in different stories even as we recall the intangible value of foods that families have preserved since 1947 in a bid to hold on to a taste of a home they left behind during Partition. For these five families, cooking recipes brought across borders by their grandparents or great-grandparents, or created in the refugee camps in the harsh months after Partition, is a means to honour the stories their ancestors told of a home the current generation hasnt seen.

Also read: Partition food memories that travelled Whether its a Banganapalle mango, a delectable tiramisu from a Belgian pastry maker or a kadhi made at a dear friends home, taste is a powerful stimulator of memory and emotion. Taste, smell and texture are evocative, bringing back memories not just of the act of eating but also of a time, a place and a feeling.

But why does food do this and why do we turn to it for memories? In a piece for the Harvard University Press blog, John S. Allen, author of The Omnivorous Mind, explains that the brains hippocampus, which is central to forming long-term memories, also has direct links to the digestive system. Finding food is so important to survival that it is clear that the hippocampus is primed to form memories about and around food Feasts serve not only an abundance of food but an abundance of memories, he writes.

Also in this issue is an interview with celebrity stylist Law Roach, a champion of Indian craft and design, who retired two years ago but is very much in the public eye. He talks to Lounge about his forthcoming book and the moment he realised how much of the embroidery on international runways is handcrafted by gifted artisans in India. And to return to our theme of familiar favourites, we have our recommendations for what to watch, do, hear and read this weekend.

Write to the editor at shalini.umachandran@htlive.com
This is the story of Mexico Citys first policewoman. The announcement for the formation is an ingenious idea from the President's PR guy: If we have women police officers, then women will find it easier to ask for help.

The motley bunch that joins up for training are so different youll wonder how they will qualify. Angelee is quiet and pious to a fault. Gabina comes from a family of police officersher brothers are detectives, and her father is a highly respected station commandant.

Valentina is a wild child, ready to protest for a cause, and last but not least, Maria, the wife of an architect and mother of two children, is happy to cook and keep a beautiful home running. With a serial killer of women on the loose, Las Azules (Women in Blue) have been posted to reassure people that all is well.

What does a show about women who learn their true purpose as policewomen teach us about money?

Also Read | Avoiding the patriarch trap: Lessons in succession planning for Adani and Ambani

When youre convinced about something, then just do it! "O Gabrielle! What a cover we will have! The police chief and his daughter are both in blue!"

Gabina is too nice to understand the motives of the PR man, but she corrects him when he does not get her name right. However, a slap from her disapproving father, who says, "You are supposed to stay at home and help your mother," makes her feel awful. Plus, he tells her that she is not welcome home if she insists on wearing the uniform.

Gabina knows she can dismantle a gun faster than her brothers, and even though she is horrified at being slapped by her father, she does not want to give up her job.

Dear investor, you too will come across many naysayers when it comes to venturing into investing in newer financial instruments. If you are convinced that it is the right thing for you, then do not get bogged down by family elders who may say that putting money in post office savings is better and so on. Just because you havent invested money in the same way your father did does not mean that you are wrong.

Trust your instincts, but educate yourself The Women in Blue know that the man caught by the detectives and coerced into confessing to the murders of many women is not the right killer. Maria even tries to tell their boss, Captain Romandia, that the man caught seemed to be mentally challenged and wrongfully accused, but the women are dismissed. They realize that their job isnt really a serious one. The male cops expect them to mostly bring them coffee and do their paperwork.

Little do the men know that determined women can move mountains. The literal mountain of paperwork unearths clues. And under the pretext of going off for lunch (because thats what the men expect women would be doing), they interview the park guards mother. The policemen happily declare the case closed, saying that the park guard confessed, but the Women in Blue prove to be smarter than them all.

Be like the Women in Blue, dear smart investor. Trust your instincts and then put your hard-earned money into something you are confident about!

Stand your ground; change is never easy "The children miss your food! I gave up the Acapulco project to be with you! Can you not miss dinner with my boss? Dont make me look bad!"

Marias husband tries to persuade her that her duties lie with her family and that she should take her head out of detective novels.

Gabina decides to stay with Valentina. Angela realizes that telling the truth to the fingerprint lady will get a better result than lying. The women discover that their spines are made of sterner stuff than they had thought. As an investor, you too will discover the instruments you are comfortable investing in. No matter how people boast about easy money or promise large returns on particular investments, take your time to commit yourself to something. When convinced, stick to your chosen path.
Banks are closed today, on August 10 as it is the second saturday of the month. Banks are closed on the weekends except on the first, third and fifth Saturdays in a month. Banks are closed on the second and fourth Saturdays of the month.

As per the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), banks will remain closed for regional and national holidays but depending on the state of residence. Apart from regional and national holidays, banks will be closed on Sundays all across the country.

Also Read | The five state banks that won a 2-year extension from Sebi might need more time

Customers should keep in mind that bank holidays differ from state to state in India and they should check with the local bank branch for holiday lists before making a visit to the bank.

Bank holidays in August As per RBIs list of holidays, in the month of August ,banks will be shut for seven days on account of national and regional festivals except for the weekends.

Also Read | Bank Holidays in August 2024: See full list here

List of festivals in August August 3 - Ker Puja, a festival in Tripura weeks after Kharchi Puja. This is a tribal festival that is held to worship the deity of Vastu Devata.

August 8 -Tendong Lho Rum Faat, a festival of the Lepcha people of Sikkim. According to Lepcha belief, their ancestors went on the Tendong Mountain to escape from 40 days and 40 nights of continuous rain.

August 13 - Patriots Day,Patriots' Day is an official holiday in Manipur. It is celebrated in remembrance of the Manipuri commanders who were hanged to death in the Anglo-Manipur War.

August 15 - Independence Day,India became independent from the British Empire after the Independence Movement by national leaders. It is a national holiday and banks will be closed all over the country.

Also Read | Two banks on new games to boost bookings in next two fiscal years

August 19 - Rakshabandhan, a festival celebrated by Hindus to mark the relationship between brothers and sisters.

August 20 -Sree Narayana Guru Jayanthi,a state festival of Kerala marks the birth anniversary of Narayana Guru, a saint and a social reformer of India who fought against the caste system in the region.

August 26 - Janmashtami also known as Krishnashtami is an annual Hindu festival that celebrates the birth of Krishna, the eighth avatar of Vishnu.
Bo Loudon, a social media influencer who says he's best friends with Donald Trump's son Barron, has claimed that the Gen Z stands with the rightful president. Bo Loudon posted a series of photos with Donald Trump and said the former US president made sure everyone knew that he was best friends with Barron Trump.

Calling Internet personality and online streamer Adin Ross his friend, Bo Loudon said that the former's stream with Donald Trump was seen by millions.

Posting a picture with Adin Ross and Donald Trump, Bo Loudon said, Today, we witnessed HISTORY! My friend & legendary streamer @AdinRoss held a stream with Rightful President Trump seen by MILLIONS! I pray for Trump's success, safety, and protection every single day and you should, too! GEN-Z STANDS WITH TRUMP!

In another post, the social media influencer said, It's always an honor getting a photo with my FAVORITE PRESIDENT, but this was time was different and much more special.

[Donald] Trump asked how I was doing, double checked about 5 times if I got a photo, made sure everyone knew that I'm best friends with his son Barron, and told them all how great my mom @RealDrGina and I are. Trump truly has the biggest heart ever. Gen-Z Stands With Trump! he said.

Meanwhile, Donald Trump headed to Montana for a Friday night rally in hopes of ousting the state's Democratic senator hours after his plane was diverted to an airport on the other side of the Rocky Mountains because of a mechanical issue.

The former president was en route to Bozeman for a Friday night rally in support of Republican Senate candidate Tim Sheehy, who is challenging Democratic Senator Jon Tester.
Nearly a 100 Indian citizens have found themselves fighting for Russia amid the war in Ukraine  with 69 citizens currently awaiting release from the army. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar assured on Friday that efforts remained underway to repatriate the group. The CBI has also registered a criminal case against 19 individuals and entities while evidence has surfaced against 10 human traffickers whose identities were now known to the government.

We have in total 91 cases so far of Indian nationals who were recruited into the Russian Army. Eight of them, unfortunately, have passed away. 14 of them have been discharged, or in some manner have come back with our assistance and there are 69 Indian citizens who are awaiting release from Russian Army, Jaishankar told the Lok Sabha on Friday.

The details were shared in response to a question posed by Congress MP Adoor Prakash. AIMIM member Asaduddin Owaisi had also sought details about action being taken against individuals who are misleading youth to join the Russian army. The Hyderabad MP asked whether India will stop buying discounted oil from Russia if it does not act on releasing the remaining Indians.

Also Read | Russia says troops are battling to push Ukrainian forces back after cross-border incursion in Kursk

While the matter has been conveyed repeatedly to Russian authorities it remains a somewhat ambiguous situation. It was also discussed during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent meeting with Vladimir Putin during a trip to Russia. According to Jaishankar however, the problem is that the Russian authorities maintain that these Indian nationals entered into contracts for services with the Russian army.

"We are not necessarily subscribing to that... I think in many cases there are reasons to indicate that our nationals were misled, that they were told that they were going for some other job and then they were deployed with the Russian army," he told the Parliament.

We take this issue very very seriously. I have myself raised it numerous times with the Russian foreign minister...When the prime minister was in Moscow last month, he raised it personally with President Putin and got the assurance that any Indian national in the service of the Russian army will be discharged and released, Jaishankar added.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee vowed to seek the death penalty after a trainee doctor at a Kolkata hospital was sexually assaulted and murdered. The TMC supremo also lent support to the ongoing protests by junior doctors and assured that the case would be handled by a fast-track court.

The incident is unfortunate and despicable. It feels like a personal loss to me. Their anger and demand is justified. I support it. Police have also accepted their demands. I have directed the case to be taken to a fast-track court. If needed, the accused will be hanged. But they should be given the strictest punishment, reports quoted Banerjee as saying.

The CM also insisted that her government had no objections against an investigation by any agency  including the CBI if necessary. She urged junior doctors at various state-run hospitals to carry on providing healthcare services while they protested.

The BJP and CPI-M are making politics. The CPI-M should explain the incidents of Bantala...The BJP should remember Unnao, Hathras, etc. The CM is acting like a good guardian, added TMC leader Kunal Ghosh.

Also Read | Hundreds swarm Indo-Bangladesh border in Bengal in attempt to enter India

The victim  a woman postgraduate trainee doctor  was found partially clothed inside a seminar hall of the state-run RG Kar Medical College and Hospital on Friday. The autopsy report showed signs of sexual assault before she was killed between 3:00 am and 6:00 am. The chest medicine department student had been on duty on Thursday night.

There was bleeding from both her eyes and mouth, injuries over the face, and a nail. The victim was also bleeding from her private parts. She also has injuries in her belly, left leg, neck, in her right hand, ring finger, and lips, read an excerpt from the autopsy report viewed by PTI.

The police have arrested one person in connection with the case and investigation remains underway. Officials said that the accused (an outsider) had free access to the different departments of the hospital.

We have arrested one person, who is an outsider. His activities are quite suspicious and he seems to be directly involved in the crime, a police officer told PTI.
The police have arrested one person in connection with the death of a female post-graduate trainee doctor in a Kolkata hospital. The second-year medical student was found dead inside the seminar hall of government-run RG Kar Medical College and Hospital on Friday with the autopsy report later confirming that she was also sexually assaulted. The incident has sparked widespread condemnation with political parties hurling accusations while doctors and nurses led protests.

We have registered a caseIt is a case of homicide as well as sexual assault. Our investigation is going in the right direction in a transparent manner. Whatever further developments will be there, we will let you know as much as the law permits, said Additional Commissioner of Police Murli Dhar.

Meanwhile the Federation of Resident Doctors Association have since written to Union Minister JP Nadda to demand action within 24 hours. A missive shared by the organisation on Saturday also broached the possibility of a shutdown of services across institutions if the administration failed to take due cognisance of the matter.

The victim  a woman postgraduate trainee doctor  was found partially clothed inside a seminar hall of the state-run RG Kar Medical College and Hospital on Friday. The autopsy report showed signs of sexual assault before she was killed between 3:00 am and 6:00 am. The chest medicine department student had been on duty on Thursday night.

There was bleeding from both her eyes and mouth, injuries over the face, and a nail. The victim was also bleeding from her private parts. She also has injuries in her belly, left leg, neck, in her right hand, ring finger, and lips, read an excerpt from the autopsy report viewed by PTI.

Also Read | Hundreds swarm Indo-Bangladesh border in Bengal in attempt to enter India

Officials said that one person has been arrested in connection with the case. Police officers also questioned two intern doctors the entire Friday night in connection with their ongoing probe.

We have arrested one person, who is an outsider. His activities are quite suspicious and he seems to be directly involved in the crime, a police officer told PTI.
A sub-inspector of the Uttar Pradesh Police was suspended in Kannauj after an audio of him demanding potatoes as bribe to allegedly settle a case went viral on social media.

According to a report by news agency PTI, Additional Superintendent of Police Ajay Kumar said that it appeared from the audio that Sub-inspector Ramkripal, in-charge of Chapunna outpost of Saurikh police station in Kannauj, was allegedly trying to take bribe, regarding which a report was sent by the Circle Officer of Chhibramau.

Taking cognisance in the matter, Kannauj Superintendent of Police Amit Kumar Anand has suspended the outpost in-charge Ramkripal with immediate effect, the ASP said.

In the audio, a person was heard saying that he can give only two kilograms of potatoes for the case settlement, while Ramkripal expressed displeasure saying a deal of five kilograms of potatoes was fixed earlier, he added.

The man was then heard saying he would not be able to meet the sub-inspectors demand due to poor income from his business.

He reiterated that he would give only two kilograms of potatoes, whereas Ramkripal insisted that he give him the remaining 3 kilograms of potatoes later.

A preliminary investigation for departmental action has been given to the Circle Officer (City) Kamlesh Kumar.

In Kanpur, eight police personnel, including four sub-inspectors, were suspended for allegedly filing a fake FIR with serious charges of criminal house trespass, extortion and rioting against eight innocent persons, and sending them to jail, a senior police official had said on Friday.

The cops, who were suspended on Thursday, were all posted at the Ghatampur Kotwali police station.

Police said a preliminary inquiry against the eight officers found the charges to be true.
In a major setback for the police, forensic reports of Mihir Shah, the main accused in the Mumbai BMW hit-and-run case, have indicated that there was no trace of alcohol in his blood and urine samples.

The incident took place on July 7 when he rammed his BMW car into a motorcycle near Atria Mall in Mumbai's Worli area, resulting in the death of a woman named Kaveri Nakhwa (45) and injuries to her husband Pradeep.

As Mihir Shah evaded arrest, the police arrested him 58 hours later from Virar Fata. All drink driving accused are taken through medical tests that can prove to be ineffective after 12 hours of their last alcohol intake.

The police stated that by the time of his arrest, about 58 hours after the incident, the alcohol had likely left his body.

So going by the forensic report, Mihir Shah was not under the influence of alcohol at the time of the incident.

After his arrest, Mihir Shah's blood and urine samples were sent for forensic analysis. However, after his arrest, Mihir underwent a medical examination as per the investigation officers' instructions.

Since the report found no alcohol in Mihir's body, the police have to present this case in court based on circumstantial evidence. With the report coming back negative, it presents a significant challenge for them.

Earlier in July this year, Police arrested Rajendra Singh Bidawat and the father of the main accused, Rajesh Shah for their alleged involvement in the Worli hit-and-run case that took place on Sunday, July 7.

Another such case involving a BMW was reported from Mumbai's Worli on July 20 when the speeding car hit a 28-year-old man, leaving him severely injured.

He died in Nair Hospital in Mumbai Central on Saturday. We have booked the accused, who was driving his employer to a five star hotel on Worli when the mishap took place. While he was earlier charged for causing grievous hurt through negligent driving, we have now added the section pertaining to causing death by negligent driving, an official informed.
Photo: Press Service of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan

BAKU, Azerbaijan, August 10. President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has signed a decree to simplify visa procedures for foreigners and stateless persons arriving in Azerbaijan for the 2024 Formula 1 competitions in Baku, Trend reports.

According to the decree, from August 15 through September 30, 2024, individuals arriving in Azerbaijan for the Formula 1 event may obtain a visa at international airports by presenting one of the following documents:

 An accreditation card confirming registration with Formula One Management Limited or the International Automobile Federation, or another accreditation confirmation.

 An accreditation card from the Baku City Circuit operating company.

 A ticket for the 2024 Formula 1 race in Baku, including an e-ticket or a receipt.

The full text of the decree is available at the link.
Long-time Bangladeshi leader Sheikh Hasina had not resigned as prime minister before fleeing this week to India as anti-government protesters marched on her official residence, her son and adviser told Reuters early on Saturday.

Sheikh Hasina has been sheltering in New Delhi since Monday following an uprising that killed about 300 people, many of them students, ending her uninterrupted rule of 15 years in the country of 170 million people.

"My mother never officially resigned. She didn't get the time," Hasina's son Sajeeb Wazed told Reuters from Washington.

"She had planned to make a statement and submit her resignation. But then the protesters started marching on the prime minister's residence. And there was no time. My mother wasn't even packed. As far as the constitution goes, she is still the prime minister of Bangladesh."

He said though the president had dissolved parliament after consulting with military chiefs and opposition politicians, the formation of a caretaker government without the prime minister actually formally resigning "can be challenged in court".

Wazed also said Hasina's Awami League party would contest the next election, which he said must be held within three months.

"I'm confident the Awami League will come to power. If not, we will be the opposition. Either way is fine," he said.

He said he was encouraged by a recent statement from Khaleda Zia, chief of the main opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and a Hasina foe, that there should be no revenge or vengeance after Hasina fled.

"I was very happy to hear Mrs. Khaleda Zia's statement that let bygones be bygones," Wazed said. "Let's forget the past. Let us not pursue the politics of vengeance. We are going to have to work together, whether it's a unity government or not."

He said he was "willing to work with the BNP ... to have democratic elections in Bangladesh and restore democracy and to work with them to ensure that going forward, we have peaceful democracy where there will be free and fair elections".

Also Read | Hundreds swarm Indo-Bangladesh border in Bengal in attempt to enter India

"I believe that politics and negotiations are very important," he said. "We can argue. We can agree to disagree. And we can always find a compromise."

Asked whether he would be the Awami League's prime ministerial candidate, he said: My mother was going to retire after this term anyway. If the party wants me to, maybe. I will definitely consider it.

He said his mother was ready to face trial back home, as demanded by students who led the uprising.

"The threat of arrest has never scared my mother before," he said. My mother has done nothing wrong. Just because people in her government did illegal things, did not mean my mother ordered it. That does not mean my mother is responsible for that.

Also Read | BNP expresses dissatisfaction with India giving refuge to Sheikh Hasina

He did not say who in the government was responsible for allowing the shooting of people during the protests.

"A government is a big, big machinery," Wazed said. "Those who are responsible, they should be brought to justice. My mother absolutely did not order anyone to commit violence against the protesters. The police were trying to stop the violence, but some police officers used excessive force."

"Our government immediately, and I was part of those conversations, I also told my mother, we need to immediately tell (our students wing) not to attack, stop the violence," he said.

"We suspended the police officers that shot at students. We did everything we could."

He said he would return home when he liked.
In the wake of violent unrest in Bangladesh following former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's ouster amid protests over the quota system, hundreds of Bangladeshi nationals are swarming the India-Bangladesh border in Cooch Behar of West Bengal. Facing prosecution, the Bangladeshis tried to enter the Indian side on Friday, August 9, triggering high alert.

Footage from the Indian side captured hundreds of people gathering and shouting slogans, as Bangladeshi troops patrolled close by.

Ikramul Haque, a local from Pathantuli in Sitalkuchi, Cooch Behar, West Bengal told news agency ANI that while there were thousands swarming the borders, the crowd has thinned over time.

Around 9-9.30 am, a few people from Bangladesh gathered at the border and tried to infiltrate into India. Many of them are still there. The crowd has thinned out a little now, though. Their arrival in India all of a sudden is not possible. There is a protocol for it. There is a large presence of the BSF, he said.

In view of the deteriorating situation in Bangladesh and fearing infiltration attempts, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) constituted a committee that is to be headed by the ADG, Border Security Force, Eastern Command to monitor the current Indo-Bangladesh Border (IBB).

Meanwhile, Under Secretary to the Govt of India Smitha Viju in a letter mentioned that a Committee consisting of the following members for the above-mentioned subject a. ADG, BSF, Eastern Command as the Chairman, b. IG, BSF Frontier HQ South Bengal, c. IG, BSF Frontier HQ Tripura, d. Member (Planning and Development), LPAI and e. Secretary, LPAI has been constituted.

Amit Shah also posted on X and said, In the wake of the ongoing situation in Bangladesh, the Modi government has constituted a committee to monitor the current situation on the Indo-Bangladesh Border (IBB).

"The committee will maintain communication channels with their counterpart authorities in Bangladesh to ensure the safety and security of Indian nationals, Hindus, and other minority communities living there. The committee will be headed by the ADG, Border Security Force, Eastern Command," Amit Shah said.
After a deadly plane crash in Brazil claimed as many as 61 lives, there was one person who got lucky. The Voepass Airlines flight had 61 people onboard, including 57 passengers and 4 crew members at the time of the crash.

But the stars aligned right for one person who was scheduled to be on that fateful two-hour flight. The Rio de Janeiro resident Adriano Assis shared that there had been a "mix-up at the airport," which forced him to miss the flight that had the accident.

Assis had arrived late at the airport after completing his shift at a local hospital.

Talking to Brazilian news outlet TV Globo, Assis said he had reached the check-in counter at 9:40 AM but missed the Cascavel flight to Guarulhos due to an airport mix-up.

So, when Assis got to know about the crash, he credited the airport staff and hugged the official who stopped him from boarding the flight.

I got here at 9:40, the gate was closed, but the flight was leaving. I was working at the Toledo Regional Hospital. When I arrived, I waited to see if theyd opened, normally theres always someone there at the counter, but there was no one," he said.

"I stayed upstairs, had my coffee and waited. The microphone didnt say anything, the boards didnt say anything about the flight either. When I came down it was half past ten, there was a huge queue here," he added.

Also Read | VoePass Plane Plummets From the Sky in Brazil, Killing 62

Assis said he waited and when it got to about 10:41, the guy said he wasnt going to get on the flight. "At that point, I argued with him and so on, and that was it. He saved my life. I hug him because hes done his job. If he hadnt done his job, maybe I wouldnt be doing this interview today."
The United States will vote for its next leader in the upcoming Presidential Elections in November 2024. The Republican candidate in the race, Donald Trump, is enjoying huge support among Americans. Heightened chances of former US President Trump's return to power have worried Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, who are reportedly trying their best to improve their ties with the royal family.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are reportedly making desperate attempts to repair their troubled relationship with the UK family, according to Royal report Richard Eden.

Its quite clear they are eager to begin mending the rift, Eden told Daily Mail UK, citing an insider source.

Royal reporter Richard Eden opines that repeated threats from Republican Presidential candidate Donald Trump have left Meghan Markle and Prince Harry feeling uneasy.

The two are reportedly trying to return to the UK. However, Prince Harry's concern over safety has been a major bone of contention between him and his family. Prince Harry has expressed his unhappiness with the extensive coverage of the Royals by UK media and lack of privacy.

Prince Harry has also been embroiled in legal battles against British tabloids. Earlier he had said that his "mission" against them partly caused his rift with the royal family.

The younger son of King Charles III has brought a number of court cases against tabloids which he, alongside other public figures, accuses of illegally collecting information.

Beyond the legal proceedings, the Duke of Sussex, as he is also known, has expressed anger at the mistreatment of his wife Meghan by the popular press.

He has long considered them responsible for the death of his mother, Princess Diana, in a car accident in Paris in 1997.
A Third Wave Coffee outlet in Bengaluru has come under fire after an employee was found filming people within the washroom. The smartphone was hidden within a dustbin with its camera positioned to face the toilet seat. The incident took place at the BEL Road Cafe on August 10.

The coffee chain shared via social media that they had terminated the employee and initiated legal action soon after the camera was discovered.

"The person under question has been immediately terminated. We have a stringent zero tolerance policy and have initiated necessary legal action against him. We will work closely with the concerned authorities for appropriate action, Third Wave Coffee told Hindustan Times.

Also Read | Bengaluru woman turns Blinkit delivery agent for a day. What happened next

According to reports, the camera had been recording for about two hours when it was discovered by a woman. Details shared by an eyewitness on Instagram indicate that the phone had been set on flight mode in order to ensure that it made no sound. It was also carefully hidden within the dustbin bag which had a hole in it to expose only the camera.

The woman had alerted the cafe staff who soon identified the phone as belonging to one of their workers. The incident was soon reported to the police and remains under investigation.

The incident also comes mere weeks after a spy camera was found in a Ghaziabad changing room. The roof-less room was used predominantly by people offering prayers at a nearly temple after taking a dip in the Muradnagar Ganga canal. A case was filed against a priest who allegedly watched the footage on his mobile phone.
A passenger plane crashed into a gated residential community in Brazils Sao Paulo state Friday, killing all 61 people aboard and leaving a smoldering wreck, officials and the airline said.

Officials did not say if anyone was killed on the ground in the neighborhood where the plane landed in the city of Vinhedo, about 80 kilometers (50 miles) northwest of the metropolis of Sao Paulo. But witnesses at the scene said there were no victims among local residents.

The airline Voepass said that its plane, an ATR 72 twin-engine turboprop, was headed for Sao Paulos international airport Guarulhos with 57 passengers and 4 crew members aboard when it crashed in Vinhedo. It provided a flight manifest with passenger names, but not their nationalities. A prior statement had said there were 58 passengers.

The company regrets to inform that all 61 people on board flight 2283 died at the site, Voepass said in a statement. At this time, Voepass is prioritizing provision of unrestricted assistance to the victims families and effectively collaborating with authorities to determine the causes of the accident.

It was the deadliest airline crash since January 2023, when 72 people died on board a Yeti Airlines plane in Nepal that stalled and crashed while making its landing approach. That plane also was an ATR 72, and the final report blamed pilot error.

At an event in southern Brazil, President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva asked the crowd to stand and observe a minute of silence as he shared the news. Friday evening, he declared three days of mourning.

The states firefighters, military police and civil defense authority dispatched teams to the location. Sao Paulos public security secretary Guilherme Derrite spoke to reporters and confirmed that no survivors had been found. He also said the planes black box was recovered.

I thought it was going to fall in our yard, a resident and witness who gave her name only as Ana Lucia de Lima told reporters near the crash site. It was scary, but thank God there were no victims among the locals. It seems that the 62 people inside the plane were the real victims, though.

Parana state's Gov. Ratinho Junior told journalists in Vinhedo that many of the passengers were doctors from his state attending a seminar.

They were people who were used to saving lives, and now they lost theirs in such tragic circumstances, Junior said, adding he had friends aboard. It is a sad day.

Video obtained from a witness by The Associated Press and verified shows at least two bodies strewn about flaming pieces of wreckage.

Brazilian television network GloboNews showed aerial footage of an area with smoke coming out of an obliterated plane fuselage. Additional footage on GloboNews earlier showed the plane plunging in a flat spin.

A report from television network Globos meteorological center said it confirmed the possibility of the formation of ice in the region of Vinhedo, and local media cited analysts pointing to icing as a potential cause for the crash.

But aviation expert Lito Sousa cautioned that meteorological conditions alone might not be enough to explain why the plane fell as it did.

Analyzing an air crash just with images can lead to wrong conclusions about the causes," Sousa told the AP by phone. "But we can see a plane with loss of support, no horizontal speed. In this flat spin condition, theres no way to reclaim control of the plane.

And Marcelo Moura, director of operations for Voepass, told reporters Friday night that, while there were forecasts for ice, they were within acceptable levels for the aircraft.

Likewise, Lt. Col. Carlos Henrique Baldi, of the Brazilian air forces center for the investigation and prevention of air accidents, told reporters in a late afternoon press conference that it was still too early to confirm whether ice caused the accident.

The plane is "certified in several countries to fly in severe icing conditions, including in countries unlike ours, where the impact of ice is more significant, said Baldi, who heads the centers investigation division.

In an earlier statement, the center said that the plane's pilots didn't call for help nor say they were operating under adverse weather conditions.

In a separate statement, Brazils Federal Police said it already had begun its investigation, and had dispatched specialists in plane crashes and the identification of disaster victims.

Authorities began transferring the corpses to the morgue on Friday, and called on victims' family members to bring any medical, X-ray and dental exams in order as a means to help identify the bodies.

French-Italian plane manufacturer ATR said in a statement that it had been informed that the accident involved its ATR 72-500 model, and said company specialists are fully engaged to support both the investigation and the customer.

The ATR 72 generally is used on shorter flights. The planes are built by a joint venture of Airbus in France and Italys Leonardo S.p.A. Crashes involving various models of the ATR 72 have resulted in 470 deaths going back to the 1990s, according to a database of the Aviation Safety Network.
A draft Bill in the Iraqi Parliament seeks to reduce the legal age of marriage for girls to nine, prompting the fears that it would legalise child rape and encourage exploitation. The Bill also allows boys as young as 15 years of age to marry. If passed, the proposed draft shall amend Personal Status Law which sets the minimum marriage to 18 years.

The proposal on the legal marriage age has sparked widespread protests among the women rights and human rights groups. While marriages under the age of 18 have been outlawed in Iraq but a UNICEF report says that 28 per cent girls, under the age of 18, are married in the country.

While all women MPs are trying to stop the passage of the Bill, they say they face strong opposition from their male counterparts.

Alia Nassif said, Unfortunately, male MPs who support this law speak in a masculine way, asking whats wrong with marrying a minor? Their thinking is narrow minded. They dont take into consideration that they are the legislators that determine peoples fate  but rather follow their masculine thinking to authorise all this.

As the Bill sparks outrage and concerns, let's see what the proposal mentions: The proposed Bill would permit citizens to opt for either religious authorities or the civil courts to handle their family matters. This has sparked concerns that matters like inheritance, too, shall be interfered with The proposed draft was set aside when many members of Parliament objected to it but was introduced again in early August as it received significant support from some powerful Shia blocs The new amendments are a departure from the 1959 legislation which had shifted the decision son family affairs from religious figures to the state judiciary. The new Bill aims to reintroduce the option to apply religious rules The proposed amendments allow Muslims of age to decide what applies to them on family matters: The 1959 Personal Status Law or Sharia Islamic rules It also permits couples who are already married under civil law to switch to religious regulations.

Also Read | Pakistan news: Bill proposed in Punjab to combat child marriage
Israel-Gaza war: An Israeli airstrike on a Gaza school compound housing displaced families killed around 100 people, the Hamas-run Gaza government said on Saturday, while the Israeli military said it targeted Hamas militants there and cast doubt on the death toll.

Video from the site showed body parts scattered on the ground and more bodies being carried away and covered in blankets on the floor. Empty food tins lay in a puddle of blood and burnt mattresses and a child's doll among the debris.

The Hamas-run media office said in a statement that the strikes hit when people sheltering at the school were performing dawn prayers, leading to many casualties.

"So far, there are more than 93 martyrs, including 11 children and six women. There are unidentified remains," said Palestinian Civil Defence spokesperson, Mahmoud Bassal, in a televised news conference.

Around 6,000 people had been sheltering at the compound, he said. The Gaza health ministry has so far not provided casualty details.

In a statement in Hebrew the Israeli military said the death toll was inflated. It said around 20 Hamas and Islamic Jihad militants were operating at the site.

Also Read | Families flee new Israeli assault in Gazas Khan Younis

"The compound, and the mosque that was struck within it, served as an active Hamas and Islamic Jihad military facility," Lieutenant Colonel Nadav Shoshani said on X.

"According to an initial review, the numbers published by the Hamas-run Government Information Office in Gaza, do not align with the information held by the IDF (Israel Defence Forces), the precise munitions used, and the accuracy of the strike," Shoshani said.

A military official said that the part of the mosque struck was a men's area where no women or children were present.

"This was verified by intelligence and the strike was carried out using three small, precise munitions which cannot cause the scale of damage that the Palestinians are reporting," the official said.

At the news conference in Gaza City, Bassal said that the strike hit "the upper and ground floors of the school. The upper floor included women and children and the ground floor included people who were praying. They were directly hit."

Israel says Palestinian militant groups embed among Gaza's civilians, operating from within schools, hospitals and designated humanitarian zones - which Hamas and its allies deny.

Hamas said the strike was a horrific crime and a serious escalation. Izzat El-Reshiq, a member of Hamas' political office, said in a statement that the dead did not include a "single combatant."

Tens of thousands of displaced Palestinians have sought shelter in Gaza's schools, most of which have stopped functioning since the start of the war 10 months ago.

New Round of Ceasefire Talks A spokesperson for Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, Nabil Abu Rudeineh, urged Israel's ally Washington to put an end to the "blind support that leads to the killing of thousands of innocent civilians, including children, women, and the elderly."

Egypt, Qatar and Saudi Arabia condemned the strike, which came as mediators were pushing to resume ceasefire talks. Senior Hamas official Sami Abu Zuhri said the strike should serve as a turning point in their efforts.

Egypt said that the killing of Gaza civilians showed Israel had no intention to end the war. Qatar's foreign ministry described the strike as a "horrific massacre".

Egypt, the United States and Qatar have scheduled a new round of ceasefire negotiations for Thursday, as fears are growing of a broader conflict, involving Iran and its Lebanese ally Hezbollah.

Also Read | Israel Braces for Attack by Iran as US Urges Gaza Cease-Fire

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who has said he will not end the war until Hamas no longer poses a threat to Israelis, said a delegation would be sent to the Aug. 15 talks.

A Hamas official told Reuters the group was studying the new offer for talks but did not elaborate.

Israel launched its assault on Gaza after Hamas fighters stormed into southern Israel on Oct. 7, killing 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and capturing more than 250 hostages, according to Israeli tallies.

Also Read | Who is responsible for feeding Gaza?

Since then, nearly 40,000 Palestinians have been killed in the Israeli offensive in Gaza, according to the Palestinian health ministry, which does not distinguish between combatants and civilians.
Just a few days ago, Diana Hillel was convinced shed be stuck inside her Tel Aviv home for the better part of a month making sure her two children were safe from any attack by Israels regional enemies. But on Friday, the 34-year-old makeup artist got tired of worrying.

More than a week after Iran threatened retaliatory strikes against Israel, nothing had happened. She grabbed some girlfriends and headed to a bar by the beach, where they laughed about a week spent needlessly paralyzed by fear.

Were so used to living like this," Hillel said. We know how to make humor out of everything."

The feeling was mutual in Beirut, amid speculation that the daily exchange of fire between Lebanese militia Hezbollah and Israel could escalate into a more intense conflict. If a war erupted along the border with Israel in the south, one person joked on X, well go to the beach in the north."

Even in Iran, the center of the current speculation around strikes and counterstrikes, people found fun in all the fear. We Iranians did not take the response seriously," one user wrote in an Instagram comment section. Why they take it so?"

A unique strain of dark sarcasm has emerged as people look for ways to cope with life in the crosshairs. The more serious the scare, the more searing the jokes, belying deep anxieties about the war that has raged between Israel and Hamas since late last year, and its potential to spill over into a broader conflict that could draw in Lebanon or even Iran.

Tensions reached their highest point last week after Israel killed a top military official for Hezbollah in the Lebanese capital Beirut, followed hours later by the mysterious death of the political leader of Hamas in the Iranian capital Tehran. The killings followed the deaths of 12 young people by a rocket strike in the Israeli-controlled Golan Heights, which Israel blamed on Hezbollah.

Both Iran and Hezbollah promised swift retaliation for the assassinations in fiery rhetoric that set off a diplomatic scramble to avoid a wider war. The U.S. moved warships and jet fighters into the region to help fight off any attack on Israel. Egypt, Qatar and the U.S. have launched a last-ditch effort to resuscitate cease-fire talks that have failed for months to pause the fighting in Gaza that is at the root of the current conflict.

The result has been a week of anxious waiting. And a field day of online wisecracks.

Maybe tonight, maybe tomorrow, maybe in a week," Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah said on X on Monday about the timing of the groups retaliatory strike, a seeming attempt to instill fear in Israelis. The bluster backfired.

Sounds like my wife when I ask for sex," one user replied.

Eat high fiber foods," said another.

In Tel Aviv, a market sells T-shirts reading I Heart Iron Dome," a reference to Israels air-defense system. Bars and restaurants have advertised missile-related deals and drinking games.

It isnt just Israel trying to take the edge off with laughter. A WhatsApp message recently went viral in Arabic-speaking countries poking fun at Iran and its allies for talking up their response while sitting on their hands.

Would you love me forever?" the message asks. Forever, until the universe vanishes, the stars burn and Iran responds."

In Lebanon, one X user posted a photo of a pair of ice-cold coffee drinks. Waiting for the Iranian response," it said.

Even in Iran, where making jokes about the countrys authoritarian rulers is extremely dangerous, people took to X to do so anyway. So when is the strike," asked one user who joked about needlessly stocking up on food. We also filled the cabinet, pantry and closet."

As days go by with no response from Iran and its proxies, life in Israel is looking a little more normal each day. People buzz through the city on electric scooters, families picnic in parks, and the beach volleyball games go on.

Bar Shita, a 30-year-old business travel agent who lives in Jaffa, the traditionally Arab town now part of metropolitan Tel Aviv, spent his day off playing fetch on the beach with his dog, Lenny, rather than fretting about an attack that may never come.

Maybe its my destiny, maybe not," Shita said. There may be a higher chance that Ill win the lottery than a missile will land on my head."

That isnt to say people are taking the risk of war lightly. Hassan Haidar, who lives in the southern Lebanese town of Jarjouh, has stocked up a two-month supply of his parents essential medications and is repurposing money he had saved up to finish his masters degree in Europe as emergency funds.

When the 2006 war happened, we had little time to prepare for the worst," he said. I wont let that happen again."

In Israel, many like Shita are confident that the countrys missile defenses are robust enough to protect them from an attack like the one Iran launched in April, sending more than 300 missiles and drones at Israel. The barrage was stopped with the help of a U.S.-led coalition that joined with Israel to shoot them down.

Israelis expressed confidence that allies such as the U.S. would come to their defense again. They are also well prepared. Cities like Tel Aviv are equipped with public bomb shelters, while many private residences have their own. Sirens sound out warnings of any impending attack, and almost everyone has an app on their smartphone that sends them alerts when foreign projectiles enter Israeli airspace.

By now, many Israelis are versed in the time it takes for rockets, missiles or drones to come within striking range, and plan to stay within a reasonable distance from shelter.

Its like Iran climbed up in a very tall tree, and they dont know how to get down," said Or Weiss, one of Hillels friends who joined her at the beach bar on Friday. I do think theyll do something, but its OK. We have shelters. We know what to do."

Write to Feliz Solomon at feliz.solomon@wsj.com
Russian Embassy in New Delhi said on Saturday Moscow has never engaged in any public or obscure campaigns in fraudulent schemes to recruit Indian nationals for its military service.

In a statement, the Russian Embassy said: Since April this year, the Ministry of Defence of the Russian Federation has stopped the admission of citizens of a number of foreign countries, including India, to military service in the Russian Armed Forces.

The Embassy outlines that the Russian Government has at no point of time been engaged in any public or obscure campaigns, more so in fraudulent schemes to recruit Indian nationals for military service in Russia, the statement said.

Several Indians were allegedly duped into fighting in Russia's war with Ukraine on the pretext of lucrative jobs.

The Russian mission also said that it has got multiple requests from the media to comment on the issue on Indian citizens in service in the Russian armed forces.

Also Read | Russia says troops are battling to push Ukrainian forces back after cross-border incursion in Kursk

In July, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during his meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow, took a strong stance on the issue of Indian nationals being recruited into the Russian army and the Russian government has assured an "early discharge" of these Indians from the army service.

Recently, external affairs minister S Jaishankar had informed the Parliament that 91 Indian nationals were recruited in Russian armed forces of whom 14 have been discharged and 69 are awaiting release.

The embassy also condoled the deaths of Indian nationals while serving in the Russian Army in the war against Ukraine.

Also Read | For freed Russian opposition activist Ilya Yashin, resuming work against Putin is his priority

The Embassy expresses deep condolences to the Government of India and the families of the deceased, it said.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, August 10. The Commission of the Republic of Azerbaijan on Combatting Corruption, chaired by Samir Nuriyev, convened for its meeting on Saturday, Trend reports.

Addressing the meeting, Chairman of the Commission Samir Nuriyev highlighted the key responsibilities of the Commission to achieve the goals set by President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev in tackling corruption. He noted that continuous measures had been undertaken in the field of increasing efficiency, strengthening transparency and combatting corruption in the state governance in the first half of 2024. The chairman underlined that the reforms carried out by President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev set the strengthening of a transparent and fair management system in all spheres and ensuring the satisfaction of citizens as one of the main tasks.

Samir Nuriyev emphasized that the digitilization of public services, as well as the parallel organization of proceedings conducted by law enforcement bodies and courts in electronic form have contributed to raising the level of accessibility of citizens to state bodies, and increasing transparency of those state bodies activities.

The meeting participants also discussed international cooperation in the fight against corruption. Within the context of this cooperation, they also considered the work done on the recommendations of the Group of States against Corruption (GRECO), the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), the Committee of Experts on the Evaluation of Anti-Money Laundering Measures and the Financing of Terrorism (MONEYVAL), which are international organizations specialized in the field of combatting corruption. The Commission members also discussed the relevant draft law regarding the implementation of GRECO's recommendations issued within the framework of the Fifth Evaluation Round.

During the meeting, a new secretary of the Commission was appointed, and the composition of the delegation and government experts representing the Republic of Azerbaijan in international organizations specialized in the field of combatting corruption was renewed.

It was also agreed to renew composition of the working groups operating under the Commission and to form two new working groups under the Commission.

Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
Prime Minister Keir Starmer-led United Kingdom (UK) government is looking to curb overseas hiring by information technology, telecom and engineering companies.

Changes in the UK visa rules could impact the aspiring Indian professionals in these sectors that have been among the top users of work visas.

Raising of the minimum income threshold or curbs based on different regions of Britain may become part of the new visa rules.

In a letter to Brian Bell, Chair of the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC), Britain Home secretary Yvette Cooper has asked the panel to review technology, telecommunications and engineering sectors reliance on skilled worker visas.

There is need to understand why certain key occupations depend heavily on foreign workers, she also said.

These sectors feature in the top 10 of those sectors which have been reliant on international recruitment and the govt would like MAC to set out the reasons behind this. The high levels of international recruitment reflect weaknesses in the labour market, including persistent skills shortages in the UK, she wrote.

What policy levers within the immigration system could be used to incentivise sectors to focus on recruiting from the domestic workforce, she said, adding that the system is not operating in the national interest.

While the UK government was very grateful for the contribution that people from all over the world make to our economy... the system needs to be managed and controlled, the home secretary also said.

The MAC has been asked to submit its report in nine months.

UK Family Visa minimum income rule Recently, the Keir Starmer government had shelved a planned hike in the minimum income threshold for British nationals and permanent residents applying to bring family members to join them in the UK

Cooper had told the House of Commons in a written statement that there will be no further hike on the current GBP 29,000 annual income requirement until the MAC completes a review into the impact of the hikes on families.
US Presidential candidate Donald Trump's plane made an unexpected landing due to a mechanical issue, according to the Daily Mail.

Trump's plane was on its way to Bozeman, Montana, when it had to be diverted to Billings, 142 miles to the east, on Friday afternoon, according to Jenny Mockel, the administrative assistant at Billings Logan International Airport as reported by Associated Press. As per the report, Mockel said the former president was continuing to Bozeman via private jet.

Trumps campaign posted a video of him upon landing in which he said he was glad to be in Montana but did not mention anything about the landing.

The former president returned to Montana with the aim of addressing unfinished business from 2018, when his repeated campaign efforts in Big Sky Country failed to unseat incumbent Democratic Sen. Jon Tester.

Also Read | How Trump could influence the Fed

Tester has tried to convince voters hes aligned with Trump on many issues, mirroring his successful strategy from six years ago. While that worked in a non-presidential election year, it faces a more critical test this fall with Tester's opponent, former Navy SEAL Tim Sheehy, trying to link the three-term incumbent to Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris.

Harris has benefitted nationally from a burst of enthusiasm among core Democratic constituencies, who coalesced quickly around her after President Joe Biden withdrew from the campaign last month.

Meanwhile, on August 7, Reuters reported that Kamala Harris is leading her rival Donald Trump 42 per cent to 37 per cent in the United States presidential race, edging up by five points, a poll published by researcher Ipsos showed.

US Vice President Harris, who took over the Democrat candidacy after Joe Biden pulled out, has effectively turned the tide against her Republican rival and former US President Trump, leaping five points from the 37 per cent against 34 per cent odds recorded by Reuters-Ipsos on July 22-23. Besides Trump, independent candidate Robert Kennedy Jr., has seen his support dwindle from 10 per cent of respondents in July to 4 per cent in August, the report said.
External Affairs Minister (EAM) Jaishankar emphasised on Saturday, August 10, that the partnership with the Maldives is based on its deep desire to work together for each other's welfare and interests. Jaishankar arrived in the Maldives on Friday, August 9, for a three-day official visit to reset the bilateral relationship with the Maldives following a strain between the two countries in November 2023.

Jaishankar and his Maldivian counterpart Moosa Zameer inaugurated High Impact Community Development Projects  street lighting, mental health, children's speech therapy, special education  and signed MoUs in Male.

In a post on X, S Jaishankar said, Held productive discussions today with Foreign Minister @MoosaZameer in Male. The agenda covered our engagement in development partnership, capacity building, bilateral and regional security, trade and digital cooperation. Jointly inaugurated 6 High Impact Projects in areas of street lighting, mental health, children's speech therapy and special education. Witnessed signing of MoU between the National Payments Corporation of India and the Ministry of Economic Development and Trade of Maldives on the introduction of a digital payment system in the Maldives.

Addressing a press conference, Jaishankar said, "India's partnership with the Maldives is based on our deep desire to work together for each other's welfare and interests. It is a partnership that has enabled us to always swiftly and effectively respond to challenges as witnessed in the past."

"Maldives is one of the cornerstones of our 'Neighbourhood First' policy, it is also one of our Vision SAGAR, as well as of our commitment to the Global South. To put it succinctly in the words of my Prime Minister Narendra Modi  for India, neighbourhood is a priority and, in the neighbourhood, Maldives is a priority," the Union minister said.

"We also share the closest of bonds of history and kinship," Jaishankar added.
THE SHORT book, long underestimated, has a lot going for it. To start with the prosaic: if you want to get through more volumes, short is shrewd. Slender books can be slipped into a bag or coat pocket and plucked out again in an idle moment, so youll be more likely to finish them. For adventurous readers the format allows for casual experimentation with new styles, topics and authors. For indecisive ones it can make a bookshops universe of possibilities feel less daunting: just scour the shelves for slim spines. Most of all, there is a rare satisfaction in reaching the final pages of a book while still holding the full sweep of its story in your mind. Taut prose is intense and immersive, like a distilled fragrance. These books offer that, too. They must; they dont have long to make their point. In an era of many distractions, that is a great virtue.

These six non-fiction books include memoir, journalism, essays and pictorial essays. They take you into the bedroom of a grieving husband in imperial China; into the courtroom where a sensational murder trial split New Yorks Bukharan Jewish community in the late 2000s; and, classically, into a room of ones own. In short, they get plenty done in just 150 pages.

Six Records of a Floating Life. By Shen Fu. Translated by Leonard Pratt and Chiang Su-Hui. Penguin Classics; 144 pages; $16 and 9.99

A meditation on extraordinary love and an ordinary life, this memoir was written at the beginning of the 19th century in Qing-dynasty China by a widowed scholar. Despite the lapse of time, Shen Fus joys and sorrows feel comfortingly familiar. He was a civil servant who, though highly educated for his time, did not manage to rise up the ranks. He quarrelled with his parents, played drinking games and went on picnics. He also married the love of his life (they had known each other since they were 13 years old) and, as Shens memoir reveals, he treated Chen Yun like an equal, admiring her practicality and sparring with her in ad lib poetry competitions. The book has long been cherished in China as a true account of deep love. For modern readers the records may hold some surprises, too. Shen loved flower arranging. And although he and Yun adored each other, she matter-of-factly sought out a concubine for himwith whom, the text implies, she also had sex (lesbian relationships were not especially frowned upon at the time). The translators judicious footnotes make the reading all the more pleasurable.

Oranges. By John McPhee. Farrar, Straus and Giroux; 149 pages; $16. Daunt; 9.99

Are there 150 sparkling pages to be written about the everyday orange? John McPhee proves there are. Oranges, which evolved from an essay published in the New Yorker in 1966, established a new form of journalism: one that marries whimsy with forensic explanatory reporting. Mr McPhee examines the rise of frozen orange-juice concentrate after the second world waralready then a $700m industry and the boomiest boom since the Brazilian rubber boom. He interviews Floridas orange barons, pickers, packers and pomologists. His essay flows from the fantastic sex life of oranges to the Sanskrit origins of the word (naranga) to oranges role in the Norman invasion of Sicily. It is sweet to read about Botticelli and Degrees Brix (the standard measure of sugar) in a single sitting. This is also dissection at its sharpest, and eating an orange will never be the same again.

A Room of Ones Own. By Virginia Woolf. Mariner; 128 pages; $16.99. Penguin Modern Classics; 5.99

Among the most influential essays of the 20th century, A Room of Ones Own was based on a lecture that Virginia Woolf gave at Newnham College and Girton College, the first two for women at Cambridge University. Woolf lands her best-known line by the second page: A woman must have money and a room of her own if she is to write fiction. That sends her down new routes of inquiry. As she relays the train of thought she has while walking around Oxbridge (a barely fictitious composite) and London, her wry humour develops a fierceness that builds to anger. Why are women poor? she asks. What effect has poverty on fiction? And What conditions are necessary for the creation of works of art? She summons the work of women over the centuries, from Aphra Behn to the Bronte sisters, to find the answers. The lot of women in Britain has improved dramatically in the century since Woolf wrote her essay. Yet it still feels like essential reading, in particular as a manifesto on the right to form ones own opinion and express it.

Iphigenia in Forest Hills: Anatomy of a Murder Trial. By Janet Malcolm. Yale University Press; 155 pages; $13.95 and 9.99

If the aim of journalistic inquiry is to provide answers, Janet Malcolm shows, with devastating rigour, that observation can be enough. Iphigenia in Forest Hills tells the story of a murder trial in New York in 2009. Mazoltuv Borukhova, a 35-year-old doctor, is accused of paying an acquaintance to kill her husband. Malcolm lays out the facts of the case, then raises the question at the heart of most true-crime stories: She couldnt have done it, and she must have done it. Yet the title, a reference to the Greek myth of Iphigenia, sacrificed daughter of Agamemnon, says it all. This too is a tragedy; its end certain. Malcolm does not offer suspense. Instead, from many small procedural details at the Queens Supreme Court she coaxes bigger, more unsettling questions. Such as, is bias inevitable? Borukhovas otherness was her defining characteristic, notes Malcolm. Observe, her text urges, how decisive the opinion of an expert witness can be. Notice the seduction of certaintyhow courtrooms revel in it. See what small tyrannies the judge permits himself. Unshowily, Malcolm makes her point: a trial is perhaps nothing more than a contest between competing narratives.

Ways of Seeing. By John Berger. Penguin Modern Classics; 155 pages; $11 and 9.99

Adapted from a four-part BBC television series of the same name that aired in 1972, John Bergers book will probably change how you think about art. Four essays consider the reproduction of art; the female form and the male gaze; how ownership influences art; and publicity and the illusion of authority. These are delightfully complemented by three wordless pictorial essays, bold visual arguments for Bergers incantatory openingwhich purposely appears right on the cover of this editionthat seeing comes before words. He shows how the meaning of art is always influenced by how and where it is viewed. Bergers book is naturally a product of its time, too: Marxist, radical and preoccupied with the ruling class. But it made complex ideas about a closed world accessible and engaging. Its influence is lasting: read the review we wrote for its 50th anniversary.

A Mans Place. By Annie Ernaux. Translated by Tanya Leslie. Seven Stories Press; 96 pages; $13.95. Fitzcarraldo Editions; 7.99

Annie Ernaux made her mark with autobiographical fiction in which, as we wrote when she received the Nobel prize in literature in 2022, she remakes the private and the ordinary into something profound. But to write a radically short biography of her father the French author had to strip away all pretence; she abandoned a first attempt at a novel with feelings of disgust. If I wish to tell the story of a life governed by necessity, she writes, I have no right to adopt an artistic approach. The result is a spare, starkly beautiful memoir. Its studied restraint, almost ethnographic, is the work of a daughter at pains to do justice to the life of a father whom she felt she could no longer truly know: Although it had something to do with class, it was different, indefinable. Like fractured love. Like many others of his era, he first laboured on a farm, then entered a factory and finally worked for himself, as a shopkeeper in rural Normandy. Ms Ernaux strove, she writes, to convey both his happiness and the humiliating limitations of his class. It is the story of a generation, but also firmly her fathers own.

Try also Ms Ernaux wrote a short biography of her mother, A Womans Story. It is as accomplished as that about her father, and secured her reputation with French readers.

If you enjoyed Janet Malcolms Iphigenia in Forest Hills, try Still Pictures, a short book published posthumously that is also perhaps her most personal. We reviewed it last year.

New to John McPhees writing? He has written more than 30 books. After Oranges, why not try his most recent, Tabula Rasait comes in at under 200 pages. We offered our appraisal. If youre looking for novels you can read in a day, here are six to get you started.

 2024, The Economist Newspaper Ltd. All rights reserved.
The Amazon Great Freedom Festival is going on in full flow, bringing unbeatable offers on essential home appliances like washing machines and refrigerators. With discounts reaching up to 33,000 and more, this is the perfect opportunity to upgrade your household with top-of-the-line appliances at incredible prices. Whether you're looking to replace an old washing machine or invest in a high-efficiency refrigerator, this sale has something for everyone.

Choose from advanced washing machines with features like smart controls and energy-saving technologies to refrigerators designed to keep your food fresher for longer, the range of options is vast. Brands like Samsung, LG, Whirlpool, and more are offering their best models at steep discounts, making it easier than ever to find the right appliance for your home.

These deals wont last long, so now is the time to explore the wide array of choices and secure the best offers. The Amazon Great Freedom Festival has you covered for great discounts. Dont miss out on these exceptional savingsupgrade your home with the latest washing machines and refrigerators today!

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Disclaimer: At Livemint, we help you stay up-to-date with the latest trends and products. Mint has an affiliate partnership, so we may get a part of the revenue when you make a purchase. We shall not be liable for any claim under applicable laws, including but not limited to the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, with respect to the products. The products listed in this article are in no particular order of priority.
An attorney who represents a Northern Cheyenne Tribe woman raped by a Bureau of Indian Affairs police officer has spent nearly a decade pursuing the officer and the federal government in hopes of some kind of justice for his client.

On Tuesday, Billings attorney John Heenan sent a letter to both U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland and the Secretary of the Interior asking that they come to the negotiating table to end the lawsuit with a settlement for his client, who bore the officers child and is raising it without support.

The case began nearly a decade ago when then BIA officer Dana Bullcoming was called to the victims house. She had been drinking, a violation of the reservations dry laws, and Bullcoming had threatened to take away the womans children unless she had sex with him. He coerced her into sex, and she became pregnant.

The U.S. Attorneys Office started to prosecute him criminally while they also hammered out a civil plea agreement in which Bullcoming admitted to the incident and agreed to more than $1 million of child support. Since then, Heenan said his client hasnt seen a dime from Bullcoming nor a penny from the federal government.

A lawsuit alleges the federal government, as Bullcomings employer, should bear some responsibility for the behavior and supervision of its officer. That court case remains protracted and ongoing, as the government continues to insist it should have nothing to do with the case.

The Daily Montanan sent questions the U.S. Attorney Generals Office in Washington, D.C.

It never responded to the inquiry.

The same set of questions were sent to the U.S. Attorney for Montana Jesse Laslovich, whose office is defending the case. It told the Daily Montanan that it does not comment on currently pending cases.

Heenan explained that since the original judgment against Bullcoming is in excess of $1 million, all negotiations above that have to go through the Attorney Generals Office in Washington, D.C.
Four years ago, Idaho had 17 locations where victims could receive sexual assault exams, and only three of them had nurses trained in sexual assault forensics.

Today, Idaho has 231 trained sexual assault nurse examiners, or SANE nurses, who can work out of 37 facilities. By the end of the year, Idaho State Police plans to increase that number to at least 250.

But there are still gaps. While the increase in trainees is substantial, those nurses serve 1.9 million people across the 83,600 square miles that make up the state of Idaho. Nearly all of those nurses have full-time nursing jobs in addition to SANE nursing.

Eighteen counties in Idaho have no facility where a person could receive a sexual assault exam by a trained SANE nurse. Those 18 counties are home to more than 198,000 people.

Sexual assault kits, commonly called rape kits, are exams done by trained nurse examiners after an assaults occurred. The exam involves combing and swabbing the victims body for DNA evidence and documenting injuries, and can take about four to six hours to complete. The exams evidence can assist in both confirming and ruling out suspects.

In the past, emergency room physicians or nurses could perform exams by following instructions on the kits box, but they didnt necessarily have a trauma-informed approach nor did an emergency room physician have the time needed to dedicate to one patient, said Deb Wetherelt, Idaho State Police forensic nurse examiner coordinator.

Its very, very, very, very rare for me to get a call saying, Deb, a patient came to this hospital and was told they couldnt have an exam, Wetherelt said. So, with us being a rural state, it is impossible for hospitals to be able to provide 24/7 coverage.

SANE nurse training requires 56 hours of education for a registered nurse. Nurses can become certified through the American Nursing Credentialing Center with 300 hours of practice and a test.

Nurses do not need to be certified to perform the exams; they only need to be trained. Wetherelt teaches the SANE nursing classes to nurses across the state, free for nurses and employers and paid through the Idaho State Police budget.

It is probably one of the worst nursing certifications, she said. It has a first-time pass rate of around 60%.

Of Idahos 231 trained nurses, 21 are SANE certified for adults, and four are certified for pediatric exams.

In comparison, Oregon also has 21 certified SANE nurses for its population of 4.2 million people, Wetherelt said  significantly more than Idahos 1.9 million.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, August 10. The Chairman of the Central Election Commission (CEC) of Azerbaijan Mazahir Panahov extended his gratitude to the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) for dispatching representatives to observe the upcoming parliamentary elections, Trend reports.

During a briefing, the CEC Chairman noted that the ODIHR representatives had also expressed a desire to visit Karabakh.

He emphasized that the primary objective is to ensure that voters can cast their ballots comfortably on election day, in full compliance with the Electoral Code. He noted that the process is proceeding smoothly, with candidates having been nominated by 25 political parties.

On June 28, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev signed a decree dissolving the sixth convocation of the Azerbaijani Parliament and scheduling a snap election for September 1.
The attractions of the Knights and Conquest Interpretative Centre were on full display recently as the Granard interpretive centre welcomed a visit from Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Deputy Peter Burke.



The Longford-Westmeath Fine Gael TD was shown around the centre and afterwards met with the committee.

The heritage centre opened in 2018 and has gone from strength to strength. It chronicles Irelands Norman past, which began in the 12th century and also recounts the history of the Granard area up until Kitty Kiernan in the 1920s.

The heritage centre promises to be the place where history comes to life.



Welcoming Minister Burke to the Heritage Centre Fr Simon Cadam who said: Thanks for the work you have done in bringing about this centre. It has been a huge undertaking by the committee who have put in endless hours to bring about this centre.

The local community has invested so much in this project in the past 10 years, he added.



Fr Cadam expressed the apologies of Senator Micheal Carrigy, who was unable to attend on the day.

Minister Burke addressed the gathering saying: I met with the committee seven years ago to discuss the project. People from the local community have worked so hard to bring this centre about.



It has cost over 4 million so far. Anything that we can do to help we will do, he added.

The minister was then taken on a tour of the centre by manager Deirdre Orme. Ms Orme outlined the popularity of the centre, particularly for school tours.

She added that another feature has been the twinning of Granard with East Rouen in France. A group from Granard will travel over to France in September.



Fr Cadam told the Minister: This is 15 acres of land acquired by the community. Granard Motte, which is also promoted by the Heritage Centre, and the lands around it were also acquired by the community (a total of 11 acres).

The interactive tour showed the impact that the Normans had on Ireland since their arrival. The dress, battles and main players of that era are all brought to life.

Life for ordinary people in that era is also documented. A chart shows all of the surnames in Ireland that have Norman origins.

The final part of the tour is called Kittys Parlour, which is a room dedicated to the relationship between Michael Collins and Granard girl Kitty Kiernan.



It includes pictures from that era and Kittys ghost where you stand by a mirror and an actor playing Kitty gives some background to her story and the history of the time.

One of the pictures is particularly fascinating. It was taken at General Sean McEoins wedding. Collins was a guest, but his head is down in the picture.

This was a deliberate policy, as he was the most wanted man in Ireland at the time, following a speech he gave outside Legga church.

The centre is open seven days a week.
A screenshot taken from a Russian military drone video shows a Ukrainian Humvee bearing the tactical symbol used for the Kursk offensive (Via Telegram).

Now on its fourth day, Ukraines surprise offensive in Russias Kursk region is a daring gambit likely intended to divert Russian forces and snatch back the wars momentum. But it also comes with major risks for a Ukrainian military short on reserves and struggling to hold back Russian advances in Donetsk Oblast.

What we know so far

Much about the Ukrainian offensive is still unclear. Kyiv has remained tight-lipped, and Ukrainian units have released scant battlefield footage. What little information is available comes chiefly from Russian-released videos as well as a whirlwind of unconfirmedand often contradictoryreports on Telegram.

Here is what we currently know: Following an artillery bombardment, Ukrainian forces attacked across the border between the Sumy and Kursk regions on the morning of August 6. They initially advanced in two directions: east to the border town of Sudzha and north toward the town of Korenevo.

Though the attacking forces precise size and composition remain unclear, the offensive is certainly larger in scale and ambition than Ukraines previous cross-border operations. Those raids were conducted by units subordinate to Ukrainian military intelligence, whereas this offensive includes regular forces.

At this point, Ukraine has probably committed battalions from at least several different brigades. The attacking forces appear to have mainly included mechanized and motorized infantry, plus some tanks along with engineering vehicles to clear mines and other obstacles. Ukrainian self-propelled artillery seems to be supporting the advancing forces.

At first, Russias Defense Ministry said the initial attack comprised up to 300 troops from Ukraines 22nd Separate Mechanized Brigade, equipped with 11 tanks and 20 other armored fighting vehicles. But General Valery Gerasimov, chief of the Russian General Staff, later claimed it involved up to 1,000 troops. Whatever the size of the initial attack, additional forces have likely followed.

Drone crews from the 14th UAV Regiments Nakhtigal Battalion, the SBU security service, and the 80th Separate Air Assault Brigade apparently also participated in the initial attack. Maneuver units from the 80th Brigade were probably involved, too. Videos of Ukrainian columns posted on Telegram on August 67 showed US-donated Stryker infantry carrier vehicles. The 80th Brigade is one of a handful of Ukrainian units known to operate Strykers. Forces from the 116th Mechanized Brigade and 61st Mechanized Brigade are also participating in the offensive. However, this list is likely not exhaustive.

Although there had been warnings about a Ukrainian buildup in Sumy Oblast in the days prior to the offensive, the attack evidently caught Russia off guard. Ukrainian operational security seems to have been tight. Russia left the border weakly defended, protected mainly by conscript and border guard units. (Note that in the Russian system, conscriptspeople completing their obligatory one year of military serviceare distinct from mobilized troops and prohibited from fighting inside Ukraine.) The Russian defense was prepared to stop small-scale raids but not a sizeable force. Ukraine exploited this surprise with a highly mobile force that advanced rapidly into Russian territory, overrunning or bypassing defensive positions near the border.

Ukrainian forces surrounded and ultimately captured some 50 Russian troops at the Sudzha border checkpoint. Ukraine reportedly met minimal resistance at the nearby village of Oleshnya and also surrounded Russian troops in Gornal, south of Sudzha. The Ukrainians quickly reached Sudzhas environs and appear to have taken at least part of the town. But a large chunk of the Ukrainian force seems to have turned left at Sudzha, pressing northward along the road connecting that town to Lgov. As of August 8, Ukrainian troops had reached Malaya Loknya, a village roughly 13 kilometers from the border, though they apparently met at least some resistance there.

Meanwhile, Ukrainian forces pressed north from the area around the villages of Darino and Serdlikovo after reportedly meeting some initial resistance. Footage released on social media indicates that by August 7, the Ukrainians had progressed at least 12 kilometers from the border to the area around Novoivanovka.

Some Russian Telegram channels have reported fighting near Korenevo to the northwest, Anastasevka and Kromskie Byki to the north, and Bolshoe Soldatskoe northeast of Sudzha. Some of these claims are disputed, however. These reports may reflect Ukrainian sabotage-reconnaissance groups operating ahead of the main force.

Video footage indicates Russia has used attack helicopters and Su-25 attack aircraft, artillery fire (including Krasnopol laser-guided shells), Lancet loitering munition strikes, and Iskander-M ballistic missile strikes to support ground troops trying to stem the Ukrainian advance. In addition, reports by the Ukrainian General Staff and the Sumy regional government, along with Russianreleased footage, indicate Su-34 strike fighters have launched many dozens of glide bombs at targets in the Sumy and Kursk regions.

Ukraine has shot down at least one Ka-52 attack helicopter. However, Kyiv has a dearth of air defense systems, and pushing them forward to cover advancing troops renders the systems more vulnerable. A transporter erector launcher and radar from a Buk-M1 medium-range system were likely destroyed by an Iskander missile strike near the border on or around August 6.

Russia has begun dispatching forces to try to contain and roll back the Ukrainian advance, though it remains unclear exactly which units Moscow has sent. What is known is that a Chechen spetsnaz detachment that had been fighting in northern Kharkiv Oblast claims to have redeployed to Kursk on August 6. Russia reportedly also sent forces from the Pyatnashka Brigade, which had been fighting at Chasiv Yar in Donetsk Oblast, as well as a detachment of former Wagner Group fighters.

Russian tanks were seen moving on August 7 and 8. Their tactical symbols indicate they came from Russias Sever grouping, responsible for northern Kharkiv Oblast and Russias Bryansk, Kursk, and Belgorod regions. Moscow probably had at least some available reserves in those regions or elsewhere in Russia. Russian heavy equipment is likely arriving in Kursk Oblast in greater numbers as of August 9. Ukraine has sought to interdict the Russian reinforcements, in one case, destroying a truck column carrying infantry near Rylsk.

An assessment of likely Ukrainian lines of advance as of August 9, 2024, based on available information. (Google My Maps image annotated by LWJ)

Ukrainian objectives

For Ukraine, this offensive likely has multiple aims. First, Kyiv seeks to compel Russia to divert forces from other fronts, much like Moscows Kharkiv offensive in May 2024 did to Ukraine. This goal could be to relieve pressure in Donetsk Oblast, where Ukrainian troops are struggling to hold back Russian advances, or to enable Ukraine to recapture Russian-controlled territory in northern Kharkiv Oblast.

Second, Kyiv likely sought to reinvigorate Ukrainian morale and Western confidence in Ukraine, reversing the downbeat narrative that has taken hold over the last 10 months. On that score, Ukraine has already achieved some success. The operation has electrified the Ukrainian and Western media while sparking alarm and fury in Russia.

A possible third aim could be to gain leverage in potential peace negotiations. Russian sources report that Ukrainian troops have begun digging in, suggesting Kyiv seeks to hold the captured territory at least temporarily.

The risks of the operation

Despite its initial successes, the Kursk offensive comes with serious risks. Most immediately, Ukraines rapid advance has elongated its supply lines and may have created narrow salients whose flanks are vulnerable to Russian counterattacks. If Russia can bring significant forces to bear before Ukraine can widen those salients and organize a robust defense, Ukrainian troops could be cut off. It is unclear exactly what proportion of the Ukrainian forces available for this operation have already been committed.

In the bigger picture, Ukraine took a gamble by committing its limited reserves to the Kursk offensive rather than reinforcing its defense in Donetsk Oblast, where those forces arguably would have been better used. Russia is currently grinding its way toward the city of Pokrovsk, a key logistics hub. Russian troops have also reached the outskirts of Torestsk and are attempting to push deeper into Chasiv Yar.

Russias rate of advance has quickened in recent weeks, mainly due to Kyivs shortage of manpower. This has been the Ukrainian militarys chief problem since last year. Defending units simply lack enough infantry to hold positions.

Its madness. We are fighting with cooks, electricians, and mechanics, one Ukrainian brigade commander fighting in Donetsk Oblast recently lamented. In the spring, Kyiv took steps to begin redressing the shortage, including bypassing long-delayed legislation to expand its pool of mobilization-eligible men. Ukrainian officials say the mobilization rate has since surged, but the problem will take time to fix. Fresh troops must be trained, and Ukraines training pipeline has limited throughput capacity.

Kyiv seems to have scraped the bottom of the barrel to put together forces for the Kursk offensive. The 80th Air Assault Brigade, one of the units apparently participating in the Kursk operation, was in the middle of reconstituting after tough fighting in the Donetsk Oblast. In late July, a scandal erupted when the 80th Brigade commander was demoted for refusing orders he deemed unrealistic given his brigades current staffing and readiness level. One can now guess he was referring to the Kursk offensive.

The worst-case scenario for Ukraine is that Russia manages to drive back and severely attrite Ukrainian units in Kursk Oblast without meaningfully weakening its position on other fronts. Given Russias advantage in force availability, that is not implausible. Currently, there is no evidence Russia has diverted forces from the Pokrovsk axis (its main effort) or the Toretsk axis, and Moscow likely has sufficient forces elsewhere to avoid having to do so.

Even if Ukraine manages to hold territory in Kursk Oblast, those forces will be unavailable for use elsewhere. The operation could take on a life of its own, sucking in more resources than initially intended.

The Kursk offensive may turn out to be a masterstroke that wrests back momentum from Moscow. Or it could be a self-inflicted error that compounds Ukraines manpower shortage even as its defense in Donetsk Oblast continues to deteriorate. Only time will tell.

John Hardie is the deputy director of FDDs Russia Program and a contributor to FDD's Long War Journal.
Two Former U.S. Officials Reflect on ISIS's Genocide in Iraq and Syria

Ten years ago, the self-proclaimed Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) launched a campaign of mass atrocities to achieve the religious and ethnic cleansing of religious minority groups in Iraq and Syria. In 2016, the U.S. State Department determined ISIS's atrocities against Yazidis, Christians, and Shi'a Muslims constituted crimes against humanity and genocide. Ten years on, survivors face multiple threats to their religious freedom, security, and existence within their homelands.

Today, Ambassador David Saperstein, former U.S. Ambassador-at-Large for International Religious Freedom, and the Hon. Frank Wolf, former U.S. Representative (R-VA 10th) and former Commissioner at the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF), join USCIRF Senior Policy Analyst Susan Bishai. They share their firsthand insight into the United States' response to ISIS's genocide and crimes against humanity, as well as offer recommendations for the U.S. to support religious freedom for the surviving communities, ten years on.

click here to listen to USCIRF's podcast.
Terry/Broden Campaign Storms onto the Ballot in Alaska

NEWS PROVIDED BY

Randall Terry for President

Aug. 9, 2024



WASHINGTON, Aug. 9, 2024 /Standard Newswire/ -- The Terry/Broden campaign is ecstatic to announce that we have successfully secured our spot on the ballot in Alaska! This milestone is yet another victory in our unstoppable march across the nation. We owe a massive thank you to our relentless volunteers who refused to back down, proving once again that nothing can stand in the way of our movement.



Vice Presidential Candidate, Pastor Stephen Broden, boldly declared,

"Ballot access is no easy featespecially when the two-party system is hell-bent on maintaining its stranglehold over the American people. But we're not just in this fightwe're here to win it, and today is proof that we're doing just that!"

With Alaska now in our column, the campaign is charging full speed ahead, riding a wave of unstoppable momentum. Virginia is next on our list, and we are set to dominate there as well. By next Thursday, we'll have Tennessee in our grasp, completing our mission with unwavering determination.



Presidential Candidate, Randall Terry, enthusiastically added,

"I've been in constant communication with pastors and leaders in Virginia, and the response has been nothing short of explosive. When they hear our vision, they are all in! This weekend, Virginia will witness our power, and then it's back to Tennessee to seal the deal."

For further comments or to schedule an interview contact:

Joe Slovenec

joe@Terry2024.com

Campaign Manager

Terry / Broden Campaign

www.Terry2024.com



SOURCE Randall Terry for President


Baku, Azerbaijan, August 10. Sixty observers from the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly (OSCE PA) and 40 from the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) have been registered to monitor Azerbaijan's parliamentary elections, said Mazahir Panahov, Chairman of the Central Election Commission (CEC) of Azerbaijan, during a briefing, Trend reports.

Panahov also noted that representatives from the parliaments of Turkiye, Georgia, Kazakhstan, and Russia, along with observers from GUAM and the Organization of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation, will be monitoring the elections.

On June 28, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev signed a decree dissolving the sixth convocation of the Azerbaijani Parliament and scheduling a snap election for September 1.
The #1 Takeaway from Big Tech Stocks Earnings

Its a jam-packed Jolt on artificial intelligence (AI) today plus, a well-deserved dunk on The New York Times.

Lets get after it

America spent $600 billion (in todays dollars) building its highway system.

Big tech companies will spend more money constructing AI data centers in the next four years.



Its the biggest infrastructure buildout ever, and its not even close.

The #1 takeaway: They continue to plough historic sums of money into AI.

Who wins the AI arms race?

Heavy-hitters, andall reported earnings over the past two weeks.Googles first data center was a tiny steel cage stuffed with 30 PCs. Now, tech companies are spending hundreds of billions of dollars (each year) building high-tech meccas to power ChatGPT and its competitors.Microsoft and Google both announced a near doubling of the amount of money theyre spending on chips, servers, switches, and cooling equipment.Look at Microsofts AI-related spending surging:Source: MicrosoftFacebook plans to plough $40 billion into its AI data centers this year. And theres no end in sight.On its earnings call, Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg said the amount of chips needed to train its next AI model will be 10X what it used to train its last one. And Facebook already bought 600,000AI chips!Would you rather own the companies spending all this money or those receiving it?There are few no-brainer choices in investing. Investing in the companies capturing the hundreds of billions of dollars of guaranteed AI chip spending is one of them.

When asked about the billions of dollars its investing in AI, Googles CEO said, The risk of underinvesting is dramatically greater than the risk of overinvesting."



Zuckerberg echoed these comments.



Read: Were locked in an AI arms race. Don't expect it to end anytime soon.



Amazon Microsoft Facebook and Google are convinced AI will be as transformational as the internet. I agree.



And theyre hellbent on spending as much money as it takes to win the race. Ploughing billions of dollars into AI is worth it when the prize for winning is worth trillions.



Many investors are worried the AI bubble will soon go ka-boom. I disagree.



Four of the largest, most profitable companies in historyworth a combined $8 trillionhave plenty of money to afford this.



Smaller players like OpenAI that need chips to run their AI models might be a different story.



My contacts tell me theres a sense of panic among the OpenAIs, Anthropics, and Perplexitys of the world. Theyre worried they wont be able to secure chips, wont be able to afford them, or both.



Takeaway: Were still in the early innings of the AI spending boom.



Heed the I.P.A. pattern . Own companies drinking from the firehose of AI infrastructure spending.

AIs thirst for energy is off the charts.

Transformerswhich deliver electricity from generators to usersare in such short supply that if you order one today, youll be lucky to get it in 2028!



AI is partly to blame.



The new ChatGPT uses roughly 100,000,000X more compute compared to cutting-edge models a decade ago.



Microsoft alone operates more than 300 data centers around the world. And its on pace to build between 50 and 100 more each year for the foreseeable future. Some of these data centers will use as much energy as a small city.



The International Energy Agency estimates AI could use as much power as Japan in two years!



Electricity isnt what you think of when you hear fast-growing megatrend. But powering AI will be one of the most important investing trends of the next decade.



Soon, youll read about the AI energy shortage in every newspaper in America. People will freak out about ChatGPT stealing their electricity.



Last month, Tesla (TSLA) refused a shipment of AI chips because it had no electricity to power them.



AI servers run 5X hotter than traditional data centers. The new state-of-the-art is liquid cooling, as opposed to giant fans blowing cold air.

Todays dose of optimism

Forty years ago, Venezuela was twice as rich as neighboring Chile.



Then Chile gave Milton Friedmans free market ideas a go, while Venezuela tried communism.



The results are in, and we have a clear winner:

To get more ideas like this sent straight to your inbox every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, make sure to sign up for The RiskHedge Report , a free investment letter focused on profiting from disruption.



By Stephen McBride

Chief Analyst, RiskHedge

http://www.riskhedge.com

 2024 Copyright Stephen McBride - All Rights Reserved Disclaimer: The above is a matter of opinion provided for general information purposes only and is not intended as investment advice. Information and analysis above are derived from sources and utilising methods believed to be reliable, but we cannot accept responsibility for any losses you may incur as a result of this analysis. Individuals should consult with their personal financial advisors.

 2005-2022 http://www.MarketOracle.co.uk - The Market Oracle is a FREE Daily Financial Markets Analysis & Forecasting online publication.




A former Boston Police Department officer was sentenced on Thursday in federal court in connection with committing over $20,000 in overtime fraud while working at the departments evidence warehouse, Acting U.S. Attorney Joshua Levys office announced.

James Carnes, 61, of Canton, was sentenced to two years of supervised release, with the first six months served in home detention, Levys office said in a statement on Friday.

Carnes was also ordered to pay a $5,000 fine and $20,106 in restitution, according to the statement. He pleaded guilty in April 2021 to one count of conspiracy to commit theft concerning programs receiving federal funds and one count of embezzlement from an agency receiving federal funds.
A Holyoke nonprofit is preparing to sell three city duplexes to below-median-income buyers for affordable prices.

OneHolyoke, a nonprofit agency devoted to low- and moderate-income housing, will hold a lottery Aug. 31 to sell the three, two-family homes for $225,000 each, but with certain conditions. \
Independent TD Michael Healy Rae voiced his approval for Kerry's upcoming Puck Fair on the radio this morning, saying that the goat involved in treated so well that he would volunteer if he was one.

The Puck Fair, Irelands longest-running festival kicks off in the town of Killorglin tomorrow, and continues until the 12th August.

Every year a feral goat is captured from the Kerry mountains and brought back to town, where the 'Queen of Puck', traditionally a young school girl from one of the local primary schools, crowns the goat 'King Puck'.

READ MORE - What time is Rhasidat Adeleke's 400m final at? All you need to know ahead of the Olympic race

Traditionally, the goat is then put into a small cage on a high stand for three days, and on the 3rd day of the fair, he is brought down to be led back to the mountains.

More recently, following significant objections from animal rights groups, "King Puck" has only been displayed on the fair stand for a couple of hours rather than 3 whole days.

Kerry TD Michael Healy Rae told Newstalk Breakfast he'd happily volunteer for the position if he was a goat.

Speaking to host Shane Coleman, Healy Rae explained: "If I was a goat up above around Ballyclave or Glenbeigh and if I knew there was people out and I knew what was ahead of me, I'd be coming forward from the crowd looking to be captured".

"They're treated so well: their toenails are clipped, they're groomed and when they're released they're in better condition.

"Outside of the goat itself the safety people, the safety marshals, the publicans, the business people - everybody pulls together.

"It's not just the excellent hard-working committee, it's all the business people in the community, it's all the locals working to put on what is an excellent, unique fair".

Healy-Rae continued to defend the festival, saying that the organisers work with vets for the event.

"Anybody who knows anything about animals knows that the one way you can judge the welfare of an animal is if they put on weight," he said.

"When a puck goat is captured the very first thing that is done is they're weighed and the vets check them, and everything is always done in an excellent fashion.

"When the goats are released they're always in better condition than what they were when they actually were captured."

Selling the event, Healy-Rae (who host Shane Coleman jokingly labelled a "goat whisperer") added that "all roads lead to Kerry" and labelled the event "the experience of a lifetime".

According to festival organisers, the welfare of the goat is "of utmost importance" to all involved, and "strict protocols" are in place to ensure this. These strict protocols are also apparently overseen and checked by an independent veterinary surgeon.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, August 10. A total of 267 international observers from 46 countries and 29 organizations have been registered to monitor the upcoming parliamentary elections in Azerbaijan, said Mazahir Panahov, Chairman of the Central Election Commission (CEC) of Azerbaijan, during a briefing, Trend reports.

The complete list of registered candidates, representing 125 electoral districts, is available on the Central Election Commissions website.

On June 28, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev signed a decree dissolving the sixth convocation of the Azerbaijani Parliament and scheduling a snap election for September 1.
BAKU. Azerbaijan. August 10. Mazahir Panahov, Chairman of the Central Election Commission (CEC) of Azerbaijan, emphasized the need for legislative amendments regarding the deadlines for withdrawing candidacies, Trend reports.

"Election commissions must urgently provide us with information on candidates who have withdrawn their candidacies. We need to contact the election commissions and verify candidate details using their ID cards. This is crucial, as ballots must be finalized 10 days before the elections. The most problematic issue is that candidates can withdraw their candidacy up to 10 days before the election. In the future, we must amend the Electoral Code to address this," Panahov stated during a briefing today.

On June 28, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev signed a decree dissolving the sixth convocation of the Azerbaijani Parliament and scheduling a snap election for September 1.
by Laurie Sullivan @lauriesullivan, August 10, 2024

Susan Wojcicki, an ambitious innovator who wanted to reinvent television at Google, has died of lung cancer at the age of 56.

Wojcicki played an important role in developing technology that distributes advertising dollars across the internet. She joined Google as one of its earliest employees and led the development of its AdSense product for publishers. The software allows Google to serve ads to millions of websites as a third-party broker.

She held the position of senior vice president of ad products at Google, and later was instrumental in the company acquiring YouTube, the video service that led the company into television. Google purchased the website YouTube in 2006 for about $1.65 billion.

Wojcicki's journey to change advertising and television began years earlier while working at Intel. Wojcicki and her husband, whom she married in 1998, became part of Google's startup story after renting the ground floor and garage of their Menlo Park, California home to Sergey Brin and Larry Page. That is where Brin and Page began to create Google.

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When Wojcicki became CEO of YouTube in 2014, she would give the opening keynote at Vidcon, cheering on creators and TV enthusiasts. The event became an annual gathering for the industry, held initially in Anaheim, California.

Wojcicki ceded the position of YouTube CEO in 2023, citing a desire to focus on family, health and personal projects, and remained an advisor to Alphabet.



Dennis Troper, Wojcickis husband, wrote in a Facebook post that she had been living with lung cancer for two years. Susan was not just my best friend and partner in life, but a brilliant mind, a loving mother, and a dear friend to many, he wrote. Her impact on our family and the world was immeasurable.

Google and Alphabet CEO Sundar Pichai posted a tribute to Wojcicki on X. She is as core to the history of Google as anyone, and it's hard to imagine the world without her, he wrote. She was an incredible person, leader and friend who had a tremendous impact on the world and Im one of countless Googlers who is better for knowing her.

Wojcicki is survived by her husband and four of their children. Their son Marco Troper died at age 19 in February.
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Oral Antibiotics and Risk of Serious Cutaneous Adverse Drug Reactions



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All #antibiotics linked to higher risk of serious #skinreactions compared to macrolides. But watch out for #sulfonamides & #cephalosporins - they're the biggest culprits! #drugreactions #drugnews

Antibiotics: Hidden Risks and Safer Options

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There were 2 cADR-related hospital visits for every 1000 antibiotic prescriptions dispensed.

About 1 in 8 patients presenting to the ED with antibiotic-related cADRs was hospitalized, likely because their reactions were more severe or because of concerns about potential complications.

20% of hospitalized patients with the most severe forms of cADRs were treated in a critical care unit, and 5% of those patients died.

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Oral Antibiotics and Risk of Serious Cutaneous Adverse Drug Reactions - (https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/article-abstract/2822097)

Commonly prescribed antibiotics , sulfonamides and cephalosporins, pose the highest risk for severe, potentially fatal skin reactions ().Researchers from ICES, Sunnybrook Research Institute and the Department of Medicine at the University of Torontos Temerty Faculty of Medicine suggest that prescribers should consider using lower-risk antibiotics for their patients when clinically appropriate.Serious cutaneous adverse drug reactions (cADRs), or severe drug rash, are a group of rare but potentially life-threatening delayed reactions involving the skin and, often, internal organs. Some of these reactions carry mortality rates from 20 to 40%. While many different classes of drugs can cause serious cADRs, antibiotics are among the most commonly reported triggers for these reactions.Clinicians have speculated that certain antibiotics carry greater risk for these severe reactions, but no study has ever confirmed these claims says Erika Lee, an allergist and a trainee with ICES and Temerty Medicines Eliot Phillipson Clinician-Scientist Training Program. Our objective was to explore the risk for cARDs in a population of older adults, who tend to receive disproportionately more antibiotic prescriptions than younger adults.Published in the journalthis case-control study used healthcare data from ICES of adults 66 years or older who received a prescription for at least one oral antibiotic between 2002 and 2022 in Ontario, Canada.Over the study period, 21,758 adults had an ED visit or hospitalization for a serious cADR following oral antibiotics and were matched with 87,025 controls who did not have a reaction.The good news is that most patients who visited the hospital with these reactions were discharged without being admitted, so that should be reassuring to providers and patients, says Lee. However, of those who were admitted to hospital with the most severe reactions, twenty percent were treated in the ICU, and five percent of hospitalized patients died, which underscores the need for careful prescribing practices.The most commonly prescribed antibiotics were penicillins (29%), followed by cephalosporins (18%), fluoroquinolones (17%), macrolides (15%) nitrofurantoin (9%) and sulfonamides (6%). Less commonly prescribed antibiotics were grouped together and accounted for 7% of prescriptions.Key findings include:Greater awareness neededWhile rare, these severe drug reactions can be life-threatening. Patients should be aware of rash, fever , and other symptoms, which can start weeks after a prescription has been started and even after the course of antibiotics has stopped, says David Juurlink, a staff internist and head of the Division of Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, senior core scientist with ICES and professor of medicine with Temerty Medicine.Its also one more reason why antibiotics should be prescribed only when theyre truly needed, he adds.The article, Oral antibiotics and the risk of serious cutaneous adverse drug reactions, was published in JAMA.Founded in 1827, the University of Toronto is Canada's top university with a long history of challenging the impossible and transforming society through the ingenuity and resolve of its faculty, alumni and supporters. We are proud to be one of the world's top research-intensive universities, bringing together top mins from every conceivable background and discipline to collaborate on the worlds most pressing challenges.Our community is a catalyst for discovery, innovation and progress, creating knowledge and solutions that make a tangible difference around the globe. And we prepare our students for success through an outstanding global education rooted in excellence, inclusion and close-knit learning communities.The ideas, innovations and contributions of more than 679,00 graduates advance U of Ts impact on communities across the globe. Together, we continue to defy gravity by taking on what might seem unattainable today and generating the ideas and talent needed to build a more equitable, sustainable and prosperous future.Source-Eurekalert
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Regulation of Added Substances in the Food Supply by the Food and Drug Administration Human Foods Program



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Potassium bromate, a chemical additive added to baked goods and #drinks may cause #cancer. #FDA#medindia

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Classifying GRAS

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FDAs Approach on Food Additives Use

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Regulatory Gaps in FDAs Oversight

Consequences of FDAs Negligence

Stronger protections

Regulation of Added Substances in the Food Supply by the Food and Drug Administration Human Foods Program- (https://ajph.aphapublications.org/doi/abs/10.2105/AJPH.2024.307755 )

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is in charge of monitoring food safety throughout the United States, establishing guidelines for nutrition labeling, collaborating with businesses on food recalls, and handling food-borne disease outbreaks. However, a recent paper in theclaims that the FDA has adopted a hands-off stance when it comes to additives already present in our food and the safety of particular substances.The food industry can control thousands of additional ingredients under the current FDA process by deciding which ingredients are "generally recognized as safe," or GRAS, and whether or not to disclose the ingredients' use and supporting safety information to the FDA. Because of this, a lot of novel compounds have entered our food chain without any kind of government control.("The number of these ingredients which are mostly found in highly processed foods that are in our food supply is unknown to the public and the FDA," stated Jennifer Pomeranz, the study's first author and an associate professor of public health policy and management at NYU School of Global Public Health.Since 1958, the FDA has been responsible for evaluating the safety of new chemicals and substances added to foods before they go to market. However, food safety laws distinguish between  food additives  and GRAS ingredients. While compounds considered food additives must be reviewed and approved by the FDA before they are used in foods, ingredients considered GRAS are exempt from these regulations.The GRAS designation was initially established for ingredients already found in foodsfor instance, vinegar and spices. But under a rule used since 1997, the FDA has allowed the food industry to independently determine which substances fall into this category, including many new substances added to foods. Rather than disclose the new use of these ingredients and the accompanying safety data for FDA review, companies can do their research to evaluate an ingredients safety before going to market, without any notification or sharing of the findings. The FDA suggests but does not require that companies voluntarily notify the agency about the use of such substances and their findings, but in practice, many such substances have been added without notification.In their analysis, the researchers review the history of the FDAs and industrys approach around adding these new compounds to foods and identify the lack of any real oversight. This includes a federal court case in 2021 upholding the FDAs hands-off approach.Notably, the court did not find that the FDAs practices on GRAS ingredients support the safety of our food supply, said Pomeranz. The court only ruled that the FDAs practice was not unlawful. As a result of the FDAs policy, the food industry has been free to self-GRAS new substances they wish to add to foods, without notifying FDA or the public, said study senior author Dariush Mozaffarian, director of the Food is Medicine Institute and distinguished professor at the Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy at Tufts University. There are now hundreds, if not thousands, of substances added to our foods for which the true safety data are unknown to independent scientists, the government, and the public.According to the researchers, the FDA also lacks a formal approach and adequate resources to review those food additives and GRAS substances already on the market. After an ingredient is added to foods, if research later suggests harm, the FDA can review the new data and, if needed, take action to reduce or remove it from foods. In a rare exception, the FDA announced in March that it would be reviewing 21 chemicals found in foods, including several food ingredientsa tiny fraction of the thousands of food additives and GRAS substances used today.An example of the 21 food additives to be reviewed is potassium bromate, a chemical added to baked goods and drinks with evidence that it may cause cancer. Potassium bromate is banned in Europe, Canada, China, and Japan; California recently passed a law to ban its use, along with three other chemicals, and similar bills have been introduced in Illinois, New York, and Pennsylvania. This is a stark example of the FDAs regulatory gap, said Pomeranz. Were seeing states starting to act to fill the regulatory void left by the FDAs inaction over substances increasingly associated with harm.The FDAs oversight of GRAS ingredients on the market is also limited. The agency rarely revokes GRAS designation (an FDA inventory only shows 15 substances that were considered GRAS and then later determined to not be), nor does the FDA review foods on an ongoing basis with GRAS ingredients that can be safe when added at low levels but not in large quantitiesfor instance, caffeine, salt, and sugar.In 1977, the FDA approved caffeine as a GRAS substance for use in sodas at a low level: 0.02 percent, said Pomeranz. But today, caffeine is added to energy drinks at levels far exceeding this, which is causing caffeine-related hospitalizations and even deaths. Given that the FDA regulates the use of GRAS substances, the agency could set limits on the amount of caffeine in energy drinks.The sheer number of GRAS substances and food additives on the market, combined with the lack of knowledge about the existence of self-GRAS ingredients, insufficient resources, and documented time delays even for well-supported action, renders reliance on post-market authority flawed and unreliable to ensure a safe food supply. FDA is only starting to utilize its post-market powers to review a tiny number of ingredients in the food supply, even though evidence of harm has been present for decades, said study co-author Emily Broad Leib, director of Harvard Law School Center for Health Law and Policy Innovation and founding director of the Harvard Law School Food Law and Policy Clinic.The authors analysis provides the FDA and Congress with several potential actions to better assess and oversee the safety of both GRAS substances and food additives. This could include a new requirement that companies must publicly notify the FDA of the use of GRAS ingredients, and share their underlying safety data before they are put in foods; creating a robust review process to reevaluate the safety of GRAS ingredients and food additives once they are already on the market; and clarifying the distinction between GRAS ingredients and food additives.To fund this stronger oversight of the food supply, the researchers suggest that Congress could allocate additional resources to the FDA or establish a user fee program in which food companies pay for the FDA to review the safety of their ingredients before they are added to foods. Both the FDA and Congress can do more to enable the FDA to meet its mission of ensuring a safe food supply, said Pomeranz.Source-IANS
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Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh hails WHO on signing MOU with India for production of medical devices



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The WHO collaboration will facilitate the training and development of a highly-skilled workforce, making India a global leader in medical technology. #indianhealth #medindia

India Aims for Leadership in Medical Device Manufacturing

Building a Skilled Workforce and Expanding Capabilities

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Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh hails WHO on signing MOU with India for production of medical devices - (https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=2043885)

The Indian government has announced a significant step towards establishing the country as a global leader in healthcare innovation. A new partnership with thewill focus on the production of medical devices()., Dr. Jitendra Singh, highlighted the need to increase the volume of indigenous medical device production to meet growing domestic demand. Despite making progress in developing these devices, India still faces challenges in scaling up manufacturing.To address this, thehas signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the WHO. The institute, under the Department of Science and Technology (DST), will collaborate with global entrepreneurs to license technologies and generate revenue through royalties.Dr. Singh emphasized that this partnership aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of. By promoting domestic manufacturing and reducing reliance on imports, India can strengthen its position in the global healthcare market.The collaboration is expected to contribute to the development of a highly skilled workforce, further enhancing India's manufacturing capabilities. The minister also highlighted the country's world-class facilities for developing technologies such as in-vitro testing, genomics, precision medicine, and vaccine production.SCTIMST's technology is a crucial part of India's growing medical diagnostics ecosystem. The minister expressed confidence that the partnership with the WHO will lead to further technological advancements, innovations, and international collaborations.Dr. Singh concluded by emphasizing that this partnership will solidify India's position as a leader in healthcare innovation, with a particular focus on "Technology for Medical Diagnosis."Source-Medindia
Justin Verlander is slated to make a rehab start for Triple-A Sugar Land today, marking his first game action since June 9. Astros manager Joe Espada told reporters (including Matt Kawahara and Matt Young of the Houston Chronicle) that the loose plan is for Verlander to throw three innings or 50 pitches in the first of what is expected to be a two-outing rehab stint, though theres plenty of fluidity built in as the 41-year-old ace works his way back from a neck strain.

If all goes well, Verlander would likely be activated for the start of the Astros series with the Orioles that begins on August 22. Verlander would become the sixth member of a six-man rotation Houston is planning to deploy during a busy stretch of the schedule, as after receiving three off-days within the first 15 days of August, the Astros then play every day from August 16 through September 2. Assuming Verlander returns in his usual top-of-the-rotation form, hell be a giant boost to a Houston team that is battling the Mariners for the AL West title, and will again be looking to make another deep playoff run. Between this neck problem and a season-opening bout of shoulder inflammation, Verlander has been limited to 57 innings in his 19th Major League season, but he has a solid 3.95 ERA when available to pitch.

More from around the AL West
The Royals announced that right-hander Hunter Harvey has been placed on the 15-day injured list (retroactive to August 7) due to mid-back tightness. Right-hander Carlos Hernandez was called up from Triple-A in the corresponding move.

The back problem has kept Harvey from pitching since August 4, so hell get the maximum three days of backdated IL placement time factored into a longer stint on the sidelines. Clearly Harvey and the Royals were hopeful that some rest would allow for Harvey to heal without the need for a trip to the injured list, but todays news continues that has been a shaky beginning to the relievers tenure in Kansas City.

Acquired from the Nationals just under a month ago, K.C. paid a hefty price to land the righty, giving up both notable infield prospect Cayden Wallace as well as the 39th overall pick in the 2024 draft (the Royals Competitive Balance Round selection, which are the only types of draft picks that can be traded). The Royals were hoping that Harvey could help solidify their bullpen, but he has thus far posted a 6.35 ERA in 5 2/3 innings over four appearances, with four walks and five strikeouts.

These numbers are starkly different from the 4.20 ERA, 26.3% strikeout rate, and 6.3% walk rate Harvey posted in 45 innings for Washington prior to the trade. The small sample size of Harveys time with the Royals must be considered, of course, plus some extra misfortune in the form of a .389 BABIP since he went from D.C. to K.C. However, while most secondary metrics indicated that Harvey pitched better with the Nats than his 4.20 ERA indicated, he is near the bottom of the league with a 48.3% hard-hit ball rate.

It could be that all of that hard contact was bound to catch up with Harvey eventually, and it surely hasnt helped that he mightve been nursing a bad back during some of this time. Harvey has a long injury history mostly related to arm problems rather than back issues, so hopefully a 15-day absence will fully correct the problem.

Harvey joins a few other Royals relievers on the IL, as John Schreiber and Dan Altavilla are expected back roughly around the end of August and the team is hopeful Josh Taylor can return at some point in September. The injuries havent helped the Royals efforts to both improve their bullpen results or their broader goal of reaching the playoffs, and with Harvey out, it puts more pressure on James McArthur and new arrival Lucas Erceg to hold the fort in high-leverage situations.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, August 10. Of the candidates registered for Azerbaijan's Milli Majlis (parliament), 308 represent 25 different political parties, said Mazahir Panahov, the Chairman of the Central Election Commission (CEC) of Azerbaijan, during a briefing, Trend reports.

The complete list of registered candidates, representing 125 electoral districts, is available on the Central Election Commissions website.

On June 28, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev signed a decree dissolving the sixth convocation of the Azerbaijani Parliament and scheduling a snap election for September 1.
DETROIT - A federal criminal complaint accuses a Canadian truck driver of hiding 10 Vietnamese citizens inside his trailer and smuggling them across the border in Detroit.

Huisain Al Kawwaz, 34, appeared in the U.S. District Court of Eastern Michigan on Friday, Aug. 9 after he was detained at the border earlier this week. He is accused of acting in reckless disregard and alien smuggling for commercial advantage and private financial gain.
STANDISH, MI - A Michigan carnival company will pay more than $72,000 in back wages after the U.S. Department of Labor says it shortchanged visa workers hired to operate rides, run games and staff food stands.

T.J. Schmidt & Co. LLC was ordered to pay the back wages after the feds say the Standish carnival operator paid H-2B visa workers less than the wages promised and didnt reimburse them for travel to the United States.

The company agreed to pay $72,254 in back wages to 32 workers and $13,746 in penalties after entering into a consent decree with the Office of Administrative Law Judges on Aug. 1.

In response, T.J. Schmidt & Co. denied the allegations and false statements from the federal agency.

The company paid its employees and reimbursed their travel expenses in compliance with the law, but after years of litigation, the company made the decision to settle the case to avoid further litigation costs, a statement said.

The action comes after the U.S. Department of Labor investigated T.J. Schmidt & Co.s records from April 1 through Oct. 12, 2021 and found the company violated federal visa regulations, a news release said. The H-2B visa program allows U.S. employers to temporarily hire foreign workers for non-agricultural jobs to meet seasonal needs.

Wage and Hour District Director Timolin Mitchell said employers hiring visa workers are required to declare the workers tasks, pay rates and reimburse employees for transportation to and from their home country.

Let this case send a clear message to other employers who mistakenly believe they wont be held accountable for ignoring their responsibilities in employing workers with temporary visa applications, Mitchell said in a statement.

A judge also ordered T.J. Schmidt & Co. to use an approved time keeping system, post wage information and provide workers with H-2B resource materials.
COOPERSVILLE, MI  Ever wanted to live out your Bruce Wayne dreams?

Because a near 100-foot underground tunnel from your house to the garage can make you feel like Batman entering the Batcave.

Located at 11058 Garfield Street in Crockery Township near Coopersville, this gem is listed for $2,999,900 through Vis Realty Group with Home Realty with associate brokers Ken and Gina Vis.

This one-of-a-kind property is MLives House of the Week. Homes across the state of various architectural styles and prices are showcased every Wednesday.

This extravagant, upscale manor hidden in rural Coopersville is likely one of the largest homes in all of West Michigan, the listing states.

The Alt Mansion property holds 40-plus acres of secluded, private riverfront land with access to Judd Bayou and the Grand River. It is perfect for your own residence, equestrian farm, bed and breakfast or wedding venue and event center, Gina Vis said.

Related: Feels like Downton Abbey: Lavish Michigan mansion hits the market at nearly $3 million

As you enter, you drive through a private gate and park inside of a 12-bay garage. A barn for storage or farm animals is located behind the garage.

This luxurious manor was built in 1988 and is in very good condition. It even comes with 1,183 square feet along the river.

When you get out there, its so peaceful, Ken Vis said. You dont see anything around you.

There are a grand total of 23 rooms in this magnificent behemoth with seven bedrooms, nine baths and multiple hidden rooms.

The master bedroom wing on the east side is a recent addition to this home, boasting 16,844 square feet of gross living area above grade.

Each room is lavishly designed, with a beautifully painted ceiling in the ballroom. Explore the interior and you will find a billiard room, art gallery, massage area, sauna and a theater.

The theater is complete with 15 comfortable, luxurious seats for a top shelf movie watching experience for you and your guests.

There are three fireplaces, gorgeous chandeliers and high-rise ceilings throughout. This home has a full basement with half of it unfinished and the other half ideal for guest bedrooms.

90 1 / 90 Feels like Downton Abbey: Lavish Michigan mansion hits the market at nearly $3 million

The attention to detail is simply spectacular, Ken Vis said. The woodwork is quite something. The crown molding, the furniture, the vast property and the riverfront  to recreate this, it would cost someone at least $10 million. ... You cant recreate this for anywhere near this number, and you cant find it anywhere else today. It would cost four times the number.

Located near Leonard Road and I-96, it is an easy commute to Grand Rapids, Grand Haven as well as Muskegon.

This is a stately property that is incredibly unique, Gina Vis said.

Its timeless. You almost have to get in it to see it to believe it, Gina Vis said. Its a newer build, but looks like something that feels like a Downton Abbey. Its like stepping back in time.

View all 90 photos of the home here.

See more on MLive House of the Week features:

Floating fireplace, lavish manicured gardens accent rare $2.89 million Michigan mansion

Rare Michigan mansion by famed architect hits market at $2.95 million

Historic Michigan mansion hits the market at $2.5 million

Hunting heaven: 3,000-acre property with near-lakefront lodge hits market for $5 million

Historic Frank Lloyd Wright opportunity: Two houses being sold at once in same Michigan town

Custom-built home in Michigans Little Bavaria could be yours for under $1M

$1.99M minimalist home near Saline could be your private art gallery

Boat to Lake Michigan from this Spring Lake bayou home listed at $500,000

See inside $1.55 million Michigan floating home with one-of-a kind breathtaking views
Matt Vierling wont be in the lineup for the Detroit Tigers on Friday night.

The Tigers (55-61) open a three-game series against the San Francisco Giants (59-58) at 10:15 p.m. Eastern time at Oracle Park.

Vierling left Thursdays game in Seattle in the eighth inning with lower back spasms.

Shortstop Javier Baez, who was scratched from Thursdays lineup with neck stiffness, will start on Friday.

In addition to Vierling, catcher Dillon Dingler; infielder/outfielder Bligh Madris and outfielder Parker Meadows will be available off the bench.

West coast trip continues  pic.twitter.com/yOabWNojcx  Detroit Tigers (@tigers) August 9, 2024

Lefty Robbie Ray (2-1, 4.40 ERA) will start for the Giants. Right-hander Beau Brieske (1-2, 4.93) will be the Tigers opener, with right-hander Kenta Maeda (2-5, 6.75) and left-hander Brant Hurter (0-0, 0.00) fully rested and available to pitch bulk innings.

Maeda has one walk and 14 strikeouts in 14 1/3 innings since being bumped to the bullpen after a rough start on July 9.

Ray, 24, was unexpectedly traded to the Giants by the Seattle Mariners in January.

Ray is in the middle of a five-year, $115 million contract he signed coming off his Cy Young season with Toronto in 2021.

Ray made only one start before undergoing Tommy John surgery in 2023. This will be just his fourth start with the Giants.

Ray made his big-league debut with the Tigers in 2014 and was traded to the Arizona Diamondbacks as part of a three-team deal in 2015.
GREENVILLE, NC -- Teams look to punch their tickets to the bracket finals on Saturday at the 2024 Little League Softball World Series.

Watch the Little League World Series on FuboTV (7-day free trial)

PURPLE BRACKET

Rhode Island (1-1) vs. Pennsylvania (2-1)

After the long layoff due to the tropical storm, Greensburg Little League out of Pennsylvania advanced to the quarterfinals thanks to a win over the Philippines, 2-0, on Friday. Though Rhode Island won its first two games of the tournament, their chances at going straight to the semifinals were dashed when they were beaten up by Winterville (NC), 16-0, on Friday.

Watch the Little League World Series on FuboTV (7-day free trial)

ORANGE BRACKET

Ohio (2-1) vs. North Carolina (Salisbury) (2-1)

The team out of Salisbury looked to be in trouble after losing their first game of the World Series. However, they have come back to win two straight, eliminating Mexico with a 3-0 win on Friday. Austintown Little League was rolling early on, but a 12-0 loss at the hands of Sterlington (LA) forced them to play again for a spot in the bracket final.

Follow the LLSWS schedule here
Photo: Press Service of the Summer Olympic Games in Paris

BAKU, Azerbaijan, August 10. Today, the last two athletes from Azerbaijan will compete at the Summer Olympics in Paris, Trend reports.

Freestyle wrestlers Haji Aliyev (65 kilograms) and Magomedkhan Magomedov (97 kilograms) will take to the mat.

Three-time world champion and four-time European champion Gadzhi Aliyev will face Mexican Austin Gomez in his first match. Magomedkhan Magomedov will fight Luis Miguel Perez from the Dominican Republic. Both matches will be held in the 1/8 finals.

Another freestyle wrestler, Giorgi Meshvildishvili (125 kilograms), will compete for the bronze medal.

Today, the Azerbaijani national rhythmic gymnastics team will also perform in the final round. The team will try to be among the winners in the group exercises in the program of five hoops, three ribbons and two balls.

At the moment, Azerbaijan has 5 medals. Judokas Hidayat Heydarov (73 kilograms) and Zelim Kotsoyev (100 kilograms) became Olympic champions, taekwondo wrestler Gashim Magomedov (58 kilograms) and boxer Alfonso Dominguez (92 kilograms) won silver medals, and Greco-Roman wrestler Hasrat Jafarov (67 kilograms) won a bronze medal.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, August 10. The average monthly salary of employees in Baku grew from January through May 2024, a source in the Baku City Statistics Department told Trend.

Data from the source shows that this figure amounted to 1,272 manat ($748), up 8.3 percent compared to the first five months of 2023.

To note, the average monthly nominal salary of employees in Azerbaijan from January through May 2024 increased by 9.4 percent compared to the same period last year and amounted to 1,003 manat ($590).

Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
BAKU, Azerbaijan, August 10. The volume of trade turnover in Baku from January through June 2024 increased by 4.5 percent compared to the figure in 2023 and amounted to 15.9 billion manat ($9.3 billion), a source in the Baku City Statistics Department told Trend.

The source data shows that sales of food, beverages, and tobacco products in Baku's trade network grew by 0.6 percent in the reporting period compared to the same period in 2023 to nine billion manat ($5.3 billion).

Besides, sales of non-food products grew by 10.5 percent to 6.77 billion manat ($3.98 billion).

The departmental data also shows that 36.9 percent of the products supplied came from capital markets, 48.7 percent - from trade objects held by individual entrepreneurs, and 14.4 percent - from businesses having legal entity status.

To note, the retail trade turnover in Azerbaijan grew 3.4 percent from January through June 2024 compared to 2023 and reached 27.2 billion manat ($16 billion).

Thus, in the first half of the year, the city of Baku accounted for 58.3 percent of the total trade turnover.

Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
Manning & Napier Advisors LLC purchased a new position in shares of Evergy, Inc. (NYSE:EVRG  Free Report) during the 2nd quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the SEC. The institutional investor purchased 2,123,156 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $112,464,000. Evergy makes up approximately 1.3% of Manning & Napier Advisors LLCs holdings, making the stock its 23rd largest position. Manning & Napier Advisors LLC owned 0.92% of Evergy at the end of the most recent quarter.

Other institutional investors and hedge funds have also added to or reduced their stakes in the company. CTC Alternative Strategies Ltd. acquired a new position in Evergy during the 4th quarter valued at about $1,121,000. OLD Republic International Corp lifted its position in Evergy by 31.7% during the 4th quarter. OLD Republic International Corp now owns 830,246 shares of the companys stock valued at $43,339,000 after purchasing an additional 200,000 shares during the period. State Board of Administration of Florida Retirement System lifted its position in Evergy by 11.2% during the 1st quarter. State Board of Administration of Florida Retirement System now owns 316,455 shares of the companys stock valued at $16,892,000 after purchasing an additional 31,985 shares during the period. APG Asset Management US Inc. acquired a new position in Evergy during the 4th quarter valued at about $2,057,000. Finally, Vanguard Group Inc. lifted its position in Evergy by 4.8% during the 4th quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 30,757,415 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,605,537,000 after purchasing an additional 1,399,199 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 87.24% of the companys stock.

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Evergy Stock Down 0.5 %

Shares of NYSE EVRG traded down $0.31 during midday trading on Friday, hitting $58.69. 1,878,964 shares of the stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 2,180,559. The company has a market cap of $13.49 billion, a PE ratio of 19.09, a P/E/G ratio of 3.11 and a beta of 0.60. Evergy, Inc. has a one year low of $46.92 and a one year high of $61.14. The business has a 50 day moving average price of $54.67 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $52.80. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.21, a quick ratio of 0.32 and a current ratio of 0.57.

Evergy Announces Dividend

Evergy ( NYSE:EVRG Get Free Report ) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Friday, August 9th. The company reported $0.90 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.89 by $0.01. Evergy had a return on equity of 8.32% and a net margin of 12.84%. During the same quarter in the prior year, the company earned $0.81 earnings per share. On average, equities analysts predict that Evergy, Inc. will post 3.84 EPS for the current year.

The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, September 20th. Shareholders of record on Tuesday, August 20th will be given a $0.6425 dividend. This represents a $2.57 annualized dividend and a yield of 4.38%. Evergys dividend payout ratio is currently 83.17%.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

EVRG has been the subject of a number of recent analyst reports. Barclays upped their price target on Evergy from $56.00 to $61.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research note on Tuesday, May 14th. Wells Fargo & Company upped their price target on Evergy from $57.00 to $62.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research note on Friday, May 10th. Three investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and four have assigned a buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat, Evergy has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $57.83.

View Our Latest Research Report on EVRG

Evergy Profile

(Free Report)

Evergy, Inc, together with its subsidiaries, engages in the generation, transmission, distribution, and sale of electricity in the United States. The company generates electricity through coal, landfill gas, uranium, and natural gas and oil sources, as well as solar, wind, other renewable sources. It serves residences, commercial firms, industrials, municipalities, and other electric utilities.

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Accel Wealth Management raised its position in Philip Morris International Inc. (NYSE:PM  Free Report) by 31.1% in the 2nd quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor owned 3,161 shares of the companys stock after acquiring an additional 750 shares during the quarter. Accel Wealth Managements holdings in Philip Morris International were worth $320,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Other hedge funds have also made changes to their positions in the company. Bank of Nova Scotia increased its holdings in Philip Morris International by 283.5% during the 4th quarter. Bank of Nova Scotia now owns 1,186,082 shares of the companys stock worth $111,583,000 after purchasing an additional 876,790 shares during the period. Diversify Advisory Services LLC purchased a new position in Philip Morris International in the first quarter worth approximately $5,634,000. Axxcess Wealth Management LLC lifted its stake in Philip Morris International by 25.4% in the first quarter. Axxcess Wealth Management LLC now owns 34,390 shares of the companys stock worth $3,151,000 after acquiring an additional 6,974 shares during the last quarter. Gilliland Jeter Wealth Management LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Philip Morris International in the 4th quarter valued at $1,251,000. Finally, Nebula Research & Development LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Philip Morris International in the 4th quarter valued at $857,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 78.63% of the companys stock.

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Philip Morris International Trading Down 0.2 %

Shares of Philip Morris International stock traded down $0.28 during trading on Friday, reaching $116.01. The companys stock had a trading volume of 3,814,669 shares, compared to its average volume of 5,408,644. The company has a 50-day moving average price of $106.35 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $98.00. Philip Morris International Inc. has a fifty-two week low of $87.23 and a fifty-two week high of $119.06. The firm has a market cap of $180.34 billion, a PE ratio of 22.66, a P/E/G ratio of 2.35 and a beta of 0.58.

Philip Morris International Announces Dividend

Philip Morris International ( NYSE:PM Get Free Report ) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, July 23rd. The company reported $1.59 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $1.57 by $0.02. Philip Morris International had a net margin of 9.41% and a negative return on equity of 113.32%. The company had revenue of $9.47 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $9.19 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the business posted $1.60 earnings per share. Philip Morris Internationals quarterly revenue was up 5.6% on a year-over-year basis. On average, analysts predict that Philip Morris International Inc. will post 6.41 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, July 8th. Shareholders of record on Friday, June 21st were given a dividend of $1.30 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Friday, June 21st. This represents a $5.20 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 4.48%. Philip Morris Internationals payout ratio is 101.56%.

Analyst Ratings Changes

A number of equities analysts recently commented on the stock. JPMorgan Chase & Co. boosted their target price on shares of Philip Morris International from $110.00 to $125.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research note on Thursday, July 25th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft increased their price objective on Philip Morris International from $116.00 to $118.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Thursday, July 25th. Bank of America boosted their target price on Philip Morris International from $110.00 to $118.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Wednesday, July 24th. StockNews.com raised shares of Philip Morris International from a hold rating to a buy rating in a report on Monday, July 22nd. Finally, Stifel Nicolaus upped their target price on shares of Philip Morris International from $115.00 to $120.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Wednesday, July 24th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, three have issued a hold rating and eight have given a buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, Philip Morris International has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $107.80.

Check Out Our Latest Stock Report on PM

Insider Buying and Selling at Philip Morris International

In related news, insider Wilde Frederic De sold 20,000 shares of the stock in a transaction on Thursday, July 25th. The stock was sold at an average price of $113.01, for a total transaction of $2,260,200.00. Following the completion of the sale, the insider now directly owns 158,447 shares of the companys stock, valued at $17,906,095.47. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available through the SEC website. Company insiders own 0.13% of the companys stock.

Philip Morris International Profile

(Free Report)

Philip Morris International Inc operates as a tobacco company working to delivers a smoke-free future and evolving portfolio for the long-term to include products outside of the tobacco and nicotine sector. The company's product portfolio primarily consists of cigarettes and smoke-free products, including heat-not-burn, vapor, and oral nicotine products primarily under the IQOS and ZYN brands; and consumer accessories, such as lighters and matches.

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American Healthcare REIT (NYSE:AHR  Free Report) had its price objective upped by Bank of America from $16.00 to $19.00 in a report published on Thursday, Benzinga reports. They currently have a buy rating on the stock.

A number of other research analysts have also commented on AHR. Truist Financial reaffirmed a buy rating and issued a $17.00 price objective (up from $16.00) on shares of American Healthcare REIT in a report on Monday, July 1st. JMP Securities lifted their price target on shares of American Healthcare REIT from $16.00 to $18.00 and gave the company a market outperform rating in a report on Wednesday. One research analyst has rated the stock with a hold rating and seven have issued a buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, the company presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $16.75.

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Read Our Latest Report on American Healthcare REIT

American Healthcare REIT Stock Performance

Shares of AHR stock traded up $0.01 during trading hours on Thursday, reaching $16.72. The company had a trading volume of 1,216,641 shares, compared to its average volume of 1,068,355. The company has a quick ratio of 0.33, a current ratio of 0.33 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.60. American Healthcare REIT has a 1-year low of $12.63 and a 1-year high of $17.05. The firms 50 day simple moving average is $15.51.

American Healthcare REIT (NYSE:AHR  Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Monday, August 5th. The company reported $0.01 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $0.29 by ($0.28). The business had revenue of $504.60 million for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $506.55 million. American Healthcare REIT had a negative return on equity of 3.26% and a negative net margin of 2.77%. American Healthcare REITs revenue for the quarter was up 7.9% on a year-over-year basis. Equities research analysts forecast that American Healthcare REIT will post 1.2 EPS for the current year.

American Healthcare REIT Dividend Announcement

The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, July 19th. Stockholders of record on Thursday, June 27th were paid a $0.25 dividend. This represents a $1.00 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 5.98%. The ex-dividend date was Thursday, June 27th.

Insiders Place Their Bets

In other American Healthcare REIT news, CEO Danny Prosky bought 25,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, May 22nd. The shares were bought at an average price of $14.20 per share, for a total transaction of $355,000.00. Following the transaction, the chief executive officer now directly owns 108,333 shares in the company, valued at $1,538,328.60. The purchase was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this hyperlink.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On American Healthcare REIT

Several institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in AHR. Principal Financial Group Inc. bought a new position in shares of American Healthcare REIT in the 1st quarter worth $88,504,000. Centersquare Investment Management LLC acquired a new position in shares of American Healthcare REIT during the first quarter valued at about $63,269,000. V3 Capital Management L.P. bought a new stake in shares of American Healthcare REIT during the first quarter worth about $42,337,000. Goldentree Asset Management LP purchased a new stake in shares of American Healthcare REIT in the first quarter worth approximately $22,125,000. Finally, Russell Investments Group Ltd. purchased a new stake in shares of American Healthcare REIT in the first quarter worth approximately $20,381,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 16.68% of the companys stock.

American Healthcare REIT Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Formed by the successful merger of Griffin-American Healthcare REIT III and Griffin-American Healthcare REIT IV, as well as the acquisition of the business and operations of American Healthcare Investors, American Healthcare REIT is one of the larger healthcare-focused real estate investment trusts globally with assets totaling approximately $4.2 billion in gross investment value.

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Bain Capital Specialty Finance (NYSE:BCSF  Get Free Report) had its price target dropped by stock analysts at Wells Fargo & Company from $18.00 to $17.00 in a research note issued to investors on Thursday, Benzinga reports. The firm currently has an overweight rating on the stock. Wells Fargo & Companys target price would suggest a potential upside of 10.32% from the companys previous close.

Separately, Keefe, Bruyette & Woods lifted their target price on shares of Bain Capital Specialty Finance from $16.50 to $17.00 and gave the stock a market perform rating in a report on Thursday, May 23rd.

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Bain Capital Specialty Finance Stock Down 0.8 %

Shares of BCSF traded down $0.12 during mid-day trading on Thursday, reaching $15.41. The companys stock had a trading volume of 211,667 shares, compared to its average volume of 261,968. Bain Capital Specialty Finance has a 1 year low of $14.60 and a 1 year high of $17.08. The company has a quick ratio of 2.18, a current ratio of 2.18 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.19. The company has a market cap of $994.90 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of 7.70 and a beta of 1.12. The business has a fifty day moving average of $16.47 and a 200 day moving average of $16.05.

Bain Capital Specialty Finance (NYSE:BCSF  Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Tuesday, August 6th. The company reported $0.51 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.47 by $0.04. The business had revenue of $72.27 million during the quarter. Bain Capital Specialty Finance had a net margin of 43.42% and a return on equity of 12.64%. During the same quarter in the previous year, the business posted $0.60 EPS. As a group, analysts forecast that Bain Capital Specialty Finance will post 1.99 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Institutional Trading of Bain Capital Specialty Finance

A number of institutional investors and hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in BCSF. BOKF NA bought a new position in Bain Capital Specialty Finance in the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $159,000. Norden Group LLC increased its position in Bain Capital Specialty Finance by 10.9% in the 2nd quarter. Norden Group LLC now owns 16,153 shares of the companys stock valued at $263,000 after acquiring an additional 1,593 shares during the period. Gries Financial LLC increased its position in shares of Bain Capital Specialty Finance by 19.3% during the second quarter. Gries Financial LLC now owns 171,158 shares of the companys stock worth $2,792,000 after buying an additional 27,649 shares during the period. First National Trust Co acquired a new stake in shares of Bain Capital Specialty Finance during the second quarter worth $516,000. Finally, Graypoint LLC increased its position in shares of Bain Capital Specialty Finance by 2.1% during the second quarter. Graypoint LLC now owns 102,732 shares of the companys stock worth $1,676,000 after buying an additional 2,093 shares during the period.

About Bain Capital Specialty Finance

(Get Free Report)

Bain Capital Specialty Finance, Inc is business development company specializing in direct loans to middle-market companies. The fund seeks to invest in senior investments with a first or second lien on collateral, senior first lien, stretch senior, senior second lien, unitranche, mezzanine debt, junior securities, other junior investments, and secondary purchases of assets or portfolios that primarily consist of middle-market corporate debt.

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Bioqual, Inc. (OTCMKTS:BIOQ  Get Free Report)s stock price traded down 3.4% during mid-day trading on Wednesday . The stock traded as low as $70.00 and last traded at $70.00. 884 shares changed hands during trading, an increase of 150% from the average session volume of 353 shares. The stock had previously closed at $72.50.

Bioqual Price Performance

The company has a 50-day simple moving average of $72.35 and a 200-day simple moving average of $73.76. The firm has a market cap of $63 million, a PE ratio of 65.42 and a beta of -0.28.

About Bioqual

(Get Free Report)

Bioqual, Inc provides in-vivo and in-vitro pre-clinical research services to commercial and government clients in the United States. The company provides research services in the areas of COVID-19, AIDS, influenza, RSV infection, and flavivirus infections, including zika, dengue, malaria, hepatitis, and cancer.

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BlackRock Energy and Resources Inc (LON:BERI  Get Free Report) fell 0.2% on Wednesday . The stock traded as low as GBX 111.50 ($1.42) and last traded at GBX 113 ($1.44). 42,055 shares traded hands during trading, a decline of 86% from the average session volume of 303,555 shares. The stock had previously closed at GBX 113.25 ($1.45).

BlackRock Energy and Resources Trading Down 0.4 %

The firm has a market cap of 138.70 million, a P/E ratio of 630.56 and a beta of 1.01. The stock has a 50 day simple moving average of GBX 117.55 and a 200-day simple moving average of GBX 115.32. The company has a current ratio of 0.06, a quick ratio of 0.32 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 8.83.

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BlackRock Energy and Resources Dividend Announcement

The company also recently declared a dividend, which was paid on Monday, July 15th. Shareholders of record on Thursday, June 13th were issued a GBX 1.13 ($0.01) dividend. This represents a yield of 0.95%. The ex-dividend date was Thursday, June 13th. BlackRock Energy and Resourcess dividend payout ratio is currently 2,222.22%.

About BlackRock Energy and Resources

BlackRock Commodities Income Investment Trust plc is a closed-ended equity mutual fund launched by BlackRock Fund Managers Limited. The fund is managed by BlackRock Investment Management (UK) Limited. It invests in public equity markets across the globe. The fund seeks to invest in stocks of companies operating in the mining and energy sectors.

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AngloGold Ashanti (NYSE:AU  Free Report) had its target price boosted by BMO Capital Markets from $28.00 to $34.00 in a research report released on Wednesday morning, Benzinga reports. BMO Capital Markets currently has an outperform rating on the mining companys stock.

Several other brokerages have also recently weighed in on AU. HSBC cut AngloGold Ashanti from a hold rating to a reduce rating in a report on Friday, April 19th. Scotiabank increased their price objective on shares of AngloGold Ashanti from $22.00 to $26.00 and gave the company a sector perform rating in a report on Thursday, May 23rd. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. lowered their target price on shares of AngloGold Ashanti from $33.00 to $32.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a report on Wednesday, July 3rd. One research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, three have assigned a hold rating and three have issued a buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock has an average rating of Hold and an average price target of $27.50.

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Read Our Latest Report on AU

AngloGold Ashanti Price Performance

Shares of AU traded up $0.07 during mid-day trading on Wednesday, hitting $29.80. 1,524,117 shares of the company traded hands, compared to its average volume of 1,933,420. The business has a 50-day moving average of $26.17 and a 200 day moving average of $23.12. AngloGold Ashanti has a one year low of $14.91 and a one year high of $30.19.

AngloGold Ashanti (NYSE:AU  Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, August 6th. The mining company reported $0.60 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.51 by $0.09. The firm had revenue of $1.38 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $1.23 billion. During the same period in the prior year, the company posted $0.17 EPS. Sell-side analysts anticipate that AngloGold Ashanti will post 2.29 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

AngloGold Ashanti Increases Dividend

The company also recently disclosed a Semi-Annual dividend, which will be paid on Friday, September 13th. Investors of record on Friday, August 30th will be paid a dividend of $0.22 per share. This is a positive change from AngloGold Ashantis previous Semi-Annual dividend of $0.19. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, August 30th. This represents a yield of 0.7%.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On AngloGold Ashanti

Several institutional investors and hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in AU. Van ECK Associates Corp grew its position in shares of AngloGold Ashanti by 7.6% in the 1st quarter. Van ECK Associates Corp now owns 27,747,289 shares of the mining companys stock valued at $615,990,000 after purchasing an additional 1,948,322 shares during the period. Vanguard Group Inc. raised its holdings in shares of AngloGold Ashanti by 0.4% during the first quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 16,808,722 shares of the mining companys stock worth $373,154,000 after acquiring an additional 65,025 shares during the period. First Eagle Investment Management LLC lifted its position in AngloGold Ashanti by 312.3% in the 4th quarter. First Eagle Investment Management LLC now owns 6,003,149 shares of the mining companys stock valued at $112,199,000 after acquiring an additional 4,547,011 shares in the last quarter. Oaktree Capital Management LP boosted its stake in AngloGold Ashanti by 8.2% in the 4th quarter. Oaktree Capital Management LP now owns 5,874,951 shares of the mining companys stock worth $109,803,000 after purchasing an additional 446,132 shares during the period. Finally, Russell Investments Group Ltd. increased its holdings in AngloGold Ashanti by 5.6% during the 1st quarter. Russell Investments Group Ltd. now owns 3,396,216 shares of the mining companys stock worth $75,396,000 after purchasing an additional 181,081 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 36.09% of the companys stock.

AngloGold Ashanti Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

AngloGold Ashanti plc operates as a gold mining company in Africa, Australia, and the Americas. The company primarily explores for gold, as well as produces silver and sulphuric acid as by-products. Its flagship property is a 100% owned Geita mine located in the Lake Victoria goldfields of the Mwanza region in north-western Tanzania.

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BISHKEK, Kyrgyzstan, August 2. Altay Enerji, a Turkish company, plans to build a thermal power plant in Kyrgyzstan's Bishkek, Trend reports.

An investment cooperation agreement was signed between Bishkek City Hall and Altay Enerji. The agreement includes technical enhancements for the Bishkekselmash thermal power plant.

The agreement follows a build-operate-transfer (BOT) model. The new thermal power plant will have a thermal capacity of 240 MW and an electric capacity of 100 MW. The Turkish side plans to involve 50 percent of local residents from Kyrgyzstan in the construction process.

The Ministry of Energy previously announced that Kyrgyzstan is moving towards contractual agreements for major projects, including the reconstruction of the Bishkekselmash boiler house and the construction of a thermal power plant with an electric capacity of 100 MW and a thermal capacity of 200300 MW.

Additionally, new facilities with an electric capacity of 100 MW and a thermal capacity of 100 gigacalories per hour are planned at the site of the Bishkek TPP-2.
Bristol-Myers Squibb (NYSE:BMY  Get Free Report)s share price traded up 0.8% during mid-day trading on Thursday . The company traded as high as $47.15 and last traded at $46.88. 2,051,235 shares changed hands during trading, a decline of 87% from the average session volume of 15,892,616 shares. The stock had previously closed at $46.50.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

A number of research analysts have recently issued reports on the stock. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft dropped their price target on shares of Bristol-Myers Squibb from $53.00 to $45.00 and set a hold rating on the stock in a research note on Tuesday, July 23rd. Barclays downgraded shares of Bristol-Myers Squibb from an overweight rating to an equal weight rating and set a $41.00 price objective on the stock. in a report on Monday, July 29th. BMO Capital Markets decreased their price objective on shares of Bristol-Myers Squibb from $55.00 to $48.00 and set a market perform rating on the stock in a report on Friday, April 26th. Cantor Fitzgerald reissued a neutral rating and set a $45.00 price objective on shares of Bristol-Myers Squibb in a report on Monday, July 22nd. Finally, Wells Fargo & Company boosted their price objective on shares of Bristol-Myers Squibb from $51.00 to $52.00 and gave the stock an equal weight rating in a report on Thursday, April 18th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, thirteen have assigned a hold rating, two have given a buy rating and one has given a strong buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, Bristol-Myers Squibb has an average rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $55.79.

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Bristol-Myers Squibb Stock Performance

The company has a quick ratio of 0.99, a current ratio of 1.16 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.86. The company has a market cap of $94.71 billion, a PE ratio of -15.07, a P/E/G ratio of 12.51 and a beta of 0.44. The stocks 50 day simple moving average is $43.02 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $46.65.

Bristol-Myers Squibb (NYSE:BMY  Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Friday, July 26th. The biopharmaceutical company reported $2.07 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $1.64 by $0.43. Bristol-Myers Squibb had a negative net margin of 14.06% and a positive return on equity of 12.51%. The business had revenue of $12.20 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $11.54 billion. During the same quarter last year, the firm posted $1.75 EPS. The businesss revenue for the quarter was up 8.7% compared to the same quarter last year. As a group, research analysts anticipate that Bristol-Myers Squibb will post 0.77 earnings per share for the current year.

Bristol-Myers Squibb Dividend Announcement

The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, August 1st. Investors of record on Friday, July 5th were issued a dividend of $0.60 per share. This represents a $2.40 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 5.14%. The ex-dividend date was Friday, July 5th. Bristol-Myers Squibbs payout ratio is -77.42%.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On Bristol-Myers Squibb

A number of large investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. McClarren Financial Advisors Inc. grew its holdings in Bristol-Myers Squibb by 532.7% during the 4th quarter. McClarren Financial Advisors Inc. now owns 1,879 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock worth $96,000 after acquiring an additional 1,582 shares in the last quarter. Institute for Wealth Management LLC. grew its holdings in Bristol-Myers Squibb by 1.0% during the 4th quarter. Institute for Wealth Management LLC. now owns 30,056 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock worth $1,542,000 after acquiring an additional 296 shares in the last quarter. Great Diamond Partners LLC grew its holdings in Bristol-Myers Squibb by 9.2% during the 4th quarter. Great Diamond Partners LLC now owns 4,372 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock worth $224,000 after acquiring an additional 367 shares in the last quarter. Global Assets Advisory LLC acquired a new position in Bristol-Myers Squibb during the 1st quarter worth $5,161,000. Finally, Principal Securities Inc. acquired a new position in Bristol-Myers Squibb during the 4th quarter worth $1,139,000. 76.41% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

Bristol-Myers Squibb Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Bristol-Myers Squibb Company discovers, develops, licenses, manufactures, markets, distributes, and sells biopharmaceutical products worldwide. It offers products for hematology, oncology, cardiovascular, immunology, fibrotic, and neuroscience diseases. The company's products include Eliquis for reduction in risk of stroke/systemic embolism in non-valvular atrial fibrillation, and for the treatment of DVT/PE; Opdivo for various anti-cancer indications, including bladder, blood, CRC, head and neck, RCC, HCC, lung, melanoma, MPM, stomach and esophageal cancer; Pomalyst/Imnovid for multiple myeloma; Orencia for active rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis; and Sprycel for the treatment of Philadelphia chromosome-positive chronic myeloid leukemia.

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Brookfield Asset Management (NYSE:BAM  Free Report) (TSE:BAM.A) had its price objective lowered by JPMorgan Chase & Co. from $42.00 to $41.00 in a research report report published on Thursday morning, Benzinga reports. JPMorgan Chase & Co. currently has a neutral rating on the financial services providers stock.

A number of other brokerages have also issued reports on BAM. CIBC upped their price target on shares of Brookfield Asset Management from $47.00 to $49.00 and gave the company an outperformer rating in a research note on Friday, July 19th. TD Securities lifted their price target on Brookfield Asset Management from $49.00 to $50.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Tuesday. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft increased their price objective on Brookfield Asset Management from $43.00 to $44.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Thursday. Jefferies Financial Group began coverage on Brookfield Asset Management in a research report on Friday, August 2nd. They issued a hold rating and a $43.00 target price on the stock. Finally, StockNews.com lowered shares of Brookfield Asset Management from a hold rating to a sell rating in a research report on Wednesday. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, five have assigned a hold rating and five have assigned a buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company has an average rating of Hold and an average price target of $42.46.

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Brookfield Asset Management Price Performance

Shares of BAM remained flat at $39.63 during trading hours on Thursday. The stock had a trading volume of 846,661 shares, compared to its average volume of 1,338,058. Brookfield Asset Management has a 52-week low of $28.35 and a 52-week high of $44.38. The businesss 50 day moving average price is $39.59 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $40.12. The company has a market cap of $17.59 billion, a P/E ratio of 36.69, a PEG ratio of 1.95 and a beta of 1.57.

Brookfield Asset Management (NYSE:BAM  Get Free Report) (TSE:BAM.A) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, May 8th. The financial services provider reported $0.34 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.33 by $0.01. Brookfield Asset Management had a return on equity of 98.98% and a net margin of 49.36%. The business had revenue of $884.00 million for the quarter. Sell-side analysts predict that Brookfield Asset Management will post 1.47 earnings per share for the current year.

Brookfield Asset Management Announces Dividend

The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, September 27th. Shareholders of record on Friday, August 30th will be paid a $0.38 dividend. This represents a $1.52 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 3.84%. The ex-dividend date is Friday, August 30th. Brookfield Asset Managements dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 140.74%.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On Brookfield Asset Management

A number of hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of the business. YHB Investment Advisors Inc. purchased a new position in shares of Brookfield Asset Management during the 1st quarter worth approximately $26,000. Massmutual Trust Co. FSB ADV boosted its position in shares of Brookfield Asset Management by 98.2% during the second quarter. Massmutual Trust Co. FSB ADV now owns 777 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $30,000 after buying an additional 385 shares during the period. Continuum Advisory LLC raised its holdings in shares of Brookfield Asset Management by 57.6% in the 2nd quarter. Continuum Advisory LLC now owns 780 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $30,000 after buying an additional 285 shares during the period. Whittier Trust Co. of Nevada Inc. lifted its stake in Brookfield Asset Management by 574.2% during the 1st quarter. Whittier Trust Co. of Nevada Inc. now owns 890 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $37,000 after acquiring an additional 758 shares in the last quarter. Finally, WASHINGTON TRUST Co grew its position in Brookfield Asset Management by 151.3% in the 2nd quarter. WASHINGTON TRUST Co now owns 1,063 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $40,000 after acquiring an additional 640 shares in the last quarter. 68.41% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

Brookfield Asset Management Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Brookfield Asset Management Ltd. is a real estate investment firm specializing in alternative asset management services. Its renewable power and transition business includes the operates in the hydroelectric, wind, solar, distributed generation, and sustainable solution sector. The company's infrastructure business engages in the utilities, transport, midstream, and data infrastructure sectors.

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Shares of Brookfield Asset Management Ltd. (TSE:BAM  Get Free Report) (NYSE:BAM) crossed above its two hundred day moving average during trading on Wednesday . The stock has a two hundred day moving average of C$54.72 and traded as high as C$55.57. Brookfield Asset Management shares last traded at C$53.07, with a volume of 1,487,280 shares.

Brookfield Asset Management Price Performance

The companys 50-day moving average is C$54.42 and its 200-day moving average is C$54.73. The firm has a market capitalization of C$21.25 billion and a price-to-earnings ratio of 37.25. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 11.63, a current ratio of 0.84 and a quick ratio of 0.95.

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Brookfield Asset Management (TSE:BAM  Get Free Report) (NYSE:BAM) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, May 8th. The company reported C$0.46 earnings per share for the quarter, meeting analysts consensus estimates of C$0.46. The company had revenue of C$1.19 billion for the quarter. Brookfield Asset Management had a net margin of 45.32% and a return on equity of 18.79%. On average, research analysts expect that Brookfield Asset Management Ltd. will post 2.1064726 earnings per share for the current year.

Brookfield Asset Management Increases Dividend

Insiders Place Their Bets

The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, September 27th. Investors of record on Friday, August 30th will be issued a $0.525 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, August 30th. This represents a $2.10 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 3.86%. This is a boost from Brookfield Asset Managements previous quarterly dividend of $0.52. Brookfield Asset Managements dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 143.15%.

In other news, Director Justin B. Beber sold 43,937 shares of Brookfield Asset Management stock in a transaction dated Thursday, June 20th. The stock was sold at an average price of C$37.98, for a total value of C$1,668,727.26. 14.11% of the stock is currently owned by insiders.

About Brookfield Asset Management

(Get Free Report)

Brookfield Asset Management Ltd. is a real estate investment firm specializing in alternative asset management services. Its renewable power and transition business includes the operates in the hydroelectric, wind, solar, distributed generation, and sustainable solution sector. The company's infrastructure business engages in the utilities, transport, midstream, and data infrastructure sectors.

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Canadian Utilities (TSE:CU  Free Report) had its price objective lifted by CIBC from C$34.00 to C$35.00 in a research report released on Tuesday, BayStreet.CA reports. The firm currently has a neutral rating on the stock.

Several other equities analysts also recently commented on the company. Scotiabank increased their target price on Canadian Utilities from C$33.00 to C$34.00 and gave the company a sector perform rating in a research report on Monday, May 13th. National Bankshares increased their target price on Canadian Utilities from C$33.00 to C$34.00 and gave the company a sector perform rating in a research report on Tuesday. Five analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and one has issued a buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company has an average rating of Hold and an average price target of C$35.00.

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Canadian Utilities Price Performance

Canadian Utilities Dividend Announcement

Shares of CU stock traded down C$0.16 on Tuesday, hitting C$32.35. 410,395 shares of the companys stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 503,417. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 145.09, a current ratio of 1.03 and a quick ratio of 1.30. Canadian Utilities has a 12 month low of C$28.13 and a 12 month high of C$33.72. The stock has a market cap of C$6.62 billion, a P/E ratio of 15.12, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.38 and a beta of 0.60. The company has a 50 day moving average of C$30.82 and a 200 day moving average of C$30.78.

The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Sunday, September 1st. Stockholders of record on Thursday, August 8th will be given a dividend of $0.453 per share. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, August 8th. This represents a $1.81 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 5.60%. Canadian Utilitiess dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 84.58%.

Canadian Utilities Company Profile

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Canadian Utilities Limited, together with its subsidiaries, engages in the electricity, natural gas, renewables, pipelines, liquids, and retail energy businesses in Canada, Australia, and internationally. It operates through ATCO Energy Systems, ATCO EnPower, and Corporate & Other segments. The ATCO Energy Systems segment provides regulated electricity transmission and distribution services in northern and central east Alberta, the Yukon, the Northwest Territories, and the Lloydminster area of Saskatchewan; and integrated natural gas transmission and distribution services in Alberta, the Lloydminster area of Saskatchewan, and Western Australia.

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OLD National Bancorp IN lifted its position in Carrier Global Co. (NYSE:CARR  Free Report) by 15.2% in the 2nd quarter, Holdings Channel reports. The fund owned 7,793 shares of the companys stock after buying an additional 1,029 shares during the period. OLD National Bancorp INs holdings in Carrier Global were worth $492,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Other hedge funds have also made changes to their positions in the company. Olistico Wealth LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Carrier Global in the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $25,000. McClarren Financial Advisors Inc. lifted its position in Carrier Global by 86.7% in the 4th quarter. McClarren Financial Advisors Inc. now owns 435 shares of the companys stock worth $25,000 after buying an additional 202 shares in the last quarter. DiNuzzo Private Wealth Inc. purchased a new stake in Carrier Global in the 4th quarter worth approximately $25,000. EdgeRock Capital LLC purchased a new stake in Carrier Global in the 4th quarter worth approximately $27,000. Finally, Criterion Capital Advisors LLC purchased a new stake in Carrier Global in the 4th quarter worth approximately $32,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 91.00% of the companys stock.

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Carrier Global Stock Performance

NYSE:CARR traded down $0.10 during midday trading on Friday, reaching $64.38. The stock had a trading volume of 2,339,901 shares, compared to its average volume of 4,398,888. Carrier Global Co. has a 1-year low of $45.68 and a 1-year high of $70.09. The firms fifty day simple moving average is $64.63 and its 200-day simple moving average is $60.53. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.80, a current ratio of 1.08 and a quick ratio of 0.80. The stock has a market capitalization of $58.01 billion, a P/E ratio of 45.02, a PEG ratio of 2.63 and a beta of 1.32.

Carrier Global Dividend Announcement

Carrier Global ( NYSE:CARR Get Free Report ) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, July 25th. The company reported $0.87 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.85 by $0.02. The company had revenue of $6.70 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $7.05 billion. Carrier Global had a net margin of 14.27% and a return on equity of 23.68%. The businesss quarterly revenue was up 11.7% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period last year, the business posted $0.79 EPS. On average, equities research analysts forecast that Carrier Global Co. will post 2.84 EPS for the current fiscal year.

The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, August 8th. Shareholders of record on Friday, June 21st were given a $0.19 dividend. The ex-dividend date was Friday, June 21st. This represents a $0.76 annualized dividend and a yield of 1.18%. Carrier Globals dividend payout ratio is 53.15%.

Insiders Place Their Bets

In other Carrier Global news, CAO Kyle Crockett sold 4,611 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Tuesday, May 21st. The stock was sold at an average price of $66.39, for a total value of $306,124.29. Following the sale, the chief accounting officer now directly owns 2,042 shares in the company, valued at $135,568.38. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this hyperlink. In other news, CAO Kyle Crockett sold 4,611 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Tuesday, May 21st. The shares were sold at an average price of $66.39, for a total value of $306,124.29. Following the sale, the chief accounting officer now owns 2,042 shares in the company, valued at approximately $135,568.38. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through the SEC website. Also, VP Ajay Agrawal sold 62,382 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Thursday, August 8th. The shares were sold at an average price of $64.55, for a total value of $4,026,758.10. Following the transaction, the vice president now directly owns 103,066 shares in the company, valued at approximately $6,652,910.30. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Company insiders own 6.95% of the companys stock.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

A number of equities research analysts have issued reports on the stock. Oppenheimer cut their target price on shares of Carrier Global from $71.00 to $70.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a research report on Friday, July 26th. Royal Bank of Canada reiterated an outperform rating and issued a $72.00 target price on shares of Carrier Global in a research report on Friday, July 26th. Baird R W upgraded shares of Carrier Global from a hold rating to a strong-buy rating in a research report on Monday, July 15th. TD Cowen raised their price target on shares of Carrier Global from $66.00 to $70.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Monday, April 29th. Finally, Bank of America upgraded shares of Carrier Global from an underperform rating to a neutral rating and raised their price target for the company from $55.00 to $72.00 in a report on Monday, July 29th. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, five have given a hold rating, six have given a buy rating and one has assigned a strong buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, Carrier Global has an average rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $66.77.

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About Carrier Global

(Free Report)

Carrier Global Corporation provides heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC), refrigeration, fire, security, and building automation technologies in the United States, Europe, the Asia Pacific, and internationally. It operates through three segments: HVAC, Refrigeration, and Fire & Security.

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CHICAGO TRUST Co NA raised its stake in shares of NiSource Inc. (NYSE:NI  Free Report) by 7.2% during the 2nd quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 11,409 shares of the utilities providers stock after acquiring an additional 763 shares during the period. CHICAGO TRUST Co NAs holdings in NiSource were worth $329,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Other large investors have also bought and sold shares of the company. Zimmer Partners LP raised its stake in shares of NiSource by 146.2% during the 1st quarter. Zimmer Partners LP now owns 8,907,743 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $246,388,000 after purchasing an additional 5,290,322 shares during the period. Balyasny Asset Management L.P. raised its stake in shares of NiSource by 123.6% during the 4th quarter. Balyasny Asset Management L.P. now owns 5,593,854 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $148,517,000 after purchasing an additional 3,092,138 shares during the period. Assenagon Asset Management S.A. raised its stake in shares of NiSource by 330.9% during the 1st quarter. Assenagon Asset Management S.A. now owns 3,463,203 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $95,792,000 after purchasing an additional 2,659,551 shares during the period. Norges Bank bought a new stake in shares of NiSource during the 4th quarter worth $70,090,000. Finally, Vanguard Group Inc. raised its stake in shares of NiSource by 3.6% during the 4th quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 53,955,258 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $1,432,512,000 after purchasing an additional 1,850,842 shares during the period. 91.64% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors.

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Insider Buying and Selling

In other NiSource news, SVP Melanie B. Berman sold 3,742 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, May 30th. The shares were sold at an average price of $27.96, for a total transaction of $104,626.32. Following the transaction, the senior vice president now directly owns 19,978 shares in the company, valued at $558,584.88. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. 0.13% of the stock is owned by company insiders.

NiSource Price Performance

Shares of NI traded up $0.30 during midday trading on Friday, hitting $31.35. 4,434,601 shares of the company traded hands, compared to its average volume of 4,260,353. The stock has a 50-day moving average of $29.57 and a 200-day moving average of $27.97. NiSource Inc. has a one year low of $22.86 and a one year high of $32.38. The firm has a market cap of $14.05 billion, a P/E ratio of 20.49, a PEG ratio of 3.07 and a beta of 0.50. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.20, a current ratio of 0.66 and a quick ratio of 0.56.

NiSource (NYSE:NI  Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, August 7th. The utilities provider reported $0.21 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.15 by $0.06. The company had revenue of $1.08 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $1.16 billion. NiSource had a net margin of 14.23% and a return on equity of 9.56%. During the same period in the prior year, the business earned $0.11 earnings per share. As a group, sell-side analysts predict that NiSource Inc. will post 1.72 EPS for the current fiscal year.

NiSource Announces Dividend

The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, August 20th. Investors of record on Wednesday, July 31st will be given a $0.265 dividend. This represents a $1.06 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 3.38%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Wednesday, July 31st. NiSources dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 69.28%.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

NI has been the topic of a number of research reports. Evercore ISI boosted their price objective on NiSource from $32.00 to $34.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research note on Thursday. Barclays boosted their price objective on NiSource from $31.00 to $34.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research note on Monday, July 15th. Mizuho initiated coverage on NiSource in a research note on Thursday, July 11th. They issued an outperform rating and a $33.00 price objective on the stock. Finally, BMO Capital Markets boosted their price objective on NiSource from $31.00 to $32.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research note on Tuesday, July 16th. One analyst has rated the stock with a hold rating and five have given a buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, NiSource presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $30.83.

View Our Latest Research Report on NI

About NiSource

(Free Report)

NiSource Inc, an energy holding company, operates as a regulated natural gas and electric utility company in the United States. It operates in two segments, Gas Distribution Operations and Electric Operations. The company distributes natural gas to approximately 3.3 million customers through approximately 55,000 miles of distribution main pipeline and the associated individual customer service lines; and 1,000 miles of transmission main pipeline in northern Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Kentucky, and Maryland.

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CHICAGO TRUST Co NA decreased its stake in U.S. Bancorp (NYSE:USB  Free Report) by 30.3% during the second quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The fund owned 14,866 shares of the financial services providers stock after selling 6,458 shares during the period. CHICAGO TRUST Co NAs holdings in U.S. Bancorp were worth $590,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently made changes to their positions in the company. OLD National Bancorp IN grew its stake in shares of U.S. Bancorp by 1.8% during the second quarter. OLD National Bancorp IN now owns 86,995 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $3,454,000 after buying an additional 1,544 shares during the last quarter. Manning & Napier Advisors LLC bought a new position in U.S. Bancorp during the 2nd quarter worth approximately $20,188,000. Symmetry Partners LLC increased its stake in U.S. Bancorp by 31.8% in the 2nd quarter. Symmetry Partners LLC now owns 13,143 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $522,000 after purchasing an additional 3,168 shares during the period. CX Institutional increased its stake in U.S. Bancorp by 1.3% in the 2nd quarter. CX Institutional now owns 22,705 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $901,000 after purchasing an additional 284 shares during the period. Finally, Wesbanco Bank Inc. lifted its position in U.S. Bancorp by 11.8% in the second quarter. Wesbanco Bank Inc. now owns 293,258 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $11,642,000 after purchasing an additional 30,960 shares during the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 77.60% of the companys stock.

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Analyst Ratings Changes

Several research analysts have recently issued reports on the stock. Morgan Stanley raised their target price on shares of U.S. Bancorp from $47.00 to $54.00 and gave the stock an equal weight rating in a report on Tuesday, July 30th. Evercore ISI upped their price objective on shares of U.S. Bancorp from $45.00 to $48.00 and gave the company an in-line rating in a research note on Tuesday, June 25th. Jefferies Financial Group cut their target price on U.S. Bancorp from $43.00 to $42.00 and set a hold rating on the stock in a research note on Wednesday, July 3rd. Royal Bank of Canada upped their price target on U.S. Bancorp from $47.00 to $48.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research report on Thursday, July 18th. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. cut U.S. Bancorp from an overweight rating to a neutral rating and set a $43.50 target price on the stock. in a research note on Thursday, June 27th. Thirteen equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and seven have assigned a buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company currently has an average rating of Hold and an average target price of $48.23.

Insider Activity

In other U.S. Bancorp news, Director Aleem Gillani acquired 10,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, July 18th. The shares were bought at an average cost of $44.99 per share, with a total value of $449,900.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the director now directly owns 10,000 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $449,900. The purchase was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through the SEC website. Corporate insiders own 0.23% of the companys stock.

U.S. Bancorp Stock Up 0.7 %

Shares of USB traded up $0.31 during mid-day trading on Friday, reaching $42.07. The company had a trading volume of 6,486,583 shares, compared to its average volume of 8,555,180. U.S. Bancorp has a 52 week low of $30.47 and a 52 week high of $45.88. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.05, a quick ratio of 0.80 and a current ratio of 0.81. The company has a market capitalization of $65.65 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 13.93, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 4.20 and a beta of 1.04. The firm has a 50-day moving average price of $41.27 and a 200 day moving average price of $41.60.

U.S. Bancorp (NYSE:USB  Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Wednesday, July 17th. The financial services provider reported $0.98 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.94 by $0.04. The firm had revenue of $6.87 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $6.81 billion. U.S. Bancorp had a return on equity of 13.34% and a net margin of 12.55%. The companys quarterly revenue was down 4.3% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the prior year, the firm posted $1.12 earnings per share. On average, sell-side analysts forecast that U.S. Bancorp will post 3.9 EPS for the current year.

U.S. Bancorp Announces Dividend

The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, July 15th. Stockholders of record on Friday, June 28th were paid a $0.49 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Friday, June 28th. This represents a $1.96 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 4.66%. U.S. Bancorps dividend payout ratio is presently 64.90%.

U.S. Bancorp Company Profile

(Free Report)

U.S. Bancorp, a financial services holding company, provides various financial services to individuals, businesses, institutional organizations, governmental entities, and other financial institutions in the United States. It operates through Wealth, Corporate, Commercial and Institutional Banking; Consumer and Business Banking; Payment Services; and Treasury and Corporate Support segments.

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CHICAGO TRUST Co NA lowered its holdings in shares of Pure Storage, Inc. (NYSE:PSTG  Free Report) by 5.4% during the 2nd quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor owned 8,740 shares of the technology companys stock after selling 500 shares during the period. CHICAGO TRUST Co NAs holdings in Pure Storage were worth $561,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

Other hedge funds have also bought and sold shares of the company. Canandaigua National Bank & Trust Co. purchased a new position in Pure Storage in the second quarter worth about $337,000. Linden Thomas Advisory Services LLC purchased a new position in Pure Storage in the second quarter worth about $1,240,000. Gulf International Bank UK Ltd purchased a new position in Pure Storage in the second quarter worth about $1,936,000. CWM LLC raised its holdings in Pure Storage by 37.0% in the second quarter. CWM LLC now owns 8,252 shares of the technology companys stock worth $530,000 after buying an additional 2,228 shares during the last quarter. Finally, City State Bank raised its holdings in Pure Storage by 175.0% in the second quarter. City State Bank now owns 550 shares of the technology companys stock worth $35,000 after buying an additional 350 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors own 83.42% of the companys stock.

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Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

Several research analysts have recently weighed in on the stock. Needham & Company LLC reissued a buy rating and set a $80.00 price objective on shares of Pure Storage in a report on Friday, June 21st. Guggenheim restated a buy rating and set a $72.00 target price on shares of Pure Storage in a research report on Tuesday, June 25th. Northland Securities lowered shares of Pure Storage from an outperform rating to a market perform rating and boosted their target price for the company from $58.00 to $68.00 in a research report on Thursday, May 30th. Susquehanna boosted their target price on shares of Pure Storage from $75.00 to $80.00 and gave the company a positive rating in a research report on Friday, June 21st. Finally, Morgan Stanley lowered shares of Pure Storage from an overweight rating to an equal weight rating and set a $60.00 target price for the company. in a research report on Wednesday, June 12th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, six have given a hold rating and fourteen have given a buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $69.11.

Insider Activity at Pure Storage

In related news, CFO P. Kevan Krysler sold 14,296 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Friday, July 5th. The shares were sold at an average price of $63.79, for a total transaction of $911,941.84. Following the sale, the chief financial officer now owns 518,623 shares of the companys stock, valued at $33,082,961.17. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available through the SEC website. In other news, insider John Colgrove sold 100,000 shares of the stock in a transaction on Monday, August 5th. The shares were sold at an average price of $52.39, for a total value of $5,239,000.00. Following the sale, the insider now owns 800,000 shares of the companys stock, valued at $41,912,000. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available at this hyperlink. Also, CFO P. Kevan Krysler sold 14,296 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Friday, July 5th. The stock was sold at an average price of $63.79, for a total transaction of $911,941.84. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief financial officer now directly owns 518,623 shares in the company, valued at approximately $33,082,961.17. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders have sold a total of 228,995 shares of company stock valued at $12,999,193 over the last 90 days. 6.00% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders.

Pure Storage Price Performance

Pure Storage stock traded up $1.44 during mid-day trading on Friday, reaching $56.68. 2,247,967 shares of the companys stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 2,674,545. The company has a market cap of $18.43 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 202.43, a PEG ratio of 5.42 and a beta of 1.11. The stock has a 50 day moving average of $62.27 and a two-hundred day moving average of $54.74. The company has a quick ratio of 1.96, a current ratio of 2.00 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.07. Pure Storage, Inc. has a 12-month low of $31.00 and a 12-month high of $70.41.

Pure Storage (NYSE:PSTG  Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, May 29th. The technology company reported ($0.02) earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of ($0.04) by $0.02. The company had revenue of $693.48 million for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $681.37 million. Pure Storage had a net margin of 3.19% and a return on equity of 15.34%. Equities analysts forecast that Pure Storage, Inc. will post 0.47 earnings per share for the current year.

Pure Storage Company Profile

(Free Report)

Pure Storage, Inc engages in the provision of data storage and management technologies, products, and services in the United States and internationally. Its Purity software is shared across its products and provides enterprise-class data services, such as always-on data reduction, data protection, and encryption, as well as storage protocols, including block, file, and object.

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ConocoPhillips (NYSE:COP  Free Report) had its price target lowered by UBS Group from $159.00 to $151.00 in a report released on Tuesday morning, Benzinga reports. The brokerage currently has a buy rating on the energy producers stock.

Several other equities research analysts also recently commented on COP. Barclays boosted their target price on shares of ConocoPhillips from $158.00 to $160.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research report on Thursday, May 30th. Raymond James restated a strong-buy rating and issued a $159.00 target price (up previously from $155.00) on shares of ConocoPhillips in a report on Thursday, May 30th. Mizuho decreased their price target on ConocoPhillips from $142.00 to $132.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a report on Wednesday, June 5th. Susquehanna raised their price objective on ConocoPhillips from $133.00 to $154.00 and gave the company a positive rating in a research note on Monday, April 22nd. Finally, Scotiabank reduced their target price on shares of ConocoPhillips from $135.00 to $120.00 and set a sector perform rating for the company in a research note on Friday, July 12th. Five research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, thirteen have given a buy rating and two have issued a strong buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $143.53.

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Check Out Our Latest Report on ConocoPhillips

ConocoPhillips Stock Up 0.3 %

NYSE:COP traded up $0.34 on Tuesday, hitting $108.61. The stock had a trading volume of 5,776,222 shares, compared to its average volume of 5,712,622. The company has a quick ratio of 1.21, a current ratio of 1.33 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.34. ConocoPhillips has a 52 week low of $102.27 and a 52 week high of $135.18. The businesss fifty day moving average is $111.81 and its 200 day moving average is $117.00. The company has a market cap of $127.02 billion, a PE ratio of 12.30, a P/E/G ratio of 2.14 and a beta of 1.24.

ConocoPhillips (NYSE:COP  Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Thursday, August 1st. The energy producer reported $1.98 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $1.96 by $0.02. The company had revenue of $14.14 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $14.96 billion. ConocoPhillips had a return on equity of 20.81% and a net margin of 18.18%. ConocoPhillipss quarterly revenue was up 9.7% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period last year, the business earned $1.84 EPS. On average, equities research analysts expect that ConocoPhillips will post 8.73 EPS for the current fiscal year.

ConocoPhillips Cuts Dividend

The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, September 3rd. Stockholders of record on Monday, August 12th will be given a $0.58 dividend. This represents a $2.32 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 2.14%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Monday, August 12th. ConocoPhillipss dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 26.27%.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On ConocoPhillips

Several institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in the stock. Cardinal Capital Management Inc. bought a new position in ConocoPhillips in the 4th quarter worth about $13,468,000. Harbor Investment Advisory LLC grew its stake in ConocoPhillips by 2.2% during the first quarter. Harbor Investment Advisory LLC now owns 9,697 shares of the energy producers stock valued at $1,234,000 after acquiring an additional 212 shares in the last quarter. First Trust Direct Indexing L.P. increased its holdings in ConocoPhillips by 5.6% during the 1st quarter. First Trust Direct Indexing L.P. now owns 26,083 shares of the energy producers stock worth $3,320,000 after acquiring an additional 1,390 shares during the period. Quotient Wealth Partners LLC purchased a new stake in ConocoPhillips in the 4th quarter worth approximately $5,594,000. Finally, EP Wealth Advisors LLC boosted its holdings in ConocoPhillips by 19.1% in the 1st quarter. EP Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 28,601 shares of the energy producers stock valued at $3,640,000 after purchasing an additional 4,578 shares during the period. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 82.36% of the companys stock.

About ConocoPhillips

(Get Free Report)

ConocoPhillips explores for, produces, transports, and markets crude oil, bitumen, natural gas, liquefied natural gas (LNG), and natural gas liquids in the United States, Canada, China, Libya, Malaysia, Norway, the United Kingdom, and internationally. The company's portfolio includes unconventional plays in North America; conventional assets in North America, Europe, Asia, and Australia; global LNG developments; oil sands assets in Canada; and an inventory of global exploration prospects.

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CONSOL Energy (NYSE:CEIX  Get Free Report) announced its earnings results on Thursday. The company reported $1.96 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $1.28 by $0.68, Briefing.com reports. CONSOL Energy had a net margin of 21.57% and a return on equity of 39.24%. The firm had revenue of $501.10 million for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $429.90 million. During the same period in the prior year, the firm earned $4.94 EPS.

CONSOL Energy Stock Up 3.9 %

Shares of CONSOL Energy stock traded up $3.62 during trading hours on Friday, reaching $96.08. 378,515 shares of the company were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 483,406. The firm has a market cap of $2.82 billion, a PE ratio of 5.83 and a beta of 1.77. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.13, a quick ratio of 1.21 and a current ratio of 1.47. CONSOL Energy has a 1 year low of $75.43 and a 1 year high of $114.30. The stocks fifty day moving average is $98.79 and its 200 day moving average is $91.00.

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Insider Activity at CONSOL Energy

In other CONSOL Energy news, CEO James A. Brock sold 1,700 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Thursday, June 27th. The stock was sold at an average price of $99.55, for a total value of $169,235.00. Following the sale, the chief executive officer now owns 529,487 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $52,710,430.85. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through the SEC website. In other news, CEO James A. Brock sold 5,400 shares of CONSOL Energy stock in a transaction on Wednesday, May 22nd. The shares were sold at an average price of $98.21, for a total transaction of $530,334.00. Following the completion of the sale, the chief executive officer now directly owns 532,087 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $52,256,264.27. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available through the SEC website. Also, CEO James A. Brock sold 1,700 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Thursday, June 27th. The stock was sold at an average price of $99.55, for a total transaction of $169,235.00. Following the transaction, the chief executive officer now owns 529,487 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $52,710,430.85. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. 2.10% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders.

CONSOL Energy Company Profile

CONSOL Energy Inc, together with its subsidiaries, produces and sells bituminous coal in the United States and internationally. It operates through two segments, Pennsylvania Mining Complex (PAMC) and CONSOL Marine Terminal. The company's PAMC segment engages in the mining, preparing, and marketing of bituminous coal to power generators, industrial end-users, and metallurgical end-users.

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, August 10. On August 8, Georgian Airlines has carried out its first charter cargo flight on the Haikou-Navoi-Tbilisi route, Trend reports.

The plane landed at Navoi Airport in Uzbekistan at 16:43 local time, where it was traditionally greeted with a ceremonial water arch.

Flights from China to Georgia with a technical stop in the city of Navoi are expected to be operated twice a week on Boeing 767-300 cargo aircraft.

Georgian Airlines, a privately owned airline headquartered in Tbilisi, is the leading air carrier of Georgia.
CRA Financial Services LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Boston Scientific Co. (NYSE:BSX  Free Report) in the second quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund purchased 2,724 shares of the medical equipment providers stock, valued at approximately $210,000.

Other large investors have also made changes to their positions in the company. Eagle Bay Advisors LLC lifted its position in shares of Boston Scientific by 542.1% during the 1st quarter. Eagle Bay Advisors LLC now owns 366 shares of the medical equipment providers stock valued at $25,000 after buying an additional 309 shares in the last quarter. First Foundation Advisors purchased a new position in shares of Boston Scientific during the 1st quarter valued at about $25,000. RiverPark Advisors LLC purchased a new position in shares of Boston Scientific during the 1st quarter valued at about $30,000. Lynx Investment Advisory purchased a new position in shares of Boston Scientific during the 2nd quarter valued at about $30,000. Finally, Northwest Investment Counselors LLC purchased a new position in shares of Boston Scientific during the 1st quarter valued at about $31,000. 89.07% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors.

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Boston Scientific Trading Up 0.8 %

Shares of NYSE BSX traded up $0.64 during trading hours on Friday, hitting $76.19. 3,835,101 shares of the company traded hands, compared to its average volume of 6,292,619. The stock has a market capitalization of $111.78 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 64.03, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.49 and a beta of 0.78. The company has a current ratio of 1.66, a quick ratio of 1.14 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.47. The companys 50 day moving average price is $76.34 and its 200 day moving average price is $71.31. Boston Scientific Co. has a 12 month low of $48.35 and a 12 month high of $79.43.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

Boston Scientific ( NYSE:BSX Get Free Report ) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, July 24th. The medical equipment provider reported $0.62 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.58 by $0.04. The company had revenue of $4.12 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $4.02 billion. Boston Scientific had a return on equity of 16.80% and a net margin of 12.00%. Boston Scientifics quarterly revenue was up 14.5% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the prior year, the company posted $0.53 EPS. On average, equities research analysts anticipate that Boston Scientific Co. will post 2.4 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

A number of research analysts have recently weighed in on the company. The Goldman Sachs Group began coverage on Boston Scientific in a research report on Thursday, May 30th. They set a buy rating and a $90.00 price objective on the stock. JPMorgan Chase & Co. boosted their price target on Boston Scientific from $82.00 to $85.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a report on Thursday, July 25th. Mizuho boosted their price target on Boston Scientific from $85.00 to $90.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Wednesday, May 15th. StockNews.com raised Boston Scientific from a hold rating to a buy rating in a report on Wednesday, July 24th. Finally, Barclays boosted their price target on Boston Scientific from $70.00 to $78.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a report on Friday, April 26th. Two analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, nineteen have issued a buy rating and one has assigned a strong buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, Boston Scientific has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $84.76.

Check Out Our Latest Analysis on BSX

Insider Buying and Selling at Boston Scientific

In other news, EVP Wendy Carruthers sold 6,983 shares of the stock in a transaction on Monday, June 3rd. The stock was sold at an average price of $75.33, for a total transaction of $526,029.39. Following the transaction, the executive vice president now owns 45,628 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $3,437,157.24. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this link. In related news, EVP Arthur C. Butcher sold 14,011 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Tuesday, May 28th. The stock was sold at an average price of $75.34, for a total transaction of $1,055,588.74. Following the completion of the sale, the executive vice president now directly owns 20,197 shares in the company, valued at approximately $1,521,641.98. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at the SEC website. Also, EVP Wendy Carruthers sold 6,983 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Monday, June 3rd. The stock was sold at an average price of $75.33, for a total value of $526,029.39. Following the sale, the executive vice president now owns 45,628 shares of the companys stock, valued at $3,437,157.24. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders have sold 34,960 shares of company stock valued at $2,638,984 in the last quarter. 0.50% of the stock is owned by insiders.

About Boston Scientific

(Free Report)

Boston Scientific Corporation develops, manufactures, and markets medical devices for use in various interventional medical specialties worldwide. It operates through two segments, MedSurg and Cardiovascular. The company offers devices to diagnose and treat gastrointestinal and pulmonary conditions, such as resolution clips, biliary stent systems, stents and electrocautery enhanced delivery systems, direct visualization systems, digital catheters, and single-use duodenoscopes; devices to treat urological conditions, including ureteral stents, catheters, baskets, guidewires, sheaths, balloons, single-use digital flexible ureteroscopes, holmium laser systems, artificial urinary sphincter, laser system, fiber, and hydrogel systems; and devices to treat neurological movement disorders and manage chronic pain, such as spinal cord stimulator system, proprietary programming software, radiofrequency generator, indirect decompression systems, practice optimization tools, and deep brain stimulation system.

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OLD National Bancorp IN raised its holdings in shares of Dominion Energy, Inc. (NYSE:D  Free Report) by 19.1% in the second quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the SEC. The institutional investor owned 131,863 shares of the utilities providers stock after buying an additional 21,181 shares during the period. OLD National Bancorp INs holdings in Dominion Energy were worth $6,461,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Several other hedge funds have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in D. Arlington Capital Management Inc. raised its stake in shares of Dominion Energy by 1.2% in the 1st quarter. Arlington Capital Management Inc. now owns 16,476 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $810,000 after buying an additional 197 shares in the last quarter. Ridgewood Investments LLC lifted its stake in Dominion Energy by 0.9% during the first quarter. Ridgewood Investments LLC now owns 24,536 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $1,207,000 after purchasing an additional 210 shares during the period. Lantz Financial LLC raised its holdings in shares of Dominion Energy by 4.0% in the 1st quarter. Lantz Financial LLC now owns 5,823 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $286,000 after buying an additional 222 shares in the last quarter. Seneca House Advisors lifted its position in shares of Dominion Energy by 2.0% during the 1st quarter. Seneca House Advisors now owns 11,355 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $559,000 after buying an additional 228 shares during the period. Finally, Choreo LLC boosted its stake in Dominion Energy by 4.7% in the 1st quarter. Choreo LLC now owns 5,157 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $254,000 after buying an additional 230 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 73.04% of the companys stock.

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Dominion Energy Trading Up 0.5 %

D traded up $0.28 during mid-day trading on Friday, reaching $54.47. The stock had a trading volume of 2,942,182 shares, compared to its average volume of 4,646,718. The firms fifty day simple moving average is $51.37 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $49.66. The stock has a market capitalization of $45.70 billion, a P/E ratio of 28.08, a P/E/G ratio of 1.45 and a beta of 0.58. Dominion Energy, Inc. has a 52 week low of $39.18 and a 52 week high of $57.60. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.42, a quick ratio of 0.78 and a current ratio of 0.93.

Dominion Energy Dividend Announcement

Dominion Energy ( NYSE:D Get Free Report ) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, August 1st. The utilities provider reported $0.65 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.56 by $0.09. The firm had revenue of $3.49 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $3.73 billion. Dominion Energy had a return on equity of 7.69% and a net margin of 11.63%. The companys revenue was up 10.1% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period last year, the company earned $0.53 earnings per share. On average, equities analysts predict that Dominion Energy, Inc. will post 2.75 EPS for the current year.

The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, September 20th. Stockholders of record on Friday, August 30th will be given a dividend of $0.6675 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, August 30th. This represents a $2.67 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 4.90%. Dominion Energys dividend payout ratio is 137.63%.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

Several research analysts have issued reports on the company. Bank of America upgraded Dominion Energy from an underperform rating to a neutral rating and increased their price objective for the stock from $43.00 to $54.00 in a research note on Friday, May 10th. Barclays dropped their target price on shares of Dominion Energy from $50.00 to $49.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a research report on Monday, April 15th. BMO Capital Markets boosted their price target on shares of Dominion Energy from $53.00 to $57.00 and gave the company a market perform rating in a research report on Monday, August 5th. Mizuho raised their price objective on shares of Dominion Energy from $45.00 to $52.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a report on Friday, May 3rd. Finally, Scotiabank cut their target price on shares of Dominion Energy from $49.00 to $48.00 and set a sector perform rating for the company in a research note on Monday, April 22nd. Ten equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and two have assigned a buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $52.18.

Get Our Latest Stock Analysis on Dominion Energy

Dominion Energy Company Profile

(Free Report)

Dominion Energy, Inc produces and distributes energy in the United States. It operates through three operating segments: Dominion Energy Virginia, Dominion Energy South Carolina, and Contracted Energy. The Dominion Energy Virginia segment generates, transmits, and distributes regulated electricity to approximately 2.8 million residential, commercial, industrial, and governmental customers in Virginia and North Carolina.

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Want to see what other hedge funds are holding D? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Dominion Energy, Inc. (NYSE:D  Free Report).

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Embraer (NYSE:ERJ  Get Free Report) posted its earnings results on Thursday. The aerospace company reported $0.44 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.24 by $0.20, Briefing.com reports. The company had revenue of $1.49 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $1.44 billion. Embraer had a return on equity of 5.35% and a net margin of 4.84%. The firms revenue for the quarter was up 15.6% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the previous year, the business earned $0.32 earnings per share. Embraer updated its FY 2024 guidance to EPS.

Embraer Trading Up 4.3 %

NYSE ERJ traded up $1.30 during trading hours on Friday, hitting $31.22. 1,955,881 shares of the company were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 1,712,456. The stock has a 50-day moving average price of $28.35 and a 200 day moving average price of $25.21. The company has a quick ratio of 0.71, a current ratio of 1.51 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.83. Embraer has a 52 week low of $12.48 and a 52 week high of $31.40. The stock has a market cap of $5.73 billion, a PE ratio of 21.68 and a beta of 1.71.

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Analyst Ratings Changes

A number of equities research analysts recently commented on the company. StockNews.com downgraded Embraer from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research report on Tuesday, July 23rd. UBS Group boosted their price objective on Embraer from $28.50 to $29.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research note on Wednesday, July 3rd. Three analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and four have issued a buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $29.83.

Embraer Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Embraer SA designs, develops, manufactures, and sells aircraft and systems in North America, Latin America, the Asia Pacific, Brazil, Europe, and internationally. The company operates through Commercial Aviation; Defense & Security; Executive Aviation; Services & Support; and Other segments. The Commercial Aviation segment designs, develops, manufactures, and sells commercial jets, as well as leases aircraft.

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European Commercial REIT (CVE:ERE  Get Free Report) traded up 42.9% during trading on Wednesday . The company traded as high as C$0.25 and last traded at C$0.25. 7,400 shares traded hands during mid-day trading, a decline of 88% from the average session volume of 62,141 shares. The stock had previously closed at C$0.18.

European Commercial REIT Price Performance

The stock has a 50-day moving average of C$0.25 and a 200 day moving average of C$0.25.

About European Commercial REIT

(Get Free Report)

Everest Re Group, Ltd., through its subsidiaries, provides reinsurance and insurance products in the United States, Bermuda, and internationally. The company operates through Reinsurance Operations and Insurance Operations segments. The Reinsurance Operations segment writes property and casualty reinsurance; and specialty lines of business through reinsurance brokers, as well as directly with ceding companies in the United States, Bermuda, Ireland, Canada, Singapore, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom.

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Shares of Fortis Inc. (TSE:FTS  Get Free Report) reached a new 52-week high during trading on Thursday . The stock traded as high as C$59.30 and last traded at C$59.24, with a volume of 270414 shares trading hands. The stock had previously closed at C$58.69.

Analyst Ratings Changes

Several research firms have commented on FTS. Wells Fargo & Company increased their price objective on shares of Fortis from C$56.00 to C$59.00 in a research report on Wednesday, May 8th. Scotiabank lowered their target price on shares of Fortis from C$60.00 to C$56.00 and set a sector perform rating for the company in a report on Monday, April 22nd. National Bankshares raised their target price on shares of Fortis from C$55.00 to C$56.00 and gave the stock a sector perform rating in a report on Thursday, August 1st. Raymond James raised their target price on shares of Fortis from C$59.00 to C$61.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a report on Thursday, August 1st. Finally, BMO Capital Markets raised their target price on shares of Fortis from C$58.50 to C$59.00 in a report on Thursday, August 1st. One analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, six have given a hold rating and two have assigned a buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus target price of C$58.17.

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Read Our Latest Stock Report on Fortis

Fortis Stock Down 0.2 %

Fortis Announces Dividend

The businesss 50 day moving average is C$55.06 and its 200 day moving average is C$54.11. The company has a market capitalization of C$29.08 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 18.85, a PEG ratio of 2.80 and a beta of 0.18. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 128.89, a quick ratio of 0.36 and a current ratio of 0.60.

The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Sunday, September 1st. Investors of record on Tuesday, August 20th will be paid a $0.59 dividend. This represents a $2.36 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 4.00%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Tuesday, August 20th. Fortiss dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 75.40%.

Insider Buying and Selling

In other Fortis news, Senior Officer James Reid acquired 700 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Wednesday, June 19th. The stock was acquired at an average cost of C$52.37 per share, for a total transaction of C$36,659.00. 0.04% of the stock is owned by company insiders.

Fortis Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Fortis Inc operates as an electric and gas utility company in Canada, the United States, and the Caribbean countries. It generates, transmits, and distributes electricity to approximately 447,000 retail customers in southeastern Arizona; and 103,000 retail customers in Arizona's Mohave and Santa Cruz counties with an aggregate capacity of 3,408 megawatts (MW), including 68 MW of solar capacity and 250 MV of wind capacity.

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Shares of Fuji Media Holdings, Inc. (OTCMKTS:FJTNF  Get Free Report) were up 7.2% during mid-day trading on Wednesday . The stock traded as high as $12.26 and last traded at $12.26. Approximately 2 shares changed hands during trading, a decline of 98% from the average daily volume of 121 shares. The stock had previously closed at $11.44.

Fuji Media Stock Performance

The companys fifty day moving average is $11.34 and its 200-day moving average is $12.31.

About Fuji Media

(Get Free Report)

Fuji Media Holdings, Inc, through its subsidiaries, engages in the broadcasting activities in Japan. It operates through Media & Content, Urban Development, Hotels & Resorts, and Other segments. The Media & Content segment provides terrestrial television broadcasting, including satellite broadcasting, radio broadcasting, streaming platforms, content production, games, music, advertising, publishing, and direct marketing activities.

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QANTM Intellectual Property Limited (ASX:QIP  Get Free Report) insider Craig Dower purchased 992,157 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Monday, August 5th. The shares were acquired at an average price of A$1.74 ($1.13) per share, for a total transaction of A$1,726,353.18 ($1,121,008.56).

QANTM Intellectual Property Price Performance

The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 50.64, a current ratio of 1.64 and a quick ratio of 1.50.

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QANTM Intellectual Property Increases Dividend

The business also recently disclosed a Interim dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, August 15th. Stockholders of record on Thursday, August 15th will be issued a $0.071 dividend. This represents a dividend yield of 3.91%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Sunday, August 4th. This is an increase from QANTM Intellectual Propertys previous Interim dividend of $0.05. QANTM Intellectual Propertys dividend payout ratio is presently 125.00%.

About QANTM Intellectual Property

QANTM Intellectual Property Limited provides intellectual property services for start-up technology businesses, SMEs, multinationals, public sector research institutions, and universities in Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, Singapore, Malaysia, and Hongkong. The company offers services related to patents, designs, and trademarks.

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Manning & Napier Advisors LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Valero Energy Co. (NYSE:VLO  Free Report) during the 2nd quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the SEC. The firm acquired 101,716 shares of the oil and gas companys stock, valued at approximately $15,945,000.

Several other large investors have also bought and sold shares of the stock. Arkadios Wealth Advisors increased its position in shares of Valero Energy by 5.0% during the 4th quarter. Arkadios Wealth Advisors now owns 1,690 shares of the oil and gas companys stock valued at $220,000 after purchasing an additional 81 shares during the last quarter. Mirae Asset Global Investments Co. Ltd. increased its holdings in Valero Energy by 9.2% in the 4th quarter. Mirae Asset Global Investments Co. Ltd. now owns 158,343 shares of the oil and gas companys stock worth $20,585,000 after acquiring an additional 13,307 shares during the last quarter. Nisa Investment Advisors LLC increased its holdings in Valero Energy by 0.3% in the 4th quarter. Nisa Investment Advisors LLC now owns 137,383 shares of the oil and gas companys stock worth $17,860,000 after acquiring an additional 425 shares during the last quarter. RFG Advisory LLC increased its holdings in Valero Energy by 10.1% in the 4th quarter. RFG Advisory LLC now owns 2,277 shares of the oil and gas companys stock worth $296,000 after acquiring an additional 209 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Miller Howard Investments Inc. NY increased its holdings in Valero Energy by 1.0% in the 4th quarter. Miller Howard Investments Inc. NY now owns 16,798 shares of the oil and gas companys stock worth $2,184,000 after acquiring an additional 168 shares during the last quarter. 78.69% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors.

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Valero Energy Price Performance

NYSE:VLO traded down $0.53 during mid-day trading on Friday, reaching $151.08. The stock had a trading volume of 1,565,845 shares, compared to its average volume of 3,042,393. The firm has a 50 day moving average price of $152.37 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $154.60. The stock has a market capitalization of $48.40 billion, a P/E ratio of 7.46, a P/E/G ratio of 2.85 and a beta of 1.42. Valero Energy Co. has a one year low of $119.88 and a one year high of $184.79. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.34, a quick ratio of 1.04 and a current ratio of 1.48.

Valero Energy Announces Dividend

Valero Energy ( NYSE:VLO Get Free Report ) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, July 25th. The oil and gas company reported $2.71 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $2.60 by $0.11. The business had revenue of $34.49 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $32.97 billion. Valero Energy had a return on equity of 21.01% and a net margin of 4.25%. The businesss quarterly revenue was down .1% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the previous year, the firm earned $5.40 EPS. As a group, analysts expect that Valero Energy Co. will post 13.06 earnings per share for the current year.

The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, September 3rd. Shareholders of record on Thursday, August 1st will be paid a $1.07 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, August 1st. This represents a $4.28 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 2.83%. Valero Energys dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 21.20%.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

Several equities research analysts recently weighed in on VLO shares. JPMorgan Chase & Co. decreased their price objective on Valero Energy from $178.00 to $172.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a report on Tuesday, July 2nd. Wolfe Research assumed coverage on Valero Energy in a report on Thursday, July 18th. They set an outperform rating and a $177.00 target price for the company. Argus lowered Valero Energy from a buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Thursday, May 16th. StockNews.com downgraded Valero Energy from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research report on Wednesday, July 17th. Finally, Mizuho upgraded Valero Energy from a neutral rating to an outperform rating and lifted their price target for the company from $165.00 to $175.00 in a research report on Wednesday, July 17th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, four have issued a hold rating, ten have issued a buy rating and one has assigned a strong buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $174.00.

Read Our Latest Stock Analysis on Valero Energy

About Valero Energy

(Free Report)

Valero Energy Corporation manufactures, markets, and sells petroleum-based and low-carbon liquid transportation fuels and petrochemical products in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Latin America, Mexico, Peru, and internationally. It operates through three segments: Refining, Renewable Diesel, and Ethanol.

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Manning & Napier Advisors LLC purchased a new position in iShares MSCI USA Min Vol Factor ETF (BATS:USMV  Free Report) during the second quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The firm purchased 166,771 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $14,002,000. Manning & Napier Advisors LLC owned about 0.06% of iShares MSCI USA Min Vol Factor ETF as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Other large investors also recently modified their holdings of the company. Optiver Holding B.V. grew its position in iShares MSCI USA Min Vol Factor ETF by 100.0% in the 4th quarter. Optiver Holding B.V. now owns 1,758 shares of the companys stock worth $137,000 after purchasing an additional 7,664,300 shares during the last quarter. Cetera Investment Advisers grew its position in iShares MSCI USA Min Vol Factor ETF by 270.9% in the 1st quarter. Cetera Investment Advisers now owns 1,895,974 shares of the companys stock worth $158,465,000 after purchasing an additional 1,384,833 shares during the last quarter. Dynasty Wealth Management LLC bought a new position in iShares MSCI USA Min Vol Factor ETF in the 1st quarter worth about $83,046,000. Quotient Wealth Partners LLC bought a new position in iShares MSCI USA Min Vol Factor ETF in the 4th quarter worth about $60,025,000. Finally, Wealth Enhancement Advisory Services LLC boosted its holdings in shares of iShares MSCI USA Min Vol Factor ETF by 31.3% in the first quarter. Wealth Enhancement Advisory Services LLC now owns 3,170,418 shares of the companys stock valued at $264,984,000 after acquiring an additional 755,493 shares in the last quarter.

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iShares MSCI USA Min Vol Factor ETF Price Performance

Shares of iShares MSCI USA Min Vol Factor ETF stock traded up $0.22 on Friday, hitting $86.82. The company had a trading volume of 1,753,467 shares. iShares MSCI USA Min Vol Factor ETF has a 52 week low of $47.44 and a 52 week high of $55.45. The company has a market cap of $25.44 billion, a PE ratio of 25.30 and a beta of 0.59. The business has a 50-day simple moving average of $84.65 and a 200-day simple moving average of $82.66.

iShares MSCI USA Min Vol Factor ETF Profile

The iShares MSCI USA Min Vol Factor ETF (USMV) is an exchange-traded fund that is based on the MSCI USA Minimum Volatility (USD) index. The fund tracks an index of US-listed firms selected and weighted to create a low-volatility portfolio subject to various constraints. USMV was launched on Oct 18, 2011 and is managed by BlackRock.

Further Reading

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Manning & Napier Advisors LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Douglas Emmett, Inc. (NYSE:DEI  Free Report) during the second quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm acquired 287,381 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock, valued at approximately $3,825,000. Manning & Napier Advisors LLC owned about 0.17% of Douglas Emmett at the end of the most recent quarter.

Other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently modified their holdings of the company. Vanguard Group Inc. boosted its position in shares of Douglas Emmett by 0.9% in the 4th quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 26,187,297 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $379,716,000 after purchasing an additional 229,301 shares in the last quarter. Massachusetts Financial Services Co. MA boosted its holdings in shares of Douglas Emmett by 12.6% during the 4th quarter. Massachusetts Financial Services Co. MA now owns 3,119,643 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $45,235,000 after purchasing an additional 349,034 shares during the last quarter. GSA Capital Partners LLP boosted its holdings in shares of Douglas Emmett by 356.7% during the 1st quarter. GSA Capital Partners LLP now owns 116,902 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $1,621,000 after purchasing an additional 91,305 shares during the last quarter. Centersquare Investment Management LLC lifted its holdings in shares of Douglas Emmett by 20.8% in the 1st quarter. Centersquare Investment Management LLC now owns 4,363,009 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $59,817,000 after acquiring an additional 751,419 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Norges Bank bought a new position in shares of Douglas Emmett in the 4th quarter valued at about $26,467,000. 97.37% of the stock is owned by institutional investors.

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Insider Buying and Selling at Douglas Emmett

In other news, Director William E. Simon, Jr. bought 45,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Monday, June 10th. The shares were bought at an average cost of $13.15 per share, for a total transaction of $591,750.00. Following the acquisition, the director now directly owns 45,000 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $591,750. The acquisition was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through the SEC website. 14.70% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

Separately, StockNews.com raised shares of Douglas Emmett from a sell rating to a hold rating in a research report on Monday, May 20th. Six research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, According to MarketBeat, the company currently has an average rating of Hold and an average target price of $14.00.

Read Our Latest Analysis on Douglas Emmett

Douglas Emmett Price Performance

NYSE DEI traded down $0.44 during trading hours on Friday, hitting $14.82. 2,689,287 shares of the companys stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 1,719,893. Douglas Emmett, Inc. has a 52-week low of $10.76 and a 52-week high of $16.57. The company has a market capitalization of $2.48 billion, a PE ratio of -47.90 and a beta of 1.09. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.45, a current ratio of 4.42 and a quick ratio of 4.42. The firms 50-day moving average is $14.14 and its 200-day moving average is $13.77.

Douglas Emmett Announces Dividend

The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Tuesday, July 16th. Investors of record on Friday, June 28th were paid a dividend of $0.19 per share. The ex-dividend date was Friday, June 28th. This represents a $0.76 annualized dividend and a yield of 5.13%. Douglas Emmetts dividend payout ratio is presently -245.16%.

Douglas Emmett Profile

(Free Report)

Douglas Emmett, Inc (DEI) is a fully integrated, self-administered and self-managed real estate investment trust (REIT), and one of the largest owners and operators of high-quality office and multifamily properties located in the premier coastal submarkets of Los Angeles and Honolulu. Douglas Emmett focuses on owning and acquiring a substantial share of top-tier office properties and premier multifamily communities in neighborhoods that possess significant supply constraints, high-end executive housing and key lifestyle amenities.

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, August 10. Iranian authorities have expressed hope that the response to the assassination in Tehran of the head of the Palestinian Hamas political bureau, Ismail Haniyeh, will be timely and will not affect the ceasefire talks in the Gaza Strip, a statement released by Iran's permanent mission to the UN says, Trend reports.

"We have a legitimate right to self-defense, and this is not related to the ceasefire process in Gaza. However, we hope that our response will be timely and will not harm the possible ceasefire," the statement says.

Iran stresses that its priority is to achieve a sustainable ceasefire in Gaza, and any agreement reached by Hamas will be supported by Tehran.
Northann Corp. (NYSE:NCL  Get Free Report) shares dropped 3.2% during trading on Wednesday . The stock traded as low as $0.20 and last traded at $0.20. Approximately 49,440 shares were traded during trading, a decline of 88% from the average daily volume of 404,550 shares. The stock had previously closed at $0.21.

Northann Stock Performance

The business has a 50-day simple moving average of $0.26 and a 200-day simple moving average of $0.51. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.17, a current ratio of 0.51 and a quick ratio of 0.28.

Northann Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Northann Corp. engages in the manufacture, wholesale, and retail of the 3D printed vinyl flooring panels and other decorative panels in North America, Europe, and internationally. The company offers its products under the Benchwick brand name. Northann Corp. was founded in 2013 and is based in Elk Grove, California.

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OLD National Bancorp IN lifted its holdings in shares of Bristol-Myers Squibb (NYSE:BMY  Free Report) by 8.2% in the second quarter, HoldingsChannel reports. The institutional investor owned 205,801 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock after buying an additional 15,680 shares during the period. OLD National Bancorp INs holdings in Bristol-Myers Squibb were worth $8,547,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Several other hedge funds also recently modified their holdings of the stock. Strategic Blueprint LLC raised its holdings in shares of Bristol-Myers Squibb by 78.6% in the 4th quarter. Strategic Blueprint LLC now owns 9,715 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock valued at $498,000 after purchasing an additional 4,275 shares during the period. RFG Advisory LLC boosted its stake in shares of Bristol-Myers Squibb by 6.3% during the 4th quarter. RFG Advisory LLC now owns 18,016 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock worth $924,000 after acquiring an additional 1,064 shares during the period. Turtle Creek Wealth Advisors LLC acquired a new position in shares of Bristol-Myers Squibb during the 4th quarter worth approximately $40,000. PBMares Wealth Management LLC raised its stake in Bristol-Myers Squibb by 6.2% in the 4th quarter. PBMares Wealth Management LLC now owns 4,141 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock valued at $212,000 after acquiring an additional 242 shares during the period. Finally, Sequoia Financial Advisors LLC lifted its holdings in Bristol-Myers Squibb by 121.7% during the 4th quarter. Sequoia Financial Advisors LLC now owns 77,049 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock valued at $3,953,000 after purchasing an additional 42,301 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors own 76.41% of the companys stock.

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Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

Several equities analysts have recently weighed in on the stock. Cantor Fitzgerald reissued a neutral rating and issued a $45.00 price objective on shares of Bristol-Myers Squibb in a research report on Monday, July 22nd. BMO Capital Markets lowered their price target on shares of Bristol-Myers Squibb from $55.00 to $48.00 and set a market perform rating on the stock in a report on Friday, April 26th. StockNews.com upgraded shares of Bristol-Myers Squibb from a buy rating to a strong-buy rating in a research report on Monday, July 29th. Wells Fargo & Company upped their target price on Bristol-Myers Squibb from $51.00 to $52.00 and gave the company an equal weight rating in a research report on Thursday, April 18th. Finally, Barclays cut Bristol-Myers Squibb from an overweight rating to an equal weight rating and set a $41.00 price target for the company. in a report on Monday, July 29th. One analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, thirteen have assigned a hold rating, two have assigned a buy rating and one has assigned a strong buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, the stock currently has an average rating of Hold and an average target price of $55.79.

Bristol-Myers Squibb Price Performance

BMY traded down $0.13 on Friday, hitting $46.72. 14,083,504 shares of the stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 15,967,806. The firm has a market capitalization of $94.71 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of -15.07, a PEG ratio of 12.51 and a beta of 0.44. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.86, a current ratio of 1.16 and a quick ratio of 0.99. Bristol-Myers Squibb has a 12 month low of $39.35 and a 12 month high of $63.41. The business has a 50-day moving average of $43.02 and a two-hundred day moving average of $46.65.

Bristol-Myers Squibb (NYSE:BMY  Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Friday, July 26th. The biopharmaceutical company reported $2.07 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.64 by $0.43. The company had revenue of $12.20 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $11.54 billion. Bristol-Myers Squibb had a negative net margin of 14.06% and a positive return on equity of 12.51%. The businesss revenue for the quarter was up 8.7% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the previous year, the company earned $1.75 EPS. Sell-side analysts forecast that Bristol-Myers Squibb will post 0.77 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Bristol-Myers Squibb Announces Dividend

The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, August 1st. Stockholders of record on Friday, July 5th were paid a $0.60 dividend. The ex-dividend date was Friday, July 5th. This represents a $2.40 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 5.14%. Bristol-Myers Squibbs payout ratio is -77.42%.

Bristol-Myers Squibb Profile

(Free Report)

Bristol-Myers Squibb Company discovers, develops, licenses, manufactures, markets, distributes, and sells biopharmaceutical products worldwide. It offers products for hematology, oncology, cardiovascular, immunology, fibrotic, and neuroscience diseases. The company's products include Eliquis for reduction in risk of stroke/systemic embolism in non-valvular atrial fibrillation, and for the treatment of DVT/PE; Opdivo for various anti-cancer indications, including bladder, blood, CRC, head and neck, RCC, HCC, lung, melanoma, MPM, stomach and esophageal cancer; Pomalyst/Imnovid for multiple myeloma; Orencia for active rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis; and Sprycel for the treatment of Philadelphia chromosome-positive chronic myeloid leukemia.

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OLD National Bancorp IN increased its holdings in shares of Canadian Pacific Kansas City Limited (NYSE:CP  Free Report) (TSE:CP) by 3.8% during the 2nd quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The firm owned 7,585 shares of the transportation companys stock after buying an additional 277 shares during the quarter. OLD National Bancorp INs holdings in Canadian Pacific Kansas City were worth $597,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

A number of other hedge funds have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the business. Vanguard Group Inc. increased its holdings in shares of Canadian Pacific Kansas City by 1.7% during the 1st quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 34,926,548 shares of the transportation companys stock worth $3,079,474,000 after buying an additional 588,701 shares during the last quarter. TD Asset Management Inc increased its stake in Canadian Pacific Kansas City by 2.5% during the first quarter. TD Asset Management Inc now owns 21,703,229 shares of the transportation companys stock worth $1,915,196,000 after acquiring an additional 532,303 shares during the last quarter. Mackenzie Financial Corp raised its holdings in shares of Canadian Pacific Kansas City by 5.9% in the 4th quarter. Mackenzie Financial Corp now owns 14,178,436 shares of the transportation companys stock worth $1,122,370,000 after purchasing an additional 787,608 shares during the period. Veritas Asset Management LLP lifted its stake in shares of Canadian Pacific Kansas City by 1.8% in the 4th quarter. Veritas Asset Management LLP now owns 13,434,704 shares of the transportation companys stock valued at $1,062,148,000 after purchasing an additional 243,210 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Norges Bank purchased a new stake in shares of Canadian Pacific Kansas City during the 4th quarter worth about $979,890,000. 72.20% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

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Analysts Set New Price Targets

CP has been the topic of several analyst reports. Barclays dropped their target price on Canadian Pacific Kansas City from $96.00 to $95.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a report on Tuesday, July 16th. Stifel Nicolaus boosted their target price on shares of Canadian Pacific Kansas City from $82.00 to $83.00 and gave the stock a hold rating in a research report on Wednesday, July 17th. Benchmark reaffirmed a hold rating on shares of Canadian Pacific Kansas City in a report on Thursday, April 25th. Susquehanna reaffirmed a neutral rating and set a $80.00 price target on shares of Canadian Pacific Kansas City in a research note on Wednesday, July 31st. Finally, Scotiabank upgraded Canadian Pacific Kansas City from a sector perform rating to a sector outperform rating in a research note on Wednesday, July 10th. Twelve research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and twelve have given a buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $95.70.

Canadian Pacific Kansas City Stock Performance

Shares of NYSE:CP traded down $0.54 during trading on Friday, hitting $77.81. 1,574,107 shares of the stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 2,163,862. The companys fifty day simple moving average is $79.74 and its 200-day simple moving average is $82.73. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.42, a quick ratio of 0.43 and a current ratio of 0.51. The company has a market capitalization of $72.60 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 24.94, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.27 and a beta of 0.96. Canadian Pacific Kansas City Limited has a 1-year low of $68.92 and a 1-year high of $91.58.

Canadian Pacific Kansas City (NYSE:CP  Get Free Report) (TSE:CP) last posted its earnings results on Tuesday, July 30th. The transportation company reported $1.05 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.74 by $0.31. The business had revenue of $3.60 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $3.58 billion. Canadian Pacific Kansas City had a net margin of 24.45% and a return on equity of 8.77%. The firms revenue for the quarter was up 13.5% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the previous year, the firm posted $0.62 earnings per share. Sell-side analysts expect that Canadian Pacific Kansas City Limited will post 3.11 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Canadian Pacific Kansas City Cuts Dividend

The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, October 28th. Shareholders of record on Friday, September 27th will be given a $0.1373 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Friday, September 27th. This represents a $0.55 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 0.71%. Canadian Pacific Kansas Citys dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 17.31%.

Canadian Pacific Kansas City Company Profile

(Free Report)

Canadian Pacific Kansas City Limited, together with its subsidiaries, owns and operates a transcontinental freight railway in Canada, the United States, and Mexico. The company transports bulk commodities, including grain, coal, potash, fertilizers, and sulphur; merchandise freight, such as forest products, energy, chemicals and plastics, metals, minerals, consumer products, and automotive; and intermodal traffic comprising retail goods in overseas containers.

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Ormat Technologies (NYSE:ORA  Free Report) had its price target raised by Oppenheimer from $85.00 to $86.00 in a research note released on Thursday morning, Benzinga reports. They currently have an outperform rating on the energy companys stock.

Other equities research analysts have also recently issued reports about the stock. JPMorgan Chase & Co. lifted their price objective on shares of Ormat Technologies from $69.00 to $75.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research note on Tuesday, July 16th. Barclays dropped their price target on shares of Ormat Technologies from $75.00 to $73.00 and set an equal weight rating on the stock in a research report on Monday, May 13th. TD Cowen upped their price target on shares of Ormat Technologies from $70.00 to $76.00 and gave the company a hold rating in a report on Friday, May 10th. Finally, UBS Group upped their price target on shares of Ormat Technologies from $95.00 to $100.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Tuesday, May 14th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, three have given a hold rating and two have assigned a buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, Ormat Technologies has an average rating of Hold and an average target price of $82.00.

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Ormat Technologies Stock Performance

Shares of ORA traded down $0.67 during midday trading on Thursday, hitting $72.51. 319,062 shares of the stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 475,808. Ormat Technologies has a 1-year low of $58.73 and a 1-year high of $78.51. The firm has a market capitalization of $4.38 billion, a PE ratio of 32.66, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 3.87 and a beta of 0.51. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.73, a quick ratio of 1.02 and a current ratio of 1.12. The businesss 50 day moving average price is $73.84 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $69.11.

Ormat Technologies (NYSE:ORA  Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, August 6th. The energy company reported $0.40 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.37 by $0.03. Ormat Technologies had a net margin of 15.43% and a return on equity of 5.45%. The business had revenue of $212.96 million for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $214.07 million. During the same period in the previous year, the business earned $0.40 earnings per share. The companys revenue was up 9.3% on a year-over-year basis. Equities research analysts predict that Ormat Technologies will post 1.98 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Ormat Technologies Dividend Announcement

The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, September 3rd. Shareholders of record on Tuesday, August 20th will be issued a $0.12 dividend. This represents a $0.48 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 0.66%. The ex-dividend date is Tuesday, August 20th. Ormat Technologiess payout ratio is 21.62%.

Insider Buying and Selling at Ormat Technologies

In other Ormat Technologies news, Director David Granot sold 686 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Thursday, May 30th. The shares were sold at an average price of $73.46, for a total transaction of $50,393.56. Following the completion of the sale, the director now directly owns 4,832 shares of the companys stock, valued at $354,958.72. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this link. Insiders own 1.00% of the companys stock.

Institutional Trading of Ormat Technologies

A number of hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of the company. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP lifted its stake in Ormat Technologies by 6.3% during the second quarter. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP now owns 1,450,797 shares of the energy companys stock valued at $104,030,000 after buying an additional 86,291 shares in the last quarter. Envestnet Asset Management Inc. increased its holdings in shares of Ormat Technologies by 8.6% in the 2nd quarter. Envestnet Asset Management Inc. now owns 31,238 shares of the energy companys stock valued at $2,240,000 after purchasing an additional 2,482 shares during the period. Meeder Asset Management Inc. increased its holdings in shares of Ormat Technologies by 194.6% in the 2nd quarter. Meeder Asset Management Inc. now owns 28,077 shares of the energy companys stock valued at $2,013,000 after purchasing an additional 18,546 shares during the period. Y.D. More Investments Ltd increased its holdings in shares of Ormat Technologies by 1,011.5% in the 2nd quarter. Y.D. More Investments Ltd now owns 493,619 shares of the energy companys stock valued at $34,943,000 after purchasing an additional 449,209 shares during the period. Finally, Jupiter Asset Management Ltd. increased its holdings in shares of Ormat Technologies by 5.8% in the 2nd quarter. Jupiter Asset Management Ltd. now owns 195,811 shares of the energy companys stock valued at $14,040,000 after purchasing an additional 10,687 shares during the period. 95.49% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

Ormat Technologies Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Ormat Technologies, Inc engages in the geothermal and recovered energy power business in the United States, Indonesia, Kenya, Turkey, Chile, Guatemala, Guadeloupe, New Zealand, Honduras, and internationally. It operates in three segments: Electricity, Product, and Energy Storage. The Electricity segment develops, builds, owns, and operates geothermal, solar photovoltaic, and recovered energy-based power plants; and sells electricity.

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Penske Automotive Group (NYSE:PAG  Free Report) had its target price lifted by JPMorgan Chase & Co. from $135.00 to $140.00 in a report issued on Tuesday morning, Benzinga reports. The brokerage currently has an underweight rating on the stock.

Separately, Bank of America raised their target price on shares of Penske Automotive Group from $175.00 to $180.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Monday, July 22nd. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, one has assigned a hold rating and two have given a buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company has an average rating of Hold and an average target price of $157.75.

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Penske Automotive Group Stock Down 0.2 %

NYSE PAG traded down $0.33 during midday trading on Tuesday, hitting $161.77. 113,830 shares of the company traded hands, compared to its average volume of 196,813. Penske Automotive Group has a 52 week low of $137.95 and a 52 week high of $179.72. The companys 50-day simple moving average is $153.46 and its 200-day simple moving average is $153.27. The company has a market cap of $10.80 billion, a PE ratio of 11.25 and a beta of 1.18. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.32, a current ratio of 0.98 and a quick ratio of 0.22.

Penske Automotive Group (NYSE:PAG  Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, July 31st. The company reported $3.61 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $3.39 by $0.22. The company had revenue of $7.70 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $7.59 billion. Penske Automotive Group had a return on equity of 19.82% and a net margin of 3.05%. The firms revenue for the quarter was up 3.1% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter last year, the company earned $4.41 earnings per share. As a group, equities research analysts forecast that Penske Automotive Group will post 13.37 earnings per share for the current year.

Penske Automotive Group Increases Dividend

The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, September 4th. Stockholders of record on Thursday, August 15th will be paid a dividend of $1.07 per share. This is an increase from Penske Automotive Groups previous quarterly dividend of $0.96. This represents a $4.28 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 2.65%. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, August 15th. Penske Automotive Groups payout ratio is presently 26.70%.

Insider Activity at Penske Automotive Group

In other Penske Automotive Group news, Director John Barr sold 716 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Thursday, August 1st. The stock was sold at an average price of $170.71, for a total transaction of $122,228.36. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is accessible through this hyperlink. 51.70% of the stock is owned by insiders.

Institutional Trading of Penske Automotive Group

Institutional investors and hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of the business. Quest Partners LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Penske Automotive Group during the 4th quarter worth about $929,000. Gabelli Funds LLC grew its holdings in Penske Automotive Group by 6.2% in the first quarter. Gabelli Funds LLC now owns 85,500 shares of the companys stock valued at $13,850,000 after purchasing an additional 5,000 shares during the period. State Board of Administration of Florida Retirement System increased its position in shares of Penske Automotive Group by 15.4% in the first quarter. State Board of Administration of Florida Retirement System now owns 30,466 shares of the companys stock valued at $4,935,000 after buying an additional 4,057 shares in the last quarter. Chase Investment Counsel Corp acquired a new position in shares of Penske Automotive Group during the 4th quarter worth approximately $802,000. Finally, Occudo Quantitative Strategies LP lifted its position in shares of Penske Automotive Group by 321.8% during the 4th quarter. Occudo Quantitative Strategies LP now owns 26,675 shares of the companys stock valued at $4,282,000 after buying an additional 20,351 shares in the last quarter. 77.08% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

Penske Automotive Group Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Penske Automotive Group, Inc, a diversified transportation services company, operates automotive and commercial truck dealerships worldwide. The company operates through four segments: Retail Automotive, Retail Commercial Truck, Other, and Non-Automotive Investments. It operates dealerships under franchise agreements with various automotive manufacturers and distributors.

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Rayonier Advanced Materials Inc. (NYSE:RYAM  Free Report)  Investment analysts at Sidoti Csr lifted their Q2 2025 earnings estimates for Rayonier Advanced Materials in a research report issued to clients and investors on Wednesday, August 7th. Sidoti Csr analyst D. Harriman now expects that the basic materials company will post earnings per share of $0.10 for the quarter, up from their prior estimate of $0.08. The consensus estimate for Rayonier Advanced Materials current full-year earnings is ($0.34) per share. Sidoti Csr also issued estimates for Rayonier Advanced Materials Q3 2025 earnings at $0.06 EPS and FY2025 earnings at $0.23 EPS.

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Rayonier Advanced Materials (NYSE:RYAM  Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Tuesday, August 6th. The basic materials company reported $0.19 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of ($0.07) by $0.26. Rayonier Advanced Materials had a negative net margin of 4.82% and a negative return on equity of 3.96%. The company had revenue of $419.00 million for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $407.10 million. During the same quarter last year, the business earned ($0.25) EPS.

Several other equities research analysts have also recently issued reports on the stock. StockNews.com upgraded shares of Rayonier Advanced Materials from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research report on Thursday. Royal Bank of Canada lifted their price objective on shares of Rayonier Advanced Materials from $7.00 to $9.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research report on Thursday.

View Our Latest Analysis on Rayonier Advanced Materials

Rayonier Advanced Materials Price Performance

Shares of Rayonier Advanced Materials stock traded down $0.37 on Thursday, hitting $7.11. 752,849 shares of the company traded hands, compared to its average volume of 455,770. The stock has a market capitalization of $466.27 million, a P/E ratio of -4.42 and a beta of 3.03. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.02, a quick ratio of 0.95 and a current ratio of 1.64. Rayonier Advanced Materials has a 52 week low of $2.66 and a 52 week high of $7.88. The business has a 50-day simple moving average of $5.81 and a 200 day simple moving average of $4.91.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On Rayonier Advanced Materials

Several large investors have recently bought and sold shares of the business. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP grew its holdings in Rayonier Advanced Materials by 5.9% during the 2nd quarter. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP now owns 3,598,490 shares of the basic materials companys stock valued at $19,576,000 after purchasing an additional 201,939 shares during the last quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. raised its position in Rayonier Advanced Materials by 0.9% in the 1st quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 3,417,106 shares of the basic materials companys stock worth $16,334,000 after purchasing an additional 31,281 shares during the period. Boston Partners raised its position in Rayonier Advanced Materials by 1,923.5% in the 1st quarter. Boston Partners now owns 2,161,539 shares of the basic materials companys stock worth $10,307,000 after purchasing an additional 2,054,715 shares during the period. Russell Investments Group Ltd. raised its position in Rayonier Advanced Materials by 471.8% in the 1st quarter. Russell Investments Group Ltd. now owns 1,997,437 shares of the basic materials companys stock worth $9,548,000 after purchasing an additional 1,648,101 shares during the period. Finally, CastleKnight Management LP raised its position in Rayonier Advanced Materials by 1,036.0% in the 4th quarter. CastleKnight Management LP now owns 1,963,057 shares of the basic materials companys stock worth $7,950,000 after purchasing an additional 1,790,257 shares during the period. Institutional investors own 68.64% of the companys stock.

Rayonier Advanced Materials Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Rayonier Advanced Materials Inc manufactures and sells cellulose specialty products in the United States, China, Latin America, Canada, Japan, Europe, Latin America, other Asian countries, and internationally. It operates through High Purity Cellulose, Paperboard, and High-Yield Pulp segments. The company's products include cellulose specialties, which are natural polymers that are used as raw materials to manufacture a range of consumer-oriented products, such as liquid crystal displays, impact-resistant plastics, thickeners for food products, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, cigarette filters, high-tenacity rayon yarn for tires and industrial hoses, food casings, paints, and lacquers.

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Dutch Bros (NYSE:BROS  Free Report) had its price objective decreased by Stifel Nicolaus from $40.00 to $38.00 in a research report released on Thursday morning, Benzinga reports. Stifel Nicolaus currently has a buy rating on the stock.

Several other brokerages have also commented on BROS. Robert W. Baird decreased their target price on shares of Dutch Bros from $42.00 to $37.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a research report on Thursday. Bank of America upped their price objective on shares of Dutch Bros from $44.00 to $49.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Monday, June 10th. TD Cowen dropped their price objective on shares of Dutch Bros from $50.00 to $47.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a research note on Thursday. Barclays boosted their target price on Dutch Bros from $30.00 to $35.00 and gave the stock an equal weight rating in a report on Wednesday, May 8th. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. boosted their target price on Dutch Bros from $40.00 to $44.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a report on Monday, June 3rd. Three equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and eight have assigned a buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, the company has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $38.82.

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Dutch Bros Stock Down 2.4 %

NYSE:BROS traded down $0.73 during mid-day trading on Thursday, hitting $29.49. The stock had a trading volume of 6,775,500 shares, compared to its average volume of 2,676,672. The stock has a 50-day simple moving average of $39.01 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $33.75. The company has a market capitalization of $5.23 billion, a PE ratio of 163.83, a PEG ratio of 4.71 and a beta of 2.53. Dutch Bros has a twelve month low of $22.67 and a twelve month high of $43.49. The company has a current ratio of 2.29, a quick ratio of 1.98 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.86.

Dutch Bros (NYSE:BROS  Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, August 7th. The company reported $0.19 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.13 by $0.06. Dutch Bros had a net margin of 1.21% and a return on equity of 1.99%. The company had revenue of $324.92 million for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $317.39 million. During the same quarter last year, the company earned $0.07 earnings per share. The firms revenue for the quarter was up 30.0% on a year-over-year basis. On average, equities research analysts anticipate that Dutch Bros will post 0.3 EPS for the current year.

Insider Activity

In related news, major shareholder Dm Trust Aggregator, Llc sold 27,135 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Monday, May 13th. The stock was sold at an average price of $36.02, for a total value of $977,402.70. Following the transaction, the insider now owns 2,116,783 shares in the company, valued at $76,246,523.66. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available through this hyperlink. In other Dutch Bros news, Chairman Travis Boersma sold 334,069 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, May 20th. The stock was sold at an average price of $36.85, for a total transaction of $12,310,442.65. Following the transaction, the chairman now owns 871,764 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $32,124,503.40. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through the SEC website. Also, major shareholder Dm Trust Aggregator, Llc sold 27,135 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, May 13th. The stock was sold at an average price of $36.02, for a total value of $977,402.70. Following the transaction, the insider now directly owns 2,116,783 shares in the company, valued at approximately $76,246,523.66. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Over the last ninety days, insiders sold 1,228,068 shares of company stock worth $44,765,154. 46.50% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders.

Institutional Trading of Dutch Bros

Several institutional investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in BROS. Allworth Financial LP lifted its position in shares of Dutch Bros by 41.8% during the 4th quarter. Allworth Financial LP now owns 1,598 shares of the companys stock valued at $51,000 after acquiring an additional 471 shares during the period. Keudell Morrison Wealth Management lifted its position in shares of Dutch Bros by 5.2% during the 2nd quarter. Keudell Morrison Wealth Management now owns 10,546 shares of the companys stock worth $437,000 after buying an additional 524 shares during the last quarter. Arcadia Investment Management Corp MI bought a new stake in shares of Dutch Bros during the 2nd quarter worth $27,000. Wealth Management Partners LLC increased its holdings in Dutch Bros by 4.2% in the 1st quarter. Wealth Management Partners LLC now owns 18,790 shares of the companys stock worth $620,000 after purchasing an additional 756 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Quest Partners LLC increased its holdings in Dutch Bros by 3,321.7% in the 2nd quarter. Quest Partners LLC now owns 787 shares of the companys stock worth $33,000 after purchasing an additional 764 shares in the last quarter. 85.54% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors.

About Dutch Bros

(Get Free Report)

Dutch Bros Inc, together with its subsidiaries, operates and franchises drive-thru shops in the United States. The company operates through Company-Operated Shops and Franchising and Other segments. It serves through company-operated shops and online channels under Dutch Bros; Dutch Bros Coffee; Dutch Bros Rebel; Dutch Bros; and Blue Rebel brands.

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Sunstone Hotel Investors (NYSE:SHO  Get Free Report) issued its earnings results on Wednesday. The real estate investment trust reported $0.11 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $0.27 by ($0.16), Zacks reports. The business had revenue of $247.50 million for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $248.12 million. Sunstone Hotel Investors had a net margin of 20.69% and a return on equity of 10.75%. The firms revenue for the quarter was down 10.4% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period last year, the business posted $0.33 EPS. Sunstone Hotel Investors updated its FY24 guidance to $0.85-$0.90 EPS and its FY 2024 guidance to 0.850-0.900 EPS.

Sunstone Hotel Investors Trading Up 0.1 %

Shares of NYSE SHO traded up $0.01 during mid-day trading on Friday, reaching $9.67. The company had a trading volume of 3,295,493 shares, compared to its average volume of 1,932,013. Sunstone Hotel Investors has a 52 week low of $8.61 and a 52 week high of $11.59. The businesss 50-day moving average is $10.19 and its 200-day moving average is $10.54. The stock has a market cap of $1.97 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 10.74, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 4.56 and a beta of 1.24. The company has a current ratio of 8.17, a quick ratio of 8.17 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.43.

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Sunstone Hotel Investors Announces Dividend

The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, October 15th. Stockholders of record on Monday, September 30th will be paid a dividend of $0.09 per share. This represents a $0.36 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 3.72%. The ex-dividend date is Monday, September 30th. Sunstone Hotel Investorss dividend payout ratio is currently 33.33%.

Analyst Ratings Changes

Several research analysts have commented on the stock. Baird R W raised shares of Sunstone Hotel Investors to a strong-buy rating in a report on Tuesday, May 28th. Robert W. Baird upgraded shares of Sunstone Hotel Investors from a neutral rating to an outperform rating and boosted their price target for the stock from $11.00 to $12.00 in a research report on Tuesday, May 28th. Wolfe Research raised shares of Sunstone Hotel Investors from a peer perform rating to an outperform rating and set a $12.00 price objective for the company in a research note on Wednesday, July 10th. Compass Point upgraded shares of Sunstone Hotel Investors from a sell rating to a neutral rating and boosted their target price for the stock from $10.00 to $12.00 in a report on Tuesday, May 7th. Finally, Truist Financial dropped their price target on Sunstone Hotel Investors from $13.00 to $12.00 and set a hold rating for the company in a research report on Thursday, May 30th. Three analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, four have given a hold rating, two have issued a buy rating and one has given a strong buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, Sunstone Hotel Investors has an average rating of Hold and an average price target of $10.75.

Read Our Latest Research Report on Sunstone Hotel Investors

Sunstone Hotel Investors Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Sunstone Hotel Investors, Inc is a lodging real estate investment trust ("REIT") that as of the date of this release owns 14 hotels comprised of 6,675 rooms, the majority of which are operated under nationally recognized brands. Sunstone's strategy is to create long-term stakeholder value through the acquisition, active ownership, and disposition of well-located hotel and resort real estate.

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Superior Industries International (NYSE:SUP  Get Free Report) was upgraded by investment analysts at StockNews.com from a hold rating to a buy rating in a note issued to investors on Friday.

Superior Industries International Stock Performance

Superior Industries International stock traded down $0.13 during trading hours on Friday, reaching $2.84. 84,724 shares of the companys stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 74,286. Superior Industries International has a fifty-two week low of $2.10 and a fifty-two week high of $4.57. The firm has a market capitalization of $81.22 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of -0.50 and a beta of 3.47. The firms 50 day moving average is $3.30 and its 200-day moving average is $3.38.

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Superior Industries International (NYSE:SUP  Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Thursday, August 8th. The auto parts company reported ($0.46) earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter. The business had revenue of $319.00 million for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $365.15 million.

Institutional Trading of Superior Industries International

About Superior Industries International

Institutional investors and hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of the stock. Privium Fund Management UK Ltd bought a new stake in shares of Superior Industries International in the 1st quarter valued at about $45,000. Bailard Inc. bought a new stake in shares of Superior Industries International in the 4th quarter valued at about $271,000. Pinnacle Holdings LLC increased its stake in shares of Superior Industries International by 4.6% in the 4th quarter. Pinnacle Holdings LLC now owns 171,887 shares of the auto parts companys stock valued at $550,000 after acquiring an additional 7,605 shares during the last quarter. Essex Investment Management Co. LLC increased its stake in shares of Superior Industries International by 1.5% in the 1st quarter. Essex Investment Management Co. LLC now owns 789,946 shares of the auto parts companys stock valued at $2,291,000 after acquiring an additional 11,923 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Mill Road Capital Management LLC increased its stake in shares of Superior Industries International by 0.7% in the 4th quarter. Mill Road Capital Management LLC now owns 4,380,940 shares of the auto parts companys stock valued at $14,019,000 after acquiring an additional 32,300 shares during the last quarter. 56.20% of the stock is owned by institutional investors.

(Get Free Report)

Superior Industries International, Inc, together with its subsidiaries, designs, manufactures, and sells aluminum wheels to the original equipment manufacturers and aftermarket distributors in North America and Europe. It offers its products under the ATS, RIAL, ALUTEC, and ANZIO brand names. The company was founded in 1957 and is headquartered in Southfield, Michigan.

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Symmetry Partners LLC decreased its stake in shares of Boston Scientific Co. (NYSE:BSX  Free Report) by 8.9% during the 2nd quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The fund owned 5,525 shares of the medical equipment providers stock after selling 541 shares during the period. Symmetry Partners LLCs holdings in Boston Scientific were worth $425,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Several other hedge funds also recently modified their holdings of BSX. WBH Advisory Inc. purchased a new stake in Boston Scientific in the 2nd quarter valued at about $221,000. Salem Investment Counselors Inc. grew its stake in Boston Scientific by 0.3% in the 2nd quarter. Salem Investment Counselors Inc. now owns 211,879 shares of the medical equipment providers stock valued at $16,317,000 after purchasing an additional 661 shares during the period. Csenge Advisory Group increased its position in shares of Boston Scientific by 7.7% during the 2nd quarter. Csenge Advisory Group now owns 3,872 shares of the medical equipment providers stock valued at $298,000 after purchasing an additional 278 shares during the last quarter. Simplicity Wealth LLC raised its stake in shares of Boston Scientific by 1.3% during the 2nd quarter. Simplicity Wealth LLC now owns 291,530 shares of the medical equipment providers stock worth $22,451,000 after purchasing an additional 3,708 shares during the period. Finally, First Affirmative Financial Network raised its stake in shares of Boston Scientific by 9.1% during the 2nd quarter. First Affirmative Financial Network now owns 4,394 shares of the medical equipment providers stock worth $338,000 after purchasing an additional 366 shares during the period. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 89.07% of the companys stock.

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Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

BSX has been the subject of a number of research analyst reports. Citigroup raised their price objective on shares of Boston Scientific from $87.00 to $90.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Wednesday, July 10th. Morgan Stanley lifted their price target on shares of Boston Scientific from $79.00 to $92.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a report on Monday, July 15th. Royal Bank of Canada reissued an outperform rating and set a $85.00 price objective on shares of Boston Scientific in a report on Thursday, July 25th. UBS Group boosted their target price on Boston Scientific from $74.00 to $90.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Thursday, April 25th. Finally, BTIG Research increased their price target on Boston Scientific from $80.00 to $84.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Monday, July 15th. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, nineteen have given a buy rating and one has given a strong buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, Boston Scientific has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $84.76.

Insider Buying and Selling

In related news, EVP Wendy Carruthers sold 6,983 shares of the stock in a transaction on Thursday, August 1st. The shares were sold at an average price of $74.12, for a total transaction of $517,579.96. Following the transaction, the executive vice president now owns 40,188 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $2,978,734.56. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available through the SEC website. In related news, EVP Wendy Carruthers sold 6,983 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, August 1st. The stock was sold at an average price of $74.12, for a total transaction of $517,579.96. Following the transaction, the executive vice president now directly owns 40,188 shares in the company, valued at approximately $2,978,734.56. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available through this hyperlink. Also, EVP Arthur C. Butcher sold 14,011 shares of Boston Scientific stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, May 28th. The stock was sold at an average price of $75.34, for a total value of $1,055,588.74. Following the completion of the transaction, the executive vice president now directly owns 20,197 shares in the company, valued at $1,521,641.98. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders sold 34,960 shares of company stock worth $2,638,984 in the last quarter. 0.50% of the stock is owned by insiders.

Boston Scientific Price Performance

Boston Scientific stock traded up $0.64 during midday trading on Friday, hitting $76.19. 3,835,101 shares of the companys stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 6,292,619. Boston Scientific Co. has a 52-week low of $48.35 and a 52-week high of $79.43. The company has a market cap of $111.78 billion, a P/E ratio of 64.03, a PEG ratio of 2.49 and a beta of 0.78. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.47, a quick ratio of 1.14 and a current ratio of 1.66. The stock has a 50-day moving average price of $76.34 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $71.31.

Boston Scientific (NYSE:BSX  Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, July 24th. The medical equipment provider reported $0.62 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.58 by $0.04. Boston Scientific had a net margin of 12.00% and a return on equity of 16.80%. The company had revenue of $4.12 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $4.02 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the firm posted $0.53 EPS. The firms revenue was up 14.5% compared to the same quarter last year. On average, equities research analysts forecast that Boston Scientific Co. will post 2.4 earnings per share for the current year.

About Boston Scientific

(Free Report)

Boston Scientific Corporation develops, manufactures, and markets medical devices for use in various interventional medical specialties worldwide. It operates through two segments, MedSurg and Cardiovascular. The company offers devices to diagnose and treat gastrointestinal and pulmonary conditions, such as resolution clips, biliary stent systems, stents and electrocautery enhanced delivery systems, direct visualization systems, digital catheters, and single-use duodenoscopes; devices to treat urological conditions, including ureteral stents, catheters, baskets, guidewires, sheaths, balloons, single-use digital flexible ureteroscopes, holmium laser systems, artificial urinary sphincter, laser system, fiber, and hydrogel systems; and devices to treat neurological movement disorders and manage chronic pain, such as spinal cord stimulator system, proprietary programming software, radiofrequency generator, indirect decompression systems, practice optimization tools, and deep brain stimulation system.

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By Nazrin Abdul

Azerbaijan and the Central Asian countries have long shared a deep and enduring bond, grounded in centuries of brotherly relations and common cultural heritage. This shared history provides a strong foundation for their interstate interactions. Central Asia, recognized as a pivotal region in the evolving global landscape, remains a central focus of Azerbaijans foreign policy.

The warm and cooperative relations between the heads of state play a crucial role in enhancing bilateral ties and fostering stronger collaboration between our nations. This ongoing relationship is highlighted by President Ilham Aliyevs participation as an honored guest in the Consultative Meetings of Central Asian Heads of State for the second time, underscoring the deepening connection and mutual respect between Azerbaijan and its Central Asian neighbors.

On August 8 of this year, at the invitation of President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev of Kazakhstan, President Ilham Aliyev visited Astana to join the meeting of Central Asian Heads of State and the Republic of Azerbaijan.

President Ilham Aliyev emphasized that Azerbaijan's invitation to these meetings reflects the existing friendly, brotherly relations and the ongoing development of cooperation between our countries. This also signifies a successful state policy and the high international standing of the President.

During his speech, the Azerbaijani President noted that this visit marks his 16th trip to Central Asian countries in the past two years.

In that period, my colleagues from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan have visited Azerbaijan a total of 15 times. Azerbaijan and Central Asia constitute a historically and culturally connected geographical region of increasing strategic importance. Our peoples share a centuries-old history, culture, religion, and common values.

The President particularly highlighted the support from Central Asian countries for the development of Garabagh following the Patriotic War. "The support for the reconstruction of Garabagh, liberated from Armenian occupation, is a testament to our fraternal relations. During nearly 30 years of Armenian occupation, nine cities and hundreds of settlements were destroyed. Extensive reconstruction is currently underway in these areas, and the return of displaced persons is ongoing. Last year, the Mirza Ulugh Beg Middle School, a gift from Uzbekistan, and the Kurmangazy Childrens Creativity Center, a gift from Kazakhstan, were inaugurated in Fuzuli. This year, the groundbreaking ceremony for a secondary school donated by Kyrgyzstan took place in the Aghdam district."

President Ilham Aliyev thanked the presidents of Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan for their fraternal support and emphasized the importance of the "United-2024" exercise, noting the cooperation in defense and security.

Increasing global threats and challenges necessitate further strengthening of our defense and security cooperation. In this context, I want to highlight the "United 2024" international operational-tactical command-staff exercise held last month in Kazakhstan, in which Azerbaijan also participated. Additionally, the training of Central Asian students at Azerbaijani military educational institutions signifies the development of our relations in this area.

The Azerbaijani President also commended the cooperation in renewable energy. Azerbaijan is keen on deepening its collaboration with Central Asian countries in renewable energy. The Memorandum of Cooperation on connecting the energy systems of Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan, signed in May of this year, represents the first step towards our cooperation in green energy.

The "Memorandum of Cooperation on Integrating the Energy Systems of Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan" represents a significant step towards regional energy integration and collaboration. This agreement aims to enhance cooperation among the three countries in the energy sector, focusing on the integration of their energy systems.

The memorandum outlines plans to integrate the energy systems of Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan. This integration is expected to facilitate the efficient exchange of energy resources, improve energy security, and optimize the use of available energy sources across the region.

The agreement includes provisions for the development of necessary infrastructure to support the integration process. This may involve the construction of new energy transmission lines, upgrading existing infrastructure, and ensuring that energy systems are compatible with each other. The memorandum encourages the implementation of joint projects in the energy sector. These projects may include collaborative efforts in energy production, distribution, and technological innovations aimed at enhancing energy efficiency and sustainability.

To support the integration, the memorandum calls for the alignment of regulatory frameworks and energy policies among the three countries. Harmonizing regulations will facilitate smoother cooperation and reduce potential barriers to cross-border energy trade and collaboration. The agreement emphasizes the importance of environmental sustainability. Efforts will be made to ensure that the integration of energy systems supports environmental protection and reduces the carbon footprint of energy production and consumption.



By integrating their energy systems, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan aim to strengthen regional energy security. The improved coordination will help manage energy supply and demand more effectively, reducing the risk of shortages and disruptions.



The integration is expected to lead to more efficient use of energy resources. By optimizing energy distribution and reducing transmission losses, the countries can achieve better energy efficiency and cost savings.

Collaborative energy projects and improved infrastructure are likely to stimulate economic growth in the region. Enhanced energy cooperation can attract investment, create jobs, and support industrial development.

The focus on environmental considerations will contribute to more sustainable energy practices. By integrating renewable energy sources and improving energy efficiency, the countries can work towards reducing their environmental impact.

The memorandum fosters closer ties among Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan, promoting regional integration. This cooperation can lead to further collaborative opportunities in other sectors and strengthen the overall stability of the region.

Overall, the"Memorandum of Cooperation on Integrating the Energy Systems of Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan" represents a strategic initiative to enhance regional energy collaboration, improve infrastructure, and support sustainable development. The agreement aims to bring significant benefits to the participating countries and contribute to greater regional stability and prosperity.

It is important to note that one of the key areas of collaboration between states is in the field of transport and transit. During his speech in Astana, President Ilham Aliyev emphasized the significance of the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway, a crucial part of the Middle Corridor project, as well as the developments at the Alat International Trade Port.

President Aliyev highlighted several advancements, including: Increasing the carrying capacity of the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway from 1 million tons to 5 million tons; expanding the annual throughput capacity of the Alat International Trade Port from 15 million tons to 25 million tons; ordering new ships for Azerbaijans commercial fleet in the Caspian Sea.

These developments enhance the practical importance of the Middle Corridor by boosting regional transport and transit capacities.

The trade and economic relations between Azerbaijan and Central Asian countries have shown dynamic growth. President Aliyev mentioned the active implementation of investment projects with Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan. Joint investment funds between Azerbaijan and these countries have already been established, including those with Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan.

Additionally, President Aliyev discussed the "Digital Silk Road" project, which aims to improve digital infrastructure and security. This initiative includes building digital infrastructure at the bottom of the Caspian Sea and establishing a new digital telecommunication corridor between Europe and Asia. The "Digital Silk Road" project is expected to have a significant impact on the region by facilitating multi-terabit data transfer and accelerating digitalization.

Azerbaijan and Central Asian countries are also collaborating successfully within international organizations. President Aliyev highlighted the importance of the UN Special Program for the Economies of Central Asian Countries (SPECA), noting the positive outcomes of the SPECA Summit held in Baku last November. He expressed gratitude to the Presidents of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan for their participation.

Looking ahead, President Aliyev extended an invitation to the Central Asian heads of state to attend COP29, which will be hosted in Baku in November. He emphasized Azerbaijan's readiness to support joint initiatives with Central Asian countries to address climate change challenges and expressed eagerness to welcome them to this prestigious event.

The initiative for holding consultative meetings of Central Asian Heads of State was proposed by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev of Uzbekistan in 2017. The series of meetings have been hosted in Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan. President Aliyev attended the fifth meeting in Dushanbe as an honored guest on September 14, 2023.

These regional consultative meetings are poised to further fortify the bonds between Central Asia and Azerbaijan, promoting deeper ties and enhanced strategic collaboration. Azerbaijans proactive involvement with Central Asian countries, through both bilateral and multilateral channels, holds substantial strategic significance and underscores its commitment to fostering robust regional partnerships.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, August 10. Instagram access will be unblocked in Turkiye, said the country's Minister of Transport and Infrastructure Abdulkadir Uraloglu on his social media, Trend reports.

He noted that META officials accepted Turkiye's conditions.

"From the very beginning, we asked the platform to respect the laws and regulations of the Republic of Turkiye, take into account our sensitivities and fulfill our demands. During the meetings held with the representatives of META Platform, where META officials were also present, a consensus was reached on the following topics.

Compliance with Law and Content Removal: Content and publications that are classified as criminal offenses under the laws of the Republic of Turkiye will be removed immediately without prior notice.

User Rights and Account Security: The rights of users of social media accounts belonging to citizens of the Republic of Turkiye will be fully protected. Accounts will not be closed without warning due to counter-terrorism and content control.

Accounts belonging to terrorist organizations such as the PKK, PYD, FETO, as well as all content promoting propaganda in favor of these organizations, will be removed.

We will continue to protect the rights of 60 million users in our country, the minister said in a statement.

Access to Instagram was blocked in the country on August 2 by decision of the Council on Technology and Communications.
Symmetry Partners LLC acquired a new position in shares of GoDaddy Inc. (NYSE:GDDY  Free Report) in the second quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The fund acquired 1,668 shares of the technology companys stock, valued at approximately $233,000.

Several other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently made changes to their positions in GDDY. Fiera Capital Corp lifted its position in shares of GoDaddy by 1.3% during the 4th quarter. Fiera Capital Corp now owns 828,124 shares of the technology companys stock worth $87,914,000 after buying an additional 10,312 shares during the last quarter. Louisiana State Employees Retirement System acquired a new stake in GoDaddy during the 4th quarter valued at approximately $4,204,000. Plato Investment Management Ltd boosted its position in shares of GoDaddy by 2,471.0% during the 1st quarter. Plato Investment Management Ltd now owns 6,479 shares of the technology companys stock valued at $769,000 after purchasing an additional 6,227 shares in the last quarter. CANADA LIFE ASSURANCE Co lifted its stake in GoDaddy by 20.0% in the first quarter. CANADA LIFE ASSURANCE Co now owns 214,514 shares of the technology companys stock valued at $25,469,000 after buying an additional 35,703 shares during the period. Finally, Forsta AP Fonden raised its holdings in shares of GoDaddy by 87.5% during the first quarter. Forsta AP Fonden now owns 84,000 shares of the technology companys stock valued at $9,969,000 after purchasing an additional 39,200 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 90.28% of the companys stock.

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GoDaddy Stock Performance

GoDaddy stock traded up $0.69 during midday trading on Friday, reaching $157.53. The stock had a trading volume of 762,696 shares, compared to its average volume of 1,618,521. The firms 50-day moving average price is $142.81 and its 200 day moving average price is $128.28. The firm has a market capitalization of $22.48 billion, a PE ratio of 13.08 and a beta of 1.14. GoDaddy Inc. has a 12 month low of $69.18 and a 12 month high of $158.09. The company has a quick ratio of 0.55, a current ratio of 0.55 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 9.15.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

GoDaddy ( NYSE:GDDY Get Free Report ) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, August 1st. The technology company reported $1.01 earnings per share for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $1.07 by ($0.06). GoDaddy had a net margin of 41.12% and a negative return on equity of 363.95%. The company had revenue of $1.12 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $1.11 billion. During the same quarter in the prior year, the company earned $0.63 earnings per share. The companys quarterly revenue was up 7.3% on a year-over-year basis. As a group, research analysts predict that GoDaddy Inc. will post 4.81 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

A number of brokerages recently issued reports on GDDY. William Blair reiterated an outperform rating on shares of GoDaddy in a report on Friday, May 3rd. Benchmark reissued a buy rating and set a $158.00 target price on shares of GoDaddy in a research report on Monday, July 29th. Royal Bank of Canada lifted their price target on GoDaddy from $145.00 to $175.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research note on Monday, August 5th. Morgan Stanley increased their price objective on GoDaddy from $132.00 to $137.00 and gave the stock an equal weight rating in a research note on Friday, May 3rd. Finally, Citigroup lifted their target price on GoDaddy from $150.00 to $165.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Friday, May 31st. Four research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, ten have assigned a buy rating and one has issued a strong buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, GoDaddy presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $161.25.

View Our Latest Research Report on GoDaddy

Insider Activity at GoDaddy

In other GoDaddy news, CEO Amanpal Singh Bhutani sold 7,600 shares of GoDaddy stock in a transaction dated Friday, June 7th. The stock was sold at an average price of $138.92, for a total transaction of $1,055,792.00. Following the completion of the sale, the chief executive officer now owns 369,898 shares of the companys stock, valued at $51,386,230.16. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available at the SEC website. In related news, CEO Amanpal Singh Bhutani sold 7,600 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, June 7th. The stock was sold at an average price of $138.92, for a total transaction of $1,055,792.00. Following the transaction, the chief executive officer now directly owns 369,898 shares in the company, valued at approximately $51,386,230.16. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available through this hyperlink. Also, CFO Mark Mccaffrey sold 4,058 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, May 15th. The shares were sold at an average price of $133.69, for a total value of $542,514.02. Following the completion of the sale, the chief financial officer now owns 112,473 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $15,036,515.37. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Over the last quarter, insiders sold 53,071 shares of company stock valued at $7,410,566. Company insiders own 0.61% of the companys stock.

GoDaddy Company Profile

(Free Report)

GoDaddy Inc engages in the design and development of cloud-based products in the United States and internationally. It operates through two segments: Applications and Commerce, and Core Platform. The Applications and Commerce segment provides applications products, including Websites + Marketing, a mobile-optimized online tool that enables customers to build websites and e-commerce enabled online stores; and Managed WordPress, a streamlined and optimized website building that allows customers to easily build and manage a faster WordPress site; Managed WooCommerce Stores to sell anything and anywhere online; and marketing tools and services, such as GoDaddy Studio mobile application, search engine optimization, Meta and Google My Business, and email and social media marketing designed to help businesses acquire and engage customers and create content.

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Want to see what other hedge funds are holding GDDY? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for GoDaddy Inc. (NYSE:GDDY  Free Report).

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Astrology believers claim that career success depends on the zodiac sign, among other things. Everyone has a unique set of personality traits, but some signs are naturally endowed with ambition, courage, and certain talents that help them succeed.

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These traits manifest themselves as certain strengths and weaknesses that make the career path easier for some signs, while others have to constantly put in a lot of effort. Astrologers say that Aries and Cancer will always be lucky in their careers.

Aries

It's not just about having energy. Success requires the energy of enthusiasm. Aries always finds inspiration in everything. Astrologers say that these people are "natural salesmen of this world". They have a contagious positive energy and love of life that extends to all areas and everyone around them.

They interact well and know how to sell their product. Aries is most often successful in business related to trade. Aries' energy, smile, and bright light captivate a potential client and make them feel that they can be trusted. It is a sign of intensity and passion. Whether they're currently focused on their career, a new hobby, or an important relationship, Aries is enthusiastic about the things that matter most to them. However, Aries will benefit from thinking before they act.

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Cancer

Cancers are extremely intuitive and always trust their sixth sense. There is no excessive thinking or premonitions for Cancers  they just know what to do in a given situation and act accordingly.

Of course, Cancers may not always know what to expect. But trusting yourself and your inner voice is a good start. However, this is not the only quality that makes Cancers successful. They have extremely high emotional intelligence. Cancers are aware of other people's feelings. They are cool in any situation and can keep their cool. Cancerians make excellent leaders because they show compassion in difficult times and are able to make cold calculations. However, it is important for Cancers to control their very strong emotions.

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Danish Khan is the editor of Technology and Telecom. He was previously with the Economic Times and has tracked the sector for 13 years.
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Bangladesh's interim leader Yunus condemns 'heinous' attacks on minorities, urges youth to protect them
Jinit Parmar is a correspondent based out of Mumbai covering the banking sector, fintechs, NBFCs, insurance and more, tweets @jinitparmar10
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Jeans have gained incredible popularity not only because they are very comfortable and durable. They are also appreciated because they do not require complicated washing.

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At least, that's what most owners of denim items think. However, manufacturers do not agree with this opinion. According to Honey Nine magazine, representatives of one of the world's most famous brands gave their recommendations for jeans care.

In order to maintain the flawless look and condition of denim, they recommend hand washing it. This is regardless of whether the garment has additional decorations or not. Hand washing also helps to slow down the color fading from the fabric. This is especially true for black clothes.

To wash denim, dissolve the amount of detergent recommended by the manufacturer in cool water. After that, soak the garment in it, but do not keep it in the water for a long time, especially if the item is decorated with rhinestones or other decorations.

If you need to remove a particular stain, gently rub the stained area. But avoid vigorous friction and "scrubbing" movements. At the end, rinse the item properly, squeeze out the water (do not twist it) and hang it to air dry.

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However, if you still want to use a washing machine to care for denim, try to adjust some of the nuances of this care. First, always turn your clothes inside out and fasten all zippers and buttons. Choose a low water temperature - no more than 30 degrees and be sure to take the item out of the machine immediately after the cycle is complete.

Also try to avoid washing denim items too often. If the dirt is spotty, then treat only the spots, and then ventilate the item on a clothesline for several hours to freshen them up. As for the optimal frequency of washing jeans, experts advise putting them in the machine or processing them by hand after you have worn them about 10 times.

And don't tumble dry your denim - it can cause shrinkage and affect the shape. The best way is to lay out your jeans on a flat surface or air dry them outside. It is better to hang denim pants on a clothesline with the boots on so that the water gradually drains down to the waistband. This way, the jeans will dry faster and won't wrinkle.

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An epidemic of mental disorders may break out in Ukraine after the war. So far, it has been contained by the fighting, which keeps the psyche of the military and civilians united.

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This was warned by Mykhailo Pustovoit, a psychiatrist, MD, head of the Department of Psychiatry, Narcology, and Medical Psychology at Ivano-Frankivsk Medical University, in an interview with NV. According to him, there are currently no mass mental disorders in Ukraine, both among the military and civilians.

However, the situation may change, the scientist says.

"There is a possibility that such an epidemic could break out after the end of active hostilities. Now the war serves as a framework that keeps the psyche of both military and civilians united," said Pustovoit.

He added that we should be very careful and ready for the moment when this framework disappears.

As a reminder, in February 2023, the WHO said that a quarter of Ukraine's population may suffer from mental health disorders due to Russia's armed aggression.

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"According to WHO estimates, one in four people in Ukraine is at risk of severe mental illness," said Michel Kazatchkine, the organization's special adviser.

He added that mental health is becoming a major health problem in Ukraine.

As OBOZ.UA wrote, work can also have serious consequences for mental health. The WHO report shows that exhausting working days cause the death of 745 thousand people every year.

In addition, too much coffee can harm the psyche. It can cause anxiety, dizziness, headaches, and heart palpitations, and it should be remembered that people may have different sensitivities to caffeine.

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The Russian military command may be moving more experienced and better-equipped advanced units from eastern or southern Ukraine to the Kursk region, but it will likely take additional time to redeploy. Other irregular Russian forces are already arriving on the ground, and the redeployment of the Northern Group of Russian troops may indicate Moscow's decision to sacrifice the offensive in Kharkiv region for the sake of defense in Kursk region.

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This is stated in the report of the American Institute for the Study of War (ISW) for August 9. According to analysts, the Russian military command is likely to rely on existing units deployed near the border and nearby forces in the rear, most of which are manned by conscripts and irregulars, to respond to the Ukrainian invasion of the Kursk region.

These units are likely to be the first to face the attack, even if the Russian Armed Forces command decides to deploy additional, more experienced units from other areas of the front, the report says.

At the same time, other irregular Russian forces, including those deployed in other areas of the front line, are also arriving in the Kursk region.

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These are elements of the "DPR" forces, such as the "Wild Division of Donbas" formation and the "Pyatnashka" brigade , which have already arrived in Kursk region after offensive operations in Donetsk region.

In addition, the Wagner PMC's Council of Commanders issued a statement on August 9 declaring its readiness to deploy to the Kursk region's border area "at a moment's notice," and Russian "milbloggers" claimed that some former Wagner members have already begun arriving in Kursk region.

The propagandists also claimed that elements of the Chechen special forces "Akhmat" are operating throughout the Kursk region, in particular in the village of Velyke Soldatskoye, and elements of the Chechen detachment "Aida" are operating near the town of Sudzha.

It is reported that units of the Russian Special Operations Forces are also operating in the border areas of the Kursk region, in particular near Sudzha.

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The commander of the Chechen special forces "Akhmat" Apti Alaudinov is reportedly in the Kursk region to command Chechen forces, and on August 9 he stated that the Russian military has enough forces and resources to stop the Ukrainian offensive, although it is unclear whether the Russian military command intends to deploy additional, more capable and better equipped forces to the border area.

It is possible that the Russian military command is currently moving more experienced and better-equipped advanced units from eastern or southern Ukraine to the Kursk region, but it will likely take additional time to redeploy, ISW notes.

On August 9, one of the Russian "milbloggers" stated that elements of the 44th Army Corps of the Northern Military Group (Leningrad Military District) were operating near the city of Rylsk, Kursk region, but suggested that the Russian command could be moving elements that the Northern Military Group had accumulated for its offensive in northern Kharkiv region to respond to the Ukrainian operation in Kursk region.

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If true, this claim by the "milblogger" suggests that the Russian military command assesses Ukraine's operation as more significant, analysts say.

"The significant redeployment of elements of the Northern Group of Forces to the Kursk region suggests that the Russian military command has determined that disruption of the offensive in the north of Kharkiv region is a necessary sacrifice to properly respond to the Ukrainian invasion, while avoiding redeployment from more priority frontline areas," the report says.

According to ISW analysts, larger-scale redeployments of Russian troops from the frontline are likely to be slower, and more capable forward units may begin arriving in Kursk region in the coming days.

At the same time, according to ISW, the Russian command may resist operational pressure to redeploy forces from other operational areas to prevent the Ukrainian invasion from disrupting Russian offensive operations in eastern Ukraine.

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As OBOZ.UA reported, earlier there was information about the destruction of another column of the Russian army in the Kursk region, as well as a Russian Ka-52 helicopter.

On the night of August 10, a "counterterrorism operation" was introduced in Bryansk, Kursk and Belgorod regions in connection with the fighting in the Kursk region.

According to analysts, the invasion of the Kursk region showed the weakness of Russian defense in the border area. At the same time, the attack became the most serious challenge for Kremlin dictator Vladimir Putin since the so-called "mutiny" of the Wagner PMC in June 2023. Regaining Russian control over the Kursk region may take a long time, experts say.

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President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed gratitude to the rescuers for their work in the war. According to him, the existence of a system and people whose mission is to save lives is one of the main signs of true statehood.

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The head of state published the relevant post on his social media. Zelenskyy also showed footage of the hard work of the rescuers after the attacks by the Russian occupation forces.

"I am grateful to those who preserve normal living conditions for us - for everyone in Ukraine - no matter what happens. This is one of the fundamental features of true statehood - the existence of a system and people whose job is to save. All over the country.

I am grateful to each and every person who saves and helps our people. I thank everyone who is dedicated to saving lives," he said in the post.

Earlier it was reported that in the morning of August 8, Russian terrorists targeted the territory of the State Emergency Service unit in Nikopol, Dnipropetrovs'k region. The enemy troops used UAVs for the attack.

Only verified information is available on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber . Do not fall for fakes!

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Ukrainian partisans have scouted the location of another air defense base of the Russian occupation forces in temporarily occupied Crimea. It is located on Cape Fiolent.

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This base provides air defense of the occupied Sevastopol. This was reported on the Telegram channel of ATESH, a military movement of Ukrainians and Crimean Tatars, on Friday, August 8.

"During the reconnaissance, the structure and operation of the military unit was determined. Various air defense systems, anti-aircraft missile systems and the unloading of electronic warfare and rocket launchers were spotted on the territory," the statement said.

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ATESH hinted that the air defense base of the Russian aggressor country's troops on Cape Fiolent may soon see the consequences.

"Thanks to the data collected, we now know how and where air defense systems are deployed in Sevastopol. This information is key to planning our further actions," the guerrillas added.

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Since the beginning of the full-scale war, the Ukrainian Defense Forces have repeatedly hit the occupiers' air defense equipment in Crimea. According to aviation expert Anatoliy Khrapchynskyi, it is about five divisions.

Thus, the explosions that occurred in Crimea on the night of August 2 covered several large cities of the peninsula and, previously, hit four S-400 launchers of the enemy air defense.

On the night of July 26, our soldiers attacked the Saki military airfield in Novofedorivka with ATACMS missiles. Among other things, the Russian Nebo radar was destroyed.

It was also reported that during the week of July 22-28, the Ukrainian Defense Forces destroyed at least two oil refineries and seven bases or headquarters in Russia and Crimea. In particular, on the territory of the temporarily occupied peninsula, enemy facilities were eliminated in Saki, Shovkovychne and Dzhankoy.

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As reported, on August 6, an ammunition depot burned down in the temporarily occupied Crimea. The fire led to the blocking of traffic on the railway between Dzhankoy and Simferopol stations.

Only verified information on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
American officials are considering the need to lift restrictions on Ukraine's use of US weapons to strike deep into Russian territory. Washington understands that Russia cannot be allowed to hide the weapons it uses to attack Ukrainian cities.

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However, the final decision will depend on how events develop on the battlefield. Currently, the US policy is unchanged - strikes with US weapons deep into the Russian Federation are prohibited for Ukraine. This was stated by Democratic Congressman Jimmy Panetta in an interview with Radio Liberty during his visit to Kyiv.

Answering the question why such a ban is still in effect, the congressman expressed hope that the White House understands "how important it is to prevent Russia from hiding weapons abroad."

According to Panetta, this U.S. policy of banning strikes deep into the aggressor state is already beginning to change. Washington realizes that Russia is operating from the rear.

"We have to make sure that they can't hide behind the front lines, and that if they're going to launch these attacks - whether it's artillery, whether it's Qaeda, whether it's missiles, whether it's air strikes - we have to play defense, and also partially go on the offensive and penetrate deep into the Russian front lines," he said.

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The member of the U.S. House of Representatives also expressed his belief that the situation at the front will soon change. It will be influenced by the mobilization in Ukraine, as well as $60 billion in military aid from the United States.

"As in any conflict, you see a change in strategies, a change in authorizations and weapons. And I think this will continue to happen to ensure that we get to a point where the conditions on the battlefield allow for the implementation of a peace plan," the congressman said.

As OBOZ.UA previously reported, the US Congressional Commission on National Defense Strategy supported the expansion of assistance to Ukraine, as well as the freer use of weapons against Russia. Members of the Commission are confident that Washington itself will benefit from this, because if Moscow succeeds in the war, Russia and China may begin to put simultaneous pressure on America.

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This adage is aptly applied to the case of a 19-year-old woman employed as a marketing agent at a micro-insurance company in Kwekwe who is claiming she was sexually harassed by her supervisor.

Stewart Mangwiro, an elder at the Zimbabwe Assemblies of God Africa (ZAOGA) Forward in Faith Ministries church, who is also a supervisor and team leader at Coverlink Micro-Insurance Holdings is being accused by the female subordinate (name withheld) of inappropriately and indecently touching her.

The sexual harassment allegations arose from an incident during a work trip where Mangwiro allegedly requested to share a room with the victim. Later that night, he sneaked into her blankets without her consent and removed her jacket which she was wearing, and started kissing and caressing her body as well as sucking the teenage girls boobs, it is alleged.

Recounting the most shocking details of her victimisation, the victim said the harassment began when Mangwiro was tasked with training, supervising, and accompanying the companys agents to Nkayi District in Matabeleland North Province to market their products.

She claimed Mangwiro would visit their sleeping quarters under the guise of providing work guidance. These visits escalated to inappropriate touching, including touching the victims thighs while ostensibly explaining tasks.

Speaking to B-Metro, the victim expressed concern that justice was not being served at the company. She claimed that some company employees were helping to cover up for Mangwiro by constantly trying to bribe her with US$150.

I believe in the importance of speaking out and standing up against such behaviour. Soon after I reported the matter at work, hoping they would assist me, the manager called a private meeting with me and Mangwiro in his car outside the work premises. He pleaded with me to accept a US$150 bribe from Mangwiro and to write a report that would not result in Mangwiros dismissal. I was offered a bribe to remain silent about the sexual harassment issue, but I refused the US$150, she said.

She said she has also been receiving threatening calls from some people in the companys management, interrogating her about why she revealed the news to her parents and this publication.

She said Mangwiro was neither fired nor suspended, adding that the atmosphere has become intolerable as she continues to work with the man who has made her workplace a place of torment.

Accepting a bribe would not only have compromised my values but also perpetuated a culture of silence and fear. They also asked me to keep the issue under wraps, saying it should remain among the three of us only.

So, after the story came out (in this publication), I started receiving calls from some in the companys human resource department. They even used unknown numbers to call me, interrogating me about why I disclosed the matter which they wanted to keep under the carpet. I am not at peace, and I havent been answering some calls, she said before breaking into tears.

She claimed the company management allegedly instructed her to attend a hearing last Monday, adding that Mangwiro had a lawyer to speak on his behalf during the hearing.

I was called by the head office to attend a meeting last Monday, but I heard that Mangwiro had already retained a lawyer. I would have had to face his lawyer alone, so I declined, saying I wasnt feeling well. My relatives helped me get a lawyer to represent me at the hearing as well, she said.

In an audio recording obtained by this publication, another manager is allegedly heard endorsing the cover-up deal and urging the victim not to reveal the information to her parents.

Since Mangwiro is going to give you US$150, you should write a fair report that wont implicate him. All three of us should be safe, the report shouldnt implicate us. Mangwiro was a police officer and he can help you draft your report so that you dont leave him in a compromising position, but it shouldnt be overdone. The ball is in your court to ensure you balance this and keep Mangwiro on the safe side. You shouldnt tell your parents because sometimes we think weve sealed a deal and are finished, then third parties come in and stir up the issue.

Mangwiro is also heard allegedly weighing his options while pleading, saying: Only the three of us should know about this and discuss it without involving outsiders for the sake of my life. I was going to give you a beast, but things are hard for me, so in just a few days, I will pay you US$150 as a thank you for taking this risk for me.

Contacted for comment, Mangwiro declined to entertain further questions. Denying the allegations of bribing the victim, she said, I dont know what youre talking about, before abruptly hanging up the call. The branch manager, Chris Mudzingwa, also denied the allegations.

Its absolutely not true. I would never do such a thing. Im actually trying to protect her, so how could I possibly do that? Just wait for the results; were still investigating the matter, and I assure you well share the findings, he said.

Efforts to contact the companys human resources manager Tendai Kwanisai, were unsuccessful. The companys general manager Kavanga Magora, could also neither confirm nor deny the allegations. Instead, he requested more time to gather information on the matter.

Where did you get that information? Allow me to get back to you once I have the full details. Tendai Kwanisai will not interrogate the victim, which is why she froze during the call, he said.  B-Metro.

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Yves here. Weve posted from time to time on alarmed media stories about how birthrates are declining around the world and at a faster rate than expected, particularly in advanced economies. The subtext is we need growth in population to have groaf, when growth is a function of both population and productivity increases. And of course, there is the elephant in the room of human consumption levels, particularly as standards of living have been rising, producing unsustainable demand for resources.

Japan in particular has tried to increase baby production, with no success. This post usefully takes on the idea that low birth rates are a problem in and of themselves.

By Emily Klancher Merchant, Assistant Professor of Science and Technology Studies, University of California, Davis and Win Brown, Research Affiliate, Center for Studies in Demography and Ecology, University of Washington. Originally published at The Conversation

In the face of shrinking populations, many of the worlds major economies are trying to engineer higher birth rates.

Policymakers from South Korea, Japan and Italy, for example, have all adopted so-called pronatalist measures in the belief that doing so will defuse a demographic time bomb. These range from tax breaks and housing benefits for couples who have children to subsidies for fertility treatments.

But heres the thing: Low  or, for that matter high  birth rates are not a problem in and of themselves. Rather, they are perceived as a cause of or contributor to other problems: With low birth rates come slow economic growth and a top-heavy age structure; high birth rates mean resource depletion and environmental degradation.

Moreover, birth rates are notoriously hard to change, and efforts to do so often become coercive, even if they dont start out that way.

As demographers and population experts, we also know that such efforts are usually unnecessary. Manipulating fertility is an inefficient means of solving social, economic and environmental problems that are almost always better addressed more directly through regulation and redistribution.

A New Pronatalist Movement

According to the most likely scenario, the worlds population will peak around the beginning of 2084 at about 10.3 billion people  approximately 2 billion more than we have today. After that, the global population is projected to stop growing and will likely shrink to just below 10.2 billion by 2100.

Yet many countries are already ahead of this curve, with populations predicted to decline in the next decade. And that has prompted concerns among some nations economists over economic growth and old-age support. In some instances, it has also prompted nativist fears about replacement through immigration.

As of 2019, 55 countries  mainly in Asia, Europe and the Middle East  had explicit policies aimed at raising birth rates.

The U.S. does have a child tax credit but no policies directly aimed at raising birth rates, according to the U.N., which tracks population policies worldwide.

Even so, in recent years a new pronatalist movement has emerged in the U.S., drawing heavily from a range of ideologies, including racism, nativism, neoliberalism, effective altruism and longtermism.

Among the voices pushing for pronatalist policies are Elon Muskand influencers Malcolm and Simone Collins, who warn that the human population is on the verge of collapse.

Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump has indicated he wants incentives for women to have more babies, and his running mate, JD Vance, has been a rare voice on the floor of Congress warning of a U.S. baby bust.

New Babies to Solve Old Problems

The pronatalist movement is, we believe, inherently misguided. It is premised on the belief that ever-larger populations are needed to spur economic growth, which alone will lift individuals and communities out of poverty.

But absent direct state intervention, this additional wealth generally accrues to those with established higher incomes, often at the expense of workers and consumers.

Seen this way, pronatalism is a Ponzi scheme. It relies on new entrants to produce returns for earlier investors, with the burdens falling most heavily on women, who are responsible for the bulk of childbearing and child-rearing, often without adequate medical care or affordable child care.

Government Intervention in Reproduction

For nearly a century, governments have used access to birth control and abortion as levers with which to try to adjust their population growth rates, but usually in the other direction: making birth control and abortion more widely available  and often pushing them on people who wanted more children  when birth rates were deemed too high. Such policies were implemented in numerous countries between the 1960s and 1990s to stimulate economic growth, with Chinas one-child policy the most extreme example. Ironically, while high birth rates were once seen as a barrier to economic development, today low birth rates are seen as a drag on economic growth.

Advocates of efforts to reduce birth rates have pointed to the beneficial effects of family planning services. But critics warn that instrumentalizing reproductive health care  offering it as a means to the end of slowing population growth rather than an end in itself  makes it vulnerable to being taken away if population growth is deemed too slow.

Indeed, several of the countries that now restrict access to birth control and abortion, including South Korea and Iran, once promoted them in order to reduce their birth rate.

In 1968, the International Conference on Human Rights declared that couples had the right to decide the number and spacing of their children. At that time, the growth of the worlds population was at its all-time high of just over 2% per year.

But if humans have the inherent right to control their reproductive lives, it follows that governments need to protect that right when birth rates are low as well as when they are high. It is, in our view, incumbent on policymakers to use other interventions to reach economic and social goals.

And these more direct approaches can be effective. For example, in the U.S., we saw child poverty cut in half during the COVID-19 pandemic as a result of a higher tax credit, only to return to pre-COVID-19 levels when Congress allowed the supplemental credit to lapse.

Little Effect on Birth Rates

To date, pronatalist policies have largely focused on subsidizing the cost of child-rearing and helping parents remain in the labor force.

While enormously beneficial to parents and children, such policies have had little effect on birth rates. For example, Italys 2020 Family Act  a comprehensive program that provides family allowances, increases paternity leave, supplements the salaries of mothers and subsidizes child care  has not stemmed the countrys falling fertility rate.

As fertility rates continue to drop, and as popular anxiety about population collapse heightens, governments are beginning to take more draconian measures. Along with promoting assisted reproductive technologies, South Korea banned abortion in 2005. Chinas State Council recently announced the goal of reducing non-medically necessary abortions, supposedly to promote womens development.

Around the same time, Iran severely restricted access to abortion, sterilization and contraception for the express purpose of increasing the birth rate.

Borrowing from the Future

Those who deny racist, nativist or religious intentions in promoting pronatalism  especially in the U.S.  usually advocate for it on economic grounds.

Their reasoning is that declining fertility produces a top-heavy age structure. In the U.S. context, this means a large number of elderly people collecting Social Security relative to the number of working people paying into the system.

Experts have been projecting the insolvency of Social Securityfor decades. But the truth is that the U.S. does not need more babies to keep Social Security afloat. Rather, policymakers can increase the size of the working-age population through pro-immigration policies and can increase the amount of money flowing into Social Security by lifting the income cap on contributions.

Governments can provide education, contraception and other health care services, not because doing so will reduce birth rates but because these are vital components of a progressive, fair-minded society. And they can provide parental leave, child tax credits and high-quality child care, not because doing so will increase birth rates but because it will help the children who are born get the best possible start in life.

Seen through this lens, pronatalism offers a hollow-ringing promise that simply having more people will solve social and economic problems faced by a nations current population. But that amounts to borrowing from the future to pay the debts of the past.

Karen Hardee, an independent social demographer, contributed to this article.
Americas first all-Muslim city council just got exposed for participating in mass voter fraud

It probably wont come as a surprise when we tell you that Americas first all Muslim city council was just exposed for participating in massive voter fraud. After all, if theyre voting Democrat, theyre probably cheating, right? That seems to be the sad reality in todays America, where our elections, like the rest of our once-cherished institutions such as education, medicine, and justice, have been weaponized by the left and turned into a sh**show.

(Article republished from Revolver.news)

In addition, when a city council is all Muslim, our media calls this diversity. However, when its all white, its racist. You see how this game works.

Notice how an all Muslim city council meets NBCs definition of diversity. In this framework, all white is not diverse but all black or all gay or all Muslim is diverse pic.twitter.com/LUEuUF7UZB  Dinesh D'Souza (@DineshDSouza) November 15, 2021

Of course, the cheating is unfolding in Michigan, where the Muslim population is growing, thanks in part to Dearborn, where it feels like youre walking through the streets of Lebanon, not America.

Election cheating in Michigan is like a state-wide pastime.

If you're wondering why Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed a law banning election recounts based on fraud allegations, Here is your answer: ???pic.twitter.com/9MKvukd3ii  Freedom ??? (@PU28453638) July 11, 2024

However, the Muslim communities have expanded far beyond Dearborn, now taking over historically Polish cities like Hamtramck, where this cheating has taken place.

Arab News:

Hamtramck, Michigan is the first city in the US to be led by an all-Muslim government. A city of mostly Polish-Americans for 99 years, locals say the population has gradually shifted to now be over half Arab-Americans. And in its 100th year, the citys leaders reflect that change. It was a historic achievement thats never happened before for the Arabs and immigrants, Amer Ghalib, Hamtramck mayor, told Arab News. And I think it inspired many of the youth to go for this field and made them confident in themselves and of their abilities and that they have become an inseparable part of the fabric of this society, he added. The Yemeni-born mayor leads Hamtramck alongside the elected city council which, with the exception of one American-born convert to Islam, is made up entirely of Arab immigrants. Having moved when he was 17, Ghalib considers the two square miles that make up Hamtramck to be his mother city. I feel proud and I feel a big responsibility and this is why we have to work very hard to prove that we, as immigrants, can work and succeed in managerial, public service, and political fields in this country, he said.

The burning question now is whether Trump-hating, lesbian Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel will take action, or will she sit back and allow another steal to unfold in her state?

Americas first all Muslim city council just got exposed as participants in mass voter fraud. Is @MIAttyGen going to make arrests now or protect her fellow Democrats from justice so they can do it again in November for Kamala?pic.twitter.com/fKj1k4QJ6P  Robby Starbuck (@robbystarbuck) August 5, 2024

The first to break this bombshell story were, of course, the famed investigators at Project Veritas.

Project Veritas:

Democrats in Hamtramck Michigan are having buyers remorse now that their once celebrated all-Muslim City Council is wielding power in controversial ways. Local left-wingers, who enjoyed the Detroit enclave as a stronghold of progressive values and tolerance, are quickly learning that their new Muslim Democrat leaders have different plans for their city, and they are unhappy how they took power. Americans are regularly told there is no systemic voter fraud in elections, and yet these elected Democrats explain the way in which Democrat factions out-fraud one another to gain power. Project Veritas spent five months in Hamtramck, Michigan uncovering shocking descriptions of voter fraud within the Muslim communities, which includes threats of intimidation, bribery, and secret midnight meetings where blank absentee ballots are auctioned to the highest bidder, who is often the elected official. Project Veritas investigation began in 2023 when the newly-elected Muslim leadership banned the LGBTQ pride flag on city property. We spoke to dozens of locals, Democrat officials, and liberal activists who all described how Muslim politicians are using illegal ballot harvesting operations to secure permanent power. Under Michigan law, ballot harvesting and the handling of multiple ballots has been illegal.

We encourage you to read the entire investigative saga from Project Veritas. You can do so by clicking here.

The bad news is, if you think Michigans officials are racing to restore justice and fairness in our elections, you couldnt be more off the mark. Just look at what Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer is doing to ensure election fraud is not only running rampant but is also undetectable.

Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer just signed a bill into law which prohibits recounting votes based on allegations of election fraud. Now ask yourself why anyone would do this pic.twitter.com/JJ2MZRACWh  Libs of TikTok (@libsoftiktok) July 11, 2024

This law must be overturned by the Michigan Supreme Court. It denies Michigan voters the right to know that their elections matter and their votes count. This is just another reason why Americans dont trust their government. This law is designed to benefit Democrats only, and everybody knows it. This, much like the all Muslim city council who are cheating their way to victory, is just another chapter from the Dems cheating playbook. Intense pressure must be applied to the anti-Trump AG to investigate this and hold these people accountable for turning our elections into an unjust, immoral joke.

Read more at: Revolver.news
Battle between GOOD and EVIL on full display at Paris Olympics

John Michael Chambers and Juan O'Savin pointed this out during the Aug. 1 edition of "John & Juan 107: Intel Insights" podcast. Chambers, the founder of American Media Periscope (AMP), remarked: "It has been stated and largely agreed upon that this is in fact a battle between good and evil as we can see this on full display recently in Paris at the opening of the Olympics."

He then turned to O'Savin, asking him about his opinion regarding the blasphemous display. According to the intelligence expert and author, people are seeing a repeating theme, with Baphomet and the "golden calf" being represented in sporting events in modern times.

O'Savin recalled that the Commonwealth Games had a mechanical bull walking through and blowing smoke, with the surrounding performers bowing down to it. According to him, this was a representation of the Bull of Heaven from the Tale of Gilgamesh rampaging across the Earth. (Related: Demon worshipping BAAL ritual OBVIOUS at British Commonwealth Games opening ceremony.)

The intelligence insider also noted that the story of the Bull of Heaven  another representation of the devil alongside Lucifer and Satan  falling to Earth matches the story of the 22 fallen angels who landed at the top of Mount Hermon, as indicated in the Book of Enoch. O'Savin pointed out that this theme of gods falling to Earth being recounted in fables and legends is being seen by people in events like the opening of the Paris Olympics.

Paris Olympics served as a venue to promote TRANSGENDERISM

O'Savin said the unique thing people need to remember about this year's Olympics was that transgenderism was represented there, particularly in the opening ceremony that mocked the Last Supper with gender-confused drag queens. Many politicians worldwide denounced the opening ceremony, forcing its directors to issue an apology  albeit a half-baked one.

"Why is that? In fact, it's about confusion, which is a mark of Satan himself. The devil's way is confusion, disarray, division [and] disruption," he said.

"What has happened in the Olympics itself? What has happened in society planet wide? We have transgenders, for example, in the White House with Michael Obama portraying himself as a woman. You see it in France with the 'wife' of [French President Emmanuel] Macron, a man pretending to be a woman. It's far more prevalent across society than most people realize."

According to O'Savin, it is one thing when society accepts transgenderism as OK. However, it is another thing altogether for society to stomp out womanhood and destroy women's ability to own their spaces.

"This is an attack on womanhood. And I think that part of the question needs to be moving forward now," O'Savin said.

"There are all sorts of hidden meanings within the whole Olympic/Olympus imagery that has become more and more blatant to the point now that perhaps it's time for us to decide that we will not participate."

Follow Evil.news for more stories like this.

Watch the full Aug. 1 episode of the "John & Juan 107: Intel Insights" podcast below, where Chambers and O'Savin discuss the satanic imagery in the Paris Olympics.

This video is from the JMC- A Voice For Our Times channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

Slovakian deputy prime minister to BOYCOTT Paris Olympics closing ceremony following controversy over offensive Last Supper depiction.

Archbishop Vigano calls wives of Macron and Obama in statement condemning sacrilegious Olympics.

Politicians worldwide decry MOCKERY of Last Supper at Paris Olympics opening ceremony.

Paris Olympics opening marred by DRAG QUEENS making a mockery of The Last Supper."

Sources include:

Brighteon.com

JohnMichaelChambers.com 1

JohnMichaelChambers.com 2
CNN cites SHARIA LAW as defense in $1 billion defamation suit

In its legal defense for a $1 billion defamation lawsuit, fake news giantis arguing that it did not defame plaintiff and Navy veteran Zachary Young by accusing him of criminal activity for rescuing women and children out of Afghanistan because what Young did is technically illegal under Taliban law, also known as Sharia law.

As we approach the three-year anniversary of the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan, CNN is taking the side of radical Islam by siding with the Taliban rule under which the women and children that Young reportedly rescued were being held captive.

Young worked "to have women smuggled out of Afghanistan," CNN said in its opening statements. And "discovery has indicated that those activities he orchestrated and funded, which involved moving women out of Afghanistan, almost certainly were illegal under Taliban rule."

Deanna K. Shullman, CNN's lead counsel, expressed enthusiasm about the fake news network's train of thought and approach in making this argument as part of its defense.

"Young cannot point to a single shred of evidence indicating otherwise that could somehow create a dispute of material fact as to that issue," Shullman wrote.

While recognizing that Sharia law is oppressive of women, CNN insists that it is still the law of the land in Afghanistan, which Young violated by helping women leave the country.

(Related: Did you know that under Gov. Tim Walz, Minnesota passed "gender identity" laws that strip Christian schools and churches of exemption from having to hire LGBTs?)

Did CNN defame Young?

When the U.S. military withdrew from Afghanistan in August 2021, the Taliban immediately took over and banned women from fleeing. Thousands of these women faced possible execution or enslavement at the hands of the new government, which Young fought against on his way out the door.

In trying to avoid having to pay out $1 billion for defamation, CNN says that Young and everyone else who participated in the rescue mission violated Sharia law.

"To get women out, the operators on the ground were required either to break the law directly or to find someone to break the law for them," the fake news network wrote to the court.

In addition to "avoiding the Taliban," the other alleged crimes CNN says Young and his colleagues committed include "mak[ing] it past the Taliban checkpoints" and keeping "people hidden from the Taliban," all of which was illegal in Afghanistan at the time.

Since the Taliban is not the officially recognized government of Afghanistan by the West, Young could see victory against CNN. The Taliban's laws can also change based on varying interpretations, reports suggest.

CNN seemed to acknowledge this in a filing from back in May when it admitted that "the market was operating in the absence of a functioning legal system" in Afghanistan.

The network also claims that its original reporting had "no intent to accuse Young of illegal conduct." Instead, the goal was to expose "war profiteers such as Young," not to determine "whether what Young and other private operators were doing was illegal under Taliban law."

The official legal filing states that "CNN vigorously disputes" all allegations that it accused Young of committing any crime in its reporting. Young simply violated Sharia law at the time of his actions, the network claims.

Furthermore, CNN's use of the term "black market" to describe what Young was doing was only meant "to convey that the private market for evacuation services was unregulated," meaning it was a gray market.

There were others besides Young who "t[ook] advantage of the chaos and desperation" by helping women and children to flee Afghanistan, but CNN only mentioned Young by name.

More related news can be found at MediaFactWatch.com.

Sources for this article include:

Newsbusters.org

NaturalNews.com
TruNews: Endgame of Israel-Iran conflict is an ALL-OUT WAR in the Middle East

According to Rick Wiles and Raymond "Doc" Burkhart of TruNews, the endgame of the brewing Israel-Iran conflict is an all-out war in the Middle East

The two made this assertion in a recent episode of their eponymous podcast. According to Wiles, there are reports of the Biden administration privately warning Israel not to go far and not to expect U.S. backing if they overdo it.

"It appears there's no chance diplomacy can persuade Iranian officials not to attack Israel in the coming days. The matters that must be decided now are the timing of the attack, the intensity of the attack and Israel's response to the attack," said Wiles, who quoted an article from the Times of Israel.

According to the piece, unnamed officials in the Washington-led multinational coalition preparing to assist in repelling an expected Iranian attack told Tel Aviv not to push it and to think carefully before they attack in return. One of the officials said "the goal at the end of the day is not to lead to an all-out war."

But Burkhart pointed out that an all-out war is inevitable. Wiles agreed, noting that this is what Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu wants to happen. According to Wiles, he believes Netanyahu wants to destroy and he won't be able to restrain himself. (Related: Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu calls for U.S.-Israel alliance to combat "Iranian threat.")

"That is his goal. That's the reason he's doing all these things of assassinating people. He needs this big war," Wiles said.

Egypt won't be helping Israel this time around

According to Burkhart, Tehran's rhetoric is pretty high with its promise to strike Israel  something Tel Aviv won't forget. Wiles remarked that Iran doesn't care if it starts a war. He also mentioned that Egyptian officials have even told Israel not to expect their help this time around.

Burkhart cited a report from The National's Hamza Hendawia about Cairo rejecting Tel Aviv's request to join the multinational coalition to defend Israel against Iran. According to the Emirati paper, sources briefed on the matter said Israel was informed of Egypt's position during talks in Cairo on Aug. 3 between Egyptian officials and a visiting Israeli delegation. The said delegation was led by Mossad Director David Barnea and Shin Bet Director Ronen Bar.

The National also mentioned that Israeli officials were told Cairo's role in the case of an Iranian attack will be restricted to the defense of its maritime and land borders, as well as its airspace. "We told them that our role will only be the defense of our country in the event of an attack on Israel," one of the sources stated.

Burkhart ultimately mentioned that Egypt is going to sit out this one and not get involved in the conflict. Wiles, meanwhile, commented that Egypt wasn't happy with the way Israel has inhumanely treated the people of Gaza.

Head over to WWIII.news for more stories about the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

Watch this commentary of Rick Wiles and Doc Burkhart about Iran's impending attack on Israel.

This video is from the TruNews channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

Iranian analyst warns of harsher response to Haniyehs killing than previous strike on Israel.

Another world war unfolding after Israel assassinates Hamas chief in airstrike: "We have a duty to avenge him," vows Iran.

U.S. on high alert as Irans proxies threaten retaliation following Israeli strikes.

TIT FOR TAT: Israel vows to respond to Irans retaliatory missile and drone strikes.

U.S. leading diplomatic efforts to prevent Israel from retaliating against Hezbollah strikes.

Sources include:

Brighteon.com

TimesOfIsrael.com

MSN.com
Pandemic 2.0 will see police, NATO forcing the world to get vaccinated

The latest version of New Zealand's pandemic plan, which serves as a blueprint for the rest of the world to follow, includes provisions to allow law enforcement and even NATO to enforce the government's mandatory vaccination agenda.

Published on July 12, the updated plan arrived just one week after the Bill Gates-bankrolled World Health Organization (WHO) sent Dr. Peter Hotez to tell the world that both the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Department of Justice (DOJ) should be allowed to punish "anti-vaxxers" in the United States. Hotez also mentioned deploying NATO as a weapon against domestic populations that refuse to get jabbed.

A modified version of the Civil Defense Emergency Management Act of 2002, the updated plan grants special powers to government officials to override the law during an "epidemic" or "emergency" to keep the public "safe" from harm.

The updated plan specifies three special powers that are allowed during a "threat:"

1) The power to detain, isolate, or quarantine persons, places, buildings, ships, vehicles, aircraft, and animals

2) The power to prescribe preventive treatment like pharmaceutical drugs or vaccines to people  those who refuse will fall into the first special power category

3) The power to allow police forces to "do anything reasonably necessary (including the use of force) to help a medical officer of health or any person authorised by the medical officer of health in the exercise or performance of powers or functions under sections 70 or 71"

That third bullet point is especially threatening in that it allows weapons-brandishing state agents to harm people who refuse to submit to the enforcement of these special powers.

(Related: New Zealand is leading the way in depopulating the world through mass vaccination.)

Get ready for medical martial law, coming soon to a town or city near you

New Zealand initially decided to make these changes on March 19, 2020, right before the Wuhan coronavirus (covid-19) was declared to be a global "pandemic." At the time, The New Zealand Herald published an entire article about the need for an updated pandemic plan, which has now arrived.

The first pandemic plan in New Zealand was introduced in 2006. It was then updated in 2017 to reflect the passage of new legislation as well as changes in population and demographics. Now, version three of the plan has been unleashed, and it is a real doozy.

Imperial College London created a model that New Zealand used to assess how to recreate its pandemic plan. British physicist Neil "Professor Lockdown" Ferguson is credited with masterminding it, though there is much controversy surrounding his lack of accuracy.

"Ferguson is one of a small group of global 'scientists' whose job is to control the narrative," reports The Expose about who Ferguson really is. "The real driving force behind updating pandemic preparedness is WHO."

No longer is the word "influenza" included in the title of New Zealand's pandemic plan, thanks to Ferguson's input. This means the range of what can be considered a "pandemic" has expanded to include pretty much anything.

According to The Expose, the first time "special powers" were actually used in New Zealand was for covid, also known as "the dummy run." The next time around will be a hell unlike anything the people of this world have ever seen or could ever comprehend.

"The updated pandemic plan covers the health system response," the Ministry of Health ominously said in a statement about the changes. "It does not cover the all-of-government or wider societal response to a pandemic. It is also only one tool for developing the health system's preparedness."

The latest news about the globalist effort to unleash a second fake pandemic can be found at Plague.info.

Sources for this article include:

Expose-News.com

NaturalNews.com
Tampon Tims stolen valor scandal just took a new disastrous turn

Tim Walzs stolen valor nightmare is escalating by the hour. It started off badly, and the media was quick to cover for the radical governor of Minnesota. However, the scandal is simply too big, with far too much information out there for the propaganda media to control. Now, as this scandal literally spins out of control, you have to wonder if Team Kamala is sweating bullets, worried theyve made the biggest mistake of their lives by choosing Tampon Tim.

(Article republished from Revolver.news)

Even CNNs Van Jones, who initially defended Mr. Walz, is now pulling back, essentially conceding that this stolen valor scandal could escalate into a real crisis.

. @cnns @VanJones68 just flipped from defending Tim Walzs stolen valor to this: Its conceivable that hes been loose with his language. If he said one or two things that were sloppy This is a deepening crisis.  Richard Grenell (@RichardGrenell) August 8, 2024

We think this scandal is already in crisis mode. In fact, the actual Iraqi vet who took over for Tim Walz during his 2005 deployment has compared Walz to US traitor and deserter Bowe Bergdahl.

Veteran Tom Behrends, who replaced Tim Walz on his 05 combat deployment to Iraq (commander Walz quit & never went) compares him to deserter Bowe Bergdahl - says when the U.S. & his troops needed him he ran. pic.twitter.com/Jo6o1NeS74  Megyn Kelly (@megynkelly) August 8, 2024

Mr. Behrends is making the rounds, sharing his story about Stolen Valor Tampon Tim with anyone who will listen. This is a devastating blow to the Kamala/Walz ticket, and theyll struggle to recover. Theres nothing more reprehensible than using stolen valor to climb the political ladder, and the American people wont stand for this.

This is the kind of thing thats potentially a torpedo to the bow, Rich Lowry, the Editor-in-Chief of National Review, said about Alpha News interview with veteran Tom Behrends. pic.twitter.com/xrNs3oWrHe  Alpha News (@AlphaNewsMN) August 7, 2024

Heres a breakdown of the timeline, according to Tom Behrends.

Collin Rugg:

REPORT: Governor Tim Walz Stolen Valor scandal explained by Thomas Behrends, the man who was deployed to Iraq in place of Walz. 1. In early 2005, a warning order went out to the southern MNs First Battalion-125th Field Artillery to mobilize for a mission to Iraq. Walz was the units highest non-commissioned officer. 2. In May of 2005, Walz retired from the guard, avoided the deployment, and ran for Congress. 3. National Guard records show his service obligation wasnt complete until September 2007. 4. Behrends was asked to take his place. 5. I was like well, for Petes sake, if this guy quits, if I say Im not going to do it, I mean, what the h*ll kind of leadership is that? 6. [Walz] said hes a retired command sergeant major. Just tooting his own horn, hanging on the coattails of people that actually are command sergeant majors that went through all the process and put all the time in. 7. Walz has claimed for years he retired as a command sergeant major, something that is refuted by the Minnesota National Guard. 8. Behrends: Its stolen valor is really what it is. I dont know of anybody else thats done what hes done.

REPORT: Governor Tim Walz Stolen Valor scandal explained by Thomas Behrends, the man who was deployed to Iraq in place of Walz. 1. In early 2005, a warning order went out to the southern MNs First Battalion-125th Field Artillery to mobilize for a mission to Iraq. Walz was the pic.twitter.com/19tnaUsR7R  Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) August 8, 2024

Lets face it, Tim Walzs past is catching up with him in a big way, including a laundry list of disgraceful stolen valor comments that are now haunting him and threatening the Dems 2024 ticket.

WATCH: More stolen valor from Kamalas VP pick Tim Walz: Tim Walz on August 10, 2018: Im a retired sergeant major. Fact check: Walz NEVER completed the coursework for the U.S. Army Sergeants Major Academy. pic.twitter.com/fFUzQRyQ6e  Steve Guest (@SteveGuest) August 8, 2024

Tampon Tim even held a sign claiming to be a vet from Operation Enduring Freedom. Incredibly shameless. Tim Walz is a disgusting liar. He never even served in Afghanistan.

Tim Walz held a sign in 2004 falsely identifying himself as an Operation Enduring Freedom veteran, even though he never served in Afghanistan. https://t.co/e4wRUWS08Npic.twitter.com/egUG45GtNx  Matt Wolking (@MattWolking) August 8, 2024

However, Tims disgraceful stolen valor past isnt newjust dont tell Jake Tapper, whos doing exactly what youd expect from regime-run media. Hes desperately defending the indefensible.

Mike Cernovich:

CNNs Jake Tapper DEFENDS Tim Walz, calling it crazy for anyone to say Walz engaged in stolen valor regarding his service record.. Tapper: He retired as an E8 not as an E9. These tend to be very internal military  Tom Foreman: Yeah. Tapper:  debates and discussions and for the rest of us who never served  Foreman: Right. Tapper:  our instinct is  Foreman: Thank  Tapper:  thank you for serving. Foreman: And to equate that to stolen valor  Tapper: No. Foreman:  you and I  Tapper: Thats  thats crazy. Foreman:  know the difference. Tapper: Its not stolen valor. Foreman: Yeah, not at all.

This did not hold up well at all. https://t.co/gq0cqkHmUo  Cernovich (@Cernovich) August 8, 2024

Unfortunately for Jake and Tim, this article from 2006 proves that people have been reporting on Tims stolen valor for nearly two decades.

The regime-run media is working overtime to shield Tampon Tim from a barrage of issues: his extreme trans agenda targeting children, his soft-on-crime record, his efforts to squash free speech, and now this horrific stolen valor scandal. It really makes you wonder if anyone at Team DEI (the Kamala campaign) bothered to vet this chubby, lying Marxist. Its not surprising they didnt. After all, Team Kamala isnt aiming to be the best. Theyre just looking for a free pass into the White House, believing the American people are naive enough to let it happen again.

Dont prove them right. Fight hard against this radical duo. This is our last stand against tyranny, radical transgenderism, soaring crime, open borders, and stolen valor. Make it count.

Read more at: Revolver.news
The International Atomic Energy Agency reported that it is monitoring the situation in connection with reports of military actions taking place near the Kursk nuclear power plant. Accordingly, the IAEA called on the parties to exercise restraint.

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This statement was made by the organization's Director General Rafael Grossi. He added that he is personally in contact with the relevant authorities of both countries.

The IAEA reminded that this nuclear power plant has six power units with two different types of reactors. Two units are shut down, two more are under constructiona and the last two are in full operation.

"In connection with reports of significant military activity, I would like to remind all parties of the seven indispensable pillars of nuclear safety and security during armed conflict. In addition, I emphasize five specific principles of nuclear safety and security that were established for the Zaporizhzhya NPP in the context of the current conflict between Russia and Ukraine and are equally applicable in this situation. They include, among other things, the imperative to ensure the physical integrity of the nuclear power plant. This is true regardless of where the nuclear power plant is located," Grossi said.

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In March 2022, the IAEA developed seven components of the assessment of nuclear and security in Ukraine in the context of armed conflict, which Grossi calls "indispensable pillars". According to him, they allow to effectively assess the most important and urgent needs in the field of nuclear and physical security of Ukrainian nuclear facilities.

These are components that comply with safety standards and IAEA nuclear security guidelines.

As reported by OBOZ.UA, the Russian Federation informed the IAEA about the discovery of debris, probably from downed missiles, at the Kursk NPP. The permanent mission of the aggressor country to international organizations in Vienna stated that no direct shelling of the Kursk NPP has been recorded so far, but the situation is tense.

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In turn, the mayor of the Russian city of Kurchatov (a satellite city of the nuclear power plant), Igor Korpunkov, officially stated that the fighting is already several dozen kilometers away. The situation is tense, and a state of emergency has been declared.

In general, against the backdrop of the operation in the Kursk region of the Russian Federation, Russians were afraid that the Ukrainian Armed Forces might seize the Kursk nuclear power plant in the city of Kurchatov. The nuclear power plant is located about 60 kilometers from the nearest point on the Ukrainian-Russian border.

Only verified information is available on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!

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UK government working on controversial dispersed accommodation plan to scatter migrants throughout Britain

The UK government is poised to abandon its use of former military bases for housing illegal immigrants who are seeking asylum and replace it with a policy known as dispersed accommodation that will spread migrants throughout the UK.

The government, which is currently led by Prime Minister Keir Starmer, claims that the migrant sites they are currently using are overwhelming local services. These include the former military sites of RAF Scampton and RAF Wethersfield, along with the Bibby Stockholm barge. However, their new plan seems like it will just spread the pressure across even more local services.

The UK Labour Party is now negotiating with municipal councils to determine how many migrants they can send to each location. They have also enlisted contractors for the UKs Home Office to find sites they can use, such as former elderly care facilities and student apartments. They are also reportedly looking for landlords who currently have empty single-family homes available.

In addition, they are considering the use of hotels due to soaring rental prices in the UK. The National Audit Office asserted that using larger sites could cost tens of millions of pounds more than hotels. They are also looking to process the tens of thousands of migrants currently in limbo faster to bring down the backlog and reduce the need for larger sites.

One Labour Party source told The Times of London anonymously that they felt it was a positive move, noting: Its all about having a more equitable dispersal of asylum seekers. Otherwise you have these areas that have concentrated numbers and that is what we got in areas with hotels and large sites. That creates a whole host of challenges, meaning services in those areas are then stretched and those asylum seekers cant get the basic or crucial support they need.

The Deputy Leader of Reform UK, Richard Tice, posted on X that the Starmer administration is putting illegal migrants ahead of British citizens in [the] housing queue under Operation Scatter. He added that Labour [officials] dont care about [the] British working class.

A spokesperson for Starmer has already reported that Labour plans to let more than 100,000 migrants apply for asylum in the UK, while new Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner promised that every borough in the UK will have to take its fair share of asylum seekers.

Former Tory MP Alex Stafford called the plan to scatter asylum seekers an absolutely bonkers scheme. We know councils are facing huge pressures on the housing ladder and social housing. All this is going to do is flood the country with tens of thousands of people who are going to be put up in social housing, which will push up rents, he said.

Brits rioting after stabbing by man with migrant background

Migrants have been a hot-button issue in the UK recently, with angry citizens rioting after three children were fatally stabbed by a man with a migrant background while attending a Taylor Swift-themed dance class. A further nine children were wounded in the attack, which was carried out by the 17-year-old son of two migrants from Rwanda.

Some locals heckled Starmer when he tried to leave flowers at the site of the brutal murders, with one asking him How many more children, Prime Minister?

Sources for this article include:

TheNationalPulse.com

TheTimes.com

EuropeanConservative.com

TheNationalPulse.com
U.S. government sues TikTok over CHILD PRIVACY violations

The U.S. government has taken legal action against Chinese video-sharing app TikTok over alleged violations of child privacy numbering in the millions

On Aug. 2, the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) filed a lawsuit against TikTok and its parent ByteDance. The complaint, which CNBC managed to obtain a copy of, alleged that the tech giant repeatedly violated the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) of 1998.

Some of the COPPA violations outlined in the civil suit include TikTok storing data such as email addresses from users younger than 13 years, allowing these users to create regular accounts and refusing to honor the requests of parents who seek deletion of their young children's accounts.

The lawsuit further alleged that while TikTok offers a pared-down version of the platform for children called Kids Mode, its target users were able to create, view and share short-form videos and messages with other TikTok users  including adults  outside the boundaries of the child-friendly version.

Moreover, it alleged that TikTok collected and retained information from these young users without notifying or obtaining consent from their parents. The suit also pointed to the platform's inability to identify and delete TikTok accounts made by younger users.

"TikTok knowingly and repeatedly violated kids' privacy, threatening the safety of millions of children across the country, FTC Chair Lina Khan said in a press release. "The FTC will continue to use the full scope of its authorities to protect children online, especially as firms deploy increasingly sophisticated digital tools to surveil kids and profit from their data."

TikTok denies allegations indicated in lawsuit

In a statement released following the lawsuit, the video sharing app denied all the accusations stated by the DOJ and the FTC. "We disagree with these allegations, many of which relate to past events and practices that are factually inaccurate or have been addressed," the statement read.

"We are proud of our efforts to protect children, and we will continue to update and improve the platform. To that end, we offer age-appropriate experiences with stringent safeguards, proactively remove suspected underage users, and have voluntarily launched features such as default screen time limits, Family Pairing, and additional privacy protections for minors."

TikTok has faced criticisms from both Republicans and Democrats. These criticisms stem from fears that the app threatens national security, exposes young users to dangerous content and pushes divisive rhetoric.

In April, President Joe Biden signed a bill with a provision banning TikTok in the U.S. if ByteDance does not divest its shares and sells them off to an American firm. According to NBC News, the ban won't go into effect until after the 2024 elections in November. A month after the bill was signed, TikTok sued the U.S. government, claiming the measure violates the First Amendment. (Related: TikTok files lawsuit against Biden administration over law forcing sale of app.)

TikTok is currently one of the largest and most popular social media platforms in the world, boasting of 170 million users in America alone. Even Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump  the Democratic and Republican presidential nominees, respectively  are using the platform to reach out to potential voters.

Visit BigTech.news for similar stories.

Watch this discussion about President Joe Biden's TikTok ban and why he "can't decide" what Americans get to see.

This video is from the NewsClips channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

TikTok CENSORS video of Dr. Phil promoting his interview with Trump.

TikTok ban, Teslas Chinese partnerships mark new phase in brewing U.S.-China data security war.

TikTok pressured to ban all truth and push only official narratives.

TikTok ban bill could lead to broader surveillance and censorship by the U.S. government.

TikTok spending $1 million to fight social media misinformation that questions official COP28 narratives (which are rooted in climate LIES).

Sources include:

NBCNews.com

Brighteon.com
Western brands take big financial hit in Muslim countries from boycotts over their ties to Israel

Several major Western food brands have been noting significant financial losses in Muslim countries in the wake of ongoing boycotts against companies that do business with Israel.

Many consumers in countries such as Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Pakistan and Indonesia have been boycotting firms that they believe are supporting Israel as it commits genocide against the Palestinian people in Gaza. McDonalds, Pepsi, Coca-Cola, Pizza Hut, Starbucks and snack maker Mondelez are just some of the brands that have been hit by what has been described as one of the most widespread boycotts in recent memory.

Americana Restaurants, which operates Krispy Kreme, KFC and Pizza Hut outlets in Kazakhstan and West Asia, has been taken aback by the response, with Chief Executive Amarpal Sandhu noting in a recent earnings call: This event is unprecedented. The length of this conflict is unprecedented. The intensity is unprecedented.

Although many multinational corporations can simply absorb the costs of the sales hit created by organized boycotts, franchise operators are struggling. The owner of Americana Restaurants, investor Mohamed Alabbar, admitted their second-quarter profits were 40% lower than the same period last year, even though they opened 81 new restaurants this year.

Mondelez CEO Luca Zaramella said that the boycotts had stunted sales growth in the Middle East during the second quarter by 2%, while beauty product maker LOreal experienced a similar 2% slowdown. However, many other multinationals are unwilling to discuss the issue on the record and choose to instead refer to it as geopolitical tensions in an attempt to distance themselves from being viewed as taking a particular stance on a divisive issue.

Analysts say that many of these companies believe it is best not to draw too much attention to the boycotts. Revealing how it has impacted them may even potentially inspire further action against the brand.

Coca-Cola, Starbucks, McDonald's taking a hit

Coca-Cola has faced significant backlash in places like Pakistan, whose government vowed to form a committee to identify the products of companies who are supporting Israel either directly or indirectly and boycott them.

The Pakistani bottler of Coca-Cola, Icecek, said their sales volumes dropped by nearly 25% year over year during the first three months of this year, although they attributed this to the carefully worded macroeconomic headwinds rather than referring to Gaza explicitly.

However, the head of the bottler, Karim Yahi, admitted that with our geography?.?.?.?there are sensitivities and there are pressures because of the war in the Middle East.

Some stores in Pakistan have replaced Coca-Cola products altogether, selling local alternatives instead. Those who continue selling the brand are reporting harassment.

Coffee chain Starbucks is also feeling the hit, with a local Malaysian operator reporting their second quarterly loss in a row as a result of boycotts, with revenue dropping 48%. A Starbucks in southeastern Turkey was attacked by a mob this week after the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh.

Meanwhile, Starbucks in Indonesia has gone out of its way to reassure customers it has no ties to what is happening in the Middle East, with some stores in the capital, Jakarta, posting signs on their doors setting the record straight.

"Starbucks has no political agenda. We do not use our profit to fund any government or military operations. Neither Starbucks nor Howard Schultz financially supports Israel in any way, the message explains.

Last month, McDonalds reported a decline in its global sales for the first time since the pandemic, with net profit dropping 12% compared to the same time last year, while Starbucks has seen a drop in worldwide sales of 7% and a decline in total international profits of 23%.

These statistics make it clear that many people around the world are going out of their way to express their opposition to Israels genocide in Gaza in whatever way they can.

Sources for this article include:

TheCradle.co

FT.com
In the mid-2000s, China became the country that emits the most greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. Since then, the gap with the United States and the European Union  historically the main culprits behind global warming  has been widening, as the Asian giant grows economically. As of 2024, China is currently responsible for around 30% of all global emissions.

The commitment that this world power has made within the Paris Agreement to combat climate change is that, by 2030, its annual emissions of carbon dioxide (CO)  the main gas that overheats the planet  will reach a ceiling. But several groups of international analysts point to the possibility that this peak has already been reached thanks, mainly, to the massive rise of renewable energies in China.

If current rapid wind and solar deployment continues, then Chinas CO output is likely to continue falling, making 2023 the peak year for the countrys emissions, notes a recent article published by the British research center Carbon Brief.

Theres a possibility that China has already passed its peak, but no one can be sure yet, Dave Jones tells EL PAIS. Hes a member of Ember, a think tank made up of experts who study energy and climate matters. There are signs, but we have to wait four or five months to see if [Chinas levels] continue to fall as [they have in] the last three months, to know if the peak has really been reached. Im reasonably optimistic, adds Rafael Salas, a professor of Economic Analysis at the Complutense University of Madrid.

Talking about greenhouse gases in China implies talking about coal and the countrys electricity sector. Forty percent of all the countrys emissions come from the electricity sector thats a lot. In Spain, its between 10% and 15%, Salas explains. Thats because power generation in the Asian giant has long been dominated by coal: last year, 60% of the countrys electricity came from burning the polluting fossil fuel. But in May, that share fell to a record low of 53%, according to data from Carbon Brief.

Solar and wind are now meeting the bulk of Chinas electricity demand growth, Jones says. By May 2024, 12% of the countrys electricity came from solar  just a year ago it was 7%  11% was generated by wind and 15% by hydro. The remaining 10% was shared by nuclear, gas and biomass.

Trucks unload imported coal in Rugao, China, in November 2023. STR (AFP)

But to get a full picture of whats happening, we must look beyond the enormous advance of renewables. China is installing photovoltaic power at a dizzying speed. Pep Canadell  executive director of the Global Carbon Project, an international benchmark in monitoring global emissions  points to three components in the slowdown in emissions growth in this country. Firstly, the aforementioned reduction in the use of coal, linked to the rapid growth of wind and, above all, solar power. Secondly, the halt in the use of oil, linked to advances in the electrification of transport. And, thirdly, a decrease in the production of cement and steel, which is linked to the slowdown in the construction sector.

This last point is perhaps where theres the most uncertainty. China has consistently used the construction sector when it has needed to revive the economy in the face of a slowdown, Canadell recalls. Weve seen it many times over the last 20 years and it can happen again. However, the director of the Global Carbon Project adds: We know that, in the long-term, the great construction boom isnt sustainable. As the service economy in China grows more, the role of construction  and its emissions  will decrease.

Along the same lines, Jones affirms that the economy of the Asian country is moving away from the construction of more infrastructure, after having built so many apartments, roads and railways in the last decades.

This means that the use of cement and steel is decreasing, he adds.

In the third part of this story  transportation  there are fewer doubts if we look at the evolution of electric vehicle sales in China, as Salas points out. In terms of transport electrification, China is one of the most advanced countries in the world. In June, 45% of passenger cars sold were electric or plug-in hybrids. By the end of the year, the forecast is that it will be 50%.

Therefore, what happens in the electric sector is decisive in knowing whether the peak of emissions has truly been reached. This is only really possible to know when we gain further perspective that is, time.

Latent risk

Canadell prefers to be cautious when it comes to certifying whether China has really reached that ceiling: Its not the first time that analysts have talked about the peak of emissions in China and then seen them grow again. We also talked about the peak of coal emissions for the first time in 2013, but it lasted very few years, and we saw growth again.

This expert points out that theres a latent risk: the industrial park of coal-fired plants that China has already built is currently underused, due to the boom in renewables. But if production is ever ramped up in the future, this could cause emissions to rise quickly again.

However, Canadell is clear that the growing power of renewables will increasingly push coal out of the Asian countrys electricity mix, as is happening in Europe: There are structural changes that are occurring that will make the peak a reality. If not now, then soon.

Its not enough to stop growing

But its not enough to reach the maximum emissions level and stay there. Canadell believes that the most likely thing is that now, there will be several years of small decreases and small increases.

This could easily last until the end of this decade, before we see a consistent decrease in emissions, the expert clarifies. Scientists warn that whats needed for global warming to stay within the less catastrophic limits is for global emissions to fall sharply during this decade.

The same analysis applies to the rest of the world, where peak emissions are also close to being reached. If governments are able to meet their commitments to triple global renewable capacity and double energy efficiency improvements by 2030, well be in a new era of declining CO emissions, Jones affirms. But that moment still hasnt arrived. This is because massive price drops have occurred so recently  especially for electric cars, solar panels and batteries  that governments havent yet come to terms with how quickly and cheaply these technologies can be rolled out, the analyst from Ember concludes.

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Mizoram, Assam agree to maintain peace along inter-state border, resolve row amicably

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izoram and Assam on Friday agreed to continue to promote and maintain peace along their 164.6 km-long border and continue their efforts to solve their decades-old boundary dispute.

The ministerial-level meeting of the two northeastern states was held here after 21 months and was the first meeting after the Zoram People's Movement (ZPM), led by Chief Minister Lalduhoma, came to power in Mizoram last year. The last ministerial-level meeting was held in November 2022 in Guwahati. However, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and his Mizoram counterpart Lalduhoma discussed the border dispute in Guwahati on February 9 this year.

After the Friday meeting here, Assam Border Protection and Development Minister Atul Bora, who led his state's delegation, said the discussions were positive and both states were committed to finding a way to amicably resolve the border dispute.

"We have reaffirmed our commitment to maintaining a zero-tolerance policy towards transportation of smuggled areca nuts from neighbouring Myanmar," he told the media.

Mizoram Home Minister K Sapdanga, who headed the state's delegation, said: "We are very optimistic to resolve the pending border dispute."

Both sides decided to hold the next ministerial-level meeting in Guwahati before March next year and the Deputy Commissioners and Superintendent of Police concerned of both states shall continue to have regular meetings to promote peace and harmony along the borders. Such meetings may be held virtually every month and in person every six months, an official statement said.

Friday's ministerial-level meeting was the fourth such talks between the two neighbouring states since August 2021.

The Mizoram Home Minister had earlier said that as per the decision of the ministerial-level meeting held in Guwahati in November 2022, the state government has already submitted a list of 62 border villages to the Assam government that are within the Mizoram territory.

Mizoram's Aizawl, Kolasib, and Mamit districts adjoin southern Assam's Cachar, Karimganj, and Hailakandi districts. Amid the long-standing border dispute between the two states, the border area saw its worst-ever violence on July 26, 2021, when the Assam and Mizoram Police exchanged fire in the disputed area near Vairengte village on National Highway 306, leaving six Assam Police personnel dead and many injured.

Mizoram claims that 509 square miles of the reserved forest, notified in 1875 under the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation (BEFR) 1873, falls within its territory. Assam, on the other hand, regarded the border shown on a map prepared by the Survey of India in 1933 as its current boundary. The border dispute began in 1972 when Mizoram, then one of the districts of Assam, became a Union Territory and the boundary between Assam and Mizoram was vaguely made under the North-East Areas Reorganisation Act, 1971, without any ground demarcation.

 Mizoram, Assam agree to maintain peace along inter-state border, resolve row amicably

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The editor of "Pakistan Daily" newspaper Hamza Azhar Salam shared about President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev on "X".

The journalist shared a photo taken with the head of state and noted nine positive assets of the Azerbaijani President that have caught his attention.

Azernews presents the points from the share:

"Nine points that caught my attention about President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev:

1. He can speak English, Turkish, Azerbaijani, French and Russian;

2. He can answer difficult questions for more than three hours without drinking a sip of water;

3. Can memorize the financial figures of many different projects;

4. He is aware of the media ecosystems of different countries;

5. He is more accessible to journalists than many Western leaders;

6. Sometimes adds humor to his conversations/answers;

7. At party meetings, his speech seems to lean towards peace, but as a leader, he is prepared for any eventuality;

8. He knows how to respect his allies and deter his enemies;

9. Outspoken, straightforward, and enjoys working with a talented, hard-working team who understand his high standards of work ethics."

Furthermore, the journalist in his interview with Azerbaijan's local TV has shared his impressions about the 2nd Shusha Global Media Forum. Having seen President Ilham Aliyev's interaction with journalists participating in the event, Hamza Azhar Salam said he was very impressed with the Azerbaijani President's ability to answer all the questions.
Its one of the first, great celebrity images of the summer: Michael Douglas taking in, looking for all the world like just another Mallorcan, the celebration that the town of Valldemossa stages for its 80-year-olds in its central plaza, in which it showers them with regional dances and traditional cuisine. Days later, he picked up a lifetime achievement award delivered by Queen Letizia at the Atlantida Mallorca Film Fest. The Oscar winners connection with and participation in the Balearic community should come as no surprise: hes been an intermittent resident of SEstaca, an impressive Neo-Mudejar villa located in the Serra de Tramuntana, for over three decades. At his side for the past 25 years has been Catherine Zeta-Jones, but she had to miss the festivities on this occasion due to the fact that she was, presumably, in the middle of filming the second season of the Netflix series Wednesday. Douglas and Zeta-Jones can boast of having one of the most stable marriages in Hollywood, having defied skeptics who thought that their 25-year age difference would be too large an obstacle for a viable relationship. Still, the career of the actress, who has also won an Oscar, has not managed to stand the test of time and its implications in a famously ageist industry.

Although today many have forgotten the heights to which she rose, Zeta-Jones was one of the most sought-after and highest-paid actresses at the beginning of the century. She collected $10 million in 2005 for her work on The Legend of Zorro, the sequel of the box-office smash in which she co-starred alongside Antonio Banderas and that established her as a Hollywood A-lister, a designation reserved for the eras mega-stars like Julia Roberts, Cameron Diaz and Drew Barrymore. But she had a different persona from those American sweethearts, eschewing their angelic smile for a temperamental smirk, golden locks for a femme fatales rich complexion and their naive and somewhat goofy charm for an empowered stance, even before that word took on its modern-day meaning. She had already won over the British public in the 90s, thanks to various TV roles, but her leap to the Hollywood hills in her thirties was meteoric.

Still from 2005s The Legend of Zorro with Catherine Zeta-Jones. UNIMEDIA INTERNATIONAL/Columbia (Photojournalist/Cordon Press)

From the moment Spielberg became fascinated with her after seing Zeta-Joness work in a miniseries about the Titanic and offered her a role in the Zorro saga, the calls began to pour in. She became the most searched-for actress in the world on an internet that was still in its infancy back in 1999. High Fidelity, Traffic, Chicago, Intolerable Cruelty and The Terminal  all shot within four years of each other  paint a picture of her draw for filmmakers like Frears, Soderbergh, the Coen brothers and Spielberg himself. Not to mention, during the same period, Zeta-Jones found the time to win an Oscar, get married to Douglas, give birth to two children  Dylan, who is now 24 and Carys, 21  and break records with a $10 million-plus contract to become a brand ambassador for the telephone company T-Mobile. It was a memorable journey, confirms the Brit.

Carys Zeta Douglas, Michael Douglas and Catherine Zeta-Jones at Cannes in May of 2023. Dave Benett (Jed Cullen/Dave Benett/Getty Ima)

But the streak didnt last for very long. You now have to go back more than a decade to find Zeta-Joness last starring role. At 54 years old, she appears to have fallen victim to the chronic ageism that plagues the film industry. Her career has moved nearly exclusively to television, limited to supporting roles that dont make many waves. Her latest and perhaps most noteworthy project from the last 10 years was a brief  she only appeared on two episodes  turn as Morticia Addams in Tim Burtons hit Wednesday. Even before the wave of #MeToo crashed over Hollywood, she was calling out how ageism had prematurely erased her chances of playing great leading roles.

I have been in this business since I was nine years old, and have heard the same thing said throughout the different parts of my career. Then, HELLO, Im in my forties  and its true. Its not that there arent great stories to be told about women in their forties, its just that the big bosses in Hollywood feel that the demographic of moviegoers are less interested, she said in 2016. Not to mention, Zeta-Jones acknowledged that, after the birth of her children, she became much pickier when it came to accepting projects that would require her to spend time away from them. In statements she made to The Telegraph, she said that, If Im going to leave my family for any length of time it had better be for a role that I havent played before, with great people. It had better be fun. Otherwise, to be honest with you, I would prefer to stay at home.

It was the Spanish actor Antonio Banderas who played cupid between Zeta-Jones and Douglas at the Deauville American Film Festival, where he was presenting The Mask of Zorro alongside the Welsh performer. After a half-hour of conversation, Douglas swore shed be the mother of his children, at which point Zeta-Jones decided to cut off the actor, who had a well-earned reputation for being a womanizer: Ive heard a lot about you and Ive seen a lot about you, its a pleasure to confirm that its all true. I think its time to say good night. The following morning, Douglas sent her flowers and a letter of apology, but he was far from giving up. They became an official couple in the summer of 1999 and, after settling his divorce with Diandra Luker, his first wife  it was one of the most expensive separations in Hollywood history  they announced their engagement and the upcoming birth of their first son, Dylan. On November 18, 2000, they exchanged vows in a lavish ceremony at New Yorks Plaza Hotel. The guest list resembles the Oscars red carpet: from Tom Hanks and Brad Pitt to Sharon Stone, Meg Ryan and Jennifer Aniston.

Michael Douglas and Catherine Zeta-Jones at the Formula 1 Grand Prix in Great Britain in July. Kym Illman (Getty Images)

Their marriage has not been free of ups and downs. In 2013, they spent eight months apart to evaluate and work on their marriage after having gone through some turbulent years. Michaels first son with Luker, Cameron, was incarcerated for drug possession, and the actor was diagnosed with a malignant tumor in his throat, which resulted in him losing 33 pounds. Douglas courted controversy when he told the Wall Street Journal that the cancer was the result of oral sex, a remark he later retracted, publicly apologizing for any embarrassment it caused his wife. At the same time, Zeta-Jones was hospitalized twice for treatment of bipolar II. The Welsh actress has since become one of the celebrities who has done the most to normalize the condition among the general public. Im not the kind of person who likes to shout out my personal issues from the rooftops but with my bipolar becoming public, I hope fellow sufferers will know it is completely controllable. I hope I can help remove any stigma attached to it, and that those who dont have it under control will seek help with all that is available to treat it.

Michael Douglas and Catherine Zeta-Jones in September 1999. JOHN GRUZINSKI (AFP via Getty Images)

In 2017, she entered the world of entrepreneurship with her brand Casa Zeta-Jones, an echo of Gwyneth Paltrows Goop, which deployed its founders image to help sell ready-to-wear dresses as well as kitchenware, vegan shoes and makeup products. The venture did not end well and five years later, ended sales. As she waits for Hollywood, given as it is to stories of redemption and professional rebirth  just ask her Chicago co-star Renee Zellweger  she has decided to once again capitalize on her talent. Zeta-Jones seems to be satisfied with small supporting roles for the moment, which are surely made easier to bear by her personal worth of some $164 million. I work hard and I reward myself. I pay my own way. I love to buy. I love to share. I love to travel like you cant imagine. I want to go to every part of the world. But anyone looking into my life would go, Shed better God-damned like her life. Yeah, Id like it, too, she admitted in an interview.
Blake Lively's 'It Ends With Us' banned in Qatar due to kissing scenes

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he recently released Blake Lively-starrer romance drama 'It Ends With Us' won't see the light of day in Qatar.

The film has been banned in Qatar due to kissing scenes.

The country's censorship committee has blocked the PG-13 film, from Sony Pictures and Wayfarer Studios, from a theatrical release, reports 'Variety'.

'It Ends With Us' features kissing scenes and a non-graphic sex scene in which the characters keep their undergarments on. Qatar has very strict censorship rules and a history of banning American movies, including Greta Gerwig's women-empowerment comedy 'Barbie', the animated superhero adventure 'Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse' and Marvel's 'Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness' and 'Eternals', all of which were rated PG-13 in the US.

As per 'Variety', Qatar also blocked the R-rated comedy 'No Hard Feelings', in which Jennifer Lawrence goes nude; the 'Toy Story' spinoff 'Lightyear', which features a gay kiss; Pixar's 'Onward', for a vague reference to a lesbian character, and Sydney Sweeney and Glen Powell's 'Anyone but You', which features a couple of steamy romance scenes.

In 2021, Disney refused to comply with censorship cuts requested by Qatar for Steven Spielberg's 'West Side Story'. It's understood that the censors were not approving of Anybodys, a character who is transgender and portrayed by non-binary actor Iris Menas.

Films with LGBTQ references or characters have been routinely targeted by censors in the Middle Eastern countries including Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Oman and Kuwait, as well as China.

'It Ends With Us' is directed by Justin Baldoni, who stars opposite Lively. It follows a florist named Lily who falls in love with a neurosurgeon. After Lily runs into her childhood friend (Brandon Sklenar), Ryle gets jealous, and their relationship takes a dark turn. It is an adaptation of Colleen Hoover's popular romance novel, and cost only $25 million to produce and is expected to turn a profit.

 Blake Lively's 'It Ends With Us' banned in Qatar due to kissing scenes

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Paris Olympics: 'True spirit of dedication', Tendulkar, Dhawan congratulate Aman Sehrawat on winning bronze

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egendary batter Sachin Tendulkar and veteran opener Shikhar Dhawan on Saturday extended their congratulatory wishes for wrestler Aman Sehrawat who won the bronze medal in the Paris Olympics, adding sixth medal to the country's tally.

India have so far bagged one silver and five bronze medals in the quadrennial event including double bronze of shooter Manu Bhaker.

On Friday, the 21-year-old wrestler became the youngest Olympic medallist for India after he defeated Puerto Rico's Darian Cruz 13-5 in the 57kg freestyle bronze medal match.

"Congratulations, Aman Sehrawat, on becoming India's youngest Olympic medal winner at the age of just 21 years and a few days. This victory isn't just yours; it's a triumph for the entire Indian wrestling contingent. Every Indian is proud of your achievement. Your parents, who I am sure are watching over you from their heavenly abode, would be very proud of you today," Tendulkar wrote on X.

The left-handed batter added that Aman's achievement shows his true spirit of dedication and hard work.

"Bringing home a bronze from the Paris Olympics, @AmanSehrawaat, you showed us the true spirit of dedication and hard work. Congrats on this remarkable victory," Dhawan wrote on X.

Former spinner Harbhajan Singh echoed Dhawan's sentiments and congratulated the youngster for making India proud.

"Heartiest Congratulations to #AmanSehrawat for Winning the Bronze at the #ParisOlympics2024 and to become India's youngest medal winner. This achievement is a reflection of your hard work and the dreams of countless Indians who cheered you on. Thank you for making us proud. Jai Hind!" Harbhajan posted on X.

The Puerto Rican wrestler gained an early advantage with a single-leg hold, pushing Aman onto the defensive. However, the young Indian remained composed, swiftly recovering and launching a series of attacks focused on Cruz's shoulders to earn points. Although Cruz briefly regained the lead with a two-point move, Aman's relentless determination allowed him to reclaim control of the match.

With just 37 seconds remaining, Aman demonstrated his technical prowess by scoring additional points. As Cruz made a final desperate attempt, Aman capitalised, securing his victory and clinching the bronze medal.

 Paris Olympics: 'True spirit of dedication', Tendulkar, Dhawan congratulate Aman Sehrawat on winning bronze

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Thai cuisine popular in India: Deputy Commerce Minister reviews market success during BIMSTEC 2024

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hailand's Deputy Minister of Commerce Suchart Chomklin and his delegation visited a high-end supermarket in New Delhi after attending the BIMSTEC Business Summit 2024, to see the popularity of Thai culinary products among Indians.

They also intend to explore more opportunities in the Indian market.

The delegation found that traditional Thai ingredients like mangosteen, longan, coconut, galangal, and lemongrass are among the top sellers. A special section dedicated to Thai seasonings featuring items such as seasoning sauce, fish sauce, and chilli sauce, as well as ready-to-cook products, such as tom yum paste, panaeng paste, and green curry paste, as informed Thailand's Government PR Department on X.

In the first six months of this year, the total trade value between Thailand and India was $8,158.65 million. Within that number, Thailand imported from India to the amount of $2,761.65 million, and Thai exports to India were of $5,397 million. Major Thai exports include chemicals, plastic pallets, finished oil products, gems and jewellery, iron and steel, machinery, automobiles and parts, and air-conditioners and parts, Thailand's Government Public Relations Department posted on X.

The Ministry of External Affairs of the Government of India, in association with Confederation of Indian Industries (CII), hosted the first BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation) Business Summit in New Delhi from Tuesday to Thursday (August 6 to 8).

Several Ministers of the BIMSTEC Member States from the ambit of Trade, Commerce and Industry, as well as Energy, along with high-ranking Government officials, policymakers, entrepreneurs and industry associations, participated in the event.

India attaches great importance to the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation, which links five countries from South Asia (Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal, India & Sri Lanka) and two from Southeast Asia (Myanmar & Thailand).

 Thai cuisine popular in India: Deputy Commerce Minister reviews market success during BIMSTEC 2024

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Taapsee on 'Phir Aayi Hasseen Dillruba': Already looking forward to what all we can do next

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ctress Taapsee Pannu is happy with the response her latest film Phir Aayi Hasseen Dillruba is getting and said that she is already looking forward to what all can be done in the next part.

Taapsee said: "Doing a sequel is always tricky because the first one comes with no expectations, and if people like it, it becomes a hit. But with sequels come expectations, which are always tricky to meet."

The actress said that she is glad people have loved her character of Rani and the film more than the first installment.

"I knew how much people loved Rani from Part 1 So I kept those expectations in mind when I approached the next part," she said.

Looking forward, the actress said: "This response has been so validating that I'm already looking forward to what all we can possibly do in the next part."

The first part, which was titled as "Haseen Dillruba", is a romantic thriller directed by Vinil Mathew and written by Kanika Dhillon. It stars Taapsee, Vikrant Massey and Harshvardhan Rane.

It follows the story of Rani, a woman suspected of killing her husband and narrates an interesting story about her marriage while investigating police officers look for clues to arrest her.

"Phir Aayi Hasseen Dillruba" is directed by Jayprad Desai. Taapsee and Vikrant reprise their characters and Sunny Kaushal joins the cast. The movie follows Rani and Rishu's character and how they once again overcome hurdles with a dollop of thrill.

Talking about Taapsee's work, she made her acting debut with the 2010 Telugu film "Jhummandi Naadam". She made her debut in Bollywood with the 2013 film "Chashme Baddoor" by David Dhawan.

The actress got recognition with her work in "Baby" and "Pink". After which, she featured in several hit films including "The Ghazi Attack", "Mulk", "Manmarziyaan", "Badla", "Mission Mangal", "Saand Ki Aankh", "Thappad" and "Dunki" to name a few.

On the personal front, she got married to Danish badminton player Mathias Boe after eleven years of dating in March 2024.

 Taapsee on 'Phir Aayi Hasseen Dillruba': Already looking forward to what all we can do next

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Prez Murmu holds bilateral talks with Timorese PM; addresses Indian diaspora

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resident Droupadi Murmu on Saturday held a bilateral meeting with the Prime Minister of East Timor, Kay Rala Xanana Gusmao, after she arrived in Dili on the last leg of her three-nation visit.

Both the leaders underscored the significance of a "warm and cordial" relationship between India and East Timor based on shared values of democracy and plurality.

During the meeting, they also discussed wide-ranging issues focusing on boosting bilateral ties.

Apart from this, three agreements were signed during the meeting in the areas of cultural exchanges, radio broadcasting, and visa exemption for holders of diplomatic, official and service passports.

President Murmu also interacted with the Indian community in Dili at a reception hosted in her honour.

"We stand ready to work with Timor-Leste in our shared desire for progress and development," the President said.

She also announced that India would soon establish an Embassy in East Timor.

Lauding the Indian diaspora for their achievements and urging them to continue to play an active part in strengthening Indian-Timor ties, she said, "The achievements of our diaspora community have been a matter of great pride for India, and we consider you as a 'living bridge'."

The President also participated in a public conversation with Timorese President Jose Ramos-Horta on 'The Horta Show' and spoke of her political journey to becoming the President of India, India's rich cultural heritage, and shared perspectives on women in leadership roles.

President Murmu was also conferred the Grand-Collar of the Order of Timor-Leste, the country's highest civilian award, by President Jose Ramos-Horta in recognition of her achievements in public service and dedication to education, social welfare and empowerment of women.

The President also held a bilateral meeting with her Timorese counterpart, underlining the strong connection and cooperation between the two democratic nations, and discussed opportunities for enhancing bilateral ties.

Both the leaders also discussed the possibility of East Timor joining the International Solar Alliance.

Earlier this week, President Murmu visited Fiji and New Zealand during her three-nation visit, where she discussed bilateral ties and cooperation across various sectors.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said earlier this week that the State Visit by President Murmu to Fiji, New Zealand and Timor-Leste underscores the importance India attaches to its bilateral relations with these countries and reflects New Delhi's strong focus on the Act East policy, which was announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the ninth East Asia Summit in 2014.

 Prez Murmu holds bilateral talks with Timorese PM; addresses Indian diaspora

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Rajeev Sen heads to Goa with ex-wife Charu Asopa, daughter to celebrate his birthday

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ctress Charu Asopa, who predominantly works in television, was seen heading to Goa on Saturday to ring in the birthday celebrations of her ex-husband Rajeev Sen.

The two were spotted at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport along with their daughter Ziana. The two posed for the paparazzi stationed at the airport.

While Rajeev donned a solid dark teal coloured t-shirt which he paired with black joggers, Charu was seen wearing a black bodycon dress with long sleeves.

Earlier, Rajeev, who is the brother of Bollywood actress Sushmita Sen, had shared pictures from his mother's 73rd birthday celebration, which included special moments with his ex-wife and their daughter.

In one of the family photos, Rajeev was seen with his mother, Subhra Sen, Sushmita, her children, and other family members. Sushmita's rumoured boyfriend, Rohman Shawl was also seen in the picture.

Charu also shared a couple of photos with her ex-mother-in-law and ex-husband.

Charu, who is known for 'Devon Ke Dev...Mahadev', 'Baalveer', 'Mere Angne Mein' and 'Jiji Maa', married Rajeev in June 2019. They welcomed their daughter Ziana in November 2021. However, they were often in the news over compatibility issues.

Rajeev and Charu may have parted ways, but they ensure that their daughter Ziana receives love from both her parents. They are often seen spending quality time together in Dubai or going on holidays after their divorce in 2023.

Charu was earlier married to a Marwari businessman from Rajasthan in the year 2007. They parted ways in November 2016 due to compatibility issues. She was then in a relationship with fellow actor Neeraj Malviya. The couple got engaged in Rajasthan. However, the engagement was called off in 2017.

On the work front, the actress was last seen in the role of Mridula Chauhan in the television show 'Kaisa Hai Yeh Rishta Anjana'.

 Rajeev Sen heads to Goa with ex-wife Charu Asopa, daughter to celebrate his birthday

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PM Modi's day-long visit rekindles hope amid despair in landslide-ravaged Wayanad (Roundup)

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rime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday returned to Delhi after visiting the landslide-struck Wayanad in Kerala where he took stock of the overall situation in the aftermath of the disaster, met and interacted with survivors, besides holding crucial meetings with top officials , including Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan.

PM Modi returned to Delhi from the Kannur airport at around 6.10 p.m. -- three hours late -- according to his earlier announced schedule.

PM Modi arrived at the Kannur airport on Saturday morning and was received by Kerala Governor Arif Mohammed Khan, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and top Central and state government officials.

From there, he boarded a helicopter and before touching down in Wayanad, he undertook an aerial inspection of four villages which were the worst-hit in the tragedy that took place on July 30 which left 416 dead and over 150 missing.

PM Modi's first visit was to the damaged G.V.H.S. School in Vellarmala.

"How many children lost their loved ones," an emotional PM Modi asked Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and Union Minister Suresh Gopi who were accompanying him. An Inter-Ministerial Central Team (IMCT) was also present and has been camping in the affected areas for the last three days.

PM Modi was also deeply moved by seeing the damage the school has suffered and sought details from CM Vijayan about the rehabilitation of the landslide victims.

G.V.H.S. School in Vellarmala had 582 students, of which 27 students are reportedly missing.

The Prime Minister spent 15 minutes at the school and also inquired about the plans for a new school building.

His next stop was at St. Joseph's School where a relief camp has been set up. PM Modi met the survivors there who submitted that they felt "happy and reassured" after meeting the Prime Minister.

"I am extremely happy after PM Modi spoke to me and assured me that the administration is with every one of us. I spoke to him (PM Modi) in Malayalam and someone was translating. I don't have a home. After hearing me, PM Modi told me not to worry. He has assured all of us, and we feel happy about it. We all felt reassured," said Ayyapan, a Wayanad resident.

Ayyapan further said that Union Minister Suresh Gopi also assured the survivors that everyone's needs will be fulfilled.

"I am feeling much relieved after meeting PM Modi," said Ayyapan, who lost his immediate family members in the landslide.

Many survivors also got emotional and shed tears while meeting PM Modi.

The Prime Minister was also seen consoling women, men and children while listening to their stories of suffering and losses.

Among those who interacted with PM Modi also included a 16-year-old boy, Hani, who lost 11 of his family members.

PM Modi also met the 11-year-old Lavanya, who lost all her near and dear ones.

"He asked me in detail about the current situation, and how people have been dealing with this tragedy. I told him that they were being given counselling sessions as most of them were still in shock. Then the PM asked if there were adequate counsellors. I responded in the affirmative," said Dr. Charlie, who was present at the hospital, and got an opportunity to interact with the Prime Minister.

PM Modi's next stop was a local hospital where he met patients.

He also interacted with 8-year-old Avanthika, who has lost all family members except her grandmother.

"I have only seen PM Modi on TV but today, I saw him in front of me. He asked me what I want

... I did not say anything," said Avanthika.

The Prime Minister also spoke to Arun, who had struggled for survival for over six hours in deep mud but finally managed to escape.

PM Modi also spoke to a woman doctor from Orissa, Sukyarth, who, along with her husband, had come for a holiday when tragedy struck on July 30. Sukyarth's husband, also a doctor, remains missing.

Before winding up his day-long visit to the landslide-ravaged Wayanad, PM Modi chaired a special review meeting at the makeshift PMO office at the Wayanad Collectorate.

PM Modi, after going through a detailed presentation by Chief Secretary V. Venu, told those present at the meeting that he has seen similar tragedies, and is well-aware of the feelings and emotions of the affected.

The Prime Minister also asked for a detailed memorandum to be submitted to his office.

Kerala Forest Minister A.K. Saseendran who took part in the review meeting said that PM Modi has assured of all support, and will stand with Kerala.

"He (PM Modi) has asked for a detailed report. We will submit it at the earliest. His words were confidence-inspiring," said Saseendran.

Kerala Revenue Minister K. Rajan said that "PM Modi listened to everything we had to say".

"He heard us very patiently and spoke of his experience of what he saw during the Gujarat earthquake. The Chief Secretary submitted a detailed presentation. CM Vijayan submitted that 'the Centre should do its best and appropriately handle our memorandum'," said Rajan.

PM Modi then left Wayanad on a helicopter and reached the Kannur airport.

He was seen off by Governor Khan, CM Vijayan and other top Central and state officials.

Leader of Opposition V.D. Satheesan said he appeared confident that "the visit of the Prime Minister has turned out to be a successful one", and he expects due consideration.

"Even though there are technical issues about declaring the tragedy as a national disaster, the need of the hour is a total comprehensive package for the survivors who have undergone untold miseries and trauma," said Satheesan.

 PM Modi's day-long visit rekindles hope amid despair in landslide-ravaged Wayanad (Roundup)

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Another discussion about reorganizing board leadership turned into a war of words late Monday, with one member asking aloud: Its become a situation of Why am I even here if everything I say is going turn into an argument and nothing productives going to happen?
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There has always been a risk of fake articles appearing on Wikipedia. Heres just one example: for a time, the page of a Northern Irish radio presenter stated that he had been a promising break-dancer, but that his career as a dancer had been cut short by a spinal injury. But this was just trolling. Sometimes, however, the fake information is for promotional purposes or to spread disinformation. Wikipedia has a long tradition of tackling such problems. Its committed community of 265,000 active volunteers has kept these problems under control. But the rise of content generated by artificial intelligence (AI) is posing new challenges.

With more than 16 billion visits per month, Wikipedias prestige is beyond question. Thats why its the best place to insert disinformation or marketing messages from companies or individuals. And with AI, credible texts can be generated at will, easily and effortlessly.

Following the launch of ChatGPT, the site expanded its machine learning team. Wikipedia co-founder Jimmy Wales has said that AI is both an opportunity and a threat. And in its latest fundraising campaign, it highlighted the platforms role in the age of artificial intelligence.

Miguel Angel Garcia, a Wikimedia Spain partner and former board member, admits that he has already come across texts that are suspected of having been generated with AI. We have noticed that new editors appear who want to add content. And they add very extensive and highly developed content, which is unusual. Because when you are a volunteer starting out, you build the articles little by little. You go paragraph by paragraph.

Garcia knows these patterns well. He started contributing to Wikipedia in 2006, when he was in high school. He would correct the occasional spelling mistake or make obvious grammatical changes. He created his first article because he had written a paper about his parents village, Campaspera, near the Spanish city of Valladolid. There was no information about this town on the site, so he uploaded his text with photos he had taken himself.

Since artificial intelligence has existed, more and more volunteers are appearing who give you a giant text, apparently well-structured and well-developed. But then you read it, and discover the redundancies that a person is often able to detect in texts made with artificial intelligence, says Garcia, referring to taglines and a certain way of presenting information, with hackneyed introductions and conclusions.

Such texts risk getting lost in an ocean of more than 62 million articles in more than 300 languages. Chris Albon, director of Machine Learning at the Wikimedia Foundation, which controls Wikipedia, points out that since 2002 some volunteers have used AI tools, especially in redundant tasks. Technology is no stranger to them. And the key to controlling inappropriate texts lies precisely in the community of volunteers, who moderate the content. They not only write texts, they also edit them and determine which ones may not be valuable.

In this new era of artificial intelligence, the strength of this human-led model of content moderation is more relevant. Wikipedias model, based on debate, consensus and strict rules for citing [sources], has proven resilient in maintaining content quality over the past two decades, says Albon. All texts must be referenced with secondary sources, i.e. links to pages on other websites.

Suspicious surge following ChatGPT

If an article has no sources, the community of volunteers detects this and takes action. In most cases, articles are deleted instantly, because with just two clicks you can detect that the text is completely pointless. If not, they are usually marked to be automatically deleted within a maximum period of 30 days if the author is unable to prove what is written with sources, explains Garcia.

The Wikimedia Spain partner says that when ChatGPT emerged, there was a peak of AI-generated texts that were uploaded to the site. But now the trend has stabilized thanks to the efforts of the community. For his part, Albon says that we have to learn to live with these tools. Wikipedias approach to AI has always been that people edit, improve and audit the work that AI does. Volunteers create the policies for the responsible use of AI tools on Wikipedia and monitor their correct application, he says. The site does not penalize the use of artificial intelligence in texts, but rather those that do not meet the quality required by its policies.

According to Garcia, the biggest risk for Wikipedia comes from outside of Wikipedia. The platform relies on secondary sources. I see a medium-term problem in relation to possible AI-generated texts that become apparently reliable sources in the real world. More and more digital newspapers are emerging that publish almost anything. There comes a point where there are people who want to reference texts with these pseudo-media outlets, he says.

The solution, like almost everything on the platform, lies with the editors. If volunteers detect that a site is unreliable, the community can decide to blacklist it. This has happened with established media outlets, including the Daily Mail. A few years ago, the British tabloid was banned from being used as a source because it had repeatedly published unverified information.

Wikipedia vs AI chatbots

There is another concern regarding the future of Wikipedia in the era of artificial intelligence. In a hypothetical scenario where chatbots, such as ChatGPT or Google Gemini, resolve user queries with a summary, who will visit Wikipedia articles? And more importantly, who will edit them?

If there is a disconnect between where knowledge is generated, such as on Wikipedia, and where it is consumed, such as on ChatGPT, we risk losing a generation of volunteers, Albon reasons.

Connecting knowledge-rich sites to AI chatbots that extract and replicate it is also of general concern. Without clear attribution and links to the original source from which information was obtained, AI applications risk introducing an unprecedented amount of misinformation into the world. Users will not be able to easily distinguish between accurate information and hallucinations. We have been thinking a lot about this challenge and believe that the solution is attribution, says Wikimedias Machine Learning Director.

The timing is ironic. Because, as we know, applications like ChatGPT or Google Gemini are based on systems that have been trained on Wikipedia content. Thus, part of the knowledge acquired by large language models (LLM) comes from those millions and millions of articles uploaded and edited by volunteers.

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The AIM-HI Accelerator Fund today announces Margaret Foti, PhD, MD (hc), Chief Executive Officer of the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR), is selected unanimously by the 2024 Blue Ribbon Selection Committee as the recipient of the 2024 Beacon Award for Women Leaders in Oncology, from a pool of outstanding global nominees.

The Beacon Award for Women Leaders in Oncology was established in 2022 by the AIM-HI Accelerator Fund and sponsored by the National Foundation for Cancer Research (NFCR). The Beacon Award recognizes outstanding women leaders in health and life sciences who have significantly impacted cancer treatment, detection, and diagnosis for patients worldwide.

Dr. Foti has served as the CEO of AACR for more than 42 years. During this time, she has led the growth and transformation of AACR from a relatively small professional association into the leading international scientific organization focused on basic, translational, and clinical cancer research. AACR currently has more than 59,000 members across 143 countries.

Throughout her career, Dr. Foti has been a powerful voice and advocate for women and underrepresented minority groups in science. As a result of her leadership, 45% of AACR members are women, 11% are from underrepresented minority groups, and 22% hail from countries with emerging economies.

In addition to expanding AACR's membership to include a diverse base of scientific professionals, Dr. Foti has actively engaged with the public and private sectors to foster advances in cancer science and medicine for the benefit of patients worldwide. One of the critical programs Dr. Foti helped found is the AACR ScientistSurvivor Program. Now in its 26th year, this unique program builds bridges and unity among the leaders of the scientific and cancer survivor and patient advocacy communities worldwide through communication and collaboration.

Under Dr. Foti's guidance, AACR has significantly expanded its portfolio of high-impact journals from one to 10 journals, which are instrumental in disseminating cutting-edge cancer research to the global scientific community. Dr. Foti's leadership was also instrumental in the publication of two landmark annual reports, the AACR Cancer Progress Report and the AACR Cancer Disparities Progress Report, which showcase how research continues to extend and improve lives and which highlight the critical need for increased federal funding to accelerate the pace of progress against cancer.

"As the CEO & Co-Founder of the AIM-HI Accelerator Fund, CEO of the National Foundation for Cancer Research, I have the unique privilege to work alongside some of the most accomplished, innovative, and respected leaders in cancer research and the fields of oncology. Dr. Foti epitomizes the attributes of impactful leadership and everything we at AIM-HI and NFCR seek to recognize in a Beacon Award recipient. I have known of the unwavering work of Dr. Foti for many years and have high respect for the impacts she has made on cancer research, science, and patient care worldwide," said Dr. Sujuan Ba, Ph.D., President and CEO of the AIM-HI Accelerator Fund and National Foundation for Cancer Research and Co-Chair of the 2024 Beacon Award Selection Committee.

"Over the span of her career at AACR, Dr. Foti has become one of the most influential leaders in cancer science and research. As a former President of AACR, I have witnessed firsthand that she is an innovator, an advocate for patients, and a champion for under-represented scientists. Dr. Foti is tireless in her efforts to move the field, not only for AACR but also for the global cancer science and research community. No one deserves this award more than she does," said Dr. Webster K. Cavenee, Ph.D., Distinguished Professor Emeritus at the University of California San Diego and Co-Chair of the 2024 Beacon Award Selection Committee.

"I am deeply honored to be named the 2024 Beacon Award for Women Leaders in Oncology recipient. This recognition is a testament to the relentless dedication and groundbreaking work of our members and entire team at AACR, as well as our partners in the cancer research community. Together, we are committed to accelerating the pace of scientific discovery and translating these findings into effective treatments that improve the lives of patients worldwide. This award inspires us to continue pushing the boundaries of innovation and collaboration in our ongoing fight against cancer. I would like to thank the Beacon Award Selection Committee and extend my heartfelt gratitude to AIM-HI Accelerator Fund and the National Foundation for Cancer Research for this prestigious acknowledgment and for their unwavering support of cancer research," said Margaret Foti, Ph.D., M.D. (h.c.), Chief Executive Officer of the American Association for Cancer Research.

Dr. Foti will be honored as the 2024 AIM-HI Beacon Award recipient at a luncheon ceremony at the National Press Club in Washington, DC, on October 18, 2024. The award ceremony is part of the 2024 Global Summit and Award Ceremonies for Cancer Research & Entrepreneurship, which brings together world-renowned leaders in cancer research and drug development, business leaders, investors, government officials, supporters, and patient advocates.

2024 Beacon Award for Women Leaders in Oncology Selection Committee:

Sujuan Ba, Ph.D., Co-Chair, CEO & Co-Founder, AIM-HI Accelerator Fund; President & CEO, National Foundation for Cancer Research

Webster Cavenee, Ph.D., Co-Chair, Distinguished Professor Emeritus, University of California San Diego

Bahija Jallal, Ph.D., CEO & Director of the Board, Immunocore

Raju Kucherlapati, Ph.D., Paul C. Cabot Professor of Genetics & Professor of Medicine, Harvard Medical School

Patricia Obermaier, MBA, Chief Growth Officer, Global Health and Life Sciences, Microsoft

Libia Scheller, Ph.D., MBA, Global Head Oncology-Cooperative Groups & Strategic Alliances, Bayer Health Care Pharmaceuticals

Thea Tlsty, Ph.D., Professor, Department of Pathology and Director of the Center for Translational Research in the Molecular Genetics of Cancer, UCSF

The Past Recipients of the Beacon Award for Women Leaders in Oncology:
Everyone has moments of forgetfulness from time to time, especially as we get older. But older adults don't just have difficulty remembering new information. They also have a harder time modifying those memories when new details emerge. Yet, little is known about the mechanisms behind memory updating and how those mechanisms go awry with age.

A team of researchers from Penn State has identified an enzyme that contributes to age-related impairments in memory updating. When blocked, older mice were better able to incorporate new information and performed similarly to their younger counterparts. The researchers said the findings, which published in Frontiers in Molecular Neuroscience, may lead to the development of potential therapeutic targets for improving cognitive flexibility in old age.

It's important to understand what's happening at a molecular level during a memory update because, as humans, most of our memories are updates. We're constantly building on things we already know and modifying existing memories. But no one has really looked to see if the mechanisms behind memory formation and memory updating are identical or if they are unique for memory updating. This is a step forward in figuring that out." Janine Kwapis, assistant professor of biology and senior author of the paper

When a memory forms, the brain rewires itself to keep that memory in place through a process called consolidation. Cells express proteins at the synapse, the gap between neurons that allows communication between nerve cells, linking together the cells activated when the memory formed. When the memory is recalled, those cells then fire together at the same time.

"When you're presented with new information, you have to bring that existing memory out of storage and weaken it so it's ready to take on new information. Once the new information is learned and those new neurons are incorporated, the updated memory is solidified and stored again," Kwapis said. Kwapis noted that this process, called reconsolidation, becomes less effective with age.

In this study, the research team wanted to understand why it's harder to update memories with normal aging. If they could enhance gene expression during reconsolidation, could they enhance the memory update too?

To test this, they blocked histone deacetylase 3 (HDAC3), an enzyme that regulates gene transcription, the process of copying information from a DNA segment into RNA that will ultimately make a functional protein. HDAC3 has been shown to negatively affect memory formation and gene expression during consolidation but the researchers said its role in memory reconsolidation wasn't previously studied.

"HDAC3 typically tightens up the chromatin, a complex of DNA and proteins, and makes it hard for transcription to happen," said Chad Smies, a doctoral student in biology and first author of the paper. "If we block this enzymatic activity from happening, it may help maintain a more open chromatin state and improve gene expression."

When HDAC3 was blocked during the memory reconsolidation phase, it prevented the typical age-related deficits in memory updating. Older mice performed as well as their younger counterparts during a memory update task.

The team used a methodology called the objects in updated locations paradigm, which Kwapis developed specifically to test memory updating. It includes three phases: a training session where mice learn two locations of identical objects; an update session where one of the objects is moved to a new location; and a test session where the objects are placed in four separate locations -; the original two training locations, the updated location and a completely novel location.

"Mice like novelty so if they have good memory for the training session or the update session, they'll explore the novel object location more," Smies said. "But if they have poor memory, they tend to explore the previously learned locations equally as the new location."

By identifying molecular mechanisms like HDAC3, the research team said they hope to provide potential therapeutic targets for improving cognitive flexibility in old age.

"If these mechanisms improve memory in normal aging, they could potentially help with conditions like Alzheimer's disease and dementia too," Kwapis said.

Other Penn State authors on the paper include Lauren Bellfy, doctoral student in the molecular, cellular and integrative biosciences, and Chad Brunswick, doctoral student in the neuroscience program. Destiny Wright and Sofia Bennetts, who were undergraduate students at Penn State during the time of the research; Mark Urban, a postdoctoral scholar at Penn State during the time of the research; and Guanhua Shu, who was a graduate student at Harvard University at the time of the research, also contributed to the paper.

Funding from the National Institute on Aging, Hevolution/American Federation for Aging Research and the Penn State Paul Berg Early Career Professorship funded this research.
Pregnant and postpartum women with depression and anxiety have a slightly better chance of getting psychotherapy these days, a new study finds. And they are paying less of their own money when they do.

The changes in care and cost happened mainly after the Affordable Care Act took effect in 2014, and to a lesser extent after the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act, or MHPAEA, took effect in 2010, the analysis shows.

Both laws aimed at reducing insurance-related barriers to mental health care.

Even so, only about 10% of women with private insurance who had a mental health diagnosis of anxiety or depression during pregnancy or during their postpartum year received psychotherapy in 2019 to 2020, according to the new analysis.

And with 25% of pregnant women and new mothers having at least one of these mental health diagnoses in 2019, up from 14% in 2007, that means a lot of women did not get the evidence-based care that could help both them and their babies.

The findings from the Maternal Behavioral Health Policy Evaluation Study (MAPLE) are published in JAMA Network Open by a University of Michigan team.

The gap between mental and physical health care closed slightly over time, and cost barriers decreased marginally." Kara Zivin, Ph.D., lead author

But these positive trends happened slowly even after insurance laws changed, likely due to a combination of a shortage of mental health care providers, underdiagnosis of pregnancy-related mental health conditions, and stigma against seeking mental health help.

"In this high-risk population, and in the context of what we know about the impact of mental health conditions on maternal mortality, many people get missed," said Zivin, a professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Michigan Medicine, U-M's academic medical center.

"Even among the 50% of women with depression and anxiety diagnoses who attended psychotherapy during this study period, individuals on average only had one visit," she added.

Studying health policy impacts

Zivin and her colleagues focused on the impact of health policy changes for women with perinatal mood and anxiety disorders.

They used sophisticated statistical methods to examine what happened after the MHPAEA and ACA each took effect. Both laws included provisions designed to require insurers to cover mental health care and physical health care equally and to treat mental health as an essential benefit.

In general, women's chances of receiving psychotherapy began to rise after the MHPAEA and increased even more after the ACA.

The new study also shows wide variation in average out-of-pocket costs for women who received psychotherapy at least once, depending on what time of year they received it.

Those whose appointments happened in the first months of the year paid on average more than $50 out of pocket, compared with under $25 for those who received care during the last month of 2018 and 2019.

The analysis showed that this seasonal variation increased after the Affordable Care Act took effect. Society-wide increases in employer-sponsored and ACA marketplace high-deductible health plans may have contributed to the variation in out-of-pocket costs throughout a calendar year. Such plans require the insured person to pay the full cost of care at the start of each coverage year until they reach the amount set as their plan's deductible.

More about the study

Zivin and her colleagues looked at data from more than 716,000 women between the ages of 15 and 44 who gave birth between the start of 2007 and the end of 2019 in the US, for a total of more than 837,000 births. All were continuously enrolled in a single private health insurance plan for at least a year before and after they gave birth.

The team focused on those who had a mental health diagnosis during the two years surrounding their deliveries. Within this group, they looked at those who used insurance to pay for at least one psychotherapy visit with a mental health provider.

The findings build on the team's recently published work showing other trends in mental health diagnosis and care in the perinatal period, including increases in antidepressant treatment.

The new study does not include women covered by Medicaid, who tend to have lower incomes and account for 42% of births in the United States.

Nor does the study include women who did not use insurance to pay for psychotherapy, for instance because they saw a mental health provider who does not accept insurance at all, or who does not participate in an insurance plan's network.

That kind of "private pay" situation does not appear in the data source that the team used, Optum's deidentified Clinformatics Data Mart Database.

More research needed

Zivin notes that the data in this study come mostly from a time before the COVID-19 pandemic, when insurers began or increased coverage for tele-mental health care.

Further research on data from 2020 onward should examine whether telehealth access increased the percentage of pregnant and postpartum women receiving psychotherapy, she says -- for instance, if they live in areas with severe shortages of mental health providers.

Zivin also comments that insurance-related national health care laws cannot directly address the ongoing shortage of mental health providers.

That shortage stems in part from the exact issue that mental health parity laws aim to address: decades of differences in mental health care and physical health care coverage under both private insurance and public programs such as Medicaid and Medicare.

In addition to Zivin, the study's authors include senior author Vanessa Dalton, M.D., M.P.H., and co-authors Xiaosong Zhang, M.S., Anca Tilea, M.A., Stephanie V. Hall, Ph.D., Lindsay Admon, M.D., M.Sc. and Ashlee Vance, Ph.D.

Zivin is a member of the Center for Clinical Management Research at the VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System; she, Admon and Dalton are members of the U-M Institute for Healthcare Policy and Innovation. Vance, a former National Clinician Scholar at IHPI, is now at Henry Ford Health.

The National Institute of Mental Health (R01MH120124) and the National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities (R01MD014958) funded this study.
A key question that remains in biology and biophysics is how three-dimensional tissue shapes emerge during animal development. Research teams from the Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics (MPI-CBG) in Dresden, Germany, the Excellence Cluster Physics of Life (PoL) at the TU Dresden, and the Center for Systems Biology Dresden (CSBD) have now found a mechanism by which tissues can be "programmed" to transition from a flat state to a three-dimensional shape. To accomplish this, the researchers looked at the development of the fruit fly Drosophila and its wing disc pouch, which transitions from a shallow dome shape to a curved fold and later becomes the wing of an adult fly. The researchers developed a method to measure three-dimensional shape changes and analyze how cells behave during this process. Using a physical model based on shape-programming, they found that the movements and rearrangements of cells play a key role in shaping the tissue. This study, published in Science Advances, shows that the shape programming method could be a common way to show how tissues form in animals.

Epithelial tissues are layers of tightly connected cells and make up the basic structure of many organs. To create functional organs, tissues change their shape in three dimensions. While some mechanisms for three-dimensional shapes have been explored, they are not sufficient to explain the diversity of animal tissue forms. For example, during a process in the development of a fruit fly called wing disc eversion, the wing transitions from a single layer of cells to a double layer. How the wing disc pouch undergoes this shape change from a radially symmetric dome into a curved fold shape is unknown.

The research groups of Carl Modes, group leader at the MPI-CBG and the CSBD, and Natalie Dye, group leader at PoL and previously affiliated with MPI-CBG, wanted to find out how this shape change occurs. "To explain this process, we drew inspiration from "shape-programmable" inanimate material sheets, such as thin hydrogels, that can transform into three-dimensional shapes through internal stresses when stimulated," explains Natalie Dye, and continues: "These materials can change their internal structure across the sheet in a controlled way to create specific three-dimensional shapes. This concept has already helped us understand how plants grow. Animal tissues, however, are more dynamic, with cells that change shape, size, and position."

To see if shape programming could be a mechanism to understand animal development, the researchers measured tissue shape changes and cell behaviors during the Drosophila wing disc eversion, when the dome shape transforms into a curved fold shape.

Using a physical model, we showed that collective, programmed cell behaviors are sufficient to create the shape changes seen in the wing disc pouch. This means that external forces from surrounding tissues are not needed, and cell rearrangements are the main driver of pouch shape change." Jana Fuhrmann, postdoctoral fellow in the research group of Natalie Dye

To confirm that rearranged cells are the main reason for pouch eversion, the researchers tested this by reducing cell movement, which in turn caused problems with the tissue shaping process.

Abhijeet Krishna, a doctoral student in the group of Carl Modes at the time of the study, explains: "The new models for shape programmability that we developed are connected to different types of cell behaviors. These models include both uniform and direction-dependent effects. While there were previous models for shape programmability, they only looked at one type of effect at a time. Our models combine both types of effects and link them directly to cell behaviors."

Natalie Dye and Carl Modes conclude: "We discovered that internal stress brought on by active cell behaviors is what shapes the Drosophila wing disc pouch during eversion. Using our new method and a theoretical framework derived from shape-programmable materials, we were able to measure cell patterns on any tissue surface. These tools help us understand how animal tissue transforms their shape and size in three dimensions. Overall, our work suggests that early mechanical signals help organize how cells behave, which later leads to changes in tissue shape. Our work illustrates principles that could be used more widely to better understand other tissue-shaping processes."
A new study has revealed important information about how a patient's testosterone level can help protect them from severe Covid-19.

Previous research involving Swansea University investigated how sex hormones are likely to be important determinants of Covid-19 severity.

Now digit ratio expert Professor John Manning, of the Applied Sports, Technology, Exercise and Medicine (A-STEM) research team, has been working with colleagues in Poland and Sweden to look more closely at the subject.

He says their findings, which have just been published by prestigious online journal Andrology, could have significant implications for public health and future treatments.

Professor Manning said: "Covid-19 varies markedly in its severity across both nations and individuals. It is most severe in elderly men. This has led to suggestions that testosterone may influence severity. However, it is unclear whether testosterone increases or decreases severity.

"In collaboration with colleagues in Poland and Sweden, we have been looking at testosterone-dependent finger patterns in hospitalized patients compared to controls."

He explained there are two opposing explanations - the low-androgen-driven and high-androgen-driven theories. The first theory implicates high testosterone as aiding infection by the virus, but the latter theory argues that is the low levels of testosterone found in elderly men which increases their inflammatory immune response to Covid, resulting in a poor prognosis.

For this new research the team looked at sex differences in relative digit length in hospitalized patients and controls. It is thought that sex differences in relative digit lengths arise as the result of exposure to testosterone and/or estrogen in the womb or at puberty. Long index-fingers are thought to relate to low testosterone/high estrogen and long little-fingers to high testosterone/low estrogen.

The study, conducted in the Medical University of Lodz, Poland, considered two samples taken before and after vaccination was widely available. In both samples, hospitalized patients had short little fingers relative to controls.

The patients had digit ratios that indicated low testosterone before and after birth. The pattern was present at the beginning of the pandemic and after widespread vaccination. This means we can conclude that testosterone is protective against severe Covid-19. The effect may arise because the hormone reduces inflammation in the lungs and other organs. The findings have public health and treatment implications." Professor John Manning, Applied Sports, Technology, Exercise, and Medicine (A-STEM), Swansea University
With NASA data showing that July 22, 2024, was the hottest day on record and indications that July may have been the hottest month, an Annenberg Public Policy Center survey conducted in mid-July found that most people know three of the symptoms of a heat-related illness but do not know the location of their nearest cooling center. At the same time, increasing numbers of people think that heat waves are becoming more frequent and intense and affecting their daily activities.

Knowledge of cooling centers in the case of extreme heat

Although the locations of cooling centers, or indoor air-conditioned facilities such as libraries, community and senior centers, schools are publicized by city governments on hot days, many of those surveyed report being unaware of where to find one. Two-thirds of respondents (67%) say they do not know the location of a cooling center to which they could go to in case of extreme heat, a number statistically unchanged from last November. "Communities must do a better job of making the public, especially the most vulnerable, aware of these centers," said Ken Winneg, managing director of survey research at APPC.

More today see link between extreme heat and climate change.

When compared with an APPC survey in November 2023, significantly more people now say that climate change is increasing the risk of heat-related illnesses, respiratory diseases, and insect-borne diseases. Two-thirds (67%) hold this view vs. just under 6 in 10 (58%) in November 2023.

More people indicate that heat waves in the United States are becoming more frequent and intense than in the past. About two-thirds (65%) believe heat waves are becoming more frequent and intense. Fifty-eight percent (58%) felt this way in November 2023, when we last asked the question. About a quarter (24%) believe heat waves are about as frequent and intense as they have always been, statistically unchanged from our earlier survey.

At the same time, the proportion of people who say extreme heat has often or frequently affected their typical daily activities in the past year has increased significantly. Forty-three percent (43%) say extreme outdoor heat has often (22%) or frequently (21%) affected their daily activities, an 8-point increase compared with November 2023 (35% in total said either "often" or "frequently").

Signs of heat-related illnesses

Notably, most people also know three of the telltale signs of heat-related illnesses:

Dizziness (89% compared to 86% in August 2022)

Nausea (83% compared to 79% in August 2022)

Hot, red, dry, or damp skin (72%, statistically unchanged from August 2022)

Cold, pale, and clammy skin (42%, statistically unchanged from August 2022).

Public understands some extreme heat risks better than others

Thinking about the next 10 years, just under 6 in 10 (58%) think that people in their community will be more likely to experience heat stroke caused by extreme heat waves. This is significantly higher than in November 2023 when just over half (52%) said they thought people in their community would be more likely to experience heat stroke caused by extreme heat waves in the next 10 years.

However, only 3 in 10 (30%) know that a pregnant person in the U.S. who is exposed to extreme heat is more likely to deliver their baby early than a pregnant person who is not exposed to extreme heat. About a quarter (23%) incorrectly say that a pregnant person in the U.S. is either less or just as likely to deliver a baby early. Forty-seven percent (47%) are unsure which is correct.

Broad awareness that heat-related deaths are most common among seniors

Two-thirds (67%) know that heat-related deaths are most common among older adults, aged 65 or older, slightly but significantly higher than in August 2022 (62%).

Preventing heat-related illnesses

Nearly all (92%) know that drinking water is better to prevent heat-related illnesses than drinking sugary drinks.

APPC's ASAPH survey

The survey data come from the 20th wave of a nationally representative panel of 1,496 U.S. adults, first empaneled in April 2021, conducted for the Annenberg Public Policy Center by SSRS, an independent market research company. This wave of the Annenberg Science and Public Health Knowledge (ASAPH) survey was fielded July 11-18, 2024, and has a margin of sampling error (MOE) of  3.6 percentage points at the 95% confidence level. All figures are rounded to the nearest whole number and may not add to 100%. Combined subcategories may not add to totals in the topline and text due to rounding.
KYODO NEWS - Aug 10, 2024 - 21:14 | All, Japan

Hotels and ryokan, Japanese-style inns, in coastal areas in central and western Japan, have been hit by hundreds of cancellations following the weather agency's advisory over a potential megaquake issued at the peak of the summer holiday season.

Sansuien, a ryokan in Kochi Prefecture, western Japan, reported that bookings for around 450 guests were canceled on Friday, just one day after the Japan Meteorological Agency issued an advisory, the first of its kind, on an elevated risk of a powerful earthquake in the Nankai Trough, which runs along the Pacific coast

Most of those who canceled their reservations cited fears of traveling, according to Kazuhiro Kamata, an official of the inn. "While I understand their feelings, it is a tough situation (for us)," Kamata said.

In the Shizuoka Prefecture city of Shimoda, located at the tip of Izu Peninsula, reservations for a total of over 550 people have been canceled. It is estimated that up to a 33-meter tsunami would hit the area in the event of the Nankai Trough megaquake.

Toshihito Okumura, an official at a local ryokan cooperative association based around the famous Dogo hot spring area in Matsuyama in the western Japan prefecture of Ehime, said he expects at least 1,000 cancellations in the week through next Thursday.

"The fallout is expected to continue for a while," Okumura said.

In Shirahama in Wakayama Prefecture, its famous white sand beach was closed, and a fireworks festival was also called off.

According to the prefectural government, one hotel was flooded with telephone calls asking whether it was safe to stay and was hit with 350 cancellations.

Shigeki Yamashita of the local tourism association said it was unfortunate that the advisory came "at a time with the most number of tourists in a year."

Beaches were also closed, and swimming was banned in other areas that could be impacted by a Nankai Trough megaquake, including in Shizuoka and Mie prefectures.

Meanwhile, the Kumano Kodo Center in Mie, which displays materials related to UNESCO-designated World Heritage Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range, decided to close through Thursday, even though it is located on higher ground.

An official of the center said they already had plans to close in the event of a Nankai Trough advisory, given that the facility is close to the sea and that surrounding roads connecting to the building are expected to be flooded.

Related coverage:

Japan summer holidays in full swing amid megaquake caution

Japan urges public not to hoard disaster kits amid megaquake fear

Japan braces for potential massive quake after M7.1 temblor
The National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS) has issued a notice explaining the normalisation procedure for the preparation of the results of the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) PG 2024. The NEET PG 2024 exam is scheduled to be conducted tomorrow August 11.

According to NBEMS, the NEET PG 2024 scores would be generated using a normalisation process similar to that used by the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi. This approach is also utilised for the AIIMS Institute of National Importance Combined Entrance Test (INI-CET).

The NBEMS stated in its official notice that it has adopted the process which is currently being used by AIIMS-New Delhi for its various examinations conducted in more than one shift, including but not limited to INI-CET, in preparation of result for NEET-PG 2024.

The NBEMS additionally cited a notification from AIIMS Delhi dated January 20, 2023, which said that the Percentile score is considered as the Normalised Score for the examination. The notification from AIIMS New Delhi went on to say that in order to avoid bunching and break ties between applicants, the percentile results for the test will be computed to seven decimal places.

This scoring approach assigns a percentage of 100 to the highest score attained in each shift. This implies that the highest scorer for each shift will have a percentile that represents the 100% of applicants who scored at or below their level.To ensure a clear distinction between applicants throughout shifts, each top score will be given a percentile of 100 within its particular group or shift.

The NBEMSs recent warning comes barely a day after the Supreme Court dismissed a petition to postpone the NEET PG 2024. In addition to bringing up concerns about travel difficulties to the designated exam centres, the petitioners requested for applicants to be made aware of the normalisation methodology for the four sets of question papers in order to prevent any chance of bias in the selection process.
Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Central Noida, Suniti, has been sacked from her post following her inaction on the incident of misbehaviour with a lady and a cab driver named Rupesh Tomar by police officials. This lady (name not disclosed) was coming from somewhere in a cab on August 2. When she reached the destination and was about to step down, as per the reports, the police officials misbehaved with the woman. The names of the officials are Trainee Sub-Inspector Amit Mishra and his two colleagues, Abhinav and Ashish. They even called her a call girl and forcefully took her away in the car. This incident happened in Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh. They also thrashed the cab driver and also snatched Rs 7,000 kept in his car.

Later, when the cab driver complained about this issue to the DCP Central Noida Suniti, she tried to reportedly suppress it for 2 days. Now, she has been removed from the post for suppressing the incident and hiding it from her seniors as well. According to the police chief Laxmi Singh, Shakti Mohan Avasthy has been appointed as the new DCP of Central Noida. This space articulates more comprehensive details about the former DCP of Central Noida.

As per the information provided on the Uttar Pradesh Police website, Suniti is a 2013 batch IPS (Indian Police Service) officer. She lives in Chandigarh and was born on November 18, 1986. It is also mentioned on the website that she has completed her BTech (Bachelor of Technology) in Computer Science. She is presently appointed as the SP rank, that is, Superintendent of Police and is currently posted in the Police Commissionerate Gautam Buddh Nagar.

Three other officers  Bisrakh police station house officer Arvind Kumar, Gaur City-1 outpost in-charge Ramesh Kumar and sub-inspector Mohit  were suspended for not acting on a complaint by the cab driver. As per the senior officials, the matter came to light when cab driver Rupesh Tomar approached the police commissioner directly with a complaint. In the complaint, Rupesh said that Mishra, who was posted under the Bisrakh police station area, allegedly abused him and extorted money from him.
Of late, there has been a spike in demands to declare the Wayanad landslides a national disaster. Several Opposition leaders, including Congress leader and Wayanad MP Rahul Gandhi, have voiced their demands.

At least 226 people died and many remain unaccounted for after landslides hit the region on July 30 in what is seen as one of the biggest natural disasters to have impacted the southern state. Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Kerala on Saturday to visit the landslides-hit areas of Wayanad district.

Kerala: Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrives at Kannur Airport; received by Governor Arif Mohammed Khan and CM Pinarayi VijayanPM Modi will visit Wayanad to review relief and rehabilitation efforts (Pics source: CMO) pic.twitter.com/sfbP5lm0HU  ANI (@ANI) August 10, 2024

Wayanad MP Rahul Gandhi took to X and thanked PM Modi for taking stock of the affected areas.

Thank you, Modi ji, for visiting Wayanad to personally take stock of the terrible tragedy. This is a good decision.I am confident that once the Prime Minister sees the extent of the devastation firsthand, he will declare it a national disaster.  Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) August 9, 2024

Can Wayanad Tragedy Be Called a Natural Disaster?

However, can the disastrous landslides be declared a natural disaster? According to a 2013 Lok Sabha reply by the then Minister of State for Home, Mullappally Ramachandran, there is no provision to declare a natural disaster as a national disaster.

The reply stated, The Government of India adjudges a calamity of severe nature on a case-to-case basis taking into account inter-alia the intensity and magnitude of the calamity, level of relief assistance, the capacity of the State Government to tackle the problem, the alternatives and flexibility available within the plan to provide succour and relief etc.

The priority is immediate relief and response assistance in the context of a natural calamity. As such there is no fixed prescribed norms. However, for calamity of a severe nature, additional assistance is also considered from the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF), after following the established procedure, it added.

He also stated that state governments concerned were primarily responsible for undertaking necessary rescue and relief measures in the wake of natural disasters.

Centres rescue efforts

The central government took immediate measures following the landslide tragedy in Keralas Wayanad as it deployed more than 1,200 personnel from NDRF, Army, Air Force, Navy, fire services and civil defence among others for rescue and relief operations at the incident site, official sources said on Saturday.

More than 100 ambulances along with doctors and other staff were deployed for medical support and treatment, they added as Prime Minister Narendra Modi visits Wayanad to take stock of the relief and rehabilitation work and meet survivors.

The Indian Army, the sources said, erected a 190-foot Bailey bridge in Wayanad which was crucial in facilitating the movement of heavy machinery and ambulances.

The bridge was completed in 71 hours, significantly enhancing rescue operations by allowing heavy vehicles and machinery to be mobilised to rescue around 200 people who were stranded due to damage to a bridge.

Till now, 30 people have been rescued and 520 evacuated, and 112 bodies recovered by National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) rescue teams, they said.

The sources added that an Inter-Ministerial Central Team (IMCT) has been constituted by the central government to visit the affected areas.

The Centre has always lent a helping hand to Kerala through timely provision of funds to meet the challenge of disaster, the sources said. This year, the Kerala National Disaster Response Force (SDRF) account had around Rs 395 crore on April 1. The first instalment of the central share of SDRF for the ongoing year of over Rs 145.60 crore was released in advance on July 31, they said.

In the last five years, around Rs 1,200 crore has been released by the Modi government as the Centres share in SDRF out of the total State Disaster Response Fund of Rs 1,780 crore.

In addition to this, the government has also released Rs 445 crore for the State Disaster Mitigation Fund in the last five years, they added.
Doctors from across the national capita held candle marches on Saturday, denouncing the murder of a female resident doctor at RG Kar Medical College in Kolkata.

The candle marches, organised at various medical colleges and hospitals, saw doctors holding posters and candles and demanding a CBI inquiry into the death of the 32-year-old woman, whose semi-nude body was found in the seminar hall of the government-run hospital in the West Bengal capital Thursday night.

Dr Dhruv Chauhan, the National Council Member of the Indian Medical Associations Junior Doctors Network, said the incident has raised concerns about the safety of doctors working in hospitals.

This horrific incident has ignited widespread alarm within the medical fraternity nationwide. The fear is so intense that doctors are now concerned about performing their duties unless strict security measures are implemented, he said.

Doctors have been demanding the strict enforcement of the Central Protection Act and increased security in the workplace. If they cannot be safe in their own hospitals and colleges, where can they be safe? How can they ensure the safety of their patients when their own lives are insecure? he asked.

Several resident doctors associations across the city, including those from Hindu Rao Hospital, LNJP Hospital, Safdarjung Hospital, RML Hospital, Maulana Azad Medical College, and the Indian Medical Association have demanded an investigation into the death of the resident doctor.

The candle march was a symbol of our collective outrage and demand for justice. We urge authorities to take swift and severe action against the perpetrators and ensure a safe environment for all.

The next course of action will be decided in our upcoming meeting with all stakeholders, a spokesperson for Federation of Residents Doctors Association said.

The victim, a second-year student of the chest medicine department of the hospital, was on duty when she was apparently attacked and killed.
Asserting that the idea of denying reservation to SCs and STs on account of the creamy layer concept is condemnable, the Congress Saturday said the government should have brought a legislation in Parliament to nullify that part of the Supreme Court judgement that talks about the issue.

Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge said while the party was holding deliberations with intellectuals, experts and NGOs on the Supreme Courts decision allowing states to create sub-categorisation within the SCs and STs and will take a call after detailed discussions, it is opposed to that part which advocates the creamy layer concept.

Earlier this month, a seven-judge bench of the Supreme Court led by Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud ruled in a 6:1 majority judgement that state governments were permitted to sub-classify communities within the SC list based on empirical data.

Supreme Court judge B R Gavai had said states must evolve a policy for identifying the creamy layer even among the Scheduled Castes (SC) and Schedule Tribes (ST) and deny them the benefit of reservation.

Justice Gavai penned a separate but concurring judgement in which the top court by a majority verdict said the states are empowered to make sub-classifications of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes for granting quotas within the reserved category to uplift those who belong to the more underprivileged castes.

Who do you want to benefit by bringing a creamy layer? creamy layer (concept) on one hand you are denying untouchables and giving to those who have enjoyed privileges for thousands of years. I condemn this, Kharge told reporters here.

This issue of creamy layer that has been raised by the seven judges shows that they have not thought about SCs and STs in a serious manner, he said.

Till the time untouchability exists, reservation should be there and will be there. We will fight for it, Kharge said.

He accused the BJP of seeking to end reservation.

On one hand the government has privatised the public sector jobs and on the other hand, there are a lot of vacancies, but they are not recruiting, Kharge said.

SCs and STs are not able to get jobs. No SCs are at the high-level positions. They are trying to suppress the SCs and STs by classifying them in a creamy layer, he said.

I found the courts decision surprising. There are people who are facing untouchability in real life and those people belonging to SCs and STs even on high posts are facing discrimination. If they have money even then they face discrimination, Kharge said.

I would like to appeal that all people should unite and ensure that this judgement (part pertaining to the creamy layer) does not get recognition and this matter should not be raised again, he added.

The Congress is discussing other things related to sub-categorisation and will decide on further steps after discussion with intellectuals and leaders of various states, he said.

We will do everything possible for the protection of SCs and STs, Kharge said.

The party is undertaking consultations with different people  intellectuals, experts, NGOs  to decide on the nuances of other aspects of the judgment, he said.

I read that the PM said we will not touch this. To ensure that creamy layer (concept) will not be implemented, they should have brought (a legislation) in Parliament and nullified the Supreme Court judgement, he said.

If the government wanted, it could have resolved this issue by bringing a constitutional amendment in this session itself. If the Modi government can bring a new bill within 2-3 hours, then this was also possible, Kharge said.

The seven-judge bench of the Supreme Court gave its decision in which it talked about sub-categorization for SC-ST category people, he noted.

In this decision, the creamy layer concept was also talked about in SC-ST category reservation, he said.

The Scheduled Caste people in India first got reservation through Baba Saheb Dr. Ambedkars Poona Pact. Later, due to the contribution of Pandit Nehru and Mahatma Gandhi, it was recognized in the Constitution and implemented in jobs and educational institutions as well, Kharge said.

But even after 70 years, when we see the recruitment of SC and ST communities in government jobs, we find that the vacancies are still not being filled, most of the posts are vacant. Which means that the people of these classes, even collectively, are not able to fill these posts. They still cannot compete with the people of the general category, he said.

And the most important thing is that the basis of reservation was not the economic development of any community or individual but it is to eradicate untouchability that has been prevalent in society for thousands of years, the Congress chief said.

And it has still not been eradicated from society. We come across many examples every day, he said.

Therefore, it is wrong to talk about creamy layer in the SC-ST community and the Congress party is against it, Kharge said.

Kharges remarks come a day after the Union Cabinet asserted that there was no provision for a creamy layer in the reservation for SCs and STs in the Constitution given by B R Ambedkar.

The Union Cabinet, at a meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday, held a detailed discussion on the Supreme Court judgement on the sub-categorisation of reservation for SCs and STs as granted in the Constitution.

It is the well thought view of the Union Cabinet that the NDA government is firmly committed to the provisions in the Constitution given by Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar, Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw told reporters here. PTI ASK ZMN

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The Congress on Saturday expressed concern over reports of targeted attacks on minorities and their places of worship in Bangladesh and hoped the interim government there would take forceful steps to ensure that they continue to lead their lives in an atmosphere of security, dignity and harmony.

Bangladeshs interim leader Muhammad Yunus has condemned the attacks on the minority communities in the violence-hit nation, terming them as heinous, and urged the youth to protect all Hindu, Christian, and Buddhist families from harm.

Congress general secretary in-charge communications Jairam Ramesh said, While noting that there have been influential voices within Bangladesh calling for the preservation of the countrys multi-religious heritage, the Indian National Congress expresses its concern at reports of targeted attacks on minorities there and their properties and places of worship. The Indian National Congress hopes that the Interim Government in Bangladesh will take forceful steps to instill confidence in minority communities and ensure that they continue to lead their lives in an atmosphere of security, dignity and harmony, Ramesh said in a post on X.

The BJP had on Friday criticised opposition parties, saying their silence on the condition of Hindus and other minority communities in Bangladesh is unfortunate.

While extending best wishes to Yunus on Thursday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi voiced hope of an early return to normalcy and stressed on ensuring the safety of Hindus and other minority communities in that country.

Members of minority communities in Bangladesh faced at least 205 incidents of attacks in 52 districts since the fall of the Sheikh Hasina-led government on August 5, according to two Hindu organisations  Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council and the Bangladesh Puja Udjapan Parishad  in the country.

Thousands of Bangladeshi Hindus have been trying to flee to neighbouring India to escape the violence.

Yunus unequivocally condemned the attacks on minority communities in the country and urged the students to protect all Hindu, Christian, and Buddhist families from harm.

Are they not the people of this country? You have been able to save the country; cant you save some families? You must say no one can harm them. They are my brothers; we fought together, and we will stay together, he asserted, underscoring the need for national unity.
Launching a scathing attack on Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, former Chief Minister and senior BJP leader B.S. Yediyurappa said on Saturday that he will fight until his last breath to remain in politics and ensure that the former was booted out by the people of the state.

Addressing a public gathering at Mysuru, former CM Yediyurappa slammed Siddaramaiah and said, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah had asked me to retire from public life. Until my last breath, I will be in politics and ensure your (CM Siddaramaiah) ouster. Is there any example of a Chief Minister getting 14 sites for his family in the history of the state? He is demanding Rs 65 crore, claiming that he would return it. Whose money its going to be?

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah claims there is not a single case of corruption proved against him. This is one example of that, he said.

Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar has declared his support for CM Siddaramaiah, he added.

Shivakumars sins are overflowing. You dont know what is going to happen to you (CM Siddaramaiah) and when it will happen. He speaks lightly about State BJP President B.Y. Vijayendra and Leader of the Opposition R. Ashoka. Shivakumar should better be bothered about his future, Yediyurappa said.

The BJP and JD (S) are marching ahead together. The people are going to send you (Siddaramaiah) home soon.

I will throw a challenge. Will you dissolve the government now and face the election? The BJP and JD (S) will emerge victorious in 130 to 140 seats in the state and attain a majority, he added.

There is open loot and daylight robbery taking place in the state. The people have grown wary of your government. There is no trace of development works in the state. The government had turned pauper. Not a single kilometre of road is being laid. The CM and Deputy CM are involved in rampant corruption. They are not capable of running the administration in the state.

I am an 82-year-old man, I will take up a tour throughout the state and send you (CM Siddaramaiah) home. Will end the corruption by the Congress government and their misrule, he emphasised.

The CM and Deputy CM also criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi. However, former PM H.D. and JD(S) supremo H.D. Deve Gowda respects him and discusses bringing a change in the state. The people need to bless the BJP and JD (S) and bring them to power, Yediyurappa said.
The Indian Medical Association (IMA) on Saturday issued a statement on the alleged murder and sexual assault of a woman trainee doctor at a government hospital in Kolkata, stating that if safety cannot be ensured in citadels of learning, it reflects incompetency of the administration.

If safety and security cannot be ensured in the citadels of learning it only indicates the incompetency of the administration. The entire medical fraternity of India stands with the bereaved family and her colleagues, the IMA said in a statement.

The IMA further noted that this crime reflects the anarchy and insecurity prevailing on campus.

The entire medical fraternity of India is shocked beyond words at the brutal murder of Ms. Moumtia Debnath, a second-year PG student at RG Kar Medical College, Kolkata, it said.

RG Kar Medical College and Hospital incident | We demand that the authorities act with precision and in time of 48 hours failing which IMA will be constrained to initiate nationwide action. A fair, transparent and time-sensitive criminal investigation is in order. An ultimatum of pic.twitter.com/8x9QlLoJMF ANI (@ANI) August 10, 2024

The association also demanded a thorough investigation into the heinous crime and punishment for the culprits.

We demand that the authorities act with precision and in time of 48 hours failing which IMA will be constrained to initiate nationwide action, the statement added.

The 31-year-old postgraduate trainees semi-nude body was discovered inside the seminar hall of RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata on Friday. The victim, a second-year student in the chest medicine department, had been on duty the previous night. Her body showed signs of injury, and the preliminary autopsy report indicated that she had been sexually abused before being killed.

Mass protests have erupted across the state in response to the trainee doctors murder. Junior doctors, house staff, interns, and postgraduate trainees from various hospitals in West Bengal staged sit-ins and processions, demanding exemplary punishment for those involved.

Protests were held at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, and National Medical College and Hospital, and Medical College, in Kolkata.

Reports have also emerged of a scuffle between police and protesting doctors outside RG Kar Medical College and Hospital.

Will Seek Death Penalty For Accused: Mamata

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee strongly condemned the murder of the woman trainee doctor, stating that her government will seek the death penalty for the accused.

Describing the incident as gruesome and despicable, Banerjee directed officials to ensure the case is tried in a fast-track court.

The TMC chief further sated that the West Bengal government has no objections to an investigation by any agency, including the CBI, should there be a demand for it.

Top Cop Confirms Sexual Assault

Kolkata Police Commissioner Vineet Kumar Goyal confirmed that the student was a victim of sexual assault. He said that an SIT has been formed by the police to probe the matter.

Goyal assured that the police would ensure the accused receives the highest punishment if found guilty.

This is a heinous crime, and the arrested person is allegedly involved based on circumstantial evidence, including accounts of the other doctors present during night-duty hours, Goyal stated.

So far, the police have arrested one individual in connection with the case. According to authorities, the arrested man, an outsider, had unrestricted access to the different departments of the hospital. Additionally, two intern doctors were also questioned on Friday night as part of the ongoing investigation.

West Bengal Governor Demands Immediate Action

The West Bengal Raj Bhavan Media Cell, in a post on X, stated that Governor CV Ananda Bose has asked the Mamata-led state government to take immediate action in the matter and submit a report. Additionally, Bose has taken up the matter with the central government for appropriate action.

A delegation of National Medicos Organisastion (NMO) West Bengal called on HG and submitted a representation expressing deep anguish and protest on the murder of a 2nd year Post Graduate female Resident of R. G. Kar Medical College. The deputation demanded proper security for those on duty, especially the female medical practitioners during the night, the post stated.
In Kolli Malai, theres a longstanding bungalow where the seriously ill are taken to a forest and left there, much like the scene depicted in the movie 7th Sense film. The people of Kolli Malai say that those who are incurably ill are brought to a mountain called Sikkupparai. If the heat of Sikkupparai helps them recover, they return home, otherwise they die there.

Interestingly, Kolli Malai also has a tradition of sacrificing girls to gods, which might seem unbelievable but has been practised for a long time in this area of Namakkal district. Although it sounds like something out of a movie, it was a reality in Kolli Malai.

In the early 1900s, an Englishman named Jessimen Brand, who was trained in medicine, arrived in Senthamangalam, Namakkal district, at the age of 24. He set up a small hospital and began offering medical assistance to the locals. During those times, outbreaks of cholera and plague were common, and many lives were lost. Jessimen Brands medical care saved many people. The residents of Kolli Malai, who often travelled long distances to Senthamangalam to sell forest-grown fruits, benefited greatly from his medical services.

In 1912, Jessimen and his friend Marling ventured up the hill to a place called Vazhavanti in Kollimalai, where they stayed in a thatched hut and treated the hill villagers. Jessimen also began constructing a wooden bungalow there. In 1919, when a poisonous fever outbreak struck the area, the local custom was to leave the afflicted on a mountain rock, known as Sikkupparai Rock, where they would be allowed back into the village only if they survived. Jessimen, however, treated and saved many of the sick.

Jessimen also spoke out against child marriage, which was prevalent in Kollimalai. He and his wife Evely provided shelter and care for girls who were victims of child marriage and family curses. They treated these girls and sick children, built and maintained a hostel for them, and taught them skills such as horticulture, mat weaving, sericulture, and carpentry.

Additionally, Jessimen supported the agricultural development of the region and helped improve road infrastructure in Kollimalai. Sadly, Jessimen Brand contracted a rare disease known as blackwater fever and passed away in 1929 at the age of 44, despite receiving medical treatment. He spent 17 years in Kollimalai, and his body was buried there.

Today, the wooden bungalow where Jessimen lived still stands, and visitors can see the bed, kitchen, and other items he used. Various monuments in the area commemorate Jessimen Brands contributions to the progress of Kollimalai. The families of the 23 children whom he saved and raised now form a village around the bungalow, living happilya testament to the enduring impact of Jessimen Brands work.
Rangaprabhath Childrens Theatre is popularly hailed as a home away from home for the children. It is located in the Alumthara village of Venjaramoodu, Thiruvananthapuram. It was started in 1970 as an experiment in the stimulation of personal growth of children. It was applied in the field of theatre education, concentrating on character development, value creation and personality development of children. Rangprabath conducts childrens play performances in as many schools in the state as possible. It has an open-air theatre and an indoor theatre attached to it. It has facilities to train children and youth in arts, crafts and vocational activities from five to twenty-five.

This theatre group began under the guidance and support of a renowned figure in Malayalam theatre, Prof. G Sankara Pillai in 1970. It was sustained by its Founder-President Guru Kochunarayan Pillai.

In 1967, Kochunarayana Pillai came up with the idea of a childrens theatre when he participated in the theatre phenomenon held in Sasthamkotta under the leadership of G. Shankara Pillai. In 1970, the Vamanapuram Government started a childrens theatre called Rangaprabhath theatre. Prof. G Sankara Pillai is famous for the play Pushpakiritam. The playMaddalamal composed by Shankara Pillai was performed all over Kerala by Rangaprabhaths child artists. With the income from that, he bought 11 cents of land in Alanthara village and built a small open-air theatre.

Every year Rangaprabhath organises programs like Foreign Language National Drama Festival, Theater Workshop, Natarang, Nadan Kala Mela, Balavihar Mela, Seminars, Lectures, and Research Theater Associations. The government provides financial assistance to Rangaprabhath theatre which is known as the countrys first theatre exclusively for children.

By 1988, the generation that was initially part of this theatre culture had grown up to start new businesses. The children and youth are divided into three groups

Kadambam: for children (5  14 years)

Kalari: for teenage group (15-30 years)

Kalam: for a full-fledged adult theatre group.
KYODO NEWS - Aug 10, 2024 - 11:48 | All, Japan, World

Thai police said Friday they have arrested two Japanese men who had been wanted in connection with the discovery of the body of a compatriot in a Bangkok suburb in April.

The suspects, who had been detained in Laos in June, were taken into custody in the northeastern Thailand province of Nong Khai, which borders the Lao capital Vientiane, after they were apparently transferred to Thai authorities.

Takuya Kato, 50, and Hiroto Suzuki, 28, are accused of murdering and dismembering fellow gangster Ryosuke Kabashima, 47. Thai authorities put the two on the wanted list before learning they had fled to Laos.

The suspects are scheduled to be sent to a police station in a Bangkok suburb on Saturday for interrogation.

Related coverage:

2 Japanese wanted for murder in Thailand detained in Laos: police

2 Japanese gangsters wanted over killing of man in Thailand: report

Man arrested over male Japanese body parts found in Thailand: sources
A semi-nude body of a woman doctor was found under mysterious circumstances on the fourth floor of the emergency building of RG Kar Medical College in West Bengals Kolkata on Friday morning. The victim, a second-year postgraduate student of the medical college, was found dead inside the Seminar Hall on the 3rd floor of the campus. She was on duty on Thursday night.

One suspect, named Sanjay Roy, has been arrested in the case on Saturday.

Police Commissioner confirms sexual assault

Kolkata Police Commissioner Vineet Kumar Goyal on Saturday confirmed that the student was a victim of sexual assault. He said that an SIT has been formed by the police to probe the matter. The postmortem took place in presence of the judicial magistrate. He also assured the victims family saying that if they feel any other agency should will investigate the case, the police is open for that too.

Additional Commissioner of Police Murli Dhar said, We have registered a case under Section 103 (1) and 64, BNS (Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita) 2023. It is a case of homicide as well as sexual assault. Our investigation is going in the right direction in a transparent manner. Whatever further developments will be there, we will let you know as much as the law permits.

#WATCH | RG Kar Medical College and Hospital incident | Kolkata, West Bengal: Additional Commissioner of Police Murli Dhar says, We have registered a case under Section 103 (1) and 64, BNS (Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita) 2023. It is a case of homicide as well as sexual assault. Our pic.twitter.com/kd5T9vzgyG ANI (@ANI) August 10, 2024

Students protest

The students of RG Kar Medical College took out a candle march in the metropolis as a mark of protest over the heinous crime. A section of junior doctors has also declared that they will not work because of the prevalent lack of security in the hospital. The protesting doctors also claimed that only the emergency ward of the hospital will be open.

#WATCH | Medical student found dead RG Kar Medical College & Hospital in Kolkata | Students of RG Kar Medical College & Hospital take out a candle march in the city. pic.twitter.com/a5j6SIt1MG ANI (@ANI) August 9, 2024

PGT doctors at the RG Kar Medical College and Hospital have stopped work in all departments, except the emergency ward. Several student associations also took out a rally, demanding a swift probe into her death.

A senior member of the Association of Health Service Doctors, Dr Manas Gumta, alleged that there were attempts to suppress the matter.

Nurses in Kolkata also rallied demanding justice for the victim on Saturday.

#WATCH Kolkata, West Bengal | Nurses hold a rally demanding justice after a woman post-graduate trainee (PGT) doctor was found dead inside the seminar hall of government-run RG Kar Medical College and Hospital on Friday, August 9 pic.twitter.com/VJfw1x6wLo ANI (@ANI) August 10, 2024

abc

BJP demands CBI probe

The opposition BJP has demanded a CBI investigation and re-postmortem of the body by a Central Government hospital. BJP MLA Agnimitra Paul alleged that if the postmortem is done under the state system, the truth will be buried.

The condition in which her body was found, completely naked with bruises all over it, makes it look like she was raped and then murdered. We demand a CBI investigation. You cant conduct a postmortem after the evening, but they did it hereIf postmortem is done under the state system, truth will be buried. We want a re-postmortem by a Central Government hospital. This is all we demand so that she gets justice, she said.

#WATCH | Second-year medical student found dead RG Kar Medical College & Hospital in Kolkata | West Bengal BJP MLA Agnimitra Paul says, The condition in which her body was found, completely naked with bruises all over it, makes it look like she was raped and then murdered. We pic.twitter.com/ljYPhqqvSV ANI (@ANI) August 9, 2024

BJP leader Amit Malviya accused the Mamata Banerjee government in the state of hiding the crime. He also claimed that Kolkata Police was instructed to cover-up the alleged murder of the woman doctor and show it as suicide.

Trinamool Congress MP Sougata Roy, however assured full transparency in investigation and said that the accused will be soon held and punished.

I came to know that this girl is from our constituencyI have seen all the papers and investigated thingsWe hope that the accused will be soon arrested and punished he said.

Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee also spoke to the parents of victim on Friday.

What does initial autopsy reveal?

The initial autopsy of the post-graduate trainee doctor indicated that she was murdered after being sexually assaulted, police said. It also ruled out suicide, adding that a case has now been registered at the Tala Police Station.

This is definitely not a case of suicide; the woman was murdered following sexual assault, a police officer told PTI.

According to the four-page report, there was bleeding from the womans private parts, with injury marks in other parts of the body.

Her neck bone was also found broken. It seems that she was first strangulated and then smothered to death. There was bleeding from both her eyes and mouth, injuries over the face and nail. The victim was also bleeding from her private parts. She also has injuries in her belly, left leg neck, in her right hand, ring finger and lips, it said.

Two lady witnesses and the womans mother were present during the autopsy, which was conducted on-camera.

Teams formed to probe the case

The hospital has formed a 11-member enquiry committee for this incident. Additionally, the Kolkata Police has formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT), including members of the homicide department, among others, to probe the crime.

Family alleges rape

The victims father has alleged that she was raped and murdered inside the campus and efforts are on to hide the truth.

A doctor of the hospital, who did not want to be named, said, She had dinner with her juniors around 2 am. She then went to the seminar room since there is no separate on-call room to take some rest. In the morning, we found her body there. Five people, who were on duty with her on Thursday night, have been interrogated, police said.

(With inputs from agencies)
Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader and former Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia walked out of jail on Friday, 17 months after his arrest in money laundering cases linked to the now-scrapped Delhi liquor scam, following the Supreme Courts bail grant on the same day. Theres now a buzz about his reinstatement as Delhi Deputy Chief Minister among people.

Sisodia resigned from the post of Deputy Chief Minister and his berth in the Delhi Cabinet days after being arrested by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in February 2023. Hence, Manish Sisodia is now an MLA.

The AAP leader held 18 crucial portfolios, including education, finance, planning, land and building, vigilance services, women and child development, art and culture, and languages, before quitting the cabinet responsibilities. He wont be able to hold any ministerial berth till the time he is sworn in again.

ALSO READ | Denied Right To Speedy Trial; No Chance Hell Flee: What SC Said While Granting Bail To Manish Sisodia

Many AAP leaders and supporters are pushing for Sisodias quick return to a ministerial role, arguing that his past performance and the current political climate, especially with Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal in jail, make him an ideal candidate to lead Delhis government.

However, significant challenges hinder this move. Primarily, Kejriwals imprisonment means he cannot sign the necessary documents to recommend Sisodias appointment. In Delhi, a Union Territory, the procedure for appointing a Cabinet minister involves the Chief Ministers recommendation being routed through the Lieutenant Governor to the President of India, and only after presidential consent can a new minister be sworn in.

With Delhi facing assembly elections in six months, AAP is debating Sisodias role internally. Some party members argue that his presence in the government is crucial, while others suggest he might be more effective in an organizational role. Concerns about Sisodias and his wifes health are also impacting the decision. Ultimately, Sisodia must decide whether to rejoin the government now or support from behind the scenes.
The Meghalaya government on Saturday instructed residents of the Punjabi Lane area in Shillong to respond within 15 days if they wish to accept the proposed relocation package.

Deputy Chief Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar held a closed-door meeting with leaders of the Harijan Panchayat Committee (HPC) to discuss the relocation of the 342 families from the area.

Dhar said, They will communicate their decision to the government within 15 days. They want to ensure consensus and discuss the issue with higher organisations. The deputy CM noted that some issues still need to be finalised with organisations like the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC). A relocation proposal and blueprint have already been presented to the HPC, with the plan to move the families to Shillong Municipal Board (SMB) premises at Bishop Cotton Road, which the HPC has accepted.

Jagdeep Singh from Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee found the meeting productive but noted that certain issues remain unresolved, requiring additional time.

The National Peoples Party-led MDA ruling alliance has been seeking a solution since coming to power in 2018, identifying a new site for the settlers, who had resisted moving. In the same year, violence erupted between locals and Sikh residents after a local bus driver was assaulted, resulting in a month-long curfew.

In response to public demand, the MDA government proposed relocating the residents, mostly Sikhs brought to Shillong by the British 200 years ago for sanitation work. The government offered an additional 1.4 acres on top of the existing 2.14 acres.

While the Sikhs initially hesitated, they agreed to the relocation with conditions, including the governments covering the cost of house construction. However, several local NGOs opposed the plan, warning that it could lead to significant unrest if indigenous residents are neglected.
Two Army personnel were killed and six others, including two civilians, were injured in an encounter between terrorists and security forces in a remote forest area of Jammu and Kashmirs Anantnag district on Saturday.

According to the officials, the terrorists, hiding in the forest, opened indiscriminate fire upon noticing the search parties, leading to an intense gun battle.

#WATCH | J&K: An encounter has started at the Ahlan Gagarmandu area of District Anantnag.(Visuals deferred by unspecified time) pic.twitter.com/szTLY7geEM  ANI (@ANI) August 10, 2024

The Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) police said that the encounter between terrorists and security forces began in the Ahlan area of Kokernag in Anantnag district.

#Encounter has started at Ahlan Gagarmandu area of District #Anantnag. Police and Security forces are on the job. Further details shall follow, the police informed in a social media post on X.

#Encounter has started at Ahlan Gagarmandu area of District #Anantnag. Police and Security forces are on the job. Further details shall follow.@JmuKmrPolice Kashmir Zone Police (@KashmirPolice) August 10, 2024

The Armys Srinagar-based Chinar Corps, in a post on X, said, Based on specific intelligence input, a joint operation was launched by the Indian Army, @JmuKmrPolice & @crpf_srinagar today in general area Kokernag, Anantnag. Contact was established and a firefight ensued.

Giving details of the current operation, a Srinagar-based defence spokesperson said that on August 5, it was confirmed through human and electronic means that terrorists responsible for atrocities in the Doda region in July have sneaked across the Kishtwar range into the Kapran-Garol area in south Kashmir.

The Rashtriya Rifles and the Jammu and Kashmir Police have relentlessly tracked these terrorists and precise operations were launched on the night of August 9 and 10 in the mountains in the east of Kapran where these terrorists were reportedly holed up.

Suspicious movement was observed at around 2 pm on August 10. Challenging (by security forces) was immediately responded by indiscriminate, desperate and reckless firing from terrorists in which two Army personnel and two civilians, in the vicinity were injured, the spokesperson said.

He said the terror antecedents of the injured civilians are being ascertained.

(With inputs from agencies)
Blood samples of not only the 17-year-old minor involved in the Kalyani Nagar Porsche crash but those of the two friends accompanying him were also replaced at the government-run Sassoon hospital here so as to establish that they were not drunk, the prosecution said on Thursday.

The sessions court is hearing the bail applications of six accused in the case, namely, the minors parents Vishal Agarwal and Shivani Agarwal; Sassoon hospitals Dr Ajay Taware and Dr Shreehari Halnor, and alleged middlemen Ashpak Makandar and Amar Gaikwad.

The minor driver himself has been released from the observation home following a High Court order.

Continuing his arguments opposing the bail pleas, special prosecutor Shishir Hiray said that Dr Halnor, despite knowing the consequences and having good knowledge of forensic medicine and medico-legal aspects, replaced the samples of the 17-year-old who was driving the car, and those of his two friends, hours after the accident.

He did it on the instructions of the Agarwals and Dr Taware, and received Rs 2.5 lakh for it, the prosecutor told additional sessions judge U M Mudholkar.

A man and a woman, both 24 years old and IT professionals, were killed when the Porsche allegedly driven by the Agarwals son hit their motorbike in the early hours of May 19.

Citing the statement of a trainee (resident) doctor, the prosecutor said she was asked to collect blood samples of Shivani Agarwal. As per the police, the minors blood samples were replaced with those of his mother.

In the case of his two friends, the plan was to use the blood samples of their respective mothers as a substitute in the same way, the prosecutor said, citing the statement of another resident doctor.

But it could not be done, because in one case the son and mother did not share the blood group while the other boys mother said she had consumed 30 ml of alcohol herself. Therefore, samples of two other men were used to swap these two boys blood samples, the prosecutor told the court.

The trainee doctors were instructed to use dry cotton instead of cotton dipped in alcohol (spirit) to avoid possible alcohol contamination, the prosecutor said.

Dr Halnor did not allow any subordinate to prepare the notes but did it himself, he said.

The prosecutor also cited the statement of another resident doctor, to whom Dr Halnor allegedly handed over the Rs 2.5 lakh in cash he had received.

Dr Halnor came to his hostel at B J Medical College on May 23 and told him he had received some money through Dr Taware, and since he had no cupboard in his hostel room, requested him to keep it in his cupboard. When the friend asked him what did he receive the money for, Dr Halnor said he will explain it later and he had done nothing wrong, advocate Hiray said.

As per an eye-witness at the accident site, a mob gathered and dragged the minor driver out of the car after the crash. The minor could not even stand properly at this point, indicating that he was drunk heavily, the prosecutor said.

But the preliminary medical report prepared by Dr Halnor only a few hours later gave a negative finding on alcohol consumption, he pointed out.

Hiray, who was assisted by advocate Sarthi Pansare, will continue his arguments on Monday.
A painstaking investigation over one year, 22 dedicated police teams, over 150 searches, tracking 1.5 lakh mobile phone numbers, 24-hour war room: this is what it took for the Uttar Pradesh police to track down a serial killer, who allegedly used saris to strangle nine women in Bareilly district.

The unique pattern of the murders, similar style of tying the knots and other evidence helped crack one of the most perplexing murder mysteries, police said. We have arrested a psycho killer accused of targeting around nine women under Bareilly Shahi and Shishgarh police circle between June 2023 and July 2024. We formed 22 teams and launched operation Talaash to track him down, said Bareilly senior superintendent of police Anurag Arya.

Police identified the accused as 38-year-old Kuldeep Kumar Gangwar, who was arrested on August 8 after an extensive search operation.

Killer kept personal effects of victims as trophy

According to the police, Gangwar kept the personal effects of the victims as a trophy after killing them. Among the items the investigators found after his arrest, were identity cards, bindis, and lipsticks belonging to the women he murdered, the police said.

Police further said Gangwars troubled childhood, marked by his fathers remarriage, and the physical abuse his stepmother put him through could have contributed to his killer psychology. He developed much hate and anger for his stepmother and other women, said a police officer on condition of anonymity, adding that the accused will undergo a mental health test.

Arya said the police consulted clinical psychologists during the investigation to understand the killers pattern. Officials said he targeted women whom he found alone in fields and jungle areas, making sexual advances toward them.

They further said if the women resisted, he would become violent and strangle them. He would prey on vulnerable women in isolated locations, which ultimately led to his arrest, they added.

Out of the 11 murders reported in the region in the last 13 months, the police said Gangwar owned up to six but there is evidence tying him to three more  this makes the total nine.

During the interrogation, Gangwar told police that his father remarried after his mother and two sisters died. My stepmother would always to beat me, I hated her. I got married in 2014, but my wife left me making me an addict. I hated women to the core and this was the only reason why I decided to eliminate them one by one, he told the police.

He further said he was aware that the police often traced criminals using their phone location, so he never used a cellphone or social media. Whenever I would set out for a kill, I would ensure that nobody is around and, in case, someone saw me, I avoided killing that day, he told police during the questioning.

Asked why he tied a knot around the womens necks after he strangled them, he said he did that so there was no chance of them surviving.

How it all began

On a swelteringly hot day on June 17, 2023, a murder rocked Dhaneta Fatak area that is under the Shahi police station limits in Bareilly. Until that day, this place was known for a low crime rate. The deceased woman was identified as Premwati (55), whose body was found in the fields near Dhaneta Fatak on Shishgarh Road. She was found strangled using the sari she was wearing, a police personnel, who was part of the investigation, told News18.

A few days later on July 23, 2023, the police found another body. The woman was identified as 43-year-old Dhanwati, who was allegedly attacked when she was returning after a trip to the local doctor. She, too, was found strangled using her sari.

Another similar case was reported on October 31, 2023, under Shishgarh police station limits, when 65-year-old Mehmudan was also found strangled. And then, another body, identified to be of 65-year-old Dulari Devi, was also found staged in a similar manner on November 20, 2023.

Operation Talaash

Arya said these killings not only caused panic among the people, especially women, but also posed a challenge for the police. In all the cases, there was no confirmation of sexual assault while the pattern was more or less the same, he said.

In all the cases, there was no confirmation of sexual assault in the post-mortem report and the murder pattern was almost the same. So, we launched an operation (Talaash) to arrest the person who seemed to be on a killing spree, the SSP said.

But, the investigation into the case turned out to be a lot of hard work. The killer was anything but ordinary.

The police operation began by marking a 25-km radius around Shahi and Shishgarh police stations to identify suspects. The police formed 22 teams, each tasked with analysing the call details of at least 1.5 lakh mobile phone numbers, reviewing footage from more than 1,500 CCTV cameras, installing 600 new cameras, and studying the unique modus operandi behind the crimes.

The UP police roped in experts from Mumbai, who specialise in these cases and consulted clinical psychologists. They then zeroed in on the Royal police station area as the killers focal point and checked voter ID cards in at least 30 villages around the Shahi police station area.

The police questioned village residents about anyone living in isolation or under stress. Both men and women were scrutinised, leading to the deployment of female cops across all the teams involved in the probe. This helped narrow down the suspect list and eventually led to the killers arrest.

The breakthrough

After almost a years worth of effort and strong networking, some people reported witnessing the accused committing a murder in Bushiya Jageer village on July 3, 2024. The deceased woman was identified as 46-year-old Anita Devi, who was from Hoshpur village. The eyewitness helped us in creating the first sketch of the killer, Arya said.

On August 8, Gangwar was identified and arrested from near the banks of the Mathiya river. The team from the Shahi police station received a tip and identified the suspect based on sketches and videos, the SSP said.
Three CPWD engineers have been suspended over alleged irregularities, including massive cost escalation, in the construction of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwals official bungalow in the Civil Lines area, officials said.

The suspension orders of the three  CPWDs Additional Director General (Civil), chief engineer and superintendent engineer  were issued on August 5 by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs under which the Central Public Works Department (CPWD) comes and disciplinary proceedings against them are pending, an official said.

The three engineers, who earlier worked under the Delhi governments Public Works Department (PWD), were associated with the construction work of Chief Minister Kejriwals official residence at 6, Flagstaff Road in north Delhis Civil Lines, the official said.

They, along with some others, were responsible for the irregularities that included violation of rules and massive cost escalation in the name of superior modifications, the official alleged.

In a statement, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) said there should be a fair and impartial investigation into the matter and if any corruption or irregularities are found, then that should be met with strong and decisive action.

If either case proves true, in this matter, it is deeply unfortunate and should never have occurred, it said.

Until sometime back, the two engineers were posted in Guwahati while one was in Kharagpur.

The three have been suspended for their role in the alleged irregularities in the construction of Kejriwals residence, the official said.

According to the Delhi governments Vigilance Directorate, the officers were issued show-cause notices in June 2023. The Directorate found that the officers were allegedly resorting to delaying tactics and also approached the court, but failed to get any relief, according to DoV documents.

AAP said political witch-hunting or victimisation of officers, who are honestly fulfilling their duty, should not happen under any circumstances.
Two children, aged 9 and 15 years, drowned in a pond filled with rainwater in outer Delhis Prem Nagar area after Friday evening pour, police said.

According to police, four children from a nearby colony had gone to a pond in Rani Khera village in Prem Nagar area after the evening rain.

Two of them went too deep into water due to which they drowned.

Their bodies were taken to Sanjay Gandhi Memorial Hospital for post mortem, police said.
One labourer died was killed and two others were injured when a two-storey banquet hall collapsed in northwest Delhis Model Town area during heavy rain on Saturday afternoon.

The incident occurred in Mahendru Enclave, where the old building, which was under renovation, collapsed around 2:45 p.m., according to officials. CCTV footage from a nearby house captured the collapse on camera.

VIDEO | CCTV footage of building collapse in Delhis Model Town area.A two-storey house collapsed in northwest Delhis Model Town area during heavy afternoon rain earlier today and rescue operation is underway as some people are feared trapped under the rubble. The incident pic.twitter.com/3hXVKhVk2H  Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) August 10, 2024

With the assistance of local police, NDRF personnel, and other rescue teams, three people were rescued from the rubble and taken to a nearby hospital.

Three fire tenders were deployed for the rescue operation, an official from the Delhi Fire Service said, adding that two of the injured are in critical condition.

One of the injured, 28-year-old Vishal, a JCB crane driver, died during treatment at Deep Chand Bandhu Hospital in Ashok Vihar, according to an official.

Meanwhile, one injured is undergoing treatment at ESI hospital in Basai Darapur and the other one at Deep Chand Bandhu Hospital, the official said.

The rescue operation was carried on for over four hours, the DFS official said, adding that a tower of a mobile service provider company was also installed on the terrace of the building.

The police sated that the abandoned banquet hall had been closed for several years. At the time of the collapse, some laborers were performing repair work on the dilapidated building and were having their lunch. Additionally, two four-wheelers and two scooters parked nearby were damaged.

Officials are investigating to find the owner of the property.

(With inputs from PTI)
Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar launched a veiled attack on Congress after several party leaders suggested that the unrest in Bangladesh could spill over into India.

Speaking at an event on Saturday VP Dhankhar requested the citizens to be vigilant against the narratives of Bangladeshs violence infusing into India.

Efforts by some to infuse a narrative that what happened in our neighbourhood is bound to happen in our Bharat is deeply concerning, VP Dhankhar said.

How can a citizen of this country having been a Member of Parliament, and the other who has seen enough of Foreign Service take no time in saying that what happened in the neighbourhood will happen in India! Be on watch out!! Vice President added.

Be on watch out!!Efforts by some to infuse a narrative that what happened in our neighbourhood is bound to happen in our Bharat, is deeply concerning. How can a citizen of this country having been a Member of Parliament, and the other who has seen enough of Foreign Service pic.twitter.com/MWEoz1Ao1C  Vice-President of India (@VPIndia) August 10, 2024

The Vice President cautioned against anti-national forces manipulating the countrys fundamental constitutional institutions to legitimize their actions.

He stressed that these forces seek to undermine our democracy and urged citizens to prioritize national interests above all else.

Vice President Dhankhar warned that the anti-national forces might infiltrate the three key institutions designed to protect democracy.

Congress Leaders Suggest Bangladesh Like Turmoil In India

On Tuesday, Congress leader Salman Khurshid said what is happening in Bangladesh can happen in the country though everything may look normal on the surface.

Whats happening in Bangladesh can happen here the spread in our country prevents things blowing up in the manner in which theyve blown up in Bangladesh, he said.

Senior Congress leader Mani Shankar Aiyar also suggested that concerns about the integrity of elections in India have begun to mirror those in Bangladesh.
KYODO NEWS - Aug 10, 2024 - 23:00 | All, Japan, World

The following is the latest list of selected news summaries by Kyodo News.

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Japan summer holidays in full swing amid megaquake caution

TOKYO - Japan's summer holiday season moved into full swing on Saturday as people heading to their hometowns, crowded railway stations and airports amid caution following the weather agency's advisory over a potential megaquake.

"It is my first visit to my hometown in five years after a hiatus due to the coronavirus. Now it is an earthquake," Tomohiro Ogawa, 49, a resident of Chiba Prefecture, said at a packed JR Tokyo Station, adding he has discussed preparing for a disaster following the alert with his family.

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U.S. ambassador to Japan planning to leave post in November

WASHINGTON - U.S. Ambassador to Japan Rahm Emanuel has told people around him of his intention to leave his post in November, government sources said Friday.

Emanuel, known for his tough stance on China, who has played an active role in deepening Washington-Tokyo ties, is considering leaving Japan before or after Thanksgiving on Nov. 28, the U.S. sources said, adding he is hoping to be part of the transition if Vice President Kamala Harris wins the presidential election.

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Olympics: Japanese B-girl Ami becomes 1st breaking gold medalist

PARIS - Japan's Ami Yuasa flared, shuffled and spun her way to the inaugural Olympic breaking title Friday as the dance sport made its Summer Games debut in Paris.

The 25-year-old, known to fans and fellow breakers as B-girl Ami, claimed the first women's gold in the sport, often referred to as breakdancing, by winning a series of one-on-one battles culminating with a 3-0 victory over Lithuania's Nicka in the final.

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Typhoon may hit northeastern Japan Mon., bring heavy rain

TOKYO - A typhoon is projected to make landfall in northeastern Japan on Monday during the annual Bon summer holidays, possibly bringing downpours equivalent to more than the average monthly rainfall for August in the region, the weather agency said.

The Japan Meteorological Agency warned Saturday of potential landslides, overflowing rivers and flooding in low-lying areas, and strong winds.

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M6.8 quake jolts northern and northeastern Japan

TOKYO - An earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 6.8 struck northern and northeastern Japan on Saturday, but no tsunami warning was issued, the weather agency said.

Despite its relatively large size, the earthquake did not cause severe jolting or tsunami as its focus was deep, about 490 kilometers underground.

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Olympics: Kagami, Kiyooka reach semis in freestyle wrestling

PARIS - Yuka Kagami and Kotaro Kiyooka held off fierce challenges to fight into their respective semifinals in the freestyle wrestling competition at the Paris Olympics on Saturday.

Kagami, the 2023 world champion, set up a showdown against Tatiana Renteria Renteria of Columbia in the women's 76-kilogram class, while Kiyooka will meet Mongolian Tulga Tumur Ochir in the men's 65-kg class later in the day at the Champ-de-Mars Arena.

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"Pair loans" on the rise amid condo price hikes in Tokyo area

TOKYO - Mortgage loans specifically designed for couples are on the rise, amid soaring prices for newly built condominiums in the Tokyo metropolitan area and an increase in dual-income households, a recent study has found.

"Pair loans," two separate loans to cover the cost of purchasing a property, have proven particularly popular among younger couples as they can borrow larger amounts than if they applied individually.

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Olympics: Tsugumi Sakurai took less-traveled wrestling road to golden glory

PARIS - For a shining golden moment on Friday, Japan's Tsugumi Sakurai stood at the center of the wrestling world atop the women's 57-kilogram Olympic medal podium the result of her tenacious journey in the sport along an unlikely path.

Her father, Yuji, started her on her pilgrimage. A wrestler and a coach in Kochi Prefecture, where the sport had few devotees, he guided Tsugumi's first steps on the wrestling mat at the age of 3.

Video: Broom dance at Bon Odori festival in Mie Prefecture
Police busted a rave allegedly organised by a group of college students at a flat of a posh society in Noida on Friday night.

The party took place in a flat belonging to the Supernova Society in Sector 94 and was reportedly attended by over 20 students, according to an NDTV report.

Several bottles of alcohol were found in the flat, and some of the students who were caught intoxicated were under 21, which is the legal drinking age in Uttar Pradesh.

Residents of the society claimed that the students acted poorly when confronted and allegedly threw alcohol bottles from the balcony.

The rave invitations were reportedly sent via WhatsApp, with a message that read: House party that is going to be a total blast. Join us at our crib at 6 pm and lets make some memories thatll last. The invite also specified entry fees of 500 for females, 800 for couples, and 1,000 for males. The police have stated that they are taking appropriate action.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Saturday strongly condemned the murder of a woman trainee doctor, who was allegedly sexually assaulted. She stated that her government will seek the death penalty for the accused.

Describing the incident as gruesome and despicable, Banerjee directed officials to ensure the case is tried in a fast-track court.

The Chief Minister also noted that the West Bengal government has no objections to an investigation by any agency, including the CBI, should there be a demand for it.

The 31-year-old postgraduate trainees semi-nude body was discovered inside the seminar hall of RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata on Friday. The victim, a second-year student in the chest medicine department, was on duty the previous night. Her body showed signs of injury.

The preliminary autopsy report indicated that she was sexually abused before being killed.

In response to protests and processions by junior doctors demanding punishment for the accused, Banerjee said the demonstrations were justified.

I endorse the demands being made by the junior doctors, she told a Bengali news channel, PTI reported.

Additionally, the TMC chief urged junior doctors at state-run hospitals to continue providing healthcare services while participating in protests.

Earlier, Kolkata Police Commissioner Vineet Goyal assured that the police would ensure the accused receives the highest punishment if found guilty.

The police have arrested one individual in connection with the case. According to authorities, the arrested man, an outsider, had unrestricted access to the different departments of the hospital.

Now, we are trying to find out who else was with him or he had someone else with him, a police official said, adding that they might conduct necessary medical examinations on him.

Two intern doctors were also questioned on Friday night as part of the ongoing investigation.

(With inputs from PTI)
The blood and urine samples of Mihir Shah, the 24-year-old accused in the hit-and-run case in Mumbais Worli involving a luxury BMW sedan, have tested negative for alcohol, negating the claims of drunken driving.

According to the forensic reports, no trace of alcohol has been found in the blood and urine samples of Shah despite reports of police sources claiming he was heavily drunk during the horrific collision. The latest development has put police in a fix.

In cases where drunk driving is suspected, the standard procedure is to conduct alcohol tests. However, these tests may be ineffective if conducted more than 12 hours after the last drink. Shah, whose father was affiliated with Chief Minister Eknath Shindes now-suspended Shiv Sena faction, managed to evade arrest for two days.

The police reported that Shah was apprehended approximately 58 hours after the incident, a delay that likely allowed any alcohol to clear from his system.

After his arrest, his blood and urine samples were sent for testing, and the report was received by the Worli police yesterday. A positive forensic report indicating that he was intoxicated would have bolstered the polices case, but without it, they will now have to rely on circumstantial evidence in court.

Mihir Shahs Arrest

Mihir Shah was arrested from Thane district, two days after he allegedly rammed his BMW car into a two-wheeler, killing a woman, Kaveri Nakhwa (45), who was riding pillion, and injuring her husband Pradeep in the early hours of Sunday (June 7).

After crashing into the couples scooter, Mihir Shah was very much aware that the woman was stuck in one of the tyres of the luxury car, but still he drove recklessly and did not stop though motorists passing by frantically signalled and shouted, asking him to halt, said a police official had said.

The horrific accident was captured in CCTV cameras of the police installed at Mela Junction and Bindu Madhav Thackeray Chowk in Worli.

After crossing Bindu Madhav Thackeray Chowk, other motorists asked Mihir Shah to stop the car, but he did not listen to them and continued driving, according to the official.

During interrogation, the accused, whose family chauffeur was sitting besides him, admitted that he was behind the wheel at the time of the crash, but did not tell the police from which point he started driving and till when, he said.
Kriti Sanon is currently enjoying a sun-soaked getaway in Greece, and her vacation photos are a testament to the beautiful experience shes having. From exploring iconic landmarks to flaunting chic outfits, the Bollywood diva is offering her fans an enviable glimpse into her travel diaries. Her latest Instagram post features a video that beautifully captures the essence of her Greek escapade. In this clip, Kriti showcases the serene waters and stunning landscapes. What truly distinguishes the video is her stunning outfit, which beautifully complements the surrounding scenery. Lets delve into the details of her fashionable ensemble.

Kriti looks stunning in a colourful crochet co-ord set from her sister Nupur Sanons brand, Label NoBo. The ensemble features a cropped top and a skirt with a thigh-high slit and an ankle-length hem. The vibrant handmade thread detailing on both the top and the skirt harmonises beautifully with the serene waters and iconic Cycladic architecture. She completed her beach look with a delicate necklace, golden stacked bracelets, dark-tinted sunglasses, a hat, and a pair of slippers. Lastly, Kriti opted for a no-makeup look and kept her hair loose.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Kriti (@kritisanon)

In another selfie video, Kriti enjoys a boat ride as she explores Greece. She is wearing a neon pink bralette paired with a white fringed top. She completed the look with sunglasses, subtle makeup, and kept her straight hair loose.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Kriti (@kritisanon)

Kriti is accompanied by her sister Nupur and together they have been setting major fashion goals with their chic outfits. In these photos, the Sanon sisters ensembles will inspire you to choose something similar for your next trip. The first image features Kriti in a white printed playsuit with a deep halter V neckline, while Nupur wears a blue bralette paired with a crochet mini skirt and jacket. Another photo shows the sisters twinning in crochet dresses from Nupurs brand. Kriti looks glamorous in a cream gown styled with a neon green bralette, posing next to Nupur, who looks stunning in a black and mint skater dress. We also get a glimpse of both sisters engaging in touristy activities, traveling by train, and admiring the picturesque landscape.
Theres a piece of good news for the fans of Percy Jackson & The Olympians who eagerly await the next chapter in the epic saga. The gods may be watching from Mount Olympus, but it is the mortal world thats buzzing with excitement after a tiny yet thrilling glimpse of whats to come in Season 2. As the journey into the Sea of Monsters begins to take shape, the stakes have never been higher and Percy Jacksons world is about to be turned upside down in ways even the Oracle couldnt have predicted. Season 2 of Percy Jackson & The Olympians has only just begun production, but Disney Plus has already treated the fans of the franchise to a brief preview of what lies ahead.

The teaser, which is only a few seconds long, features Walker Scobells Percy riding in a blue chariot pulled by two white horses. Although this was all that was shown, the audience can totally brace themselves for the upcoming season as the production is officially underway.

Apart from this, the sneak peek video mostly recapped the events of the first season.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Percy Jackson (@percyseries)

The first season, which premiered in December, had gained critical acclaim and a 91% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Season two will follow the story of The Sea of Monsters, the second book in Rick Riordans best-selling series. In this season, Percy Jackson returns to Camp Half-Blood after a year, only to find his life in turmoil.

As the new season is underway, Percy Jackson is returning to Camp Half-Blood and it reveals many changes. His relationship with Annabeth is evolving, he discovers that he has a Cyclops brother, Grover is missing and the camp is under attack from Kronoss forces. Percys quest to restore order will lead him into the dangerous Sea of Monsters, where an unknown destiny awaits the son of Poseidon, informs Deadline.

Last month, at San Diego Comic-Con, it was also revealed that Daniel Diemer has joined the cast for Season 2 as the endearing Cyclops, who is Percys (Walker Scobell) half-brother, the son of Poseidon and a nymph.

Meanwhile, fans of the series may have to wait a little more to watch what exactly happens in the second season as the release date for season two has not been officially confirmed yet.
Hansika Motwani, a name we are all familiar with. She entered the movie industry as a child actor. She was seen in famous series like Shaka Laka Boom Boom in 2000 and also appeared in Ekta Kapoors popular serial, Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi.

In 2003, Hansika Motwani also appeared in Hrithik Roshan and Preity Zinta-starrer blockbuster, Koi Mil Gaya. After the release of this movie, she took a break and went abroad with her family. After 4 years, Hansika made her comeback to the silver screen, with her Telegu movie Desamuduru in 2007 along with Allu Arjun. The film was a hit, and Hansika won the Filmfare Award for Best Female Debut  South. During this time, Hansika was accused of using hormonal injections for her sudden change in appearance. Her mother was also accused of giving her those injections. Hansika has consistently denied these rumours and stated that her physical development was natural and that the accusations were baseless. She said that she cannot take an injection or get a tattoo done because she is scared of needles to date.

When it comes to controversy, Hansika Motwani has been a victim of it many times. She again made headlines when she was seen romancing Himesh Reshammiya, who was 18 years older than her, in the film Aap Kaa Surroor. The actress was not even an adult when she romanced this successful Bollywood music director.

She was again on the controversy radar when she tied the knot with her now husband, Sohail Kathuria on December 4, 2022, in Mundota Fort, Jaipur. Her husband Sohail Kathuria was previously married to a woman named Rinky and she was a good friend of Hansika as well. Even the actor attended Sohail and Rinkys wedding in 2014. She was accused of stealing her friends husband and received a lot of backlash for her decision.

Apart from this, she was also involved in the MMS leak controversy. In 2015, a MMS video of a girl went viral on the internet. The video was claimed to be Hansikas. Later, Hansika herself clarified that it was not her but some other girl who resembled her.

Although Hansika started on the small screen, today she is a big name in the South film industry. She has done more than 60 films in Tamil, Telugu, Kannada and Malayalam languages. Apart from being a successful and critically acclaimed actress, she has been in the limelight for her controversy.
Following the success of The Mandalorian, Ahsoka, The Acolyte and Andor, the Star Wars universe is expanding with a new series, Skeleton Crew. Jude Law stars as a Jedi named Jod Na Nawood, joined by other actors including Ravi Cabot-Conyers, Kyriana Kratter, Robert Timothy Smith and Ryan Kiera Armstrong. The first trailer was unveiled at Disneys D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event at the Anaheim Convention Center in California. It offers a glimpse into the action and adventures of young heroes amidst intergalactic conflict. The trailer evokes a thrilling blend of The Goonies, E.T. and Stranger Things, but set in outer space. Interestingly, the series takes place in the same timeline as The Mandalorian and The Book of Boba Fett.

The trailer begins with four adventurous kids excited to explore the galaxy. Their mission takes an unexpected twist when they uncover a hidden tunnel in the woods. Initially thinking it leads to a lost Jedi temple, they soon discover it is actually the wreckage of a crashed starship.

As the trailer progresses, it showcases their journey through unknown territories, featuring hyperspace travel, encounters with various creatures, advanced technology and powerful weapons. Jude Law makes a striking appearance as a mysterious Jedi who uses the Force to assist the kids on their adventure.

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Before the trailers release, Jude Law described Skeleton Crew as a classic adventure reminiscent of films by Amblin, the company known for Steven Spielbergs movies. According to Deadline, he shared that he first fell in love with Star Wars as a child and emphasised that the series is crafted from a childs perspective, focusing on their exploration of intriguing worlds.

Speaking to StarWars.com, the shows director, Jon Watts said, At its core, its a story about wanting to explore a world thats bigger than your own. I think thats something that people can relate to, no matter how old you are.Skeleton Crews writer Christopher Ford shared, And setting a new group of characters off on their first adventure is fascinating, especially getting to see how they will grow over time.

Skeleton Crew is set to stream on Disney+ starting December 3, 2024.
Kareena Kapoor Khan, the OG fashionista, keeps intriguing her fans through her engaging social media posts and casual appearances. Last night, the actress swooned us all with her ethereal beauty as she stepped out to attend the UNICEF Grace Jewellers Hope Charity event. Now, a video capturing the precious moment as she arrived at the venue is being widely circulated on social media, prompting fans to overflow the comment sections with their love for the talented star.

Walking towards the stage with a bunch of people surrounding her, Kareena Kapoor Khan radiated confidence in the clip. Her choice of outfit stole our hearts as she dressed to impress in an all-white traditional kurta set adorned with silver embellishments from the Abu Jani Sandeep Khosla collection. The actress elevated her look with silver strappy heels and contrasting green earrings for a pop of colour. While on stage, Kareena also struck some stellar poses for the paparazzi, flashing a bright smile that we needed to brighten our day.

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Just a few days before attending the event, Kareena Kapoor Khan returned to Mumbai after a month-long vacation. Marking an end to their Summer 2024, she posted a few photos on Instagram wherein she and Saif both are seen relaxing and enjoying their vacay in their laidback looks. Captioning the pictures, she wrote, Chalo ji time to workAnd thats a wrap to summer 2024. See you soon My Mumbaiiii.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Kareena Kapoor Khan (@kareenakapoorkhan)

Work-wise, Kareena Kapoor Khan was last seen in the heist-comedy film Crew alongside Kriti Sanon and Tabu. The film also saw Diljit Dosanjh and Kapil Sharma joining the three protagonists in supporting roles. Directed by Rajesh A Krishnan, the film is available for streaming on Netflix.

Next up for the actress is The Buckingham Murders, directed by Hansal Mehta. The details around its release date and cast have been kept under wraps. Besides, she also has Rohit Shettys Cop Universe film Singham Again in her kitty. Headlined by Ajay Devgn, the most awaited project features a star-studded cast including Deepika Padukone, Tiger Shroff, Arjun Kapoor, Ranveer Singh and Akshay Kumar.
Director Kiran Rao and Bollywood superstar Aamir Khan recently had the rare privilege of screening their film Laapataa Ladies at the Supreme Court of India, an event that has garnered significant attention. Kiran Rao took to social media to share her excitement, posting photos from the event, including one where she and Aamir were seen alongside Chief Justice of India Dhananjaya Yeshwant Chandrachud and his partner, Kalpana Das.

In her heartfelt caption, Kiran expressed her overwhelming joy, saying, We had the unbelievable honour of screening our film Laapataa Ladies at the Supreme Court yesterday. As is visible in these pictures, I am over the moon! Deeply grateful to our absolutely brilliant CJI DY Chandrachud, his wonderful partner Ms Kalpana Das, and the whole team of the CJI. It is an experience I will personally always hold dear, and on behalf of my entire cast and crew, I am so thankful for this honour.

Ahead of the screening, Kiran Rao spoke to reporters, sharing how deeply honored she felt that her film was chosen to be part of the 75th anniversary celebrations of the Supreme Court of India. She stated, It fills my heart with immense pride to see Laapataa Ladies making history by being screened at the Supreme Court of India. I am deeply grateful to the honourable Chief Justice of India D.Y. Chandrachud for this rare honour.

Rao also expressed her gratitude for the overwhelming response the film has received, saying, From the beginning, we had hoped that the story of Phool and Jaya would resonate deeply, but the outpouring of love from audiences has been nothing short of extraordinary, far exceeding our expectations. Thank you all for giving our film such love and support.

Before the screening, Kiran Rao and Aamir Khan were spotted at the Supreme Court, where they attended a hearing. Aamir Khan, who was welcomed by Chief Justice Chandrachud, spent around 30 minutes observing the courts proceedings from the front row. The Chief Justice jokingly remarked, I dont want a stampede in the court, but we welcome Mr Aamir Khan who is here for the screening of the film.

The screening was attended by Supreme Court judges, their spouses, and members of the registry, taking place in the auditorium of the courts administrative building complex. Laapataa Ladies, which explores the theme of gender equality, had earlier premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) in September 2023, where it received a standing ovation.

This screening at the Supreme Court was part of the activities organized to commemorate the 75th year of the establishment of the Supreme Court of India, making it a historic moment for the filmmakers and the Indian judiciary alike.
Preity Zinda has condemned violence against minorities in Bangladesh amid the ongoing crisis in the country. On Saturday morning, the Bollywood actress took to her X (formerly known as Twitter) handle and shared that she is devastated and heartbroken due to the Bangladesh crisis. She hoped for the recovery of peace in the country and sent prayers to those facing hardships.

Devastated & heartbroken to hear of the violence in Bangladesh against their minority population. People killed, families displaced, women violated & places of worship being vandalized & burnt. Hope the new govt. takes appropriate steps in stopping the violence & protecting its people. My thoughts & prayers for everyone facing hardship #SaveBangladesiHindus, she wrote.

Devastated & heartbroken to hear of the violence in Bangladesh against their minority population. People killed, families displaced, women violated & places of worship being vandalized & burnt. Hope the new govt. takes appropriate steps in stopping the violence & protecting its Preity G Zinta (@realpreityzinta) August 10, 2024

Preity Zinta is not the first Indian actress who has condemned the attacks in Bangladesh. Previously, Sonu Sood also reshared a video on his X handle in which a Bangladeshi Hindu woman was seen expressing her pain. Sood requested the Indian authorities to bring back Indians from Bangladesh and wrote, We should do our best to bring back all our fellow Indians from Bangladesh, so they get a good life here. This is not just the responsibility of our Government which is doing its best but also all of us. Jai Hind.

Prior to him, Raveena Tandon also wrote, I express my solidarity with the victims and call for an immediate end to this violence. It is essential that Global leaders and influencers, especially from India, speak out against these atrocities and work together to protect the rights and dignity of all people. We must not remain silent in the face of such suffering.

Among others, Kangana Ranaut and Sonam Kapoor have also condemned the attacks on minorities in Bangladesh.
KYODO NEWS - Aug 10, 2024 - 19:46 | Japan, All

Japan's summer holiday season moved into full swing on Saturday as people heading to their hometowns, crowded railway stations and airports amid caution following the weather agency's advisory over a potential megaquake.

"It is my first visit to my hometown in five years after a hiatus due to the coronavirus. Now it is an earthquake," Tomohiro Ogawa, 49, a resident of Chiba Prefecture, said at a packed JR Tokyo Station, adding he has discussed preparing for a disaster following the alert with his family.

On Thursday, the Japan Meteorological Agency issued its first-ever advisory on a potential megaquake in the Nankai Trough, which runs along the Pacific coast, just hours after a magnitude 7.1 quake struck southwestern Japan, with its epicenter in waters off Miyazaki Prefecture, near the western edge of the trough.

Although the Tokaido Shinkansen bullet train ran at reduced speed in one section in central Japan, causing delays of around 20 minutes, reserved seats for services departing Tokyo were mostly sold out throughout Saturday.

At JR Nagoya Station, a 20-year-old resident from Yokohama near Tokyo said he fully charged his smartphone and brought more water than usual as a precautionary measure.

At Haneda airport in Tokyo, seats for domestic flights, including those bound for areas where the megaquake could potentially cause damage, have almost been full.

"We can finally go on a family trip after being forced to repeatedly cancel due to the coronavirus. I am worried about an earthquake, but we can't worry about it too much," Masatoshi Eguchi, 48, said at Haneda airport before leaving for Okinawa in southern Japan.

At Miyazaki airport, Rikuto Kawashima, 24, who arrived from Fukuoka Prefecture, said, "I was worried if my parents' home was damaged due to the (M7.1) quake. I am glad I could visit my hometown safely."

Konomi Matsuo, from Tokyo, was greeted with a hug by her family at the airport, and she said, "I am worried about aftershocks."

In Kochi Prefecture, one of the regions expected to be affected by a potential megaquake along the Nankai Trough, Ryuta Nakaoka, who arrived at Kochi Airport from Aichi Prefecture to visit his parents, said, "I will stay on alert until I leave Kochi."

A university student who arrived at JR Kochi Station from Kagawa Prefecture said, "I have concerns (about the megaquake), but I am also worried about my family."

Following the issuance of the advisory, accommodation facilities in tourist spots, especially those located along the Pacific coast in central and western Japan, were hit by cancellations, while some beaches in the regions have been closed and swimming prohibited.

Up to 64 people have taken refuge at evacuation centers in Aichi and Kochi prefectures in response to the advisory, according to local governments.

For the Bon holidays between Friday and Aug. 18, railway operators said reserved seats were up around 1.2 times from a year earlier on local and bullet trains as of July 25. Reservations for domestic flights were roughly unchanged from the year before.

Operators of expressways said traffic jams of 10 kilometers or more are 1.6 times more likely to occur.

Related coverage:

Japan braces for potential massive quake after M7.1 temblor

Domestic travel top Japan leisure pursuit but under pre-COVID level
Since its independence in 1971, Bangladesh has possibly had the most troubled political history in Indias neighbourhood, marked by repeated military coups, a series of short-lived caretaker governments, riots and incessant violence, civilian governments accused of rigged elections, the boycott of elections of the Opposition parties, incarceration and brutal assassination of political leaders, and massive corruption, especially in the highest echelons of whichever government was in power.

The most recent development was mass student-led protests in July and August 2024, which led to widespread violence, culminating in the ouster of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who managed to flee to India just before the mob took over her official residence. Army Chief Waker-Uz-Zaman assumed power on August 5, 2024. He announced a caretaker government, with 84-year-old Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus being named the chief advisor to the interim government.

Since these tumultuous events, there have been scores of comments and analyses on the genesis of the current crisis, and what will happen in the future. My own view is that there is a real danger of indefinite civil war in the country, and any respite from anarchy and violence, will be, as in the past, short-lived, leading once again to the ceaseless confrontation between civilian, military, andnow increasinglyreligious extremist groups.

The reasons for this possibility need to be considered. First, the two main political parties, the Awami League and the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BMP), led by Sheikh Hasina and Khaleda Zia, respectively, have a history of confrontation that is immersed in total mistrust, bitterness, acrimony, and violence. This irreconcilable relationship has carried on for generations, nurtured by the volatile student-wing supporters of both leaders. This deep rift in the civilian spectrum of Bangladesh politics is unlikely to end soon, even though Hasina may have left.

Second, the armed forces have always been an intrinsic part of the countrys power matrix, with generals after generals taking over when civilian governments collapsed, or violent displays of discontent reaching unacceptable proportions. On seizing power, the army leaders were not always short-term arbiters midwifing a new civilian government. Mostly, once they got power, be it in the form of General Zia Rehman or General Ershad, they kept it for as long as they could, and it has yet to be seen if General Zaman, who has taken over now, will do otherwise.

Third, civilian politics itself is inextricably tied up with the army. Khaleda is the widow of General Zia-ur-Rehman, who through a military coup became President of the country and its chief martial law administrator. He was assassinated in 1981 by dissident elements in the military. As is well-known, Sheikh Hasinas father, Mujibur Rehman, who led the movement to create Bangladesh, was massacred by army officers in a military coup, along with his entire family, with Hasina and her sister providentially escaping because they happened to be abroad. In other words, the leaders of the two main parties have been personally victimsor beneficiaries, depending on how you view itof the intervention of the military.

Fourth, student power in Bangladeshi politics has assumed a power of its own. This has its origins in Bangladeshs war of independence, where the Mukti Bahini had large segments of the youth, who continued to remain active players in politics thereafter. It was these students who spearheaded the quota reform movement this year. They were also at the forefront of the anger against Hasina for the increasingly autocratic and undemocratic nature of her 16-year rule. It is unlikely that these students will now quietly go back to their universities, especially since they are themselves divided into several factions, and riven with internecine rivalries.

Fifth, there is among these students increased Islamic radicalisation. The Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, legalised in 1975 under a military regime, was declared illegal in 2018 by the countrys Supreme Court. However, the ban only drove it underground, and enabled it to clandestinely expand its network in universities and elsewhere. Evidence suggests that it had a significant role in the student protests leading to Hasinas overthrow, especially since she had declared Bangladesh to be a secular country. The Jamaat is now likely to play a much more important role, since it was an ally of the BMP party when Khaleda was PM, and she has been released from jail following the end of Hasinas regime. Matters are only likely to worsen with open violence against the already diminished Hindu minority, and Awami League supporters.

Finally, there are foreign powers, such as Pakistan, who may have a vested interest in either supporting a military regime, or perpetuating anarchy, or encouraging radical Islamist forces. Pakistan has never forgotten the division of the country through the creation of Bangladesh, nor has it forgiven India for its key role in enabling this to happen. Sheikh Hasinas obvious closeness to India was resented by it, as well as China. An unstable and economically precarious Bangladesh is a happy hunting ground for such countries.

It is doubtful if a physically unwell and aged Muhammad Yunus will be able to manage or contain this kind of chaos. Bangladesh is possibly in for a long period of internal upheaval. This has extremely important consequences for India, but what that means, and what Indias policy should be, requires a separate column.

The author is a former diplomat, an author and a politician. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect News18s views.
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Friday slammed the opposition BJP-JD(S) for their Mysuru Chalo march over an alleged land scam, saying none of their leaders have a moral right to question him. He asked the people to drive the Manuvadis out.

A day ahead of the culmination of the Mysuru Chalo campaign Siddaramaiah hit out at the opposition in a major show of strength in his hometown. The march from Bengaluru to Mysuru has been organised demanding the chief ministers resignation over the allegation that his wife Parvathi had benefitted from a scam in Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA).

The opposition has alleged that Siddaramaiahs wife got alternative plots in an upmarket area against the acquisition of 3.40 acre of land in a remote part of the city.

Speaking at the mega Janandolana convention at Maharajas College Grounds here to counter the oppositions allegations and their foot march, Siddaramaiah said, August 9 happens to be the anniversary of the historic Quit India movement to drive out the British from India. Today we have to drive out communal, casteist and feudal people. We have to oppose and condemn the Manuvadis, casteists and feudal lords who are unable to tolerate backward and exploited people. Hence, this event (Janandolana). He alleged that former Congress CMs Devaraj Urs, S Bangarappa and M Veerapa Moily were forced to step down since they came from backward communities.

The chief minister also alleged that former Prime Minister H D Deve Gowda and his son and Union Minister H D Kumaraswamy had backtracked from their promise given to former CM N Dharam Singh to run a Congress-JD(S) coalition government in 2006 and that they shook hands with the communal BJP to throw him out of power.

He said the BJP and the JD(S) have no moral right to question him as their leaders have been involved in scams, Siddaramaiah said.

The chief minister sought to know what moral right the leader of the opposition in the Karnataka Assembly, R Ashoka, former chief minister B S Yediyurappa, his son and BJP state president B Y Vijayendra and Kumaraswamy had to seek his resignation.

If Yediyurappa has any shame, he should have retired from politics. He is 82 years old. He is an accused in a POCSO Act case in which charge sheet had been filed. He is asking me to resign by August 10. What moral right does he have? Did he do just one or two scams? He was caught in 18 to 20 scams, Siddaramaiah said.

Alleging that Vijayendra was also caught in several scams, the chief minister reminded that BJPs Vijayapura MLA Yatnal had also said that Vijayendra had looted several thousands of crores of rupees.

Kumaraswamy, what moral right do you have? Have you forgotten the Jantakal mining case? You gave renewal to 20 companies. You have any shame to seek my resignation? Siddaramaiah asked.

He also hit out at Ashoka, saying that as the land grant committee chairperson, he gave away 2,200 acres of land in BM Kaval in Bengaluru.

These people have to reply now. I never pursued the politics of hatred and vendetta. If I was like that then such a situation would not have arisen in the first place. They would have gone to jail, the chief minister charged.

Siddaramaiah alleged that the BJP-led NDA government at the Centre, Kumaraswamy, Yediyurappa, Vijayendra and Ashoka were involved in a conspiracy to remove him from the chief ministers post.

He termed the complainant of the MUDA scam, T J Abraham, as a person who has no credibility.

Who is this Abraham? The SC has slapped a penalty of Rs 25 lakh (on him in the past). A charge sheet has been filed against him on a complaint by a KAS officer Dr Sudha, that he was blackmailing her, the chief minister said.

The charge sheet was filed against Abraham on August 5, 10 days after the Governor issued a show-cause notice to Siddaramaiah asking him why permission should not be given to prosecute him in the MUDA scam.

The show of strength by the Congress in support of Siddaramaiah involved all the top guns from the party in Karnataka, including General Secretary (Karnataka) in-charge Randeep Singh Surjewala, state Congress President and Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar, ministers and MLAs rallying behind the CM.

Speaking on the occasion, Shivakumar said the opposition was dreaming of removing the CM in Karnataka in 10 days, but which is not possible for them in the next ten years.

Kumaraswamy claims himself to be Clean Swamy but officials have told me that he has 50 cases of denotification of land against him. I will expose his corruption. Lokayukta has written to the Governor regarding this. Hence Kumaraswamy has taken refuge in the BJP, the DCM said.

Lashing out at Vijayendra, Shivakumar asked him to tell the people why his father Yediyurappa resigned as chief minister twice.

When you come to Mysuru, you tell the people why you transferred money from Lakshmi Vilas bank to Dubai. Time will decide who has to resign, the DCM said.

The BJP has tried to destabilise many governments in the past through Operation Lotus but the party should know that the British could not destabilise the Congress for 200 years; how can the BJP dethrone it now, he quipped.
The opposition is considering passing a no-confidence resolution against Rajya Sabha chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar after a turbulent end to the Parliament session, which was adjourned sine die on Friday (August 9) but was to come to an end on Monday (August 12).

Relations between Dhankhar and INDIA bloc parties came to a head with sources saying they are considering submitting a notice for moving a resolution to remove the vice-president from his office. There is, however, no clarity on the technicalities of such a move as the House is not in session.

According to the sources, the timing of the notice is to be discussed and decided. Though the resolution may not go through as the opposition parties do not have the numbers to oust him, it will be a statement to highlight the chairs blatantly and consistently partisan approach, the sources said.

Opposition sources said 87 members have signed the proposal to initiate action against Dhankhar. A source said around two days ago, leader of house JP Nadda was informally told that the opposition is considering submitting a motion for removing the vice-president.

What are the concerns raised by the opposition?

Opposition parties have raised concerns including microphone of the leader of opposition being turned off repeatedly. It wants the House to be run by rules and convention and personal remarks against members are unacceptable, the source said.

There was much sparring between Dhankhar and INDIA bloc parties the day before with the Congress accusing the chair of acting in a partisan manner against the entire opposition. Soon after opposition walked out of Rajya Sabha led by Sonia Gandhi, the Congress held a press conference alleging he was not giving the opposition the importance it deserves in the Upper House.

The walkout came after Samajwadi Party MP Jaya Bachchan and Dhankhar got into a heated exchange in the Upper House. Main kalakar hoon, body language samajhti hoon, expression samajhti hoon par sir, mujhe maaf kariyega magar apka tone jo hai is not acceptable. We are colleagues sir, you may be sitting on the chair, she said.

Dhankhar hit back, saying, Jaya ji, youve earned a great reputation. You know, an actor is subject to director. Youve not seen what I see from here. I dont want schooling. I am a person who has gone out of the way, and you say my tone enough of it.

Nadda slammed the opposition and demanded an apology from the opposition. After the walkout, Bachchan, flanked by Sonia Gandhi and other opposition leaders, told reporters that she objected to the tone used by the chair. We are not schoolchildren. I was upset with the tone and, especially when the LoP stood up to speak, his mic was switched off. How can you do this? If he is not going to be heard in the House, then what are we doing? On top of that, every time (they are) using words which are unparliamentary, she said.

What are the options available?

Congress leader Ajay Maken said opposition parties feel that the chairmans approach is partisan. Rajya Sabha is a House that sets parameters for other legislatures. In that House, the Chairman should not be seen partisan. The Congress alone does not feel that way, all opposition parties feel his behaviour is partial towards one side, he said.

Congress deputy leader in Rajya Sabha Pramod Tiwari alleged leader of opposition Mallikarjun Kharge is not allowed to speak, he is frequently interrupted and his microphones are often shut. It is not about one party. Two-three days ago, Ghanshyam Tiwari used such words for the leader of opposition, which were not right and were insulting and unacceptable. We had given notice for privilege motion. We wanted to know the ruling on it, the ruling has not come, it has to be in writing, he said.

Maken said: All options are open, whatever is legal and in the rule book, whatever is in the Constitution, within the procedure of conduct, whatever provisions are there in the law, all options are open for us, we cannot remain mute spectators while democracy is being murdered.

How can vice-president be removed?

The vice-president is the ex-officio chairman of the Rajya Sabha and holds a pivotal position in the parliamentary system by upholding rules and conventions for the smooth functioning of the Upper House. They can only be removed as the chairman when they are removed from the office of Vice-President of India.

This can be done by a resolution of the Council of States (Rajya Sabha), passed by a majority of its members at that time and agreed to by the House of the People (Lok Sabha). A resolution for this purpose may be moved only after a notice of at least a minimum of 14 days.

Article 67(b) of the Constitution states: Vice-President may be removed from his office by a resolution of the Council of States (Rajya Sabha) passed by a majority of all the then members of the Council and agreed to by the House of the People; but no resolution for the purpose of this clause shall be moved unless at least fourteen days notice has been given of the intention to move the resolution.

Here is the process:

The resolution for the removal can be introduced only in the Rajya Sabha, and not in the Lok Sabha

The resolution can be moved only after giving 14 days notice

The resolution should be passed in the Rajya Sabha by an effective majority (a majority of the then members of Rajya Sabha excluding vacant seats) and agreed to by Lok Sabha by a simple majority

When the resolution is under consideration, the chairman cannot preside over the House. The person can be present, speak and take part in the proceedings but cannot vote

Unlike the chairman of the Rajya Sabha, the Speaker of the Lok Sabha can vote in the first instance though not in the case of an equality of votes, when a resolution for their removal is under consideration

(With PTI inputs)
Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde targeted the opposition parties, accusing them of spreading rumours about his governments flagship Ladki Bahin scheme for women, and asked people to be cautious of such stepbrothers.

Speaking on Friday night in Thane, his home turf, Shinde said his government does not work keeping in mind the elections, but it works for the welfare of people.

Assembly elections in Maharashtra are likely to be held in October this year.

Months before the elections, his government announced Mukhymantri Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana, which literally means Chief Ministers My Beloved Sister Scheme, under which eligible women will be given a financial assistance of Rs 1,500 every month.

Citizens, especially women in the state, should be cautious of the savatra bhau (stepbrothers) who spread all kinds of rumours about the Ladki Bahin scheme. So far, I had only one sister. Now, I have got lakhs of sisters across the state, CM Shinde said at Yeoor here during an event held on the occasion of occasion of International Day of the Worlds Indigenous Peoples or World Tribal Day.

We do not work keeping in mind the elections. Our aim is only to benefit the citizens of the state and we are committed to the cause, he said.

The state government has made a provision of Rs 45,000 crore for the Ladki Bahin scheme, Shinde said, adding that there was no doubt the scheme would remain operational in future as well.

He reiterated that the first instalment of two months under the scheme would be credited into the accounts of eligible women on August 17.

Describing tribal people as honest and hard-working, the chief minister said the government has rolled out several schemes and programmes for their welfare.

The government will ensure that these schemes and programmes reach the beneficiaries, he added.

Our intention is that all citizens of the state are made part of the mainstream for their development and progress, Shinde said.

He hailed the tribal leaders, who sacrificed their lives for nation-building.

The CM said his government wants to ensure that the funds given for the development of ashram schools (residential facilities for tribal students) across the state are utilized properly.

He announced that he would soon visit some ashram schools in the state for inspection.
Google Pixel 9 series is getting an early launch this year, most likely to avoid Apple stealing its AI thunder. The Pixel 9 series is shaping up to be an action-packed lineup, which now includes a Pixel 9 series foldable as well. Googles flagship models have become a lot more premium, not only in terms of the quality but overall package, except for the performance from the Tensor chipsets.

This years rumours dont give us much confidence on that front either. But now that the launch is just a few days away, heres a quick round-up of everything that we know about the Pixel 9 series launch, how many models are coming this year and more.

Pixel 9 Series Launch Date And Timings

Pixel 9 series is going to be unveiled at the Made by Google event in California on Tuesday, August 13. The live event will start from around 10:30 PM IST if you are watching in India. You can head over to Google Youtube page or social channels to get the updates.

Pixel 9 Series India Launch Details

The Google Pixel 9 series India launch details have also been confirmed and we also know which Pixel 9 models are coming to the country this year. Google has teased that the full Pixel 9 series lineup is launching in India this year, including the Pixel 9 Pro Fold model. Thats right, this will be the first foldable from the Pixel stable to come to our shores, and it was surprising to hear Google make that announcement out of the blue.

The Pixel 9 India launch is on Wednesday, August 14 and the devices will be once again available through Flipkart and other offline channels.

Pixel 9 Series Launch Round-Up  Pixel 9 Foldable, 9 Pro XL And AI Surprises To Expect

Google Pixel 9 series made its unofficial public bow with a full-fledged leak earlier this week. Google has quashed away those reports by going official with its own teaser on Friday, which shows us the new Gemini-powered Pixel 9 lineup and yes, the first Pixel 9 series Fold in the market. The leaks do confirm the new camera module at the back of the Pixel 9 Pro model, while the 9 Pro Fold carries a gigantic camera setup that is likely to feature three camera sensors.

The upcoming Google flagship phone suggests the new Pixel series will finally get a much-needed upgrade. According to a report by Android Authority, Google is planning to use an ultrasonic fingerprint scanner in its upcoming devices.

The fingerprint scanners on the previous Pixel devices werent received well. Several users reported issues with the unlock speed and the reliability of the scanning. While subsequent OTA updates and the next generation of Pixel devices somewhat improved the situation, the unlocking remained slow.

But all this good news can become less exciting now because it has been mentioned that the Pixel 9 series will be launching this month with Android 14 out of the box. Thats right, the 2024 Pixel flagship lineup could be running on the 2023 Android version at the launch date. If these rumours are true then we might have a first with the new Pixels launching with an older Android version.

The cameras are expected to get major upgrades this year, and the new bar design for the module could allow the company to offer more versatile sensors. The Pixel 9 Pro Fold teasers from Google also show us an interesting camera setup and the details will be confirmed later next week. Among other features that Google is expected to bring with the Pixel 9 series is the satellite SOS tech.

Reports say that Pixel 9 series will support the useful feature that helps you message or call emergency services when the mobile network is unavailable. Google will be calling its feature as Pixel Satellite SOS which users can expect to get it via a Pixel Drop update. Bringing it through an update could possibly make it easier for Google to push the feature to older Pixel models in the near future.

Google Pixel 9 India Launch Price Details

The Pixel 9 series has four models and the starting price of the regular model could be around Rs 75,000 this year. The Pixel 8 Pro launch price in India was close to Rs 1,10,000 so the Pixel 9 Pro price could be higher, and finally the Pixel 9 Pro Fold could launch around the price of the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 in the country.
Brazils Voepass Airlines recently made headlines after one of its flights crashed into a residential area in Vinhedo. The unfortunate accident claimed the lives of all 61 people on board, including 57 passengers and 4 crew members. Now, a Rio de Janeiro resident named Adriano Assis has revealed that he was supposed to be on the flight that met with the accident but missed it due to a mixup at the airport.

Assis narrowly missed the disaster as he arrived late at the airport after completing his shift at a local hospital. Speaking with Brazilian news outlet TV Globo, the man said he reached the check-in counter at 9:40 am but missed the two-hour flight from Cascavel to Guarulhos due to an airport mix-up.

So when he came to know about the crash, Assis credited the airport staff and hugged the official who stopped him from boarding the flight. Assis explained, I got here at 9:40, the gate was closed, but the flight was leaving. I was working at the Toledo Regional Hospital. When I arrived, I waited to see if theyd opened, normally theres always someone there at the counter, but there was no one. I stayed upstairs, had my coffee and waited. The microphone didnt say anything, the boards didnt say anything about the flight either. When I came down it was half past ten, there was a huge queue here.

I waited and when it got to about 10:41, the guy said I wasnt going to get on. At that point, I argued with him and so on, and that was it. He saved my life. I hug him because hes done his job. If he hadnt done his job, maybe I wouldnt be doing this interview today, Adriano Assis added.

Sharing the video, an X user wrote, This man wasnt allowed to board the plane that just crashed in Vinhedo in Sao Paulo, Brazil because he was LATE. He argued with the man at the boarding gate, but ended up hugging him after hearing the plane had crashed. This is unbelievable.

This man wasnt allowed to board the plane that just crashed in Vinhedo in Sao Paulo, Brazil because he was LATE.He argued with the man at the boarding gate, but ended up hugging him after hearing the plane had crashed. This is unbelievable  pic.twitter.com/wrplK3lVr4  Cillian (@CilComLFC) August 9, 2024

After the crash, Voepass Airlines said its main focus was on providing support to the families of the victims and finding out what caused the accident. As per The Guardian, Emerson Massera from the Brazilian military police confirmed there were no survivors. He described the situation as very tragic and mentioned that they are now focusing on clearing the debris for the investigation and identification of the victims. Reportedly, the plane crashed in a residential area 76 kilometres from the state capital, Curitiba.
A recent incident of fraud has sparked widespread debate and public concern after an uncle-nephew duo was arrested for swindling Rs 15 lakh worth of jewellery from a resident of Marchoi village in the Satgawan block of Koderma district.

The victim, 46-year-old Pankaj Kumar Singh, had been suffering from filariasis for several years and had grown weary of seeking treatment from various hospitals with no improvement. One day, while working in his field, Pankaj was approached by three men riding two motorcycles who inquired about his swollen feet. After he shared his struggles with the disease, the men introduced themselves as tantriks, claiming they could cure his condition. They demanded a goat as payment for their services. Desperate for a cure, Pankaj offered them two goats instead.

The fraudsters were brought into Pankajs home, where they pretended to perform occult rituals for half an hour. After the ritual, they instructed Pankaj and his wife to gather all the gold jewellery in the house, claiming that more gold would accelerate the healing process. Trusting them completely, Pankajs wife collected jewellery worth around Rs 15 lakh and wrapped it in a red cloth as instructed.

The men then told Pankaj to bathe three times while they performed the final part of the ritual. They warned Pankajs wife not to watch and instructed her to stand facing the wall. When Pankaj returned, the fraudsters tied the red cloth containing the jewellery around his swollen feet and placed it on the bed, assuring him that the jewellery had been purified. They advised him to leave the cloth unopened for half an hour and to continue the ritual for 41 days to cure his illness. After issuing these final instructions, the men left, warning Pankaj not to look back.

Half an hour later, when Pankaj unwrapped the red cloth, he found only rice grains inside, realising he had been thoroughly deceived.

The local police were informed, and the news was relayed to the Nawada police in Bihar. The two criminals, identified as Md. Shamshad and Md. Chunnu was arrested. They had been living in a rented house disguised as sadhus and are now being interrogated by the police regarding the stolen jewellery.
Gazas civil defence agency said Saturday at least 90 people were killed in an Israeli strike on a school housing displaced people in the besieged Palestinian territory.

The agency said three Israeli rockets hit the school in Gaza City, describing the incident as a horrific massacre, with some bodies catching fire.

Israels army said Saturday it had precisely struck Hamas terrorists operating within a Hamas command and control center embedded in the Al-Tabaeen school.

The strike comes two days after Gazan authorities said more than 18 people were killed in Israeli strikes on two other schools in Gaza City, with the military saying at the time it had struck Hamas command centres.

Israel has vowed to destroy the Palestinian group in retaliation for its October 7 attack, but agreed to resume talks next week at the request of international mediators following intense diplomacy aimed at averting a region-wide conflagration.

Iran has claimed that Israel wants to spread war in the Middle East, and Hamas officials, some analysts and critics in Israel have said Netanyahu has prolonged the fighting for political gain.

During 10 months of war across the Gaza Strip, the military has found itself returning to some areas to fight the militants again.

Enough! shouted Khan Yunis resident Ahmed al-Najjar.

Have mercy on us, for Gods sake, the young children and women are dying in the streets. Enough!

Israels military said Friday that troops were operating around Khan Yunis, the southern Gaza city from which soldiers had withdrawn in April after months of fierce fighting with Hamas.

After the military issued an evacuation order for parts of the city, AFPTV images showed a crowd of people flowing through dusty, damaged streets on foot or on donkey and motorcycle carts piled with belongings.

Weve been displaced 15 times, said Mohammed Abdeen.

By Friday, the United Nations humanitarian office OCHA estimated that at least 60,000 Palestinians may have moved towards western Khan Yunis in the past 72 hours, UN spokeswoman Florencia Soto Nino said.

Ceasefire push

There has been only one, week-long truce in the Gaza fighting, in November.

US, Qatari and Egyptian mediators have for months tried to secure a second one.

In a joint statement Thursday, the three countries leaders invited the warring parties to resume talks on August 15 in Doha or Cairo to close all remaining gaps and commence implementation of the deal without further delay.

Netanyahus office said Israel would send negotiators to conclude the details of implementing a deal.

Hamas has yet to publicly comment on the mediators invitation.

Recent discussions have focused on a framework outlined by US President Joe Biden in late May and later endorsed by the UN Security Council.

The war in Gaza began with the October Hamas attack that resulted in the deaths of 1,198 people, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally based on Israeli official figures.

Palestinian militants seized 251 hostages, 111 of whom are still held in Gaza, including 39 the Israeli military says are dead.

Israels retaliatory military campaign in Gaza has killed at least 39,699 people, according to the Hamas-run territorys health ministry, which does not give details of civilian and militant deaths.

Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant, in talks with his US counterpart Lloyd Austin, raised the importance of swiftly achieving a hostage release deal, Gallants office said.

EU chief Ursula von der Leyen said on social media platform X: We need a ceasefire in Gaza now.

I strongly support the efforts led by the US, Egypt, and Qatar to help achieve the peace and stability the region needs.

Fears of regional war

The Gaza war has already pulled in Iran-aligned groups in the region, and fears of a broader Middle East war have surged following vows of vengeance for the killing of two senior militants, including Hamass political leader.

The killing last week of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh during a visit to Tehran had sidelined truce talks. Iran and Hamas blamed Israel, which has not directly commented.

Haniyehs killing came hours after an Israeli strike on Beirut killed Fuad Shukr, the military chief of Lebanons Iran-backed Hezbollah movement. Israel said it was in response to deadly rocket fire on the annexed Golan Heights.

Hamas ally Hezbollah has been trading near-daily cross-border fire with Israeli forces.

Two Hezbollah fighters were killed Friday, the group said, as was a Hamas commander from south Lebanons Palestinian refugee camp of Ain al-Helweh, Hamas and the Israeli military said.

Hezbollah, Hamas, Iran and others vowed retaliation for the Shukr and Haniyeh killings, sending fears of a regional war soaring and triggering intensive efforts to halt the cycle of violence.

The United States, which has sent extra warships and jets to the region to support Israel, has urged both Iran and Israel to avoid an escalation.

A senior Biden administration official, requesting anonymity, told reporters that Israel had been very receptive to the idea of fresh truce talks, though a significant amount of work remains.
Shortly after Bangladeshs former chief justice Obaidul Hasan resigned in the face of student protests on Saturday, the vice-chancellor of Dhaka University vice-chancellor ASM Maksud Kamal stepped down citing personal reasons.

Kamal, who had assumed the role of the vice-chancellor last year, told Prothom Alo that he sent his resignation to the interim government.

Following Kamals resignation, seven hall provosts also stepped down. Kamal served as the convener of Blue Panel, an Awami League-backed teacher organisation at Dhaka University earlier.

Earlier Obaidul Hasan resigned from the role of Bangladesh chief justice after student protesters demanded his resignation in response to the full court meeting he called and later cancelled on Saturday morning and also accused him of backing the ousted former prime minister Sheikh Hasinas government.

Hindus In Sherpur Live In Fear, Protest Rallies In Dhaka, Major Cities

Members of the Hindu Bengali community have taken out protest rallies in Dhaka, Shariatpur and many other towns to protest against the attacks on members of Hindu and other minority groups.

Some businesses and homes owned by Hindus were attacked following Hasinas ousting, and the group is seen by some radical Islamist groups in Muslim-majority Bangladesh as having been close to her. Hasinas Awami Leagues rival Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) is also seen as inimical towards Hindus, Buddhists, tribal communities and other minority groups in Bangladesh.

Hindu Bengali protesters in capital Dhaka chanted slogans like Who are you, who am I, Bengali Bengali and Who are you, who am I, Hindu, Hindu and blocked traffic flow at Shahbag Square. According to Prothom Alo, several like-minded and civil society activists also joined the mass protests.

The Dhaka University teachers association also expressed solidarity in the protest rally, the report said.

A separate report by the outlet said that in the city of Sherpur, members of the Hindu community have set up night watch groups to guard Hindu businesses. Hindu areas like North Saha Para, South Saha Para, Sanyal Para, Jagannath Para, Srirampur Para, Basak Para, Ghosh Para, Datta Para, Gosai Para, Pal Para and Vrindavan Para have set up night watch groups to protect Hindu businesses and prevent looting and arson.

Weve to keep watch till dawn every day to save our wealth and honour, Pradeep Saha (67), a jeweller from Sherpur, was quoted as saying by Prothom Alo.

Human chain was formed by members of the Hindu Bengali community Shariatpur to protest the attacks, vandalism, arson, land grabbing, torture and temple vandalism in different parts of the country. The protest was organised by Bangladesh National Hindu Mohajot.

We are shocked to see how Hindus are being attacked, tortured, and temples vandalised. We dont want to cry anymore. Please ensure our safety. We are also citizens of this country, Hemant Das, joint secretary general of the Central Committee of Bangladesh National Hindu Mohajot told the news outlet, highlighting that Shariatpurs Manasabari Temple was also vandalised.

Mundas, Santhalis, Oraon Express Fear

Adivasi community leaders from Munda, Santhal and Oraon communities told Bangladeshi news outlet Prothom Alo that they live in fear as homes and businesses of some members of the community were attacked and looted in the aftermath of the protests.

Homes of Santhal, Oraon and Munda communities were attacked in Chapainawabganj, Rajshahi, Naogaon and Dinajpur. I am hiding with my family for fear of life. We are having sleepless nights and several tribal communities are living in an atmosphere of fear, Naren Pahan, general secretary of the central committee of the Bangladesh National Tribal Council, the largest organisation of small ethnic groups in the plains, told Prothom Alo.

There were attacks on tribal households in different parts of the district along with looting and vandalism. It seems like the country is not mine, Pahan further added.
Long-time Bangladeshi leader Sheikh Hasina had not resigned as prime minister before fleeing this week to India as anti-government protesters marched on her official residence, her son and adviser told Reuters early on Saturday.

Hasina has been sheltering in New Delhi since Monday following an uprising that killed about 300 people, many of them students, ending her uninterrupted rule of 15 years in the country of 170 million people.

My mother never officially resigned. She didnt get the time, Hasinas son Sajeeb Wazed told Reuters from Washington.

She had planned to make a statement and submit her resignation. But then the protesters started marching on the prime ministers residence. And there was no time. My mother wasnt even packed. As far as the constitution goes, she is still the prime minister of Bangladesh.

He said though the president had dissolved parliament after consulting with military chiefs and opposition politicians, the formation of a caretaker government without the prime minister actually formally resigning can be challenged in court.

Wazed also said Hasinas Awami League party would contest the next election, which he said must be held within three months.

Im confident the Awami League will come to power. If not, we will be the opposition. Either way is fine, he said.

He said he was encouraged by a recent statement from Khaleda Zia, chief of the main opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and a Hasina foe, that there should be no revenge or vengeance after Hasina fled.

I was very happy to hear Mrs. Khaleda Zias statement that let bygones be bygones, Wazed said. Lets forget the past. Let us not pursue the politics of vengeance. We are going to have to work together, whether its a unity government or not.

He said he was willing to work with the BNP  to have democratic elections in Bangladesh and restore democracy and to work with them to ensure that going forward, we have peaceful democracy where there will be free and fair elections.

I believe that politics and negotiations are very important, he said. We can argue. We can agree to disagree. And we can always find a compromise.

Asked whether he would be the Awami Leagues prime ministerial candidate, he said: My mother was going to retire after this term anyway. If the party wants me to, maybe. I will definitely consider it.

He said his mother was ready to face trial back home, as demanded by students who led the uprising.

The threat of arrest has never scared my mother before, he said. My mother has done nothing wrong. Just because people in her government did illegal things, did not mean my mother ordered it. That does not mean my mother is responsible for that.

He did not say who in the government was responsible for allowing the shooting of people during the protests.

A government is a big, big machinery, Wazed said. Those who are responsible, they should be brought to justice. My mother absolutely did not order anyone to commit violence against the protesters. The police were trying to stop the violence, but some police officers used excessive force.

Our government immediately, and I was part of those conversations, I also told my mother, we need to immediately tell (our students wing) not to attack, stop the violence, he said.

We suspended the police officers that shot at students. We did everything we could.

He said he would return home when he liked.

I have never done anything illegal. So, how is anyone going to stop me? he said. The political parties are not going anywhere. You cannot wipe us out. Without our help, without our supporters, you are not going to be able to bring stability to Bangladesh.
KYODO NEWS - Aug 10, 2024 - 17:02 | All, Japan, World

U.S. Ambassador to Japan Rahm Emanuel has told people around him of his intention to leave his post in November, government sources said Friday.

Emanuel, known for his tough stance on China, who has played an active role in deepening Washington-Tokyo ties, is considering leaving Japan before or after Thanksgiving on Nov. 28, the U.S. sources said, adding he is hoping to be part of the transition if Vice President Kamala Harris wins the presidential election.

If Donald Trump, a former president and the Republican nominee, wins the Nov. 5 election, he will undoubtedly name a new ambassador to Japan. The sources said Emanuel, 64, has no interest in staying in the post until the next envoy is selected as he wants to seek a new post in a Harris administration.

U.S. online news site Axios recently reported that Emanuel could be one of the candidates for Harris' national security adviser position.

The ambassador arrived in Japan in January 2022, filling the post that had been vacant since his predecessor, William Hagerty, resigned in July 2019 to run for the Senate.

Even before arriving in the Japanese capital, Emanuel suggested that an essential part of his job would entail countering China.

Emanuel had indicated he would serve the post only during President Joe Biden's first term, saying the United States' posture for the next 30 years would be determined by what it could build in partnership with Japan over the next three years.

From 2009 to 2010, Emanuel was chief of staff to President Barack Obama, whom Biden served as vice president.

Emanuel served as Chicago's mayor for two terms from 2011 to 2019 and was a member of the House of Representatives from 2003 to 2009.

Biden abandoned his reelection bid last month, and Harris became the Democratic Party's nominee for president about a week ago.

The 81-year-old president bowed out of the 2024 presidential race on July 21, following weeks of intraparty fighting over his fitness to serve another term and calls for him to pass the baton to a younger generation.

In state primaries and caucuses earlier this year, Biden won enough delegates to clinch the Democratic nomination. However, pressure for the incumbent to exit the race quickly intensified after he delivered a shaky performance in a televised debate against Trump in late June.

Harris, who is Black and Asian American, would be the first female U.S. president, as well as the first woman of color to hold the office. She has narrowed or erased Trump's lead in a number of national polls and appears to be more formidable than Biden in key battleground states.

Related coverage:

U.S. envoy hails tighter NATO, Indo-Pacific ties amid China rise

U.S. ambassador makes rare visit to remote Japanese isles near Taiwan

U.S. envoy to U.N. becomes first in post to visit Nagasaki
Dozens of Russian military personnel are being trained in Iran to use the Fath-360 close-range ballistic missile system, two European intelligence sources told Reuters, adding that they expected the imminent delivery of hundreds of the satellite-guided weapons to Russia for its war in Ukraine.

Russian defence ministry representatives are believed to have signed a contract on Dec. 13 in Tehran with Iranian officials for the Fath-360 and another ballistic missile system built by Irans government-owned Aerospace Industries Organization (AIO) called the Ababil, said the two intelligence officials, who requested anonymity in order to discuss sensitive matters.

Citing multiple confidential intelligence sources, the officials said that Russian personnel have visited Iran to learn how to operate the Fath-360 defence system, which launches missiles with a maximum range of 120 km (75 miles) and a warhead of 150 kg. One of the sources said that that the only next possible step after training would be actual delivery of the missiles to Russia.

Moscow possesses its own ballistic missiles, but the supply of Fath-360s could allow Russia to use more of its arsenal for targets beyond the front line, while employing Iranian warheads for closer-range targets, a military expert said.

A spokesman for the U.S. National Security Council said the United States and its NATO allies and G7 partners are prepared to deliver a swift and severe response if Iran were to move forward with such transfers.

It would represent a dramatic escalation in Irans support for Russias war of aggression against Ukraine, the spokesman said. The White House has repeatedly warned of the deepening security partnership between Russia and Iran since the outset of Russias full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

Russias defence ministry did not respond to a request for comment.

Irans permanent mission to the United Nations in New York said in a statement that the Islamic Republic had forged a long-term strategic partnership with Russia in various areas, including military cooperation.

Nevertheless, from an ethical standpoint, Iran refrains from transferring any weapons, including missiles, that could potentially be used in the conflict with Ukraine until it is over, the statement said.

The White House declined to confirm that Iran was training Russian military personnel on the Fath-360 or that it was preparing to ship the weapons to Russia for use against Ukraine.

The two intelligence sources gave no exact timeframe for the expected delivery of Fath-360 missiles to Russia but said it would be soon. They did not provide any intelligence on the status of the Abibal contract.

A third intelligence source from another European agency said it had also received information that Russia had sent soldiers to Iran to train in the use of Iranian ballistic missile systems, without providing further details.

Such training is standard practice for Iranian weapons supplied to Russia, said the third source, who also declined to be named because of the sensitivity of the information.

A senior Iranian official, who requested anonymity, said Iran had sold missiles and drones to Russia but has not provided Fath-360 missiles. There was no legal prohibition on Tehran selling such weapons to Russia, the source added.

Iran and Russia engage in the mutual purchase of parts and military equipment. How each country uses this equipment is entirely their decision, the official said, adding that Iran did not sell weapons to Russia for use in the Ukraine war.

As part of the military cooperation, Iranian and Russian officials often travelled between the two states, the official added.

DESTABILIZING ACTIONS

Until now, Irans military support for Moscow has been limited mainly to unmanned Shahed attack drones, which carry a fraction of the explosives and are easier to shoot down because they are slower than ballistic missiles.

Irans semi-official Tasnim news agency said in July 2023 the system had been successfully tested by the countrys Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) Ground Force.

Delivery of large numbers of short-range ballistic missiles from Iran to Russia would enable a further increase in pressure on already badly overstretched Ukrainian missile defence systems, said Justin Bronk, Senior Research Fellow for Air Power at the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI), a London-based defence think-tank.

As ballistic threats, they could only be intercepted reliably by the upper tier of Ukrainian systems, he said, referring to the most sophisticated air defences Ukraine has such as the U.S.-made Patriot and European SAMP/T systems.

Ukraines Ministry of Defense did not have immediate comment.

The NSC spokesman noted that Irans newly elected President Masoud Pezeshkian claimed he wanted to moderate Irans policies and engage with the world. Destabilizing actions like this fly in the face of that rhetoric.

U.N. Security Council restrictions on Irans export of some missiles, drones and other technologies expired in October 2023. However, the United States and European Union retained sanctions on Irans ballistic missile programme amid concerns over exports of weapons to its proxies in the Middle East and to Russia.

Reuters reported in February on deepening military cooperation between Iran and Russia and on Moscows interest in Iranian surface-to-surface missiles.

Sources told the news agency at the time that around 400 Fateh-110 longer-range surface-to-surface ballistic missiles had been delivered. But the European intelligence sources told Reuters that according to their information, no transfer had happened yet.

Ukrainian authorities have not publicly reported finding any Iranian missile remnants or debris during the war. Authorities in Kyiv did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Days after massive unrest ousted Sheikh Hasina government in Bangladesh, Chief Justice Obaidul Hassan has decided to step down from his position after the student protestors turned towards the Supreme Court demanding the resignation of all judges, including Hassan.

The 65-year-old judge stepped down on Saturday afternoon, Bangladeshi news media outlets reported.

According to Daily Star, hundreds of protestors on Saturday reportedly surrounded the Supreme Court and issued an ultimatum to Chief Justice Obaidul Hassan and judges of the Appellate Division to resign by 1pm (local time).

The chief justice revealed his decision around 1 pm after protesters of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement gathered at the court premises.

According to the reports, the Chief Justice left the building as tensions escalated. The protesters have threatened that they would besiege judges residences, if they fail to resign before the ultimatum.

Around 10:30am on Saturday, a huge mob, including students and lawyers, started gathering in the Court premises, demanding resignation of the chief justice and the judges of the Appellate Division.

Why Hasaan resigned?

The protests were sparked by a full-court meeting called by Chief Justice Hassan, who is seen as a loyalist to ousted premier Hasina, without consulting the newly formed interim government. The protestors alleged that the judges are part of a conspiracy, prompting outrage and demands for accountability. Amid the unrest, the chief justice postponed the full court meeting.

However, the protesting students announced a siege of the court premises. In the face of student protest, Chief Justice Hassan not only postponed the meeting but also announced that he would step down.

The Chief Justice told journalists at the apex court premises that he has decided to resign considering the safety of the judges of Supreme Court, High Court and lower courts across the country amid the emerging situation, The Daily Star reported.

There are some formalities for the resignation. Completing those, I will send my resignation letter to President Mohammed Shahabuddin by this evening, he added.

Army deployed at Court premises

Bangladesh Army personnel were deployed at the Supreme Court premises as hundreds of protesting students gathered. Around 1 pm, army personnel were stationed in the main building, annexe building, and other areas around the Supreme Court.

They urged the protesters to maintain peace and called on them to avoid damaging government properties.

What happened in Bangladesh?

The developments came after Awami League leader Sheikh Hasina fled the violence-hit nation to India after resigning from the post of prime minister. Bangladeshs Army chief General Waker-Uz-Zaman took over the administration and announced the formation of an interim government moments after Hasina resigned from her post.

An interim government, led by Nobel Peace laureate Muhammad Yunus, was sworn in on Thursday and will be tasked with holding elections. A 16-member council of advisers was announced to assist Yunus in running the states affairs.

The country was marred by massive protests over the controversial quota system that reserves 30 per cent of the government jobs for the families of veterans who fought the 1971 liberation war. At least 450 people were killed in more than a month of deadly protests that ended the autocratic rule of 76-year-old embattled leader.

(With inputs from agencies)
A large crowd gathered outside the United Nations headquarters in New York, demanding protection for Hindus and other minorities in Bangladesh.

HinduACTion, a Washington-based NGO, said that people from all walks of life showed up spontaneously. The protests also took place at other places in New York, HinduACTion said.

The NGO praised several US Representatives for speaking out against the violence targeting Hindus in Bangladesh.

In a post on X, Republican Congressman Pat Fallon had said, I strongly condemn the ongoing political violence and religious persecution that we are witnessing in Bangladesh. I implore the interim government to act in the shared interest of the Bangladeshi people and put an end to this violence at once.

The targeting of Hindus, Buddhists, Christians and any other religious minority is reprehensible. Those who have instigated and participated in these acts of violence must be held responsible, he added.

Several other leaders spoke up against the violence in Bangladesh.

Congressman Krishnamoorthi Seeks US Help

Indian-American Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi on Thursday wrote to US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, urging him to assist the Bangladeshi government in ending the violence against Hindus in the country.

Krishnamoorthi requested Blinken to engage with Muhammad Yunus, the head of Bangladeshs interim government on August 8, and bring violence to an end and perpetrators to justice.

Bangladeshi Hindus Hit Dhaka Streets Amid Attacks

Hundreds of people protested in the Bangladeshi capital Dhaka on Friday against violence targeting the countrys minority Hindus since former prime minister Sheikh Hasina quit and fled the country earlier this week.

A school teacher was killed and at least 45 people injured as homes, businesses, and temples of Hindus in Muslim-majority Bangladesh were targeted following Hasinas resignation on Monday.

Protesters  some of them carrying posters demanding Bangladeshi minorities be saved  chanted slogans of who are we, Bengali Bengali and appealed for peace as they blocked an intersection in the capital on Friday.

Hindus, who make up about 8% of Bangladeshs population of 170 million, have traditionally supported Hasinas Awami League party, which sparked peoples anger after violent clashes between anti-quota protesters and security forces last month.

Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council estimates at least 52 of the countrys 64 districts have been impacted by communal violence since Aug. 5 and has sought the help of Muhammad Yunus, the Nobel Peace Prize winning economist who took charge as head of a caretaker administration on Thursday.

There is deep apprehension, anxiety and uncertainty among minorities across the country, the council said in an open letter on Friday.

The office of the United Nations Secretary General has said the violence in Bangladesh should be tamped down, adding it stands against any racially based attacks or racially based incitement to violence.

Thousands of Bangladeshi Hindus have been trying to flee to neighbouring India to escape the violence.

Centre Sets Up Committee To Monitor Border Situation

The Government of India has set up a committee to monitor the current situation on the India-Bangladesh Border (IBB) amid the crisis in the neighbouring country.

In a post on X, Union Home Minister Amit Shah said that the committee will maintain communication channels with their counterpart authorities in Bangladesh to ensure the safety and security of Indian nationals, Hindus, and other minority communities living there.

(With agency inputs)
Hindu groups in Dhaka and other parts of the world protested against the alleged ongoing genocide of the community in Bangladesh on Saturday.

There were also protests against the destruction of Hindu temples in the country hit by political unrest.

A large number of Hindus came out in Dhaka to protest against the killing of members of the community.

Protesters held up placards that read, Hindus have a right to live.

Similarly, a large number of protesters gathered in Chittagong, demanding safety and security from local authorities and world organisations. They demanded protection for their temples also.

Protests were also reported in other parts of the world, including in London and Finland.

On Friday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi also appealed for the safety and security of Hindus in Bangladesh from the new interim government.

Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus on Thursday took oath as the head of the provisional government, days after student-led protests ended the 15-year rule of Sheikh Hasina.

We are continuously monitoring the situation, said a top Indian government source. We are talking to the civil government also and asking for foolproof safety. We are hopeful this insult and genocide will stop and all temples will be protected like heritage. Minority security is an important duty of the government in office.
Nasa astronaut Sunita Williamss husband Michael Williams said his wife is not very disappointed because she is stranded in space. Thats her happy place, he said while speaking to the Wall Street Journal.

Sunita Williams herself appeared to agree with what her husband said last month. We are having a great time here on ISS, she said during a press conference in July.

Astronauts Barry Butch Wilmore and Sunita Suni Williams, who were originally scheduled to spend a little more than a week aboard the International Space Station as part of the debut crew flight test of the Starliner, will likely have to extend their stay aboard the International Space Station (ISS) for several months as the spacecraft encountered several issues during the flight.

They could now be spending eight months in the ISS with a possible return in February. NASA will issue a decision by mid-August as to whether Wilmore and Williams can return on board Starliner, or if they will have to wait for their retrieval by a SpaceX craft.

Butch and Suni are ready to do whatever we need them to do, said Steve Stich, a senior NASA official, earlier this week.

Both astronauts have worked as test pilots for the US Navy, and each has already flown to the ISS twice before.

Wilmore, the mission commander, had spent 178 days in space prior to the Boeing mission, while Williams, the pilot, had even more experience, with 322 days under her belt.

A separate report by US-based local news outlet WVLT said that even Wilmores family is calm despite the problems with the Starliner spacecraft because of which he has to remain in outer space longer.

You know, we probably dont expect him until February, February or March, Wilmores wife Deanna was quoted as saying by WVLT.

It is so cool, he gives us a lot of Earth views, I especially like seeing the sunset, his daughter, Daryn Wilmore, said.
Rescuers in Gaza said an Israeli air strike on a religious school housing displaced Palestinians killed 93 people on Saturday, sparking international condemnation despite Israels insistence that it was targeting militants.

AFP could not independently verify the toll which, if confirmed, would be one of the largest from a single strike during 10 months of war between Israel and Palestinian militants since Hamass October 7 attack.

The bombardment of Al-Tabieen school and mosque drew criticism from across the Middle East and beyond alongside calls for a ceasefire, after international mediators invited the warring sides to resume talks towards a long-sought truce and hostage-release deal.

Civil defence rescuers in the Hamas-ruled territory said three Israeli missiles hit the complex in Gaza City while people were performing dawn prayers.

They dropped a missile on them while they were just praying, said one woman, mourning over a dead child shrouded in a plastic body bag.

Israels military said it had precisely struck Al-Tabieen, which spokesman Nadav Shoshani added on social media platform X housed a military facility with approximately 20 Hamas and Islamic Jihad militants including commanders.

Hamas denounced the dangerous escalation, while the Palestinian groups Lebanese ally Hezbollah called it a horrific massacre.

Iran, which backs both militant groups and had accused Israel of wanting to spread war in the Middle East following high-profile killings in Tehran and Beirut, condemned the barbaric attack.

Those who were inside the mosque were all killed, said local resident Abu Wassim. Even the floor above, where women and children were sleeping, was completely burned.

Civil defence spokesman Mahmud Bassal told AFP that bodies were torn apart. It reminds us of the first days of the war in the Gaza Strip.

With nearly all of Gazas 2.4 million people displaced at least once during the war, many have sought refuge in school buildings, which have been hit at least 14 times since July 6, according to an AFP tally.

Israel has made similar accusations of armed activities after strikes on school shelters, while Hamas has denied using civilian facilities for military aims.

Intolerable toll

The attack left dead and wounded strewn around the ground floor of the two-storey complex with a courtyard, where debris lay inside and out, AFPTV images showed.

The upper floor was partially blown out and charred.

Bassal told a press conference that 11 children and six women were among those killed at the school shelter, and there are many unidentified body parts.

Jordans foreign ministry said the timing was an indication of Israels efforts to obstruct and thwart the latest mediation effort.

One of the mediators, Qatar, called for an urgent international investigation, while Turkey decried a new crime against humanity and claimed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu wanted to sabotage ceasefire negotiations.

Hamass October 7 attack that sparked the war resulted in the deaths of 1,198 people, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally based on Israeli official figures.

Palestinian militants seized 251 hostages, 111 of whom are still held in Gaza, including 39 the Israeli military says are dead.

Israels retaliatory military campaign in Gaza has killed at least 39,790 people, according to Gazas health ministry, which does not give details of civilian and militant deaths.

The European Unions foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said the school strike left him horrified.

France said Israel must respect international humanitarian law.

For several weeks, school buildings have been repeatedly targeted, with an intolerable number of civilian victims, the French foreign ministry said.

Britains top diplomat David Lammy said on X: We need an immediate ceasefire to protect civilians, free all hostages, and end restrictions on aid.

Francesca Albanese, the United Nations special rapporteur on the rights situation in Palestinian territories, again accused Israel of genocide of Palestinians.

Israel previously denounced the independent expert as presenting an obscene inversion of reality.

Measured response

Netanyahus office on Thursday said Israel would send negotiators to conclude the details of implementing a deal, after the joint invitation from the United States, Egypt and Qatar.

Hamas officials, some analysts and critics in Israel have said Netanyahu seeks to prolong the fighting for political gain.

The mediators invited the warring parties to resume talks on August 15, after intense diplomacy aimed at averting a region-wide conflagration in recent days.

The Gaza conflict has already drawn in Iran-aligned groups around the region, but fears of a broader war have surged following the killings of two senior militants, including Hamass political leader, in attacks blamed on Israel.

Iran, Hamas, Hezbollah and others have vowed retaliation.

The killing on July 31 of Hamass Ismail Haniyeh during a visit to Tehran had sidelined truce talks. Iran and Hamas blamed Israel, which has not directly commented.

The Palestinian group, which has yet to formally respond to the mediators invitation, has named its Gaza chief Yahya Sinwar as Haniyehs successor.

Irans mission to the United Nations on Saturday said the Islamic republic has the legitimate right to self-defence after its sovereignty was violated.

However, we hope that our response will be timed and conducted in a manner not to the detriment of the potential ceasefire, it said.
Struggling to put down a major Ukrainian incursion for a fifth day, Russia on Saturday said it had evacuated tens of thousands of people from its border region, launched a counter-terror operation and warned that the fighting was endangering a nuclear power plant.

Ukrainian units stormed into Russias western Kursk region on Tuesday morning in a shock attack, the largest and most successful cross-border offensive by Kyiv of the two-and-a-half year conflict.

Its troops have advanced several kilometres and Russias army has rushed in reserves and extra equipment  though neither side has given precise details on the forces they have committed.

Kyiv has maintained a strict operational silence on the offensive and is yet publicly to confirm it is even behind the attack.

Russias nuclear agency on Saturday warned of a direct threat to the nearby Kursk nuclear power station, and local officials detailed the scale of civilian evacuations from towns and villages close to the combat zone.

More than 76,000 people have been temporarily relocated to safe places, the state-run TASS news agency quoted an official from the regional emergency situations ministry as saying at a press briefing on Saturday.

Emergency aid has been ferried into the border area and extra trains to the capital Moscow have been put on for people fleeing the fighting.

The war has come to us, one woman told AFP after arriving at a Moscow train station on Friday, declining to give her name.

Russias army on Saturday confirmed it was still fighting the Ukrainian incursion for a fifth day.

It said Kyiv initially crossed the border with around 1,000 troops, around 20 armoured vehicles and 11 tanks, though it claimed on Saturday to have destroyed five times that much military hardware so far.

Unprecedented

Russias national anti-terrorism committee said late on Friday that it was starting counter-terror operations in the Belgorod, Bryansk and Kursk regions  in order to ensure the safety of citizens and suppress the threat of terrorist acts being carried out by the enemys sabotage groups.

The Belgorod and Bryansk regions also border Ukraine and likewise have been hit hard by shelling and aerial attacks since Russia launched its offensive in February 2022.

Security forces and the military are given sweeping emergency powers during counter-terror operations.

Movement is restricted, vehicles can be seized, phone calls can be monitored, areas are declared no-go zones, checkpoints introduced, and security is beefed up at key infrastructure sites.

On the streets of Moscow on Saturday, AFP journalists found support for tough measures to quell the response, along with pockets of anger at how the incursion was allowed to happen.

We have to take all the steps that are possible in such a situation, said Alexander Ilyin, a 42-year-old architect.

The anti-terrorism committee said Ukraine had mounted an unprecedented attempt to destabilise the situation in a number of regions of our country.

Russia on Friday appeared to hit back, launching a missile strike on a supermarket in the east Ukrainian town of Kostyantynivka that killed at least 14 people. Three were killed in the northeastern Kharkiv region on Saturday, local officials said.

Ukraine also said it needed to evacuate 20,000 people from the Sumy region, just across the border from Kursk.

Neither side has provided precise details on the extent of the Ukrainian incursion.

Russias defence ministry on Saturday said it had hit some Ukrainian positions as far as 10 kilometres (six miles) from the border.

It also reported hitting Ukrainian troops in areas 30 kilometres apart  an indication as to the breadth, as well as depth of Ukraines advance.

The US-based Institute for the Study of War on Saturday said it believed Ukrainian forces had pierced around 13 kilometres into Russian territory.

Belarus, Russias close ally, on Saturday ordered military reinforcements  ground troops, air units, air defence and rocket systems  to be deployed closer to its border with Ukraine in response to Kyivs incursion, the defence ministry in Minsk said.

Particularly effective

Moscow also warned of the threat to the Kursk nuclear power plant, under 50 kilometres (30 miles) from the fighting, a day after the head of the International Atomic Energy Agency called for maximum restraint.

The actions of the Ukrainian army pose a direct threat to the Kursk plant in western Russia, state news agencies cited its atomic energy agency Rosatom as saying.

Ukraines leaders have remained tight-lipped on the operation.

The United States, Kyivs closest ally, said it was not informed of the plans in advance.

But President Volodymyr Zelensky has appeared to tout his troops early successes in several cryptic remarks that do not explicitly mention the Kursk offensive.

Elsewhere on the frontline, Ukraine on Saturday reported the lowest number of combat engagements on its territory since June 10.

That could be a possible sign its incursion is helping to relieve pressure on other parts of the sprawling frontline where Moscows troops had been advancing.
NANNING, Aug. 10 (Xinhua) -- An escalator for tourists observing the Detian Waterfall in south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region malfunctioned Saturday, leaving one person dead and 60 others injured, according to authorities in the city of Chongzuo.

The facility failure happened at 1:56 p.m. at the waterfall scenic spot. All of the injured were immediately sent to hospital. One of the injured is in a severe condition, while the others suffered slight injuries.

Following the incident, the escalator dubbed as the "Magic Carpet Project" has halted operations. The cause of the malfunction is under investigation.

The Detian Waterfall is the biggest cross-border waterfall in Asia. 
After a surge in burglaries in the upscale neighborhood of Encino, California, the Los Angeles Times reports that "palpable tension" exists among residents. KTLA reports that at least 10 burglaries have been reported to police over the last month, with no suspects in custody. "In all my years working and living in Encino, I have never participated in conversations where people said, 'Yeah, I'm going to go get a gun.' But now they are," Robert Glushon, president of the Encino Property Owners Association, tells the Times.

In the most recent incident, thieves undeterred by a security gate, cameras, and alarm system shattered a glass door in the rear of a house, though police say they appeared to get spooked by something during the break-in and fled as the homeowners awoke. The LAPD has increased patrols in the ritzy neighborhoodnicknamed "Beverly Hills North," per the California Real Estate Blogbut it doesn't appear to have stemmed the surge. One resident tells the Times she has begun taking photos of slow-moving cars on her street. Others are considering hiring a private security company, with neighbors splitting the cost.

"It takes a whole village to get this under control," resident Aaron Weinberg tells KTLA. "You can't just walk into someone's house and steal." Also this week, police say five thieves broke into a high-end shoe store in Encino and got away with thousands of dollars in merchandise and cash, per ABC7. (More burglary stories.)
A 73-year-old man has been charged in the strangulation deaths of three Southern California women in 1977 after cold case detectives obtained a DNA match, authorities said Thursday, adding they believe there could be more victims. Warren Luther Alexander of Diamondhead, Mississippi, made his first court appearance Thursday, but arraignment on three counts of first-degree murder was postponed to Aug. 21, the Ventura County District Attorney's Office said. Alexander remained jailed without bail, with his case assigned to the county public defender's office, per the AP . Alexander was extradited to California on Aug. 6 from Surry County, North Carolina, where he's awaiting prosecution for a 1992 cold-case killing, the office said. All of the California victims were killed by "ligature strangulations," District Attorney Erik Nasarenko said at a news conference.

All were sex workers in Ventura County, northwest of Los Angeles, and frequented an area known for sex trafficking, Nasarenko added. Kimberly Fritz, 18, was found dead in the city of Port Hueneme on May 29, 1977. Velvet Sanchez, 31, was found dead on Sept. 8 that year in the city of Oxnard, followed by Lorraine Rodriguez, 21, on Dec. 27 in an unincorporated area. "While believing these three crimes were indeed connected, leads ran cold and detectives were unable to identify who was responsible for these horrific murders," Nasarenko said. The DNA match to Alexander occurred last year when DNA evidence was uploaded into a national database, the district attorney said. Investigative genealogy had identified Alexander as a suspect in the North Carolina case of 29-year-old Nona Cobb, whose body was left along Interstate 77, he said.

A 2006 query of the database had failed to find a match. North Carolina news media reported that Alexander was arrested in the Cobb case in March 2022. That case had yet to proceed to trial, said Joey Buttitta, spokesperson for Ventura County prosecutors. Alexander lived in Oxnard in the late 1950s and '60s, attending elementary, middle, and high schools there, and returned in the 1970s, Nasarenko said. From the 1970s through the early 1990s Alexander was a long-haul cross-country truck driver, Nasarenko said. "We believe there may be additional victims both locally and [in] other states," he said. "This is an ongoing investigation, and we will continue to pursue all leads that become available. This is not in any way closed."

(More murder stories.)
King Charles III has applauded people who took to the streets of British towns and cities earlier this week to help blunt days of unrest fueled by far-right activists and misinformation about a stabbing attack that killed three girls. Charles on Friday held telephone audiences with Prime Minister Keir Starmer and law enforcement officials during which he offered his "heartfelt thanks" to police and other emergency workers for their efforts to restore order and help those affected by the violence, Buckingham Palace said in a statement, per the AP . "The king shared how he had been greatly encouraged by the many examples of community spirit that had countered the aggression and criminality from a few with the compassion and resilience of the many," the palace said. "It remains his majesty's hope that shared values of mutual respect and understanding will continue to strengthen and unite the nation."

British police remain on alert for further violence after the nation was convulsed by rioting for more than a week as crowds spouting anti-immigrant and Islamophobic slogans attacked mosques, looted shops, and clashed with police. The government described the violence as "far-right thuggery" and mobilized 6,000 specially trained police officers to quell the unrest. The disturbances have been fueled by right-wing activists using social media to spread misinformation about the July 29 knife attack in which three girls between the ages of 6 and 9 were killed during a Taylor Swift-themed dance event in the seaside community of Southport. Police detained a 17-year-old suspect. Rumors, later debunked, quickly circulated on social media that the suspect was an asylum-seeker, or a Muslim immigrant.

The unrest has largely dissipated since Wednesday night, when a wave of expected far-right demonstrations failed to materialize after thousands of peaceful protesters flocked to locations around the UK to show their support for immigrants and asylum-seekers. Police had prepared for confrontations at more than 100 locations after right-wing groups circulated lists of potential targets on social media. While anti-racism groups planned counterprotests in response, in most places they reclaimed the streets with nothing to oppose. The National Police Chiefs' Council said some 741 people have been arrested in connection with the violence, including 304 who've been charged with criminal offenses. Starmer says that police will remain on high alert this weekend.

(More King Charles III stories.)
An Israeli airstrike hit a school-turned-shelter in Gaza City early Saturday, killing at least 80 people, Palestinian health authorities said, in one of the deadliest strikes in the 10-month-old war between Israel and Hamas. The Israeli military acknowledged the strike, claiming it hit a Hamas command center within the school. Hamas denied that, per the AP . The strike on the Tabeen school in central Gaza City also wounded 47 people, the Hamas-run Health Ministry said. The facility, like almost all of Gaza's schools, has been used as a shelter for people who've been forced to flee their homes by the war. Video from the scene showed walls blown out on the ground level of a large building. Concrete chunks and twisted metal lay atop the blood-soaked floor, along with clothing, toppled furniture, and other debris. A blackened car with the windows blown out was covered in rubble.

Fadel Naeem, director of Gaza City's Al-Ahli hospital, said the facility received 70 bodies of those killed in the strike and the body parts of at least 10 more. The strike hit without warning before sunrise, as people were praying at a mosque inside the school, according to a witness who worked to rescue people. "There were people praying, there were people washing, and there were people upstairs sleeping, including children, women, and old people," he said. Three missiles ripped through the school and the mosque inside, where about 6,000 displaced people were taking shelter from the war, said Mahmoud Bassal, a spokesperson for the Civil Defense first responders who operate under the Hamas-run local government. Many of the dead were unrecognizable, he said, adding that he expected the death toll to rise. Many of the casualties were women and children, he noted.

Per the UN, 477 out of 564 Gaza schools had been directly hit or damaged in the war as of July 6. In June, an Israeli strike on a school sheltering displaced Palestinians in central Gaza killed at least 33 people, including 12 women and children, per local health officials. On Thursday, Israel's military hit two schools sheltering displaced people in eastern Gaza City, killing at least 15, per hospital officials. Israel has blamed civilian deaths in Gaza on Hamas, saying the group endangers noncombatants by using schools and residential neighborhoods as bases for operations and attacks. Israeli intel indicated about 20 militants from Hamas and Islamic Jihad, including senior commanders, were using the Tabeen school compound to plan attacks on Israeli forces, an Israeli military spokesman said in a statement. Izzat al-Rishq, a top Hamas official, denied there were militants in the school. More here.

(More Israel-Hamas war stories.)
Both former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris headlined campaign rallies on Friday, with Trump in Montana, and Harris and running mate Tim Walz in Arizona. Trump's visit was intended to drum up support for ousting the state's Democratic senator, but, per the AP, the former president's plane first had to divert to an airport on the other side of the Rocky Mountains due to a mechanical issue, according to airport staff. Trump's plane was en route to Bozeman, Montana, when it was diverted Friday afternoon to Billings, 142 miles to the east, according to Jenny Mockel, administrative assistant at Billings Logan International Airport. Trump continued to Bozeman via private jet.

Montana rally: The former president came to Montana hoping to remedy some unfinished business from 2018, when he campaigned repeatedly in Big Sky Country in a failed bid to oust incumbent Democratic Sen. Jon Tester. On Friday, Trump kicked off his rally about 90 minutes behind schedule and immediately began lacing into Tester, whose challenger is Republican Tim Sheehy. "We are going to defeat radical left Democrat Jon Tester, he's terrible," Trump said. He also mocked him for being overweight and for insinuating he sometimes sided with the former president. "He voted to impeach methat guy voted to impeach me," Trump said of Tester, whom he called a "slob" with "the biggest stomach I've ever seen."
President Biden will be shedding some more light on why he left the 2024 race in an interview set to air in full on CBS News' Sunday Morning show, but some clips from the chat with Robert Costa, the network's chief campaign and election correspondent, are already circulating. Notably, the president, 81, says that when he ran in 2020, he saw himself as being the "transition president," and that he's now throwing his support behind his vice president, Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris, per CBS. Some notable quotes from the Wednesday interview at the White House, his first since announcing he wouldn't run for reelection, per CBS and the Daily Beast:

On uniting Dems for November: "Although it's a great honor to be a president, I think I have an obligation to the country to do what Imost important thing you can do. And that is, we must, we must, we must defeat Trump."
The case against a man accused of killing of a Detroit synagogue leader collapsed as a judge dismissed a remaining murder charge, three weeks after a jury cleared him of a similar but separate charge. Judge Margaret Van Houten said Friday that putting Michael Jackson-Bolanos on trial again for murder would be unconstitutional "double jeopardy." Jackson-Bolanos maintains his innocence in the fatal stabbing of Samantha Woll , 40, who was found dead outside her home in October. Prosecutors acknowledged that the pending murder charge probably had to be dismissed, the AP reports.

A jury in July acquitted Jackson-Bolanos of first-degree premediated murder. But it couldn't reach a unanimous verdict on a separate charge of felony murder, which in Michigan is murder committed during another crime. In this case, prosecutors alleged a home invasion. The judge ruled out a second trial Friday, based on a 2009 US Supreme Court decision involving partial jury verdicts. Van Houten said that it was a "poor decision" but that she had to apply it to Jackson-Bolanos. She dismissed the remaining murder and home invasion charges. Prosecutors pledged to appeal. Van Houten then sentenced Jackson-Bolanos to 18 months in prison for lying to police during the investigationhis only trial conviction. Defense attorney Brian Brown asked for probation.

"If lying was an Olympic sport, you would get a gold medal, sir," the judge told Jackson-Bolanos. Jackson-Bolanos testified in his own defense, insisting that he had no role but admitting that he touched Woll's body when he found it while in the neighborhood. Blood spots were on his coat. "I'm a Black guy in the middle of the night breaking into cars, and I found myself standing in front of a dead white woman. That doesn't look good at all," Jackson-Bolanos said when asked why he didn't call police. Investigators first arrested a former boyfriend who made a hysterical call to 911 and said he might have killed Woll but couldn't remember. He blamed an adverse reaction to medication for the claim and was not charged.

(More Detroit stories.)
AFP | Kampala, Uganda

The Daily Tribune - www.newsofbahrain.com

Eight people including two children were killed when a landfill in the Ugandan capital Kampala collapsed on Saturday, the city authority said.

Local media said homes, people and animals were engulfed in the landslide at the garbage dump in Kiteezi, a district in the north of Kampala, after heavy rainfall.

"On a very sad note eight people have so far been found dead, six adults and two children," the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA), which operates the site, said in a statement.

The KCCA said 14 people had been rescued and taken to hospital. It did not disclose their condition.

"The rescue operation is still ongoing and we shall share updates as they come in," it added.
DAMASCUS, Aug. 10 (Xinhua) -- The Syrian army has carried out a series of operations targeting rebel militant positions in western Aleppo, Idlib, and northern Hama, the Defense Ministry said in a statement Saturday.

In Aleppo, Syrian forces struck militant headquarters in Tadif and Kafr Amma, resulting in significant casualties among the militants, who were reportedly gathering to plan an attack on Syrian military positions.

In Idlib, the army intercepted and destroyed five suicide drones launched by militant groups. In Hama, Syrian units targeted and destroyed several militant vehicles.

These actions are part of ongoing clashes between Syrian government forces and rebel militant groups, particularly the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), which controls significant parts of Idlib.

The situation in northern Syria has become increasingly volatile, with frequent exchanges of fire between government forces and rebel militant groups, as well as a new heightened tension between the U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and the pro-government forces in the northeastern province of Hasakah. 
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SARAJEVO, Aug. 10 (Xinhua) -- Nearly 106,000 tourists visited Sarajevo Canton in July this year, marking a 23 percent increase in arrivals over July 2023, according to the latest data released by the Sarajevo Canton Tourist Board in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH).

China ranked fifth among the top sources of tourists in Sarajevo Canton, following Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Croatia, and Serbia.

In the January-July period, tourist arrivals in Sarajevo increased by 29 percent over the same period last year, according to the data released on Friday.

"During the summer, Sarajevo has become an extremely popular tourist destination. We anticipate that during the Sarajevo Film Festival in August we will set new records for visits and overnight stays," said Haris Fazlagic, President of the Sarajevo Canton Tourist Board.

He added that Sarajevo expects to see record-high tourist arrivals and overnight stays this year. 
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DAMASCUS, Aug. 10 (Xinhua) -- U.S. forces across Syria have been placed on high alert following a midnight attack by Iranian-backed militias on one of its bases in the northeastern province of Hasakah, a war monitor reported on Saturday.

In the early hours of Saturday morning, an armed drone directly targeted the Kharab al-Jir base in the Rmelan area of Hasakah, leading to significant damage and fires within the facility.

The attack has prompted the U.S.-led International Coalition to bolster both logistical and military support to its bases across Syria, according to the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.

According to the observatory, U.S. bases in Syria have been subjected to 135 attacks by Iranian-backed militias since Oct. 19, 2023.

The majority of these assaults have focused on the Conoco gas plant, the al-Omar oil field base in the eastern province of Deir al-Zour, and the al-Shaddadi base in the Hasakah countryside.

The recent escalation comes amid heightened tensions in northeastern Syria, with the U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) engaged in clashes with pro-Syrian government forces, leading to the SDF effectively chocking off all routes to government-controlled areas in Hasakah.

It also comes as Iran is expected to respond to Israel following the assassination of senior Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh. 
A Virginia resident has been charged with the sexual assault of a teenager in New Jersey that allegedly happened more than 20 years ago.

David Persaud, 40, of Woodbridge, Virginia, was arrested on Tuesday on accusations that he sexually assaulted the teen multiple times in Englewood in 2003, the Bergen County Prosecutors Office said in a statement. He has been charged with two counts of second-degree sexual assault.

The alleged victim first reported the assaults on May 29 of this year.

Persaud was arrested at his Woodbridge, Virginia home and is being held at Prince William County Adult Detention Center as he awaits extradition. Attorney information for him was not immediately available.

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BMW is recalling more than 100,000 vehicles due to an engine defect, which could cause a fire risk.AP

BMW is recalling more than 100,000 vehicles due to an engine defect, which could cause a fire risk.

The recall, which was reported to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration Aug. 1, covers 105,588 vehicles potentially affected by a motor that overheats.

Some of the vehicles could experience issues starting up because of a defect with the starter motor.

If started up repeatedly, the motor could overheat due to electrical overload, increasing the risk of a fire.

The following makes and models are affected by this recall, according to the NHTSA:

2020 340XI

2020-2021 740I

2020-2021 740XI

2020 840I

2020 840XI

2020 M340I

2020 M340XI

2019-2020 X5

2020 X6

2019-2020 X7

People who own the recalled cars should receive a notice in the mail Sept. 23. Dealers will provide a software update to fix the issue for free.

If customers have any questions or concerns about this recall, they can call BMWs customer service hotline at 1-800-525-7417.

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Katherine Rodriguez can be reached at krodriguez@njadvancemedia.com. Have a tip? Tell us at nj.com/tips.
Rapper Travis Scott was arrested after allegedly attacking a security guard at a French hotel early Friday morning, officials said.

As reported by The Hollywood Reporter, The Sicko Mode superstar was taken into custody by French authorities after the alleged attack occurred at the George V Hotel in Paris.

Scott, 33, reportedly lashed out after the security guard tried to break up an altercation between Scott and Scotts bodyguard.

I can confirm that on August 9, 2024, police officers were called to the George V hotel and arrested the rapper nicknamed Travis Scott for assaulting a security guard, the Paris prosecutors officer said in a statement.

Travis Scott seen being arrested and dragged out of a hotel by police in Paris.

pic.twitter.com/4J94yUT6xd  XXL Magazine (@XXL) August 9, 2024

French prosecutors said they had opened a criminal investigation on the matter.

This Scotts second time being arrested publicly in the past few months. He was arrested in Miami and booked on charges of disorderly intoxication and trespassing back in June.

The rapper also made headlines for getting into a physical altercation with rapper Tyga and his business partner A.E. in France in early June.

Scott is set to perform a One Night Only in Utopia show at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford in October.

The world-famous rap star is best known for hits like Sicko Mode, Goosebumps, FE!N, and more. He shares two children, Stormi and Aire, with socialite Kylie Jenner.

More entertainment coverage

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You can hear New Jerseys own Rachel Zegler singing the classic tune Whistle While You Work as Snow White in the first teaser for Disneys upcoming movie.

Snow White is the live-action adaptation of Disneys first animated feature Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. The 1937 film was based on the Grimm fairytale.

The teaser trailer (watch below) debuted at the D23 fan event in Anaheim, California and on YouTube Friday night.

Snow White, originally slated for March 2024, will be in theaters March 2025.

The clip shows Zeglers costume and look in the film as well as Wonder Woman star Gal Gadot as the Evil Queen.

So unbelievably honored, so unbelievably proud, Zegler said, sharing the teaser on Instagram.

Still pinching myself that I got to be apart of this iconic story! Gadot said, doing the same.

Both actors introduced the movie at the D23 event (see clip below).

Marc Webb (The Amazing Spider-Man) helmed the film, scripted by Barbie director Greta Gerwig and Erin Cressida Wilson (Secretary, The Girl on the Train).

Benj Pasek and Justin Paul, the Oscar and Tony-winning duo who created the music for New Jersey director Damien Chazelles La La Land," worked on the films songs.

The movies CGI seven dwarves, who drew some criticism after a first-look image was released in October, can also be seen in the teaser dancing with Zegler as she sings in her puff sleeves and blue-and-yellow dress.

Zegler, 23, who grew up in Clifton, has faced multiple waves of criticism after being cast as Snow White.

First, there was some backlash on social media over the casting of Zegler, who is of Columbian American heritage, in the role of the Disney princess.

Later, some Disney fans criticized Zegler for saying Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs scared her as a child and for talking about how the story was changed for the new film to deemphasize the damsel-in-distress trope.

Shes not gonna be saved by the prince and shes not gonna be dreaming about true love, Zegler said at the 2022 D23 event. Shes dreaming about becoming the leader she knows she can be and the leader that her late father told her that she could be if she was fearless, fair, brave and true.

Zegler has already demonstrated her musical talents in big ways onscreen.

The alum of Lodis Immaculate Conception High School rose to fame as Maria in Steven Spielbergs 2021 take on West Side Story.

Rachel Zegler as Lucy Gray Baird in "The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes." Murray Close | Lionsgate

After winning a Golden Globe for her performance, she starred as the musically talented tribute Lucy Gray Baird in the 2023 Hunger Games prequel The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes. The performance won her a Peoples Choice Award for best action star.

Zegler, who also played the goddess Anthea in DCs Shazam! Fury of the Gods (2022), is set to make her Broadway debut this fall in Romeo + Juliet.

In December, shell star in the turn-of-the-millennium comedy Y2K, directed by Saturday Night Live alum Kyle Mooney. Like West Side Story, the movie filmed in New Jersey.

But Zegler doesnt stop there.

Among her upcoming projects is a role in the Paddington Bear movie Paddington in Peru. The film, which also stars Antonio Banderas, Oscar winner Olivia Colman and Emily Mortimer, will be in theaters Jan. 17.

Snow White is in theaters March 21, 2025.

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Amy Kuperinsky may be reached at akuperinsky@njadvancemedia.com and followed at @AmyKup.
A babysitter has been convicted of manslaughter in the physical abuse that led to the death of a two-year-old.

A seven-day long trial ended Friday when a jury found Claire Gelin, 44, of Irvington, guilty of the manslaughter charge and two counts of endangering the welfare of a child, the Essex County Prosecutors Office said.

Gelin was caring for the child around the clock from Feb. 15 to 19 in 2021. She called 911 on Feb. 19, reporting that the child was injured. When first responders arrived, the toddler was already in cardiac arrest, authorities said.

The toddler was pronounced dead shortly after arriving at Newark Beth Israel Medical Center, officials said.

Gelin told investigators the child injured himself, but medical examiners said her statement was inaccurate. Prosecutors alleged that the childs injuries were caused by physical abuse that occurred on Feb. 17 and 18.

This was a particularly difficult case given the physical abuse sustained by such a young child, Assistant Prosecutor Austin Edwards said. We appreciate that that these jurors were willing to serve and stay focused throughout the trial.

In a petition on Change.org, Gelin, a married mother-of-two, recounts the day of the incident, stating that she was in the bathroom on Feb. 19 when she heard a loud noise and rushed out to find that that the boy had fallen and suffered a traumatic head injury.

The mother of the child was a family friend of Gelins and asked her to watch him for several days, according to the Change.org description.

Gelin also wrote that she believes someone else abused the child prior to him arriving at her home on Feb. 15. In the petitions description, she details her communications with the mother in which she tells her that the boy was in distress and needed to see a doctor.

Gelin also said in her account on Change.org that the childs father previously accused her of abuse when the boy fell off of a bed and hit his face on the floor. During that incident, which occurred on Feb. 5, 2019, Gelin tried to catch the child and accidentally scratched his back in the process, according to the Change.org description.

Gelin will remain at Essex County Correctional Facility until her sentencing, which is scheduled for Oct. 7.

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Nicolas Fernandes may be reached at nfernandes@njadvancemedia.com.
When two veteran NASA astronauts took off on a test flight of Boeings Starliner spacecraft, they expected to be in space for just a few days.

However, things didnt quite go as planned, and now Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams have been in space for more than two months.
New polls show Kamala Harris ahead of Donald Trump in three critical battleground states that could decide the 2024 election, marking a stark reversal of Democratic odds of winning this fall since Joe Biden bowed out of the race.

Harris leads Trump 50%-46% in Wisconsin, Pennsylvania and Michigan, according to new surveys by The New York Times and Siena College. It comes after nearly a year of similar surveys showing Biden either tied with Trump or slightly behind the former president.

From The New York Times report: Much of the newfound Democratic strength stems from improved voter perceptions of Ms. Harris. Her favorability rating has increased 10 percentage points among registered voters in Pennsylvania just in the last month, according to Times/Siena polling. Voters also view Ms. Harris as more intelligent and more temperamentally fit to govern than Mr. Trump.

It comes shortly after The Cook Political Report changed its calls on Arizona, Nevada and Georgia from leaning Republican to tossup.

Harris is working to make Nevada look like less of a political gamble in Novembers election.

The Democratic presidential nominee visits the state on Saturday with her running mate, Tim Walz. Its the final stop of a battleground blitz in which Democrats are showing new energy after Biden exited the race and Harris replaced him at the top of the ticket. That new enthusiasm has enabled them to boost turnout efforts in swing states such as Nevada and Arizona, which Harris visited Friday.

Trump, meanwhile, traveled to Montana for a Friday night rally intended to drum up support for ousting the states Democratic senator. Facing new pressure in the race from a candidate with surging enthusiasm, Trump on Thursday called questions about his lack of swing state stops stupid.

I dont have to go there because Im leading those states, he said. Im going because I want to help senators and congressmen get elected.

He will add on fundraising stops in Wyoming and Colorado.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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Matt Arco may be reached at marco@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter at @MatthewArco.
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BEIJING, Aug. 10 (Xinhua) -- Multiple Chinese authorities have jointly organized a series of themed events nationwide to celebrate the Qixi Festival, also known Chinese Valentine's Day, which falls on Saturday this year.

These events included food and cultural merchandise markets, exemplary group weddings and various tourism activities featuring unique ethnic customs and cultural experiences.

On Saturday, the organizers, including the Publicity Department of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, the Ministry of Civil Affairs, and the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, have also launched flagship events in six localities, including Yiyuan County in Shandong Province, Lushi County in Henan Province, and Guangzhou City in Guangdong Province.

These events aim to fully tap into the cultural value of the Qixi Festival, nurture good values for familial and romantic relationships, and cultivate a new trend of social civility, according to the organizers. 
Watertown, NY (13601)

Today

Cloudy with occasional showers this afternoon. High near 55F. Winds WSW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 60%..

Tonight

Showers early, then cloudy overnight. Low 39F. Winds NW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 40%.
Tanzania's Zanzibar government has signed agreements with two Chinese-funded companies to boost the development of the country's health and energy sector. #GLOBALink




MANILA, Aug. 10 (Xinhua) -- The Philippines' Department of Health (DOH) on Saturday directed all hospitals in the capital to "activate their leptospirosis surge capacity plan" amid rising cases following the massive July 24 flooding.

"Due to the increasing leptospirosis cases in (Metro Manila) and preparation for the anticipated increases over the coming days, the ability to respond timely and significantly is being challenged, specifically in the augmentation of human and non-human resources such as the deployment of health workers to serve with the surges and increasing the critical care capacity," the DOH memorandum read.

The DOH memorandum was released after the National Kidney and Transplant Institute (NKTI) and San Lazaro Hospital reported more admissions of leptospirosis patients.

The NKTI converted its gymnasium into a leptospirosis ward where patients can be administered dialysis. The 66-bed makeshift gym ward and emergency room are full.

Both hospitals are adding more beds to accommodate more patients and are clamoring for more doctors and nurses to care for the increasing number of patients.

Romina Danguilan, the deputy executive director for medical services at the NKTI, said the hospital cares for at least 72 patients, and 62 of them are undergoing dialysis because the patients' kidneys have "shut down." Two have died.

"The patients also have acute pancreatitis, liver function abnormalities, and hepatitis. Some of them have severe lung damage, so they need to be intubated. Some of them are attached to respirators," she added.

Another government-run San Lazaro Hospital also cares for 88 leptospirosis patients, 32 aged 18-year-old below. Five have died.

David Suplico, the chief medical professional staff, said tents were set up as an emergency room extension for suspected cases of leptospirosis undergoing laboratory tests.

Leptospirosis is a bacterial disease affecting humans and animals. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), humans get infected through direct contact with the urine of infected animals or with a urine-contaminated environment.

The bacteria enter the body through cuts or abrasions on the skin or the mucous membranes of the mouth, nose and eyes, according to the WHO.

From January until July 27, 2024, the DOH tallied 1,444 cases and 162 deaths. The DOH has yet to update its numbers. 
Members of the Valparaiso business community and city employees gathered Thursday for the annual Community Improvement Awards, hosted by the city and the Greater Valparaiso Chamber of Commerce.

"Building successful communities requires passionate and dedicated individuals working together to achieve goals that keep us moving forward," Chamber of Commerce board chair Nick Larson told attendees. "I'm proud to say that I sincerely believe that Valparaiso is a leader in this regard."

The event, held at the Porter County Expo Center, was the 57th of its kind and honored eleven developments spanning several industries and including both residential and commercial projects.

The Valparaiso Parks department received an award for the Flounder and Friends Skatepark, which opened at Fairgrounds Park in November. The over 15,000-square-foot complex was funded with the help of local contributions, which made up nearly $900,000 of its over $1 million budget. Valpo native Dug Ketterman provided designs for the skatepark, which was named after his close friend Ray Flounder Wampler, who died in a car crash in 1997.

Accepting the award, Valparaiso Parks Director Kevin Nuppnau thanked his predecessor John Seibert, who oversaw the conception of the project, as well as the Valpo Parks Foundation and the project's fundraising committee. Seibert retired in July 2023 after over three decades spent working for the city of Valparaiso.

"This recognition is a testament to the collective efforts of a dedicated team and a supportive community," Nuppnau said.

Two restaurants, Lenny's Coal Fired Pizza on North Calumet Avenue and Journeyman Distillery's new location at The American Factory on South Campbell Street, were also recognized. Both businesses opened their doors last fall.

In the health care field, the Chamber of Commerce recognized HealthLinc for a recent expansion of its Valparaiso clinic made possible by a $940,000 state grant. The Chamber also honored Opportunity Enterprises, whose Lakeside Respite at the Markiewicz Center opened in September.

Overlooking Lake Eliza, the newly built 18,000 square-foot respite center provides temporary care for individuals with disabilities or other needs, allowing their caregivers a break from their roles.

Close Lake County Sheriff's Police Officer Kyle Kranz explains the workings of one of the department's helicopters to 8-year-old Elise C. Tuesday at Munster's National Night Out event. Elaine Reyna, her son Bernie Reyna, 9, and Maddie Price stand at the Logan's Love booth Tuesday at Munster's National Night Out event. Joey, 10, and Jake, 3, Arvia pose with Star Wars characters Tuesday at Munster's National Night Out event. A line forms to get a close look at one of the Lake County Sheriff's Department helicopters Tuesday at Munster's National Night Out event. Declan Smith, 4, poses with Batman, Anthony Christopher, Tuesday at Munster's National Night Out event. Declan Smith, 4, poses with Batman, Anthony Christopher, Tuesday at Munster's National Night Out event. Maddie, 9, and Stella, 5, Curran peak through the roof of the Northwest Regional SWAT MRAP vehicle Tuesday at Munster's National Night Out event. Bianca Bugajski and her daughter Meredith, 2, peak through the roof of the Northwest Regional SWAT MRAP vehicle Tuesday at Munster's National Night Out event. Callan Harper, 6, peers through the roof of the Northwest Regional SWAT MRAP vehicle Tuesday at Munster's National Night Out event. Five-year-old Eli Woodward plays catch with the Munster High Robotics teams robot Tuesday at Munster's National Night Out event. Fernie Zacarias, left, and Jesus Ortega have an exhibition sparring match Tuesday at Munster's National Night Out event. Munster's 29th Annual National Night Out Munster hosted its 29th Annual National Night Out Tuesday evening at the Munster Community Pool. Lake County Sheriff's Police Officer Kyle Kranz explains the workings of one of the department's helicopters to 8-year-old Elise C. Tuesday at Munster's National Night Out event. Elaine Reyna, her son Bernie Reyna, 9, and Maddie Price stand at the Logan's Love booth Tuesday at Munster's National Night Out event. Joey, 10, and Jake, 3, Arvia pose with Star Wars characters Tuesday at Munster's National Night Out event. A line forms to get a close look at one of the Lake County Sheriff's Department helicopters Tuesday at Munster's National Night Out event. Declan Smith, 4, poses with Batman, Anthony Christopher, Tuesday at Munster's National Night Out event. Declan Smith, 4, poses with Batman, Anthony Christopher, Tuesday at Munster's National Night Out event. Maddie, 9, and Stella, 5, Curran peak through the roof of the Northwest Regional SWAT MRAP vehicle Tuesday at Munster's National Night Out event. Bianca Bugajski and her daughter Meredith, 2, peak through the roof of the Northwest Regional SWAT MRAP vehicle Tuesday at Munster's National Night Out event. Callan Harper, 6, peers through the roof of the Northwest Regional SWAT MRAP vehicle Tuesday at Munster's National Night Out event. Five-year-old Eli Woodward plays catch with the Munster High Robotics teams robot Tuesday at Munster's National Night Out event. Fernie Zacarias, left, and Jesus Ortega have an exhibition sparring match Tuesday at Munster's National Night Out event.
A popular double arch that hung over the turquoise waters of Lake Powell in Utahs portion of Glen Canyon National Recreation Area collapsed on Thursday, officials said.

The National Park Service confirmed the collapse in a statement on Friday, noting that the arch was a frequently visited attraction and had been known to park-goers over the years as the Toilet Bowl, the Crescent Pool, the Hole in the Roof and the Double Arch.

The geologic feature was formed from 190 million-year-old Navajo sandstone, park officials said. The elements had eroded away the fine-grained sand structure over the years and caused fragments to break off, officials said.
This photo taken with a mobile phone shows Sui Yanling talking in a follow-up phone call in the marriage registration center in Daxing District of Beijing, capital of China, Aug. 5, 2024.

After retirement, Sui Yanling found some of her friends stuck in anxiety and pain because of family issues. She decided to learn psychological knowledge and obtained qualifications for a marriage and family counselor.

Sui began to provide counseling services for couples with relationship concerns in the marriage registration center in Daxing District of Beijing in 2020. So far, she has helped more than 400 couples solve their marriage crises free of charge.

Apart from marital counseling, Sui also engages herself in pre-marriage counseling and family counseling for infants aged below three years, among others.

"People are now turning to professional marriage counselling," Sui said. "Through our efforts, couples can navigate through the crisis and work things out." (Xinhua/Ren Chao)

This photo taken with a mobile phone shows Sui Yanling providing pre-marriage counseling in the marriage registration center in Daxing District of Beijing, capital of China, Aug. 7, 2024. (Xinhua/Ding Hongfa)

This photo taken with a mobile phone shows Sui Yanling talking with a couple in the marriage registration center in Daxing District of Beijing, capital of China, Aug. 5, 2024. (Xinhua/Ding Hongfa)

This photo taken with a mobile phone shows Sui Yanling talking with a couple in the marriage registration center in Daxing District of Beijing, capital of China, Aug. 5, 2024. (Xinhua/Ding Hongfa)

This photo taken with a mobile phone shows Sui Yanling (1st L) talking with a couple in the marriage registration center in Daxing District of Beijing, capital of China, Aug. 5, 2024. (Xinhua/Ren Chao)

This photo taken with a mobile phone shows Sui Yanling (L) talking with a citizen in the marriage registration center in Daxing District of Beijing, capital of China, Aug. 5, 2024. (Xinhua/Ren Chao)

This photo taken with a mobile phone shows Sui Yanling (L) and her colleague working in the marriage registration center in Daxing District of Beijing, capital of China, Aug. 5, 2024. (Xinhua/Ren Chao)
The two leading contenders for Michigans open Senate seat disclosed that they had been targeted in separate swatting incidents in a span of less than 24 hours, just days after winning primaries in a crucial contest that could determine which party controls the chamber.

The first incident, involving Representative Elissa Slotkin, a Democrat, happened on Thursday night at her home in Oakland County, north of Detroit. The second one occurred on Friday at an address that had been listed on public records under the name of Mike Rogers, the Republican candidate and former House member, in neighboring Livingston County.

Politicians on both sides of the political aisle have increasingly been the target of swatting in recent years. The hoaxes  when false threats are deliberately made to law enforcement to draw a heavily armed response to a persons home  have added to a climate of intimidation and the harassment of public officials.

Ms. Slotkin was not home at the time of the incident, according to a spokeswoman for her office, Lynsey Mukomel, who said in a statement that Michigan State Police troopers went to the residence after a false threat was emailed to a local official. She did not elaborate on the nature of the false threat. Michigan State Police confirmed they responded.
A Defense Department contractor was arrested on Friday with dozens of highly classified documents he had obtained using his security clearance, as he prepared to depart for a trip to Mexico, according to prosecutors.

The contractor, Gokhan Gun, an electrical engineer born in Turkey who now lives in a Virginia suburb of Washington, printed thousands of documents at his work for the Air Force. Many were unclassified, but some were batches of documents from the top secret network, according to an 11-page complaint unsealed in a Virginia federal court.

Mr. Gun is charged with illegally obtaining and retaining national defense secrets.

The case is one of several instances in recent years in which soldiers and civilians working for the military improperly retained military secrets. In March, a young Massachusetts Air National Guardsman, Jack Teixeira, accused of posting secret intelligence reports online, pleaded guilty in exchange for a 16-year sentence and an agreement to document his activities to the authorities.

Investigators are still trying to determine why Mr. Gun, who became an American citizen in 2021, hoarded so many documents. He nonchalantly carried them out of his office in rolled-up wads in plastic shopping bags, according to a law enforcement official briefed on the case.
Vice President Kamala Harris rolled into Arizona on Friday evening with the same political momentum that has infused her first swing across the country this week, drawing a crowd that her campaign estimated at more than 15,000  her largest yet  in a Western state that not long ago appeared to be falling off the battleground map.

Along with her newly minted running mate, Gov. Tim Walz of Minnesota, Ms. Harris delivered a stump speech that is barely a week old, and yet familiar enough to an impassioned new following that some shouted her lines before she did.

The rally was her fourth in four days with an arena-filling crowd that demonstrated the degree to which her candidacy replacing President Bidens had remade the 2024 race.

Mr. Walz relished the crowd that filed into the Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale, Ariz., in 100-degree heat as he poked fun at Mr. Trumps obsession with rally crowds.
Vice President Kamala Harris and her new running mate, Gov. Tim Walz of Minnesota, took their campaign rollout to a crowd near Phoenix on Friday evening  part of a renewed push to put Sun Belt states back in play and keep Arizonas 11 electoral votes in the Democratic column.

In Arizona, where immigration is a top issue and the border a daily reality, Harris approached the issue  seen as a political vulnerability for her  head on, saying she supported strong border security and an earned pathway to citizenship. She accused former President Donald J. Trump of having no interest or desire to actually fix this problem, pointing to his helping tank a bipartisan border security deal this year.

The Harris-Walz event again drew a big crowd, just as the campaigns events in Pennsylvania, Michigan and Wisconsin did earlier this week, showing renewed enthusiasm among Democrats. Mr. Walz commented on the packed arena, which has a capacity of 20,000 and looked pretty full, except for one section that had been closed off.

Its not as if anybody cares about crowd sizes or anything, he quipped, a reference to Mr. Trump, who often boasts without evidence of drawing the biggest crowds.
Former President Donald J. Trump on Friday afternoon vehemently maintained that he had once been in a dangerous helicopter landing with Willie Brown, the former mayor of San Francisco, and insisted he had records to prove it, despite Mr. Browns denial.

In an angry phone call to a New York Times reporter as he landed several hours away from his planned rally in Bozeman, Mont., because of a mechanical issue on his plane, Mr. Trump excoriated The Times for its coverage of his meandering news conference on Thursday at Mar-a-Lago, his private club and home, during which he told of an emergency landing during a helicopter trip that he said both he and Mr. Brown had made together.

Mr. Trump was expected to keep his rally schedule on Friday as planned, boarding a smaller plane to complete the journey.

Mr. Brown denied on Thursday that he had ever flown in a helicopter with Mr. Trump.

It appeared Mr. Trump may have confused Willie Brown with Jerry Brown, the former governor of California, with whom Mr. Trump traveled by helicopter in 2018 while surveying wildfire damage in the state. But Jerry Brown, who left office in January 2019, said through a spokesman, There was no emergency landing and no discussion of Kamala Harris.
Jack Campbell, the Illinois sheriff whose deputy was charged with murder after fatally shooting a Black woman in her home last month, said Friday that he would leave his position by the end of the month amid calls from the public and the governor that he do so.

The sheriff said in a statement obtained by WAND, a local television news station, that the current political climate made it impossible for him to continue in his role leading the Sangamon County Sheriffs Office and that he would retire no later than Aug. 31.

Sheriff Campbell had previously said he would not resign as he faced criticism for having hired Sean Grayson, the white deputy who shot Sonya Massey, 36, despite knowing that Mr. Grayson, 30, had two convictions for driving under the influence on his record, including one that had led to Mr. Graysons premature discharge from the Army in February 2016.

Mr. Grayson fatally shot Ms. Massey at her home in Springfield, Ill., on July 6 after she had called the emergency services because she believed an intruder was in her home.
An Israeli ground assault in the southern Gaza Strip on Friday forced tens of thousands of Palestinians to flee their homes and shelters, many for a third time or more, even as the United States and some Arab allies pressed both Israel and Hamas to restart peace talks.

Between 60,000 and 70,000 people had fled by Thursday evening after the Israeli military ordered people in the city of Khan Younis to leave, according to UNRWA, the United Nations agency for Palestinian refugees. More continued to flee into the night and into Friday.

The Israeli military said its troops were engaged in combat both above and below-ground in the Khan Younis area, in an attack involving ground troops, fighter jets, helicopter gunships and paratroopers, and that the air force had struck more than 30 targets. The assault, the military said, was part of the effort to degrade Hamas capabilities as they attempt to regroup.

Under a blazing sun, women carrying babies and blankets, men pushing carts and wheelchairs over sandy roads and young children carrying suitcases and backpacks have walked away from homes and shelters and toward unknown destinations. Some were in tears.
Like many cities around Britain shaken by anti-immigrant riots over the past week, Hartlepool, a seaside town on the northeast coast, has partly recovered from the devastating waves of industrial decline that began washing over the country in the 1980s.

Still, the scars linger. Disposable income is below the national average, and more people are out of the work force, according to the Office for National Statistics. There are fewer active businesses, healthy life expectancy is lower and the crime rate is 89 percent higher.

In Britain, as well as throughout Europe and in the United States, economic problems  like stagnant wages, roaring inequality and declining public services  have been linked to the rise of anti-immigrant attitudes.

Even though research shows that immigration is an overall plus for most economies, far-right politicians have been able to exploit those frustrations to energize supporters and gain political power.
Across 100,000 acres in the vast agricultural heartland of Australia, an unusual approach is taking root to slow down the wrecking ball of climate change. Farmers are trying to tap the superpowers of tiny subterranean tendrils of fungus to pull carbon dioxide out of the air and stash it underground.

Its part of a big bet that entrepreneurs and investors around the world are making on whether dirt can clean up climate pollution. They are using a variety of technologies on farmland not just to grow food but to also eat the excess carbon dioxide produced by more than a century of fossil fuel burning and intensive agriculture.

Why fungus? Because fungi act as natures carbon traders. As they sow their crops, farmers are adding a pulverized dust of fungal spores. The fungus latches on to the crop roots, takes carbon that is absorbed by the plants from the air and locks it away in subterranean storage in a form that may keep it underground for much longer than the natural carbon cycle.

The fungal venture, the handiwork of an Australian company called Loam Bio, is among several start-ups to have mobilized hundreds of millions of dollars in investments in efforts to use soil to remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Like Loam Bio, companies like Andes and Groundworks Bio Ag are also experimenting with microbes. Lithos and Mati offer farmers crushed volcanic rocks that absorb carbon to sprinkle on their fields. Silicate Carbon is milling leftover concrete into a fine powder, while several companies are scorching crop waste into charcoal.
I wanted to talk to Lankford about his experience working so hard on this bill only to see it fall apart and what that says about the prospect of getting anything bipartisan done in a Republican Party that is beholden to Trump. But we started by talking about his faith, which he told me guides everything he does.

Before you were in politics, you ran the largest Baptist youth camp in the country, Falls Creek. A friend of mine from Oklahoma basically said its the place everyone goes when theyre young. I think when you were elected, something like 40 percent of Republican primary voters in Oklahoma either had gone to Falls Creek or knew someone who did. What role did that organization play in your life? Wow, thats a huge question. I served 22 years in ministry, working with students and their families. So when you work with middle school and high school students, youre dealing with all kinds of trauma that happens in those families. Thats what my wife and I did for 22 years, to be able to just love on families and to encourage them. I didnt do anything in politics other than vote. And in 2008 and 2009, we really felt a calling to be able to run for Congress in the central district. I had to go to our state Republican leaders and introduce myself and say: Hi, my names James. Im filing to run for Congress. And they basically pat me on the head and said, Thats nice. But saying all that, my faith is important to me, and its not something I take off and put on. I tell people all the time, your faith should affect everything about you. Its how I treat my wife. Its how I treat total strangers. I believe every persons created in the image of God. They have value and worth. Even if I disagree with them, that person has value and worth. As I joke with some of my Democrat colleagues, were friends, but theyre wrong all the time. They vote wrong all the time, but we can still be friends in our conversation and relationship and try to be able to engage.
Humanitarian workers carry away one of the bodies retrieved from the site of a garbage dump landslide near the town of Gayaza, central district of Wakiso, Uganda on Aug. 10, 2024. At least eight people, including two children, were killed following a landslide at a garbage dump in Uganda's central district of Wakiso on Saturday.

The authority said concerted efforts with police, related ministries, and the Uganda Red Cross Society had successfully rescued 14 people. (Photo by Simon Tumwine/Xinhua)

KAMPALA, Aug. 10 (Xinhua) -- At least eight people, including two children, were killed following a landslide at a garbage dump in Uganda's central district of Wakiso on Saturday.

The Kampala Capital City Authority, the manager of the city waste, said the Saturday morning landslide came after torrential rains.

"The Kampala Capital City Authority Landfill in Kiteezi has had a structural failure in waste mass this morning, resulting in a collapsed section of the landfill," the KCCA said in a press release posted on its official handle on X, formerly Twitter, on Saturday.

The authority said concerted efforts with police, related ministries, and the Uganda Red Cross Society had successfully rescued 14 people.

"On a very sad note, eight people have so far been found dead, six adults and two children," KCCA added.

Patrick Onyango, the Kampala Metropolitan police spokesperson, earlier told journalists before the forces arrived that three other people had been rescued by civilians.

"So far, the rescue mission is still ongoing to try and retrieve more bodies, if any," Onyango said. 

Humanitarian workers treat one of the survivors from a garbage dump landslide near the town of Gayaza, central district of Wakiso, Uganda on Aug. 10, 2024. At least eight people, including two children, were killed following a landslide at a garbage dump in Uganda's central district of Wakiso on Saturday.

The authority said concerted efforts with police, related ministries, and the Uganda Red Cross Society had successfully rescued 14 people. (Photo by Simon Tumwine/Xinhua)

This photo taken on Aug. 10, 2024 shows the site of a garbage dump landslide near the town of Gayaza, district of Wakiso, in central Uganda. At least eight people, including two children, were killed following a landslide at a garbage dump in Uganda's central district of Wakiso on Saturday.

The authority said concerted efforts with police, related ministries, and the Uganda Red Cross Society had successfully rescued 14 people. (Photo by Simon Tumwine/Xinhua)
Over the last few years, a loose coalition of conservative thinkers, journalists, publications and think tanks have emerged under the banner of the New Right. With Senator JD Vance, Donald Trumps running mate, as its flag-bearer, this still-disparate group has been hailed as the intellectual heft behind the MAGA movement, and even as the future of American conservatism. Its very name declares a radical break with the Republican past  very nascent, very bleeding edge, is how Vivek Ramaswamy, a former presidential candidate, described it. But how new is the New Right?

It is risky to ascribe coherence to a grouping like this, especially when its ranks range from the relatively buttoned-up Vance and his Senate colleague Josh Hawley to a ragtag assortment of self-described neo-monarchists, techno-libertarians and right-wing Marxists.

Still, there are some unifying features. At the heart of the New Right is a belief that most of what ails America can be blamed on a liberal elite that has burrowed into the federal government, the news media, Hollywood, big business and higher education  what Vance calls the regime, and Curtis Yarvin, one of his New Right influences, calls the Cathedral.

The New Rights position goes beyond rhetorical populism about out-of-touch bureaucrats: To them, liberalism is actively hurting the country, funneling fortunes from hard-working Americans into Washington and Wall Street and then casting any criticism as racist or fascist.
One of the Biden White Houses greatest achievements, from the perspective of its staffers, if not necessarily the country, has been to deny the press the kind of juicy leaks that were constant under Donald Trump and frequent under his predecessors. Save for a very narrow period of time, that is, when there was a push to force an aging president toward the exits: Then and only then we got a drip-drip-drip of fascinating inside information.

For instance, we learned that Biden hadnt held a full cabinet meeting since last October and that his handlers expected scripted questions from his cabinet officials. We learned that his capacities peak between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. and diminish outside that six-hour window. We learned that congressional Democrats, liberal donors and some journalists all had exposure to Bidens decline that they didnt discuss publicly until the debacle of the June debate. We learned that none other than Hunter Biden was acting as a close adviser to his father in the crucial days after that debate.

We even learned that from early in his presidency, the first ladys closest aides worked to shield her husband from the staff that serves the first family in its living quarters, even as the aides themselves were given unusual access to the residence  as though it were essential to create a cocoon of loyalty and silence around the nations chief executive even when he isnt on the job.

These are all interesting and pertinent facts about the man who officially leads the United States in a time of global danger  and they have not ceased to be pertinent because that president is no longer running for re-election.
At a campaign rally in the Detroit area on Wednesday, Kamala Harris was speaking about the threat of Project 2025 and the Trump agenda when a small group of protesters interrupted her. I couldnt make out their words, but it was reported that they were shouting something about Gaza. Harris reacted with her trademark I am speaking now. The protesters persisted. Harriss tone grew stern. You know what? she said. If you want Donald Trump to win, then say that. Otherwise, Im speaking. She continued, to cheers from the crowd. The protesters were escorted out.

When I watched a video of this scene, my heart sank. It reminded me of another interruption, at a Democratic fund-raiser at a nightclub in New York, 32 years ago. Bill Clinton was speaking when Bob Rafsky, a member of the AIDS activist group ACT UP, stood up to challenge him on his plans to deal with the AIDS epidemic. Were dying, Rafsky said. Clinton engaged at first, saying he was running for president to do something about it. Rafsky continued to shout. Clinton became angry. Would you just calm down? he said.

I knew Rafsky. I was a member of ACT UP, and a journalist covering AIDS in the gay press. When Clinton said, Calm down, I heard, Some things are more important than your life. In campaign math, this was probably true: Only a fraction of a percent of Americans were living with AIDS. Clinton had statistically bigger issues to address.

Yes, before her Detroit speech, Harris met very briefly with a group of pro-Palestinian activists. But at the rally, I heard the same steely political calculus in Harriss admonition to the protesters: She has to focus on beating Trump, not on a genocide occurring 6,000 miles away and affecting about two million people, some of whom are related to or have close ties with a small fraction of the American electorate for which the war in Gaza is a decisive issue in this election. And, like people confronting AIDS in 1992, Palestinian Americans and others who want an end to Israels war should know that the other candidate would be even worse.
As long as Ive covered Republican campaigns, there has been racial fearmongering: Dark-skinned people are coming to hurt you. Be very afraid.

With Reagan, it was welfare queens glomming onto tax-free cash income.

With George H.W. Bush, it was Willie Horton. Liberals would give more criminals like Horton furloughs, so they could break into your house and rape your girlfriend.

With George W. Bush and Dick Cheney, it was Arab terrorists. Democrats would let them invade America and kill us.

With Donald Trump, it was migrants swarming over the border from Central and South America with the intent to rape and kill, as well as the racist birther conspiracy about Barack HUSSEIN Obama.
WHY WERE HERE

Were exploring how America defines itself one place at a time. In San Francisco, a city that loves the new, many residents are flocking to an old cathedral.

Aug. 10, 2024

San Francisco residents have always celebrated the new, the innovative, the cutting-edge. The weirder, the better. But these days, they are flocking to a surprising venue for the cool factor: a church that is older than the city itself.

High atop Nob Hill, above the clanging cable cars and luxury hotels, stands the majestic Grace Cathedral. The Episcopal congregation dates back to 1849, the year before the city was incorporated, when pews were filled with miners tossing gold dust into the offering plates at a precursor to the current building.

The Gothic cathedral, built in 1927 for the same congregation, has for decades been home to traditional religious rites and events: Sunday services, baptisms, weddings, funerals and Christmas choral performances. But in the past few years, it has boomed for reasons that have nothing to do with the Bible. Just the other week, a public art display featuring colorful lasers beamed from the roof of the nearby Fairmont Hotel into the big, round window at the front of the cathedral. The event drew more than 1,000 onlookers, including Sergey Brin, the billionaire co-founder of Google, and Kudra Kalema, a Ugandan prince and tech founder.
Eddie Canales, a human rights advocate who fought to save migrants trekking across the harsh terrain of South Texas, died on July 30 at his home in Corpus Christi. He was 76.

The cause was pancreatic cancer, said Nancy Vera, his associate at the South Texas Human Rights Center, the nonprofit rescue organization that Mr. Canales founded in Falfurrias, Texas.

For over a decade, Mr. Canales placed dozens of water stations  giant blue plastic barrels marked Agua filled with gallon water jugs  along the regions routes for migrants evading a checkpoint on U.S. Route 281, about 70 miles north of the border with Mexico. The migrants, who are usually led, and sometimes abandoned, by smugglers, known as coyotes, leave the main road and undertake a perilous journey through featureless scrub and bush to evade the Border Patrol.

Some dont make it. Those who fail succumb to severe dehydration, hunger and exposure to the unforgiving elements in a semi-desert where temperatures can easily reach 100 degrees Fahrenheit in the summer and drop below freezing during the winter. Mr. Canales led a campaign to recover, identify and ensure proper burials for the migrants remains.
When Vice President Kamala Harris chose Gov. Tim Walz of Minnesota as her running mate, she put to rest weeks of speculation over the future of the Democratic ticket. But the battle over apostrophes was just getting started.

Where were voters (and journalists) supposed to place the possessive squiggle?

It all felt a bit, as some social media users described, like apostrophe hell: Would it be Ms. Harriss and Mr. Walzs or Ms. Harris and Mr. Walzs? The Harrises and the Walzes? The Harrises family home and the Walzes family dog? It was enough to see double, made worse by the fact that stylebooks, large news organizations and grammar geeks were all split or contradicted one another.

Anyone who tells you there are universal rules to how to add an apostrophe ending in S is either wrong or lying, Jeffrey Barg, a grammar columnist, said. You cant be wrong as long as youre consistent.

The Associated Press Stylebook, widely considered to be the gold standard among news organizations, is clear on its rule for the possessive of singular proper names ending in S  only an apostrophe is needed (Harris), though there are always exceptions. The New York Times, The Washington Post and The Wall Street Journal all do the opposite, opting for s to mark a singular possessive and a simple apostrophe for plural possessive (Harrises and Walzes).
Donald J. Trump was doubling down on Friday about his story of nearly crashing during a helicopter ride once with Willie Brown, the notable Black California politician.

He was so adamant that it had happened that he threatened to sue The New York Times for reporting that the story was untrue, then posted on his social media site that there were Logs, Maintenance Records, and Witnesses to back up his account.

It was Willie Brown, Mr. Trump, who spent much of the last year hoping to make gains with Black voters, posted. But now Willie doesnt remember?

Mr. Brown, 90, who was mayor of San Francisco and speaker of the California Assembly, gave several interviews on Thursday and Friday saying such a trip never occurred.
In the 1980s, the U.S. military was in the middle of a transformation. The Vietnam War was over, and a force once staffed with drafted troops who had fought and died in the jungles of Southeast Asia was transitioning to ranks filled solely with volunteers.

In Nebraska, Tim Walz was one of those volunteers.

Mr. Walz, now Minnesota governor and the presumptive Democratic candidate for vice president, raised his hand to join the Army National Guard just two days past his 17th birthday on April 8, 1981. In a career in the military that spanned three decades, he battled floods, managed an artillery unit and achieved one of the highest enlisted ranks in the Army. He also navigated a full-time job teaching social studies alongside his part-time military occupation as an enlisted combat arms soldier, a role that trained him for war.

Mr. Walz never went to war. Most of his service covered a period when America was bruised from foreign entanglements and wary of sending troops into combat overseas for long stretches. And it ended when Mr. Walz was 41, as the military ramped up for war after Sept. 11.

Since being picked as Vice President Kamala Harriss running mate this week, he has found himself facing allegations previously aired by Minnesota Republicans and newly amplified by JD Vance, former President Donald J. Trumps running mate.
Hundreds of people gathered several days ago outside a detention center known as Zone 7 in Caracas, the Venezuelan capital, huddled around lists of prisoners, as they clutched plastic bags filled with meals they had packed for the inmates inside.

Eager for information about their detained loved ones, many told remarkably similar stories of sons, daughters and siblings arrested riding motorbikes, walking home from work, coming out of a bakery or stopping by a relatives house in the days following Venezuelas disputed presidential election.

They described arrests both sweeping and selective. And no one had been told what criminal charge their relatives faced.

The Venezuelan government has mounted a furious campaign against anyone challenging the declared results of the vote, unleashing a wave of repression that human rights groups say is unlike anything the country has seen in recent decades.
NICOSIA, Aug. 10 (Xinhua) -- Archaeologists have unearthed more evidence relating to a monster earthquake that obliterated Kourion (Curium), one of Cyprus's most important city-kingdoms in antiquity, according to a recent report by the Department of Antiquities.

The report was released to mark the completion of the 2024 final excavation season of the Kourion Urban Space Project.

In the ruins of a housing complex, which seemed to belong to a well-off family, archaeologists found the remains of four people who were clothed and wearing their personal jewelry, along with lamps, a possible purse and keys, said the report.

These items "may indicate that the earthquake struck in the evening before Kourion had gone to sleep for the night or in the early morning just as they were preparing for their day," the report said.

The house complex excavated was next to the so-called Earthquake House, in which the remains of a mother, a father and their infant child were found in a previous excavation, huddled together as they sought protection in the frame of a door.

Kourion, founded by Mycenaeans in the 12th century BC, was built on the slopes of a hill overlooking the Mediterranean in the southern part of Cyprus. It was destroyed by a series of quakes between 365 AD and 370 AD.

In one of the rooms, archaeologists found an 80-cm-high statue of Artemis, the goddess of hunting and twin sister of Apollo, god of the sun, according to Greek mythology.

Artemis wears a billowing tunic tied at the waist and strappy sandals. Her right arm reaches over her shoulder for a quiver of arrows while her left arm holds her bow. She is accompanied by a dog crouching at her left knee.

Traces of red paint are visible on Artemis' lip suggesting the statue was painted in vibrant colors when it was displayed in this room.

The report noted that it is apparent that the upper half of the bow between the left shoulder and the left hand of this statue was broken in three places in antiquity and mended using iron dowels and lead sheets. 
Its rare for traffic barriers to signal much other than a construction detour, but the bollards and concrete slabs blocking cars from a handful of Montreal roads this summer have a dual purpose. They also represent a type of public space emerging in more Canadian cities: pedestrianized streets.

Montreal is Canadas poster child when it comes to these urban spaces. Mayor Valerie Plante has praised the citys seasonal pedestrian streets  known to have a dynamic mix of terraces, activities and outdoor cultural events  as a signature part of Montreal summers.

More Canadian cities have become allured by the possibilities of pedestrian-only streets.

This summer, in a pilot project, Vancouver turned Water Street in its touristy Gastown district into a pedestrian zone. Halifax, in 2017, called itself the first city in the Atlantic provinces to design a streetscape project in which patios, pedestrians and cars shared the road. Toronto began its outdoor dining program, CafeTO, three months after Covid took hold and then made the program permanent.

Proposing a car-free street project was, before the pandemic, a pretty reliable way to get into a turf war with local businesses. Retailers view blocking traffic mostly as a sure hit to their bottom lines because they say it discourages usual clients from shopping, as they arrive by car and need places to park.
Russia is pushing back against Ukraines largest assault into Russian territory since the start of the war, sending troop reinforcements, establishing strict security measures in border areas and conducting airstrikes, according to the Russian Defense Ministry. One of the strikes on Ukrainian troops involved a thermobaric missile that causes a blast wave and suffocates those in its path, the ministry said.

But even as Russia has halted the quick advances made by Ukrainian troops who launched a surprise cross-border attack five days ago into the southwestern region of Kursk, Ukrainian forces seem to be holding ground. They claimed on Saturday to have captured a small village in the neighboring Belgorod region, and analysts say their forces control most of the Kursk town of Sudzha, about six miles from the border.

Pasi Paroinen, an analyst from the Black Bird Group, a Finland-based organization that analyzes satellite imagery and social media content from the battlefield, said in an interview that evidence suggested that Moscow had been able to stall the major advances in Russian territory late in the week.

Were now entering the phase where the easy gains have been made, he said of Ukraines initial advance. This phase, for the first three days, saw the most rapid movement, he added. And yesterday, I think, we started to see the effects of the Russian response.
Today is the worst day. They bombed another school. The kids are not dead. They are burned  alive. Dying. Babies. Sorry, this is graphic. I dont think that people really, truly understand how bad things are. What I saw there was so indescribable. I realized I needed to take pictures and document and little videos because nobody would believe it unless I did. The primary thing that I did there was triaging and mass casualty. This is not advanced I.C.U. care. We often never got there. The longer I stayed there, I realized that my role wasnt being a physician. It was being a witness. I started a WhatsApp group where I shared reflections and stories almost like a diary or journal entry. Reflection Update 14: This is worse than I ever could have imagined. Shrapnel pulled from a 1-year-old babys chest wall. Gloves for every helping hand is a luxury. Hemostats being sterilized via alcohol and betadine, if youre lucky. Dr. Nabil and Dr. Mohammed have barely slept the last 48 hours. They do not have all the tools. Their gowns are not waterproof. The electricity goes out regularly, but they have tag-teamed case after case, and just keep moving. The capacity of the hospital was supposed to be between 150 and 200 people, and there were 700 patients in that hospital. Last night was bad, depressed skull fracture. His father tapped me on the shoulder many times, asking what I thought. This kid sat upright with no pain medicine as they washed out his shrapnel wounds. Small child with a blast injury/ traumatic brain injury. His odds of surviving are little. Every time I do not think it could get worse, it does. Today Deir al Balah, the area Im in, was bombed, resulting in a massive mass casualty event at the hospital. I lifted a dying little girl in my arms off the floor when I got frustrated waiting for a gurney and realized she was going to die on the floor at my feet. The girl, named Farrah, was 12 years old, but about the size of my 10-year-old daughter. I can still feel her arms around my neck as I type this. There were a few more kids that died today. One in his fathers arms. This is a father cleaning off his son for the final time. A mother holding the shoes of her child. I dont know if hes alive. There was no time to process. We only have this many machines. We only have this much space. We only have this much gauze. I dont have enough blood to hang for blood transfusions. I dont have enough fluids to get this persons blood pressure up. And so, the decisions were made second to second, and we tried our best. This nurses name is Warda, which means flower. My man Anas, always ready with some nicotine. Alaa, an I.C.U. nurse and the chef of the I.C.U. He may understand a quarter of what I say and vice versa, but I love him. Every health care provider is living in two worlds. Every time an ambulance pulls up, the first question people ask is, What neighborhood was it where the bomb dropped? Was it where my family was? Turn on the news. Massive explosion in crowded area in Khan Younis. Its going to be busy. A little girl lay on a cardboard box. I lift the cardboard box. Thats when I see the penetrating chest wound. Hell, shes going to die right here in this spot. Today, Ive watched all the things I theoretically learned about burn patients in my training and education, happen right in front of my eyes in a matter of one day. I will never forget this image for the rest of my life: siblings.
NASA said two astronauts could be stranded on the International Space Station until next year because of problems with their spacecraft, which was made by what company?
On New Years Day, a Telegram user in Portugal posted an ominous message that the wait was over. This was the year to stop the Population Replacement  a conspiracy theory that immigrants of color are taking over. On New Years Day, a Telegram user in Portugal posted an ominous message that the wait was over. This was the year to stop the Population Replacement  a conspiracy theory that immigrants of color are taking over. In the days and weeks that followed, thousands more posts like it appeared on Telegram, X, YouTube and elsewhere  with increasingly racist and violent overtones. They called for migrants to leave, accusing them of committing crimes and stealing jobs. In the days and weeks that followed, thousands more posts like it appeared on Telegram, X, YouTube and elsewhere  with increasingly racist and violent overtones. They called for migrants to leave, accusing them of committing crimes and stealing jobs. Soon, a Portuguese extremist group organized a raucous protest in Lisbon. People chanted parts of the national anthem that calls on citizens to take up arms. More protests followed. Soon, a Portuguese extremist group organized a raucous protest in Lisbon. People chanted parts of the national anthem that calls on citizens to take up arms. More protests followed. In early May, a group of men assaulted migrants in Porto in two attacks, beating several with clubs in their home. One escaped by leaping from a window. A video circulated on local media after showed blood splattered throughout the apartment. In early May, a group of men assaulted migrants in Porto in two attacks, beating several with clubs in their home. One escaped by leaping from a window. A video circulated on local media after showed blood splattered throughout the apartment.

How Online Hatred Toward Migrants Spurs Real-World Violence Social media posts assailing immigrants have fomented a climate of fear and hatred in Britain, Portugal and other countries. The vitriolic language is now spilling onto the streets.

The violence that flared in Porto was neither spontaneous nor unexpected. It followed months of vitriol on social media that came not only from disgruntled Portuguese, but also from prominent far-right figures inside and outside the country.

The posts linked a global network of agitators who have seized on the influx of migrants seeking political asylum or economic opportunity to build seething followings online.

Ideas like this once festered on the fringes of the internet but are now increasingly breaking through to the mainstream on social media platforms like X and Telegram, which have done little to moderate the content. The ability to clip and share videos and to instantly translate foreign languages has also helped make it easier to spread hateful material across geographic and cultural divides.

These networks peddle a toxic brew of bigotry online that officials and researchers say is increasingly stoking violence offline  from riots in Britain to bloody attacks in Germany and arson in Ireland. Establishing a direct correlation between online language and events in the real world is difficult, but researchers and officials said the evidence of a link has become overwhelming.

What is said ultimately will shape what people will do, said Rita Guerra, a researcher at the Center for Psychological Research and Social Intervention in Lisbon who studies online hate in Portugal. That is why this is very concerning, not just for Portugal and Europe, but worldwide.

Fuel for a Fire

In Britain, false and inflammatory posts by white supremacists and anti-Muslim agitators set off clashes across the country after the stabbing deaths of three children in Southport, a town outside Liverpool, on July 29.

Posts on TikTok, YouTube, X and Telegram circulated false or unsubstantiated claims that the attacker was a Syrian refugee, when in fact he was from Wales.

July 29 1:42 p.m.

Not much info yet, but it will be a Muslim culprit followed by violence protests. July 30 8:38 p.m.

Italy British patriots in Southport want justice for little girls who lost their lives. Patience is over. 8:57 p.m.

Whoever riots gets heard, the British need hearing. July 31 10:31 a.m.

The Netherlands How many more white children have to die before we take action? Aug. 1 Unknown

Britain This is how the police treat white people who are protesting over the murder of three little girls. Note: Hashtags have been removed from some posts. All times are Greenwich Mean Time.

Since then, unrest has convulsed Britain. Protesters clashed with the police, lit cars on fire and ransacked businesses.

Aug. 2 Sunderland Source: PA Media, via Agence France-Presse

They used Southport as fuel for a fire, Lee Marsh, a Liverpool resident, said at a demonstration against racism on Wednesday. The only thing that should have happened online, he added, was support and respect for those families of the girls killed.

The incendiary language inundated social media platforms despite their own policies prohibiting it, according to the Institute for Strategic Dialogue, a nonprofit research organization in London that has tracked the fallout of the stabbing. The companies, the organization said, lack an understanding of the real-world impacts of misinformation that appears on their platforms.

Elon Musk, the owner of X, himself weighed in on the events, declaring last weekend that civil war is inevitable in Britain.

Since Mr. Musk bought the platform, then known as Twitter, in 2022, the company has reinstated far-right figures who had previously been banned, leading to a sharp increase in hateful content on the platform. Mr. Musk has also used it to rail against governments he says have failed to bring immigration under control.

Representatives from Meta, X and TikTok did not respond to requests for comment. A spokesman for Telegram said calls to violence are explicitly forbidden by its terms of service.

YouTube, when contacted by The New York Times about this article, suspended the account of Grupo 1143, the extremist group organizing protests in Portugal. Any content that promotes violence or encourages hatred of people based on attributes like ethnicity or immigration status is not allowed on our platform, the company said, and were committed to removing this content as quickly as possible.

Immersed in Rabid Content

Racism and xenophobia have haunted the internet since the earliest dial-up connections, but they have, by most accounts, become pervasive in recent years.

Online influencers have weaponized the issue of immigration with disinformation and racist conspiracy theories, including one that predicts a great replacement of white people by nefarious global forces.

Europe has been invaded by the worlds scum, without a single bullet being fired, Tommy Robinson, one of Britains most notorious activists, wrote on X days before the attack in Porto in May. The post included a video with a voice over in Portuguese and subtitles in French.

Right-wing political parties in Europe have surged with the use of similar anti-immigrant language. In the United States, Donald J. Trump has made the influx of refugees and migrants a central issue in this years presidential election.

Russia, too, has used immigration as a cudgel in its propaganda in Europe, amplifying incidents and protests, including the recent unrest in Britain, through its state media and covert bot networks.

European governments have stepped up warnings about the threat of extremism online, but they are struggling to find effective ways to respond while respecting freedoms of speech and assembly.

In the Netherlands, the National Coordinator for Counterterrorism and Security warned last year that people can immerse themselves in rabid content for years, until an isolated incident incites them to concrete violence.

After the recent violence in Britain, the government urged the public to think before you post, warning that hateful messages could amount to a crime. On Friday, a man from Leeds was sentenced to 20 months for posts on Facebook calling for attacks on a hotel housing asylum seekers. Among hundreds of people arrested was a 55-year-old woman from near Chester for a social media post said to stir up racial hatred.

The internet has evolved from a passive cheering section to the active shaping and fomenting of ethnic and sectarian conflict, said Joel Finkelstein, a founder of the Network Contagion Research Institute in New Jersey, which studies threats online. This new reality poses a profound challenge to democracies, which find themselves ill-equipped to manage the rapid dissemination of these dangerous ideas.

A Front Line

In 2023, researchers from the Network Contagion Research Institute and two universities documented a hashtag was going viral across Ireland that said the country was full. It was used to promote demonstrations in cities across the country against efforts to build housing for migrants.

One of the researchers, Tony Craig of Staffordshire University in England, warned that the campaign would inevitably lead to violence. Its going to get worse, he said last summer.

He was prescient.

In November, a homeless immigrant from Algeria stabbed three children and their guardian in Dublin. Within hours, the internet churned with calls for protest  and retaliation  and soon hundreds rioted on Parnell Square in the citys center. It was the worst public unrest in Ireland in years.

Nov. 23 Dublin Source: Reuters

After the riots, the government vowed to toughen the law against incitement. Its not up-to-date for the social media age, Leo Varadkar, the prime minister then, said.

The challenge is that the incitement also comes from outside their borders. Only 14 percent of posts on X about the stabbings and resulting outcry originated in Ireland, according to an analysis by Next Dim, a company that tracks activity online.

Since then, accounts online have continued to foment anger. This year, agitators circulated maps with the locations of migrant housing, which have become targets. Outside one center in June, protesters slit the throats of three pigs as a threat to Muslims believed to be living there.

Last month, a former paint factory being converted to housing for asylum seekers in Coolock, near Dublin, became a new flashpoint.

March 18 8:54 p.m.

Ireland All of Coolock needs to come out and stop this and protect our children. May 22 8:49 p.m.

Ireland  Lets Give Them Hell July 15 11:41 a.m.

Ireland Ireland burns as they continue to fiddle about with Hate Speech legislation. July 15 Coolock Note: Hashtags have been removed from some posts. All times are Greenwich Mean Time.  Source: StringersHub, via Reuters (Video)

As anger about the project spread online, arsonists twice attacked the building. On July 19, hundreds gathered nearby, leading to a violent confrontation with the police.

Driving the Conversation From Afar

A leading figure in the growing chorus of bigotry online has been Mr. Robinson, the notorious activist whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon.

Mr. Robinson has been known for his ardent anti-immigration views for more than a decade, but by 2019 he faced bans or other restrictions on Facebook, Instagram, X and YouTube for spreading hateful content and struggled to find much of an audience online.

Then, last November, X reinstated Mr. Robinson. (Im back! his profile declares). He now has more than 960,000 followers on the platform.

Mr. Robinsons prolific posts are widely shared across like-minded accounts on other platforms and in other countries.

An example of his reach was clear in March, when he reacted to news of a fire at a migrant housing center in Berlin. He posted a brief video clip on Telegram claiming that migrants had deliberately set fire to the center, located in the citys old Tegel Airport, in hope of securing better accommodations.

His followers replied with a torrent of hateful and racist comments, according to an analysis by the SITE Intelligence Group. Though the cause of the fire remained unclear, the insinuation that it was intentional caromed from Britain to the Netherlands and Portugal and back to Germany.

March 12 7:36 p.m.

Britain We've seen this regularly across Europe, burning the facilities provided to them by the taxpayers in hope of securing better. 9:01 p.m.

Portugal Us or Them March 13 12:33 p.m.

Germany Let it Burn!!!!  Note: All times are Central European Summer Time.

Joe Duker, a researcher at the Center for Monitoring, Analysis and Strategy, an organization in Germany that studies extremism, said Mr. Robinsons post helped drive the narrative in Germany, where the authorities reported 31 violent crimes against migrants in the first three months of this year. An extremist group active in Austria and Germany, Generation Identity Europa, forwarded his post on Telegram to its own followers.

Asked whether he believes his social media posts contribute to violence, Mr. Robinson responded: I believe the teachings in the Koran contribute to violence. Shall we ban it?

Other figures have similar international reach, including Eva Vlaardingerbroek in the Netherlands, Martin Sellner in Austria and Francesca Totolo in Italy. They often amplify one anothers posts, forming a global echo chamber of hatred toward migrants.

There isnt enough of an appreciation of how transnational these networks are, said Wendy Via, a founder of the Global Project Against Hate and Extremism, an organization in the United States that tracks the spread of racism.

Whoever riots gets heard

In the initial hours after the stabbing attack in England, when little information was released by the authorities, agitators quickly stepped into the void.

July 29 1:42 p.m.

Not much info yet, but it will be a Muslim culprit followed by violence protests 1:49 p.m.

The attacker is alleged to be a Muslim immigrant July 30 12:22 p.m.

Attacker confirmed to be Muslim. Age 17. Came to UK by boat last year. Note: Identifying information has been removed. All times are Greenwich Mean Time.

By the time officials said that the suspect was a 17-year-old British citizen from Wales, it was too late. Angry calls for protests had swept TikTok, Telegram and X, calling people into the streets. Whoever riots gets heard, Mr. Robinson declared. The British need hearing.

July 30 Southport Source: PA Media, via Agence France-Press

One Telegram channel created to discuss the stabbing shared the address of 30 locations to target for protest. The platform blocked the channel, but only after it had swelled to more than 13,000 members.

They wont stop coming, one member of the group said, until you tell them.
All states: registered voters | likely electorate

Michigan: toplines registered voters | likely electorate

Pennsylvania: toplines | registered voters | likely electorate

Wisconsin: toplines | registered voters | likely electorate

Party ID is self-identified party, without leaners; independents include only self-identified independents. Gender is self-reported if the respondent completed the full questionnaire; otherwise, it is based on the interviewers determination. If neither are available, it is as reported on the voter file. Neighborhood type is a New York Times classification based on each voters address. Voters within a metropolitan areas central city are classified as living in a city. Voters living in a metropolitan area but outside the central city are considered suburban if they live in a census-designated urban area. All other voters  those living in nonmetropolitan areas, and those living in non-urbanized parts of metropolitan areas outside the central city  are classified as living in small towns or rural areas.

Party ID is self-identified party, without leaners; independents include only self-identified independents. Gender is self-reported if the respondent completed the full questionnaire; otherwise, it is based on the interviewers determination. If neither are available, it is as reported on the voter file. Neighborhood type is a New York Times classification based on each voters address. Voters within a metropolitan areas central city are classified as living in a city. Voters living in a metropolitan area but outside the central city are considered suburban if they live in a census-designated urban area. All other voters  those living in nonmetropolitan areas, and those living in non-urbanized parts of metropolitan areas outside the central city  are classified as living in small towns or rural areas.

Would you be open to commenting on the issues in this survey and be interested in being contacted by a reporter?

(Without combination) (If Protestant, Christian, Mormon, Greek/Russian Orthodox or some other religion) Do you consider yourself an evangelical or born-again Christian?

(If Protestant, Christian, Mormon, Greek/Russian Orthodox or some other religion) Do you consider yourself an evangelical or born-again Christian?

Do you consider yourself Catholic, Protestant, Mormon, Jewish, Muslim, some other religion, or do you have no religious affiliation?

Which of the following general income categories is your total household income before taxes? [IF NEEDED: I just want to remind you that you are completely anonymous. We only use this information in aggregate form to ensure we have a representative group of people]

And just a few more questions for demographic purposes... Do you consider yourself politically liberal, moderate or conservative? [FOLLOW UP: (If liberal or conservative) Is that very or somewhat?]

(Without combination) (If social media user) How often, if ever, do you use TikTok? [READ LIST]

(If social media user) How often, if ever, do you use TikTok? [READ LIST]

How often, if ever, do you use social media, such as Facebook, Instagram, TikTok or others? [READ LIST]

What single news source do you turn to most often? This could include a social media site or a news site. [IF NEEDED: If you had to pick just one.]

Democracy [IF NEEDED: Regardless of how you might vote, tell me whether you trust Kamala Harris or Donald Trump to do a better job on...]

Immigration [IF NEEDED: Regardless of how you might vote, tell me whether you trust Kamala Harris or Donald Trump to do a better job on...]

Abortion [IF NEEDED: Regardless of how you might vote, tell me whether you trust Kamala Harris or Donald Trump to do a better job on...]

The economy [IF NEEDED: Regardless of how you might vote, tell me whether you trust Kamala Harris or Donald Trump to do a better job on...]

Regardless of how you might vote, tell me whether you trust Kamala Harris or Donald Trump to do a better job on each of the following:

Which candidate do you think would do a better job of handling the issue you think is most important? [READ LIST]

What one issue is most important in deciding your vote this November? [IF NEEDED: If you had to pick just one.]

Is honest [IF NEEDED: Please tell me if this describes Donald Trump very well, somewhat well, not too well or not at all well.]

Has a clear vision for the country [IF NEEDED: Please tell me if this describes Donald Trump very well, somewhat well, not too well or not at all well.]

Is intelligent [IF NEEDED: Please tell me if this describes Donald Trump very well, somewhat well, not too well or not at all well.]

Has the temperament to be an effective president [IF NEEDED: Please tell me if this describes Donald Trump very well, somewhat well, not too well or not at all well.]

Will bring about the right kind of change [IF NEEDED: Please tell me if this describes Donald Trump very well, somewhat well, not too well or not at all well.]

For each of the following, please tell me if this describes Donald Trump very well, somewhat well, not too well or not at all well:

Is honest [IF NEEDED: Please tell me if this describes Kamala Harris very well, somewhat well, not too well or not at all well.]

Has a clear vision for the country [IF NEEDED: Please tell me if this describes Kamala Harris very well, somewhat well, not too well or not at all well.]

Is intelligent [IF NEEDED: Please tell me if this describes Kamala Harris very well, somewhat well, not too well or not at all well.]

Has the temperament to be an effective president [IF NEEDED: Please tell me if this describes Kamala Harris very well, somewhat well, not too well or not at all well.]

Will bring about the right kind of change [IF NEEDED: Please tell me if this describes Kamala Harris very well, somewhat well, not too well or not at all well.]

For each of the following, please tell me if this describes Kamala Harris very well, somewhat well, not too well or not at all well:

(Without combination) (If Harris major/minor change or tear down the system) Do you think the changes that Kamala Harris would make would be good for the country or bad for the country, or neither good nor bad? IF GOOD/BAD: Is that very or somewhat?

(If Harris major/minor change or tear down the system) Do you think the changes that Kamala Harris would make would be good for the country or bad for the country, or neither good nor bad? IF GOOD/BAD: Is that very or somewhat?

If Kamala Harris won the election, do you think nothing would change, there would be minor changes to how things work, there would be major changes to how things work, or she would tear down the system completely?

(Without combination) (If Trump major/minor change or tear down the system) Do you think the changes that Donald Trump would make would be good for the country or bad for the country, or neither good nor bad? IF GOOD/BAD: Is that very or somewhat?

(If Trump major/minor change or tear down the system) Do you think the changes that Donald Trump would make would be good for the country or bad for the country, or neither good nor bad? IF GOOD/BAD: Is that very or somewhat?

If Donald Trump won the election, do you think nothing would change, there would be minor changes to how things work, there would be major changes to how things work, or he would tear down the system completely?

Do you think Kamala Harris is too liberal or progressive, not liberal or progressive enough, or not too far either way?

Do you think Donald Trump is too conservative, not conservative enough, or not too far either way?

(Asked starting Aug. 6) Which comes closest to how you feel about the Democratic candidate for vice president, Tim Walz [walls]? [READ LIST]

Which comes closest to how you feel about the Republican candidate for vice president, JD Vance? [READ LIST]

In general, how satisfied are you with your choice of candidates in this falls presidential election? [READ LIST]

And when it comes to the November election, would you say youre very enthusiastic about voting, somewhat enthusiastic about voting, not very enthusiastic about voting or not at all enthusiastic about voting?

(Asked starting Aug. 6) Tim Walz [walls] [IF NEEDED: Do you have a very favorable, somewhat favorable, somewhat unfavorable or very unfavorable opinion of them?]

JD Vance [IF NEEDED: Do you have a very favorable, somewhat favorable, somewhat unfavorable or very unfavorable opinion of them?]

Kamala [COMMA-luh] Harris [IF NEEDED: Do you have a very favorable, somewhat favorable, somewhat unfavorable or very unfavorable opinion of them?]

Donald Trump [IF NEEDED: Do you have a very favorable, somewhat favorable, somewhat unfavorable or very unfavorable opinion of them?]

Tell me whether you have a very favorable, somewhat favorable, somewhat unfavorable or very unfavorable opinion of each of the following.

Do you approve or disapprove of the way Joe Biden is handling his job as president? FOLLOW UP: Is that strongly or somewhat?

(Excluding "I did not vote") Who did you vote for in the 2020 presidential election between Donald Trump and Joe Biden, or did you not vote?

Who did you vote for in the 2020 presidential election between Donald Trump and Joe Biden, or did you not vote?

(If independent, another party or not sure) And as of today, do you lean more to: [READ LIST]

Do you consider yourself a Democrat, a Republican, an independent or a member of another party?

Note: Responses to questions after this point are reported only for respondents who completed the entire questionnaire.

Would you consider yourself: [READ LIST] [IF biracial or multi racial ask: What races would that be?]

(Ask only in PA) If this years general election for the U.S. Senate were held today, which candidate would you be more likely to vote for? [READ LIST] [IF NEEDED: If you had to decide today, are you leaning toward one candidate?]

(Combined Senate results) If this years general election for U.S. Senate were held today, which candidate would you be more likely to vote for?

(Leaners, if not supporting Trump or Harris in previous questions) If you had to decide between the two today, would you lean more toward:

(If candidate selected, including third-party candidates) Are you definitely or probably going to vote for [CANDIDATE SELECTED]?

[VOL] Not going to vote/wouldn't vote if those were the choices

(Leaners including third-party candidates, if no candidate selected in previous question) If you had to decide today, would you lean more toward: [READ LIST]

[VOL] Not going to vote/wouldn't vote if those were the choices

(Without leaners) If the 2024 presidential election were held today, who would you vote for if the candidates were: [READ LIST] [IF NEEDED: If you had to decide today, are you leaning toward one candidate?]

[VOL] Not going to vote/wouldn't vote if those were the choices

(Combined to include leaners to third-party candidates) If the 2024 presidential election were held today, who would you vote for if the candidates were:

(Combined to include leaners to major-party candidates) If the 2024 presidential election were held today, who would you vote for if the candidates were:

Thinking ahead to the presidential general election, are you almost certain that you will vote, very likely to vote, somewhat likely to vote, not very likely to vote or not at all likely to vote?

If you want to read more about how and why we conduct our polls, you can see answers to frequently asked questions and submit your own questions here .

 The margin of sampling error among registered voters is plus or minus 4.5 percentage points in Michigan, plus or minus 4 percentage points in Pennsylvania, and plus or minus 4.3 percentage points in Wisconsin. In theory, this means that the results should reflect the views of the overall population most of the time, though many other challenges create additional sources of error. When computing the difference between two values  such as a candidates lead in a race  the margin of error is twice as large.

 To further ensure that the results reflect the entire voting population, not just those willing to take a poll, we give more weight to respondents from demographic groups that are underrepresented among survey respondents, like people without a college degree. You can see more information about the characteristics of our respondents and the weighted sample at the bottom of the page, under Composition of the Sample.

 Voters are selected for Times/Siena surveys from a list of registered voters. The list contains information on the demographic characteristics of every registered voter, allowing us to make sure we reach the right number of voters of each party, race and region. For this poll, interviewers placed more than 237,000 calls to nearly 118,000 voters.

 Times/Siena polls are conducted by telephone, using live interviewers, in both English and Spanish. About 90 percent of respondents were contacted on a cellphone for these polls.

 Interviewers spoke with 619 registered voters in Michigan and 661 registered voters in Wisconsin from Aug. 5 to 8, and 693 registered voters in Pennsylvania from Aug. 6 to 9.

Here are the key things to know about these Times/Siena polls:

Full Methodology

The New York Times/Siena College polls in Michigan and Wisconsin were conducted in English and Spanish on cellular and landline telephones from Aug. 5 to 8, 2024, and from Aug. 6 to 9, 2024, in Pennsylvania. In all, 1,973 registered voters were interviewed. When all states are joined together, the margin of sampling error is plus or minus 2.5 percentage points for all registered voters and plus or minus 2.6 percentage points for the likely electorate.

The margin of sampling error among registered voters for each state poll is plus or minus 4.5 percentage points in Michigan, plus or minus 4 points in Pennsylvania and plus or minus 4.3 points in Wisconsin. Among the likely electorate, it is plus or minus 4.8 percentage points in Michigan, plus or minus 4.2 points in Pennsylvania and plus or minus 4.3 points in Wisconsin.

Sample

The survey is a response rate-adjusted stratified sample of registered voters on the L2 voter file. The sample was selected by The New York Times in multiple steps to account for differential telephone coverage, nonresponse and significant variation in the productivity of telephone numbers by state.

The L2 voter file for each state was stratified by statehouse district, party, race, gender, marital status, household size, turnout history, age and homeownership. The proportion of registrants with a telephone number and the mean expected response rate, based on prior Times/Siena polls, were calculated for each stratum. The initial selection weight was equal to the reciprocal of a stratums mean telephone coverage and modeled response rate. For respondents with multiple telephone numbers on the L2 file, the number with the highest modeled response rate was selected.

Fielding

The samples for each state were stratified by political party, race and region and were fielded by the Siena College Research Institute, with additional field work by ReconMR, the Public Opinion Research Laboratory at the University of North Florida and the Institute of Policy and Opinion Research at Roanoke College. Interviewers asked for the person named on the voter file and ended the interview if the intended respondent was not available. Overall, 90 percent of respondents were reached on a cellular telephone.

The instrument was translated into Spanish by ReconMR. Bilingual interviewers began the interview in English and were instructed to follow the lead of the respondent in determining whether to conduct the survey in English or Spanish. Monolingual Spanish-speaking respondents who were initially contacted by English-speaking interviewers were recontacted by Spanish-speaking interviewers. Overall, 13 percent of interviews among self-reported Hispanics were conducted in Spanish, including 13 percent of weighted interviews.

An interview was determined to be complete for the purposes of inclusion in the ballot test question if the respondent did not drop out of the survey by the end of the two self-reported variables used in weighting  age and education  and answered at least one of the age, education, race or presidential election ballot test questions.

Weighting  registered voters

The survey was weighted by The Times using the R survey package in multiple steps.

First, the sample was adjusted for unequal probability of selection by stratum.

Second, the sample was weighted to match voter file-based parameters for the characteristics of registered voters.

The following targets were used:

 Party (party registration if available in the state, else classification based on participation in partisan primaries if available in the state, else classification based on a model of vote choice in prior Times/Siena polls) by whether the respondents race is modeled as white or nonwhite (L2 model) in Michigan, whether the respondent voted in 2020 in Wisconsin, and the voter file age of the respondent in Pennsylvania.

 Age (Self-reported age, or voter file age if the respondent refuses) by gender (L2)

 Race or ethnicity (L2 model)

 Education (four categories of self-reported education level, weighted to match NYT-based targets derived from Times/Siena polls, census data and the L2 voter file)

 White/non-white race by college or non-college educational attainment (L2 model of race weighted to match NYT-based targets for self-reported education)

 Marital status (L2 model)

 Home ownership (L2 model)

 State region (NYT classifications)

 Turnout history (NYT classifications based on L2 data)

 Method of voting in the 2020 elections (NYT classifications based on L2 data)

 The average recalled 2020 vote choice of respondents to the last three New York Times/Siena College polls, including the results of this poll before the recalled vote weight, in Wisconsin.

Finally, the sample of respondents who completed all questions in the survey was weighted identically, as well as to the result for the general election horse race question (including leaners) on the full sample.

Weighting  likely electorate

The survey was weighted by The Times using the R survey package in multiple steps.

First, the samples were adjusted for unequal probability of selection by stratum.

Second, the first-stage weight was adjusted to account for the probability that a registrant would vote in the 2024 election, based on a model of turnout in the 2020 election.

Third, the sample was weighted to match targets for the composition of the likely electorate. The targets for the composition of the likely electorate were derived by aggregating the individual-level turnout estimates described in the previous step for registrants on the L2 voter file. The categories used in weighting were the same as those previously mentioned for registered voters.

Fourth, the initial likely electorate weight was adjusted to incorporate self-reported intention to vote. Four-fifths of the final probability that a registrant would vote in the 2024 election was based on their ex ante modeled turnout score and one-fifth based on their self-reported intentions, based on prior Times/Siena polls, including a penalty to account for the tendency of survey respondents to turn out at higher rates than nonrespondents. The final likely electorate weight was equal to the modeled electorate rake weight, multiplied by the final turnout probability and divided by the ex ante modeled turnout probability.

Finally, the sample of respondents who completed all questions in the survey was weighted identically, as well as to the result for the general election horse race question (including leaners) on the full sample.

The margin of error accounts for the surveys design effect, a measure of the loss of statistical power due to survey design and weighting. The design effect for the full sample is 1.17 for registered voters and 1.26 for the likely electorate in Pennsylvania, 1.25 for registered voters and 1.28 for the likely electorate in Wisconsin, and 1.33 for registered voters and 1.46 for likely voters in Michigan.

For the sample of completed interviews, the margin of sampling error is plus or minus 5.3 points for registered voters and plus or minus 5.5 points for the likely electorate in Michigan, plus or minus 4.5 points for registered voters and plus or minus 4.6 points for the likely electorate in Pennsylvania, and plus or minus 4.7 points for both registered voters and the likely electorate in Wisconsin.The design effect for the sample of completed interviews is 1.24 for registered voters and 1.33 for the likely electorate in Pennsylvania, 1.3 for registered voters and 1.32 for the likely electorate in Wisconsin, and 1.46 for registered voters and 1.57 for the likely electorate in Michigan.

Historically, The Times/Siena Polls error at the 95th percentile has been plus or minus 5.1 percentage points in surveys taken over the final three weeks before an election. Real-world error includes sources of error beyond sampling error, such as nonresponse bias, coverage error, late shifts among undecided voters and error in estimating the composition of the electorate.
Nestled in the Himalayas, where China and India meet, is a village where the Chinese government pays people to live, promising them a better life. But China makes no secret that its main purpose is to defend the countrys territory along a disputed border. China has built over 50 new villages like it along its western frontiers in recent years, 12 of them in areas claimed by other countries, an exclusive analysis of satellite imagery found. China added new homes to 100 other villages, to house even more people. These civilian outposts are one way that Beijing is projecting its power abroad and securing its rule at home.

Chinas Great Wall of Villages China has moved thousands of people to new settlements on its frontiers. It calls them border guardians.

Qionglin New Village sits deep in the Himalayas, just three miles from a region where a heavy military buildup and confrontations between Chinese and Indian troops have brought fears of a border war.

The land was once an empty valley, more than 10,000 feet above the sea, traversed only by local hunters. Then Chinese officials built Qionglin, a village of cookie-cutter homes and finely paved roads, and paid people to move there from other settlements.

Chinas leader, Xi Jinping, calls such people border guardians. Qionglins villagers are essentially sentries on the front line of Chinas claim to Arunachal Pradesh, Indias easternmost state, which Beijing insists is part of Chinese-ruled Tibet.

Many villages like Qionglin have sprung up. In Chinas west, they give its sovereignty a new, undeniable permanence along boundaries contested by India, Bhutan and Nepal. In its north, the settlements bolster security and promote trade with Central Asia. In the south, they guard against the flow of drugs and crime from Southeast Asia.

16 miles to border claimed by India Jiagang Village Inside territory claimed by Bhutan Gyalaphug (Jieluobu) Village New homes Chinese flags 15 miles to Tajikistan Fumin Village and Aimin Village <1 mile to Vietnam Shibanzhai New Village Sources: Jiagang Village  video still from CCTV (state media); Gyalaphug Village  local government of Luozha county, Shannan (Lhoka), Tibet Autonomous Region; Fumin Village and Aimin Village  Tian Shan Wang (state media); Shibanzhai  Hong He Daily (state media)

The buildup is the clearest sign that Mr. Xi is using civilian settlements to quietly solidify Chinas control in far-flung frontiers, just as he has with fishing militias and islands in the disputed South China Sea.

The New York Times mapped and analyzed settlements along Chinas border to create the first detailed visual representation of how the country has reshaped its frontiers with strategic civilian outposts, in just eight years.

Working with the artificial intelligence company RAIC Labs, which scanned satellite images of Chinas entire land border captured by Planet Labs, The Times identified the locations of new villages and checked them against historical images, state media, social media posts and public records.

The mapping reveals that China has put at least one village near every accessible Himalayan pass that borders India, as well as on most of the passes bordering Bhutan and Nepal, according to Matthew Akester, an independent researcher on Tibet, and Robert Barnett, a professor from SOAS University of London. Mr. Akester and Mr. Barnett, who have studied Tibets border villages for years, reviewed The Timess findings.

Inside territory claimed by India Demchok (Dianjiao) Village Defenders of our nations sacred land, builders of happy homes First village in the defense and security of the border Defenders of our nations sacred land, builders of happy homes Source: China United Front News Network (state media)

The outposts are civilian in nature, but they also provide Chinas military with roads, access to the internet and power, should it want to move troops quickly to the border. Villagers serve as eyes and ears in remote areas, discouraging intruders or runaways.

China does not want outsiders to be able to walk across the border for any distance without being challenged by its security personnel or citizens, Mr. Akester said.

The buildup of settlements fuels anxiety in the region about Beijings ambitions. The threat of conflict is ever present: Deadly clashes have broken out along the border between troops from India and China since 2020, and tens of thousands of soldiers from both sides remain on a war footing.

Chinas Eyes and Ears

The first signs of Mr. Xis ambitions emerged in 2017, when state media told the story of a letter he wrote to two Tibetan sisters in the remote village of Yume, in a region near Arunachal Pradesh that is blanketed by deep snow for more than half the year.

He praised their family for having protected the area for China for decades, despite the inhospitable terrain: I hope you continue your spirit as a patriot and border guardian.

Over the next few years, workers built dozens of new homes in Yume, and officials moved over 200 people there.

Yume, also known as Yumai in Chinese, is among at least 90 new villages and expanded settlements that have sprung up in Tibet since 2016, when China began outlining its border village plan in the region, The Times found. In neighboring Xinjiang and Yunnan, The Times identified six new and 59 expanded border villages. (China says there are hundreds of villages like them, but few details are available and many appear to be mere upgrades of existing villages.)

Of the new villages The Times identified in Tibet, one is on land claimed by India, though within Chinas de facto border; 11 other settlements are in areas contested by Bhutan. Some of those 11 villages are near the Doklam region, the site of a standoff between troops from India and China in 2017 over Chinese attempts to extend a road.

A Times investigation found 12 villages in disputed areas Disputed areas Villages in disputed areas Other villages CHINA CHINA TIBET Arunachal Pradesh Controlled by India Claimed by China BHUTAN INDIA MYANMAR 50 miles CHINA CHINA TIBET Arunachal Pradesh Controlled by India Claimed by China BHUTAN MYANMAR INDIA 75 miles Source: RAIC Labs and The Times analysis of Planet Labs satellite imagery

China makes clear that the villages are there for security. In 2020, a leader of a Tibetan border county told state media that he was relocating more than 3,000 people to frontier areas that were weakly controlled, disputed or empty.

Brahma Chellaney, a strategic affairs analyst based in New Delhi, said that in quietly building militarized villages in disputed borderlands, China is replicating on land an expansionist approach that it has used successfully in the South China Sea.

What stands out is the speed and stealth with which China is redrawing facts on the ground, with little regard for the geopolitical fallout, Mr. Chellaney said. China has been planting settlers in whole new stretches of the Himalayan frontier with India and making them its first line of defense.

In a written response to The Times, Liu Pengyu, a spokesman for the Chinese Embassy in Washington, said that in dealing with border issues with its neighbors, China always strives to find fair and reasonable solutions through peaceful and friendly consultations.

India and Bhutan did not respond to requests for comment about the buildup. Indian officials have previously noted infrastructure construction activity by China along the border. Local leaders in Arunachal Pradesh and Ladakh have complained to The Times that China was slowly cutting away small pieces of Indian territory.

9 miles to border claimed by India Xingkai Village April 2021 April 2022 October 2017 January 2022 October 2019 December 2022 January 2024 500 feet April 2021 April 2022 October 2017 January 2022 October 2019 December 2022 January 2024 500 feet Source: Satellite images from Planet Labs

India has responded with what it calls Vibrant Villages, a campaign that aims to revive hundreds of villages along the border.

But China is outbuilding India, says Brian Hart, an analyst for the China Power Project at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, or C.S.I.S., who recently co-authored a report on border villages in Tibet.

Among other findings, the C.S.I.S. report identified what appeared to be a militarized facility in one such village, known as Migyitun, or Zhari in Chinese, an indication of the settlements dual-use nature. The Times studied satellite images of the same village and identified military trucks and tents, as well as what appeared to be a shooting range nearby.

Some border villages have military and dual-use infrastructure 6 miles to border claimed by India Migyitun (Zhari) Village Heavy trucks Satellite dish Gated entrance Likely military facility 150 feet Heavy trucks Satellite dish Gated entrance Likely military facility 200 feet C.S.I.S.; Satellite image from Maxar Technologies

The villages also serve as propaganda: a display of Chinese strength and superiority in the region, said Jing Qian, co-founder of the Center for China Analysis at the Asia Society.

They want the Indians, Central Asians and others to see and think that Chinese villages are so good, that the China model is working very well.

Uncertain Future, Unforgiving Terrain

The slice of the Himalayas where many Chinese villages have sprung up has been largely uninhabited for good reason. Its rocky, icy terrain is particularly forbidding in winter, with roads buried many months of the year by deep snow. The air is thin and cold. The land is barren, making farming difficult.

To persuade residents to move there, Chinese Communist Party officials promised them their new homes would be cheap. They would receive annual subsidies and get paid extra if they took part in border patrols. Chinese propaganda outlets said the government would provide jobs and help promote local businesses and tourism. The villages would come with paved roads, internet connections, schools and clinics.

The villages are planned with schools, clinics and more 16 miles to border claimed by India Geletang Village N Parking Residences Gym Kindergarten Village office Flag stand Clinic Dance stage 150 feet N Parking Residences Gym Kindergarten Village office Flag stand Clinic Dance stage 200 feet Sources: YiHe Landscape; satellite image from Planet Labs

A local government document reviewed by The Times indicated that some villagers may be receiving around 20,000 Chinese yuan a year for relocation, less than $3,000. One resident reached by phone said he earned an extra $250 a month by patrolling the border.

But it is unclear whether the villages make economic sense.

The residents become dependent on the subsidies because there are few other ways to make a living, according to Mr. Akester, the independent expert.

Chinas relocation policy is also a form of social engineering, designed to assimilate minority groups like the Tibetans into the mainstream. Tibetans, who are largely Buddhist, have historically resisted the Communist Partys intrusive controls on their religion and way of life.

Images from the villages suggest that religious life is largely absent. Buddhist monasteries and temples are seemingly nowhere to be found. Instead, national flags and portraits of Mr. Xi are everywhere, on light poles, living room walls and balcony railings.

They want to transform the landscape and the population, Mr. Akester said.

Inside territory claimed by Bhutan Pangda Village Inside territory claimed by Bhutan Gyalaphug (Jieluobu) village Sources: Pangda Village  User Turuisite via Xigua; Gyalaphug Village  local government of Luozha county, Shannan (Lhoka), Tibet Autonomous Region

Over the years, the government has pushed many nomadic Tibetans to sell their yaks and sheep, leave the grasslands and move into houses, but often without clear ways for them to survive. Instead of herding, residents have to work for wages.

Interviews suggest that many nomads who have moved to the new villages are reluctant to adapt. Some herd yaks for half the year in the mountains; others return to their old homes to live for months at a time.

Residents are often not told about the challenges that moving can entail, Mr. Barnett said, including having to spend more to travel to towns and on electricity, water, food and other essentials.

The major problem is they are moving them from one lifestyle to another, he said. They end up with no capital, no usable skills, no sellable skills and no cultural familiarity.

When money isnt enough, Chinese officials have applied pressure on residents to relocate, an approach that was evident even in state propaganda reports.

A documentary aired by the state broadcaster, CCTV, showed how a Chinese official went to Dokha, a village in Tibet, to persuade residents to move to a new village called Duolonggang, 10 miles from Arunachal Pradesh.

He encountered some resistance. Tenzin, a lay Buddhist practitioner, insisted that Dokhas land was fertile, producing oranges and other fruit. We can feed ourselves without government subsidies, he said.

The official criticized Tenzin for using his age and religious status to obstruct relocation, according to a state media article cited by Human Rights Watch in a report.

In the end, all 143 residents of Dokha moved to the new settlement.
NCT testers have been left baffled by the state of a car that had been "fixed" prior to the owner presenting it for a test recently.

"You got to be kidding me," the NCT service Facebook page posted along with a clip of a tester inspecting the car in question. The tester can be seen poking a very unusual front wing.

Their full post read: "You got to be kidding...This car's front wing was covered with silicon when it arrived at the NCT Centre. This is not the way to 'repair' your car. Youre responsible for making sure your vehicle is always safe to drive."

They added: "This vehicle failed the NCT as the repair was not in line with the manufacturer's recommendations."

They revealed the car was presented for test in the north east of the country but didn't reveal the exact test centre.

NCT testers also recently issued a separate warning to Irish drivers after a car's major fail in recent days.

NCT Ireland posted a picture of the underside of a number of cars that have recently failed the NCT along with the post: "This is what can happen if you don't look after your car properly. Complete corrosion and an NCT fail.

"Don't let this happen to you," they warned.
NAIROBI, Aug. 10 (Xinhua) -- Kenyan conservationists unveiled elephant artwork late Friday in a bid to save the iconic giant mammal from extinction.

Launched ahead of World Elephant Day, which falls on Aug. 12 each year, the giant wall-mounted mural, cut into more than 80 pieces, aims to raise awareness of the need to protect the herbivores amid growing threats.

The mural was created by 80 people, including business leaders, artists, influencers, and hotel staff, who participated in the painting exercise.

Jackson Kiplagat, the head of conservation at the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) Kenya, urged individuals and organizations to step up the conservation and protection of elephants in the country.

Kiplagat said during the launch in the Kenyan capital of Nairobi that alongside other wildlife families, elephants are classified as endangered and face extinction in the country and Africa in general. "Besides climate change, humans also are a big threat to wildlife conservation due to demands of the mammal's trophy."

He further noted that during the severe drought in Kenya between 2022 and 2023, occasioned by below-average rains, 205 elephants died of starvation in different parks and conservancies.

Kiplagat urged Kenyans to resist poachers and provide water to animals during drought season to avoid human-wildlife conflicts.

Krishna Unni, the group general manager at the Sankara hotel in Nairobi, where the entire artwork, dubbed "Herd of One," was assembled, said the autograph collection has raised awareness about African elephant conservation through a fundraising campaign.

"Guests at the hotel have also been invited to donate a (U.S.) dollar or more during their stay at the hotel toward conservation and protection of the elephant in the country," Unni said, adding that the hotel, in cooperation with other wildlife conservation lobbies, asked its clients and partners to paint a section of elephant artwork.

World Elephant Day is dedicated to the preservation and protection of the world's elephants that are grappling with multiple threats. 
ISLAMABAD, Aug. 10 (Xinhua) -- Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has said that Pakistan and China are working to further strengthen economic ties, particularly in the fields of agriculture, information technology, mining, and infrastructure, according to a statement by Prime Minister's Office.

Speaking on Friday to the representatives of foreign companies operating in Pakistan, including those from China, in the country's southern port city of Karachi, Sharif said that economic ties between the two countries will further expand during the second phase of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

Sharif said that during his official visit to China in June, he toured an agricultural university and a research center spanning hundreds of acres of land in China's Shaanxi province, emphasizing that if Pakistani graduates receive training from the institutions, they could help revolutionize the agricultural sector in Pakistan.

"Pakistan is an agricultural country, 60 percent of the population lives in rural areas, and we need to increase our agricultural production," he said, adding that last year Pakistan's agricultural exports increased by 3 billion U.S. dollars in value, and are planned to rise by 7 billion U.S. dollars this year.

Pakistan needs to adopt modern technology and methods to increase agricultural production and China can be an important partner for Pakistan in achieving these goals, the prime minister said.

He added that Pakistan and China will start joint ventures in the textile industry and agricultural production during CPEC's second phase, and these products will be exported to other countries.

Pakistan and China will develop a joint modus operandi in this regard, which will be equally beneficial for both countries, Sharif said.

Launched in 2013, the CPEC is a flagship project of the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative. It is a corridor linking the Gwadar Port in southwest Pakistan's Balochistan province with Kashgar in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. The project highlights energy, transport, and industrial cooperation in the first phase, and in the second phase expands to the fields of agriculture and livelihood, among others. 
A newly-wed couple distribute candies during a group wedding at the Xinjiang International Grand Bazaar in Urumqi, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Aug. 10, 2024. The group wedding was held here on Saturday on the occasion of the Qixi Festival, also known Chinese Valentine's Day. (Xinhua/Ding Lei)

A bride distributes candies during a group wedding at the Xinjiang International Grand Bazaar in Urumqi, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Aug. 10, 2024. The group wedding was held here on Saturday on the occasion of the Qixi Festival, also known Chinese Valentine's Day. (Xinhua/Ding Lei)

Newly-wed couples attend a group wedding at the Xinjiang International Grand Bazaar in Urumqi, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Aug. 10, 2024. The group wedding was held here on Saturday on the occasion of the Qixi Festival, also known Chinese Valentine's Day. (Xinhua/Ding Lei)

Newly-wed couples attend a group wedding at the Xinjiang International Grand Bazaar in Urumqi, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Aug. 10, 2024. The group wedding was held here on Saturday on the occasion of the Qixi Festival, also known Chinese Valentine's Day. (Xinhua/Ding Lei)

A newly-wed couple attend a group wedding at the Xinjiang International Grand Bazaar in Urumqi, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Aug. 10, 2024. The group wedding was held here on Saturday on the occasion of the Qixi Festival, also known Chinese Valentine's Day. (Xinhua/Ding Lei)

A newly-wed couple attend a group wedding at the Xinjiang International Grand Bazaar in Urumqi, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Aug. 10, 2024. The group wedding was held here on Saturday on the occasion of the Qixi Festival, also known Chinese Valentine's Day. (Xinhua/Ding Lei)

A newly-wed couple dance after a group wedding at the Xinjiang International Grand Bazaar in Urumqi, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Aug. 10, 2024. The group wedding was held here on Saturday on the occasion of the Qixi Festival, also known Chinese Valentine's Day. (Xinhua/Ding Lei)

A bride tosses a bouquet during a group wedding at the Xinjiang International Grand Bazaar in Urumqi, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Aug. 10, 2024. The group wedding was held here on Saturday on the occasion of the Qixi Festival, also known Chinese Valentine's Day. (Xinhua/Ding Lei)

A newly-wed couple pose for photos during a group wedding at the Xinjiang International Grand Bazaar in Urumqi, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Aug. 10, 2024. The group wedding was held here on Saturday on the occasion of the Qixi Festival, also known Chinese Valentine's Day. (Xinhua/Ding Lei)

A newly-wed couple distribute candies during a group wedding at the Xinjiang International Grand Bazaar in Urumqi, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Aug. 10, 2024. The group wedding was held here on Saturday on the occasion of the Qixi Festival, also known Chinese Valentine's Day. (Xinhua/Ding Lei)

Newly-wed couples attend a group wedding at the Xinjiang International Grand Bazaar in Urumqi, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Aug. 10, 2024. The group wedding was held here on Saturday on the occasion of the Qixi Festival, also known Chinese Valentine's Day. (Xinhua/Ding Lei)


Bo Don Model - Gaza Strip Negative Sandwich - War Photography, Meet Fashion Photography

(Image by Zoriah from flickr) Details DMCA



I woke Thursday August 8, 2024, to a chockful number of thoughtful opinions to share with you. Discern!

Number one on my list is the Mondoweiss opinion by Craig Mokhiber dated August 7, 2024 titled, "The World Court has ended the Oslo ruse".

Mokhiber, writing, "The 76-year-old wall of impunity, built brick-by-brick by the US, the UK, and other Western governments, is beginning to crumble. Further evidence of this came on July 19 when, in a stunning advisory opinion, the ICJ ruled that international law protects the rights of the Palestinians, and they need not negotiate with their oppressors for those rights under Oslo or any other political framework, dealing a definitive blow to decades of US and Western efforts to situate Israel outside the reach of the rule of law. With that simple declaration, the Court ended three decades of Israeli exceptionalism built on the ruse of Oslo as a barrier to the application of international law." Italics mine.

Every single paragraph of this work smashes the Zionist edifice in place and continuing to be erected by the supporters of the genocide.

Next, I was brought up to speed by Democracy Now's, "Israel Accused of Running 'Torture Camps' as Video Emerges of Soldiers Raping Palestinian Prisoner". This was amplified by an interview with a member of the Israeli human rights group B'Tselem, which has published a major new report documenting how the Israeli prison system has become "a network of torture camps," where physical, psychological and sexual abuse of Palestinian prisoners is normalized and routine. The report, titled "Welcome to Hel l," collects the testimony of 55 Palestinians who were detained by Israeli authorities since October 7 and later released, almost all without charges.

Number three from LewRocksell.com, was an article by Jonathan Turley, "The GARMs Race: The House Moves Forward With its Investigation of Blacklisting Company", August 8, 2024.

I thought Mr Turley had drifted over recent years; however, this article despite retaining a whiff of drift, writes, "As discussed in the book, there is a crushing irony to the current anti-free speech movement. During the Red Scare and the McCarthy period, it was the left that was targeted with blacklisting, censorship and arrests. It is now the left that has constructed a global censorship system that exceeds anything that Joe McCarthy even dreamt of in the control of news and commentary."

Don't hate him. The truth has no respect for the whims of the perps of fake.

He writes, "One of the most insidious efforts has been to strangle the financial life out of conservative or libertarian sites by targeting their donors and advertisers. This is where the left has excelled beyond anything that has come before in speech crackdowns."

Turley keeps our minds glued to the right/left dilemma thereby giving the evil forces an unnecessary assist as though this battle's genesis is born within only their realm. This participation in misdirection whether witting, effectively maintains the foot on the brake and accelerator.

Regretfully Turley mentions the Rat's suit against Media Matters. Still it is well deserved slap upside the head of MM by the Musk.

Then there is What's Really Causing England's Riots? By Steven Tucker, Crisis Magazine, August 8, 2024.

Mr. Tucker's generalized complaints have a reasonable basis however, he writes, "According to prestigious U.S. sources like the New York Times and NBC, these are led purely by Far-Right white racists stirred into action by neo-Nazis spreading disinformation online in the wake of a mass stabbing of little girls at a dance-class in the seaside town of Southport near Liverpool on 29 July, with early fake online rumors claiming the assailant was a Muslim immigrant who had entered the country illegally. This is not completely untrue, but is at best a partial story, at worst a piece of outright disinformation in itself." Seriously??? I supposed Mr. Tucker simply didn't have time to properly vet his story, otherwise he would found that the riots were led in part by "Tommy Robinson" and as I first heard about from Richard Medhurst who says that one of the chief instigators of these riots is someone called Tommy Robinson, but that's not his real name and that he has about five different names.

He shows Tommy Robinson wearing a t-shirt of the Israeli Defense Forces where he [is photographed] on top of Israeli tanks. Medhurst says it is a fact that Tommy's legal fees were paid by Israeli zionists after he was arrested for entering US using a fake passport.

He said also Robinson fled the United Kingdom just a few days ago avoiding court.

Mr. Tucker reminds me of Paul Craig Roberts and others that provide reasonable analysis of geopolitics but then drift... there is that word again, into what appears are uncashed chips of complaints that are becoming more noticeable these days - Complaints such as replacement theory, or why is everyone beating down the white men who have led the world for the past 1300 years? As Riddick responded to the Imam in the Chronicles of Riddick..."well it had to end, sometime". These complaints are completely absent recognition that this is a common whine of the owners of empire through human history. When will we grow up?

Mr. Tucker continues by reminding us of the gender, race and other characteristics of those in his article pretty much in the same old style of the dog whistle... Still the article is worth reading. Regretfully, I could not vet this story as desired... but there is enough smoke.

LewRockwell.com, out performed itself today. Caitlin Johnstone, US Troops Get Hurt in the Middle East Because of the Government Who Put Them There; John Mearsheimer, Who Caused the Ukraine War?;James Howard Kunstler, And Suddenly Things Change.
In the August 4 San Francisco Chronicle, Brett Wagner, formerly of the U.S. Naval War College, and now adjunct fellow at the weapons-funded Center for Strategic and International Studies, writes that the "Department of Defense" section of the Heritage Foundation's "Project 2025" "envisions a world in which the U.S. slashes its military commitments and related funding to such draconian levels that we would cease to be a global superpower." Its author, Christopher Miller (who was Secretary of Defense for three months under Trump), Wagner writes,

"has long argued that the Pentagon's budget should be slashed by 40% to 50%, declaring that what our country needs is 'someone with the courage and experience to get in there and get it done.' In his Project 2025 document, he reveals just how he plans to 'get it done.'"

Except that he doesn't. The editors of the San Francisco Chronicle could have learned that by reading the thing. Miller lays out his goals for the U.S. military, with which Wagner strongly disagrees (I disagree with both of them), and then concludes: "The reality is that achieving these goals will require more spending on defense, both by the United States and by its allies."

Wagner pretends that Project 2025 calls for "a huge drawdown of U.S. forces overseas, the likes of which we've never seen." But where is anything resembling that in the actual document? I'll grant you it's some of the boringest claptrap ever written as guidance to a candidate who dozes off during his own trials and can hardly be expected to wade through this warmongering drivel. But the thing is broken into sections, each of which proposes stuff that costs more money. Miller wants more nukes, a bigger Army with a bigger budget, a bigger Navy with more ships plus robot ships, a more heavily funded Air Force, lots more F-35s, and so on. Never does he arrive at any section on cutting spending.

Nor does Miller's Heritage Foundation writing bear any resemblance to what's described in the promotional blurbs about his book (where he reportedly actually does back reducing military spending): "Part badass, part iconoclast, Miller is an irreverent, heterodox, and always-fascinating thinker whose personal journey through war and the White House has led him to some shocking conclusions about the state of American power in 2021."

Now, it wouldn't have been a completely crazy guess that slashing military spending was part of Project 2025. The "project" is in large part a demolition derby. The part about the Department of Education proposes eliminating the Department of Education. The part about the Environmental Protection Agency tells us that the "EPA's structure and mission should be greatly circumscribed to reflect the principles of cooperative federalism and limited government." The part on the Corporation for Public Broadcasting tells us that "public funding of domestic broadcasts is a mistake."

But why pretend that a document, especially one this predictable, strays so shockingly from the bipartisan Washington dogma of ever-more militarism? The main reason, I suspect, is the advantage that at least some militarists see in tying Donald Trump to peace and demilitarization. Each president increases military spending -- Trump did, Biden did -- even if each candidate promises to reduce it. Each president increases weapons sales. Each president increases military spending by NATO members -- Trump more so than Biden. Two camps squabble over whether China or Russia is the top justification for the machinery of death. But they agree on all the fundamentals.

This reality doesn't benefit any politicians or the military industrial complex. But tying Donald Trump to Russia has been of great benefit to warmakers, weapons dealers, and Democrats; tying Donald Trump to NATO opposition has been of great benefit to NATO; depicting Donald Trump as the enemy of the FBI and CIA has worked unbelievable wonders in the way of liberal support for those agencies. So, why not try making Donald Trump the enemy of military spending? Normally military spending is at odds with education and environment and health spending, peace and order, environmental protection, people's lives, morality, the rule of law, government transparency, a healthy culture free of bigotry and violence. How much smarter to make military spending be at odds with Donald Trump! Why not run that scam on the liberals of San Francisco through what's left of the San Francisco Chronicle and see if they bite?

But can anyone, even someone as odious as Donald Trump, compel me to become a supporter of senseless mass slaughter, even if he actually opposes it?

I should hope not, and I certainly don't intend to allow a military stinktanker to impose such a perspective on me by pretending that a Trump-associated platform does something it doesn't do.

Here's a Nation article that presents Project 2025 honestly:

"Unfortunately, Miller the budget cutter is nowhere to be found here. Instead, Miller calls for expanding the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Space Force and increasing the funding for nuclear weapons, missile defense, and offensive weapons in space. Perhaps that's because, according to a number of veteran Pentagon watchers, he is the current favorite to serve as secretary of defense in the unfortunate event of a second Trump administration. "Miller conveniently fails to mention how much all of his proposals will cost. At a minimum, they would add hundreds of billions of dollars to the Pentagon's spending plan for the next five years-- and they would do so at the expense of everything else we need to protect the lives and livelihoods of the people of America and the world, from promoting public health to addressing climate change to rebuilding basic infrastructure to reducing poverty and hunger."

Who better to oversee that catastrophe than someone who's written a book opposing it but is willing to reverse course when offered a position of power?
"This (Gaza) is the moral issue of our time; this is the Holocaust of our time, this is the Trail of Tears of our time, this is the Middle Passage of our time." Max Blumenthal "The darkest places in hell are reserved for those who maintain their neutrality in times of moral crisis." Dante

ITEM 1: On the ongoing torture and hell of Palestinians in Isareli prisons (again with full complicity of US)

ITEM 2: All wars and human misery are led by profits to elites. So is Palestine genocide. Sixty-seven percent of the U.S. budgets discretionary spending goes directly to the military. To maintain 1,100 U.S. military bases in 110 nations around the world. $800+ billion to the military-industrial complex separate and apart from allocations to the CIA and other militarized agencies. $1 trillion is spent annually on the U.S. war machine. Separate and apart are special war expenditures. $50 billion, to date, has gone to U.S. weapons manufactured for the war in Ukraine. Three trillion was spent for the war on Iraq (on behest of Israel). Example websites with data

ITEM 3: Sudan has over 10 million internally displaced people, and millions starving because of a military conflict fueled by US/Israel efforts to keep the Arab world under dictatorships. And though not researched enough, like in Palestine

ITEM 4: It is always about ongoing colonialism (Examples)

ITEM 5: The World Court has ended the Oslo ruse: The ICJ's ruling that international law protects the rights of Palestinians, and they need not negotiate with their oppressors for those rights, dealt a definitive blow to decades of Western efforts to situate Israel outside the reach of the law

ITEM 6: Shir Hever writes The end of Israels economy: As Israels genocidal war against Gaza continues unabated, the Israeli economy is facing a catastrophe. The physical destruction in Israel from the war has been minimal, but one thing has been destroyed: its future.

ITEM 5: Hiroshima and Nagasaki 79 years later remain the largest single terror bombings. The colonial powers that did this are not joining ceremonies because their genocidal pet genocidal apartheid regime ("Israel") who is leading us to WWIII was not invited.

ITEM 7: Refaat Alareer, our friend from Gaza who was murdered by the genocidal regime is remembered via his last poem "If I must Die"). Reem Kilani set the poem to beautiful music and is donating any proceeds from the song to UNRWA. You can do this via their website or listen on youtube, but donate to UNRWA.org

Defenseless under the night

Our world in stupor lies;

Yet, dotted everywhere,

Ironic points of light

Flash out wherever the Just

Exchange their messages:

May I, composed like them

Of Eros and of dust,

Beleaguered by the same

Negation and despair,

Show an affirming flame

---WH Auden 1939

Stay Human and keep Palestine alive

Mazin Qumsiyeh

A bedouin in cyberspace, a villager at home

Professor, Founder, and (volunteer) Director Palestine Museum of Natural History

Palestine Institute of Biodiversity and Sustainability Bethlehem University Occupied Palestine

facebook pages Personal Institute

French
Participants run during the women's race in Cape Town, South Africa, Aug. 9, 2024. A women's race took place on Friday here to celebrate the country's Women's Day. (Photo by Xabiso Mkhabela/Xinhua)

Participants run during the women's race in Cape Town, South Africa, Aug. 9, 2024. A women's race took place on Friday here to celebrate the country's Women's Day. (Photo by Xabiso Mkhabela/Xinhua)

Participants run during the women's race in Cape Town, South Africa, Aug. 9, 2024. A women's race took place on Friday here to celebrate the country's Women's Day. (Photo by Xabiso Mkhabela/Xinhua)
An assertion has been circulated this past week about how Donald Trump appears to be "losing his marbles". I want to discuss that possibility.

We all know what this expression means. (Well, maybe not the MAGATS, but most everyone else knows what it means. For the MAGATS,) losing one's marbles is a quaint metaphor for losing one's mind. The notion that Trump seems to be losing his marbles was asserted by former U.S. congressman from Illinois, Adam Kinzinger. He said, "Against all advice, against all sanity, [Trump] is attacking the Republican governor of Georgia. ... Donald Trump is losing his marbles." This would definitely be an accurate depiction if, indeed, Mr. Trump initially had all his marbles to begin with. I would offer that there has been ample evidence over an extended period of time, that points to Donald Trump possessing a rather limited number of marbles for quite a while now. But the case can certainly be made that a few more marbles may have slipped away very recently. Attacking the Republican governor of a state Trump needs to win in November, certainly seems to point toward a recent marble dump.

However, this former president has a marble-challenged history. Yes, he recently has displayed some behavior that is peculiar, even for Donald Trump. Party politics is a game in our two-party system, and it is one in which your attacks are supposed to be directed against those in the other party, not your own. It's just that Donald Trump is not that well practiced at this politics game, and he does revert to another game when pressured. His childish game of choice is to attack, to demean, to belittle perceived opponents. And his preferred game has no party definitions, just two sides. Those two factions are easily defined as for, or against, Donald Trump.

An increasing number of party loyalists have emerged expressing concern about The Donald. Matthew Bartlett, formerly of the Trump State Department, reacting to Trump's recent increase in acid-tongued attacks, has said, "This is what you would call a public nervous breakdown." Bartlett told Politico, "This is a guy who cannot come to grips with a competitive presidential race that would require discipline and effective messaging,... and we're seeing a candidate and a campaign absolutely melt down." And GOP consultant Mike Madrid has said on social medium X, "Trump fatigue is real. America is ready to move on."
Three years ago, someone tried to steal Laura Addonisios identity.

Online thieves filed for unemployment benefits in the Oregon womans name, asking the state to send the money to a Maryland address. The Oregon Employment Department caught on and blocked the attempted fraud.

Addonisio, though, didnt hear a word about it until this summer.

Thats when she was laid off from her job as a supply chain director at a Clackamas County manufacturer. The employment department still had Addonisios name flagged from that old fraud attempt, and when her valid claim came in, the agency held up her checks but didnt tell her why.

The employment department acknowledges that Addonisios recent benefits claim is legitimate, unlike the fraudulent claim that thieves filed in her name in 2021. But after seven weeks, it still hasnt paid Addonisio several thousand dollars it owes her.

The agencys computers wont allow it.

A bug in the employment departments new computer system is preventing the agency from lifting a block on Addonisios claim. The agency says the same issue is holding up claims from about 60 other people in the same situation, all past victims of attempted identity theft.

Are you kidding me? asks Addonisio. We all agree you owe me the money and the system has no feasible way of sending me the money?

The employment department says its testing a potential fix and hopes to deploy it soon  but it cannot say when. Its the latest in a string of issues that have plagued the employment department that have delayed payments for laid-off Oregonians over the past year. The agency blames a falloff in federal funding, which forced it to cut staff last year.

Addonisio, 57, counts herself fortunate because she has the means to get by financially while she waits for the employment department to clean up its technical mess.

But she said she worries about those with less of a financial cushion, or who dont have the English language skills to navigate the employment departments complex processes. And Addonisio said she is astonished that the agency doesnt have any manual override to pay out the assistance it owes to laid-off Oregonians.

Seven weeks, she said. Thats a lot of money, especially when youre unemployed.

The employment department deployed its new technology last March. The new platform, called Frances Online, replaced an obsolete system that dated to the 1990s.

The old technology remained in place for more than 15 years after Oregon received federal funds to replace it because chronic dysfunction at the employment department stymied efforts to replace it. The rigid old system held up tens of thousands of jobless claims during the pandemic recession, when Oregon was among the slowest in the nation to pay jobless benefits.

The new computers were supposed to prevent that kind of crisis from reoccurring, and the employment department says they are generally performing as expected.

But the technology upgrade arrived as the department was already struggling from a funding shortfall, triggering steep cuts in the number of people processing jobless claims. The result was a pronounced slowdown in benefits payments and excruciating waits on the phone when laid-off workers called to find out why they werent receiving their aid.

Those phone frustrations have continued this summer and contributed to the stalled payments to Addonisio.

When her assistance didnt arrive, Addonisio called to find out what went wrong. She says she spent hours on hold, calls dropping after waiting four hours, all sorts of nightmares.

It took weeks for her to reach the department and discover that the attempted identity theft from 2021 that was holding up her money.

The employment department has now lifted the block on future payments and says it will start paying Addonisio her weekly benefits going forward. But it still hasnt figured out how to make the Frances computer system pay her the money from the first several weeks after her layoff.

Federal data suggests the employment departments performance began to improve this summer, and it expects a continued uptick this fall, as 70 additional staffers get up to speed. Lawmakers funded their positions during this years legislative session, but it has taken months to hire and train them.

Resolving issues of all kinds for our customers continues to be a high priority for the agency, agency spokesperson Seth Gordon wrote in an email.

More staff wont immediately solve the computer troubles, though.

When technical problems like this are discovered/reported, we have to triage investigating the issue, finding a solution, testing the solution, and implementing the solution, Gordon wrote. We have limited resources  employees and staff time  to do not only that, but also to make other improvements and do other maintenance work on Frances.

To Addonisio, the glitch holding up her aid is the kind of trouble the employment department should have identified and fixed before it began using the new technology.

You have to work out the basics, at least, before you launch, she said. And they didnt take the time to do that.

-- Mike Rogoway covers Oregon technology and the state economy. Reach him at mrogoway@oregonian.com.

Our journalism needs your support. Please become a subscriber today at OregonLive.com/subscribe
Portland police say they seized illegal drugs with a street value of about $2 million on Thursday in one of their largest single-day drug busts ever.

Officers took 90 pounds of methamphetamine, 11 pounds of fentanyl and 3.8 pounds of heroin during the interdiction on Interstate 5, the bureau reported.

The Police Bureaus Narcotics and Organized Crime Unit will continue to focus on I-5 for ongoing enforcement and drug interdiction because its frequently used by drug runners, police said.

Earlier this year, a traffic stop on I-5 yielded more than 200 pounds of methamphetamine. And in 2022, officers seized 80 pounds of cocaine from a car driving on the freeway.

Police declined to provide any details about Thursdays seizure, including about arrests linked to it, citing the ongoing investigation.

The massive drug bust comes as Oregon continues to struggle with the three-decades-old opioid crisis. Unintentional opioid overdose deaths have been steadily rising in recent years, according to the Oregon Health Authority.

The problem has been made worse by the emergence of fentanyl  a hyper-addictive, cheap synthetic opioid that can be deadly even in small doses.

Last year, almost 1,400 people in Oregon died from unintentional opioid overdose deaths, the OHA reported.

 Sujena Soumyanath is a reporter on The Oregonian/OregonLives public safety team. You can reach her at 503-221-4309 or ssoumyanath@oregonian.com.
PORTLAND  The small Oregon city at the heart of a recent landmark U.S. Supreme Court ruling that allows cities to enforce outdoor sleeping bans has voted to prohibit camping but establish certain areas where homeless people can go.

The Grants Pass City Council voted 7-0 Wednesday to ban camping on public property such as parks and create four sites across the city where homeless people can set up their tents.

The move marks the citys first change to its anti-camping laws since the high courts June decision paved the way for outdoor sleeping bans across the country. Local officials in the mountain town have struggled for years to address a homelessness crisis that has divided residents and sparked a fierce fight over park space.

Grants Pass Mayor Sara Bristol said the new laws are meant to move people out of the parks while still giving them places to sleep.

Im glad that were taking this step forward, Bristol told The Associated Press. I am looking forward to us having more control over our parks.

The Supreme Court found that outdoor sleeping bans dont violate the Eighth Amendments prohibition of cruel and unusual punishment. The decision overturned a lower court ruling that said enforcing such bans when shelter space was lacking was unconstitutional and had prevented Grants Pass from enforcing local anti-camping ordinances.

The citys new rules are set to take effect once the federal injunction that previously prevented the city from enforcing its ordinances officially lifts.

The new laws create four so-called allowable locations where homeless people can set up their tents. Camping on public property anywhere else in the city may subject people to a fine of up to $50.

Grants Pass has just one overnight shelter for adults, the Gospel Rescue Mission. It has 138 beds, but rules including attendance at daily Christian services, no alcohol, drugs or smoking and no pets mean many wont stay there.

One designated camping site will allow people to stay up to four days, while the other three allow people to stay for one day. However, because state law requires officials to give 72-hour notice before removing peoples belongings, people will effectively be able to stay up to a week at the site allowing the longest stays and roughly four days at the others, Bristol said.

Once their time at an individual site is up, people can move to another designated camping area. They can cycle through the allowable locations with no limit on how often they move between them, Bristol said.

The sites, which are on city-owned property, are not meant to be permanent homeless shelters or campgrounds, Bristol said. The city intends to provide toilets, hand-washing stations and dumpsters at the sites, which will not be staffed.

This plan isnt the best in terms of providing great services, or fixing homelessness, or really helping people get out of poverty or deal with addiction or mental health issues or anything like that, she said. Theyre very much a temporary, stopgap solution. But I would say its the beginning, but its not the end, of our actions.

The city will continue looking for other properties that could be used as camping areas, Bristol said.

Bristol hopes that plans for two more homeless shelters, including one specifically for people who are on a waitlist for a residential drug treatment program, will provide other places for homeless people to go. In the long term, the city is also looking at ways to incentivize the development of multifamily and affordable housing, she said.

The rise in homelessness in Grants Pass has become emblematic of a national crisis gripping cities large and small.

Homelessness in the United States grew a dramatic 12% last year to its highest reported level, as soaring rents and a decline in COVID-19 pandemic assistance combined to put housing out of reach for more people.

More than 650,000 people are estimated to be homeless, the most since the country began using a yearly point-in-time survey in 2007. A lack of access to mental health and addiction resources can contribute to the crisis. Older adults, LGBTQ+ people and people of color are disproportionately affected by homelessness, advocates said.

Nearly half of people without housing sleep outside, federal data shows.

 By CLAIRE RUSH, Associated Press
PAGE, Ariz. (AP)  A large geological feature in southern Utah known as the Double Arch, the Hole in the Roof and sometimes the Toilet Bowl has collapsed, National Park Service officials said Friday. No injuries were reported.

The popular arch in the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area fell Thursday, and park rangers suspect changing water levels and erosion from waves in Lake Powell contributed to its demise.

Michelle Kerns, superintendent of the recreation area that spans the border of Utah and Arizona, said the collapse serves as a reminder to protect the mineral resources that surround the lake.

This undated photo provided by the National Park Service shows Double Arch prior to collapse in Rock Creek Bay of the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, Utah. (National Park Service via AP)AP

These features have a life span that can be influenced or damaged by manmade interventions, she said in a statement.

The arch was formed from 190 million-year-old Navajo sandstone originating in the late Triassic to early Jurassic periods. The fine-grained sandstone has endured erosion from weather, wind and rain, the statement said.

The recreation area encompasses nearly 2,000 square miles (5,180 square kilometers) and is popular among boaters and hikers.

The Associated Press
He survived genocide. He traversed the killing fields of Cambodia. And when you sit with Saron Khut at his restaurant, Mekong Bistro, on Northeast 82nd Avenue, you soon realize he now lives to embrace the planet, and make it far more welcoming to immigrants and strangers in this tumultuous city.

On the first long weekend of August, Mekong Bistro hosted, on consecutive nights, a Vietnamese 50th birthday celebration, a Burmese benefit concert, a Latino 48th anniversary party, and a night of Louisiana blues with the Bayou Boyz.

This is what I envision our community to be, Khut says. This is a gathering place. Its the West Coast Cheers. Diverse. And I get to enjoy it all.

Khut was five when the murderous Pol Pot took command of Cambodia in 1975 and  determined to engineer the country into an endless agrarian peasant village  closed schools, terrorized the educated, and killed more than 1.5 million people.

That fall, the Khmer Rouge, Pol Pots foot soldiers, came for Khuts father, Jen da Chhoun, that fall, telling his wife and three children that he was bound for a re-education camp.

He was a sweet guy, Khut told Elizabeth Mehren for her book, I Lived to Tell the World, the inspiration for an Oregon Historical Society exhibit on the survivors of genocide. He knew he wasnt coming back.

It was five harrowing years before Jens widow, Saroeun, and their children escaped to a refugee camp in Thailand. Khut remembers lying in the fields, watching U.S. spy planes pass through the clouds, wishing I could fly. Wishing I had the power to make this world better.

Saron Khut's mother, Saroeun , still works the kitchen on special occasions.Steve Duin

With an uncles help, the family immigrated to the United States in 1981, and Saron began third-grade at Richmond Elementary School.

We were lucky, forty years ago, he says. After the war, America and the First World countries were very open to bringing people in. It was easier back then. Now, its much harder. Theres this misinformation, or disinformation, about immigrants.

Rapists and killers? When you hear those words spread about immigrants, people are scared. Politicians take advantage of that. Words demonize people so politicians can get elected and stay in office.

Resilience and resolve brought Khut to Portland. They remain good company. When I first came here, he concedes, nightmares were common. PTSD was real. When you eat dirt and charcoal to fill your stomach? When your father is taken away in the middle of the night? That never goes away.

Yet Khut prospered. He swept through Cleveland High and Portland State, then worked at FedEx and Intel. He fell in love with music and golf. And he waited for the opportunity to open a restaurant that would develop and perpetuate the vibrant, fulfilling sense of belonging that he never knew as a child.

He opened Good Call on Southeast Division in 2009, but the Cambodian sports bar never recovered from a shooting the following year that left one dead and three wounded.

Khut pushed on, launching Mekong Bistro in 2012, just across 82nd Avenue from Leodis V. McDaniel High School.

82nd is our Main Street. There are Asian businesses everywhere, Khut says. But he envisioned common ground for everyone from Southeast Asia to Southeast Portland. This city has given me so much. My dream was to do something here where we can help each other to become better. Where you never feel out of place or outnumbered.

Or out of step with whatever band takes the stage.

Hes an incredible supporter of what were doing, and Im continually blessed by his involvement, says Rae Gordon, president of the Cascade Blues Association. I dont think the blues are big in Cambodia. I dont even know if he likes the music. But he likes community. When you walk into Mekong, you feel like part of the family.

Kevin Sutton singing the blues at Mekong BistroSteve Duin

Immigrants who want to make something of the American dream have to spend so much energy just to put food on the table, Gordon adds. Youd understand if that effort left them both depleted and defensive. But having gone through all that adversity, hes made his business a place that makes everyone feel welcome.

Thats just the beginning of the Khuts outreach. When I swung by Mekong Bistro last week, his wife, Jai Wang, and daughter, Alison, were in Laos for the opening of an elementary school that was built with $50,000 raised by the family and the restaurant. They previously helped open a school library in Cambodias Kratie province.

And Khut continues to explore ways to develop a larger community center on 82nd and expand our vision of what it means to be a sanctuary city. He spent several years trying to finance the purchase of the 12.5 acres east of Mekong Bistro, an industrial lot that has been abandoned or ablaze for the last 25 years.

Hes struck, as I am, by the reluctance to throw out fresh ideas in this city: No one is willing to make that leap of faith. When were not daring, it all becomes stale.

Khut runs no risk of that. He survived genocide. Most of his family found their way to a fresh start. And if hes now focused on a kitchen and bandstand, not the clouds overhead, he knows he has the power to enrich the world at his door.

-- Steve Duin

stephen.b.duin@gmail.com
LEWISTON, Idaho  An Idaho judge has entered a not guilty plea on behalf of an escaped prisoner charged with killing a man while he was on the lam for 36 hours.

Prosecutors have said they intend to seek the death penalty if Skylar Meade, 32, is convicted of the murder charge in connection with the shooting death of James Mauney. Meade was arraigned on the charge in Nez Perce County on Thursday. When 2nd District Judge Michelle Evans asked if he was ready to enter a plea, Meades defense attorney Anne Taylor said, your honor, he intends to stand silent.

Declining to enter a plea is a right that is protected by the Fifth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, and Idaho court rules state that when defendants exercise that right, a judge will enter a not guilty plea on their behalf.

Meade has already been sentenced to life in prison in a separate court case after pleading guilty to the March escape from a Boise hospital, where prison officials had taken him for treatment of self-inflicted injuries March 20.

Prosecutors say that as correctional officers prepared to take Meade back to the prison around 2 a.m. that day, an accomplice outside the hospital began shooting.

Two of the officers were shot by the accomplice, and a third was shot when a police officer mistook him for the shooter and opened fire, according to police. All three survived.

Meade and the other man then fled, investigators said, first driving several hours to north-central Idaho.

Mauney, an 83-year-old Juliaetta resident, didnt return home from walking his dogs on a local trail later that morning, and his body was found miles away.

Police say that soon after, the two men headed back to southern Idaho. They were arrested in Twin Falls.

 Associated Press
Eight people moved about a dimly lit Northeast Portland motel room. Faded yellow curtains hung over a window, opposite a wooden bed with light blue sheets. Cameras pointed toward the makeshift set as the director called out Action.

The film, titled Giving, is a project of Outside the Frame, a local organization that trains homeless and marginalized youth on filmmaking. The film, centered on a girl with an absent mother, draws from the experiences of its creators, said Nili Yosha, the organizations director.

Its fiction, but these kids are drawing from real life experiences, she said.

This year, Outside the Frame hosted its first advanced film intensive, bringing together over 30 alumni of previous programs. From June 3 to 5, participants shot the film at the Roseway motel shelter managed by community partner organization Do Good Multnomah.

Sixela Marenco and Violet Clyne, both 22, are alumni of previous Outside the Frame programs and have prominent roles in the advanced intensive.Courtesy of Marcieline Novatore

When actor Sixela Marenco entered the motel room for rehearsal, she paused.

I remember this, she said.

The 22-year-old moved to Portland alone in January and was introduced to the film trainings shortly after.

About six years ago, her family, who did not have permanent housing, lived in a motel right off a highway in Austin, Texas. Seeing the set was emotional, she said. It was one of those things that built you, she said.

Marenco plays the films protagonist, a young woman who returns home to two strangers passed out from drug use in a motel room.

The script was written by program alumna Violet Clyne, who has lived in Oregon since she was 6 years old. Clyne said she experienced homelessness on and off throughout her teenage years. At 18, she moved from Wilsonville to Portland to stay at a homeless youth shelter called Porchlight. After two months at the shelter, she moved to transitional housing.

It was like a nice community of people who had been through similar things that I had, she said.

Now 22, Clyne has completed two intensive workshops with Outside the Frame.

Ive always been interested in creative things, since I was really young, she said.

At 17, Clyne said she returned from school one day to find motel room occupied by two strangers. One of the men was passed out on her bed, drooling from heroin, she said. Clyne said she stayed awake all night, while the men were completely out of it. At some point, she said she pushed one man off her bed, and he fell to the ground motionless.

It was a lot of that as a teenager, she said. I get that off my chest in this script.

Clyne wanted her script to highlight the culture within the homeless community. We help each other the best we can, she said. The community of being in poverty, people need to team up and be together to survive. I think its beautiful.

I look back at my time being homeless and Im done with looking at it as traumatic. Im done with thinking about it like that. And I want to be grateful for the love that I did get, she said.

Clyne is a student at Portland Community College and plans to transfer to Portland State University next year to complete her bachelors degree. She hopes her major in marketing and minor in film will assist her in her screenwriting career.

Sixela Marenco (left) plays the protagonist in the short film written by Violet Clyne.Courtesy of Marcieline Novatore

Clynes film is in post-production. A Nov. 7 screening at The Hollywood Theatre will feature her film along with about 10 other films produced with Outside the Frame last year. The premiere is open to the public.

Outside the Frame has worked with around 100 youth a year for many years now, but this year, theyre on track to reach about 120, according to Yosha.

When it just started, we did one intensive a year for a dozen youth, Yosha said.

An intensive, she said, is a three-week program for students recruited from various organizations serving homeless youth in downtown Portland. During an intensive, youth collaborate with professional filmmakers to create a series of short films that are all typically played at the end-of-year premiere, she added.

What we do works is because we are part of the community, she said. The films are just a means to an end. The real work, what we do is help these kids come back to life, as one of the alumni said, to remember what theyre made of and see different options for themselves.

The organization recently updated the age of eligibility for its programming from 26 to 30. Multnomah Countys homeless youth services cater only to individuals up to 25, Yosha said.

As Clyne prepares to showcase her work, she said she hopes her will inspire others. Its not just this bad thing that happened to me anymore. Now its art, she said. Being a homeless youth and being homeless teenager, there was absolutely no representation for what I was going through. It felt like I was so alone.

I want to be able to turn experiences in my life into something that resonates with people, she added.

For more information on Outside the Frame and the November screenings, visit the organizations website.

 Riya Sharma covers Here is Oregon feature stories. Reach her at rsharma@oregonian.com or 503-294-5996.
HOHHOT, Aug. 10 (Xinhua) -- Three people were killed and another injured after two vehicles collided on Saturday morning in north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, according to local authorities.

The accident occurred at around 6:30 a.m. on a highway in the regional capital city of Hohhot. The collision also resulted in a fire.

The fire at the accident scene has been extinguished and the injured have been taken to the hospital for treatment. The cause of the accident is currently under investigation. 
BEIJING, Aug. 10 (Xinhua) -- Elena and her boyfriend planned for their trip to China three months in advance and when wandering last week in the Forbidden City, a must-see heritage site in Beijing, the tourists from Russia said the unique culture and architecture had made all their preparations "absolutely worthwhile."

It is their first trip to the Chinese mainland. "We both fell in love with China," Elena said. "We are looking forward to visiting other places, including Shanghai and Xi'an, during our two-week tour."

"China Travel" has caused a sensation on global social media. In the vlogs of many influencers, foreign visitors can be seen strolling through Chinese night markets to try specialties, dancing in squares alongside locals, taking self-driving taxis, experiencing high-speed trains and having food delivered by drones.

According to the National Immigration Administration, the country recorded about 14.64 million entries by foreigners in the first half of 2024, a year-on-year increase of 152.7 percent. Among these entries, more than 8.54 million were facilitated by visa-free policies.

The inbound travel surge was due in part to the increase in the number of countries enjoying China's visa-free policy.

China has added tourists from more countries to the visa-free entry list this year and currently implements a 72/144-hour visa-free transit policy for people from 54 countries.

"We will do more to encourage people-to-people exchanges, and give foreign tourists a better experience in China," Xie Feng, Chinese ambassador to the United States, said recently in an interview with Newsweek magazine.

The resolution adopted at the third plenary session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China in July pledged to make it more convenient for people from overseas to live, receive medical services and make payments on the Chinese mainland.

The People's Bank of China, the Chinese central bank, has encouraged major mobile payment service providers such as Alipay and Tenpay to optimize work processes to facilitate the binding of credit cards and simplify personal identity authentication while protecting personal information. Additionally, the upper limit for the value of a single transaction and the annual cap for mobile payments have also been raised to 5,000 U.S. dollars and 50,000 U.S. dollars, respectively.

The Ministry of Commerce and six other government departments have issued a circular on further facilitating accommodation for overseas travelers in China, stressing no restrictions for hotels to receive foreign guests and calling for improving registration services and simplifying information collection.

Apart from inbound visitors, the number of domestic tourists has also shown steady growth this summer, driven by family travel, educational tours, summer retreats and graduation trips.

Even during the recent hottest days of the year, waves of educational tour groups thronged tourist attractions in the Chinese capital Beijing. Li Min from Shandong Province brought her two children here for a cultural tour. "I want to take advantage of the summer holiday to let them experience the traditional culture and broaden their horizons," she said.

Tourism veteran Qian Lan said this year's high season has been especially busy. "This summer, our long-distance travel orders went up 40 percent compared with last year, as tourists tend to travel in depth rather than skim the surface," said Qian, general manager of a travel agency in east China's Jiangxi Province.

China recorded 423 million railway passenger trips in July, the first half of the two-month summer travel rush, data from the China State Railway Group Co., Ltd. showed. This figure marked an increase of 4 percent from the same period in 2023.

Many regions have introduced measures to attract tourists, such as distributing vouchers and offering ticket discounts and spending rebates.

To embrace the summer tourism peak, the Xijiang Qianhu Miao Village, a popular ethnic tourist attraction in southwest China's Guizhou Province, introduced its first cableway, upgraded its tea culture street, added traditional dance and other indigenous performances, and arranged unique holiday events, such as the silver jewelry parade and rice cake-making competitions.

Given the booming summer tourism, China is planning even more measures to tap the potential of cultural and tourism consumption in bolstering economic growth and improving people's well-being.

Ma Li, an official of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, said Friday that efforts will be made to hold more tourism promotion activities, offer increased superior cultural performances and improve the tourism environment, so as to meet the diversified demands of tourists and boost urban and rural development. 
The Vice President, Alhaji Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, has urged the church to continuously intercede and pray for the peace of the country as the election approaches.



He said the church, like all other religious sects, had a crucial role to play in maintaining the peace of the country before, during and after the elections and they must lead the charge.



Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia appealed in a speech read on his behalf by the Chief of Staff at the office of the Vice President, Fred Oware, at the climax of the 40th-anniversary celebration of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana, Nantomah Memorial Congregation, Kanda on Sunday.



The celebration was on the theme: Celebrating 40 years of Gods faithfulness.



Dr. Bawumia said this years election was not only critical but also positions the country at a crossroads which could make or break the cohesion that had existed for years and every Ghanaian must take interest in not just the election but also the aftermath.



Touching on the anniversary, he said 40 years of existence as a church and like any other institution was very significant and worth celebrating.



He said the church must not rest on its oars but strive to achieve greater heights going into the future and also continue to impact society.



The Vice President made a cash donation of GH40,000 to the church in recognition of the churchs 40 years of existence and her contribution to the Kanda community.



Delivering the sermon in commemoration of the anniversary, the District Minister of the Presbyterian Church, Kyebi, Reverend Kwadwo Atiemo Ayeh, said 40 years must mark the beginning of a new transformation for the church and its congregation.



He said not only was chalking 40 years a very significant milestone of the church but also signified the beginning of new and greater things to come.



Rev. Ayeh said even though the church at its inception suffered serious setbacks both from within and without, the tenacity of the founding fathers and the grace of God prevailed.



He said the successes chalked by the church which had led to the planting of other churches in Accra could not be discounted, however, those achievements were all by the grace of God and the sheer commitment of the founding members.



The Reverend Minister who was a former member of the Kanda Congregation said it was important that the current crop of members allowed themselves to be guided by past experiences and work to make the church even more vibrant going into the future.



He urged the church to put their faith in Christ who was the author and finisher of their faith and believe that with Christ in the vessel, all would be well.







Source: The Ghanaian Times









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

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The Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection, Dakoa Newman, has announced a major shift in the Ghana School Feeding Program, moving from a manual system to an Information Management System (IMS) for the selection of caterers and other processes.



The Ghana School Feeding Program will no longer operate manually. We are transitioning to an Information Management System that will manage the entire process, from caterer selection to data collection and payments. Everything will be managed online moving forward, the Minister stated, emphasizing the importance of this change.



Elaborating on the new system at a press briefing held in Accra, the Minister explained that interested caterers will now have to apply online and pay a non-refundable fee of GH200.



Applicants will create profiles and complete their forms online. The Ministry plans to pilot this system in two constituenciesNew Juaben South and Krachi Eastbefore rolling it out across all 16 regions.



To qualify, caterers must demonstrate their ability to pre-finance operations, as payments are made after each term. A bank statement showing a balance of at least GH5,000, along with a health certificate and business permit, will be required. The selected caterers will serve for the 2024/2025 and 2025/2026 academic years.



This online application process will help eliminate the challenges we face in selecting caterers for the School Feeding Program, the Minister emphasized.



Turning to the Affirmative Action Bill, which was passed by Parliament on July 30, the Minister commended the legislature for its efforts. However, she clarified that the bill is yet to reach the President for assent due to some outstanding issues.



The bill circulating on social media is not the final version. We have added a few more clauses and removed some due to constitutional concerns. I assure Ghanaians that the women of this country are qualified, and this is not about tokenism. The President will sign the bill into law once it is presented to him, she assured.



The passage of the Affirmative Action Bill marks a significant step towards gender equality in Ghana, and the Minister expressed optimism that it would be signed into law soon.



These developments in the School Feeding Program and the Affirmative Action Bill highlight the governments commitment to improving social protection and promoting gender equality in the country.







Source: gbc









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

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The Vice President, Dr. Alhaji Mahamudu Bawumia, yesterday August 8, 2024, joined hundreds of mourners at the forecourt of the State House in Accra to bid farewell to the late former Inspector General of Police (IGP) James Yalley Kwofie.



Mr Kwofie who was the 12th IGP served from January 1, 1990, to September 30, 1996, and died at the age of 84.



Mourners adorned in black including family took turns to file past the body in the casket which was later closed at 9 am.



The solemn funeral service was attended by personalities including the Minister for the Interior, Henry Quartey; Minister of National Security, Albert Kan-Dapaah; Inspector General of Police (IGP), Dr. George Akuffo Dampare, members of the Police Management Board, heads of security agencies, Regional Commanders and retired IGPs.



In a glowing tribute by the Ghana Police Service (GPS), which was read by the Director-General of the Human Resource Department of the GPS, Commissioner of Police (COP) Daniel Afriyie said the late IGPs dedication and commitment to duty were exceptional.



There was no doubt that the image of the Service was lifted high during his tenure as IGP, he added.



According to the GPS, his passion towards police duties and dedication to welfare issues of personnel was awesome.



His wife, Mrs. Elizabeth Kwofie, described her husband as more than just a spouse, he was my soulmate, my confidante and my forvever companion.



In a tribute by his children, they said their father demonstrated unrelenting dedication to his family.



According to them, the late IGP worked tirelessly across the country and beyond and provided for them, always putting their needs before his own.



In a sermon, the Chaplain-General of the GPS, Deputy Commissioner of Police(DCOP) Reverend Father George Arthur, urged the public to serve humanity when given the mandate with love and accountability.



He said human life was time-bound and urged the public to seek for salvation.



Rev Fr Arthur said life was a cycle and called on people in authority to be careful how they treat people, stating that life was a cycle.



The late longest serving IGP was appointed Ghanas High Commissioner to Nigeria in 1998 by the former late President Jerry John Rawlings.



He was appointed the Commissioner of the then Customs, Excise and Preventive Service (CEPS), now the Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority(GRA).



As part of the occasion, the Vice President donated GH50,000 to the widow, children and family.







Source: The Ghanaian Times









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VIENNA, Aug. 10 (Xinhua) -- Head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) on Friday night urged Ukraine and Russia to "exercise maximum restraint" to ensure nuclear safety in Russia's Kursk region, home to the Kursk Nuclear Power Plant (NPP).

IAEA Director-General Rafael Grossi said in a statement that the agency has been "monitoring the situation on the reported military activities" near the Kursk NPP.

The IAEA chief urged all parties to abide by the seven indispensable pillars for ensuring nuclear safety and security during an armed conflict, adding that he is in contact with relevant Ukrainian and Russian authorities.

Also on Friday, Russia notified the IAEA that suspected fragments of intercepted rockets were discovered near the Kursk NPP following a Ukrainian attack in the Kursk region, Russia's permanent mission to international organizations in Vienna said on social media platform X.

"So far, there's been no direct shelling of the town of Kurchatov, NPP or energy infrastructure facilities. However, the situation remains tense," the mission said. 
Three upcoming Taylor Swift concerts in Vienna have been cancelled following a possible security threat.



The shows, part of Swift's Eras tour, had been due to take place on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday at the Ernst Happel Stadium.



On Wednesday, two people were arrested on suspicion of planning attacks inspired by the Islamic State group on large events in the Austrian capital.



A statement from the organisers said: "Due to confirmation by government officials of a planned terrorist attack at the Ernst Happel Stadium, we have no choice but to cancel the three planned shows for everyone's safety."

The statement added: "All tickets will be automatically refunded within the next 10 working days."



Earlier, Austrias General Director for Public Security, Franz Ruf, said a 19-year-old Austrian citizen had been arrested on Wednesday morning in Ternitz in the province of Lower Austria.



He said a second arrest took place in Vienna in the afternoon, but gave no further details about the suspect.



According to the current status of the investigation, the two suspects became radicalised via the internet, Mr Ruf said.



He said the 19-year-old made an oath of allegiance to so-called Islamic State at the beginning of July.



A large police operation took place in Ternitz, where the 19-year-old lived. A number of houses nearby were evacuated while his home was searched.



Mr Ruf said chemical substances had been found and were being examined.



Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer said in a post on X that the cancellations would be a "bitter disappointment for all fans" but that the situation had been "very serious".



"Thanks to the intensive cooperation of our police and [security agencies] with foreign services, the threat was recognized early, combated and a tragedy prevented."



The head of police in Vienna, Gerhard Purstl, said 65,000 people per day had been expected to attend the concerts, as well as 22,000 fans outside the venue.



Investigations are continuing.

Molly Surette, who lives in Leeds in the UK, had been waiting eagerly to attend Saturday's show with friends, having purchased tickets more than a year ago.



"When she first announced her European tours, I signed up [to try and get tickets] for as many dates as possible," she told the BBC.



"We've been looking forward to it ever since."



The group was making friendship bracelets - which fans have been taking to the shows to swap with each other during the tour - when they heard the shows had been cancelled.



"There's been so much building up to this concert and what the Eras tour is as a unique event to even attend," said Molly.



"And I'm missing that. So I'm devastated. I guess I'll be watching the recorded one!



"But I'm glad everyone is hopefully going to be safe."

Source: Peacefmonline.com









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

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A person incarcerated at SCI Camp Hill went by a false name for almost 20 years before officials discovered his real name after he was beaten to death in his cell.

Kevin Beattie, or Mister Beattie as other inmates and corrections officers called him, was in fact one of many false names Bernard Grover used when arrested. Kevin Beattie is his half-brothers name.

Grover died July 1 in his bunk inside a locked cell at Camp Hill prison after his face was badly battered during a beating. Police accuse his cellmate, Shaquille Gibson, of punching him multiple times before stomping on his face.

Grover, 57, went by numerous names such as Kenny Williams, Kevin Williams, Bernard Grover, Bernared Grover, David Grover, and Bernard Walton in-between and during his incarcerations, according to Maria Bivens, a spokesperson for the state Department of Corrections.

Police were always able to tie the names together to tell he was the same person because of his fingerprint records.

Bivens said the Department of Corrections pulls names straight from court records filed against defendants, and uses those names at the time of intake.

Grover was identified by the false name Beattie by Tonya Heist, a Department of Corrections spokesperson, in a July 2 press release.

She said Grover was serving a 22-to-55-year-long sentence on a burglary charge out of Philadelphia, and had been in SCI Camp Hill since February 2023. His commitment date into the state corrections system was Jan. 31, 2005.

Department of Corrections records also incorrectly listed Grovers age as 43, not 57.

Grover was eligible for parole in spring of 2025 and was likely to be paroled then, according to Trooper Kocher-Fry. She also said Givson was likely to be paroled this fall  maybe as early as September.
The daughter of country music legend Wynonna Judd is in trouble with the law again.

Grace Kelley, 28, was reportedly arrested in Georgia last week and charged with three misdemeanors.

Billboard.com reported that Kelley was booked on Aug. 3 for driving while license suspended or revoked, motorcycle equipment not used properly and fleeing or attempting to elude a police officer. The site said that Kelley was released on Aug. 4 on a $2,750 bond.

This comes after Kelley was taken into custody in Elmore County back in April after she was accused of exposing her breasts and lower body alongside Interstate 65 in Alabama. Billboard said she also refused to identify herself to police and was charged with indecent exposure and obstructing governmental operations.

The site said her history of legal issues dates all the way back to 2016 when she was arrested for meth possession. Billboard said she was also sentenced in 2018 to eight years in prison for violating probation but was released in 2022.

There has been no comment from Wynonna Judd regarding Kelleys most recent arrest.
From 1787 until last week, our country survived just fine with presidents being subject to the law just like every other American. In fact, this is one of the main reasons why we fought a war ... to rid ourselves of a King who was immune to prosecution for his egregious acts.

King Donald Is six sycophants gave him a superpower that neither the framers nor any U.S. Courts had ever given a president, absolute immunity for his official acts in office. So now, some of what were thought to be absurd scenarios are actually true. If President Donald Trump sends Seal Team 6 to assassinate former President Joe Biden on January 21, 2025, hell be immune from prosecution. That would certainly be an official act.

Ok, President Biden showed himself to be a lousy debater at age 81. But, are you going to vote in a guy who has said he wants to be a dictator on day one and will now have no limits on what he can do?
An EF1 tornado touched down in Dauphin County on Friday morning, causing damage in Harrisburg and neighboring townships, the National Weather Service confirmed.

The tornado, which had peak wind speeds of 105 miles per hour and was 300 yards across at its widest, touched down by Gibson Street in Harrisburg around 4:33 a.m. and traveled 3.48 miles north, the National Weather Service said.

The tornado blew in a set of overhead doors at a warehouse on the corner of Gibson Boulevard and Bobali Drive in Swatara Township, and uprooted trees, before ripping the roof off of Brethren in Christ Church on Derry Street, according to a weather release.

Storm damage was sustained by the Inclinator Company of America, at the corner of Bobali Drive and Gibson Boulevard in Swatara Township. Tropical storm Debby is bringing a day of rain, thunderstorms, tornado watches and floods to the Harrisburg area. August 9, 2024. Dan Gleiter | dgleiter@pennlive.comDan Gleiter | dgleiter@pennlive.com

A house on Berryhill Street also had its roof partially blown away and the NWS noted additional tree damage along the 2200 and 2300 blocks of Central, Kensington, McCleaster and Swatara Streets.

Forecasters said the tornado caused the most damage in Bellevue Park neighborhood of Harrisburg, where dozens of trees were uprooted or snapped off due to severe winds. Houses along Midland Road, Bellevue Road and Pentwater Road were damaged by falling trees and debris, the NWS said.

Then, the tornado crossed Market Street, damaging trees on the Civil War Museums property and East Harrisburg Cemetery. The last area with visible damage from the tornado was north of Elmerton Avenue near the entrance to the Pennsylvania State Police Headquarters.

EF1 tornadoes are defined by 86 to 110 mph winds. The Enhanced Fujita Scales classifications run from EF0 to EF5.
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This photo taken on Oct. 27, 2023 shows the side view of an ancient bronze horse statue at Gansu Provincial Museum in Lanzhou, capital of northwest China's Gansu Province. (Xinhua/Wang Yuguo)

BEIJING, Aug. 10 (Xinhua) -- This summer, museums across China have improved their reservation procedures and launched a series of activities to address domestic and international visitors' demand for cultural and historical experiences.

Hailed for its collection of bronze ware and Silk Road artifacts, Gansu Provincial Museum in northwest China now opens 2 hours longer every day and has increased ticket numbers. Moreover, children can try their hands at making handicrafts or "repairing" replicas of cultural relics.

In addition to using their passports, foreigners wanting to reserve tickets now have the option of using their permanent resident ID cards. In July alone, foreigners paid over 590 visits to the museum, which is equivalent to the total number of overseas visitors received in 2023, according to Ban Rui, deputy head of the museum.

The Emperor Qinshihuang's Mausoleum Site Museum, home to the world-famous terracotta warriors in Xi'an, northwest China's Shaanxi Province, has welcomed over 2 million visitors since July.

The museum gave the green light to nearly 40 travel agencies to offer international tourists help with booking tickets. Moreover, a service platform for the museum allows overseas tourists to reserve tickets and select services online in 24 languages three months before their trips, covering 39 countries and regions and 29 currencies, according to Zhou Ping, vice head of the museum.

Tourists visit the pit No.1 of the Emperor Qinshihuang's Mausoleum Site Museum in Xi'an, capital of northwest China's Shaanxi Province, Aug. 7, 2024. (Xinhua/Zhang Bowen)

Szucs Peter, a social media content creator from Hungary said his visit to Xi'an was a unique experience. "The city is very welcoming. For me as a creative person, journalist and writer, I need stories. Definitely, if you can go deeper into the local culture you will have more stories," he said.

The current "museum craze" is driven by Chinese people's growing interest in traditional culture, and the curiosity of overseas tourists to explore Chinese culture and civilization.

Dai Bin, director of the China Tourism Academy, said: "Museum tours are a new form of business, and the 'museum craze' has helped traditional Chinese culture become more ingrained in daily life."

"Chinese culture is becoming more and more attractive to tourists worldwide, prompting the development of inbound tourism," he added.

On overseas social media, "China Travel" has become a popular hashtag, as many travelers share their experiences in China. With the ongoing refinement of China's 72/144-hour visa-free transit policy, an increasing number of foreign travelers are eager to embark on their own "China Travel" adventure.

The number of visa-free entries to China made by foreigners exceeded 8.54 million from January to June, accounting for 52 percent of all inbound trips and representing a year-on-year surge of 190.1 percent, according to the National Immigration Administration.

China has 59 UNESCO World Heritage Sites. According to a survey conducted by the China Tourism Academy on inbound tourist satisfaction, over 60 percent of respondents cited Chinese culture as the primary reason for their travel to China.

In 2023, a total of 6,833 museums in China held over 40,000 exhibitions and more than 380,000 educational activities, attracting nearly 1.3 billion visits, according to the National Cultural Heritage Administration

A visitor views the head from a statue of Nefertiti during a preview of the exhibition "On Top of the Pyramid: The Civilization of Ancient Egypt" at the Shanghai Museum in east China's Shanghai, July 17, 2024. (Xinhua/Lu Zhe)

Apart from world-renowned museums, some niche museums and private-owned also have their own features.

Shanghai Guanfu Museum, founded by Chinese antiquities collector Ma Weidu, launched a cat theme exhibition that recreated some well-known traditional Chinese paintings with the people replaced with cat cartoons. People wearing cat costumes can get ticket discounts for some night tour activities.

Founded in 1863 by a British merchant, Astor Hotel Tianjin in north China's Tianjin Municipality, has received some well-known individuals such as America's 31st president Herbert Hoover and Peking Opera master Mei Lanfang. The century-old hotel was among the earliest in China to utilize the country's first-generation telegraphs, telephones and other digital equipment, and boasts Renaissance and Gothic architecture.

Today, tourists can visit the Tianjin Lishunde Museum inside Astor and stay in the hotel. The museum has over 3,000 exhibition items, including photos, documents, and furniture, showcasing not only the culture and history of the hotel but also that of Tianjin.

"What impressed me is the tableware and furniture, which show the cultural collision of the West and East," said Diego Acosta from Mexico. 
Kamala Harris has taken four point leads over Donald Trump and hit 50% support in Michigan, Wisconsin, and Pennsylvania.

Harris leads Trump in each of the three swing states by identical 50%-46% margins, which means getting three polls with the exact same result should raise an eyebrow because it demonstrates how vulnerable state polls are to volatility and inconsistent results. The polls each use a relatively small sample, but bigger than some other swing state polls of about 690 respondents.

In other words, dont put too much stock in one set of polls.

The polls confirm that Harriss momentum continues to grow. She is gaining week by week, and one reason why is that Trump and his character are back on the ballot.

With the Joe Biden age hysteria out of the way, voters are comparing the two candidates on their fitness for the presidency, and the results are not good for Trump.

On the question of who has the temperament to be president, Harris leads 54%-45%. On honesty, Harris leads 52%-41%. When respondents were asked if each candidate was intelligent, 65% said yes for Harris, only 56% said yes for Trump. Harris leads Trump on the question of bringing about the right kind of change 50%-47%. The only question where Trump scored higher in this set was on having a clear vision for the country. Trump scored a 60, and Harris got a 53%.

Kamala Harris is surging. Trumps window to define Harris is closing. To voters, Kamala Harris passes the threshold test to be a president more than Trump, so the ex-presidents efforts to define her as dumb, unqualified, and radical seem to be failing.

The consistency in all of the polling is that a majority of voters dont want Donald Trump back in the White House. If presented with what they feel is a better option than Trump, they will hop on board and vote against the ex-president.

The biggest problem that Republicans have is that they continue to allow Donald Trump to lead them.
Trump showed how scared he was of Kamala Harris speaking to tens of thousands of supporters at a sold-out arena in Arizona by immediately whining about Biden no longer being the nominee.

Local officials had to turn people away from the arena where Harris and Walz spoke hours before the start of the rally because the venue was at capacity.

Meanwhile, in Montana, Trump was an hour and a half late a to speak at a venue with a maximum capacity of 8,544, and as soon as he took the stage, he said:

You know, he wanted to debate. If we did not have a debate, he would still be there. Can you imagine? Why the hell did I debate him? How did he do? Do you think hes happy? I dont think so. Hes not too happy. You know they took it away from him, they really did. The guy had 14 million votes, she had none, but I would rather run against her. I think she is easier to beat.

Video:

Trump seems terrified as he starts off in Montana complaining about Biden no longer being the Democratic nominee. pic.twitter.com/ngoHOFA34S  Sarah Reese Jones (@PoliticusSarah) August 10, 2024





Compared to the loud and rowdy energy and excitement of the Harris rally, Trumps Montana event is like a funeral.

Sure, everyone is there and playing their part, but there is a certain darkness hanging over everything. Trump doesnt have the energy that he used to have, and that is reflected in his comparatively unenergetic crowds.

Rallies are supposed to be Trumps thing, but right now, Kamala Harris is blowing him away.

Trump is barely doing one campaign event a week, and he cant keep the energy up for that.

Donald Trump looks rattled, and he may be starting to believe that he is going to lose this election.
The Trump campaign tried to claim that the polls are manipulated to depress Trump supporters after new polling shows Kamala Harris leading in Pennsylvania, Michigan, and Wisconsin.

Here is the polling memo in response to the New York Times/Sienna College Poll:

The latest swing state polls of Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin conducted by the New York Times and Siena College helpfully include the recalled 2020 presidential vote between President Trump and Joe Biden. They have dramatically understated President Trumps support both among all registered voters and in their likely-voter model. In each state, the gap between the surveys recalled 2020 vote and the reported 2020 election results is more than the margin between Kamala Harris and President Trump. Once again, we see a series of public surveys released with the clear intent and purpose of depressing support for President Trump .

According to the Trump campaign, the polls are intentionally being manipulated to depress Trump support.

The absurdity of this argument is that Trump current level of support is much closer to where it has been for the last seven years than where it was before President Biden left the race.

Trumps current numbers arent depressed. It could be credibly argued that Trumps support was irrationally inflated by the hysteria over President Bidens debate performance.

Donald Trump is sinking like a stone. His campaign doesnt want to admit that the reason why is that Kamala Harris has unified the Democratic coalition and is popular, so they have to claim that the polling is rigged against them.

It is a desperate argument from a campaign with no answers.
Century Aluminum still has plans to bring its Mount Holly plant to full production, but it likely wont hit the manufacturing milestone in 2024.

Jesse Gary, the Chicago-based metal makers president and CEO, told analysts this week that the Berkley County site will continue operating at 75 percent of capacity for the foreseeable future.

The smelter off U.S. Highway 52 between Goose Creek and Moncks Corner has been looking to boost output to 100 percent after a new three-year power deal with Santee Cooper took effect earlier this year.

We continue to do work on that project, and we continue to monitor macro (economic) conditions as well, Gary said during a second-quarter earnings call Aug. 8.

He added that the company will put all of those things together in terms of looking at the timing of that restart.

I dont think youll see a lot of cap-ex requirements from us on that project in 2024, he said, referring to capital expenditures at the Lowcountry plant.

Mount Holly increased its production to 75 percent of capacity from 50 percent after a roughly $100 million project to restart idled potlines was completed in 2022. Gary said the last 25 percent is typically the most profitable because spreading a smelters large ramp-up costs over those incremental tons boosts profit margins.

Its really a project we would like to do, and its one that we continue to get ready for when the time is right, he said. We remain confident in our ability to execute that.

Earlier this year, Gary said it is best to be thorough in the planning stage rather than to rush the restart, adding Century does not expect to have cash for Mount Hollys final production ramp-up this year. It would take between 12 and 18 months to fire up the final lines.
VIENTIANE, Aug. 10 (Xinhua) -- The Lao Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry in cooperation with the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), has organized a dissemination of a manual for wildlife crime management standards for forest inspectors in 10 provinces across Laos.

A meeting to disseminate these standards was held in southern Laos' Khammuan province, the local Pasaxon newspaper reported on Saturday.

This standardization aims to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of wildlife crime investigations, ultimately ensuring that perpetrators are held accountable through the justice system.

The meeting on Thursday also provided an opportunity to review past efforts in combating and preventing wildlife crime, assess successes and challenges, and identify areas for improvement. 
In a long anticipated move, Medical University of South Carolina's board voted Aug. 10 to buy Roper Hospital's adjacent downtown campus once Roper completes its move to North Charleston by late 2029.

A price for the 11.5-acre Roper campus was not set but will be determined by fair market value at the time of the later sale.

The two hospital systems announced the move after MUSCs board of trustees meeting, which was held in Columbia and moved back a day due to Tropical Storm Debby. The sale of the Roper property at 316 Calhoun St. will actually be in three parcels:

The 900,000-square-foot hospital building;

The parcel where the medical office building sits, along with the adjacent parking;

Parking garages on Doughty and Lucas streets.

Since Roper Hospital opened downtown in 1856, it is  and always has been  more than a building," said Dr. Megan Baker, chief operating officer of Roper St. Francis Healthcare. "We are a close camaraderie of caregivers and teammates who come together every day to heal the community. Where and how we operate has consistently evolved to meet the needs of Charleston as it has grown throughout its history, and this transition reflects our commitment to adapting to the changing needs of our community while providing the highest quality of care.

Roper said the agreement signifies an intent to sell, ensuring that Roper Hospital will remain fully operational and continue serving patients at its current location on the Charleston peninsula until the relocation to North Charleston is complete.

Dr. David J. Cole, president of MUSC, said Roper and MUSC have "loyally and in parallel served the Charleston community for 170 years," and the two would work collaboratively through this transition.
South Carolinas chief justice isnt just the guy who presides at oral arguments, the first among equals. Hes also the head of the judicial branch of government, tasked with managing the budget, hiring and firing staff, deciding where lower-court judges preside each week and setting the tone.

The tone John Kittredge promised to set was heavy on accountability and transparency, and when he was sworn in Aug. 1 to succeed retiring Chief Justice Don Beatty, he was prepared to plant a flag on accountability. Transparency was supposed to come later, but on his second day in office, out of the blue he was presented with an opportunity to plant the transparency flag, and he took it.

More of you will care about accountability, so lets start there: In a nation where the U.S. Supreme Court only last year adopted a formal code of conduct for itself, and that code has no external enforcement provisions, Chief Justice Kittredges first action was to create an independent commission to investigate complaints against the five justices on South Carolinas high court.

Public confidence in the justice system is critically important, and I think we have to  create processes that promote public confidence, he said. So it was important to me on my first day to issue this order.

When we talked on Day 5 of the Kittredge administration, the chief justice told me he had been working on this long before all the controversy over U.S. Associate Justice Clarence Thomas receipt of gifts and flags flying outside Samuel Alitos houses. Still, his opening volley is as timely as it is impressive.
LANZHOU, Aug. 10 (Xinhua) -- Over 500 Chinese experts gathered at a conference in Lanzhou, northwest China's Gansu Province, from Wednesday to Friday, to explore the integrated use of the Hefei Light Source (HLS) and the China Spallation Neutron Source (CSNS), two large scientific facilities dubbed as "super microscopes" to probe the structure of the microscopic world.

The HLS is the first synchrotron light source in China, while the CSNS is the country's first and the world's fourth pulsed spallation neutron source.

Speaking at the conference, Wang Sheng, deputy director of the Institute of High Energy Physics (IHEP) of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, said the HLS and the CSNS use X-rays and neutrons, respectively, to study the microstructures and properties of matter. The integrated utilization of the two large scientific facilities can obtain complete structural information on materials, said Wang.

The scientist explained that the spallation neutron source and synchrotron radiation source share numerous common user groups, as well as many similarities in key technologies and experimental methods. More than 95 percent of the users of spallation neutron source are also users of light sources, and many research projects require the use of both facilities, he added.

Wang said the conference built a platform for experts and users to exchange ideas, adding that the participants looked forward to using the two large scientific devices to carry out high-level scientific research and promote the further application of synchrotron light sources and neutron sources in multidisciplinary fields such as material science, life and environment, energy catalysis and engineering technology.

Experts suggest fully leveraging the complementary advantages of neutron scattering technology and synchrotron radiation technology to promote interdisciplinary integration, the development of high-tech industries and academic cooperation.

The conference was jointly organized by the University of Science and Technology of China and the IHEP. 
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MIRAME Fine Art, Costa Rica's leading online gallery dedicated to promoting Costa Rican contemporary art, proudly announces its representation of Carlos Fernandez whose abstract compositions integrate the natural elements of his Santa Ana surroundings.SAN JOSE, COSTA RICA / ACCESSWIRE / August 10, 2024 /Carlos Fernandez is emerging as a significant figure in the Latin American art scene, known for his innovative approach that blends the agricultural traditions of Costa Rica with contemporary abstraction. Living on a farm in Santa Ana, Fernandez sources materials like local clay, soil, and spices, transforming them into intricate, textured, abstract works of art. His practice offers a fresh perspective on Costa Rican art, positioning it within broader dialogues in global contemporary art.Carlos Fernandez, Achiote Soil, beeswax and acrylic on canvas Sustainability at the Heart of His PracticeSustainability is central to Fernandez's work. By sourcing materials directly from his surroundings, Fernandez reflects Costa Rica's commitment to environmental consciousness. His distinctive technique involves blending local clay with acrylic paint, often in a ratio that prioritizes natural elements. This approach highlights the region's ceramic heritage while underscoring sustainability in contemporary art. For example, the deep tones in his black pieces come from local black soil, adding organic depth that echoes Costa Rica's landscape.Influences and Art Historical ContextFernandez's work draws on a lineage of artists who merge natural materials with conceptual art. Influenced by Julie Mehretu's dynamic abstractions, Francis Alys's social and environmental themes, and Joseph Beuys's use of organic materials for ecological and social commentary, Fernandez situates his practice within this broader tradition. Yet, his work remains deeply rooted in Costa Rica, bridging local practices with global art movements.Agricultural Art Meets Modern AbstractionFernandez's work represents a unique fusion of agricultural art and modern abstraction. The clay he uses varies naturally in color, from whites to deep reds, creating textured surfaces that reflect the physical landscape of Costa Rica. His innovative use of spices like turmeric and achiote directly on the canvas further connects his work to the land, reinforcing his belief that "pigment is food." This philosophy is a nod to the artistic and agricultural traditions of his homeland, while also pushing the boundaries of contemporary abstract painting.Gaining Global RecognitionCarlos Fernandez has attracted international attention, with exhibitions at renowned venues like Palais de Tokyo in Paris and MAC in Panama. His ability to blend traditional techniques with contemporary themes has established him as an important figure in the global art community.Purchasing Costa Rican Art OnlineMIRAME Fine Art offers a curated selection of Carlos Fernandez's paintings, available to buy online. Through this platform, you can help support Fernandez's work and continue the growing appreciation for Costa Rican contemporary art.For more information on Carlos Fernandez and to view his works, visit MIRAME Fine Art at www.miramefineart.com Contact InformationBelinda SeppingsCo-Founderbelinda@ miramefineart.com +447821591397SOURCE: MIRAME Fine ArtView the original press release on newswire.com
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LOS ANGELES, CA / ACCESSWIRE / August 9, 2024 / The Schall Law Firm, a national shareholder rights litigation firm, announces that it is investigating claims on behalf of investors of Dril-Quip, Inc. ("Dril-Quip" or "the Company") (NYSE:DRQ) for violations of the securities laws.The investigation focuses on whether the Company issued false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose information pertinent to investors. Dril-Quip filed a current report on Form 8-K with the SEC on July 8, 2024. The Company's filing disclosed it had "became aware of an error in the classification of certain inventory write-downs from 2021." The Company added, "after considering the recommendations of management and discussion with the Company's independent registered public accounting firm[,] the Audit Committee of our board of directors ("Audit Committee") concluded that the consolidated financial statements for the Affected Period should no longer be relied upon due to the error described above. Any previously issued or filed reports, press releases, earnings releases and investor presentations or other communications describing the Company's consolidated financial statements and other related financial information covering the Affected Period also should no longer be relied upon." If you are a shareholder who suffered a loss, click here to participate.We also encourage you to contact Brian Schall of the Schall Law Firm, 2049 Century Park East, Suite 2460, Los Angeles, CA 90067, at 310-301-3335, to discuss your rights free of charge. You can also reach us through the firm's website at www.schallfirm.com , or by email at bschall@ schallfirm.com The Schall Law Firm represents investors around the world and specializes in securities class action lawsuits and shareholder rights litigation.This press release may be considered Attorney Advertising in some jurisdictions under the applicable law and rules of ethics.CONTACT: The Schall Law FirmBrian Schall, Esq. www.schallfirm.com Office: 310-301-3335 info@ schallfirm.com SOURCE: The Schall Law Firm
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LOS ANGELES, CA / ACCESSWIRE / August 9, 2024 /The Schall Law Firm, a national shareholder rights litigation firm, announces that it is investigating claims on behalf of investors of Community Health Systems, Inc. ("Community Health" or "the Company") (NYSE: CYH ) for violations of the securities laws.The investigation focuses on whether the Company issued false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose information pertinent to investors. Community Health issued a press release on Juny 19, 2024, "provid[ing] an update on the planned divestiture of two North Carolina hospitals." According to the Company, "On June 18, 2024, Novant Health, Inc., a North Carolina non-profit corporation ('Novant'), informed [Community Health] that Novant has decided not to move forward with the acquisition of two North Carolina hospitals. The transactions were contemplated by an Asset Purchase Agreement dated February 28, 2023 (as amended, the 'Purchase Agreement'), by and among Novant and certain subsidiaries of the Company." The Company added, "Novant's decision follows a ruling by the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals", which "issued a temporary injunction blocking the sale to Novant Health, pending final resolution of an appeal by the Federal Trade Commission. The injunction prevented completion of the transaction until the Court of Appeals decides whether to uphold or overturn a previous District Court decision that allowed the sale to proceed." If you are a shareholder who suffered a loss, click here to participate.We also encourage you to contact Brian Schall of the Schall Law Firm, 2049 Century Park East, Suite 2460, Los Angeles, CA 90067, at 310-301-3335, to discuss your rights free of charge. You can also reach us through the firm's website at www.schallfirm.com , or by email at bschall@ schallfirm.com The Schall Law Firm represents investors around the world and specializes in securities class action lawsuits and shareholder rights litigation.This press release may be considered Attorney Advertising in some jurisdictions under the applicable law and rules of ethics.CONTACT: The Schall Law FirmBrian Schall, Esq. www.schallfirm.com Office: 310-301-3335 info@ schallfirm.com SOURCE: The Schall Law Firm
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NEW YORK, NY / ACCESSWIRE / August 9, 2024 / Levi & Korsinsky notifies investors that it has commenced an investigation of The Chemours Company ("The Chemours Company") (NYSE:CC) concerning possible violations of federal securities laws.Chemours issued a press release on August 1, 2024, reporting its financial results for the second quarter of 2024. Among other items, Chemours reported non-GAAP earnings per share of $0.38, missing consensus estimates by $0.20. The Company advised that it "anticipates a low to mid-single digit sequential decline in Net Sales for the third quarter," citing "[r]esidual impacts from Q2 unplanned downtime at our Altamira, Mexico manufacturing site" in its Titanium Technologies segment; "[r]efrigerant seasonality paired with weaker Freon Refrigerants pricing in its Thermal & Specialized Solutions segment; and "[a] continued modest recovery in" its Advanced Performance Materials segment. Following this news, Chemours's stock price dropped over 11% on August 2, 2024. To obtain additional information, go to:or contact Joseph E. Levi, Esq. either via email at jlevi@ levikorsinsky.com or by telephone at (212)363-7500.WHY LEVI & KORSINSKY: Over the past 20 years, Levi & Korsinsky LLP has established itself as a nationally-recognized securities litigation firm that has secured hundreds of millions of dollars for aggrieved shareholders and built a track record of winning high-stakes cases. The firm has extensive expertise representing investors in complex securities litigation and a team of over 70 employees to serve our clients. For seven years in a row, Levi & Korsinsky has ranked in ISS Securities Class Action Services' Top 50 Report as one of the top securities litigation firms in the United States. Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes.CONTACT: Levi & Korsinsky, LLPJoseph E. Levi, Esq.Ed Korsinsky, Esq.33 Whitehall Street, 17th FloorNew York, NY 10004 jlevi@ levikorsinsky.com Tel: (212)363-7500 Fax: (212)363-7171 https://zlk.com/ SOURCE: Levi & Korsinsky, LLP
A British-born Nigerian pilot, Lola Odujinrin, is embarking on a daring mission to achieve the smallest and lightest non-stop flight between London, England, and Kano, Nigeria, in an aircraft weighing less than 1000kg.

In a statement, Captain Lola describes his Guinness World Record (GWR) attempt as a record-breaking 20-hour endurance flight from London to Nigeria with a first stop in Kano State inside the smallest and lightest aircraft ever.

While his record attempt is a first, the closest record to his attempt was set by Roberto Bisa (Italy); he set the Guinness World Record for the longest journey by ultralight aircraft, 25,804 km (16,033 miles) flying from Istrana, Treviso, Italy, to General Rodriguez, Buenos Aires, Argentina, from 1 to 29 August 2015.

With unwavering determination, Captain Lola is attempting to rewrite history for the second time.

On 29 March 2017, he completed his One Man, One Plane expedition. He landed at Washington Dulles International Airport, the same airport he had departed from in June 2016. In completing his journey, he became the first African and the ninth British pilot to fly around the world solo.

The expedition saw him fly from Washington to Canada via John F. Kennedy International Airport, then to Iceland, Scotland, England, Valencia, Malta, Egypt, Djibouti, Oman, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Thailand. It took him four weeks from Thailand to arrive in Darwin, Australia.

Guinness World Record Attempt

In his GWR attempt, Captain Lola says he has meticulously prepared his aircraft and underwent a weight loss journey of over 20kg to optimise the planes aerodynamic efficiency, showcasing his thoroughness and dedication.

Article Page with Financial Support Promotion Nigerians need credible journalism. Help us report it. Support journalism driven by facts, created by Nigerians for Nigerians. Our thorough, researched reporting relies on the support of readers like you. Help us maintain free and accessible news for all with a small donation. Every contribution guarantees that we can keep delivering important stories no paywalls, just quality journalism. SUPPORT NOW x Do this later

He said: It is Man vs. Machine vs. Nature: The success of this mission hinges on the perfect harmony between pilot, aircraft, and weather conditions.

Describing his attempt as more than a flight, he said a team of professional filmmakers would document the adventure.

The documentary will showcase the stops planned at significant locations in Nigeria, including Kano, the first state where a plane landed in Nigeria; Borno, Enugu, Akwa-Ibom, Owerri, Warri, Benin, Ogun State; Lagos and Abuja, the capital city where we will have the Minister of Aviation and his Excellency, the President of Nigeria receive us, he said.

While adding that the historic feat will push the boundaries of aviation technology and demonstrate the boundless possibilities of human achievement, Captain Lola, as he is fondly called, said he plans to embark on a multi-state tour within Nigeria, starting with Kano State.

He said the choice of Kano as the first stop is because the first flight ever landed and recorded in Nigeria in 1925 was in the region.

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Movie Title: Dolapo Douglas

Language: Yoruba

Running time: 2 hours 16 minutes

Release date: 2024

Streaming platform: Prime Video

Producer: Oyebade Adebimpe Adedimeji

Director: Ibrahim Yekini (Itele)

Article Page with Financial Support Promotion Nigerians need credible journalism. Help us report it. Support journalism driven by facts, created by Nigerians for Nigerians. Our thorough, researched reporting relies on the support of readers like you. Help us maintain free and accessible news for all with a small donation. Every contribution guarantees that we can keep delivering important stories no paywalls, just quality journalism. SUPPORT NOW x Do this later

Cast: Lateef Adedimeji, Ibrahim Yekini (Itele), Oyebade Adebimpe Adedimeji, Jide Kosoko, Odunlade Adekola, Muyiwa Ademola, Dayo Amusan, Akin Olaiya, Eniola Ajao, Aisha Lawal, Kayode Olaiya, Taiwo Okunola, Kehinde Okunola, Kolawole Ajeyemi and others.

Police officers are often sent on dangerous missions, risking their lives to safeguard the nation. However, despite the risks, there are no comprehensive backup plans or adequate measures to ensure their safety and well-being.

Many families have lost their loved ones in the police force due to a lack of adequate security and contingency plans to protect them from deadly missions their bosses entrust to them.

This incompetence in the police force is a typical example in the movie Dolapo Douglasby Oyebade Adedimeji, which addresses the need for the police force to do better when sending officers after expert criminals who can execute any crime no matter how complex or protected a facility or personality is

In this eponymous film, a police officer, Ademola Benson, sent after an expert robbery group with no impossibility in their dictionary, eventually becomes one of them after losing his memory. After he discovers his true identity during a robbery mission, his family pays dearly for a mission he embarked on as a police officer to save the people.

Plot

The movie opens with a scene where two vehicles collide. The next scene shows Dolapo, a young girl in Ayedade village, reporting to her mother that her mate beat her. Her African mother sends her back to retaliate.

Dolapo, now an adult, joyfully informs her mother of how she beat up a debtor challenging her, crediting her fighting skills to her mothers wisdom.

Her mother, known in the community as a sex worker, while counting some money given to her by a cocoa dealer, tries convincing her daughter, her box of fortune, as she fondly calls her, to date him.

In the City, there is a notorious robbery group headed by Father and Jagua, who have a rule of never killing. As always, they plot a strategy to rob a bank. Father and Jagua, with their boys disguised as customers, rob the bank and escape with millions.

In Ayedade village, the community head and his chiefs discuss ways to improve the communitys economy when Dolapo and the community heads son, Akinkunmi, leave the palace. The community chiefs oppose their relationship, and the community head vows to end it if their observations are correct.

One day, during an operation, Jagua instructs one of the robbers, Dolapo Douglas (DD), to wipe away an entire family, which he refuses, reminding them that it is against the rule to kill. Vaipa immediately shoots the couple, wiping away the family as Jagua instructed. DD leaves the scene and expresses his grievances to Father.

Unsatisfied with Fathers judgment, he leaves the house and heads to a village where he meets Mama Dolapo, who takes him to a hotel where he lodges.

Fascinated by his looks and luxury car, Mama Dolapo sets Dolapo up to meet him at the hotel and seduce him, but he fails to fall for her seduction. Unhappy, Dolapo heads home to inform her mother, who encourages her to go back and seduce him again.

Dolapo successfully seduces DD, follows him to Lagos, and becomes involved in his criminal activities. DD trains Dolapo in gun handling, and she quickly becomes proficient.

In Lagos, DD and Dolapo execute a significant armed robbery. Meanwhile, Father and Jagua need Help to succeed, as DD and Dolapo have formed their team and consistently outsmart them, robbing locations that Father and Jagua had planned to target.

Unhappy about his boys unsuccessful robberies, Father orders them to go after the gang responsible, unknown to him that it was his son DD. The boys go after DD and Dolapo but escape while Dolapo loses her pregnancy.

After her miscarriage, Dolapo sends for her mother to come to Lagos and stay with her for a while. Mama Dolapo arrives in Lagos and continues with her life but is killed by Father and Jaguas boys while Dolapo and DD are away for a robbery in Abuja.

DD discovers his true identity during the robbery as he meets his wife and two children. He soon regains his lost memory, leaving Dolapo threatened and worried he would return to his family.

Dolapo is devastated as she has lost her unborn child, her mother and her father. Soon after, DD, originally a police officer and not a thief, returns to his family.

However, karma quickly catches up with DD. Dolapo is displeased with his family reunion, and Vaipa, one of Father and Jaguas associates, is out for revenge. One day, as DD is conversing with his family, Vaipa storms in, kills his wife, and shoots him.

DD, in severe pain, grabs a gun hidden under his chair and manages to shoot Vaipa. Dolapo, who has come intending to kill DD, arrives, sees that DD is wounded and his wife is dead, briefly assesses the situation, and then leaves.

Character analysis

The movie stars actors like Odunlade Adekola, Muyiwa Ademola, Ibrahim Yekini, Bimpe O. Adedimeji, Dayo Amusan, and Lateef Adedimeji, who all deliver captivating performances and bring the story to life.

Lateef Adedimeji, a prominent Nollywood actor, plays Dolapo Douglas (DD), the protagonist. He perfectly portrays a police officer on a mission to arrest armed robbers who become expert robbers after he loses his memory.

His performance keeps viewers glued to the screen, eager to see what happens to DD after disobeying Father and Jagua.

Muyiwa Ademola plays Jagua, the second-in-command of the deadly robbery group. His role in this movie is similar to his character as JB in Oyenusi, where he serves as the second-in-command to Oyenusi, played by Odunlade Adekola. Even though it mirrors his previous role in Oyenusi, he delivers a strong performance.

Adekola shines as Father, the leader of the notorious robbery group. He portrays a leader who favours one worker for their intelligence, neglecting future consequences. Adekolas skilled performance delights the audience. His role shows that even the terrible ones have a little conscience as he picks up DD, who was almost dead after an accident and treats him like his son.

Ibrahim Yekini plays Vaipa, who wants to be his bosss right-hand man and is willing to do anything to achieve that goal. His role adds authenticity and stability to the story. Yekini masters the character as he often plays a strong, rugged man in movies.

Bimpe O. Adedimeji doubles as the producer and a character, Dolapo, a child who always follows her mothers instructions, not realising that her present will impact her future. Bimpe, a producer-actor, is encouraged by her mother to follow men, which results in her getting married to DD, leading to the death of her mother. Her performance captures her characters essence well.

Dayo Amusan portrays Mama Dolapo, a young woman who relies on selling her body for money. Her love for money drives her to introduce her daughter into prostitution, unbothered about her future. Her performance is lit and crucial, bringing life into the movie.

Movie Analysis

Bimpes creativity is demonstrated in the production of this film, addressing the risk a police officer takes to fight robbers and criminals. The storyline is well-structured and exciting.

The casts performances were carefully selected and well-defined, contributing significantly to the dramas development.

The narrative effectively portrays the consequences of bad decisions and actions people make. Mama Dolapo ends up getting shot dead by paying for her actions. DD also paid for his unintentional decision to be a robber.

Flashbacks are used where necessary to bring the past into the future, giving viewers clues about the movie.

The cinematography is top-notch; the use of lighting and camera angles effectively conveys the mood and tone of the story, differentiating the city from the village.

However, the movie ends badly, leaving viewers appetite hanging as it fails to shed light on DDs predicament after hes shot in his hand. After Vaipa shoots DD, Dolapo appears but does nothing to save DD, making her appearance in the last scene unnecessary.

Viewers may think Dolapo will rescue DD as the obstacle (DDs wife) between her and DD is shot dead by Vaipa as a chance of being back as a couple.

Unlike known armed robbery films, in which robbers eventually meet their doom, Dolapo Douglas ends without Father, Jagua, and their boys being apprehended by the police.

This makes the police character in the movie irrelevant, with less action or confrontation between the robbers and police. It also makes the police officers cast in the film unimportant to the plot.

The movie is a good watch and produces a meaningful message about societal issues, but it fails.

Dolapo Douglas is streaming on Prime video

Verdict

6/10

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In commemoration of the 2024 International Youth Day, a non-governmental organisation, Nguvu Change,

has launched a petition calling for improved sexual and reproductive health care services for young people in Nigeria.

This was disclosed by the organisation in a statement issued on Saturday and signed by its founder, Mercy Aiyedun.

According to the statement, the petition, addressed to the Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Muhammad Pate, and the leadership of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), urges the implementation of national guidelines for adolescent and youth-friendly services in primary health care facilities across the country.

Sexual awareness campaign

Ms Aiyeduns campaign seeks to address the pressing need for comprehensive sexuality awareness programmes and strict guidelines to implement them.

She said: Despite having some of the most progressive policies in the region, Nigeria has struggled with the actual implementation of these guidelines.

The goal of my campaign is to ensure these policies are implemented at the countrys sub-national and national levels, which would encourage better health-seeking behaviours among youths, and empower them with adequate knowledge and skills for their protection. It will also help to reduce the risk of life-threatening conditions such as permanent damage to vital reproductive organs, contracting STIs, unwanted pregnancies and unsafe abortions.

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She shared a personal story of a friend who suffered from reproductive health issues due to lack of information and stigma, resulting in infertility.

She further stated that there is urgent need to address these challenges.

There are countless similar instances happening to adolescents across Nigeria, highlighting the urgency for a comprehensive approach to addressing these challenges stemming from insufficient information. I hope to rally more supporters for this campaign and garner additional signatures for the petition, she said.

Call for collaborations

The United Nations in Nigeria has emphasised the importance of universal access to sexual and reproductive healthcare services, a key aspect of its Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) agenda to be achieved by 2030.

To accomplish this, the UN recommends collaborative efforts among stakeholders to implement effective family planning measures, increase access to information and education, and integrate reproductive health into national strategies and programmes.

About Nguvu change

Nguvu is a non-profit organisation that focuses on empowering young people, especially girls and women, to become change leaders in their communities.

The organisations mission is to equip young people with the skills, knowledge, and resources needed to drive positive change in their communities.

Nguvu works on various issues, including sexual and reproductive health rights, education and economic empowerment, leadership and advocacy, and gender equality and social justice.

Also, it offers programmes and initiatives that provide training, mentorship, and support to young people, helping to build confidence, leadership skills, and knowledge on specific issues.

The organisation identifies and supports young people who have the potential to become change leaders, equipping them with the skills and resources needed to drive positive change in their communities. Nguvu collaborates with local organisations, communities, and stakeholders to amplify its impact and reach more young people.

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Forty journalists from media organisations in West Africa, including Toheeb Babalola, a PREMIUM TIMES journalist based in Oyo State, have completed a three-month Artificial Intelligence Fellowship with FactCheckAfrica.

Fellows and facilitators from Nigeria, Cameroon, Sierra Leone, and other countries met weekly on Zoom during the three-month programme.

The fellowship explored the connection between artificial intelligence and journalism, enabling the fellows to tell compelling stories and participate intelligently in public discourse.

Speaking with PREMIUM TIMES, Global Director, Brain Builders Youth Development Initiative, Olasupo Abideen, said he was excited about the groundbreaking AI Journalism Fellowship in West Africa.

We are thrilled to have the first AI Journalism Fellowship that spans all of West Africa for the first time in Africa, especially in this region, Mr Abideen said.

He said that by bringing together technologists and journalists to navigate the rapidly expanding field of artificial intelligence in media, the initiative marks a significant milestone for the region.

Mr Abideen pointed out that the fellows active participation on social media and their feedback demonstrate that the Fellowship has already produced encouraging results.

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Based on what the fellows have been sharing with us and posting on their social media, it has been fascinating that we have not only imparted the fellows, but also impacted different newsrooms, news platforms, and technologists with various tools to navigate the AI world, he said.

Mr Abideen highlighted the significance of sustainability and the dissemination of knowledge acquired throughout the fellowship. We anticipate that the guys will impart this knowledge to others, he said.

Programmes Lead for the FactCheckAfrica AI Journalism Fellowship, Prudence Emudianughe, stated that equipping journalists with a solid foundation in moral AI principles and best practices is one of the fellowships main goals.

Ms Emudianughe stated that the fellowship aims to preserve the highest standards of journalistic integrity in the era of artificial intelligence by fostering the aforementioned values.

She noted that the attendees, who are now fellows, had gained invaluable insights and useful knowledge from eminent authorities in the fields of journalism and artificial intelligence.

Reiterating the transformative potential of responsible AI integration in newsrooms, she added that the training had not only improved the participants technical skills, but also fostered a deeper appreciation for the complex interactions between AI and journalism.

Ethical concerns are crucial when incorporating AI tools into journalism, as the AI Journalism Fellowship West Africa emphasises. Participants had thoughtful conversations about possible biases, privacy issues, and the dangers of false information related to AI technology throughout the course of the programme.

While integrating AI into journalism has enormous potential, there are also big ethical implications. Our objective is to make sure that journalists are prepared to carry out these duties and that they apply AI in ways that strengthen rather than diminish the reliability and credibility of their reporting, she stated.

One of the facilitators, Greg Gondwe, who is a professor, emphasised the significance of developing locally relevant content and the vital role internet connectivity plays in enabling appropriate AI utilisation in Africa.

Also, contributions from esteemed speakers like Walid Al-Saqaf and Camilla Bath, underscored the importance of ensuring ethical and equitable AI practices in journalism.

In order to use AI effectively, Douglas Ng emphasised the need for data. The collaborative environment among fellowswhether in the form of one-on-one conversations or group projectshas greatly improved the learning process by fostering a sense of connection and shared purpose, he added.

The Future Journalism Today Academys founder, Laurens Vreekmap, gave a talk about creating AI implementation plans that work for news organisations, overcoming obstacles, and showing how particular tools could be used to meet operational needs.

Data journalist Stephane Ohumu spoke about using AI for data analysis and visualisation in journalism.

He also advised on using local AI models to improve African data and safeguard information, kicking against relying too much on ChatGPT due to privacy concerns.

Sam Guzik, a future and product strategist, offered original ideas for leveraging AI to improve audience engagement.

He discussed the development of printing technology and its influence on media today, emphasising how generative AI is changing user behaviour and conventional media business models.

Award-winning journalist and SIRAJ founder, Ali al Ibrahim stressed the need of transparency, ethical standards, and verification in order to ensure fair and ethical AI practices in journalism.

The Nation newspapers data and investigative journalist, Justina Ashishana showed fellows how AI can revolutionise visual journalism by using its tools to produce visually striking images, captivating videos, and immersive audio. She also emphasised the value of collaborating between human expertise and AI.

Stephen Quinn, a professor at Kristiana University, Norway, discussed the transformative role of AI in filmmaking, showcasing tools like Gemini Chat, Runway, and Topaz AI, and emphasising that while AI can enhance creativity, human input remains irreplaceable.

Speaking about his experience at the Fellowship, PREMIUM TIMES Mr Babalola said that during the previous three months, an abundance of artificial intelligence tools had inundated him, making his reports easier to the point where he started acting more like a developer.

I have created multimedia content, written blog posts and social media posts, and engaged with my audience in the past few months using the skills I learned during each Fellowship session, he said.

FactCheckAfrica, an initiative of the Brain Builders Youth Development Initiative, selected the journalists and media professionals based on their work experience and affiliation with reputable organisations in April 2024.

The Artificial Intelligence (AI) Journalism Fellowship (West Africa) is a project that aims to educate journalists on how to integrate AI tools ethically.

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People mourn victims killed in an Israeli airstrike in Al-Daraj neighborhood in Gaza City, Aug. 10, 2024. At least 100 Palestinians were killed on Saturday by Israeli airstrikes at a school serving as shelters for displaced people in Al-Daraj neighborhood in Gaza City, Palestinian medical and security sources said. (Photo by Mahmoud Zaki/Xinhua)

CAIRO, Aug. 10 (Xinhua) -- Countries in the Middle East on Saturday strongly condemned deadly Israeli airstrikes launched earlier in the day on a school serving as a shelter for displaced people in Gaza City.

Israeli warplanes targeted the Al-Taba'een School in the Al-Daraj neighborhood in central Gaza City while the displaced people in the school were performing the Fajr prayer, killing at least 100 Palestinians and injuring dozens more, Palestinian medical and security sources said, adding that the victims included women and children.

Meanwhile, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said in a statement that the school compound served as a Hamas and Islamic Jihad military facility, with about 20 Hamas and Islamic Jihad militants, including senior commanders, operating there.

The IDF also expressed skepticism about the casualty numbers given by Hamas.

People conduct rescue work in a destroyed building after an Israeli airstrike in Al-Daraj neighborhood in Gaza City, Aug. 10, 2024. At least 100 Palestinians were killed on Saturday by Israeli airstrikes at a school serving as shelters for displaced people in Al-Daraj neighborhood in Gaza City, Palestinian medical and security sources said. (Photo by Mahmoud Zaki/Xinhua)

In a statement released Saturday, Arab League Secretary-General Ahmed Aboul-Gheit said killing displaced civilians during dawn prayers is a crime that "surpasses the usual low level of vileness and unscrupulousness of the Israeli army."

He called on the international community to exert real pressure on Israel to negotiate seriously for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and a prisoner swap deal.

The Egyptian Foreign Ministry said in a statement on Saturday that Israel's deliberate killing of so many unarmed civilians, whenever mediators intensified efforts to reach a ceasefire in Gaza, is "conclusive evidence of the absence of political will on the part of the Israeli side to end this fierce war."

On Friday, Egypt, Qatar and the United States, three mediators in the current Israel-Hamas conflict, issued a joint statement urging both parties to resume talks in Cairo or Doha on Aug. 15 and finalize a ceasefire agreement at an early date.

People mourn victims killed in an Israeli airstrike in Al-Daraj neighborhood in Gaza City, Aug. 10, 2024. At least 100 Palestinians were killed on Saturday by Israeli airstrikes at a school serving as shelters for displaced people in Al-Daraj neighborhood in Gaza City, Palestinian medical and security sources said. (Photo by Mahmoud Zaki/Xinhua)

Qatar's Foreign Ministry also strongly condemned the Israeli bombing of the school, calling for the dispatch of independent UN investigators to probe the ongoing targeting by Israeli forces of schools and shelters for displaced people.

Also on Saturday, the Lebanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Emigrants called the "systematic indiscriminate shelling by the Israeli occupation army and the killing of children and civilians" in Gaza "clear evidence of the Israeli government's disregard for the provisions of international law and international humanitarian law."

"The continued crimes against the Palestinians, and the deliberate killing of these huge numbers of civilians, provide conclusive evidence of Israel's intention to prolong the war and expand its scope," the ministry said in a statement, calling on the international community and the concerned parties to "take a unified, serious, and effective international position."

Jordan's Foreign Ministry also condemned the Israeli attacks on the Gaza school, calling the attacks a blatant violation of international law, and a continuation of Israel's systematic targeting of civilians and displacement shelters.

In a statement, the ministry's spokesperson Sufian Qudah said the attacks indicate the Israeli government's intention to obstruct and thwart efforts by the mediators to resume negotiations on a deal leading to a permanent ceasefire.

Qudah urged the international community, particularly the UN Security Council (UNSC), to take responsibility to immediately stop the Israeli aggression on Gaza, halt the continuous Israeli violations of international law, and hold those behind the attacks accountable.

In a statement, the Iraqi Foreign Ministry strongly condemned the "barbaric" Israeli attacks on the Gaza school, saying Israel's repeated attacks that led to the mass killing of civilians constitute a "flagrant violation" of all international norms and conventions and show the country's disregard for international initiatives aimed at stopping the aggression on Gaza.

Calling Israel's attacks on the Gaza school a "heinous massacre," the Syrian Foreign Ministry said in a statement that Israel's continuous actions for over 10 months constitute crimes of genocide and are unstoppable due to protection from the West.

"Syria ... reaffirms that the Israeli regime's continued bloodshed of innocents in Palestine, Lebanon, and Syria will only strengthen the resolve of the people in this region to resist and retaliate against its crimes, despite the extensive Western support it receives," the statement said, reaffirming Syria's unwavering support for the Palestinian cause and their legitimate rights.

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Nasser Kanaani described the attacks on the Gaza school as "brutal," a clear instance of Israel's simultaneous perpetration of "genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity," and a flagrant instance of a threat against global peace and security.

People mourn victims killed in an Israeli airstrike in Al-Daraj neighborhood in Gaza City, Aug. 10, 2024. At least 100 Palestinians were killed on Saturday by Israeli airstrikes at a school serving as shelters for displaced people in Al-Daraj neighborhood in Gaza City, Palestinian medical and security sources said. (Photo by Mahmoud Zaki/Xinhua)

The attacks once again proved that Israel is not committed to any international laws and regulations as well as moral and humanitarian principles, Kanaani said, calling on regional countries to take "decisive and firm" actions to support the Palestinians and on the UNSC to take immediate and effective actions against Israel's behaviors based on the UN Charter.

In a brief press statement, the Yemeni Ministry of Foreign Affairs characterized the airstrike as a "barbaric bombing," urging global powers to intervene and push for an immediate ceasefire, aiming to halt what it termed "ongoing crimes and violations against the Palestinian people."

It asserted that achieving lasting peace and stability in the region hinges on addressing the fundamental rights of Palestinians.

Israel has been launching a large-scale offensive against Hamas in the Gaza Strip to retaliate against a Hamas rampage through the southern Israeli border on Oct. 7, 2023, during which about 1,200 people were killed and about 250 were taken hostage.

The Palestinian death toll from ongoing Israeli attacks on the Gaza Strip has risen to 39,790, Gaza-based health authorities said in a statement on Saturday. 
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has condemned the killing of 16-year-old Ismail Muhammed by a soldier during the #EndBadGovernance protest in Zaria, Kaduna State, on Tuesday.

On Wednesday, the Nigerian Army admitted that the boy was killed by one of its soldiers.

In a statement posted via its X handle on Friday, the NHRC described the incident as disturbing, while condemning the use of excessive force especially on minors.

The Executive Secretary of the commission, Anthony Ojukwu, who is a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, demanded a thorough and transparent investigation into this incident and call for the soldier involved to be held accountable.

He said the incident was particularly troubling given the commissions previous Advisory on the excesses of law enforcement agencies during the protests.

Mr Ojukwu also urged security operatives to shun actions that undermine the fundamental human rights of Nigerians.

The commission urges the authorities to take concrete measures to address the systemic issues leading to these violations and ensure that law enforcement agencies operate within the ambit of the law and respect human rights, the commission said.

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Ismail was killed after he was shot by a soldier in Samaru, Zaria, on Tuesday.

PREMIUM TIMES reported that the Nigerian Army had claimed responsibility for the killing, saying the soldier had fired the shot to disperse some hoodlums during the anti-government protest against economic hardship in the country on Tuesday.

The statement said the soldier fired the shot to warn the hoodlums as they tried to attack the soldiers who, it said, were there in response to a distress call.

It said the soldier had been arrested and the deceased had been buried according to Islamic rites.

The NHRC sympathised with the deceased persons family, while it expressed its commitment to ensuring the bereaved family and other victims of right abuses during the protest receive fair justice.

Read NHRCs full statement here.

#EndBadGovernance: NHRC condemns killing of teenager by soldier

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) is deeply disturbed by the alleged killing of a 16 years old teenager, Ismail Muhammad by a soldier, during the 24-hour curfew imposed to curtail the #EndBadGovernancelnNigeria protests in Zaria, Kaduna State. The Executive Secretary of the Commission Dr. Tony Ojukwu OFR SAN while reacting to the incident said it is particularly troubling given the Commissions previous Advisory on the excesses of law enforcement agencies during the protests. He reiterated that the right to life is inalienable and cannot be violated under any circumstances. The use of lethal force against unarmed civilians, especially minors, is unacceptable and a clear violation of international human rights standards.

We demand a thorough and transparent investigation into this incident and call for the soldier involved to be held accountable. The Executive Secretary said this is not an isolated incident, and the NHRC will continue to monitor the situation and take necessary steps to ensure that human rights are protected and promoted in Nigeria. The Commission urges the authorities to take concrete measures to address the systemic issues leading to these violations and ensure that law enforcement agencies operate within the ambit of the law and respect human rights. While commiserating with the family of Ismail Muhammad, Ojukwu said the Commission will leave no stone unturned in investigating this killing and several other violations that took place during the protest.

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The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has interrogated a top official of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON).

The NAHCON official, whose full details have not been known, was arrested by ICPC operatives at his office on Wednesday.He has since been released on bail.

Some media reports indicated that ICPC operatives raided the headquarters of NAHCON in Abuja on Wednesday as part of an investigation into the use of the N90 billion subsidy released to the commission by the federal government for the 2024 Hajj.

ICPC spokesperson Demola Bakare confirmed the visit of the agencys operatives to NAHCON in a phone conversation with PREMIUM TIMES on Friday.

But he said the visit was not a raid.

According to him, ICPC operatives visited NAHCON to pick up a top official who failed to honour an investigation extended to all the directors of the Hajj commission for questioning.

Our team visited the office in what can be described as a friendly visit, Mr Bakare said, refusing to give further details.

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He said the NAHCON official, NAHCONs Director of Procurement, whose further details have yet to be ascertained by our reporter, has been granted bail after answering questions.

Anti-corruption agencies have scrutinised the N90 billion Hajj subsidy released to NAHCON by the federal government for the 2024 Hajj.

PREMIUM TIMES reported how the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) invited the NAHCON chairperson, Jalal Arabi, for questioning over the funds in July.

In May, President Bola Tinubu approved the release of N90 billion subsidy for the 2024 Hajj.

In July, some Northern governors raised concerns about the management of the subsidy.

NACON reacts to arrest

Our reporter visited NAHCONs headquarters on Friday. The office environment was calm.

NAHCONs Deputy Director of Public Affairs, Fatima Usara, told our reporter at her office that ICPC operatives did not raid NAHCONs office as reported. She said the ICPC operatives only came for the Head of Procurement of NAHCON after he failed to honour the anti-corruption agencys earlier invitation.

She said the ICPC operatives asked the man to accompany them for questioning.

First of all, it is a lie, she said of the reported raid on the commission office. You can verify with our neighbours if this place was ransacked. All our directors are here at work, and I can show you, Ms Usara said.

She also said the EFCC did not invite the NAHCON chairperson on suspicion of mismanagement of the N90 billion Hajj subsidy. She said it was an annual routine for the EFCC to request the NAHCON to give an account of its disbursements after Hajj.

How N90 billion Hajj subsidy was spent  NAHCON chair

NAHCON chairperson, Mr Arabi, gave a post-Hajj press briefing on 29 July, detailing how the subsidies were expended.

Documents referenced by Mr Arabi during the briefing indicated that NAHCON bore extra costs in addition to the N90 billion Hajj subsidies granted by the federal government

According to him, of the N90 billion, about N80 billion was expended as subsidies for 50,000 pilgrims from the states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), with each receiving N1.6 million.

Other pilgrims under the Hajj Savings Scheme (HSS) and all officials used up over N10 billion, the document said.

The document also indicated that the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), which disbursed the funds on behalf of the federal government, deducted 2 per cent service charge per pilgrim. This, according to the commission, amounted to about 1.7 billion

With CBN having deducted its charges, the commission said it faced unexpected costs of around N4 billion for accommodations in Medina. The document stated that while the commission initially estimated the cost at Saudi Riyal (SR) 850 per bed space for 11,000 spaces, they only secured 8,754 spaces at that rate.

NAHCON said the additional expenses, coupled with the CBN deductions, resulted in a loss of approximately N6 billion for NAHCON.

Mr Arabi said despite the challenges, the commission remains committed to providing quality services to pilgrims.

Editors Note: This report has been updated to reflect additional information provided by NAHCON.

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The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has condemned the police invasion of the complex housing the National Labour Congress (NLC) secretariat in Abuja.

In a statement on Friday, the Executive Secretary of the NHRC, Anthony Ojukwu, called on the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to investigate the incident.

He called on the police authorities to identify and punish the perpetrators.

He said invading private premises without a court order is uncivilised and lawless.

He said, in a country governed by the rule of law, such lawless behaviour is unacceptable and undermines the sanctity of private premises.

This act violates the fundamental principles of the rule of law and constitutional order that our democracy is founded upon, Mr Ojukwu added.

He demanded that the authorities take immediate action to investigate this incident and ensure that those responsible are apprehended and punished accordingly.

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He said failure to take such a disciplinary action would erode the trust in law enforcement agencies to protect lives, property, the privacy and sanctity of citizens and their premises.

We reiterate that our democracy is built on the pillars of human rights, rule of law, and constitutional order. Any attempt to subvert these principles will not be tolerated and must be remedied by those responsible. The commission directs the inspector general of police to unravel the circumstances surrounding the invasion and hold the perpetrators accountable, he said.

PREMIUM TIMES reported NLCs announcement that armed security operatives raided its headquarters in Abuja on Wednesday night.

NLC spokesperson Benson Upah said the heavily armed security operatives broke into the second floor and ransacked the bookshop and carted away hundreds of books and other publications.

Meanwhile, the police explained their raid on the premises in a statement on Friday.

They said the NLC was not their target but a foreign national running a private bookshop in the building.

The police said the foreign national is the prime suspect in an ongoing criminal investigation.

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The Presidential Candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC) in the 2023 presidential election, Omoyele Sowore, said on Friday that the Nigerian authorities have continued to detain one of the leaders of the #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protest, Michael Adaramoye, popularly called Michael Lenin simply because of his nickname.

Mr Adaramoyes nickname, Lenin, is the last name of a Russian revolutionary, Vladimir Lenin, who served as the founding head of government of Soviet Russia from 1917 until his death in 1924, and of the Soviet Union from 1922 to 1924.

The Nigerian Govt is still detaining Michael Adaramoye, aka Lenin, because they said his nickname Lenin shows that he was the person behind the Russian flags distribution in the north during the ongoing, Mr Sowore, founder of the Take It Back Movement, another group taking part in the protest, posted on X.

PREMIUM TIMES reported that Mr Adaramoye, the National Coordinator of the Youths Rights Campaign, was arrested from his home in the early hours of Monday allegedly by men of the State Security Services (SSS). But the SSS said later that day that the protest leader was not in its custody. He has not been released since then.

Protests

The #EndBadGovernance protest took place across the country from 1 August, turning violent in some Northern states and some protesters were seen waving Russian flags.

President Bola Tinubu said the government wouldnt tolerate the waving of foreign flags. The State Security Service (SSS) already arrested multiple persons in Kano and Kaduna as part of investigations into the waving of the Russian flags. The arrests include seven Polish nationals, according to the SSS.

The police have also detained more than 30 suspects, including tailors, for sewing and waving the flags during the protests.

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The police on Saturday fired teargas and live ammunition to disperse some youth who were protesting in the Galadimawa area of Abuja.

The # EndbadGovernace protesters came out at 6:30 a.m.. They were marching from Ebano Supermarket to Galadimawa junction when the police arrived about three hours later and fired teargas and live ammunition to disperse them.

The protesters scampered for safety as a result of the attack, though no life was lost.

We started at 6:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. before they scattered us. We started around Ebano supermarket at that junction and matched to the Galadimawa roundabout. Before we could get to the Galadimawa roundabout, police came with their usual trademark and chased us away.

They didnt shoot live bullets at us directly, but tear gas was directly fired at us. But since they started shooting guns, no one can tell if they will start killing us if you dont run.

We are not scared of teargas and arrest, sir. If they didnt shoot live bullets, they wouldnt be able to scatter us. We want to live to see the country we are fighting for. So, we couldnt face bullets, and that was why we ran.

But today hasnt marked the end of the protest. We will continue to protest until our demands are attended to. The most essential is the reversal of the removal of fuel subsidy, which is the major reason we are where we are now, one of the protesters told PREMIUM TIMES.

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The 10-day #EndbadGovernace protest against hunger and hardship began on 1 August nationwide and is scheduled to end today, as scheduled.

Nigerians, dissatisfied with President Bola Tinubus economic policies, have been demanding drastic solutions to the prevailing economic hardship, including a reversal of some of the policies.

This newspaper reported that the protests were suppressed by the police and other security agencies who shot at peaceful protesters and journalists during the first three days.

Amnesty International (AI) reported that over 20 persons were killed across the country during the demonstrations.

On Sunday, President Tinubu addressed the country on his policies and demanded an end to the protests. However, some Nigerians who were not appeased by the speech continued the protest.

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The Nigerian government has disassociated itself from a purported debate purportedly being planned by an organisation  Creative Africa Initiative.

The Ministry of Education said in a statement by its spokesperson, Folasade Boriowo, that the organisation had issued forged letters using the ministrys letterheads, proposing a debate on the topic: Same-Sex Marriage Should be Legalised in Nigeria, which has raised serious concerns.

The letter in question features a reference number linked to the now-defunct Basic and Secondary Education Department, which ceased to exist since June 17, 2021. Additionally, the letterhead used in the forgery displays an outdated reference number, and the font appears to have been superimposed on old letterhead paper, part of the statement reads.

PREMIUM TIMES couldnt independently identify the group or organisation as of the time of filing this report.

However, Ms Boriowo told our reporter on the phone on Saturday afternoon that the letters printed on forged letter heads were circulated and sent to education commissioners across some states.

She said the education ministry has involved the security agencies including the State Security Services (SSS) to track down the individuals behind it.

The statement reads in part: The Federal Ministry of Education categorically denies any involvement with the Creative Africa Initiative or the purported debate it seeks to promote.

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We urge all stakeholders to disregard the fake communication and await official announcements from the Ministry regarding future debates and other educational initiatives.

Nigerias anti-gay marriage law

Nigeria currently has a 2014 law that outlaws same-sex marriage and anyone convicted under the law faces up to 14 years in jail.

The public show of same-sex intimate affection is also outlawed and offenders may be jailed for up to 10 years, according to the law.

The proposed debate topic is highly sensitive and contrary to the cultural and religious values upheld by the majority of Nigerians, as well as to extant Nigerian laws. The Ministry emphasises that this debate could potentially disrupt public peace and societal norms, leading to unnecessary tension and division, the statement added.

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The pertinent question is: Why are there still colonies almost eighty years after the establishment of the United Nations? What are the obstacles and challenges confronting or preventing their independence? Could it be due to the fact the powers administering these colonies, like Britain, France, and USA, are world powers? If yes, what about Morocco? Or are the colonised peoples satisfied with their colonial status? If yes, why? If no, why have their struggles for independence not yielded the desired results?

It will be surprising, if not shocking, to many that in todays world, where human rights, democracy, self-determination, and development are some of the major aspects of the rhetoric of the United Nations (UN), European Union (EU), and African Union (AU), there are still, at least, sixty-one colonies.

Australia controls six of these colonies; Demark, two; Netherlands, two; France, sixteen; New Zealand, three; Norway, three; Britain, fifteen; and US, fourteen. Sixteen others are disputed. They are Antarctica, Bajo Nuevo Bank (Petrel Islands), Paracel Islands, Serranilla Bank, Spratly Islands, Western Sahara, West Bank, and Gaza Strip (Palestine).

The UN, as at 14 August, 2023, officially recognised the existence of seventeen colonies, which it euphemistically calls Non-Self-Governing Territories (NSGTs). These are American Samoa, Anguilla, Bermuda, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Island, Montserrat, Turks and Caicos Islands, and the United States Virgin Islands. All these are located in the Caribbean. Falkland Islands and Saint Helena are located in the South Atlantic Ocean. French Polynesia, Guam, New Caledonia, Pitcairn, and Tokelau are in Oceania. Gibraltar is in the Iberian Peninsula, and Western Sahara is located in North Africa.

Britain, France and the United States (US), all veto-wielding Permanent Members of the UN Security Council, control or administer most of these seventeen colonies. Britain controls ten; the US, three; France, two; while New Zealand and Morocco control one each.

However, the UN did not list Morocco as the occupying or colonising power in Western Sahara (WS), which is a former Spanish colony. Spain was forced to withdraw from WS in 1975, partly due to the protracted armed struggles of the Sahrawi people. The withdrawal went hand-in-hand with the invasion and occupation of WS by Moroccan and Mauritanian troops in 1975.

The UN Special Committee on Decolonisation (UNSCD), made up of twenty-nine members, is charged with the task of the: Implementation of the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples. On 20 June, 2022, the UNSCD issued a decision concerning Puerto Rico, which affirmed: the inalienable right of the people of Puerto Rico to self-determination and independence and calling again upon the United States to assume its responsibility to promote a process to those ends.

On 27 February, 1976, the WS people, led by the POLISARIO Front, formally declared independence, and proclaimed WS as the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR). The International Court of Justice (IJC), in 1975, declared that neither Morocco nor Mauritania has any sovereign right over WS. Whereas Mauritania withdrew its forces in 1979, Morocco still stubbornly persists in occupying WS. This is so, despite the IJC ruling, the Organisation of African Unity (now AU) official recognition, and admission of WS as a full member in 1984. The European Union Court of Justice ruled in 2016 that WS is not part of Morocco. With the exception of US, most countries do not recognise Moroccos sovereignty over WS.

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The UN Special Committee on Decolonisation (UNSCD), made up of twenty-nine members, is charged with the task of the: Implementation of the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples. On 20 June, 2022, the UNSCD issued a decision concerning Puerto Rico, which affirmed: the inalienable right of the people of Puerto Rico to self-determination and independence and calling again upon the United States to assume its responsibility to promote a process to those ends.

The UNSCD equally: supported a process enabling the Puerto Rican people to take decisions in a sovereign manner, to address their urgent economic and social needs, including unemployment, marginalisation, insolvency and poverty and urged the United States Government to complete the return of all lands occupied by its military forces in the territory to the people of Puerto Rico.

Puerto Rico is a small, but economically and culturally rich Caribbean nation, with a 2021 population of 3.264 million people. It was first invaded and colonised by the Spanish in 1493. The second colonisation was by the US in July 1898. Since 1493, Puerto Ricans have been struggling for their independence. They have been resisting different attempts by the US to Americanise them. Rather, they demand that US should completely withdrawal from their territory.

The UNSCD, as part of its basic responsibilities for maintaining international peace and security, monitors the administration of the colonies/NSGTs, and gives reports of the progress they are making towards eventual self-determination. It has been encouraging and supporting the NSGTs peoples efforts towards independence. This is despite the fact that Britain, France, and US are members of the Security Council.

The pertinent question is: Why are there still colonies almost eighty years after the establishment of the United Nations? What are the obstacles and challenges confronting or preventing their independence? Could it be due to the fact the powers administering these colonies, like Britain, France, and USA, are world powers? If yes, what about Morocco? Or are the colonised peoples satisfied with their colonial status? If yes, why? If no, why have their struggles for independence not yielded the desired results? Or is it because the rest of humanity has forgotten them? If yes, why? If no, then, what is to be done to assist the UN to hasten the decolonisation of the remaining colonies?

To answer the foregoing questions, and assist the UN in its decolonisation tasks, Nigerias Society for International Relations Awareness (SIRA)  a non-governmental international relations think tank, with a core mandate to provide public enlightenment and awareness on international issues  is organising a conference from 12-13 August at the Top Rank Hotels, Utako, Abuja. The appropriate theme is: The Forgotten Peoples: International Conference to Decolonise the World.

The Conferences Opening Address will be presented by Oscar Lopez Riveria and Edwin Cortes, former political prisoners who spent 38 and 14 years respectively in American prisons. The Keynote Address will be delivered by Ambassador Oubi Bachir of the POLISARIO Liberation Movement and former Dean of the Diplomatic Corps in Nigeria. Also, twelve papers are to be presented and a Programme of Action teased out as a working document for further engagements.

The conference will be chaired by Professor Ibrahim Gambari (CFR)  former UNICEF president, ex-Nigeria Foreign Affairs Minister, last chair of the UN Special Committee Against Apartheid and, erstwhile UN Special Envoy on Cyprus, Zimbabwe and Myanmar.

SIRA says its objectives are: to bring global searchlight on a critical but unfinished work of the UN decolonisation programme; conduct critical and in-depth expert interrogation of the dynamics that had ensured the decolonisation of more than 80 former colonies; and highlight the factors and forces that have seemingly hobbled the decolonisation of the remaining territories, amongst others.

The conference is bringing together diverse participants, including stakeholders and representatives of some of the colonies/NSGTs, diplomats, scholars, journalists and lawyers. Also, researchers with identifiable expertise in the subject matter, groups in civil society interested in human rights and democracy, and retired academics, military officers, and civil servants, have been invited to participate in the conference.

The Conferences Opening Address will be presented by Oscar Lopez Riveria and Edwin Cortes, former political prisoners who spent 38 and 14 years respectively in American prisons. The Keynote Address will be delivered by Ambassador Oubi Bachir of the POLISARIO Liberation Movement and former Dean of the Diplomatic Corps in Nigeria. Also, twelve papers are to be presented and a Programme of Action teased out as a working document for further engagements.

SIRA, by organising the conference, is drawing the attention of humanity to the fact that there are still colonies in the world and that these should be totally decolonised.

But some are also warning of the imminent dangers of re-colonisation of Africa! A paper on this is coming up at the SIRA gathering. This Conference may serve as a wakeup call for humanity to totally decolonise the world.

Ahmed Aminu-Ramatu Yusuf worked as deputy director, Cabinet Affairs Office, The Presidency, and retired as General Manager (Administration), Nigerian Meteorological Agency, (NiMet). Email: aaramatuyusuf@yahoo.com

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Gunmen in Delta State, South-south Nigeria, have released Joan Mrakpor, a former federal lawmaker from the state.

Mrs Mrakpor, an evangelist and politician, was released late Friday night after 11 days in captivity, Leadership newspaper reported.

The Police spokesperson in the state, Bright Edafe, has also confirmed to PREMIUM TIMES her release.

Police PRO, SP Bright Edafe, has just officially confirmed Rt. Hon. Joan Onyemaechi (Ada-Anioma) has been released by her abductors, he said in a message sent to our reporter on Saturday morning.

Mr Edafe, a police superintendent, promised to provide details of her release.

The former lawmaker was abducted on 30 July at her church premises along DBS Road in Asaba.

The gunmen shot dead a police officer attached to her and another person while several people sustained injuries during the attack, according to Leadership newspaper.

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It is not clear if money was paid for her release as her abductors earlier demanded N1 billion ransom.

Mrs Mrakpor is a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), in Delta State.

She was elected into the Delta House of Assembly, representing Aniocha South Constituency for two terms from 2007 to 2015. She later represented Aniocha North-Aniocha South-Oshimili North-Oshimili South in the House of Representatives 2015.

She recently resigned from her appointment as commissioner for technical education in the state to pave the way for her brother to emerge as the next local government chairperson in her Local Government Area, Aniocha South, after leaders raised concerns about her family holding two political positions.

You are now seeing a former commissioner. I have resigned my appointment, she told congregants at her church in Asaba, Daily Trust reported.

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Governor Alex Otti of Abia has clarified the nagging issues surrounding some deductions in the salaries of some civil servants in the state.

Mr Otti spoke at the Government House, Umuahia, on Friday night during his monthly media interaction with journalists.

He said that the government had conducted investigations in response to complaints by some civil servants about salary deductions.

Mr Otti said that the investigation revealed that the difference was caused by the migration from the use of the 2018/2019 tax rate to the current tax rate in deducting taxes from salaries.

A lot of people who felt their salaries were being reduced, when we investigated those complaints, we found that what actually happened was that before now an old tax rate was being applied.

The 2018/2019 tax rate was being applied and there was a 2021/2022 tax law, which of course, has come into effect.

I find it difficult to accept that somebody is pinching salaries, then how do you even do it, because the money leaves the account of the state and hits the account of the beneficiary.

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So, at what point would somebody deduct the salaries, and if you deduct, where do you take it to?

The governor also said that the government had investigated the complaint about salary disparity in some local government areas of the state and we found that it is not true.

Mr Otti also attributed the development to tax deductions, using the current rate.

He said that the government had evolved a policy that allows the payment of an overtime allowance to a civil servant who performs overtime duties at the governments request.

He said: If you were getting paid overtime and you were getting some overtime, now the government says you are not supposed to work overtime.

Except if there is need for that and it is the government that would ask you to do that.

I think that is what people are mistaking for salary being deducted.

On minimum wage, Mr Otti said that the government had set up a committee to look into the issue as it awaited more clarifications from the federal government on the matter.

He said: You know the minimum wage announcement was just about the minimum wage of N70,000.

What that means is that every other persons salary would go up.

So, it is not just going to be minimum wage for civil servants. Every other salary would be adjusted accordingly.

According to him, the government and the Nigerian Labour Congress are already interfacing to work out a solution that would be practicable and within the states resources.

Mr Otti said that the government had placed the issue of the new minimum wage on the front burner.

As we even prepare for a review of the budget after the virement, we are already making provisions for increase of salaries on the basis of the new minimum wage, he said.

The governor also spoke on how Abias share of the federal governments trucks of rice was distributed to the people.

He said the government resolved to share the palliative among the poorest of the poor in society and workers in the lowest rung of the civil service ladder.

(NAN)

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The Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide says there is no leadership tussle in the group following the recent death of its President-General, Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu.

The National Publicity Secretary of the Igbo socio-cultural group, Alex Ogbonnia, disclosed this on Friday in Enugu, stressing that such speculation by a section of the media was untrue.

There is no leadership row or tussle in Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide at present and there is not likely to be one in the near future, Mr Ogbonnia said.

He said the groups National Executive Committee (NEC), comprising erudite scholars, technocrats and veterans of diverse fields, was already seamlessly carrying out the functions of the organisation.

This is being done seamlessly on a daily basis by the appropriate structures under the administrative competence of the Secretary-General, Okey Emuchay.

Iwuanyanwu passed quietly on July 25 and it is very ill-advised and strange for an Igbo to begin to claim the position of the president general of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, even when the burial committee for Iwuanyanwu is yet to be constituted.

There is a letter in circulation that Dr Jackson Omenazu was nominated or selected to replace late Joel Kroham, who until his death was the Deputy President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo.

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However, such a letter was not made available to the NEC of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, he said.

Mr Ogbonnia added that it would be insensitive and inconceivable for the NEC to adopt a replacement for Mr Kroham based on a mere letter from Rivers State.

He said this was especially true for many of them, who were very ambivalent and sceptical about their Igboness.

He stressed that Mr Omenazu had the right to pursue his interests as the president general of Ohanaeze Ndigbo in January 2025 without bringing Ohanaeze Ndigbo into disrepute.

(NAN)

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ISLAMABAD, Aug. 10 (Xinhua) -- The Global Civilization Initiative (GCI) is a key pillar in China's vision for a community with a shared future for mankind and would be significant in fostering global peace, cooperation, and mutual respect and dialogue among civilizations, Pakistani experts have said.

The experts shared these views on Friday during a seminar on GCI here at the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI), an Islamabad-based think-think.

Addressing the seminar, Sohail Mahmood, former foreign secretary of Pakistan and director general of the ISSI, said that the Global Development Initiative (GDI), the Global Security Initiative (GSI), and GCI represented an alternative vision for global governance and human progress.

Inspired by Chinese wisdom and principles of peaceful coexistence, the GCI focuses on respect for diversity, mutual learning, innovation, and people-to-people exchanges.

Additionally, Masood Khalid, Pakistan's former Ambassador to China, reflected on China's integrated approach to global governance through the three initiatives.

He stressed that these initiatives offer strategic guidance for building a global community with a shared future, embracing changes, and addressing challenges faced by humanity.

Khalid emphasized Pakistan's steadfast support for the Chinese initiatives, acknowledging the deep-rooted and mutually beneficial relationship between the two countries. 
Governor Alex Otti of Abia has said that the state government will soon make a pronouncement on a new retirement age for nurses in the state from 60 years to 65 years.

Mr Otti said this on Friday night at the Government House, Umuahia, during his monthly interactive session with journalists.

He said the measure was part of the governments resolve to revamp the health sector, being one of the priority areas of his administration.

He said that the government had already extended the retirement age of teachers from 60 years to 65 years.

Also, the governor said that the government had concluded arrangements to set up a state-of-the-art medical city.

Mr Otti said that the project committee had been established, and the location had already been identified.

He said the government would collaborate with two groups of international medical missions, namely, Extended Hands and Lifted Hands organisations, to realise the project.

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We are committing everything to it because it is going to be one of our signature projects.

The whole idea is to reverse medical tourists into Abia, Otti said.

He further said that the government under his watch had so far been able to operate without borrowing any money.

According to him, the government has quite a few offers that are tempting, and we believe that at the appropriate time, we will access them.

We are working on African Development Bank and Islamic Development Bank Group facilities.

The terms are generous and we believe that when we need them we will be able to access any of them.

I can say that the state of the state is healthy, but we will continue to keep our eye on the ball, the governor said.

He also spoke on the modest achievements so far made in different sectors of the state, including agriculture.

He said the government had successfully recovered the palm, rubber, cocoa, and other plantations that previous administrations had concessioned to private individuals.

The governor thanked the states residents for their support and urged them to continue contributing to building a new Abia.

(NAN)

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MA lawmakers blink on erase-and-replace bills amid heavy resistance from national Italian American coalition.

BOSTON, Aug. 10, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Two bills that were advancing through the Massachusetts House and Senate, seeking to replace Columbus Day with Indigenous Peoples' Day, are now all but dead-on-arrival thanks to a viral petition spearheaded by affiliates of the Conference of Presidents of Major Italian American Organizations (COPOMIAO), a national coalition of prominent cultural, educational, fraternal, and anti-defamation groups.

Four years ago, Boston's Columbus statue was beheaded in the city's North End during civic unrest. This week, Massachusetts' Columbus Day holiday was preserved thanks to a viral petition letter distributed to the MA House Committee on Steering, Policy and Scheduling. (Photo credit: Knights of Columbus)

COPOMIAO President Basil M. Russo, along with Tom Damigella of the Italian American Alliance and Andre DiMino of the Italian American One Voice Coalition, led the grassroots effort, which inundated lawmakers' email inboxes with petitions.

"We support mutual respect among all ethnicities and races, but this type of erase-and-replace legislation  which is resonating less and less with a majority of Americans  unfairly pits one group against another," said Russo. "We want an equitable solution for all, and we'll continue with our successful advocacy and legal efforts to help achieve a compromise."

A Legal Reckoning

This past April, in a landmark 7-0 appeal decision, the Commonwealth Court of Pennsylvania revived a lawsuit aimed at blocking Pittsburgh City Hall's decision to remove a local Columbus statue. In a 24-page opinion, the court reprimanded Pittsburgh's attempt to uproot the statue, writing that city hall does not have "'free reign' to act as it pleases in defiance of the law."

Philadelphia litigator George Bochetto filed the lawsuit, and subsequent appeal, on behalf of the Italian Sons and Daughters of America (a COPOMIAO affiliate organization). The reinstated suit will now go back before Judge John T. McVay, Jr. of the Allegheny County Court of Common Pleas "for further factfinding and decision," per the opinion.

In December 2022, the Commonwealth Court of Pennsylvania  in a separate lawsuit  sided with Bochetto when it blocked Philadelphia's former mayor from removing the city's 148-year-old Columbus statue from a public plaza. In that decision, Judge Paula Patrick wrote: "It is baffling to this court as to how the City of Philadelphia wants to remove the Statue without any legal basis. The city's entire argument and case is devoid of any legal foundation."

Columbus' History

In 1892, U.S. President Benjamin Harrison organized the first national Columbus Day parade in New York City to ease a diplomatic crisis between the U.S. and Italy, which surfaced a year prior when the largest lynch mob ever to assemble on American soil murdered 11 innocent Italian immigrants in the streets of New Orleans.

Given the massive success of President Harrison's NYC parade (attended by more than one million people), Italian Americans built Columbus statues across the U.S. through the 1900s to help fuel their assimilation. Today, the holiday honors Italian American pride and heritage.

Over the past two years, Russo and his Italian American peers have worked directly with White House officials to develop Columbus Day proclamations that explore the history behind the holiday.

See the 2022 and 2023 Columbus Day Proclamations for further context.

An Equitable Way Forward

COPOMIAO suggests that the day after Thanksgiving be recognized as Native American Heritage Day and that the entire month of November be celebrated as Native American Heritage Month, as is already declared by proclamation by the U.S. government. There is also the option of recognizing August 9th as Indigenous Peoples Day, which was designated by the United Nations in 1999.

"The irony is that Columbus Day was founded by President Harrison, in part, to encourage greater acceptance of immigrants in the U.S. Today, those who oppose the holiday are also fighting for marginalized groups," Russo said. "It's the same spirit of inclusivity on both sides, so there must be a 'middle ground' somewhere on this issue."

ABOUT COPOMIAO

Formed in 1975 and based in NYC, the Conference of Presidents of Major Italian American Organizations (COPOMIAO) is a coalition of 65 of the most influential, cultural, educational, fraternal and anti-defamation groups in the nation. https://copomiao.org

SOURCE The Conference of Presidents of Major Italian American Organizations
NORTH HOLLYWOOD, Calif., Aug. 10, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Daiso, the renowned global retail chain offering a wide range of affordable and unique products, is thrilled to announce the grand opening at NoHo West in North Hollywood, California on August 24th. "We are thrilled to open our store at NoHo West," said Jack Williams, Chief Retail Operations Officer for Daiso USA. "This achievement reflects the dedication and support of our customers who have embraced Daiso's unique concept and diverse product range. We are excited to provide an exceptional shopping experience to the vibrant North Hollywood community and look forward to serving our customers with the utmost care and dedication."

The new Daiso store at NoHo West encompasses 6,204 square feet and promises to be a haven for shoppers seeking quality merchandise at affordable prices. With its extensive range of products spanning various categories, including Japanese inspired home decor, stationery, food, and more, Daiso has become synonymous with accessible and innovative offerings. John Clarke, Chief Development Officer for Daiso USA says, "California based Daiso customers have shown us through our online business and social media their desire for us to have more stores within the state, influencing our immediate growth strategy in this region. We currently operate 145 units in 8 states with more states opening in 2024."

On both Saturday, August 24th and Sunday, August 25th, the first 100 customers to shop at the NoHo West location and make a minimum purchase of $30 will receive an exclusive goodie bag. These special offerings are Daiso's way of expressing gratitude to its loyal customers and welcoming new shoppers to the Daiso community.

Daiso invites customers to join in the celebration. The NoHo West Daiso, at 6130 Laurel Canyon Blvd., Suite 115, is by neighboring tenant Trader Joe's and is open Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m to 9 p.m and Sunday from 10 a.m to 8 p.m.

About Daiso:

Daiso is a global retail chain founded in Japan, known for its vast array of unique and affordable products across various categories such as household goods, stationery, beauty, and more. Daiso entered the US market in 2005 and continues to expand its global footprint while maintaining its commitment to quality, innovation, and customer satisfaction. The Daiso US headquarters is located in Anaheim, CA.

SOURCE Daiso USA
STOCKTON, Calif., Aug. 9, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Daiso, the renowned global retail chain offering a wide range of affordable and unique products, is thrilled to announce the grand opening at Park West Place in Stockton, California on August 17th. "We are thrilled to open our store at Park West Place," said Jack Williams, Chief Retail Operations Officer for Daiso USA. "This achievement reflects the dedication and support of our customers who have embraced Daiso's unique concept and diverse product range. We are excited to provide an exceptional shopping experience to the vibrant Stockton community and look forward to serving our customers with the utmost care and dedication."

The new Daiso store at Park West Place encompasses 10,163 square feet and promises to be a haven for shoppers seeking quality merchandise at affordable prices. With its extensive range of products spanning various categories, including Japanese inspired home decor, stationery, food, and more, Daiso has become synonymous with accessible and innovative offerings. John Clarke, Chief Development Officer for Daiso USA says, "California based Daiso customers have shown us through our online business and social media their desire for us to have more stores within the state, influencing our immediate growth strategy in this region. We currently operate 142 units in 8 states with more states opening in 2024".

On both Saturday, August 17th and Sunday, August 18th, the first 100 customers to shop at the Park West Place location and make a minimum purchase of $30 will receive an exclusive goodie bag. These special offerings are Daiso's way of expressing gratitude to its loyal customers and welcoming new shoppers to the Daiso community.

Daiso invites customers to join in the celebration. The Park West Place Daiso, at 10916 Trinity Pkwy, Suite A, is by neighboring tenant JOANN and is open Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m to 9 p.m and Sunday from 10 a.m to 8 p.m.

About Daiso:

Daiso is a global retail chain founded in Japan, known for its vast array of unique and affordable products across various categories such as household goods, stationery, beauty, and more. Daiso entered the US market in 2005 and continues to expand its global footprint while maintaining its commitment to quality, innovation, and customer satisfaction. The Daiso US headquarters is located in Anaheim, CA.

SOURCE Daiso USA
TUCSON, Ariz., Aug. 9, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Daiso, the renowned global retail chain offering a wide range of affordable and unique products, is thrilled to announce the grand opening at Ventana Village in Tucson, Arizona on August 31st. "We are thrilled to open our store at Ventana Village," said Jack Williams, Chief Retail Operations Officer for Daiso USA. "This achievement reflects the dedication and support of our customers who have embraced Daiso's unique concept and diverse product range. We are excited to provide an exceptional shopping experience to the vibrant Tucson community and look forward to serving our customers with the utmost care and dedication."

The new Daiso store at Ventana Village encompasses 9,927 square feet and promises to be a haven for shoppers seeking quality merchandise at affordable prices. With its extensive range of products spanning various categories, including Japanese inspired home decor, stationery, food, and more, Daiso has become synonymous with accessible and innovative offerings. John Clarke, Chief Development Officer for Daiso USA says, "Arizona based Daiso customers have shown us through our online business and social media their desire for us to have more stores within the state, influencing our immediate growth strategy in this region. We currently operate 142 units in 8 states with more states opening in 2024."

On both Saturday, August 31st and Sunday, September 1st, the first 100 customers to shop at the Ventana Village location and make a minimum purchase of $30 will receive an exclusive goodie bag. These special offerings are Daiso's way of expressing gratitude to its loyal customers and welcoming new shoppers to the Daiso community.

Daiso invites customers to join in the celebration. The Ventana Village Daiso, at 6884 E Sunrise Dr., Suite 150, is open Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m to 9 p.m and Sunday from 10 a.m to 8 p.m.

About Daiso:

Daiso is a global retail chain founded in Japan, known for its vast array of unique and affordable products across various categories such as household goods, stationery, beauty, and more. Daiso entered the US market in 2005 and continues to expand its global footprint while maintaining its commitment to quality, innovation, and customer satisfaction. The Daiso US headquarters is located in Anaheim, CA.

SOURCE Daiso USA
MESA, Ariz., Aug. 9, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Starting a business in Mesa, Arizona, has never been more accessible, thanks to a robust network of resources designed to support local entrepreneurs. From the Small Business Administration (SBA) and Small Business Development Centers (SBDC) to state-specific programs, new business owners can tap into invaluable guidance, financing options, and strategic marketing assistance.

For more information, please visit the link at https://mesa-seo.onlineadvantages.net/starting-a-new-business-in-mesa-arizona-here-are-some-small-business-resources-that-you-can-use/

Arizona offers a wide range of grants, microloans, and investment opportunities tailored to support startups and small businesses. Entrepreneurs can also leverage local directories and Arizona's business site to boost their online visibility, enhancing search engine optimization with the help of services like Online Advantages Mesa SEO.

In today's digital age, businesses must have a strong online presence to succeed. That's where Online Advantages Mesa SEO comes in. This premier full-service digital marketing agency, founded by Matt Maglodi, specializes in a comprehensive suite of online marketing services. These include advanced SEO optimization, cutting-edge website design and development, strategic PPC advertising, and impactful social media marketing. With over a decade of experience in the field, Maglodi is a leading expert dedicated to helping businesses enhance their online visibility and drive growth through tailored strategies that deliver measurable results.

But it's not just about digital marketing. Entrepreneurs need support and resources to navigate the legal and financial landscape as well. Fortunately, Arizona's business community has them covered. The Arizona Commerce Authority and the Industrial Commission of Arizona offer vital guidance on licensing, tax compliance, and employment laws. And with a vibrant business community, there are numerous networking events and workshops available to help business owners sharpen their skills in marketing, finance, and human resources.

For businesses looking to expand online, Arizona also offers tools and training for e-commerce, helping local companies reach global markets. Whether through legal advice, tax planning, or cash flow management, Arizona's small business resources ensure that entrepreneurs have the support they need to thrive in a competitive market.

Entrepreneurs are encouraged to take advantage of these resources by visiting their local SBA or SBDC office, enrolling in workshops, and engaging with the community. By tapping into these resources, business owners can maximize their chances of success.

Starting a new business in Mesa, Arizona? Don't go it alone. Discover the essential resources available to help you thrive. From comprehensive digital marketing services to guidance on navigating the legal and financial landscape, Arizona has everything you need for success. So why wait? Visit your local SBA or SBDC office today and start building your business with the support of a strong community.

About Online Advantages

Online Advantages Mesa SEO is a premier full-service digital marketing agency known for its innovative and results-driven approach. Founded by Matt Maglodi, a leading expert with over a decade of experience in the digital marketing field, the agency specializes in a comprehensive suite of online marketing services. These include advanced SEO optimization, cutting-edge website design and development, strategic PPC advertising, and impactful social media marketing. Serving business clients across the country, Online Advantages Mesa SEO is dedicated to enhancing online visibility and driving growth through tailored strategies that deliver measurable results.

SOURCE Online Advantages Mesa SEO
NEW ORLEANS, La., Aug. 9, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- ClaimsFiler, a FREE shareholder information service, reminds investors that they have until August 19, 2024 to file lead plaintiff applications in a securities class action lawsuit against NIKE, Inc. (NYSE: NKE). This action is pending in the United States District Court for the District of Oregon.

Get Help

NIKE investors should visit us at https://claimsfiler.com/cases/nyse-nke-1/ or call toll-free (844) 367-9658. Lawyers at Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC are available to discuss your legal options.

About the Lawsuit

NIKE and certain of its executives are charged with failing to disclose material information during the Class Period, violating federal securities laws.

On March 21, 2024, the Company released its 3Q2024 financial results, disclosing a 3% year-over-year decline in revenue in its Europe, Middle East, and Africa segment, a 3% year-over-year decline in NIKE Digital revenue, and scant quarterly revenue growth of approximately 0.4% year-over-year in NIKE Direct. On this news, the price of NIKE Class B shares fell $6.96 per share, or nearly 7%, from a close of $100.82 per share on March 21, 2024, to close at $93.86 per share on March 22, 2024.

The case is City Pension Fund for Firefighters and Police Officers in the City of Pembroke Pines v. NIKE, Inc., et al., 24-cv-00974.

About ClaimsFiler

ClaimsFiler has a single mission: to serve as the information source to help retail investors recover their share of billions of dollars from securities class action settlements. At ClaimsFiler.com, investors can: (1) register for free to gain access to information and settlement websites for various securities class action cases so they can timely submit their own claims; (2) upload their portfolio transactional data to be notified about relevant securities cases in which they may have a financial interest; and (3) submit inquiries to the Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC law firm for free case evaluations.

To learn more about ClaimsFiler, visit www.claimsfiler.com.

SOURCE ClaimsFiler
BEIRUT, Aug. 10 (Xinhua) -- Hezbollah attacked on Saturday an Israeli base located southwest of Safed city in northern Israel with successive swarms of suicide drones, causing injuries among its members.

"On Saturday, the Islamic Resistance fighters launched an air attack with swarms of suicide drones on the Michve Allon base," Hezbollah said in a statement.

"This base includes a gathering of forces and emergency warehouses for the Northern Corps located southwest of Safed, so it targeted the locations of its officers and soldiers and directly hit them, causing confirmed injuries," it said, noting that the attack was a response to the assassination of a Hamas official in a raid in the southern Lebanese city of Sidon on Friday.

An Israeli drone strike killed the Hamas official, Samer al-Hajj, on Friday at the eastern entrance to the city of Sidon, deep in southern Lebanon.

Meanwhile, the Lebanese military sources, who spoke anonymously, told Xinhua that Israeli drones and warplanes carried out ten airstrikes on six villages and towns during the day in the border area of southern Lebanon, injuring three civilians and destroying 18 homes.

A state of anticipation and caution prevails in Lebanon following Israel's attack on Dahieh in Beirut's southern suburbs, killing Hezbollah senior military commander Fouad Shokor. Hezbollah Secretary-General Hassan Nasrallah has threatened retaliation. 
CHARLOTTE, N.C., Aug. 9, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Online Advantages, a leading full-service digital marketing agency, is proud to announce its proven SEO strategies for accounting firms. With a decade of experience in the digital marketing field, Online Advantages has developed a comprehensive suite of online marketing services to help businesses across the country enhance their online visibility and drive growth.

To learn more, please visit this link. https://onlineadvantages.net/seo-for-accounting-firms-does-it-work-and-what-do-i-need-to-know/

As the world becomes increasingly digital, it has become essential for accounting firms to establish a strong online presence. However, with so many firms competing in the online space, it can be challenging to stand out and reach the target audience. This is where Online Advantages comes in, with its innovative and results-driven approach to digital marketing.

"Our mission at Online Advantages is to help businesses succeed in the digital landscape. We understand the unique challenges faced by accounting firms and have tailored our services to meet their specific needs," said Matt Maglodi, founder of Online Advantages. "Our team of experts has the knowledge and experience to deliver effective SEO strategies that drive measurable results for accounting firms."

SEO, or search engine optimization, is the process of optimizing a website to rank higher in search engine results pages. This has become increasingly important as most consumers rely on search engines like Google to find products and services. By implementing SEO strategies, accounting firms can improve their online visibility, attract more potential clients, and ultimately grow their business.

One of the key advantages of working with Online Advantages is their advanced SEO optimization techniques. The agency stays on top of the ever-changing search engine algorithms and uses the latest strategies to help clients rank higher in search results. This includes keyword research, on-page optimization, backlinking, and more.

In addition to SEO, Online Advantages also offers cutting-edge website design and development services. A well-designed and user-friendly website is crucial for converting website visitors into clients. The agency's team of designers and developers creates custom and responsive websites that not only look great but also drive conversions.

To reach a wider audience, Online Advantages also provides strategic PPC (pay-per-click) advertising services. With carefully planned campaigns, accounting firms can target potential clients and drive them to their website. The agency also offers social media marketing services to help firms engage with their audience and build brand awareness.

"We are excited to empower accounting firms with our proven SEO strategies and other digital marketing services. Our goal is to help them reach their full potential and achieve their business objectives," added Maglodi.

For more information on Online Advantages and their services, please visit https://onlineadvantages.net/. Take the first step towards enhancing your online presence today!

About Online Advantages

Online Advantages is a premier full-service digital marketing agency known for its innovative and results-driven approach. Founded by Matt Maglodi, a leading expert with over a decade of experience in the digital marketing field, the agency specializes in a comprehensive suite of online marketing services. These include advanced SEO optimization, cutting-edge website design and development, strategic PPC advertising, and impactful social media marketing. Serving business clients across the country, Online Advantages is dedicated to enhancing online visibility and driving growth through tailored strategies that deliver measurable results.

SOURCE Online Advantages
RADNOR, Pa., Aug. 10, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The law firm of Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP (www.ktmc.com) informs investors that a securities class action lawsuit has been against Roblox Corporation ("Roblox") (NYSE: RBLX). The action charges Roblox with violations of the federal securities laws, including omissions and fraudulent misrepresentations relating to the company's business, operations, and prospects. As a result of Roblox's materially misleading statements and omissions to the public, Roblox's investors have suffered significant losses. The lead plaintiff deadline is August 12, 2024.

If you suffered Roblox losses, you may CLICK HERE or go to: https://www.ktmc.com/new-cases/roblox-corporation?utm_source=PR&utm_medium=link&utm_campaign=rblx&mktm=r

Please CLICK HERE to view our video or copy and paste this link into your browser: https://youtu.be/KwIsAM7ucQo

You can also contact attorney Jonathan Naji, Esq. of Kessler Topaz by calling (484) 270-1453 or by email at [email protected].

DEFENDANTS' ALLEGED MISCONDUCT

In November 2023, Roblox provided investors with material information concerning the company's expected revenue for the first quarter of 2024 and fiscal year 2024. This was the first time Roblox offered earnings and revenue guidance to its investors since the company went public in 2021. Roblox's statements included, among other things, that Roblox expected $4.14 billion to $4.28 billion of "bookings" in fiscal year 2024reflecting 25%-27% annual growthand $3.3 billion to $3.4 billion annual revenue.

Then on February 7, 2024, during an earnings call, Roblox reiterated its first quarter 2024 and fiscal year 2024 earnings projections as well as its strength in its new technology and digital economy.

On May 9, 2024, Roblox reported its financial results for the first quarter of 2024 and provided updated guidance. Among other things, Roblox advised that the company expects bookings revenue of $870 million to $900 million for the second quarter of 2024, compared to analyst expectations of $929 million, and bookings revenue of $4 billion to $4.1 billion for the full year, significantly lower than the Roblox's earlier forecast of $4.14 billion to $4.28 billion.

On this news, Roblox's stock price fell $8.61 per share, or 22.06%, to close at $30.42 per share on May 9, 2024.

WHAT CAN I DO?

Roblox investors may, no later than August 12, 2024, seek to be appointed as a lead plaintiff representative of the class through Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP or other counsel, or may choose to do nothing and remain an absent class member. Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP encourages Roblox investors who have suffered significant losses to contact the firm directly to acquire more information. The class action complaint against Roblox, Li v. Roblox Corp., et al., Case No. 24-cv-03484, is filed in the United States District Court for the Norther District of California.

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR THE CASE OR GO TO: https://www.ktmc.com/new-cases/roblox-corporation?utm_source=PR&utm_medium=link&utm_campaign=rblx&mktm=r

WHO CAN BE A LEAD PLAINTIFF?

A lead plaintiff is a representative party who acts on behalf of all class members in directing the litigation. The lead plaintiff is usually the investor or small group of investors who have the largest financial interest and who are also adequate and typical of the proposed class of investors. The lead plaintiff selects counsel to represent the lead plaintiff and the class and these attorneys, if approved by the court, are lead or class counsel. Your ability to share in any recovery is not affected by the decision of whether or not to serve as a lead plaintiff.

ABOUT KESSLER TOPAZ MELTZER & CHECK, LLP

Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP prosecutes class actions in state and federal courts throughout the country and around the world. The firm has developed a global reputation for excellence and has recovered billions of dollars for victims of fraud and other corporate misconduct. All of our work is driven by a common goal: to protect investors, consumers, employees and others from fraud, abuse, misconduct and negligence by businesses and fiduciaries. The complaint in this action was not filed by Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP. For more information about Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP please visit www.ktmc.com.

CONTACT:

Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP

Jonathan Naji, Esq.

(484) 270-1453

280 King of Prussia Road

Radnor, PA 19087

[email protected]

May be considered attorney advertising in certain jurisdictions. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes.

SOURCE Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP
NEW ORLEANS, Aug. 9, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- ClaimsFiler, a FREE shareholder information service, reminds investors that they have until August 30, 2024 to file lead plaintiff applications in a securities class action lawsuit against Seritage Growth Properties ("Seritage" or the "Company") (NYSE: SRG), if they purchased the Company's securities between July 7, 2022 and May 10, 2024, inclusive (the "Class Period"). This action is pending in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York.

Get Help

Seritage investors should visit us at https://claimsfiler.com/cases/nyse-srg/ or call toll-free (844) 367-9658. Lawyers at Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC are available to discuss your legal options.

About the Lawsuit

Seritage and certain of its executives are charged with failing to disclose material information during the Class Period, violating federal securities laws.

On August 14, 2023, the Company disclosed a "material weakness" in its internal control over financial reporting "due to a deficiency in the design of our control over the identification of impairment indicators for investments in real estate and documentation of evidence of review" related "to the failure to identify potential indicators of impairment related to development projects in a timely manner." On this news, the price of Seritage's shares fell $0.86, or 9.67%, to close at $8.03 per share on August 15, 2023, on unusually heavy trading volume.

Then, on May 10, 2024, the Company released its 1Q2024 financial results, disclosing that it was "adjusting [its] pricing projections for some of [its] assets" resulting in the gross value of the Company's portfolio of assets being reduced by at least $325 million. On this news, the price of Seritage's shares fell $2.54, or 27.3%, to close at $6.78 per share on May 13, 2024, on unusually heavy trading volume.

The case is He v. Seritage Growth Properties, et al., 24-cv-05007.

About ClaimsFiler

ClaimsFiler has a single mission: to serve as the information source to help retail investors recover their share of billions of dollars from securities class action settlements. At ClaimsFiler.com, investors can: (1) register for free to gain access to information and settlement websites for various securities class action cases so they can timely submit their own claims; (2) upload their portfolio transactional data to be notified about relevant securities cases in which they may have a financial interest; and (3) submit inquiries to the Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC law firm for free case evaluations.

To learn more about ClaimsFiler, visit www.claimsfiler.com.

SOURCE ClaimsFiler
NEW YORK, Aug. 9, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Levi & Korsinsky announces that it has commenced an investigation of Zeta Global Holdings Corp (NYSE: ZETA) concerning possible breaches of fiduciary duty. If you have been a shareholder of ZETA since at least February 23, 2022, and currently hold shares, you can obtain additional information here:

https://zlk.com/compensation2/zeta-global-holdings-corp-lawsuit-submission-form

or contact Joseph E. Levi, Esq. either via email at [email protected] or by telephone at (212) 363-7500. There is no cost or obligation to you.

Levi & Korsinsky is a nationally recognized firm with offices in New York, Connecticut, California, and Washington, D.C. The firm's attorneys have extensive expertise in prosecuting securities litigation involving financial fraud, representing investors throughout the nation in securities lawsuits and have recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for aggrieved shareholders. For more information, please feel free to contact the firm. Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes.

Levi & Korsinsky, LLP

Joseph E. Levi, Esq.

33 Whitehall Street, 17th Floor

New York, NY 10004

[email protected]

Tel: (212) 363-7500

Fax: (212) 363-7171

www.zlk.com

SOURCE Levi & Korsinsky, LLP
NEW YORK, Aug. 9, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Rosen Law Firm, a global investor rights law firm, reminds purchasers of securities of Teradata Corporation (NYSE: TDC) between February 13, 2023 and February 12, 2024, both dates inclusive (the "Class Period") of the important August 13, 2024, lead plaintiff deadline.

So what: If you purchased Teradata securities during the Class Period you may be entitled to compensation without payment of any out of pocket fees or costs through a contingency fee arrangement.

What to do next: To join the Teradata class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=26295 or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email [email protected] for information on the class action. A class action lawsuit has already been filed. If you wish to serve as lead plaintiff, you must move the Court no later than August 13, 2024. A lead plaintiff is a representative party acting on behalf of other class members in directing the litigation.

Why Rosen Law: We encourage investors to select qualified counsel with a track record of success in leadership roles. Often, firms issuing notices do not have comparable experience, resources or any meaningful peer recognition. Many of these firms do not actually litigate securities class actions, but are merely middlemen that refer clients or partner with law firms that actually litigate the cases. Be wise in selecting counsel. The Rosen Law Firm represents investors throughout the globe, concentrating its practice in securities class actions and shareholder derivative litigation. Rosen Law Firm has achieved the largest ever securities class action settlement against a Chinese Company. Rosen Law Firm was Ranked No. 1 by ISS Securities Class Action Services for number of securities class action settlements in 2017. The firm has been ranked in the top 4 each year since 2013 and has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for investors. In 2019 alone the firm secured over $438 million for investors. In 2020, founding partner Laurence Rosen was named by law360 as a Titan of Plaintiffs' Bar. Many of the firm's attorneys have been recognized by Lawdragon and Super Lawyers.

Details of the Case: According to the lawsuit, defendants made false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that: (1) under Teradata's expanded business model, which involved engagement with additional customer business units and decisionmakers, transactions with Teradata's customers took longer to finalize; (2) Teradata thus overstated its ability to close customer transactions within their intended timeframes under its expanded business model; (3) Teradata failed to timely close several customer transactions that it had factored into its outlook for 2023 Total Annual Recurring Revenue ("ARR") growth; (4) as a result, Teradata was unlikely to meet its full year 2023 Total and Public Cloud ARR expectations; and (5) as a result, Teradata's public statements were materially false and misleading at all relevant times. When the true details entered the market, the lawsuit claims that investors suffered damages.

To join the Teradata class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=26295 or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email [email protected] for information on the class action.

No Class Has Been Certified. Until a class is certified, you are not represented by counsel unless you retain one. You may select counsel of your choice. You may also remain an absent class member and do nothing at this point. An investor's ability to share in any potential future recovery is not dependent upon serving as lead plaintiff.

Follow us for updates on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-rosen-law-firm, on Twitter: https://twitter.com/rosen_firm or on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rosenlawfirm/.

Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.

Contact Information:

Laurence Rosen, Esq.

Phillip Kim, Esq.

The Rosen Law Firm, P.A.

275 Madison Avenue, 40th Floor

New York, NY 10016

Tel: (212) 686-1060

Toll Free: (866) 767-3653

Fax: (212) 202-3827

[email protected]

www.rosenlegal.com

SOURCE THE ROSEN LAW FIRM, P. A.
International First Vice President for Membership Gina Merritt-Epps, Esq. emphasized, "Zeta continues to showcase our commitment to excellence and leadership with the induction of unique and trailblazing women through undergraduate chapters, graduate chapters and honorary membership in Alpha Omega chapter. The newest members will join Zetas worldwide as we work together to advance our communities."

The induction ceremony occurred on August 10, 2024, where these remarkable individuals were officially welcomed into Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc. as Honorary Members.

Dr. Stacie NC Grant, International President and CEO, enthusiastically shared, "As the number one service organization, we are proud to extend membership to this extraordinary group of women. I welcome them to the sisterhood on behalf of all Zeta members and again welcome 2024 class members Tatyana Ali, Patrice Banks, Jaspen Boothe, Brigadier General Felicia Brokaw, Caretha Coleman, Wanda Durant, Senator Andrea Hunley, Leela James, Maimah Karmo, Dr. Dawn Morton-Rias, Perri Shakes-Drayton, Ashley Sharpton, Dominique Sharpton, Angie Stone and Representative Regina Young"

The new Honorary Members are:

Telita Crosland, a highly respected figure in military medicine, has made significant strides in improving the healthcare system for the United States Army. As a key leader, her innovative approaches to healthcare delivery have enhanced the quality and efficiency of medical services for service members. Crosland's career is marked by her ascent to high-ranking positions within the Army Medical Command, where her decisions have influenced policy and operational excellence. Crosland also earned the distinction of being the first Black Woman to serve as the Director of the Defense Health Agency (DHA). Her exemplary service and dedication to the health and well-being of military personnel reflect her deep commitment to the nation's armed forces, setting a benchmark for medical professionals everywhere. She will align her passion to the Military Appreciation Program, Women Veterans Rock!, and Zeta Organizational Leadership (ZOL) initiatives.

Yolanda "Yo-Yo" Whitaker, an internationally acclaimed rapper, actress, and entrepreneur, known for her role as a trailblazer in hip-hop. Whitaker's dynamic career is marked by her significant contributions to the music industry and her unwavering commitment to social advocacy. Whitaker is a vocal advocate for education and women's rights. Whitaker has a passion for mentoring young girls with the IBWC (Intelligent Black Women's Coalition), teaching youth about the music business with the YoYo School of Hip Hop, and educating students on How to Get A's in English Through Hip Hop as an ambassador for the National College resource Foundation and Black College Expo and Latino College Expo. Yo-Yo will support the sorority through Zetas Helping Other People Excel (Z-HOPE), and Zeta Youth Affiliates.

Treiva Williams, an entrepreneur, has made significant contributions to the business world, known for her innovative ventures and entrepreneurial spirit. With a keen eye for opportunities and a passion for creativity, Williams has established herself as a trailblazer in her industry. Committed to giving back, Williams actively engages in philanthropy, supporting initiatives focused on economic empowerment, education, and community development. Ms. Williams will support the sorority through the women's entrepreneurship initiative, Women Who Win.

As Honorary Members, these exceptional women will have the opportunity to work closely with Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. in advancing its philanthropic initiatives and promoting social welfare. Their influence and expertise will undoubtedly enhance the organization's ability to positively impact the communities it serves. Notable Honorary Members include: Annie Turnbo Malone, Maggie L. Walker, Esther Rolle, Sarah Vaughn, Julia Carson (former U.S. Rep.), Donna Edwards (former U.S. Rep.), Anita Hill, Esq., Elisabeth Omilami, Rhona Bennett, Vivica A. Fox, Samia Nkrumah, Rashida Tlaib (U.S. Rep.), Ann Nesby, Jennie Joseph, Chrisette Michele Payne, Angel McCoughtry and Roslyn Young-Daniels.

For more information about Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated and its latest Honorary Members, please visit www.zphib1920.org .

About Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated:

Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. was founded on January 16, 1920, on the campus of Howard University in Washington, D.C. The organization's principles, Scholarship, Service, Sisterhood, and Finer Womanhood, guide its members in uplifting communities and creating positive change. With a legacy of excellence, Zeta Phi Beta continues to impact lives through its diverse philanthropic efforts and dedication to empowering women worldwide.

SOURCE Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.
If you were looking for the Charlestown Democratic Town Committee website and ended up here, try this





Got news tips, gossip, suggestions, complaints?E-mail us: progressivecharlestown@gmail.com We strive to avoid errors in our articles. Our correction policy can be found here
CAIRO, Aug. 10 (Xinhua) -- Countries in the Middle East on Saturday strongly condemned deadly Israeli airstrikes launched earlier in the day on a school serving as a shelter for displaced people in Gaza City.

Israeli warplanes targeted the Al-Taba'een School in the Al-Daraj neighborhood in central Gaza City while the displaced people in the school were performing the Fajr prayer, killing at least 100 Palestinians and injuring dozens more, Palestinian medical and security sources said, adding that the victims included women and children.

Meanwhile, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said in a statement that the school compound served as a Hamas and Islamic Jihad military facility, with about 20 Hamas and Islamic Jihad militants, including senior commanders, operating there.

The IDF also expressed skepticism about the casualty numbers given by Hamas.

In a statement released Saturday, Arab League Secretary-General Ahmed Aboul-Gheit said killing displaced civilians during dawn prayers is a crime that "surpasses the usual low level of vileness and unscrupulousness of the Israeli army."

He called on the international community to exert real pressure on Israel to negotiate seriously for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and a prisoner swap deal.

The Egyptian Foreign Ministry said in a statement on Saturday that Israel's deliberate killing of so many unarmed civilians, whenever mediators intensified efforts to reach a ceasefire in Gaza, is "conclusive evidence of the absence of political will on the part of the Israeli side to end this fierce war."

On Friday, Egypt, Qatar and the United States, three mediators in the current Israel-Hamas conflict, issued a joint statement urging both parties to resume talks in Cairo or Doha on Aug. 15 and finalize a ceasefire agreement at an early date.

Qatar's Foreign Ministry also strongly condemned the Israeli bombing of the school, calling for the dispatch of independent UN investigators to probe the ongoing targeting by Israeli forces of schools and shelters for displaced people.

Also on Saturday, the Lebanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Emigrants called the "systematic indiscriminate shelling by the Israeli occupation army and the killing of children and civilians" in Gaza "clear evidence of the Israeli government's disregard for the provisions of international law and international humanitarian law."

"The continued crimes against the Palestinians, and the deliberate killing of these huge numbers of civilians, provide conclusive evidence of Israel's intention to prolong the war and expand its scope," the ministry said in a statement, calling on the international community and the concerned parties to "take a unified, serious, and effective international position."

Jordan's Foreign Ministry also condemned the Israeli attacks on the Gaza school, calling the attacks a blatant violation of international law, and a continuation of Israel's systematic targeting of civilians and displacement shelters.

In a statement, the ministry's spokesperson Sufian Qudah said the attacks indicate the Israeli government's intention to obstruct and thwart efforts by the mediators to resume negotiations on a deal leading to a permanent ceasefire.

Qudah urged the international community, particularly the UN Security Council (UNSC), to take the responsibility to immediately stop the Israeli aggression on Gaza, halt the continuous Israeli violations of international law, and hold those behind the attacks accountable.

In a statement, the Iraqi Foreign Ministry strongly condemned the "barbaric" Israeli attacks on the Gaza school, saying Israel's repeated attacks that led to the mass killing of civilians constitute a "flagrant violation" of all international norms and conventions and show the country's disregard for international initiatives aimed at stopping the aggression on Gaza.

Calling Israel's attacks on the Gaza school a "heinous massacre," the Syrian Foreign Ministry said in a statement that Israel's continuous actions for over 10 months constitute crimes of genocide, and are unstoppable due to protection from the West.

"Syria ... reaffirms that the Israeli regime's continued bloodshed of innocents in Palestine, Lebanon, and Syria will only strengthen the resolve of the people in this region to resist and retaliate against its crimes, despite the extensive Western support it receives," the statement said, reaffirming Syria's unwavering support for the Palestinian cause and their legitimate rights.

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Nasser Kanaani described the attacks on the Gaza school as "brutal," a clear instance of Israel's simultaneous perpetration of "genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity," and a flagrant instance of a threat against global peace and security.

The attacks once again proved that Israel is not committed to any international laws and regulations as well as moral and humanitarian principles, Kanaani said, calling on regional countries to take "decisive and firm" actions to support the Palestinians and on the UNSC to take immediate and effective actions against Israel's behaviors based on the UN Charter.

Israel has been launching a large-scale offensive against Hamas in the Gaza Strip to retaliate against a Hamas rampage through the southern Israeli border on Oct. 7, 2023, during which about 1,200 people were killed and about 250 were taken hostage.

The Palestinian death toll from ongoing Israeli attacks on the Gaza Strip has risen to 39,790, Gaza-based health authorities said in a statement on Saturday. 
Paris, Aug 10 : French President Emmanuel Macron has reaffirmed France's support for a ceasefire in Gaza aimed at freeing all hostages, protecting Gazans, and delivering large-scale humanitarian aid, the Elysee Palace has said.

Macron made these remarks during telephone conversations on Thursday and Friday with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Xinhua news agency reported.

During the phone discussions, Macron and the two Arab leaders agreed to continue working towards a lasting and credible solution to the crisis, based on the two-state solution.

The French leader reiterated France's commitment to collaborating with its partners in the Arab League, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, and the international community to define a political framework that would restore peace and security to the region.
Male, Aug 10 : External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar, who is on a three-day official visit to Maldives, has discussed security, trade and digital cooperation with his Maldivian counterpart Moosa Zameer in Male.

EAM Jaishankar landed at the Velana International Airport on Friday evening, where he was greeted by Foreign Minister Zameer, and headed towards Maldives' Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The two leaders also jointly inaugurated six High Impact Projects in areas of street lighting, mental health, children speech therapy and special education.

In a post on social media platform X late Friday, EAM Jaishankar said, "Held productive discussions today with Foreign Minister Moosa Zameer in Male."

The EAM and his counterpart later witnessed the signing of an MoU between the National Payments Corporation of India and the Ministry of Economic Development and Trade of Maldives on the introduction of the digital payment system in the Maldives.

They also witnessed the renewal of the MoU between the National Centre for Good Governance and the Civil Services Commission on the training of an additional 1000 civil services officers.
Wayanad, Aug 10 : As Wayanad waits for Prime Minister Narendra Modi to arrive on Saturday to see for himself the destruction caused by the landslides on July 30 which left 416 dead and over 150 missing, the Kerala government will present a memorandum to him seeking a Rs 2,000 crore package from the Centre.

Kerala Tourism Minister, PA Mohammed Riyas, who is spearheading the rescue and relief operations in the affected areas, on Saturday said that Wayanad and the state are waiting eagerly for the arrival of PM Modi and the need of the hour is to declare the landslides a national disaster.

PM Modi will land at Kannur airport and then take a helicopter to go on an aerial inspection of the four ravaged villages.

After that the PM will meet people under treatment in hospitals and also visit a few relief camps where over 10,700 people hit by the landslides have taken shelter.

Following this, PM Modi will chair a review meeting which will be attended by Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, Governor Arif Mohammed Khan and top central and state officials.

The PM is expected to return to Kannur airport by around 3 P.M. and then depart for New Delhi.

On Friday, the Kerala government made a presentation on the need for a Rs 1,200 crore central package to cover the estimated losses caused by the landslides and subsequent floods and another Rs 800 crore for various other activities related to rehabilitation.

CM Vijayan has written to PM Modi for the need to declare the Wayanad tragedy a national disaster.

Among the other major demands that CM Vijayan has raised is financial help from the Centre to construct a new township as part of the rehabilitation programme of the survivors of the natural disaster.

Former Wayanad MP and Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi took to social media and wrote, "Thank you, Modi ji, for visiting Wayanad to personally take stock of the terrible tragedy. This is a good decision. I am confident that once the Prime Minister sees the extent of the devastation first-hand, he will declare it a national disaster."
New Delhi, Aug 10 : Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami met Lok Sabha MP Anil Baluni on Saturday at Uttarakhand Sadan to discuss the extensive damage caused by heavy rains in the Kedarnath area of Rudraprayag District and the ongoing relief work.

The discussion centered around the severe impact of the heavy rainfall which has led to landslides and extensive damage to infrastructure, including roads.

Both Baluni and Dhami reviewed ongoing relief efforts and the steps needed to address the immediate concerns of affected communities.

Last week, heavy rain in the Garhwal region caused flooding, leaving many pilgrims and tourists stranded on the Sonprayag-Kedarnath road. This disaster claimed 17 lives and halted the Kedarnath Dham Yatra.

Following an assessment of relief and rescue efforts, as well as reconstruction work in the rain-affected Rudraprayag District, the Chief Minister instructed authorities to ensure that the Kedarnath Dham Yatra can be resumed by people as soon as possible.

The Chief Minister also conducted an aerial survey of the affected areas and reviewed the damage repair work being done by departments responsible for the Chardham Yatra route.

He directed officials to take prompt action to restore normalcy in the impacted regions, including repairing damaged roads, water supplies, and power lines.

Taking a jibe at the ruling party, Congress leader and former Cabinet Minister Harak Singh Rawat criticised the rescue operations, describing them as "poor."

Harak Singh Rawat said, "Government's arrangements are poor. The way rescue operations have been going on for the last three to four days after the disaster, there is a huge lack of management."

On Monday, the Indian Air Force airlifted 201 people to safety, including 17 National Disaster Response Force personnel from the Kedarnath Valley.
Niamey, Aug 10 : At least 94 people were killed and 93 others injured due to heavy rainfall in Niger, authorities said.

At a press briefing on Thursday, Minister of Humanitarian Action and Disaster Management Aissa Lawan Wandarma said 44 people were killed due to flooding and 50 due to house collapses since the rainy season began, Xinhua news agency reported.

According to the minister, all eight regions of the country have been hit by the floods, including 692 villages, 129 communes and 46 departments.

Heavy rain destroyed 502 huts, flooded 2,763 hectares of agricultural land, ruined 17,495 tonnes of food, and damaged 37 classrooms.

To date, food distribution actions are underway, with large stocks of food and non-food kits on the way, Wandarma said.

In addition, the government has taken necessary measures to ensure that all people affected by the floods receive the assistance they need.

Since August is the month of heavy rainfall, Wandarma called on people to leave homes in risk areas, preserve water drainage arrangements and rehabilitate houses in poor condition.

She also urged the affected people to leave the ruins of their homes to avoid diseases.
Tripoli, Aug 10 : The United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) has expressed concern over the recent military mobilisation in various parts of Libya, particularly in the southern and western regions.

In a statement, the UNSMIL urged all parties to exercise maximum restraint and avoid provocative military actions that could be perceived as offensive and might jeopardise Libya's fragile stability and the safety of its people, Xinhua news agency reported.

Libya remains politically divided more than a decade after the 2011 overthrow of longtime leader Muammar Gaddafi, with a UN-recognised government in Tripoli and a rival administration in the eastern city of Tobruk.

"We commend ongoing efforts to de-escalate the situation and prevent further tension," the UNSMIL said, calling for continued communication and coordination between forces affiliated with the eastern-based army and the Tripoli-based Government of National Unity.

On Thursday, the Tripoli-based High Council of State accused the eastern-based army, led by General Khalifa Haftar, of suspicious troop movements. The army countered that these were routine border patrols.
Kolkata, Aug 10 : Preliminary post-mortem report of the woman house-staff, whose body was recovered under mysterious circumstances at Kolkata-based and state-run R.G. Kar Medical College & Hospital on Friday, has suggested that this was a case of rape and murder.

The police too have started the investigation in the case by registering cases under the sections of rape and murder.

Based on CCTV footage within the hospital campus, one person identified as Sanjay Ray has been taken into custody by the investigation officials. However, police have declined to divulge further details about him.

Sources added that the preliminary postmortem report also suggests that the victim house staff, also a second-year post-graduation student with R.G Kar Medical College & Hospital, had to go through a sort of trauma for quite some time and she was probably strangulated to ensure her death.

As per the preliminary postmortem report, there were injury marks on the private parts of the victimas body, besides a broken collarbone.

However, more details regarding the cause of death will surface only after the final post-mortem report is available, sources said.

The police have already recorded the statements of some of the fellow house staff and doctors of the victim. The investigating cops, sources said, have got hold of the mobile phone of the victim and they are checking the call details to get further clues about the incident.

Kolkata Police have already formed a special investigation team (SIT) under the leadership of the joint commissioner of police (crime) Murli Dhar to probe the case. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has given instructions to the city police commissioner Vineet Kumar Goyal to ensure that those behind the incident are arrested at the earliest.

Meanwhile, the house staff of the RG Kar have started a cease-work there to protest against the incident demanding a judicial probe into the matter. However, the emergency department of the hospital has been kept out of the ambit of the crease-work
Moscow, Aug 10 : Russia has notified the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) that suspected fragments of downed missiles were discovered near the Kursk Nuclear Power Plant (Kursk NPP) following a Ukrainian attack in the Kursk region.

"On August 8, fragments and debris, presumed to be parts of downed missiles, were found at the site, including in the vicinity of the radioactive waste processing facility. Although there have been no confirmed reports of direct shelling on the city of Kurchatov, the nuclear power plant, or related energy infrastructure, the situation remains tense," said Russia's permanent mission to international organisations in Vienna, TASS reported.

The Kursk NPP is located in the city of Kurchatov, Kursk region, 40 km west of the city of Kursk on the banks of the Seim River, Xinhua news agency reported quoting TASS.

The mission said, "Ukraine's reckless actions not only threaten Russia's nuclear facility but also put the entire global nuclear industry at risk."

Ukraine launched a massive attack on the defence positions in Russia's Kursk region on Tuesday.

On Friday, Russia declared a state of emergency in the Kursk region due to the tense situation there.

Meanwhile, Russia's Defence Ministry said a military operation to defeat the Ukrainian forces in Kursk was underway.
New Delhi, Aug 10 : Susan Wojcicki, once a key figure in Google's history, passed away after a two-year battle with cancer, Alphabet and Google CEO Sundar Pichai informed on Saturday.

Wojcicki played a foundational role in shaping Youtube's trajectory. "Unbelievably saddened by the loss of my dear friend @SusanWojcicki after two years of living with cancer. She is as core to the history of Google as anyone, and it's hard to imagine the world without her," Pichai posted on X social media platform.

Pichai further said that she was an incredible person, leader and friend who had a tremendous impact on the world.

"I am one of countless Googlers who is better for knowing her. We will miss her dearly. Our thoughts with her family. RIP Susan," the Google CEO posted.

She was one of Google's earliest employees and had received a 'Google Founders Award' for making AdSense, which helped tremendously in Google's advertising.

Her tenure as CEO of YouTube saw the platform's growth into a global powerhouse, impacting millions of content creators and billions of viewers.

Wojcicki's legacy is not only in the products sector she helped develop but also in her advocacy for women in tech, making her a role model for aspiring leaders worldwide.

Indian-American Neal Mohan was appointed the new YouTube CEO after Wojcicki in February 2023 announced to step down after 25 years at the Google-owned company.

Wojcicki managed marketing, co-created Google Image Search, led Google's first Video and Book search, as well as early parts of AdSense's creation, worked on the YouTube and DoubleClick acquisitions and served as SVP of Ads.
This photo taken on July 24, 2024 shows a bilingual version of "The Art of War" displayed in the "Sun Tzu Book House" at the Confucius Institute of Kenyatta University in Nairobi, Kenya. (Xinhua/Zhang Jian)

"The Art of War" opens the minds of young Kenyans to overcoming problems and planning for a better future, said Eddy Paul Kirimi, a student at the Confucius Institute of Kenyatta University in Kenya, adding that the classic enables young Africans to observe Chinese culture and wisdom on a global scale.

NAIROBI/JINAN, Aug. 10 (Xinhua) -- "The supreme art of war is to subdue the enemy without fighting," said Eddy Paul Kirimi, a student at the Confucius Institute of Kenyatta University in Kenya. "If you know the enemy and know yourself, you need not fear the result of a hundred battles."

Kirimi was quoting from "The Art of War," a classic by Chinese strategist Sun Tzu dating back to the Spring and Autumn Period (770-476 BC).

The ancient work, which has influenced people from the East and West alike, continues to inspire reflections among young Africans.

"Sun Tzu Book House," unveiled recently at the Confucius Institute of Kenyatta University, features various iterations of Sun Tzu's works, including some in silk, others in wood and scrolls. This is the first "Sun Tzu Book House" established abroad by east China's Shandong Province.

"The Art of War" opens the minds of young Kenyans to overcoming problems and planning for a better future, Kirimi said, adding that the classic enables young Africans to observe Chinese culture and wisdom on a global scale.

Eddy Paul Kirimi (R) and Phyllis Wahura Maina, students from the Confucius Institute of Kenyatta University, pose for photos in the "Sun Tzu Book House" in Nairobi, Kenya, July 24, 2024. (Xinhua/Zhang Jian)

"It is not a book that advocates strength, yet it focuses on strategic wisdom and philosophy that I find useful in life and work," he said. "The most important lesson I learned from this book is that in every situation, you have to be courageous and strong, and then think it through to complete everything and achieve success."

In 2023, Kirimi spent six months studying the Chinese language at Shandong Normal University, and fell in love with China's rich and diverse culture, prompting him to seek a better understanding of Chinese civilization and promote exchanges between Kenya and China.

Phyllis Wahura Maina, a student from the Confucius Institute of Kenyatta University, reads in the "Sun Tzu Book House" in Nairobi, Kenya, July 24, 2024. (Xinhua/Zhang Jian)

Phyllis Wahura Maina, another student at the Confucius Institute, said she is honing her understanding of "The Art of War" and looks forward to applying Sun Tzu's wisdom in daily life.

The book has influenced Maina's way of thinking, helping her to "think ahead before doing something" and develop strategies appropriate for different situations, she said.

Maina encouraged her compatriots to use "The Art of War" as a guide in the pursuit of their goals when facing challenges.

Fan Qingyun, a Chinese teacher at the Confucius Institute, said she often discusses "The Art of War" with her students.

According to her, the book emphasizes the wisdom and noble ideals of Sun Tzu, who advocated a people-centered approach, "to use peaceful ways to manage the relationship between countries instead of war."

This photo taken on July 24, 2024 shows a corner of the "Sun Tzu Book House" at the Confucius Institute of Kenyatta University in Nairobi, Kenya. (Xinhua/Zhang Jian)

The Confucius Institute will continue to promote Sun Tzu, an indispensable part of Chinese culture, so that more Africans can appreciate this cultural treasure, she said.

Fan expected more beautiful cultural traditions of the Chinese nation to be introduced to people in Africa.

"I am delighted and proud to know the fact that Sun Tzu culture is popular among young Africans," said Liu Ming, head of the project, adding that "Sun Tzu Book House" can become a platform for better mutual understanding and integration of Chinese and African cultures.

"We will open more book houses so that the wisdom of 'The Art of War' can enlighten more friends," Liu added. 
Dili, Aug 10 : President Droupadi Murmu was conferred the Grand-Collar of the Order of Timor-Leste, the country's highest civilian award, from President Jose Ramos-Horta on Saturday, in recognition of her achievements in public service and dedication to education, social welfare and empowerment of women.

She was also accorded a ceremonial reception and Guard of Honour at the Presidential Palace, Dili, as she arrived in the Southeast Asian country on the last leg of her three-nation visit.

The President also held a bilateral meeting with President Jose Ramos-Horta of Timor-Leste, underlining the strong connection and cooperation between the two democratic nations, and discussed opportunities for enhancing bilateral ties.

Addressing the press with her Timorese counterpart, President Murmu expressed gratitude to President Horta and the people of Timor-Leste for giving the Indian delegation a generous reception.

"I am deeply honoured by the Grand-Collar of the Order of Timor-Leste bestowed upon me. This is a reflection of the deep bond of friendship between India and Timor-Leste," the President said, saying that the honour is a "reflection of the ties of friendship" between the two nations.

"India and Timor-Leste share warm and friendly relations based on our shared commitment to the values of democracy and pluralism. I am confident that this will further strengthen bilateral relations between the two countries," President Murmu said.

"I had extensive discussions with President Ramos-Horta today on enhancing the bilateral cooperation between India and Timor Leste in the fields of IT, digital technology, health and pharmaceuticals, agriculture, capacity building and more," she added.

Both the leaders also discussed the possibility of Timor-Leste joining the International Solar Alliance.

The President also paid floral tributes to V. V. Giri, former President of India, on his birth anniversary at Dili.

President Murmu arrived in Dili, Timor-Leste, on Saturday, on the last leg of her three-nation visit. This marks the first-ever visit by the Indian head of state to the Southeast Asian country.

Later in the day, the President will also attend a community reception with the Indian diaspora in Timor-Leste, according to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).

Earlier, President Murmu visited Fiji and New Zealand during her three-nation visit, where she discussed bilateral ties and cooperation across various sectors.

MEA said earlier this week that the State Visit by President Murmu to Fiji, New Zealand and Timor-Leste underscores the importance India attaches to its bilateral relations with these countries and reflects New Delhi's strong focus on the Act East policy, which was announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the ninth East Asia Summit in 2014.
New Delhi, Aug 10 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday wished Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren on his 49th birthday.

In a post on his X handle, PM Modi wrote, "Birthday wishes to Jharkhand CM Shri Hemant Soren Ji. Praying for his long and healthy life."

The Jharkhand Chief Minister, too, responded to the PM's birthday greetings with a post on his social media handle stating, "Thank you honourable @PMOIndia for your kind wishes."

Despite Saturday's pleasantries, CM Soren has often criticised PM Modi in the past.

During the Corona pandemic CM Soren had mocked PM Modi after the latter called him up to discuss the handling of the epidemic and assure him of all assistance from the Government of India.

He had mocked the PM in a post on X saying that Narendra Modi said only his "mann ki baat" instead of having a dialogue he had a monologue on the phone and it would have been better to have had a constructive discussion.

Soren's tweet attacking the PM, that had gone viral on social media, had drawn criticism from senior BJP leaders and former Jharkhand CMs Arjun Munda and Babulal Marandi and many other leaders.

Hours after Saturday's cordial exchange between the two leaders the Jharkhand CM slammed the Centre again.

He made an emotional social media post referring to his incarceration for 150 days in an alleged land scam.

The Jharkhand CM who turned 49 on Saturday, was also greeted by Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi.

In a post on X, the Congress MP said, "Hearty congratulations and best wishes to Jharkhand Chief Minister Shri Hemant Soren ji on his birthday. In the fight for the rights of the poor, the deprived and the tribals of the country, and against every injustice done to them, INDIA will fight strongly and together we will win."

The Jharkhand CM celebrated his birthday by cutting a 49 kg cake and several programmes were held in many districts of the state.
New Delhi, Aug 10 : Legendary batter Sachin Tendulkar and veteran opener Shikhar Dhawan on Saturday extended their congratulatory wishes for wrestler Aman Sehrawat who won the bronze medal in the Paris Olympics, adding sixth medal to the country's tally.

India have so far bagged one silver and five bronze medals in the quadrennial event including double bronze of shooter Manu Bhaker.

On Friday, the 21-year-old wrestler became the youngest Olympic medallist for India after he defeated Puerto Rico's Darian Cruz 13-5 in the 57kg freestyle bronze medal match.

"Congratulations, Aman Sehrawat, on becoming India's youngest Olympic medal winner at the age of just 21 years and a few days. This victory isnat just yours; itas a triumph for the entire Indian wrestling contingent. Every Indian is proud of your achievement. Your parents, who I am sure are watching over you from their heavenly abode, would be very proud of you today," Tendulkar wrote on X.

The left-handed batter added that Aman's achievement shows his true spirit of dedication and hard work.

"Bringing home a bronze from the Paris Olympics, @AmanSehrawaat, you showed us the true spirit of dedication and hard work. Congrats on this remarkable victory," Dhawan wrote on X.

Former spinner Harbhajan Singh echoed Dhawan's sentiments and congratulated the youngster for making India proud.

"Heartiest Congratulations to #AmanSehrawat for Winning the Bronze at the #ParisOlympics2024 and to become India's youngest medal winner. This achievement is a reflection of your hard work and the dreams of countless Indians who cheered you on. Thank you for making us proud. Jai Hind!" Harbhajan posted on X.

The Puerto Rican wrestler gained an early advantage with a single-leg hold, pushing Aman onto the defensive. However, the young Indian remained composed, swiftly recovering and launching a series of attacks focused on Cruz's shoulders to earn points. Although Cruz briefly regained the lead with a two-point move, Amanas relentless determination allowed him to reclaim control of the match.

With just 37 seconds remaining, Aman demonstrated his technical prowess by scoring additional points. As Cruz made a final desperate attempt, Aman capitalised, securing his victory and clinching the bronze medal.
Noida, Aug 10 : A high-profile rave party being held in a high-rise apartment in Noida late on Friday night was busted after residents called the police.

The incident came to light when someone threw a liquor bottle from the 19th floor of the Supernova Building in Sector 94.

The incident caused a stir among the society's residents, who called the police.

Residents of the society told the police that young men and women were partying inside the flat and they accused them of using drugs.

When the Noida police raided the flat everyone was shocked to see the number of people inside and the scale of the party.

More than 24 youngsters were in the flat when the police conducted the raid and many of the young people were found drinking alcohol.

Some videos from the party are going viral where, one student mentioned that he was from Amity University, Noida, and another said he was from Manipal University, Jaipur.

The police said that the students were aged between 19 and 21.

During the investigation the police came upon a video message about the party that had been circulated hours before the event inviting other youngsters to join the house party that was "going to be an exciting event."

The invitation urged people to join the party on August 9 at 6 P.M. to make "unforgettable memories."

That video also stated that entry after 8 P.M. would not be allowed and the all-inclusive pass cost Rs. 500 for women, Rs. 800 for couples, and Rs. 1,000 for stag males.

According to a statement from the police officers involved in the raid on the flat, the party was illegal as money was being charged and a total of 40 people, including five main suspects, have been charged.

The Sector 126 police detained 35 people on Friday night after the raid.
New Delhi, Aug 10 : Thailand's Deputy Minister of Commerce Suchart Chomklin and his delegation visited a high-end supermarket in New Delhi after attending the BIMSTEC Business Summit 2024, to see the popularity of Thai culinary products among Indians.

They also intend to explore more opportunities in the Indian market.

The delegation found that traditional Thai ingredients like mangosteen, longan, coconut, galangal, and lemongrass are among the top sellers. A special section dedicated to Thai seasonings featuring items such as seasoning sauce, fish sauce, and chilli sauce, as well as ready-to-cook products, such as tom yum paste, panaeng paste, and green curry paste, as informed Thailand's Government PR Department on X.

In the first six months of this year, the total trade value between Thailand and India was $8,158.65 million. Within that number, Thailand imported from India to the amount of $2,761.65 million, and Thai exports to India were of $5,397 million. Major Thai exports include chemicals, plastic pallets, finished oil products, gems and jewellery, iron and steel, machinery, automobiles and parts, and air-conditioners and parts, Thailand's Government Public Relations Department posted on X.

The Ministry of External Affairs of the Government of India, in association with Confederation of Indian Industries (CII), hosted the first BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation) Business Summit in New Delhi from Tuesday to Thursday (August 6 to 8).

Several Ministers of the BIMSTEC Member States from the ambit of Trade, Commerce and Industry, as well as Energy, along with high-ranking Government officials, policymakers, entrepreneurs and industry associations, participated in the event.

India attaches great importance to the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation, which links five countries from South Asia (Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal, India & Sri Lanka) and two from Southeast Asia (Myanmar & Thailand).
Mumbai, Aug 10 : Actress Taapsee Pannu is happy with the response her latest film "Phir Aayi Hasseen Dillruba" is getting and said that she is already looking forward to what all can be done in the next part.

Mumbai, Aug 10 (IANS) Actress Taapsee Pannu is happy with the response her latest film "Phir Aayi Hasseen Dillruba" is getting and said that she is already looking forward to what all can be done in the next part.

Taapsee said: "Doing a sequel is always tricky because the first one comes with no expectations, and if people like it, it becomes a hit. But with sequels come expectations, which are always tricky to meet."

The actress said that she is glad people have loved her character of Rani and the film more than the first installment.

"I knew how much people loved Rani from Part 1 So I kept those expectations in mind when I approached the next part," she said.

Looking forward, the actress said: "This response has been so validating that I'm already looking forward to what all we can possibly do in the next part."

The first part, which was titled as "Haseen Dillruba", is a romantic thriller directed by Vinil Mathew and written by Kanika Dhillon. It stars Taapsee, Vikrant Massey and Harshvardhan Rane.

It follows the story of Rani, a woman suspected of killing her husband and narrates an interesting story about her marriage while investigating police officers look for clues to arrest her.

"Phir Aayi Hasseen Dillruba" is directed by Jayprad Desai. Taapsee and Vikrant reprise their characters and Sunny Kaushal joins the cast. The movie follows Rani and Rishu's character and how they once again overcome hurdles with a dollop of thrill.

Talking about Taapsee's work, she made her acting debut with the 2010 Telugu film "Jhummandi Naadam". She made her debut in Bollywood with the 2013 film "Chashme Baddoor" by David Dhawan.

The actress got recognition with her work in "Baby" and "Pink". After which, she featured in several hit films including "The Ghazi Attack", "Mulk", "Manmarziyaan", "Badla", "Mission Mangal", "Saand Ki Aankh", "Thappad" and "Dunki" to name a few.

On the personal front, she got married to Danish badminton player Mathias Boe after eleven years of dating in March 2024.
Washington, Aug 10 : South Korea and the United States will hold their sixth round of negotiations in Washington next week to determine Seoul's share of the cost for stationing the 28,500-strong US Forces Korea (USFK), the chief US negotiator said.

Linda Specht, US lead negotiator for security agreements at the State Department, released a statement on the plan to hold the negotiations in the US capital from Monday through Wednesday, Yonhap news agency reported.

South Korea's delegation is led by Lee Tae-woo, a senior diplomat from Seoul's foreign ministry.

The two sides launched the negotiations in April, apparently earlier than usual, amid speculation that should former President Donald Trump return to the White House, he could call for a hefty increase in Seoul's share of the cost for the upkeep of USFK in a way that could cause tension in the alliance.

Since 1991, Seoul has partially shared the cost for Korean USFK workers; the construction of military installations, such as barracks, as well as training, educational, operational and communications facilities; and other logistical support.
Seoul, Aug 10 : South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol will have a dinner meeting with former President Lee Myung-bak next week, a source said on Saturday.

Yoon has invited Lee, who served as president from 2008 to 2013, and his wife for dinner, according to a source familiar with the issue, without providing details on the schedule and the location, Yonhap news agency reported.

First Lady Kim Keon Hee and Chung Jin-suk, Yoon's chief of staff who had served as a senior secretary to Lee for political affairs, plan to attend the dinner, the source said.

It will be their first dinner meeting since Yoon took office in May 2022. Yoon and Lee briefly met at the funeral of Yoon's father in August 2023.

In December 2022, Yoon granted a special pardon to Lee, who had been serving a 17-year prison term for bribery and embezzlement, canceling his remaining prison term of about 15 years and about 8.2 billion won ($ 6.48 million) of unpaid fines.
Tel Aviv, Aug 10 : The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) on Saturday said that it has killed 20 Hamas and Islamic Jihad militants who were carrying out terrorist operations from a school in central Gaza City.

"Based on Israeli intelligence, approximately 20 Hamas and Islamic Jihad militants, including senior commanders, were operating from the compound struck at the Al-Tabi'in school, using it to carry out terrorist attacks. The compound, and the mosque that was struck within it, served as an active Hamas and Islamic Jihad military facility," the IDF said in a post on X.

Dismissing the information published by the Hamas-run Government Information Office, the IDF clarified that the numbers of the precise munitions used and the accuracy of the strike published by Hamas do not align with the information held by the IDF.

Labelling the Hamas reports as "exaggerated," the forces advised the media to "act with caution" about information released by Hamas sources, as they have been proven to be "sorely unreliable."

"Before the attack, many measures were taken to reduce the chance of harming civilians, including the use of precision weaponry, contractual measures and intelligence information," the IDF post read.

Israel also accused Hamas of "systematically violating international law" and operating while using the "population as a human shield for terrorist activity."

Meanwhile, the Hamas-run government media office announced that at least 100 Palestinians were killed by Israeli airstrikes at a school serving as a shelter for displaced people in the Al-Daraj neighbourhood in Gaza City.

On Friday, the IDF said that it has also eliminated a senior Hamas Commander named Samer Mahmoud al-Haj in Lebanon.

"Samer operated as the military forces' commander in the Ain al-Hilweh camp, located in the area of Sidon in Lebanon, and was responsible for the recruitment and training of terrorists to attack the State of Israel. We will continue operating to eliminate the threat of Hamas, no matter what arena the terrorist organisation operates in," the IDF stated.
Rajkot, Aug 10 : BJP President J.P. Nadda launched the Tiranga Yatra from Gujarat's Rajkot on Saturday, marking the beginning of a nationwide campaign under the "Har Ghar Tiranga" Abhiyan, which will run till August 15, leading up to Independence Day.

Addressing the public gathering here, BJP President Nadda emphasised Gujarat's significant contribution to India's development.

"India is in the making, and Gujarat plays a huge role in this. I am honoured to start the Tiranga Yatra from Rajkot today. Tomorrow, I will be in Surat, followed by Vadodara and Ahmedabad. This Tiranga Yatra will reach every taluka and every mandal by August 15. I want to appeal to young people especially: this independence didn't come easily. Thousands of soldiers lost their lives, and lakhs of families sacrificed their loved ones, putting the country above their interests," the BJP President said.

The grand finale of the Tiranga Yatra will take place in Ahmedabad on August 13, where Union Home Minister Amit Shah will join the event.

Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, Minister of State for Home Affairs Harsh Sanghavi, and Minister of State for Cooperation Jagdish Vishwakarma will also be present, bringing the nationwide campaign to a befitting close just before the 77th Independence Day.

The Tiranga Yatra aims to "reach every home across the nation, instilling a sense of patriotism and national pride".

The campaign is part of a broader initiative leading up to Independence Day, with key events planned in four major cities in Gujarat: Rajkot, Ahmedabad, Surat, and Vadodara.

The launch event in Rajkot saw the participation of prominent leaders, including CM Patel, Union Minister and MoS Home Sanghavi.

In Surat, on August 11, the Tiranga Yatra is expected to draw around one lakh participants, with CM Patel, State BJP Chief C.R. Paatil, and other key Ministers such as MoS Home Sanghavi, MoS Education Praful Pansheriya, and MoS Forest and Environment Mukesh Patel leading the procession.

The yatra will continue in Vadodara on August 12.

Renamed the Rashtra Chetna Yatra, this initiative is designed to ignite a sense of patriotism across Gujarat ahead of Independence Day.
KHARTOUM, Aug. 10 (Xinhua) -- The Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) on Saturday announced that it repulsed a major attack by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) on El Fasher, the capital city of North Darfur State in western Sudan.

"Today, our forces crushed a major attack by the militia and inflicted heavy losses on them," Nabil Abdallah, the SAF's spokesman, said in a statement.

For its part, the joint force of the armed movements in the Darfur region, which is allied with the SAF, said in a statement that it fought a fierce battle in El Fasher on Saturday and inflicted heavy losses on the enemy, referring to the RSF.

The non-governmental Coordination of Resistance Committees in El Fasher said that the clashes in the city "have relatively stopped" after continuing for more than six hours.

"The clashes have relatively stopped, but the artillery shelling by the RSF militias continues towards markets, hospitals, and citizens' homes, amid reports of injuries among citizens that are currently being counted," the coordination said in a statement on its Facebook page.

The RSF has not issued any comments regarding the attack.

Since May 10, fierce clashes between the SAF and the RSF have been raging in El Fasher.

Sudan has been witnessing a deadly conflict between the SAF and the RSF since April 15, 2023, resulting in the loss of at least 16,650 lives. An estimated 10.7 million people are now internally displaced in Sudan, with approximately 2.2 million others seeking refuge in neighboring countries, according to most recent UN data. 
New Delhi, Aug 10 : Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Saturday said that there was some uncertainty in India's textiles and garments sector following the political turmoil in Bangladesh but it was too early to say what the overall impact on the economy would be.

She said that Indian businessmen have made investments in Bangladesh in good faith and these resulted in increasing exports and creating more jobs in Bangladesh.

"I hope these investments which have benefited Bangladesh remain safe," she remarked.

India has a policy of allowing liberal imports from low-income countries and this has also helped to spur growth in the Bangladesh economy, she added.

"I hope the new regime in Bangladesh will settle the problem sooner rather than later so that the people of Bangladesh and India can get back to their normal situation," the Finance Minister said.

She also said that the External Affairs Minister has made a statement in Parliament that India has stepped up its security along the Bangladesh border.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi had extended his best wishes to the newly sworn-in head of the Bangladesh interim government, Nobel laureate Professor Muhammad Yunus. PM Modi expressed hope for a swift return to normalcy and called for the protection of Hindus in Bangladesh.

PM Modi's request came in the backdrop of media reports stating that Hindus and other minorities were being attacked in Bangladesh following the ouster of the Sheikh Hasina government in violent protests led by radical elements.

Several hundred Bangladeshi nationals, mostly Hindus, gathered at different points along India's border with Bangladesh as they are trying to flee the strife-torn country. The BSF has tightened security along the border and has even resorted to forming a human shield to prevent Bangladesh nationals from entering the country. Several such incidents were reported from the India-Bangladesh border in West Bengal.

Meanwhile, newly-appointed Bangladesh foreign policy adviser Touhid Hossain said that Dhaka will maintain a balance in ties with big powers and establish good ties with all countries. Hossain has been a career diplomat and is a former Foreign Secretary of Bangladesh.
Wayanad: Prime Minister Narendra Modi with Kerela CM Pinarayi Vijayan conduct aerial survey of landslide affected areas at Wayanad, in Kerala on Saturday August 10, 2024.. Image Source: IANS/PIB

Wayanad, Aug 10 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi who is on a visit to the landslide-ravaged Wayanad on Saturday asked how many children lost their loved ones while visiting the damaged G.V.H.S. School Vellarmala.

After landing at Kalpetta, he first stopped at the damaged state-run GVHS School Vellarmala.

"How many children lost their loved ones," an emotional PM Modi asked Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and Union Minister Suresh Gopi who were accompanying him. Inter-Ministerial Central Team (IMCT) was also present and has been in the affected areas for the past three days.

PM Modi was also deeply moved on seeing the damaged school has suffered and was asked numerous questions to the Chief Minister about the rehabilitation of the landslide victims.

The G.V.H.S. School Vellarmala had 582 students of which 27 students are reportedly missing.

The Prime Minister spent 15 minutes at the school and also enquired about the plans for a new school building.

PM Modi also visited the 190-foot Bailey bridge erected by the Indian Army, walked through it and interacted with the defence officials.

He also visited a local hospital where he met the injured victims and also visited a relief camp.

PM Modi will also chair a review meeting in which Kerala Governor Arif Mohammed Khan, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and other officials will be present.

A day before the Prime Minister visited the landslide-struck region, the Kerala government sought Rs 2,000 crore in financial assistance for the rehabilitation and relief work in the disaster-hit region.

The PM will return to Kannur and then fly back to Delhi in the evening.

Earlier, PM Modi landed at the Kannur airport where he was received by Kerala Governor, Chief Minister and top Central and state government officials.

On July 30, a landslide hit the Wayanad leaving 416 dead and over 150 missing.
Seoul, Aug 10 : The leader of the ruling People Power Party (PPP) has expressed opposition to granting a highly anticipated special pardon to a former South Gyeongsang Province governor convicted in an online rigging case, his aide said on Saturday.

Han Dong-hoon voiced concerns after Kim Kyung-soo, a close associate of former President Moon Jae-in, was included in a list of candidates for President Yoon Suk Yeol's special pardon to be granted next week on the occasion of the August 15 Liberation Day, according to a senior PPP official.

"Han said reinstating the right of someone who has not regretted committing a crime against democracy may not gain widespread public support," the official told Yonhap News Agency.

Kim was released from prison under a special pardon in late 2022 while serving a two-year prison term for online opinion rigging ahead of the presidential election in 2017.

But the pardon at that time fell short of reinstating his rights, barring him from running for public office until December 2027.

If his rights are reinstated as part of next week's pardon, he will be able to run in the next presidential election set for March 2027.

Kim is considered a potential rallying point in the main opposition Democratic Party (DP), particularly among factions not aligned with former DP leader Lee Jae-myung, who is widely expected to be reelected as the party leader later this month.

The presidential office has remained cautious over the politically sensitive issue.

"Pardons and reinstatement of rights are within the president's inherent powers," a senior presidential official told Yonhap News Agency over the phone, while adding that no final decision has yet been made.
Dhaka, Aug 10 : Bangladesh Chief Justice Obaidul Hassan has resigned as the head of the country's top court after receiving an ultimatum from leaders of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, local media reported on Saturday.

"The Chief Justice revealed the decision around 1 pm on Saturday after protesters gathered at the High Court premises," Dhaka Tribune reported.

Hassan will tender his resignation after consulting President Mohammed Shahabuddin in the evening.

It is being reported that several other judges of the Appellate Division will also submit their resignations along with the Chief Justice.

The Daily Star said that Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Advisor Prof Asif Nazrul posted a video message on social media, informing about the Chief Justice's decision.

"I feel it is necessary to share a special news with you. Our Chief Justice resigned a few minutes back. His resignation letter has already reached the Law Ministry. We will send it to the President without delay for taking necessary measures," said Nazrul in a video post.

One of the coordinators of the student protests, Hasnat Abdullah, had issued an ultimatum demanding the resignation of the Chief Justice and other justices of the Appellate Division.

On Saturday, Hassan had called for a full court meeting with all justices from both divisions of the Supreme Court. However, the students announced a siege of the court premises, issuing a one-hour ultimatum to Justice Obaidul Hassan to step down.

Appointed in 2023, Hasan is seen as a loyalist to former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

Meanwhile, Bangladesh Army personnel were deployed at the court premises where hundreds of protesting students had gathered.

The army urged the students to maintain a peaceful stance and avoid wasting government resources.

It is believed that over 400 people were killed after the violent protest hit the South Asian country and forced Hasina to resign on August 5.

After Hasina's departure to India, Nobel laureate and microfinance pioneer Muhammad Yunus took over as the head of the interim government on Thursday and assured that the new regime would not only restore peace in the country but also ensure the protection of Hindus and other minorities.
Washington, Aug 10 : US Secretary of State Antony Blinken spoke with Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant earlier Saturday, India time, discussing ongoing efforts to de-escalate tensions in the region.

According to the US Department of State, Blinken reaffirmed Washington's ironclad commitment to Israel's security and discussed how escalation is in no partyas interest.

"The Secretary reiterated the urgent need to reach a ceasefire in Gaza that would secure the release of hostages, allow a surge of humanitarian assistance, and create the conditions for broader regional stability. He also underscored the importance of reaching a diplomatic resolution that allows both Israeli and Lebanese families to return to their homes," said US State Department's spokesperson Matthew Miller.

On Friday, Israel also replied to Qatari, Egyptian and US mediators, saying that it will send a delegation to resume talks on a Gaza ceasefire deal on August 15.

"Following the proposal of the United States and the mediators, Israel will send on August 15 the negotiating delegation to a place to be determined, to summarize the details for the implementation of the framework," said the office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in a statement.

Cairo, Doha, and Washington mediated a week-long truce between Israel and Hamas that ended in late November 2023, which included a swap between Palestinian prisoners and Israeli hostages and more humanitarian aid delivery to Gaza.

As the conflict escalated, mediation efforts to reach a ceasefire agreement have been unsuccessful, so far.
Addis Ababa, Aug 10 : Ethiopian Airlines, the flag carrier of Ethiopia, and Dar Al-Handasah, an international consulting firm, signed an agreement on Friday for the design and supervision of a new mega airport to be built near Bishoftu town, about 42 km east of the Ethiopian capital of Addis Ababa.

The new airport will have the capacity to handle 100 million passengers a year and provide parking for 270 aircraft, Mesfin Tasew, chief executive officer (CEO) of Ethiopian Airlines Group, said in a briefing, Xinhua news agency reported.

"The new four-runway airport will be Africa's biggest when the construction is completed in 2029," Tasew told reporters, highlighting that by undertaking a mega airport project, the airline is writing a new chapter in its aviation history.

The CEO said Addis Ababa Bole International Airport, currently the main hub for Africa's largest airline, will soon reach its capacity of serving 25 million passengers per year.

"The new mega airport is a five-year project that will be finalised in 2029. It will have two phases, and upon completion of the first phase with two runways, the airport will have the capacity to handle 60 million passengers a year," Tasew said.

According to him, phase one alone will cost the airline at least $6 billion, and the money will come from loans from companies that have already shown interest.

Ethiopian Airlines carried 17.1 million passengers in the 2023/2024 financial year and expects to carry 20 million passengers in the new financial year that starts on July 8, 2024.

The new airport, to be built on a total area of 35 square km, will include shopping and hotel facilities. Once the project design is completed, the construction of the mega airport will be put out to tender.
New Delhi, Aug 10 : The Centre on Saturday launched the second phase of bi-annual, nationwide mass drug administration (MDA) campaign for the elimination of Lymphatic Filariasis (LF), a mosquito-borne disease which is commonly known as elephantiasis.

The campaign targets 63 endemic districts across Bihar, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Odisha, Telangana and Uttar Pradesh, focusing on door-to-door administration of preventive medications to advance India's goal of eliminating the disease ahead of the global target, informed the Ministry of Health.

Alongside the launch, the 'Revised Guideline on Elimination of Lymphatic Filariasis' and new information education and communication (IEC) materials were also unveiled to provide a clear roadmap for elimination efforts.

"Lymphatic Filariasis, a mosquito-borne disease, is preventable through simple measures. The MDA rounds are crucial in halting its transmission," said Prataprao Jadhav, Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare.

He further highlighted the government's commitment to public health, noting that "preventive measures such as avoiding mosquito bites and consuming anti-filarial medicines are key to stopping the transmission of Lymphatic Filariasis".

"This disease not only impacts health and well-being but also leads to lifelong disability due to lymphedema," said the minister.

The Minister also addressed efforts to improve living conditions for those at risk, stating that the government is working to ensure pucca houses for people living in mud houses, which make them more vulnerable to such diseases.

"Efforts will also be made to develop a vaccine for Lymphatic Filariasis," said the minister, emphasising the necessity to achieve a 90 per cent compliance rate in the upcoming MDA rounds to ensure the campaign's success.

State Health Ministers, including Banna Gupta (Jharkhand), Mangal Pandey (Bihar), Damodar Rajanarasimha (Telangana), Dr Mukesh Mahaling (Odisha), Jai Pratap Singh (Uttar Pradesh), and Dinesh Gundu Rao (Karnataka), also participated in the event.

It is a serious debilitating disease transmitted through the bite of a Culex mosquito that breeds in dirty and polluted water. Infection is usually acquired in childhood causing hidden damage to the lymphatic system with visible manifestations (lymphoedema, elephantiasis, and scrotal swelling/hydrocele) which occur later in life and can lead to permanent disability.
Wayanad: Prime Minister Narendra Modi meet and interact with the victims and survivors of the landslide at a relief camp in Wayanad on Saturday, August 10, 2024.. Image Source: IANS

Wayanad, Aug 10 : Wayanad residents, who on Saturday had a chance to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi, said that they are feeling extremely elated after meeting him and requested to address their issues.

"I am extremely happy after PM Modi spoke to me and assured me that the administration is with us all. I spoke to him (PM Modi) in Malayalam and someone was translating. I don't have a home. After hearing me, PM Modi said not to worry. He has assured us all and we feel happy about it. We all felt reassured," said Ayyapan, a Wayanad resident, who met PM Modi at St Joseph's School.

Ayyapan said that Union Minister Suresh Gopi has also assured us that everyone's needs will be fulfilled. "I am feeling much relieved after meeting PM Modi," said Ayyapan, who lost his immediate family members in the landslide.

Many survivors cried while meeting the PM. The Prime Minister also looked sad on hearing their story.

PM Modi was also seen consoling women, men and children.

Among those who interacted with PM Modi also included a 16-year-old boy, Hani, who lost 11 of his family members. He too wept while meeting PM Modi.

PM Modi also met the 11-year-old Lavanya, who lost all her near and dear ones. He placed his hands on her head and consoled the victim.

"He asked me in detail about things and how people have faced the tragedy. I told him that they were being given counselling sessions as most of them were still in shock. Then the PM asked if there were adequate counsellors. I responded in affirmative," said Dr Charlie, who was present and got a chance to interact with the PM.

PM Modi also visited a local hospital and met patients. He also interacted with 8-year-old Avanthika who has lost all family members except her grandmother.

"I have only seen PM Modi on TV. He asked me about the incident and I told him whatever happened since July 20. He also asked me about my requirements, to which I kept mum," Avanthika said.

The Prime Minister also spoke to Arun, who on July 20th struggled for over six hours in deep mud, but finally managed to escape.

PM Modi also spoke to a lady doctor from Orissa, Sukyarth, who along with her husband had come for a holiday when tragedy struck on July 30th.

Sukyarth's husband, also a doctor, was too washed away and still remains missing.

PM Modi will also chair a review meeting in which Kerala Governor Arif Mohammed Khan, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and other officials will be present.

The PM will return to Kannur and then fly back to Delhi in the evening.

Earlier, PM Modi landed at the Kannur airport where he was received by Kerala Governor, Chief Minister and top Central and state government officials.

On July 30, a landslide hit the Wayanad leaving 416 dead and over 150 missing.
Patna, Aug 10 : Three persons of a family were brutally killed in Bihar's Begusarai district, a police official said.

The incident occurred at Chiranjivipur village, under the jurisdiction of Bachwara police station, Begusarai district.

Attackers entered the home while family members were asleep and committed the crime, leaving three members of the family dead.

Confirming the incident, Begusarai SP Manish stated that the investigation is going on.

"We learned about the incident on Saturday morning, and a police team was dispatched to the village for investigation," Manish said.

He added that the exact reason for the incident has yet to be ascertained.

"The victims sustained head injuries, and the post-mortem report is awaited to clarify the exact cause of their deaths," Manish said.

The deceased have been identified as Sanjivan Mahto (40), his wife Sanjeeta Devi (36), and their daughter Sapna Kumari (10).

Their six-year-old son Ankush Kumar survived the attack despite suffering grievous injuries. He has been admitted to a hospital for treatment.

The deceased Sanjivan Mahto had two marriages and was living with his second wife. Sources said that he was not giving expenses to his first wife. This could be the reason for the triple murder.

The district police are investigating from all angles to find some clues. They have asked Sanjivan's first wife to join the probe. Sanjivan's son is the only eyewitness of this brutal murder and his statement is crucial in this case to find the identity of the culprits.

Meanwhile, Begusarai Police registered an FIR under relevant sections of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita in Bachwara police station.

Dog squad and forensic experts have been called to gather detailed evidence at the crime scene. They have reportedly found some clues that may help in solving the case.

The bodies of the victims were recovered and have been sent for post-mortem to determine the exact cause of death.

Sources have said that the attackers reportedly sprinkled acids on their bodies. However, the district police have not confirmed it yet.
New Delhi, Aug 10 : Global engineering and product development company Tata Technologies on Saturday said that it has cancelled a project worth Rs 1,188.36 crore to develop 36 government ITIs (industrial training institutes) in Chhattisgarh.

In a regulatory filing with the stock exchange, the company said it received a letter from the Chhattisgarh government, "informing the company about closure of the Project and termination of the MoA (memorandum of agreement) as they are exploring alternate options to meet the Project objectives".

Tata Technologies further said that it "has today sent a letter to the Chhattisgarh government accepting the termination of the MoA and agreed to initiate steps for refund of the escrow amount."

The MoA was signed on July 22, 2023. The company was the lead industry partner for executing the project under the MoA, which "primarily entailed upgrading 36 ITIs as Centre of Excellence (CoE), in the state of Chhattisgarh".

Shares of Tata Technologies closed 1.01 per cent lower at Rs 989.45 per share on Friday.

The IT major posted a 15.4 per cent decline in consolidated profit after tax (PAT) at Rs 162.03 crore in the April-June quarter. Consolidated revenue from operations stood at Rs 1,268.97 crore compared to Rs 1,257.53 crore in the year-ago period.

For FY24, Tata Technologies reported profit before tax (PBT) at Rs 932 crore in FY24, a 17.1 per cent growth (year-on-year), as the board recommended a final dividend of Rs 8.40 per equity share and a special dividend of Rs 1.65 per share.

The global engineering services company registered 15.9 per cent growth in total operating revenue to Rs 5,117 crore in the last fiscal year. In the last three years, revenue from operations has grown at 29 per cent compound annual growth rate (CAGR) while operating EBITDA grew at a 35 per cent CAGR.
People visit a book exhibition, which coincides with the Panda Meets Kiwi Youth International Art Exhibition, in Waipa District, New Zealand, Aug. 10, 2024.

Book and painting lovers in New Zealand indulged themselves in over 2,000 books from China at a book exhibition in Waipa District on Saturday.

The book exhibition, which coincides with the Panda Meets Kiwi Youth International Art Exhibition, also included 235 paintings drawn by children from both countries. Both exhibitions were organized by China International Book Trading Corporation (CIBTC), New Zealand Culture and Arts Foundation and Prime Media Group of New Zealand. (Photo by Sun Xueliang/Xinhua)

AUCKLAND, Aug. 10 (Xinhua) -- Book and painting lovers in New Zealand indulged themselves in over 2,000 books from China at a book exhibition in Waipa District on Saturday.

The book exhibition, which coincides with the Panda Meets Kiwi Youth International Art Exhibition, also included 235 paintings drawn by children from both countries. Both exhibitions were organized by China International Book Trading Corporation (CIBTC), New Zealand Culture and Arts Foundation and Prime Media Group of New Zealand.

Chen Shijie, Chinese consul-general in Auckland, noted reading is one of the most important ways that Chinese people realize equal dialogue, mutual learning and common development with other countries, including New Zealand.

"China's relations with the world changed dramatically. The world needs to understand China better, and China also needs to introduce itself to the world better. China's publishing industry has made remarkable achievements in its globalization, supporting China to expand its influence in major book fairs and increase the popularity of Chinese publishing enterprises," he added.

Yang Lufeng, vice president of CIBTC, said that CIBTC is a pioneer and main force in the promotion of Chinese culture going global, committing to building a bridge of cultural exchange and friendship between China and other countries, constantly leading Chinese publishing units to go global, and continuously building a platform for Chinese culture to go global. He hoped both exhibitions would further promote cultural exchanges and integration between China and New Zealand, allowing more and more New Zealand readers to understand a real China.

Deputy Mayor of Waipa District Council, Liz Stolwyk noted that this is the third time that Waipa people have met both exhibitions. They have become an important window for the local area to understand China, and an important link connecting local Chinese and other ethnic groups. "They bring two nations' people together in such an inspiring way."

Local citizen James visited the exhibitions together with his daughter. He said that New Zealanders are eager to learn about China, the country's largest trading partner. "Books and paintings are the best ways to know a country and its culture."

The books will be donated to local libraries and schools. 

People visit a book exhibition, which coincides with the Panda Meets Kiwi Youth International Art Exhibition, in Waipa District, New Zealand, Aug. 10, 2024.

Book and painting lovers in New Zealand indulged themselves in over 2,000 books from China at a book exhibition in Waipa District on Saturday.

The book exhibition, which coincides with the Panda Meets Kiwi Youth International Art Exhibition, also included 235 paintings drawn by children from both countries. Both exhibitions were organized by China International Book Trading Corporation (CIBTC), New Zealand Culture and Arts Foundation and Prime Media Group of New Zealand. (Photo by Sun Xueliang/Xinhua)
Jaipur, Aug 10 : The Border Security Force (BSF) on Saturday seized three kg of heroin worth Rs 15 crore in a drone near the India-Pakistan border in Anupgarh district of Rajasthan, officials said.

After finding the drone, the BSF along with the police started a search operation in the entire area.

The BSF officials said: "The drone was found in one Kaluram Nayak's field near 30 APD village of Anupgarh. The farmer reported the incident to police after seeing the drone in the field at 4.15 a.m. on Saturday. Soon after, the team reached the spot and recovered three kg of heroin tied in a yellow packet along with the Pakistani drone from the field."

According to BSF officials, the drone was sent from Pakistan to smuggle heroin to India, but due to a technical fault or battery discharge, the drone fell in the field near the border, foiling a smuggling bid.

The BSF had already received input that Pakistan was planning to send heroin through drones and had blocked the International Border near the Anupgarh district at various places.

The BSF officials also informed the police after the farmer called them.

Station House Officer, Anil Kumar, said that when Kaluram Nayak, a resident of 30 APD village, went to his field where he saw a drone.

When BSF officials reached the spot, heroin was recovered in a yellow packet along with the drone.

Later, the BSF officials informed the Anupgarh police.

SHO Kumar added that a case has been registered and an investigation will be done.

BSF jawans have also shot down Pakistani drones several times earlier in the past.
Mysuru, Aug 10 : Karnataka BJP on Saturday said that the party will continue to protest until the Chief Minister Siddaramaiah does not tender his resignation.

"The BJP will continue the agitation until the ruling Congress is made to bite the dust in the state and the agitation will continue till Siddaramaiah tenders his resignation," said Leader of the Opposition (LoP) R. Ashoka while addressing a gathering at the Maharaja College Grounds in Mysuru at the concluding ceremony of 'Mysuru Chalo' padyatra, which was organised to demand Siddaramaiah's resignation.

He said that the party workers have gathered over three major issues.

"Honest officer in Tribal Welfare Board case, T. Chandrasekaran committed suicide. Congress swallowed Rs 176 crore. Police officer Parashuram ended his life as he was unable to give them Rs 30 lakh. Two honest officers have sacrificed their lives fighting the corrupt Congress government," the LoP said.

He said that if the people do want other officers to meet the same fate, then Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar should be removed from power.

He said that this was not just padyatra but a war cry against corrupt Congress, adding that the padyatra was to fight against the Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) land case.

He alleged that Shivakumar talks about properties but the real issue is the looted Rs 3,000 to Rs 4,000 crore in the MUDA case which should be returned to the people.

"The 86,000 people from Mysuru who had applied for sites have got nothing. There is no site for the poor but Siddaramaiah has 14 sites. The BJP is fighting for those 86,000 applicants. This is anti-Dalit government which looted Rs 25,000 crore belonging to Dalits. Karnataka government is providing salaries for the Congress leaders at the taluk and district levels and the money of the poor is being looted," Ashoka said.

The controversial MUDA land case has 3.16 acres and was bought from the original owner Ninga for Rs 1. The brother-in-law of Siddaramaiah bought it for Rs 5 lakh. However, Siddaramaiah is asking Rs 62 crore for the same land.

"Aren't you ashamed? This is the land of Dalits. You claim to be a clean person. To make people aware of this farce that is why we had undertaken this padyatra," Ashoka said.

--IANS

mka/dan
Dili : , Aug 10 (IANS) President Droupadi Murmu on Saturday held a bilateral meeting with the Prime Minister of East Timor, Kay Rala Xanana Gusmao, after she arrived in Dili on the last leg of her three-nation visit.

Both the leaders underscored the significance of a "warm and cordial" relationship between India and East Timor based on shared values of democracy and plurality.

During the meeting, they also discussed wide-ranging issues focusing on boosting bilateral ties.

Apart from this, three agreements were signed during the meeting in the areas of cultural exchanges, radio broadcasting, and visa exemption for holders of diplomatic, official and service passports.

President Murmu also interacted with the Indian community in Dili at a reception hosted in her honour.

"We stand ready to work with Timor-Leste in our shared desire for progress and development," the President said.

She also announced that India would soon establish an Embassy in East Timor.

Lauding the Indian diaspora for their achievements and urging them to continue to play an active part in strengthening Indian-Timor ties, she said, "The achievements of our diaspora community have been a matter of great pride for India, and we consider you as a 'living bridge'."

The President also participated in a public conversation with Timorese President Jose Ramos-Horta on 'The Horta Show' and spoke of her political journey to becoming the President of India, India's rich cultural heritage, and shared perspectives on women in leadership roles.

President Murmu was also conferred the Grand-Collar of the Order of Timor-Leste, the country's highest civilian award, by President Jose Ramos-Horta in recognition of her achievements in public service and dedication to education, social welfare and empowerment of women.

The President also held a bilateral meeting with her Timorese counterpart, underlining the strong connection and cooperation between the two democratic nations, and discussed opportunities for enhancing bilateral ties.

Both the leaders also discussed the possibility of East Timor joining the International Solar Alliance.

Earlier this week, President Murmu visited Fiji and New Zealand during her three-nation visit, where she discussed bilateral ties and cooperation across various sectors.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said earlier this week that the State Visit by President Murmu to Fiji, New Zealand and Timor-Leste underscores the importance India attaches to its bilateral relations with these countries and reflects New Delhi's strong focus on the Act East policy, which was announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the ninth East Asia Summit in 2014.
Seoul, Aug 10 : North Korea again launched balloons presumed to be carrying trash toward South Korea on Saturday, the Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) said, marking a resumption after more than two weeks.

The JCS said it detected the launches, noting the possibility of the balloons travelling toward the northern part of Gyeonggi Province that surrounds Seoul despite winds blowing in northern and northeastern directions, Yonhap news agency reported.

It warned the public of falling objects and advised them not to touch the balloons if discovered, requesting they report them to the military or police.

North Korea has launched more than 3,600 trash balloons since May 28 in a tit-for-tat move against balloons carrying anti-Pyongyang leaflets flown by North Korean defectors and activists in South Korea. Pyongyang last sent the balloons on July 24.

In response to the North's campaign, South Korea has been conducting full-scale anti-Pyongyang propaganda broadcasts daily through its border loudspeakers since mid-July.

North Korea has bristled against the loudspeaker campaign, as well as anti-Pyongyang leaflets, on fears that an influx of outside information could pose a threat to the Kim Jong-un regime.
Bengaluru, Aug 10 : Karnataka Home Minister G. Parameshwara said on Saturday that if Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot accords consent to prosecute Chief Minister Siddaramaiah in the Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) land scam, they will meet President Droupadi Murmu regarding the matter.

Speaking to reporters near his residence in Bengaluru, he stated that he believes the Governor will not proceed with the prosecution. However, if permission is granted, they will engage in a legal battle. Once the legal battle begins, they will monitor further developments and decide to meet the President accordingly.

Parameshwara stated that he was confident the Governor would not grant permission for prosecution against CM Siddaramaiah. He also maintained that the legal battle would be taken up if the Governor granted permission for prosecution against Siddaramaiah.

"Several cases are pending in the Governor's office, and none have been forwarded for prosecution. In the MUDA matter, an urgent notice was issued. On July 26, a petition was submitted to the Governor by T.J. Abraham. On the same day, the Governor wrote to the Chief Secretary of the government. The Chief Secretary has since provided clarification. That evening, a show-cause notice was issued to the Chief Minister. Why the Governor should not explain the intention behind this," he questioned.

"The Governor is not just a political figure or administrator but the head of the Constitution. Many cases are pending in his office, and without addressing them, a show-cause notice has been issued to the Chief Minister. This appears to be a conspiracy. They will wait and see what the Governor's next move will be," he maintained.

During the BJP regime, several scandals occurred. An investigation has been ordered, and further steps will be decided based on the report in the cabinet, he said.

In response to a question about the POCSO case against former CM B.S. Yediyurappa, he stated that the Advocate General has been informed to vacate the court's stay order on the investigation against him. Legal steps will be taken according to the law in the case, he underlined.

Regarding Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy's statement about uncertainty of the government, Parameshwara responded saying "Kumaraswamy should be cautious, as there is no issue from their side. Instead, Kumaraswamy should address our questions first. Investigations are ongoing in various cases. It appears that in the Devaraj Urs Truck Terminal scam, a cheque of Rs 47 crore has been received. Officials have been summoned. BJP should respond to whether this was under their notice or not."

When asked whether it is easy to topple the government, he said, with 136 legislators, how can the government be toppled? They predicted the government would fall within 10 days, has it fallen? Now they are claiming that in three months the government will fall; you must wait three months. Toppling the government is not a joke, he opined.
Damascus, Aug 10 : US forces across Syria have been placed on high alert following a midnight attack by Iranian-backed militias on one of its bases in the northeastern province of Hasakah, a war monitor reported on Saturday.

In the early hours of Saturday, an armed drone directly targeted the Kharab al-Jir base in the Rmelan area of Hasakah, leading to significant damage and fire within the facility, Xinhua news agency reported.

The attack has prompted the US-led International Coalition to bolster both logistical and military support to its bases across Syria, according to the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.

According to the observatory, US bases in Syria have been subjected to 135 attacks by Iranian-backed militias since October 19, 2023.

The majority of these assaults have focused on the Conoco gas plant, the al-Omar oil field base in the eastern province of Deir al-Zour, and the al-Shaddadi base in the Hasakah countryside.

The recent escalation comes amid heightened tensions in northeastern Syria, with the US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) engaged in clashes with pro-Syrian government forces, leading to the SDF effectively chocking all routes to the government-controlled areas in Hasakah.

It also comes as Iran is expected to respond to Israel following the assassination of senior Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh.
Mumbai, Aug 10 : In the run-up to the upcoming Maharashtra Legislative Assembly election, the MahaYuti government's ambitious Nar-Par-Girja river linking project has received an in-principle approval from Governor C. P. Radhakrishnan on Saturday.

The Governor's Principal Secretary Pravin Darade, in a letter, addressed to the State Water Resources Department Additional Chief Secretary Deepak Kapoor on Friday conveyed the Governor's approval for the project.

"After Wainganga-Nalganga, now the Rs 7,015 crore Nar-Par-Girna river linking project has also been approved by Governor C. P. Radhakrishnan, I am very grateful to him. Through this scheme, 10.64 thousand million cubic feet (TMC) of water is proposed from the western channel Nar-Par-Girna river basin, and it will benefit 49,516 hectares in Nashik and Jalgaon districts. This project, worth Rs 7,015 crore, will be a boon for Nashik and Jalgaon districts. This will be another historic step in terms of water prosperity of the state," said Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis in a post on social media platform X.

The project envisages construction of nine new dams, and a total of 305 metres of water will be pumped and brought to Chankapur Dam in Tapi basin.

The scheme was approved by the state-level technical advisory committee (SLTAC) on March 15, 2023.

In 2016, when Devendra Fadnavis was the Chief Minister, this scheme was approved as Upsa Sanchan Scheme at the government's expense.

The State Water Resources Department sources said that the Nar-Par-Girna Valley link project is an intra-state link proposal to divert the surplus waters from 20 small proposed dams of west-flowing rivers such as the Ambika, Auranga, and Nar-Par basins to the east side - Girna river of Tapi basin a" to utilise in the proposed command areas identified in Nashik, Jalgaon and Aurangabad areas of Girna sub-basin.

The proposal would irrigate 53,626 hectares in Nashik, 38,304 hectares in Jalgaon, and 3,830 hectares in Aurangabad areas of Girna sub-basin.

Earlier, Fadnavis said that the Governor, on July 10, had approved the Rs 87,342 crore Wainganga-Nalganga river linking project.

Due to this scheme, Nagpur, Wardha, Amravati, Yavatmal, Akola, Buldhana, 6 districts of Vidarbha will get 3.71 lakh hectares of irrigation benefits .

"The MahaYuti government in the state under the leadership of Chief Minister Eknath Shinde is doing great work in terms of water prosperity," added Deputy CM Fadnavis.
Mumbai, Aug 10 : Actress Charu Asopa, who predominantly works in television, was seen heading to Goa on Saturday to ring in the birthday celebrations of her ex-husband Rajeev Sen.

The two were spotted at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport along with their daughter Ziana. The two posed for the paparazzi stationed at the airport.

While Rajeev donned a solid dark teal coloured t-shirt which he paired with black joggers, Charu was seen wearing a black bodycon dress with long sleeves.

Earlier, Rajeev, who is the brother of Bollywood actress Sushmita Sen, had shared pictures from his motheras 73rd birthday celebration, which included special moments with his ex-wife and their daughter.

In one of the family photos, Rajeev was seen with his mother, Subhra Sen, Sushmita, her children, and other family members. Sushmitaas rumoured boyfriend, Rohman Shawl was also seen in the picture.

Charu also shared a couple of photos with her ex-mother-in-law and ex-husband.

Charu, who is known for aDevon Ke Dev...Mahadeva, aBaalveera, aMere Angne Meina and aJiji Maaa, married Rajeev in June 2019. They welcomed their daughter Ziana in November 2021. However, they were often in the news over compatibility issues.

Rajeev and Charu may have parted ways, but they ensure that their daughter Ziana receives love from both her parents. They are often seen spending quality time together in Dubai or going on holidays after their divorce in 2023.

Charu was earlier married to a Marwari businessman from Rajasthan in the year 2007. They parted ways in November 2016 due to compatibility issues. She was then in a relationship with fellow actor Neeraj Malviya. The couple got engaged in Rajasthan. However, the engagement was called off in 2017.

On the work front, the actress was last seen in the role of Mridula Chauhan in the television show aKaisa Hai Yeh Rishta Anjanaa.
Mumbai, Aug 10 : NCP National President and Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar on Saturday asked the opposition why they failed to introduce the Mukhyamantri Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana when they were in government.

"Why did you not introduce the Mukhyamantri Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana during your tenure," Pawar said during the third day of his Jansanman Yatra.

He also rejected the opposition's claim about the continuity of its implementation for want of funds, saying that he as a Finance Minister has made a provision of Rs 35,000 crore in the budget.

"You are criticising the Mukhyamantri Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana but what did you do when you were in government? I have presented the state budget 10 times and it is not an easy task. Don't lie, get information and then speak," he told the opposition at the rally held in Sinnar in Nashik district.

Pawar said the response from women to the Ladki Bahin scheme is overwhelming.

"Since the commencement of the Jansanman Yatra, women have tied rakhis to me. Their faith will not be broken. The first two instalments of Rs 3,000 for the months of July and August (Rs 1,500 each) will be deposited to the banks of eligible women beneficiaries on August 17, two days before the auspicious Rakshabandhan," he added.

He also announced that the MahaYuti government will give approval for the Damanganga-Pinjal link project before the commencement of the Model Code of Conduct for the upcoming state Assembly election.

The project envisages the transfer of balance, available water, at the proposed Bhugad reservoir across Damangangariver and at the proposed Khargihill reservoir across Vagh River, a tributary of Damanganga River, in the Damanganga basin for augmentation of water supply to Greater Mumbai to meet its domestic and industrial water requirements in the near future.

Responding to the opposition's charges, Pawar said the purpose of Jansanman Yatra is to reach out to the people and explain to them what the MahaYuti government has done especially after NCP joined it for the state.

"The government has launched a slew of decisions for the welfare of people and to expedite the state's development. The investment flow in the state has sharply increased during the MahaYuti government," he said.

He said that several projects are being developed in the state including Toyota Kirloskar in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar and two projects worth Rs 40,000 crore each by Jindal group.

"The government has introduced a training programme for youth so that they can get jobs in the industry," he added.
Wayanad, Aug 10 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi concluded his day-long visit to landslide-ravaged Wayanad with a special review meeting at the makeshift PMO in the Collectorate office here on Saturday.

The meeting was attended by Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, Governor Arif Muhammed Khan, Union Minister Suresh Gopi, State Ministers A. Rajan, A.K. Saseendran, P.A. Mohammed Riyas, and Kerala ADGP (law and order) M.R. Ajith Kumar, among other senior Central and state officials.

At the meeting, Chief Secretary V. Venu made a detailed presentation on the catastrophic landslides of July 30, the wide-scale destructions they brought, and also on how various agencies were carrying out relief and rehabilitation work.

This was PM Modias last engagement in Wayanad, which lasted for about 40 minutes.

Addressing the meeting, the Prime Minister assured full support to the state government and the state's residents in dealing with the natural calamity.

Stating that adisaster is not normala, the Prime Minister offered all possible assistance in rehabilitation and rebuilding of the region.

"I have been gathering information about the landslide since the time I came to know about it. All the Central agencies were mobilised immediately after the disaster struck. This is not a normal calamity. Thousands of families have been devastated and their dreams shattered. I have seen the situation on the spot. I met the victims at relief camps who faced this disaster. I also met the injured patients in the hospital," PM Modi said.

The Prime Minister also assured full assistance to state government and said that the Centre will leave no stone unturned in relief and rehabilitation work in Wayanad.

Earlier in the day, PM Modi undertook an aerial visit of the four ravaged villages of Wayanad and took stock of the relief operations. He also visited Chooralmala and walked on the makeshift 170 feet bailey bridge built by the Indian Army.

He also visited relief camps and hospitals housing displaced residents and victims, respectively, and had an emotional meeting with the survivors.

-- IANS

sg/mr/arm
MANILA, Aug. 10 (Xinhua) -- Philippine Vice President Sara Duterte's net satisfaction rating fell to +44 in June from +63 in March, according to the latest Social Weather Stations (SWS) nationwide survey released Friday night.

"The SWS survey of June 23 to July 1, 2024, found 65 percent satisfied and 21 percent dissatisfied with the performance of Duterte," the independent pollster SWS said. "Duterte's resulting net satisfaction (percent satisfied minus percent dissatisfied, correctly rounded) was good at +44," it added.

The SWS interviewed 1,500 adults for the survey five days after Duterte resigned as education secretary from the Marcos Cabinet.

Duterte's June 2024 rating is her lowest since assuming the vice presidency in June 2022.

Duterte was Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos' running mate in the May 2022 presidential elections. Their alliance went sour, and Duterte resigned from the Marcos Cabinet on June 19.

Nearly two months after quitting the Cabinet post, Duterte has taken a swipe at the Marcos administration and how her former political ally is leading the country.

In a lengthy statement on Aug. 7, Duterte said that "Filipinos deserve better."

"We are extremely tired of seeing our country being left behind, treated as if it has no value, unappealing, and submissive to other nations. We Filipinos deserve more than what we are hearing and seeing from the government right now. We, Filipinos, deserve better," she said. 
San Francisco, Aug 10 : Alphabet and Google CEO Sundar Pichai has revealed that former YouTube CEO Susan Wojcicki, who passed away after two years of living with lung cancer, once took him for an ice cream and a walk around campus during his Google interview 20 years ago.

Remembering the days when he joined Google, Pichai said he was so fortunate to have spent so many years working with Susan closely.

"Susan always put others first, both in her values and in the day to day. I'll never forget her kindness to me as a prospective 'Noogler' 20 years ago," Pichai wrote.

He further said: "I was sold - on Google and Susan. She was absolutely loved by her teams. Her time on earth was far too short, but she made every minute count".

Pichai termed Susan's loss as devastating for "all of us who know and love her, for the thousands of Googlers she led over the years, and for millions of people all over the world who looked up to her" as she created incredible things at Google, YouTube and beyond.

Susan was one of Google's earliest employees and had received a 'Google Founders Award' for making AdSense, which helped tremendously in Google's advertising. Her tenure as CEO of YouTube saw the platform's growth into a global powerhouse, impacting millions of content creators and billions of viewers.

Pichai said that Susan's journey, from the garage she rented to Larry Page and Sergey Brin (Google founders) to leading teams across consumer products and building Ads business to becoming the CEO of YouTube, one of the world's most significant platforms, "is inspiring by any measure".

But she didn't stop there. As one of the earliest Googlers -- and the first to take maternity leave -- Susan used her position to build a better workplace for everyone.

In the years that followed, her advocacy around parental leave set a new standard for businesses everywhere. Susan was also deeply passionate about education.

Over the last two years, Susan devoted herself to making the world better through her philanthropy, including supporting research for the disease that ultimately took her life.

"I know that was very meaningful to her and I'm so glad she took the time to do it," said Pichai, adding that let's honour Susan's memory by continuing to build a Google she would be proud of.
Kolkata, Aug 10 : West Bengal Police said on Saturday that the accused in the murder case of a female doctor is a 'criminal of the highest order'.

"For the investigating officials, the culprit is a criminal of the highest order," City Police Commissioner Vineet Kumar Goyal told media persons who questioned him about the professional identity of the accused.

The accused identified as Sanjay Ray, is a civic volunteer with the Kolkata Police and enjoyed free access to the hospital.

Goyal said that nothing more can be revealed about the accused as the investigation is still underway and for the investigators, the professional identity of the accused is not the area of prime focus.

The Joint Commissioner (Crime) of City Police Murli Dhar, who accompanied the Commissioner and is supervising the investigation by the Special Investigation Team also requested the media persons not to ask any questions that might hamper the investigation process.

Sources said that the preliminary investigation revealed that the victim doctor became the prey while she was sleeping in the seminar hall.

"Suspicious movements of the arrested individual within the hospital premises around 3.30 am and 4 am on Friday have been traced in the CCTV footage," the sources said.

The preliminary autopsy report of the victim's body has already suggested that this is a case of rape and murder and also suggested that the victim was strangulated to ensure her death after the rape.

On Friday, a female doctor in the state-run R.G. Kar Medical College & Hospital was found dead under mysterious circumstances on the premises.

She was a second-year postgraduate medical student at the hospital and was also working as a house staff with the chest medicine division.

The body was discovered by the hospital staff on the fourth floor of the emergency building of the hospital at around noon.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has also said that her administration is open to any kind of central agency probe in the case.

"We do not have anything to hide in this case. The person arrested in the matter will be produced at a fast-track court. We will seek capital punishment for the guilty. But if the agitating students want a probe by another agency, we are not against it. If there is a CBI probe, we have no problem since we do not have anything to hide," the Chief Minister said.
Kolkata, Aug 10 : Kolkata Police said on Saturday that the accused in the murder case of a female doctor is a 'criminal of the highest order'.

"For the investigating officials, the culprit is a criminal of the highest order," Kolkata Police Commissioner Vineet Kumar Goyal told media persons who questioned him about the professional identity of the accused.

The accused identified as Sanjay Ray, is a civic volunteer with the Kolkata Police and enjoyed free access to the hospital.

Goyal said that nothing more can be revealed about the accused as the investigation is still underway and for the investigators, the professional identity of the accused is not the area of prime focus.

The Joint Commissioner (Crime) of City Police Murli Dhar, who accompanied the Commissioner and is supervising the investigation by the Special Investigation Team also requested the media persons not to ask any questions that might hamper the investigation process.

Sources said that the preliminary investigation revealed that the victim doctor became the prey while she was sleeping in the seminar hall.

"Suspicious movements of the arrested individual within the hospital premises around 3.30 am and 4 am on Friday have been traced in the CCTV footage," the sources said.

The preliminary autopsy report of the victim's body has already suggested that this is a case of rape and murder and also suggested that the victim was strangulated to ensure her death after the rape.

On Friday, a female doctor in the state-run R.G. Kar Medical College & Hospital was found dead under mysterious circumstances on the premises.

She was a second-year postgraduate medical student at the hospital and was also working as a house staff with the chest medicine division.

The body was discovered by the hospital staff on the fourth floor of the emergency building of the hospital at around noon.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has also said that her administration is open to any kind of central agency probe in the case.

"We do not have anything to hide in this case. The person arrested in the matter will be produced at a fast-track court. We will seek capital punishment for the guilty. But if the agitating students want a probe by another agency, we are not against it. If there is a CBI probe, we have no problem since we do not have anything to hide," the Chief Minister said.
Kolkata, Aug 10 : A lower court in Kolkata on Saturday remanded the accused Sanjay Ray to 14-day police custody in a female doctor murder case.

The public prosecutor argued that what happened at R.G. Kar was equivalent to the Delhi gang rape and murder case of 2012, popularly knowns as the Nirbhaya case.

He also argued that for the purpose of carrying out the investigation, the accused needs to be taken to police custody for further interrogation.

There was no counsel at the court to argue on behalf of the accused.

The judge accepted the arguments of the public prosecutor and remanded Sanjay Ray to 14 days of police custody.

Meanwhile, the impact of the protests by medical students and house staff at R.G. Kar, who are observing a strike, has started to spread to other state-run medical colleges-cum-hospitals in the state as the students and house staff have also started protesting on the issue.

The junior doctors at many hospitals organised protest demonstrations decrying the pathetic death of the victim allegedly because of rape followed by murder.

Regular work at many hospitals has also been hampered due to the protests.

On Friday, a female doctor in the state-run R.G. Kar Medical College & Hospital was found dead under mysterious circumstances on the premises.

She was a second-year postgraduate medical student at the hospital and was also working as a house staff with the chest medicine division.

The body was discovered by the hospital staff on the fourth floor of the emergency building of the hospital at around noon.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has also said that her administration was open to any kind of central agency probe in the case.

"We do not have anything to hide in this case. The person arrested in the matter will be produced at a fast-track court. We will seek capital punishment for the guilty. But if the agitating students want a probe by another agency, we are not against it. If there is a CBI probe, we have no problem since we do not have anything to hide," the Chief Minister said.
Mysuru, Aug 10 : Union Minister for Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution Pralhad Joshi on Saturday attacked the Karnataka Chief Minister Siddarmaiah, saying that 'thief won't be spared even if he returns the stolen item'.

"Siddaramaiah is claiming that he will return the allotted 14 sites to his family. The thief won't be spared even if he returns the stolen item. He should be prosecuted and punished as per the law," the Union Minister said while addressing a gathering at the concluding ceremony of 'Mysuru Chalo' padyatra.

He said that Siddaramaiah has claimed that he has no black mark in his political career but he should know that his entire career is mired with black spots.

"You titled your event as 'Janandolan' but it is 'Dhanandolan' (money-related movement)," the Union Minister said.

He said that Congress leaders have minted money through corruption and handed it over to the Congress high command, adding that Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar put up a united front together but there is an internal fight between them.

He also criticised Siddaramaiah's claims for being targeted as he is a backward class leader. "He diverted funds reserved for SC and ST. He is a corrupt Chief Minister, who admitted that in the Tribal Welfare Board case, it is not Rs 187 crore but Rs 89 crore," he said.

He said that corruption is in the DNA of the Congress and it is in their DNA to insult SC, ST, and OBCs.

"How did you deal with Charan Singh? The party has not made any candidate from the OBC category as their PM. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, hailing from the backward class, is ruling the country for the 11th consecutive year," the Union Minister said.

--IANS

mka/dan
New Delhi, Aug 10 : Marking a significant milestone in India-Nepal space cooperation, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Saturday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Bengaluru-based NewSpace India Limited (NSIL) for grant assistance for the launch of Munal satellite.

The satellite developed in Nepal, under the aegis of Nepal Academy of Science and Technology (NAST), will be launched on NSIL's Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle on a gratis basis.

The MoU was signed by Anurag Srivastava, MEA's Joint Secretary (North) and NSIL Director A Arunachalam.

NAST Secretary Rabindra Prasad Dhakal along with ChargA d'affaires of Nepal's Embassy in India Surendra Thapa and Antarikchya Pratishan Nepal (APN) founder Abhas Maskey were also present on the occasion.

Munal Satellite is an indigenous satellite developed in Nepal, under the aegis of NAST. Nepali space startup Antarikchya Pratishan Nepal has assisted the country's students in the design and fabrication of this satellite. The satellite aims to build a vegetation density database of the Earth's surface.

It was during External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar's visit to Kathmandu that the Munal satellite's Launch Service Agreement was exchanged between NSIL and NAST during the 7th meeting of the India-Nepal Joint Commission on January 4, this year.

The MoU signing took place just before Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri's two-day official visit to Nepal, beginning Sunday at the invitation of Nepal's Foreign Secretary Sewa Lamsal.

According to the MEA, the visit continues the tradition of regular high-level exchanges between the two countries and reflects the priority India attaches to its relations with Nepal under its 'Neighborhood First' policy.

India and Nepal share an age-old civilisational, cultural and people-to-people connect, and bilateral cooperation between the two countries has further strengthened in recent years with continued momentum in high-level exchanges and major infrastructure and connectivity projects in Nepal having been completed and new ones undertaken with Government of Indiaas assistance.
New Delhi, Aug 10 : The Narendra Modi government on Saturday cleared the appointment of 1987 batch Indian Administrative Services (IAS) officer T.V. Somanathan as Cabinet Secretary for a period of two years.

T.V. Somanathan will succeed the outgoing 1982 batch officer Rajiv Gauba, who remained at the helm for five years.

"The Appointments Committee of Cabinet has also approved the appointment of T.V. Somanathan, IAS (TN:87) as Cabinet Secretary with a tenure of two years from August 30, 2024," a statement by the Department of Personnel and Training said.

Somanathan will be an Officer on Special Duty in the Cabinet Secretariat from the date he joins the assignment till he takes over as Cabinet Secretary i.e. from August 30.

T.V. Somanathan is believed to be one of the trusted advisors of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and also the one with a proven track record in economic policymaking.

During his stint in the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) between 2015-17, he looked after the implementation of economic policies. He played a pivotal role in 'PM Gareeb Kalyan' and 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' announcements in 2020, during the first wave of COVID-19 pandemic.

As per reports, he also played a crucial role in the formulation of Nirmala Sitharaman's 2021-22 Union Budget. Many themes of the Budget including jobs push, fiscal expansion, and promoting public investment in infrastructure were said to have his imprints.

In 2017, the Prime Minister also attended the wedding celebrations of the senior bureaucrat's daughter.

Somanathan, known for his expertise in public finance, economic policy, and administrative reforms, is currently serving as the Finance Secretary.

He became Expenditure Secretary in 2021 and was slated to retire next year. As the Cabinet Secretary mandates a fixed tenure of two years, his term will now run through till 2026.

The 1987 batch IAS officer from the Tamil Nadu cadre had a long experience in Tamil Nadu before moving to the Centre. He served in the Tamil Nadu government in multiple roles as Deputy Secretary (Budget), Joint Vigilance Commissioner, Executive Director Metrowater, Secretary to Chief Minister, and Additional Chief Secretary & Commissioner of Commercial Taxes.

As founder MD of CMRL, he was responsible for achieving financial closure and awarding the initial tenders for implementing the Chennai Metro Rail Project.

In 2011, his services were sought by the World Bank and he served as Director from 2011 to 2015. In 2000, he was one of the bank's youngest Sector Managers.
Guwahati, Aug 10 : The Assam Congress on Saturday staged a protest against the rising prices of essential commodities in the state. It also demanded the early implementation of the 33 per cent reservation for women in the Assembly and in Parliament.

President of the Assam Pradesh Mahila Congress Mira Borthakur told IANS that the "BJP has promised to give 33 percent reservation to women across all political platforms. We have demanded early implementation of this promise. Society requires more women representation and the Congress party will continue to put pressure on the ruling party on this issue.

The opposition leader said that they also protested against the skyrocketing prices of necessary commodities in the state.

"Prices of almost all necessary commodities have seen a sharp increase. However, the government is not interested in easing the burden of the general population. We are requesting the BJP government to give preference to solving the people's issues," Borthakur said.

State Congress chief Bhupen Borah said, "Our party has planned to launch a statewide protest against price rise. This is a very important issue concerning the people. Congress workers will hold protests in every district headquarters against price rise."

He criticised Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma for blaming private universities for the recent flash flood in Guwahati.

"A few private universities around Guwahati have been imparting good education to the students. Even the Chief Minister runs private educational institutions and therefore he has no right to criticise other private players operating in the education field," Bora stated.

The Congress leader said, "I guess the Chief Minister might have demanded some land beside that private university and since it was not given, he began criticising the varsity authorities for the flash flood in the city."

On Friday, Sarma argued that the large-scale deforestation near Jorabat area was the root cause of the flash flood in Guwahati which added to the misery of the city's inhabitants.

He said that analysing the satellite images of the last several years, it was noticed that huge deforestation took place in Jorabat Hills due to the establishment of institutions like the University of Science and Technology, Meghalaya and Delhi Public School.
New Delhi/Wayanad, Aug 10 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday returned to Delhi after visiting the landslide-struck Wayanad in Kerala where he took stock of the overall situation in the aftermath of the disaster, met and interacted with survivors, besides holding crucial meetings with top officials , including Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan.

PM Modi returned to Delhi from the Kannur airport at around 6.10 p.m. -- three hours late -- according to his earlier announced schedule.

PM Modi arrived at the Kannur airport on Saturday morning and was received by Kerala Governor Arif Mohammed Khan, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and top Central and state government officials.

From there, he boarded a helicopter and before touching down in Wayanad, he undertook an aerial inspection of four villages which were the worst-hit in the tragedy that took place on July 30 which left 416 dead and over 150 missing.

PM Modi's first visit was to the damaged G.V.H.S. School in Vellarmala.

"How many children lost their loved ones," an emotional PM Modi asked Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and Union Minister Suresh Gopi who were accompanying him. An Inter-Ministerial Central Team (IMCT) was also present and has been camping in the affected areas for the last three days.

PM Modi was also deeply moved by seeing the damage the school has suffered and sought details from CM Vijayan about the rehabilitation of the landslide victims.

G.V.H.S. School in Vellarmala had 582 students, of which 27 students are reportedly missing.

The Prime Minister spent 15 minutes at the school and also inquired about the plans for a new school building.

His next stop was at St. Joseph's School where a relief camp has been set up. PM Modi met the survivors there who submitted that they felt "happy and reassured" after meeting the Prime Minister.

"I am extremely happy after PM Modi spoke to me and assured me that the administration is with every one of us. I spoke to him (PM Modi) in Malayalam and someone was translating. I don't have a home. After hearing me, PM Modi told me not to worry. He has assured all of us, and we feel happy about it. We all felt reassured," said Ayyapan, a Wayanad resident.

Ayyapan further said that Union Minister Suresh Gopi also assured the survivors that everyone's needs will be fulfilled.

"I am feeling much relieved after meeting PM Modi," said Ayyapan, who lost his immediate family members in the landslide.

Many survivors also got emotional and shed tears while meeting PM Modi.

The Prime Minister was also seen consoling women, men and children while listening to their stories of suffering and losses.

Among those who interacted with PM Modi also included a 16-year-old boy, Hani, who lost 11 of his family members.

PM Modi also met the 11-year-old Lavanya, who lost all her near and dear ones.

"He asked me in detail about the current situation, and how people have been dealing with this tragedy. I told him that they were being given counselling sessions as most of them were still in shock. Then the PM asked if there were adequate counsellors. I responded in the affirmative," said Dr. Charlie, who was present at the hospital, and got an opportunity to interact with the Prime Minister.

PM Modi's next stop was a local hospital where he met patients.

He also interacted with 8-year-old Avanthika, who has lost all family members except her grandmother.

"I have only seen PM Modi on TV but today, I saw him in front of me. He asked me what I want

... I did not say anything," said Avanthika.

The Prime Minister also spoke to Arun, who had struggled for survival for over six hours in deep mud but finally managed to escape.

PM Modi also spoke to a woman doctor from Orissa, Sukyarth, who, along with her husband, had come for a holiday when tragedy struck on July 30. Sukyarth's husband, also a doctor, remains missing.

Before winding up his day-long visit to the landslide-ravaged Wayanad, PM Modi chaired a special review meeting at the makeshift PMO office at the Wayanad Collectorate.

PM Modi, after going through a detailed presentation by Chief Secretary V. Venu, told those present at the meeting that he has seen similar tragedies, and is well-aware of the feelings and emotions of the affected.

The Prime Minister also asked for a detailed memorandum to be submitted to his office.

Kerala Forest Minister A.K. Saseendran who took part in the review meeting said that PM Modi has assured of all support, and will stand with Kerala.

"He (PM Modi) has asked for a detailed report. We will submit it at the earliest. His words were confidence-inspiring," said Saseendran.

Kerala Revenue Minister K. Rajan said that "PM Modi listened to everything we had to say".

"He heard us very patiently and spoke of his experience of what he saw during the Gujarat earthquake. The Chief Secretary submitted a detailed presentation. CM Vijayan submitted that 'the Centre should do its best and appropriately handle our memorandum'," said Rajan.

PM Modi then left Wayanad on a helicopter and reached the Kannur airport.

He was seen off by Governor Khan, CM Vijayan and other top Central and state officials.

Leader of Opposition V.D. Satheesan said he appeared confident that "the visit of the Prime Minister has turned out to be a successful one", and he expects due consideration.

"Even though there are technical issues about declaring the tragedy as a national disaster, the need of the hour is a total comprehensive package for the survivors who have undergone untold miseries and trauma," said Satheesan.
Chandigarh, Aug 10 : The Punjab Police in a joint operation with central agencies have apprehended an international drug smuggler Simranjot Singh Sandhu (30), a kingpin in connection with 487 kg cocaine smuggling case of 2020 in Germany, said the Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav here on Saturday.

The development came after investigations carried out by the Moga police into the arrest of local drug smugglers, Beant Singh and Sukhdeep Singh, who were arrested with one kg of heroin on June 16.

As per the statements of the accused duo, the Moga police had nominated Mandeep Singh, currently based in the US, and Simranjot Singh, who was allegedly searching for purchasers for heroin in Punjab on directions of the former.

DGP Yadav said the accused Sandhu is a key lynchpin of an international drug cartel and was wanted in Germany for drug offences.

Preliminary investigations have revealed that the accused played a major role in smuggling drugs in India and other European countries, he added.

Inspector General of Police (Headquarters), Sukhchain Singh Gill, accompanied by DIG (Faridkot Range) Ashwani Kapur and SSP (Moga) Ankur Gupta, while sharing more details with the media, said during the follow-up investigations into the one kg heroin recovery case, the police have arrested Sandhu, a native of Batala.

He said Simranjot, who went to Germany in 2002, was working as a taxi driver and from March to June 2020, the accused had stored and transported at least 487 kg cocaine, 66 kg marijuana and 10 kg hashish being supplied from Brazil and other South American countries and arrived at the port of Hamburg in Germany.

The accused used to communicate on an encrypted mobile app 'Encrochat' through which a drug network was unearthed by the German Police, he added.

Later, the accused was convicted for eight years and six months under Section 29 of the Narcotic Drugs Act by a German court on February 28, 2022, but without completing the jail sentence he fled away to Dubai in July 2023 and then came to India in September 2023.

The IGP said that for 11 months Simranjot had been staying at various places in India, including Amritsar, Chandigarh, Rajasthan and Moga, to prevent arrest.

Detailed questioning of the accused is being done to verify his activities in India, he added.
PHNOM PENH, Aug. 10 (Xinhua) -- Cambodia registered 3.03 million air travelers during the first half of 2024, up 22 percent from 2.48 million over the same period last year, said a State Secretariat of Civil Aviation's report on Saturday.

The report said international and domestic airlines had operated a total of 28,725 flights to the kingdom's three international airports during the January-June period this year, up 16 percent from 24,725 flights over the same period last year.

State Secretariat of Civil Aviation's Undersecretary of State and spokesperson Sinn Chanserey Vutha is confident that the Chinese-invested Siem Reap Angkor International Airport (SAI), which was put into commercial operation in November 2023, will help attract more international airlines and travelers to Cambodia.

"With a 3,600-meter runway, the SAI is a 4E-level international airport that can handle long-distance flights from across the world," he told Xinhua.

"We hope the airport will attract new international airlines to operate direct flights to Siem Reap province, the home of the UNESCO-listed Angkor Archaeological Park," he said.

The SAI is currently the kingdom's biggest airport and is the main international gateway to the Angkor Archaeological Park. 
Chittagong, Aug 10 : Tens of thousands of Hindus converged in the heart of Bangladesh's Chittagong on Saturday, holding a massive protest rally against the ongoing attacks on the community and demanding safety and equal rights as citizens of the country.

Innumerable incidents of persecution of members of minority communities, especially Hindus, have been reported across 52 districts in Bangladesh since former Sheikh Hasina's resignation as the Prime Minister on August 5.

The huge gathering -- over seven lakh people attended the rally, according to some estimates -- held at the historic Cheragi Pahar square in Chittagong saw people protesting against the ongoing violence against Hindus which has increased tremendously since former PM Hasina's departure to India.

Hundreds of Hindus are believed to be injured as radicals attacked their homes, businesses and even temples over the past few days.

The continuing violence comes as a massive challenge for the interim government in the country which was sworn-in on Thursday under the leadership of Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus.

On Friday, Bangladesh Hindu-Buddhist-Christian Oikya Parishad sent an 'open letter' to Yunus, expressing "profound sorrow and concern" over a particular group's "unprecedented violence" against the minorities.

"We seek protection because our lives are in a disastrous state. We are staying up at night guarding our homes and religious places. I have never seen such incidents in my life. We demand that the government restore communal harmony in the country," Nirmal Rosario, the president of the unity council, was quoted as saying by 'The Daily Star'.

The letter mentioned that the communal violence, that began immediately after Hasina left Dhaka, has caused "widespread fear, anxiety, and uncertainty" among the minorities in Bangladesh.

"According to organisational details and media reports, thousands of Hindu families have become destitute and many temples have been attacked and burned. Numerous women have faced assaults, and there have been murders in several places. Other minorities have also suffered during this period," the newspaper reported.

Dhaka Tribune also reported Bangladesh Hindu Jagran Mancha organising processions and rallies to protest against the recent vandalism, arson, looting, and attacks on the Hindu community across the country.

"During the rally, the Hindu community presented a four-point demand: the establishment of a ministry of minorities, the formation of a minority protection commission, the implementation of strict laws to prevent attacks against minorities, and the allocation of 10% of parliamentary seats for minorities," the newspaper reported on Friday after a protest rally organised in Dhaka's Shahbagh.

The interim government is also facing criticism from several quarters for exclusion of religious texts other than the Quran during its swearing-in ceremony on Thursday.

"The exclusion of readings from other religious texts contradicts our Constitution, the spirit of the Liberation War, and anti-discrimination values. We hope that in future state functions, readings from all major religious texts will be included," Kajal Devnath, a member of the unity council was quoted as saying by The Daily Star.
Chennai, Aug 10 : Tamil Nadu unit Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK) president and former Union Health Minister Anbumani Ramadoss on Saturday demanded scrapping the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) examination for Post Graduate admission.

Notably, PMK is a constituent of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) and had contested the 2024 Lok Sabha as a part of the BJP-led alliance.

In a statement on Saturday, Ramadoss, who himself is a medical doctor, said that a student from Dharmapuri in Tamil Nadu was allocated an examination centre in Jammu and Kashmir.

"As the NEET-PG is to be held on Sunday, a student from Dharmapuri headed to Jammu and Kashmir to write the exam. It is condemnable that the exam centre for a student who belongs to the south has been allocated in the northern most part of the country," the former Union Minister said.

Ramadoss further said that the female PG aspirant had already said that in June, an examination centre was allocated in Jammu and Kashmir, but the exam was postponed.

The PMK leader mentioned that she had spent a huge amount of money.

Ramadoss said that the National Testing Agency which is conducting the NEET has assured the students that it would allocate one of the four centres which the students prefer.

"How can the testing agency conduct the exams fairly if it can not allocate exam centres without mistakes?" he questioned.

The former Union Minister also said that several complaints have already been raised in the NEET and NEET-PG exams including "leakage of question papers, misconduct, poor allocation of examination centres and other irregularities".

The PMK leader said that under these circumstances, it was better to scrap the NEET examination.

Anbumani Ramadoss was the Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare in former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh-led Cabinet from 2004 to 2009.
New Delhi: As we commemorate the historic day of August 11, 1961, when Dadra and Nagar Haveli were formally united with India, we are reminded of a monumental victory in the struggle against colonialism - the liberation of Dadra and Nagar Haveli.

This day marks not just the freedom of a territory but also the indomitable spirit of a people united in their quest for independence from foreign rule.

The liberation of Dadra and Nagar Haveli is a story of resilience, bravery, and an unwavering commitment to freedom.

The official integration into the Indian Union was cemented on August 11, 1961, with the passing of the Dadra and Nagar Haveli Act, 1961 by the Parliament, which solidified the region's place in the Indian Republic.

The struggle for liberation is no short of a saga of bravery, with the territory of Dadra and Nagar Haveli, geographically distanced from Goa, playing a pivotal role in the larger movement against colonial oppression.

Encompassing 491 square kilometres, landlocked between Gujarat to the north and Maharashtra to the south, Dadra and Nagar Haveli was paradoxically not originally a part of Portuguese India by conquest but rather as part of a "compensation package" given to the Portuguese by the Peshwas, following a series of absurd and tumultuous historical events.

The regions of Dadra and Nagar Haveli consist of two separate geographical units surrounded by the Valsad district of Gujarat and Palghar district of Maharashtra. Despite its small size, the strategic importance of the territory was significant.

Historically, the Portuguese held control over Daman, which included Nagar Haveli. The territory had once been under the rule of a Rajput prince, Ramsinh of Rajasthan, who established himself as the ruler of Ramnagar (Dharampur) in 1262. After a series of conflicts, the Portuguese finally gained control in 1783 when the Marathas ceded the revenue of Nagar Haveli to them as compensation for a lost warship.

The Indian independence in 1947 was a beacon of hope for the people of Goa, Dadra and Nagar Haveli, surrounded as they were by sovereign Indian territory but still under Portuguese rule. The growing freedom movement in Goa inspired similar sentiments in Dadra and Nagar Haveli, igniting the flames of resistance against the colonial rulers.

The liberation movement was characterised by armed resistance, led by a coalition of nationalist groups. On July 22, 1954, the United Front of Goans (UFG) led an attack on the Dadra police station, resulting in the death of the sub-inspector Aniceto RosArio, and the subsequent hoisting of the Indian Tricolor, declaring Dadra a free territory.

The movement was further bolstered by the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) volunteers led by Raja Wakankar and Nana Kajrekar, and the Azad Gomantak Dal (AGD) under the leadership of Vishwanath Lavande, Dattatreya Deshpande, Prabhakar Sinari, and Gole.

The tide of liberation continued to rise as on July 28, a group of RSS and AGD volunteers successfully liberated Naroli from Portuguese control. The strategic town of Silvassa, heavily fortified by Portuguese forces under Captain VirgAlio Fidalgo, became the next target.

The nationalists, undeterred by the challenges, launched a coordinated attack from three directions on August 2, 1954.

Captain Fidalgo, realising the futility of resistance, fled with his troops, leaving Silvassa to be liberated without bloodshed. The Portuguese flag was torn down, and the Indian Tricolor was proudly hoisted over the newly freed territory.

Mohan Ranade, a stalwart of the freedom movement, in his book aStruggle Unfinisheda recounts his experiences during a pivotal moment in the Liberation Struggle, focusing on the involvement of Shri Sudhir Phadke, a renowned music director who diverted from his artistic career to actively participate in the fight for independence.

Phadke used his violin case to transport weapons to Nagar Haveli, where he, along with Ranade and others, faced numerous challenges. During a torrential downpour, they encountered a flooded river but managed to cross after calling for a boatman. They joined forces with another group already positioned in Nagar Haveli. After waiting for the rain to subside, they successfully attacked an abandoned Portuguese police post and later captured another post with minimal resistance.

The Portuguese guards had already cut off communication, indicating their imminent retreat. Ranade describes the arrival of additional volunteers of RSS and the final capture of Silvassa, marked by celebratory slogans and the removal of the Portuguese flag. The narrative highlights the blend of determination, logistical challenges, and the patriotic fervour driving the liberation effort, tempered by a command to avoid unnecessary violence.

The final surrender of Captain Fidalgo on August 11, 1954, marked the culmination of the liberation struggle. The territory of Dadra and Nagar Haveli, now free, was administered by the Varishta Panchayat until its formal integration into the Indian Union in 1961. This victory was not just a territorial gain but a testament to the power of unity, courage, and the unyielding desire for freedom.

Finally, on August 11, 1954, the struggle for Dadra and Nagar Haveli concluded with the official surrender of the Portuguese forces. On June 12, 1961, the Varistha Panchayat, a body representing the newly liberated territories of Dadra and Nagar Haveli, unanimously passed a resolution to integrate with the Indian Union. This decision marked the beginning of a new chapter for a region that had been shackled by Portuguese colonial rule for centuries.

The territory, once a symbol of colonial dominance, was now free, marking a momentous victory in India's broader struggle for freedom.

The peaceful transfer of power and the dignified conduct of the freedom fighters highlighted the triumph of justice and the enduring strength of unity.

As we reflect on this historic day, we are reminded of the sacrifices made and the spirit of determination that made freedom possible.

The story of Dadra and Nagar Havelias liberation continues to inspire, a testament to the power of resilience and the unbreakable will of a people united in their quest for freedom.

(The writer is an author & columnist and her latest book is Blood in the Sea: The Dark History of Hindu Oppression in Goa)
Gurugram, Aug 10 : In a major development boost for the Pataudi Assembly constituency in Haryana's Gurugram district, Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini on Saturday inaugurated and laid the foundation for 87 projects worth approximately Rs 184 crore.

This extensive range of projects is set to improve local infrastructure, public services, and community facilities, marking a significant leap forward in the development of the region.

During a public meeting held in Pataudi, the Chief Minister reiterated his government's commitment to the constituency by announcing an additional Rs 10 crore for various development works.

He also announced the opening of a Veterinary Polyclinic and Animal Trauma Centre in the village of Taj Nagar, Gurugram, subject to land availability, at an estimated cost of Rs 1 crore.

Furthermore, he announced the establishment of a Polytechnic College in the village of Majri at a cost of Rs 3.50 crore, declaring the Pataudi-Farukhnagar zone from a low potential zone to a medium potential zone, and an allocation of Rs 2.5 crore for improving Public Works Department roads.

The Chief Minister also addressed the issue of electricity in the region by announcing the construction of 33-33 KV power houses in the villages of Siwari, Jasat, and Daulatabad at a cost of Rs 20.50 crore.

Additionally, he announced the construction of a new Municipal Corporation building in Manesar, at an estimated cost of Rs 76 crore.

Discussions will be held with NHAI to elevate the Hodal-Nuh, Pataudi-Patauda Road to National Highway status.

Addressing the gathering at the public meeting, the CM said: "Our government is working diligently to resolve people's problems. The government is taking new decisions to simplify lives. In the past 10 years, our double-engine government has not only transformed India but also worked on transforming Haryana."

Saini, while criticising the opposition, said that those who are now demanding an account of the work carried out by our government should note that "their government worked in a commission mode, while our double-engine government operates in mission mode".
Guwahati, Aug 10 : Assam DGP G.P. Singh said on Saturday that a unit of United Liberation Front of Asom-Independent (ULFA-I) active along the Assam-Arunachal Pradesh border is making plans to launch an attack in the region before Independence Day.

The DGP has been camping in the Upper Assam area, believed to be a stronghold of ULFA-I, for the last four days.

"We have intelligence input that ULFA-I has been planning to launch an attack to disrupt the Independence Day celebrations in Assam. A unit of the outlawed group is active along the interstate border of Assam and Arunachal Pradesh. However, the state police, army and other paramilitary forces are prepared to neutralise the ULFA-I cadres," the DGP told mediapersons on Saturday.

According to the top cop, both the state and Central governments are taking a cautions approach to foil any probable attack by the banned militant outfit.

"Security measures have been tightened in many areas. We are looking into all aspects," Singh added.

To recall, a bomb blast during an Independence Day parade at the Dhemaji College ground in Assam in 2004 left at least 18 people dead and numerous others injured. The police claimed that the explosive placed close to the college gate was set off by a remote-controlled device. The blast occurred when teachers and children from different schools were passing through the gate.

After the blast, the locals attacked police vehicles near the college, forcing the cops to resort to lathi charge firing of tear gas shells.
Srinagar, Aug 10 : Two Army soldiers were killed while five others, including three soldiers and two civilians, were injured during an ongoing operation against terrorists in J&K's Anantnag district on Saturday.

Srinagar, Aug 10 (IANS) Two Army soldiers were killed while five others, including three soldiers and two civilians, were injured during an ongoing operation against terrorists in J&Kas Anantnag district on Saturday.

Officials said that two Army soldiers who sustained injuries in the encounter between the terrorists and the security forces in the Ahlan Gandole area of Kokernag succumbed to their injuries.

aFive persons, including three soldiers and two civilians, have been injured in the ongoing operation. The injured have been shifted to a hospital. Terror links of the two injured civilians are being ascertained," an official said.

aA team of police and security forces launched a cordon and search operation at Ahlan based on a specific input. As the joint team approached the suspected area, the hiding militants fired upon the joint party, leading to an encounter," the police said.

"Two civilians have also been reported injured due to indiscriminate, desperate and reckless firing by terrorists in the ongoing operation; they have been provided immediate medical aid and evacuated further. Operations are under progress," the Army's Chinar Corps said in a post on X.

Saturday's gunbattle is the second major encounter in Kokernag in the last one year. In September 2023, a Commanding Officer, a Major, and a Deputy Superintendent of Police were among those killed during a gunbattle with terrorists in the Kokernag forest.

Security forces have been aggressively targeting terrorists, their over ground workers (OGWs), sympathisers, and harbourers in order to eradicate the ecosystem of terror from the Union Territory.

In addition to this, ubiquitous presence of security forces is maintained around the sensitive security installations to prevent any terrorist attack at these places.

There have been a series of encounters between terrorists and security forces across Kashmir in the recent past in which many terrorists have been eliminated.
Mysuru, Aug 10 : Union Minister for Heavy Industries and Steel H.D. Kumaraswamy on Saturday said that the Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) land case took place under the nose of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah.

"MUDA land case is not about allotment of only 14 sites. By justifying land allotments, an attempt is being made to cover up the Rs 5,000 crore scam which had taken place in the MUDA in the past 15 months," the Union Minister said while addressing a gathering in Mysuru at the concluding ceremony of padyatra.

He said that the land does not belong to the original owner Ninga or his son Devaraju, adding that it was the property of the Karnataka government.

"In 1997, 1998 and 2000, the land was converted into sites and they were also distributed. It was the property of the MUDA and how come Siddaramaiah's brother-in-law made the purchase of this land? He also claims that it was agricultural land which was converted. How did the Deputy Commissioner (DC) not make a spot visit then? Everything had taken place under your nose," Kumaraswamy said.

He added that Siddaramaiah after committing the crime, wants Rs 62 crore compensation and claims that he will return the sites.

He said that Congress has set a new trend by posing questions to the opposition, adding that Siddaramaiah often claims that he represents backward classes. "He does not represent one section of the society but he represents 6.5 crore people of the state."

"We respect his wife on whose name the sites in question are allotted by the MUDA. We are not bothered whether 14 or 40 sites are allotted. The question is whose land it is?" Kumaraswamy said.

He said that the leaders within the Congress government are in competition. "We all know about the Arkavathy de-notification and re-do scam. Let the Kempanna Commission report come out, it is also a known fact that you have allotted a lab to your son," he said.

He added that the Central government had allocated Rs 1.5 lakh trillion for states in the country recently for capital expenditure.

"He does not know how to run the state-centre relationship. He sits with INDIA bloc partner DMK and convinces them to build a dam in Tamil Nadu. The Toyota Company is also shifting from Bidadi in Bengaluru to Maharashtra," he said.

--IANS

mka/dan
Kohima/Aizawl, Aug 10 : Three northeastern states -- Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, and Nagaland -- have intensified their security in view of the turmoil in Bangladesh though they do not share boundaries with the volatile neighbours.

Four of the eight northeastern states -- Tripura (856 km), Meghalaya (443 km), Mizoram (318 km) and Assam (263 km) -- share 1,880 km border with Bangladesh, which have already taken a series of measures along with the Border Security Force (BSF) in view of the violence, unrest, and recent political developments in Bangladesh.

Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, and Nagaland share 1,133 km unfenced border with Myanmar.

An official in Kohima said on Saturday that Nagaland has tightened security and sounded an alert to prevent illegal immigration from Bangladesh.

Nagaland Home Commissioner Vyasan R. said that the deputy commissioners of all the 16 districts across the state have been instructed to activate security coordination in their respective areas and intensify ILP (Inner Line Permit) checking with surprise inspections.

Vyasan said the state has very strong Village Councils (VCs) and the deputy commissioners have advised to coordinate with them to report any unusual movement or incident.

Meetings with the concerned officials of Assam government have also been initiated for early warnings, he added.

In Manipur, anticipating an influx of people from Bangladesh, night curfew has been clamped in two districts -- Pherzawl and Jiribam -- for an indefinite period.

In a directive, the Joint Secretary in the Home Department said, "Strict precautionary measures need to be taken to prevent influx of illegal migrants."

Arunachal Pradesh has also launched a drive against 'outsiders', especially the foreign nationals. In the past two days, the police have identified 155 persons who violated ILP regulations in the Itanagar area.

The state government has urged people to cooperate with the police to identify and report the illegal entrants.

An Inner Line Permit (ILP) is an official travel document that allows Indian citizens to visit or stay in protected areas for a limited time. The ILP system is in place in Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Mizoram, and Manipur.
Guwahati, Aug 10 : A group of Bangladeshi people tried to enter through the international border along Assam's Dhubri district, an official said on Saturday, adding the vigilant BSF troopers pushed them back to their own territory, foiling an infiltration attempt.

According to an official, a group of seven persons on Saturday morning crossed the international border and "almost" reached the India-Bangladesh boundary fencing at Bhogdanga village in Dhubri district.

"A group of seven people almost reached the Indian side near Bhogdanga village. The BSF troops present on duty pushed them back through mutual understanding. The group then turned back and returned to Bangladesh territory," the official added.

"Bhogdanga and Faushkarkuti villages are located in strategic locations along the India-Bangladesh border. These villages are surrounded by Bangladesh on three sides.

The official mentioned that the group of Bangladeshi nationals came from Nageshwari Upazila in the Kurigram district in the neighbouring country.

The situation is under control and the security arrangements have been beefed up, the official further said.

Earlier on Friday, in Cooch Behar district of West Bengal, the Border Security Force (BSF) and Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) stopped infiltration attempts along the India-Bangladesh border.

According to a spokesperson of the border guarding force, BSF troopers "successfully addressed a significant and different kind of challenge at the India-Bangladesh border in West Bengal's Cooch Behar with around 1,000 Bangladeshi nationals, approaching the international border, seeking refuge in India".

The official said that the BSF quickly contacted the BGB to retrieve these citizens of Bangladesh, making sure that the matter was handled without inciting more hostilities.

Security has been tightened along India-Bangladesh border following the recent developments in the neighbouring nation, including unrest and violent protests leading to the ouster of Sheikh Hasina from her prime ministerial position.

Various central and state security agencies, including the BSF, Coast Guard and coastal police, have increased the intensity of patrolling at the marine borders with Bangladesh in the Sunderbans area as well, scattered over West Bengal's North 24 Paragans and South 24 Parganas districts, as these are the most vulnerable points for illegal immigration in wake of the ongoing crisis in the neighbouring country.
Amritsar, Aug 11 : The Chief Justice of India, D.Y. Chandrachud, paid obeisance at the Golden Temple here on Saturday, calling it a privilege to be able to pray at the divine Harmandar Sahib.

Expressing his gratitude, CJI Chandrachud wrote in the visitor's book, "A true fulfillment of a dream to pray at divine Harmandir Sahib. A special blessing to be able to pray and worship here, in service of the nation and humanity."

Talking to mediapersons after his visit, the Chief Justice said it was a privilege and blessing for him to be able to pray at the Harmandar Sahib.

"I pray that all of humanity in our nation and beyond be happy, peaceful, and prosperous. I was a student in 1975 when I last visited the Golden Temple with my father," the CJI said.

Harjinder Singh Dhami, the President of the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), which manages the Golden Temple, welcomed the CJI and presented him with a golden model of Harmandar Sahib, a Siropao (robe of honour), and a set of historical books.

He also handed over a memorandum to stop the 'hate propaganda' being done against Sikhs on social media platforms.

"Sikhs have made great sacrifices for India, but some mischievous people are deliberately making hateful comments on social media platforms about Sikh principles, history, and identity," Harjinder Dhami said, as he requested the CJI to take strict notice of this serious issue while holding the highest position in the Indian judicial system.

Earlier on Saturday, the CJI Chandrachud delivered his convocation address at the Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER) in Chandigarh, where he advised young doctors that empathy and ethics should be the cornerstones of their professional journey.

At the 37th convocation of PGIMER, 80 doctors were honoured with medals for their academic excellence, while 508 graduates received their degrees, marking their successful completion of various medical disciplines.

"Empathy and ethics are not only mere abstract concepts, they are the bedrock of your medical journey," the Chief Justice said in his address.

"As you step into the world as healthcare professionals, remember that your technical skills are only part of the equation. It is your compassion, your ability to listen, and your unwavering commitment to ethical practices that will truly define your success and impact on the lives of your patients," he added.
New Zealand Minister of Arts, Culture and Heritage Paul Goldsmith (R) speaks during a seminar on China Books Overseas Distribution and Copyright Cooperation in Auckland, New Zealand, Aug. 9, 2024. (Photo by Sun Xueliang/Xinhua)

AUCKLAND, New Zealand, Aug. 9 (Xinhua) -- A seminar on China Books Overseas Distribution and Copyright Cooperation was held on Friday in Auckland, New Zealand.

The seminar, organized by the China International Book Trading Corporation (CIBTC) and Prime Media Group of New Zealand, aimed to deepen cooperation and exchanges between China and New Zealand in the publishing industry, said organizers.

Minister of Arts, Culture and Heritage Paul Goldsmith said New Zealand values its friendship with China, and is looking forward to deepening relations between the two countries.

New Zealand is well known for creative industries. The connections between our two countries have enormously potential opportunities in trade and books and many other creative industries, he said.

Chen Shijie, Chinese consul-general in Auckland, said that China's publishing industry has witnessed rapid growth in recent years, adding "The growing trends of online literature and digital publishing have injected strong impetus into the development of China's publishing industry. Publications introducing China have been widely attracting overseas readers, promoting overseas copyright cooperation and cultural exchanges."

"The publishing industry cooperation between China and New Zealand enjoys a sound momentum. The two countries have established cooperation mechanism in exhibition, digital library cooperation, protection of ancient books and resource sharing," he said.

At the seminar, representatives from Chinese and New Zealand publishing industries discussed ways to explore cooperation opportunities. 

A seminar on China Books Overseas Distribution and Copyright Cooperation is held in Auckland, New Zealand, Aug. 9, 2024. (Photo by Sun Xueliang/Xinhua)
Bengaluru, Aug 11 : Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar on Saturday stated he was not threatened by the persistent 'threats and criticisms' by Union Minister for Heavy Industries and Steel, H. D. Kumaraswamy.

Speaking to reporters in Bengaluru, he said: "I put up with H.D. Kumaraswamy's criticisms and threats for the last 2-3 years. But he lost it after his son's loss in the elections. He is threatening to release documents about me. Let him release them. I am not the one who is threatened."

Asked why 'personal verbal attacks' are increasing between him and the Union Minister, the Congress leader said: "H.D. Kumaraswamy is the one who started it. He is talking in desperation after his son lost the election. I showed restraint as I had worked with him when he was the CM in the coalition government. I treated him like an elder brother, but I can't take this anymore."

"D.K. Shivakumar is not threatened by his warnings. If he has proof, let him file a complaint. I do not say I have made my assets through agricultural income like him. I am as much a businessman as I am a politician. I purchase land as per my ability but haven't taken any property by force as has been accused (of doing that). H.D. Kumaraswamy threatened to put me in jail... I have seen the jail. I am not threatened by such statements.

"I have not come to politics with the privilege of being the son of a former Prime Minister. I come from a middle-class farmer's family. My assets are an open book. H.D. Kumaraswamy can reveal any document he may have. Let him fire all the weapons he possesses. I haven't made any mistakes. I know whom all H.D. Kumaraswamy has complained to in Delhi. I know the conspiracies that are brewing," the Deputy Karnataka Chief Minister added.

He further said that H.D. Kumaraswamy is a 'master of U-turns'.

"He initially said I released his nephew Prajwal Revanna's pen drives but later said that former BJP MLA Preetham Gowda was responsible. He made so many allegations against Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah before the elections, but now he is singing praise for them," Shivakumar said.

Asked about H.D. Kumaraswamy's claim that the Congress-led government in Karnataka would collapse within 10 months, Shivakumar said: "I don't know the basis on which he has made the statement. He brought down the BJP government. Why is the BJP not talking about it? He can't digest the fact that an OBC leader is the CM for the second term. A lot of people in the BJP are not happy with him."

On being further asked about BJP leaders' statements that their fight will go on till Siddaramaiah resigns as Karnataka Chief Minister, he said: "There is no question of CM resigning. This is a political conspiracy to unseat him. They are daydreaming."
Itanagar, Aug 11 : In a bid to ensure 'quality' over 'quantity' in the education sector, Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu on Saturday announced to mandatorily start the roadmap to reform all government schools in the state from early next year.

The Chief Minister expressed concern over the poor quality of education in government schools and called for a drastic change.

Speaking at the concluding day of the 3-day 'Chintan Shivir cum Education Conclave-2024' here, Khandu directed elected representatives, Deputy Commissioners and Deputy Directors of school education to review the status of all government-run schools in their respective jurisdictions and finalise the roadmap for reformation by September 15.

He said that by October 20, all finalised roadmaps should be submitted to the Education Department by all district administrations and by November, the state government would finalise the roadmap after consultations with all stakeholders.

"As 2025 begins, we will roll out this roadmap and ensure it is fully implemented in the next five years," the Chief Minister announced.

He called upon all MLAs, Panchayat leaders, Deputy Commissioners and Deputy Directors of schools to strictly follow the timeline without fail.

Khandu also drew the attention of the education department towards the National Education Policy (NEP), which, as per directions of the Prime Minister's Office, has to be implemented by all states by 2030.

"It's time for us to pull up our socks. We hardly have 6 years at hand," Khandu said.

"Regular government teachers receive the best of salaries compared to teachers in private and NGO-run schools. Despite that, it is quite incomprehensible how the quality of education is so bad in government schools," the Chief Minister said.

Khandu stressed that this must change and emphasised that a time should come in the near future that children of politicians and government officials study in government schools.

"Our goal is to elevate the standard of government schools to a level where every parent feels proud and eager to send their children to these institutions. We envision a future where government schools are the preferred choice for all, regardless of socio-economic background," he added.
Paris, Aug 11 : International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Thomas Bach has announced that he will not seek to remain in charge for a third term after his present tenure ends in 2025. Bach informed of his decision on the concluding day of the 142nd IOC Session on the sidelines of the Paris Olympics on Saturday.

The German lawyer, a former Olympian who won a gold medal in fencing in the 1976 Olympics in Montreal, said he would step down at the end of his 12-year tenure in 2025 and will not try and change the IOC's tenure cap of 12 years to extend his term at the helm.

Bach was urged by some IOC members during the 141st IOC Session in Mumbai in October 2023 to seek a third term by amending the Olympic Charter if needed. Though Bach was non-committal at that time and said he would not think of it till the end of the Paris Olympic Games; the question was posed to him during a press conference in Paris on Friday. Bach again did not commit anything.

But on Saturday, the IOC president said he would not like to continue after the end of his term.

"As a result of deep deliberations and extensive discussions ...I have come to the conclusion that I should not have my mandate extended beyond the limits stipulated in the Olympic Charter," Bach told the IOC General Assembly on Saturday.

"After 12 years in the office of IOC President our organization is best served with a change in leadership. New times are calling for new leaders," he said.

If he had to seek re-election, Bach would not only have to get the rules regarding the tenure cap amended but also ask for a relaxation in the age limit. He is already 70 -- the upper limit set for an IOC member.

The IOC introduced age and tenure limits for presidents a few years back after facing controversies and criticism. Currently, the IOC president is elected for a term of office of eight years, renewable once for a period of four years.

Earlier, there were no limitations on age and tenure which resulted in there being only nine presidents since the creation of the IOC in 1894.
Bengaluru, Aug 11 : The Bengaluru Police have arrested a staffer of a coffee shop here for allegedly hiding a mobile phone in the dustbin of the women's restroom to record videos.

The incident was reported on Saturday from BEL Road in Bengaluru. The accused staffer had kept his mobile phone in the dustbin to record videos in the toilet.

Sharing details, one of the customers present at the coffee shop posted on social media that she was at the coffee shop in Bengaluru on Friday morning when a woman "found the phone in the restroom, hidden in the dustbin, with the video record on for about two hours, facing the toilet seat".

"It was on flight mode so that it makes no sound, and was carefully hidden in the dustbin bag which had a hole made in it so that only the camera is exposed. It was quickly found that the phone belonged to one of the men working there. The police were called and ... action being taken," she said.

"This was horrific to witness. I will be vigilant at any washroom I use from now on, no matter how well-known the chain of cafe or restaurant is. And I request all of you to do the same. This is absolutely disgusting," she wrote," the customer added.

Replying to the post, the coffee shop management said that the "safety and well-being of our customers is always our priority. The coffee shop has a stringent zero tolerance policy and the person under question at the BEL Road store has been immediately terminated, with necessary legal action being initiated".

Police after reaching the coffee shop verified the matter, arrested the accused employee and also seized his mobile phone.

According to police, the accused is a Bhadravathi resident who worked at the coffee shop for some time.

A case has been registered against the accused and police are investigating whether the accused had made similar videos before.
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Manny Arango, a Dallas-based preacher, Bible teacher, and producer of online theology courses, posted on his personal website, The Bible is crazier than what you watch on Netflix and Hulu. So its not surprising hed have a unique approach to writing a Bible study. Arango turns his spotlight on monsters; he sees sea serpents, dragons, and more embedded in scripture, in himself, and in everyone. To Arango, these creatures are agents of chaos, a metaphor for deceit, disruption, and all other demonic forces that destroy Gods intended peace. PW spoke with Arango about Crushing Chaos: Calm Your Storms, Order Your Life, Find Your Peace (WaterBrook, May 2025).

Why did you choose chaos and monsters for your theme?

As a pastor, Im talking to people all the time, particularly with millennials and Gen-Zers who dont have a history of learning the Bible in church. I noticed when I tell people, Hey, theres sin in your life, that word sin doesnt resonate. People will argue, debate, get defensive, see moral implications, feel shame and guilt. But if you say to someone, Theres chaos in your lifethen people immediately agree and they really want to know how to escape it.

How do you define chaos?

Its a massive umbrella term. For some people, chaos is anxiety, messed up relationships, fatherless children, struggles with money, things out of order.

In the book, you write about how the original state of creation is a deep, wild racing ocean of chaos complete with sea monsters, and that Gods cure for chaos was to create a well-ordered world. Then Adam and Eve blew it, right?

When Adam and Eve sin, they dont just bring sin into the world. They bring chaos into the world. They partner with an agent of chaosthe snake, who I think the

ancient world would have envisioned as a dragonwhen they rely on their own desires instead of trusting the word of God. Thats the decision that you and I and all of us make every day: Am I going to be an agent of Gods order, to reflect the image of God and the cultural values of heaven, or am I going to be an agent of chaos? The truth is we are chaos monsters ourselves.

How do people respond when you say that?

Im trying to do what the Bible does, which is not telling people what to think, but teaching people how to think and giving people the freedom to wrestle with Gods word.

Why is there a bearded white man like a Charlton Heston knockoff on the cover of your book pointing at a dragon?

No Charlton Hestonits based on a 19th-century woodcut by Gustave Dore, God and the Leviathan. I really wanted a dragon on the cover, so we took that and added color to it.

But seriously, why doesnt God slay the monsters, eliminate chaos?

Because it would have made Adam and Eve lazy. It was their job, now its our job, to do it, to trust Gods word and know that someday a second Adam, an offspring of Eve, will crush the very head of chaos and leave a blueprint for us to follow. Half my book is about Jesus, how he crushes chaos and how we can follow in his footsteps.

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Sales Snapshot

The #1 and #2 books in the country swapped positions this week, with Alex Hirschs The Book of Bill, based on the Gravity Falls animated TV series, taking the top spot on the list and across several regions. The 2018 trade paperback edition of J.D. Vances Hillbilly Elegy, which includes a new afterword, stepback, and supplemental materials, drops to #2, and is joined, at #3, by the books 2016 trade paperback edition. Together, their print unit sales exceed those of the #1 title.

In Clubland

New month, new book club picks, starting with the Barnes & Noble Book Club and Read with Jenna selection, The Wedding People byAlison Espach. Its a sparkling and slightly macabre novel of a 30-something woman finding a new lease on life, according to our review, and #4 on our hardcover fiction list. Reeses Book Club tapped Slow Dance by Rainbow Rowell, which lands at #14 on our hardcover fiction list. Rowell, best known for her YA fiction, serves up a powerful and poignant tale of first love for adult romance readers, per our review.

NEW & NOTABLE

The Grandest Game

Jennifer Lynn Barnes

#1 Children's Fiction

Barnes returns to the world of her Inheritance Games saga, a BookTok favorite, with this spin-off series launch. Its a fiendishly clever thriller, according to our review. Baffling brain-teasers, flagrant flirtation, and witty repartee earn the sustained interest of readers old and new.

All in the Family

Fred C. Trump

#1 Hardcover Nonfiction

In this somber debut memoir, per our review, Trump, the nephew of former president and current Republican nominee Donald Trump, offers a behind-the-scenes look at the Trump family treeand the cold machinations that left him and his sister Mary, author of Too Much and Never Enough, largely disinherited.
Providing books that share biblical lessons with tots and young readers is a double-dip opportunity for religion publishers.

Parents are taking in and learning just as much as the kids when reading with them, says Linda Howard, associate publisher for children and youth at Tyndale House. One of my favorite things about doing kids books is we have that ability to reach both at once. Tyndales One Year Book of Devotionals for Preschoolers (ages three and up) has sold 300,000 copies since it was published in 2004.

Many of the books and devotionals geared toward children include activities that are playful, prayerful, or both. Kids love interaction, says Becky Loyd, VP for marketing at Lifeway Christian Resources and its Bible arm, B&H. A King James version of their 2023 ECPA awardwinning CSB Explorer Bible, aimed at kids ages 612, is out now.

Illustrations often highlight people from many cultures, such as the South Korean

family at the center of Kaylee Prays for the Children of the World: God Hears Every Prayer (IVP Kids, May 2025; ages 48) by Helen Lee, illustrated by Shin Maeng. IVP Kids goal, according to the publisher, is to share with children the things that matter to God.

Below is a sampling of forthcoming Bibles and devotionals geared toward young readers.

Adventure Devotions (Lifeway, out now; ages 710), a devotional magazine for kids, was created by the editors to be a summer months series inviting kids to examine gospel passages, read about missionary kids lives, and make time for God daily.

Birth of the Chosen One: A First Nations Retelling of the Christmas Story by Terry Wildman (IVP Kids, Sept.; ages 48) draws from his earlier First Nations Version of the Bible to focus on the Gospel of Luke, with Native American art by Hannah Noel Buchanan and Holly Buchanan.

The Gospel Project for Kids Classroom Bible (B&H, Aug.; ages 612), featuring the Christian Standard Bible, was designed for churches and ministries to buy in bulk and utilize its full kid-friendly test and study plan to help point kids to Jesus, according to the publisher.

Hey Friend: 31 Journaling Devotions on Friendship (B&H, Sept.; ages 1318) was written by nine girls who key their devotions to Bible passages on friendship with the aim of helping girls combat loneliness.

Im Alive, Dear Mama! by Jennifer Wilder Morgan (Focus on the Family, Nov.; ages 35) helps readers reflect on the miracle of life. Illustrations by Laura Catrinella include a cover of a child holding a sonogram photo of a fetus.

Lets Go! Bible Adventures (Tyndale, Jan. 2025; ages 24) presents 40 Bible stories told by Valerie Ellis with preschoolersand their fascination with vehiclesin mind. Illustrator Carolina Farias juxtaposes dune buggies, dump trucks, and more within the age-old tales.

More Pawverbs for Kids by Jennifer Marshall Bleakley (Tyndale Kids, Sept.; ages 610) is a photo-illustrated sequel to her 2023 book on the wisdom of Proverbs as told by critters.

NLT Go Bible: A Life-Changing Bible for Kids (Tyndale, Sept.; ages 711) takes the full text of the New Living Translation and includes more than 600 features for kids highlighting how God changes lives, including true tales of transformed people.

Read Again and Again Old and New Testament Storybooks (Focus on the Family, Sept.; ages 37) promises age-appropriate salvation messages for kids. The books, created by Focuss editors, are illustrated by Chris Jones.

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Bible publishers today are incorporating commentary from global perspectives and contemporary presentations in new Bibles. Theyre seeking new ways to engage readers by reaching out worldwide to wrap the scripture with comments and insights from scholars and thoughtful believers across differing races and ethnicities. And publishers are designing with a difference as well, stepping up on accessibility and beauty.

IVP just released The New Testament in Color: A Multiethnic Bible Commentary by Evangelical theologians and scholars Esau McCaulley, Janette H. Ok, Osvaldo Padilla, and Amy L.B. Peeler. IVP president and publisher Terumi Echols calls it a laser-focused Bible commentary that digs deeper into Bible teachings to provide context from a multicultural perspective, which is pioneering for the North American church.

In January 2025, to mark the 500th anniversary of Protestant Reformations Anabaptist movementwhich today includes Amish, Hutterite, and Mennonite believersMennoMedia will publish the Anabaptist Community Bible. Project director and editor John Roth gathered commentary from 61 biblical scholars and reflection notes from 600 community study groups around the globe to surround the translation of the text.

Each group was assigned an Old Testament passage, a New Testament one, and a psalm or proverb to address from the Anabaptist perspective, which is centered on our theological principles of love and nonviolence, Roth says. We wanted to create an informed discussion around scripture and a Bible that illuminates and rewards collective discernment.

Thought-provoking commentaries

To develop the Westminster Study Bible (Sept.), Westminster John Knox took the New Revised Standard Versions updated translation and added scholarly commentaries on ethical and moral issues from Latino, liberationist, African-American, and womanist perspectives looking at how the Bible is deployed today, according to acquisitions editor Julie Mullins.

NavPress, a publishing partner with Tyndale, wraps the voices of 80 women around Eugene Petersons classic paraphrase Bible text for The Message Womens Devotional Bible (Aug, 2025). The authors are well-educated women of different vocations, different ethnicities, different ages, says

Tyndale senior marketing manager David Geeslin. The devotions they add and stories they tell raise tough questions, share painful stories, and invite people to bring their real questions to the Bible.

New ways to see scripture

Crossway has two new Bibles launching in September. The ESV Everyday Gospel Bible: Connecting Scripture to All of Life features daily devotions and 120 doctrinal sidebars by theologian and pastor Paul David Tripp, while the ESV Holy Bible: Dyslexia-Friendly Edition draws on a typeface developed by graphic artists at Cambridge University that features new letter forms and extra space between letters, words, lines, and paragraphs to aid dyslexic readers.

Lifeways Bibles team is also using this new typeface for two forthcoming BiblesThe Grace Bible for Kids and one for adults and teens that is being billed as a dyslexia-friendly presentation of the Christian Standard Bible text. It also includes colored overlay pages shown to visually enhance readability, so people who are struggling to read can read biblical truths on their own, says Becky Loyd, Lifeways VP of marketing.

Zondervan editors scoured their long-standing NIV Application Commentary series to create a new NIV Application Bible (Apr. 2025). It pairs thousands of study notes from evangelical scholars with notes on applying the Bibles wisdom. And the publisher is going beyond the charts and maps that illustrate most Bibles to launch the Anne Neilson Angel Art series in October. It features oil painter Neilsons angel images with two covers each for two translations: Amplified Holy Bible: Anne Neilson Angel Art Series and the NRSVue, Holy Bible: Anne Neilson Angel Art Series. Her art and commentary are woven through the books, as well.

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Based at the Book Farm in Atglen, Pa., Schiffer Publishing has largely flown under the industry radar since it was launched in 1974 by wife-and-husband team Nancy and Peter Schiffer. But the nonfiction illustrated book publisher today stands as an indie success story. Now under the direction of the Schiffers son, Pete, the company is celebrating its 50th anniversary, which included an August 3 party held at its headquarters that drew almost 220 employees, authors, and other guests to its working farm, which in addition to producing books, includes various animals and crops.

It was a pleasure to celebrate Schiffers first 50 years with our dedicated team and creative authors, Pete Schiffer told PW, adding that bringing passions to life and inspiring readers has been rewarding. Im thankful to all of our partners who have been a part of this journey, and to those who will be a part of our future.

Though the publisher has chosen to maintain a relatively low profile, Schiffer has certainly been active in its efforts to expand the company over the years. Last fall it launched Schiffer Craft, a new imprint encompassing books on ceramics, textiles, floral design, glass art, woodworking, metal craft, jewelry, and leather. Schiffer already has about 1,000 titles in its craft category, and is using the new imprint to promote both its frontlist and backlist titles.

More recently, in March Schiffer took over complete ownership of Better Day Books. Founded in May 2018 by former Fox Chapel and Leisure Arts editor Peg Couch, Better Day Books began as a book consulting and packaging company. In August 2019, Couch signed a copublishing agreement with Schiffer, which gave her the funding to start a small publisher focused on adult coloring books, crafts, personal development, and childrens books. She published her first book, Watercolor the Easy Way, in January 2020 and now has 56 titles in print. Couch will continue to lead the imprint for Schiffer and release books under the Better Day Books name.

Pete Schiffer acknowledges that many people still think of the company in terms of its roots as an antiques and collectibles publisher (and it does have a list of about 2,000 titles in the category), but Schiffer has in fact branched out widely. It now has about 50 employees across 10 imprints and some 7,500 nonfiction titles, with military history and mind-body-spirit among its other biggest categories. Pete Schiffer said it is the range of its list that has helped keep Schiffer Publishing independentand growingfor 50 years.

The diversity in subject matter and demographics of our imprints enables us to weather the ups and downs of different trends and brings stability to the overall business, Pete Schiffer explained. In each of our imprints we look for titles that are new, fresh, and have a specific areas of interest that we can connect with.

Notably, Schiffer has used acquisitions to build the company. Pete Schiffer points to the 2009 acquisition of Cornell Maritime Press/Tidewater Publishers, of Centreville, Md., as an example of how targeted acquisitions have helped grow the company by adding new categories while also deepening its presence in certain market segments. In the case of Cornell/Tidewater, the purchase added steady sellers in the maritime academies and industries, Chesapeake Bay regional titles for adults and children, and historical books about the mid-Atlantic states.

To reach an expanding audience, Schiffer has built its own distribution network that reaches well beyond the traditional bookstore market. To that end, e-commerce through both online retailers and its own direct-to-consumer efforts is an important distribution channel, Pete Schiffer said. And in the physical retailing world, Schiffer is very active in special markets such as gift and museum shops, which Pete Schiffer sees as important venues to reach customers who may not look for a book connected to their specific interest at a bookstore.

At the same time, the company doesnt overlook traditional bookstores, and Pete Schiffer said the stores that do best with the publishers titles are the ones that create a local feel to their selections. The final piece in Schiffers distribution puzzle is international, since many of its topics are of interest to the global community.

Pete Schiffer also acknowledged the familys desire to keep a relatively low profile in the industry. We have always put our efforts into our work first for the creation and promotion of our titles to support our authors work, he explained. But after decades of growth, Pete Schiffer said the company is now looking to raise its profile in ways that can help better connect its authors with more readers.

While he still believes the author or subject is much more important to a reader when buying a book than who the publisher is, success has elevated the Schiffer brand within the niche communities the publisher serves, which bodes well for the next 50 years. Ultimately, the success of connecting our authors work with readers is our goal, Pete Schiffer explained. Their success is ours.
A staff member serves tea to participants during a promotion event of Chinese tea culture and China's Yunnan Province culture and tourism at the China Cultural Center in Yangon, Myanmar, Aug. 9, 2024. More than 100 people from China's and Myanmar's education, culture and tourism sectors attended the event. (Xinhua/Myo Kyaw Soe)

YANGON, Aug. 9 (Xinhua) -- A promotion event of Chinese tea culture and China's Yunnan Province culture and tourism was held in Yangon, Myanmar on Friday.

The event was hosted by the China Cultural Center in Yangon and Yunnan Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism. More than 100 people from China's and Myanmar's education, culture and tourism sectors attended the event.

Cao Jing, charge d'affaires of the Chinese embassy in Myanmar, said during the event that tea not only embodies the values of harmony and equality in Chinese traditional culture, but also reflects the peaceful coexistence of Chinese civilization and other civilizations around the world. Last year, China began to organize promotion events of tea culture globally. The strong support the events have received is an example of the harmonious coexistence and mutual achievement of different civilizations.

Myanmar's Union Minister for Hotels and Tourism Thet Thet Khine said the event is not only to promote cultural exchanges and tourism cooperation between Myanmar and China, but to promote traditional Chinese tea culture worldwide as well.

Wang Jianghong, deputy head of Yunnan Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism, said that in recent years, Yunnan Province has vigorously carried out exchanges and cooperation with Myanmar, and has achieved remarkable results in promoting connectivity and deepening cultural exchanges with Myanmar. Yunnan hopes to use tea as a medium to strengthen tea culture exchanges with Myanmar and encourage more people to understand Chinese culture.

The event included Chinese and Myanmar art performances, a tea and Yunnan-themed photo exhibition, Yunnan ethnic costumes exhibition, and a tea product display. 

Staff members make tea during a promotion event of Chinese tea culture and China's Yunnan Province culture and tourism at the China Cultural Center in Yangon, Myanmar, Aug. 9, 2024. More than 100 people from China's and Myanmar's education, culture and tourism sectors attended the event. (Xinhua/Myo Kyaw Soe)

A staff member makes tea during a promotion event of Chinese tea culture and China's Yunnan Province culture and tourism at the China Cultural Center in Yangon, Myanmar, Aug. 9, 2024. More than 100 people from China's and Myanmar's education, culture and tourism sectors attended the event. (Xinhua/Myo Kyaw Soe)

Dancers perform during a promotion event of Chinese tea culture and China's Yunnan Province culture and tourism at the China Cultural Center in Yangon, Myanmar, Aug. 9, 2024. More than 100 people from China's and Myanmar's education, culture and tourism sectors attended the event. (Xinhua/Myo Kyaw Soe)
Photo-rich, experience-oriented travel guides have proliferated in recent seasons. Publishers continue to update the traditional paperbacks that travelers dog-ear and tote along in their daypacks, but theyre also expanding their coffee-table offerings, meant to help vacation-minded planners and aspiring globe-trotters imagine where theyll go next. PW spoke with editors at major guidebook imprints about their newest conceptual itineraries.

Toast of the nation

Many contemporary tourists want to travel for a particular reason, not necessarily to a particular destination, says Fodors editorial director Doug Stallings. The popularity of Fodors guide to Napa and Sonoma, he says, suggested that readers may be interested in other parts of the U.S. that are particularly strong in the wine, distilling, or even the beer tradition.

Cue American Spirits (Nov.), which introduces basics of wine-making, beer-brewing, and spirit-distilling. The guide divides the country into 12 regions, familiarizing readers with the microbrews of the Pacific Northwest, the whiskeys and bourbons of Greater Appalachia, and the vineyards of Colorados wine country.

At DK, the October release Road Trips in the USA pays homage to the American tradition of filling up the tank (or, these days, charging the battery) and hitting the road. Itineraries cover all 50 states and have varied emphases. Some highlight historical significance, such as the Civil Rights Trail, a 570-mile drive from Georgia to Tennessee; others, including the 55-mile Hana Highway on Maui, offer scenic views and postcard-worthy opportunities to, for instance, sojourn with sea turtles and snack at coconut stands. Georgina Dee, publishing director at DK, says that books like Road Trips in the USA, which tend to be larger in format and more sweeping in content than traditional guides, outline ideas for a traveler to revisit over time.

To this end, DKs inspirational titles include a mixture of epic or aspirational journeys and more attainable trips, Dee says. Take The Travel Bucket List (Oct.), which suggests joining an expedition to the North Pole, an undertaking that requires significant logistical planning and expenditure. It also recommends that readers savor a glass of mezcal in Oaxaca, Mexico, an experience thats comparatively simpler to achieve.

Postcards from the edge

Inverting the idea of the bucket list, National Geographics Go to Hell (Aug.) proposes that curious travelers can make a pit stop in the afterlife and then go home again. Science writer Erika Engelhaupt (Gory Details: Adventures from the Dark Side of Science), organizes the international locales into three categoriesPortals to the Underworld, Hells on Earth, and Otherworldly Destinationsand explains the historical and scientific phenomena behind their infernal reputations, says Allyson Johnson, executive editor at National Geographic Books. Italys volcanic Phlegraean Fields, to take one example, likely inspired Dantes Inferno; elsewhere, the eerily red water of Antarcticas Blood Falls gets its color from iron-rich rivers beneath the ice.

The book is geared toward the dark tourism trendpeople going to haunted houses and on ghost tours, Johnson says. Were trying to meet peoples needs. How can we inspire them to add places to their lists of potential destinations, or how can our books let them travel from the comfort of their own homes?

Two other forthcoming travel titles from NatGeo100 Hotels of a Lifetime by Annie Fitzsimmons and 100 Nights of a Lifetime by Stephanie Vermillion, both out in Decemberwere pitched by their respective authors. A lot of people love traveling for the sake of the hotelhotels are destinations in themselves, Johnson says of Fitzsimmonss book. And 100 Nights of a Lifetime is fortuitously slotted to come out in a time of cosmic wonders, she says. This year there have been more auroras than in about a decade. And the book has more than star-gazingthere are suggestions for trips to bioluminescent bays in Puerto Rico, or a visit to the Great Wall of China at night.

Restorative postures

Rough Guides began its most recent line of inspirational guides in 2019, with Make the Most of Your Time on Earth. Sarah Clark, head of publishing at Rough Guides, says inspirational titles offer a chance to explore travel options in greater depth, particularly sustainable and environmentally conscious journeys. The Rough Guide to Slow Travel in Europe, due out in October, plots expeditions of varying lengths, some unfolding across several countries: a train trek through Scandinavia expands from six hours to three weeks through many off-train detours that encourage travelers to embrace the Nordic concept of friluftsliv (outdoor living).

Inspirational guides are our showcases, Clark says. Theyre a fantastic opportunity to explore with the kind of detail we wouldnt be able to do in a standard travel guide. The recently released Rough Guide to Rewilding in Britain also centers the environment, defining rewilding as a return to natural processes: avoiding the use of fertilizers, pesticides and other chemicals and allowing nature to use its own methods. The 15 rewilding sites covered in the book represent a range of locations and terrains that have benefitted from restoration: Cumbrias Haweswater region, for instance, is described as a mix of mossy woodlands, moorlands, heath and bog, and rushing streams set within a dramatic mountain landscape that can be accessed year-round (albeit with no visitor facilities). Wilder Doddington, an erstwhile farm, is now a nature area and a destination that annually hosts thousands of visitors and events.

Lonely Planets forthcoming The Joy of Quiet Places (Sept.) also acknowledges the benefits of returning to nature, pointing readers toward peaceful sites like Namibias Skeleton Coast National Park, an enormous stretch of sand and seacoast, or the city of Konya in Turkey, a site of Sufi mysticism and final home of the poet Rumi, for unplugging and de-stressing, says Piers Pickard, managing director of publishing at Lonely Planet. The book has a connection to ideas of wellness, the need to get away from the chaos of everyday life, he adds.

Pickard sums up travelers desire to let their interests and passions lead the way. Travel has become much less about seeing things than it was 10 or 20 years ago, he says. Its much more about experiencing things and cultural curiosity.

Vera Kean is a writer living in New York City.

Read more from our Travel Books feature.

5 New Travel Guides to Dream Destinations

These coffee-table-style guides provide inspiration for travelers in search of wellness, wildlife, or solitude.

New Guidebooks from Major Travel Publishers

Travel guides are taking fresh approaches to, and expanding beyond, familiar destinations.

The Trail Less Traveled: PW Talks with Ted Alvarez

The author of Hiking Hidden Gems in Americas National Parks discusses the complicated allure of Instagrammable landscapes.
With apologies to Heraclitus, no person ever visits the same destination twice. Travel publishers are taking this sentiment to heart, revamping existing guides and offering new perspectives on favorite locales.

At Lonely Planet, managing director of publishing Piers Pickard says, Were updating our Pocket Guides to make them more inspirational. Pocket London, for example, will include more photography, as well as sections to help people navigate by experience rather than place.

The series, designed for trips of one to seven days, is also venturing to two new destinations: Pocket Azores and Pocket Cabo Verde are due out in October. The Azores are perfectly placed for travel, in the Atlantic between Europe and the U.S., Pickard says of the Portuguese territory, adding that the island chain was a popular destination during the pandemic, along with everywhere else in Portugal, because the country stayed very open. Both the Azores and Cabo Verde, an island nation near West Africa, are relatively small, so we thought Pocket was the appropriate format.

Avalon Travels Moon imprint has historically been strongest in Asia and the Americas, but, says Avalon publisher Jaimee Callaway, Weve had our eye on Europe for a while. Moons expansion to the continent, which began in 2019, continues with Moon Seville, Granada & Andalusia: With Cordoba, Malaga & Tangier (Nov.) and Provence and the French Riviera (Jan. 2025). Overtourism was a problem even before 2020, Callaway says, so there was a need for titles that highlight travel outside of the core city centers.

Travel impresario Rick Steves, whose eponymous imprint falls under the Avalon umbrella, made his name leading visitors from the U.S. to Europe, but his geographical resume is more expansive. In 1978, he traveled overland from Eastern Europe to Nepal, an experience he documented in the journals that form the heart of his forthcoming On the Hippie Trail (Feb. 2025). When Steves made that trip, Callaway says, a generation of backpackers realized that there wasnt information available for the kind of travel they wanted to do. So they made guides themselves.

Double takes

New offerings at Fodors include Novembers InFocus Lisbon, which editorial director Doug Stallings says is an expanded version of the Lisbon content from our larger Portugal guide, and a recently released, full-length guide to Mexico City. We did a book called Inside Mexico City in 2020, geared toward people renting Airbnbs and staying for a longer time, Stallings says. But its such a big, sprawling city that its hard to do in a digested format, so we decided to publish a full-fledged treatment.

At Hardie Grant, a new angle is revitalizing the publishers approach to a classic. Japan is an evergreen destination for international tourists: 629,000 U.S. visitors arrived there between October 2023 and March 2024, says Hardie Grant commissioning editor Amanda Louey. And with the current interest in sustainable travel, travelers are turning to trains. Japans convenient rail passes make train travel especially appealing for visitors, she says; Train Japan (Dec.) by Steve Wide and Michelle Mackintosh offers both geographic and thematic itineraries.

In January, Rough Guides is releasing Pocket Rough Guide Geneva, marking the first time the publisher has devoted an entire book to the Swiss city. We do have a guide to Switzerland, says Sarah Clark, head of publishing at Rough Guides. But although Geneva is a major financial center, I havent seen a Geneva guide before. It could have an interesting reach, because Geneva gets tourists and also people coming for work, or flying in because theyre going somewhere else nearby, like the French Alps.

Also on deck: The Rough Guide to Georgia, Armenia & Azerbaijan (Nov.), the publishers first venture into the Caucasus region. We have an extensive European list, Clark says, and we felt the area, which is both interesting and not a mainstream travel destination, was under-covered by us and by other publishers.

Whether heading to new regions or rethinking old approaches, Clark says, travel publishers have the same goal theyve always had: Were creating showcases for our authors and editors knowledge and love of travel.
The new elevated section of Metro Line 3 in Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam, has entered revenue service.

The official opening will take in September, and until then the new line, which is operated by Hanoi Metro Company (HMC), is open for free public trial.



This is the first stage of the project, covering 8.5 kilometres with eight stations on the elevated section. The full line will run along 12.5 kilometres with eight stations.

The Line 3 project hopes to enhance access for 1.6 million residents across six districts of Hanoi city. When it runs at full capacity, the new integrated metro system will be able to carry more than 23,900 passengers per hour in each direction.

The Metropolis trains for Hanoi Metro Line 3 have four cars, with wide doors to facilitate passenger flow. They include dedicated space for passengers with reduced mobility, and ergonomic and easy-to-grab bars.

The trains have lightweight aluminium car bodies, which cuts energy consumption. The trains colour schemes, both inside and outside, include motifs such as dragon fruit and rice paddy field designs, taking local Vietnamese inspiration. Alstom hopes that this will enhance both their cultural relevance and aesthetic appeal.

The Hanoi metro is an Alstom project designed and manufactured in France for international markets. The French government has helped to facilitate the project, with the involvement of the Ministry of Economy and Finance and Directorate General of the Treasury, the French Development Agency, the European Investment Bank and the Asian Development Bank.

Alstom believes that its Hanoi Metro work showcases French industrial expertise. Work on the project involves six Alstom sites in France:

Valenciennes for the design and manufacture of the metros

Ornans for the engines

Le Creusot for the bogies

Tarbes for the electrical cabinets and traction systems

Saint-Ouen for the Urbalis 400 signalling system

Villeurbanne for the onboard computerised systems, passenger information and signalling equipment.

Alstom has been operating in Vietman for nearly thirty years, and has contributed to its railway modernisation.

This has included providing signalling and telecommunication system modernisation services for the Hanoi-Vinh regional line phase one and phase two, and signalling and telecommunication systems for Ninh Binh station.

Map showing metro systems that use Metropolis trains // Credit: Alstom
The national election in India this past spring produced a shocking outcome. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) were widely expected to win a third five-year term and increase their majority in the Indian parliament. Standing at 303 seats out of 543 going into the voting, some BJP officials spoke of winning as many as 370, or even 400, giving the prime minister and his party a stranglehold on Indias national affairs. Instead, the BJP lost ground, winning only 240 seats.

The result touched off a search for the causes of its failure to meet expectations. There are several possibilities, all of them valid at least to some extent: dissatisfaction with the cult of personality surrounding the prime minister; opposition to his governments violation of the norms of Indias long-standing democracy -- violations that included jailing political opponents and harassing critical journalists; and dismay at the BJPs policy of Hindutva  Hindu nationalism  which took the form of discrimination against religious minorities, especially the countrys 200 million Muslims, who comprise 14 percent of the total population.

Another plausible reason for the BJPs worse-than-expected electoral showing is Indias economic performance during the decade of Modis leadership. In some ways, his economic record is an impressive one. Overall economic growth averaged close to six percent per year according to official statistics, although there is some dispute about how accurate these are. The growth that India has achieved, however, has not generated jobs on anything like the scale that the countrys 1.4 billion people need. By one estimate, youth unemployment stands at 45 percent. Nothing is more important for the countrys future than creating jobs at a faster rate and in greater numbers than it has done so far.

How can India accomplish this? In their book Breaking the Mold: Indias Untraveled Path to Prosperity, Raghuram Rajan and Rohit Lamba, two Indian-born economists now working in American universities, offer an intriguing, provocative, and genuinely radical suggestion. They believe that their native country can and should break the mold  that is, depart from the pattern -- of economic development and growth that every major country has followed since the beginning of the Industrial Revolution 250 years ago, a development that made sustained economic growth possible for the first time in human history.

In this standard pattern, a country begins by manufacturing simple products, usually textiles. It then moves on to products that are more complicated and more difficult to make, and require more capital and a higher level of skill among those who make them  products such as steel, automobiles, and electronic equipment. The pattern involves people leaving the farms where their forbears had lived and worked for generations and migrating to cities, where they find employment in factories and thus earn more than they did in agriculture.

In this well-established sequence, the more advanced the product, the more profitable making and selling it tends to be. As they make increasingly advanced products, those involved in producing them, including workers, become richer, and the country as a whole thereby becomes wealthier. As a country moves to more complicated manufacturing, workers wages rise, and other countries, with lower wages, begin to make the simpler products: with their lower wage levels, they can produce and sell them at lower cost. In this way, the global economy becomes a metaphorical ladder, with different countries occupying different rungs and the rungs denoting progressively more complicated and lucrative forms of manufacturing.

In the second half of the twentieth century, the countries of East Asia got on the ladder and added a new element to the standard pattern, a feature that began with an already industrialized Japan and reached its zenith with China. The East Asians exported much of their manufacturing products, thus expanding the market for them, which enabled them to sell more and become richer faster.

Manufacturing created wealth as well by generating ancillary jobs: jobs in other factories making parts for the main product, clerical positions in the businesses that owned and operated the factories, and jobs providing services to the growing army of urban dwellers. Ultimately, in this standard pattern, white-collar positions come to outnumber blue-collar ones, as a countrys economy moves from agriculture to industry to services  in that order.

India, however, has had difficulty with the industrial stage of national economic growth. It has an unusually small industrial sector for its level of per capita income. Part of the difficulty has to do with specifically Indian characteristics. Compared, for example, with China, it has too little of the infrastructure  roads, and ports in particular  that underpin large-scale manufacturing, although the two BJP governments in the last decade have done better on this score than their predecessors. Workers in factories, to take another example of Indias shortcomings, require a higher level of education than farmers, and India has done poorly in providing the requisite education to all of its citizens.

In addition, the countrys labor laws make it difficult to discharge workers, which discourages firms from expanding their operations, since that entails employing more of them. Finally, unlike the East Asian countries, India has historically participated only modestly in international trade.

As Rajan and Lamba note, however, some of the barriers to building a robust Indian manufacturing sector stem from the way the global economy has evolved in recent decades. The competition in low-skilled manufacturing has become fierce, as many countries  above all China, with its vast population  engage in it. The intensity of competition has driven down wages in manufacturing of this kind, reducing the economic benefits to the countries where it takes place. Moreover, the rich countries that were willing to buy East Asian products, thereby spurring growth in that region, have become less hospitable to exports, which further limits what India can hope to gain from manufacturing.

What, then, should India do to generate the jobs it needs? Rajan and Lamba suggest departing from the path other countries have followed by moving from agriculture  and the majority of Indians continue to live in villages  to services, skipping the stage in which the national economy revolves around industry. They do not advocate abandoning manufacturing, but they believe Indias prospects in services are bright, for reasons having to do, once again, with both particular features of Indian society and the evolution of the global economy.

For a poor country, India has become unusually proficient at providing services. The call centers that Western companies use are perhaps the most conspicuous example, but they are not the only ones. Some Western hospitals, for example, have the x-rays of their patients read by medical personnel in India, whose wages, because of the cost of living where they work are so much lower, undercut what the hospital would have to pay their own physicians.

Call centers and remotely-analyzed X-rays are made possible, in turn, by the digital revolution, which has dramatically lowered the cost, while expanding the scope, of communication over very long distances. That is, services can now be traded in a way that they could not before the digital age. By emphasizing the provision of services and exporting them, the authors say, India can create jobs and generate broad-based prosperity even without the robust manufacturing sector that other countries have built on their way to high national incomes.

Such a course is surely desirable, but is it feasible? The authors devote the majority of their book to discussing reforms that are necessary for the economic strategy that they propose: supplying better childhood nutrition, especially among the poor; improving education at all levels; raising the national standard of health care delivery; assisting disadvantaged groups; and promoting entrepreneurship. These are all worthy measures, and to the extent that India can put them into practice, they will undoubtedly enhance both the nations economic performance and the quality of the lives of Indias citizens.

Even if the country manages to implement these reforms more extensively and with greater speed than it has thus far, however, questions will remain about the new growth strategy that Rajan and Lamba advocate. For one thing, that strategy will put Indians in competition not with Chinese factory workers but with the architects, engineers, designers, and entrepreneurs of the wealthiest countries on the planet. Succeeding in that competition demands very high levels of education and skill. India produces people of this kind who are fully the equals of the best of their peers in Europe, North America, and Japan; but it does not produce them in great numbers (and ironically many of them now work in the West). Moreover, increases in per capita income depend on improvements in productivity, and this is notoriously slower in the service sector than in manufacturing. Finally, it is not clear that services spawn ancillary employment at the rate that, historically, manufacturing has.

The mold of economic growth that Rajan and Lamba believe India can and should break was established and has remained in place for 250 years for a reason: it has proven a reliable path to riches. The stage-skipping that they advocate has never taken place. That does not mean that it cannot be done. It does mean, however, that if Indias route to the status of a rich country must run from agriculture to services without passing through an intensive period of manufacturing, its prospects for achieving that universally desired goal must be considered far from certain.

Michael Mandelbaum is the Christian A. Herter Professor Emeritus of American Foreign Policy at the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies and the author of The Titans of the Twentieth Century: How They Made History and the History They Made, a study of Woodrow Wilson, Lenin, Hitler, Churchill, Franklin Roosevelt, Gandhi, Ben-Gurion, and Mao, which will be published by Oxford University Press in September.
Canadian Foreign Minister Melanie Jolys official visit to Beijing last month demonstrates both a failure to take Chinese interference in Canadian democracy seriously and an apparent determination to undermine the United States and other NATO allies in their posturing towards China.

On the first issue, two recent inquiries into foreign interference have clearly documented Chinas extensive interference in Canadas democracy: the National Security and Intelligence Committee of Parliamentarians Special Report (NSICOP) and the Federal Election Interference Commission, known as the Hogue Commission after the Justice who leads it.

China has funneled money into Canadian political campaigns through proxies; has targeted and harassed the family members of elected officials; and weaponized the Chinese-Canadian diaspora through intimidation and threats. China has succeeded in getting China-friendly candidates elected to a variety of different positions, ranging from mayors to provincial officials to the national government. China has facilitated treason among Canadas political class.

I could go on  there is no shortage of examples. Chinese interference in Canadian democracy is very real and it is now well documented.

Despite these reports, Jolys visit indicates Canadas resolve to restore relations with China, even at the expense of further alienating NATO allies. The recent NATO summit had not even started yet when Canada started taking it from all sides of the Alliance for its failure to present a plan to reach 2 percent of GDP military spending, the floor that is required to be a member of NATO. House Speaker Mike Johnson, addressing a Hudson Institute audience, called out Canadas lack of defense spending saying, talk about riding on Americas coattails adding that it was shameful.

The derision of Canadas military spending debacle continued in both public and private. Finally, after days of taking it on the cheek, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced on the final day of the summit that Canada would reach the 2 percent GDP spending threshold, but not until 2032.

Crucially, the NATO Summit concluded with a statement signed by all 32 member states calling China a decisive enabler of Russias Ukraine war. The strongly worded communique called on China to cease all material and political support to Russias war effort.

The communique also stated that NATO countries have seen sustained malicious cyber and hybrid activities, including disinformation stemming from China and that member states would fight against Chinese tactics and efforts to divide the Alliance.

With this resolve in mind, it came as a shock that only one week after the summit, Canada sent Foreign Affairs Minister Melanie Joly on an unannounced visit to Beijing for the purposes of pragmatic dialogue.

Why, when China is having its way with Canadian democracy, is it rewarded with a high-level visit that sends a directly oppositional message to the already miffed NATO allies?

The sad answer is Canadas foreign Minister, Melanie Joly, is in over her head. She has written something called a doctrine of pragmatic diplomacy. This doctrine outlines that engagement is better than sidelining. She states that pragmatic diplomacy is about keeping allies close, while also being open to different perspectives as we encourage others to take a chance on peace.

To put it simply, Canada will have meetings for the sake of meetings.

She adds that Canada is not naive at what engagement will accomplish but that a refusal to engage will create additional incentives for those whose actions we strongly oppose to join together.

But what of those who already had joined together, such as Russia and China?

For what its worth, Minister Joly said she told Beijing that PRC interference in Canadas democracy would not be tolerated (though, arguably, it has been). The Chinese read-out of the meeting focused on how Beijing would not allow any criticism of its human rights record.

China clearly does not respect Canada  if anything it has been emboldened by its success at political interference. Jolys visit, and in particular the timing of it, gave Beijing propaganda fodder to undermine the NATO alliance. The meeting accomplished nothing, no substantive discussion was had and no decisions or changes to the relationship ensued.

For Americans, already angered by Canadas weak response to Chinese interference and lack of commitment to the NATO alliance, it was nothing short of perplexing.

Jamie Tronnes is the executive director of the Center for North American Prosperity and Security (CNAPS.org)
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SYDNEY, Aug. 10 (Xinhua) -- Former Australian Prime Minister Paul Keating accused the Albanese government of bending to the will of the United States over AUKUS, the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) reported on Saturday.

Keating said in a TV program that AUKUS is really about, in American terms, the military control of Australia.

"The Albanese government and their policy is likely to turn Australia into the 51st state of the United States," he said.

Keating said that Australia had got a continent of its own and a border with nobody and Australia is not likely to be threatened. "The only threat likely to come for us is because we have an aggressive ally, because of AUKUS."

He said that if Australia didn't have an aggressive ally, like the United States aggressive to others in the region, there would be nobody attacking Australia. Keating also explained that the United States is aggressive because it is trying to superintend China, and China has no strategic designs upon Australia.

ABC also quoted Keating in its news report as saying that the strength and scale of the U.S. basing in Australia will eclipse Australia's own military capability such that Australia will be viewed in the United States as a continental extension of American power akin to that which it enjoys in Hawaii, Alaska and more limitedly in places like Guam.

"Such an outcome is likely to turn the Australian government, in defense and security terms, into simply the national administrator of what would be broadly viewed in Asia as a U.S. protectorate," he said. 
'We waded through the wet mud into the school, and what we saw were dead bodies strewn all over.'

'We could also see parts of human bodies buried under the wet mud.'

'It was a sight I will never forget in my life. Total devastation everywhere.'

IMAGE: A National Disaster Response Force team conducts a search and rescue operation after the devastating landslides in Wayanad. Photograph: ANI Photo

It was around 1.30 am on the 30th of July 2024 that the first landslide occurred in the hilly area of Wayanad. It was followed by a few more devastating landslides.

One of the first to reach the spot was Kalpetta Congress MLA T Siddhique.

"So many people lost their homes, so many people lost their entire family, so many children are orphaned," Siddhique tells Rediff.com's Shobha Warrier.

This must have been the worst natural calamity you have seen in your life...

You can say this landslide was the worst natural calamity that has happened in the history of Kerala.

The first landslide was around 1:30 in the morning.

Soon, the MLA WhatsApp group was flooded with videos and audio messages of people crying for help. My PA called me immediately to pass on the message to me.

We started immediately in our vehicle and were at Chooralmala by 2 am.

We could see a small group of people assembled there. The fire brigade had already reached.

We were about to move to Vellarmala when we heard an alarming sound. I knew it was another landslide and warned my security staff.

That was more devastating and more ferocious than the first one. We had to run away from where we were standing.

Once it subsided, we moved to where the Vellarmala school was. I cannot describe what I saw, in words.

The whole area was red in colour with wet red mud all over with many uprooted trees and huge rocks.

The school building had stopped some of the uprooted trees and rocks from coming down.

It was a sight I will never forget in my life. Total devastation everywhere.

We waded through the wet mud into the school, and what we saw were dead bodies strewn all over. We could also see parts of human bodies buried under the wet mud.

It was raining heavily too.

But I would say our work began that very moment. First by rescuing those who are alive.

IMAGE: Rahul Gandhi, who represented Wayanad in the Lok Sabha from 2019 to 2024, along with Congress General Secretaries Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, K C Venugopal and others visit Punchirimattam, Mundakkai in Wayanad, the epicentre of the landslides, August 2, 2024. Photograph: ANI Photo

Were you one of the first to reach the affected area?

Yes, I was among the first to reach the area.

Did you inform anyone of this situation?

On the way itself, I called the chief minister. I also sent a message to the Delhi offices of Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi.

I called the chief secretary who responded immediately. I called the police and the district collector. I also requested for the Army's help as there was no way we could reach the areas.

All the connecting bridges had washed away.

Small towns like Mundakai were isolated as the bridge connecting those towns to the rest of the area got washed away. The small river had become a large ferocious one.

The entire Choorlamala town was flooded and covered in several feet of mud.

There was no way anyone could enter the area and start rescue work.

By morning, Rahul Gandhi, K C Venugopal, etc were aware of the gravity of the situation. They raised the issue in Parliament urging the government for immediate help.

Rahul Gandhi spoke to Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan.

We saw to it that the issue reached the highest levels of the administration so that rescue operations started without any delay.

The first thing the army did was build a temporary bridge in the affected area. Then started rescuing people to safe areas.

First, we brought those who were alive to safety. The wounded were taken to the hospital. Then, the rescued people were shifted to the relief camp.

Only after those who were alive were rescued, did we start the recovery of dead bodies.

We were actively involved in all the three rescue operations.

IMAGE: Priyanka Gandhi Vadra embraces a victim of the landslide at a relief camp. Photograph: Kind courtesy T Siddhique/Facebook

Some reports say that only 40 houses remain where there were 400 houses...

481 houses were totally or partially destroyed. They are inhabitable now. Three schools and anganvadis were totally destroyed.

The next step is rehabilitation which we have already started.

Rahul Gandhi has announced that we would build 100 houses for the affected.

IMAGE: A view of the mass graves at Wayanad. Photograph: Kind courtesy T Siddhique/Facebook

You must have been with him when Rahul Gandhi came to the affected area...

Yes. Rahul Gandhi came with the plan of going back that day itself. But after talking to the people including children in the relief camp, he was very upset and disturbed.

He decided to postpone his return and requested for a meeting with the district administration. He also called for a panchayat meeting.

Both Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka attended the meetings so that we could plan the future course of action.

He also wanted to visit where the landslide happened. After seeing the devastated area, he told the media that we would build 100 houses and offered to help in every operation.

He was the MP of Wayanad...

He was very upset after seeing first-hand what people were going through. He said he had an emotional bond with the people of Wayanad, and he couldn't bear the sight of them suffering like this.

He is totally involved in the relief and rehabilitation work.

Because of his involvement, all the Congress workers are also charged and actively participating in the relief work.

IMAGE: Wayanad Congress workers engaged in relief work. Photograph: Kind courtesy T Siddhique/Facebook

There was also a controversy regarding Congress MLAs contributing one month's salary to the Chief Minister's Relief Fund. Some Congress leaders objected to it initially...

You cannot call it a controversy. Some leaders were not convinced about whether the LDF (Left Democratic Front) government would utilise the amount properly.

The fund was going to the CMDRF (Chief Minister's Distress Relief Fund) and there was a general feeling that CMDRF misuse funds. That was why some leaders expressed their anguish and displeasure.

After the chief minister assured everyone that the funds would be utilised properly, all of us decided to contribute one month's salary for the rehabilitation work in Wayanad.

A lot of work needs to be done; so many people lost their homes, so many people lost their entire family, so many children are orphaned...

All Videos: Kind courtesy T Siddhique/Facebook

WATCH: Rahul Gandhi meets victims of the Wayanad landslides

WATCH: Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi in Wayanad

WATCH: K C Venugopal visits the relief camp

WATCH: Devastated Wayanad

WATCH: Rahul Gandhi visits the relief camp

Feature Presentation: Aslam Hunani/Rediff.com
Two Army personnel died while four others were injured during a fierce gunfight with terrorists in a forest in Anantnag district of South Kashmir on Saturday, officials said.

IMAGE: Army personnel stand guard near the site where the encounter took place between security forces and terrorists, in Doda. Photograph: ANI Photo

The conflict occurred during a cordon and search operation that was initiated by the security forces based on intelligence reports indicating the presence of terrorists in the remote Ahlan Gagarmandu forest.

Two civilians were also injured in the crossfire, officials said.

According to them, the skirmish began when a group of terrorists opened fire at the joint search parties comprising Army troopers, including para commandos, and local police.

In the ensuing gun battle, six Army personnel and two civilians were injured, officials said, adding the injured soldiers were promptly taken to a nearby hospital where two died shortly after arrival.

The remaining injured personnel and civilians are receiving medical attention, they said.

Reinforcements have been deployed in the area and operations to locate and neutralise the fleeing terrorists are underway, the latest officials said.

This encounter is a grim reminder of a similar operation in the general area of Kokernag last September, during which four security personnel, including Colonel Manpreet Singh, Major Ashish and Deputy SP Humayun Bhat were killed in the week-long engagement with terrorists.

Two terrorists, including a senior commander of the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), were also neutralised during that operation.

Security forces have ramped up their efforts in the woods of Kokernag after an encounter in Doda district on July 15 that resulted in the deaths of four soldiers, including a captain.

It is believed that the terrorists involved in the recent Anantnag incident may have crossed over from Kishtwar district after escaping the confrontation in Doda.

The Army's Srinagar-based Chinar Corps confirmed the operation on social media platform X, stating, "Based on specific intelligence input, a joint operation was launched by the Indian Army, J&K Police, and CRPF in the general area of Kokernag, Anantnag. Contact was established and a firefight ensued."

The Army also reported the injuries to the civilians, condemning the "indiscriminate, desperate, and reckless" firing by the terrorists during the ongoing operation. The injured civilians have received immediate medical aid and have been evacuated for further treatment, it said.

The situation remains tense as security forces continue their pursuit of the terrorists in the area.
'As a child, I didn't even know that he was an IPS officer... It was much later when I came back to India'

IMAGE: National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval. Photograph: Sanjay Sharma/ANI Photo

Shaurya Doval, the son of National Security Advisor and Indis's most distinguished spymaster Ajit Doval, said that as a kid he never knew that his father was an IPS and was of the knowledge that he was in the foreign service.

During an interaction with PTI editors, Shaurya, a Bharatiya Janata Party leader and founder of the think-tank India Foundation, said he learnt about his father's covert operations much later in his life.

"As a child, I didn't even know that he was an IPS officer... It was much later when I came back to India," the banker-turned-political thinker said in response to a question.

He humorously added that he once questioned one of his father's colleagues about the lack of news regarding the Intelligence Bureau's (IB) activities compared to Pakistan's ISI.

The response highlighted the secretive nature of IB's work: "Since you do not hear anything about it, we are able to do it".

Ajit Doval, recognised as one of India's most distinguished spymasters, is currently serving his third term as NSA, making him the first person to hold the position for more than one term.

A member of the 1968 IPS batch from the Kerala cadre, Doval is also the first policeman to receive the Kirti Chakra, India's second-highest peacetime gallantry award.

Doval's career is marked by several intelligence successes, including infiltration operations against the Mizo National Army and significant missions related to Myanmar and China.

His contributions were pivotal during Operation Black Thunder, which followed the controversial Operation Blue Star. He also played a critical role during the Indian Airlines Flight 814 hijacking incident.

Reflecting on his father's secretive career, Shaurya remarked, "I had no idea about this... It's obvious that if a super spy's children knew about his work, then what kind of super spy would he be?"

"To date, I don't know what he does; there is no culture of discussing work at home. But he asks me everything and perhaps he knows what I do," he chuckled.

Shaurya's candid remarks provided an insight into the life of the Doval family and the complexities of balancing a high-profile career in national security with family life.

US ambassador to India Eric Garcetti last year lauded Doval, calling him an "international treasure".

Highlighting Doval's humble origins as a village boy from Uttarakhand, the envoy had said, "India's NSA has not only become a national treasure but an international treasure".

Shaurya Doval, who studied at Delhi University's Hindu College holds a joint MBA Degree from London Business School and University of Chicago.

He left his plum investment banking job and went back to India in 2009 to set up the India Foundation.

"It was a good start in a country which did not have a culture of political think tanks. Commercial pursuits were not the only thing that I wanted in life so it was my little way of trying to do something for the country," he said.

Asked about how India Foundation distinguishes itself from other think tanks, Shaurya said, "Firstly, we do not claim ourselves to be neutral. It is obvious that we have a certain viewpoint about India and we go by it. How India should bring its civilisational wisdom to its policy formation? To that extent, we are different from other think tanks."

Responding to a question about India Foundation's relationship with the government and the think tank's funding model, Shaurya said, "Our relationship is not so much with the government and more with the party (BJP) and that also is an informal relationship."

"Our funding is like that of any think tank, sometimes we get it from private organisations, sometimes from government to host functions etc and we write research reports... so a bunch of things contribute to our funding," Shaurya added.
A massive search operation was launched in a forest area of Jammu and Kashmir's Kathua district where police on Saturday released sketches of four terrorists spotted in 'dhoks' (mud-houses) and announced a cash reward of Rs 20 lakh for credible information on them, officials said.

Photograph: @KathuaPolice/X

Kathua in Jammu region witnessed a deadly ambush by terrorists on an army patrol in a remote forest belt of Machedi on July 8, resulting in the killing of five soldiers, including a Junior Commissioned Officer (JCO).

Despite a massive search operation, terrorists affiliated with Kashmir Tigers, a shadow group of Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammad outfit, who have recently infiltrated into the country, remain untraced.

In a post on X, J-K Police released sketches of four terrorists who were last seen in dhoks' of Malhar, Bani and Seojdhar forests in the upper reaches of the district.

a reward of Rs 5 lakhs (has been announced) on each terrorist for actionable information. Anyone with credible information on terrorists will also be suitably rewarded, Kathua police said in its post.

Officials said police assisted by Army and CRPF have already launched a massive search operation in the area to hunt down the terrorists.

An army helicopter was also seen hovering over the area to airdrop paratroopers, while drones and other latest equipment have been employed to assist the forces in the combing operation, they said, adding there was no contact with the terrorists so far.

District police urged the general public to provide information regarding the whereabouts of the terrorists.

The identity of the informer will be kept secret so that more and more people come forward to assist the police, as the public's help is crucial in preventing potential threats to national security, a police spokesperson said.

Let's work together for a safer community, he said.

The ambush in Kathua was followed by another attack by a separate group of terrorists in Desa forest in Doda district on July 15, resulting in the killing of four army personnel including a captain.

Police in Doda district had also released the sketches and cash reward of Rs 5 lakh each on four terrorists involved in the attack as efforts are continuing to hunt them down.

Earlier on June 9, nine passengers, including seven pilgrims returning from Shiv Khori temple, were killed by terrorists in Reasi district. The terrorists involved in the attack are also on the run despite a cash reward on their heads.
Members of minority communities in Bangladesh faced at least 205 incidents of attacks in 52 districts since the fall of the Sheikh Hasina-led government on August 5, according to two Hindu organisations in the violence-hit nation.

IMAGE: Rashtriya Bajrang Dal supporters raise slogans as they stage a protest against the violence in Bangladesh, in Jammu. Photograph: ANI Photo

The Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council and the Bangladesh Puja Udjapan Parishad on Friday presented the data in an open letter to 84-year-old Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, who was sworn in as the head of an interim government, The Daily Star newspaper reported.

According to the data, at least 205 attacks on members of minority communities in 52 districts have been recorded since Monday, when Hasina, 76, resigned and fled to India following widespread protests against her government over a controversial quota system in jobs.

"We seek protection because our lives are in a disastrous state. We are staying up at night, guarding our homes and temples. I have never seen anything like this in my life. We demand that the government restore communal harmony in the country," Nirmal Rosario, one of the three presidents of the unity council, said.

Asserting that the situation was deteriorating, Rosario urged Yunus to resolve the crisis by giving it top priority and putting an end to the violence.

The letter, signed by Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council General Secretary Rana Dasgupta and Bangladesh Puja Udjapan Parishad President Basudev Dhar, welcomed Yunus as the leader of a new era born from the unprecedented student-and public-led mass uprising aimed at establishing an equitable society and reform.

"When people's victory is advancing towards its destination, we, with sorrow and heavy hearts, observe that a vested quarter is hatching a conspiracy to tarnish this achievement by carrying out unprecedented violence against minority communities," the letter said.

It said that the ongoing communal violence has caused widespread fear, anxiety, and uncertainty among minorities in Bangladesh and has also resulted in international condemnation.

"We demand an immediate end to this situation," the report said, citing the letter.

Kajal Devnath, a praesidium member of the unity council, said, "Those involved in attacking minorities must be brought to justice. If a minority individual is attacked for political reasons, it is still unacceptable. Anyone who commits a crime should be judged, but burning homes and looting will not lead to justice."

Asserting that many Hindu community members are now taking refuge in others' homes, he said, "I, too, am forced to stay at a friend's house."

On Friday, Yunus announced the portfolios of his 16-member council of advisors after he was sworn in a day earlier as the chief advisor - a position equivalent to the prime minister.

Yunus' first task was to bring stability to Bangladesh after he responded to a call by student protesters for him to temporarily lead the country following weeks of deadly anti-government demonstrations against the government led by Hasina.

Foreign Affairs adviser Hossain said that restoring law and order is the key priority of the interim government at the moment, and others will be back on track once the first goal is achieved.

On Thursday, Farhan Haq, Deputy Spokesperson for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, said that he stands against any racially based attacks amid violence against the minority Hindu community in Bangladesh.

What we've made clear is we want to make sure that the violence that has been occurring in Bangladesh in recent weeks is tamped down. Certainly, we stand against any racially based attacks or racially based incitement to violence, Haq said.

Over 230 people were killed in Bangladesh in the incidents of violence that erupted across the country following the fall of the Hasina government on Monday, taking the death toll to 560 since the anti-quota protests first started in mid-July.

A number of Hindu temples, households and businesses were vandalised, women assaulted and at least two Hindu leaders affiliated with the Awami League party headed by Hasina were killed in the violence in Bangladesh after she fled the country, according to two community leaders in Dhaka.
A PIL has been filed before the Allahabad high court seeking the disqualification of all 99 Congress MPs, arguing that the party's 'Ghar Ghar Guarantee Scheme' launched during the Lok Sabha poll campaign amounted to bribery under law.

IMAGE: Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi, Deputy Leader of Congress in Lok Sabha Gaurav Gogoi, party MP KC Venugopal and others during the Congress Lok Sabha MPs meeting, at the Parliament House Annexe, in New Delhi. Photograph: ANI Photo

The public interest litigation (PIL) has also sought direction against the Election Commission of India (ECI), accusing it of failing to act against the Congress campaign.

Despite the ECI's advisory issued on May 2 this year, warning political parties against such practices, the petition alleged that the Congress continued its distribution of these cards compromising the fairness of the electoral process.

According to the PIL, the 'Ghar Ghar Guarantee Scheme' involves the distribution of guarantee cards that promise various financial and material benefits in exchange of votes.

The promise amounts to bribery under Section 123(1)(A) of the Representation of People's Act, 1951 and is punishable under Sections 171B and 171E of the Indian Penal Code, it said.

So all 99 Congress MPs who were elected in this year's election must be declared disqualified as per existing law, the PIL said.

Alleging that the MPs have benefited from the 'Ghar Ghar Gurantee Scheme', the petitioner also sought criminal proceedings against them.

The PIL criticised the ECI for its inaction accusing it of "neglecting its constitutional duty" to ensure free and fair elections.

The petitioner has sought directions from the court to compel the ECI to suspend or withdraw the Congress's recognition as a "political party" under Section 16A of the Election Symbols (Reservation and Allotment) Order, 1968.

"This legal challenge highlights the growing concern over the ECI's role in maintaining electoral integrity, urging the court to take decisive action to protect the democratic process in India," the PIL said.

The petition filed by Bharti Devi of Fatehpur district has also called for urgent judicial intervention to uphold electoral integrity. The PIL is likely to be taken up by the high court soon.
The Congress on Saturday took a swipe at Prime Minister Narendra Modi over his appeal to people for the "Har Ghar Tiranga" campaign, alleging that he is attempting to appropriate a national symbol "his ideological kin have long disowned".

IMAGE: Himveers of the Indo-Tibetan Border Police celebrate the 'Har Ghar Tiranga' campaign. Photograph: ANI Photo

Prime Minister Modi on Friday asked people to make the "Har Ghar Tiranga" campaign a memorable mass movement as he replaced his profile picture on X with the national flag and urged everyone to do the same.

Noting Modi's "Har Ghar Tiranga" campaign, Congress general secretary in-charge communications Jairam Ramesh shared on X what he said is a "short history of the RSS's relationship with the Tiranga".

"M S Golwalkar, the second chief of the RSS, in his book Bunch of Thoughts had criticised the Congress' decision to adopt the Tricolour as the national flag, labelling it 'communal' and 'a case of drifting and imitating'," Ramesh said.

"The RSS mouthpiece, Organiser, in 1947 wrote that the Tricolour 'will never be respected and owned by Hindus. The word three is in itself an evil, and a flag having three colours will certainly produce a very bad psychological effect and is injurious to a country'," he said on X.

Ramesh further said that in 2015, the RSS said that "saffron should have been the only colour on the national flag as other colours represented a communal thought".

The RSS did not regularly hoist the Tiranga at its headquarters till 2001, when three youth forcibly hoisted the flag on its premises, a "crime" for which they were booked, he said.

"The non-biological Prime Minister is attempting to appropriate this national symbol, one that his ideological kin have long disowned, because his organization has no history and symbols that India can accept as its own," Ramesh said.

Especially so on a day when India and the Indian National Congress could celebrate the anniversary of the Quit India Movement, in which the RSS refused to participate, he said.

In a post on X on Friday, Modi said, "As this year's Independence Day approaches, let's again make Har Ghar Tiranga a memorable mass movement. I am changing my profile picture and I urge you all to join me in celebrating our Tricolour by doing the same. And yes, do share your selfies on harghartiranga.com."
A sub-inspector has been suspended in Uttar Pradesh's Kannauj after an audio of him demanding potatoes to allegedly settle a case went viral on social media, a senior police officer said on Saturday.

Kindly note that this image has been posted for representational purposes only. Photograph: ANI Photo

Additional Superintendent of Police Ajay Kumar said it appeared from the audio that Sub-inspector Ramkripal, in-charge of Chapunna outpost of Saurikh police station in Kannauj, was allegedly trying to take bribe, regarding which a report was sent by the Circle Officer of Chhibramau.

Taking cognisance in the matter, Kannauj Superintendent of Police Amit Kumar Anand has suspended the outpost in-charge Ramkripal with immediate effect, the ASP said.

In the audio, a person was heard saying that he can give only two kilograms of potatoes for the case settlement, while Ramkripal expressed displeasure saying a deal of five kilograms of potatoes was fixed earlier, the officer said.

The man was then heard saying he would not be able to meet the SI's demand due to poor income from his business. He reiterated that he would give only two kilograms of potatoes, whereas Ramkripal insisted that he gave him the remaining 3 kg later.

The preliminary investigation for departmental action has been given to the Circle Officer (City) Kamlesh Kumar.
Members of a Hindu right wing outfit assaulted a group of people living near a railway station in Uttar Pradesh's Ghaziabad and destroyed their shanties, claiming that they were Bangladeshi infiltrators, police said on Saturday.

Officials said an FIR has been lodged against the leader of the outfit and 20 others for rioting, hurting religious feelings and other offences and stressed that those attacked are not Bangladeshis.

Some of the residents were injured in the incident that occurred around 7.30 pm on Friday, according to the police.

Ghaziabad Police Commissioner Ajay Kumar Mishra told PTI, "Those living in the shanties are from Shahjahanpur (Uttar Pradesh), not Bangladesh."

"The police are contemplating invoking the National Security Act (NSA) against the attackers in the case," Mishra added.

The incident occurred near Guldhar railway station when Bhupendra Chowdhary, also known as 'Pinky,' the president of the Hindu Raksha Dal, reached along with 20 of his supporters, according to the police.

The group accused the residents of being illegal Bangladeshi immigrants and went on to vandalise their temporary shelters, the police said.

According to ACP (Kavinagar) Abhishek Srivastava, on receiving information about the incident, an investigation was conducted which revealed that the victims were not Bangladeshi nationals.

Sub-Inspector Sanjiv Kumar, who was on duty in Sanjay Nagar Sector-23 at the time, filed the First Information Report (FIR) at the local Madhuban Bapudham police station.

In his complaint, Kumar alleged that after hearing some commotion, he along with his police team arrived at the scene, where they observed Pinky and his supporters abusing and assaulting some Muslims while shouting anti-Bangladeshi slogans. The group also demolished the shanties.

"I tried to explain to them that these people are not from Bangladesh, but they continued beating them and damaging their shelters," Kumar recounted in his complaint.

The FIR has been lodged against Pinky and 20 unidentified individuals under relevant provisions of the law, the police said.

ACP Srivastava said that legal action will be taken against those involved and the culprits will be apprehended soon.

The FIR has been lodged under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) sections 191(2)(rioting), 115(2) (voluntarily causing hurt), 117(4)(causing grievous hurt), 299 (deliberate and malicious acts, intended to outrage religious feelings of any class by insulting its religious or religious beliefs), 324(5)(mischief) and 354 (act caused by inducing person to believe that he will be rendered an object of Divine displeasure).
Taking strong exception to some remarks by a few Congress leaders comparing the situation in Bangladesh with India, Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar on Saturday said efforts by some to infuse a narrative that what happened in our neighbourhood is bound to happen in our country is deeply concerning.

IMAGE: Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar addresses the legal fraternity at a platinum jubilee function of the Rajasthan high court in Jodhpur. Photograph: @VPIndia/X

"How can a citizen of this country having been a Member of Parliament, and the other who has seen enough of Foreign Service takes no time in saying that what happened in the neighbourhood will happen in India," Dhankhar said while addressing the legal fraternity in Jodhpur at a platinum jubilee function of the Rajasthan high court.

"Efforts by some to infuse a narrative that what happened in our neighbourhood is bound to happen in our Bharat, is deeply concerning," he said.

Though Dhankhar did not name anyone, he was apparently referring to the recent remarks by senior Congress leaders Salman Khurshid and Mani Shankar Aiyar.

At a recent event, Khurshid had said what is happening in Bangladesh can happen in the country though "everything may look normal on the surface".

Aiyar had compared the situation in Bangladesh with that of India.

Dhankhar also said anti-national forces are using the "platforms of our constitutional institutions to hide or legitimise their actions".

He asserted that national interest cannot be calibrated. "It is the supreme precedence, the only precedence, and we are committed to nation being first, before anything else."

The Rajya Sabha Chairman also said that legislature and Parliament cannot script judgements, similarly judiciary cannot legislate or impart directives that are beyond legislation.

"The role of all institutions are well delineated in the Constitution... it will be dangerous if there is incursion in the domain of one constitutional constitution by the other," he said.

Posing a question to the audience, he asked if these institutions (Legislature/ Executive/Judiciary) are working in their areas or are they in expansion mode to operate in the area of other.

Emphasising the strength of all the three pillar institutions of the country, Dhankhar said their vulnerability would imperial our democracy and derail our development trajectory.

"Our institutions are being exploited by these forces to set a narrative not only anti-national but also aimed at derailing our democracy. So let's work together with the nation-first sentiments. Work to insulate our institution from nefarious designs for our democracy and if they manage to make some inroads, don't be silent, neutralise them", he appealed.

"The forces inimical to Bharat are trying impede our growth and are operating at multiple levels tainting, tarnishing, targeting and diminishing our constitutional institutions," he said warning that falling prey to them will have dangerous consequences.

Terming the Emergency as the darkest period since independence, he said it was not worth forgetting and every Indian, specially young generation, should know about it.

"I implore each one of you to never forget the price of freedom and this vigilance must be dictated by your in-depth knowledge of the suffering of lakhs of people in this country during the draconian period of Emergency imposed by an individual," he said.

"During Emergency, liberty was held to ransom by one individual. Those arrested without any fault were barred from seeking any judicial help. The apex court overturned the verdicts of nine high courts, that had ruled in favour of the victims," he added.

Taking about the importance of judiciary, the vice president said that India takes pride in nurturing its robust judiciary that has always contributed to sustaining the democratic values of the country and development of the nation.

"Judicial system of a nation and its functionality define its democratic vibrancy. An independent justice system is essential to any shapes of governments as it is the lifeline of life as such," he said.
MOSCOW, Aug. 10 (Xinhua) -- Russia notified the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) on Friday that suspected fragments of downed missiles were discovered near the Kursk Nuclear Power Plant (Kursk NPP) following a Ukrainian attack in the Kursk region.

"On August 8, fragments and debris, presumed to be parts of downed missiles, were found at the site, including in the vicinity of the radioactive waste processing facility. Although there have been no confirmed reports of direct shelling on the city of Kurchatov, the nuclear power plant, or related energy infrastructure, the situation remains tense," Russia's permanent mission to international organizations in Vienna was quoted by TASS News Agency as saying on its official Telegram channel.

The Kursk NPP is located in the city of Kurchatov, Kursk region, 40 km west of the city of Kursk on the banks of the Seim River.

The mission said, "Ukraine's reckless actions not only threaten Russia's nuclear facility but also put the entire global nuclear industry at risk."

Ukraine launched a massive attack on the defense positions in Russia's Kursk region on Tuesday. On Friday, Russia declared a state of emergency in the Kursk region due to the tense situation there.

Meanwhile, Russia's defense ministry said a military operation to defeat the Ukrainian forces in Kursk was underway. 
One year ago, Hamas -- the U.S.- and EU-designated Palestinian terrorist group that controls the Gaza Strip -- carried out an unprecedented attack on Israel, the deadliest in the countrys history.

In response, Israel launched an aerial bombardment and ground invasion of the Palestinian enclave to destroy Hamas and rescue the 251 hostages taken by the group.

Israel has expanded its war in recent weeks by invading Lebanon and launching air strikes targeting Hezbollah, the armed group and political party that controls much of southern Lebanon.

RFE/RL spoke to Lior Yohanani, manager of quantitative research at the Israel Democracy Institute, a Jerusalem-based independent research center, which on October 7 released a wide-ranging survey of Israeli public opinion after one year of war.

RFE/RL: Can you explain what your study found as to how Israelis view the past year since Hamas's October 7 attack?



Lior Yohanani: Well, I think Israelis still don't see October 7 as an event that's over. Sure, the actual horrific events of that day ended, but Israelis are still living with the consequences.

There are two main aspects to this. First, since October 7, Israel has been in this multifront war that doesn't seem to have an end in sight. And then, of course, there is the issue of the hostages still being held in Gaza. So, we're seeing a sharp drop in people's sense of personal security. Almost three quarters of the public feel less safe compared to before October 7, and that's despite a year of war and some significant military achievements. On the flip side, we're also seeing that most people say their lives have returned to normal when it comes to things like work, media consumption, and family and social gatherings.

Another thing we're noticing is that the Israeli public is giving pretty low marks to all the political and military leaders for the performance since October 7. For example, almost two-thirds of Israelis are rating Prime Minister [Benjamin] Netanyahu's performance since then as poor or not good.

RFE/RL: How has Israel's involvement in a two-front conflict, in both Gaza and Lebanon, as well as a confrontation with Iran affected public opinion among Israelis?



Yohanani: It's tough to answer that question, because we're at the point where things could go in a few different directions. In the last few weeks, we've seen a major escalation in the conflict with Hezbollah in Lebanon, and just last week, Iran launched nearly 200 ballistic missiles at Israel, which Israel is expected to respond to. In a survey we just did recently, we asked whether Israeli society and the military could handle fighting on two or more fronts for an extended period of time, and the results were pretty striking. Over 70 percent believe that yes, both Israeli society and the military can handle that kind of prolonged fighting. So, while the situation is complex and evolving, there seems to be a strong sense of resilience and capability among Israelis, even in the face of these multiple threats. But of course, public opinion could shift depending on how events unfold in the coming weeks or months.



RFE/RL: Is there support for Netanyahus response to October 7? Is there debate in Israeli society, as well as political circles, over Netanyahus strategic choices?



Yohanani: First of all, it's important to say that the Israeli public has largely supported significant military operation against Hamas in Gaza. That said, the Israeli discourse around the October 7 events, the ongoing war, and especially toward Prime Minister Netanyahu, is very polarized between right-wing supporters on the one hand and left and center supporters on the other.

People are hoping for a future where Israel can exist without constant threats, rather than expecting a harmonious relationship with its neighbors in the near-term."

So, on the left and the center, there is a high level of distrust and suspicion toward Netanyahu and his government. For instance, Netanyahu's apparent reluctance to pursue a deal for returning the hostages in exchange for ending the fighting in Gaza is seen by large parts of the public, even on the right, as resulting from Netanyahu's dependence on far-right, ultranationalist members of his government who refuse any compromise or ceasefire.

Now for a long time, Netanyahu and his ministers argued that only significant military force would lead Hamas to compromise and release the hostages. Now, with military attention and resources shifting to the north, people are asking, where is this massive military force that was supposed to bring the hostages home?

One question we have asked several times since October 7 in our polls is what should be the main goal in Gaza: Dismantling Hamas or bringing back the hostages? And as time goes on, public opinion is increasingly supporting the return of hostages. In our current survey, 62 percent saw bringing the bringing back the hostages as Israel's main goal, while only 29 percent pointed to dismantling Hamas as the primary objective.

RFE/RL: How do ordinary Israelis see the question of the remaining hostages amid the continued protests by the hostages' families?



Yohanani: As I mentioned before, most of the public supports a deal to release the hostages, even if it means ending the war and withdrawing the military forces from Gaza. There's this widespread feeling that we've left the hostages behind, and that's really hitting at our sense of solidarity, which is a deep and fundamental value, I think, in Jewish history in general and in Israel society in particular.

At the same time, the campaign run by the Hostages And Missing Families Forum has become very politicized. Many right-wing supporters see it as weakening Israel. As time goes on, we're seeing more and more harassment of protesters who support bringing the hostages back. There are cases of passersby cursing, even hitting and throwing eggs, at hostages' families. In our latest survey, we asked about the effectiveness of the protests and actions taken by the hostages' families.

Despite most of the public feeling empathetic toward the hostage issue, only less than a third think these actions are actually helping to advance a deal for the hostages' release, while almost 40 percent think they're actually hurting the cause. So, you've got this complex situation where people want the hostages back, but there is disagreement and some backlash about how to make that happen.

RFE/RL: Can you explain the reasons behind the apparent contradiction in views regarding prioritizing a negotiated return of the hostages, or destroying Hamas?

Yohanani: You're right to point out that apparent contradiction. Let me break it down a bit. As I mentioned earlier, a clear majority of the public sees a deal to release the hostages as the main goal. But there is a big gap between political camps on this issue. In the center and left, about 80 percent support the deal for the hostages' release, while the opinions on the right are evenly split. So, for most of the left and center, the fighting in Gaza has run its course. They feel most military objectives have been achieved, and Hamas's military power has been significantly weakened. From their perspective, continuing the fight now only puts the hostages at greater risk.

It's important to know that about half of the right-wing also shares this view of prioritizing the hostages' release, but the other half of those on the far-right thinks dismantling Hamas is more important.

Why? For a couple of reasons.

First, there's a security stance that Hamas must be wiped out and not allowed to recover. There is also a very strong sentiment of revenge, with minimal consideration for the cost, whether it's the lives of the hostages, soldiers, let alone innocent civilians in Gaza. Another significant component openly discussed in religious nationalist circles is the return of Jewish settlement to the Gaza Strip after Israel evacuated Jewish settlements from there in 2005.

RFE/RL: Is there public confidence that Israel will ultimately be able to remove the threat of Hamas and Hezbollah and come out of this conflict with greater prospects for a peaceful and stable near-term future?



Yohanani: Right now, the Israeli public isn't showing a lot of optimism. In our current survey, when we asked people if they're optimistic or pessimistic about Israel's future, we found more pessimists, 48 percent, than optimists, 45 percent.

I also think it's important to note that a peaceful future, as you put it, or peace in general, isn't really a common concept in the current Israeli discourse. I would say the hope of Israelis is that the military actions against Hezbollah and Iran will lead to a situation where Israel's existence isn't in question, and that Israeli military superiority will prevent events like October 7 from happening again. So, it's less about peace in the traditional sense, and more about security and deterrence. People are hoping for a future where Israel can exist without constant threats, rather than expecting a harmonious relationship with its neighbors in the near-term.
Israel has claimed that the successor to slain Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah has likely been "eliminated," while U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris called Tehran the greatest adversary of the United States.

Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant on October 8 said that Hezbollah, an Iranian-backed militant group and political party that controls much of southern Lebanon, was an "organization without a head."

"Nasrallah was eliminated -- his replacement was probably also eliminated," Gallant told officers at the military's northern command center without providing details.

"There's no one to make decisions, no one to act," he added.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu later echoed those comments, saying, "We've degraded Hezbollah's capabilities."

"We took out thousands of terrorists, including Nasrallah himself and Nasrallah's replacement, and the replacement of the replacement," Netanyahu said.

Hezbollah is designated as a terrorist organization by the United States, while the European Union blacklists its armed wing but not its political party. Hezbollahs political party has seats in the Lebanese parliament.

Hashem Safieddine, a top Hezbollah official and a cousin of Nasrallah, was widely expected to be named to the group's top position, but his whereabouts and condition are a mystery since an Israeli strike hit a suspected Hezbollah leadership meeting on October 2.

Hezbollah has not commented on Safieddine's fate, although unidentified members have told various media that the group had lost contact with him since the attack.

Safieddine has been declared a global terrorist by the United States.

Meanwhile, Harris told CBS TV's 60 Minutes program in an interview that she considered Iran to be the greatest adversary of the United States.

"Iran has American blood on their hands," she said. "And what we saw in terms of just this attack on Israel, 200 ballistic missiles, what we need to do to ensure that Iran never achieves the ability to be a nuclear power -- that is one of my highest priorities."

Harris -- the Democratic presidential nominee who will face Republican Donald Trump in the November 5 election -- declined to speculate on whether the United States would take military action itself should proof be uncovered that Iran is building a nuclear weapon.

Tehran has denied it is building such weapons and says its nuclear program is for civilian purposes.

The comments came as the battered and bloodied leadership of Hezbollah suggested it might be ready to negotiate a cease-fire with Israel

Deputy leader Naim Qassem, in a televised speech, for the first time did not suggest that ending the war in Gaza was a precondition to reaching a truce with Israel in Lebanon.

Qassem said the group backed an effort by Lebanese parliament speaker Nabih Berri, an ally of Hezbollah, to reach a deal to halt the fighting.

Late on October 8, the Syrian government said that seven civilians were killed in an Israeli air strike in Damascus. A war monitor said the strike targeted a building used by Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) and Hezbollah.

Israel did not immediately comment and the reports could not be verified.



The Israeli military said earlier on October 8 that it had killed another senior Hezbollah commander, a day after marking the somber anniversary of a Hamas attack on Israel that killed some 1,200 people.

Suhail Husseini, who was responsible for overseeing the logistics, budget, and management of Hezbollah, was killed in a targeted attack on October 7, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) said in a statement.

"Husseini played a crucial role in weapon transfers between Iran and Hezbollah," the statement said, adding that he was also in charge of distributing advanced weapons to the group's members and for its "most sensitive projects" that included operations against Israel.

The IDF said Husseini was also a member of the Jihad Council, the supreme military body of Hezbollah.

There was no immediate confirmation from Hezbollah.

The Israeli announcement came after Palestinian militants in Gaza fired a barrage of rockets on October 7 into Israel, where President Isaac Herzog led a national moment of silence to mark the start of last year's Hamas attack, which started at Kibbutz Reim in the south of the country.

Hamas has been designated a terrorist organization by both the United States and the European Union.

In Washington on October 7, President Joe Biden condemned Hamas on the anniversary, while also stating again the U.S. administration's commitment to reaching cease-fire agreements to end fighting in both Gaza and Lebanon.

"On this solemn anniversary, let us bear witness to the unspeakable brutality of the October 7 attacks but also to the beauty of the lives that were stolen that day," Biden said in a statement.

In Jerusalem, relatives of the some 100 hostages still in Hamas captivity, out of a total of 250, gathered outside Netanyahu's residence and stood in silence as a siren wailed in a gesture of protest against what relatives say is the failure of the government to secure their loved ones' release.

The conflict in Gaza is still raging while Israel is now fighting on a second front in southern Lebanon against Hezbollah.



Following the October 7 attack, Israel launched a military assault on Gaza that has killed nearly 42,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza's Health Ministry, which is run by Hamas. Some 90 percent of the population of Gaza has been displaced and large areas have been destroyed by Israeli bombardments.



The Israeli military said on October 7 that over the past year it has bombed more than 40,000 targets in Gaza, found 4,700 tunnel shafts and destroyed 1,000 rocket launcher sites.

Israel in recent weeks has been carrying out air strikes across Lebanon, including Beirut, and has staged a ground invasion into south Lebanon in its drive to wipe out Hezbollah's capabilities and leadership.

In the attacks, Israel killed Hezbollah leader Nasrallah and dozens of other leaders of the group.

On October 6, two senior Iranian security officials told Reuters that Ismail Qaani, commander of the Quds Force -- the overseas arm of the IRGC -- had also not been heard from in recent days since traveling to Lebanon.

Tel Avivs campaign against Hezbollah prompted Iran to respond by attacking Israel with a large wave of rockets that were largely shot down by Israeli air defenses without causing substantial damage, but the attack renewed fears of a larger regional conflict.

Gallant on October 6 threatened Iran that it might eventually find itself looking like Beirut or Gaza -- which has also been battered over the past year -- if Tehran attempts to further harm Israel.

With reporting by CBS and AP
Transgender women have rallied in Peshawar, northern Pakistan, to demand protection from hate crimes. The protesters gathered in the capital of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province on August 9. Their slogan "Arrest blackmailers!" refers to gangs who kidnap transgender people and extort ransom. Pakistan legally recognizes a "third gender," but its members say violence against them goes unpunished too often.
Russia has imposed what it called anti-terror measures in Kursk, the site of a Ukrainian military incursion, and two nearby regions as well as Bryansk and Belgorod.

The announcement was made early on August 10 by the National Anti-Terrorism Committee. In a statement, it said the decision had been made by Aleksandr Bortnikov, head of the FSB intelligence service, in response to Ukraine's "unprecedented attempt to destabilize the situation in a series of regions."

The committee said the measures included the possible evacuation of residents, limits on transport, beefed-up security around sensitive sites, and wire taps.

Russian media reported on August 10 that more than 76,000 people have been evacuated from border areas in the Kursk region since Ukraine launched the surprise cross-border offensive on August 6. TASS quoted Artem Sharov, an official from the regional Emergencies Ministry, as saying that those evacuated "have been temporarily relocated to safe places."

Dozens of temporary accommodation facilities have been set up in Kursk and other regions, Sharov told journalists, according to TASS.

The Russian Defense Ministry said on August 10 that fighting was continuing region and that the army has conducted air strikes against Ukrainian forces.

Live Briefing: Russia's Invasion Of Ukraine RFE/RL's Live Briefing gives you all of the latest developments on Russia's full-scale invasion, Kyiv's counteroffensive, Western military aid, global reaction, and the plight of civilians. For all of RFE/RL's coverage of the war in Ukraine, click here.

On August 9, Russia declared what it described as a "federal-level" emergency in the Kursk region, hours after a Ukrainian military strike on an airfield there.

In response to the incursion, the Russian Defense Ministry said on August 9 that it was transferring extra forces to the region, including Grad multiple-launch rocket systems, artillery, and tanks, Interfax reported.

State-run media reported on troops and armor being redeployed to Kursk, including video of Russian military on the move, much of it reposted on social media.

Russian military bloggers claimed that "irregular Russian forces are already arriving in the Kursk region, including those that were previously deployed in other areas of the front."

But the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) said late on August 9 that the Russian military command "appears to be relying on existing units deployed to the international border area and readily available forces in the rear, most of which are units staffed with conscripts and irregular forces, to address the ongoing Ukrainian incursion into Kursk Oblast."

The cross-border action in Russia's Kursk region has been described as the biggest attack on Russian soil since Russian President Vladimir Putin launched his country's unprovoked, full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

Much remains unclear, including the number of Ukrainian soldiers taking part, although the Russian military has claimed it involves some 1,000 troops and more than two dozen armored vehicles and tanks.

Since the start of the incursion on August 6, Ukrainian troops have seized control of about 600 square kilometers of territory and more than two dozen settlements, according to local officials, pro-war bloggers, and open-source intelligence reports.

In the fresh announcement on August 10, the National Anti-Terrorism Committee said the measures included possible eviction of residents, limits on transport, beefed-up security around sensitive sites and wire taps.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy on August 10 acknowledged the offensive, referring in his evening address to reports from commander in chief Colonel General Oleksandr Syrskiy about actions "pushing the war into the aggressor's territory."

"Thank you to each of our units of the defense forces who make this possible. Ukraine proves that it really knows how to restore justice and guarantees exactly the kind of pressure that is needed: pressure on the aggressor," Zelenskiy said without explicitly referring to the situation in the Kursk.

Ukrainian soldiers appeared in a video late on August 9 showing a Ukrainian flag against the backdrop of a Gazprom facility in Sudzha, about 10 kilometers from the border. In the video, which was posted on Ukrainian media, one of the soldiers says that Sudzha and the Gazprom facility is controlled by Ukrainian forces.

"The news is as follows. The city is controlled by the armed forces of Ukraine. The strategic object of Gazprom in Sudzha is controlled by the 99th Mechanized Battalion," the fighters say in the video, which could not be immediately verified.

Sudzha Mayor Vitaly Slashchev denied the claim in a comment to TASS but said an evacuation of the city was under way.

A Ukrainian member of parliament who spoke with RFE/RL on August 9 said the Ukrainian military was "advancing and making an impression on the enemy" and inflicting damage on Russian forces in the Kursk region.

"And the most important thing is that they are advancing quite professionally," lawmaker Roman Kostenko said, adding that they had managed to surprise the enemy at a place where the Russian forces were the weakest.

Earlier on August 9 the Ukrainian military said it had hit the airfield in Russia's southern Lipetsk region overnight, damaging guided-bomb stockpiles.

"Several sources of ignition were recorded, a large fire broke out and multiple detonations were observed," Kyiv's military said on the Telegram messaging app.

It said Russian Su-34, Su-35 and MiG-31 aircraft were based at the airfield.

Satellite images made available to RFE/RL by Planet Labs show the consequences of Ukrainian strikes on the Lipetsk airfield. The unverified images show completely destroyed buildings and evidence of a large fire. Two craters -- possibly the result of missile or drone strikes -- are also visible.

The head of the UN's nuclear watchdog, Rafael Grossi, has urged Ukraine and Russia to show restraint in the fighting in the Kursk region, the site of one of Russia's largest nuclear power stations.

"At this juncture, I would like to appeal to all sides to exercise maximum restraint in order to avoid a nuclear accident with the potential for serious radiological consequences," Grossi said in a statement.

Russia's diplomatic mission in Vienna, quoted by Russian news agencies, said it had told the International Agency for Atomic Energy (IAEA) that fragments had been found at the station, possibly from downed missiles, but there was no evidence of any direct attack on the facility.

Elsewhere, unconfirmed reports spoke of a Russian column having been destroyed in the Kursk region with many casualties. Video circulating on social media showed what appeared to be many burned-out military transport vehicles on the side of a road in or near the town of Rylsk.

Two ethnic Armenians in Kursk who spoke with RFE/RL's Armenian Service by phone said the Russian authorities had banned large gatherings and mass events in the region through August 11.

"It can be said that we are at war now," said one of the men, who spoke on the condition of anonymity.

He said Ukrainian troops had captured two towns that are 60 to 70 kilometers away from the city of Kursk in addition to the Gazprom facility.
During his entire imprisonment in Russia, Andrei Pivovarov yearned for one thing: freedom.

"To be released. You always count the days, hours, months. The only [desire] is to break free. Any person, politically oriented or not, sitting in prison, wants to be free," Pivovarov told Current Time.

Pivovarov, 42, was part of the biggest prisoner exchange between the West and Russia since the Cold War.

In the exchange on August 1, Russia got back eight prisoners held in the West, including a member of its FSB security service convicted of murder in Germany, and 16 people were released from Russian and Belarusian jails. They included Pivovarov, dissidents Vladimir Kara-Murza and Ilya Yashin, and U.S. citizens Evan Gershkovich, Paul Whelan, and RFE/RL journalist Alsu Kurmasheva.

Pivovarov, the former executive director of the now-defunct pro-democracy Open Russia movement, was detained in May 2021 after being taken off a Warsaw-bound plane just before takeoff from St. Petersburg and sentenced to four years in prison in July 2022 on a charge of heading an "undesirable organization."

The "undesirable organization" law, adopted in 2015, was part of a series of regulations pushed by the Kremlin that squeezed many nonprofit and nongovernmental organizations that received funding from foreign sources, mainly from Europe and the United States.

After his trial in Krasnodar, the St. Petersburg native was convicted and sentenced in July 2022, when Russia's full-scale war and Russian President Vladimir Putin's intensified crackdown on dissent were in full swing.

From January 2023, Pivovarov was held in isolation at Penal Colony No. 7 in Russia's Karelia region.

Since his release and transfer to Germany, Pivovarov has given numerous interviews but is hoping to find time now to rest and spend time with his family.

"I would like to exhale. Plus, during all this time I was deprived of the opportunity to communicate with my son, so I would really like to meet him, spend time with him," Pivovarov told Current Time, adding he has no plans to abandon his "political work."

Pivovarov admitted that voicing opposition to Putin's regime is easier from abroad but with possible drawbacks.

"When you are in Russia, any unification, any coordination is automatically a criminal offense. At the same time, having a platform abroad, where we are now, on the one hand, to be honest, diminishes the weight of our words, because it is easy to say something while sitting outside in the sun and knowing that no policeman is coming for you," Pivovarov explained. "On the other hand, this allows us to say more than what people in Russia can afford."

Breathing life into Russia's opposition, largely silenced by Putin's repression and infighting, will be a formidable task, admitted Pivovarov, saying the goal should be "not to unite but to establish a dialogue, contact."

"Of course, there will still be disputes," he said.

Pivovarov was also asked about comments he made at a Bonn press conference on August 2, when he appeared to suggest that Western sanctions against Russia were unfairly impacting ordinary Russians, triggering some criticism, especially among Ukrainians.

"There was no phrase about the unfairness of sanctions. I don't remember all the words verbatim, but there was no phrase about the unfairness of sanctions. Sanctions are effective, and they work. I'm talking about, for example, a housewife -- a stupid example -- but it seems typical to me. And she has, let's say, a small child, and she cooks at home. So that she has the opportunity to buy at least some more or less normal products, so that her small everyday world becomes a little simpler," Pivovarov offered.

Pivovarov said Russian opponents of Putin shared common goals with Ukrainians.

"Our goals are the same. We want to work together to ensure that the war ends, that the regime in Russia changes, and that, ultimately, Putin ends up in the dock. This is our main goal," he said. "We just look at this from the perspective of Russian society, and in this regard we can be more useful."
SOFIA, Aug. 10 (Xinhua) -- Around 40 teams from over 30 countries and regions gathered Saturday in Bulgaria's city of Burgas to participate in the inaugural International Olympiad in Artificial Intelligence (IOAI) for high school students.

The week-long event offers a dynamic platform for young minds to demonstrate their expertise in AI, creativity and problem-solving skills, said the organizers.

The IOAI, held under the patronage of Bulgarian President Rumen Radev, is structured as a team competition in both scientific and practical rounds, focusing on three core areas of AI: Natural Language Processing, Machine Learning, and Computer Vision.

In a congratulatory message delivered at the opening ceremony, Radev highlighted the significance of the Olympiad as a platform where young talents from around the globe can showcase their abilities and push the boundaries of their imagination.

He emphasized AI's transformative potential in revolutionizing healthcare and education sectors and in providing businesses with opportunities to create solutions with high added value.

Radev said he was proud to be the patron of this Olympiad as it not only offers a platform for knowledge and ideas exchanges but also, with combinations of scientific and applied challenges, encourages critical thinking and provides fresh perspectives in solving complex problems.

Bulgaria's caretaker Minister of Education and Science Galin Tsokov also underscored AI's crucial role in humanity's future development. "Today, we are laying the groundwork for annual gatherings of some of the brightest minds in this field from across the world," Tsokov said, expressing his confidence that the exchange of knowledge will contribute to global progress.

Alexander Velinov, one of the IOAI founders, said "today at the opening ceremony, it is clear that we have laid the foundation for something really big and significant, an event that has the chance to change AI education around the world." 
The excise duty increase on fuel, the second in three months, which has seen petrol rise by 4c per litre and diesel rise by 3c per litre, has been sharply criticised by Sinn Fein TD Claire Kerrane.

Motorists in Roscommon and Galway are already under huge pressure from unaffordable costs due to the cost of living crisis, said Deputy Kerrane.

Government owe people an explanation about why, in the middle of a cost of living crisis, they are happy to sit back and watch as another excise duty increase hits workers and families.

This Government already introduced a hike in April, which saw a rise in petrol by 4c per litre, and a 3c per litre rise in diesel. In the space of barely three months, that means motorists have seen their fuel increase by 8c and 6c per litre respectively.

Many people in Roscommon and Galway have no choice but to use their cars. Government have failed to put in place adequate public transport services to serve as a realistic or reliable alternative, said Deputy Kerrane.

To expect people to take these increases on the chin just shows how out of touch this Government is with workers and families who are struggling with unaffordable costs.

In April, Sinn Fein urged the Government to save the public from these increases. Fianna Fail, Fine Gael and the Greens simply refused to listen.

Fuel costs are already 30% higher than they were three years ago  which means the Governments overall tax take is 30% higher.

What we need here is a common sense approach towards these increases, she said.
After Report on Adani group, Hindenburg Research says something 'big' soon India

Adani group repeatedly denied all the accusations in the Hindenburg Research report.

Hindenburg Research Soon With Something 'Big' India: After a bombshell related to Gautam Adani last year, Hindenburg Research is coming back with another 'big' for India. Hindenburg Research on Saturday, in a post on X (formerly Twitter), said, "Something big soon India."

Last year on January 24, Hindenburg Research published a report criticizing the Adani Group just before the planned share sale of Adani Enterprises. The report led to over $86 billion decline in the market value of Adani Group's stocks and triggered a significant sell-off of its overseas-listed bonds.

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The Hindenburg report had raised serious allegations on the Adani gorup related to stock manipulation and fraud by the conglomerate. It also claimed that Adani had inflated its share prices. After these allegations were made public, it led to a sharp decline in the shares of various Adani group companies stocks, reportedly to the tune of over USD 100 billion.

Interestingly, the Hindenburg report was published two days before a USD 2.5 billion follow-up public offering was issued by Adani Group.

On the other hand, the Adani group repeatedly denied all the accusations in the Hindenburg Research report.

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In July this year, one of India's senior lawyers and BJP leader Mahesh Jethmalani alleged that a US-based businessman with Chinese links had commissioned the report by Hindenburg Research.

Jethmalani claimed that Mark Kingdon, the American businessman behind Kingdon Capital Management LLC, had hired Hindenburg Research to prepare a report on the Adani Group.

Later Mahesh Jethmalani also called on the government to probe the links of political voices, who sought to target the Adani group after the Hindenburg report, with China.

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He flagged the Chinese hand behind the report by the American short seller Hindenburg that targeted the Indian conglomerate. He added that the hit job on the Adani group was Chinese vengeance for losing out on infrastructure projects like the Haifa Port.

(For more news apart from Hindenburg Research Soon With Something 'Big' India, stay tuned to Rozana Spokesman)
UK Kabaddi Tournament Violence: 6 Punjabis among 7 convicted of violent disorder

Last year, shots were fired as people were fighting with weapons at Elvaston Lane.

UK Kabaddi Tournament Violence: Six Punjab-based men, aged between 24 and 36 years, among seven people were convicted for their involvement in a violent disorder involving guns and machetes at a kabaddi tournament in Derby, in the East Midlands region of England, UK.

According to Derbyshire Police, several people were injured after the violence broke out among two groups who attended the tournament at Alvaston in August, last year. Five of the men, arrested and charged, pleaded guilty while two others  Parminder Singh and Malkeet Singh  were convicted of violent disorder and possession of a firearm by a jury, last week.

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In the meanwhile, all five men will be sentenced at Derby Crown Court later.

What should have been a pleasant day out for people attending a sporting event turned into a huge violent disorder in which multiple people were injured, Detective Chief Inspector Matt Croome, Senior Investigating Officer at Derbyshire Police said.

We know that this incident and the subsequent police investigation had a huge impact on people living in the area as well as those spectators who had attended and we are very grateful to all who have helped with our enquiries, he added.

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Last year, shots were fired as people were fighting with weapons at Elvaston Lane, Derby, UK. The police discovered that the fight was een pre-planned with a group meeting at Brunswick Street, Derby, beforehand.
We recently compiled a list of the 10 Best Undervalued UK Stocks To Buy Now. In this article, we are going to take a look at where Rio Tinto Group (NYSE:RIO) stands against the other undervalued UK stocks.

The Economy of the United Kingdom

According to a report by KPMG, the economy of the UK is going through a combination of consumption tailwinds and falling inflation which is expected to support modest positive growth in the country for the remainder of 2024 and in 2025. The United Kingdoms economy is projected to achieve GDP growth of 0.5% in 2024, and 0.9% in 2025, while inflation is expected to hold steady at 2.6% in both 2024 and 2025. Unemployment rates are also projected to be 4.5% in 2024 and 4.9% in 2025. The interest rates are anticipated to drop towards 3% by the end of 2025 and elections are likely to resolve political uncertainty, which would encourage business. However, geopolitical uncertainty, conflicts, and trade tensions could lead to inflation spikes and sharp shifts in monetary policies. Despite the uncertainty, KPMG's analysts remain optimistic about the future. Yael Selfin Vice Chair and Chief Economist at KPMG United Kingdom said:

Global economic prospects are better for 2025, with inflation expected to return towards target and central banks more confident to cut policy rates from the current restrictive levels. The silver lining is a tailwind for big-ticket consumer purchases and business investment. Merger and acquisition activity could also continue to gather steam, as financial conditions ease and dry powder is deployed. However, the uncertainty remains around the political shifts, which could see more insular and protectionist economic policies.

Investors view the UK market as particularly appealing due to its current valuations, which are similar to those of emerging markets when measured on a forward price-to-earnings basis. The UK equity index stands out for its substantial exposure to the energy sector, which could benefit significantly if the global economy outperforms expectations. Additionally, in times of escalating geopolitical tensions, the energy sector might also see gains, driven by rising prices. The composition of the UK equity market is well-structured, especially in terms of dividend yields and volatility. Compared to European equities, UK stocks are less volatile and offer higher dividend yields, making them an attractive option for investors at this time. Goldman Sachs is also anticipating modest growth in the United Kingdoms 2025 and 2026 economic growth and forecasts the FTSE 100 Index to rise to 7,900 by the end of 2024. Goldman Sachs said:

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Low valuation, improving global demand and low supply aiding commodities stocks, and continued buybacks all support FTSE 100. We do not expect UKX to underperform as it did in 2023,

According to Emma Wall, Head of Investment Analysis at Hargreaves Lansdown, the UK offers one of the best value opportunities among developed markets, particularly for those looking for undervalued investments. Despite its high performance in the FTSE 100, it is highlighted as being on a 45% discount compared to the U.S. market. Emma Wall sees the best value opportunity in the UK, citing the significant discount, international revenues, lack of leverage, and expectations of high dividend payouts as key reasons for this analysis.

The UK market presents a unique and compelling opportunity for investors, as the global economy shows signs of improvement and inflation stabilizes, the UK will benefit from economic growth despite some uncertainties, with that in context lets take a look at the 10 best undervalued UK stocks to buy now.

Our Methodology

For this article, we used the Finviz screener to screen for UK-based companies that are trading at a forward P/E ratio of under 20 as of August 9. We listed the stocks according to their hedge fund sentiment, which was taken from our database of 920 elite hedge funds as of Q1 of 2024.

Why do we care about what hedge funds do? The reason is simple: our research has shown that we can outperform the market by imitating the top stock picks of the best hedge funds. Our quarterly newsletters strategy selects 14 small-cap and large-cap stocks every quarter and has returned 275% since May 2014, beating its benchmark by 150 percentage points (see more details here).

Aerial view of an open pit mine, with workers extracting minerals.

Rio Tinto Group (NYSE:RIO)

Number of Hedge Fund Investors: 37

Forward P/E ratio as of August 10: 8.55

Rio Tinto Group (NYSE:RIO) is a leading global mining and metals company that generates revenue by exploring, mining, and processing a variety of mineral resources and selling them to industrial customers, including manufacturers, construction firms, and energy producers. The company is known for its focus on operational efficiency and cost control by implementing advanced technologies and innovative mining practices which enhances its profitability. The company's primary products include iron ore, aluminum, copper, diamonds, gold, energy products, and industrial minerals such as borates and titanium dioxide. Rio Tinto Group (NYSE:RIO) has a market cap of $101.90 billion as of August 10 and is one of three the largest mining companies in the world. Rio Tinto Group (NYSE:RIO) is strategically well-positioned to capitalize on the expected sustained commodity demand created by decarbonization, shifting regional industrial policies, and geopolitics. As of the first quarter, the stock is held by 37 hedge funds with stakes amounting to $1.42 billion. Fisher Asset Management owns the largest number of stocks in the company with a market worth $1.05 billion as of March 31.

Rio Tinto Group (NYSE:RIO) has been making substantial financial investments and expanding its low-carbon aluminum and iron production capabilities by acquiring strategic aluminum assets, leasing solar parks, and setting up long-term renewable energy contracts to position itself as a key player in the global low-carbon economy. On June 11, Rio Tinto Group (NYSE:RIO) agreed to acquire an 11.65% stake in Boyne Smelters Ltd. from Mitsubishi Corporation, which operates the Boyne Island aluminum smelter in Gladstone, Australia. On July 1, Rio Tinto Group (NYSE:RIO) announced a $285 million investment, in partnership with the Quebec government for the construction of a carbon-free aluminum electrolysis plant in Quebec, with an annual production capacity of 2,500 tonnes of aluminum without any direct greenhouse gas emissions. During the year 2023, Rio Tinto Group (NYSE:RIO) invested $1.1 billion to expand its "low-carbon" aluminum smelter at Complexe in Quebec, Canada. The Canadian government is supporting these efforts and has invested in the ELYSIS technology, the Quebec government also contributed around $113 million to the smelter expansion.

The stock is trading at a forward PE of 8.55, a 44% discount to its sector. Earnings per share are expected to increase by 0.6% which may not sound compelling, however, the stock trades at $63.24 as of August 10 and analysts forecast that the share price will increase by 26% and reach $83 over the next twelve months. The company has a total debt of $14.35 billion and has about $10.75 billion in cash.

Overall RIO ranks 5th on our list of the best undervalued UK stocks to buy. You can visit 10 Best Undervalued UK Stocks To Buy Now to see the other undervalued UK stocks that are on hedge funds radar. While we acknowledge the potential of RIO as an investment, our conviction lies in the belief that AI stocks hold greater promise for delivering higher returns, and doing so within a shorter timeframe. If you are looking for an AI stock that is more promising than RIO but that trades at less than 5 times its earnings, check out our report about the cheapest AI stock.

Read Next: Analyst Sees a New $25 Billion Opportunity for NVIDIA and Jim Cramer is Recommending These 10 Stocks in June.

Disclosure: None. This article is originally published at Insider Monkey.
Amar, an award-winning documentary film at the Astra Film festival

Last year, the New Perspective Award at the Astra Film Festival went to Amar, a documentary film directed by Diana Gavra

Amar, award-winning documentary film at the Astra Film Festival

Corina Sabau, 10.08.2024, 14:00

Last year, the New Perspective Award at the Astra Film Festival went to Amar, a documentary directed by Diana Gavra. The film has been in theaters since March 8th. With tenacity and courage, Diana Gavra built a relationship based on trust and intimacy with the protagonists, in a bid to get closer to a group of people for whom being pickpockets was, in their own words, a way of life. With objectivity, without sensationalism, offering the heroes space to honestly express their complicated life, this film masterfully unravels the personality of the people behind stereotypes says the statement of the jury of the Astra Film Festival.

Amar Raducanu, a young man of Rroma origin and the central character of the film and filmmaker Diana Gavra met in 2021. Amar stole an envelope with money from Diana. Diana filed a complaint with the police, and, with the help of the CCTV camera, the thief was apprehended. Amar had just been released from prison where he had been detained also for theft. He asked Diana to accept his proposal to return all the money to avoid new charges pressed against him. Diana realized that, to be able to return the money, Amar would have had to steal again. She consented to drop the charges on one condition: Amar should let himself be filmed and become a character in her documentary film. Amar said yes and so the collaboration between the two began. When the filming began, Diana Gavra, a director, lawyer, and teacher at the National School of Political and Administrative Studies  SNSPA, also had a PhD degree in Roma integration, so she had documented the subject.

Making the film was a challenge for her to push her limits and try to relate to a world that was unknown to her: Through this film I intended to shed a different light on this world and to look at things from a human perspective. I wanted to see how these people are in reality, to be able to know their problems, their emotions, their experiences, their wishes and frustrations. I managed, in the course of a year, to capture baptisms, weddings, funerals, absolutely all that happened in Amars life, in his familys life and in his circle of close friends and relatives. Of course, people like us do not interact with this environment at all. We live in parallel worlds, each in their own bubble, and we have the impression that everybody thinks the same, that we can understand each other, that our world is perfect. Our worlds, mine and Amars, overlap only in the event of a conflict. Just as happened in 2021, he stole money from me, I filed a complaint and everything would have ended with him being sent to prison. As a matter of fact, we do not know how these people live, and they do not know how we live. They dont even know what other life perspectives they could have, because we ourselves didnt even think that they could lead another life. Thats why I thought that through this film I would shed light on their world, and also on our world, raising issues including social responsibility issues. It is also clear from the film that Amar was born in Bucharest, right in the center of Bucharest, on Episcop Radu street, near Calea Mosilor, but he is completely illiterate. We have debates about functional illiteracy, and we are concerned that it is very widespread. But Amar doesnt even know how to write his name. And I wonder, how is it possible for a child born in 1986, in the center of Bucharest, to be abandoned? It is true, his family did not send him to school, this was not their model of life, but what did society do for him? I think that the statistics should have mentioned that this child did not attend school. And the question is: do we have any responsibility towards these people? In the era of ChatGPT what possibilities Amar can have, since he cant even write his name? said director Diana Gavra.

Amar tells the stories of people who come from underprivileged backgrounds, who had addictions and grew up on the streets. He also tells the story of people who got to know first-hand the systems, legislation and conditions of detention in different penitentiaries in Europe. Some can never be integrated, others ended up being integrated into the social systems of other countries, learned to write and read, have a social life, have a home and spend their time in a constructive manner. At the time he met Diana Gavra, Amar Raducanu was 35 years old and had served 13 years in prison for theft.

Dianas proposal to make him a movie character changed his life, says Amar: You realize Im out of this world, I really want out of the criminal world. I have a family, I have my children, I dont want to go to prison anymore, because Im fed up with it. I want to be better too, have my own house. And I liked Mrs. Diana Gavras proposal, I wanted to see what this world that I didnt know was like. And I really like it. When we started filming it was more difficult because I wasnt accustomed to the camera, but then I started to like it. And eventually it all turned out well, me and my colleagues started to understand how we should move in front of the camera. said Amar Raducanu.

The documentary Amar is a Pintadera Film and Pro Omnia Cinema production made with the support of the National Center of Cinematography. The films director of photography is Marius Panduru, and the camera operators are by Rares Dima, Lorand Marton, Stefan Comanescu, Alexandru Mavrodineanu, Gabriel Scoarta, Andrei Petrea, Radu Strimbeanu. The editing was signed by Eugen Kelemen and Monica Pascu. (EN, LS)
THE WEEK IN REVIEW

5-10 August, 2024

The Week in Review

Corina Cristea, 10.08.2024, 14:15

Gas interconnector between Romania and Serbia

The Romanian Minister of Energy, Sebastian Burduja, signed, this week, together with the Minister of Mines and Energy from neighboring Serbia, Dubravka Dedovic Handanovic, the Memorandum of Understanding regarding the Construction Project of the Gas Interconnector between Romania and Serbia. The two countries will make every effort to start the actual construction next year, and the investment should be completed by 2028. The project represents a major step in strengthening the energy security of both countries, and in the regional integration of the markets, by diversifying the routes supply. According to Minister Burduja, through this investment, the country will provide benefits for all Romanians: a more competitive market, which will bring the lowest price to consumers, energy security, integration of energy systems, and diversification of supply sources. The project will connect the natural gas transmission system in Serbia with the BRUA main in Romania.

Female doctors detained for premeditated murder

The court accepted the request of the prosecutors for preventive arrest for 30 days of two female doctors from a hospital in Bucharest, accused of intentionally causing the death of a patient hospitalized in intensive care. The investigators claim that the 54-year-old patient, in serious condition, went into cardio-respiratory arrest, after they suddenly reduced his dose of noradrenaline, an essential substance in intensive care, with the role of maintaining blood pressure. In the same case, a nurse was charged with perjury. The prosecutors opened a criminal file regarding the crime of premeditated murder, after, in April, they received a notification from a nurse at the hospital related to the death of 17 patients between April 4-7 in the IC ward.

The reaction of the authorities to complaints regarding acts of sexual harassment in the university environment

The Bucharest government has decided to amend the legislation on acts of sexual harassment to allow anonymous complaints and to adopt measures to protect victims. It is the reaction of the authorities to the situations reported recently in the university environment in Romania  former students have launched accusations of sexual harassment in the public space against three university professors, against some of whom cases have already been opened with the police. One of them, Alfred Bulai from a major university, was dismissed from his position by the management of the school, while the other two  Dorin Stefan Adam from the University of Architecture in Bucharest and Marius Pieleanu, from the same school as Bulai, requested the suspension of their own activity. Meanwhile, the public consultation period for the Ministry of Educations project regarding regulation of university ethics commissions was extended until August 23. According to the document, complaints regarding abuses or violations of other rules can also be submitted anonymously to the registry of the university institution.

A new edition of the Start Up Nation  Romania program

The executive approved, on Thursday, a new edition of the Start Up Nation  Romania program, which has a budget of almost 450 million euros for a maximum of five years. The program has two components: one for access to training courses for young people under 30 years of age, and the second is intended for those between the ages of 30 and 35 who want to start a business. Start Up Nation is dedicated to young entrepreneurs, as well as those who live in underprivileged areas, or belong to disadvantaged categories. The project is coordinated by the Ministry of Economy, and the line minister, Radu Oprea, stated that, this year, more money is allocated for each participant compared to previous years. 80% are European funds and 20% from the state budget.

A new edition of the UNTOLD festival

In Cluj-Napoca, in the northwest of Romania, the ninth edition of the UNTOLD festival is taking place. During the four days of the festival, over 250 artists from Romania and from all over the world will perform on the eight stages of the event. Among them are famous performers who have performed in Romania before, such as the pop rock legend Lenny Kravitz, or the DJ Salvatore Ganacci, Some artists are premiering here, such as the British Sam Smith, or Burna Boy  the only African artist who had two events sold-out, two years in a row, at the London Stadium. UNTOLD, a festival that comes in 3rd in the ranking of the 100 biggest festivals, annually attracts fans from all corners of the world.

Tally for the Romanian athletes at the Olympic Games

Romania has so far won eight medals at the Paris Summer Olympics  three gold, four silver and one bronze. Gold was won by swimmer David Popovici in the 200 meter freestyle, rowers Andrei Cornea and Marian Enache in the mens double sculls, and the womens crew of eight plus one (Maria Magdalena Rusu, Roxana Anghel, Ancuta Bodnar, Maria Lehaci, Adriana Adam, Amalia Beres, Ioana Vrinceanu , Simona Radis, Victoria Stefania Petreanu). The silver was obtained by Ancuta Bodnar and Simona Radis in the womens double rowing, by Ioana Vrinceanu and Roxana Anghel in the womens double sculls, by Gianina van Groningen and Ionela Cozmiuc in the womens double rowing  light category, and by weightlifter Mihaela Valentina Cambei, in the 49 kg category. Finally, a bronze medal was won by David Popovici in the 100 meters freestyle.
While Citroen Basalt is a step in the right direction, the French brand has a challenging journey ahead to crack tricky Indian market

The French carmaker, Citroen, has come up with a new strategy of significantly undercutting rivals to make room for sales. Just launched Citroen Basalt is a stark example of this strategy. Starting at Rs 7.99 lakh (Ex-sh, introductory), Basalt does undercut compact SUVs and even a few sub 4m SUVs. But what about the top-end variant price?

Citroen Basalt Turbo Petrol AT Max Price

Rs. 7.99 lakh (Ex-sh) for a compact SUV is a disruptive price strategy. For context, a sub 4m SUV like Maruti Suzuki Brezza starts from Rs 8.34 lakh (Ex-sh). Even though the prices are introductory and are due to change soon, we wish Citroen continues to carry the same price to maintain steady sales.

Aggressive pricing is the greatest weapon in Citroen Basalts arsenal. As of now, only the base entry-level pricing (introductory) has been revealed. While exact trim lineup and the price range is under the wraps. However, a few keen eyes have spotted Citroen Basalt top-end variant price tag displayed on Citroen India website.

Citroen Basalt 1.2P Turbo AT Max seems to be the top-end variant and it has been priced at Rs 13.57 lakh (Ex-sh, introductory). Even the top-end variants pricing is undercutting every single one of its rival compact SUVs and even a few sub 4m SUVs.

For the price, Citroen Basalt poses the size advantage and it has one of the longest wheelbase in compact SUV space as well. Boot space is quite substantial too and is among the best in segment (on paper). Apart from size advantage, there is the quirky design taking the shape of a coupe SUV, which seems to be in trend these days.

What does it lack?

Even though Citroen packs quite a few goodies, it is one of the, if not, the poorest when it comes to equipment and features list. That is quite ironic, considering Citroen Basalt is hailed as the one that introduced a lot of new features into Citroens lineup.

The new features with Basalt are LED projector headlights, auto climate control, semi-leatherette seats, under-thigh adjustment for rear passengers, electrically folding ORVMs, front and rear armrests. But when compared to its sibling C3 Aircross, Basalt misses out on rear washer and wiper (owing to its coupe roofline) and it also offers smaller 16-inch alloy wheels with lower ground clearance.

Missing features

When compared to every single one of its compact SUV rivals and sub 4m SUV rivals, Citroen Basalt offers bare-minimum features. Some of the missing features on Citroen Basalt are,

1. Auto-dimming IRVM

2. Cornering lights

3. LED tail lights

4. Keyless entry

5. Push-button start

6. Indias favourite panoramic sunroof

7. Front parking sensors

8. 360-degree camera

9. ADAS features

10. Telescopic steering adjustment

11. Passive boot opening

12. Cooled glovebox

13. Powered drivers seat

14. Ventilated seats

15. Navigation in instrument screen

16. Electric tailgate

17. Rear disc brakes

18. Flush door handles

19. Auto headlights

20. Rain-sensing wipers

Apart from these missing features on the surface, there are more. While Citroen started offering 6 airbags with Basalt, the company has proven poor crash safety as seen in Global NCAP crash test rating of India-spec eC3. Latin-spec eC3 and C3 ICE have scored 0 Stars in Latin NCAP crash tests as well. Basalt is yet to be crash tested.

Also read  Citroen sales decline to 339 units in June 2024 with 4 cars on offer
American workers aren't so quick to quit a job anymorelargely because they're afraid of a coming recession, labor experts told Business Insider. Getty Images; Jenny Chang-Rodriguez/BI

American workers are feeling stuck as opportunities in the job market shrink.

Workers are having a tougher time finding a new gig and are more hesitant to quit, labor experts told BI.

That's likely due to fears of recession, which historically has caused workers to hunker in place.

America's job market is in a bind.

That's probably no surprise to current job-seekers, who are having an increasingly tough time landing a new gig as hiring slows and job boards run dry.

The stagnation has resulted in a rise in "stuck" workers  frustrated employees who say they want to quit a job, but are staying put as the fear of a potential recession looms in the backs of their minds.

A 24-year-old employee working in histology named Amanda, who spoke with Business Insider, is one such worker who feels that way. She's choosing to stay in her current role as there are limited offerings in her field, and switching employers would likely lead to her pay being cut by at least a third.

"I feel trapped here," Amanda said. "I'm financially screwed if I leave, and that's why I don't, or can't leave."

Americans have long grumbled about their feelings of being stuck in an unsatisfying role, but the feeling appears to be growing: Americans are quitting their jobs at the slowest pace since the pandemic, with the quits falling to just 2.1% in July, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Yet, job satisfaction fell across 26 measures in the past year, per an annual survey from the Conference Board.

Google search interest for the search phrase "quitting job" is down 11% over the last year, according to data accessed from the search analytics tool Glimpse.

Search interest for the phrase "quitting job" is down 11% over the past year. Google Trends/Glimpse

"Stuck at work," meanwhile, is becoming a more common search term, with interest rising 9% in the past year.

Google searches for "stuck at work," meanwhile, have climbed 9% over the past year. Google Trends/Glimpse

Membership on the subreddit r/hatemyjob has more than doubled over the past two years, with users on the community growing 30,000-strong as of August, up from 14,7000 in 2022, according to historical data from the analytics site SubredditStats.

"Stuck at a job," one user on the subreddit posted. "I'm no longer fond of the work I do. I feel stuck because of the money. It's a good problem to have, I suppose."

"I'm just so done with this job. I've tried everything to stick it out but now I just can't do it anymore," another user wrote, adding that they had been looking for a job related to their degree for over a year. The search hasn't been successful, they said, citing "tough" conditions in the job market.

Story continues

"I want to quit this job so badly but I can't afford it."

Recession fears loom large

Workers have typically hunkered down when the economy slows, with recessions often tied to plunges in the quits rate, historical data from the Fed shows.

The economy hasn't fallen into a recession but fears of a coming downturn are growing. In markets, investors panicked last week, sparking a huge sell-off after July payrolls were lower than expected, with the unemployment rate ticking up to 4.3%.

Most Americans now believe the economy is in a recession, a recent Affirm survey found, despite GDP continuing to grow over the second quarter.

Google search interest in the term "recession" has exploded 230% over the past month, Glimpse data shows.

Google search interest in "recession" has more than doubled in the past month. Google Trends/Glimpse

"I wouldn't say that we're in a recession or anything," Raymond Lee, the CEO of the career outplacement firm Careerminds told BI. "I would say, though, that, just from my perspective, I think a lot of people are staying put in their jobs because I think that there is a lot of uncertainty  People are trying to stay where they are and not make any big moves."

Korn Ferry, a consultancy that offers career transitioning and outplacement services, said it had seen an increase in inbound calls from job seekers. That's the opposite of what the firm saw during the post-pandemic hiring boom  and it's a solid sign the "engine is slowing down," according to Radhika Papandreou, the president of Korn Ferry's North American arm.

In general, clients are taking longer to secure new roles and appear to be prioritizing job security, Papandreou said.

"People are also hesitant to leave their jobs to look at other jobs unless they feel like they're going to get something that's secure and for a long time," she added. "There's a little bit of, 'I don't want to be last in, first out.'"

Job market forecasters say the slowdown in hiring looks poised to continue, even if the Fed begins to loosen monetary policy. Only 15% of small businesses said they were planning on adding new jobs in July, according to the latest survey from the National Federation of Independent Businesses, down from a peak of over 30% recorded several years ago.

Read the original article on Business Insider
We recently compiled a list of the 10 Best Undervalued UK Stocks To Buy Now. In this article, we are going to take a look at where BP p.l.c. (NYSE:BP) stands against the other undervalued UK stocks.

The Economy of the United Kingdom

According to a report by KPMG, the economy of the UK is going through a combination of consumption tailwinds and falling inflation which is expected to support modest positive growth in the country for the remainder of 2024 and in 2025. The United Kingdoms economy is projected to achieve GDP growth of 0.5% in 2024, and 0.9% in 2025, while inflation is expected to hold steady at 2.6% in both 2024 and 2025. Unemployment rates are also projected to be 4.5% in 2024 and 4.9% in 2025. The interest rates are anticipated to drop towards 3% by the end of 2025 and elections are likely to resolve political uncertainty, which would encourage business. However, geopolitical uncertainty, conflicts, and trade tensions could lead to inflation spikes and sharp shifts in monetary policies. Despite the uncertainty, KPMG's analysts remain optimistic about the future. Yael Selfin Vice Chair and Chief Economist at KPMG United Kingdom said:

Global economic prospects are better for 2025, with inflation expected to return towards target and central banks more confident to cut policy rates from the current restrictive levels. The silver lining is a tailwind for big-ticket consumer purchases and business investment. Merger and acquisition activity could also continue to gather steam, as financial conditions ease and dry powder is deployed. However, the uncertainty remains around the political shifts, which could see more insular and protectionist economic policies.

Investors view the UK market as particularly appealing due to its current valuations, which are similar to those of emerging markets when measured on a forward price-to-earnings basis. The UK equity index stands out for its substantial exposure to the energy sector, which could benefit significantly if the global economy outperforms expectations. Additionally, in times of escalating geopolitical tensions, the energy sector might also see gains, driven by rising prices. The composition of the UK equity market is well-structured, especially in terms of dividend yields and volatility. Compared to European equities, UK stocks are less volatile and offer higher dividend yields, making them an attractive option for investors at this time. Goldman Sachs is also anticipating modest growth in the United Kingdoms 2025 and 2026 economic growth and forecasts the FTSE 100 Index to rise to 7,900 by the end of 2024. Goldman Sachs said:

Story continues

Low valuation, improving global demand and low supply aiding commodities stocks, and continued buybacks all support FTSE 100. We do not expect UKX to underperform as it did in 2023,

According to Emma Wall, Head of Investment Analysis at Hargreaves Lansdown, the UK offers one of the best value opportunities among developed markets, particularly for those looking for undervalued investments. Despite its high performance in the FTSE 100, it is highlighted as being on a 45% discount compared to the U.S. market. Emma Wall sees the best value opportunity in the UK, citing the significant discount, international revenues, lack of leverage, and expectations of high dividend payouts as key reasons for this analysis.

The UK market presents a unique and compelling opportunity for investors, as the global economy shows signs of improvement and inflation stabilizes, the UK will benefit from economic growth despite some uncertainties, with that in context lets take a look at the 10 best undervalued UK stocks to buy now.

Our Methodology

For this article, we used the Finviz screener to screen for UK-based companies that are trading at a forward P/E ratio of under 20 as of August 9. We listed the stocks according to their hedge fund sentiment, which was taken from our database of 920 elite hedge funds as of Q1 of 2024.

Why do we care about what hedge funds do? The reason is simple: our research has shown that we can outperform the market by imitating the top stock picks of the best hedge funds. Our quarterly newsletters strategy selects 14 small-cap and large-cap stocks every quarter and has returned 275% since May 2014, beating its benchmark by 150 percentage points (see more details here).

A large turbine generating power from natural gas, smoke rising in the background.

BP p.l.c. (NYSE:BP)

Number of Hedge Fund Investors: 40

Forward P/E ratio as of August 10: 7.94

BP p.l.c. (NYSE:BP) is a well-known energy company involved in the exploration, refining, marketing, supply, and production of oil and natural gas products. The company also generates solar energy and is one of the largest manufacturers of terephthalic acid which is used for making plastic bottles, food containers, and textiles. BP p.l.c. (NYSE:BP) holds a significant market presence across nine industries including Oil Drilling, Gas Extraction, Petroleum Refining, Lubricant Oil manufacturing, and Oil Pipeline Transportation. BP p.l.c. (NYSE:BP) has a diverse range of brands across various energy and chemical sectors. The primary BP brand is recognized for fuel and lubricants, while Aral serves as a major fuel and lubricant brand in Germany. Castrol is a leading name in automotive and industrial lubricants. In the aviation sector, Air BP supplies fuel and services. The company also operates a BP Chargemaster for electric vehicle charging.

BP p.l.c. (NYSE:BP) has positioned itself ahead of competitors in the shift to renewable energy and plans to reduce its oil and gas production by 25% by 2030 as part of its carbon emissions reduction plan. BP p.l.c. (NYSE:BP) is collaborating with companies all around the world in its journey towards net zero and is investing heavily in lower-carbon initiatives, in which investments have risen by approximately 3% in 2019 to 23% by 2023. BP p.l.c.s (NYSE:BP) strategic focus on renewables has enhanced its ability to lead in the energy transition and capitalize on emerging market opportunities.

On July 10 BP p.l.c. (NYSE:BP) confirmed that it plans to acquire a 10% stake in the Ruwais liquefied natural gas (LNG) project led by Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) in Al Ruwais Industrial City, Abu Dhabi to develop competitive gas positions and expand its LNG portfolio. On July 15, BP p.l.c. (NYSE:BP) was also awarded funding jointly by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action and the Lower Saxony Government for a 100MW industrial-scale green hydrogen project. The project is located adjacent to BP p.l.c.s (NYSE:BP) Lingen Refinery in Germany and will be the companys first fully owned and operated large-scale green hydrogen plant. The project aims to produce 10-11 kilotons of green hydrogen annually and will supply energy to its Lingen refinery as well as industrial customers in the region. BP p.l.c.s (NYSE:BP) Head of Germany, Patrick Wendeler, while expressing gratitude for the government support said:

"Todays announcement underscores bps commitment to Germany as we progress our and, not or strategy. Our Lingen refinery has helped provide German industry with the energy it needs for more than 70 years. Decarbonising German industry is a significant challenge, and we are grateful to the German government for helping us  alongside the green hydrogen projects from the IPCEI Hy2Infra wave  to play a small but role in helping solve that challenge. With this funding, were a step further towards progressing our green hydrogen project in Lingen that would enable us to provide low carbon hydrogen to industrial customers and our Lingen refinery in the future."

BP p.l.c. (NYSE:BP) is one of the best undervalued UK stocks to buy now. The company operates in over 80 countries worldwide and is leading the energy transition in Europe. BP p.l.c. (NYSE:BP) is trading at a forward P/E ratio of 7.94 which is a 31.60% discount compared to the industry average of 11.68. Analysts have given the stock a Buy rating with an average price target of $42.73, which implies an upside of 22.25% from current levels. As of the first quarter, the stock is held by 40 hedge funds with stakes worth $2.07 billion. Fisher Asset Management is the largest stakeholder in the company and has a position worth $773 million, as of March 31.

Overall BP ranks 4th on our list of the best undervalued UK stocks to buy. You can visit 10 Best Undervalued UK Stocks To Buy Now to see the other undervalued UK stocks that are on hedge funds radar. While we acknowledge the potential of BP as an investment, our conviction lies in the belief that AI stocks hold greater promise for delivering higher returns, and doing so within a shorter timeframe. If you are looking for an AI stock that is more promising than BP but that trades at less than 5 times its earnings, check out our report about the cheapest AI stock.

Read Next: Analyst Sees a New $25 Billion Opportunity for NVIDIA and Jim Cramer is Recommending These 10 Stocks in June.

Disclosure: None. This article is originally published at Insider Monkey.
We recently compiled a list of the 10 Best Retail Stocks To Buy Now. In this article, we are going to take a look at where Abercrombie & Fitch Co. (NYSE:ANF) stands against the other retail stocks.

Tech is Disrupting Retail

The rise of tech and artificial intelligence (AI) in the past few years has had an impact not only on the tech sector but on the entire market. The retail sector is no stranger to this impact, with analysts now considering tech-enabled innovation as one of the core drivers in the growth of the retail sector. As a result, those retailers that are taking the tech expansion seriously and are making investments to incorporate new technology in their operations are finally beginning to catch the market's attention.

On June 24, Simeon Gutman, analyst at Morgan Stanley, joined CNBC's "The Exchange" to discuss the impact of tech and AI on retailers and how these companies are making use of tech to drive up profit margins. Here are some of his comments on the retail companies to keep an eye on in this respect:

"Walmart's the one that comes to mind the first... with Walmart, you're hitting the nail on the head with several of these aspects of tech diffusion, and on top of it, they're gaining market share in terms of tech diffusion. AI is easily one of them, big scale, lot of data, lot of opportunity to go through their data and enhance both the frontend of their business, drive more sales to customers, make things easier, and improve the backend."

According to Gutman, big-box retailers are the sector's winners when it comes to incorporating innovative tech in their internal operations. Because of such innovation in retail, and its consequent impact resulting in increased profit margins for retailers, there may be room to argue that retail is fast making a comeback in the market.

Retail Sector Outlook 2024

According to the WTW Global Retail Survey for 2024, 52% of retailers this year generally expect higher profitability within two years. Additionally, more retailers today (48%) are looking to incorporate artificial intelligence in their operations to offer personalized shopping experiences to their customers. However, the rise of tech and AI in the sector has also resulted in some retailers (43%) voicing concerns about higher cybersecurity risks arising through a greater reliance on new technologies.

Despite the risks involved, most retailers today are heading towards AI incorporation to meet customers' demands. According to the survey, AI is primarily favored by online-only and electronic retailers because of its potential for catalyzing growth. By helping retailers automate their processes and supply chain operations, AI and new technologies can enable retailers to deliver personalized experiences and recommendations to their customers. This is an exceptionally important feature in today's market, with consumers becoming more reliant on new technologies and their benefits in everyday life.

Story continues

Our Methodology

We sifted through ETFs and online rankings to compile a list of 25 retail stocks. We also used the Finviz stock screener to double check we didn't miss any popular stocks. For this list, we have considered apparel retailers, discount stores, department stores, and home improvement retailers. We selected and ranked 10 stocks, from our initial pool of 25, that were the most popular among institutional investors. The stocks are ranked in ascending order of the number of hedge funds holding stakes in them.

Why are we interested in the stocks that hedge funds pile into? The reason is simple: our research has shown that we can outperform the market by imitating the top stock picks of the best hedge funds. Our quarterly newsletters strategy selects 14 small-cap and large-cap stocks every quarter and has returned 275% since May 2014, beating its benchmark by 150 percentage points. (see more details here).

A close-up of a customer trying on a piece of apparel in the retailer's spacious dressing room, emphasizing the company's focus on personal care and experience.

Abercrombie & Fitch Co. (NYSE:ANF)

Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 46

Abercrombie & Fitch Co. (NYSE:ANF) is a consumer discretionary apparel retailer based in New Albany, Ohio. The company operates as an omnichannel retailer. Its main markets are in the US, Europe, the Middle East, Asia, the Asia-Pacific, and Canada. We saw 46 hedge funds long Abercrombie & Fitch Co. (NYSE:ANF) at the end of the first quarter, with a total stake value of $786.7 million.

Abercrombie & Fitch Co. (NYSE:ANF) has been enjoying immense sales growth this year, with the company expecting sales in 2024 to rise by 10% compared to 2023. The company owns the reputed brand Hollister, and has been making a comeback in the past couple of years with demand for its products rising. For instance, in the first quarter, Abercrombie & Fitch Co. (NYSE:ANF) saw sales growth of 22% year-over-year, with Hollister brand sales growing by 12% as well.

The average analyst price target on Abercrombie & Fitch Co. (NYSE:ANF) is $166, with a high forecast of $215 as of June 28. As of May 30, Citigroup analysts maintain a Neutral rating on the stock.

Here's what Chartwell Investment Partners, LLC said about Abercrombie & Fitch Co. (NYSE:ANF) in its third-quarter 2023 investor letter:

Within the Carillon Chartwell Small Cap Growth Fund, information technology and industrials were the strongest-performing sectors, with strong stock selection leading to alpha generation. Abercrombie & Fitch Co. (NYSE:ANF) reported very strong earnings driven by significant margin improvement that resulted from much lower shipping and freight costs compared to last year.

Overall ANF ranks 9th on our list of the best retail stocks to buy. You can visit 10 Best Retail Stocks To Buy Now to see the other retail stocks that are on hedge funds radar. While we acknowledge the potential for ANF as an investment, our conviction lies in the belief that AI stocks hold greater promise for delivering higher returns, and doing so within a shorter timeframe. If you are looking for an AI stock that is more promising than ANF but that trades at less than 5 times its earnings, check out our report about the cheapest AI stock.

READ NEXT: Analyst Sees a New $25 Billion "Opportunity" for NVIDIA and Jim Cramer is Recommending These 10 Stocks in June.

Disclosure: None. This article is originally published at Insider Monkey.
We recently compiled a list of the 10 Best Undervalued UK Stocks To Buy Now. In this article, we are going to take a look at where Carnival Corporation & plc (NYSE:CUK) stands against the other undervalued UK stocks.

The Economy of the United Kingdom

According to a report by KPMG, the economy of the UK is going through a combination of consumption tailwinds and falling inflation which is expected to support modest positive growth in the country for the remainder of 2024 and in 2025. The United Kingdoms economy is projected to achieve GDP growth of 0.5% in 2024, and 0.9% in 2025, while inflation is expected to hold steady at 2.6% in both 2024 and 2025. Unemployment rates are also projected to be 4.5% in 2024 and 4.9% in 2025. The interest rates are anticipated to drop towards 3% by the end of 2025 and elections are likely to resolve political uncertainty, which would encourage business. However, geopolitical uncertainty, conflicts, and trade tensions could lead to inflation spikes and sharp shifts in monetary policies. Despite the uncertainty, KPMG's analysts remain optimistic about the future. Yael Selfin Vice Chair and Chief Economist at KPMG United Kingdom said:

Global economic prospects are better for 2025, with inflation expected to return towards target and central banks more confident to cut policy rates from the current restrictive levels. The silver lining is a tailwind for big-ticket consumer purchases and business investment. Merger and acquisition activity could also continue to gather steam, as financial conditions ease and dry powder is deployed. However, the uncertainty remains around the political shifts, which could see more insular and protectionist economic policies.

Investors view the UK market as particularly appealing due to its current valuations, which are similar to those of emerging markets when measured on a forward price-to-earnings basis. The UK equity index stands out for its substantial exposure to the energy sector, which could benefit significantly if the global economy outperforms expectations. Additionally, in times of escalating geopolitical tensions, the energy sector might also see gains, driven by rising prices. The composition of the UK equity market is well-structured, especially in terms of dividend yields and volatility. Compared to European equities, UK stocks are less volatile and offer higher dividend yields, making them an attractive option for investors at this time. Goldman Sachs is also anticipating modest growth in the United Kingdoms 2025 and 2026 economic growth and forecasts the FTSE 100 Index to rise to 7,900 by the end of 2024. Goldman Sachs said:

Story continues

Low valuation, improving global demand and low supply aiding commodities stocks, and continued buybacks all support FTSE 100. We do not expect UKX to underperform as it did in 2023,

According to Emma Wall, Head of Investment Analysis at Hargreaves Lansdown, the UK offers one of the best value opportunities among developed markets, particularly for those looking for undervalued investments. Despite its high performance in the FTSE 100, it is highlighted as being on a 45% discount compared to the U.S. market. Emma Wall sees the best value opportunity in the UK, citing the significant discount, international revenues, lack of leverage, and expectations of high dividend payouts as key reasons for this analysis.

The UK market presents a unique and compelling opportunity for investors, as the global economy shows signs of improvement and inflation stabilizes, the UK will benefit from economic growth despite some uncertainties, with that in context lets take a look at the 10 best undervalued UK stocks to buy now.

Our Methodology

For this article, we used the Finviz screener to screen for UK-based companies that are trading at a forward P/E ratio of under 20 as of August 9. We listed the stocks according to their hedge fund sentiment, which was taken from our database of 920 elite hedge funds as of Q1 of 2024.

Why do we care about what hedge funds do? The reason is simple: our research has shown that we can outperform the market by imitating the top stock picks of the best hedge funds. Our quarterly newsletters strategy selects 14 small-cap and large-cap stocks every quarter and has returned 275% since May 2014, beating its benchmark by 150 percentage points (see more details here).

A couple entering a beach resort hotel, walking hand in hand away from the sunset.

Carnival Corporation & plc (NYSE:CUK)

Number of Hedge Fund Investors: 14

Forward P/E ratio as of August 10: 11.27

Carnival Corporation & plc (NYSE:CUK) is a British-American cruise operator that owns and operates a combined fleet of over 90 vessels across nine cruise line brands including Carnival Cruise Line, Holland America Line, and Princess Cruise. The cruise line industry was valued at $9.2 billion in 2023 and is expected to grow to $25.4 billion by 2033, at a CAGR of 10.6%. Carnival Corporation & plc (NYSE:CUK) is one of the largest and most prominent players in the cruise industry and has over 104,000 employees worldwide. The company is poised to benefit from favorable trends in the global travel and tourism market. As of the first quarter, the stock is held by 14 hedge funds with stakes worth $233.10 million. Aristeia Capital is the largest shareholder and has stakes worth $168.05 million, as of March 31.

On June 25, Carnival Corporation & plc (NYSE:CUK) reported that its Q2 net income increased by nearly $500 million compared to the previous year. The quarter saw a record operating income of $560 million, nearly five times higher than the previous year, driven by record revenues of $5.8 billion. Full-year 2024 net yield guidance has been raised to approximately 10.25% and net income forecast has been increased by about $275 million, due to higher itinerary prices and sustained demand from Americans for cruise holidays. 2024 has been a record year for cruise operators, with booking volumes reaching an all-time high. Looking ahead to 2025, early bookings are even higher in both price and occupancy than those in 2024.

Equity analyst Derren Nathan from Hargreaves Lansdown noted that Carnival Corporation & plcs (NYSE:CUK) net debt remains high at $27.7 billion, and with the second quarter typically being the strongest for cash generation, significant debt reduction may not occur this year. Carnival prepaid $1.6 billion of debt during the second quarter. Cruise costs per available lower berth day rose by 4% during the second quarter. Carnival now anticipates a 2024 adjusted profit per share of about $1.18, up from its earlier forecast of 98 cents. Commenting on the companys growth Carnival Corporation & plcs (NYSE:CUK) CEO Josh Weinstein said:

The company continues to experience strong bookings momentum driven by record booking volumes for 2025 sailings. While still early, the cumulative advanced booked position for full year 2025 is even higher than 2024 in both price (in constant currency) and occupancy.

Carnival Corporation & plc (NYSE:CUK) is enhancing its fleet, with eight new ships slated for delivery across its brands by 2025. The stock has a forward PE ratio of 11.27 as of August 10, reflecting a 25.36% discount compared to its peers. Analysts expect the companys earnings to grow by 100% this year. CUK is therefore one of the most undervalued UK stocks to buy now.

Overall CUK ranks 10th on our list of the best undervalued UK stocks to buy. You can visit 10 Best Undervalued UK Stocks To Buy Now to see the other undervalued UK stocks that are on hedge funds radar. While we acknowledge the potential of CUK as an investment, our conviction lies in the belief that AI stocks hold greater promise for delivering higher returns, and doing so within a shorter timeframe. If you are looking for an AI stock that is more promising than CUK but that trades at less than 5 times its earnings, check out our report about the cheapest AI stock.

Read Next: Analyst Sees a New $25 Billion Opportunity for NVIDIA and Jim Cramer is Recommending These 10 Stocks in June.

Disclosure: None. This article is originally published at Insider Monkey.
The Indian government has greenlit the establishment of seven PM Mega Integrated Textile Region and Apparel (PM MITRA) Parks, aimed at revolutionizing the textile sector with world-class infrastructure and significant investment. Minister of State for Textiles, Pabitra Margherita, announced in the Rajya Sabha that these parks will be developed across both greenfield and brownfield sites with an overall budgetary outlay of Rs 4,445 crore over seven years, until 2027-28.

The seven sites finalized for these parks include Virudhnagar in Tamil Nadu, Warangal in Telangana, Navsari in Gujarat, Kalaburagi in Karnataka, Dhar in Madhya Pradesh, Lucknow in Uttar Pradesh, and Amravati in Maharashtra. Each park is projected to draw investments, both foreign and domestic, worth around Rs 10,000 crore, significantly boosting the local economy and strengthening the textile ecosystem in these regions.

To ensure effective implementation, Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs) have been incorporated for the five greenfield sites in Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh. For the brownfield sites in Maharashtra and Telangana, existing implementation arrangements will continue as per the schemes guidelines.

The PM MITRA Park Scheme provides Development Capital Support (DCS) for creating core infrastructure, with the Centre contributing up to 30% of the project cost. This support is capped at Rs 500 crore for greenfield sites and Rs 200 crore for brownfield sites. Additionally, Competitive Incentive Support (CIS) of up to Rs 300 crore per park will be available to manufacturing units, encouraging early establishment in the PM MITRA Parks.

The Ministry of Textiles will oversee the execution of these projects. Each park will be managed by an SPV jointly owned by the Centre and the respective state government, ensuring smooth implementation and operational efficiency.
NEW YORK (AP)  A couple of longtime Brooklyn residents were lounging in the heat last week, staring at a sidewalk tree pit often flooded by a leaky fire hydrant, when they came up with the idea for a makeshift aquarium.

We started joking about: what if we added fish, recalled Hajj-Malik Lovick, 47, a lifelong resident of the Bedford-Stuyvesant neighborhood. Since the water is always there sitting in the puddle, why not turn this into something thats more interesting?

After fortifying the edges of the tree bed with rocks and brick, they bought 100 common goldfish from a pet store for $16 and dumped them in. The appearance of peanut-sized fish swimming around the shallow basin quickly became a neighborhood curiosity, drawing visitors who dubbed it the Hancock Street Bed-Stuy Aquarium.

But as videos and news stories about the fish pit have circulated online, the project has drawn concern from city officials and backlash from animal rights advocates. In the early hours of Wednesday morning, two neighborhood residents, Emily Campbell and Max David, carried out a rescue mission. Using nets and plastic bags, they pulled about 30 fish from the two-inch deep waters.

A sign is posted near to a pool of water with fish swimming inside in the Brooklyn borough of New York, Friday, Aug. 9, 2024. (AP Photo/Pamela Smith)AP

They say they were rescuing the fish from inhumane conditions. But the operation has sparked a roiling debate about gentrification in the historically Black neighborhood, which has seen an influx of young white residents in recent years.

Im very aware of the optics of a white yuppie coming here and telling this man whos lived in the neighborhood his whole life that he doesnt know what hes doing, said Campbell, a self-described fish enthusiast who previously worked in aquaponics. I do sympathize with that. I just dont want to watch 40 fish suffocate in a puddle from their own waste.

Campbell, 29, said she was working to rehome the rescued fish, keeping many of them in tanks inside her apartment. Several people had contacted her with concerns about the remaining fish inside the pit. Im still concerned for the fishes well-being, but Im more concerned about the divisiveness in the community, she said Friday.

Fish swim in a pool of water next to a fire hydrant in the Brooklyn borough of New York, Friday, Aug. 9, 2024. (AP Photo/Pamela Smith)AP

Those involved in the sidewalk experiment say they have enriched the neighborhood and provided a better life for the goldfish, a small breed that is usually sold as food for larger marine species. They feed the fish three times per day and take shifts watching over them, ensuring the fire hydrant remains at a slow trickle.

I feel like were helping the goldfish, Lovick said. These people came here and just want to change things

In recent days, supporters have come by to donate decorations, such as pearls and seashells, as well as food, according to Floyd Washington, one of the pond monitors.

It brings conversation in the community, he said. People stop on the way to work and get to see something serene and meet their neighbors. Now we have these fish in common.

He said the group planned to keep the fish in place for about two more weeks, then donate them to neighborhood children. On Friday afternoon, the visitors included local grocery workers, an actor, and a wide-eyed toddler whose nanny had learned about the tank on the news.

Its a really beautiful guerilla intervention, said Josh Draper, an architect who keeps his own goldfish in his Bed-Stuy apartment. Its creating a city thats alive.

Another passerby suggested the fish would soon become rat food.

Nah, replied Washington. Thats Eric Adams right there, he said, pointing to one of the few black fish, apparently named after the citys current mayor. No one messes with him.

Adams did not respond to a request for comment. But a spokesperson for the citys Department of Environmental Protection said there were real safety concerns about leaking hydrants. They had sent crews to fix the hydrant multiple times, but it had been turned back on by residents.

We love goldfish also, but we know there is a better home for them than on a sidewalk, said an agency spokesperson, Beth DeFalco.

As of Friday afternoon, dozens of fish were still swimming in the pit.
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.  Governor Kathy Hochul has announced that New York State is beginning to distribute approximately $350 million in supplemental payments to low- and moderate-income families through the Empire State Child Credit program.

As New Yorkers get started with back-to-school shopping for their kids, were putting some money back in their pockets, Governor Hochul said.

The first round of checks was mailed today and will start arriving in recipients mailboxes this week. Over the next two weeks, more than 1 million eligible families will receive up to $330 per child, with no additional application required.

My team is making sure these supplemental payments reach every eligible New Yorker  and Im going to keep working every day to address the cost of living for working parents across our state, she added.

The payments, which range from 25 percent to 100 percent of the Empire State Child Credit received on 2023 tax returns, are being delivered at a rate of over 100,000 checks per day to ensure timely distribution. For more information, click here.

In addition, Governor Hochul recently launched ny.gov/childcare, a digital portal aimed at making free or low-cost child care more accessible to eligible families statewide through New York States Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP).

This initiative follows a historic $1.8 billion state and federal investment in CCAP secured by Governor Hochul in the FY25 Enacted Budget.

CCAP covers more than 90 percent of market rate child care costs for most eligible families, with most families of four paying no more than $15 per week for child care.

The Empire State Child Credit is a refundable tax credit for income-qualified New Yorkers with children.

In 2023, Governor Hochul and the State Legislature expanded the Empire State Child Credit to include children under four, benefiting an estimated 600,000 additional children per year.

Earlier this year, more than 1 million families eligible for the Empire State Child Credit began receiving hundreds of millions of dollars in tax credits based on their 2023 tax filings. For more information, click here.

Governor Hochul and the State Legislature have provided over $2.6 billion in support since 2022, including homeowner tax rebates, Earned Income Tax Credit expansions, and the latest Empire State Child Credit payments.

Additionally, the Governor has collaborated with the Legislature to overhaul the childcare system with unprecedented investments.

This includes a four-year, $7 billion investment to enhance the childcare assistance program, expand income eligibility to cover over half of New Yorks young children, and increase state reimbursement rates for providers.

The plan also allocates $50 million for a childcare capital program, $343 million to stabilize programs at risk of closure and support the childcare workforce, and $15.6 million to extend childcare services to all SUNY and CUNY campuses.
China is hoping the advent of a new British government will offer a chance to reset the volatile relationship between the two countries, but it is unlikely to be plain sailing.

State media has latched on to reports that the new Foreign Secretary David Lammy is "considering" a visit at some point.

Zhao Junjie, a member of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, told Global Times, a newspaper owned by party mouthpiece People's Daily, that the government "is likely to uphold the relatively friendly approach" of Tony Blair's previous Labour administration.

Do you have questions about the biggest topics and trends from around the world? Get the answers with SCMP Knowledge, our new platform of curated content with explainers, FAQs, analyses and infographics brought to you by our award-winning team.

Appetite for engagement will doubtless be welcomed, but Beijing should not assume that Keir Starmer's new Labour government will give it an easy ride. A lot has changed since Blair left office in 2007.

So far Labour has been vague about its plans for China and the slogans its leaders adopted on the campaign trail could be interchanged with those of the European Union's leaders.

These bromides suggest that, like all Western governments, Labour is still grappling with how exactly it should deal with Beijing - although it finds itself in a position of relative strength.

"The government has a huge majority and a significant amount of goodwill both within parliament and the press to consider a different approach on China. That, of course, does require having the bandwidth and the desire to be proactive," said Sam Goodman, senior policy director at the China Strategic Risks Institute think tank.

British Foreign Secretary David Lammy is reportedly considering a visit to China. Photo: EPA-EFE alt=British Foreign Secretary David Lammy is reportedly considering a visit to China. Photo: EPA-EFE>

In fact Lammy had already been planning a visit but this was scuppered when Rishi Sunak unexpectedly called an election in June, according to people familiar with the plan.

The groundwork had been laid by Catherine West, now the minister responsible for the Indo Pacific, who travelled to the Chinese capital in March as part of a parliamentary delegation that met Wang Huning, one of Xi Jinping's closest advisers, and foreign vice-minister Deng Li.

A China audit is expected to be announced within the government's first 100 days, although there has been no commitment on delivering a "China strategy" document, even if most in Westminster agree that one is needed.

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It also remains to be seen what campaign slogans - such as the "securonomics", proposed by Chancellor Rachel Reeves or Lammy's call for "progressive realism" - will translate into policy.

"The what and especially the how of securonomics remain unclear," said Francesca Ghiretti, a research leader specialising in geoeconomics at the RAND Europe think tank.

"The focus of Labour's economic security plans is likely to be on growth, which we can see from early statements. Yet, without an explicit strategy to guide the different initiatives and efforts, the government risks investing resources without seeing the needed results."

A strategic defence review, however, suggests which way the wind is blowing. It is being led by George Robertson, the former Nato chief, who recently lumped China in with Russia, Iran and North Korea as a "deadly quartet".

Other signposts include the proposed listing of Chinese fast-fashion giant Shein on the London Stock Exchange, which was refused a listing in New York over "supply chain problems".

This would be a shot in the arm for the City of London, but presents a significant political challenge, with American lawmakers already pressuring the authorities to refuse the listing.

Accusations of forced labour, as well as concerns about the firm's environmental impact and working practices, have also prompted concerns the listing could damage London's reputation as a leading centre for ESG (environmental, social and governmental) investments. Reuters reported last month that the sector was likely to give the firm the cold shoulder.

Britain must also decide whether it joins the EU and United States in slapping tariffs on Chinese-made electric vehicles.

Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds last month suggested he would not follow their lead, saying: "I am not ruling anything out but, if you have a very much export-orientated industry, the decision you take [has to be] the right one for that sector."

Charles Parton, who spent four decades working as a UK and EU diplomat on China, said there is a "political dimension" to this debate, suggesting there was likely to be pressure from Washington.

"Are you with us? Are you not with us? Are you the weak link? You're a member of Five Eyes. You're a member of Aukus. Don't forget that - so watch this space," Parton said, referring to Britain's security alliances.

In opposition Labour called for the government to impose heavy penalties on Beijing over human rights issues, and observers are now watching how it will respond to the ongoing Hong Kong national security trials.

Last year, West, a founding patron of the Hong Kong Watch NGO, asked the government to "reassess whether it is in order for sanctions to be placed on leading members of the Hong Kong government" after "warrants and bounties were issued against pro-democracy activists by Hong Kong national security police".

Lammy has also pledged to follow parliament's lead in declaring that the Chinese government has committed genocide in Xinjiang. "Parliament took a decision about genocide, the international community is very concerned about genocide," Lammy told Politico last year.

But over the longer-term, the government may find it faces similar problems to its European neighbours.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer has a large parliamentary majority, which should leave him well-placed to change the country's China policy if he wishes to. Photo: AP alt=Prime Minister Keir Starmer has a large parliamentary majority, which should leave him well-placed to change the country's China policy if he wishes to. Photo: AP>

Like the EU, it has a ballooning trade deficit, which reached US$27.57 billion over the first half of this year, according to Chinese customs data.

As a service-driven economy, it is slightly less exposed to the industrial overcapacity challenges often cited in Brussels, but as a European leader in technology and engineering will be concerned about hi-tech competition.

It too walks a fine line between courting Chinese investment - such as a proposed US$1.5 billion in a gigafactory near Coventry from lithium battery maker EVE Energy - while screening perceived risky acquisitions.

Labour's "challenge, compete, cooperate" framework for Beijing is an effective rehash of the EU's "partner, competitor, rival" triptych - it could mean just about anything to anyone, but all too often in policy terms means nothing at all.

China's close relationship with Russia, which has poisoned the well in most European capitals, is another ongoing problem. Lammy used his first meeting with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi, to urge Beijing to "prevent its companies supporting Russia's military industrial complex".

The result of the US election will also have a great impact and as a member of the Five Eyes security grouping and Aukus, Keir Starmer's government will be more vulnerable to Washington's cajoling on China regardless of who wins.

Labour is, however, far more ideologically aligned with Democratic candidate Kamala Harris than Donald Trump.

In some ways, though, Britain is in better condition than the EU to form a coherent China strategy.

While Brussels has recently started asking diplomats in foreign delegations to report on China's activities in their regions, that is only one part of their job. By contrast London has a network of dedicated China officers dotted all over the world and is spending millions on the endeavour.

Nor does it need the unanimity of 27 governments to forge policy, a "Brexit dividend" the previous Conservative government was unable to explore because of its internal divisions and the resulting pressure from backbench hawks.

In his last post on the now defunct but widely read Beijing to Britain newsletter, Sam Hogg, from Oxford China Policy Lab, bemoaned the lack of clarity.

"Something is going wrong ... the relationship between government, parliament and Whitehall is not working, and the reality that foreign, domestic and industrial policy are interlinked has not sunk in," he wrote.

"Things can, and must, change. This is not a time to smuggle indecision dressed up as caution, or to hope things just work out. It is time to reform the systems which underpin how we understand the world."

This article originally appeared in the South China Morning Post (SCMP), the most authoritative voice reporting on China and Asia for more than a century. For more SCMP stories, please explore the SCMP app or visit the SCMP's Facebook and Twitter pages. Copyright  2024 South China Morning Post Publishers Ltd. All rights reserved.

Copyright (c) 2024. South China Morning Post Publishers Ltd. All rights reserved.
The blue tick is marketed as a guarantee that shoppers are buying sustainably harvested seafood, but conservationists are challenging a recent decision on the slow-growing orange roughy.

The deep-sea fish, found around the southern half of the continent, reaches breeding age at about 40 years and lives up to 250 years  making them particularly vulnerable to overfishing.

Slow-growing orange roughy are found around the southern half of the continent. Credit: iStock

The fish was commercially harvested in such numbers in the 1990s that populations nearly collapsed. The federal governments endangered species register listed orange roughy as a conservation-dependent species in 2006.

Fishing was scaled back and populations have been showing signs of recovery.
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Saya Sakakibaras Paris Olympic BMX gold medal performance has all the right Hollywood-movie ingredients (I came back to add the gold: Sakakibaras hometown hails hero, August 4). Inspired by her brother Kais battle to overcome a serious brain injury from a World Cup BMX event, her French boyfriends love, and her own adversity when she crashed at the Tokyo Olympics her triumph channels the positive adage when the going gets tough, the tough gets going. Steve Ngeow, Chatswood

Saya Sakakibara celebrates her BMX victory. Credit: AP

Trump-like

Your article notes that federal Opposition Leader Peter Dutton has greatly exaggerated the increase in energy costs since Labors win in May 2022 (Bowen slams as lie Duttons claim on energy bills amid cost-of-living fight, August 4). Energy prices have risen by far less than the $1000 claimed by Dutton. According to the Australian Energy Market Operator, the less than $450 increase has been caused by reactions to Vladimir Putins invasion of Ukraine  a fact ignored by Dutton. Could Peter Dutton be Australias version of Donald Trump? Douglas Mackenzie, Deakin (ACT)

Dutton makes it up as he goes, with claims like the cost of energy being $1000 dearer under Labor. Of course, he cannot prove it, or show evidence to back up the claim. Its just playing politics isnt it? No, its a lie, just like the Canberra Voice, or Duttons nuclear dream moment. These lies should be called out, not just by government ministers, but the very people who should call out the lies. Instead, they become part of a clever web of lies which should be called out for what they are, just a Gollum like quest for power. Geoff Nilon, Mascot

Fond memory

Reading about the proposed joining of Balgowlah Boys High and Mackellar Girls brings back a fond memory (More Sydney schools targeted for co-education by Minns government, August 4). When I was in sixth class at Seaforth Primary School I was looking forward to going to Balgowlah Boys High because we were told that it was to be co-ed with Mackellar Girls High. That was in 1962. John Haskell, Parkes
When entrepreneur Lili Shi was in her 20s she was gifted $70,000 by her parents to buy a house. She didnt do it, but instead took up the franchise for a Japanese crepe business with a friend, then added a bubble tea business a few years later.

Good thing too. Shi has since spearheaded the expansion of Taiwans Gong Cha bubble tea business throughout Australia, starting with one store in 2011 to what is now 145 stores. And this week she parlayed that success onto high-end property records.

The Dover Heights house that set a record in 2022 has been resold for a new high of $16.8 million. Credit: Domain

Shi has quietly purchased what is arguably the best house in Dover Heights, a contemporary five-bedroom, five-bathroom residence for $16.8 million, setting a suburb record.

The three-level residence last traded in 2022 for $14.25 million when sold by MYOB co-founder and Shack Homewares owner Lance Shofer and his wife Julie, setting what was then the suburb high.
Sydney property buyers could save up to $290,000 if they opted to purchase a house with one fewer bedroom.

A typical three-bedroom house in Sydney costs $1,191,800, some $289,200 cheaper than a house with four bedrooms, Domain data reveals.

That savings gap balloons to $463,550 if buyers opt for a two-bedroom unit instead of a three-bedroom unit. A typical two-bedder costs $795,000. A three-bedroom unit jumps to a median of $1,258,550, a sign of the dearth of larger apartments in Sydney and the intense competition for them.

Stronger demand for three-bedroom houses lifted their median by 8.3 per cent in the June quarter, compared to 5 per cent growth for a four-bedroom house, in the same period.
Westlake Corp (NYSE:WLK) showcases robust sales with a slight dip in net income year-over-year.

Strategic positioning in essential materials and housing products sectors fortifies market presence.

Opportunities for growth align with global demand recovery and infrastructure investments.

External threats include raw material price volatility and geopolitical tensions impacting operations.

Westlake Corp (NYSE:WLK), a leading manufacturer and supplier of chemicals, polymers, and building products, filed its 10-Q on August 9, 2024, revealing a nuanced financial landscape. Despite a slight decrease in net sales from $6,607 million in the first half of 2023 to $6,182 million in the same period of 2024, the company maintained a strong financial position. The cost of sales saw a marginal reduction, contributing to a gross profit of $1,130 million in the first half of 2024, compared to $1,434 million in the prior year. Net income attributable to Westlake Corp stood at $487 million, down from $691 million year-over-year, reflecting the challenges faced in a dynamic market environment. Basic and diluted earnings per share also experienced a decrease, indicating the need for strategic initiatives to bolster profitability.

Decoding Westlake Corp (WLK): A Strategic SWOT Insight

Strengths

Integrated Business Model: Westlake Corp's integrated business model is a significant strength, providing resilience against market fluctuations. The company's vertical integration allows for a streamlined supply chain, from raw materials to finished products. This integration is evident in their Performance and Essential Materials segment, which includes a diverse range of products such as olefins, vinyl chemicals, and epoxies. The Housing and Infrastructure Products segment further extends this integration into finished goods like building products and pipe fittings. This model not only ensures cost efficiencies but also provides a competitive edge in pricing and product availability.

Financial Stability: Despite market challenges, Westlake Corp has demonstrated financial stability. The company's balance sheet reflects a solid gross profit margin, with a slight increase from the previous year, and a robust cash and cash equivalents position of $3,042 million as of June 30, 2024. This financial stability is crucial for sustaining operations, investing in growth opportunities, and navigating economic uncertainties. It also provides the flexibility to engage in share repurchase programs, signaling confidence in the company's long-term prospects.

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Weaknesses

Dependence on Economic Cycles: Westlake Corp's performance is closely tied to economic cycles, particularly in the construction and automotive industries, which are significant consumers of their products. The company's recent financials indicate a vulnerability to downturns in these sectors, as seen in the reduced net income and earnings per share. This dependence on cyclical industries can lead to revenue volatility and necessitates a robust strategy to diversify revenue streams and mitigate risks associated with economic fluctuations.

Operational Challenges: The company faces operational challenges, such as the pressure anomaly events at the Sulphur Brine Dome, which required compliance actions and a reserve of approximately $32 million for remedial activities. These unforeseen events can disrupt operations, incur significant costs, and potentially impact the company's reputation. Proactive risk management and contingency planning are essential to address such operational vulnerabilities.

Opportunities

Global Demand Recovery: As the global economy recovers from the COVID-19 pandemic and other disruptions, there is an opportunity for Westlake Corp to capitalize on the increasing demand for essential materials and housing products. The company's extensive product portfolio positions it well to meet the needs of various industries, from construction to consumer goods. Strategic expansion in high-growth markets and investment in innovative products can drive revenue growth and enhance market share.

Infrastructure Investments: Government initiatives, such as the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021, present significant opportunities for Westlake Corp's Housing and Infrastructure Products segment. The anticipated increase in construction activities can boost demand for the company's building products, pipes, and fittings. By aligning its product development and marketing strategies with these infrastructure projects, Westlake Corp can secure long-term contracts and strengthen its foothold in the infrastructure sector.

Threats

Raw Material Price Volatility: Fluctuations in raw material prices pose a threat to Westlake Corp's cost structure and profitability. The company's reliance on commodities such as ethylene and chlorine makes it susceptible to price volatility driven by market supply and demand dynamics. Implementing hedging strategies and fostering relationships with diverse suppliers can mitigate this risk, ensuring a stable supply at competitive prices.

Geopolitical Tensions: Geopolitical events, including the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, can disrupt global supply chains and impact the availability and cost of raw materials. Westlake Corp must navigate these uncertainties by diversifying its supply sources and exploring alternative materials to maintain uninterrupted production and protect margins.

In conclusion, Westlake Corp (NYSE:WLK) presents a mixed financial picture, with a slight decline in net sales and net income but maintaining a strong cash position and profitability. The company's integrated business model and financial stability are key strengths that provide a foundation for growth. However, its dependence on economic cycles and operational challenges highlight areas for improvement. Opportunities for expansion lie in the recovery of global demand and infrastructure investments, while threats from raw material price volatility and geopolitical tensions require strategic risk management. Overall, Westlake Corp is well-positioned to leverage its strengths and opportunities to address its weaknesses and threats, ensuring long-term success in a competitive market.

This article, generated by GuruFocus, is designed to provide general insights and is not tailored financial advice. Our commentary is rooted in historical data and analyst projections, utilizing an impartial methodology, and is not intended to serve as specific investment guidance. It does not formulate a recommendation to purchase or divest any stock and does not consider individual investment objectives or financial circumstances. Our objective is to deliver long-term, fundamental data-driven analysis. Be aware that our analysis might not incorporate the most recent, price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative information. GuruFocus holds no position in the stocks mentioned herein.

This article first appeared on GuruFocus.


Top country jockey Nick Heywood heads to Dubbo on Sunday with four quality mounts awaiting.

Heywood will combine with trainer Clint Lundholm when he partners Zounile in the Australian Turf Club Foundation Benchmark 58 Handicap (1600m).

He will also ride Wolf Bay in the Elson Boy  Kosciuszko Contender Country Boosted Benchmark 58 Handicap (1100m) for Lundholm. Heywoods remaining two rides at Dubbo are Prince Of Sorts in the Vale Brian Medley | Medley Refrigeration & Air Conditioning Super Maiden Plate (1100m) for trainer Allan Kehoe, and Dreambender in the Gallant Star  Kosciuszko Contender Country Boosted Benchmark 58 Handicap (1100m) for Todd Howlett.

Jockey Nick Heywood should be in the thick of the action at Dubbo. Credit: bradleyphotos.com.au

Zounile is a six-year-old mare with plenty of starts to her name but she has hit form again of late with thirds at her last two starts, including a last-start third at Gilgandra. Wolf Bay contests its event on the back of a last-start second at Gundagai behind subsequent winner Youre On Mute, which scored at Forbes last Sunday.

Wolf Bay is a Beaumont track winner at Newcastle as an odds-on favourite in March of last year, and comes into this resuming effort on the back of a Warren barrier trial victory.
PHILIPSBURG:--- On Friday evening, August 9th, 2024, at approximately 20:55, officers of the Police Force of Sint Maarten KPSM conducted an operation in the Madame Estate area in response to the recent surge in gun violence and the illegal possession of firearms. During this operation, KPSM officers stopped a vehicle with three male occupants. Upon inspection, three firearms were discovered within the vehicle, resulting in the immediate arrest of all three individuals. These (3) suspects, residents of the Dutch Quarter, are currently being detained at the Police station in Philipsburg, where they are being held pending further investigation.

The discovery and seizure of these firearms are part of the Police Force of Sint Maarten KPSMs ongoing efforts to combat gun violence and ensure the safety of our citizens.

In addition to these arrests, detectives from the Police Force of Sint Maarten KPSM are actively investigating the incident involving the destruction of a police vehicle on August 4th, 2024 and theft of personal belonging of several officers from out of the vehicle. This vehicle was completely destroyed in an act of arson, and the Police Force of Sint Maarten KPSM is determined to bring those responsible to justice. Arrests are anticipated in the coming days as the investigation progresses.

The management of the Police Force of Sint Maarten KPSM wishes to publicly commend the officers for their courage, professionalism, and dedication during these challenging times. The hard work and commitment demonstrated by the men and women of the Police Force of Sint Maarten KPSM in recent months have been crucial in maintaining the safety and security of our country and its communities.

KPSM Press Release.
Swift boat, take two? Trump campaign attacks Walz's military record



Washington, Aug 9 (AFP) Aug 09, 2024



Donald Trump's campaign is taking aim at Democratic vice presidential candidate Tim Walz's military record in an effort reminiscent of the "swift boat" attacks that helped sink John Kerry's White House run.

Kerry, a decorated Vietnam War veteran, was targeted by a group called "Swift Boat Veterans for Truth" that released a series of ads accusing him of lying about his service -- an infamous campaign that led to similar attacks being termed "swift boating."

Military service is usually viewed as an asset in American politics, but Trump's campaign -- which is co-managed by Chris LaCivita, who was involved in the anti-Kerry effort -- is trying to turn it into a drag on the Democratic ticket.

Trump -- who avoided draft eligibility during the Vietnam War through multiple deferments -- has amplified criticism of Walz on social media and branded him a "DISGRACE TO OUR COUNTRY," while surrogates including running mate J.D. Vance have claimed Walz abandoned his unit before it deployed to Iraq.

Jeremy Teigen, a professor at Ramapo College who specializes in the politics of military service and veterans, said the attacks on Walz echo the swift boat campaign, but that the current context is different.

"The term 'swift boating' means to demean or criticize a political opponent's time in uniform and that is broadly the intent of Vance's attempt to diminish or cast Walz's service in a bad light," said Teigen, the author of "Why Veterans Run."

But he noted that Kerry had made his military service a central part of his presidential candidacy during the 2004 wartime election, while Walz "has not made his service his core identity."



- Attacks could backfire -



And while the attacks on Kerry were effective, Teigen said those on Walz may backfire, including because they could bring "renewed attention to former president Trump's repeated evasions of conscription" during the Vietnam era.

Walz -- the governor of Minnesota -- served in the National Guard for more than 24 years.

"He held multiple positions within field artillery... and culminated his career serving as the command sergeant major" for his battalion, Minnesota National Guard spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Kristen Auge said in a statement.

Walz was mobilized in 2003 and deployed to Italy until 2004, with his battalion supporting "security missions at various locations in Europe and Turkey," Auge said.

While Walz reached the rank of command sergeant major, he retired as a master sergeant "because he did not complete additional coursework at the US Army Sergeants Major Academy," she said.

That situation provided one line of attack for Trump's campaign, which has accused him of exaggerating his record by referring to the higher rank.



- Retirement timing -



Other criticism centers around the timing of Walz's retirement.

Walz filed to run for Congress in February 2005. According to an archived copy of a statement his campaign issued the following month, the National Guard had said his battalion could be mobilized for service in Iraq within the next two years.

"I do not yet know if my artillery unit will be part of this mobilization," Walz said in the statement, adding that he had a "responsibility not only to ready my battalion for Iraq, but also to serve if called on," but did not intend to drop out of the race.

He retired from the National Guard in May 2005 and was elected to Congress the following year, while his unit was mobilized in October 2005 and deployed to Iraq at the end of March 2006.

Vance -- who served as a combat correspondent, or uniformed reporter in the Marine Corps, and deployed to Iraq from 2005 to 2006 -- attacked Walz over the timing of his retirement in remarks at a rally this week.

"When Tim Walz was asked by his country to go to Iraq, you know what he did, he dropped out of the army and allowed his unit to go without him," Vance said.

The Harris campaign has pushed back against the attack, saying in a statement that Walz "would never insult or undermine any American's service to this country."

"In fact, he thanks Senator Vance for putting his life on the line for our country," the statement said.
US clears aid to Israeli unit in death of Palestinian-American



Washington, Aug 9 (AFP) Aug 09, 2024



The US State Department said Friday it would not sanction an Israeli army unit involved in the killing of a Palestinian-American, saying Israel had already taken remedial action.

Omar Assad, 78, a grocer who spent most of his adult life in Milwaukee, was on a return visit to the West Bank in January 2022 when he was handcuffed, gagged and blindfolded, dying after lying on the ground for more than an hour on a cold winter night.

The incident was linked to the Israeli army's Netzah Yehuda, a unit founded in 1999 to encourage recruits from the ultra-Orthodox community, which is largely exempt from compulsory military service.

A State Department panel decided against imposing sanctions on the unit after being presented with information by the government of Israel, which has vocally opposed action against its military amid the ongoing war with Hamas in the Gaza Strip.

"After thoroughly reviewing that information, we have determined that violations by this unit have also been effectively remediated," State Department spokesman Vedant Patel said.

"This unit can continue receiving security assistance from the United States of America," he said.

A US official said that two soldiers involved in the incident, while not ultimately prosecuted, were removed from combat positions and have left the military.

The military has also taken steps "to avoid a recurrence of incidents," including enhanced screening of recruits and a two-week educational seminar specifically for the unit.

Experts say that Netzah Yehuda has mostly drawn ultra-Orthodox youths who see the military as a way to integrate into Israeli society, but it has also attracted fervent nationalists from the West Bank.

The West Bank, which Israel has occupied since 1967, is home to three million Palestinians alongside some 490,000 Israelis living in settlements considered illegal under international law.

The army concluded that Assad's death was the result of "a moral failure and poor decision-making on the part of the soldiers."

It said Assad "refused to cooperate" when stopped by soldiers in the village of Jiljilya and that soldiers tied his hands and gagged him without checking on him later.

It was unclear why soldiers stopped Assad. The Palestinian official news agency Wafa said he died from a stress-induced heart attack.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has voiced anger over foreign pressure on human rights, insisting the country has its own means of justice.

The International Criminal Court in May said it intended to pursue arrest warrants for Netanyahu, his defense minister and Hamas leaders for alleged war crimes in the Gaza war.
Pilot error, lax safety blamed in US Osprey crash off Australia



Washington, Aug 10 (AFP) Aug 10, 2024



A slew of pilot errors caused the fatal crash of a US military Osprey aircraft in Australia last August, the Pentagon said Friday in an investigation that also slammed a lax attitude towards safety.

Three US Marines died in the August 27 crash after the crew lost control of their MV-22B Osprey during war games near a remote tropical island off Australia.

The deadly accident was one of several involving Ospreys in the past few years, prompting renewed scrutiny of the tilt-rotor aircraft, a mix between a helicopter and a plane.

"Ultimately, based on the evidence available, the primary cause for this mishap was pilot error and complacency," the report said.

But the probe also found "several concerning maintenance practices" by the squad, including falsified paperwork about the aircraft's weight and load, and incomplete turnaround inspections prior to flight.

While "there is no evidence to indicate these practices caused the mishap on 27 August 2023, ultimately, the aircraft should not have been certified as safe-for-flight," it said.

As a result of the Australia crash, Pentagon investigators recommended all Marine Osprey squadrons hold a safety standdown to review the incident.

They also urged disciplinary action against the leadership involved, including the former commanding officer "for permitting a culture that disregarded safety of flight and aviation maintenance procedures."

The three Marines killed in the crash, Major Tobin Lewis, Captain Eleanor LeBeau and Corporal Spencer Collart, were among 23 people onboard the Osprey as it headed towards the sparsely populated Melville Island.

It averted a near mid-air collision with another Osprey but two near 90-degree turns saw the aircraft nosedive into the ground where it skidded and then burst into flames.

The hybrid aircraft, which can take off and land vertically like a helicopter and rotate its propellers forward to fly like an airplane, has been involved in several recent deadly crashes.

In late November, a US Osprey crashed off the coast of Japan, killing all eight people on board and prompting the military the following month to ground the aircraft worldwide.

Ospreys resumed flight operations in limited capacity in March, but military officials overseeing the program told US lawmakers in June that the aircraft would not fully return until 2025.

Four US Marines were killed in Norway in 2022 when their Osprey went down during NATO training exercises.

Three Marines were killed in 2017 when an Osprey crashed after clipping the back of a transport ship while trying to land at sea off Australia's north coast.

The United States had previously temporarily grounded the aircraft in Japan in 2016 after an Osprey crash-landed off Okinawa.
Yum China Holdings Inc (NYSE:YUMC) showcases robust brand presence with leading QSR and CDR market positions in China.

Despite a strong portfolio, YUMC faces challenges in a competitive landscape and regulatory environment.

Opportunities for expansion and digital innovation present potential growth avenues for YUMC.

Market volatility and geopolitical tensions pose threats to YUMC's operational stability and profitability.

Yum China Holdings Inc (NYSE:YUMC), the largest restaurant chain in China, filed its 10-Q on August 9, 2024, revealing a comprehensive picture of its financial health and strategic positioning. With a network of nearly 13,000 units and USD 10 billion in systemwide sales in 2022, YUMC operates under a diverse portfolio of brands, including KFC, Pizza Hut, and emerging names like Little Sheep and Taco Bell. The company's financial tables from the recent filing indicate a solid balance sheet, with significant revenue generation from both company-owned restaurants and franchise fees. This SWOT analysis delves into the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats as presented in the 10-Q filing, providing investors with a nuanced understanding of YUMC's market position and future prospects.

Decoding Yum China Holdings Inc (YUMC): A Strategic SWOT Insight

Strengths

Brand Dominance and Diversified Portfolio: YUMC's brand strength is a cornerstone of its market dominance. With KFC and Pizza Hut leading the quick-service and casual dining segments respectively, YUMC benefits from high brand recognition and customer loyalty. The addition of brands like Little Sheep and Taco Bell diversifies its offerings, catering to a broad range of consumer tastes and preferences. This brand portfolio not only drives systemwide sales but also provides a buffer against market fluctuations affecting individual brands.

Financial Resilience: YUMC's financial statements reflect a robust fiscal structure. The company's revenue streams are well-balanced between company-owned restaurants and franchise operations, providing a stable cash flow. Additionally, YUMC's strategic share repurchase program, as authorized by the Board of Directors, underscores its commitment to shareholder value and confidence in its financial stability.

Weaknesses

Operational Risks in a Competitive Market: The competitive landscape in China's restaurant industry is intensifying, with local and international players vying for market share. YUMC's operational costs, including labor and real estate expenses, are subject to market pressures, which could impact profit margins. Furthermore, the company's reliance on the Chinese market makes it vulnerable to domestic economic shifts and consumer behavior changes.

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Regulatory and Compliance Burdens: YUMC operates in a complex regulatory environment, with stringent food safety, labor, and business operation laws. Compliance with these regulations incurs additional costs and management efforts. Any lapses could lead to fines, legal sanctions, or reputational damage, affecting the company's performance and growth prospects.

Opportunities

Expansion in Untapped Markets: With a strong foothold in over 2,100 cities, YUMC has significant room for growth in untapped and emerging urban centers. The company's scalable business model and brand recognition position it well to capitalize on China's urbanization and rising middle class, which are likely to drive demand for dining options.

Digital Innovation and Customer Engagement: YUMC's investment in digital platforms and customer loyalty programs presents opportunities to enhance customer engagement and operational efficiency. Leveraging data analytics and technology can lead to personalized marketing, improved service delivery, and streamlined supply chain management, ultimately boosting sales and customer retention.

Threats

Geopolitical Tensions and Economic Uncertainty: Geopolitical issues, including trade tensions between the United States and China, could disrupt YUMC's supply chain or lead to consumer boycotts. Additionally, currency fluctuations and economic uncertainty may affect consumer spending patterns, posing risks to YUMC's revenue and profitability.

Market Saturation and Consumer Shifts: As the Chinese restaurant market matures, YUMC faces the challenge of market saturation. Consumer preferences are also rapidly evolving, with increasing demand for healthier options and sustainability. YUMC must adapt to these trends to maintain its market position and avoid losing relevance among consumers.

In conclusion, Yum China Holdings Inc (NYSE:YUMC) stands as a formidable player in China's restaurant industry, bolstered by its strong brand portfolio and financial resilience. However, it must navigate a competitive landscape, regulatory complexities, and market volatility. By capitalizing on expansion opportunities and embracing digital innovation, YUMC can sustain its growth trajectory. Yet, it must remain vigilant against economic uncertainties and shifts in consumer behavior that threaten its operational stability and profitability.

This article, generated by GuruFocus, is designed to provide general insights and is not tailored financial advice. Our commentary is rooted in historical data and analyst projections, utilizing an impartial methodology, and is not intended to serve as specific investment guidance. It does not formulate a recommendation to purchase or divest any stock and does not consider individual investment objectives or financial circumstances. Our objective is to deliver long-term, fundamental data-driven analysis. Be aware that our analysis might not incorporate the most recent, price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative information. GuruFocus holds no position in the stocks mentioned herein.

This article first appeared on GuruFocus.


Gaza rescuers say 93 dead in Israeli strike on school shelter



Gaza City, Aug 10 (AFP) Aug 10, 2024



Rescuers in Gaza said an Israeli air strike on a religious school housing displaced Palestinians killed 93 people on Saturday, as Israel's military accused militants of basing themselves there.

AFP could not independently verify the toll which, if confirmed, would appear to be one of the largest from a single strike during 10 months of war between Israel and Hamas Palestinian militants.

Hamas denounced the "dangerous escalation" in north Gaza, which came after international mediators invited the warring sides to resume next Thursday talks towards a long-sought ceasefire and hostage-release deal.

Jordan's foreign ministry said the timing was an indication of Israel's efforts to "obstruct and thwart" the peace push.

One of the mediators, Qatar, called for an "urgent international investigation" into strikes on school shelters.

Civil defence rescuers in the Hamas-ruled territory said three Israeli missiles hit Al-Tabieen religious school in Gaza City while people performed dawn prayers.

"Their bodies were torn apart," civil defence spokesman Mahmud Bassal told AFP. "It reminds us of the first days of the war in the Gaza Strip."

With nearly all of Gaza's 2.4 million people displaced during the war started by Hamas's October 7 attack on southern Israel, many have sought refuge in school buildings, which have been hit at least 14 times since July 6, according to an AFP tally.

"Those who were inside the mosque were all killed. Even the floor above, where women and children were sleeping, was completely burned," local resident Abu Wassim said.

Israel's military said it took "numerous steps" to mitigate risks as it "precisely struck Hamas terrorists operating within a Hamas command and control centre embedded in the Al-Tabieen school".

The military has repeatedly made similar accusations after strikes on school shelters. Hamas has previously denied using schools, hospitals and other civilian facilities for military aims.



- Bodies and blood -



The attack left dead and wounded strewn around the ground floor of the two-storey complex with a courtyard, where debris lay inside and out, AFPTV images showed.

The upper floor was partially blown out and charred.

Images showed white-shrouded bodies, blood stains on the ground, and smoke rising from the rubble.

Hamas's October 7 attack resulted in the deaths of 1,198 people, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally based on Israeli official figures.

Palestinian militants seized 251 hostages, 111 of whom are still held in Gaza, including 39 the Israeli military says are dead.

Israel's retaliatory military campaign in Gaza has killed at least 39,790 people, according to Gaza's health ministry, which does not give details of civilian and militant deaths.

Bassal told a press conference that 11 children and six women were among those killed at the school shelter, "and there are many unidentified body parts."

Israeli military spokesperson Lieutenant-Colonel Nadav Shoshani said on social media platform X that intelligence indicated "approximately 20 Hamas and Islamic Jihad militants, including senior commanders, were operating from the compound."

Saudi Arabia's foreign ministry expressed "condemnation in the strongest terms" and stressed "the need to stop the mass massacres" in Gaza.

Francesca Albanese, the United Nations special rapporteur on the rights situation in Palestinian territories, again accused Israel of "genociding" Palestinians.

Israel previously denounced her as presenting an "obscene inversion of reality".

The European Union's top diplomat Josep Borrell said the school strike left him "horrified", adding that there is "no justification for these massacres."

Turkey decried a "new crime against humanity" and claimed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu wanted "to sabotage ceasefire negotiations".



- Rare intervention -



Iran this week accused Israel of wanting to spread war in the Middle East, while Hamas officials, some analysts and critics in Israel have said Netanyahu seeks to prolong the fighting.

However, Netanyahu's office on Thursday said Israel would send negotiators "to conclude the details of implementing a deal", after the joint invitation from the United States, Egypt and Qatar.

They invited the warring parties to resume talks on August 15 to swiftly implement an agreement, after intense diplomacy aimed at averting a region-wide conflagration.

The Gaza war has already drawn in Iran-aligned groups around the region.

Fears of a broader Middle East war have surged following vows of vengeance from Lebanon's Hezbollah movement, Hamas, Iran and others for the killing of two senior militants, including Hamas's political leader.

In a rare intervention on Saturday, Iraq's top Shiite Muslim cleric, Grand Ayatollah Ali Sistani, denounced "crimes" including the latest school strike and the senior militants' killings which, he said, risk "catastrophic consequences".

The killing on July 31 of Hamas's Ismail Haniyeh during a visit to Tehran had sidelined truce talks. Iran and Hamas blamed Israel, which has not directly commented.

Iran's mission to the United Nations on Saturday said the Islamic republic has "the legitimate right to self-defence" after its sovereignty was "violated".

"However, we hope that our response will be timed and conducted in a manner not to the detriment of the potential ceasefire," it said.

Haniyeh's death came hours after an Israeli strike on south Beirut killed Fuad Shukr, Hezbollah's military chief. Israel said this was in response to rocket fire that killed young people in the annexed Golan Heights.

Hamas ally Hezbollah has been trading near-daily cross-border fire with Israeli forces.
Philippines says China air force harassed its plane over disputed reef



Manila, Aug 10 (AFP) Aug 10, 2024



The Philippine military on Saturday accused China's air force of "dangerous and provocative actions" against one of its planes patrolling over a disputed South China Sea reef.

Two China air force aircraft "executed a dangerous manoeuvre at around 9:00am and dropped flares in the path of our NC-212i," armed forces chief General Romeo Brawner said in a statement, recounting the alleged incident Thursday "over" Scarborough Shoal.

He said the Chinese action "endangered the lives of our personnel undertaking maritime security operations," adding that the pilot and crew were unharmed and "safely returned" to a northern Philippines air base.

China defended its operations on Saturday, saying it had "organised naval and air forces to lawfully... (drive) away" the Philippine plane, following "repeated warnings", according to a statement by the Southern Theater Command of the People's Liberation Army.

The statement did not say what specific actions China took, describing its operations as "professional, standard, legitimate and legal".

"We sternly warn the Philippines to immediately stop its infringement, provocation, distortion and hype," the statement said, adding that "China has indisputable sovereignty over Huangyan Island (Scarborough Shoal) and adjacent waters".

The incident is the latest in an increasingly tense confrontation between Manila and Beijing, which claims most of the South China Sea and seized the shoal after a 2012 standoff with the Philippines.

In June, the Philippine military said one of its sailors lost a thumb in a confrontation off Second Thomas Shoal, in another area of the South China Sea, when the Chinese coastguard also confiscated or destroyed Philippine equipment including guns.

Beijing has blamed the escalation on Manila and maintains its actions to protect its claims are legal and proportional.

Following the Second Thomas Shoal clash, the two countries agreed on a "provisional arrangement" for resupplying Filipino troops based on a decrepit warship grounded atop the reef, and also to increase the number of communication lines to resolve disputes in the waterway.

The Chinese air force action Thursday took place a day after China carried out a combat patrol near the flashpoint reef to test the "strike capabilities" of its troops.



- 'Provocative actions' -



Beijing claims almost the entire South China Sea, brushing off rival claims of several Southeast Asian countries, including the Philippines, and an international ruling that its assertion has no legal basis.

Scarborough Shoal, a triangular chain of reefs and rocks, is 240 kilometres (150 miles) west of the Philippines' main island of Luzon and nearly 900 kilometres from the nearest major Chinese land mass of Hainan.

Brawner said the Philippine military "strongly condemns the dangerous and provocative actions of the People's Liberation Army Air Force that endangered the lives of our personnel undertaking maritime security operations recently within Philippine maritime zones".

"The incident posed a threat to Philippine Air Force aircraft and its crew, interfered with lawful flight operations in airspace within Philippine sovereignty and jurisdiction, and contravened international law and regulations governing safety of aviation," he added.

A Philippine military spokesman told AFP the Chinese aircraft involved in the incident were "MRF", an abbreviation for multi-role fighter jets.

The Indonesia-built NC-212i is a multi-role turboprop plane designed for maritime surveillance, troop transport, medical evacuation and "special mission", according to the manufacturer's website.
Iran condemns 'barbaric' Israeli strike on Gaza school



Tehran, Aug 10 (AFP) Aug 10, 2024



Iran condemned a "barbaric" Israeli air strike on a school in Gaza housing displaced Palestinians that left dozens dead on Saturday, calling it a "war crime".

The attack showed once again that Israel "does not respect any of the rules and regulations of international law and moral and human principles," foreign ministry spokesman Nasser Kanani said in a statement.

He said the strike was "a clear example of the simultaneous perpetration of genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity" by Israel.

Kanani called for "firm action by Muslim and freedom-loving countries around the world to support the Palestinian nation and its legitimate struggles and resistance against the occupation."

The civil defence agency in the Gaza Strip, which is controlled by the Palestinian militant group Hamas, said 93 people were killed in the strike.

Israel's military accused Hamas militants of using the building as a command centre.

AFP could not independently verify the toll which, if confirmed, would be one of the largest from a single strike during 10 months of war between Israel and Hamas.

Iran does not recognise Israel and has made support for the Palestinian cause a centrepiece of its foreign policy since the 1979 Islamic revolution.

Tehran has hailed Hamas's October 7 attack on Israel but denied any involvement.

Tensions between Iran and Israel have soared since the killing on July 31 of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh during a visit to Tehran, which blamed Israel and vowed to retaliate.
Israel says 'at least 19' Palestinian militants killed in Gaza school strike



Jerusalem, Aug 10 (AFP) Aug 10, 2024



The Israeli military said at least 19 Palestinian militants were killed Saturday in a pre-dawn strike on a school compound in Gaza City, where rescuers reported 93 dead.

"It can be confirmed at this time that at least 19 Hamas and Islamic Jihad terrorists were eliminated" in the strike on Al-Tabieen religious school, the military said in a statement, citing "an intelligence investigation" and giving the names of the alleged militants it said had been killed.

The military said the militants were operating from a Hamas command and control centre located in the compound in order to plan attacks against Israel and its security forces.

"The strike was carried out using three precise munitions," it said, adding that "no severe damage was caused to the compound where the terrorists were situated".
US 'deeply concerned' after deadly Israel strike on Gaza school



Washington, Aug 10 (AFP) Aug 10, 2024



The White House said Saturday it was "deeply concerned" about civilian casualties after an Israeli airstrike on a Gaza school housing displaced Palestinians that rescuers said killed more than 90 people.

"We are deeply concerned about reports of civilian casualties in Gaza" following the strike, National Security Council spokesman Sean Savett said in a statement.

"We are in touch with our Israeli counterparts, who have said they targeted senior Hamas officials, and we are asking for further details," Savett said.

Israel has insisted that it was targeting Hamas militants inside the religious school housing displaced Palestinians, but the attack has sparked international condemnation.

AFP could not independently verify the toll which, if confirmed, would be one of the largest from a single strike during 10 months of war between Israel and Palestinian militants since Hamas's October 7 attack.

Savett said Hamas has been using schools to operate out of, "but we have also said repeatedly and consistently that Israel must take measures to minimize civilian harm."

With authorities in Gaza saying that the death toll has topped 39,790 in the war, Savett said that "far too many civilians continue to be killed and wounded."

The strike "underscores the urgency of a ceasefire and hostage deal, which we continue to work tirelessly to achieve," he concluded.
Gaza school strike killed 'at least 19' Palestinian militants: Israel



Jerusalem, Aug 10 (AFP) Aug 10, 2024



Israel's military said at least 19 Palestinian militants were killed Saturday in a pre-dawn strike on a school compound in Gaza City, where rescuers reported 93 dead.

"It can be confirmed at this time that at least 19 Hamas and Islamic Jihad terrorists were eliminated" in the strike on Al-Tabieen religious school, the military said in a statement.

It cited "an intelligence investigation" and giving the names of the alleged militants it said had been killed.

It said the militants had been operating from a Hamas command and control centre located in the compound in order to plan attacks against Israel and its security forces.

"The strike was carried out using three precise munitions," it said, adding that "no severe damage was caused to the compound where the terrorists were situated".

In another statement later Saturday, the military said: "There is a high probability that... Ashraf Juda was at the military headquarters at the Al-Tabieen school that was targeted."

Juda is a top militant of Islamic Jihad, the military said.

"It is not yet clear whether he was hit during the strike."

Rescue workers in Gaza have said the strike killed 93 people, including women and children. The attack has sparked international condemnation despite Israel's claims it was targetting militants.
The college closed earlier this year. (Photo subjects are models.) - Getty Images/iStockphoto

Dear Quentin,

I have questions about my mothers debt. She has two student loans  one from 1993 before my parents divorce and a second taken out during her now marriage to my stepfather who she married in 2001. The college closed earlier this year. (Its not even an accredited college.)

My stepfather has declared bankruptcy at least once while they have been married due to his business, which has left him debt-free. He doesnt feel like he should help her pay it off because some of her student debt was taken out before their marriage.

Most Read from MarketWatch

If she dies before him, he must pay off all her debts, including student loans, correct?

None of the loans are federal.

California Daughter

Related: My girlfriend admitted to having student debt, but I just found out she owes $83,000. Should we still plan to buy a house together?

Any debt taken out before they married is your mothers alone. - MarketWatch illustration

Dear Daughter,

Your question is a moral and legal one. First, should he help her pay off these student loans? The answer: Thats his decision. The debt belongs to your mother and she took out these loans without any duress from your stepfather. He is under no moral obligation to pay them off.

Your second question: Is your stepfather legally responsible for your moms student debt should she default or predecease him? Any debt taken out before they married is your mothers alone. As I told this letter writer who asked a similar question, its usually deemed separate property.

Who is responsible for your mothers student loans depends on the circumstances in which they are disputed: whether your mother and stepfather divorce or till death do they part, how the education impacted their marriage and where they live.

Theres no one clear answer. For anyone entering a marriage where one person has substantial student debt, it would be wise to consult an attorney and consider signing a prenuptial agreement to determine the responsibility of these loans.

Loans taken out during their marriage are more complicated, particularly in the nine community-property states: Arizona, California, Idaho, Louisiana, Nevada, New Mexico, Texas, Washington and Wisconsin. Another wrinkle: Student debt is not always treated like other debt.

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California Family Code on student loans

Student debt is viewed as an exception to this rule in California. Student-loan debt used to finance one spouses education is seen as providing a continuing benefit to that person, even after the marriage ends, says the Burch Shepard Family Law Group.

California law takes the view that it is unfair to compel the other spouse to continue to pay for that debt when they do not materially benefit from the education in the form of an increased shared family income, the Newport Beach, Calif.-based law firm says.

The spouse who incurred the student-loan debt is typically responsible for that debt after the marriage ends, Burch Shepard adds. Furthermore, the court may expect the benefiting party to reimburse the community for contributions to one spouses education during the marriage.

According to California Family Code 2641 (b) (2): A loan incurred during marriage for the education or training of a party shall not be included among the liabilities of the community for the purpose of division pursuant to this division but shall be assigned for payment by the party.

However, this rule does not apply under three scenarios: 1) The community has substantially benefited from the education, training, or loan incurred for the education or training of the party [less than 10 years before filing for divorce], according to the California state legislature.

2) The education or training received by the party is offset by the education or training received by the other party for which community contributions have been made. Put another way: Your stepfather must have benefited from your moms education paid for during their marriage.

And 3) The education or training enables the party receiving the education or training to engage in gainful employment that substantially reduces the need of the party for support that would otherwise be required. Like I said, its complicated.

Declaring bankruptcy for student debt

The Biden administration, meanwhile, has been clamping down on for-profit colleges that have taken advantage of students, although its unclear whether this applies to your mother. (I mention this because she attended a private, non-accredited college.)

Case in point: The Department of Education said last May that it would cancel $6.1 billion worth of student debt for 317,000 borrowers who were scammed by the Art Institutes, which closed in 2023 after allegations that it misled students about their career prospects.

Assuming your mother will not have her student-loan-debt forgiven, there is always the last resort  the route taken by her husband when his business ran into difficulties: bankruptcy. Again, this is more complex and challenging when it comes to student debt.

To discharge a student loan in bankruptcy you must first file your bankruptcy case, then file an adversary proceeding with the bankruptcy court, according to Upsolve, a nonprofit that aims to help people prepare a Chapter 7 bankruptcy filing.

These proceedings are very different from normal bankruptcy proceedings, it says. For private student loans, they look more like a civil lawsuit. Most bankruptcy cases arent heard before a judge, but an adversarial proceeding may require a full trial before a bankruptcy judge.

Good luck to your mother. I hope her education, given the price she paid, yields rewards.

More columns from Quentin Fottrell:

There is a 50% chance I could get evicted: My mother offered to buy me a $1.5 million house, but theres a catch. Should I accept?

She makes seriously irresponsible choices: We secretly transfer 20% of our 17-year-old daughters paycheck to a Roth IRA. Is this illegal?

My father left his $50 million estate to my stepmother in an irrevocable trust. I inherited $1 million. Is this reasonable?

Most Read from MarketWatch
We recently compiled a list of the 10 Best Stocks to Buy According to Navellier & Associates. In this article, we are going to take a look at where Exxon Mobil Corporation (NYSE:XOM) stands against the other stocks approved by Navellier & Associates.

Founded in 1987 by growth analyst Louis Navellier, Navellier & Associates is an independent firm based in Reno, Nevada. Navellier & Associates specializes in identifying market inefficiencies to find top-growth stocks through a disciplined quantitative and fundamental analysis system. With over 30 years of experience, they offer customized portfolio strategies for individual investors to maximize returns while managing risk. Unlike competitors who mimic indexes, Navellier aims to outperform them, resulting in low correlation with benchmarks and increased diversification.

Louis Navellier is the Founder, Chairman of the Board, Chief Investment Officer, and Chief Compliance Officer of Navellier & Associates, Inc. With decades of experience applying academic techniques to real market scenarios, he advocates for disciplined quantitative analysis to identify stocks that can outperform the market. His approach involves a rigorous three-step process: quantitative analysis, fundamental analysis, and optimization of selected securities for portfolio inclusion. This approach has been used by the firm where they employ a highly disciplined, bottom-up stock-selection process for most portfolios. First, they screen market and stock statistics to measure reward (alpha) and risk (standard deviation), selecting stocks in the top percentiles. Next, they further screen the top-ranked stocks for high-profit margins, strong earnings growth, and reasonable price/earnings ratios based on future earnings. Finally, a proprietary optimization model maximizes portfolio alpha while minimizing standard deviation, creating well-diversified portfolios across various sectors and industries.

Since 1980, he has shared his insights through the MPT Review, a stock advisory newsletter. Since 1987, he has actively managed individual portfolios, mutual funds, and institutional portfolios. Known for his charismatic leadership, Louis Navellier has been featured extensively in international media, including CNBC, Bloomberg, The Nightly Business Report, and Wall Street Week. His insights have also been highlighted in Barrons, Forbes, Fortune, Investors Business Daily, Money, Smart Money, and The Wall Street Journal. He has been profiled in books such as Kenneth A. Sterns "Secrets of the Investment All-Stars" and Alan R. Ackermans "Investing Under Fire." Mr. Navellier earned his B.S. in business administration in 1978 and his M.B.A. in finance in 1979 from California State University  Hayward.

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Navellier & Associates is a well-known advisory firm with 1,314 clients and manages assets worth $743,578,818, as reported in their Form ADV from March 2024. Their Q1 2024 filing shows they handle $811,568,534 in securities, with the top 10 holdings making up 29.01% of the total.

Our Methodology

This article covers Navellier & Associates' top 10 stock picks for the first quarter of 2024. We've included analyst ratings and key details about these companies, along with the number of hedge funds investing in each. Why focus on hedge fund investments? Our research indicates that copying the top picks of leading hedge funds can result in better-than-market returns. Our quarterly newsletter's strategy, which chooses 14 small-cap and large-cap stocks each quarter, has achieved a 275% return since May 2014, outperforming the benchmark by 150 percentage points. (see more details here).

Aerial view of a major oil rig in the middle of the sea, pumping crude oil.

Exxon Mobil Corporation (NYSE:XOM)

Navellier & Associates' Stake Value: $19,743,376

Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 81

Exxon Mobil Corporation (NYSE:XOM) is one of the largest energy and chemical companies in the world. It was founded in 1999 when Exxon and Mobil, both originally part of John D. Rockefeller's Standard Oil Company, merged. Exxon Mobil Corporation (NYSE:XOM) recently completed its acquisition of Pioneer Natural Resources. As part of the deal, Pioneer shareholders received 2.3234 shares of Exxon Mobil Corporation (NYSE:XOM) for each Pioneer share they owned. This acquisition significantly expands Exxon Mobil Corporation (NYSE:XOM)'s operations in the Permian Basin, effectively doubling its presence in the region.

In Q1 2024, Exxon Mobil Corporation (NYSE:XOM) reported earnings of $2.06 per share. Analysts predict that for the full fiscal year 2024, Exxon Mobil Corporation (NYSE:XOM)'s earnings per share (EPS) will decrease by 6.84% year-over-year. However, they expect a rebound with a 7.18% increase in EPS for FY 2025, followed by an additional 4.69% increase in FY 2026.

At the end of Q1 2024, Exxon Mobil Corporation (NYSE:XOM) ranks 5th in Navellier & Associates' top 10 stock picks, as they held 169,850 shares of Exxon Mobil Corporation (NYSE:XOM), valued at $19,743,376. This investment made up 2.43% of their total portfolio, as stated in regulatory filings.

Madison Dividend Income Fund stated the following regarding Exxon Mobil Corporation (NYSE:XOM) in its first quarter 2024 investor letter:

This quarter we are highlighting Exxon Mobil Corporation (NYSE:XOM) as a relative yield example in the Energy sector. XOM is a leading integrated oil and natural gas company. It has upstream assets that develop and produce oil and natural gas, along with downstream refining and chemical manufacturing assets. We believe it has attractive low-cost acreage in the Permian basin and has a sizeable growth opportunity in Guyana. Further, we think XOM has a sustainable competitive advantage due to size and scale, and its ability to integrate refining and chemical assets provides a low-cost advantage versus competitors. Our thesis on XOM is that it will grow production volumes of oil and gas moderately over the next few years, while limiting excessive capital investment that plagued the industry from 2014-2020. Production growth will come from its 2023 acquisition of Pioneer Natural Resources, which is the largest producer in the Permian basin. XOM plans to double its Permian output by 2027, to 2 million barrels per day. Capital spending will be limited to $20-25 billion per year through 2027, which should allow for significant amounts of cash to be returned to shareholders including a $35 billion share repurchase program and continued dividend increases. Higher oil prices would provide a tailwind to our thesis but are not necessary. We think XOM can grow earnings and cash flow if oil prices remain above $60 per barrel (Click here to read the full text)

Overall XOM ranks 5th on our list of the best stocks to buy according to Navellier & Associates. You can visit 10 Best Stocks to Buy According to Navellier & Associates to see the other Navellier & Associates-approved stocks that are on hedge funds radar. While we acknowledge the potential of XOM as an investment, our conviction lies in the belief that AI stocks hold greater promise for delivering higher returns, and doing so within a shorter timeframe. If you are looking for an AI stock that is more promising than XOM but that trades at less than 5 times its earnings, check out our report about the cheapest AI stock.

READ NEXT: Analyst Sees a New $25 Billion "Opportunity" for NVIDIA and Jim Cramer is Recommending These 10 Stocks in June.

Disclosure: None. This article is originally published at Insider Monkey.
The King is also said to have shared how he had been greatly encouraged by the many examples of community spirit that had countered the aggression and criminality from a few with the compassion and resilience of the many.
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Another speaker, Gary McFarlan, 63, told the crowd: A few days ago, the atmosphere was very different. Lots of people were very scared, worried about coming out on to the streets, thinking, Will I get a half-brick in my head? Will I get kicked in the face by a Nazi?. We turned it around this week.
More than 1.9 million of Gaza's pre-war population of 2.3 million have been driven from their homes.

The war was triggered by Hamas' October 7 attack , in which militants from Gaza stormed into southern Israel, killing around 1,200 people and abducting 250 others.

Israel's campaign in Gaza has killed more than 39,600 Palestinians and wounded more than 91,700 others, according to the enclave's Health Ministry.

The strike came as American, Qatari and Egyptian mediators renewed their push for the two parties to achieve a cease-fire agreement that could help calm soaring tensions in the region following the assassination of top Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran and a senior Hezbollah commander in Beirut.

Israel has blamed the civilian deaths in Gaza on Hamas, saying the group endangers noncombatants by using schools and residential neighbourhoods as bases for operations and attacks.

In June, an Israeli strike on a school sheltering displaced Palestinians in central Gaza killed at least 33 people, including 12 women and children, according to local health officials.

According to the United Nations, 477 out of 564 schools in Gaza have been directly hit or damaged in the war as of July 6.

On Saturday, the Israeli military said the school was located next to a mosque serving as a shelter for Gaza City residents.

Many of the casualties were women and children, he said.

Three missiles ripped through the school and the mosque inside, where about 6,000 displaced people were taking shelter from the war, said Mahmoud Bassal, a spokesperson for the Civil Defense first responders.

"The missile fell on them without warning. The first missile, and the second. We recovered them as body parts."

"There were people praying, there were people washing and there were people upstairs sleeping, including children, women and old people," he said.

The strike hit without warning in the early morning before sunrise as people were praying at a mosque inside the school, witness Abu Anas told the Associated Press.

The facility, like almost all of Gaza's schools, has been used as a shelter for people who have been forced to flee their homes by the war.

If the death toll is correct, it would be one of the deadliest strikes in the 10-month-old war between Israel and Hamas.

The Israeli military acknowledged a strike, claiming it hit a Hamas command centre within the school.

We need an immediate ceasefire to protect civilians, free all hostages, and end restrictions on aid.

Hamas must stop endangering civilians. Israel must comply with International Humanitarian Law.

He tweeted: Appalled by the Israeli Military strike on al-Tabeen school and the tragic loss of life.

An elderly man sits amid the rubble inside a school used as a temporary shelter

Foreign Secretary David Lammy has said he is appalled by Israels air strike on a school in Gaza.

"This was verified by intelligence, and the strike was carried out using three small, precise munitions which cannot cause the scale of damage that the Palestinians are reporting," the official said.

An Israeli army official said the part of the mosque that was struck was reserved for men.

He said the numbers published by the Hamas-run media office did not appear to correspond to the Israel Defense Forces' information, but the army provided no evidence of that.

"The compound, and the mosque that was struck within it, served as an active Hamas and Islamic Jihad military facility," Lieutenant Colonel Nadav Shoshani said on X.

The Israeli military said the death toll was inflated.

A blackened car with the windows blown out was covered in rubble.

Video from the scene showed walls blown out of a large building. Chunks of concrete and twisted metal lay on top of a blood-soaked floor, with clothing, toppled furniture and other debris.

The upper floor housing families and the lower floor, used as a mosque, were both hit, he said.

Around 350 families had been sheltering at the compound, Bassal said - some of the hundreds of thousands of Palestinians displaced by Israel's onslaught on Gaza.

Tens of thousands of displaced Palestinians have sought shelter in Gaza's schools, most of which have been closed since the war began 10 months ago.

"So far, there are more than 93 martyrs, including 11 children and six women. There are unidentified remains," Palestinian civil defence spokesperson Mahmoud Bassal told a televised press conference.

The territory's Civil Emergency Service, which has a credible record in stating casualty numbers, and the Hamas-run government media office said in separate statements that the complex had been attacked as its occupants were performing dawn prayers.

In another video, men prayed over a dozen body bags laid out on the ground of the Tabeen school complex.

Video from the site showed body parts scattered around and more bodies being carried away and covered in blankets on the floor. Empty food tins lay in a puddle of blood, and burnt mattresses and a child's doll lay among the debris.

Israel said the toll was inflated and that 19 militants were among the dead.

An Israeli airstrike on a Gaza City school compound acting as a shelter for displaced Palestinian families killed around 100 people, the Gaza Civil Emergency Service has said.

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By James Pearson

LAS VEGAS (Reuters) - A recent surge in GPS spoofing, a form of digital attack which can send commercial airliners off course, has entered an intriguing new dimension, according to cybersecurity researchers: The ability to hack time.

There has been a 400% surge in GPS spoofing incidents affecting commercial airliners in recent months, according to aviation advisory body OPSGROUP. Many of those incidents involve illicit ground-based GPS systems, particularly around conflict zones, that broadcast incorrect positions to the surrounding airspace in a bid to confuse incoming drones or missiles.

We think too much about GPS being a source of position, but it's actually a source of time, Ken Munro, founder of Pen Test Partners, a British cybersecurity firm, said during a presentation at the DEF CON hacking convention in Las Vegas on Saturday.

We're starting to see reports of the clocks on board airplanes during spoofing events start to do weird things."

In an interview with Reuters, Munro cited a recent incident in which an aircraft operated by a major Western airline had its onboard clocks suddenly sent forward by years, causing the plane to lose access to its digitally-encrypted communication systems.

The plane was grounded for weeks while engineers manually reset its onboard systems, said Munro. He declined to identify the airline or aircraft in question.

In April, Finnair temporarily paused flights to the eastern Estonian city of Tartu due to GPS spoofing which Tallin blamed on neighboring Russia.

GPS, short for Global Positioning System, has largely replaced expensive ground devices that transmit radio beams to guide planes towards landing. However, it is also fairly easy to block or distort GPS signals using relatively cheap and easy to obtain parts, and limited technological knowledge.

Is it going to make a plane crash? No, it's not, Munro told Reuters.

What it does is it just creates a little confusion. And you run the risk of starting what we call a cascade of events, where something minor happens, something else minor happens, and then something serious happens."

(Reporting by James Pearson; Editing by Daniel Wallis)




Image source: The Motley Fool/Unsplash

If you've never been to Costco, then you might have a certain impression of the store. You may, for example, be picturing aisle after aisle of massive grocery items, toilet paper, and cleaning supplies. And you wouldn't be wrong.

But Costco has so much more to offer than bulk food items and paper towels. Did you know, for example, that Costco has an extensive selection of electronics, from laptops to cellphones to cameras? And did you know that electronics purchased at Costco come with free tech support and a second-year warranty to ease your mind?

Costco members also get access to the store's gift card aisle. If you like the idea of buying $100 worth of gift cards to popular restaurants for $75 or $80, then you'll want to join Costco to get in on those deals. If you're going to sign up for Costco, though, it pays to do it this month for one big reason.

You might as well sign up at a lower price point

Right now, a Gold Star Costco membership costs $60 a year, while an Executive membership costs $120. And if you're wondering what's so special about the Executive membership that it costs double, it gives you 2% cash back on your Costco purchases. That's in addition to whatever cash back your credit card might give you.

But these prices are changing soon. Starting Sept. 1, a Gold Star membership at Costco will cost $65, while an Executive membership will cost $130.

Even the higher fees can more than pay for themselves in the form of savings on the items you buy during the year. But if you're going to join Costco, you might as well get in when it's a bit cheaper.

You can apply to join Costco online and pick up your membership card when you go to the store. Or you can visit the customer service area at your local Costco to get a membership. And don't worry -- although you need an active membership to enter the store, you'll be directed to a special line for customer service if you show up and explain that you're looking to sign up.

Costco offers a no-risk proposition

Joining Costco probably won't be the biggest financial commitment you'll ever make. But it's still money you're laying out. You shouldn't rush into the decision without thinking it through. The good news, though, is that you have until the end of August to catch the lower membership fees, which is plenty of time.

What's more, if you wind up unhappy with your Costco membership, you can cancel for a full refund at any time. So if you've been thinking about joining Costco, in a worst-case scenario, you could always sign up in August and see how the first couple of months go.

Story continues

If you don't end up using your membership as much as expected or the deals aren't as great as you thought they would be, you can get 100% of your money back.

Top credit card to use at Costco (and everywhere else!)

If youre shopping with a debit card, you could be missing out on hundreds or even thousands of dollars each year. These versatile credit cards offer huge rewards everywhere, including Costco, and are rated the best cards of 2024 by our experts because they offer hefty sign-up bonuses and outstanding cash rewards. Plus, youll save on credit card interest because all of these recommendations include a competitive 0% interest period.

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We're firm believers in the Golden Rule, which is why editorial opinions are ours alone and have not been previously reviewed, approved, or endorsed by included advertisers. The Ascent does not cover all offers on the market. Editorial content from The Ascent is separate from The Motley Fool editorial content and is created by a different analyst team.Maurie Backman has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Costco Wholesale. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

Here's Why It 100% Pays to Join Costco This August was originally published by The Motley Fool
Costco knows youre using your friends membership card. To save you the embarrassment of telling you off when youre in the checkout line, now Costco will try to catch membership moochers before they even get in the door.

The retailer is implementing stricter policies and cracking down on non-members using other peoples cards by requiring shoppers to scan their membership cards to enter stores.

Over the coming months, membership scanning devices will be used at the entrance door of your local warehouse, Costco said in a statement online. Once deployed, prior to entering, all members must scan their physical or digital membership card by placing the barcode or QR Code against the scanner.

For members with cards that dont have a photo, Costco says to come prepared with a valid photo ID but encourages shoppers to visit the membership counter and have their photo taken.

Costcos new rule also requires guests to be accompanied by a valid cardholder to enter its stores, making it more difficult for non-members to sneak in using cards that dont belong to them.

Costco did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The move comes as an extension of the system Costco tested out at some stores earlier this year, which required members to scan their cards at machines placed near the store entrance  instead of just flashing a card to employees.

Self-checkout machines were also affected by Costcos crackdown. Last year, the company began requiring shoppers to present their membership card and a photo ID to use the registers.

We dont feel its right that nonmembers receive the same benefits and pricing as our members, Costco said in a statement last year.

Costcos crackdown on non-members comes after the company announced last month that it was raising its membership fees by $5 to $65 in the U.S. and Canada  the first time since 2017. The change goes into effect on Sept. 1.

The bulk of Costcos profits come from annual fees. It reported last year that it earned $4.6 billion in revenue from membership fees, an 8% increase from 2022.

___

What does brand loyalty look like now? Why businesses are revamping their customer rewards programs What does brand loyalty look like now? Why businesses are revamping their customer rewards programs Rewards are going digital Keeping customers is hard
U.S. Marines from the 2nd Force Reconnaissance Company, assigned to Task Force 61/2, conduct dive training out of the dry deck shelter of Ohio-class guided-missile submarine USS Georgia while underway in the Mediterranean Sea July 27, 2024. (U.S. Navy)

NAPLES, Italy  A U.S. submarine recently trained with American and allied forces in the Mediterranean Sea as the Pentagon bolsters its forces in the Middle East amid deepening worries of an Iran-Israel conflict.

The guided-missile submarine USS Georgia finished a series of training events with Force Reconnaissance Marines from the 2nd Reconnaissance Battalion and special operations forces on Monday, U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa/U.S. 6th Fleet said in a statement posted to its website on Friday.

The training, a portion of which included forces from the U.K., Norway and Italy, demonstrated the ability of the services submarine fleet to easily integrate amphibious and special warfare into existing missions, the service said.

Integration with joint and allied partners enhances our lethality as apex predators against hard targets in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of operations, Capt. Benjamin Selph, commander of Task Force 69, said in the statement.

USS Georgia, homeported in Kings Bay, Georgia, is assigned to the task force, which is responsible for submarine operations within the 6th Fleet area of operations. The submarine carries up to 154 Tomahawk land-attack cruise missiles along with Mk48 torpedoes, according to the service.

The Navy rarely reveals the location of its submarines. But in November, U.S. Central Command announced that an unidentified Ohio-class submarine was in the Middle East as the U.S. worked to prevent the Hamas-Israel war from widening.

The Defense Departments most recent show of strength follows Defense Secretary Lloyd Austins announcement on Aug. 2 that he was ordering more fighter jets and warships to the region in response to threats from Iran after the killing of a top Hamas official in Tehran.

Iran believes Israel is behind the death, but the Israelis have not acknowledged responsibility. Hamas, Hezbollah and the Houthis in Yemen also have vowed revenge.

On Thursday, U.S. Central Command announced in a post to its X account that Air Force F-22 Raptor fighter jets had arrived in its area of responsibility to mitigate the possibility of regional escalation by Iran or its proxies.

Otherwise, the Pentagon has not identified the additional warships or other assets sent to the Middle East. But open-source intelligence analysts on social media have noted several added Navy destroyers in the eastern Mediterranean, Red Sea and Gulf of Oman, and the movement of air forces to and within the region.

The Wasp Amphibious Ready Group, including elements of the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, have been in the eastern Mediterranean since late June. On Thursday, the amphibious assault ship USS Wasp was in Limassol, Cyprus, the Navy said in a separate statement the same day.

The Teddy Roosevelt Carrier Strike Group, which includes the destroyers USS Halsey, USS John McCain and USS Daniel Inouye, and the cruiser USS Lake Erie, is in the Gulf of Oman, USNI News reported on Monday.

The Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group is heading to the region to relieve the Roosevelt CSG.

The training in the Mediterranean included Marines and sailors aboard Georgia working to facilitate joint planning at a level not previously seen between the Marine Corps and the submarine force, Maj. Connor Smithson, commander of 2nd Force Reconnaissance Company, said in the 6th Fleet statement.

For example, Marines launched and recovered small craft aboard Georgia to increase capabilities to accomplish combined arms attacks, personnel recovery and undersea warfare, the Navy said.

That level of collaboration acts as a force multiplier to bring out the best of both forces capabilities, Smithson said.
Ismael Zambada Garcia, better known as El Mayo, and Joaquin Guzman Lopez, two alleged leaders of Mexicos Sinaloa drug cartel, were arrested in El Paso on July 25. (DEA and U.S. State Department via The Washington Post)

MEXICO CITY  The U.S. government on Friday provided the first official explanation of the mysterious flight that carried two Sinaloa cartel leaders to the United States last month, denying that American agents or a U.S. plane took part in spiriting El Chapo Guzmans son and Ismael El Mayo Zambada out of Mexico.

Ken Salazar, the U.S. ambassador to Mexico, said a betrayal in the highest ranks of the cartel was behind the operation.

The aircraft didnt even file a flight plan with the United States, he said. It took off from Mexicos western state of Sinaloa on July 25 and landed at the airport in Santa Teresa, N.M., just outside El Paso, he said.

We were surprised when that happened, he said.

Until now, U.S. and Mexican officials have provided limited, sometimes conflicting accounts about the spectacular capture of the two alleged drug kingpins, and many details remain unclear. Mexican media have speculated that the United States may have violated this countrys sovereignty, an allegation Salazar rejected.

Zambada is considered a legendary godfather in the Mexican drug trade. He and the son of Joaquin El Chapo Guzman belong to different factions of the Sinaloa cartel. The syndicate is accused of being the No. 1 supplier of fentanyl to the United States, as well as a prodigious wholesaler of cocaine, heroin and methamphetamines.

Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador complained Friday morning that Washington had kept him in the dark about the operation. Theres no cooperation from the United States, he told his daily news conference, What did they do with the pilot? Who was he? And of course, where did the plane take off from?

Zambada brought to the United States against his will

Hours later, Salazar held a news conference to provide some answers. He told reporters that the younger Guzman, also named Joaquin, had voluntarily given himself up. Initial indications were that Zambada, 76, was brought against his will to the United States, he said.

This didnt involve our agents, or our people in Mexico, he said in Spanish. This operation was between the cartels, and one gave up the other.

U.S. officials told The Washington Post and other media last month that Guzman, 38, had tricked the older cartel capo into boarding the plane, saying they were going to visit potential investment properties in Mexico.

But many analysts had cast doubt on the story, noting that Zambada was a cautious, savvy trafficker whod never been caught, even though he was a target in decades of anti-drug operations.

Salazar said that when U.S. authorities realized the traffickers had arrived on American soil, we were in contact right away with our friends and colleagues in the Mexican government.

He said the pilot wasnt a U.S. citizen or working for the American government but provided no further details about his identity.

Zambadas lawyer has said he was kidnapped by the younger Guzman. He was ambushed, thrown to the ground, and handcuffed by six men in military uniforms and Joaquin, the attorney, Frank Perez, said in a recent statement, reported by the Associated Press.

His legs were tied, and a black bag was placed over his head. He added that Zambada was then tossed into a pickup truck and forced onto a plane, where Guzman tied him to a seat.

Both Zambada and Guzman pleaded not guilty to a raft of drug charges in their initial court appearances.

Guzman is one of the four sons of El Chapo  known as the Chapitos  who inherited his business after the kingpin was arrested in 2016, according to the Drug Enforcement Administration. The youngest of the four, Ovidio, was detained by the Mexican army last year and extradited to the United States.

A Homeland Security Department official had told The Post that Ovidio, 34, had contacted his older brother from a U.S. prison to plot the downfall of Zambada, in an apparent effort to win favor with American authorities.

Joaquin Guzmans attorney, Jeffrey Lichtman, has strongly denied that his client struck a deal with U.S. officials and lured Zambada onto the plane.

The Mexican government has said it had no role whatsoever in the arrests. It initially provided an error-filled account  telling reporters the pilot involved in the operation was an American who flew the two suspects in a Cessna out of the state of Sonora. In fact, the plane was a Beechcraft King Air, U.S. officials say. Rumors have swirled in the Mexican press about possible involvement by American agents.

Salazar took pains to scotch such reports and emphasize the close cooperation between the governments. We have always acted with respect for the sovereignty of Mexico, he said. This work as partners, respecting sovereignty, has brought us great results.

Nick Miroff in Washington contributed to this report.
Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken delivers remarks on the release of the 2023 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices, April 22, 2024. The report listed violations committed in Israel, the West Bank and Gaza. (U.S. State Department)

An Israeli security unit found by the United States to have committed gross violations of human rights will continue to receive U.S. funding because its actions have been effectively remediated, the Biden administration said Friday.

The announcement concludes a months-long investigation that coincided with an intense lobbying campaign by the Israeli government to oppose funding restrictions for the Netzah Yehuda battalion, an ultra-Orthodox unit accused of wrongdoing in the death in 2022 of an elderly Palestinian American man.

This unit can continue receiving security assistance from the United States of America, said State Department spokesman Matthew Miller.

The finding amounts to a victory for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and a stinging defeat for human rights experts inside the State Department and Pentagon who built a case over years that certain Israeli units should be barred from U.S. assistance under legislation known as the Leahy Laws.

Current and former officials said the decision by Secretary of State Antony Blinken to approve continued funding for the unit defied past practices of withholding assistance until serious accountability measures are taken such as criminal penalties for individuals accused of gross human rights violations.

I have never seen a case where administrative measures such as the ones employed here were sufficient for remediation, said Charles Blaha, a former State Department official in charge of the office that implements the Leahy Laws.

This is especially troubling when one of the allegations against this unit is that the unit is responsible for the death of an American citizen, which really calls into question the value that the State Department places on Palestinian American lives, he said.

The Israeli Embassy in Washington did not provide comment.

In 2022, a commander of the battalion was reprimanded and the platoon commander and company commander removed from their positions following the death of Omar Assad, a 78-year-old former grocery store owner from Milwaukee who had been detained at a West Bank checkpoint.

Assad was reported to have suffered a stress-induced heart attack that was probably brought on by being bound, gagged and held by Israeli forces, the Israel Defense Forces said in a statement at the time. The IDF added that his death was the result of moral failure and poor decision-making by the soldiers who had detained him.

Though the individuals faced no criminal penalties, the State Department said it was satisfied by the measures taken by the Israeli government and noted that the individuals in question no longer serve in the military.

The Israel Defense Forces took several steps to avoid a recurrence of incidents: it enhanced screening requirements for personnel recruited into that battalion and put in place new control mechanisms during the soldiers training, said the State Department. Soldiers now receive a two-week educational seminar unique to the battalion, and conduct is documented.

Republicans in Congress vehemently opposed any efforts to punish the Israeli unit or any members of it, with Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) saying the action would stigmatize the entire IDF and encourage Hamas, Hezbollah and the Iranian regime.

Blaha, who retired last year from the department and worked extensively on the case, said the consequences didnt match what amounts to a criminal homicide.

Just think about what they did: This was a 78-year-old man. They arrested him for no legitimate reason  he was never charged with anything, they gagged him, they bound him, they left him on the floor of a construction site in the middle of January. The man died of a stress-induced heart attack, according to the Israeli autopsy, said Blaha.

The autopsy, however, found no connection between what the soldiers did to him and his fatal heart attack. In what U.S. court would that be credible? How would that hold up? he said.

The Israeli government told U.S. officials that the two soldiers were referred for prosecution, said a U.S. official, but those prosecutions could not go forward because witnesses declined to cooperate. The official spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss a sensitive topic.

For months, Blinken weighed the recommendations from the panel known as the Israel Leahy Vetting Forum. The panel said it found multiple instances of gross violations of human rights by Netzah Yehuda and other Israeli units all occurring in the West Bank before Oct. 7. In each case, the State Department said the units had been remediated.

The review process was required under the landmark legislation created by Sen. Patrick J. Leahy (D-Vt.) that prohibits the U.S. government from providing military assistance to individuals or security force units that commit gross violations of human rights with impunity.

Long before the State Department had announced its decision, Netanyahu vowed to resist the action.

If anyone thinks they can impose sanctions on a unit of the IDF  I will fight it with all my strength, Netanyahu said in a statement earlier this year.
KAMIL KRZACZYNSKI/EPA-EFE / Shutterstock / KAMIL KRZACZYNSKI/EPA-EFE / Shutterstock

Election season is quickly approaching, and with that come issues that need to be addressed. Of course, a new American president will always bring changes.

Vice President Kamala Harris, the Democratic candidate for the 2024 presidential election, will face Republican candidate and former President Donald Trump in November. After securing the nomination, people may wonder how her stance on retirement will affect the future of Social Security and Medicare.

Read More: Im an Economist  Heres My Prediction for Social Security If Kamala Harris Wins the Election

Try This: 9 Easy Ways to Build Wealth That Will Last Through Retirement

Should she be elected as president, Harris will expand on preexisting plans and provide further benefits to retirees. What might Harris proposed plans mean for you?

Earning passive income doesn't need to be difficult. You can start this week.

Social Security

In regards to Social Security, many Americans are finding themselves concerned about the programs future.

11,000 baby boomers are turning 65 each day, tapping into our Social Security funds at a fast rate. In 2023, the reserve stood at $2.9 trillion, and the government is spending more on Social Security than saving.

Based on new projections, the reserve would be gone by 2035, said AARP in an article.

The potential for Social Security funds to run out is a long-term issue and is not of immediate concern  but it still remains a concern for many Americans worried about the future.

Harris has supported the expansion and retention of the program, aiming to reform Social Security in the present day.

Harris will likely build off of Bidens efforts of expanding coverage, said Aaron Cirksena, CEO of MDRN Capital, a retirement planning firm. If elected, it is likely that she will push to expand Social Security to offer direct support for retirees and also protect the Affordable Care Act.

Check Out: Trump Wants To Eliminate Income Taxes  Heres What That Would Mean for the Economy and Your Wallet

Medicare

Harris has historically taken an aggressive approach to change regarding Medicare. She aims to expand Medicare and potentially eliminate the need for private insurance.

[Harris has] called for the abolition of employer-sponsored health insurance, and, at times, for the abolition of private health insurance in its entirety, said Forbes.

Harris has been a long-standing advocate for Medicare for all, including supporting Bernie Sanderss bill to eliminate private insurance entirely.

Over the years, Harris camp has gone back and forth on her Medicare stance. However, she still remains one of the more outspoken Democratic politicians when it comes to promoting government-led insurance programs.

Story continues

What Harris Proposed Plans Might Mean for You

If elected, Harris would not cut Social Security or Medicare. She would instead look to grow these programs.

She is a strong advocate for both [Social Security and Medicare] and is keen on expanding them, Cirksena said. This includes protecting benefits from any cuts and expanding the reach of coverage.

If she were to expand on these programs as she has proposed, Cirksena stated some changes may occur regarding tax payments and access to services.

These plans may mean an increase in government spending and taxes, likely for upper-class earners, Cirksena said. It may also mean lower out-of-pocket healthcare expenses and easier access to services for retirees.

Editors note on election coverage: GOBankingRates is nonpartisan and strives to cover all aspects of the economy objectively and present balanced reports on politically focused finance stories. For more coverage on this topic, please check out What a Trump Presidency Could Mean for Social Security in 2025.

More From GOBankingRates

This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: Kamala Harris Platform: How Her Plan for Social Security and Medicare Could Impact Your Finances
Secretary of State Antony Blinken arrives in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, in June 2023. (Zinna Senbetta/U.S. State Department)

The Biden administration is lifting its years-long suspension of offensive arms shipments to Saudi Arabia, authorizing an initial shipment of air-to-ground munitions and saying it would consider additional new transfers on a typical case-by-case basis, according to senior administration officials.

The sale of certain classes of offensive weapons was frozen in early 2021 to signal administration disapproval of the Saudi war with Iranian-backed Houthis in Yemen and strikes against civilian targets there. Since a United Nations-mediated truce in the spring of 2022, there has not been a single Saudi airstrike into Yemen and cross-border fire from Yemen into Saudi Arabia has largely stopped, a senior official said.

So the Saudis have met their end of the deal, and we are prepared to meet ours, returning these cases to regular order through appropriate congressional notification and consultation, said the official, one of several who discussed the decision on the condition of anonymity imposed by the White House.

The decision was first reported Friday by Reuters, which said that Congress was briefed on the sale this week.

Significant numbers of both Republican and Democratic lawmakers in the past have opposed any change in the suspension policy toward Saudi Arabia, primarily on the basis of domestic human rights abuses that the administration has also criticized.

But relations have grown considerably closer in recent years between the administration and the monarchy in Riyadh, which President Joe Biden called a pariah state during his 2020 campaign.

Much of the rapprochement has focused on larger administration goals for the Middle East, including the establishment closer defense ties with Persian Gulf nations to prevent Iranian expansion in the region, to defend Israel against Iran and its regional proxies, and to stem Russian and Chinese influence.

The Iranian threat increased with the beginning of the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza, as the Houthis in Yemen began firing missiles at commercial shipping in the Red Sea, while Hezbollah stepped up its strikes from Lebanon into northern Israel. Both Iranian-supplied and backed groups have said they are acting in support of Hamas.

Throughout this period, Saudi Arabia has remained a close strategic partner of the United States and we look forward to enhancing that partnership, the senior official said. Just this week, the Saudis had a senior delegation in Washington to discuss cooperation in advanced technologies and artificial intelligence. Last week, a senior U.S. interagency delegation visited Jeddah to meet with the Crown Prince and Saudi leaders on regional issues and integrated air and missile defense.

A senior State Department official also noted the positive steps that the Saudi Ministry of Defense have taken over the past three years to substantially improve their civilian harm mitigation processes, in part thanks to the work of U.S. trainers and advisers.

Administration attempts to expand U.S. defense cooperation with the Saudis, which predate the beginning of the war in Gaza, have also been aimed at normalizing relations between Israel and Saudi Arabia. The United States has offered to sweeten the deal with expanded arms sales and civil nuclear cooperation.

But early progress toward that end has been stalled as Arab states have called on the administration to do more to protect Palestinian civilians in Gaza from Israeli attacks and to move toward a long-term solution to the Palestinian crisis.

Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Jordan aided the United States in helping Israel repel an Iranian attack in April. But with a new Iranian threat looming following the Israeli assassination in Tehran of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh on July 31 and Israels foot-dragging in attempts to negotiate an end to the Gaza war, it is unclear whether they are willing to do so again.

John Hudson contributed to this report.
An electrical engineer for the Defense Department was arrested Friday, shortly before he was scheduled to board a flight to Mexico, and charged with mishandling more than 150 pages of documents marked highly classified.

Federal prosecutors said Gokhan Gun, a dual citizen of Turkey and the United States, printed numerous records marked top secret beginning in May and as recently as Wednesday. He was cleared to access the documents as a member of the Defense Departments civilian workforce but was not authorized to take them home, authorities said.

Gun had booked an early-morning flight to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, and a driver from a ride-hailing service was pulling up to his Falls Church residence when FBI agents moved in with a warrant to search his home Friday, according to court records. They found stacks of papers with classification markings in Guns dining room and inside a backpack, an FBI agent said in a court filing.

U.S. officials said Gun printed at least 155 pages from 20 documents stored in a network designated as top secret - a level of classification reserved for the most sensitive state secrets. The engineer also took home thousands of pages of unclassified records, which his supervisor said he was allowed to do, authorities said. In court papers, authorities did not indicate Guns possible motivation to take the records.

Gun was charged with one count of unauthorized removal and retention of classified material. He made a brief appearance Friday in U.S. District Court in Alexandria, seeming disoriented and repeatedly asking to address the judge. Court records state that in a voluntary interview with FBI agents Friday, Gun denied ever taking anything classified from his workspace  [and] suggested that, if there were documents with classification markings, the classifications might be expired.

This is a surprise, sir, for me, Gun told Magistrate Judge William B. Porter.

I dont understand. Am I allowed to talk? he said later.

Porter advised him not to make statements until he had a chance to confer with an attorney. A hearing was scheduled for Tuesday to decide whether Gun should remain in jail during pretrial proceedings. I recognize that this has come as a surprise in the last number of hours, the judge said.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Anthony J. Rodregous argued that Gun should remain in jail because of the gravity of the allegations and because his travel plans showed he could flee the United States if left to his own devices.

A public defender assigned to represent Gun during his first appearance, Brittany Davidson, said, Im not sure what evidence there really is that Mr. Gun is a substantial risk of flight. Gun was planning to go fishing in Mexico, she said.

Porter told Gun he would remain in jail at least until the hearing set for Tuesday. Defense Department officials referred questions about the case to the FBI.

U.S. authorities disputed Guns claim that all of the documents he possessed were no longer classified, specifically pointing to at least one document found in Guns dining room that had been printed out Wednesday.

The agency that classified that document has confirmed that document bears top secret classification markings and continues to reside in that agencys top secret reporting repository, according to the FBI filing. Other records are still being analyzed to determine their classification status, officials said.

Three FBI vehicles and several agents remained at Guns residence in Falls Church - a white clapboard house with an American flag planted in the front yard - Friday afternoon as neighbors gathered outside, trying to piece together what had happened in the quiet suburban enclave.

U.S. officials said Gun had taken 15 international trips over the last two decades, including to his native Turkey and other European and Middle Eastern countries. The trips typically lasted two weeks, they said. Gun became a naturalized U.S. citizen on July 4, 2021, and records show he owns at least three homes in Virginia as well as properties in the Miami area and Texas.

On Wednesday, Gun printed out 82 pages that matched the titles of intelligence products on the top secret network and were marked top secret, the FBI said in a charging document. He then traveled to a home he owns in Fairfax, where agents observed him operating what appeared to be two cellphones simultaneously, as he held one phone up to his ear while looking at another. Gun had not been issued a work phone, the agents said.

Gun faces a maximum of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine if convicted, but that could change if prosecutors in the Eastern District of Virginia pursue more charges or obtain an indictment.

Jordan D. Brown contributed to this report.
Sarah Beth Clendaniel of Catonsville, Maryland, above, and Brandon Clint Russell of Orlando, Florida, were charged with conspiracy to attack a Baltimore power grid. (Amy Davis/The Baltimore Sun/TNS)

A federal judge said hes convinced that prosecutors will not introduce evidence gleaned using a controversial surveillance tool at the upcoming trial against a Florida neo-Nazi leader accused of plotting to attack Baltimores power grid.

After a classified meeting with the government, Senior U.S. District Judge James K. Bredar reported this week that he is satisfied the government will not use evidence gathered using Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act against the defendant, 29-year-old Brandon C. Russell.

The court finds that there is no basis on which to believe or suspect that the rights of the defendant have been violated in any way with respect to any government activities authorized by FISA, Bredar wrote.

The judges findings do not clarify whether the government used FISA at some other stage of the case, however. The spying tool allows the government to collect intelligence on non-Americans outside the United States but also captures data from Americans, a feature that alarms civil liberties groups.

Russells lawyers, including a team from the American Civil Liberties Union, claimed that the government may have used FISA at some point while it investigated Russell  even if it does not plan to directly introduce that evidence at trial.

The government is supposed to provide notice to criminal defendants if it plans to use information obtained through or derived from FISA surveillance. Russells lawyers said they had not received such notice, but pointed to reports from earlier this year that the FBI publicly revealed the use of data collected under FISA to prevent a potentially imminent terrorist attack against critical infrastructure in the United States.

The defense team suggested in court documents that the FBI was referring to Russells case.

Russell is accused of plotting with a Catonsville woman to attack energy facilities in Norrisville, Perry Hall, Reisterstown and other areas around Baltimore in hopes of creating a cascading failure of the power grid. Russells co-defendant, Sarah Beth Clendaniel, 36, pleaded guilty in May in exchange for a recommended sentence of 18 years in prison.

The government alleges that Russell is a racially and ethnically motivated violent extremist who communicated in online chat groups devoted to accelerationist views calling for the intensification of racial conflict and societal collapse. Russell also founded a neo-Nazi group called the Atomwaffen.

Russells lawyers argued in court that the government is known to use a narrow interpretation of the law to avoid disclosing uses of FISA in prosecutions. Bredar agreed to meet with prosecutors in a classified setting to hear whether they intended to use evidence obtained or derived from FISA surveillance.

The meeting took place July 23, Bredar wrote this week. The judge concluded that Russell is not entitled to notice; in other words, Bredar found the government does not plan to introduce FISA evidence at Russells trial in November.

Russells lawyers declined to comment on the decision.

2024 Baltimore Sun.

Visit baltimoresun.com.

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
Anthony Loran (35) went on to urinate all over the back of a patrol van when he was arrested in another public order incident.

A man found drunkenly throwing traffic cones on a Dublin street had to be restrained when he struggled with gardai who intervened.

Anthony Loran (35) went on to urinate all over the back of a patrol van when he was arrested in another public order incident.

Judge Treasa Kelly adjourned the case for the production of a probation report.

Loran, of no fixed address, pleaded guilty to public intoxication, threatening, abusive and insulting behaviour, garda obstruction and criminal damage.

Read more Man denies threat to kill his ex-partner and pour acid on her face

Dublin District Court heard gardai found the accused intoxicated on a street in the south city centre on July 18.

He was throwing traffic cones into passing traffic and became abusive to gardai who intervened.

Loran struggled with the officers as they arrested him and had to be restrained.

He was found lying intoxicated on a footpath on another street on June 24 and was arrested for his own safety.

When put into the back of a garda van, he urinated all over the cage. Loran was also arrested for being intoxicated outside the Clayton Hotel on Burlington Road on May 16.

The accused had been a crane safety worker and living in rented accommodation but became homeless.

You cant keep coming back to court on public order matters, the judge told Loran.
He was the third person charged in connection with the death of Mr Strok.

Mark Lee, 43yrs, of No Fixed Abode pictured leaving Cloverhill District Court after a court appearance - he was previously charged with the murder of carpenter Josip Strok in Clondalkin on March 30 2024. pic: IrishPhotoDesk.ie

Mark Lee, 43yrs, of No Fixed Abode pictured leaving Cloverhill District Court after a court appearance - he was previously charged with the murder of carpenter Josip Strok in Clondalkin on March 30 2024. pic: IrishPhotoDesk.ie

This is the man charged with the murder of a Croatian national who died after he suffered severe head injuries in west Dublin.

Mark Lee appeared in court in July charged with the murder of carpenter Josip Strok, 31. He was later granted bail after making an application to the High Court.

Carpenter Josip Strok, who lived in central Dublin, was injured at Grange View Way, Clondalkin, on March 30. His friend David Druzinec, 28, was allegedly attacked during the same incident.

Mark Lee, 43yrs, of No Fixed Abode pictured leaving Cloverhill District Court after a court appearance - he was previously charged with the murder of carpenter Josip Strok in Clondalkin on March 30 2024. pic: IrishPhotoDesk.ie

Mr Strok died from his injuries four days later, on April 3, in Tallaght Hospital.

On July 6, gardai charged Mark Lee, 43, who is of no fixed abode with the murder of Mr Strok.

He was remanded in custody following a court appearance on July 7, during which Detective Garda Linda Ryan stated that the accused made no reply when charged.

The District Court cannot consider bail in a murder case, and he was granted conditional bail in the High Court in Cloverhill on July 25.

The unemployed defendants bond was set at 200 but needed a 20,000 independent surety approved. He was ordered to obey a curfew, reside at an address in Lucan, sign on daily at a local garda station, be contactable on a mobile phone, surrender his passport, not leave the jurisdiction and have no contact with witnesses.

During the week, he returned to the High Court, where the bail conditions were temporarily altered with the State's consent.

He will appear again in the District Court late to be served with a book of evidence and returned for trial.

He was the third person charged in connection with the death of Mr Strok.

In April, Connor Rafferty, 19, of Castlegrange Close, Clondalkin, and Anthony Delappe, 18, of Melrose Avenue, Clondalkin, were both charged at Ballyfermot Garda station with the murder of Mr Strok and assault causing harm to Mr Druzinecon March 30.

They are on bail and due back in court in October.
He refused to free four alleged rioters, ranging in age from 16 to 62

A senior District Judge today declared that anyone involving themselves in the racially motivated rioting should eventually face a Crown Court judge.

Speaking as he refused to free four alleged rioters, ranging in age from 16 to 62, District Judge Mark Hamill said one question that had not yet been asked was what venue would the cases eventually end up.

While a prosecutor told the judge no decision had yet been made by the PPS Judge Hamill, one of the most experienced petty sessions judges told Belfast Magistrates Court if there is racially aggravated riotous behaviour, that is a Crown Court case all day long.

I do no want in a years time or nine months time, some prosecutor standing in front of me for a charge of riot and piously informing the court that this is aggravated by racial hostility because my reaction will be what the hell is it doing in the Magistrates Court, the judge declared.

Police deployed in the Sandy Row area of Belfast. Photo: Kevin Scott

To date the PSNI have made 26 arrests and charged a total of 21 people to court and while defendants in England have been fast tracked through the courts, Judge Hamill highlighted there is no such fast track system in NI.

Two men and two teenagers appeared in court today all accused of riot and all of them were refused bail and remanded into custody.

The first to appear was 18-year-old Diego Audley, from Rockland Street in Belfast, and he was charged with two counts of riot, two counts of having masonry as a weapon with intent to cause criminal damage relating to riots on 16 July at Broadway and 3 August on Sandy Row.

According to Det. Const. Barnes the teenager was recorded on CCTV footage at both scenes and while he was masked, he was tracked by cameras until he was unmasked and able to be identified.

The officer claimed that at each scene he was involved with crowds of more than 30 other people and he was recorded arming himself and throwing masonry at police.

Defence solicitor Denis Maloney stressed that Audley was denying each of the offences, claiming that it is not him recorded on the footage and arguing that the clothing does not match.

The solicitor suggested that with the teenagers family attending court, he could be freed on bail with stringent conditions but Judge Hamill refused.

He is an adult, he will be treated as an adult and he will behave as an adult, said the judge as he remanded him into custody with the case adjourned to 6 September.

As Audley was lead away in handcuffs to the cells his family and supporters in the public gallery gave him the thumbs up shouting alright Diego!

The second alleged rioter to appear was 62-year-old David Dubois from Ravenswood Park, Belfast.

He was charged with a single count of riot arising from events on Sandy Row on 3 August.

According to the police case Dubois, who repeatedly wiped away tears as he stood in the dock, stood in the middle of the road in front of police lines and waved his arms trying to beckon other people out on to the road.

The court heard how Dubois has a previous conviction for riot having been handed a suspended prison sentence in 2014 but defence solicitor Andrew Russell argued that Dubois case had exceptional circumstances as he gave himself up to police following an appeal in the media.

DC Barnes confirmed that Dubois was the only individual to hand themselves in to police and Mr Russell said that rather than throwing anything at police, the 62-year-old had shown defiance towards cops.

He stood in the middle of the road with his arms folded and he beckoned other people to stand in the road but no one came and after less than a minute, he walked off and got a lift home, said the solicitor.

Mr Russell suggested that as Dubois had voluntarily handed himself in, if he was freed on bail it may encourage others to do the same.

Judge Hamill said while he did not wish to discourage anyone from handing themselves in what is exceptional is the situation I have alluded to that the city of Belfast is enduring racially motivated rioting.

Refusing bail and remanding Dubois into custody until 6 September, he told Mr Russell he can entertain the Crown Court that it was defiant behaviour rather than riotous behaviour, its just that there was a riot going on around him.

The third defendant called was Matthew Brogan, with an address at Utility Street Hostel and the 28-year-old was charged with riot, aiding and abetting arson of a Vauxhall Astra on 3 August and possessing class A cocaine on 8 August.

Defence counsel Sean OHare confirmed he was not applying for bail and accordingly, Judge Hamill remanded Brogan into custody with the case adjourned to 15 August for a bail application.

Last to be dealt with was a 16-year-old who cannot be identified because of his age and the teenager was charged with one count of riot, one of possessing fireworks and two of possessing weapons, namely a traffic cone and masonry, with intent to cause criminal damage.

He was also charged with theft of money from the owner of the Bash cafe whose business premises was trashed and looted.

A police officer told the court that after an anti-immigration rally in the city centre last weekend, there was serious and sustained pubic disorder around the Donegal Road and Sandy Row.

According to the police case, the 16-year-old was recorded by police evidence gathering teams standing outside the Bash Cafe cheering as others smash their way in and loot the cafe.

With the cafe till thrown on to the ground, the schoolboy was also recorded leaning forward appearing to pick something from the till, holding it up to show the ground and then putting it into his pocket, the court heard.

He was also recorded, claimed the officer, throwing masonry and a traffic cone at police and also helping another male to light a firework which was then aimed at police.

The court heard that during police interviews, the 16-year-old admitted throwing the masonry and the cone and also that he had helped the male with the firework.

Defence solicitor Denis Maloney said while he was aware of the courts usual stance as regards bail, in this case there were exceptional circumstances as the defendant was only 16 so could be freed with the strictest of conditions.

Judge Hamill aid whoever taking the case at its height this is the most appalling, gratuitous, racially motivated riotous behaviour.

A person trying to run a business has his business attacked because of the colour of his skin, said the judge, its about as bad as it gets.

Despite legal guidance that youths should be granted bail unless the court has serious concerns, Judge Hamill refused to free the 16-year-old and instead, remanded him into custody to appear in the Youth Court on Monday.
Stephen Feery (34) jumped over a wall at the Criminal Courts of Justice, went on the run for a day and resisted arrest when he was recaptured.

A criminal escaped from Dublins main courts complex by bursting through a door while he was being brought to the cells after being refused bail.

Stephen Feery (34) jumped over a wall at the Criminal Courts of Justice, went on the run for a day and resisted arrest when he was recaptured.

Gardai had to take measures to ensure the safety of an alleged victim while Feery was at large, a court heard.

Judge John Hughes jailed Feery for six months, with another six-month sentence suspended.

Feery, from Snowdrop Walk, Darndale, admitted escaping lawful custody at the Criminal Courts of Justice (CCJ) on July 30, 2022, and resisting arrest the following day.

Read more Man denies threat to kill his ex-partner and pour acid on her face

Dublin District Court heard the incident happened at 4pm after the accused had attended a contested bail hearing. He was refused bail and remanded in custody by a judge when he was taken to the cells. Gardai were manning the area at the time.

On his way to the cells, Feery kicked through a magnetic door, jumped over a side gate and absconded. He was located the following day at a house in Dublin, where he resisted arrest and had to be physically restrained.

A garda sergeant said she had been on duty that day and there had been strong objections to Feerys bail. The sergeant had huge concerns for the alleged victim in that case and organising for this persons safety had caused them stress.

Separately, on June 4, 2022, Feery broke into a car parked in a private driveway at Howth Road, Clontarf, and stole a laser level measuring device worth 200.

A member of the public flagged down gardai. Feery was stopped with the device in a holdall bag and it was recovered.

Feery had 159 previous convictions, including one for escaping lawful custody. In that case, he had been brought to St Jamess Hospital when he exited through a vent in a bathroom ceiling.

Feery had been acting extremely erratically on the day of the CCJ escape, his lawyer said. He was in active addiction at the time, was under the influence of a number of drugs including crack cocaine and in a very bad way.

A friend of his had been killed in custody in Mountjoy at the time and that seemed to add to his aggravation at the time, his barrister said.

Ferry had spent 18 to 20 years of his life in and out of custody, the court heard. He had a terrible start to life, but had since turned his life around.

The judge sentenced Feery to six months in jail for escaping custody and suspended the other six months for two years. Under conditions of the suspension, the accused is to remain under probation supervision and complete a drug treatment course.
'do life over you'

'do life over you' |

Sean Allen (33) also allegedly said in the messages that he was going to kick you around so bad and would do life over you.

Sean Allen (33) is pleading not guilty of threatening to kill or cause serious harm to his ex-girlfriend

A Dublin man has denied texting death threats to his ex-partner, telling her she was going to get murdered and have acid poured over her face.

Sean Allen (33) also allegedly said in the messages that he was going to kick you around so bad and would do life over you.

He is pleading not guilty and Judge Catherine Hayden adjourned his case for a non-jury trial at Blanchardstown District Court next April.

The accused, with an address at Green Acres, Red Row, Courtown, Co Wexford, is charged with threatening to kill or cause serious harm.

Previously, Garda Sergeant Maria Callaghan said it was alleged the accuseds ex-partner received a number of voice and text messages from him between 2.30am and 6.20am on November 28, 2021.

Read more Man accused of setting fire to Longford building causing 3m damage is denied bail

The alleged victim recognised the phone number as Mr Allens, the court heard.

Sgt Callaghan read a sample of the alleged messages out to the court.

In one, the accused said: You are going to get murdered.

Another stated: Im going to kick you around so bad and Youre getting acid poured over your face.

Be a shame if someone burned your mobile, another message allegedly read. Be terrible, so many enemies.

The alleged victim believed the threats to be real.

Im going to do life over you, another message read, according to Sgt Callaghan, and it added he would happily get 25 years on murder with the biggest smile.

The DPP consented to the case being heard at district court level and a judge accepted jurisdiction, allowing it to remain in that court.

Mr Allen, who was unemployed, was granted free legal aid.
The 61-year-old is the 22nd individual to face court.

PACEMAKER BELFAST 09/08/2024 A major security operation is being put in place across Northern Ireland following five nights of disorder in Belfast, police have said. Sporadic violence has broken out across the city and homes and businesses have been targeted in racially-motivated attacks. The police said 23 arrests had been made and 15 people have been charged to date. People are expected to gather outside Belfast City Hall shortly, to oppose any anti-immigration protest organised at the same location. PHOTO ARTHUR ALLISON/PACEMAKER

Two parades take place in Belfast on August 9th 2024 (Photo by Kevin Scott)

PACEMAKER BELFAST 09/08/2024 A major security operation is being put in place across Northern Ireland following five nights of disorder in Belfast, police have said. Sporadic violence has broken out across the city and homes and businesses have been targeted in racially-motivated attacks. The police said 23 arrests had been made and 15 people have been charged to date. People are expected to gather outside Belfast City Hall shortly, to oppose any anti-immigration protest organised at the same location. PHOTO ARTHUR ALLISON/PACEMAKER

Two parades take place in Belfast on August 9th 2024 (Photo by Kevin Scott)

Two parades take place in Belfast on August 9th 2024 (Photo by Kevin Scott)

PACEMAKER BELFAST 09/08/2024 A major security operation is being put in place across Northern Ireland following five nights of disorder in Belfast, police have said. Sporadic violence has broken out across the city and homes and businesses have been targeted in racially-motivated attacks. The police said 23 arrests had been made and 15 people have been charged to date. People are expected to gather outside Belfast City Hall shortly, to oppose any anti-immigration protest organised at the same location. PHOTO ARTHUR ALLISON/PACEMAKER

Two parades take place in Belfast on August 9th 2024 (Photo by Kevin Scott)

Two parades take place in Belfast on August 9th 2024 (Photo by Kevin Scott)

PACEMAKER BELFAST 09/08/2024 A major security operation is being put in place across Northern Ireland following five nights of disorder in Belfast, police have said. Sporadic violence has broken out across the city and homes and businesses have been targeted in racially-motivated attacks. The police said 23 arrests had been made and 15 people have been charged to date. People are expected to gather outside Belfast City Hall shortly, to oppose any anti-immigration protest organised at the same location. PHOTO ARTHUR ALLISON/PACEMAKER

Two parades take place in Belfast on August 9th 2024 (Photo by Kevin Scott)

A major security operation is being put in place across Northern Ireland. People have gathered outside Belfast City Hall to oppose any anti-immigration protest organised at the same location. PHOTO ARTHUR ALLISON/PACEMAKER

Two parades take place in Belfast on August 9th 2024 (Photo by Kevin Scott)

Two parades take place in Belfast on August 9th 2024 (Photo by Kevin Scott)

Counter protestors in Belfast on August 9th 2024 (Photo by Kevin Scott)

Police have charged another man in connection with the trouble that has flared across Belfast.

The 61-year-old is the 22nd individual to face court.

He is due in court tomorrow morning charged with rioting, the PSNI said tonight.

Earlier, rival anti-immigration and anti-racism protests passed off peacefully at Belfast City Hall.

Businesses, organisations and libraries across Belfast closed early in response to protest plans and police undertook a significant operation in the city centre to ensure the safety of participants and to facilitate the lawful exercise of freedom of expression.

Motorists had been advised to expect disruption around Donegall Square and in Wellington Place up to 7pm with knock-on delays as a result  the area has since reopened to traffic as crowds dispersed.

Thousands of anti-racism protesters attended, separated by police from a smaller turn-out of anti-immigration protesters.

This evening, King Charles addressed the rioting which has erupted across the UK in a statement issued by Buckingham Palace.

It it, the monarch thanked emergency services for all they are doing to restore peace.

From today, the PSNI will have additional powers of stop and search and to ask people to remove face coverings, Assistant Chief Constable Melanie Jones said.

Well bring the latest news on our live blog below:

Large police presence in Belfast City Centre ahead of a planned anti-immigration protest
Speaking from his Florida home on a variety of topics, Trump related a tale of almost going down in a helicopter with Willie Brown, who briefly dated Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris several decades ago.

Donald Trump speaks to reporters during a news conference at his Mar-a-Lago estate on Thursday. Photo: AP

Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump appeared to confuse former San Francisco mayor Willie Brown with former California governor Jerry Brown during a press conference on Thursday as he related a fantastical story of nearly dying in a helicopter crash.

Speaking from his Florida home on a variety of topics, Trump related a tale of almost going down in a helicopter with Willie Brown, who briefly dated Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris several decades ago.

I went down in a helicopter with him, Trump said. We thought maybe this is the end. We were in a helicopter going to a certain location together, and there was an emergency landing. This was not a pleasant landing, and Willie was, he was a little concerned.

Trump also claimed Willie Brown told him terrible things about Harris.

Read more Man denies threat to kill his ex-partner and pour acid on her face

But Mr Brown, a longtime Democratic power broker who also served as speaker of the California State Assembly, told the San Francisco Chronicle after Trumps press conference that he was never in a helicopter with the former president.

You would have known if I had gone down on a helicopter with Trump, he told the newspaper. He also denied that he had ever said anything disparaging about Ms Harris to Trump.

Republicans have insinuated that Mr Brown is in part responsible for Ms Harriss rise in politics although the two broke up in the mid-1990s, and she didnt win her first election until 2002. While the two were dating, Mr Brown appointed Ms Harris, then a young prosecutor, to two well-paying jobs on state boards.

While president, Trump toured fire-ravaged portions of California in 2018 by helicopter alongside then-California governor Jerry Brown, NBC News reported.

Trumps campaign and the Harris campaign did not immediately respond to requests for comment yesterday about the apparent mix-up.

A representative for former Governor Brown told the New York Times there was no emergency landing and Ms Harris never was discussed during the flight.

The current governor of California, Gavin Newsom, who was also a passenger, also said Trumps near-death experience never occurred.

I call complete B.S., he told the Times.

When 81-year-old President Joe Biden was still the Democratic candidate, Trump (78) frequently mocked his opponents mental acuity and offered to take a cognitive test, arguing Mr Biden was too infirm to be president.

Mr Biden has since been replaced atop the ticket by Harris (59), forcing Trump to scramble to find new lines of attack.
Singapore Exchange Limited (SGX:S68) last week reported its latest yearly results, which makes it a good time for investors to dive in and see if the business is performing in line with expectations. It looks like a credible result overall - although revenues of S$1.2b were in line with what the analysts predicted, Singapore Exchange surprised by delivering a statutory profit of S$0.56 per share, a notable 11% above expectations. This is an important time for investors, as they can track a company's performance in its report, look at what experts are forecasting for next year, and see if there has been any change to expectations for the business. Readers will be glad to know we've aggregated the latest statutory forecasts to see whether the analysts have changed their mind on Singapore Exchange after the latest results.

Check out our latest analysis for Singapore Exchange

Taking into account the latest results, the most recent consensus for Singapore Exchange from ten analysts is for revenues of S$1.29b in 2025. If met, it would imply a reasonable 5.0% increase on its revenue over the past 12 months. Statutory earnings per share are expected to decrease 6.9% to S$0.52 in the same period. Before this earnings report, the analysts had been forecasting revenues of S$1.28b and earnings per share (EPS) of S$0.51 in 2025. So it's pretty clear that, although the analysts have updated their estimates, there's been no major change in expectations for the business following the latest results.

It will come as no surprise then, to learn that the consensus price target is largely unchanged at S$10.55. That's not the only conclusion we can draw from this data however, as some investors also like to consider the spread in estimates when evaluating analyst price targets. The most optimistic Singapore Exchange analyst has a price target of S$12.70 per share, while the most pessimistic values it at S$9.62. Even so, with a relatively close grouping of estimates, it looks like the analysts are quite confident in their valuations, suggesting Singapore Exchange is an easy business to forecast or the the analysts are all using similar assumptions.

Looking at the bigger picture now, one of the ways we can make sense of these forecasts is to see how they measure up against both past performance and industry growth estimates. The period to the end of 2025 brings more of the same, according to the analysts, with revenue forecast to display 5.0% growth on an annualised basis. That is in line with its 5.2% annual growth over the past five years. Compare this with the broader industry (in aggregate), which analyst estimates suggest will see revenues grow 7.8% annually. So although Singapore Exchange is expected to maintain its revenue growth rate, it's forecast to grow slower than the wider industry.

Story continues

The Bottom Line

The most important thing to take away is that there's been no major change in sentiment, with the analysts reconfirming that the business is performing in line with their previous earnings per share estimates. Fortunately, the analysts also reconfirmed their revenue estimates, suggesting that it's tracking in line with expectations. Although our data does suggest that Singapore Exchange's revenue is expected to perform worse than the wider industry. There was no real change to the consensus price target, suggesting that the intrinsic value of the business has not undergone any major changes with the latest estimates.

With that in mind, we wouldn't be too quick to come to a conclusion on Singapore Exchange. Long-term earnings power is much more important than next year's profits. We have forecasts for Singapore Exchange going out to 2027, and you can see them free on our platform here.

Another thing to consider is whether management and directors have been buying or selling stock recently. We provide an overview of all open market stock trades for the last twelve months on our platform, here.

Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com.



This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.
Director Ridley Scott decided that the giant animal needed to be built using big advancements in technology to do

PAUL Mescal admits that a show-stealing scene in his new upcoming movie Gladiator II in which his character gets to fight a rhinoceros is not all it seems.

Its maybe misleading to say I fight a rhino, he winks as the explains what happens in the latest issue of Empire magazine.

He adds: I am in the presence of a rhino in the Colosseum and, uhother things happen.

Director Ridley Scott decided that the giant animal needed to be built using big advancements in technology to do so.

Computerisation and AI  you have to embrace it, he explains.

I can have a computer read every molecule and wrinkle on a rhino, and then cut it on a thick piece of plastic as a rhinos body, which is then tailored to a skeleton shape.

For the set piece in which Lucius is pitted against the beat, the skeleton was placed on an eight-wheel electronic dolly and riven by electronic instructions.

Read more Man denies threat to kill his ex-partner and pour acid on her face

I have this thing that can do 40 miles an hour, spin on the spot, wag its head and snarl, he grins. A two-ton rhino with a guy on its back! I mean, its a lot of fun.

There is also another fight scene in which the amphitheatre is filled with water and the gladiators have to fight bloodthirst sharks.

There is also a giant naval battle, which Scott maintains is probably bigger than anything in Napolean.

The 28-year-old Kildareman is set to hit the jackpot for Gladiator II, with his role in the Ridley Scott movie  to be released in November  resulting in a payday set to be in the millions.

Russell Crowe got $5 million for his role in Gladiator in 2000, with Joaquin Phoenix receiving $4.5m. The budget for Gladiator 2 is around $300m.

Mescal plays Lucius in the new movie  the son of Russell Crowes famous hero Maximus Decimus Meridius former lover Lucilla.

The trailer for the sequel to Gladiator showcases several scenes, including a water battle in Romes Colosseum and Mescal being rammed by a rhino.

In the film, Lucius is fighting for his life as a gladiator, despite his high status as nephew of corrupt former Emperor Commodus.

The trailer opens as Lucius recalls his childhood memory, when ex-Roman commander Maximus battled his uncle in the arena.

I remember that day. I never forgot it, that a slave could take revenge against an emperor, Lucius says, before we see him in a flashback from the first film, being dragged to safety by his mother.

The movie also stars Denzel Washington, Pedro Pascal, Connie Nielsen, Joseph Quinn and Derek Jacobi.

At one stage, Dubliner Barry Keoghan was linked with the main role but had to pull out due to other commitments.

Mescal hit the gym to tone up for his role in the film, but confessed he didnt want to overdo it as he didnt want to look like an underwear model.

Crowes performance in Gladiator won him an Oscar for Best Actor.

Mescals performance in Aftersun earned him an Oscar nomination in the same category last year and hes now hoping to go one better with the biggest role of his career.

Paul became a star on both sides of the Atlantic with his portrayal of Connell Waldron in the lockdown hit drama Normal People in the spring of 2020.

The Trinity Lir Academy graduate last year won a Laurence Olivier award for his portrayal of Stanley Kowalski in a revival of the play A Streetcar Named Desire.
High school students around the world are now able to access a new learning module that combines practical engineering knowledge with Pacific perspectives.

Te Whare Wananga o Waitaha | University of Canterbury Chemical and Process Engineering Senior Lecturer Dr Matthew Cowan was awarded a Curious Minds grant earlier this year to develop innovative learning resources for high school students.

He and his team have now completed the first of two planned modules, Pacific H2O, which offers high school students around the world an engaging exploration of water treatment within Pacific Island contexts.

The module, which is available for free to high schools thanks to Curious Minds funding, has been designed with teachers for in-class delivery and provides a dynamic learning experience through activities such as mind-mapping, embodying various STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths) roles, and conducting a choose-your-own-adventure chemistry lab.

A follow-up release is currently underway to include a New Zealand Sign Language glossary to supplement this and future modules.

Science and engineering are the root of societys health, wealth, and wellbeing. These modules are about empowering students from all backgrounds to see that they can become a STEM professional and realise the impact theyll be able to have on society and the environment, says Dr Cowan.

Throughout the programme, students encounter Pacific languages, proverbs, and STEM solutions that deepen their understanding and appreciation of water management.

Our development team included teachers from across the Pacific, along with engineers, cultural experts, artists, and STEM professionals to help students understand how science, engineering, culture, and human factors combine into their solution, says Dr Cowan.

Pacific H2O builds on a foundational module Colourful Solutions developed by Dr Cowan in 2023, which introduced basic chemical engineering and chemistry concepts.

This initial project was co-created with the guidance of a Maori adviser, ensuring cultural appropriateness and fostering authentic engagement with te ao Maori.

Feedback from educators has been overwhelmingly positive, highlighting the modules success in integrating Maori perspectives and enhancing student engagement. The team are building on this for future material.

UC Faculty of Engineering Executive Dean Professor Saurabh Sinha says the new module exemplifies UCs commitment to contributing to secondary school education by combining engineering principles with Pacific cultural insights.

By highlighting the practical impact of engineering on real-world problems and communities, Dr Cowans work not only enriches the educational experience but also promotes a deeper understanding of how STEM can address global challenges, he says.

The Pacific H2O module represents a significant advancement in educational resources, reflecting UCs dedication to innovative teaching that includes cultural and scientific knowledge.
Boaties are being warned to think about what can go wrong on the water after spate of horrific incidents on the water this winter.

Over the last seven weeks, seven people have died in three incidents involving recreational craft around New Zealand.

On average, 18 people a year die in recreational craft incidents.

Three people died after the boat they were in capsized in-between the Mahia Peninsula and Gisborne in late June, a man died after falling overboard off Whakatane in late July, and over the weekend of August 3, three people died just 100 metres from shore after their boat capsized on the Riverton bar.

"These incidents are nothing short of heartbreaking, and I want to offer my condolences to everyone impacted by them," says Recreational Craft principal adviser Matt Wood.

"This has been the worst winter I can remember in my near decade at Maritime NZ."

And it could have been a whole lot worse.

"Thanks to Coastguard Riverton volunteers two people were able to be saved after the fatal capsizing in Southland," says Matt.

"While five were pulled from Manukau Harbour on Saturday 3 August thanks to a coordinated effort involving Police Eagle, volunteers from Coastguard Titirangi and Papakura, and Auckland Airport's hovercraft."

"It has been a busy winter for Coastguard, with volunteers responding to over 270 incidents and rescuing 14 people from life-threatening situations - incidents are 7 per cent higher than at the same point last winter, " says Coastguard Head of Operations Rob McCaw.

"Tragedies on the water leave a lasting impact on our volunteers, particularly those in Hawke's Bay, Gisborne, Whakatane, Opotiki, Riverton, and Bluff, who have demonstrated immense sacrifice, care, and professionalism in bringing closure to the whanau and friends of those lost over the past two months."

Boating has its risks all year round, and in winter these are amplified.

"The weather is colder, days shorter, conditions are more unpredictable and the water temperatures can drop to under 10c.

"If you are thrown from your boat, or it capsizes, it is extremely challenging to survive in bitterly cold conditions, or large swells and strong winds.

Anyone planning on a trip on the water needs to consider all the potential scenarios.

"The recent incidents we have seen over the last few weeks have been all around the country, in varying conditions and involved different sized vessels.

"This shows tragedy can occur anywhere, and it doesnt discriminate.

"When in doubt, do not go out.

"If conditions are set to change and could impact your trip, you dont have the right safety equipment, the swell is at the outer limits of your capability as skipper and what your vessel can handle or, if you are concerned about tackling a bar. Just stay on-shore.

"We dont want any more families mourning loved ones," Matt Wood says.

If planning a trip on the water, every vessel needs to have two forms of communication such as a mobile phone in a waterproof case, VHF radio and beacon (PLB/EPIRB), properly fitted lifejackets for everyone on-board, and check and understand the marine weather forecast.

Coastguard also has a comprehensive range of courses that cater to diverse abilities, boat types, and training pathways, ensuring that individuals can assess the necessary knowledge and skills for safe boating practices.

These include Day Skipper, Maritime VHF Operator's Certificate and Bar Awareness seminars. These are available at: https://www.boatingeducation.org.nz/courses/
A lucky Powerball player from Auckland will be celebrating a life-changing win after scoring themselves $44.06 million with Powerball First Division in Saturday nights live Lotto draw. The winning ticket was sold on MyLotto.

The prize is made up of $44 million from Powerball First Division and $66,667 from Lotto First Division.

Were thrilled for the lucky Auckland player, who has won $44.06 million with Powerball First Division tonight says Lotto NZs Head of Corporate Communications Lucy Fullarton.

We cant wait to meet our new winner and support them as they process this life-changing news."

Lucy says the best thing the winner can do is call Lotto NZs Customer Support team, who will put them in touch with their dedicated winners team.

"We will then walk them through how to claim their prize and pass on the many pieces of valuable advice our previous big winners have shared with us, says Lucy.

Fourteen other lucky Lotto players will also be celebrating after winning $66,667 with Lotto First Division in Saturday nights live Lotto draw.

The winning tickets were sold at Relay Auckland Domestic Airport in Auckland, Caltex Dinsdale in Hamilton, and on MyLotto to players from Northland, Auckland and Wellington.

Meanwhile, two lucky Strike players will also be celebrating after each winning $250,000 with Strike Four. The winning Strike tickets were sold on MyLotto to players from Auckland and Christchurch.

Anyone who bought their ticket from any of the above stores should check their ticket as soon as possible instore, on MyLotto, or through the MyLotto App.

"We recommend that [Saturday nights] Powerball First Division winner calls our Customer Support team on 0800 695 6886," says Lucy.

"They will be put through to our Winners team who can help them with the best way to claim their prize and walk them through the winning process."

Powerball wins in 2024:

Date Prize Store Location 1 27 January $17.25 million MyLotto Canterbury 2 10 February $8.3 million MyLotto Hawkes Bay 3 2 March $12.3 million MyLotto Otago 4 13 April $30.16 million MyLotto Wellington 5 8 June Must Be Won draw $7.18 million Pak n Save Wairau Road Auckland 6 $7.18 million Woolworths Metro Auckland 7 $7.18 million Royal Oak Mall Lotto Auckland 8 $7.18 million MyLotto Auckland 9 $7.18 million MyLotto Auckland 10 $7.18 million Shop Rite Dairy Hamilton 11 $7.18 million New World Hastings Hastings 12 12 June $4.5 million MyLotto Waikato 13 19 June $5.5 million Impulse Snacks & Lotto Waitara 14 10 August $44.06 million MyLotto Auckland

Top 10 Largest Prizes in Lotto NZ history (won by a single ticket)

Rank Date Game Prize Store Location 1= 2024 Powerball $44.06 million MyLotto Auckland 1= 2016 Powerball $44.06 million Dairy Flat Food Mart Auckland 3 2021 Powerball $42.2 million Countdown Pokeno Waikato 4 2023 Powerball $37.12 million New World Kapiti Wellington 5 2009 Big Wednesday $36.1 million Kuripuni Lotto & Post Masterton 6 2023 Powerball $33.5 million Fresh Choice Merivale Christchurch 7 2013 Powerball $33.1 million One Step Ahead Ponsonby Auckland 8 2017 Powerball $30.25 million Richmond Superette Taupo 9 2024 Powerball $30.16 million MyLotto Wellington 10 2010 Powerball $28.7 million Mobil Papakura Auckland

36 Lotto players win Second Division

Thirty-six lucky Lotto players will be pinching themselves after each winning $16,690 with Lotto Second Division in tonights live Lotto draw. Three lucky players also won Powerball Second Division, taking their total winnings to $31,572.

The winning Powerball Second Division tickets were sold at Four Square BK's in Auckland, Oamaru New World in Oamaru, and on MyLotto to a player from New Plymouth. The winning Second Division tickets were sold at the following stores:

Store Location MyLotto Northland Kelston Digital Photos Auckland Glen Innes Dairy And Lotto Outlet Auckland Southmall Lotto Kiosk Auckland Four Square BK's (+PB) Auckland MyLotto (x3) Auckland New World Te Rapa Te Rapa MyLotto Thames-Coromandel MyLotto Tauranga MyLotto (x10) (incl. 1xPB) New Plymouth Tamatea Pak n Save Napier New World Feilding Feilding New World Broadway Palmerston North MyLotto Kapiti Coast New World Miramar Wellington New World Newtown Wellington Gorgeous Goose Cakes & Lotto Wellington Pak n Save Lower Hutt Wellington MyLotto (x2) Wellington MyLotto Tasman Pleasant Point Dairy Pleasant Point Four Square Omarama Omarama Oamaru New World (+PB) Oamaru MyLotto Queenstown

Anyone who bought their ticket from any of the above stores should check their ticket as soon as possible in-store, on MyLotto, or through the MyLotto App.

Lotto NZ exists to return 100 per cent of its profits to Kiwi communities through lottery grants programmes run by Te Puna Tahua NZ Lottery Grants Board.
By DAVID SHARP, MICHAEL HILL, MARK SCOLFORO and PATRICK WHITTLE Associated Press

Debby finally moved out of the U.S. on Saturday after the storm spent the better part of a week unleashing tornadoes and flooding, damaging homes and taking lives as it moved up the East Coast after first arriving in Florida as a hurricane.

Debbys last day over the U.S. before blowing into Canada inundated south-central New York and north-central Pennsylvania with rain, prompting evacuations and rescues by helicopter. The post-tropical cyclone continued dropping rain on New England and southern Quebec, Canada, on Friday night with conditions expected to improve Saturday morning as the system continued moving northeast.

Some of the worst flash flooding in New York on Friday happened in villages and hamlets in a largely rural area south of the Finger Lakes.

In Steuben County, which borders Pennsylvania, officials ordered the evacuation of the towns of Jasper, Woodhull and part of Addison, and said people were trapped as floodwaters made multiple roads impassable. By mid-evening Friday, some of those orders were lifted as the threat of severe flooding passed.

The recovery effort was underway Saturday morning, as emergency workers cleared debris and helped residents pump flood water from their basements.

In the hamlet of Woodhull, a rain-swollen creek overtopped a bridge. Area resident Stephanie Waters said parts of sheds, branches and uprooted trees were among the debris that slammed into the span.

Hearing the trees hit the bridge was scary, she said.

Fire Chief Timothy Martin said everybody in the town was safe, but every business in Woodhull is damaged.

John Anderson said he watched the floodwaters come up quickly, overwhelming some vehicles in Canisteo, in Steuben County, and nearby in Andover, in Allegany County.

Its been very fierce, said Anderson, who was providing dispatches to The Wellsville Sun. He said he watched peoples belongings get carried away by the raging water.

21 1 / 21 Tropical storm Debby sweeps through Upstate New York

In Canisteo, farm owners Deb and Cliff Moss suffered heavy damage to their dairy farm, which has been there for more than five decades. A neighbors double-wide trailer floated down a field to a river during the flooding, said their daughter, Stacey Urban.

Urban said the catastrophic damage to the community was hard to fathom.

They have lost a lot. Beyond heartbreaking, Urban said.

Ann Farkas, who also lives in Canisteo, said it was the first time her home, one of the oldest in the county, has flooded since she moved there in 1976.

The waters going down, and so whats left is this really thick  its like wet concrete  mud, Farkas said.

Like a lot of people, I dont have flood insurance, so I doubt my homeowners is going to cover any of this, she said.

Steuben County manager Jack Wheeler said the storm was hitting some of the same areas as Tropical Storm Fred three years earlier and that a half-dozen swift water rescue teams had retrieved people trapped in vehicles and homes.

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul and Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro declared states of emergency.

Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency Director Randy Padfield said a National Guard helicopter with aquatic rescue capability was sent to Tioga County, which borders New York, because of severe flooding conditions in the region. Padfield said Tioga officials asked for help with eight to 10 rescue locations, and boat-based rescues were also conducted.

In Potter County, also on the border with New York, the storm took out bridges and severely damaged Route 49, Commissioner Bob Rossman said.

My understanding is the roadway is pretty much well gone, Rossman said. Thatll be a very costly replacement. And one of the main thoroughfares in the county.

He said one firefighter suffered water-related injuries, but Rossman did not know the extent.

Debby was downgraded to a tropical depression late Thursday afternoon and was a post-tropical cyclone on Friday, the National Hurricane Center said. It made landfall early Monday on the Gulf Coast of Florida as a Category 1 hurricane, emerged over the Atlantic Ocean and hit land a second time early Thursday in South Carolina as a tropical storm.

There have been at least nine deaths related to Debby, most in vehicle accidents or from fallen trees.

In Vermont, officials said wind gusts of more than 60 mph in some areas tore down massive trees in places where the ground remained saturated from previous storms.

There is widespread, extensive damage in many locations, said Mike Burke, vice president of operations at Green Mountain Power. The repeated storms we are experiencing in Vermont are not just heartbreaking, they are happening more frequently and they doing more damage like this.

Gov. Phil Scott had warned that Debbys remnants could cause serious damage, including in already drenched places that were hit by flash flooding twice last month, but a flood watch was called off by mid-evening.

Rick Dente, who owns Dentes Market in Barre, Vermont, worked to protect his business with plastic and sandbags as the rain poured down on Friday. There isnt a whole lot else you can do, he said.

Jaqi Kincaid, hit by flooding last month in Lyndon, Vermont, said the previous storm knocked out her garage and well, so they have no water. It also felled a 120-foot (36-meter) tree and took down fencing.

Were doing a lot of this, Kincaid said, holding her hands together as if in prayer.

___

Associated Press journalists Carolyn Thompson in Buffalo, New York; Lisa Rathke in Barre, Vermont; Jeffrey Collins in Columbia, South Carolina; and Susan Haigh in Norwich, Connecticut, contributed to this report.
Americans are all out of love for the West.

For the first time in a century, the share of Americans living in the West is declining, mostly in Pacific Coast cities like Los Angeles, Portland, San Francisco, and Seattle. The primary driver? Housing costs: sky-high home prices and rents. People are flocking to more affordable places like the Sunbelt, bolstering a trend of people migrating southward.

In a research note, Bank of America analysts wrote: Post-pandemic, the share of the U.S. population in the South has been climbingcontinuing a decades-old phenomenon. It is really the decline in the share of the population of the West that is new. For the first time in a century, the share of Americans living in the West had fallen.

The West was increasing as a share throughout most, or virtually all, of the last 100 years, said David Tinsley, a senior economist at the Bank of America institute, who contributed to the report. It was slowing a bit going into the pandemic, that increasebut the West is the outlying story of the pandemic in that its population started to shrink as a share of the U.S. population, which it really hadnt ever done before, at least, for 100 years.

The population declines were concentrated in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle, Portland, and San Diego, so three California cities. It hasnt changed much. More recently, in early August, another note from Bank of America found San Francisco, Los Angeles, Seattle and Portland all saw significant year over year declines. Its why Tinsely calls this mainly a Pacific story. So when we talk about the West in the census region terms, its really the Pacific West, he said. So whats behind the exodus? Mostly housing woes. Home prices and rents are excessive in western cities. People cant afford it, so they look to the Sunbelt.

The appeal of the South was already becoming a thing before the pandemic, but with remote work possible and a desire for more space, the trend took off. Not to mention, there were suddenly career prospects outside of Silicon Valley for people in technology. People moved to places such as Tampa, Jacksonville, San Antonio, and Austin in droves. And theyre still mostly seeing significant inflows, even if it has slowed or pulled back slightly.

Its an affordability thing, Eric Finnigan, vice president of demographics for John Burns Research and Consulting, said. People spending more time in their homes means they need more home, and they cant afford it.

So youll see homes in the millions in Los Angeles, and still theyre considerably smaller than lets say Austin. Its hard to even buy a starter home in California coastal cities without family money. Since the spring of 2022, theres only been one western metropolitan area thats ranked among the 20 hottest markets by Realtor.coms standards. Western markets were once a mainstay on the hottest markets list, said Hannah Jones, Realtor.coms senior economic research analyst. Before that, from August 2017 to March 2021, there were as many as 16 western metros that appeared on the hottest markets list, she explained.

Story continues

The popularity of West-region markets has waned over the last couple of years as buyers flocked to more affordable locales, Jones said.

Tinsley agreed. A substantial part of the migration patterns were seeing has to do with housing costs, and costs more generally, he said.

First and foremost is housing affordability, noted Tinsley. Weve looked at the relative mortgage payment you have to pay across cities in the U.S., and correlated that with population change. And this is true for rent as wellthe places that are most expensive are seeing the biggest drops.

In San Francisco, the average home value is more than a million dollars; in San Antonio, its about $262,000; and in Jacksonville its around $302,000, per Zillow. The difference is more than 200%.

For rents, the median in San Francisco is 55% higher than the national median, and in San Antonio its 20% lower than the national median, Zillow data shows. So it isnt simply buyers fleeing, but renters, too. Last year, on average, more than 40% of those leaving the West and moving to the South had incomes above $125,000, and roughly 10% had incomes above $250,000, according to Bank of America. It was disproportionately single people fleeing western cities, too. There arent enough homes in the West, but in the South, the region is constantly building homes to meet demand, and the Sunbelt is cooling off. Austin and San Antonio have actually seen their home values fall in the last year.

An important thing to remember, is that while California does have its own insurance troubles, Texas and Florida, because of weather and natural disasters, are seemingly far worse off. So there are more costs associated with living in the two Sunbelt states that arent exactly home prices or mortgage rates. But while there is anecdotal evidence and discussion, there isnt necessarily anything to confirm that the insurance costs are outweighing other cost benefits. It could change as time goes on, Finnigan said, but at this moment, down payments are the real challenge for anyone wanting to buy. Similarly, Tinsely said, if you sell your house in San Francisco and move to Texas, you can buy a mansion.

But is this forever? Has the West totally lost its charm and welcoming vibe? No one knows yet. There are so many factors at play. Tinsley mentioned the artificial intelligence boom could be bringing people back to Silicon Valley; we know its helped offices. But the West might never be cheap because of supply and a struggle to build.

The jury is a bit out on that one, Id say, Tinsley noted.

This story was originally featured on Fortune.com
Serving tech enthusiasts for over 25 years.TechSpot means tech analysis and advice you can trust

Hacking the hackers: After his wife fell victim to a smishing campaign, a security researcher initiated a personal investigation, uncovering a global operation. By hacking into the scammers' systems to gather evidence, he provided authorities with crucial information that helped end the widespread fraud campaign.

When security researcher Grant Smith received a text message claiming to be from the United States Postal Service, he initially dismissed it as another scam. However, the situation took a serious turn when his wife inadvertently entered her credit card details into the linked fraudulent website. This personal breach motivated Smith to embark on an in-depth investigation into the scam's origins.

Smith, the founder of cybersecurity firm Phantom Security, eventually uncovered a large-scale operation involving fake USPS messages designed to collect personal information, including credit card details, from unsuspecting victims. These scams directed recipients to fraudulent websites that prompted them to enter sensitive information.

Determined to trace the source of the scam, Smith identified a Chinese-language group responsible for the operation. He exploited vulnerabilities in their systems, using SQL injection and path traversal to gather evidence of their activities. The SQL injection attacks allowed him to manipulate database queries, while path traversal enabled access to files outside the web root folder.

"I started reverse engineering it, figured out how everything was being encrypted, how I could decrypt it, and figured out a more efficient way of grabbing the data," Smith told Wired.

Building on this, he managed to crack the website administrator passwords, noting that many still used default credentials like "admin" for the username and "123456" for the password. This rookie mistake enabled him to efficiently automate the extraction of victim data from the network of smishing websites. Ultimately, Smith assembled a massive data cache for authorities, including 438,669 unique credit card numbers and over 1.2 million pieces of information from 1,133 domains.

Smith's investigation revealed that the scammers used a smishing kit sold on Telegram, linked to a group known as the "Smishing Triad." The group was not unknown to security researchers, including Resecurity. The scammers operate a sophisticated cyber-criminal organization, primarily engaging in smishing campaigns targeting postal services and their customers worldwide.

The Smishing Triad sent fraudulent SMS and iMessage texts, usually impersonating reputable postal and delivery services like USPS and Royal Mail. These messages warned recipients of undeliverable packages and prompted them to provide personal details, credentials, and payment information.

They exploited the trust users place in SMS  specifically iMessage, making their scams more convincing. By using compromised Apple iCloud accounts, they bypassed traditional security measures to reach a broader audience.

Their operations also involved encrypting HTTP responses with RSA to complicate analysis and detection efforts. Other tactics included using URL-shortening services like Bit.ly to disguise malicious links and utilizing stolen databases from the dark web to enhance their targeting capabilities.

The group employed geo-filtering to target specific regions, such as the UAE and Pakistan, tailoring their attacks to local contexts and increasing their effectiveness. They had a broad operational scope that targeted postal services and their customers in multiple countries, including the US, UK, EU, UAE, and Pakistan.

An unnamed bank noticed Smith's blog posts and reached out. He shared his findings with the bank, reported the incidents to the FBI, and later provided information to the United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS).

As it happens, Smith's actions fall into a legal gray area under the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act (CFAA) because hacking into the scammers' systems to gather evidence could be considered a violation of the CFAA. Although he won't face prosecution, authorities are concerned that the evidence collected might be inadmissible because Smith obtained it through technically illegal means.

Michael Martel, a national public information officer at USPIS, stated that postal service investigators are using the details Smith provided. However, Martel noted that he cannot comment on specific aspects of the investigation.

Image credit: Grant Smith
Several of the market's hottest artificial intelligence (AI) companies -- including Nvidia, Broadcom, and Super Micro Computer -- all split their stocks or announced their plans to do so over the past year. Those events didn't actually make their high-flying stocks fundamentally cheaper, since they simply split their existing shares into smaller slices, but they still attracted a lot of attention from retail investors who wanted to buy entire lots (100 shares) of a stock instead of just a few. They also made it easier to trade options, since a single contract is tethered to a single lot, and for the companies to pay their employees with more flexible stock-based compensation plans.

So for long-term investors, stock splits don't matter too much because they don't change the company's business model or valuations. But forward stock splits are still usually a sign of a well-run company -- since its stock price has risen so much that it needs to be pruned. ASML (NASDAQ: ASML) and Meta Platforms (NASDAQ: META) are two AI-driven companies that fit that description and might be ripe for a split.

Image source: Getty Images.

ASML

ASML is the world's largest producer of lithography systems for optically etching circuit patterns onto silicon wafers. It's also the only producer of high-end extreme ultraviolet (EUV) systems for manufacturing the world's smallest and densest chips. The Dutch company's stock has nearly quadrupled over the past five years as the top chip foundries -- including Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing, Samsung, and Intel -- scrambled to stay in the "process race" to produce more advanced chips.

ASML's stock now trades at about $840, but it's been years since its last stock split. It actually did three forward stock splits during the dot-com bubble and a reverse stock split in 2007. However, another forward stock split might generate some fresh attention for ASML -- which is often overshadowed by better-known stocks like Nvidia.

From 2020 to 2023, ASML's revenue grew at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 25%. From 2023 to 2026, analysts expect its revenue and earnings per share (EPS) to rise at a CAGR of 13% and 21%, respectively, as it grapples with tighter restrictions on its exports to China. However, the expansion of the AI market could offset a lot of that pressure.

ASML's stock isn't expensive at 25 times next year's earnings, and its monopolization of a crucial chipmaking technology makes it one of the easiest ways to profit from the secular growth of the semiconductor and AI markets.

Story continues

Meta Platforms

Meta Platforms, the parent company of Facebook, Instagram, Messenger, and WhatsApp, leverages AI to analyze its user data and craft targeted ads. It's also developing its own AI accelerator chips to gradually curb its dependence on Nvidia's chips. It served 3.27 billion daily active people across its four main apps in its latest quarter.

Meta endured some tough macro, competitive, and platform-related challenges (mainly from Apple's iOS update in 2021), but it still grew its top line at a CAGR of 16% from 2020 to 2023. It recovered by attracting Chinese advertisers, expanding Reels to tackle TikTok, and strengthening its first-party data collection tools to counter Apple's privacy-oriented changes.

From 2023 to 2026, analysts expect Meta's revenue and EPS to grow at a CAGR of 15% and 23%, respectively, even as it expands its unprofitable Reality Labs segment to produce more augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) products. Those are robust growth rates for a stock that trades at 22 times this year's earnings.

Meta's stock trades in the low $480s, but it's the only "Magnificent Seven" stock that has never split its shares. A stock split might generate some fresh buzz from this social media titan that still looks undervalued relative to its growth.

Should you invest $1,000 in ASML right now?

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Randi Zuckerberg, a former director of market development and spokeswoman for Facebook and sister to Meta Platforms CEO Mark Zuckerberg, is a member of The Motley Fool's board of directors. Leo Sun has positions in ASML, Apple, and Meta Platforms. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends ASML, Apple, Meta Platforms, Nvidia, and Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing. The Motley Fool recommends Broadcom and Intel and recommends the following options: long January 2025 $45 calls on Intel and short August 2024 $35 calls on Intel. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

Stock-Split Watch: 2 AI Stocks That Look Ready to Split was originally published by The Motley Fool
In drought-hit Sicily, rainwater is dumped in the sea



Campobello di Mazara, Italy, Aug 10 (AFP) Aug 10, 2024



Sicilian lemon producer Rosario Cognata is furious: his fruit is withering due to the drought, while just a few kilometres away rainwater is being dumped into the sea.

The Trinita dam, built in 1959 in the town of Castelvetrano in the west of the Mediterranean island, has not been tested and therefore has never been officially approved for use.

So as soon as the reservoir fills up with winter rains, the authorities open the floodgates and the blue gold pours into a canal ending in the sea.

"Okay, the drought is due to lack of rain. But we don't know how to manage the water we have -- and it's not the farmers' responsibility," said Cognata, as he looked into the dam, the low water level revealing rusting steel tubes.

The dam was intended to supply local irrigation networks, so farmers' wells were closed by authorities.

But the infrastructure not only never got the green light, it was also subsequently neglected.

The pipes are now dilapidated, leaving some desperate farmers to dig illegal wells to compensate.

Cognata blames decades of incompetent local and government water management.

"They were never interested," he said.

It is an accusation repeated often by Italy's main agricultural organisation Coldiretti, to which Cognata belongs.



- Outdated network -



Sicilians have always known drought, but global warming is accentuating its frequency and intensity.

This year "rainfall is down by about 350 mm compared to an average annual rainfall of 750 mm", said hydrology professor Leonardo Valerio Noto.

In his office at the University of Palermo, he analyses satellite images of the island's 46 artificial reservoirs.

"Many of these reservoirs are already in a near-critical situation. Some are practically empty while others, particularly those serving large cities, are experiencing a significant decrease in resources," he told AFP.

The summer of 2025 could be even worse, with withdrawals expected to be greater than rainfall.

Some provinces, especially in the south, are seriously lacking in drinking water and cuts are recurrent.

Like Cognata, Noto deplores the lack of public investment in maintaining the distribution network.

Italy is the leading EU country in terms of absolute volumes of fresh water drawn from the surface or underground.

But "out of 100 litres injected into the distribution network, 42 are lost along the way" due to the poor condition of the pipes, Noto said.

According to the National Institute of Statistics (Istat), the wasted water would meet the annual needs of 43 million people -- or three out of four Italians.

Sardinia and Sicily are the worst performers, losing 52.8 percent and 51.6 percent of water, respectively.

According to the Fondo Ambiente foundation, 60 percent of the national network is over 30 years old, while 25 percent is over 50 years old.

At the current rate of pipeline renewal -- barely four metres per kilometre a year -- it would take 250 years to replace them.



- Young people are leaving -



The Sicily Region told AFP it was responding to the drought "with the greatest determination, both for agriculture and for the population".

It signed an action plan with the government in July worth 1.6 billion euros, which includes the aim to "reduce water losses".

But local water management issues have exasperated the crisis.

Agrigento in southern Italy missed out on nearly 50 million euros in funding by failing to respond in time to a call for tenders, sparking protests earlier this month.

On his estate in Campobello di Mazara, which he runs with his father, Cognata watches helplessly as his lemons rot and drop off "stressed" trees.

The fruit is yellow on the outside, brown on the inside: burned by the sun, when at this time of year it should still be green.

Cognata estimates his losses at between 30 percent and 40 percent.

"Without water, there is no life. It is very serious. Families risk their livelihood, young people prefer to leave and the countryside is emptying," he said.

Despite having one of the highest birth rates in Italy -- an ageing country -- Sicily has been one of the most rapidly depopulating regions in the last 10 years.
North Korea moving thousands of flood victims to capital: KCNA



Seoul, Aug 10 (AFP) Aug 10, 2024



North Korea will move more than 15,000 flood victims to the capital, state media said Saturday, as leader Kim Jong Un insisted recovery efforts would be "based on self-reliance" despite offers of aid from abroad.

Pyongyang last week said a record downpour in late July had killed an unspecified number of people, flooded dwellings, and submerged swathes of farmland in its northern regions near China.

On a visit to flood-hit Uiju on Friday, Kim said the government planned to accommodate around 15,400 flood victims from the northern region at facilities in the capital until their destroyed homes are rebuilt, according to the official Korean Central News Agency.

The plan, which will include food and medical assistance as well as educational support for the thousands of students being moved, will be "a top priority of the state," Kim said.

International offers of support have poured in since news of the flooding disaster first emerged, including from South Korea, which offered humanitarian aid via the Korean Red Cross despite the two countries' strained relations.

Moscow has reached out with a similar offer, according to Pyongyang, while Seoul's Yonhap news agency has reported that China and the United Nations Children's Fund had signalled their willingness to help.

But Kim said Friday that the country's recovery efforts would be "thoroughly based on self-reliance", according to KCNA.

Still, he expressed "thanks to various foreign countries and international organizations for their offer of humanitarian support," the report said.

South Korean media have reported that the number of dead and missing in the North could be as high as 1,500, but Kim on Friday dismissed the reports as a "grave provocation" and "an insult to the flood-stricken people who are all safe and well."

Natural disasters tend to have an outsized impact on the isolated and impoverished country due to its weak infrastructure, while deforestation has left it vulnerable to flooding.

Relations between the two Koreas are at one of their lowest points in years, with the North recently announcing the deployment of 250 ballistic missile launchers to its southern border.
Thousands protest in Serbian capital against lithium mine



Belgrade, Aug 10 (AFP) Aug 10, 2024



Thousands hit the streets in Serbia's capital Belgrade Saturday to protest the rebooting of a controversial lithium mine set to serve as a vital source to power Europe's green energy transition.

Ahead of the rally, two leading protest figures said they were briefly detained by security officials who warned that any moves to block roads during the protest would be seen as illegal.

Thousands chanted "Rio Tinto get out of Serbia" and "You won't dig" as they rallied in downtown Belgrade before setting off on a march through the city.

Protestors later entered the Belgrade's main railway station where demonstrators blocked tracks, halting traffic.

Serbia has vast lithium deposits near the western city of Loznica, where a mining project being developed by the Anglo-Australian mining giant Rio Tinto has been a perennial political fault line in the Balkan country in recent years over its potential environmental impacts.

The deposits were discovered in 2004, but weeks of mass protests forced the government to halt the project in 2022.

The government revived the project following a court decision last month that said the order to revoke the permits awarded to Rio Tinto was "not in line with the constitution and the law".

The Serbian government signed a memorandum of understanding with the EU that is seen as the first step in developing Serbia's lithium resources.

Lithium is a strategically valuable metal needed for electric vehicle batteries, making it key for helping the automotive industry shift to greener production.

The project, however, has continued to be unpopular with many in Serbia due to concerns the mine would pollute water sources and endanger public health.

"I am in Belgrade because the survival of life in Serbia is being defended here," said Slobodan Stanimirovic, 58, from western's Serbia's Radjevina near the site of the future mine.

The protest in Belgrade was the latest in a series of demonstrations held across the Balkan country after the mine's licenses were reinstated.

Activists and demonstrators have called on legislators to pass a law permanently banning the mining of lithium and boron in Serbia.

Environmental groups said they were prepared to block major traffic arteries across Serbia and engage in civil disobedience if the government refused to act before an August 10 deadline set by activists.

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic has repeatedly vowed that no mining operations will begin until guarantees over environmental safety protocols are established.
Police search for Quebec man swept away in Debby downpour



Montreal, Aug 10 (AFP) Aug 10, 2024



Police were searching Saturday for an elderly man swept away in heavy rains in Canada's Quebec province as remnants of Tropical Storm Debby flooded roads and cut off power to thousands.

Provincial police told AFP a man in his 80s was swept into the Batiscan River north of Montreal at about 11:30 pm on Friday, amid the downpour. Police have deployed aircraft and drones to help in the search.

Debby earlier this week lashed southeastern parts of the United States, leaving at least six dead.

Moving across eastern Canada Friday to Saturday, the storm dumped a record 154 millimeters (6 inches) of rain on Montreal, according to Environment Canada, and forced the evacuation of hundreds of people in other parts of Quebec.

Three communities, including Chelsea near the capital Ottawa, declared local states of emergency, Quebec Public Security Minister Francois Bonnardel said on X.

Nearly 100 roads were damaged or washed out, he said.

Almost 70,000 homes and businesses were still without power Saturday afternoon, down from a peak of 550,000 during the storm.
Fisher59, a leading beverage distributor headquartered in Denton, Texas, plans a $16 million, 110,000-square-foot warehouse-distribution center in Lawton, as shown in this drawing.

Drinks are on Lawton.

Fisher59, a beverage distributor based in Denton, Texas, is expanding its operations in Lawton with a new $16 million, 110,000-square-foot warehouse in Lawton Economic Development Corp.s Airport Industrial Park.

The expansion will accommodate a recently acquired product line and support continued growth, said Brad Cooksey, president and CEO of the economic developer.

"Were excited about the new jobs coming to the area and that their investment will further contribute to Lawtons economy, he said.

The warehouse will support Fisher59s existing workforce of 60 employees in Lawton and over time add some 40 more jobs, he said.

More: Ditch Witch, which helped electrify rural Oklahoma, celebrates start of expansion in Perry

Fisher59 has been in Lawton for nearly 40 years.

As we approach our 40th year of operation in this community, we are proud to expand to better serve our customers and support local economic growth," said Brett Walford, president of Fisher59 Properties. Over the past 39 years, the support and partnership of the Lawton community have been instrumental in our success and we look forward to building on that relationship."

The company offers a wide variety of beverages, including beer, wine, spirits and nonalcoholic drinks.

Price Edwards & Co. reports these commercial real estate transactions

Health Nut Concepts LLC leased 3,256 square feet of office space in IBC Center at 3817 Northwest Expressway. Craig Tucker and Tom Fields handled the transaction.

Absolute Concrete Services LLC leased 3,000 square feet of industrial space at 8060 Glade Ave. Fields handled the transaction.

Native Harvest leased 2,678 square feet of retail space in Bricktown Garage at 222 E Sheridan Ave. Derek James handled the transaction.

Fikes Holdings LLC leased 1,800 square feet of industrial lease space in Rockwell Industrial Park at 120 N Rockwell Ave. Andrew Holder, Danny Rivera and James handled the transaction.

V's Esthetics leased 1,762 square feet of retail space in Westernview Center at 7125 S Western Ave. Rosha Wood handled the transaction.

Combs Thiessen LLC leased 1,725 square feet of office space in Leadership Square at 211 N Robinson Ave. James handled the transaction.

La Reina Del Brow & Beauty leased 1,350 square feet of retail space in Spring Creek Village at 1489 E 15 St. in Edmond. Jacob Simon and Girma Moaning handled the transaction.

Fix My Phone Plus leased 1,248 square feet of retail space at 809 S Air Depot Blvd. Wood handled the transaction.

Electrek Logistics leased 1,160 square feet of storage space in Shoppes on Broadway at 3200 S Broadway Ave. in Edmond. George Williams and Paul Ravencraft handled the transaction.

Daniel Keimig leased 951 square feet of space in Jamestown Office Park at 3035 NW 63. James handled the transaction.

Maya Threading leased 825 square feet of retail space in Quail Springs Marketplace at 13421 N Pennsylvania Ave. Williams and Ravencraft handled the transaction.

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Fisher59 in Denton Texas is expanding, adding jobs in Lawton Oklahoma
SHAWN THEW / EPA-EFE / Shutterstock.com

Republican presidential nominee Donald Trumps recently unveiled Republican Party Platform decried President Joe Bidens policies and upheld Trumps classic slogan to make America great again. The platform lists 20 points to help strengthen the American public. One of the points on the plan that might stick out to the average American worker stated, Large tax cuts for workers. And no tax on tips!

Check Out: Trump Wants To Eliminate Income Taxes  Heres What That Would Mean for the Economy and Your Wallet

Learn More: 7 Reasons You Must Speak to a Financial Advisor To Boost Your Savings in 2024

Its one thing to put something in your platform, but its another to lay out a strategy to make it happen. GOBankingRates reached out to experts to see exactly how the Trump administration could make tax cuts a reality for American workers.

Earning passive income doesn't need to be difficult. You can start this week.

Make the Tax Cuts and Job Act Permanent

During Trumps presidency in 2017, he put forward the Tax Cuts and Job Act (TCJA). The act lowered most individual income tax rates, and increased the standard deduction. Additionally, TCJA increased the amount received for the child tax credit. However, TCJA is set to expire at the end of 2025.

Dr. Jim Ronan, a lecturer in the department of political science at Villanova University, said that by extending the TCJA, workers could see these tax cuts continue.

The large tax cut pledge is heavily based on making the 2017 tax cuts permanent, Ronan said. These cuts are due to expire in 2025, and according to the GOP Platform, allowed for an expansion of the child tax credit and doubled the standard deduction. Thus, if these proposals are renewed, workers may not notice much of a change. However, if they are allowed to lapse, taxpayers could be in for an unpleasant surprise when their 2025 returns are due.

Discover More: Trump Wants To Eliminate Income Taxes  4 Reasons You Might Want To Change Your Retirement Plans

Adjusting Tax Brackets

When Trump enacted TCJA, taxation percentages correlated with certain pre-established income brackets. However, if those brackets were widened, certain classes might be able to experience a lighter tax burden.

One way to reduce the tax burden on employees is through adjusting the tax brackets, said Ariful Islam, a finance expert at Sterlinx Global. This might entail decreasing the rate of taxes for middle-class and low-income families or increasing their income thresholds, thereby making more people enjoy lesser rates of taxation.

Increasing the Standard Deduction

TCJA already increased the standard deduction back in 2017  e.g., from $6,500 to $12,000 for single filers.

Story continues

Trump could double down and increase it even more, which would be advantageous to a lot of taxpayers.

Most workers taxable incomes can be backed down by this presidents increase in standard deductions, Islam said. It was effectively utilized in 2017, whereby it was included as part of TCJA, and could even become broader to give more relief.

Expanding Tax Credits

Islam said theres an opportunity for the Trump administration to increase the child tax credit again, or for there to be additional tax credits added that taxpayers can benefit from.

Another approach would include expanding on already existing tax credits such as the earned income tax credit (EITC) or coming up with new ones that target families who are working, he said. Apart from being a strategy that lowers taxes, this equally supports household revenues, hence stimulating overall economic activities.

Revisiting Payroll and Social Security Taxes

If you look at your paycheck, youll see certain taxes such as FICA. Islam said theres an opportunity for Trump to restructure how this is done in order to give more money back to taxpayers.

Reducing payroll taxes [could] provide an immediate relief to workers by raising take-home wages, Islam said. It can thus be effective, especially when it directly affects what they receive in terms of pay without necessarily significantly altering their tax returns.

Trump has floated the idea of not taxing Social Security benefits as well.

Michael Montgomery, an intermittent lecturer in the department of health and human services at University of Michigan-Dearborn, said that could give workers a big financial boost.

Said Montgomery: With more and more Americans working at least part time while also drawing Social Security, [Trumps] proposal to exempt Social Security payments from federal taxes would, if enacted, certainly be a benefit to those workers.

Deficit Spending

One of the main reasons Jim Miller, author at Tangent Consulting, said TCJA was able to succeed was because the government was spending more than it was making.

The funding was done mainly through increased deficit spending, Miller said. In addition, some provisions were aimed to broaden the tax base by removing certain deductions like putting a lid on state and local tax deductions. This helped to increase the funding.

Miller said this is one way more tax cuts could be coming workers way, but its not ideal.

The Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget suggests that Trump tax cut plans can add $150 billion to $250 billion into the current deficit for the next 10 years. So, although increased deficit spending can get the job done for President Trump, this wont help in the longer run and can add more misery to the current deficit.

Economic Growth and Fiscal Management

To avoid dramatically increasing the deficit while still giving money back to Americans, Trump has to strike a delicate balance.

To address the revenue losses from the tax cuts, the promotion of economic growth is key, Islam said.

He went on to say that there are a variety of ways Trump can try to stimulate the economy.

Through implementing policies which encourage investment, job creation and expansion of businesses, the overall amount collected in taxes can increase, hence offsetting fiscal impacts.

Ultimately, lots of strategy is required for Trump to be successful at providing tax cuts for workers without there being a lot of financial fallout.

The success of these measures will depend on careful planning, broad legislative backing and a focus on stimulating economic growth, Islam said.

Editors note on election coverage: GOBankingRates is nonpartisan and strives to cover all aspects of the economy objectively and present balanced reports on politically focused finance stories. You can find more coverage of this topic on GOBankingRates.com.

More From GOBankingRates

This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: How Would Trump Offer Large Tax Cuts for Workers?
In high school, the only overseas trip she got was a cultural experience homestay to New Caledonia, at the age of 15. The homesickness gripped her so hard that she phoned me in tears almost every day. Staying with a local family had its cultural challenges, especially the time they skinned a deer and hung it in the garage of the house. Loading But by the time she reached year 12, travel seemed to be the top of her agenda. Seven months after graduating, aged 18, she was London bound for that Australian rite of passage  the European backpacking trail. The day we drove her to the airport, it was my turn to feel hollow with that gnawing ache of impending absence. Its like homesickness in reverse. I was not prepared to do any letting go. The anticipation of the goodbye at the departure gate that day was all consuming. I couldnt focus on any conversations, I fussed over what she was making for her final lunch, I got snappy with my other two children. I wanted to protect my baby girl from discovering the world and yet, her whole life, I had been intentionally preparing her for it.

I wanted to cry all the way home from the airport but didnt want her younger siblings to witness my pitiful coping skills. The irony of this moment was that I had put my own parents through the same pain when at age 19, I went to live in Athens for a year, working as a nanny to an American family. If my own mother felt any sense of loss, she diverted it into writing regular letters to me over the year, those blue lightweight paper aerograms filled with news of home but mostly with unconditional love. That year abroad opened my small, sheltered world to the real world. So, with a mother who spoke glowingly of her transformative year in Greece and a father who travelled so often for work, it was inevitable a love of travel would push its way into our daughters heart. History repeats, I realised. Lesson 3: Missing hurts

With the Europe trip ticked off, her plan to live the London life succeeded and with $100 left in her pocket and a backpack full of summer clothes, she landed her first job in a dingy pub. Maintaining contact with a busy 19-year-old immersed in London life in 2013 meant copious text messages. To her credit, she was incredibly consistent and generous at keeping in touch by text, and I was also grateful for the regular Skype calls. But its those milestone moments when the missing hurts the most. The death of a grandfather, her dads 50th birthday, her sisters school musical, a Christmas Day lunch  times of darkness and light, each one shadowed by the soft ache of absence. Her two younger siblings seemed to get used to it and get on with their lives. But when her calls interrupted a family movie night or game, they would get mad. One year, two pub jobs and three share houses later, she enrolled in a college course which meant a second year in London. At least my suffering will result in a qualification, the martyr mother in me thought.

With her course complete and UK visa expired, she finally returned home. My pathetically maternal heart got a reprieve and my family felt whole again. Loading Lesson 4: I miss her but my life is richer Two years later, she landed a job in Tanzania - an incredible opportunity for a 24-year-old. For a fleeting moment, the overprotective, selfish mother in me was screaming inside, saying: Its not safe! Tell her not to go! Convince her to stay in Australia! But the mother who likes to believe she raised her daughter to be independent, strong, and adventurous silenced that scream, and shared in her daughters excitement and anticipation as she prepared for a journey into a radically different life, working for an NGO school.
Matt Agnew is an astrophysicist best known for starring in The Bachelor in 2019. Here, the 37-year-old shares how his mum has influenced his studies and career, his first celebrity crush and his current relationship status.

Ive experienced lots of rumours about my relationship status... Now, I just ignore the stories. Credit: Simon Schluter

I have no memories of my grandmothers. My maternal grandmother, Flora, died before I was born, and my paternal grandmother, Charlotte, died before I was two.

My mother, Karen, is the most brilliant woman in my life. She is a nerd like me and has been hugely influential. She did a bachelors degree in pure mathematics. When I was doing my first degree, I majored in applied mathematics and did one year of pure mathematics. I couldnt get my head around it. Knowing that shed excelled reiterated how smart she is.

In year 4, when I had to do a school project and didnt know what to do, Mum suggested the NASA Pathfinder mission to Mars. The two-page spread in the Adelaide Advertiser captured my imagination and planted the seeds for my space trajectory.
An investigator combing through a seized mobile phone allegedly found details of the drone surveillance and plans to impersonate cops at a traffic stop then execute the band. In the last 12 months, in particular, weve uncovered evidence [of contracted violence], Criminal Organisations Directorates Detective Chief Superintendent Jason Weinstein, a 29-year veteran of the force with over a decade in the high-profile State Crime Command, told The Sun-Herald in an exclusive interview. His signature is on most warrants in the fight against organised crime. [The main groups] are more interested now in money laundering and controlling the top end of the criminality of the group. So they will outsource parts of the control mechanisms around that to other groups who only do that part of a business, said Weinstein. They are essentially the labour market, muscle for hire.

Groups that were once limited to the prison system are now working together on the outside to break knees, kidnap or murder  for a fee. Alleged contract hits in Sydneys underworld tend to follow a pattern  cars are stolen, up to 12 months in advance, and sold to a criminal car broker then stored. In the leadup to a hit, at least one car is parked in a street close to the target; another is used to drop a hired gunman to the proposed venue for the attack. Typically, the cars are then doused in bleach or petrol, then set on fire. The alleged attempt to kill OneFour is believed to be one of a number of high-profile alleged contract killings that have rocked Sydney over the past few years. Task Force Magnus detectives have charged three men, including Deng Dut, right, for their alleged involvement in the criminal enterprise responsible for the fatal shooting of Alen Moradian, left. A triggerman, a surveillance man and a getaway driver are among those allegedly hired to execute Bondi drug lord Alen Moradien in June 2023.

Moradiens close friend Andre Kallita narrowly avoided the same fate in January this year when police swooped on a group of men allegedly plotting to murder him for a $600,000 payday. Loading Enforcers can command from around $50,000 for an act of violence to more than $1 million for a murder, police intelligence says. Police say the alleged mastermind of the OneFour plot, Anthony Pele, texted: Weve got good $ for this dog dead, in the leadup to the alleged attack. Police allege Pele, Brendan Masaeuli, Charlton Schaafhausen, Yousef Rima and a fifth, unknown person took on contract work from a criminal group to kill the rappers.

There are a number of motives were looking at, but its highly likely theres a conflict between the organised crime group that took out this [alleged] contract and the intended victims, Organised Crime Squad boss Detective Superintendent Peter Faux told reporters at the time of the arrests in January. Documents obtained by the Herald allege the unknown person texted the other four in a group chat on September 7 last year saying: We need a Mounty boy dead. And dead ASAP! The next day the unknown person sent another text. I know [youse] dont care. Once job done, payment next day. The alleged would-be killers had firearms, stolen homework cars used for surveillance, bottles of bleach to remove DNA, cloned numberplates and jerry cans filled with accelerants, the documents alleges.

Loading Its the methodology they have been using in the last probably a year and a half, two years around, Weinstein said. We see stolen motor vehicles that are then torched, they use cloned number plates. Last week, organised crime investigators seized eight stolen cars from Fairfield East. The vehicles, which ranged from a well-used Toyota Corolla to a Mercedes-Benz X-Class, were primed for serious crime activities including murders and shootings, police said in a media release. As the way violence is done in Sydneys underworld changes, so too has the police response.

Previously the homicide squad and local detectives would investigate a fatal shooting; now, police have squads of 30 detectives from various specialties that are deployed as soon as a suspected organised crime murder takes place. Police are now laying heavier charges  murder, rather than accessory before or after the fact of murder  with heavier penalties on everyone involved in a hit. Were certainly taking that stronger standpoint when were laying the indictments and the Crown at this stage is very supportive of that, Weinstein said. The delay in the court system means that nobody accused of a contract killing has been convicted as yet. Three of the men who allegedly attempted to kill OneFour -Masaeuli, Schaafhausen and Rime - have all been charged over the alleged murder conspiracy and remain before the courts. None have entered a plea. Pele is overseas, with a warrant out for his arrest, but business in the Sydney underworld goes on  theres money to be made in murder.
Women are having caesarean births at a record rate in public and private hospitals statewide, new data shows, with older mothers driving the trend rather than women being too posh to push.

The proportion of women having vaginal births without intervention across the public and private system fell to 50.2 per cent in 2022, data from NSW Healths annual Mothers and Babies report, published last month, shows.

An increasing proportion of women are giving birth via caesarean. Credit: Getty Images

Meanwhile, the caesarean section rate has again risen: 49.4 per cent of private maternity patients gave birth via caesarean in 2022, an increase from 43.9 per cent in 2018.

Public caesarean births have also increased, from 29.8 per cent to 33.6 per cent of patients.
Cold weather, construction, closed eateries and a decrease in demand for exterminators are creating a perfect storm for rodents in Melbournes CBD, say local rat-catchers.

The demolition of Docklands Central Pier, and the subsequent closure of its local venues, is making the waterfront a hotspot for rats.

Exterminators have seen an increase in rats in Melbourne this winter, as demand for their services falls. Credit: Justin McManus

There were a lot of cafes, restaurants, pubs  and they would engage pest controllers to keep on top of those things, said Pest Control Empire director Tim Clinnick.

But since the pier has been shut down ... theres been absolutely nothing happening in terms of rodent control. Theyll just spread uncontrollably.
A key business group says the federal governments advice to public sector bosses about how to comply with new right-to-disconnect rules for employees goes further than required under the new legislation.

An Australian Public Service Commission guidance document calls for government agencies to update position descriptions and job advertisements and be model employers when implementing the new workplace right.

Right-to-disconnect laws are set to come into effect later this month. Credit: iStock

The guidelines, released in late July, are designed to give public sector employers best practice advice before the right to disconnect comes into effect on August 26 for all non-small-business employers.

But the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industrys director of workplace relations, Jessica Tinsley, says the guidance goes further than required under the legislation, and that private sector employers should not pay much attention to it.
Crown land earmarked for social housing in Melbournes north  a project the Allan government last week insisted had not been dumped, despite removing it from its Big Housing Build scheme  is now being sold off to a developer for private homes.

The state government now claims the block at 18a Miller Street in Preston  where more than 140 social and affordable homes were to be built  was never part of the Big Housing Build, despite its own documents showing the site was in the program.

The government-owned land on Miller Street in Preston. Credit: Joe Armao

The Sunday Age can also reveal that the Victorian government has signed a $100 million contract with John Holland for the demolition of the first three tower redevelopments in Carlton, Flemington and North Melbourne, despite an ongoing class action to stop them being knocked down.

The state government quietly removed 15 sites from the Big Housing Build to cut costs, The Age revealed last week, leaving hundreds of new social homes  set to be built on state-owned land  without funding.
Save Log in , register or subscribe to save articles for later. Save articles for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them any time. Got it Normal text size Larger text size Very large text size In our clamorous world with its ever-increasing distractions and demands, nothing is more healing to the mind and spirit than experiencing a special place of peace and quiet. Feeling your heartbeat slow, your muscles release and your thoughts start to expand and drift. Opening your senses to your surroundings and noticing tiny details you might otherwise have overlooked  this is the joy of quiet places. Quietude may not always equate to silence. Sometimes it does, such as at One Square Inch of Silence in the United States and other official Quiet Parks designated by acoustic ecologists. The places of almost pure silence include seemingly endless deserts, cathedral-like forests and lonely moors. But quiet places are often full of the soothing sounds of nature  water running, birdsong, wind singing in the grass or sand, or even the crack and boom of calving ice such as in Antarctica. They are also man-made places where human voices are hushed from a sense of the sacred  Thai temples, ancient Mayan ruins, museums and libraries. In this edited extract of Lonely Planets new book The Joy of Quiet Places, we highlight pockets where the worlds travails will surely fall away as they inspire in-the-moment awe. May it encourage you to find your own piece of peacefulness.

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The open steppe, Kyrgyzstan Kyrgyzstan Credit: Shutterstock Envision a landscape without a single wall, fence or pylon to break your line of view. A place where your eye can canter unreined to the barrier-less horizon. Where you rise from the saddle and feel your horse fly across grasslands unchanged since the era of Genghis Khan, the wind streaking fresh and clear across your face. Travel by horse and youre part of the landscape in Kyrgyzstan. Kyrgyzstan is often said to be one of the least-known countries in the world; a land of sapphire-blue lakes and the snow-dusted Tien Shan (meaning Mountains of Heaven) that perches so high that Chinese monk Xuanzang warned travellers of dragons when he wrote about his travels through the country en route to India in the seventh century. Few places in the world offer so much wilderness that is free from jungle-y bugs, or toothy predators. Dont miss Yes, you can travel by four-wheel drive, but the engine roars are too loud to listen to the voices of the ancestors. Travelling by horse, if you can, fills you with awe, that most craved of feelings. Essentials The main international airport in Kyrgyzstan is Manas, 25 kilometres from the capital, Bishkek. A guided tour is the best option. Its best to ride in June or September, when temperatures are clement. See discoverkyrgyzstan.org Lamu Island, Kenya Dhow sailboats at sunset in Lamu Island, Kenya. Credit: Shutterstock

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Drift into an African sunset, sailing a traditional Kenyan dhow, Hippo Dhow. It is the antidote to anxiety. Powered by the wind, this boat and those like it  which have been plying the East African coastline for centuries  feel timeless. Lamu Island, off Kenyas east coast, about 48 kilometres south of Somalia, is home to the oldest continuously occupied Swahili town in East Africa. Time appears to stand still here. Dhows, which once served mainly as a source of transport between Lamu, islands in the archipelago and the mainland, are now a source of income for locals. They take travellers on meditative journeys, where the past and present collide as smoothly as the sun disappears into the Indian Oceans darkening blue hues. Dont miss Days can be spent shopping the unique local boutiques, indulging in a samosa cooking class, swimming in the calm, clear blue sea, or reading from a guesthouses breezy balcony, the silence interrupted only by the lyrical call to prayer from one of the islands more than 30 mosques. Essentials The best way to reach Lamu Island is to fly to Manda Airport on Manda Island, just across the channel. Multiple airlines fly here from Nairobi and Kenyan coastal cities. Bookings are required for the cruise. See facebook.com/hippodhow Torres del Paine National Park, Patagonia, Chile Torres del Paine National Park. Credit: Shutterstock This is landscape at its most heroic  a huddle of granite mountains rising near the southernmost tip of South America, ringed by blue lakes and buffeted by weather from the Atlantic and Pacific. Vast crowds, accordingly, come to this part of Chile  to admire raging waterfalls, to try to spot pumas and to hike the trails. The way to give them the slip is to regard Torres del Paine from a novel angle  on a kayak, so the only sound you hear is the slosh of your paddle in frigid water. Glide through the glacial Grey Lake, a 14.5-kilometre stretch at the parks western end. Here, in an easy days paddling, you can become intimately acquainted with the Patagonian ice which, aeons ago, sculpted this landscape  and be humbled in its presence. Dont miss For another perspective on the Grey Glacier, consider joining one of the hiking tours along its icy spine.

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Essentials The gateway to Torres del Paine National Park is Puerto Natales  its airport is served by seasonal flights from the Chilean capital, Santiago. From here, regular buses run into the park. High season is from December to February. Organise a kayaking trip with an operator such as Kayak en Patagonia. See parquetorresdelpaine.cl; kayakenpatagonia.com Erg Chigaga, Morocco Sand dunes of Erg Chigaga. Credit: Shutterstock Getting a taste of caravan life in the Sahara Desert. Sleeping on the dunes, safari-style tents form a wide circle, facing the open-air gathering space in the centre of the encampment. The scent of saffron, cinnamon, dried apricots and freshly roasted lamb still hangs in the air after the evenings feast. Travellers whove made the trip out speak in hushed tones beneath the myriad stars of the Milky Way. They sip steaming cups of mint tea and edge closer to the fire  the chill night air a dramatic change from the torrid temperatures of just a few hours ago. Watching the fire dance while listening to the swirling hypnotic rhythms, its easy to feel transported into another century  to a time when caravans crisscrossed the Sahara on impressive overland journeys. Dont miss Moroccos natural wonders dont end at the desert. Hidden in the eastern reaches of the Atlas Mountains, the Todra Gorge is a deep limestone river canyon that narrows in places to just 10 metres wide. Sunlight streams across the soaring cliffs in the morning, making for some memorable quiet time among the towering canyon walls. Essentials Daily CTM buses connect Marrakesh with both Zagora and MHamid. From either town, you can arrange overnight trips into the desert. After the scorching summer heat, October makes an ideal month to visit. Zagora offers a wide range of lodging. See visitmorocco.com/en Hoh Rainforest, Washington State, US

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Hoh Rain Forest, Olympic National Park, Washington state. Credit: Shutterstock Visiting the Hoh Rainforest in the Olympic National Park is not easy. The dense temperate rainforest is in the farthest north-western corner of the US, on the majestic but remote Olympic Peninsula. But hike past the layers of green on the Hall of Mosses Trail to the Hoh River Trail. And then  about five kilometres up  youll encounter One Square Inch of Silence. The moniker was given to this spot by Gordon Hempton, an acoustic ecologist who has highlighted the last remaining quiet places in the continental US  all free from the sounds of aircraft, highways or the hustle and bustle of modernity. The Hoh is the reigning champion of silence. For now. Navy jets and social media both threaten the natural silence with human-made additions. Dont miss The Olympic Peninsula hosts isolated beaches where you can stretch out and take a long, deep, quiet breath. Essentials The Olympic National Park is an up to four-hour drive from Seattles SeaTac Airport. No roads go through the park, and public transport is extremely limited. September and October see autumnal colours, elk in rutting season and far fewer crowds. See nps.gov Ilulissat Icefjord, Greenland Greenland icefjord. Credit: Shutterstock Some 250 kilometres north of the Arctic Circle on the shores of Disko Bay, the Greenland ice cap reaches the sea at the Ilulissat Icefjord. Rich in Inuit history and a feeding ground for migrating whales, the Sermeq Kujalleq Glacier is one of the most active and fastest-moving in the world, and has been the object of scientific attention for more than 200 years. It was Greenlands first UNESCO World Heritage Site. Ilulissat Icefjord Centre is a year-round visitor facility and an architectural gem. It houses exhibitions on ice and evolution on both a local and global scale. Designed by architect Dorte Mandrup, its gently sloping, curved wooden roof serves as an open terrace and viewing platform that overlooks the Icefjord and Disko Bay, leading down to the start of the boardwalk. Heading back towards town, the melancholic howls of sled dogs pierce the air. Back in the reality of day-to-day life, a visit to the Icefjord becomes a humbling experience.

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We recently compiled a list of the 10 Best Artificial Intelligence (AI) Stocks To Buy According to Financial Media. In this article, we are going to take a look at where ServiceNow, Inc. (NYSE:NOW) stands against the other artificial intelligence stocks recommended by financial media.

CEO Says AI is "Gonna Keep Providing Value"

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has now become a technology that most people are increasingly familiar with. With AI seeping into almost every aspect of life, from the ads you see on social media apps to the autonomous driving cars many consumers are shifting to. It's not an overstatement to say that AI has become part and parcel of everyday life for every person using technology today. Considering the widespread use and application of AI technology, this area of the market has become an exciting area to invest in today.

With the recent big tech companies' earnings being released, many investors are wondering what role AI is playing in the tech markets today, and how it will develop. On August 2, Databricks CEO Ali Ghodsi joined CNBC's "The Exchange" to discuss this very development. Here are some of his comments:

"I think what's happening is two things. On the one hand, it's macroeconomy, which has been sort of turbulent for a long period of time, and it seems to be now coming to an end, where we see it on the job market and people are seeing it on inflation and the 10-year coming down and so on. On the other hand, we see AI. People are very excited, they know it's gonna absolutely change the whole world, and that huge investments have been done by the hyperscalers in AI. But for us as a company, we've been investing in data and AI for the 10 years, and you know we see a steady growth revenue and customers getting value out of it, but theres been a huge deployment of capital... I think AI is gonna be amazing, it's gonna keep providing value."

Ghodsi's comments clarify the market's current opinion on AI, namely that this is an area of tech that cannot be ignored and must be invested in to the maximum. However, in light of such a market opinion, many investors may be beginning to wonder whether the huge amounts of investments being made in AI are justified or whether we are merely in what some may call an "AI bubble" that is definitely going to burst. Considering the immense value to be found in AI, though, many investors believe that such huge deployments of capital are, in fact, justified.

West Coast's Smartphone Giant: AI Stock or Not?

Considering the above, it's unsurprising that several big tech companies are part of the rat race to invest in and develop AI technologies. However, one notable absence in most lists of the best AI stocks to buy that are being made by financial media reporters is that of Apple. Many investors are beginning to take note of the fact that it is lagging behind other big tech companies that are rapidly developing AI tech. On August 6, Lightshed Partners' Walter Piecyk's shared his view on the smartphone maker's AI moves on CNBC's "Squawk Box".

"I signed up as a developer for the latest development or the latest release of iOS 18. I've been using the intelligent series - not that much better... There's a lot of work that's obviously gonna be done between now and when this is formally released. I just don't see it, for this year and for next year having some a big impact."

Investors may be better served by shifting to purer AI plays. For this reason, we have compiled a list of the best AI stocks to buy according to financial media, to offer insights into what companies are actually doing well in the AI space today. Our list includes some of the best AI stocks to buy, according to analysts, and some of the companies offering the top AI SEO tools in 2024 as well.

Our Methodology

We selected AI stocks that made the top AI stocks lists of various financial news reporters, such as Forbes, Motley Fool, Nasdaq, US News, and NerdWallet. We then shortlisted and ranked the stocks based on the number of hedge funds holding stakes in them, from the lowest to the highest, by using Insider Monkey's hedge fund data for the first quarter of 2024.

Why are we interested in the stocks that hedge funds pile into? The reason is simple: our research has shown that we can outperform the market by imitating the top stock picks of the best hedge funds. Our quarterly newsletters strategy selects 14 small-cap and large-cap stocks every quarter and has returned 275% since May 2014, beating its benchmark by 150 percentage points. (see more details here).

data center

A team of software engineers at desks working on code for a cutting-edge cloud computing solution.

Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 90

ServiceNow, Inc. (NYSE:NOW) is a systems software company based in Santa Clara, California. Over the past three years, the company has seen good EPS growth, with analysts expecting it to continue with growth of 20.9% over 2025. According to Forbes, ServiceNow, Inc. (NYSE:NOW) is a rare growth stock with the tendency to trade cheaply, making it a potentially lucrative and attractive investment for growth investors. The company should also be considered in light of its growing influence in the Asia-Pacific region, with a strong focus on leveraging AI to help various organizations orchestrate business processes across business functions. ServiceNow, Inc. (NYSE:NOW) is particularly emphasizing generative AI to help its customers streamline workflows and processes.

We saw 90 hedge funds long ServiceNow, Inc. (NYSE:NOW) in the first quarter, with a total stake value of $6.2 billion.

Overall NOW ranks 9th on our list of the best artificial intelligence stocks to buy according to financial media. You can visit 10 Best Artificial Intelligence (AI) Stocks To Buy According to Financial Media to see the other artificial intelligence stocks that are on hedge funds radar. While we acknowledge the potential for NOW as an investment, our conviction lies in the belief that AI stocks hold greater promise for delivering higher returns, and doing so within a shorter timeframe. If you are looking for an AI stock that is more promising than NOW but that trades at less than 5 times its earnings, check out our report about the cheapest AI stock.

READ NEXT: Analyst Sees a New $25 Billion Opportunity for NVIDIA and Jim Cramer is Recommending These 10 Stocks in June.

Disclosure: None. This article is originally published at Insider Monkey.
Ukrainian forces broke across the border on Tuesday in a thrust that caught the Russian military by surprise after months of gradual advances in eastern Ukraine by Moscows forces. Politicians and the military are referring to a Ukrainian invasion nearly two and a half years after Russia launched its own full-scale invasion of its neighbour. People from the Kursk region of Russia leave as the fighting continues. Credit: AP Authorities have declared a federal state of emergency in Kursk. Two days after military Chief of Staff Valery Gerasimov reported to Putin that the advance had been halted, Russias defence ministry said its forces continue to repel an attempted invasion by the armed forces of Ukraine into the territory of the Russian Federation.

Interfax news agency quoted the ministry as saying that Russia was sending in columns of reinforcements with Grad multiple-launch rocket systems, artillery and tanks. This photo released by acting Kursk regional governor Alexei Smirnov on Telegram channel showed damage from Ukrainian shelling in Sudzha. Credit: AP The video purporting to show Ukrainian forces in control of a gas measuring facility run by Russian energy giant Gazprom in the town of Sudzha in the Kursk region was Ukraines first pictorial acknowledgement of its troops advance. The town is controlled by the armed forces of Ukraine, the town is calm, all buildings are intact, a soldier in the video said, adding that the strategic Gazprom facility was under the control of a Ukrainian battalion. Reuters could not verify the video, and the Ukrainian militarys general staff have not commented.

Ukraines President Volodymyr Zelensky has maintained a strict silence on the operation, though he dropped some clear hints last week without referring to Kursk. Praising his armys ability to surprise in his nightly video address, he thanked army units who had taken Russian servicemen prisoner to be used in later negotiations. This is extremely important and has been particularly effective over the past three days, he said. Ben Barry, land warfare analyst at the International Institute for Strategic Studies, said that while Ukraines wider strategic goals were unclear, it had exposed Russian shortcomings and overturned the conventional wisdom that neither side could advance without heavy losses.

They clearly have achieved a degree of surprise which suggests that Russias ability to do intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance is inadequate, he said in a phone interview. The United States announced a new $US125 million ($190.2 million) package of aid for Ukraine, including Stinger missiles, artillery ammunition, and anti-armour systems. Zelensky expressed thanks, saying the equipment was vital for our forces to counter Russian assaults. A Russian video showed apparent airstrikes against advancing Ukrainians in the Kursk region. Credit: nna\KCampbell Advance into Russia Russias Defence Ministry released its own video, which it said showed a drone destroying a Ukrainian tank and howitzer near Sudzha. Reuters was able to verify the location.

The ministry said that in the previous 24 hours, Russian troops, air strikes, and artillery had suppressed raid attempts by enemy units deep into Russian territory. Russian military chief Valery Gerasimov previously said the Ukrainian attack had been repelled. Credit: AP It said that Ukraine had lost some 945 soldiers and 102 armoured vehicles during the fighting near Kursk, without mentioning any Russian losses. On Wednesday, Russian military chief Valery Gerasimov said up to 1000 Ukrainian troops were participating in the attack. Reuters could not verify the battlefield accounts. The Institute for the Study of War said geolocated footage and Russian accounts indicated that Ukrainian forces had continued rapid advances.

There were unconfirmed reports from Russian sources of Ukrainians pushing as deep as 35 kilometres into Russian territory. Rybar, a Russian military blog, said Ukrainian units had entered village after village and ambushed arriving Russian reinforcements. Meanwhile, a Russian air-launched missile slammed into a Ukrainian shopping mall in the middle of the day, killing at least 14 people and wounding 44 others, Ukrainian authorities said. The mall in Kostiantynivka, in the eastern Donetsk region, was located in the towns residential area. After the strike, thick black smoke rose above the area. This is another targeted attack on a crowded place, another act of terror by the Russians, Donetsk regional head Vadym Filashkin said on Telegram.
'The new Government needs to get a grip, and fast, and make sure the streets are secure from thugs and troublemakers' - Behlul Cetinkaya/Anadolu via Getty Images

The riots wont make any difference, according to Antonio Simoes, the head of the city giant L&G. Global money will still pour into the UK.

Meanwhile, the Government is pressing ahead with its first International Investment Summit scheduled for the middle of October, just ahead of the Budget. Chancellor Rachel Reeves and Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer are placing a big bet that their emphasis on stability, with the grown-ups back in charge, will bring global corporations back into the UK and boost growth.

But hold on. Who are they kidding?

In reality the image we are projecting to the world, of rioting, an epidemic of shoplifting, expropriation of assets and punitive taxes, could deter many from investing here. The one thing investors care about most are property rights  and they are not secure in Labours lawless, high-tax Britain. The likes of Simoes could be wide of the mark if the big money begins to avoid the UK.

It is at least an optimistic view. Asked about whether the riots that have played out across the streets of the UK over the last week would deter investors from the UK, Simoes argued that was unlikely.

I dont see that, he said. Most investors invest based on the fundamentals of the economy. There is a pent-up demand for investment in the UK, and having political and fiscal stability is really important.

That will be music to the ears of Starmer and Reeves. The Treasury announced this week that the first major corporations have been signed up for the Investment Summit we are holding in October.

Modelled on the glittering events hosted by Frances President Emmanuel Macron at Versailles, although probably not quite as glamorous and without the same magnificent food and wine, the new administration is planning to host more than 300 industry leaders and to sell them their message that restoring stability will make the UK one of the best places to invest again.

Macron has wooed the likes of Elon Musk at his 'Choose France' summits - Ludovic Marin/Pool via REUTERS

It is a core part of their strategy. Taxes might be going up, and labour regulations becoming more burdensome, but a wave of inward investment will help lift growth, one of Labours key pledges.

The trouble is, the events of the last week have made that seem unlikely. For the last few days, the images from many of the UKs major cities have been of burning cars, looted shops, and our police struggling to impose order.

The Prime Minister has been drawn into a public row with Elon Musk, the owner of X, about the causes of the riots, and referencing clampdowns on social media.

Certainly, most of us in the UK were fortunately not directly impacted by the social unrest. Even so it slightly undermined Labours promise of an end to the chaos.

Story continues

That comes against a backdrop of rising lawlessness. We have seen a huge increase in shoplifting over the last few years, with many major chains having to put alcohol and even meat behind locked cabinets to stop it being stolen, and shopkeepers complaining that theft has now turned into a major cost.

The Governments decision to empty out the jails is hardly going to fix that, nor is there any sign that it is willing to get a grip on the policing of minor crime, no matter how many costs it imposes on businesses as well as on society.

What is more, the Starmer administration is intent on extracting as much money from businesses and investors as possible. We have seen that in a whole series of ways.

A black hole has mysteriously appeared in government finances, despite pre-election assurances from Labour that they had seen the books. They are laying the groundwork for tax rises in the autumn, many of which will fall on businesses.

Windfall taxes are imposed with gleeful enthusiasm on any company that miraculously manages to make a profit that some minister deems excessive.

Pension funds will be told to invest in government-approved infrastructure, though asset managers ought to put their clients money in stocks they think will deliver the best returns.

On top of that, there is surely now a risk the Government begins expropriating assets. Look at how it has taken the railways back into public ownership, the likely nationalisation of Thames Water, the war on landlords.

Consider the planning reforms pushed by Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner, with her determination to reduce the compensation paid to landowners, as well as dismissing their rights as irrelevant.

Nothing matters more to investors than the primacy of property rights. If you dont own the asset you are building, and if you cant earn the income that it will hopefully generate, then there is no point in putting your money in.

We may already be starting to see the impact of these measures. Sterling was the worst performing G10 currency over the last month according to Bloomberg, bringing its recovery in the run up to the election to a juddering halt. That is hardly a sign of a country the global money markets want to back.

The new Government needs to get a grip, and fast, and make sure the streets are secure from thugs and troublemakers. It needs to put an end to the epidemic of theft. And perhaps most of all it needs to make sure that investors are left to make their own decisions and earn a fair return on their money.

If that doesnt happen, the ritzy summits and droning speeches about stability wont make any difference. It can give up on foreign investment  and it can give up on growth as well.

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CP Dr SINGAL SUSPENDS Three police officers forallowing cheating by aspirants





Staff Reporter :

Three police officers for allowing cheating by aspirants

IN A significant move, Commissioner of Police Dr Ravinder Singal on Thursday suspended three police personnel, including a SubInspector, for allegedly permitting candidates to use unfair means during a recent written test in the ongoing recruitment drive for the posts of constables. Those suspended are SubInspector Sanjay Chauhan, Head Constable Santosh Fakunde, and Constable Siddharth Lokhande. Chauhan was attached to the Special Branch, while Fakunde and Lokhande were posted at Gittikhadan and Jaripatka Police Stations respectively. The incident took place on July 28, 2024, during the written examination held at Yashwantrao Chavan Collegeof Engineering and DattaMeghe Medical College inWanadongri.

Chauhan wasassigned invigilation duties, with Fakunde and Lokhandeassisting him. During the exam, candidates were observed discussing questions openly andwriting answers without anyintervention from Chauhan, Fakunde and Lokhande. Upon receiving complaints, senior police officers reviewedCCTV footage from theexamination hall. The footagereportedly revealed suspiciousbehavior by Chauhan, Fakunde, and Lokhande, prompting an internal investigation. Commissioner Dr Singal, after being informed of the findings, ordered the immediate suspension of the three policemen for three months, pending further inquiry. This action comes despite clear instructions given by senior officials a day before the exam, urging all police personnel to remain vigilant and prevent any form of malpractice. The apparent disregardfor these directives byChauhan, Fakunde, andLokhande raised concernsabout the integrity of therecruitment process. The investigation is ongoing, and further disciplinaryactions may follow based onthe findings.
PIL against deletion of 3 SUBJECT Sin MBBS, High Court issues notices





Staff Reporter :

THE removal of three critical subjects from the MBBS curriculum: Respiratory Medicine, Emergency Medicine, and Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, has been challenged in the Nagpur Bench of the Bombay High Court through a Public Interest Litigation (PIL). While hearing the PIL, Justice Nitin Sambre and Justice Abhay Mantri have issued notice to the respondents - the Union of India Ministry of Health, the National Medical Commission (NMC), and the Undergraduate Medical Education Board (UGMEB). Prima facie, there appears to be substance in the contentions raised by the counsel for the petitioners. Issue notice for final disposal to the respondents, returnable on September 4, 2024, the Judges stated in the order. By removing these subjects, the petitioners claim that the UGMEB has exceeded its authority and potentially compromised the quality of medical education in India. They argue that this move undermines the standards set by the NMC and could negatively impact h e a l t h c a r e delivery, particularly in the context of rising road accidents and increasing respiratory diseases in India.

The contested guidelines, dated August 1, 2023, pertain to the framework for MBBS curriculum, while another set of guidelines issued on August 16, 2023, deals with the initiation of undergraduate medical courses. The petitioners contend that the UGMEB, an autonomous board created under the NMC Act of 2019, has overstepped its authority by deleting these subjects. They argue that the U G M E B  s actions contravene the regulations set forth by the NMC. The petitioners assert that the NMC, established under Section 3 of the NMC Act 2019, has the authority to frame regulations governing medical education, including the Minimum Requirements for Annual MBBS Admission Regulations 2020.

These regulations, issued on October 28, 2020, mandate the inclusion of 24 departments in medical institutions, including Respiratory Medicine, Emergency Medicine, and Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. The petitioners highlight the critical role of the removed subjects in addressing contemporary health challenges. For instance, Respiratory Medicine is deemed essential due to the significant loss of life during the COVID-19 pandemic and ongoing concerns about respiratory diseases exacerbated by pollution and lifestyle factors. Similarly, Emergency Medicine and Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation are considered vital for effective patient care and recovery. The petition also raises concerns about the procedural validity of the guidelines, arguing that they should have received parliamentary approval as stipulated under Section 58 of the NMC Act 2019. The petitioners seek a judicial review to quash the UGMEB guidelines and restore the inclusion of the three subjects in the MBBS curriculum starting from 2024. The PIL was filed by Dr Rajesh Swarnkar, Treasurer of the Indian Chest Society, and Dr Ganesh Joshi, a member of the Indian Association of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. Advocate Dr Tushar Mandlekar, assisted by Advocate Tejas Fadnavis, represents the petitioners, while Adv Nandesh Deshpande, Deputy Solicitor General of India, is appearing for the Union of India.
SC stays Mumbai college circular banning hijab





Burqa, cap, naqab, ripped jeans were also banned on campus

NEW DELHI :

THE Supreme Court on Friday stayed a Mumbai colleges decision banning hijab, burqa, cap and naqab on the campus and said girl students must have the freedom to choose what they wear. A bench of Justices Sanjiv Khanna and Sanjay Kumar came down heavily on the Chembur Trombay Education Society, which runs the N G Acharya and D K Marathe College for issuing such a circular and asked whether it would ban bindi and tilak also. During the hearing, Justice Kumar asked senior advocate Madhavi Divan, appearing for the society, how was the college empowering the girl students by issuing such a circular. How are you empowering the women by telling them what to wear? I think its less said the better. Where is the freedom of choice for the women?

Where is freedom of choice of what to wear to the girl students? Educational institutions should not force their decisions on the girl students on what to wear, said Justice Kumar. Divan contended that the college is a co-educational institution and the intention behind the directive is to ensure that the religious faiths of the students are not revealed. The lawyer said the circular was not limited to hijab, burqa or naqab but extended to even ripped jeans and other such attire. Unimpressed, Justice Khanna asked Will the students names not reveal their religious identity? and added Religion is in their names also. Do not impose such rules. Justice Kumar further observed, You have suddenly woken up to the fact that they are wearing it and come out with instructions. It is unfortunate. After so many years of Independence, you have come to know there are so many religions in this country.

The bench issued notice to the education society and sought its response by November 18. We partly stay clause 2 of the impugned circular to the extent that it directs that no hijab, no cap, no badges will be allowed in the campus. We hope and trust this interimorder is not misused by anybody, the bench ordered. It granted liberty to the educational society and the collegeto approach the court in caseof any misuse of the order. Senior advocate ColinGonsalves and advocate AbihaZaidi, appearing for the petitioners, including Zainab AbdulQayyum, submitted that students were not able to attendthe classes due to the circular.The girl students have beenwearing hijab for the past fouryears, Gonsalves said, addingthat now they are beingstopped from attending theclasses.
TOUGH TASK





WITH the Nobel laureate Prof Muhammad Yunus taking oath as the head of the interim Government in crisis-ridden Bangladesh, the world sees a promise of restoration of peace and normalcy in the country. In this regard, Prof Yunus will have to do a lot of balancing and create an atmosphere conducive to restoration of democracy in right spirit. Since the violent protests forcing ouster of Ms. Sheikh Hasina Wajed from the position of Prime Minister, and also forcing her to flee from Bangladesh, the military took over. Bangladesh Army chief General Waker-uz-Zaman gave a matured response by assuring to help form the interim Government instead of declaring himself to be a military dictator, which has happened in countries like Pakistan. So far, the Army chief appears to be living up to the promise made to Bangladeshi citizens. When the clamour started for ProfYunus to head the interim Government, it happened smoothly, raising hopes that peace would be restored soon. Prof Yunus being at the helm of affairs in the strife-torn country also raises hopes that he would offer not only academic but also economic leadership. He rightly assured safety to Bangladeshi citizens and urged them to assist in rebuilding the country.

Now, the world and the neighbourhood, especially India, look forward to the honest words of Prof Yunus getting translated into sincere action on ground when it comes to ensuring safety to all Bangladeshi citizens including the minority Hindus. The targeted killing of minority Hindus in Bangladesh during the violent protests had raised concerns about the direction of the protesters. Against this backdrop, Prof Yunus words offer some promise. The high expectations from Prof Yunus also stem from the fact that he has himself suffered despite his monumental contribution to the concept of micro-credit and microfinance. Not long ago, he was sentenced to six-month imprisonment for violating Bangladeshs labour laws. Many viewed the case as politically motivated. For, they believed in the man who had founded highly acclaimed Grameen Bank and expanded the idea to start Grameen Telecom.

The economist-entrepreneur made tremendous contribution to poverty alleviation efforts in Bangladesh, and earned the trust of the ordinary citizens. Hence, as soon as the Hasina Government was ousted, the protesters favoured ProfYunus name for heading the interim Government Since Bangladesh has undergone a major upheaval in its history, now is the time for the country and its people to make right choices. The country stands at a crucial juncture, where any wrong decision might throw its people into abyss -- of fundamentalism or poverty. Here, Prof Yunus faces a tough task. He has to not only strike a fine political balance between competing forces, but also soothe the nerves of the students. He has to draw lessons from the past, apply them in the present, to shape a bright future for Bangladesh. At his age, experience, and expertise, he has to make sure that costs incurred by Bangladesh prove to be investment in evolutionary process, and convert those into dividends of restoration of democracy and peace, protection of economic interests of the country, and rekindling of the spirit of communal harmony for the societal well-being. Another tough task he faces is to deradicalise the youth of the country so as to enable them to find their good place in the vast open world. Of course, the tasks are not easy to accomplish. But, then, a true leader is tested only in tough situations. The world, and India, hope that Prof Muhammad Yunus proves to be a leader with immense promise.
BDF Gestion acquired a new stake in shares of Encompass Health Co. (NYSE:EHC  Free Report) in the second quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the SEC. The firm acquired 30,837 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $2,646,000.

Other institutional investors have also modified their holdings of the company. Principal Securities Inc. purchased a new position in shares of Encompass Health during the 4th quarter valued at about $25,000. Benjamin F. Edwards & Company Inc. raised its stake in shares of Encompass Health by 360.2% during the 4th quarter. Benjamin F. Edwards & Company Inc. now owns 405 shares of the companys stock valued at $27,000 after buying an additional 317 shares during the last quarter. GAMMA Investing LLC purchased a new position in shares of Encompass Health during the 4th quarter valued at about $33,000. Parallel Advisors LLC raised its stake in shares of Encompass Health by 192.3% during the 4th quarter. Parallel Advisors LLC now owns 573 shares of the companys stock valued at $38,000 after buying an additional 377 shares during the last quarter. Finally, MeadowBrook Investment Advisors LLC purchased a new position in shares of Encompass Health during the 4th quarter valued at about $41,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 97.25% of the companys stock.

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Insider Buying and Selling

In related news, insider Elissa Joy Charbonneau sold 10,000 shares of Encompass Health stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, May 24th. The stock was sold at an average price of $85.02, for a total transaction of $850,200.00. Following the transaction, the insider now owns 18,594 shares in the company, valued at $1,580,861.88. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is accessible through this link. 2.10% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders.

Analyst Ratings Changes

Several equities analysts recently weighed in on EHC shares. Mizuho lifted their price target on Encompass Health from $93.00 to $95.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Thursday, April 25th. Leerink Partnrs upgraded Encompass Health to a strong-buy rating in a research report on Wednesday, July 10th. SVB Leerink assumed coverage on Encompass Health in a research report on Wednesday, July 10th. They set an outperform rating and a $100.00 target price on the stock. Truist Financial boosted their price target on shares of Encompass Health from $95.00 to $100.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Monday, July 15th. Finally, Royal Bank of Canada increased their price objective on shares of Encompass Health from $83.00 to $95.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a report on Wednesday, May 22nd. Nine analysts have rated the stock with a buy rating and two have given a strong buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Buy and an average target price of $99.88.

Check Out Our Latest Research Report on EHC

Encompass Health Price Performance

Shares of NYSE EHC traded down $1.37 during midday trading on Friday, hitting $85.72. The stock had a trading volume of 759,309 shares, compared to its average volume of 659,747. The company has a market capitalization of $8.63 billion, a PE ratio of 23.54, a P/E/G ratio of 1.45 and a beta of 0.89. The stock has a 50 day simple moving average of $86.49 and a 200-day simple moving average of $81.41. Encompass Health Co. has a 1 year low of $57.55 and a 1 year high of $94.38. The company has a quick ratio of 1.37, a current ratio of 1.37 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.14.

Encompass Health (NYSE:EHC  Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Monday, August 5th. The company reported $1.11 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.01 by $0.10. The business had revenue of $1.30 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $1.30 billion. Encompass Health had a return on equity of 18.01% and a net margin of 7.60%. The businesss quarterly revenue was up 9.6% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter last year, the business posted $0.95 earnings per share. On average, sell-side analysts expect that Encompass Health Co. will post 4.09 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Encompass Health Increases Dividend

The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, October 15th. Investors of record on Tuesday, October 1st will be given a dividend of $0.17 per share. This is an increase from Encompass Healths previous quarterly dividend of $0.15. The ex-dividend date is Tuesday, October 1st. This represents a $0.68 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 0.79%. Encompass Healths dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 18.38%.

Encompass Health Company Profile

(Free Report)

Encompass Health Corporation provides post-acute healthcare services in the United States and Puerto Rico. It owns and operates inpatient rehabilitation hospitals that provide medical, nursing, therapy, and ancillary services. The company provides specialized rehabilitative treatment on an inpatient basis to patients who have experienced physical or cognitive disabilities or injuries due to medical conditions, such as strokes, hip fractures, and various debilitating neurological conditions.

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Broadridge Financial Solutions (NYSE:BR  Get Free Report) updated its FY 2025 earnings guidance on Tuesday. The company provided earnings per share guidance of 8.350-8.660 for the period, compared to the consensus earnings per share estimate of 8.440. The company issued revenue guidance of -. Broadridge Financial Solutions also updated its FY25 guidance to $8.35-$8.66 EPS.

Analyst Ratings Changes

A number of brokerages have commented on BR. DA Davidson restated a neutral rating and set a $185.00 price objective on shares of Broadridge Financial Solutions in a research report on Tuesday, June 11th. StockNews.com cut shares of Broadridge Financial Solutions from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Saturday, July 20th. Royal Bank of Canada upped their price target on shares of Broadridge Financial Solutions from $239.00 to $246.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research note on Wednesday. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. upped their price target on shares of Broadridge Financial Solutions from $213.00 to $224.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research note on Wednesday. Five analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and three have assigned a buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the company currently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $213.17.

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Broadridge Financial Solutions Price Performance

NYSE BR traded down $1.56 during trading hours on Friday, reaching $214.48. The companys stock had a trading volume of 415,112 shares, compared to its average volume of 513,552. The stock has a market cap of $25.35 billion, a PE ratio of 36.60 and a beta of 1.04. Broadridge Financial Solutions has a fifty-two week low of $166.73 and a fifty-two week high of $223.81. The companys 50-day moving average is $203.70 and its two-hundred day moving average is $201.41. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.55, a quick ratio of 1.39 and a current ratio of 1.39.

Broadridge Financial Solutions (NYSE:BR  Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, August 6th. The business services provider reported $3.50 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $3.49 by $0.01. The firm had revenue of $1.94 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $1.96 billion. Broadridge Financial Solutions had a net margin of 10.92% and a return on equity of 40.88%. The firms revenue was up 5.7% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the prior year, the company earned $3.21 EPS. Analysts forecast that Broadridge Financial Solutions will post 7.72 EPS for the current year.

Broadridge Financial Solutions Increases Dividend

The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, October 3rd. Shareholders of record on Thursday, September 12th will be paid a dividend of $0.88 per share. This is a boost from Broadridge Financial Solutionss previous quarterly dividend of $0.80. This represents a $3.52 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 1.64%. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, September 12th. Broadridge Financial Solutionss dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 54.61%.

Insiders Place Their Bets

In other Broadridge Financial Solutions news, VP Thomas P. Carey sold 2,500 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Monday, May 20th. The shares were sold at an average price of $200.40, for a total transaction of $501,000.00. Following the sale, the vice president now directly owns 9,361 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $1,875,944.40. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through the SEC website. In other news, VP Laura Matlin sold 673 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Thursday, August 8th. The shares were sold at an average price of $216.00, for a total transaction of $145,368.00. Following the transaction, the vice president now directly owns 5,530 shares in the company, valued at approximately $1,194,480. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available at this hyperlink. Also, VP Thomas P. Carey sold 2,500 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Monday, May 20th. The stock was sold at an average price of $200.40, for a total transaction of $501,000.00. Following the transaction, the vice president now owns 9,361 shares in the company, valued at $1,875,944.40. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders have sold 6,646 shares of company stock valued at $1,334,230 in the last ninety days. Insiders own 1.60% of the companys stock.

Broadridge Financial Solutions Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc provides investor communications and technology-driven solutions for the financial services industry. The company's Investor Communication Solutions segment processes and distributes proxy materials to investors in equity securities and mutual funds, as well as facilitates related vote processing services; and distributes regulatory reports, class action, and corporate action/reorganization event information, as well as tax reporting solutions.

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Carl Zeiss Meditec AG (ETR:AFX  Get Free Report) reached a new 52-week low during mid-day trading on Wednesday . The company traded as low as 60.20 ($66.15) and last traded at 61.65 ($67.75), with a volume of 417187 shares changing hands. The stock had previously closed at 63.40 ($69.67).

Carl Zeiss Meditec Stock Up 1.4 %

The company has a market capitalization of $5.59 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 21.33, a P/E/G ratio of 3.45 and a beta of 0.93. The businesss 50-day moving average is 69.14 and its 200-day moving average is 93.05. The company has a quick ratio of 2.47, a current ratio of 3.51 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 6.74.

About Carl Zeiss Meditec

(Get Free Report)

Carl Zeiss Meditec AG operates as a medical technology company in Germany, rest of Europe, North America, and Asia. It operates in two segments, Ophthalmology and Microsurgery. The Ophthalmology segment offers products and solutions for the diagnosis and treatment of chronic eye diseases, such as ametropia (refraction), cataracts, glaucoma, and renital disorders.

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Comstock Resources, Inc. (NYSE:CRK  Get Free Report) major shareholder Star Exploration Corp Blue acquired 825,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Monday, August 5th. The stock was acquired at an average price of $8.16 per share, for a total transaction of $6,732,000.00. Following the completion of the purchase, the insider now owns 195,646,429 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $1,596,474,860.64. The purchase was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. Major shareholders that own 10% or more of a companys shares are required to disclose their transactions with the SEC.

Star Exploration Corp Blue also recently made the following trade(s):

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On Wednesday, August 7th, Star Exploration Corp Blue purchased 825,868 shares of Comstock Resources stock. The stock was acquired at an average price of $8.82 per share, for a total transaction of $7,284,155.76.

Comstock Resources Price Performance

Shares of CRK opened at $9.76 on Friday. The firm has a market capitalization of $2.85 billion, a PE ratio of 44.34 and a beta of 0.51. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.21, a current ratio of 0.59 and a quick ratio of 0.64. Comstock Resources, Inc. has a fifty-two week low of $7.07 and a fifty-two week high of $13.39. The companys 50-day moving average is $10.53 and its 200-day moving average is $9.59.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

Comstock Resources ( NYSE:CRK Get Free Report ) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, July 30th. The oil and gas producer reported ($0.20) earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of ($0.16) by ($0.04). The firm had revenue of $246.80 million for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $296.02 million. Comstock Resources had a negative return on equity of 1.38% and a negative net margin of 1.48%. The firms revenue for the quarter was down 14.4% on a year-over-year basis. Equities analysts forecast that Comstock Resources, Inc. will post -0.13 EPS for the current year.

Several equities research analysts have recently weighed in on the stock. KeyCorp began coverage on shares of Comstock Resources in a report on Thursday, June 27th. They issued a sector weight rating on the stock. Stifel Nicolaus dropped their price target on Comstock Resources from $14.00 to $13.50 and set a buy rating on the stock in a research note on Tuesday, April 23rd. Wolfe Research initiated coverage on Comstock Resources in a research note on Thursday, July 18th. They set a peer perform rating for the company. The Goldman Sachs Group lifted their price objective on Comstock Resources from $9.00 to $10.00 and gave the stock a sell rating in a research report on Tuesday, May 28th. Finally, Truist Financial lifted their price objective on Comstock Resources from $8.00 to $9.00 and gave the stock a hold rating in a report on Monday, July 22nd. Three investment analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, seven have given a hold rating and two have issued a buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company presently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $10.25.

Check Out Our Latest Analysis on CRK

Institutional Trading of Comstock Resources

Large investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Blue Trust Inc. purchased a new stake in Comstock Resources in the second quarter valued at about $32,000. GAMMA Investing LLC lifted its holdings in shares of Comstock Resources by 428.9% in the 1st quarter. GAMMA Investing LLC now owns 4,771 shares of the oil and gas producers stock valued at $44,000 after purchasing an additional 3,869 shares during the last quarter. Hexagon Capital Partners LLC increased its position in Comstock Resources by 2,161.0% during the 1st quarter. Hexagon Capital Partners LLC now owns 4,929 shares of the oil and gas producers stock worth $46,000 after purchasing an additional 4,711 shares during the period. Forum Financial Management LP acquired a new stake in Comstock Resources during the 4th quarter valued at $90,000. Finally, Headlands Technologies LLC purchased a new position in shares of Comstock Resources in the 1st quarter worth $91,000. Institutional investors own 36.13% of the companys stock.

Comstock Resources Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Comstock Resources, Inc, an independent energy company, engages in the acquisition, exploration, development, and production of natural gas and oil properties in the United States. Its assets are located in the Haynesville and Bossier shales located in North Louisiana and East Texas. The company was incorporated in 1919 and is headquartered in Frisco, Texas.

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Palantir Technologies Inc. (NYSE:PLTR  Free Report)  Analysts at DA Davidson increased their FY2024 EPS estimates for shares of Palantir Technologies in a report issued on Tuesday, August 6th. DA Davidson analyst G. Luria now anticipates that the company will post earnings of $0.18 per share for the year, up from their previous estimate of $0.17. DA Davidson has a Neutral rating and a $28.00 price objective on the stock. The consensus estimate for Palantir Technologies current full-year earnings is $0.16 per share.

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Palantir Technologies (NYSE:PLTR  Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Monday, August 5th. The company reported $0.09 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.08 by $0.01. Palantir Technologies had a net margin of 12.79% and a return on equity of 8.28%. The business had revenue of $678.13 million for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $653.23 million. During the same quarter in the prior year, the business earned $0.01 EPS. Palantir Technologiess quarterly revenue was up 27.2% on a year-over-year basis.

A number of other research firms have also recently issued reports on PLTR. William Blair reiterated an underperform rating on shares of Palantir Technologies in a research report on Tuesday, May 7th. Wedbush reiterated an outperform rating and set a $35.00 price objective on shares of Palantir Technologies in a research report on Friday, August 2nd. Royal Bank of Canada restated an underperform rating and issued a $9.00 target price on shares of Palantir Technologies in a research report on Tuesday. Raymond James upped their price target on shares of Palantir Technologies from $25.00 to $30.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a report on Tuesday. Finally, Jefferies Financial Group raised their price objective on Palantir Technologies from $24.00 to $28.00 and gave the company a hold rating in a report on Monday, July 29th. Six research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, five have assigned a hold rating and four have given a buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, the company has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $23.14.

Read Our Latest Research Report on Palantir Technologies

Palantir Technologies Trading Up 2.5 %

Shares of NYSE:PLTR traded up $0.73 on Thursday, reaching $30.01. 88,131,106 shares of the companys stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 55,651,148. The company has a market capitalization of $66.83 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 250.17, a PEG ratio of 6.02 and a beta of 2.71. Palantir Technologies has a twelve month low of $13.68 and a twelve month high of $30.36. The company has a fifty day moving average of $25.97 and a 200-day moving average of $23.60.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On Palantir Technologies

Institutional investors and hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of the company. Evolution Wealth Advisors LLC lifted its position in shares of Palantir Technologies by 0.5% during the second quarter. Evolution Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 73,144 shares of the companys stock worth $1,853,000 after acquiring an additional 360 shares in the last quarter. First Horizon Advisors Inc. lifted its holdings in shares of Palantir Technologies by 2.6% in the second quarter. First Horizon Advisors Inc. now owns 15,235 shares of the companys stock worth $386,000 after buying an additional 379 shares in the last quarter. Gradient Investments LLC boosted its position in shares of Palantir Technologies by 21.4% in the second quarter. Gradient Investments LLC now owns 2,306 shares of the companys stock valued at $58,000 after acquiring an additional 406 shares during the period. Apella Capital LLC boosted its position in shares of Palantir Technologies by 3.7% in the second quarter. Apella Capital LLC now owns 11,791 shares of the companys stock valued at $323,000 after acquiring an additional 416 shares during the period. Finally, Valeo Financial Advisors LLC grew its stake in Palantir Technologies by 1.2% during the second quarter. Valeo Financial Advisors LLC now owns 36,177 shares of the companys stock valued at $916,000 after acquiring an additional 416 shares in the last quarter. 45.65% of the stock is owned by institutional investors.

Insider Buying and Selling

In related news, Director Lauren Elaina Friedman Stat sold 3,050 shares of the stock in a transaction on Thursday, August 1st. The stock was sold at an average price of $26.43, for a total value of $80,611.50. Following the completion of the sale, the director now directly owns 65,989 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $1,744,089.27. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this link. In other Palantir Technologies news, insider David A. Glazer sold 90,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Thursday, July 18th. The stock was sold at an average price of $29.36, for a total value of $2,642,400.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the insider now owns 298,012 shares in the company, valued at approximately $8,749,632.32. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through the SEC website. Also, Director Lauren Elaina Friedman Stat sold 3,050 shares of Palantir Technologies stock in a transaction on Thursday, August 1st. The stock was sold at an average price of $26.43, for a total value of $80,611.50. Following the sale, the director now owns 65,989 shares in the company, valued at $1,744,089.27. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders have sold 164,396 shares of company stock worth $4,389,707 in the last quarter. Insiders own 12.93% of the companys stock.

Palantir Technologies Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Palantir Technologies Inc builds and deploys software platforms for the intelligence community to assist in counterterrorism investigations and operations in the United States, the United Kingdom, and internationally. The company provides Palantir Gotham, a software platform which enables users to identify patterns hidden deep within datasets, ranging from signals intelligence sources to reports from confidential informants, as well as facilitates the handoff between analysts and operational users, helping operators plan and execute real-world responses to threats that have been identified within the platform.

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Delphi Energy Corp. (DEE.TO) (TSE:DEE  Get Free Report) passed above its two hundred day moving average during trading on Wednesday . The stock has a two hundred day moving average of C$0.00 and traded as high as C$0.40. Delphi Energy Corp. (DEE.TO) shares last traded at C$0.35, with a volume of 29,072 shares.

Delphi Energy Corp. (DEE.TO) Price Performance

The company has a 50-day simple moving average of C$0.35. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 140.95, a current ratio of 1.01 and a quick ratio of 0.63. The firm has a market capitalization of C$8.41 million and a price-to-earnings ratio of -0.06.

About Delphi Energy Corp. (DEE.TO)

(Get Free Report)

Delphi Energy Corp., an oil and natural gas company, explores for, develops, and produces crude oil, natural gas, and natural gas liquids in Western Canada. The company primarily holds interests in the Bigstone Montney property located in the Deep Basin of Northwest Alberta. It distributes natural gas through Alliance pipeline system in Chicago.

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Dine Brands Global (NYSE:DIN  Free Report) had its target price decreased by UBS Group from $56.00 to $51.00 in a report published on Thursday, Benzinga reports. UBS Group currently has a buy rating on the restaurant operators stock.

Several other research firms have also weighed in on DIN. Truist Financial reduced their price objective on Dine Brands Global from $71.00 to $66.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a research note on Thursday. StockNews.com lowered Dine Brands Global from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Wednesday. KeyCorp reduced their price objective on Dine Brands Global from $50.00 to $40.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a research note on Tuesday, July 9th. Piper Sandler reduced their price objective on Dine Brands Global from $49.00 to $48.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a research note on Thursday, May 9th. Finally, Wedbush reduced their price objective on Dine Brands Global from $37.00 to $34.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a research note on Thursday. Four research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and four have given a buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $48.86.

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View Our Latest Stock Report on DIN

Dine Brands Global Price Performance

NYSE:DIN traded up $0.44 during mid-day trading on Thursday, reaching $30.19. The companys stock had a trading volume of 669,082 shares, compared to its average volume of 353,400. The companys fifty day simple moving average is $35.45 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $41.66. Dine Brands Global has a twelve month low of $29.25 and a twelve month high of $58.51. The stock has a market cap of $465.08 million, a P/E ratio of 5.32 and a beta of 1.74.

Dine Brands Global (NYSE:DIN  Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, August 7th. The restaurant operator reported $1.71 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $1.64 by $0.07. The firm had revenue of $206.30 million for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $210.46 million. Dine Brands Global had a negative return on equity of 35.31% and a net margin of 10.59%. The firms quarterly revenue was down 1.0% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period last year, the company earned $1.82 EPS. Sell-side analysts expect that Dine Brands Global will post 6.16 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Dine Brands Global Dividend Announcement

The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, July 5th. Stockholders of record on Thursday, June 20th were issued a $0.51 dividend. The ex-dividend date was Thursday, June 20th. This represents a $2.04 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 6.76%. Dine Brands Globals dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 36.30%.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On Dine Brands Global

A number of institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in the company. Nisa Investment Advisors LLC boosted its position in Dine Brands Global by 10.6% during the 4th quarter. Nisa Investment Advisors LLC now owns 23,076 shares of the restaurant operators stock valued at $1,146,000 after purchasing an additional 2,213 shares during the period. Louisiana State Employees Retirement System acquired a new position in Dine Brands Global during the 4th quarter worth $387,000. Zurcher Kantonalbank Zurich Cantonalbank boosted its position in Dine Brands Global by 127.1% during the 4th quarter. Zurcher Kantonalbank Zurich Cantonalbank now owns 4,254 shares of the restaurant operators stock worth $211,000 after acquiring an additional 2,381 shares during the period. Harbor Advisors LLC acquired a new position in Dine Brands Global during the 4th quarter worth $223,000. Finally, South Dakota Investment Council boosted its position in Dine Brands Global by 18.0% during the 4th quarter. South Dakota Investment Council now owns 61,563 shares of the restaurant operators stock worth $3,057,000 after acquiring an additional 9,394 shares during the period. 92.83% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors.

Dine Brands Global Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Dine Brands Global, Inc, together with its subsidiaries, owns, franchises, and operates restaurants in the United States and internationally. The company operates through six segments: Applebee's Franchise Operations, International House of Pancakes (IHOP) Franchise Solutions, Fuzzy's franchise operations, Rental Operations, Financing Operations, and Company-Operated Restaurant Operations.

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Jaguar Mining (OTCMKTS:JAGGD  Get Free Report) is one of 112 public companies in the Metal Mining industry, but how does it contrast to its peers? We will compare Jaguar Mining to similar businesses based on the strength of its earnings, dividends, profitability, risk, analyst recommendations, valuation and institutional ownership.

Volatility & Risk

Jaguar Mining has a beta of 2.75, meaning that its stock price is 175% more volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, Jaguar Minings peers have a beta of 1.13, meaning that their average stock price is 13% more volatile than the S&P 500.

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Analyst Recommendations

This is a summary of recent ratings and price targets for Jaguar Mining and its peers, as provided by MarketBeat.

Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Jaguar Mining 0 0 0 0 N/A Jaguar Mining Competitors 1187 2559 3112 120 2.31

Dividends

As a group, Metal Mining companies have a potential upside of 38.31%. Given Jaguar Minings peers higher possible upside, analysts plainly believe Jaguar Mining has less favorable growth aspects than its peers.

Jaguar Mining pays an annual dividend of $0.25 per share and has a dividend yield of 9.2%. Jaguar Mining pays out 49.0% of its earnings in the form of a dividend. As a group, Metal Mining companies pay a dividend yield of 3.5% and pay out 83.4% of their earnings in the form of a dividend. Jaguar Mining is clearly a better dividend stock than its peers, given its higher yield and lower payout ratio.

Valuation & Earnings

This table compares Jaguar Mining and its peers top-line revenue, earnings per share (EPS) and valuation.

Gross Revenue Net Income Price/Earnings Ratio Jaguar Mining $97.23 million -$150,000.00 5.32 Jaguar Mining Competitors $6.79 billion $973.46 million -3.41

Jaguar Minings peers have higher revenue and earnings than Jaguar Mining. Jaguar Mining is trading at a higher price-to-earnings ratio than its peers, indicating that it is currently more expensive than other companies in its industry.

Profitability

This table compares Jaguar Mining and its peers net margins, return on equity and return on assets.

Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Jaguar Mining 28.17% 26.75% 17.80% Jaguar Mining Competitors -84.86% -3.67% -3.47%

Institutional & Insider Ownership

27.5% of shares of all Metal Mining companies are held by institutional investors. 12.8% of shares of all Metal Mining companies are held by company insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that hedge funds, endowments and large money managers believe a company is poised for long-term growth.

Summary

Jaguar Mining beats its peers on 7 of the 12 factors compared.

About Jaguar Mining

(Get Free Report)

Jaguar Mining, Inc. engages in the acquisition, exploration, development and operation of gold producing properties in Brazil. Its mining operations include Turmalina, Paciencia and Caete. The firm is also developing the Grurupi Project and exploring the Iron Quadrangle and Pedra Branca Project. The company was founded by Daniel R. Titcomb in 1984 and is headquartered Toronto, Canada.

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Shares of Funding Circle Holdings plc (LON:FCH  Get Free Report) were up 1.2% on Wednesday . The stock traded as high as GBX 103.73 ($1.33) and last traded at GBX 99.40 ($1.27). Approximately 842,763 shares were traded during trading, a decline of 33% from the average daily volume of 1,261,570 shares. The stock had previously closed at GBX 98.20 ($1.25).

Funding Circle Trading Up 1.5 %

The company has a current ratio of 2.64, a quick ratio of 3.33 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 28.16. The firm has a market capitalization of 330.94 million, a P/E ratio of -923.31 and a beta of 1.01. The firm has a 50-day moving average of GBX 98.01 and a two-hundred day moving average of GBX 65.93.

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Insider Buying and Selling

In related news, insider Oliver White purchased 2,186 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Monday, June 17th. The stock was bought at an average price of GBX 82 ($1.05) per share, with a total value of 1,792.52 ($2,290.76). 36.77% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders.

Funding Circle Company Profile

Funding Circle Holdings plc, together with its subsidiaries, provides online lending platforms in the United Kingdom, the United States, and internationally. The company offers small business loans, recovery loan schemes, and business finance solutions to small enterprises. It also provides flexipay and flexipay card solutions.

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Hecla Mining (NYSE:HL  Free Report) had its price objective decreased by Roth Mkm from $6.25 to $6.00 in a research note released on Thursday morning, Benzinga reports. Roth Mkm currently has a buy rating on the basic materials companys stock.

Other equities analysts have also issued reports about the company. StockNews.com raised Hecla Mining to a sell rating in a report on Thursday, May 9th. CIBC increased their target price on Hecla Mining from $6.75 to $7.50 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research report on Wednesday, May 22nd. Cibc World Mkts raised shares of Hecla Mining to a hold rating in a report on Wednesday, May 22nd. HC Wainwright reaffirmed a buy rating and issued a $10.25 price objective on shares of Hecla Mining in a report on Thursday. Finally, Cantor Fitzgerald upgraded shares of Hecla Mining to a strong-buy rating in a research report on Thursday, May 9th. One analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, two have given a hold rating, seven have issued a buy rating and one has given a strong buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, Hecla Mining presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $6.89.

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Hecla Mining Stock Up 0.6 %

Shares of HL stock traded up $0.03 during mid-day trading on Thursday, reaching $5.04. 5,640,335 shares of the company were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 8,263,292. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.34, a quick ratio of 1.00 and a current ratio of 1.67. The businesss 50 day simple moving average is $5.38 and its 200 day simple moving average is $4.89. The company has a market capitalization of $3.16 billion, a P/E ratio of -33.60 and a beta of 2.01. Hecla Mining has a fifty-two week low of $3.33 and a fifty-two week high of $6.35.

Hecla Mining (NYSE:HL  Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, August 6th. The basic materials company reported $0.02 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.01 by $0.01. Hecla Mining had a negative return on equity of 0.28% and a negative net margin of 12.22%. The business had revenue of $245.66 million during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $208.80 million. During the same period last year, the firm earned $0.03 earnings per share. Research analysts predict that Hecla Mining will post 0.05 earnings per share for the current year.

Hecla Mining Increases Dividend

The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, September 5th. Investors of record on Monday, August 26th will be given a $0.0138 dividend. This is a positive change from Hecla Minings previous quarterly dividend of $0.00. The ex-dividend date is Monday, August 26th. This represents a $0.06 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 1.09%. Hecla Minings dividend payout ratio (DPR) is -33.33%.

Insider Buying and Selling at Hecla Mining

In related news, CAO Michael L. Clary sold 30,634 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, June 25th. The shares were sold at an average price of $4.91, for a total value of $150,412.94. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief accounting officer now owns 351,972 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $1,728,182.52. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at the SEC website. In related news, CFO Russell Douglas Lawlar sold 11,679 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, June 21st. The shares were sold at an average price of $4.91, for a total transaction of $57,343.89. Following the transaction, the chief financial officer now directly owns 393,894 shares of the companys stock, valued at $1,934,019.54. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through the SEC website. Also, CAO Michael L. Clary sold 30,634 shares of Hecla Mining stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, June 25th. The shares were sold at an average price of $4.91, for a total transaction of $150,412.94. Following the completion of the sale, the chief accounting officer now owns 351,972 shares of the companys stock, valued at $1,728,182.52. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Over the last ninety days, insiders sold 67,105 shares of company stock valued at $329,486. 1.40% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders.

Institutional Trading of Hecla Mining

Institutional investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the business. Continuum Advisory LLC lifted its stake in shares of Hecla Mining by 313.6% in the second quarter. Continuum Advisory LLC now owns 6,551 shares of the basic materials companys stock worth $32,000 after buying an additional 4,967 shares during the last quarter. Byrne Asset Management LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Hecla Mining in the first quarter worth $34,000. Innealta Capital LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Hecla Mining in the second quarter worth $41,000. Ballentine Partners LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Hecla Mining in the second quarter worth $54,000. Finally, Oak Family Advisors LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Hecla Mining in the second quarter worth $55,000. 63.01% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

About Hecla Mining

(Get Free Report)

Hecla Mining Company, together with its subsidiaries, provides precious and base metal properties in the United States, Canada, Japan, Korea, and China. The company mines for silver, gold, lead, and zinc concentrates, as well as carbon material containing silver and gold for custom smelters, metal traders, and third-party processors; and dore containing silver and gold.

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Novo Nordisk A/S (NYSE:NVO  Free Report) had its price objective decreased by BMO Capital Markets from $170.00 to $160.00 in a research report sent to investors on Thursday morning, Benzinga reports. BMO Capital Markets currently has an outperform rating on the stock.

Several other equities analysts have also commented on the company. The Goldman Sachs Group started coverage on Novo Nordisk A/S in a research note on Thursday, May 30th. They set a buy rating and a $156.00 price target on the stock. Argus boosted their price target on shares of Novo Nordisk A/S from $125.00 to $160.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Monday, June 10th. Finally, Cantor Fitzgerald reiterated an overweight rating and set a $160.00 price objective on shares of Novo Nordisk A/S in a research note on Monday. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, six have assigned a buy rating and one has assigned a strong buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $145.17.

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Novo Nordisk A/S Trading Up 4.1 %

Novo Nordisk A/S Cuts Dividend

NYSE:NVO traded up $5.30 during midday trading on Thursday, hitting $133.47. The stock had a trading volume of 7,502,206 shares, compared to its average volume of 4,552,021. The company has a quick ratio of 0.50, a current ratio of 0.70 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.17. The stock has a 50-day moving average of $137.53 and a 200 day moving average of $129.77. The company has a market capitalization of $598.95 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 46.02, a PEG ratio of 1.33 and a beta of 0.41. Novo Nordisk A/S has a one year low of $86.96 and a one year high of $148.15.

The company also recently announced a semi-annual dividend, which will be paid on Monday, August 26th. Shareholders of record on Friday, August 16th will be paid a $0.5126 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, August 16th. This represents a yield of 0.7%. Novo Nordisk A/Ss dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 45.52%.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On Novo Nordisk A/S

A number of large investors have recently made changes to their positions in the business. First PREMIER Bank purchased a new stake in Novo Nordisk A/S in the first quarter valued at about $25,000. 1620 Investment Advisors Inc. acquired a new stake in Novo Nordisk A/S in the 2nd quarter worth approximately $25,000. CNB Bank purchased a new stake in Novo Nordisk A/S during the 4th quarter worth approximately $26,000. Dixon Mitchell Investment Counsel Inc. acquired a new position in Novo Nordisk A/S during the 1st quarter valued at approximately $26,000. Finally, Orion Capital Management LLC purchased a new position in shares of Novo Nordisk A/S in the first quarter worth $26,000. 11.54% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

About Novo Nordisk A/S

(Get Free Report)

Novo Nordisk A/S, together with its subsidiaries, engages in the research and development, manufacture, and distribution of pharmaceutical products in Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Mainland China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, North America, and internationally. It operates in two segments, Diabetes and Obesity Care, and Rare Disease.

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Black Diamond Group Limited (TSE:BDI  Free Report)  Raymond James lowered their Q3 2024 EPS estimates for Black Diamond Group in a report issued on Tuesday, August 6th. Raymond James analyst F. Bastien now expects that the company will post earnings of $0.21 per share for the quarter, down from their previous forecast of $0.22. The consensus estimate for Black Diamond Groups current full-year earnings is $0.42 per share. Raymond James also issued estimates for Black Diamond Groups Q4 2024 earnings at $0.17 EPS.

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A number of other equities research analysts have also issued reports on the company. BMO Capital Markets raised their price target on Black Diamond Group from C$11.00 to C$12.00 in a research note on Friday, August 2nd. Canaccord Genuity Group cut their target price on Black Diamond Group from C$11.00 to C$10.25 and set a buy rating on the stock in a research report on Monday, May 6th.

Black Diamond Group Stock Up 1.9 %

BDI stock traded up C$0.18 on Thursday, reaching C$9.78. 61,557 shares of the company traded hands, compared to its average volume of 55,406. The company has a market cap of C$600.20 million, a P/E ratio of 22.23 and a beta of 1.62. The firm has a fifty day simple moving average of C$8.36 and a 200-day simple moving average of C$8.61. Black Diamond Group has a one year low of C$5.80 and a one year high of C$9.92. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 73.81, a current ratio of 1.14 and a quick ratio of 1.05.

Black Diamond Group Announces Dividend

The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, October 15th. Stockholders of record on Monday, September 30th will be paid a dividend of $0.03 per share. This represents a $0.12 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 1.23%. The ex-dividend date is Monday, September 30th. Black Diamond Groups dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 27.27%.

Black Diamond Group Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Black Diamond Group Limited rents and sells modular space and workforce accommodation solutions. It operates through two segments, Modular Space Solutions and Workforce Solutions. The Modular Space Solutions segment provides modular space rentals to customers in the construction, real estate development, education, manufacturing, health care, financial, government, and defense industries in North America.

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Sleep Country Canada Holdings Inc. (TSE:ZZZ  Get Free Report) has received an average recommendation of Hold from the seven analysts that are currently covering the company, Marketbeat Ratings reports. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a sell recommendation, five have assigned a hold recommendation and one has given a buy recommendation to the company. The average twelve-month target price among brokers that have covered the stock in the last year is C$33.79.

Several brokerages have recently issued reports on ZZZ. Royal Bank of Canada raised their price objective on Sleep Country Canada from C$30.00 to C$35.00 and gave the stock a sector perform rating in a research note on Tuesday, July 23rd. BMO Capital Markets downgraded Sleep Country Canada from an outperform rating to a market perform rating and increased their price objective for the company from C$32.00 to C$35.00 in a research note on Tuesday, July 23rd. TD Securities lowered Sleep Country Canada from a buy rating to a sell rating and lifted their price target for the stock from C$33.00 to C$35.00 in a report on Tuesday, July 23rd. CIBC lowered their price objective on shares of Sleep Country Canada from C$32.00 to C$28.00 in a research report on Thursday, May 9th. Finally, Stifel Canada cut shares of Sleep Country Canada from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Monday, July 22nd.

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Sleep Country Canada Trading Up 0.4 %

ZZZ stock opened at C$34.97 on Monday. Sleep Country Canada has a fifty-two week low of C$21.31 and a fifty-two week high of C$35.23. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 113.24, a quick ratio of 0.35 and a current ratio of 0.98. The firm has a fifty day moving average price of C$28.94 and a 200 day moving average price of C$28.09. The firm has a market cap of C$1.19 billion, a PE ratio of 17.66, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.39 and a beta of 1.61.

Sleep Country Canada (TSE:ZZZ  Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, May 7th. The company reported C$0.28 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of C$0.34 by C($0.06). The business had revenue of C$209.72 million for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of C$213.75 million. Sleep Country Canada had a net margin of 7.31% and a return on equity of 15.69%. Sell-side analysts anticipate that Sleep Country Canada will post 2.0810167 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Sleep Country Canada Announces Dividend

The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, August 30th. Shareholders of record on Friday, August 30th will be given a $0.237 dividend. This represents a $0.95 annualized dividend and a yield of 2.71%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Monday, August 26th. Sleep Country Canadas dividend payout ratio is presently 47.98%.

Sleep Country Canada Company Profile

(Get Free Report

Sleep Country Canada Holdings Inc retails mattress, bedding, and specialty sleep products in Canada. It offers sheets, pillows, mattresses, sleep wear, and various sleep accessories, as well as bed frames. The company also provides pillowcases, weighted blankets, mattress protectors, mattress toppers, full and platform beds, pet beds, lifestyle adjustable bases, duvets and duvet covers, pillow protectors, sleep and lounge wear, headboards, and bed frames.

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TELUS (TSE:T  Free Report) (NYSE:TU) had its target price reduced by Scotiabank from C$24.25 to C$24.00 in a report published on Tuesday morning, BayStreet.CA reports.

T has been the subject of several other reports. Cormark dropped their target price on TELUS from C$27.00 to C$26.00 in a report on Wednesday, May 15th. National Bankshares dropped their price objective on shares of TELUS from C$25.00 to C$23.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a report on Wednesday, June 26th. Canaccord Genuity Group reduced their target price on shares of TELUS from C$25.00 to C$23.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a research note on Tuesday, July 9th. CIBC decreased their target price on shares of TELUS from C$25.00 to C$24.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a report on Tuesday. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. cut their price target on shares of TELUS from C$24.00 to C$23.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a report on Wednesday, July 10th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, three have given a hold rating and six have issued a buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, the stock presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of C$24.50.

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TELUS Price Performance

TELUS stock opened at C$22.52 on Tuesday. The company has a fifty day simple moving average of C$21.72 and a 200-day simple moving average of C$22.41. The company has a quick ratio of 0.52, a current ratio of 0.67 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 159.88. The firm has a market capitalization of C$33.33 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 43.31, a PEG ratio of 2.07 and a beta of 0.67. TELUS has a 52-week low of C$20.04 and a 52-week high of C$25.94.

TELUS (TSE:T  Get Free Report) (NYSE:TU) last released its earnings results on Friday, August 2nd. The company reported C$0.25 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of C$0.24 by C$0.01. The business had revenue of C$4.97 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of C$5.04 billion. TELUS had a net margin of 4.20% and a return on equity of 4.96%. On average, equities analysts anticipate that TELUS will post 1.0009001 EPS for the current fiscal year.

TELUS Dividend Announcement

The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, October 1st. Investors of record on Tuesday, September 10th will be issued a dividend of $0.389 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Tuesday, September 10th. This represents a $1.56 annualized dividend and a yield of 6.91%. TELUSs dividend payout ratio is presently 288.46%.

TELUS Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

TELUS Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, provides a range of telecommunications and information technology products and services in Canada. It operates through Technology Solutions and Digitally-Led Customer Experiences segments. The Technology Solutions segment offers a range of telecommunications products and services; network services; healthcare services; mobile technologies equipment; data services, such as internet protocol; television; hosting, managed information technology, and cloud-based services; software, data management, and data analytics-driven smart food-chain and consumer goods technologies; home and business security; healthcare software and technology solutions; and voice and other telecommunications services, as well as mobile and fixed voice and data telecommunications services and products.

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U.S. Capital Wealth Advisors LLC lessened its stake in shares of Medical Properties Trust, Inc. (NYSE:MPW  Free Report) by 35.1% in the 2nd quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The fund owned 10,000 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock after selling 5,400 shares during the period. U.S. Capital Wealth Advisors LLCs holdings in Medical Properties Trust were worth $43,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission.

A number of other institutional investors have also recently made changes to their positions in MPW. Lindbrook Capital LLC raised its position in shares of Medical Properties Trust by 112.1% during the 1st quarter. Lindbrook Capital LLC now owns 7,225 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $34,000 after buying an additional 3,819 shares in the last quarter. Versant Capital Management Inc boosted its holdings in shares of Medical Properties Trust by 435.0% in the 2nd quarter. Versant Capital Management Inc now owns 7,972 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $34,000 after purchasing an additional 6,482 shares during the period. Future Financial Wealth Managment LLC bought a new position in shares of Medical Properties Trust during the 1st quarter valued at approximately $38,000. Cetera Trust Company N.A purchased a new stake in Medical Properties Trust during the 4th quarter valued at $43,000. Finally, Fidelis Capital Partners LLC purchased a new stake in Medical Properties Trust during the 1st quarter valued at $43,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 71.79% of the companys stock.

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Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

Several brokerages have issued reports on MPW. Truist Financial boosted their target price on Medical Properties Trust from $4.50 to $5.00 and gave the company a hold rating in a research report on Thursday, May 30th. BNP Paribas lowered Medical Properties Trust from an outperform rating to a neutral rating and reduced their target price for the stock from $6.00 to $4.00 in a research note on Tuesday, July 2nd. Royal Bank of Canada reissued a sector perform rating and set a $5.00 target price on shares of Medical Properties Trust in a research note on Tuesday, May 14th. StockNews.com cut shares of Medical Properties Trust from a hold rating to a sell rating in a report on Saturday, May 18th. Finally, Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft raised shares of Medical Properties Trust from a sell rating to a hold rating and boosted their price objective for the company from $2.00 to $5.00 in a research report on Wednesday, April 17th. Five investment analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, eight have assigned a hold rating and one has given a buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, the company has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $5.61.

Medical Properties Trust Stock Down 2.7 %

NYSE MPW traded down $0.13 during midday trading on Friday, hitting $4.66. 10,732,935 shares of the company traded hands, compared to its average volume of 19,041,461. Medical Properties Trust, Inc. has a 52 week low of $2.92 and a 52 week high of $8.60. The companys 50-day simple moving average is $4.77 and its 200-day simple moving average is $4.45. The company has a market cap of $2.80 billion, a PE ratio of -2.10, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.65 and a beta of 1.27. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.51, a current ratio of 3.10 and a quick ratio of 3.10.

Medical Properties Trust Dividend Announcement

The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Tuesday, July 9th. Shareholders of record on Monday, June 10th were paid a $0.15 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Monday, June 10th. This represents a $0.60 annualized dividend and a yield of 12.88%. Medical Properties Trusts dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently -27.03%.

Medical Properties Trust Profile

(Free Report)

Medical Properties Trust, Inc is a self-advised real estate investment trust formed in 2003 to acquire and develop net-leased hospital facilities. From its inception in Birmingham, Alabama, the Company has grown to become one of the world's largest owners of hospital real estate with 441 facilities and approximately 44,000 licensed beds as of September 30, 2023.

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VAALCO Energy (NYSE:EGY  Get Free Report) issued its earnings results on Tuesday. The energy company reported $0.22 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.13 by $0.09, Yahoo Finance reports. The business had revenue of $116.78 million during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $119.30 million. VAALCO Energy had a return on equity of 14.04% and a net margin of 13.60%. During the same period in the prior year, the firm posted $0.11 EPS.

VAALCO Energy Price Performance

Shares of NYSE EGY traded down $0.21 during trading on Friday, reaching $6.15. The company had a trading volume of 953,307 shares, compared to its average volume of 1,035,397. VAALCO Energy has a 52 week low of $3.80 and a 52 week high of $7.51. The businesss 50 day moving average price is $6.48 and its 200-day moving average price is $5.91. The stock has a market cap of $635.76 million, a PE ratio of 10.24 and a beta of 1.19. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.16, a quick ratio of 1.64 and a current ratio of 1.66.

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VAALCO Energy Dividend Announcement

The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, September 20th. Shareholders of record on Friday, August 23rd will be issued a dividend of $0.063 per share. This represents a $0.25 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 4.10%. The ex-dividend date is Friday, August 23rd. VAALCO Energys dividend payout ratio is currently 41.67%.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

EGY has been the subject of several analyst reports. Roth Mkm lifted their price target on shares of VAALCO Energy from $7.25 to $8.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Tuesday, June 11th. StockNews.com lowered VAALCO Energy from a strong-buy rating to a buy rating in a research report on Thursday, June 6th.

Get Our Latest Stock Report on EGY

VAALCO Energy Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

VAALCO Energy, Inc, an independent energy company, engages in the acquisition, exploration, development, and production of crude oil, natural gas, and natural gas liquids in Gabon, Egypt, Equatorial Guinea, and Canada. The company holds 58.8% interest in the Etame production sharing contract related to the Etame Marin block covering an area of approximately 46,200 gross acres located offshore in the Republic of Gabon in West Africa.

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Popular South African and Grammy Award winner, Tyla, has showed support for Chidimma Vanessa Onwe Adetshina, a Miss South Africa finalist, who recently pulled out from the contest over nationality allegations.

Adetshina was involved in numerous issues over her nationality after her qualification for the round of 16 of the Miss South Africa beauty pageant.

The South African Department of Home Affairs accused Adetshinasmother of committing fraud and identity theft, which made her to quit from the competition over complaints from many South Africans online.

Tyla took to X to show support for Adetshina in a post. She wrote:

Disappointed that this happened to her, but wish you all the best girl. Kill it!

I will always stand with South Africa, i just feel regardless of the opinions She was bullied and thats what I dont stand for.
Being defrauded of one's hard-earned money can have devastating impact on the victim spiritually, physically, psychologically, emotionally or academically in the case of students or pupils. Some victims can even attempt suicide or die while trying to recover the money they lost to fraudsters, especially when they are already indebted.

Rotimi Onadipe, a renowned advocate of fraud prevention and Publisher of Internet Safety Magazine, made this known on Saturday in Ibadan while educating the public on how to prevent fraud. The informative and educative programme underscored the importance of being proactive in the fight against the menace of fraud in today's digital age.

During the programme, which was tagged "Stop Fraud Before It Happens," Onadipe noted that regardless of age, sex, tribe, status, profession or nationality, if all internet users are sensitive to the danger that fraud poses to human life and the society at large, they will be more proactive in the fight against fraud.

Onadipe expressed concern about the alarming rate at which WhatsApp lines of some prominent politicians in Nigeria were hacked between January and August 2024, adding that it was a sign that there is fire on the mountain. He said urgent action must be taken to prevent further occurrence.

Recall that it was reported in the news media that the WhatsApp number of a former senator in Lagos was hacked in the month of January 2024 which lead to losses amounting to millions of naira. There was another news report in the month of July 2024 that the WhatsApp number of a serving governor in one of the South West States was also hacked. Few days ago, a prominent Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) also raised the alarm that his WhatsApp line was hacked and warned the public not to send money to anyone soliciting for financial assistance in his name.

"The danger in this evil trend is that the fraudsters now have all the contacts of their victims saved in another device and they will be trying different strategies on them one by one. Even If the victims are able to recover their hacked WhatsApp lines after taking necessary action, the fraudsters already have the contacts of their friends, business partners and family members and they can be used for criminal purposes at any time," the online safety advocate added.

Onadipe attributed the prevalence of frauds and cyber crimes in today's technology age to the insensitivity of many people about the dangers they pose to individuals, companies, organisations, institutions and the society at large.

According to him,

"As long as you have access to the internet, you are a target for fraudsters and cyber criminals. So, be prepared to stop them before they defraud you or put you into trouble. Don't allow any incident that will make you, your device, business or family to be vulnerable. Be vigilant at all times because frauds and cyber crimes can happen anyhow, anywhere and any time.

"When you see any sign of fraud or cybercrime around you, don't wait for it to happen before you take necessary action. Always ask questions about fraud and cybercrime so as to learn how to avoid falling victim," Onadipe stated.

#FraudAlert

#SayNoToFraud

#FraudPrevention

#InternetSafetyMagazine


AR accused of complicity

|

IMPHAL, Aug 10: After Meiteis settlements in Tor- bung and Phougakchao Ikhai came under fire from Kuki militants on August 8, the locals have accused the Assam Rifles of allowing the attacks.

In a statement today, Ibudhou Thangjing Pana said the Kuki militants launched the attack using bullets and bombs at around 2.10 pm of August 8.

It claimed the attack was launched from S Kotlen area under the jurisdiction of the Assam Rifles.

The Government must investigate the incident and ascertain if the AR had any part in the attempt to break peace in the area, it said.

The Ibudhou Thangjing Pana further vehemently condemned an attack on Thamnapokpi on August 9.
Curtis Hill remembers a time before the unavoidable stop-and-go nature of traffic across Colorado Springs and El Paso County when it felt like getting around town was easier  and quicker.

"Everywhere in Colorado Springs has traffic (now)," he said one recent Friday afternoon at his home near Airport Road and Powers Boulevard, where he's lived since 2014.

He should know. He estimates driving about 50 miles a day across the city, including taking his grandchildren to and from schools they attend all over town.

By 3 p.m. that Friday, traffic was flowing but beginning to back up along Powers, the intermittent crowding stretching along the corridor up to East Woodmen Road some 9 miles north.

Traffic congestion has in recent years become a familiar inconvenience for travelers, residents across El Paso County said. It's a symptom they expect comes with the territory of the county's rapid growth. They worry it could worsen as development continues booming, particularly on Colorado Springs' eastern and northern edges where there is space for more urban and suburban sprawl.

"Traffic will get worse. People are going to keep coming," said Hill, who first lived in Colorado Springs from 1986 to 1996 before relocating then returning to the city nine years ago.

El Paso County's population has nearly doubled since 1990, data from the Colorado Demography Office show, growing from about 397,000 residents in 1990 to more than 730,000 in 2020. Officials estimate just under 757,000 people currently reside in the county, according to figures included in the 2023 budget. By 2050, more than 1 million people are expected to live in El Paso County.

In Colorado Springs, officials anticipate more than 502,000 people will live in the city next year, figures included in a draft 2024 city spending plan show.

As growth occurs, many commuters are familiar with increased congestion or reduced safety on thoroughfares like Platte Avenue, Marksheffel Road, South Academy Boulevard, Woodmen Road at Black Forest Road and Powers Boulevard.

Officials are actively trying to address current issues, and plan for those coming.

Planning for growth

A number of regularly updated long- and short-term regional, county and city transportation plans help local planners proactively identify where growth is likely to happen and define ensuing transportation needs, they said.

Revisiting those plans every five to seven years, including the city's 20-year transportation plan known as ConnectCOS or the county's 20- to 25-year Major Transportation Corridor Plan, allows planners to reassess and adjust the wider vision for the local transportation network.

The city and county use traffic data and public feedback to inform those plans.

"... Public input is huge because there's a lot of things out there that we don't see, including traffic congestion, traffic behavior, drivers' behavior, intersection issues (and) condition issues with our roads," county engineer Joshua Palmer said.

Developers also play a role in the transportation network, designing early road systems that accommodate the broader grid.

"Hopefully we do a good enough job with planning and working with the development community that, as they are developing and improving combined developed areas, they are setting the stage for and are helping us build something that requires less maintenance and less preservation," Palmer said.

Colorado Springs traffic engineer Todd Frisbie said evaluating short-term needs helps define 10-year projects that could be funded by the Pikes Peak Rural Transportation Authority's 1-cent sales tax that funds regional road projects.

Meanwhile, transportation officials maintain roads and address emergent road-related demands like potholes or aging infrastructure, "necessary and critical" actions to support future smart growth, Palmer said.

The overarching goal is always to provide an efficient transportation system, Frisbie added, with "acceptable" levels of delay and a variety of transportation choices for commuters.

But sometimes the goal isn't that simple because of timing, funding constraints and land uses.

In some cases, development happens quicker than road improvements can occur, which can cause pockets of congestion, Frisbie said.

Expanding roads in the more urbanized, built-out areas of Colorado Springs can require tens of millions of dollars and can significantly impact nearby neighborhoods, so the city also focuses on enhancing mass transit and improving walkability in those areas.

And building new, bigger roads can initially relieve congestion but can also promote more traffic, he said, a concept known as "induced demand." It suggests more travelers will use more roads if they're available.

"... Our transportation planning is intended to make traffic 'better'  by way of achieving and maintaining an acceptable level of delay today and into the future when fiscally feasible, and better in the sense of providing transportation choices," Frisbie said.

Pain points

Platte Avenue corridor. A memorial at East Platte Avenue and North Arcadia Street still standing weeks later honors the memory of Spc. Randy Castro, 22, a Fort Carson soldier who was killed in a car crash on Platte in the early morning hours of Sept. 17.

Two other Fort Carson soldiers were injured in the crash, including 23-year-old Cpl. Jermell Johnkin, the driver. Colorado Springs police said Johnkin may have been impaired while driving and speed may have also been a factor. He was arrested for his role in the crash.

Marea Janae and Felicia Marshall, who live on Platte near the crash site, said speeding vehicles and crashes are common along this stretch of road. Many vehicles traveling east on Platte hit a somewhat hidden drainage ditch, and combined with speed that can prove "treacherous," they said.

"I don't think signs will fix it," Marshall said. "We need a way to slow traffic down."

Janae said the drainage ditch "absolutely" must be addressed. "I love living downtown and being able to bike everywhere, but I hate living on Platte Avenue because of that traffic," she said.

Platte is one of a limited number of east-west thoroughfares across the city, one that traffic planners have identified as likely to see increased demand for various modes of travel as buildout continues east of Powers Boulevard on the city's east side.

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The corridor could get a major redesign in the coming years. The city is studying Platte between Interstate 25 and Powers, and a draft report is now available online for public comment through Oct. 13.

The document recommends several possible improvements along the thoroughfare based on unique neighborhoods.

Residents have pushed back on a controversial proposal that would transform Platte into an eastbound one-way corridor from Wahsatch Avenue to its intersection with Boulder Street. The project webpage states while this idea is listed in the plan as a "potential solution for consideration," it isn't recommended based on public feedback.

Possible improvements include shared use paths, east-to-west bicycle network connections along Bijou Street and enhancing existing transit stations and stops as needed. Additionally, the downtown portion of Platte could see fewer travel lanes, with more lanes possibly going in farther east from Academy Boulevard to Powers.

Marksheffel Road. Getting into and out of Banning Lewis Ranch, the 24,000-acre (38-square-mile) development on the city's eastern edge, is becoming tougher during the peak afternoon hours, neighbors said.

The community east of Marksheffel Road, largely between East Woodmen Road and Dublin Boulevard, is expected to absorb most of the growth in town in the coming decades. But as homes have built out and more businesses have developed nearby, the few ingress and egress points in Banning Lewis Ranch plus limited commercial access points have added extra minutes and frustration to residents' commutes, they said.

"I would take a back road just to avoid Marksheffel and get into our neighborhood," resident Kim Benson said. "From 4 to 6 p.m., it's bogged down with traffic and it's hard to get in and out of Banning Lewis."

She's lived in the community for two years and says the traffic has gotten worse in that short time.

That's an example of timing between developers and the city being off, Frisbie said.

"New development gets built but the roads lag behind. The city and its funding can't keep up with development as it happens," he said.

Colorado Springs officials anticipate developers will eventually connect Banning Lewis Parkway to Woodmen. This would push a lot of traffic to Woodmen, helping relieve it at Dublin and Marksheffel, Frisbie said. Improvements would also include extending Barnes Road and Stetson Hills Boulevard east.

"In a sense it will start to spread it out a little bit more so not one roadway, not one intersection, is taking the brunt of that development," he said.

The city aims to enhance safety and reduce congestion along Marksheffel between North Carefree Circle and Dublin by adding an additional lane in each direction and turn lanes at intersections. When complete, Marksheffel Road will be two lanes in each direction with a center median, as well as on-street bike lanes or wide shoulders, improved drainage, and new sidewalks and paths.

Work began this summer on the first phase of the multi-year project.

South Academy Boulevard. Officials are fixing aging and deteriorating parts of South Academy Boulevard, the first major repairs to the critical transportation corridor that goes through Colorado Springs' southeast side since it opened more than five decades ago in 1969.

George Norris was stationed with the Air Force in Colorado Springs from 1979 to 1982 and returned in 1986. From the porch step of his home near South Academy and Airport Road, where he's lived ever since, he recalled when the roadway was known as Highway 83 and when it lost its main highway status to Powers Boulevard.

"It used to be called 'Academy Speedway' (by residents), because everybody sped," Norris said.

Decades ago, the road used to be "rough" to drive on because of speedy and often dangerous driver behavior. Now, crumbling pavement and other maladies have put a new meaning to the phrase, he said.

Crews are addressing crumbling pavement, battered curb and gutter and inefficient drainage on about 18 lane miles along the road from Bijou Street to Jet Wing Drive.

When it is finished, this portion of South Academy will have a smoother driving surface for the approximately 50,000 vehicles that traverse it daily, ponding water will be significantly reduced or eliminated, and it will be easier for pedestrians and bicyclists to travel, the project website states.

Though construction has tapered off the South Academy lanes directly by his home, Norris said it's about time.

"If they're repaving everything, it's necessary," Norris said.

Woodmen Road at Black Forest Road. Over the past year and a half, work to widen Black Forest Road to two lanes in each direction from Woodmen Road to Research Parkway has made significant progress, and could wrap up late next year.

Various improvements will include new turn lanes at Black Forest and Cowpoke roads to improve traffic flow, two new southbound and northbound bridges over Cottonwood Creek, a 6-foot-wide sidewalk on the east side of Black Forest Road and a 10-foot-wide sidewalk on the west side, along with new 6-foot shoulders that will provide space for cyclists and for vehicles to pull off.

Once complete, the improvements could ease slow moving traffic in the area, officials have said.

But some residents are worried the timeline is already behind.

"... Road planning is ridiculously reactionary in Colorado Springs, with the added caveat that it's five years behind," Reddit user Halloween141 said in a recent post on the social media website where The Gazette solicited public feedback on problematic traffic corridors around the city.

The areas of Marksheffel at Woodmen and Black Forest, they said, are "growing so quickly that by the time these areas are 'finished' with road construction, it'll be time to rewiden, repave, and here we go with the headaches again."

Powers Boulevard. Stretching 20 miles across eastern El Paso County, Powers Boulevard has become the "best opportunity" to build a circular network of local roads, a loop, following recent explosive growth, leaders have previously said.

Long term, the Colorado Department of Transportation envisions Powers as an expressway running from Interstate 25 to the Colorado Springs Airport. A broad state plan includes improving interchanges along the roadway  building overpasses  because of growth.

Last September, state and regional leaders opened a new overpass on Powers at Research Parkway. The state plans to build another at Airport Road, an imperative access point for Peterson Space Force Base's west gate. Construction on that interchange could start late this year or in 2024.

Traffic along Powers is typically heavy, said Gladys Meza, who lives off Airport Road.

"Around 5 or 6 p.m. it backs up, and it's made worse with (car) accidents," she said. "... I know a lot of people, instead of using Powers, will take Marksheffel to get around."

An agreement between Colorado Springs, El Paso County, the Pikes Peak Rural Transportation Authority and the Copper Ridge Metropolitan District could accelerate the completion of extending Powers north from Colorado 83, where it now ends, to Voyager Parkway. It would be the last link in a new loop of major roadways around Colorado Springs.

Palmer said officials are also in the early planning stages of connecting Powers to I-25 at El Paso County's southern end, but have no answers yet on where exactly the connection will be or which route it will take.
Chief minister Mamata Banerjee today urged the Nobel laureate and chief adviser to Bangladesh interim government, Muhammad Yunus, who took oath as the interim chief of Bangladesh on Thursday, to instil peace in trouble-torn Bangladesh. In a message on her X-handle, she wrote, If our neighbouring country is in good shape then we too will remain well.

Hailing the new regime led by Mr Yunus, she wrote on X handle, I heartily congratulate and welcome those who took over reins in Bangladesh. Hope that the relationship between us will be further improved. I pray that the new regime of that country will bring further development, peace and progress for the people of the country. I wish that youth, students, and workers in that country can live in peace.

Hope that the crisis will soon blow over and peace will prevail. Let peace prevail in our world of love.

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Miss Banerjees message today for the peace to return in that country stems from the fact that since most part along the India-Bangladesh border falls in West Bengal, then any sign of instability in that country will have a bearing in West Bengal.
the mortal remains of former West Bengal Chief Minister, Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee, were on Friday handed over to state-run NRS Medical College & Hospital for medical research as per his last wish, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi wrote to his widow Mira Bhattacharjee.

In the letter to Mira Bhattacharjee, the Leader of Opposition (LoP) highlighted how pragmatic a politician her late husband was.

In the heartfelt letter, Rahul Gandhi stated that the country has lost a person whose ambitious vision shaped West Bengal in profound ways.

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Shri Buddhadeb Bhattacharjees tremendous contribution to the Communist Party of India (Marxist) will be remembered. Not one to be tied down by ideological orthodoxy, he broke free from the past and worked towards transforming West Bengal, the letter from LoP Rahul Gandhi read.

Mentioning the challenges faced by Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee in his attempts to transform West Bengal, Rahul Gandhi wrote, While he faced many challenges, his integrity and conviction helped usher in a new era of development. At a personal level, his intellectual prowess and kindness will be missed deeply by friends and opponents alike.

Political observers say that the observations in the letter by Gandhi were an acceptance of Buddhadeb Bhattacharjees path to industrialise West Bengal by attracting big-ticket investments, though his methods drew strong criticism both from the Opposition as well as from within the CPI(M)-led Left Front then.
A day after being released on bail in connection with the liquor policy case, senior Aam Aadmi Party leader and former Deputy Chief Minister of Delhi Manish Sisodia on Saturday said that everyone has to take on the dictatorship in the country.

Sisodia while addressing a gathering at the AAP office in Delhi said,God supports those who walk on the path of truth.

He said while he was in jail for 17 months and fighting all the alleged conspiracies, and added that,I am among you with the blessings of Bajrangbali ji.

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Sisodia said that if the opposition comes together and raises its voice, then Kejriwal will also come out within 24 hours. We all have to fight for Quit Dictatorship India.

He further said that, at the temple, the priest blessed everyone us for success, I told him that the mantra of our success is to build a great school for every child in Delhi.

He gave credit to the constitution of the nation for saving him.

Sisodia expressed hope that soon Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal, who is currently in jail, will be out soon as lord Bajrangbali has blessed him a lot.

Taking a dig at BJP, the senior AAP leader said they are not more powerful than the Constitution.

Every person has to fight against this dictatorship, he said, further alleging that the same is not just putting leaders in jail, but also harassing citizens.

Sisodia added claiming that while in jail, he was not worried about getting bail, but was pained seeing businessmen being put in prison in the alleged fake cases just because they did not donate money to a party.

Sisodia alleged that same laws which are being implemented against drug mafias and terrorists across the world are being implemented against politicians, businessmen, common people and they are being kept in jail for long periods so that they cannot even get bail.

This is dictatorship. The entire opposition must unite and fight against it, the AAP leader said.

Sending out a message to those who recently joined the NDA, Sisodia said dont think that only AAP leaders will go to jail, their turn will also come.

The AAP leader further alleged that BJP thought by sending Sisodia to jail, they would stop the education revolution in Delhi, but at the present day he declares that every single poor person will be brought into the mainstream of society through education.

The AAP leader alleged that ruling dispensation at the centre put hundreds of honest businessmen in jail by filing false cases against them.

He claimed that thousands of families are destroyed when one businessman goes to jail.

Prior his address to the party workers at the AAP headquarters, Sisodia paid obeisance at ancient Hanuman Temple and also visited Rajghat to pay respect to father of the nation .

Manish Sisodia was accompanied by Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh, Delhi minister Saurabh Bharadwaj, Aam Aadmi Party MLAs and party workers,

Talking to the media at the Prachin Hanuman Mandir, Connaught Place, Sisodia said, Lord Bajrang Bali has blessed me. Arvind Kejriwal also has blessings of Lord Bajrang Bali and you will see that Kejriwal ji will also be blessed in the same way.

Talking to the media persons on the occasion, AAP Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh said we will seek blessings for our party, for the country, for the people of Delhi and we will pledge to take forward the fight for education, health, electricity, water and facilities for the common man that has started under the leadership of Arvind Kejriwal.
. Two Army soldiers were injured in an encounter with terrorists in the Ahlan Gagarmandu area of South Kashmirs Kokernag on Saturday.

The injured soldiers have been evacuated to the military hospital, said the Indian Armys Chinar Corps.

The Chinar Corps wrote on X; Based on specific intelligence input, a Joint Operation was launched by Indian army, J&K Police and CRPF today in general area Kokernag, Anantnag. Contact was established and firefight ensued. Two personnel have been injured and evacuated from the area.

Operations are in progress.

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The Kashmir Zone Police earlier said on its official X handle, Encounter has started at Ahlan Gagarmandu area of District Anantnag. Police and Security forces are on the job. Further details shall follow.

The encounter broke out when the

security forces launched a cordon and search operation in the area following information about the presence of terrorists there, officials said.

The terrorists fired upon the search party, which retaliated, the officials said.

Exchange of fire is going on and further details are awaited.

In a statement the terror outfit Kashmir Tigers of the Jaish-e-Mohammad has claimed responsibility for the gunfight, reports said.

Intermittent exchange of fire between the security forces and terrorists was going on.

Two senior Army officers and a deputy superintendent of J&K Police lost their lives a few months ago in a terrorist ambush in the same area.

Earlier in the morning, the Jammu and Kashmir Police released sketches of four terrorists who were reported moving on the high mountain pastures of the Kathua district.The Police has also announced a reward of Rs. 5 lakh for credible information on whereabouts of each of these terrorists.

The Kathua district Police released sketches of these 4 terrorists who, it said, were last seen in dhoks (mud houses of migrant Gujjars at the pastures) of Malhar , Bani and Seojdhar.

A reward of Rs.5 lakhs on each terrorist for actionable information and anyone with credible information of terrorists will also be suitably rewarded, said the police.

It is worth mentioning that terrorists generally make the dhoks of Gujjars their hideouts where they extract food and shelter from the migratory tribe at gunpoint.

The Police had a few days ago released sketches of four other terrorists who last month ambushed an Army truck near Billawar in Kathua and killed five soldiers and injured four.

Terrorist groups also attacked security forces in the Doda district where four soldiers, including a Captain, lost their lives.

Security forces have arrested several overground workers of terror outfits but the terrorists who have infiltrated from Pakistan were still untraceable.
Former TDP MP and chairman of Amara Raja Energy and Mobility, Jaydev Galla, on Saturday said that if the Congress government in Telangana does not honour the commitments made by the previous BRS government, they may consider expanding the plants capacity elsewhere. Galla said the issue was not about intent but whether the state government could deliver the promised industrial incentives, considering its current financial situation.

Amara Raja had decided to shift to Mahabubnagar district in Telangana after being invited by then industry minister KT Rama Rao at a time when the company was being hounded by the YSRCP government led by YS Jagan Mohan Reddy in his home state, Andhra Pradesh. It had signed an MoU for investing Rs 9,500 crore over ten years for a Lithium cell Gigafactory with an ultimate capacity of 16 Giga Watt hours (GWh) and a battery pack assembly unit of 5 GWh, promising to employ 4,500 people in phases. The group held a groundbreaking ceremony on Saturday for their Customer Qualification Plant for cell manufacturing and also inaugurated Phase 1 of the battery pack plant. Speaking after the ceremony, Jaydev Galla said that the previous BRS government had made certain commitments such as industrial incentives while expressing hope that they would be honoured by the current government.

It is a different government now, and until we see it actually happen, we wont know for sure. We are hopeful, but there are concerns about the governments financial situation and whether they can provide the promised industrial incentives. It is not about the governments intent; its about their financial capability, Galla said when asked about the doubts regarding the governments commitment. Galla said at the moment there were no such issues with the present regime. He went on to add, We are not expecting trouble but you know how things are in India. When the government changes, generally commitments are not necessarily kept. We are hopeful and we are waiting and watching. As long as the experience is positive, we would not necessarily have to look elsewhere.

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The Congress government in Telangana has so far continued most of the projects taken up by the previous government except for the proposed Pharma City at Mucherla, which the current regime has proposed to be converted into a futuristic city with a medical hub and skill centres instead of just for pharma companies. It also scrapped the Metro network between Raidurgam and Airport and instead proposed to take it through the Old City Area.
After aborting 12 week old pregnancy, the 14 year old gang rape victim girl has been shifted to Ayodhya District women hospital from KGMU in Lucknow last night.

However, police has taken the blood samples of the accused SP leader Moeed Khan and his accomplice Raju Khan lodged in the district jail and has been sent for DNA matching with the fetus.

District women hospital sources here on Saturday said the condition of the girl is stable and out of danger. She has been kept under extensive security cover.

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The victim girl had become pregnant after being a victim of gang rape in Bhadarsa of Purakalandar police station area. A 12 week old fetus was growing in her womb.

On July 29, after a case was registered against SP leader Moeed Khan and his servant Raju Khan, they were sent to jail.

The victim was admitted to the District Womens Hospital on July 31. When the girl and her family agreed to abort the baby the Child Welfare Committee also gave its recommendation for abortion.

Sources said for this reason the girl was referred to KGMU Lucknow on August 5. After performing an abortion there and taking her DNA sample, her condition improved and she was admitted back to the District Womens Hospital at around 8 pm on Friday evening.

Now the police is waiting for the DNA report.
A Boulder man will receive a new trial after Colorado's second-highest court determined last month that a pair of detectives improperly detained and interrogated him about an attempted sex assault instead of simply collecting his DNA as a court authorized them to do.
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Saturday categorically said that his party opposes the creamy layer provision for the Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs).

He also said that as long as there is untouchability in the country, reservation should remain, and it will remain.

The statement of the Congress chief came days after he chaired a meeting of party leaders to discuss the recent Supreme Court (SC) judgement on the SC/ST reservation.

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Last week, the apex, in an important judgment unsettling the perceived homogeneity of the SC and ST for the purposes of reservation, ruled that SCs are not a homogeneous group and the sub-classification among them is permissible for extending the benefits of the affirmative action to the most deprived sections amongst them.

Holding that SCs are not a homogeneous group and sub-classification for extending the benefits of reservation was permissible, Chief Justice DY Chandrachud, speaking for himself and Justice Manoj Misra, said that the 2004 judgment by a five-judge Constitution bench holding that the sub-classification amongst the SC and ST was impermissible was not a correct law and overruled it.

Justice BR Gavai said,  The criteria for exclusion of the creamy layer from the SCs and STs for the purpose of affirmative action could be different from the criteria applicable to the Other Backward Classes (OBCs).

Talking to reporters here, Kharge said, Recently, a seven Judge Bench of the Supreme Court gave its judgement (by a majority of 6:1), in which they talked about sub-classification of SC and ST. In this, the creamy layer of SC/ST category was also discussed.

Even after 70 years, when we see the recruitment of people from SC and ST communities in government jobs, we find that the vacancies are still not being filled, most of the posts are vacant. Which means that people of these categories, even collectively, are not able to fill these posts, he said.

Asserting that the basis of reservation was not the economic development of any community or individual, the Congress chief said, Rather, it is to eliminate untouchability, which has been prevalent in the society for thousands of years. And it has still not gone away from society. Many examples come before us every day.

As long as there is untouchability in this country, reservation should remain and it will remain. Therefore, it is wrong to talk about creamy layers in SC/ST. We are against it, he said.

Attacking the BJP-led government, the Congress chief said: The BJPs intention to end reservation is now slowly becoming apparent. The Prime Minister (Narendra Modi) says that we will not touch it. If it was so then he should have immediately said that it will not be applicable. He should have rejected the Supreme Courts judgment by bringing a constitutional amendment in this session (Parliament) itself.

Kharge, who is also the Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha, said: We will form a consultation committee and meet NGOs on this issue and take their opinion and move forward.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday complimented all those working for conservation and protection of lions on the occasion of World Lion Day.

In a message on the X, he highlighted the Union Cabinets approval for setting up of the International Big Cat Alliance in February 2024 which reiterates the Governments commitment to protect the majestic big cats.

He expressed happiness over the encouraging response the governments decision had received from across the globe.

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The Prime Minister extended an invite to all wildlife lovers to visit Gir national park in Gujarat and witness the work done to protect the lion, while experiencing the hospitality of the people of the State.

Posting a tweet thread on X, he said: On World Lion Day, I compliment all those working on Lion conservation and reiterate our commitment to protecting these majestic big cats. India, as we all know, is home to a large Lion population in Gir, Gujarat. Over the years, their numbers have increased significantly, which is great news.

In February this year, the Union Cabinet approved the setting up of the International Big Cat Alliance, to bring together all the nations of the world where big cats reside. It seeks to build a holistic approach to boost sustainable development and also support community efforts in this regard. This endeavour is receiving an encouraging response globally, he said.

I also invite all wildlife lovers to Gir to discover the majestic Asiatic Lion. It will also give everyone the opportunity to witness the efforts to protect the Lion and at the same time experience the hospitality of the people of Gujarat, Mr Modi said.
Two Army soldiers were killed and three others including two civilians were left injured in a fierce encounter with terrorists in the forest area of Ahlan Gagarmandu in South Kashmirs Kokernag on Saturday.

The injured soldiers were evacuated to the military hospital but two of the critically injured succumbed to their wounds, reports said.

A defence spokesman said in the evening that It had been earlier confirmed through human and electronic means on 5 August that terrorists responsible for atrocities and incidents in the Doda region in the month of July, had sneaked across the Kishtwar range into the Kapran Garol area in South Kashmir. Rashtriya Rifles and J&K Police have ever since relentlessly tracked these terrorists and precise operations were launched on the night of 9 and 10 August in the area East of Kapran, in the mountains, where these terrorists were reportedly holed up.

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Suspicious movement was observed at approximately 1400 hours on 10 August, on challenging, was immediately responded to by indiscriminate, desperate and reckless firing from terrorists in which two Army personnel and two civilians, in the vicinity were injured. The terror antecedents of the injured civilians are being ascertained. The area is above 10,000 feet in high altitude, has thick undergrowth, large boulders, Nallahs and re-entrants that pose a serious challenge to operations. Security forces are moving deliberately and are in the process of hunting down the terrorists. Operations will progress through the night, the spokesman added.

The Chinar Corps earlier wrote on X: Based on specific intelligence input, a Joint Operation was launched by Indian army, J&K Police and CRPF today in the general area Kokernag, Anantnag. Contact was established and firefight ensued. Two personnel have been injured and evacuated from the area.

The encounter broke out when the security forces launched a cordon and search operation in the area following information about the presence of terrorists there, officials said. The terrorists indiscriminately fired upon the search party, which retaliated, the officials said.

In a statement the terror outfit Kashmir Tigers of the Jaish-e-Mohammad has claimed responsibility for the gunfight, reports said.

Two senior Army officers and a deputy superintendent of J&K Police lost their lives a few months ago in a terrorist ambush in the same area.

Earlier in the morning, the Jammu and Kashmir Police released sketches of four terrorists who were reported moving on the high mountain pastures of the Kathua district.The Police has also announced a reward of Rs. 5 lakh for credible information on the whereabouts of each of these terrorists.

The Kathua district Police released sketches of these 4 terrorists who, it said, were last seen in dhoks (mud houses of migrant Gujjars at the pastures) of Malhar , Bani and Seojdhar.

A reward of Rs.5 lakhs on each terrorist for actionable information and anyone with credible information of terrorists will also be suitably rewarded, said the police.

It is worth mentioning that terrorists generally make the dhoks of Gujjars their hideouts where they extract food and shelter from the migratory tribe at gunpoint.

The Police had a few days ago released sketches of four other terrorists who last month ambushed an Army truck near Billawar in Kathua and killed five soldiers and injured four.

Terrorist groups also attacked security forces in the Doda district where four soldiers, including a Captain, lost their lives. Security forces have arrested several overground workers of terror outfits but the terrorists who have infiltrated from Pakistan were still untraceable.
The Jammu and Kashmir Police on Saturday released sketches of four terrorists who were reported moving on the high mountain pastures of the Kathua district.

The Police has also announced a reward of Ra. 5 lakh for credible information on whereabouts of each of these terrorists.

The Kathua district Police released sketches of these 4 terrorists who, it said, were last seen in dhoks (mud houses of migrant Gujjars at the pastures) of Malhar , Bani and Seojdhar.

A reward of Rs.5 lakhs on each terrorist for actionable information and anyone with credible information of terrorists will also be suitably rewarded, said the police.

It is worth mentioning that terrorists generally make the dhoks of Gujjars their hideouts where they extract food and shelter from the migratory tribe at gunpoint.

The Police had a few days ago released sketches of four other terrorists who last month ambushed an Army truck near Billawar in Kathua and killed five soldiers and injured four.

Terrorist groups also attacked security forces in the Doda district where four soldiers, including a Captain, lost their lives.

Security forces have arrested several overground workers of terror outfits but the terrorists who have infiltrated from Pakistan were still untraceable.
Aam Aadmi Partys national convenor Arvind Kejriwals wife Sunita Kejriwal on Saturday held a Badlaav Jansabha (public meeting) in Haryanas Narnaul and Beri, and appealed to the people of Haryana that they should give a chance to the AAP to provide free and 24 hours electricity and good schools and hospitals.

The AAP government will give you free and 24 hours electricity, good education and health, employment to every youth and Rs 1000 per month to women, she said while addressing a crowd at the public meeting.

She further highlighted that Kejriwal has given five guarantees to the people, and they are being fulfilled in Delhi and Punjab.

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Kejriwal has changed Delhi, Punjab and now it is the turn for change in Haryana, she added.

She alleged that under the BJPs regime, government schools are being closed in Haryana, and questioned will the children here go to study.

Taking a dig at the saffron party, she alleged that during the last 10 years, the BJP government has not given anything to the people of the state and added that it should not get a single seat in the upcoming polls

Sunita Kejriwal further said that her husband is the son of Haryana, and she married him in 1994, while during the same time his family lived in Hisar, and his father worked there.

She added that Kejriwal was born in Siwani village, but his education and upbringing took place in Hisar.

No one could have imagined even in dreams that this boy would become the Chief Minister of Delhi after 20 years, she added, and further said that this is not a trivial matter. He was born on 16 August 1968. That day was Krishna Janmashtami. This is also not merely a coincidence.

Today, people all over the world know Arvind Kejriwal for his works. Arvind Kejriwal improved the government schools of Delhi and Punjab. He brightened the future of the children of the poor. He built excellent mohalla clinics and hospitals where free and good treatment is available, she said.

She said that when Delhis former Education Minister Manish Sisodia was granted bail, the Supreme Court said that keeping him in jail without any evidence is wrong.
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Saturday handed over the appointment letter, on compassionate ground, to Renu Sharma, wife of Vijay Kumar, who was killed in a terror attack in Reasi in June.

Vijay Kumar, a resident of Reasi, was driver of the bus carrying pilgrims which was attacked by terrorists on 9 June. The driver and eight pilgrims were killed in the attack and 41 other pilgrims were injured.

The Lt Governor assured all possible assistance and support from the J&K Administration to the family of the martyred civilian.

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Vishesh Paul Mahajan, Deputy Commissioner, Reasi, and the family members of Vijay Kumar were also present at the Raj Bhawan.
Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare Prataprao Ganpatrao Jadhav on Saturday said Lymphatic Filariasis is preventable through simple measures such as avoiding mosquito bites and consuming anti-filarial medicines.

The Minister made the statement after he virtually launched the second phase of the bi-annual Nationwide Mass Drug Administration (MDA) campaign for Lymphatic Filariasis elimination, here on Saturday.

The campaign targets 63 endemic districts across Bihar, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Odisha, Telangana, and Uttar Pradesh and will provide door-to-door administration of preventive medications in endemic areas, advancing Indias goal to eliminate Lymphatic Filariasis ahead of the global target.

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Speaking on the occasion, the Minister said, Lymphatic Filariasis, a mosquito-borne disease, is preventable through simple measures, therefore, the MDA rounds are crucial in halting its transmission.

Reaffirming the governments unwavering commitment to public health, Jadhav said, Preventive measures such as avoiding mosquito bites and consuming anti-filarial medicines are key to stopping the transmission of Lymphatic Filariasis, which affects populations across 20 states and union territories in India.

This disease not only impacts health and well-being but also leads to lifelong disability, due to lymphedema, affecting families profoundly. To ensure success in the upcoming MDA rounds it is imperative that 90 per cent of all eligible populations consume these medicines, he said.

The Minister stressed on the need to have dedicated efforts to prevent and eliminate Lymphatic Filariasis in India.

He pointed out that efforts are being made to ensure pucca houses for people living in mud houses that make them more vulnerable to such diseases. He said efforts will also be made to develop a vaccine for Lymphatic Filariasis.

The Minister stated that disability certificates are provided to the people affected with Lymphatic Filariasis.

Jadhav also launched the MDA campaign by consuming the medicine himself and applauded the dedication and efforts of the line ministries, self-help groups, and other stakeholders for their contribution to the success of the campaign.

State Health Ministers who joined the event included Banna Gupta (Jharkhand), Mangal Pandey (Bihar), Damodar Rajanarasimha (Telangana), Mukesh Mahaling (Odisha), Jai Pratap Singh (Uttar Pradesh) and Dinesh Gundu Rao (Karnataka), as per the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

The Ministers spoke about their achievements and efforts in the direction of eliminating Lymphatic Filariasis since the inception of the Elimination of the Lymphatic Filariasis programme in 2004. They also thanked the Union Government for their unwavering support and assured their commitment towards eliminating the disease.
At a meeting with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar in Male on Saturday, Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Government of India for consistently supporting the island nation.

Mr Jaishankar, who is on a three-day visit to the archipelago, assured the pro-China Maldivian leader of Indias commitment to strengthening India-Maldives relations for the benefit of both nations and the wider region.

It was a pleasure to meet @DrSJaishankar today and join him in the official handover of water and sewerage projects in 28 islands of the Maldives. I thank the Government of India, especially Prime Minister @narendramodi, for always supporting the Maldives. Our enduring partnership continues to strengthen, bringing our nations closer through cooperation in security, development, and cultural exchange. Together, we build a brighter, more prosperous future for the region, President Muizzu wrote on X.

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Mr Jaishankar reiterated New Delhis commitment to deepening India-Maldives ties for the benefit of people in both countries and the region.

Mr Jaishankars official visit to the Maldives marks the first high-level trip from India after President Muizzu assumed office last year. His visit follows President Mohamed Muizzus visit to India in June for the swearing-in ceremony of the new Cabinet and the Council of Ministers.

Privileged to call on President Dr Mohamed Muizzu. Conveyed greetings of PM @NarendraModi. Committed to deepening India-Maldives ties for the benefit of our people and the region, the Indian minister said in a post on X.

Earlier, Mr Jaishankar also met with Maldivian officials, including Economic Development and Trade Minister Mohamed Saeed, Finance Minister Shafeeq, and Maldives Monetary Authority Governor Ahmed Munawar.

The meeting focused on enhancing economic and trade partnerships between India and the Maldives, as well as on strengthening development cooperation.

Mr Jaishankar, Maldivian Foreign Minister Moosa Zameer, and Climate Change, Environment and Energy Minister Thoriq Ibrahim jointly planted a carambola (star fruit) sapling in Lonuziyaaraiy Park, Male, on Saturday.
The opposition Congress in Madhya Pradesh has demanded the registration of an FIR against Bhind Collector, alleging that the Collector is working biasedly and is deliberately targeting the Congress leaders and workers but not taking any action against the irregularities carried out by any BJP leader or worker in the district.

The Congress staged a protest at Bhind on Friday. During the protest, MP Congress Chief Jitu Patwari, Rajya Sabha Member Digvijaya Singh and other senior leaders handed over a memorandum to Bhind Collector Sanjeev Shrivastava regarding the district administrations notice to senior Congress leader and former Assembly leader of opposition Dr Govind Singh over charges of illegal construction in his house.

During the handing over of the memorandum, Patwari accused the Collector of only targeting the Congress leaders.

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Ever since you have become the Collector (of Bhind) have you not found even a single illegal construction in any house of any BJP leader or worker? Patwari asked the Collector. You are only targeting the Congress leaders and workers, Patwari charged.

You are flouting all the service rules and just working as per the wishes of the BJP MLAs and leaders, Patwari further alleged.

You must work according to the Constitution. You have also turned a blind eye to the rampant illegal mining in the district. If you continue with such an attitude, we will register an FIR against you, Patwari told the Collector, who was standing on the other side of a police barricade along with police officials while receiving the memorandum from the Congress leaders.

Subsequently, the Congress leaders went to the Dehat Police Station and submitted an application for registering an FIR against Bhind Collector Sanjeev Shrivastava.
Russia on Saturday emphatically denied any official involvement in recruiting Indian nationals for military service in its ongoing conflict against Ukraine.

In a statement here, the Russian Embassy in New Delhi said the Russian Government has at no point of time been engaged in any public or obscure campaigns, more so in fraudulent schemes to recruit Indian nationals for military service in Russia.

The Russian Embassy in New Delhi has been in receipt of numerous requests from the media to comment on the issue of Indian citizens in service in the armed forces of the Russian Federation as there have been unfortunate instances of casualties among them in the course of the Special military operation in Ukraine. The Embassy expresses deep condolences to the Government of India and the families of the deceased, the embassy said.

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It said the agencies concerned in both countries work in close coordination for early identification and discharge of Indian nationals who voluntarily contracted for military service in Russia. All contractual obligations and due compensation payments will be fulfilled in full measure.

The embassy said that since April this year, the Ministry of Defence of the Russian Federation has stopped the admission of citizens of a number of foreign countries, including India, to military service in the Russian armed forces.

The embassys statement came a day after External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar told Parliament that a total of 91 Indian nationals were recruited in the Russian Army of whom 14 have been discharged and eight died while 69 are awaiting release.

He said there are reasons to indicate that the Indian nationals recruited in the Russian Army on false promises were misled, adding that the issue is taken by the government very seriously.
Congress leader Jairam Ramesh on Saturday accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of attempting to appropriate national flag which his ideological kin have long disowned, a day after Modi urged the countrymen to make Har Ghar Tiranga campaign a memorable mass movement.

Attacking the Prime Minister and RSS, Ramesh who is the Congress General Secretary in-charge of Communications in a post on X wrote, The non biological PM has started another Har Ghar Tiranga campaign. This is a short history of the RSSs relationship with the Tiranga. M S Golwalkar, the second chief of the RSS, in his book Bunch of Thoughts had criticised the Congress decision to adopt the Tricolour as the national flag, labelling it communal and a case of drifting and imitating.

Referring to RSS mouthpiece Organiser, he said, Organiser, in 1947 wrote that the Tricolour will never be respected and owned by Hindus. The word three is in itself an evil, and a flag having three colours will certainly produce a very bad psychological effect and is injurious to a country.

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In 2015, the RSS said that saffron should have been the only colour on the national flag as other colours represented a communal thought, he alleged.

The RSS did not regularly hoist the Tiranga at its headquarters till 2001, when three youth forcibly hoisted the flag on its premises  a crime for which they were booked, Ramesh said.

The Congress leader further said, The non-biological Prime Minister is attempting to appropriate this national symbol  one that his ideological kin have long disowned  because his organization has no history and symbols that India can accept as its own. Especially so on a day when India and the Indian National Congress could celebrate the anniversary of the Quit India Movement, in which the RSS refused to participate.

On Friday, the Prime Minister has urged citizens to change their profile picture having tricolour on social media platforms after he changed his profile picture to tricolour to celebrate Independence Day. He urged everyone to do same to make Har Ghar Tiranga campaign a memorable mass movement.

The Prime Minister also urged everyone to share selfie with Tiranga on harghartiranga.com.

The Har Ghar Tiranga campaign is part of the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, designed to bring the tricolour into homes across the nation.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday arrived in Kerala to assess the devastation caused by massive landslides in the Wayanad district. Upon landing at Kannur Airport, the Prime Minister was welcomed by Kerala Governor Arif Mohammed Khan and Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan.

During the visit, Modi is scheduled to conduct an aerial survey of the worst-affected areas, followed by an on-ground assessment of the ongoing rescue and relief operations.

Advertisement Modi will be briefed about the ground situation from officials and will visit a relief camp and a hospital to meet survivors and the families of victims. The landslides, which struck on July 30, have claimed the lives of over 225 people, with more than 100 still reported missing.

The disaster hit the villages of Punjirimattom, Mundakkai, Chooralmala, Attamala, Meppadi, and Kunhome in Wayanad.

Several teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and the Indian Army, have been carrying out the rescue operation. However, the hopes of finding more survivors are dwindling as the rescue operation enters its 10th day. The Wayanad district administration has confirmed the recovery of 226 bodies and over 400 body parts from the affected areas.

Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, speaking at a press conference in Thiruvananthapuram earlier this week, urged the central government to declare the incident a national disaster and recognize it as a severe calamity. The Kerala state government has pledged immediate assistance to those affected in Mundakkai and Chooralmala.

According to an official statement from the Chief Ministers Office, the government will help families relocate from the disaster-hit areas.

Affected families will receive financial assistance, with an adult member from each family eligible for a daily allowance of Rs. 300 for up to two individuals.

This benefit will extend to three members in families with bedridden or long-term hospitalized patients and will be available for 30 days. Additionally, each family currently residing in relief camps will receive a one-time financial aid of Rs. 10,000 to help them recover from the disaster.
President Droupadi Murmu was Saturday conferred with the Grand-Collar of the Order of Timor-Leste, the countrys highest civilian award.

President Jose Ramos-Horta of Timor-Leste conferred the Grand-Collar of the Order of Timor-Leste, the countrys highest civilian award, upon President Droupadi Murmu. The award is in recognition of her achievements in public service and dedication to education, social welfare and empowerment of women, the Rashtrapati Bhavan said in a social media post on X.

President Murmu said the honour is a reflection of the ties of friendship between India and Timor-Leste.

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President Murmu, who is on a three-nation foreign tour, arrived in Timor Leste earlier today after concluding her visits to Fiji and New Zealand. In a special gesture, she was warmly received by President Jose Ramos-Horta at the airport.

President Murmu also held extensive talks with President Jose Ramos-Horta of Timor-Leste. Underlining the strong connect between the two democratic nations, both leaders discussed opportunities for enhancing bilateral cooperation.

Earlier during her visit to Fiji, President Murmu was conferred with its highest civilian award, Companion of the Order of Fiji. She termed it as an honour that reflects the deep ties of friendship between the two nations.
It was a security dilemma that shaped Indias nuanced stance with regard to Indo-China. Elucidating on the dilemma in the region, Jawaharlal Nehru said, In order to prevent the other from being the aggressor, you become the aggressor yourself. It is a most extraordinary situation and that was the position in regard to the Indo-China States because each of the major countries was afraid lest the other take advantage of the Indo-China States against it. It was against this backdrop that India was of the view that the only solution was that both Powers should agree to leave the Indo-China States by themselves and alone, by and large and not to try to line them up with their own group because the moment one group tried to increase its influence or its pressure, or brought the area under its sphere of influence as it has been euphemistically called in the past, immediately the other power got going to introduce itself and the conflict began again, call it a cold war or call it what you like.

Indias commitment to the region and Vietnam in particular was quite evident. Nehru was not quite happy about the outcome of the Geneva Agreement. He said, The outcome of the Geneva Agreement is interpreted in various ways, and the Agreement, I must say, was drafted in such a hurry that it can be interpreted in various ways He, however, clarified that he had no issue with regard to the Agreement in general, but with regard to certain provisions on Laos in particular. Having said this he added, I do not want to say whose fault it is but we have a certain responsibility in trying to resolve those difficulties. To point out or name people at fault does not help in resolving a difficulty, but what I want this House to bear in mind is this, that because of certain developments in the Far East, in South East Asia, the whole atmosphere has changed there, that is, it has hardened the fear of war or for one person gaining an advantage over another or for any one country over another. Thus it is evident that Indias approach to the region was in sync with the policy of Nonalignment, which India advocated and practiced and continues to practice now. The birth of Vietnam echoed in the portals of Indian Parliament.

A closer analysis of the debates and discussions on Vietnam in both Houses of Parliament suggests that not only there is consistency and continuity of approach, there was also all-party consensus with regard to Indias engagement with Vietnam. It can be affirmed that Vietnam is the only country on which there is unanimity of views cutting across party lines in the Indian Parliament. Like all wars, the Sino-Vietnamese war of February-March 1979 did not start all of a sudden. The war marked the culmination of months of strained relations between the two neighbouring countries. Both knew that such a war would break out. This was evident from their war propaganda, war preparedness and hectic diplomatic maneuvers. The Chinese self defence counterattack into Vietnam on 17 February resonated in India and found its echo in Parliament.

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The President of India in his address to Parliament on 19 February 1979 said, We are gravely concerned at the latest developments on the Sino-Vietnamese border which carry the potential to endanger international peace and stability. Fighting should end immediately and, as a first step, Chinese forces should withdraw from Vietnam. As the House was adjourned after the Presidential Address there was no discussion on the issue that day. When the House met on 21 February, the issue was raised while External Affairs Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee was reading out the statement on his visit to China, which he cut short after the Chinese attack on Vietnam. Alluding to the internecine war in the region, he said that the Chinese leaders expressed their view-point on the deterioration of their relations with Vietnam.

I clearly expressed my concern at the prevailing tension and stressed that each of the countries in the region must be enabled to maintain their independence and were entitled to respect for their sovereignty and territorial integrity. This required adherence to the principle of noninterference. He cautioned that there should be no further developments which could lead to dangerous deterioration of the situation. He further said that, it is a matter of regret that in the course of our frank exch anges, where we clearly recognized that we had differing perspectives on the international situation, the Chinese leaders did not inform me of the possibility of developments on the ChinaVietnam border. That afternoon the House discussed the issue under the heading Chinese invasion of Vietnam and the consequent threat to freedom of nations in Asia.

Initiating the discussion, Mr Bedabrata Barua said, We are meeting under the shadow of a great threat to national liberty and freedom on an occasion which affects India vitally, and Asia and the world as a whole. This is a matter of aggression by a big power against a freedomloving and brave people on the worst pretext. It is a typical Chinese act, which is an act of invasion without parallel of a few hundred thousand men of the so called Chinese Liberation Army against the liberty of the people of Vietnam. He lamented that the people of Southeast Asia didnt have the courage even to protest against the Chinese aggression. He regretted that the hegemony of China had not changed and in fact it had worsened. He also alluded to the growing friendship between China and the USA. He said what China is doing today has the direct or indirect support of the United States. He even went to the extent of saying that it is a sort of global attempt to teach an independent nation a lesson. Describing the Chinese attack on Vietnam as an affront to India, he regretted that it did not occur to them (the Chinese) to take Indias feelings into consideration on such a matter, when Indias foreign minister was on the soil of China.

Analyzing the strategic behavior of China, he further said, What is important is not that the Vietnamese territories should be vacated I have no doubt that they will withdraw after making an impression as they wanted to do and after teaching a lesson if they could. That lesson is not intended for them alone: it is intended for us also and it is intended for other nations. In case somebody has forgotten the lesson, they are trying to remind them again. Responding to an interjection by another member as to what the government should do, he said that the government should not have given us the impression that we are finding a new friend in the Chinese Government, that there has been a big transformation in China and now we are making up with the Chinese, that we are finding new friends-and possibly giving up old friends! Finally he proposed that the Government should immediately call a Conference of the people of Asia.

RUP NARAYAN DAS The writer is a former senior fellow of Indian Council of Social Science Research, affiliated to Indian Institute of Public Administration, and also a former senior fellow of Manohar Parrikar Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses, New Delhi
The dramatic reading from parts of Ebrahim Alkazis Holding Time Captive, a biography penned by his daughter Amal Allana, brought in focus the man behind the legendary theatre person, his passions, and most of all, his vision in making theatre what it is at the national level today.

As Allan said in the discussion that followed at the Kolkata Centre for Creativity (in collaboration with the Asia Centre India Centre recently), with theatre and film personality Suman Mukhopadhyay, that being a daughter she saw him at very close quarters. Yet she distanced herself when writing the book, assessing his other persona as someone committed to theatre, an artist and definitely as a human being, with his weaknesses. She then became a chronicler of the times, rather the cultural history of India, roughly the period between 1940 and 2000.

Born in Pune in 1925, Alkazi died in 2000. He was of Saudi Arabian descent from his fathers side. His mother was a Kuwaiti. His wife, Roshan Padamsee, whom he called Rosh, stood by his side throughout his life. And Elk as he was referred to became an institution. The evening totally belonged to him.

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Those were heady times in Bombay during the forties and fifties, with progressive-minded thespians and painters who later became part of the Art Heritage Gallery in New Delhi. Alkazi was among the first promoters of modern artists as members of the Progressive Artists Group, others being F.N. Souza, Maqbool Fida Husain, Tyeb Mehta and Akbar Padamsee. He too was an artist.

Alkazis Bombay days in an 800-square-foot flat in Vithal Court and later in London were where his ideas on theatre were shaped in addition to rehearsals, lively debates and impromptu dinners for many. The closest thing theatre can be compared to is a musical band; no one person is responsible for its success. There are many who contribute to it, and Allan records the various influences and people behind her father. She records in a story-telling manner the various chapters in his life. The discipline, the joys and heartbreaks connected to events and people in his life, including his close family, are almost dramatised by his daughter.

Literature meets theatre in the book.

Among the very well-known plays Alkazi directed are Girish Karnads Tughlaq, Dharamvir Bharatis Andha Yug and various Greek adaptations, not to mention Shakespeare. And as Allan said in her conversation with Suman, he went around the country and the world, imbibing local and, when possible, global influences. Brecht, the Japanese classical theatre form of Kabuki, and closer home, Badal Sircar, were among some of his inspirations.

What was Alkazis theatre? From English he moved to Hindi. He once said in an interview with the BBC, I think that there are certain ground-root elements in theatre; there is a certain set of rootedness and earthiness in the work you do, and unless your inspiration and the concept in the work of theatre start from there, I dont think you can create fine work. You have to create an atmosphere; you have to work within a salubrious surroundings..

This becomes relevant when we talk of theatre in India growing from an ethnicity of folk culture, which gradually combined with global perspectives in order to survive as a live performing art.

It is common knowledge that Alkazi was behind the national school drama school NSD in 1952 and later as its director in 1962. Alkazi also believed in an entire cultural ecosystem where trained actors would get work in the film industry too, and that is why he encouraged them to also attend the Film Television Institute of India. No wonder that some of the best actors we have had in the way of Naseeruddin Shah, Om Puri, Anupan Kher, Manoj Bajpayee, Pankaj Tripathi, Irfaan Khan, Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Neena Gupta, and many more are products of one, if not both.

And as it happens with great visionaries, Alkazi faced several challenges as time went by, and the focus to get things done often resulted in being termed in some of the unkindest of ways; dictatorial is just one of them.

The dramatic readings by actors Sonam Kalra and Joy Sengupta brought the evening alive in presenting to us this magnificent persona, who also had a wicked sense of humour hiding beneath a serious facade. Once at a party, Elk landed up in just a bush shirt, as the dress code specified bush shirt only!

The legacy continues through his children Amal and Feisal and through such words that may or may not resonate with other artists.
In thirst of being a part of the ship and finally turning out to be the captain perhaps metaphorises the journey of one of the most prominent directors of Bengali commercial films, Prabhat Roy.

From a mere assistant director for 17 years in Bombay to a national icon, his chronicle full of thrash and thorns has been recorded in his newly-released autobiography, Clapstick, edited by Gautam Bhattacharya. The book was released on 4 August this year in Kolkata, followed by an event and gathering of several Tollywood actors.

Endeavoured to become an actor, in his twenties, Prabhat arrived in Bombay. But he clearly understood that this dream is no childs play, especially if played without proper knowledge and experience. He was even given clapsticks by a director, telling him to first learn the entire process of filmmaking before stepping in as an actor. Consequently, he began to learn while sitting with directors. The experience sparked his interest in directing, eventually succeeding him as a director.

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For those yearning to work in the film industry, whether as an actor or director, I have consistently emphasised the importance of acquiring camera work, lens handling and the delivery of authentic performances. Lets diminish the stereotype that acting is something done by people who have succumbed in other fields, said Prabhat Roy.

I also thank my wife, Late Jayshree Roy, who supported me through and through, and my daughter, Ekta Bhattacharjee, who has become my sole pillar of support after my wifes demise, added the filmmaker.

Good wishes were also sent by Boney Kapoor and Sachin Pilgaonkar, along with a surprise visit from the latter. Both Sachin and Prabhat reminisced about their young days of friendship spent on the sets of Balika Badhu (1967), directed by Tarun Majumdar; Prabhat assisted Tarun, and Sachin was one of the main cast members.

Shantilal Mukherjee, one of the acclaimed actors of Tollywood who had previously worked with Prabhat Roy, shared his experience with The Statesman, As a proclaimed assistant director in Bombay, he had technical knowledge. He therefore, with his knowledge learnt from Bombay, introduced action sequences in Bengali commercial films for the first time. Also, he was an excellent script and dialogue writer and presented Bengali society on screens.

Roy received several awards for his films, including two national awards, namely, Swet Pathorer Thala (1992) and Lathi (1996), and other BFJA Awards.
Bangladesh continues to grapple with intense political turmoil as fresh protests erupted on Saturday, with students demanding Chief Justice Obaidul Hassans resignation.

Hundreds of students surrounded the Supreme Court, demanding the resignation of the Chief Justice and all other judges. They gave the judges one hour ultimatum to tender their resignations or face the siege of their residences.

The violent protests, which forced former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to flee the country, have rapidly spread to the judiciary, with students accusing the judges of collusion and conspiracy.

The fresh protests were triggered after Chief Justice Hassan called a full-court meeting without consulting the newly established interim government.

On Saturday, protesters gathered outside the Supreme Court building in Dhaka, demanding the resignation of the Chief Justice and seven judges of the Appellate Division.

They vowed to continue their peaceful demonstrations until their demands were met, even as the military was deployed to secure the court premises.

Amidst mounting pressure, Chief Justice Obaidul Hassan announced his decision to resign, citing concerns for the safety of judges across the country, according to local english daily The Daily Star. However, Hassan emphasized that his resignation would follow the necessary formalities, stating, There are some formalities for the resignation. Completing those, I will send my resignation letter to President Mohammed Shahabuddin by this evening. Advertisement

The students-led protests in Bangladesh have already resulted in significant violence across the country. According to reports, at least 232 people have been killed in clashes since Sheikh Hasina fled the country, bringing the total death toll over the past 23 days to 560.
Jordans Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates on Friday condemned Israels decision to revoke the diplomatic status of Norwegian representatives to the Palestinian Authority.

The ministrys spokesperson Sufian Qudah said that the unprecedented step is part of the provocative actions taken by the Israeli government against those who recognize the State of Palestine and show solidarity with the Palestinian people and their legitimate rights, according to a statement by the ministry.

Qudah emphasized that Israels response to European countries decisions to recognise the State of Palestine violates international law and the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, Xinhua news agency reported

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On Thursday, Israel revoked the accreditation of Norwegian diplomats to the Palestinian Authority, saying the move was taken in response to unilateral steps taken by the Norwegian government.

Norway joined Spain and Ireland in recognizing Palestine as a state in May. Slovenia and Armenia followed suit in June.


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Allegations by Hindenburg Research have put Madhabi Puri Buch, the chairperson of the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), at the centre of a growing controversy.

The latest report by Hindenburg has alleged that Madhabi Puri Buch and her husband Dhawal Buch were involved in offshore entities tied to the Adani Group's alleged money-siphoning activities. The couple also held stakes in obscure Bermuda and Mauritius funds, alleged the report.

ALSO READ | SEBI chairperson Madhabi Buch had stake in offshore entities used in Adani scandal: Hindenburg Research

The recent allegations against Madhabi Puri Buch raise concerns about potential conflicts of interest within SEBI.

Who is Madhabi Puri Buch?

Born in 1966, Buch was raised in Mumbai. She got married to Dhawal Buch at the age of 21.

Having a strong foundation in mathematics and finance, she graduated from St. Stephen's College, Delhi. Later, she obtained her MBA from Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Ahmedabad.

ALSO READ | SEBI head Madhabi Puri Buch on why women should let numbers do the talking

Her career started in 1989 with ICICI Bank. She has also worked on various profiles across companies for 12 years including sales, marketing and product development.

She joined ICICI Securities in 2006 and later became the Managing Director and CEO from February 2009 to May 2011. Her leadership approach was marked by a focus on risk management and operational efficiency.

ALSO READ | Hindenburg report: Who is Dhaval Buch, SEBI chairperson Madhabi's husband linked to Adani scandal?

After ICICI, she served as a Consultant to the New Development Bank in Shanghai and led the Singapore office of Greater Pacific Capital, a private equity firm. Moving to an international platform helped her understand international regulatory practices as well.

After returning back to India, Buch held non-executive director posts on the boards of several major companies including Ideal Cellular Ltd and NIIT Limited. As a Whole Time Member of SEBI in 2017, she managed key portfolios such as surveillance and mutual funds.

In March 2022, Buch became the first woman to lead SEBI. Her appointment has been credited with bringing rapid changes in the system and improving efficiency.
A half-million dollar donation a nonprofit organization earmarked two years ago is finally on its way to fulfilling its intended purpose  a new building for School District 49s Careers in Construction program.

This is a project thats been years in the making, said Kevin Walker, president of Walker Schooler District Managers.

The Colorado Springs company manages the Falcon Community Builders for Classrooms, which, through voluntary donations from homebuilders, funds capital improvement projects in School District 49.

The $500,000 grant is paying for a building for training high school students to work in the construction industry after graduation.

The groundbreaking ceremony will be held 10:30 a.m. Monday on the Falcon Legacy Campus, 11990 Swingline Road in Peyton. The property also contains Patriot High School, an alternative blended learning school in D-49.

The 4,800-square-foot building will have classrooms and an open-area shop, said David Nancarrow, D-49 spokesman. Students from around the region will study carpentry, electrical and plumbing trades and learn components such as developing work site safety skills, using math in construction and reading print schematics.

The education prepares students to receive Home Building Institute certification to immediately work in the industry after earning a high school diploma.

The Housing and Building Association of Colorado Springs initiated the Careers in Construction program in 2015 to provide pre-apprenticeship training for ninth- through 12th-grade students. It was the nations first construction trades certificate program for high school students thats funded by those working in the industry.

The curriculum is adapted from the Home Builders Institute and certified by the U.S. Department of Labor.

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Its been popular in the Pikes Peak region, growing from fewer than 30 students in one high school four years ago to hundreds of students across several school districts.

D-49s new building is expected to help expand the program in its district.

This is the result of years of hard work and collaboration with our community partners at Falcon Community Builders for Classrooms and the Housing and Building Association of Colorado Springs, Nancarrow said.

We share a commitment and vision to serve our students and are excited about the opportunity this space will provide.

Aside from staff time and associated costs for utilities, for example, there are no significant D-49 dollars going into the project at this point, Nancarrow said.

Falcon Community Builders for Classrooms has donated more than $7 million to D-49 since 2008, Walker said. The money for the new construction classrooms and shop is one of the largest contributions, he said.

Most of the things are relatively small, such as buses or other support vehicles, Walker said. Most of the builders who build in D-49 understand the value and contribute.

The building will be ready for students by the start of the fall semester in August, Nancarrow said.

Contact the writer: 719-476-1656
In a groundbreaking allegation, Hindenburg Research released a fresh report, alleging that Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) chairperson Madhabi Buch and her husband Dhaval Buch had stake in obscure offshore entities used in the Adani scandal.



The new allegation came around 18 months after the Hindenburg claimed that the Adani Group had orchestrated the "largest con in corporate history", leading to a massive plunge in the conglomerate's market valuation.

FULL REPORT | SEBI chairperson Madhabi Buch had stake in offshore entities used in Adani scandal: Hindenburg Research

Eighteen months after its damning report on Adani, SEBI has shown a surprising lack of interest in Adani's alleged undisclosed web of Mauritius and offshore shell entities, it claimed in its new report.

Image source: Hindenburg report

"We had previously noted Adanis total confidence in continuing to operate without the risk of serious regulatory intervention, suggesting that this may be explained through Adanis relationship with SEBI Chairperson, Madhabi Buch, the Hindenburg said, adding that it had not realised that the SEBI chaiperson and her husband Dhaval Buch had hidden stakes in the exact same obscure offshore Bermuda and Mauritius funds.

Dhaval Buch's net worth is $10 million, Hindustan Times said in a report quoting documents seen by Hindenburg. During Dhaval Buch's stint at Blackstone, the company sponsored Mindspace and Nexus Select Trust, Indias second and fourth REIT to receive SEBI approval to publicly float an IPO, the report added.

Who is Dhaval Buch?

According to his LinkedIn profile, Dhaval Buch is currently serving as a senior advisor at Blackstone and at Alvarez & Marsal. He also serves as a non-executive director on the Board of Gildan. Alvarez & Marsal's official website carries a profile of Buch, saying that their senior advisor got operational experience of over three decades across Asia, Africa, Russia and the United States. Supply chain planning, procurement, manufacturing, logistics and distribution are his areas of expertise, the website says.

"Mr. Buch earned a bachelors degree in mechanical engineering from the Indian Institute of Technology. He was a board member of Unilever Asia Private Limited and Hindustan Unilever and a chairman of Unilever Nepal," the website said.

ALSO READ: SEBI head Madhabi Puri Buch on why women should let numbers do the talking

"Prior to joining A&M, Mr. Buch spent over 30 years with Unilever, where he most recently served as Chief Procurement Officer," it further said.

Image source: Hindenburg report

Dhaval Buch had worked with Unilever in Asia, Africa and Russia to lead manufacturing and logistics operations. He coordinated operations across 120 factories and 100 distribution centres, "produce and move five million tons of branded products; implement the global supply chain structure; and export $220 million in branded products over 20 countries," the profile on the A&V website further elaborated.
In January 2023, US-based short seller Hindenburg Research fired a salvo at the Adani Group, alleging Gautam Adani, chairman of the airports to energy conglomerate, was pulling the largest con in corporate history.

Almost a year-and-a-half later, the research firm has now fired another salvo, this time alleging Madhabi Puri Buch, the chairperson of Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), had stakes in "obscure offshore entities" used in the Adani money siphoning scandal.

Hindenburg says its report against the Adani Group in 2023 had "exposed a web of offshore, primarily Mauritius-based shell entities used for suspected billions of dollars of undisclosed related party transactions, undisclosed investment and stock manipulation."

Despite the evidence, along with over 40 independent media investigations corroborating and expanding on its original work, SEBI had taken no public action against the Adani Group, it said.

Hindenburg has now alleged that Buch and her husband had stakes in the same offshore funds used in the Adani money siphoning scandal.

"The current SEBI Chairperson and her husband, Dhaval Buch, had hidden stakes in the exact same obscure offshore Bermuda and Mauritius funds, found in the same complex nested structure, used by Vinod Adani," Hindenburg alleged.

Vinod Adani is the elder brother of Adani Group chairman Gautam Adani. Hindenburg had alleged that Vinod Adani through several close associates, managed a "vast labyrinth of offshore shell entities," and they had collectively moved billions of dollars into Adani publicly listed and private entities, often without required disclosure of the related party nature of the deals.

We suspect SEBIs unwillingness to take meaningful action against suspect offshore shareholders in the Adani Group may stem from Chairperson Madhabi Buchs complicity in using the exact same funds used by Vinod Adani, brother of Gautam Adani," Hindenburg alleged in its latest report released late on Saturday.

Citing records, Hindenburg further pointed that Buch had held a 99 per cent stake in a consulting firm called Agora Advisory, in which her husband Dhaval was a partner.

"At the end of financial year 2022, Agora Advisory generated Rs 19.8 million (U.S. $261,000) revenue from consulting, per its annual report. This was 4.4 times Madhabi Buchs previous disclosed salary as a whole-time member at SEBI," alleged Hindenburg.

The firm's allegations don't just end at Adani. It alleges that during Dhaval Buch's time as senior advisor at Blackstone, while Madhabi Buch was a SEBI official, Blackstone sponsored Mindspace and Nexus Select Trust, the second and fourth REIT [Real Estate Investment Trust] received approval from the market regulator to go public.

It further alleged that during Dhaval Buch's time as advisor to Blackstone, SEBI had proposed, approved and facilitated major REIT regulation changes.

"Since Madhabi Buch became Chairperson in March 2022, SEBI has proposed and implemented a raft of REIT legislation, of significant benefit to Blackstone as one of the largest REIT sponsors in India, whom her husband works for," alleges Hindenburg.

Madhabi Buch has had a remarkable career in the financial services industry, that has taken her from ICICI Bank to ICICI Securities, Greater Pacific Capital, New Development Bank [where she was consultant] and SEBI. She has also been on the board of directors of several companies in the past.

She was whole-time member of SEBI between 2017-2021 and became the first woman to head the markets regulator in March 2022.

Hindenburg's latest allegation are directly targeting Buch.

"Conflict or Capture? Either way, we do not think SEBI can be trusted as an objective arbiter in the Adani matter," said Hindenburg.

How Madhabi Buch responds to the allegations will be keenly watched now.

In January this year, the Supreme Court had refused to form a Special Investigation Team to probe the allegations against the Adani Group and said there was no ground to doubt SEBI's probe in the matter.

With Hindenburg's latest allegations targeting the SEBI chief directly, the whole Adani versus Hindenburg episode is set to take a new turn.
The new report published by Hindenburg Research has put Madhabi Puri Buch, the chairperson of the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), at the centre of a growing controversy. Hindenburg has alleged that Madhabi Puri Buch and her husband Dhawal Buch were involved in offshore entities tied to the Adani Group's alleged money-siphoning activities. The couple also held stakes in obscure Bermuda and Mauritius funds, alleged the report.

Image source: Hindenburg report

ALSO READ | Who is Madhabi Puri Buch, the SEBI chief allegedly involved in Adani scandal?

"Whistleblower documents show that Madhabi Buch, the current chairperson of SEBI, and her husband had stakes in both obscure offshore funds used in the Adani money siphoning scandal," said the report.

The report alleges that Blackstone has significant stakes in REITs in India and that the sector received a fillip during Madhabis time at SEBIs helm.

Image source: Hindenburg report

FULL REPORT | What are REITs and why is the Hindenburg report using it to link Dhaval Buch, SEBI and Blackstone?

Here are five allegations highlighted against SEBI chief Madhabi Puri Buch in the latest document released by Hindenburg Research:

1. The Supreme Court said that SEBI had "Drawn a blank in its investigations into who funded Adani's offshore shareholders. If SEBI really wanted to find the offshore fund holders, perhaps the SEBI chairperson could have started by looking in the mirror. We find it unsurprising that SEBI was reluctant to follow a trail that may have led to its own chairperson.

2. From April 2017 to March 2022, while Madhabi Buch was a whole time member and chairperson at SEBI, she had a 100% interest in an offshore Singaporean consulting firm, called Agora Partners... On March 16th, 2022, two weeks after her appointment as SEBI chairperson, she quietly transferred the shares to her husband

Image source: Hindenburg report

3. During Madhabi Buch's tenure as a whole time member at SEBI, her husband was appointed as a senior advisor to Blackstone in 2019 He had not worked for a fund, in real estate or capital markets before, per his LinkedIn profile

Image source: Hindenburg report

4. During Dhaval Buch's time as advisor to Blackstone, SEBI has proposed, approved and facilitated major reit regulations changes...These include 7 consultation papers, 3 consolidated updates, 2 new regulatory frameworks and nomination rights for units, specifically benefiting private equity firms like Blackstone... During industry conferences, SEBI chairperson Madhabi Buch has touted REITS as her "Favourite products for the future" and urged investors to look "Positively" upon the asset class... While making those statements, she omitted to mention that Blackstone, who her husband advises, stands to gain significantly from the asset class

ALSO READ | Who is Dhaval Buch, SEBI chairperson Madhabi's husband linked to Adani scandal?

5. Madhabi Buch currently has a 99% stake in an Indian consulting business called Agora Advisory, where her husband is a director
Bollywood actor Aamir Khan, who interacted with Chief Justice of India D.Y. Chandrachud after the screening of the movie Laapataa Ladies for the Supreme Court judges on Friday, opened up about his future plans.

The film, based on the theme of gender equality, was screened for judges, their families and officials of its registry, as part of a gender sensitisation programme.

Talking to the CJI, Aamir Khan said he decided to produce the movie, Laapataa Ladies, out of fear and desire.

ALSO READ: 'I rejected Aamir Khan for a role in Laapataa Ladies': Kiran Rao

The actor said during Covid-19 induced lock-down, he had the realisation that this is the last leg of his career as he was 56 then.

"I might have 15 more years of active work left, and I wanted to give back. The industry, society, and country have given me so much. I thought I could do one film a year, but as a producer, I can back multiple stories that I feel strongly about, the actor was quoted as saying.

Aamir Khan noted that producing gives him an opportunity to offer a platform for new writers, directors, and everyone involved in the process, and added that Laapataa Ladies was the first step in that direction.

READ MORE: 'Laapataa Ladies' review: Kiran Rao marks return with beautifully crafted social commentary

The actor said he hopes to produce four to five films in a year so that there are more such good movies for the audience.

Directed by Kiran Rao and starring Nitanshi Goel, Pratibha Ranta, Sparsh Shrivastava, Chhaya Kadam, and Ravi Kishan, Laapataa Ladies tells the tale of two brides who are mistakenly exchanged during a train journey to their husbands' homes.


Two Indian Army soldiers were killed in an encounter with terrorists in Anantnag district of Jammu and Kashmir on Saturday. Reinforcements have been rushed to the Ahlan area of Anantnag's Kokernag where operations are still ongoing.

Two civilians were also injured in the encounter, the Indian Army's Chinar Corps said in a tweet. Units from CRPF, Indian Army and Jammu and Kashmir police department were involved in the joint operation, it said.

According to Kashmir-based media reports, security personnel rushed to south Kashmir's Anantnag based on specific input about the presence of terrorists in the area. The police and security forces intended to conduct cordon and search operations in Ahlan. However, as the personnel closed in on the area where the terrorists were holed in, they came under fire. This led to the gunfight that is still in process, reports said.

OP GAGARMANDU, #Anantnag



Based on specific intelligence input, a Joint Operation was launched by #IndianArmy, @JmuKmrPolice & @crpf_srinagar today in general area Kokernag, Anantnag. Contact was established and firefight ensued. Two personnel have been injured and evacuated from pic.twitter.com/24DEESGtGZ  Chinar Corps - Indian Army (@ChinarcorpsIA) August 10, 2024

The two soldiers injured in the encounter were evacuated from the scene and rushed to a medical hospital. However, they succumbed while undergoing treatment, Rising Kashmir said in a report. Three other jawans also suffered injuries and remain hospitalised.

"Two civilians have also been reported injured due to indiscriminate, desperate and reckless firing by terrorists in the ongoing operation; they have been provided immediate medical aid and evacuated further. Operations are under progress," Chinar Corps said on X.
As Prime Minister Narendra Modi visits landslide-affected areas in Wayanad, the Congress party took a jibe at him and said Modi should find time to visit violence-ridden Manipur as well.

The prime minister reached Wayanad on Saturday to review rescue and relief operations in the area. Appreciating Modis visit, Congress leader Jairam Ramesh said in a post on X, It is good that the non-biological PM is in Wayanad today. It was a devastating tragedy. After this, He is scheduled to visit Ukraine to stop the war once again. Hopefully he will find the time and the inclination before then to also visit Manipur - which has been experiencing so much pain, anguish, and agony for over 15 months now.

Ramesh said the Congress party has been demanding that the Centre should declare the Wayanad landslide as a national disaster. Earlier, Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha and former Wayanad MP Rahul Gandhi appreciated Modis visit and said it would convince him to declare the incident as a national disaster. Thank you, Modi ji, for visiting Wayanad to personally take stock of the terrible tragedy. This is a good decision. I am confident that once the Prime Minister sees the extent of the devastation firsthand, he will declare it a national disaster, Gandhi had tweeted.

Modi reached Wayanad on Saturday and conducted an aerial survey of landslide-hit areas. He also travelled by road to Chooralmala, Mundakkai and Punchirimatam to see first-hand the devastation caused by the landslide. Modi also met with a few survivors at a relief camp in Wayanad.
On the background of the recent Bangladesh unrest and certain remarks made by the Congress leaders, Vice President Jagdeep Dhankar on Saturday cautioned the citizens of India. Dhankar urged the citizens to 'be on watch out'.

Taking a swipe at the Congress leaders, Dhankar said that efforts by some to infuse a narrative that 'Bangladesh can happen in India' is deeply concerning.

While speaking at the platinum jubilee celebrations of the Rajasthan High Court in Jodhpur, Dhankar asked how a citizen of this country having been a Member of Parliament (Salman Khurshid) and another (Mani Shankar Aiyar) who has seen enough foreign services takes no time in saying such a thing about India.

Be on watch out!!



Efforts by some to infuse a narrative that what happened in our neighbourhood is bound to happen in our Bharat, is deeply concerning.



How can a citizen of this country having been a Member of Parliament, and the other who has seen enough of Foreign Service pic.twitter.com/MWEoz1Ao1C  Vice-President of India (@VPIndia) August 10, 2024

Congress leader Khurshid on Tuesday said that though "everything may look normal on the surface", what is happening in Bangladesh could happen in India.

Aiyar also made similar comments by comparing the situation in Bangladesh.

While addressing a gathering, Dhankhar said anti-national forces are using the platforms of our constitutional institutions to hide or legitimise their actions.

Following massive protests in Bangladesh, which initially started over the quota reform movement, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina resigned and fled to India. Hasina's 15-year reign came to an end in Bangladesh and an interim government was formed till elections take place in the country.

Over 300 people were killed in the violence that intensified in Bangladesh in July.

In recent years, India also witnessed massive protests over the implementation of CAA and new farm laws.

Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, who heading the interim government, urged the protesters to remain calm and restore peace in the country.

After revenge attacks targeted some of Hasinas former ruling party, Awami League leaders, many have gone into hiding.

Meanwhile, minority communities were targeted by the protesters as well. Yunus has urged the youth to protect all Hindu, Christian, and Buddhist families from harm.

Thousands of Bangladeshi Hindus have been trying to flee to neighbouring India to escape the violence.

Reaching out to students who are at the forefront of the protests, Yunus, cautioned them not to let their efforts be sabotaged by those seeking to undermine their progress, the Dhaka Tribune newspaper reported.

"There are many standing by to make your efforts futile. Don't fail this time," he said while addressing the students at the Begum Rokeya University in Rangpur city.
The Supreme Court of India has extended the stay on survey of the Shahi Edigah till November, in a case in which the Allahabad High Court has said that suits filed on the issue are not barred by the Places of Worship Act.



The Act prohibits a change in the nature of a place of worship and stipulates that the status quo shall be maintained as existed on August 15, 1947. The Ram Janmbhoomi was the only exception to this Act.

The High Courts approval of the survey came in December 2023. In January this year, the Supreme Court had stayed such a survey.

The crux of the issue is, while the Hindu side is arguing that a survey must be conducted to determine whether the nature of the place of worship is Hindu or Muslim, the Muslim side has argued that the constitutionality of the Places of Worship Act cannot be challenged through civil suits. The Hindu side wants the removal of the Shahi Idgah mosque from the 13.37-acre complex in Mathura, where the Katra Keshav Dev temple is located.

In 2023, the High Court allowed the appointment of a commissioner under which the premises can be surveyed.

The Hindu sides argument has been that an examination of the nature of the place of worship is not barred by the Places of Worship Limitation Act as its nature as a Hindu place of worship shall remain. The Muslim side on its part has argued that as per an agreement reached in 1968 between the Hindu and Muslim sides, the mosques existence has been recognised and namaz is being offered at the site to date. To this, the Hindu side has said that in the said agreement, the deity -- Sri Krishna Lalla Virajman was not a party hence the understanding is not enforceable.

The Muslim side has further argued that the land in question belongs to the Waqf Board and any disputes relating to it can only be addressed by the Waqf Tribunal; the High Court thus does not have the right to entertain any suits pertaining to the same.

The Waqf contention has been dismissed by the Hindu side which maintains that the definition of such properties cannot be extended to include those the ownership of which is disputed by Hindus and Muslims.
The Congress Party has expedited the process of selecting candidates for all 90 assembly seats in Jammu and Kashmir given the likelihood of an election in September as mandated by the Supreme Court and a visit of the Election Commission of India to the Union Territory.

JKPCC President Vikar Rasool has instructed the District Congress Committee (DCC) presidents to submit the names of potential candidates within three days.

We will be meeting before or after Independence Day to shortlist the names of the candidates for approval by the top leadership in New Delhi, Rasool said.  The Congress party has a presence everywhere in Jammu and Kashmir and we have more than one potential candidate for all constituencies.

He said they would consult all party workers about potential candidates.

On August 9, Congress leaders from Jammu and Kashmir held a meeting with senior leaders of the AICC in New Delhi about the assembly elections and allying with other parties.

Sources said the Congress is open to an alliance with like-minded parties. In the recently held Lok Sabha polls, the Congress lost both seats it contested in Jammu to the BJP, but registered an increase in vote share.

The party also won seven assembly segments including those won by the BJP in the last assembly polls.

The DDCs have been asked to find candidates with a clean image and potential to succeed.

The Congress intends to field candidates in all 90 seats. The Congress is likely to field more candidates in Jammu where it enjoys better support and organisation structure compared to Kashmir where regional parties are strong.

In the recent Lok Sabha polls, the Congress lost both seats to the BJP, but the partys vote share witnessed a hike as compared to the BJP whose vote share declined considerably.

The Congress has seven assembly seats in the two Lok Sabha constituencies of Jammu and Udhampur while BJP holds 29 seats. The Congress is hoping to make inroads in Jammus Muslim-majority areas, especially in Banihal, Doda, Baderwah, Inderwal and Kishtwar in Chenab Valley.
The eight-day Mysore chalo padayatra of the BJP and the JDS to protest against Chief Minister Siddaramaiahs alleged involvement in the MUDA site allotment scam, culminated in Mysuru on Saturday. Leaders of both the parties launched a scathing attack on Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar a day after they threatened to expose the opposition parties during the Janandolan rally in Mysuru.

The opposition leaders, who reached Mysuru after covering 123 km on foot, mocked the Congress saying it has set a new tradition of a ruling party resorting to protest when cornered by the opposition over corruption. The saffron party leaders asserted that their fight would continue till the chief minister resigns.

Siddaramaiahs socialist mask has fallen off. If he is honest as he claims, why did he flee the Assembly avoiding a debate on the MUDA scam? We were forced to take out a Padayatra from Bengaluru to Mysuru as the CM was not prepared to face our questions. It is a shame that the CM, who has been a lawyer, appointed a one-man commission in a hurry to probe the Valmiki corporation scam worth Rs 187 crore just before the Assembly sessions began only to silence the opposition. Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar who is threatening the oppositions leaders, should first reveal what they are hiding in MUDA and Valmiki scams, said state BJP president B.Y. Vijayendra, who shared the dais with his father and former chief minister B.S. Yediyurappa, former chief ministers Basavaraj Bommai, Sadananda Gowda, Union minister and JD(S) state president H.D. Kumaraswamy and his son and JD(S) youth wing president Nikhil Kumaraswamy, along with legislators, members of parliament and senior leaders from both parties.

Kumaraswamy, who was annoyed with the Congress party displaying banners with a long list of MUDA site beneficiaries allegedly belonging to the Devegowda family, said, Siddaramaiah claimed that his political life was an open book. Then, why doesnt he make Kempanna report on Arkavathy layout denotification public? He helped his son set up a lab in Malleswaram. The list is long. Yet you put up a banner to target the Devegowda family.

Irked over Shivakumar playing old videos of Kumaraswamy and Yediyurappa locked in a verbal battle in the Assembly, during the Congress rally, Kumaraswamy too played old videos of D.K. Shivakumar allegedly admitting to having links with underworld don Kothwal Ramachandra in the past. Kumaraswamy said Shivakumar with questionable credentials had no morality to comment on him or the Devegowda family and also accused the deputy CM of stealing manhole covers during his early days.

Slamming Shivakumar and Siddaramaiah for showing camaraderie on stage, Kumaraswamy said, In 2018, Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar came to me to form the coalition. Shivakumar who calls himself as bande(rock) stood by me. I should have kept the rock at safe distance. It came down crushed my head. Today, the same rock says it will stand with Siddaramaiah. This should worry Siddaramaiah.

Lashing out at Siddaramaiah, the JD(S) leader said the chief minister should stop playing the Ahinda leader as he was the CM of the entire state and not just a leader of the backward classes.

Yediyurappa, in his speech, hit back at Siddaramaiah for asking him to retire from politics citing his old age and said he was here for a long haul.

I will remain in politics till my last breath and will not retire until I send corrupt Siddaramaiah home. Siddaramaiah is indulging in daylight robbery and people are fed up off him. All development work in the state has been halted for want of funds as your government has gone bankrupt. Give me one example in the country where a chief minister has usurped 14 sites and is demanding Rs 62 crore to return them. As long as we have such a CM and DCM, no development can take place in Karnataka. So, I dare Siddaramaiah to dissolve the Assembly and go for polls. I can assure you, the BJP and JDS will win more than 140 seats if we go for polls now. Last time, the Congress won by fluke, said Yediyurappa, adding that he was 82 but his limbs were strong enough to tour the state and send home a corrupt government.

Two honest officers P. Chandrashekaran and PSI Parshuram committed suicide exposing the corruption in the Congress rule. DK Shivakumar, who is questioning the opposition about their properties, should understand that the bigger question is of the chief minister grabbing a dalits land in the name of arshina-kumkuma custom. There are 89000 applicants who are still waiting for MUDA sites. But Siddaramaiah has been given 14 sites. We are demanding justice for the common man, said Ashok.

Union minister Prahlad Joshi slammed Siddaramaiah for claiming that he had not a single blot on him in his 40-year-long political career. I agree the CM has not one but many blots. The Janandolan by Congress is not peoples protest but Dhan-andolan (rally for money), where state leaders collect funds for the high command. The CM and the DCM fight in private and put up a show that they are united in public. Our Padayatra is a huge success as the chief minister has now declared that he would return the sites. But we will continue to fight him politically and legally. You cannot let off a thief just because he returns the booty. Mysuru which has a rich legacy is today in the limelight for the wrong reasons because of Siddaramaiah. Siddramaiah claims that he is targeted because he is a backward class leader. But he has no qualms about diverting funds meant for the oppressed classes. Corruption is in Congress partys DNA. Also, humiliation of SC, ST and OBC communities is also part of Congresss DNA as it has humiliated Jagjivan Ram and Sitaram Kesari, said Joshi, adding that Prime Minister Narendra Modi, too, was an OBC leader.

Nikhil Kumaraswamy reminded Siddaramaiah that he was part of Janata Parivar and he had called Sonia Gandhi as foreign passport and had also said what could be more disastrous than being ruled by a foreign lady.

Siddaramaiah who claims to be a Ahinda leader drove out Mallikarjun Kharge out of state politics. He ensured the defeat of Parameshwara and removed another dalit leader V. Srinivas Prasad from his cabinet. D.K. Shivakumar makes personal attacks on both HDK and HDD. We are prepared to fight you politically. But you should at least give respect to Deve Gowdas age, said Nikhil.

BJPs Karnataka in-charge Radhamohan Agrawal slammed the Congress rally saying, Yesterdays rally was a government rally carried out with the government funds to save the corrupt government. The participants were bribed to attend the rally. On the other hand, we had the BJP-JDS rally that saw volunteers coming from across the state, spending their own money as they could not tolerate a government looting the states resources to fill their own pockets. What is this government scared of and why is so shaken?, asked Agrawal, who also questioned D.K. Shivakumars credentials.

Who does not know D.K. Shivakumars background? When he fought his first election in Kanakapura, he had an asset of Rs 75 crore. He had an asset of Rs 1,400 crore when he fought the elections last year. He should explain to people how he earned so much money as he is in the race for the CMs post too. The clean CM is also exposed today, mocked Agrawal.

JD(S) leader Bandepppa Kashempur took the ruling Congress to task for claiming that there were at least 25 scams during the BJP rule in the state as he said, If there were so many scams, what were you doing as the principal opposition party? The CM and his cabinet colleagues are busy making speeches when north Karnataka and Kodagu are suffering due to floods and landslides, slammed the Kuruba leader.
With classes back in session across Colorado Springs, parents may notice something different at local school this year when dropping off the kids.

During a press briefing last month, Mayor Yemi Mobolade announced that five new school zones have already been implemented at middle schools and high schools throughout Colorado Springs this year with five more planned to be implemented by the end of 2024.

School zones in Colorado Springs reduce the speed limit to 20 miles per hour.

KOAA reported that that middle schools and high schools across D-11, D-2, D-20, D-49 will soon have additional zones installed, with one for Mitchell High School planned to be finished this fall.

Colorado Springs historically has not had school zones at high schools or middle schools. That changed after a Doherty High School student was struck and killed by a vehicle near the school in 2023.

A school safety zone was implemented shortly after the fatal crash and the city began the process of adding safety zones to more of its middle and high schools.

For the city's 2024 general budget, capital funding was set aside specifically to add school zones near middle and high schools and increased by approximately $250,000, with the goal of increasing pedestrian safety at all schools over the next several years. The increased cost will be offset by increased fee revenue.

Aug. 12 marks the first day of school for D-2, D-3 and D-11. And D-20 students go back to school on Aug. 13.
Kolkata police have arrested a man over the murder and rape of a trainee doctor in the city's R.G. Kar Medical College and Hospital.

The man identified as Sanjoy Roy was arrested after the CCTV footage was reviewed. He reportedly has free access to several departments of the hospital. "We have arrested one person, who is an outsider. His activities are quite suspicious and he seems to be directly involved in the crime," a police officer told PTI.

Police have registered a case under rape and murder charges and formed a special team to investigate the incident. They have also questioned two intern doctors in connection with the case.

The victim, 31, was found dead on Friday morning around 7.30 am at the 3rd floor seminar hall of the hospital with multiple injuries. A judicial inquest has found injuries in the private parts while there was bleeding from both her eyes and mouth. Her collar bone was broken and injuries were found in her neck, belly and limbs.

Human hair and blood stains were recovered by forensic experts from the mattress on which she was found dead. Her broken spectacles were also found.

Police suspect that she was strangled first before being smothered to death.
Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala on Saturday attacked the Maharashtra government over issues of corruption and said its time to oust them from power.

The Mahayuti government is a government of scams, and there is widespread public anger against this unconstitutional government. While awarding contracts, they take a 50 per cent commission and it's time to oust this commission-seeking government from power, Chennaithala, who is partys in-charge of Maharashtra, said.

Noting the Maha Vikas Aghadis success in the recent Lok Sabha elections, Chennaithala said similar success should be achieved in the assembly elections, too. Start working for this goal, fight unitedly, and victory will be ours, he told party workers in Latur.

Chennithala, along with senior Congress leaders from the state, embarked on a tour of Marathwada and Vidarbha from Saturday. The tour began in Latur where these leaders held meetings with the Latur City, Latur Rural, Dharashiv, and Beed District Congress Committees to review the preparation for the Assembly elections. Following this, a felicitation ceremony for the newly elected MPs from Marathwada and a workers' gathering was organized.

Congress Legislative Party leader Balasaheb Thorat, Leader of the Opposition Vijay Wadettiwar, Legislative Council group leader Satej Bunty Patil, former ministers MLA Amit Deshmukh, Diliprao Deshmukh, Latur MP Dr. Shivajirao Kalge, Nanded MP Vasantrao Chavan, Jalna MP Dr. Kalyan Kale and MLA Dhiraj Deshmukh attended the event.

Earlier, the leaders paid tribute to Babasaheb Ambedkar by garlanding his statue.

Speaking at the event, State Congress President Nana Patole said that the BJP and the RSS control the Mahayuti government, and Eknath Shinde is merely a puppet. Regarding the Maratha reservation issue, Chief Minister Eknath Shinde celebrated with gulaal, but he did not disclose the reason for this celebration. We do not know what discussions took place between Jarange Patil and the chief minister. The government's agenda is to commit all the sins and then blame the opposition, he alleged.

Healso accused the BJP of trying to create conflicts between the two communities.

The BJP is employing the divide and rule strategy used by the British. The public must decide whether they want the Manusmriti system or the ideology of Shahu, Phule, and Ambedkar, he said.

Patole added that in the Assembly elections, the MVA will win more than 185 seats, and the Congress will be the largest party in the state. After the Congress-MVA government comes to power, local self-government elections will also be held.

Balasaheb Thorat, the leader of the Congress Legislative Party said that the people of Nanded have clearly demonstrated that no one is greater than the public in a democracy. It doesn't matter if a prominent leader leaves the Congress party, because the people stand firmly behind Congress, he said.
A rave party reportedly held by a bunch of college students was busted at a flat in the Supernova Society in Noida on Friday night. Several alcohol bottles and drugs were reportedly found by the police who raided the apartment after being alerted by other residents of the society. Here is what we know so far about the development from Noida:



1. The rave party was attended by over 20 students. Media reports claim that many of these students who attended the party were under 21 years of age -- the legal age for drinking in Uttar Pradesh.

2. The rave party was held in an apartment of the Supernova Society in Noida's Sector 94. The police reached the society after the residents of the society had a confrontation with some of the students over their behaviour. An empty alcohol bottle was tossed from the flat's balcony, leading to the confrontation. The residents who contacted the police said that the students misbehaved with them during the conversation.

3. The party was a paid affair with fixed rates for entry. The news was spread via WhatsApp. House party that is going to be a total blast. Join us at our crib at 6 pm and lets make some memories thatll last, the invite message reportedly read. Female entrants were asked to pay Rs 500 for entry, while Rs 1,000 was asked of men. Couples had to pay Rs 800 the WhatsApp forward reportedly said.

4. The police have registered a case against 35 people including five organizers. 35 people including four main accused have been taken into custody, reports said.

5. Alcohol bottles and drugs were found fron the Noida flat The case was registered by Sector 126 Police who reached Supernova Society following the commotion between the two groups.
A year after the British Crown decided to shift the capital of India from Calcutta to Delhi in 1911, discussions took place on the location of the new imperial capital. Edwin Lutyens with Herbert Baker carried the day but there were other competing visions for the city too and central Delhi could well have been called "Leslie's Delhi" and not "Lutyen's Delhi". An alternate design and model was suggested by Sir Bradford Leslie for making the new capital.



Sir Bradford Leslie was an acclaimed engineer of the British Indian Empire whose famous works include the 1887 Jubilee Bridge, also known as the Hooghly Bridge. He also supervised the building of the Icchamati and Kumar river bridges, before returning to Britain, in 1862 to design bridges for railway lines in South Wales. He also designed an unusual floating bridge which straddled the Hooghly in Calcutta for 70 years and the Gorai River Bridge near Kushtia in present-day Bangladesh.

In Africa, he designed a railway line in Nyasaland (present-day Malawi) in 1904 at the time when the British were colonising Nyasaland, the new area that had opened up along the shores of lake Nyasa. The railway line was meant to ease the movement of white settlers as they moved into Nyasaland. He designed the entire railway line without ever having visited Nyasaland in a challenging terrain and in a distance of 185 Km of the rail line, the difference in elevation was over 3700 feet. This Shire Highlands Railway, as it was originally called, was opened to traffic in 1908 though extensions and other constructions went on till 1935.

Leslie's design for the new imperial capital in Delhi was in competition with the design proposed by Edwin Lutyens. The plan put forward by Lutyens was to build the new capital in a largely rural area near the Raisina village with no connection to Delhi's existing European community. The plan entailed uprooting several villages including Raisina, Malcha, Kushak, Talkatora, Moitibagh etc. Sir Bradford Leslie disagreed with the vision and prepared a town plan that placed the capital back within Delhi's European civil lines as this was the area where the British already had their presence. He agreed with the idea of Delhi as the new capital because the city has a fair weather from the beginning of September till the end of March, for seven months a year. He also justified Delhi as an ideal place for the new capital as it was equidistant by rail from Calcutta, Karachi and Bombay. He also felt that placing the capital in Delhi would bring it nearer to the hill stations of Landour and Mussoorie. He just did not agree with the health and sanitary conditions that the location offered and this he intended to remedy by creating an artificial lake with the purpose of removing the insalubrity' of the place by building a weir across the river Yamuna. In his suggestion, Delhi was to be built using bricks or concrete made of bricks in an India-European fusion architecture. Material for making the bricks could easily be arranged from places nearby Delhi and from the soil that was to be scooped up in making the lake.

Bradford Leslie's design for the new imperial capital presented in December 1912, was centered around proximity to water to improve the hygiene of the place. His ideas were heavily influenced by his personal life and experiences. He had lost his daughter, wife and son-in-law to Malaria, all within three years, and himself had suffered repeated attacks of malaria. In his view, due to the dead flat geography of the Yamuna plains, the area became a 'Malaria nidus' of many square miles after the rains. He also observed that there was much less prevalence of plague and malaria in cities such as Banaras, Patna and Calcutta that were situated on perennially flowing rivers. Therefore he planned the creation of a lake on the 'swampy dry season bed of the river Yamuna to solve the disease-related problems.

Additional land for the city could be reclaimed by building an embankment, alongside the river which would run a wide boulevard, lined with "trees, shops, restaurants, theatres, clubs, hotels, and cafes". His target was to place Delhi at least on 'par with Calcutta in point of Salubrity'.

In his comparisons for similar seats of power, he used the examples of London, Paris and Canberra which were located around water bodies. In London, it was a one square mile quadrilateral figure containing Westminster Abbey, Houses of the Parliament, Buckingham Palace, government offices and Belgravia next to the Thames River. The official quarter of Paris was a triangular area of 2 12 square miles next to the Seine River. In India itself, he drew a similar comparison to Calcutta where a quarter square mile of open space accommodated all the government buildings around the Ganges. All of these were located around a flowing river. Similarly, Canberra was built on a series of lakes and water bodies.

Leslie's proposal was rejected in favour of Lutyens's design and led to the creation of the Lutyens zone, what we now know as the Parliament building, Rashtrapati Bhawan, North Block, South Block, the India Gate and Kartavya Path among others. The Capital on the Raisina hill is easily one of the most recognized and magnificent seats of power in the world. A metonym for power and authority in India it has lent its name to the now famous 'Raisina Dialogue', a flagship event of the Ministry of External Affairs.

Sir Bradford Leslie, died in his London home in March 1926, aged 95. However, the fact stays that had his design and ideas found acceptance, the Delhi that we would have known would have been 'Leslie's Delhi' and not 'Lutyens Delhi'. While the idea was discarded after a final examination in London, it is another twist of history that Edwin Lutyens was a part of the committee that had in the initial analysis turned down the idea of Bradford Leslie in July 1913.

Puneet Kundal IFS is an Additional Secretary in the Ministry of External Affairs

The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not purport to reflect the opinions or views of THE WEEK
Medical student and doctors across West Bengal are protesting against the alleged rape and murder of a woman doctor in the citys RG Kar Medical College Hospital on Friday morning.

The victim, a second-year postgraduate student from Panihati in North 24 Parganas district, was found dead under suspicious circumstances, partially clothed, in the seminar hall of the hospitals respiratory medicine department.

The police have established a special investigation team (SIT) to probe the incident. The preliminary post-mortem report indicated that there was blood in her eyes, and there were injury marks on multiple parts of the body, including the hands, fingers, legs, and stomach.

Following their initial investigation, authorities suspect the young woman was brutally tortured before the crime.

The police has arrested one person, who has reportedly admitted to the crime. The accused is believed to be a civic volunteer in Kolkata Police. Reportedly, the arrested youth suffers from a mental disorder, which is currently under investigation. Even after being apprehended, the accused has reportedly showed no remorse for his actions.

However, the protesting students believe the accused has been made a scapegoat. We want justice for our friend and the way police is conducting investigation is questionable, said Dr Priya Lakra, a 3rd postgraduate student in RG Kar Medical College and Hospital.

We believe there could be others involved because it was not possible for one person to commit this heinous crime, she added.

Dr Mrinmoy Basak, another protesting student, said, The culprits must be given exemplary punishment. All doctors in medical colleges must be provided adequate security.

A group of doctors, under the banner of the Joint Platform of Doctors West Bengal, also took part in the protest inside the RG Kar Medical College and Hospital.

Dr Shrayon Ghosh, MD Pharamcology, said, We condemn this heinous crime. We want justice without any agenda and security for our female doctors who also work in the night shift.

Meanwhile, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee spoke to the parents of the victim and assured them that culprits would be brought to book. She also mentioned that they were free to approach any central agencies if they did not have faith in the state police.

The incident has triggered outrage from all sections of the society in Kolkata. Except for the emergency wards, medical students and doctors of RG Kar Medical College Hospital have called for strike in all other departments.
Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren on the occasion of his birthday on Saturday shared a post of prisoner's stamp on his hand and termed it a symbol of current challenges in democracy.



The stamp was put on his hand (by the jail authorities) when he was released from jail, he said.

"Today, on the occasion of my birthday, the memory of the past one year is imprinted in my heart  that is the prisoner's stamp  which was put on my hand when I was released from jail. This mark is not just of mine, but a symbol of the current challenges of our democracy," Soren wrote in the social media post.

Soren was released from Birsa Munda Jail in Ranchi on June 28 after the high court granted him bail in a money laundering case linked to a land scam. "When an elected chief minister can be put in jail for 150 days without any proof, complaint or crime, then what will they do with the common tribals, Dalits, oppressed people  I don't need to say this," he added.

Soren, the executive president of the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM), was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate on January 31, minutes after he resigned as chief minister. "Today, I am even more determined and I strengthen my resolve to fight for the rights of every exploited, deprived, Dalit, backward, tribal and Indigenous persons," he said.

The CM said he would raise his voice for every person, community, who have been suppressed, denied justice and is being harassed on the basis of colour, community, food habits, clothing and others. "We have to unite and build a society where the law is equal for all, where there is no misuse of power," he said.

He said that the path will not be easy. "We will have to face many challenges. But I am confident that together we can overcome these challenges. Because our country's unity and diversity is our strength," he said.
Aam Aadmi Party leader and former Delhi deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia said he hoped he would be out of prison in 7-8 months, but it took 17 months for him to secure bail in the cases related to alleged liquor policy scam.



Addressing party cadres a day after release in Delhi, Sisodia charged a conspiracy is being hatched to defame Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwals work. We are just horses of a chariot but our real 'saarthi' (Arvind Kejriwal) is in jail, he will come out soon, PTI reported quoting Sisodia.

Lashing out at the Bharatiya Janata Party-led Centre, Sisodia said truth triumphed in the end the Supreme Court used the power of the Constitution to trample dictatorship. Targeting the BJP over wrestler Vinesh Phogats disqualification from the Paris Olympics, Sisodia charged, She protested against your leader, we saw what happened at Olympics.

The AAP leader said he was pained to see businessmen getting jailed in fake cases just because they did not donate funds to the BJP. Sisodia urged the opposition should unite against the dictatorship. If opposition leaders unite against dictatorship, Arvind Kejriwal will come out of jail in 24 hours, he said.

The Supreme Court granted bail to Sisodia on Friday, in cases registered against him by the Enforcement Directorate and Central Bureau of Investigation in connection with the alleged liquor policy scam. The Court observed Sisodia was deprived of the right to speedy trial in the case hence he was granted the bail. Sisodia was imprisoned for 17 months in connection with the probe.

Sisodia was arrested by the CBI on February 26 last year over irregularities in the Delhi excise policy. The Enforcement Directorate ED arrested him in the money laundering case stemming from the CBI FIR on March 9 last year. He resigned from the Delhi cabinet on February 28, 2023.

Earlier in the day, Sisodia visited the Hanuman Mandir in Connaught Place and Rajghat. The AAP leader paid tributes to Mahatma Gandhi at his memorial in Rajghat.
The Congress today provided its first official reaction to the Supreme Court's judgment on the sub-categorisation of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes for reservation in government jobs and educational institutions, with party president Mallikarjun Kharge saying the party was opposed to implementing the creamy layer concept for SCs and STs while also indicating that it was not in agreement with the idea of sub-classification of the communities.

Kharge, in a video message, recalled that the Scheduled Castes got reservation for the first time as a result of the Poona Pact of 1932 reached between B.R. Ambedkar and Mahatma Gandhi, and that it later got Constitutional recognition and its implementation in jobs and educational institutions was also due to the contributions made by Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru.

Voicing opposition to introducing the creamy layer concept in reservation for SCs and STs, Kharge said that the most important thing is that the basis of reservation was never the economic development of any individual or community for these communities.

Rather the aim has been to end the untouchability that has been prevalent in our society for thousands of years. And it has not get been eliminated from our society. Several examples are coming before us every day, he said.

This is why, it is wrong to even talk about creamy layer in SC-ST. The Congress party is opposed to this, Kharge said.

The Congress president noted that even after 70 years, majority of the posts reserved for SCs and STs in the government services remain vacant. In what appears to be an indication of the Congress's disagreement with the idea of quota within quota for SCs and STs, he said, Even after 70 years, in government jobs, when you look at the recruitment of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes, you find that the existing vacancies are also not getting filled up and majority of the posts lie vacant. This means that the people belonging to this community, even together, are unable to fill these posts. They are still unable to compete with people belonging to the general categories.

He attacked the government for not dealing with the judgment during the just concluded Budget Session of Parliament. If the government had wanted, it could have in this very session resolved the issue through a Constitutional amendment. The Modi government brings new bills within two to three hours, so this was also possible, he said.

Kharge attacked the government for allegedly finishing off jobs by gradually selling off Public Sector Units and said the BJP's anti-Dalit and anti-Adivasi mentality is constantly hitting at reservation.

The Congress, he said, is consulting intellectuals, experts and NGOs to firm up its stand on the finer aspects of the judgment.
An Israeli airstrike has pounded a school-turned-shelter in Gaza City, killing scores of people.

The Palestinian health authorities earlier the strike killed more than 60 people. However, the Gaza civil defence agency officials put the number of deaths in the Al-Tabeen school at 90 to 100, according to AFP.

The Hamas-run Gaza government said the strikes targeted displaced people who were performing Fajr (dawn) prayers in Daraj Tuffah, reported Reuters.

The strike was acknowledged by the Israeli Defence Forces, which claimied that it was targeting a Hamas command and control centre operating within the school. The school, located next to a mosque, reportedly served as a hideout for Hamas commanders and terrorists.

The IDF said that before the strike, numerous steps were taken to mitigate the risk of harming civilians, including the use of precise munitions, aerial surveillance, and intelligence information.

Around 39,699 people have been killed in Gaza so far in the Israeli military campaign in retaliation to 1,198 people killed in the October 7 attack by Hamas.
A day after Bangladesh Bank Governor Abdur Rouf Talukder resigned, the country's Supreme Court Chief Justice has also been forced to step down. He will tender his resignation on Saturday evening after meeting President Mohammed Shahabuddin.

The students had earlier sought resignation of the Supreme Court Chief Justice Obaidul Hassan and other judges in the apex court. He was a loyalist of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina who was forced to resign and flee the country amid massive protests led by students in the country.

The development comes as Asif Mahmud, an advisor of the interim government, called Hassan "a friend of fascism" and demanded his resignation ahead of a full court meeting. Mahmud said that "no conspiracy by the defeated forces will be tolerated", reported Dhaka Tribune.

He also asked the Chief Justice to postpone meeting which was schduled to be attended by judges of both divisions of the apex court. Following this, Hassan declared that the meeting was postponed.

Protesters have gathered in front of the apex court's annexe building on Saturday morning, asking the Chief Justin to step down.

A few days ago the protesters had stormed the Bangladesh Bank headquarters. Talukder stepped down on Friday and cited "personal reasons" for the departure, Bloomberg quoted sources as saying.
Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) officials found out on June 11 that its source for more wolves had changed its mind, a CPW spokesperson told 9News Investigates, but CPW did not share that information with the public for more than a month.

After CPWs leaders learned that the deal had collapsed, they did not tell CPW commissioners until weeks later, on July 30, including keeping it secret during two public meetings in June and July, 9News Investigates has learned.

On Jan. 19, CPW sent out a news release saying it had secured a source for 15 more wolves: the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation.

We are grateful to the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation for working with our agency on this critical next step in reintroducing gray wolves in the state, CPW Director Jeff Davis said in the announcement.

Less than six months later the Tribes voted to not provide wolves to Colorado.

Based on new information regarding the proposed reintroduction project in Colorado, and that we have now learned that the State of Colorado has failed to consult with the Southern Ute Tribe, the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation cannot agree to the request made by the State of Colorado to provide wolves for this project at this time, states the tribes business council special session resolution index from June 6.

The tribes also wrote a letter dated that day, Thursday, June 6, addressed to Davis.

It has come to our attention that necessary and meaningful consultation was not completed with the potentially impacted tribes, the letter reads in part. Out of respect for the sovereignty, cultures and memberships of Indian Tribes in Colorado and neighboring states, who may be impacted by this project, the Colville Tribes cannot assist with this project at this time.

A spokesperson for the tribes said they were off the next day, a Friday, and that CPW was contacted after the weekend. CPW spokesperson Rachael Gonzales said they learned the letter would be coming on June 11, a Monday.

CPW received an indication that the letter would be coming on June 11, Gonzales said. This was not a formal notification and was not between signatories to the MOU.

The CPW Commission met the next two days in Winter Park. 9News was there during a heated meeting where wolves were discussed for hours; however, CPW leaders never mentioned the collapsing deal.

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The Colville Tribes letter was not mailed for several more days. 9News Investigates received a copy of the envelope in response to a public record request. It shows the letter was stamped on June 18.

CPW commissioners met again, publicly, on July 18 and 19 in Meeker. During that meeting, CPW Deputy Director Reid DeWalt provided the commission with a wolf update that made no mention of the tribes decision but did discuss communicating better.

We need to do a better job of communicating with ranchers and their communities after depredations occur. Events this April taught us that despite best and good faith efforts, it is easy for communications to fall short and for significant mistrust to develop. I know this is a major priority for us, CPW, going forward, DeWalt told the commissioners, while not disclosing that the source for new wolves had backed out.

The CPW Commission learned of the tribes decision on July 30, nearly two months after the tribes decision was made, according to multiple sources and an email obtained through a record request by 9News Investigates.

This date is also when SteamboatRADIO broke the story.

While this does change some of the more immediate plans for our reintroduction process, it does not halt our work, the letter reads, in part.

Commissioners received an email at 10:30 a.m. sent on behalf of Davis.

The Colville Business Council voted to rescind the resolution at this time, commissioners were told. ... While this does change some of the more immediate plans for our reintroduction process, it does not halt our work towards successfully restoring gray wolves in Colorado.

No commissioners agreed to do an interview with 9News about learning about this almost two months after the tribes made their decision.

For more on this and other stories, visit our partners at 9News.com.
After the tragic plane crash in Brazil, authorities have launched a probe into the incident claiming the lives of 61 people on board.

Local airline Voepass' plane, an ATR 72 twin-engine turboprop, crashed as it went down in the city of Vinhedo. The video of the plane crash went viral on social media. The images recorded by the witnesses showed the aircraft in a flat spin and falling vertically before smashing to the ground.

ANOTHER ANGLE OF THE TRAGIC PLANE CRASH IN BRAZIL TODAY 



WHAT DO YOU NOTICE??? pic.twitter.com/CU3hhpOWbo  Matt Wallace (@MattWallace888) August 9, 2024

The plane was headed for Sao Paulo's international airport in Guarulhos. It had 57 passengers on board and 4 crew members.

Reportedly, the formation of ice in the region of Vinhedo led to the plane crash. Local media citing experts also pointed to icing as a potential cause for the crash.

Meanwhile, Brazilian aviation expert Lito Sousa told The Associated Press that meteorological conditions alone might not be enough to explain why the plane fell in the manner it did.

A tragic plane crash occurred in Sao Paulo, Brazil, involving a Voepass ATR-72 aircraft.



This model is a twin-engine turboprop short-haul regional airliner manufactured by ATR, a joint venture between Airbus and Leonardo S.p.A.



The ATR-72 is designed to carry between 68 and pic.twitter.com/SmOf8YRojI  MASHIAHIYIM QODESHIM TALMIDIM (@AlvesPedro57992) August 9, 2024

However, there were forecasts for ice in the region on Friday, but that was within acceptable levels for the aircraft.

In January 2023, at least 72 people died on board when a Yeti Airlines plane crashed in Nepal. The probe report found the pilot's error behind that incident.

French-Italian plane manufacturer ATR in a statement said that the company specialists are fully engaged to support both the investigation and the customer.

The Brazilian civil defence teams worked through the night removing the remains of the passengers. The victims of the family members were asked to approach with any medical, X-ray and dental exams to help identify the bodies.

Costa Filho, the airport minister, said the air force's centre will conduct a criminal probe of the accident.

"We will investigate so this case is fully explained to the Brazilian people, he said.

The Centre in a statement said that the plane's pilot did not call for help nor indicated any adverse weather conditions. There has also been no evidence that the pilots tried to contact controllers of regional airports as well.

Brazil's Federal Police began its own investigation, and dispatched specialists in plane crashes and the identification of disaster victims, it said in a statement.
Iran is all set to carry out Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's order to "harshly punish" Israel over the assassination of Hamas top leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran.

Revolutionary Guards deputy commander Ali Fadavi said that the order by the supreme leader was "clear and explicit". He added that the order would be implemented as soon as possible.

Iran and Hamas have accused Israel of killing Haniyeh, while he was in Tehran to attend the presidential ceremony on July 31. Israel has not denied or claimed responsibility for the killing so far.

Responding to Iran's latest response, White House national security spokesperson John Kirby said the US is ready to defend Israel with plenty of resources in the region.

Meanwhile, the United States, Egypt and Qatar on Thursday called on Israel and Hamas to meet for negotiations on August 15 in Doha or Cairo to finalise a Gaza ceasefire and hostage release deal. The negotiation talks took a hit after Haniyehs death.

Iran's UN Mission in New York said that its priority is to establish a lasting Gaza ceasefire. It also added that the Israeli regime has violated their national security and sovereignty.

"We've been engaged in intense diplomacy with allies and partners who are communicating that message directly to Iran. We communicated that message directly to Israel," said a US spokesperson.

Meanwhile, the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) meeting on Wednesday held Israel fully responsible for killing Haniyeh. Saudi Arabia extended its support and pointed out that the strike was a "blatant violation of Iran's sovereignty."

Saudi's foreign minister Waleed Al-Khuraiji rejected "any violation of the sovereignty of states or interference in the internal affairs of any country.

Iran and Palestinian officials called for the 57-member OIC meeting in Saudi's Jeddah.

Hezbollah has also vowed to attack Israel after the assassination of its senior commander Fouad Shukur in Beirut.
Stylish: A listing valuing Shein at 50billion would be one of the biggest in the history of the London Stock Exchange

Shein is looking to open its first British warehouse as it gears up for a 50billion listing on the London Stock Exchange.

The Chinese fast fashion giant is scouting out a large site in the Midlands' so-called 'golden logistics triangle' that is known for its logistics and warehousing facilities.

Shein representatives have been on the hunt for sites across Derby, Daventry, Coventry and Castle Donington.

And the group is looking for buildings between 300,000 and 400,000 sq ft, but could go as large as 600,000 sq ft.

Shein has been in talks with politicians about its proposed listing and confidentially filed the paperwork with the Financial Conduct Authority in June, according to reports.

The Mail on Sunday revealed in April that London was the likely destination as opposed to New York.

A listing valuing Shein at 50billion would be one of the biggest in the history of the London Stock Exchange.

But potential investors are nervy because the company has been criticised for exploiting workers in China.

One report from advocacy group Public Eye in May revealed some workers endure 75-hour weeks.

But its popularity has grown in recent years and profits hit 1.6billion last year after it sold 35billion of clothing.

A Shein spokesman said it 'has no immediate plans to acquire warehouse space in the UK'.
Fashion conscious: Model Hailey Bieber

Carrie Bradshaw's favourite high heel designer has posted a slump in sales as the storm clouds hanging over the luxury goods industry continue to darken.

Manolo Blahnik  worn by Sarah Jessica Parker's character in Sex And The City and model Hailey Bieber  revealed sales hit 91.2m in 2023.

That was down 10 per cent from the year before.

Profits also tumbled by a third to 13.2m.

The brand is suffering from the downturn in high-end fashion spending, driven by weak performance in the US and China.

But the company, created by the eponymous designer in 1972, described the results as 'robust'.

Boss Kristina Blahnik, Manolo's niece, said: 'Our performance came off the back of an extraordinary year of sales and consumer demand in 2022.'
As the weekend arrives, a night-out favourite found gains after some much-needed good news.

Revolution Bars surged after it revealed that its long-term future had been secured as its restructuring plans received approval from the High Court.

The owner of the eponymous bar chain, as well as the De Cuba sites, can amend secured lending facilities, ditch some loss-making sites and implement rent reductions at certain others.

Bosses said the restructuring will boost Revolution Bars' pre-tax earnings by 3.8m annually, a big boost after struggling in the wake of the pandemic.

Revolution will also benefit from amended obligations on 30m of debt with lender NatWest, including seeing 4m written off, alongside having longer to pay taxes.

Raising a glass: Bosses said the restructuring will boost Revolution Bars' pre-tax earnings by 3.8m annually, a big boost after struggling in the wake of the pandemic

Revolution jumped 18.2 per cent, or 0.2p to 1.3p. A volatile week for markets ended on a subdued note. The FTSE 100 index closed ahead 0.3 per cent, or 23.13 points, at 8168.1, and the FTSE 250 rose 0.6 per cent, or 116.6 points at 20625.18.

Rightmove bounced 0.9 per cent, or 4.6p, to 537p after it said it had entered into a membership agreement with online lettings agent OpenRent.

The property portal fell sharply on Tuesday after it announced that OpenRent was planning to end its contract with effect from September 1, as the two had not then been able to agree terms. Gambling giant Entain extended its post-results advance, adding 1.5 per cent, or 8.2p, to 558.2p, as did specialist insurer Beazley, up another 2.5 per cent, or 17.5p, to 723p.

Food app Deliveroo gained 5.1 per cent, or 7.2p, to 148.1p helped by a bullish broker note from analysts at Deutsche Bank who upgraded their price target to 187p.

Broker comment after results also boosted food ordering platform Just Eat Takeaway, ahead 3.6 per cent, or 38p, to 1082p after analysts at Morgan Stanley raised their rating to overweight from equal weight.

But FTSE 250-listed publisher Future shed 2.5 per cent, or 27p, to 1040p after Canaccord Genuity analysts cut their stance to sell from hold.

Among the small caps, Getech Group jumped 33.3 per cent, or 0.6p, to 2.4p after the minerals and oil exploration specialist completed a 1.5m fund rise at a premium as it said trading had improved. Mining-focused investment company Kazera Global surged 37.5 per cent, or 0.15p, to 0.55p as it entered into a debt facility agreement with its two largest shareholders. Chief executive Dennis Edmonds said the loans are expected to provide sufficient cash cover to take the company into being cash generative.

Property services group Kinovo added 7.9 per cent, or 5.5p, to 75p as it revealed that it has received a number of direct awards from new clients following its successful placing on the National Housing Maintenance Forum's framework for Planned Maintenance, Net Zero Carbon, and Passive Fire Safety Works.

Gold producer Hummingbird Resources slumped 25.9 per cent, or 2.2p, to 6.3p as it reported a second-quarter loss even with gold prices close to their all-time high.
The thump and rattle of cars hitting dips in the road along eastbound Platte Avenue is no more after complaints prompted the city of Colorado Springs to make adjustments.

"If it was nighttime and you possibly didn't know it was there, they could be aggressive," said city operations and division manager Corey Farkes.

Hitting what residents told Gazette news partner KOAA was the "deathly dip" where the pavement formed a drainage funnel into gutters could be harrowing along the residential artery. Farkes said that drivers at normal speed would not have had much trouble but that in adverse conditions the dips could be an issue.

The dips were worst along a section of the road between North Wahsatch Avenue and North Union Boulevard. Farkes said older roads like Platte are rounded to encourage water runoff into inlet structures. The uneven roadway, coupled with the needed slope for the intake, were a recipe for potential teeth jarring and suspension bottoming.

The city received multiple complaints through the GoCOS! app, triggering the road work.

Farkes said people were concerned about safety.

"They said it was difficult for drivers to maintain control," he said.

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The section of roadway was also the scene of a recent fatal crash. David Claudio, 22, and Spc. Randy Castro, 22, both Fort Carson soldiers, were fatally injured when their car hit a curb and flipped in the 800 block of East Platte Avenue last September.

Residents then told the Gazette that the drainage dips were "treacherous" for drivers.

The solution for the city were patches of new asphalt to smooth the roadway, according to Farkes. He said the repairs happened in late spring of this year and have been successful.

Platte Avenue is not the only road in Colorado Springs with drainage dips. Many older roads in and around the Old North End, like North Nevada Avenue, are also built with dips.

Farkes said his department had not heard of any other concerns.
A $1,000 reward is being offered for anyone with information that leads to the arrest of a suspect or suspects responsible for a recent string of gun shop burglaries.

In the past week, four gun shops have had stolen vehicles rammed into them in the early morning on two separate days. At least two of the stores had multiple firearms stolen from them while the potential thieves couldn't break into the storefront of another.

The reward is being offered by Pikes Peak Crime Stoppers, who said in a news release that a "significant number" of pistols and rifles were taken during the burglaries.

"Detectives are working hard to identify the suspect(s). We are asking for help from our community for any information or anything they may know about these crimes," Colorado Springs Department Chief Adrian Vasquez said in a news release.

Featured Local Savings

A CSPD spokesperson told The Gazette in a previous article that the reason people steal firearms is almost always to conduct more violent crime.

The burglaries follow a recent trend that are known as "smash-and-grabs," which involves breaking a window or door of a vehicle, home or business through various means, in Colorado Springs. Many of the recent smash-and-grabs are reportedly juveniles who have rammed vehicles, often stolen, into smoke shops, according to previous reporting from The Gazette.

The trend has outpaced both Pueblo and Denver in such crimes through the first half of 2024. Since May, the city has seen at least for such crimes each month.

Anyone with information can call Pikes Peak Crime Stoppers at 719-634-7867 to remain anonymous. Police can be contacted at 719-444-7000.
Voter clap back wasn't so bad according to the metrics of Missouri MAGA supporters.

The mainstream narrative suggests that voters "moved closer to the middle" but proud right-wing politicos are touting their gains after the primary.



Here's a worthwhile perspective downplayed by most KCMO MSM . . .



State Sen. Denny Hoskins of Warrensburg emerged from an eight-person field to get the Republican nomination for Secretary of State.



Freedom Caucus member state Sen. Bill Eigel finished second to Lt. Gov. Mike Kehoe in the race for the Republican nomination for governor, garnering 32 percent of the vote and placing ahead of Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft, son of former U.S. Attorney General, U.S. senator and Missouri Gov. John Ashcroft.



State Sen. Rick Brattin, a founding member of the Missouri Freedom Caucus, defeated well-funded primary challenger Dan Houx by a wide margin. And candidates endorsed by the caucus won the GOP nomination in four of the five state Senate races they contested.



With crowded primary fields for a number of the statewide seats, the caucus members were able to garner 25 percent to 30 percent of the vote, enough to boost Hoskins to victory and bring Eigel within striking distance of the winner.

Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com link . . .
Update on rising local Summer violence as www.TonysKansasCity.com tries to keep an unofficial count based on latest reports from KCPD.

Here's an update on a Sunday shooting that turned deadly this week . . .



HOMICIDE LATE DEATH: 2000 block of Manchester

On 08/04/2024 around 10:45PM, officers were dispatched to the 2000 block of Manchester in regard to a reported shooting.



Upon officers arrival, they were flagged down by a nearby security guard who directed their attention to a vehicle where officers located an adult male victim in the car suffering from an apparent gunshot wound.



The victim was transported to an area hospital where lifesaving measures were attempted, however after four days the victim died of his injuries. The victim has been identified . . .



Homicide detectives have assumed responsibility of the investigation and it is on going at this time.



Detectives are working to identify a person of interest and no one is currently in custody.



If anyone was in or around the area at this time and saw or heard anything they are asked to contact Homicide detectives directly at 816-234-5043 or the TIPS Hotline anonymously at 816-474-TIPS there is a reward of up to $25,000 for information submitted anonymously to the TIPS hotline.



We are committed to assisting victims of violent crimes through use of Missouris Protection Program for Victims/Witnesses of Violent Crime. Funding for temporary, or even permanent relocation, may be available but is subject to pre-approval by the States administering agency.



We are working with Partners for Peace in all our homicide investigations to monitor risks for retaliation and provide social services to affected residents.

################



Developing . . .


For only the closest TKC readers we wanted to share more than a few worthy items on local public safety and the ongoing effort to curb rising crime.

In this post we cover community outreach, police work, court case aftermath and grassroots activism.



Check TKC news gathering . . .

'Push for a better KC': Family mourns food truck owner killed early Monday in Kansas City, remembers his life One family that is now part of that statistic after an argument turned deadly early Monday morning near 70th and Prospect. KCPD confirmed 31-year-old Dyamund 'DJ' Shields was shot and killed.

KCPD attempting to identify two in connection to 9th & Chestnut homicide The Kansas City, Missouri police department is asking for help in identifying two persons of interest in the July 20th homicide at East 9th Street and Chestnut Avenue.

Johnson County man sentenced to nearly 24 years in prison for murder A Johnson County man was sentenced Wednesday to nearly 24 years in prison for second-degree murder.

Man sentenced for second-degree murder in 2022 Merriam stabbing A Missouri man is sentenced in Johnson County District Court for the 2022 stabbing of a 23-year-old man in Merriam, Kansas.

KC Unsolved: Mistaken identity or gang rivalry? KCK police trying to unravel unsolved murder In the two years since Angel Chavira's death, detectives have pieced together enough to have two possible theories about the motive for the shooting, but they don't have enough evidence to be certain about either.

After 7 weeks, no arrest in Kansas City baby's death. Cops say they await autopsy results Nine-month-old Giovanni Carr died June 20 of injuries consistent with severe abuse. Police say they're still waiting on the results of his autopsy before an arrest can be made.

Former IHOPKC teens allege sexual misconduct by youth group leader. Was it covered up? The sexual misconduct allegations underscore what many say is a longstanding culture of systemic abuse and cover-up that thrived within the 24/7 global prayer movement.

Inaugural recipient of Ralph Yarl Scholarship becomes first in family to go to college MERRIAM, Kan. -- Betty Rae's Test Kitchen in Merriam is serving a limited edition sundae. Creme Brule ice cream is served in a crepe cone and topped with chips, carmel syrup and caviar. The new creation is a nod to the city hosting the 2024 Olympics.

Developing . . .
Again here's the deal . . . TKC knows how this story went down because more than two decades ago we covered it for both KC Hispanic News & Dos Mundos . . .

EAST SIDE ELECTED LEADERS WERE INSTRUMENTAL IN DESIGNING 71!!! LIKE IT OR NOT, THE TRAGIC HIGHWAY STOPLIGHT IDEA BELONGS TO CONGRESSMAN CLEAVER & MAMIE HUGHES!!!



This is FACT backed up by newspaper reports, TV and so many, many wasted hours at community meetings.

We're not mentioning this historical fact check as a political slam. At the time, the efforts of both Congressman Cleaver & East side legend Mamie Hughes garnered widespread support and were viewed as a great success in neighborhood and community advocacy. Their hearts were in the right places, they just didn't know what they were doing or the horrific consequences of the highway monstrosity they would help to craft.



Here's the important part that is a disservice to the discussion . . .

Local news helps politicos blame bad design on the Feds but the horrible decisions that resulted in hundreds of lives lost belong to "community input" and racially-charged demands for stoplights on a highway.

At the time . . . The thinking was that without stoplights instead of traditional overpasses, nearby biz would suffer.

Instead . . .

Again . . . Crashes, holdups and random shooting claimed the lives of hundreds thanks to this poor design from politically active "leaders" who engaged in urban planning for all the wrong reasons and at a time without the popularity of the Internet to provide more information and alternative viewpoints.



And all this is prologue for the latest local effort that seeks to tacitly blame "racism" in an effort to start anew . . .



"Completion of 71 HWY wrapped up in 2001, serving as a direct link from downtown to South KC, but its placement came with a price. According to a city press release, over 2000 black families were displaced during construction, forcing people living on the east to cross the highway to access community resources like the Ivanhoe Neighborhood Council."

Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com links . . .

Drivers weigh in on 71 highway as city aims to reconnect corridor Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas held a press conference Friday morning announcing improvements set to take place along 71 Highway.

Reconnecting neighborhoods: Kansas City, Missouri signs deal for 71-Highway project "When this project was established, it was to expedite traffic downtown from south Kansas City. In the process of doing that, they did not realize the full consequences..."

Developing . . .
Nobody is all bad . . . To her credit, she does acknowledge defeat.

Even better . . . We like her self-esteem. In her latest message she tells followers that she's beautiful and strong in a message that has been flagged across social media.



Here's the mainstream view of her candidacy . . .



Valentina Gomez, a self-described America First-Maga Republican, came in sixth in Tuesdays eight-person primary, with 7.4% of the vote. Missouri state Sen. Denny Hoskins won with 24.4% and will face Missouri state Rep. Barbara Phifer, a Democrat, and Carl Herman Freese, a Libertarian, in November.



When asked Wednesday about the results, Gomez said she made history in the name of Jesus Christ.



I was a nobody and God transformed me into one of the most feared, respected, and loved women in American Politics. I put the fear of God in pedophiles, groomers, and corrupt politicians. I never sold out, spoke the truth, and did the right thing for the American people, she wrote in an email, using language that has become popular among the anti-LGBTQ movement.



Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com link . . .
Commentary: "China Travel" boom shows unyielding commitment to openness

Xinhua) 09:14, August 10, 2024

Pan Fenglan (C) talks with German tourists at her homestay at Dazhai Village of Longsheng County, south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, June 26, 2024. (Xinhua/Zhao Zishuo)

BEIJING, Aug. 9 (Xinhua) -- "It is always a pleasure to greet a friend from afar." This old Chinese saying perfectly exemplifies the cultural openness deeply rooted in the Chinese people who are always ready to welcome friends from around the world with open arms.

The current "China Travel" boom is a prime example of this.

In the first half of this year, China received nearly 15 million foreign travelers, up 152.7 percent year on year. Many travelers shared their experiences through videos on social media, showing how attractive the country is and how hospitable its people are to visitors. It's no surprise that "China Travel" has become a top trending search on multiple global social media platforms.

The travel boom reflects the country's steadfast commitment to openness. As the third plenary session of the 20th Communist Party of China Central Committee held in mid-July emphasized: "Opening up is a defining feature of Chinese modernization. We must remain committed to the basic state policy of opening to the outside world and continue to promote reform through opening up."

In fact, the travel fervor is fueled by a range of facilitation measures rolled out by the Chinese government to let more foreign visitors set foot in China and have pleasant stays.

As of July, China has rolled out a 15-day visa-free entry policy for 15 countries on a trial basis and expanded the coverage of its 144-hour visa-free transit policy to 37 ports of entry, allowing citizens of 54 countries the opportunity for short-term travel and business visits.

Over half of the total entering foreign visitors in H1, or 8.5 million, entered China visa-free, an increase of 190 percent year on year.

The country has also enhanced services for inbound tourists by facilitating mobile payments for foreigners, implementing reservation-free entry at scenic spots, and offering multilingual support and various payment methods to simplify ticket purchases for international travelers.

To see is to believe. Foreign visitors experience a genuine China through firsthand encounters, which helps them develop objective and comprehensive perspectives on the country. As they cultivate a deeper understanding of China during their stay, they come to realize how misleading and limited Western media reports about the country can be.

Moreover, against the backdrop of a sluggish global economic recovery and rising uncertainty, the "China Travel" boom has provided a valuable boost, helping strengthen economic, cultural, and people-to-people exchanges.

With the continuous introduction of facilitation measures, the "China Travel" boom is expected to last, allowing more foreigners to feel China in person. Openness, inclusiveness, and mutual understanding will further transcend seclusion, narrow-mindedness and prejudice.

(Web editor: Cai Hairuo, Sheng Chuyi)
The Address is situated in the B listed Pearl Assurances Building in Glasgow city centre and features 95 guestrooms, restaurant, two bars, cinema, meeting space, spa, gym and the typical back-of-house support areas for the operator associated with a hotel of this scale. 3DReid was appointed as Interior Designers and Architects on The Address.

A key move for the site was to relocate the main guest entrance for the hotel from its current West George Street location to the more prominent Renfield Street. This involved expanding into the existing pizzeria F&B retail unit and the proposal includes the guest reception, restaurant and bar within this space. The existing retail unit basement was refurbished to include guest toilet and staff back-of-house areas for storage, cellars, access stairs, circulation corridors. The lower ground floor and basement have been completely re-designed to the look and feel of The Address brand.

The services entrance to the rear accessed from Renfield Street lane was also be upgraded as this is used for accessible guest access. The upper ground floor accessed from West George Street has undergone a full refurbishment to the internal areas. This level contains the residents bar & cafe, cinema/meeting space, guest toilets, spa offer, gym, guest circulation and four new guest bedrooms. Part of this work involved re-activating the existing historic door and stair, to become the main entrance into the residents bar and cafe from West George Street. The guest bedrooms located on levels 1 to 5 have been refurbished to align them with The Address brand. This includes new carpets; paint finishes and selected FF&E items.

The guest corridors have also been refurbished. Externally the building has new cladding and canopy to the new hotel entrance on Renfield Street which elevates this area for both hotel guests and retail footfall where we have also incorporated new signage and feature lighting.
(@ChaudhryMAli88)

LAHORE, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 10th Aug, 2024) The price control magistrates conducted inspections at 1,885 locations, leading to the arrest of eight individuals for overpricing fruits, vegetables, and other essential items.

Lahore Deputy Commissioner (DC) Rafia Haider told the media on Saturday that 16 cases had been registered for violations of the government set prices.

Furthermore, fines totaling Rs 400,000 were imposed for 77 instances of non-compliance.

Meanwhile, to inspect field operations to ensure complete drainage of rainwater in Lahore, Assistant Commissioner City Rai Babar evaluated the WASA camp at Qurtaba Chowk with WASA officials and assessed water drainage at Bhatti Chowk, where 55mm rain was recorded. WASA's equipment is operational, with de-watering machinery in place.
PESHAWAR, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 10th Aug, 2024) Governor of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Faisal Karim Kundi on Saturday expressed his condolences over the martyrdom of three security personnel in Tirah valley of district Khyber.

Governor Kundi prayed for the departed souls of the martyrs' ranks and offered heartfelt sympathy to their families, urging them to remain patient.

He affirmed that the sacrifices of the security forces in the fight against terrorism would not go in vain, and emphasized that the entire nation stood united with the security forces in this battle against terrorism.
LAHORE, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 10th Aug, 2024) Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Saturday strongly condemned an Israeli strike on a school-turned-shelter for displaced Palestinians in Gaza city and said that the attack upon a children's school was an open aggression and barbarity which had no precedent in history.

Israel has crossed all limits in its open aggression, PM Office Media Wing, in a press release, quoted the prime minister as saying.

The prime minister called upon the international community, including the United Nations, to take practical steps to stop the ongoing Israeli aggression.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reiterated Pakistans demand to hold the leadership of Israel and its armed forces accountable for the genocide of Palestinians and war crimes.

Israel should be given strict punishment for its gruesome crimes, he said and stressed upon implementation of a verdict of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) against Israel.

The prime minister also reaffirmed Pakistans all-out moral and diplomatic support to the Palestinian brothers and sisters.

He prayed for the high ranks of shuhada who lost their lives in the attack and expressed condolences to the bereaved families.

Earlier, in the day, according to Palestinian officials, an Israeli strike on a school-turned-shelter for displaced Palestinians in Gaza city killed more than 100 people, including women and children.
LAHORE, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 10th Aug, 2024) Speaker Punjab Assembly Malik Ahmad Khan has said that he is and will remain the defender of the rights of the opposition.

Talking to the media on the occasion of the inauguration of a plantation drive in Khadian Khas tehsil of district Kasur, Malik Ahmad Khan said that he is a defender of the rights of the opposition, and asks the government benches to remain silent during the speeches of the opposition leader.

He said that immoral actions of opposition members cannot be tolerated. Malik Ahmad Khan said that awareness about plantation should be created in schools and the education department can play a leading role in the plantation campaign, and the great cause should be included in the curriculum.

He said that planting of trees and their protection till they grow up, the support of the public is very important.

He said that Pakistan is affected by climate change, adding that action against the use of plastic should be taken as a national duty.

He said that Arshad Nadeem is a national hero; he not only fought for the cause of Pakistan but also won and he will welcome Arshad Nadeem in the Punjab Assembly.
Phoenix, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 10th Aug, 2024) Kamala Harris took her rapid tour of battleground states to Arizona on Friday, where she hammered opponent Donald Trump on his favorite issue of immigration, as the Republican used his only rally of the week to boost a Senate candidate.

With the presidential election day just three months away, Trump's light schedule -- a rally every four or five days -- has been contrasted with the hectic program of an opponent almost 20 years his junior, and his with own vigorous campaigning in 2016.

The 78-year-old tycoon has held just five rallies since the Republican National Convention concluded in mid-July -- one fewer than Harris is staging this week alone -- and has not announced any events at all for next week.

After stops in Pennsylvania, Michigan and Wisconsin, Harris and her new running mate Tim Walz spoke to a packed stadium in Arizona, a racially diverse state along the US border with Mexico that President Joe Biden narrowly won in 2020 by around 10,000 votes.

While mostly hewing close to the script she has used in speeches throughout the week, Harris did sharpen her attack on Trump regarding illegal border crossings.

"Donald Trump does not want to fix this problem. Be clear about that," Harris said.

"He talks a big game about border security, but he does not walk the walk."

She cited a major immigration proposal that appeared set to pass Congress after months-long bipartisan negotiations, but which failed after Trump came out against it early this year.

"Trump tanked the deal because he thought by doing that it would help him win an election. But when I am president, I will sign the bill," Harris said to cheers.

"We know our immigration system is broken, and we know what it takes to fix it, comprehensive reform that includes strong border security and an earned pathway to citizenship."
London, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 11th Aug, 2024) Tottenham bolstered their attacking options for the new Premier League season with the signing of striker Dominic Solanke from Bournemouth on Saturday in a deal that could reach 65 million ($83 million).

The 26-year-old has signed a six-year contract and will cost an initial 55 million with a further 10 million in add-ons.

Solanke, who began his career at Chelsea and also had a short spell at Liverpool, arrived at Bournemouth in 2019 and enjoyed his best goalscoring season in 2023/24 with 19 Premier League goals.

"It's a magnificent club, a huge club with ambitions that match mine, so I'm delighted to start and meet all the boys and get started," Solanke told Spurs tv.

"What excites me most about the club is how ambitious it is. A great manager, great players and I feel like (Spurs) will definitely suit my style of play as well so I can't wait to get started and do my stuff on the pitch."

If Tottenham end up paying the full fee, Solanke will become their record signing.

Spurs resisted the temptation to sign a striker 12 months ago when Harry Kane departed for Bayern Munich.

Solanke will now hope to fire Ange Postecoglou's men back into the Champions League after they finished fifth in the Premier League last season.

Bournemouth owner Bill Foley had confirmed earlier this summer that Solanke's contract included a release clause in the region of 65m and his exit is a club record sale, bettering the 40m they received for Nathan Ake from Manchester City in 2020.

"After Dominic's performances for us - in particular his impressive 2023-24 season - it has come as no surprise that a team of Tottenham's calibre has shown an interest," said Bournemouth's chief executive Neill Blake.

"His development since arriving in 2019 is a credit to his work rate and endeavour, as well as the platform AFC Bournemouth gives young talent to grow.

"We're pleased to secure a club-record fee for Dominic and he also leaves with everyone's sincere well wishes at AFC Bournemouth."
Kampala, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 10th Aug, 2024) Eight people including two children were killed when a landfill in the Ugandan capital Kampala collapsed on Saturday, the city authority said.

Local media said homes, people and animals were engulfed in the landslide at the garbage dump in Kiteezi, a district in the north of Kampala, after heavy rainfall.

"On a very sad note eight people have so far been found dead, six adults and two children," the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA), which operates the site, said in a statement.

The KCCA said 14 people had been rescued and taken to hospital. It did not disclose their condition.

"The rescue operation is still ongoing and we shall share updates as they come in," it added.

gm-txw/bc
(UroToday.com) The 2024 Bladder Cancer Advocacy Network (BCAN) Bladder Cancer Think Tank held in San Diego, CA was host to a 2022 and 2021 Bladder Cancer Research Innovation Awardees session. Dr. John Lee discussed his labs research efforts for identifying both genetic determinants and vulnerabilities of histologic variants of bladder cancer.

It has been demonstrated that most cancers are genotypically and phenotypically complex, and a prime example of this is muscle invasive bladder cancer.

How can we more efficiently model the complexity of cancer in a genetically defined manner? Relatively few genes and gene combinations have been evaluated in genetically engineered mouse models and these certainly underrepresent the phenotypic heterogeneity of bladder cancer. Carcinogen-induced models of bladder cancer also skew heavily toward basal/squamous and are not genetically defined.

A combinatorial genetic strategy applied to an organoid transformation assay can rapidly generate diverse, clinically relevant bladder cancer models. The clonal architecture of the resultant tumors can be resolved using single-cell or spatially resolved next-generation sequencing to uncover polygenic drivers of cancer phenotypes.

Dr. Lees research team developed a methodology incorporating barcoded lentiviral libraries that encode cancer-associated genetic events efficiently introduced and at random into primary epithelial cells, which are engrafted in mice for tumorigenic selection, at a high multiplicity of infection (MOI). This system enables the generation of genotypically and phenotypically diverse tumors and the massively parallel single-cell lentiviral barcode sequencing of tumors to identify cooperative oncogenic drivers of malignant transformation and specific cancer phenotypes.

To overcome inefficient transgenesis using available lentiviral transduction protocols, Dr. Lee and colleagues theorized that enforced cellvirus contact in a constrained volume of gel matrix could increase lentiviral transduction efficiency. Primary mouse bladder urothelial and prostate epithelial cells were isolated by fluorescence-activated cell sorting. The cells were mixed into cold Matrigel containing concentrated lentivirus expressing GFP before the seeding and polymerization of organoid droplets. Near complete transduction of these cells was achieved. They next developed a barcoding system to characterize the distribution of unique proviral copies per cell. Lentiviral constructs were barcoded with matching ten-nucleotide sequences and produced as a pool. A custom single-cell amplicon panel was designed on the Mission Bio Tapestri platform to enable the sensitive enumeration of multiple uniquely barcoded lentiviruses per cell. This approach was validated using a defined population of 3T3 cells engineered with lentiviruses. Mouse prostate epithelial cells were transduced with a diverse barcoded lentiviral pool at varying MOIs, and single-cell amplicon sequencing showed relatively normal distributions of proviral copies per cell.

A representative tumor derived from primary mouse bladder urothelial cells transduced with the lentivirus exhibited three morphologically distinct regions consistent with papillary urothelial carcinoma with an inverted growth pattern, urothelial carcinoma with squamous differentiation and sarcomatoid urothelial carcinoma. Single-cell DNA amplicon sequencing was performed to enumerate the lentiviral barcodes to determine clonal architecture and the deconvolution of lentivirus-delivered genetic events potentially involved in tumorigenesis. Three major clones harboring distinguishable sets of lentiviral barcodes were identified; however, spatial resolution was lost secondary to single-cell dissociation. To correlate histology with clonality, they performed laser capture microdissection (LCM) of the three regions on stained tissue sections and performed bulk DNA amplicon sequencing. They found that mutant active FGFR3 signaling drives luminal papillary urothelial carcinoma.

Using this methodology, the investigators generated several tumors called the Fed Hutch Bladder Tumor (FHBT) series, which include both pure urothelial carcinoma and others with mixtures of histologic subtypes. Phenotypic characterization of the FHBT series demonstrated broad recapitulation of the cancer histologies and associated transcriptional profiles seen in the human disease.1

Pparg, a nuclear receptor, is downregulated in basal subtype bladder cancers that tend to be muscle invasive and amplified in luminal subtype bladder cancers that tend to be non-muscle invasive. Tate et al. have previously demonstrated that Pparg induction in urothelial tumorigenesis can result in basal progenitor cells shifting into luminal type tumors.2

Dr. Lees team sought to validate Pparg constructs in mouse urothelial organoids:

They demonstrated that the effects of Pparg variants on mouse urothelial organoid morphology and growth are consistent with the induction of luminal differentiation.

Furthermore, Pparg variants affect the efficiency of mouse urothelial organoid transformation.





Dr. Lee summarized his presentation as follows:

Development of a functional cancer genomics strategy to accelerate genotype-phenotype associations has been applied as proof-of-concept to bladder cancer.

FHBT tumor models are being investigated for differential sensitivity to various therapeutic agents.

Pparg expression appears to influence the tumorigenic potential of mouse urothelial cells.

Presented by: John K. Lee, MD, PhD, Associate Professor, Department of Medicine, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, University of Washington, Seattle, WA

Written by: Rashid Sayyid, MD, MSc  Robotic Urologic Oncology Fellow at The University of Southern California, @rksayyid on Twitter during the 2024 BCAN Bladder Cancer Think Tank held in San Diego, CA between August 7th and 9th, 2024

References:
(UroToday.com) The 2024 Bladder Cancer Advocacy Network (BCAN) Bladder Cancer Think Tank held in San Diego, CA was host to a BCAN 2023 Patient Centered Clinical Young Investigator Awardee session. Dr. Kathryn Gessner presented the results of a study dissecting the impact of E-cadherin loss on the immune microenvironment and response to immune checkpoint blockade in plasmacytoid urothelial carcinoma.



Plasmacytoid urothelial carcinoma is a rare and aggressive histologic subtype of bladder cancer that demonstrates "dyscohesive tumor cells with scant cytoplasm and eccentric nuclei that resemble plasma cells". These tumors demonstrate poor response to standard chemotherapy, and patients have lower median overall survivals compared to risk- and stage-matched conventional urothelial carcinoma patients.

The canonical molecular alteration in plasmacytoid urothelial carcinomas is E-cadherin loss. Limited molecular studies on plasmacytoid urothelial carcinomas have demonstrated Cadherin-1 (CDH1) mutations in 4084% of patients and CDH1 promoter hypermethylation in a large proportion.2 These tumors are frequently identified as a mixed variant with conventional urothelial carcinoma and share additional mutations similar to conventional urothelial carcinoma (higher rates of RB1 and p53 mutations in plasmacytoid urothelial carcinoma). E-cadherin loss in these patients upregulates epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, which has been associated with tumor immunosuppression and changes in immune microenvironment in other solid tumors.

How does E-cadherin loss impact the tumor microenvironment in plasmacytoid urothelial carcinoma? To address this, Dr. Gessner and colleagues utilized the 10X Xenium Platform for Spatial Transcriptomics. This performs spatial transcriptomic analysis of 1005000 genes at single cell resolution via fluorescent probe-based detection of RNA transcripts on FFPE tissue. This allows for precise transcript localization, cell type mapping, and neighborhood analysis.

Dr. Gessners team identified a cohort of 27 patients with archival FFPE plasmacytoid urothelial carcinoma tissue housed at The University of North Carolina. The histology ranged from focal plasmacytoid urothelial carcinoma to 100% plasmacytoid urothelial carcinoma. They performed E-cadherin immunohistochemistry on all tissue, and they then selected 3 plasmacytoid and one conventional urothelial carcinoma for their initial pilot study.

Using the 10X multi-tissue + cancer panel, they identified 377 genes, of which 100 were included in a custom bladder cancer panel.

They identified almost 26.5 million high-quality decoded transcripts in 321 thousand cells, with a median of 43 transcripts/cell.

They were able to map 10 unique cell type clusters across plasmacytoid urothelial carcinoma.

Three unique urothelial cell clusters were identified: urothelial 1, urothelial 2, and plasmacytoid urothelial carcinoma:

Next, Dr. Gessner and colleagues attempted to address the following two questions:

What gene expression differences exist between conventional urothelial carcinoma cells and plasmacytoid urothelial carcinoma cells? How does E-cadherin loss alter the immune tumor microenvironment?

Plasmacytoid urothelial carcinoma cells demonstrated loss of CDH1 and increased SNAIL expression (epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition-related), compared to urothelial basal cells.

Plasmacytoid urothelial carcinoma demonstrated increased expression of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition-related genes, including TWIST1, SNAI2, and TGF-beta.

Plasmacytoid urothelial carcinoma cells demonstrated higher overall gene expression, compared to conventional urothelial carcinoma:

54/477 genes upregulated in plasmacytoid

12/477 genes upregulated in conventional

DAVID Pathway Enrichment Analysis on genes upregulated in plasmacytoid urothelial carcinoma demonstrated the following results:

How does E-cadherin loss alter the immune tumor microenvironment? As seen in the bar graph below, plasmacytoid urothelial carcinoma cells have significantly higher macrophage infiltration.

Additionally, the plasmacytoid urothelial carcinoma region demonstrated increased PD-L1 expression:

Dr. Gessner concluded as follows:

Spatial transcriptomics allows precise characterization of intratumoral heterogeneity within bladder cancer.

Plasmacytoid histology is characterized by upregulation of epithelial-to-mesenchymal-related genes and signaling.

The immune microenvironment differs between plasmacytoid and conventional urothelial carcinoma within the same tumor, which has possible therapeutic implications.

Presented by: Kathryn Gessner, MD, PhD, Assistant Professor, Department of Urology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC

Written by: Rashid Sayyid, MD, MSc  Robotic Urologic Oncology Fellow at The University of Southern California, @rksayyid on Twitter during the 2024 BCAN Bladder Cancer Think Tank held in San Diego, CA between August 7th and 9th, 2024



References:


(UroToday.com) The 2024 Bladder Cancer Advocacy Network (BCAN) Bladder Cancer Think Tank held in San Diego, CA was host to an interactive patient advocate-centered session addressing treatment options, concerns, and survivorship issues in a bladder cancer patients journey. This session was paneled by Drs. Roger Li and Mary Beth Westerman, and were joined by the following BCAN patient advocates:

Joan Young

Greg Kemp

Doug MacLean

Robert Serody

Prior to having the patient advocates share their bladder cancer journey, Dr. Asish Kamat provided a historic overview of the BCG unresponsive disease space. Studies of BCG therapy were underway in the 1970s, and BCG was approved for the treatment of CIS and prevention of Ta and T1 non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) relapse in 1990. In 1998, Valrubicin was approved for the treatment of BCG-refractory CIS. However, this drug had limited efficacy with a two-year disease-free survival rate of only 4%.

In 2013, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the American Urological Association (AUA) co-sponsored a public workshop held in San Diego, CA to review potential trial designs for the development of new therapies for NMIBC.1 Prospective benchmarks for potential agent approvals in this space were set as follows:

6 months complete response rate: 4050%

1824 months durable response: 30%, with the 95% confidence interval excluding 20%

Dr. Kamat noted that this was considered to be too optimistic by many experts in the field and that long-term disease-free rates of even 10% would be acceptable, particularly given the scarcity of available options at that time.

In 2015, the FDA rejected the application for approval of intravesical MCNA, which demonstrated disease-free survival rates of 25% and 19% at one and two years, respectively.2

In 2016, the International Bladder Cancer Group (IBCG) published a landmark paper in the Journal of Clinical Oncology that provided guidance on definitions, endpoints, and clinical trial designs for NMIBC.3 This was followed in 2018 by the FDA publishing its guidance report for the industry for developing drug and biological products for the treatment of BCG-unresponsive NMIBC.

In 2019, pembrolizumab was approved by the FDA for BCG-unresponsive NMIBC. This was followed by the approval of Nadofaragene Firadenovec-vncg and Nogapendekin Alfa Inbakicept (NAI) in 2022 and 2024, respectively.

What matters most to patients? Data presented at GU ASCO 2021 highlighted that, in ascending order, patients care most about a complete response, 2-year recurrence-free survival, and preserving their bladder. Their tolerance for toxicity depends on whether events were reversible or permanent  68% for reversible adverse events and 15% for permanent ones.





How can we frame the efficacy outcomes of currently available agents in the BCG-unresponsive NMIBC space with reference to the historical benchmarks set by the IBCG? The figure below visually illustrates the performance of these agents, in reference to these benchmarks. Gemcitabine + docetaxel (gem/doce) clearly exceeds these benchmarks. However, we note that the efficacy outcomes of gem/doce are based on the results of retrospective studies only. The other agents to have met or exceeded these benchmarks are nadofaragene and N-803 + BCG.4





However, when we consider recently published data from MD Anderson experience that demonstrates that a repeat BCG challenge in patients who had failed prior BCG treatment is associated with 3- and 12-month recurrence-free survival rates of 75% and 69%,5 this raises the question of whether we need to adjust our benchmarks for novel agents in this space.

To conclude, Dr. Kamat noted that many questions remain pertinent in this field, as summarized in the schematic below, and turned the stage over to the BCAN patient advocates to share their relevant experiences throughout their bladder cancer journeys.





Presented by: Ashish M. Kamat, MD, MBBS, Endowed Professor of Urologic Oncology (Surgery) and Cancer Research, Department of Urology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX

Written by: Rashid Sayyid, MD, MSc  Robotic Urologic Oncology Fellow at The University of Southern California, @rksayyid on Twitter during the 2024 BCAN Bladder Cancer Think Tank held in San Diego, CA between August 7th and 9th, 2024





References:
Thousands of anti-racism demonstrators rallied across the U.K. on Saturday to protest recent rioting blamed on the far-right in the wake of the Southport knife attack that killed three children.

Crowds massed in London, Glasgow in Scotland, Belfast in Northern Ireland, Manchester and numerous other English towns and cities, as fears of violent confrontations with anti-immigration agitators failed to materialize.

It followed similar developments on Wednesday night, when anticipated far-right rallies across the country failed to materialize. Instead, people turned out for gatherings organized by the Stand Up to Racism advocacy group.

Until Wednesday, more than a dozen English towns and cities  and Belfast, too  had been hit by anti-migrant unrest, following the deadly July 29 stabbings that were falsely linked on social media to a Muslim immigrant.

Rioters targeted mosques and hotels linked to immigration, as well as police, vehicles and other sites.

Recent nights have been largely peaceful in English towns and cities, prompting hope among the authorities that the nearly 800 arrests and numerous people jailed had deterred further violence.

Despite the respite, U.K. media reported Saturday that Prime Minister Keir Starmer had canceled plans to take a holiday next week to remained focused on the crisis.

'No to racism'

In Northern Ireland, which has seen sustained disorder since last weekend, police said they were investigating a suspected racially motivated hate crime overnight.

A petrol bomb was thrown at a mosque in Newtownards, east of Belfast, early Saturday, with racist graffiti sprayed on the building, said the Police Service of Northern Ireland.

The petrol bomb thrown at the property had failed to ignite, it added.

"This is being treated as a racially motivated hate crime, and I want to send a strong message to those who carried this out, that this type of activity will not be tolerated," PSNI Chief Inspector Keith Hutchinson said.

Overnight, there were also reports of damage to property and vehicles in Belfast, as nightly unrest there rumbled on.

While the disturbances in Northern Ireland were sparked by events in England, they have also been fueled by pro-U.K. loyalist paramilitaries with their own agenda, according to the PSNI.

About 5,000 anti-racism demonstrators rallied in Belfast on Saturday "largely without incident," police said.

Fiona Doran, of the United Against Racism group that co-organized the gathering, said it showed "that Belfast is a welcoming city ... that says no to racism, to fascism, to islamophobia, to antisemitism, or misogyny."

'Delivering justice'

In London, thousands massed outside the office of Brexit architect Nigel Farage's Reform U.K. party before marching through the city center, accompanied by a large police presence.

They blame Farage and other far-right figures for helping to fuel the riots through anti-immigrant rhetoric and conspiracy theories.

"It's really important for people of color in this country, for immigrants in this country, to see us out here as white British people saying 'no, we don't stand for this,'" attendee Phoebe Sewell, 32, from London, told AFP.

Fellow Londoner Jeremy Snelling, 64, said he had turned out because "I don't like the right-wing claiming the streets in my name."

He accused Reform party founder Farage of having contributed to the volatile environment.

"I think he is damaging, and I think he's dangerous," Snelling added.

Meanwhile, suspected rioters continued to appear in court on Saturday.

Stephen Parkinson, the head of the prosecution service, said hundreds of alleged participants in the violence would soon face justice as a "new phase" of "more serious" cases worked through the system.

Those convicted could face jail terms of up to 10 years under the most serious offense of rioting, he warned.

"It's not about exacting revenge, it's about delivering justice," Parkinson said, in comments reported by the Sunday Times.
In Bangladesh, weeks of protests against a quota system for government jobs turned into a broad uprising that forced the prime minister to flee the country and resign.

The demonstrations began peacefully last month and were primarily led by students frustrated with the system that they said favored those with connections to the ruling party.

But it turned violent on July 15 as student protesters clashed with security officials and pro-government activists. Former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina fled this week after the unrest during which nearly 300 people died, including both students and police officers.

Students or other young people have frequently played pivotal roles in popular uprisings that have brought down governments or forced them to change policies. Here are some other major cases:

Gota Go Gama protests in Sri Lanka

Like in Bangladesh, widespread protests in Sri Lanka in 2022 were able to bring down a government, and youth played a key role.

Scattered demonstrations turned into months-long protests starting in March 2022 as an economic crisis worsened in the Indian Ocean island nation, leading to a shortage of fuel, cooking gas and other essentials as well as an extended power outage.

In April, protesters primarily led by university students and other young people occupied an esplanade adjoining President Gotabaya Rajapaksa's office in the capital Colombo, demanding he and his government resign.

More people joined daily, setting up a tent camp dubbed "Gota Go Gama," or "Gota Go Village," a play on Gotabaya's nickname "Gota."

The protest site was peaceful, with organizers offering free food, water, toilets and even medical care for people. Camp leaders, many of whom were university students, held daily media briefings and made regular speeches, while the crowd was entertained by bands and plays.

The government reacted by imposing a curfew, declaring a state of emergency, allowing the military to arrest civilians and restricting access to social media, but were unable to stop the protest.

Under pressure, many ministers resigned but President Rajapaksa and his older brother, Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa remained.

In May, Rajapaksa supporters attacked the protest camp, drawing widespread condemnation from across the country and forcing Prime Minister Rajapaksa to resign.

Gotabaya Rajapaksa clung to power until July, when protesters stormed his official residence, forcing him to flee the country. After taking temporary refuge in the Maldives, Rajapaksa later resigned.

His successor, Ranil Wickremesinghe, in one of his first moves as new president ousted protesters from occupied government buildings and shut down their camp, dismantling their tents in the middle of the night.

The situation has since calmed, and Wickremesinghe has been able to address the shortages of food, fuel and medicine and restore power.

Complaints continue, however, about the rise in taxes and electric bills that are part of the new government's efforts to meet International Monetary Fund loan conditions. Former Prime Minister Rajapaksa's son Namal Rajapaksa will be running in the presidential elections this September.

Athens Polytechnic uprising in Greece

In November 1973, students at Athens Polytechnic university rose up against the military junta that ruled Greece with an iron fist for more than six years.

Military officers seized power in a 1967 coup, establishing a dictatorship marked by the arrest, exile and torture of its political opponents.

The regime's brutality and hardline rule gave rise to a growing opposition, particularly among students, culminating in the November uprising.

The protest began peacefully on November 14, with students staging a strike at the Athens Polytechnic university and occupying the campus. By the next day, thousands from around Athens had joined in to support the students and the demonstrations grew, as did calls to end the dictatorship.

On November 17, the military crushed the revolt when a tank smashed through the university's gates in the early hours of the day, killing several students. The number of fatalities is still disputed, but at the time the regime had announced 15 dead.

Days after the uprising, another military officer staged a coup and implemented an even harsher regime. It was short lived however, after a series of events led to a return to democracy in Greece, its birthplace, in 1974.

A prosecutor's report issued after the return to civilian government, estimated fatalities at 34, but mentioned only 18 names. There were more than 1,100 injured.

Today, annual marches in Athens to commemorate the pro-democracy student uprising still attract thousands of people.

Kent State demonstrations in the United States

American students had long been protesting the U.S. involvement in Vietnam when President Richard Nixon authorized attacks on neutral Cambodia in April 1970, expanding the conflict in an attempt to interrupt enemy supply lines.

On May 4, hundreds of students at Ohio's Kent State University gathered to protest the bombing of Cambodia, and authorities called in the Ohio National Guard to disperse the crowd.

After failing to break up the protest with teargas, the National Guard advanced and some opened fire on the crowd, killing four students and wounding nine others.

The confrontation, sometimes referred to as the May 4 massacre, was a defining moment for a nation sharply divided over the protracted conflict, in which more than 58,000 Americans died.

It sparked a strike of 4 million students across the U.S., temporarily closing some 900 colleges and universities. The events also played a pivotal role, historians argue, in turning public opinion against the conflict in Southeast Asia.

Soweto Uprising in South Africa

In the decades-long struggle against white minority rule in South Africa, a pivotal moment came in 1976 in the Soweto area of Johannesburg.

In a series of demonstrations starting June 16, Black students from multiple schools took to the streets to protest against being forced to study in Afrikaans, the Dutch-based language of the white rulers who designed the system of racial oppression known as apartheid.

The protests spread to other areas in South Africa, becoming a flashpoint for anger at a system that denied adequate education, the right to vote and other basic rights to the country's Black majority.

Hundreds are estimated to have died in the government crackdown that followed.

The bloodshed was epitomized by a photograph of a dying student, Hector Pieterson. The image of his limp body being carried by another teenager was seen around the world and galvanized international efforts to end South Africa's racial segregation, though apartheid would linger for nearly two more decades.

South Africa achieved democracy with majority rule elections in 1994 and today June 16 is a national holiday.

Velvet Revolution in Czechoslovakia

As the Communist governments of Eastern Europe teetered in 1989, widespread demonstrations broke out in Czechoslovakia after riot police suppressed a student protest in Prague on November 17.

On November 20 as the anti-Communist protests grew, the students being joined by scores of others and some 500,000 took to the streets of Prague.

Dubbed the "Velvet Revolution" for its non-violent nature, the protests led to the resignation of the Communist Party's leadership on November 28.

By December 10, Czechoslovakia had a new government and on December 29, Vaclav Havel, a dissident playwright who had spent several years in prison, was elected the country's first democratic president in a half century by a parliament still dominated by communist hard-liners.

In 1992, Czechoslovakia peacefully split into two countries, the Czech Republic and Slovakia.
Brazilian authorities worked Saturday to piece together what exactly caused the plane crash in Sao Paulo state the previous day that killed all 62 people on board.

Local airline Voepass' plane, an ATR 72 twin-engine turboprop, was headed for Sao Paulos international airport in Guarulhos with 58 passengers and 4 crew members when it went down in the city of Vinhedo.

Initially, the company said its plane had 62 passengers, then it revised the number to 61 and early on Saturday it raised the figure once again after it found a passenger named Constantino The Maia was not on its original list.

Images recorded by witnesses showed the aircraft in a flat spin and plunging vertically before smashing to the ground inside a gated community, leaving an obliterated fuselage consumed by fire. Residents said there were no injuries on the ground.

Rain drizzled down on rescue workers as they recovered the first bodies from the scene in the chill of the Southern Hemispheres winter. Some residents of the condominium left to spend the night elsewhere.

It was the world's deadliest airline crash since January 2023, when 72 people died on board a Yeti Airlines plane in Nepal that stalled and crashed while making its landing approach. That plane also was an ATR 72, and the final report blamed pilot error.

A report Friday from Brazilian television network Globos meteorological center said it confirmed the possibility of the formation of ice in the region of Vinhedo, and local media cited experts pointing to icing as a potential cause for the crash.

An American Eagle ATR 72-200 crashed on Oct. 31, 1994, and the United States National Transportation Safety Board determined that the probable cause was ice buildup while the plane was circling in a holding pattern. The plane rolled at about 2,400 meters (about 7,870 feet) and dove into the ground, killing all 68 people on board. The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration issued operating procedures for ATRs and similar planes, telling pilots not to use the autopilot in icing conditions.

But Brazilian aviation expert Lito Sousa cautioned that meteorological conditions alone might not be enough to explain why the plane fell in the manner that it did on Friday.

Analyzing an air crash just with images can lead to wrong conclusions about the causes, Sousa told the AP by phone. But we can see a plane with loss of support, no horizontal speed. In this flat spin condition, theres no way to reclaim control of the plane.

Speaking to reporters Friday in Vinhedo, Sao Paulo Public Security Secretary Guilherme Derrite said the planes black box had been recovered, apparently in a preserved state.

Marcelo Moura, director of operations for Voepass, told reporters Friday night that, while there were forecasts for ice, they were within acceptable levels for the aircraft.

Likewise, Lieutenant Colonel Carlos Henrique Baldi of the Brazilian air forces center for the investigation and prevention of air accidents told reporters in a late afternoon press conference that it was still too early to confirm whether ice caused the crash.

The plane is certified in several countries to fly in severe icing conditions, including in countries unlike ours, where the impact of ice is more significant, said Baldi, who heads the centers investigation division.

In an earlier statement, the center said that the planes pilots did not call for help nor say they were operating under adverse weather conditions. There has been no evidence that the pilots tried to contact controllers of regional airports, Ports and Airports Minister Silvio Costa Filho told reporters Friday night in Vinhedo.

Brazils Federal Police began its own investigation and dispatched specialists in plane crashes and the identification of disaster victims, it said in a statement.

Sao Paulo state government said Saturday morning that 21 bodies had been retrieved from the scene, and two were already identified. Maycon Cristo, a spokesperson for the local fire department, told journalists that a winch is being used to remove parts of the plane carcass from the ground.

As we see a possible body in the middle of the destruction of the plane, rescue teams come in. Then they take pictures, gather as much evidence from the victim as they can so the identification can be the most accurate, Cristo said.

French-Italian plane manufacturer ATR said in a statement that it had been informed that the accident involved its ATR 72-500 model, and that company specialists are fully engaged to support both the investigation and the customer.

The ATR 72 is generally used on shorter flights. The planes are built by a joint venture of Airbus in France and Italys Leonardo S.p.A.

Crashes involving various models of the ATR 72 have resulted in 470 deaths going back to the 1990s, according to a database of the Aviation Safety Network.

Brazilian authorities began transferring the corpses to the morgue Friday and called on victims family members to bring any medical, X-ray and dental exams to help identify the bodies. Blood tests were also done to help identification efforts.

Costa Filho, the airports minister, said the air force's center will also conduct a criminal probe of the accident.

"We will investigate so this case is fully explained to the Brazilian people, he said.
A plane carrying 61 people crashed into a residential area Friday afternoon in Vinhedo, a city in southern Brazils Sao Paulo state.

Sao Paulos public security secretary, Guilherme Derrite, confirmed that there were no survivors among those on board. Witnesses said no one on the ground was hurt.

The cause of the crash was not immediately clear. Brazils Federal Police began an investigation.

Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva interrupted an event he was attending to announce the crash.

I would like everyone to stand up so that we can observe a minute of silence because a plane has just crashed in the city of Vinhedo, in Sao Paulo, with 58 passengers and four crew members, and it appears they all died, he said.

A later statement updated the toll to 57 passengers and four crew members.

Video of the crash posted on social media captured a spiraling plane falling to the ground. The crash was blocked from view by trees but shortly afterward smoke rose in the sky. The planes black box was recovered intact, Derrite said.

The VOEPASS Linhas Aereas twin-engine turboprop made by ATR was headed to Guarulhos, Sao Paulos international airport, after leaving Cascavel, in the Brazilian state of Parana. ATR is a joint venture of Frances Airbus and Italys Leonardo S.p.A.

Brazilian Aeronautical Registry data showed the VOEPASS aircraft was made in 2010, and the airline bought it in 2022.

ATR said in a statement that it had been informed of the crash.

Our first thoughts are with all the individuals affected by this event. The ATR specialists are fully engaged to support both the investigation and the customer, the statement said.

Some information for this report came from The Associated Press and Reuters.
Israeli troops began a new assault into the southern Gaza city of Khan Younis, where officials believe Yahya Sinwar, Hamas newly named leader - one of the architects of the October 7 attack on Israel could be hiding in underground tunnels. Russia declares a federal level emergency in the Kursk region after hundreds of Ukrainian troops pour in across the border. New polls show Kamala Harris edging ahead of Donald Trump with less than three months to election day. The historic nature of what it would mean for Americans to elect the first woman to hold the office of President of the United States.
Central Asian leaders met in Kazakhstan on Friday seeking to agree on a shared policy on water management in a region where the scarce resource causes frequent disputes.

Interruptions to water supplies are a regular occurrence in the five ex-Soviet Central Asian countries  Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan and Turkmenistan  whose territory is 80% desert and steppe.

Hosting the summit, Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev said it was "necessary to develop a new consolidated water policy, based on equal and fair use of water and strict fulfilment of obligations," the presidential website said.

The way water access is shared in the Central Asian states has remained the same since the Soviet era and is fraught with problems: those countries with more water exchange it in return for electricity from the more energy-rich countries.

Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan, which have more water than the others, have often clashed over control of supplies.

Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov on Friday called for the creation of a "mutually economically beneficial mechanism for water and energy cooperation," taking into account "the limited amount of water resources and their importance for the whole region."

Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev emphasized the need to adopt a "regional strategy on the rational use of water resources of cross-border rivers."

The volume of water in the main Central Asian rivers, the Amu Darya and the Syr Darya, is expected to continue falling in the years to come, according to experts.

Shortages of water, along with global warming, is compounded by significant waste due to outdated infrastructure.

After three years of tensions, the Central Asian states are now trying to coordinate efforts in numerous areas, particularly water management, amid growing demand for agriculture and energy generation in a region with a population of about 80 million.

Another concern for the Central Asian governments is the construction by the Taliban of the Qosh Tepa Canal to irrigate northern Afghanistan, which could further threaten water supplies.
Eight people, including two children, were killed when mountains of garbage collapsed at a landfill in the Ugandan capital, Kampala, on Saturday, city authorities said.

Local media said homes, people and livestock were engulfed in the landslide at the vast garbage dump in Kiteezi, a district in the north of Kampala, after heavy rainfall.

"On a very sad note, eight people have so far been found dead, six adults and two children," the Kampala Capital City Authority, or KCCA, which operates the site, said in a statement.

The disaster comes eight months after the ceremonial head of the authority described the situation at the landfill as a "national crisis."

The KCCA said in the statement posted on social media platform X that 14 people had been rescued and taken to hospital. It did not disclose their condition.

"The rescue operation is still ongoing, and we shall share updates as they come in," it said.

Images from Kiteezi showed a Ugandan police excavator churning through huge mounds of rubbish as large crowds of residents looked on.

Some were gathered behind a yellow police tape, carrying pictures of their missing loved ones.

Structural failure

The KCCA said there was a "structural failure in waste mass this morning resulting in a collapsed section of the landfill."

"Our teams, along with other government agencies, are on ground taking the necessary measures to ensure the area is secure and to prevent any further incidents," it said.

"The level of damage is still being assessed."

In January, KCCA ceremonial head Erias Lukwago, who carries the honorary title of Lord Mayor of Kampala, had warned that people working and living near the Kiteezi landfill were at risk of numerous health hazards due to overflowing waste.

He said the site was not maintained at all, describing the situation as a "national crisis" that needed the central government and Parliament to intervene.

The official in charge of the site, Vincent Mbaizireki, said it was full to capacity.

The Daily Monitor, an independent newspaper in Uganda, said the 14-hectare (36-acre) landfill was established in 1996 and was the dumpsite for all garbage collected across Kampala, receiving about 1,200 tons of waste a day.

Several parts of East Africa have been battered by heavy rains recently, including Ethiopia, the second-most-populous country on the continent.

Devastating landslides in a remote and mountainous area in southern Ethiopia last month killed around 250 people, with the U.N.'s humanitarian response agency OCHA saying several thousand people needed emergency evacuation.

In February 2010, mudslides in the Mount Elgon region of eastern Uganda killed more than 350 people.
China said Friday that it had filed an appeal with the World Trade Organization regarding hefty European Union tariffs placed on the import of Chinese electric vehicles.

The EU in July imposed tariffs of up to 37.6% on vehicles made in China after it found that the automakers had received large government subsidies that undermined European competitors. China, however, said Friday that any support it provides to its domestic EV market is given in accordance with WTO rules.

In a statement, China's Commerce Ministry said that it had appealed the tariffs "to safeguard the development rights and interests of the electric vehicle industry and cooperation over the global green transformation."

"The EU's preliminary ruling lacks a factual and legal basis, seriously violates WTO rules and undermines the overall situation of global cooperation in addressing climate change," the statement said.

"We urge the EU to immediately correct its wrong practices and jointly maintain the stability of China-EU economic and trade cooperation as well as EV industrial and supply chains."

The European Commission said it would respond to China's complaint through the proper channels.

"The EU is carefully studying all the details of this request and will react to the Chinese authorities in due course according to the WTO procedures," a European Commission spokesperson told AFP.

WTO spokesperson Ismaila Dieng said in a statement that the organization had received the Chinese request, and that "further information will be made available once the request has been circulated to WTO members."

Duties would take effect by November for five years, pending a vote by the EU member states.

'Made in China 2025'

China's dominance in the EV market stems from its 2015 industrial policy dubbed "Made in China 2025" that sought to make the nation a dominant force in global high-tech manufacturing, including the manufacture of EVs.

Chinese EV sales accounted for 8.1 million of the 13.7 million total cars sold worldwide in 2023, according to a report from the International Energy Agency. According to the Atlantic Council, the EU is the largest recipient of Chinese EV exports, accounting for nearly 40% in 2023.

In the years since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, the EU had committed to the development of its green economy, highlighting the promotion of a European EV industry as a cornerstone in that effort.

In May, French automakers entered a government agreement that aims to drive EV sales up to 800,000 a year by 2027. This announcement preceded Chinese President Xi Jinping's visit to Europe the same month, during which he made stops in France, Serbia and Hungary with the aim of increasing his country's ties on the continent.

Trade was a large focus of Xi's meetings in France with President Emmanuel Macron and European Commission President Ursula Von der Leyen. With tensions unresolved, the EU subsequently issued the tariff increase two months after Xi's departure.

The United States has taken similar moves to combat the strength of China's EV industry, announcing in May that it would apply a 100% tariff on Chinese EVs. Canada may follow suit.

China has responded to Europe's increased tariffs by launching its own investigations into French cognac exports and European pork, stoking fears of a future trade war with the EU.

Some information for this report came from The Associated Press, Reuters and Agence France-Presse.
LGBTQ+ activists in Nigeria are raising concerns about their safety after a popular cross-dresser was killed Thursday in the capital. Police have launched a probe into the killing, which activists say is one of many cases recorded in recent weeks.

Franklin Ejiogu is trying to come to terms with the tragedy that struck early Thursday -- his friend, a Nigerian cross-dresser known as the "Abuja Area Mama," was killed by unknown attackers.

Area Mama's body was found by the roadside. Ejiogu says it's not clear how the events unfolded, but the cross-dresser had a gunshot wound to his head.

He blames a recent surge in fatal attacks on LGBTQ+ people on the signing of the so-called Samoa Agreement by Nigerian authorities.

"What actually pushed up these hate crimes is the signing of this Samoa Agreement. Media houses in Nigeria broke news that Nigerian government was encouraging LGBTQ+ movement in Nigeria and now the nonstate actors are now targeting the transgender community members and nonbinary people, he said. On Sunday, one transperson was lynched in Kogi state and on Monday, another transperson was also lynched."

Ejiogu is the founder of Nigerias Creme De la Creme, a trans and nonbinary peoples' support organization. He says they've been issuing security warnings to community members on an online forum, and thats where he hears about attacks.

Nigerian authorities signed the controversial Samoa Agreement, a pact between the EU and 79 other countries, including African, Caribbean and Pacific nations, on June 28.

Authorities say the agreement aims to strengthen partnerships for democratic norms and human rights as well as promote economic growth and development.

But critics, including members of parliament, said the deal needs to be clearer on clauses that promote gender rights.

Nigerian police have launched a probe into Area Mama's killing.

Abuja police spokesperson Josephine Adeh did not reply to VOA's request for comment.

But LGBTQ+ activist Promise Ohiri, known as Empress Cookie, said such a killing, if not punished, will embolden more homophobic crimes.

"This is a gateway to uncivilized injustices against the queer community especially the trans community, phobic people attacking us, start killing us illegally in a way that is not acceptable or even following the laws that criminalizes us, Ohiri said. We're really scared."

Nigeria's national law punishes same-sex relationships by up to 14 years in jail. And in the more conservative Muslim north, it could lead to a death sentence under sharia law.

In 2022, Nigerian authorities tried to enact a law to criminalize crossdressing, but the law was suspended following protests.

Months ago, Area Mama appeared in a viral video, saying hed been targeted by a mob and injured with a machete.

Empress Cookie called for justice, saying, This person that was murdered was human, and they need to give justice to this person. It's because Area Mama is a well-known person, that's why her own came to timeline and bloggers are posting it... but on a daily basis we're being killed."

More than 30 of Africa's 54 countries have laws criminalizing homosexuality. Many people, like Ejiogu and Empress Cookie, say they will continue to tread carefully.
When a teenager attacked a childrens dance class in Southport, England, with a knife, killing three girls, it shocked the British public.

Soon, a purportedly American website published what it said was the name of the attacker. He was Ali al-Shakati, a 17-year-old asylum-seeker, a website called Channel3 Now reported.

Claims that the suspect was a Muslim migrant provoked a week of unrest across England.

But those claims were false: Ali al-Shakati likely didnt even exist, and Channel3 Now was not an established U.S. news outlet, but a little-known website publishing sensational news under the guise of an American television channel.

In response to the disinformation, the British authorities published the name of the real suspect in the knife attack: Axel Rudakubana, 17, who was born in Wales to Rwandan immigrants. He is neither Muslim nor a migrant. But that didnt stop the unrest.

A VOA investigation into the origins of the misleading article has found two pages on Facebook belonging to journalists at Channel3 Now, which has since publicly apologized for the misidentification.

One of the sites contributors uses what may be the stolen identity of a Canadian race car driver. The second, a Pakistani man, has at times achieved significant engagement by sharing real but extremely polarizing U.S. news.

VOAs findings suggest the site uses sensationalized headlines to attract readers and generate revenue  a conclusion also reached in an investigation by the BBC.

Suspicions of a Russian connection to the false identification arose after a British journalist discovered that the earliest videos on Channel3 Nows YouTube page depicted automobile races in Izhevsk, a city in central Russia.

VOA found that one of those short racing videos was also published on the Russian social media site Odnoklassniki by a man named Andrey Argyshev.

The titles of two other videos visible on a screenshot of Channel3 Nows YouTube account  which has since been deleted along with its videos  reference race car drivers who are Argyshevs friends on social media.

A photo album from 2013 on Argyshevs page on VKontakte, a Russian social network, matches the detailed titles of two other videos visible on the screenshot. The video titles and screenshot indicate they are from 2013.

In comments to the BBC, a Channel3 Now employee denied having connections to Russia and said the racing videos had been posted before the site was purchased from a previous Russian owner many years ago.

VOAs dating of the Russian racing videos to 2012 and 2013 lends credibility to that explanation. No more recent connections to Russia have been found on the site.

However, Russian efforts to stir up unrest in the United States and Western Europe have been well documented by Western intelligence agencies.

In a previous investigation, VOA reported that the Kremlin has commissioned the creation of a large number of social media accounts and fake news sites to push its narratives.

In response to the Southport unrest, the Russian Embassy in the U.K. said on the Telegram messaging app that Russia does not intervene in the internal affairs of sovereign states.

Curiously, however, VOA has discovered a more recent connection between Channel3 Now and auto racing.

The website has only one bylined author: James Lawley. He has a Facebook page and the @Channel3Now account on the X social network is called "James Channel3Now." According to Facebook, Lawley lives in Los Angeles.

Using reverse image searchers and facial comparison software, VOA determined that the Facebook photograph depicts a real person named James Lawley  but hes actually a young Canadian race car driver and student from Nova Scotia.

VOA attempted to contact Lawley through the head of his racing team. In a message on WhatsApp, the director wrote: Identity theft most likely. He promised that the real Lawley would contact VOA, but the racer never reached out.

Pakistan

Behind all the smoke and mirrors, Channel3 Nows clearest connections appear to be to Pakistan.

Marc Owen Jones, a professor at Northwestern University in Qatar, noted that one of the sites Facebook pages indicated it had two managers in Pakistan and one in the United States. The page has since been deleted.

The sites one other identifiable journalist, Farhan Asif, claims on Facebook to be from New York. In an X account linked to Channel3 Now, he describes himself as a crime news reporter who covers the United States.

All the other evidence suggests hes from Pakistan and likely resides there.

On Linkedin and Rozee.pk, two professional social networking sites, Asif describes himself as an employee of an outsourcing company in Lahore. Asif did not respond to requests for comment.

Channel3 Nows website has also changed its name at times throughout its history. Prior to last year it was known as Fox3 Now, Fox5 Now and Fox7 Now, prompting an arbitration suit from Fox Media LLC.

In August 2023, an administrative panel ordered that the web addresses associated with those names be transferred to Fox Media. That likely forced the website to rebrand as Channel3 Now. The earliest archived versions of the site found by VOA under that name date from September 2023.

Evolution of a fake

The combination of fake and other deceptive journalists and the type of stories promoted on the site suggest Channel3 Now is motivated by money, not ideology.

Advertising seems to play a significant role in the sites direction. As Ryan McBeth, a blogger who covers disinformation and cyber security, noted, Channel3 Now is flush with advertisements.

Based on all the ads, I think this is a fake news site that's designed to sell outrage to sell ad views, he said in a video blog.

That was also the explanation that a purportedly American employee of Channel3 Now gave to the BBC: that it was a commercial enterprise aimed at making money by publishing large amounts of articles. The sites heavy focus on crime stories supports this conclusion.

The employee, who identified himself as Kevin, also said the site has 30 employees  mostly freelancers  in the U.S., U.K., India and Pakistan.

That may stretch plausibility, given the low quality of Channel3 Nows output. Regardless, in some cases, the site can simulate real journalism.

In February 2023, Lawley published a Fox7 Now story on X about the suicide of a teenager in Oklahoma that received 15 shares and comments from several real people, including the teenager's mother.

In November 2023, Asif published two posts on Facebook that included links to a Channel3 Now article about the suspect in the high-profile shooting of three Palestinian students in Vermont. The news was real, but the goal was probably engagement.

However, the Southport story appears to have brought Channel3 Now too much attention.

Two days after it was posted, the site apologized for publishing the wrong name of the suspect.

"We take full responsibility for this error and pledge to avoid such errors in the future," the unnamed author wrote.
U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris campaigned in a packed arena in Arizona on Friday, hoping to put Republican candidate Donald Trump on the back foot in the West, while Trump held his own rally in Montana to support a Republican candidate for Senate.

The Democratic presidential candidate, less than a month into her bid for the White House, has been on a weeklong tour after naming her running mate, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, with a focus on building excitement for her campaign in seven states that could tip the November 5 election.

That tour on Friday brought her to the Phoenix area, where she was visiting with volunteers at a campaign office and speaking to voters.

While traveling, Harris won the endorsement of LULAC Adelante, the political action committee for the nation's oldest Latino civil rights organization. It was the group's first-ever presidential endorsement.

In Glendale, a crowd estimated at more than 15,000 greeted Harris, including some pro-Palestinian demonstrators who interrupted the remarks. Harris has faced anger from liberal voters who disagree with her support for Israel in its war in Gaza in response to the October 7 Hamas attack.

"The president and I are working around the clock every day to get that cease-fire deal done and bring the hostages home," Harris said, adding: "So, I respect your voices, but we are here to now talk about the race in 2024."

Earlier in the week when some protested during her rally in Michigan and interrupted her speech, she had said: "If you want Donald Trump to win, then say that. Otherwise, I'm speaking."

Also in the West, Trump held a rally in Bozeman, Montana, a state that Republicans have carried in every presidential race since 1996. He again attacked Harris in personal terms -- calling her "crazy," "dumb" and "low IQ" -- and criticized her for not doing interviews or major press conferences since she became the Democratic candidate.

Crowd size, 'weird' attacks

Trump on Thursday had mocked the size of Harris' campaign crowds, even though they have matched his of late.

He falsely compared the size of the gathering on January 6, 2021 -- the day his supporters stormed the U.S. Capitol -- to that who heard Martin Luther King Jr.'s "I Have a Dream" speech in 1963 in Washington.

"It's not as if anybody cares about crowd sizes or anything," Walz quipped during a speech introducing Harris.

While Montana is not a battleground state in the presidential race, it will host a competitive race that could decide which party controls the U.S. Senate in 2025.

Republican Tim Sheehy, who will be facing Democratic Senator John Tester, spoke at the rally. Trump began his speech around an hour and a half later than planned, after his plane was reportedly diverted to a different Montana airport due to a mechanical problem.

Before taking the stage, Trump shared posts on Truth Social insisting that he was in a near-fatal helicopter ride with former San Francisco Mayor Willie Brown, although Brown said the incident never happened and another politician said he had been on a similar flight with Trump decades earlier.

In a speech running nearly an hour and 45 minutes, Trump again portrayed Democrats as left-wing extremists, dubbing the party's ticket "comrade Walz and comrade Harris."

Trump also responded to a new Democratic attack line, popularized by Walz, that Republicans were weird. "I think we're the opposite of weird," Trump said. "They're weird."

When the crowd at the Democrats' Arizona rally chanted, of Trump, "Lock him up," Walz discouraged them. "No, better than that, beat the hell out of him at the ballot box."

Harris, responding to the same chant later, said: "Yeah, the courts will deal with that. We gonna win in November. We're gonna win in November. We'll handle that, too." The Harris campaign did not immediately respond to a request to elaborate on the comment.

Pro-Trump crowds have often chanted that his 2016 opponent, Hillary Clinton, should be locked up, and Trump called for her to be behind bars.

Democrats hope to take two Western states that are closely divided between Democratic and Republican voters in November: Nevada and Arizona, both of which Democrat Joe Biden carried narrowly over Trump in 2020.

Both are nearly one-third Latino, a demographic group of key focus for both parties. Recent polls taken in both states point to an exceptionally close race.

Harris was due to head to Las Vegas, Nevada, on Saturday. The powerful Culinary Union Local 226, which represents casino and hospitality workers there, also endorsed her on Friday.

Trump showed new focus on another competitive state on Friday, Georgia.

His campaign placed $37.2 million in television advertising, its biggest such purchase in a single day this election cycle, according to AdImpact, a firm that tracks political advertising.

The ads will air in seven battleground states. Trump's campaign is pouring the most advertising money into Georgia, spending $23.8 million in the Southern state, where polls have tightened since Harris' ascent.

Trump lamented that he had debated erstwhile Democratic candidate Biden in June. Biden's disastrous performance at the debate led to Democratic calls for him to drop his presidential bid, which Biden did last month.

"Why the hell did I debate him?" Trump said.
For the first time in 20 years, both Republicans and Democrats have a military veteran on their presidential ticket. The last time this occurred was when President George W. Bush faced Senator John Kerry in 2004.

While Democratic vice presidential hopeful Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Republican vice presidential nominee Ohio Senator JD Vance have different political views, both share a history of military service.

Walz served 24 years as a member of the Army National Guard after voluntarily enlisting at age 17. According to the Minnesota National Guard, Walz served in Nebraska as a senior sergeant and an administrative specialist before transferring to Minnesota as a cannon crewmember and a field artillery senior sergeant.

For eight months in 2003-04, Walz deployed to Italy in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan to assist with security missions at various locations in Europe. He did not fight in combat.

Walz culminated his career serving as the command sergeant major for the battalion but "retired as a master sergeant in 2005 for benefit purposes because he did not complete additional coursework at the U.S. Army Sergeants Major Academy," Army Lieutenant Colonel Kristen Auge, the Minnesota National Guard's state public affairs officer, told VOA.

Vance, then named James David Hamel, served four years as a member of the U.S. Marine Corps after he voluntarily enlisted when he was 19. According to the Marine Corps, he was deployed to Iraq for six months in 2005-06 as a military journalist during Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Like Walz, he did not see combat and has said he was "lucky to escape any real fighting."

"Veterans bring a unique level of leadership and experience to government," Carl Bedell, chair of the Virginia Board of Veterans Services, told VOA. "That the next vice president will bring military experience to the administration is a good thing for our country."

'Stolen valor' controversy

Vance on Wednesday criticized Walz for "stolen valor garbage" and claimed the Democratic vice presidential candidate had "abandoned" his unit "right before they went into Iraq."

Walz chose to leave the Guard in 2005 to run for Congress. Federal Election Commission records show that Walz filed to run for Congress in February 2005, and National Guard records show he officially retired in May, about two months before his unit received an alert for deployment to Iraq and about a year before the unit deployed to the country in March 2006.

"Minnesota National Guard's 1st Battalion, 125th Field Artillery received an alert order for mobilization to Iraq on July 14, 2005. The official Department of the Army mobilization order was received on August 14, 2005, and the unit mobilized [for pre-deployment training] on October 12, 2005," Army Lieutenant Colonel Ryan Rossman, the Minnesota National Guard director of operations, said.

Walz went on to flip a U.S. House seat in a 2006 election, igniting his political career and leading him to be elected governor of Minnesota in 2018 and now the Democratic nominee for vice president.

A few of Walz's Guard colleagues have publicly criticized his decision to leave their unit that year because, while no official orders had been given, some soldiers had started to suspect that they would be deployed to a war zone soon.

Doug Julin, a retired National Guard soldier who worked with Walz, said in an interview with The Washington Post that "the big frustration was that he let his troops down."

Another veteran who served with Walz, Tom Schilling, told Fox News that Walz "ditched" his team.

Minnesota National Guard veteran Al Bonnifield, however, told NewsNation that at the time, Walz talked to him for more than half an hour about how to move forward, weighing whether he could be a better person for his soldiers and his country by staying in the Guard or running for Congress.

"I know that wasn't a cowardly move. I know that wasn't, from the bottom of my heart," Bonnifield said.

Retired Command Sergeant Major Joe Eustice, who served with Walz for several years, told CNN Friday that while he disagreed with many of his colleagues' political views, accusations that Walz ran out on his battalion were "baseless" and an "unfair assessment of what took place."

Unofficial alerts given prior to an alert order for mobilization, known today as the Army's "Notification of Sourcing," did not begin until 2009, according to the National Guard.

"Any communication prior to the official order in 2005 would be considered an unofficial notice, for a possible deployment, and would be subject to change until an official mobilization order was received," the Guard added.

Some veterans have now called out Vance for criticizing Walz's record. Retired Lieutenant Colonel Alexander Vindman compared Vance's four years of service in public affairs to Walz's 24 years and eight promotions.

"I do not think you want to compare records," he wrote on X.

Bedell of the Virginia Board of Veterans Services said that citizens "deserve leaders that are who they say and who did what they say they did, especially in regard to their military service." He warned, however, that any scrutiny should be an "honest assessment  politics tend to skew that."

Not 'in war'

Vance also called Walz "dishonest" for a claim that he made in 2018 while speaking to a group about gun control during his first campaign for governor.

In the video, Walz was discussing his transition away from the National Rifle Association and said, "We can make sure that those weapons of war that I carried in war is the only place where those weapons are at."

Eustice, who disagrees with Vance's attack on Walz's retirement, told CNN that Walz "didn't carry a weapon in war. That statement is untrue."

In a 2009 interview, Walz explained that his fellow soldiers had expected to "shoot artillery in Afghanistan" as they had trained to do, but that didn't happen.

"I think in the beginning, many of my troops were disappointed," Walz said in the interview. "I think they felt a little guilty, many of them, that they weren't in the fight up front as this was happening."

After Vance's comments, the Harris campaign said in a statement that Walz had "fired and trained others to use weapons of war innumerable times" in his 24 years of service.
The Philippines and China traded accusations Saturday following an encounter between their aircraft over a contested area of the South China Sea.

The Philippine military strongly condemned "dangerous and provocative actions" by China's air force, while the Chinese People's Liberation Army, or PLA, said it acted in a professional and legal manner.

It is the first time the Philippines has complained of dangerous actions by Chinese aircraft, as opposed to navy or coast guard vessels, since President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. took office in 2022.

Two Chinese air force aircraft executed a dangerous maneuver and dropped flares in the path of a Philippine air force aircraft conducting a routine patrol over the Scarborough Shoal Thursday morning, the military said in a statement.

It "endangered the lives of our personnel undertaking maritime security operations recently within Philippine maritime zones," said Philippines armed forces chief Romeo Brawner, adding that the Chinese aircraft interfered with lawful flight operations and violated international law on aviation safety.

The Philippine aircraft, "despite repeated warnings from China, insisted on illegally intruding into the airspace of Huangyan Island," disrupting training activities, the Southern Theater Command of the Chinese PLA said Saturday.

China's naval and air forces carried out identification, tracking, warning and expulsion in accordance with the law, it said.

"The on-site operation was professional, abided by norms, legitimate and legal," the PLA said, urging the Philippines to stop what it called infringement and provocation.

Filipino fishermen frequent the Scarborough Shoal, one of two flashpoints in a longstanding maritime rivalry with China. Beijing Wednesday organized a combat patrol near the shoal, which Manila calls Bajo de Masinloc and China seized in 2012 and refers to as Huangyan island.

Beijing claims almost all of the South China Sea, a conduit for more than $3 trillion in annual shipborne commerce, including parts also claimed by the Philippines, Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia and Brunei.

China rejects a 2016 ruling by the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague that Beijing's expansive claims had no basis under international law.

The Philippines in May accused Chinese fishermen of destroying the environment at Scarborough by cyanide fishing, harvesting giant clams and other protected creatures, and scarring coral reefs, which China denied.
The Philippines and Vietnamese coast guards conducted their first joint drills Friday in firefighting, rescue, and medical response in Manila Bay, off the west coast of Luzon, the Philippines' main island, leading into the South China Sea.

This exercise represents the first such joint activity between the coast guards of the two countries amid ongoing territorial disputes with each other and, more significantly with China, which claims almost the entire South China Sea as its own.

The drills featured a simulated search and rescue operation and the use of water cannons to repel a mock threat.

According to Jay L. Batongbacal, a professor at the University of the Philippines College of Law, the strengthened relations and security cooperation between Vietnam and the Philippines serve as a significant counter to Chinas increasingly expansionist and assertive actions in the South China Sea.

"Since both [countries] carry these activities out fully in accordance with international law, it should be seen as a stabilizing factor and deterrent to Chinese aggression, and at the same time stand for asserting and maintaining international law," Batongbacal told VOA.

Strategic shifts

Although the Philippines and Vietnam face overlapping sovereignty disputes with China in the South China Sea, Batongbacal views this first-ever Philippines-Vietnam exercise as a key demonstration of how claimant countries should interact.

"It is a demonstration of what is possible between claimants who are sincere in their declarations to cooperate and improve relations, temporarily setting aside the disputes and maintaining the status quo," Batongbacal said. "So even if they do not have active and direct cooperation, their activities contribute to maintaining the regional balance of power because of their common goals and converging interests."

Vietnam in late June said it was open to discussing overlapping claims with the Philippines in the South China Sea.

Since Ferdinand Marcos Jr. took office in 2022, the Philippine government has adopted a more assertive stance on the South China Sea, differing from his predecessor Rodrigo Duterte. This shift has heightened maritime tensions with China as Beijing has sought to assert its claims to the region.

In mid-June 2024, the Philippines accused Chinese coast guards of boarding a Philippine navy vessel near Second Thomas Shoal, confiscating equipment, and causing a severe injury to a Philippine sailor.

Just ahead of the joint exercise with Vietnam, the Philippines conducted multilateral maritime exercises with the U.S., Australia, and Canada on August 7-8.

The exercises aimed at "safeguarding the right to freedom of navigation and overflight in the South China Sea," according to a joint statement.

Additionally, the Philippines and Japan held their first joint exercises in the South China Sea on August 2, despite Beijing's repeated warnings to "extraterritorial states" against interfering in the region.

Chinese response

Chinas Foreign Ministry has not yet commented on the Philippines-Vietnam joint drills but Tuesday spokesperson Mao Ning repeated Beijings claim, "It is the Philippines, not China, that is creating problems in the South China Sea."

The Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) announced on August 7 that its Southern Theater Command had conducted air and sea combat patrols near Scarborough Shoal an area with a long-standing sovereignty dispute between China and the Philippines.

According to Ding Duo, deputy director of the Institute of Marine Law and Policy at the China Institute of South China Sea Studies, Beijing is likely to respond with measured concern to the Vietnam-Philippines joint exercise despite the ongoing disputes over territorial sovereignty and maritime boundaries.

"The venue for the Vietnam-Philippines joint exercise is Manila Bay, and the scale of the exercise is relatively small," Ding said. "Its defensive nature suggests that China will probably view it as a routine instance of bilateral security and military cooperation among regional nations."

Ding said China aims to prevent Vietnam-Philippines cooperation from growing into a broader alliance that could challenge its interests.

"I believe China may use diplomatic or party-to-party channels to address military security concerns and mitigate the risk of potential miscalculations," Ding said.

Beijing has been stepping up its friendly military engagements and exercises with Hanoi, as the two sides have sought to reduce historic tensions in the South China Sea.

Chinas state-run Xinhua news agency reported on August 7, the Vietnam people's navy's guided-missile frigate 015 Tran Hung Dao arrived at Zhanjiang, a naval port in southeast Guangdong province for a visit.

The PLA stated that the visit would include "ship tours, deck receptions, cultural exchanges, joint exercises, and other activities" aimed at "improving mutual understanding and trust between the Chinese and Vietnamese navies and further strengthening the friendship between the two naval forces."

Four ships from the Chinese and Vietnamese navies in June held a two-day joint patrol exercise in the Gulf of Tonkin between Vietnam and China, which Chinese state media said was their 36th such drill.

China and the Philippines have tried to improve their relations since the June clash.

Chinese and Filipino officials in a July 2 meeting in Manila agreed to reduce tensions and even consider cooperation between their coast guards.

Regional impact

Nonetheless, analysts say this first joint exercise between Hanoi and Manila is likely to carry significance beyond its immediate scope.

Nguyen Khac Giang is a visiting scholar at the Vietnam Studies Program at the ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute.

"I think that is important because although this is only a search and rescue exercise and not a military drill, I think it will signal further collaboration between the two countries in the future, including military exercises and other activities in the region. So I think it's very important for both countries going forward," Nguyen told VOA.

Nguyen highlighted that Vietnam and Indonesia successfully concluded negotiations on their exclusive economic zone (EEZ) in the South China Sea at the end of 2022. He suggested that if Vietnam and the Philippines can use this joint exercise to address their overlapping border issues, it could represent the potential for Association of Southeast Asian Nation (ASEAN) claimants in the South China Sea to enhance cooperation and collectively address challenges posed by China.

"Because China always wants to divide and conquer, they want to negotiate with each country individually because it will give them better leverage," Nguyen said.

However, Nguyen noted that if ASEAN countries like Vietnam and the Philippines can work together, it would strengthen their ability to counter Chinese influence not only in terms of military presence in the South China Sea but also on diplomatic and economic fronts.

Kasim Kashgar contributed to this report.
Renowned French high-wire artist Philippe Petit marked the 50th anniversary of his famous walk between New York's Twin Towers with a performance in a Manhattan cathedral, accompanied by live music from Sting.

Petit walked between the spires of the World Trade Center skyscrapers, 1,350 feet up, on August 7, 1974.

A photographer captured the feat with the New York skyline in the background as Petit  without a harness  made the crossing.

Now 74 years old, Petit partly re-created his gravity-defying stunt Thursday in the Cathedral of St. John the Divine, about seven miles north of the former Twin Towers, which were destroyed in the attacks of September 11, 2001.

"Of course, my illegal walk between the towers was the most important moment of my life at the time, and now I look back and I have done something like 100 high wire walks all over the world," Petit told AFP.

In the reconstruction, Petit was met by a police officer as he completed his walk.

The New York Times, which called Petit's Twin Towers walk the "art crime of the century," reported that in 1974 after 45 minutes of "knee bends and other stunts," Petit turned himself over to waiting police.

He was charged with disorderly conduct and trespass, but the charges were dropped in return for a free aerial performance in a city park.

The feature film The Walk, starring Joseph Gordon-Levitt, and the Oscar-winning documentary Man on Wire tell the story of the famous stunt.
Former President Donald Trump's presidential campaign said Saturday that it has been hacked and suggested Iranian actors were involved in stealing and distributing sensitive internal documents.

The campaign provided no specific evidence of Iran's involvement, but the claim comes a day after Microsoft issued a report detailing foreign agents' attempts to interfere in the U.S. campaign in 2024.

It cited an instance of an Iranian military intelligence unit in June sending "a spear-phishing email to a high-ranking official of a presidential campaign from a compromised email account of a former senior adviser."

Trump campaign spokesperson Steven Cheung blamed the hack on "foreign sources hostile to the United States." A spokesperson for the National Security Council said in a statement that it takes any report of improper foreign interference "extremely seriously" and condemns any government or entity that attempts to undermine confidence in U.S. democratic institutions, but said it deferred to the Justice Department on this matter.

Iran's mission to the United Nations, when asked about the claim of the Trump campaign, denied being involved. "We do not accord any credence to such reports," the mission told The Associated Press. "The Iranian government neither possesses nor harbors any intent or motive to interfere in the United States presidential election."

However, Iran long has been suspected of running hacking campaigns targeting its enemies in the Middle East and beyond. Tehran also long has threatened to retaliate against Trump over the 2020 drone strike he ordered that killed prominent Revolutionary Guard Gen. Qassem Soleimani.

The U.S. Justice Department this past week unsealed criminal charges against a Pakistani national with ties to Iran alleged to have plotted assassination attempts against political figures in the United States, including potentially Trump, and to have sought to hire purported hitmen who were actually undercover law enforcement officials. Court documents in that case pointedly noted a desire by Iran to conduct operations against perceived enemies of the regime and to avenge the killing of Soleimani.

Politico first reported Saturday on the hack. The outlet reported that it began receiving emails on July 22 from an anonymous account. The source  an AOL email account identified only as "Robert"  passed along what appeared to be a research dossier the campaign had apparently done on the Republican vice presidential nominee, Ohio Sen. JD Vance. The document was dated Feb. 23, almost five months before Trump selected Vance as his running mate.

"These documents were obtained illegally" and "intended to interfere with the 2024 election and sow chaos throughout our Democratic process," Cheung said.

He pointed to the Microsoft report issued Friday and its conclusions that "Iranian hackers broke into the account of a 'high ranking official' on the U.S. presidential campaign in June 2024, which coincides with the close timing of President Trump's selection of a vice presidential nominee."

"The Iranians know that President Trump will stop their reign of terror just like he did in his first four years in the White House," Cheung said, adding a warning that "any media or news outlet reprinting documents or internal communications are doing the bidding of America's enemies and doing exactly what they want."

Cheung did not immediately respond to questions about the campaign's interactions with Microsoft on the matter. Microsoft said Saturday it had no comment beyond its blog post and Friday report.

In that report, Microsoft stated that "foreign malign influence concerning the 2024 U.S. election started off slowly but has steadily picked up pace over the last six months due initially to Russian operations, but more recently from Iranian activity."

The analysis continued: "Iranian cyber-enabled influence operations have been a consistent feature of at least the last three U.S. election cycles. Iran's operations have been notable and distinguishable from Russian campaigns for appearing later in the election season and employing cyberattacks more geared toward election conduct than swaying voters."

"Recent activity suggests the Iranian regime  along with the Kremlin  may be equally engaged in election 2024," Microsoft concluded.

Specifically, the report detailed that in June 2024, an Iranian military intelligence unit, Mint Sandstorm, sent a phishing email to an American presidential campaign via the compromised account of a former adviser.

"The phishing email contained a fake forward with a hyperlink that directs traffic through an actor-controlled domain before redirecting to the listed domain," the report states.

Vice President Kamala Harris' campaign did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the reported hacking or on the Democratic nominee's cybersecurity protocols.
The U.S. ambassador to Mexico confirmed Friday that drug lord Ismael "El Mayo" Zambada was brought to the United States against his will when he arrived in Texas in July on a plane along with fellow drug lord Joaquin Guzman Lopez.

Zambada's attorney had earlier claimed the longtime chief of the Sinaloa cartel had been kidnapped. But officials had not confirmed that, and Zambada's age and apparent ill-health had led some to speculate he turned himself in.

U.S. Ambassador Ken Salazar on Friday said, "the evidence we saw ... is that they had brought El Mayo Zambada against his will."

"This was an operation between cartels, where one turned the other one in," Salazar said. Zambada's faction of the Sinaloa cartel has been engaged in fierce fighting with another faction, led by the sons of imprisoned drug kingpin Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman. Guzman Lopez is the half-brother of the factional leaders.

Salazar said no U.S. personnel, resources or aircraft were involved in the flight on which Guzman Lopez turned himself in, and that U.S. officials were "surprised" when the two showed up at an airport outside El Paso, Texas on July 25.

Frank Perez, Zambada's attorney, said in a statement in July that "my client neither surrendered nor negotiated any terms with the U.S. government."

"Joaquin Guzman Lopez forcibly kidnapped my client," Perez wrote. "He was ambushed, thrown to the ground, and handcuffed by six men in military uniforms and Joaquin. His legs were tied, and a black bag was placed over his head."

Perez went on to say that Zambada, 76, was thrown in the back of a pickup truck, forced onto a plane and tied to the seat by Guzman Lopez.

In early August, Zambada made his second appearance in federal court in Texas after being taken into U.S. custody the week before.

Guzman Lopez had apparently long been in negotiations with U.S. authorities about possibly turning himself in. Guzman Lopez, 38, has pleaded not guilty to drug trafficking and other charges in federal court in Chicago.

But U.S. officials said they had almost no warning when Guzman Lopez's plane landed at an airport near El Paso. Both men were arrested and remain jailed. They are charged in the U.S. with various drug crimes.

Salazar said the plane had taken off from Sinaloa  the Pacific coast state where the cartel is headquartered  and had filed no flight plan. He stressed the pilot wasn't American, nor was the plane.

The implication is that Guzman Lopez intended to turn himself in and brought Zambada with him to procure more favorable treatment, but his motives remain unclear.

Zambada was thought to be more involved in day-to-day operations of the cartel than his better-known and flashier boss, "El Chapo," who was sentenced to life in prison in the U.S. in 2019.

Zambada is charged in a number of U.S. cases, including in New York and California. Prosecutors brought a new indictment against him in New York in February, describing him as the "principal leader of the criminal enterprise responsible for importing enormous quantities of narcotics into the United States."

The capture of Zambada and Guzman Lopez  and the idea that one cartel faction had turned in the leader of the other  raised fears that the already divided cartel could descend into a spiral of violent infighting.

That prompted Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador to take the unusual step of issuing a public appeal to drug cartels not to fight each other.
The United States announced on Friday that it would be sending a $125 million military aid package that includes Stinger missiles and anti-armor systems to Ukraine following multiple civilian deaths from a fresh Russian attack.

The package will be the 10th sent to Ukraine since U.S. President Joe Biden signed the Ukraine Security Supplemental Appropriations Act in April. The U.S. has approved $175 billion to be sent to Ukraine since Russia invaded the country in February 2022, according to the Council on Foreign Relations, a foreign policy research group in New York.

The announcement of the package came hours after a Russian missile hit a supermarket in Kostiantynivka, Ukraine, killing at least 14 people and wounding 44. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy wrote on the social media platform X that Russia will be responsible for this terror. Russia has yet to comment on the attack.

Emergency services were working to find survivors who might have been buried under the rubble from the attack, according to Zelenskyy. Damage was reported to shops, homes, cars and a post office in the area.



U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken released a statement explaining the contents and purpose of the military aid package. This $125 million package of support, provided under Presidential Drawdown Authority, includes air defense interceptors, munitions for rocket systems and artillery, multimission radars and anti-tank weapons that will help Ukraine protect its troops, its people and its cities from Russian attacks and reinforce its capabilities across the front lines, it read.

The statement reaffirmed the United States support of Ukraine and said the U.S. will deploy this new assistance as quickly as possible to bolster Ukraines defense of its territory and its people.

In a post on X, Zelenskyy thanked Biden and the U.S. for the package.

It is critical that the United States continues to take strong steps and demonstrate leadership in protecting Ukrainian freedom and European stability, he wrote. We appreciate the United States' support from the very first days of Russia's full-scale invasion, which has already allowed us to save many lives together.

Russia has said it is facing a cross-border Ukrainian assault and declared a federal-level emergency Friday in its Kursk region. Russian and Ukrainian forces clashed in this area for a fourth consecutive day, according to Russias Defense Ministry.

Russia described it as one of the largest cross-border incursions by Ukrainian forces during the war, which started 2 years ago with Moscows invasion.

At the same time, Reuters reported that Russian military personnel were in Iran and were being trained to use the Fath-360 close-range ballistic missile system. European intelligence sources reportedly said that they were expecting Iran to deliver the weapons to Russia.

White House national security spokesperson John Kirby said the U.S. and allies are prepared to respond swiftly if Iran were to move forward with such transfers, which would represent a dramatic escalation in Irans support for Russias war of aggression against Ukraine.

A Russian Defense Ministry statement said its military and border guards had blocked Ukrainian forces from advancing deeper into the Kursk region in southwest Russia. It said the army was attacking Ukrainian combatants who were trying to advance from Ukraine's Sumy region.

Washington gave its approval of the Ukrainian operation. The incursion into the Kursk region "is consistent with our policy," Pentagon deputy press secretary Sabrina Singh said while briefing reporters Thursday.

Singh said the U.S. still did not support long-range attacks into Russia by Ukraine, but she noted that Ukrainian forces in Kursk "are taking actions to protect themselves from attacks that are coming from a region that are within the U.S. policy of where they can operate our weapons, our systems, our capabilities.

Some information for this report came from The Associated Press and Reuters.
The Biden administration has decided to lift a ban on U.S. sales of offensive weapons to Saudi Arabia, three sources familiar with the matter told Reuters on Friday, reversing a three-year-old policy to pressure the kingdom to wind down the Yemen war.

The administration briefed Congress this week on its decision to lift the ban, a congressional aide said. One source said sales could resume as early as next week, while another said deliberations on timing were still under way.

"The Saudis have met their end of the deal, and we are prepared to meet ours, returning these cases to regular order through appropriate congressional notification and consultation," a senior Biden administration official said.

Under U.S. law, major international weapons deals must be reviewed by members of Congress before they are made final.

Democratic and Republican lawmakers have questioned the provision of offensive weapons to Saudi Arabia in recent years, citing issues including the toll on civilians of its campaign in Yemen and a range of human rights concerns.

But that opposition has softened amid turmoil in the Middle East following Hamas' deadly October 7 terror attack on Israel and because of changes in the conduct of the campaign in Yemen.

The threat level in the region has been heightened since late last month, with Iran and Lebanon's powerful Iran-backed Hezbollah group vowing to retaliate against Israel after Hamas' political chief Ismail Haniyeh was killed in Tehran.

The Biden administration also has been negotiating a defense pact and an agreement for civil nuclear cooperation with Riyadh as part of a broad deal that envisions Saudi Arabia normalizing ties with Israel, although that remains an elusive goal.

Since March 2022  when the Saudis and Houthis entered into a U.N.-led truce  there have not been any Saudi airstrikes in Yemen and cross-border fire from Yemen into the kingdom has largely stopped, the administration official said.

Biden adopted the tougher stance on weapons sales to Saudi Arabia in 2021, citing the kingdom's campaign against the Iran-aligned Houthis in Yemen, which has inflicted heavy civilian casualties.

Yemen's war is seen as one of several proxy battles between Iran and Saudi Arabia. The Houthis ousted a Saudi-backed government from Sanaa in late 2014 and have been at war against a Saudi-led military alliance since 2015, a conflict that has killed hundreds of thousands of people and left 80% of Yemen's population dependent on humanitarian aid.

"We are regularly conducting airstrikes to degrade Houthi capabilities, an effort that is ongoing and will continue together with a coalition of partners," the senior U.S. administration official said.

"We have designated the Houthis as Specially Designated Global Terrorists, and we will have imposed sanctions and additional costs on the Houthi smuggling networks and military apparatus. This pressure will continue to build over the coming weeks," the official said.
President Nicolas Maduro on Friday ruled out negotiating with opposition leader Maria Corina Machado after he appeared before Venezuela's Supreme Court, asking the country's top judicial body to ratify his disputed reelection.

He was responding to Machado's offer of "guarantees and incentives" for a "negotiated transition" of power that would see him leave office, in an interview with AFP as she continues to challenge the July 28 vote.

The South American nation has been in political crisis since election authorities declared Maduro the winner of last month's poll, a decision questioned both at home and abroad.

The National Electoral Council (CNE) has yet to release detailed results from the vote, while the opposition has released copies of 84% of ballots cast, showing an easy win for their candidate, Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia. The government says those results are forged.

The Supreme Court  widely seen as aligned with Maduro  summoned all presidential candidates before it, though Gonzalez Urrutia refused to attend.

Maduro did so on Friday, after which he directed a warning to Machado.

"The only person in this country who needs to negotiate with Machado is the public prosecutor," Maduro said after his hearing.

"She should surrender to the courts and answer for the crimes she has committed" in contesting the election result.

She is currently in hiding amid fears for her safety.

The disputed election sparked protests that have left at least 24 people dead, according to rights groups, and more than 2,000 arrested.

Machado called for greater support from the international community.

Speaking to AFP via voice notes, she said the opposition was "determined to move forward in a negotiation."

"It will be a complex, delicate transition process, in which we are going to unite the whole nation," said the 56-year-old Machado, who was barred from running herself against Maduro.

She added that Maduro has "completely, absolutely, lost legitimacy" and that "all Venezuelans and the world know that Edmundo Gonzalez won in a landslide."

Lawmaker Diosdado Cabello, a powerful Maduro ally, dismissed Machado's offer.

"She is not in a position to negotiate anything," he told reporters as he arrived at the Supreme Court shortly before Maduro.

"Offering conditions, to whom? Here the CNE, which is the governing body, gave a result: Nicolas Maduro won."

Giulio Cellini, a director at the political consultancy group LOG Consultancy, said the whole process was an "ambush" of Gonzalez Urrutia, who is also in hiding, since both the high court and election authority are "controlled by Maduro."

"What the Supreme Court of Justice of Venezuela says will be the law of the republic, it will be a holy sentence," Maduro said ominously after his hearing.

Fellow left-wing governments from Brazil, Colombia and Mexico noted the verification process undertaken by the court but asked that the CNE "transparently disclose the electoral results."

The CNE ratified Maduro's victory, saying he had earned 52% of votes. In addition to not publishing detailed results, it has also claimed to have been hacked.

Jennie Lincoln, head of the Carter Center delegation that was invited to monitor the Venezuelan election, told AFP that it had "no evidence" of a cyberattack.

Furthering his post-election crackdown on Thursday, Maduro suspended access to the social media site X as he faced continued international pressure.

The president announced his government was blocking the social media platform formerly known as Twitter for 10 days, while accusing the site's owner, Elon Musk, of "inciting hate and fascism" in Venezuela.

Maduro and Musk have been locked in a war of words via X.

Maduro has overseen a national collapse, including an 80% drop in the once-wealthy oil-rich country's GDP, amid domestic economic mismanagement and international sanctions.

According to the United Nations, more than 7 million Venezuelans have fled the country of 30 million since Maduro took over in 2013, mostly to other Latin American countries and the United States.
Venezuela's supreme court said Saturday that it had not received evidence from the opposition coalition in the disputed July 28 presidential elections and warned that its decision in determining the winner would be final.

The South American nation's elections authority, which the opposition claims is loyal to President Nicolas Maduro, declared the leader had won reelection, while the opposition argues its candidate, Edmundo Gonzalez, won.

The electoral authority has not released a detailed vote count from the elections and its website has been down since the early hours of July 29.

The opposition has posted its ballot count online, which shows Gonzalez receiving double the number of votes as Maduro.

In Venezuela, voting machines print out three copies of voting records for the electoral authority, the ruling party and its challenger.

Maduro appealed to the supreme court last week to verify the electoral results, leading the court to summon all candidates who had run.

Gonzalez did not attend, saying he would be at risk of arrest if he went. Members of the opposition who did go pressured the electoral authority to release its ballots, and the coalition has previously said it has its ballots locked up for safekeeping.

"The members of the Unitary Platform (opposition coalition) did not submit any electoral material" to the court, Chief Justice Caryslia Rodriguez told journalists and diplomats Saturday.

The court did receive Maduro and the electoral body's vote counts, Rodriguez said.

The justice said that once the election investigation was concluded, the court's ruling would be "unappealable and compliance will be mandatory."

Brazil, Colombia and Mexico published a joint statement Thursday urging the electoral body to publicly present a detailed vote count and said that the supreme court was not a solution to the matter.

Other Latin American nations, as well as the United States, have rejected Maduro's win, while ally nations Russia and China have congratulated him.
Girl, you good? Photo: Disney

She must be ready to whistle, because Rachel Zegler is putting in work  to start this long-awaited press tour. Zegler made an appearance at D23 this year, where she introduced the first teaser trailer for Disneys Snow White, a live-action adaptation of the 1937 animated classic Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. Co-star Gal Gadot was also present at the event, teasing that her Evil Queen character is evil (duh), magical (also duh), and delicious (hmm). The movie has been sitting in time-out for a bit  it was originally slated for March 22, 2024  but it looks like its finally time for some more promo. Heres the latest on what we get to see in the trailer and first look, whos in the cast and crew, and when its coming out.

What happens in the trailer?

Pretty much what youd expect. The teaser opens with Zeglers Snow White singing Whistle While You Work while surrounded by her CGI septet. Gadots Evil Queen asks her mirror, mirror on the wall whos the fairest of them all. And our newest live-action Disney princess reaches for an apple that were pretty sure is, as Charli XCX would say, rotten right to the core.

What did the first look show us?

When Disney announced in October 2023 that Disneys Snow Whites release date was being pushed by an entire year, it attempted to appease the masses by giving them something to salivate over: a first look at the film featuring Zegler in the iconic Snow White dress with the seven dwarfs surrounding her. It has a certain  uncanny-valley quality, it must be said. Was there a way to animate these dwarfs so they wouldnt look so extremely unnatural and a little frightening? Is that a good reason for why this movie shouldnt exist in the first place? Perhaps 

First look at Disneys live-action SNOW WHITE starring Rachel Zegler.



In theaters March 21, 2025. pic.twitter.com/QEC6Oclans  Film Updates (@FilmUpdates) October 27, 2023

Who else is in the cast and crew?

Per Teen Vogue, the full cast also includes Andrew Burnap as Jonathan, Ansu Kabia as the Huntsman, Dujonna Gift as Maple, Martin Klebba as Grumpy, and Colin Michael Carmichael in an undisclosed role.

The film is directed by Marc Webb and produced by Marc Platt and Jared LeBoff, with Callum McDougall executive producing. It will also feature songs from the team of Pasek and Paul (Dear Evan Hansen), who we hope will write a line for it as good as this one from their earlier work Dogfight: So some little prick with a knob for a dick is gonna get you down? Please.

Whens the new release date?

Disneys Snow White was postponed until March 21, 2025, after originally being slated for March 22, 2024. Heigh-ho, heigh-ho, its off to 2025 we go!
Photo: Disney

Disney is not letting this franchise go. Heres what we know about the upcoming Frozen sequels  yup, there are two of em  including the latest updates from D23 on Frozen 3s release date and concept art.

Its happening

November 16, 2023: Disney hasnt even taken Frozen 3 out of the freezer (its way in the back, just behind TikToks chilly reactions to Wish), but when have petty inconveniences like linear time ever stopped Bob Iger? The Disney CEO was on Good Morning America to promote the new World of Frozen section at Hong Kong Disneyland when he dropped a little surprise for Michael Strahan, saying, Frozen 3 is in the works, and there might be a Frozen 4 in the works too. Iger didnt reveal much else besides writer-director Jennifer Lee being hard at work with her team at Disney Animation on not one but actually two stories. Not to use a technical filmmaking term, but it sounds like theyre going into Avatar mode.

No details have come out yet regarding the plot of Frozen 3, and the muddy 2019 first sequel didnt leave viewers with a super-clear sense of where the franchise was headed. Thats where the Frozen podcast comes in. In October, Disney and Wondery launched a narrative show called Disney Frozen: Forces of Nature, releasing weekly episodes that are part sequel and part spinoff, with a lot more Frozen lore. Namely, some new characters have been introduced: Theres the Duke of Weseltons nephew Wolfgang, and a new bestie named Queen Disa, who comes from a neighboring kingdom and is essentially one of those women-in-STEM characters the studio is addicted to making (see also: the girl in the live-action Dumbo and Emma Watson in Beauty and the Beast). Theres a ton of new information out there if youre willing to listen to 12 episodes of a podcast for children.

Still defrosting

August 9, 2024: Its been a while since we got our last Frozen update, but dont worry, the sequel plans havent been put on ice. At this years D23 Expo, Disney announced that Frozen 3 is now slated to release in 2027. The threequel was teased with concept art of Elsa, Anna, and Olaf on horseback. While we didnt get any sneak peeks at Frozen 4, it does seem to still be in the works. There were a lot of questions coming out of Frozen 2, writer-director Jennifer Lee teased. It will take two films to answer them.

First concept art for FROZEN 3



In theaters in 2027. pic.twitter.com/IEfowBH9AO  DiscussingFilm (@DiscussingFilm) August 10, 2024
What is going on with this season? I know we had a long break, but other than Minnie Driver bringing Elizabeth I to life through sheer force of will, it feels half-hearted and weird. I thought I had a bead on Elisabeth and Margot in the first episode, where Elisabeth is vain and bratty and Margot is quiet and charitable. Now Elisabeths out here being called the most generous of Catherines children, and Margots being a real bitch to the Holy Roman Emperors grandniece for no reason. Did they forget how they wrote them in the first episode? Or did they accidentally flip the names in the script? This season had one job: to show Catherine de Medici being fun and sneaky. Instead, shes angsting over her garbage children and ignoring Rahima, who is being fun and sneaky and still needs more screen time.

Catherines half-brother Alessandro follows her to Paris to build her palace. He immediately hits her up to sponsor a colony in America, specifically Florida. If youre like, Oh, sure, because of how strongly Florida is associated with the French language, thats fair. The French dont do a great job of colonizing Florida. Like, they tried, but the Spanish said nah and put a stop to that real quick. Well be the ones demolishing civilizations, thank you, the Spanish soldiers probably said. Catherine wants to put the doomed Floridian colony on hold anyway because France remains riven by religious strife.

Her children are all off doing their own things this week, and maybe The Righteous Gemstones has indeed ruined me for all TV adult-sibling relationship dynamics, but its really boring if you have spoiled adult children living together and none of them are even punching each other in the nuts. If theyre not going to act like theyre 10 years old, why are they here? Charles is boring, Anjou is making us gays look bad, Elisabeth did her 180 and is an inconsistent mystery, Margot is whatever the writers want her to be in any given scene, and Hercule is dead.

Speaking of Margot, when the previously mentioned grandniece shows up with Charles, Margot accuses her of scheming to marry Charles (okay?), and Charles replies that Margot thinks saying things no one else would say makes her brave, but really no one else says them because what she says is boring and uninteresting. Thats not it, Charles, but good job trying. No one says them because most people are not assholes. Its clearly interesting to accuse someone of scheming to marry someone else. But when the person deserves it zero percent, then youre just being a dick.

Charles is dithering along this week, and Anjou is still under house arrest. Or at least he will be until Montmorency helps Charles come for Catherine at the private council meeting (what?). Angelica the Poisoner shows up and testifies that Catherine wanted her to poison Sister Edith, Montmorencys absolute favorite. Catherine admits it and says its probably best if she steps off the council (gasp!) but asks Charles to release Anjou and add him in her place. This is because of some advice from Ruggieri about pitting her children against one another, etc., but unless shes doing this for an early version of George Bluths Boyfights series, I am not interested. Charles releases Anjou, but not before Catherine goes to Anjou and makes him falsely sign his best friends confession, saying Anjous best friend Lemur (known as Bowl Cut in my home) led Anjou astray regarding the very horrifying drowning murder of a Protestant man. Anjou says okay, and Lemur is beheaded. Damn. Lemur also reads as queer, by the way, so now we have had two queer people being responsible for the death of another queer person in their inner circle. NOT A GREAT LOOK, SHOW.

Speaking of Sister Edith, she remains a zealous nightmare. Antoine and Louis de Bourbon deign to pay her a clandestine visit and offer her the support of Queen Elizabeth. Edith, it turns out, has more information about Elizabeths whereabouts than they do, and she tells them Elizabeth landed in Flanders a day ago along with weapons to help the rebels. This is bananas, by the way; Elizabeth never left England during her 45-year reign, but we know all bets are off here, and I want to see Elizabeth interact with other monarchs, so, fine. Louis and Antoine are caught off guard, particularly when Edith asks Antoine if hes a true believer, and has Aabis hold a flame to his arm until he confesses his sins. We have to watch his arm burn. Its truly disgusting. Edith says something about how well all be purified in the flames eventually, etc., etc., the kind of stuff religious zealots say, and dismisses the Bourbons. Someone needs to stop Sister Edith. Who? I honestly dont know at this point. If they gave Rahima the job, shed get it done in five minutes, but Rahima continues to get like three lines per episode. What a waste. A waste!! The whole season could be about her and her army of sexy court ladies. Bah!

Remember when Philip of Spain was kicked by a horse last week? Well, hes alive but unresponsive. He just sits there, which is clearly an improvement over the horse torture he was attempting when he got kicked across the courtyard. Elisabeth, who is now kind and caring, starts visiting Philip and reading to him, which makes his father, Charles V, very happy. Catherine convinces Elisabeth to marry Philip (sure) to forge an alliance between France and the Holy Roman Empire. The marriage requires a stand-in for the consummation part. Said stand-in touches Elisabeths foot with his foot, and the marriage is declared consummated. Okey dokey.

How, you ask, did Catherine make this marriage happen without a whole discussion between the king and the council and everyone else who would surely want to have a say? She had Rahima use her sexy lady army to drug the wine of all the relevant royals, and by the time everyone woke up, Elisabeth was in a carriage with Philip and Charles V being whisked away to her new homeland. Her siblings vibes are basically, Hm. Okay. They will likely never see their sister again. Whatever! As Elisabeths carriage rolls off, another carriage rolls in. Its Charless prospective new bride. Anjou says Fuck me as Queen Elizabeth steps out of the carriage. Okay, bonus points for this very last scene because it is very good. Elizabeth I and Catherine de Medici scenes next week, I assume! Exciting!
Photo: Andreas Rentz/Getty Images for Live Nation

On Thursday, TMZ posted footage of Travis Scott getting arrested in Miami back in June. Just one day later, the outlet shared more footage of the rapper being put in handcuffs  but this time, in Paris. Per CNN, Scott was arrested early Friday morning after allegedly getting into an altercation with his own bodyguard at the George V luxury hotel. Local authorities said he was taken into custody for violence against a security guard that tried to step in, and a police investigation was reportedly opened. An unnamed source told Page Six that the altercation began after Scott asked his bodyguard why one of the paparazzi was being allowed to look through his cars trunk; an unnamed source close to Scott told People that this happened after multiple days of being chased and harassed by paparazzi upon entering his hotel early this morning and another evening of being swarmed with no help given.

Local outlet Le Parisien reported that Scott was drunk at the time, and was taken into custody and sobered up until he could be questioned by police. Along with millions of others, Scott was in Paris for the Olympics. Will everything be resolved in time for him to enjoy the closing ceremony this weekend? In a Friday statement to CNN, a representative for Scott said they were in in direct communication with the local Parisian authorities to swiftly resolve this matter and will provide updates when appropriate.
A Waterford councillor has raised concerns regarding the dirtiness of signage around the county, particularly in rural areas.

Cllr John OLeary (Fianna Fail) highlighted the issue at a recent meeting of Portlaw/Kilmacthomas (Comeragh) representatives held in Dungarvan.

He said that signposts around the Comeragh district need to be cleaned and queried if there was a programme in place for such works.

He said: Regarding signage in the Comeragh district, is there any situation where we could see signposts being cleaned in the area? Theres a lot of signs in a bad way for want of cleaning."

Responding to the query, Senior Roads Engineer with Waterford City and County Council, Gabriel Hynes said: We do have a programme in place where we do cleaning of signposts on a phased basis, so it is happening. Over a period of time we will hopefully get through all of them and ensure theyre legible and presentable.
Like so many friends who have paid tribute to Raymond O Baoill on his sudden death, I too felt such a gnawing sense of shock that the passing of more than a week has failed to lift the gloom of loss that leaves me with memories rooted in the now distant occasion of his inviting me to celebrate Bastille Day by delivering a lecture on General Humbert and the 1798 Rebellion in Mayo. The only difficulty in my doing so was that the audience would be composed of Irish-speaking business executives and that in spite of my having lived and worked in Dublin as a journalist since 1972, I had singularly failed to learn even the cupla focal.

In his capacity as Foras na Gaelige director of a Gradam session on July 14, 1996, Ray resolved our linguistic dilemma by proposing I should open the talk with a few words in Irish which he would write out phonetically. This ruse worked so well that RTEs Liam O Murchu, famous for the bilingual chat-show Trom agus Eadrom, congratulated me afterwards for speaking Irish with the Polish sonorous gravity of Pope John Paul II".

Rays taking early retirement and his return to the West of Ireland removed his gregarious presence from the Dublin social scene where we had met regularly in La Cave in Duke Street. We kept in touch at Humbert Schools. The possibility, however, of holding a session in Irish failed to materialise on account of the lack of financial sponsorship. This missed opportunity embedded in my mind the literary image of Raymond cast as MacCarthy, the poet-schoolmaster in Tom Flanagans epic Year of the French novel, representing the dying old Gaelic world associated with the failed 1798 Rebellion and General Humberts invasion to liberate Ireland from feudalism.

My heartfelt condolences to Paula, Doireann, Iseult, Cathal and Brona. I have fond memories of an occasion years ago when a gosling Cathal did a splendid mimic of a Scotsman attempting to speak Franco-Irish.

So long, Monsieur Raymond, who will long be remembered as Ballinas learned Seanachi in the mould of Master McCarthy.
The Grand Duchy of Luxembourg has been an independent sovereign state since the Treaty of London of 19 April 1839. Luxembourg is a parliamentary democracy in the form of a constitutional monarchy. The crown of the Grand Duchy is hereditary in the Nassau-Weilbourg family. Luxembourg also has a distinctive characteristic: it's the only Grand Duchy in the world. In 1919, the revision of the Constitution and the introduction of universal suffrage marked a turning point in the political life of the Grand Duchy. Before this date, the right to vote was subject to a poll tax, in other words a certain amount of tax paid, and restricted to the male population aged 25 and over. After the revision of 1919, all male and female citizens who had reached the age of 21 were given the right to vote. In 1972, the voting age was reduced to 18. Luxembourg is a democratic state. Under the Constitution, the nation is the source of sovereign power and the Grand Duke takes the constitutional oath before the representatives of the sovereign nation when acceding to the throne. The nation exercises its sovereignty indirectly via its representatives, who are elected to the Chamber of Deputies (Chambre des deputes), Luxembourg's parliament.

Constitution and laws The first Constitution was drafted in 1841, two years after the independence of Luxembourg in 1839. The current Constitution was implemented on 17 October 1868, but has been revised several times since then. The Constitution is the supreme legal rule of the state. It proclaims the fundamental rights and sets out the state's major principles of operation. A law is a legal provision which is adopted by the legislative power and is imposed on all citizens after enactment by the Grand Duke and publication in the Official Journal of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg. While the Constitution is more rigid and its revision procedure is more laborious, laws are modified more often. A law may only be modified by another law. The Council of State may draw the government's attention to the opportunity for new laws or new regulations or modifications to be introduced into existing laws and regulations. A law may be initiated either by the Chamber of Deputies, the government, or the electorate. The first case it is referred to as a parliamentary initiative and a bill ('proposition de loi'); in the second case it is a government initiative known as a government bill ('projet de loi'); in the third case, it involves 'a reasoned proposal for legislation' presented by one hundred and twenty and supported by at least twelve thousand five hundred voters.
BOZEMAN  Speaking to a packed Rialto theater downtown Friday night, Democratic governor candidate Ryan Busse referenced the Republican elephant in town.

"I heard about a political rally, the center of the political universe, I wanted to be there. I wanted all of you to be there. The center of the God damn political universe, right here in the Rialto," Busse told the crowd. "Also theyre having some kind of weirdo couch-surfing thing over here a couple blocks (away). Never heard of them."

Busse took the stage downtown as prominent Republicans in Montana spoke in advance of former President Donald Trumps large rally and speech at the Brick Breeden Fieldhouse on Montana State Universitys campus Friday night. And while it was impossible for the counter rallies held around town to compete in size, those who opposed Trumps visit to Montana worked to make their presence known.

That included Busses event in coordination with the Montana Democratic Party, as well as a reproductive rights rally at the Bozeman Public Library and a protest to oppose Trump directly near his rally site on Montana State Universitys campus.

While much of Busses remarks focused on his own race and highlighting his campaigns criticisms of opponent Republican Gov. Greg Gianfortes policies, the Democrat made a point of amping the crowd up for U.S. Sen. Jon Tester, a third-term Democrat seeking re-election against Republican political newcomer Tim Sheehy.

Trumps rally in Bozeman was to support Sheehy, who recent polling showed is statistically tied with Tester. Trump is leading by about 15% points in Montana, and won here by large margins in both 2016 and 2020. Republicans see taking Testers seat as key to regaining control of the U.S. Senate.

"Tester is a damn good dude. He has fought for us for 18 years on public (lands) access," Busse said.

Busse called Sheehy a "dude who is probably up there on stage right now sucking up to somebody, in that fieldhouse over there, this dude who is made of dollar bills and hair gel  Jon Tester is the real deal."

Focusing on his own race, Busse repeatedly hammered Gianforte over the massive rise in property taxes most Montanans have seen over the last year, with an average increase of 21% statewide.

"It's dangerous, it's wrong, it's taking people out of their homes," Busse said.

Busse also criticized bills passed by Republican lawmakers and signed by Gianforte to limit access to abortion.

"We're here for a freedom rally tonight. What could be more basic to the freedom that you enjoy and rely upon than the freedom over your own body?" Busse said.

Busse ended his remarks by calling for unity.

"It's time to stand up and fight for this place. We can do it. We can cast off these ugly national politics. We can do it. Freedom, freedom, the very essence of the Montana freedom that we enjoy, it's on the line, Busse said.

In a statement, Montana Democratic Partys Executive Director Sheila Hogan criticized Trumps rally.

"Montanans believe our freedoms are worth protecting, and that no politician or government has the right to interfere in our own decisions about our lives or our health care. But thats not what Tim Sheehy believes," Hogan said. "  While ultra-wealthy out-of-staters descend on Bozeman, Montanans who understand our state will come together to defend the values we believe in. Montanans will never let politicians interfere with our most personal decisions. Thats why Jon Tester will be re-elected  we trust Jon to always protect our freedoms."

Cora Neumann, a Democrat running for the state legislature in Bozeman, told those who gathered at the Rialto rally that she was near campus during the lineup for the rally earlier.

"I was right next to MSU, so I got to see all the flags, all the Trump hats, I have to say I did not feel a lot of excited energy," Neumann said.

Neumann said she was happy to see Democrats unifying behind Vice President Kamala Harris, citing polling recently showing she is ahead of Trump.

"Women (in) power, and women and men who support women in power," Neumann said to applause.

"I want to talk tonight about why were here, which is freedom," Neumann said. We have both Donald Trump, Tim Sheehy and all the others up and down the ticket  these candidates are anti-freedom candidates. Its time for us to take back, and we are, that ideal of freedom.

Neumann said when she was growing up in Bozeman, the kind of division illustrated by the dueling rallies was not common.

"It is so not Montana," Neumann said. "We take care of each other."

Neumann focused much of her remarks on reproductive rights.

"We dont want somebody in our bedroom. We dont want somebody in our doctors room. We dont somebody breathing down our kids necks when theyre in school," Neumann said.

In Montana this year, voters are expected to see a ballot issue that would add the explicit right to access an abortion to the state Constitution. The measure has faced multiple legal hurdles put up by Republican Montana Secretary of State Christ Jacobsen's office and has not yet been approved for the ballot, though supporters say they gathered more than twice the number of signatures needed to qualify.

At a rally to raise support for reproductive rights held Friday evening in front of the library, a group of speakers addressed the crowd while standing in front of a 20-foot-tall balloon IUD named "Freeda Womb."

Kirk Astroth, who attended the reproductive rights rally at the library, said the Trump rally across town on the MSU campus was "just outrageous to me."

"Thirty-four felonies, a sexual harassment, rape, all that stuff, to come here to Montana and support a carpetbagger candidate for the Senate, just is outrageous. I feel like hes got to know that people here dont support him," Astroth said.

Astroth supports Vice President Kamala Harris bid for president, and said it was energizing to see her become the nominee after Bidens poor debate performance. For Astroth, a key issue in the Senate race is the humane handling of those crossing the U.S. border with Mexico. He works to provide water and aid to those who cross in Arizona and said that he observes women and children entering the country, not drug dealers as is often the narrative from Republican politicians.

Jan Strout, president of Montana NOW, warned those who gathered about the threat of Project 2025, a game plan from the Heritage Foundation for policies the next president could enact. Trump has worked to distance himself from the plan.

"Women and all pregnant people in our society will be restricted from full participation in every aspect, and thats what Project 2025 is all about," Strout said.

Strout also cited the Senate race, saying that it was critical to pass the Women's Health Protection Act.

"You have to have 60 senators, and thats why we are also going to elect human rights champions," Strout said.

Chris Warren, from Queer Bozeman, said that "the crossroads Montana is at will critically shape its future."

Strout also told the crowd it was critical to support Constitutional Initiative 128, the abortion ballot measure.

"They are trying to stop this ballot measure at every instance but not succeeding," Strout said. "  Theyre trying to stop this at every aspect of our Montana government, be it at the legislative level, at the department and agency level, but  theyre not succeeding."

Forward Montana worked to register voters at Fridays event at the library.

Dwight Gacutno, 18, recently became a U.S. citizen. Voting is critical in this election for Gacutno because of the possibility of Project 2025.

"It just seems like we arent getting the freedom that we need to have as women and people in general," Gacutno said. "  It scares me because its our future and it will affect a lot of people."

Down the street from the swelling crowd at the arena entrance on campus, Montanans for Palestine had organized a march to establish a countering presence on the Montana State University campus. Some 40 people prepared signs while drivers passing by gave either honks in support or sneers in opposition.

Susan Kreitzberg sat with her sign and waited for the march, headed away from the rally, to begin. Kreitzberg, a Bozeman resident, said her time was better spent on campus opposing Trumps presence.

"I dont want the nation to think Trump owns Montana," she said. "We need to push back. Its not 'Trumpland.'"

Kreitzberg was born and raised in Bozeman, and has felt a lack of substance from the Montana Democratic Party, particularly in its ability to draw on motivated candidates from Montana with some name recognition.

"I didnt want to be indoors hearing stuff I already know," she said. "I wanted to show a presence here."

Montana State News Bureau reporter Seaborn Larson contributed to this story.
Wrexham University appoints new Faculty Dean of Arts, Computing and Engineering

This article is old - Published: Saturday, Aug 10th, 2024

Inspiring and educating the next generation of Engineering, Computing and Arts graduates by providing an inclusive learning environment and curriculum is one of the key priorities for Wrexham Universitys newest member of its senior leadership team.

Professor Anne Nortcliffe, who has joined the institution as Dean of Faculty of Arts, Computing and Engineering, boasts more than 30 years experience in engineering, computing education and research, including senior roles in Higher Education (HE).

Speaking about her appointment, Professor Anne Nortcliffe said she is thrilled and incredibly excited to have joined the Wrexham University time.

For me, my overarching priority above all is to educate the next generation of Engineering, Computing and Arts graduates through delivering an equal, diverse and inclusive curriculum and learning environment, said Professor Nortcliffe.

Not only is this advantageous from a student experience and learning standpoint but it will also benefit our regions industry, who will recruit our graduates as they are North Wales future workforce.

Im also passionate about working closely with our industry partners in order to actively address and meet any skills gaps. 

Professor Nortcliffe draws upon her own personal reasons for why equality, diversity and inclusion is at the forefront of every aspect of her initiatives and decision making.

She said: Working with employers to enable career opportunities for all students with minority characteristics; female, disabled, LBGQT+, social economic, and global majority, is of utmost importance.

As a female and neurodivergent  I was diagnosed with dyslexia at the age of 17, I am acutely aware of my authentic experiences and the professional skills that I can bring to the table in creating inclusive engineering, technology and design solutions for all of society.

As a university, its crucial that we are doing everything we can to educate and empower all our students and graduates for the world of work, to support economic regional and national growth.

Although Professor Nortcliffe received her diagnosis at 17 years old, she said her mother recognised she was dyslexic at just four years old  and it wasnt until Year 3 at school, when she learnt to read.

However, she has never allowed her learning difference to hold her back.

Professor Nortcliffe is an internationally published researcher, who brings with her a wealth of leadership experience in the HE sector.

In her previous role at Canterbury Christ Church University, she was the founding Head of its School of Engineering, Technology and Design.

Announcing Professor Nortcliffe joining the institution, Professor Maria Hinfelaar, Vice-Chancellor at Wrexham University, added: We are delighted to welcome Professor Anne Nortcliffe to the University, who brings with her vast research and leadership experience in the sector.

Her expertise, knowledge and passion for inclusion will help us further enhance our research offering and industry links, as well as continue to make strides in relation to student satisfaction and experience. Professor Nortcliffe is a superb addition to our leadership team.
A job massacre is unfolding in the German automotive and supplier industry. Jobs are being cut continuously, more and more every week. While economic experts and stock market analysts are sounding the alarm and worrying about the dividends of their rich customers, the IG Metall union remains silent and is enforcing the attacks on the ground.

10,000 protest against job cuts at Bosch in Gerlingen near Stuttgart in March 2024

The large corporations had begun to use the switch to electric vehicles to further reduce costsi.e., maximise profitsby cutting jobs and passing on costs to suppliers, whose existence is threatened as a result.

However, the major car manufacturers themselves are now coming under pressure because demand for electric cars in Germany and throughout Europe is stagnating at best, rather than increasing, and Chinese manufacturers in particular are bringing equivalent but cheaper cars onto the market.

Data specialist Marklines prepared an evaluation of the capacity utilisation of German car plants in 2023 for the Deutsche-Presse-Agenture (dpa). This showed that on average, they were only utilised to just over two thirds of their capacity. Capacity utilisation varied from just under 100 percent at Porsche in Stuttgart and 90 percent at Audi in Ingolstadt down to 30 percent of potential capacity at Opel in Eisenach. Several large sites were only operating at around half capacity, including VWs main plant in Wolfsburg and the Tesla plant in Grunheide near Berlin.

This trend has continued this year. The major carmakers have therefore immediately announced tougher attacks on their workers. Here are only the most important developments of the last two to three weeks.

Volkswagen boss Oliver Blume recently announced the intensification of his tough austerity programme at VW plants. Its all about costs, costs, costs, said the boss of almost 700,000 employees worldwide. The need to economise applied particularly to the core Volkswagen brand. According to Blume, the return there fell to 2.3 percent in the second quarter of this year. However, the target is 6.5 percent the year after next. In Germany, measures have therefore been taken to reduce capacities by 25 percent, including, for example, the switch from three to two shifts.

Even the premium brands are not spared from this development. The closure of the Audi plant in Brussels, where around 3,000 employees produce the Q8 e-tron, is currently being prepared.

The CEO of Stellantis, Carlos Tavares, has announced that some of the 14 brands of the worlds fourth-largest car manufacturer may be discontinued in the future. Reuters quoted him as saying: If they dont make money, we will shut them down. We cant afford to have brands that dont make money.

Stellantis currently combines the Citroen, Peugeot, DS Automobiles, Opel/Vauxhall, Ram, Dodge, Chrysler, Jeep, Fiat, Lancia, Abarth, Alfa Romeo and Maserati brands. There is speculation that Maserati may be sold and brands such as Chrysler, Lancia, Alfa Romeo and DS Automobiles may be closed.

US car manufacturer Tesla has announced that the planned increase in production capacity at its plant in Grunheide near Berlin from the current 250,000 to 1 million vehicles per year has been put on hold for the time being. Plant manager Andre Thierig told dpa: We will not spend several billion on expanding the factory without the signals being very clear that the market will demand it.

The worlds largest truck manufacturer, Daimler Truck, is also making savings in the face of falling sales, particularly in Asia and Europe. Around half of the approximately 12,000 employees at the headquarters in Worth (Baden-Wurttemberg) are expected to be put on short-time working for several days from September. The current holiday period is already being used to reduce production.

Manufacturers declining sales are intensifying the already planned job cuts at suppliers. Advanced mobility products supplier ZF has announced the biggest job cuts in its history. One in four jobs in Germany is to be cut by 2028 and locations are to be merged. Over the next two years, up to 14,000 jobs are to be cut, resulting in savings of 6 billion euros.

At Bosch, around 3,000 jobs will be cut worldwide in the Mobility division alone, while in Germany a total of 3,500 jobs will fall victim to the red pencil.

The automotive supplier and tyre manufacturer Continental had already announced the reduction of 7,150 jobs in its automotive division, including 5,400 in administration and 1,750 in research and development, in order to reduce the divisions annual costs by 400 million by 2025. On Monday, Conti announced that the automotive supply business would be floated separately on the stock exchange as part of a so-called spin-off. The profitable tyre division and plastics technology would then be separated from the loss-making business with brakes, electronics, displays and other parts for the automotive industry.

While the large suppliers are making savings, many smaller suppliers are struggling to survive. New insolvencies are reported every week.

Most recently, the long-established seat manufacturer Recaro in Baden-Wurttemberg was hit, with 215 employees affected by the insolvency. Management, IG Metall and the works council will be working out cutbacks for the employees in the coming weeks in order to continue operations.

BBS Autotechnik, known for its light alloy wheel rims, is insolvent for the fifth time since 2007. BBS had only acquired the insolvent plant of Superior Industries in Werdohl at the beginning of July.

After 2020, provisional insolvency proceedings were opened again on Monday for Flabeg Automotive from Nuremberg, which specialises in glass finishing and bending. Following redundancies last year, almost 190 employees are currently affected.

Thyssenkrupp Automotive Body Solutions plans to cut around 400 jobs in Germany due to declining demand. This mainly affects the Lockweiler site, which supplies components and machines for body construction. The parent company Thyssenkrupp is instead planning to expand its sites in India, China, Poland, Portugal and the USA.

The role of IG Metall

The managers and board members can rely firmly on the IG Metall union and their works council representatives to support them in these cutbacks.

In addition to short-time working at Daimler Truck, further cost-cutting measures are being lined up. Daimler Truck boss Martin Daum explained that he was initially planning a recruitment freeze, i.e., a reduction in jobs through attrition, followed by further cuts. He did not reveal what these would be. Head of the General Works Council Michael Brecht supports Daum. He told broadcaster SWR that good arrangements had been agreed with the company. It was important that the manufacturer got through this phase well and could pick up speed again when demand picked up, he said.

According to a press release, insolvency administrator Volker Bohm has already held initial good and constructive talks with works council reps, suppliers and customers at Flabeg. Bohm reports that there is a great willingness to pull together in the reorganisation. He therefore saw good prospects for the reorganisation. This will be borne by the workforce through cuts in wages and jobs and worsening working conditions.

The same applies to workers at Recaro. Company profits have been secured over several years by waiving and postponing workers pay, and now they are being asked to pay again in the course of the insolvency proceedings in order to secure the companys profits.

Everywhere, IG Metall and its works council reps are working at each factory and plant to implement the cuts or closures. The union has no thought of mobilising its more than 1.5 million members in the various companies (with also around half a million retired members) to fend off the looming jobs massacre.

The next contract bargaining round in the metal and electrical industry starting next month would be an opportunity to do so. The approximately 4 million employees there, including around 800,000 in the automotive and supplier industries, have shown that they are ready to fight. However, IG Metall has already made clear its intention to once again reduce company costs through lowering real wages and job cuts. That is why it is only demanding a 7 percent pay rise over a 12-month period. The result would be an agreement somewhere between 3 and 4 percentin two stages over a period of at least 24 months.

In order to defend jobs, working conditions and wages, independent rank-and-file action committees must be set up in which the grassroots hold sway and which collaborate across the various locations, companies and countries. The action committees must be based on the principle that workers social interests are more important than corporate profit interests.

We therefore call on all workers in auto manufacturing and at the suppliers to get in touch with us. Send a WhatsApp message to the following number: +49 163 33 78 340 and register using the form below.
The springing up of dozens of homeless encampments in large and regional cities, and even small towns across Canada is a significant indicator of the catastrophic housing crisis gripping the country. As the Liberal government, backed by the trade unions and New Democrats, spend tens of billions on waging war around the world and enriching their corporate paymasters, growing numbers of people are forced to resort to permanently living in tents with virtually none of the amenities necessary for modern living.

A homeless encampment in Kitchener, Ontario, in front of the former Krug Furniture factory

Canadas Federal Housing Advocate, Marie-Josee Houle, published a report under the aegis of the Canadian Human Rights Commission in February. Her findings note that a growing number of people live in homeless encampments.

In her report, she asserts that these conditions are a violation of the human right to adequate shelter. This is all the more damning given the fact that the union-backed Trudeau Liberals enshrined housing as a basic right in the 2019 National Housing Strategy Act (NHSA), a move touted by liberal publications and union bureaucrats as an example of the Trudeau governments supposedly progressive credentials.

Speaking to CBC last February, Houle said that the homeless encampments were a physical manifestation of how broken our homeless and housing system is from coast to coast in Canada. It needs urgent measures  Government must act immediately to save lives.

Her report documented that an estimated 20 to 25 percent of the homeless population in Canada lives in encampments, from the temperate south to the prairies and the Pacific Coast, to the frigid, inhospitable climes of Labrador and Nunavut. Houle has called on the federal government to implement a national encampment response plan to ensure that those living in camps would have access to potable water, food, and healthcare. She also called for an end to evictions and a strengthening of the NHSA.

Estimates of the number of homeless people in Canada vary. Statistics Canada places the number at 235,000 individuals, with an estimated 35,000 experiencing homelessness on any given night as of 2019. To put this number into perspective, it is roughly equivalent to the combined populations of Prince Edward Island, the Yukon and the Northwest Territories.

Other figures from the Canadian Observatory on Homelessness place the estimate anywhere from 150,000 to 300,000 people, larger, at the higher end, than Saskatoon, the largest city in Saskatchewan. The real number is undoubtedly much higher, if one takes into account forms of hidden homelessness, such as couch surfing.

An accurate count is further hampered by the fractured mosaic of government agencies at the federal, provincial, and municipal levels. Homeless advocacy groups and government agencies admit as much, noting that these figures are at best wild estimates. While unsheltered homelessness that is visible, such as those living in encampments and homeless shelters, is relatively well documented, hidden homelessnessthose who couch surf or otherwise lack a fixed addressis less prominently covered.

However, census data, polls, and point-in-time (PiT) surveys help shed some light on the extent of the crisis. The most recent PiT survey conducted by Infrastructure Canada, the federal government agency that currently overseas national policy relating to homelessness, provides damning findings of the extent of homelessness in Canada. Published in late 2022, it provides a snapshot into the extent of the crisis in 87 communities across the country. The PiT notes that:

40,000 people experienced homelessness on any given night, up 5,000 from the 2019 figure.

Among the 67 communities and regions that participated in the survey in both 2018 and 2022, the total number of homeless people increased by 20 percent.

Unsheltered homelessness increased by an astounding 88 percent from 2018.

Highlighting the burden that the pandemic has on the most vulnerable, counts that were undertaken in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic reported a 125 percent increase in unsheltered homelessness and a 57 percent increase in the use of shelters. This is a damning exposure of the profits-before-lives strategy of the Canadian government, which is focused on keeping business booming as workers, students, the elderly and the most vulnerable, like the homeless, get infected with a debilitating and potentially fatal disease.

There was an increase in chronic homelessness, with 69 percent of respondents reporting that they had experienced the condition, up from 60 percent in 2018. Chronic homelessness is generally defined as an individual experiencing up to six or more months of homelessness.

Unsurprisingly, the main reason cited by respondents as the cause of homelessness was not having enough income to cover the costs of housing. Domestic violence, mental health, and substance abuse issues were also cited.

The PiT also included revealing demographic facts concerning homelessness. Based on 25,000 surveys covering the 87 municipalities that took part in the study, it was discovered that 55 percent of the respondents were in the 25 to 49 cohort. The second most numerous cohort were the 50 to 64 age group, accounting for 24 percent of the respondents. In other words, the largest number of homeless people are of working age, which corresponds with other research demonstrating a growing number of homeless people with a job who are unable to afford exorbitant rents and other daily living costs. Indigenous people are also overrepresented at about 30-35 percent of the homeless population, despite only accounting for 5 percent of the total population.

A cross-Canada problem

Vancouver, British Columbia, has seen a marked increase in homelessness since the beginning of the pandemic, with the homeless population rising from 3,634 in 2020 to 4,821 in 2024, a 32 percent increase in a report cited by the CBC. In the Prairies, Alberta has upwards of 8,000 homeless people in Calgary and Edmonton, Regina and Saskatoon in Saskatchewan reported at least 1,000 homeless people in recent PiT surveys, and Winnipeg, Manitoba has at least 1,000 people sleeping unhoused.

Ontario, Canadas most populous province, has as many as 16,000 homeless people on any given night, with 8,000 of them in Toronto. Canadas most populous city and the home to Bay Street financial speculators only has enough space in its shelters to house 2,000 people on any given night. Smaller, de-industrialized cities in or near the GTA have also seen a proliferation of homeless encampments, including Hamilton, Kitchener-Waterloo, and Oshawa.

There are an estimated 10,000 homeless people in Quebec, with nearly half of them in Montreal. Quebec city has seen a 32 percent increase in homelessness since 2018, according to Radio Canada. Major homeless encampments also exist across Atlantic Canada, with hundreds living in tent cities, including an estimated 800 in Halifax, Nova Scotia, and 900 in St Johns, Newfoundland.

As grim as all of these figures of social distress are, they are invariably an undercount for the reasons noted above. Speaking to CBC News, Brenna Jarrar, the director of housing for the Nunatsiavut Housing Commission, commented on the underreporting of homelessness in Canada. In addition to addressing the fact that the Labrador government is short staffed, she also noted that the homeless population is not always found in shelters. Noting the lack of resources allocated to the homeless crisis, she remarked, I think its a problem where youre often screaming for attention and theres not really enough to go around when theres such a crisis everywhere.

Encampments unfit for human habitation

Conditions in the encampments across Canada are universally squalid. Tents and other forms of makeshift shelters are entirely inadequate to shelter people from the elements, particularly the harsh Canadian winters. Improvised attempts to heat the encampments regularly lead to tragic deaths at homeless encampments.

A report in the Ottawa Citizen noted that two homeless people died in a homeless camp in Canadas national capital while trying to heat their tent by burning hand sanitizer in a metal can and lighting their tent with candles. Another death related to an encampment fire was reported last winter in St John, New Brunswick. Three homeless people died at an encampment fire in a Lowes parking lot in Calgary last December.

These deaths are but a snapshot of the tragic human toll that homelessness is claiming across Canada. According to a report from the Calgary Homelessness Foundation, 436 people perished on the streets of Calgary in 2023, nearly double the toll for 2022.

Toronto reported 91 deaths in homeless shelters for 2023. The Annual Review of Homeless Deaths published by the city claims that roughly half of these deaths could be attributed to opioid overdose, down 19 percent from the preceding year.

In Vancouver, 51 people experiencing homelessness passed away last year. The problem has become so visible that the city felt compelled to declare homelessness a civil emergency last November.

The province of Quebec does not record statistics on the number of deaths, even for those who are housed in shelters. No central database exists tabulating the number of homeless people who die each year. Estimates can only be culled from municipal statistics and media reports. One thing is clear: this is not something that the government considers to be a significant issue.

In addition to the dismal conditions stemming from exposure, the homeless in Canada also experience significant health problems. The 2022 PiT survey notes that 85 percent of all respondents have at least one significant health challenge. Substance use issues topped the list, with 61 percent citing this as a major challenge, followed closely by mental health issues (60 percent). Struggles with addiction to crack cocaine and fentanyl further complicate the picture, frequently leading to overdoses.

Access to adequate sanitation also poses a problem, as the encampments lack the amenities that housed people would enjoy, such as potable water. Unsanitary living conditions can attract rodents. Rats, for instance, were a problem at a homeless encampment in Kitchener, Ontario, posing a significant threat to the health of the residents. The authorities invariably respond to these and other problems at the encampments not by offering homeless people much-needed help, but by deploying the police to violently disperse the camps and criminalize inhabitants.

The main contributing factor to homelessness and the rapid growth of homeless encampments is the stratospheric increase in rent across the country. The median rent in Toronto was $2,600 in July, well beyond the grasp of an individual working full time on minimum wage, which currently stands at a derisory $16.55 per hour. Simply being able to cover the cost of rent is extremely difficult for many who are on a fixed income such as a pension or disability payments, as many homeless people are.

As noted above, affordability is cited as the main reason by many respondents to the 2022 PiT survey in all but the youngest cohort. Roughly one-third of all respondents in the cohorts aged 25 to senior cited insufficient income as an impediment to procuring housing.

The increase in rents is driven by capital seeking ever greater sources of profit from as many diversified sources as possible. Renovictions are one form in which this is expressed. The portmanteau refers to the legal process by which a landlord can evict a tenant to renovate an apartment (in practice they frequently change virtually nothing) and relist it for a much higher price.

According to a report in Macleans, Hamilton saw a 983 percent increase in renoviction notices between 2017 to 2022. The tenants who were evicted included everyone from single mothers, to families, to seniors. Similar stories play out in Toronto, where homeless shelters have noticed a 30 percent increase in people entering shelters for the first time due to renovictions.

Speculation in residential properties in the form of investment vehicles such as Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) are another glaring example of the profit motive at work in housing. Halifax is a case in point, where two REITs, Killam Apartment REIT and CAPREIT dominate the rental market.

Killam Apartment REIT reported a net operating income of $15.24 million at the end of the last quarter, an increase of 12 percent year over year, while CAPREIT reported $9.24 million, up almost 14 percent from the previous year. The REITs increased rents 19.6 percent and 23 percent respectively, for new tenants.
Drs. Ziyad Al-Aly, Akiko Iwasaki and Eric Topol, along with other acclaimed researchers, have issued a position statement on Long COVID published yesterday in the journal Nature Medicine. This document provides a much-needed perspective on the continued dangers posed by the forever COVID policy enshrined in official public health policies.

This important review comes on the heels of the recent publication in the New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM) of a reference frame for the chronic disease. It was developed by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM) Committee on Examining the Working Definition for Long COVID.

The 2024 NASEM Long COVID definition is: Long COVID is an infection-associated chronic condition that occurs after SARS-CoV-2 infection and is present for at least 3 months as a continuous, relapsing and remitting, or progressive disease state that affects one or more organ systems.

Most importantly, previous documentation of a COVID infection is not required for the diagnosis. The NASEM report explains: By now, most persons worldwide have had at least one episode of acute SARS-CoV-2 infection. A requirement for proof of diagnosis could wrongly exclude many patients 

This closer approximation to a scientific definition of long COVID is an important step towards educating the public and issuing a call for action to address the viral assault on the global population.

The authors of the study, published in Nature Medicine, should be commended for giving urgency to an issue that Dr. Al-Aly has rightly called the elephant in the room. Yet as sincere as these appeals may be to take Long COVID seriously, they will not convince the bourgeois authorities who have already dismissed warnings about the acute stage of COVID-19.

Dr. Al-Aly [Photo: Dr. Al-Aly]

The complex multisystem disorder that can affect nearly every organ system after a COVID infection spares no one across the age spectrum. It appears that even fetuses in utero are at increased risk of respiratory ailments if the mother was infected during pregnancy.

Considering our rapidly developing comprehension of the long-term health consequences of COVID, thanks to the exemplary work being done by these scientists, the policy of mass infection demanded by the financial oligarchy assumes an even more sinister and deranged character.

The cardinal symptoms of Long COVID include brain fog and memory changes, fatigue, rapid sudden onset of heart rate, significant sleep disturbances, and immense sense of discomfort and illness after exerting oneself. There are no cures and, worse, no diagnostic tools that can tell someone they have Long COVID. Only recently have healthcare workers and researchers begun to identify treatments for Long COVID, but there is an absence of randomized trials to guide these decisions.

The authors note, Care for people with Long COVID varies widely across settings and practitioners. It is often challenged by lack of widespread recognition and understanding of Long COVID among medical professionals, constrained resources and competing demands on healthcare systems still recovering from the shock of the pandemic, lack of standardized care pathways, lack of definitive diagnostic and treatment tools, and a general pervasive pandemic fatigue with an urge to move on. The last point is a byproduct of the impact of forcing the population to accept COVID as a permanent fixture of society.

On top of the horrific impact it has on an individual person, on a social scale, mass Long COVID leads to loss of productivity, disruption in the workplace and increased risk of occupational-related injury or fatalities. Cognitive impairment, even after mild infections, is common, and there can be dire consequences for workers in occupations where the slightest error or inattention can be devastating: truck drivers, electricians, airline pilots, first responders and more. To say nothing of the impact on the wider community.

The report makes reference to the 2022 US Brookings Institute estimates on the figure of 2 million to 4 million US adults who were out of work because of Long COVID. Add to this the Minneapolis US Federal Reserve Bank report from July 2022, finding that people with Long COVID had a 10 percent poorer chance of being employed, and when they were, worked 25 to 50 percent less than uninfected individuals.

On a global scale, the authors wrote, On the basis of all the available data, a conservative estimate of the annual global economic toll of Long COVID could be around $1 trillion, amounting to 1% of the 2024 global GDP. Other estimates are even higher: An economic study from 2022 placed the cost of Long COVID at $3.7 trillion, or $11,000 per capita for the US alone, amounting to 17 percent of the gross domestic product (GDP).

Most compelling in the Al-Aly et al. review was their assessment of the global cumulative incidence of Long COVID, which until now had been opaque.

Basing their estimates on meta-regression studies that pooled all the available evidence, they estimated that figure for the first four years of the pandemic at 409 million cases of Long COVID. The authors remarked, It is crucial to emphasize that these estimates only represent cases arising from symptomatic infections and are likely to be conservative. The actual incidence of Long COVID, including cases from asymptomatic infections or those with a broader range of symptoms, is expected to be higher.

By comparison, among the most common ailments afflicting the worlds population, heart and circulatory issues, affect around 620 million. This means that in only four years, Long COVID, as a disease, has risen nearly to the top of the global list. Furthermore, Long COVID, as a multi-organ disease process, will only exacerbate noncommunicable and communicable diseases that arise in the future.

Placing these figures into context, this week, based on wastewater data, infection modelers estimate that COVID infections have once again climbed above 1 million cases per day, a staggering figure, to which the CDC is completely indifferent. COVID modeler Dr. Mike Hoerger of the Pandemic Mitigation Collaborative, in a social media discussion with this writer, said that presently, on average, every American has been infected between three or four times.

In a rare show of concern, the World Health Organization (WHO) announced that COVID-19 was spreading across the globe, with positivity rates in Europe above 20 percent. In opening their August 6, 2024, news report on COVID, they warned, The UN health agency is also concerned that more severe variants of the coronavirus may soon be on the horizon.

The European continent is swimming in a river of infection, like the unfortunate Olympic athletes sickened by swimming in the polluted Seine. And as we have already noted, the Olympics themselves have been a superspreader event.

Knowing that reinfections, more severe disease, and remaining unvaccinated, all raise the risk of Long COVID, one can only watch the current wave of infections with alarm. These will be given further fuel as schools and universities begin to open their doors later this month. Furthermore, global COVID vaccinations have essentially come to a halt. Long COVID is the long tail of the ongoing pandemic that has no end.

Unique in the report by Dr. Al-Aly and colleagues is the raising of social issues affecting the global impact of Long COVID. In support of the UN Foundations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), they raise the need to end poverty and hunger, improve access to health, provide quality education, improve working conditions and reduce inequalities. They also call for funding to support coordinated interdisciplinary research on Long COVID on a global footing.

The recognition of the social issues that need to be addressed is an important insight. However, the appeal to existing public health institutions and political processes to heed their warnings will not bear any fruit.

First and foremost, the forever COVID policy is not a misguided public health construct. It is a calculated and coordinated approach to ensure pandemic threats would not impede the unfettered accumulation of surplus value off the backs of the working class. If the sick and infirm fall by the wayside, these social losses are seen as financial gains by the class that seeks to extract from the working class every minute of their potential labor power and avoid the cost of their lingering on.

In this regard, Senator Bernie Sanders introduction of legislation titled the Long COVID Research Moonshot Act of 2024 is simply political theater, aimed at deluding the public into thinking that the capitalist system is capable of reform. The bill would provide a paltry $1 billion in mandatory funding per year for 10 years to the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to support Long COVID research.

To think this legislation will see the light of day while social spending is being slashed to fund the forever wars is to look at the world through very thick rose-colored glasses. Those researchers and public health advocates who wish to promote the application of the scientific principles that guide their own work must recognize the necessity for a broader social perspective.

To address Long COVID, as the world Trotskyist movement has demanded, one must begin by eliminating COVID across the world. Despite the dismissal of such a perspective by capitalist governments and the corporate media, zero COVID is and remains the only viable solution.

Only one social class is capable of taking up and fighting for such a policy: the international working class. The fight against COVID and future pandemics, like the looming H5N1, must be integrated into the revolutionary mobilization of the working class against the capitalist system and the establishment of a socialist society, in which human needs, including the most basic concerns of healthy life, will be the basis of social policy, not private profit.
Elon Musks intervention in the UKs far-right riots highlights the multi-hundred billionaires role in the cultivation of a global fascist movement.

On August 4, Musk tweeted under a video of a far-right riot in Liverpool, Civil war is inevitable, now viewed 9.6 million times. The video was originally posted by the British fascist leader Tommy Robinson. Three days earlier, Musk replied with two exclamation marks to a post from Robinson attacking British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmers response to the riots, helping it reach 4.2 million views.

Screenshot of Musk's posting on X: "Civil war is inevitable" [Photo: Elon Musk/X]

A spokesperson for Starmer responded to the August 4 post by saying tamely, Theres no justification for comments like that.

Musk then tweeted (with 5.6 million views) one of the slogans of the far-right mobs, #TwoTierKeir, which absurdly accuses the UK government of policing right-wing thugs disproportionately harshly compared to left-wing or Muslim protesters.

Another Musk tweet (28 million views) asked, Is this Britain or the Soviet Union? in reference to the arrest of a man on the charge of posting a message grossly offensive or of an indecent, obscene or menacing character. Two more (108 million views between them) promoted material designed to stoke the narrative of migrants as a dangerous criminal class in the UK.

This week, Musk retweeted a fake Telegraph newspaper headline, Keir Starmer considering building emergency detainment camps on the Falkland Islands, alleging they would be used to detain far-right rioters, depicting them as embattled martyrs.

The episode is a window onto the development of 21st century fascism, in which a racist and xenophobic minority are emboldened by a social media audience gathered around figureheads like Nigel Farage, Robinson, Laurence Fox, and others not as well known nationally but with a considerable global following.

Far-right agitators trade in the fears and angry feelings of inadequacy brought about by economic insecurity, lack of purpose and broken communities, turning them against the racialised scapegoats of Muslims and asylum seekers provided by mainstream politicians and media.

They gain traction under conditions in which social and political solidarity has been undermined by the prolonged disintegration of the labour movement and systemised attacks on working class and socialist politics relentlessly promoted by academia, the mainstream media and the major political parties, with the former Stalinist and social reformist parties such as Labour in the forefront.

This has left many workers without a clear sense of their common interests as part of an international class and prey to the nationalist witch-hunting of foreign workers and migrants as competition for jobs, education, housing and health services that have been brought to the brink of collapse by decades of cuts and underfunding.

Musk is one of the lead conductors of this hellish orchestra. Taking control of Twitter in October 2022, he has overseen a surge in far-right activityincluding using his own weight on the platform (193 million followers) to promote fringe fascistic material, or tweet it directly.

In the week after his takeover, according to data compiled by the Center for Countering Digital Hate (CCDH), anti-black slurs on Twitter/X were appearing at triple the weekly average of the year before, and anti-Jewish slurs increased by 23 percent. Across the first month of Musks leadership, anti-black slurs were still appearing at three times the daily average rate before his takeover and engagements with these tweets (replies, retweets and likes) increased by 2.7 times.

As part of a blanket amnesty, the suspended accounts of Donald Trump, his fascist disciple Marjorie Taylor Greene, Robinson, and many other far-right figures removed from the platform for inciting racial hatred, were reinstated.

A June 1, 2023 study by the CCDH found 99 percent of posts from 100 Blue Tick users reported by researchers for breaking Twitter/Xs own hate speech rules remained online. Among them was the claim that The Jewish Mafia wants to replace us all with brown people.

A report published in September 2023 explained that 86 percent of 300 posts reported for hate speech, from 100 accounts, remained online one week later, as did 90 percent of the accountswith over one million followers between them.

Examples included posts labelling Hitler A hero who will help secure a future for white children; claiming Blacks dont need provoking before becoming violent. Its in their nature; encouraging users to Stop Race mixing; and promoting conspiracies that Jews promote mass migration and control the blacks.

Musk tried to sue the CCDH for its reports, but the case was thrown out this March with judge Charles Breyer describing the suit as one of the most vapid extensions of law that Ive ever heard. He explained, This case is about punishing the defendants for their speech.

Another study of X after Musk, carried out by a researcher at the University of Edinburgh, published in August 2023, found a 70 percent increase in retweets for a random sample of Blue Tick users active in far-right online networksan increase which outstripped any general engagement increase for other users.

None of which absolves large sections of the traditional media of responsibility for the eruption of far-right violencefrom the newspaper crusades against migrants to the BBC referring to fascist mobs as pro-British and protesters. The particularly noxious thing about X, and all the billionaire-controlled social media companies, is that this is done in the name of a more democratic, even anti-establishment, platform, giving the people what they want.

Musks role is not accidental. Aside from the motivations of his personal reactionary views, he makes a large part of his fortune out of controversy: through revenue-generating scrolls on X and by helping him build a huge public persona which he leverages to secure similarly large loans and investments.

He makes the other part of his fortune from industrial production which directly benefits from the cheapening of labour through attacks on migration. Reports of Teslas extreme exploitation of migrant workers in the construction of its factories and in the factory workforce are widespread. As are those detailing the rampant abuses involved in the supply chain of minerals essential to the companys productionagainst workers kept in conditions of super exploitation in part by heavy border controls.

Teslas expanding interests in South America, source of most immigration to the US, are an extra incentive to his support for the anti-migrant crusade. Whether Latin American workers are unable to leave and secure remittances or arrive in the US under ghettoised and terrorised conditions, they are left more vulnerable and exploitable.

Musk speaks for a broad section of the ruling class animated by these concerns, and with an interest in whipping up racial hatreds to divide the working class. He is, for example, only the latest in a long line of super-wealthy financial backers to have boosted Robinsons profile.

Tommy Robinson in 2023 [Photo by Anything Goes With James English / CC BY 3.0

Among them are Robert Shillmananother US tech billionaire, who helped Robinson secure a $5,000 a month position at Rebel Mediathe Middle East Forum headed by arch reactionary Daniel Pipes, the David Horowitz Freedom Center, and the Gatestone Institute. Behind the MEF stands Nina Rosenwald, heiress to the Sears-Roebuck retail fortune; behind Gatestone, billionaire financier Robert Mercer; and the list goes on.

In Musk, the far-right agenda of this growing faction of the super-rich and the thuggish loudmouthing of the likes of Robinson are combined in one person. He is exactly what Karl Marx spoke of in describing the French finance aristocracy of the 1840s: the social layer which made the laws, was at the head of the administration of the state, had command of all the organized public authorities, dominated public opinion through the actual state of affairs and through the press and which got rich by pocketing the already available wealth of others.

Characterised by an unbridled assertion of unhealthy and dissolute appetites, the finance aristocracy, in its mode of acquisition as well as in its pleasures, is nothing but the rebirth of the lumpenproletariat on the heights of bourgeois society.

As far as Musks actions provoke a rebuke within the ruling class over his relations with the far-right, as in a muted way with Starmer, it is purely a case of one faction cautioning the other not to let the carefully channelled movement overflow its banks and provoke a popular response. The spat also provides a useful cover for Starmers rolling out of new police and censorship powers, which will inevitably be turned against the working class.

The lesson to be drawn by the working class from Musks involvement in the UK riots is that waging the fight against fascism through to the end means taking on the oligarchs. Their vast wealthused to promote reactionary social forcesmust be seized and redistributed to address the bleeding sores on society on which the far-right feeds.
Municipal sanitation workers collect trash in Philadelphia, Thursday, Jan. 13, 2022. [AP Photo/Matt Rourke]

Baltimore garbage collection worker Ronald Silver II died last Friday while working under extremely unsafe heat conditions.

The mid-Atlantic region of the United States has been suffering through a series of intense heat waves throughout the summer. The Friday that Silver died, the city of Baltimore had been placed under a Code Red Extreme Heat Alert as temperatures reached 105 degrees Fahrenheit.

Sharp pains plagued Silver throughout the day. The route through the Barclay neighborhood where he worked often required that he work without air conditioning, water, or breaks. Department of Public Works (DPW) management ignored concerns and pleas related to the heat, a practice that some in the workforce had become dangerously used to. One of Silvers coworkers was quoted as saying, he thought he was just being lazy and didnt want to work.

Late in the afternoon, Silver, now in a heat-induced sickness, knocked on the nearest home, asking for some water. Gabrielle Avendano gave him some and doused him with it to shake him out of his symptoms. Silver then collapsed and stopped breathing, prompting Avendano to administer first aid and call 911. Silver would be rushed to the nearest hospital and was pronounced dead, the result of overheating of the body.

According to news reports, Avendano had believed Silvers coworker was calling 911 to seek help for the distressed man. The Banner notes that Avendano and another neighbor who had witnessed the incident observed Silvers coworker in the truck on his phone. They claim to have learned afterwards the coworker was talking to a DPW supervisor and not emergency services, like they assumed.

Avendano decried the failure of DPW to save this mans life: Im shocked and so sad that he died because I think it could have been prevented if they had just called 911 sooner in the day. He had been complaining for most of the day about the pain that he was in, and nobody called for help except for me.

The Democratic mayor of the city Brandon Scott and DPW immediately went into damage control, giving phony heartfelt condolences which scrupulously avoided any assignment of blame to the city and management. Our hearts are first and foremost with him, his family and loved ones, and his DPW colleagues as we grapple with this loss, the city declared in a joint statement of the mayors office and sanitation department.

In fact, a report last month by the city Inspector General singled out the Cherry Hill location where Silver worked out of as an egregious offender of worker heat safety. A July 10 detailed inhospitable working conditions ranging from broken air conditioning, inoperable water fountains and nonfunctional ice machines[which] violate federal laws around safe work conditions, specifically one that requires employers to provide potable drinking water to workers.

Scotts response at that time was to grandstand. Admitting first that the citys sanitation department endured zero, zilch, nada investment for decades, Scott promised his administration would be different. What youll never get from me is a stopgap, the mayor declared. Youll never get a were going to do this now and pass the buck. Were going to pull the band aid off and actually build the facilities that our workers deserve and not just consistently patch up buildings that are long past their life cycle.

In fact, calling the citys response a bandaid would be an overstatement. On Tuesday, DPW employees were called into a mandatory heat safety seminar as a part of the citys face-saving effort and attempt to pin the blame for the death on coworkers.

According to a July 16 report in the Banner on the inspector generals follow up visit, regulators found that garbage crews had left for their routes without being given Gatorade or water. It wasnt until a supervisor saw Cumming that they began filling up a trash bucket with ice and putting out drinks. The temperature that day was 104 degrees.

Last Tuesday, Democratic governor Wes Moore weighed in to preempt rising anger at the horrendous conditions under which government employees are laboring in. He called for a full investigation and wants public employees to know that their safety is going to be of the highest priority.

Patrick Moran, the president of AFSCME Maryland, sought to grandstand over the workplace tragedy which his union had allowed to happen. The toxic culture at DPW must be gutted, he declared at a press conference. If its your management style, then you need to leave or we will help you leave the city, he cried, pompously. In fact, AFSCME had endorsed Scotts reelection last March, as it had also done with its previous Democratic Party mayors.

Whatever investigation is launched by the city will attempt to whitewash the criminal role played by DPW and the local and state government in alliance with leaders in AFSCME Council 3 and the bureaucratic apparatus of the unions.

Mayor Scott sought to downplay the non-use of air conditioning, saying that the relentless heatwave had exhausted the infrastructure. While partly true, the general state of infrastructure in Baltimore is not the product of climate change. Recent catastrophes such as the avoidable collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge, have demonstrated the crumbling state of the citys infrastructure.

Disinvestment in the state and city will only continue with Governor Moores recent state budget, passed last month. The budget included cuts of nearly $150 million to government spending. Some of the cuts include: Department of Natural Resources: $2.1 million; Department of Agriculture: $2.7 million; Department of Information Technology: $15.6 million; Maryland Higher Education Commission: $28.5 million.

Moore, a former investment banker, announced the cuts through an op-ed in the while attending the Sun Valley Conference in Idaho, known colloquially as the billionaires summer camp.

According to the Maryland Department of Health, 9 people died in 2023. In the most up-to-date records available, Silver would make the tenth person in 2024 to die, surpassing the official number last year. So far this year, 762 heat-related visits to the emergency room have been recorded by all state health departments. According to an Associated Press analysis of Center for Disease Control and Prevention data, over 2,300 people who died in 2023 listed the effects of excessive heat as a primary concern.

In a report by the Environmental Protection Agency, an average of 34 workers died per year from 1992 to 2022, for a total of 986. This is most likely an undercount. Outdoor workers face the brunt of extreme weather. Construction workers accounted for a little over a third of deaths, totaling 334, yet only comprise six percent of the workforce.
AustraliaUnited States Ministerial Consultations (AUSMIN) in Washington last Wednesday had the character of a progress report on the transformation of Australia into a major hub for a US-led war against China. While crowing over the vast militarisation, including expanded US basing across all domains, the Labor government and Biden administration officials made clear more was to come.

Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong, left, and Secretary of State Antony Blinken sign documents at the State Department, Monday, August 5, 2024, in Washington [AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein]

On Thursday, the day after the AUSMIN talks, President Joe Biden sent a letter to the American Congress, revealing that a hitherto secret agreement had been reached under the militarist AUKUS pact involving the US, Britain and Australia.

The deal, Biden indicated, finalises arrangements for the transfer of sensitive naval nuclear propulsion information required for Australias acquisition of nuclear-powered submarines under AUKUS.

Most significantly, Biden declared that the agreement, which he termed an understanding, included additional related political commitments. What they are, he and the Australian government have refused to reveal. That underscores the character of AUKUS, a cockpit for US plans for conflict with China, as a conspiracy against the most basic democratic rights and the population itself.

Critics of AUKUS have suggested that the commitments may include for Australia to act as a dumping ground for nuclear waste from the US and Britain, something previously floated in think tanks and official circles. Australian Defence Minister Richard Marles has denied that is the case.

Another possibility has been raised. Condemning the secrecy surrounding the understandings as outrageous in an article this morning, leading Australian Broadcasting Corporation commentator Laura Tingle raised the possibility that they could include how and where these vessels [the nuclear-powered submarines] are used. That is, what conflicts Australia would be expected to show up for, and how.

In other words, even in the establishment press, the question is being raised: Has the Labor government formally committed to joining a US-led war against China?

Under Biden, the US has ratcheted up a now 14-year militarisation of the Indo-Pacific, and has deliberately inflamed specific flashpoints that could serve as a casus belli for war.

The Biden administration has effectively overturned the status quo in relation to Taiwan, legitimising moves for it to declare independence, a development Beijing has stated it would be compelled to reply to militarily. Senior US generals have forecast that a war with China will be fought over Taiwan this decade. Has Labor given an undertaking to participate?

The same question could be raised over the US-instigated conflicts between the Philippines and China in the South China Sea and other potential focal points for war.

A related possibility is suggested by an article in the lead-up to the AUSMIN talks by the international editor of the Sydney Morning Herald, Peter Hartcher, an ardent anti-China war hawk with the closest ties to the US and Australian national-security establishments.

Hartcher asserted that Australia had lived under the protection of the US nuclear umbrella since the 1960s, i.e., US military dominance and Americas possession of a vast nuclear arsenal had protected the continent from any military threat.

But now, Hartcher claimed, the umbrella has developed big holes. Behind the scenes, Australian and US officials quietly have started talking about the problem, and should again next week when Minister for Foreign Affairs Penny Wong and Defence Minister Richard Marles meet their US counterparts for the annual Ausmin consultations.

Hartchers presentation of the situation turned reality on its head. Under conditions where the US has conducted a vast military build-up and is explicitly preparing for war against China because it is viewed as an economic challenge to the dominance of American capitalism, Hartcher depicted Beijing as the aggressor and warned of the dangers of Washington retreating into isolationism.

That was window dressing to justify what Hartcher was floating, and what he implied Australian and US officials had started talking about. That is the possibility of Australia acquiring its own arsenal of nuclear weapons directed against China, or, what is more likely in the short term, sharinghostingAmerican nuclear weapons.

Hartcher favorably cited Elbridge Colby, the lead author of the US National Defence Strategy of 2018, which declared that great power competition, primarily with Russia and China, had supplanted terrorism as the primary threat to US national security. He cited Colby as saying: We should put all the options on the table to preserve these vital Asian alliances Non-proliferation is fantastic, but its not working.

Whether the Labor government has given such commitments, in relation to joining a US war or hosting American nuclear weapons, it would only formalise the already existing facts on the ground.

US Marines with Marine Rotational Force  Darwin and Australian Army soldiers training together. [Photo: United States Marine Corps ]

The only conceivable purpose of Australias acquisition of nuclear-powered submarines, beginning with three US Virginia class vessels in the early 2030s, is to conduct offensive operations in the Indo-Pacific, up to the waters off Chinas coastline. Everything said by Australian and US officials, moreover, has made clear that whatever their nominal flag, the submarines will operate as joint US-Australian craft.

And, under Labor, Australia is already hosting US strike assets that are capable of carrying nuclear weapons. That includes Americas own fleet of nuclear-powered and capable submarines, as well as plans for stationing its B-52 strategic bombers in northern Australia.

Because the US has a policy of never confirming or denying which of its nuclear-capable assets is actually carrying the weapons of mass destruction, there is every possibility that American nuclear weapons have already been rotated through Australia.

In the AUSMIN press conference, Defence Minister Marles highlighted the growth of the US Marine force in the northern city of Darwin to 2,500 and plans for the transformation of Perth Stirling Naval base, into a hub for US and British nuclear-powered submarines by 2027. He declared, But in fact, that force posture lay down of the United States in Australia is across all domains. That is military jargon to indicate that de facto US basing is underway involving fighter jets, bombers, warships and land forces.

US Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin noted that it was the third annual AUSMIN talks under the current Labor government, and each time weve made historic strides and strengthened our alliance. In his remarks after the meeting, Austin declared that the US would expand its presence of rotational forces in Australia even further. This will mean more maritime patrol aircraft and reconnaissance aircraft operating from bases across northern Australia. It will also mean more frequent rotational bomber deployments.

Among the announcements from the meeting was that Australia is testing a Hypersonic Attack Cruise Missile (HACM) with the United States, which it will consider fielding as its first hypersonic weapon for fighter jets. That underscores the fact that AUKUS entails much more than nuclear-powered submarines, but includes other advanced weaponry that would be integral to a large-scale modern war.

The AUSMIN statement declared that Australia and the US will begin co-manufacturing guided missiles next year, including the Guided Multiple Launch Rocket Systems (GMLRS) used in the US-NATO proxy war against Russia in Ukraine.

The statement was the first AUSMIN document to mention the Cocos Islands, an Australian territory in the Indian Ocean, whose airfield is being expanded to accommodate major military aircraft in a move hailed by the US.

Further steps were taken in meshing the alliance with the broader US network of aggressive arrangements, all directed at Beijing. Japanese forces will increasingly exercise with US Marines in Darwin.

Perhaps most provocatively, the statement declared that Australia and the US would hold regular exercises in the Philippines exclusive economic zone. Under conditions where the aggressive actions of the Philippines, encouraged by Washington, have resulted in actual clashes with Chinese forces over disputed territory in the South China Sea, such exercises threaten war.

The AUSMIN document brought forward the full gamut of US accusations and denunciations of China, all of them fraudulently presenting Beijing as the aggressor and thus providing the pretext for the hostile actions of Washington and its allies. Previous diplomatic and military protocols of not referring to a potential adversary by name have now been dispensed with.

This barrage of denunciation against China was linked to the broader US war drive globally, including condemnations of Iran in the Middle East, against whom Washington and the fascistic Israeli regime are threatening conflict, and Russia, with whom America is already in a de facto war in Ukraine.

The AUSMIN talks were another warning that this program threatens a world war that would inevitably involve nuclear weapons, threatening the very existence of humanity. That danger can only be halted by the development of an international anti-war movement of the working class, directed against the source of conflict, the outmoded capitalist system itself, and all the governments that defend it, including the Labor government in Australia.
The Socialist Equality Party (SEP) and the International Youth and Students for Social Equality (IYSSE) in Sri Lanka are holding their first presidential election campaign meeting at the Public Library Auditorium in Colombo on August 16 at 4 p.m. The election will take place on September 21.

The SEP is fielding Pani Wijesiriwardena, a longstanding party leader, as its presidential candidate. He has five decades of experience in fighting for the SEP program for the independent mobilisation of the working class on a socialist and internationalist perspective.

Only our party speaks the truth and explains to workers, the poor and young people the serious situation they confront and the necessity of fighting for a revolutionary socialist alternative.

The presidential election takes place amid a rapidly deepening economic and political crisis of the capitalist system in Sri Lanka and internationally.

The Sri Lankan government like its counterparts around the world is making working people bear the burdenescalating prices, deep job cuts and the slashing of essential services.

The US-NATO war against Russia in Ukraine is now in its third year and escalating. The Israeli genocidal war in Gaza backed by the US is widening into a Middle East war targeting Iran. In Asia, Washington is preparing for war against China. These three war fronts are coalescing into a devastating global conflict involving nuclear-armed powers.

The COVID-19 pandemic, which has already killed more than 28 million people globally is continuing to take lives as a result of the criminal let it rip policy of all governments.

The 2022 April-July mass uprising in Sri Lanka fueled by the catastrophic impact of soaring prices and acute shortages demonstrated both the strengths and weaknesses of the working class. Millions joined the protests defying emergency rule, forcing President Rajapakse to flee the country and resign.

Politically, however, the upsurge was dominated by trade unions and fake lefts such as the Frontline Socialist Party (FSP). They promoted the illusion that an interim government of the opposition partiesSamagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) and Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP)would solve the immense problems facing working people.

What was the result? Another capitalist government headed by Ranil Wickremesinghe, a veteran pro-US and pro-IMF politician with no popular support, installed anti-democratically by parliament. He has imposed the savage IMF austerity agenda with which the entire Colombo political establishment, including the opposition SJB and JVP and the trade unions, agree.

The IMF program of privatization, job destruction, cuts to subsidies and essential services has resulted in widespread strikes and protests. But again and again, the pro-capitalist trade unions have sabotaged these struggles, opposing any challenge to Wickremesinghe and his repressive measures.

The SEP insists there is no solution to the huge problems facing working people within the framework of capitalism. We are standing in the presidential election to fight for the independent mobilization of the working class in opposition to all the defenders of the profit system.

The working class must draw the necessary conclusions and prepare for the struggles ahead. Whoever wins the powerful executive presidency and forms the next government will only accelerate the attacks on the social and democratic rights of working people.

The working class can only defend its class interests by taking matters into their own hands. We call for workers to establish action committees in every work place and suburb, independent of all bourgeois political parties and the trade unions.

The SEP calls on workers to fight for the following demands:

No to the IMF austerity! Repudiate all foreign debts!

A vast redistribution of wealth is necessary: Fight for the nationalisation of banks, big companies and plantations under democratic control of workers!

Subsidies and social programs for rural farmers and the needy!

The SEP fights for the unity of the working class. Reject all forms of communalism and nationalism!

We call for a Democratic and Socialist Congress of Workers and Rural Masses based on representatives elected by action committees to map out a political and industrial campaign in opposition to the IMF agenda and lay the basis for bringing a workers and peasants government to power to implement a socialist program.

The allies of the Sri Lankan workers are their class brothers and sisters internationally who confront the same acute problems produced by capitalism. The unity of workers around the world is essential in combatting war, social crisis and attacks on democratic rights.

At our election meeting, speakers will elaborate the SEPs program and perspective. It is a forum for working people and youth to discuss these political issues. We urge you to come along and participate.

Meeting venue: Colombo Public Library Auditorium

Date and time: August 16 at 4 p.m.
New Zealands right-wing National Party-led government released documents on August 2 which make clear that the previous Labour Party-led governmentwhich lost the October 2023 electionhad begun working towards joining Pillar 2 of the AUKUS (Australia-UK-US) military pact aimed against China.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken, right, and New Zealand Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters meet with reporters at the State Department in Washington, Thursday, April 11, 2024. [AP Photo/Cliff Owen]

The National-led coalition, which includes the nationalist NZ First Party and the far-right ACT Party, has ramped up its anti-China stance. It has strengthened New Zealands military ties with key US allies, including the Philippines, South Korea, Japan and Australia, and is signalling that it intends to join AUKUS Pillar 2.

AUKUS Pillar 1 will supply Australia with missiles and nuclear-powered attack submarines and vastly expand the US and British use of Australian military bases. Pillar 2, which will likely include Japan and South Korea, as well as New Zealand, would enhance the sharing of military and intelligence technology.

AUKUS is a key part of the war preparations with China, which the US sees as the major obstacle to its hegemony in Asia and globally. The explosive tensions with China, stoked by successive US governments over the South China Sea, the East China Sea and Taiwan, are threatening to erupt into a third front in a developing world war: the other fronts are the US-NATO war against Russia in Ukraine, and the US-Israeli genocide in Gaza and attacks on Iran and Lebanon.

Speaking with the Financial Times on July 15, New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said he was very open to joining AUKUS Pillar 2 and that he wanted NZs military to be highly interoperable with Australia and a force multiplier for Australia and the US and other partners.

In June, Defence Minister Judith Collins endorsed a US government Statement of Principles for Indo-Pacific Defense Industrial Base Collaboration, aimed at expanding weapons manufacturing across the region.

Nervous about the deeply ingrained anti-war sentiment in New Zealandwhich has erupted in the ongoing nationwide protests against the Gaza genocidethe Labour Party is seeking to verbally distance itself from AUKUS. On August 2 the party released a statement saying: The government has failed to make a case for joining AUKUS Pillar 2 and Labour remains unconvinced that joining is in New Zealands interests.

Such statements are thoroughly hypocritical and insincere. Cabinet papers from March 2023 show that the Labour-led government, which was supported by the Green Party, backed AUKUS. The Labour government stated: New Zealand welcomes AUKUS as an initiative to enhance regional security and stability We are interested in discussing opportunities for cooperation on the non-nuclear aspects under Pillar Two of AUKUS.

When the pact was first announced in 2021, then Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said she was pleased to see the growing orientation of the US and UK to the Pacific region.

Labour now says that it never intended to join AUKUS. The partys foreign affairs spokesman David Parker told TVNZ on August 2: Our role should be to make sure that the Pacific remains demilitarised and that we push for peaceful coexistence between superpowers rather than taking sides. He said the government was compromising New Zealands long independent foreign policy.

In a statement, Parker asked: Does the National led government see China as a military threat to New Zealand? And if they see US-China superpower rivalry as a threat to peace and security, why do they think backing the United States in its competitive struggle against China is a good way to avoid war or protect New Zealands national interests?

All of this is a cynical attempt to obscure the real record of successive Labour governments in cementing New Zealands alliance with US imperialism.

References to New Zealands independent foreign policy are a fraud. For more than a century New Zealand, as a minor imperialist power, has aligned itself first with the British Empire, then after World War II with the United States, in order to defend its own neo-colonial interests in the Pacific region.

The 19992008 government led by Labour Prime Minister Helen Clark, who is now criticising AUKUS, sent New Zealands elite SAS commandos to join the US-led invasion of Afghanistan. The pseudo-left Alliance Party, part of the Labour-led coalition, supported the invasion.

Labour also deployed troops to the criminal war in Iraq, in order to protect commercial and military ties with the US. The Clark government significantly expanded intelligence collaboration with the US, through New Zealands Government Communications Security Bureau (GCSB), a member of the US-led Five Eyes network, which conducts global surveillance on behalf of the US and its allies the UK, Australia, Canada and New Zealand.

From 20172020 Jacinda Arderns Labour government included the right-wing, anti-Chinese NZ First Party and the Greens as coalition partners. It issued repeated statements labelling China and Russia as threats, echoing Washingtons propaganda. NZ First leader Winston Peters, who was foreign minister in that government (as he is in the current National-led government) called for a greater US military presence in the Pacific to push back against China.

Just a year ago, in August 2023, Labours Defence Minister Andrew Little released a Defence Policy Review aimed at strengthening ties with our longstanding Five Eyes intelligence partners and preparing a combat capable, ready force.

Spelling out what it meant, Little said: If for example conflict does break out in the South China Sea, where $20 billion of our exports flows through every year, we have a stake in that, and we may be called on to play a role should conflict break out. We need to be equipped for that and prepared for it.

The bipartisan plan is to double military spending and significantly expand recruitment, which is being done at the expense of public healthcare and other vital services.

Labours differences with AUKUS are purely tactical and are essentially a public relations exercise. The party is speaking for sections of the bourgeoisie who remain nervous about being seen to openly side with US warmongering against China, which remains New Zealands largest trading partner. Above all, Labour is deeply concerned about the opposition among workers and young people who are being radicalised by Israels genocide in Gazawhich the National government and Labour supportand are turning to the left.

Labours Helen Clark and former National Party leader Don Brash invited Australian National University Professor Hugh White to speak against AUKUS in Wellington earlier this week. White told Newsroom that the US was threatening to go to war with China if Chinas challenge becomes too overt; for example, if it launches military operations against Taiwan. Saying that this would be catastrophic, he called for compromises to avoid such a war.

White speaks for a minority of the Australian ruling elite which questions the wisdom of escalation against China, and which has been completely marginalised as successive governments have transformed the continent into a military base of operations for the US. White is not a principled opponent of militarism: as Newsroom pointed out, he has previously suggested Australia almost double its defence budget and consider whether it should acquire nuclear weapons to protect itself.

There is no doubt that in the event of war between the US and China, White and others like him would fall into line. He told Newsroom and Radio NZ that he would much prefer for the Pacific region to be dominated by the US than by China, if this was possible.

The same can be said of Clark and Brash, and the Labour Party as a whole, which fully supports New Zealands alliance with the US and Australia, and has joined wars in the Middle East and elsewhere. The last Labour government, backed by every party in parliament, sent troops to Britain to assist in training Ukrainian conscripts to fight against Russiaa war which is threatening to engulf Europe in a far wider and more devastating conflagration.

There is no anti-war faction in any of the capitalist parties. Labour and its allies should be judged not on their hypocritical posturing, but on their record and on the class interests they represent.

To stop the plunge into a catastrophic world war, the global protests against the genocide in Gaza must be broadened to also oppose the escalating war in Ukraine and imperialist warmongering against China. Workers and young people in every country must fight for the mobilisation of the working class, in strikes and other actions, to shut down the production and supply of weapons. Most importantly, the anti-war movement can only succeed if it is based on a socialist strategy to abolish the source of war: the capitalist system.
The danger of a region-wide war in the Middle East continues to loom large, provoked by the aggressive actions of Israel and its American imperialist ally. On Friday, the Israel Defence Forces carried out the targeted killing of a Hamas official deep inside Lebanon, while a Reuters report revealed that Washington will lift a three-year ban on the sale of offensive weapons to Saudi Arabia.

The Israeli strike on a car killed Samer al-Hajj and two civilians near the Lebanese town of Sidon. Al Jazeeras Assed Baig, reporting from southern Lebanon, commented:

Sidon is roughly just over 50km [31 miles] from Lebanons southern border and around 40km [25 miles] from the capital, Beirut, and what it shows is that Israel is going deeper into Lebanon.

The killing of yet another senior Hamas official makes a mockery of the far-right Netanyahu governments claim to be interested in negotiating a ceasefire with Hamas, not to mention the posturing by its imperialist backers in favour of a ceasefire. It comes less than two weeks after the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran, underscoring Israels deliberate policy of systematically wiping out the leadership of the organisation with which it is supposedly negotiating.

No condemnation of Israels assassinations has been forthcoming from Washington or the European imperialist capitals. However, they have repeatedly threatened Iran with consequences should it retaliate following Israels provocative act of aggression, which killed Haniyeh while he was attending the inauguration of Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian.

This silence on the Israeli regimes crimes is in keeping with US imperialisms unstinting support for the genocide against the Palestinians in Gaza. The Zionist regime continues to bombard the enclave on a daily basis, killing another two journalists Friday.

The IDF also announced a major new offensive in Khan Younis Friday. According to the United Nations Agency for Palestinian Refugees, some 70,000 people were ordered to flee by the IDF. But with Gazas civilian infrastructure in ruins and aid limited to starvation levels by Israel, these desperate people have nowhere to go.

Underlining Washingtons complicity in Israels war crimes, the State Department confirmed that no sanctions will be placed on the Netzah Yehuda unit within the IDF, which has become notorious due to the gross violations of human rights perpetrated by its overwhelmingly far-right members in the West Bank. One of the most well known cases in which the unit was implicated was the 2022 killing of an 80-year-old Palestinian with American citizenship, who was handcuffed and gagged by Netzah Yehuda members before being left to die in a car park.

Meanwhile, video evidence has emerged confirming that a group of Israeli soldiers carried out the gang rape of a Palestinian prisoner in the infamous Sde Teiman facility. Of the 10 soldiers arrested over the incident, five have already been released.

Responding to the video, far-right Finance Minister Bezalil Smotrich demanded a criminal investigation to determine who recorded the video, which he said had caused tremendous damage to Israel in the world. The systematic use of torture and horrific abuse of prisoners was documented in a report released this week titled Welcome to hell by the Israeli rights group BTselem.

Amid this ongoing barbarism, Washington issued a joint declaration with Egypt and Qatar, which have served as mediators in previous rounds of talks, calling for the recommencing of ceasefire negotiations on August 15 in Cairo. Netanyahu indicated that an Israeli delegation will travel to the Egyptian capital.

Its recent public statements notwithstanding, Washington is the most provocative actor pushing the entire Middle East towards a catastrophic conflict. Its support for the genocide has been from the outset bound up with long-standing plans for war with Iran, which American imperialism views as essential to consolidate its hegemony over the energy-rich and strategically important region. It seized on Haniyehs assassination to legitimise the sending of additional warships and fighter jets to the region.

The Biden administration confirmed Friday that it will release $3.5 billion for Israel to purchase US-made weapons from the $14.1 billion in supplementary funding approved by Congress in April. Washingtons announcement that it plans to resume the sale of offensive weaponry to the absolutist monarchical regime in Riyadh as soon as next week marks another step in the preparation for all-out war with Iran.

Long a regional rival of Tehran, Saudi Arabia has been cultivated by successive US administrations as an ally of Israel in a US-led anti-Iranian alliance. Last year, concerns were raised in US foreign policy circles when China brokered an agreement between Riyadh and Tehran aimed at easing tensions after the regional rivals had backed opposing sides in the wars in Yemen and Syria.

Washington views the war preparations with Iran as intimately connected to the other fronts of the global conflict in which it is engaged with the aim of subjugating its rivals in Europe and the Asia-Pacific. This rapidly escalating third world war is rooted in crisis-ridden capitalism, which is driving the major powers to engage in a new re-partition of the globe to secure their economic and geostrategic interests. In Ukraine, NATO is emerging ever more clearly as a direct party to the conflict, as shown this past week with the use of NATO military equipment by the far-right Kiev regime to launch an attack on Russian territory.

Responding to a report that Russian military personnel were in Iran to receive training on short-range Fath-360 ballistic missiles, a White House National Security Council spokesman menaced Tehran with the warning that the US and NATO are prepared to deliver a swift and severe response if Iran were to move forward with such transfers. Reuters reported that the two countries signed an agreement for the Iranian-made missiles, which have a range of 125 kilometres, last December.

Recognising how close the region is to all-out war, Irans bourgeois-clerical regime is reportedly divided over how to respond to Haniyehs assassination. Although the targeted killing was a humiliation for the Iranian authorities that virtually compels them to respond, Pezeshkian is reportedly trying to convince the Iranian Revolutionary Guard corps not to launch a direct strike on Israel for fear that it could trigger war. Britains Daily Telegraph reported that Pezeshkian would prefer instead to strike Mossad spy bases in neighbouring Azerbaijan or Iraq. Leading IRGC officials are in favour of striking military facilities in Tel Aviv and other Israeli cities in alliance with Hezbollah.

According to Irans Tasneem news agency, IRGC Deputy Commander Ali Fadavi declared:

The supreme leaders orders regarding the harsh punishment of Israel and revenge for the blood of martyr Ismail Haniyeh are clear and explicit  and they will be implemented in the best possible way.

Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei has the power to determine Irans response, including by overruling Pezeshkian.

Regardless of the immediate intentions of the regime in Tehran, tensions in the region are already so high that any action could plunge the Middle East into a bloodbath. A precedent was set in April for direct attacks against each other by Israel and Tehran. After Israel bombed Irans Damascus consulate, killing seven senior IRGC members, Iran reacted by launching hundreds of drones towards Israel. It provided several hours notice of the attack, prompting the US and its regional allies to mobilise to intercept most of the attacking aircraft.

The urgent task of preventing all-out war in the Middle East falls to the international working class. The mass opposition expressed to Israels imperialist-backed genocide of the Palestinians in protests around the world over the past 10 months must be developed into a conscious movement to stop imperialist war by taking up the fight for socialism.
Ukraine extended its offensive into the Kursk region of Russia for a fourth day Friday, continuing to advance despite claims by Russian officials that the offensive had been contained.

A column of Russian military transports destroyed in the Kursk region of Russia, August, 8, 2024. [Photo: Kommersant/]

US and European news outlets have hailed what The Economist dubbed The second battle of Kursk, referencing the World War II battle in which Soviet forces, then allied with the United States and Britain, decisively defeated the armies of Nazi Germany. Eighty-one years later, German armored vehicles are being thrown against Russia over some of the same terrain, this time with American vehicles fighting alongside them.

Ukrainian, US and NATO officials have been largely silent on the operational details of the offensive, leaving social media footage as the only general indicator of the situation.

On Friday, footage published on social media and allegedly verified by US news outlets showed the aftermath of a Ukrainian attack on an armored infantry column of Russian reinforcements being transferred to the front. While no official figures were given, the footage showed approximately a dozen disabled vehicles and mass casualties, leading to speculation, as yet unverified, that the attack could have killed hundreds of Russian troops.

Alexei Smirnov, governor of the Kursk region, said that the Russian federal government had declared a state of emergency and told residents to stay calm and keep up your fighting spirit, support each other, do not give in to panic and despondency. To date, approximately 3,000 Russians were reported to have been evacuated from the region.

Separately, Ukrainian troops published a video in which they claimed to have taken full control of the town of Sudzha, about six miles inside the Russian border, capturing a key natural gas facility.

The state of the Ukrainian offensive in Kursk as of August 9 [Photo by Ecrusized / CC BY 1.0

The US media have responded to the Ukrainian incursion into Russias Kursk region with demands for a further loosening of the rules of engagement for targeting Russia with NATO weapons, bringing NATO and Russia closer to a direct confrontation.

Will the US help Kyiv stay on offense?, the Wall Street Journal pressed in an editorial, demanding that the Biden administration cross more of its red lines for direct involvement in the war against a nuclear-armed state.

The Journal wrote:

That the Russians were caught by surprise shows how much they thought their territory was a sanctuary. This has been one of the goals of Mr. Putins bluster about fighting NATO and using nuclear weapons. He wants the US and Western European governments to restrain Ukraine to fight only on its territory.

The editorial concluded by stating that the best response is to flow even more weapons into Ukraine, including long-range missiles that target bases and supply lines in Russia, and remove limits on the use of ATACMS missiles.

Washington Post columnist Max Boot echoed these calls for US escalation in an op-ed:

While the Biden administration has not complained about the use of US-made vehicles in this offensive, it apparently has not yet granted Ukraine permission to use American-made ATACMS missiles to hit Russian airfields and other targets deep inside Russia. Given how Ukraine keeps erasing supposed Russian red lines with impunity, this is a risk President Joe Biden should be willing to run.

Both of these comments were essentially variations of the statement published Thursday on X by Mykhailo Podolyak, an adviser to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who said the result of Ukraines attack is that a significant part of the global community considers [Russia] a legitimate target for any operations and types of weapons. He added, #Ukraine has also successfully fought historically strong pro-Russian sympathies in some regions of the world and the fear of escalation in the West.

In May, UK Foreign Secretary David Cameron told Reuters that British-supplied long-range missiles could be used by Ukraine to strike Russian territory.

In April, the Biden administration confirmed that it had secretly sent Ukraine long-range missiles capable of striking at a distance of over 190 miles. Ukraine used these weapons to carry out a strike on an airbase in Crimea in May. The weapons were also used to attack the Port of Berdiansk on the Sea of Azov.

Confirming that the US secretly provided the weapons, National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan said in March, They are now in Ukraine and have been in Ukraine for some time.

In May 2022, Biden declared, We are not encouraging or enabling Ukraine to strike beyond its borders. And in September 2022, Biden declared, Were not going to send to Ukraine rocket systems that strike into Russia.

But in July, National Security Advisor Sullivan asserted that the US is allowing Ukraine to use US-provided weapons to strike anywhere inside Russian territory.

To date, it does not appear that US-made long-range missiles have been used to carry out strikes deep inside Russia. However, the current media campaign over the Kursk offensive is being used to once again expand US rules of engagement for Ukraine.

The latest attack comes in the aftermath of the NATO summit in Washington, which reorganized the transfer and logistical oversight of Western support for Ukraine under the aegis of NATO. It also put into place far-reaching plans for the reorganization of NATOs forces to put hundreds of thousands of NATO troops on a high state of readiness for potential involvement in a full-scale war.

On Friday, the US Department of Defense announced that it was sending another $125 million in weapons to Ukraine, including, according to the Institute for the Study of War, HIMARS systems; 155mm and 105mm artillery ammunition; Stinger missiles; Javelin and AT-4 anti-tank systems; Tube-Launched, Optically-Tracked, Wire-Guided (TOW) anti-tank guided missiles; multi-purpose radars; HMMWV multi-purpose wheeled vehicles; small arms ammunition; explosive munitions; and additional equipment and munitions.
Work at Warren Truck? We want to hear from you: Fill out the form at the end to discuss joining a rank-and-file committee, and to tell us how the cuts are impacting you.

Stellantis Warren Truck workers leaving plant on July 9, 2024

Workers are responding with shock and outrage to the brutal announcement by Stellantis Friday that it is cutting 2,450 jobs at the Warren Truck Assembly Plant in suburban Detroit beginning as soon as October 8.

In addition to full-time positions, the cuts include 216 skilled trades and 114 temporary workers, all together amounting to two thirds of the current unionized workforce of 3,700. The layoffs indefinitely reduce the plant to one shift and make the closure of the facility only a matter of time.

The cuts are part of relentless downsizing at the Detroit automakers in the aftermath of the supposedly historic contracts negotiated by United Auto Workers President Shawn Fain and hailed by President Biden. Earlier this year, Stellantis fired thousands of temps, also known as supplemental employees, who had been falsely promised full-time work by the UAW leadership in order to get the 2023 sellout contract ratified.

One Warren Truck worker told the WSWS, We got a robocall today that were going down to one shift permanently. I dont know where I am on the seniority list. I am not interested in a buyout. I dont have enough years to make it worthwhile. I need to work. I have only been there one week for the last month and a half.

He added, We havent heard anything from the UAW.

A second worker at the Warren Truck plant said, Were being told that there is no future for the truck model we build and that there are only 1,200 orders. Its so expensive, were not surprised.

The latest cuts are part of a global restructuring of the auto industry as companies seek to offload the cost of electric vehicle development onto the backs of workers. It takes place amid growing signs of recession and is only a foretaste of the jobs bloodbath to come.

The corporate attacks on jobs are extending into increasingly broader sections of the economy. Since the beginning of the year agriculture machinery maker Deere & Company has laid off some 2,000 workers at plants in Illinois and Iowa, 20 percent of its UAW-represented workforce. Rather than oppose the cuts the UAW has sought to stoke hostility against workers in Mexico.

The Warren Truck worker added, This is happening everywhere. There is a big crisis in Europe because of the war. I guarantee that 99 percent of the workers are angry because Fain screwed us. He said, I work for you. Weve protected your jobs. But under the table he signed a deal that is getting rid of our jobs.

We know that the union did not tell us the truth. They say they work for us but they work for the company.

As of this writing UAW national headquarters has said nothing about the cuts. On Wednesday, Fain and hundreds of UAW officials held a rally at a hangar at Detroit Metropolitan Airport to help launch the campaign of Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris and her vice presidential pick, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz.

On Thursday, Harris and Walz met with UAW officials at the UAW Local 900 hall in Wayne, Michigan. Fords Wayne Assembly was one of the plants that struck during the phony 2023 stand-up strike, during which the UAW kept most of its membership on the job.

In response to the report of the layoffs, Socialist Equality Party vice presidential candidate Jerry White issued a video statement on Twitter urging rank-and-file Stellantis workers to organize a fight against the job cuts.

Rank-and-file workers must take action, White said. This is the direct result of the sellout contract signed by Shawn Fain and the UAW bureaucracy last fall.

He continued:

When Fain signed this contract President Biden claimed it was an historic contract. They all knew and Harris knew as well that what was being planned was massive job cuts. This underscores the necessity of a fight as Will Lehmanwho ran as a candidate for UAW president as a socialist did for power to be transferred from the UAW apparatus to workers on the shop floor. Rank-and-file committees have to prepare strike action to defend jobs and living standards of every single worker. If these corporations are allowed to go through with their job cuts, tens of thousands will be losing their jobs. Entire neighborhoods will be ravaged. There will be more drug abuse. There will be more families breaking up. There will be more suicides.

White concluded by urging workers to build a powerful movement of the working class that begins with the needs of workers around the world instead of channeling billions and trillions to war.

If brothers and sisters are losing our jobs, we should go on strike

The Warren Truck worker said:

During last years contract the UAW wouldnt even tell us what they really agreed to. Its like a game for them. I think that we should strike to stop the layoffs. This company is making billions of dollars, but it is the people who are making the money. If brothers and sisters are losing our jobs, we should go on strike.

The worker continued:

You can see that Fain and Kamala Harris are on the same page. Many people, especially in Michigan, dont want to vote for either party. They want to vote for a third party like the Socialist Equality Party. Theyre starting to come to you because they know that the union is not going to help, they want to have a voice.

Referring to the attempt by Trump, the Biden administration and the UAW apparatus to scapegoat immigrants for the attacks on jobs and living standards, the Warren Truck worker said:

I tell workers immigrants are not the problem. Its not the Mexicans coming into the country that are causing the job cuts. Trump and the media are trying to brainwash you. They keep pushing this and in the end its the working people who pay the price.

The Warren Truck layoffs follow years of threats by Stellantis management against the jobs of Warren Truck workers, blaming problems with absenteeism and quality on workers.

It takes place as a crisis escalates within the UAW apparatus, with the court-appointed UAW monitor citing a culture of fear and retribution within the union leadership. In June, it was revealed that the monitor had launched new investigations into corruption among the UAWs top officers, including competing claims of wrongdoing by Fain and Secretary-Treasurer Margaret Mock.

In May, Fain removed UAW Vice President Rich Boyer as head of the unions Stellantis department and took over the duties himself. He claimed that Boyer had not pushed back hard enough against the earlier round of job cuts. Boyer, for his part, asserted in a letter that Fain and his top aides were intimately involved in the contract negotiations and fully aware that Stellantis would not convert all of its temps to full-time status.

The entire UAW bureaucracy is deeply implicated in the attacks now taking place and will not lift a finger to defend jobs. The cuts will only be defeated by workers themselves organizing a collective response.

Rank-and-file committees must be formed comprising the most trusted militant workers to map out a campaign of action to defend jobs. These committees should fight to mobilize the broadest number of autoworkers, including workers at supplier plants. This should be combined with the demand for new UAW elections under the control of the rank and file.
On Monday afternoon, legislators in Nassau County, the heavily populated suburban area of Long Island adjacent to New York City, passed the Mask Transparency Act, a fascistic piece of legislation which effectively criminalizes the wearing of masks in all public places.

No person or persons over 16 years of age shall, while wearing any mask or facial covering whereby the face or voice is disguised with the intent to conceal the identity of the wearer, enter, or appear upon or within any sidewalk, walkway, alley, street, road, highway or other public right-of-way or public property or private property without the consent of the owner or tenant, the bill states. Maximum penalties for violation of the law include a fine up to $1,000 and 1 year of imprisonment.

Sponsors of the bill claimed it had exceptions for people wearing masks for religious and health reasons, but it would be up to the cop on the street to decide whether to stop and compel someone to take off their mask if they claim such an exemption.

The bill was passed by a 12-0 margin in the legislature, which is currently dominated by the Republican Party. The Nassau legislature contains a total 12 Republicans and seven Democrats, representing 19 municipal districts in total. The seven Democrats abstained rather than vote against the bill.

The passage of the law is a component of the bipartisan crackdown on political opposition to war in the wake the US/Israeli genocide in Gaza, as well as of the breakdown of democratic forms of rule in the United States more broadly. Mondays proceedings were themselves the scene of a fascistic, mob-like atmosphere, along with a violent clampdown by police. A TikTok video, which has since been restricted by the poster, showed a disability activist wearing an N-95-type mask being forcibly dragged out of the hall by several local cops.

A X/Twitter video of another pro-mask speaker being harassed by police during the proceedings surfaced Monday, garnering nearly 270,000 views, 1,400 likes and 650 reposts in under 24 hours. The speaker against the bill was allegedly cut off by police promptly at the allotted, three-minute mark, while prior speakers in favor of the bill were allowed to go well over the time limit.

The Nassau County Republican Party is a bastion of support for the Trump presidential election campaign. In March of this year, it wholeheartedly endorsed the ex-president and would-be dictator. The county governments highest official, Executive Bruce Blakeman, is an ardent Trump supporter who has appeared at several major rallies and events for the Republican candidate.

The Mask Transparency Act was initially proposed by Nassau legislator Mazi Melesa Pilip. Pilip is a Republican Zionist, an Ethiopian-Israeli immigrant to the US and former paratrooper in the Israel Defense Force (IDF). She is a supporter of Netanyahu and the genocide in Gaza and has spent a significant portion of her political career to build ties with Israel among her constituency. Pilip contested and lost a US congressional seat last year in the special election called in the aftermath of the removal of Republican conman George Santos.

Drawing upon the slanderous equation of pro-Palestinian, anti-genocide sentiment with antisemitism, Pilip proposed the bill after concerns over antisemitic crimes committed at protests across the country, a local news source wrote.

The New York Civil Liberties Union criticized the law as a dangerous misuse of the law the score political points and target protestors. The Nassau County regional director of the group, Susan Gottehrer, issued a statement defending the right of demonstrators to wear masks, writing, Making anonymous protest illegal chills political action and is ripe for selective enforcement, leading to doxing, surveillance, and retaliation against protestors.

Representatives of both the NAACP and the Urban League voiced their support for the mask ban, citing the history of masked Ku Klux Klan violence against African Americans. In the context of the current attacks on anti-genocide demonstrators, however, such statements are a thin political cover for deeply reactionary policies.

According to the New York Times, Marc Morial, president of the National Urban League, and Jonathan Greenblatt, chief executive of the Anti-Defamation League, said in a joint statement that they were encouraged that lawmakers in New York are concerned about the crisis of masked intimidation and are prioritizing this issue. The statement urged passage of a statewide law banning masking on demonstrations.

Present at the Nassau legislative session was New York Republican Congressman and former NYPD detective Anthony DEsposito. Esposito spoke in support of the bill and slandered protesters. It is vital that these protesters remove the masks, come out of the darkness and are shown in light, which I believe will deter them from committing violence, he said.

The group, Jews for Mask Rights, which sent speakers to Mondays proceedings to oppose the ban, recounted the following:

One co-writer of our Jews for Mask Rights open letter was booed during her testimony about her concerns about the bill and her struggle with Long COVID. The crowd yelled obscenities when she shared her fears about harassment  a valid fear, considering another co-writer had been harrassed for masking in NYC just that morning. The irony of a group allegedly opposing hate speech and concerned with Jewish safety mocking a disabled Jewish speaker was not lost on us.

Notwithstanding the leading role played by the Republican lawmakers in the bills passing and the opposition voiced by Democratic politicians, Mondays ruling would not have been possible without the bipartisan attack on freedom of speech and assembly that has been mounted in response to the global protests against the genocide in Gaza. Additionally, the systematic undermining of all public health measures since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, supported by both capitalist parties, has merely paved the road for the far right to advance this vicious assault on whatever measures remain available to the public to protect themselves against infection.

The seven Democrats in the county government who registered their opposition to the proposal by their abstention did so because they had intended initially to convince the Republicans to adopt a more efficient version of the same legislation.

Nassau County Democratic minority leader Delia DeRiggi-Whitton wrote in a press release, [w]e call on the Republicans to adopt our proposal instead of their blatantly illegal, controversial, and flawed legislation, which will be overturned by the courts and will cost taxpayers significant amounts of money Our approach ensures efficient use of police resources and fosters a better relationship between the community and law enforcement.

The proposed fix to the bill advanced by the Democrats would have issued harsher punishments for perpetrators of crimes who used masking to conceal their identity, as opposed to the current blanket legislation which prohibits the use of face coverings altogether. Absent in the Democrats opposition, however, was any challenge of the basic lie that anti-genocide protesters represent a danger to the population, namely, the Jewish population.

In early-June of this year, Democratic New York Governor Kathy Hochul floated the reinstatement of a pre-pandemic law banning the use of face coverings on the city subway system in response to a right-wing campaign against masking aimed at demonstrators.

Hochul has on several occasions solidarized herself with the far-right in slandering anti-genocide protesters as antisemitic and calling for their suppression. In May, she commended the House Committee on Education and the Workforces McCarthy-style hearings against leaders of major American academic institutions for their alleged failure to suppress antisemitism, threatening to withdraw public funding for New York state institutions which did not crack down.

This followed Democratic New York City Mayor Eric Adams testing of the waters with respect to mask banning in March of this year. He called for New York City shopkeepers to insist on customers lowering their masks to reveal their identity or be refused entry. Both Adams and Hochuls calls were made on the basis of combating violent crime. Adams, for his part, is a vicious supporter of Israel, and has denounced anti-genocide protests as antisemitic. Additionally, Adams played a critical role in the ending of mask mandates in New York City public schools following the deadly Omicron wave of the pandemic, under the guise of fostering a return to normalcy.

The struggle against fascism, as well as the defense of public health cannot be left in the hands of the capitalist Democratic Party. The breakdown of social rights, including the erosion of democratic rights and the attack on the healthcare system, is bound up with the economic crisis of world finance capital, the root cause of the imperialist war. The WSWS calls for the formation of neighborhood and action committees, politically independent of both parties of big business and in alliance with the independent organs of struggle of the working class, as a means of carrying out the fight for these rights.

We urge those interested in carrying out this fight to contact the WSWS today.
California Democratic Governor Gavin Newsom has commenced a broad sweep throughout Los Angeles County to uproot the homeless following his executive order issued on July 25 to move urgently to address dangerous homeless encampments.

California Gov. Gavin Newsom speaks during a news conference in Sacramento, California on Jan. 10, 2022. [AP Photo/Rich Pedroncelli]

In California alone, a state with a gross domestic product of $3.23 trillion, more than 181,000 people experience homelessness daily, as reported by the National Alliance to End Homelessness. In Los Angeles alone, more than 75,000 people are homeless, 70 percent of whom are unsheltered.

According to the 2024 State of the Homeless report recently published by the University of California San Francisco (UCSF), California is home to 12 percent of the nations population, 30 percent of the nations homeless population, and half the nations unsheltered population.

Clearly connecting homelessness with skyrocketing living costs, the report notes that nine out of ten participants lost their last housing in California, while 82 percent reported a period in their life where they experienced a serious mental health condition. Moreover, the most common reason for leaving last housing was economic for leaseholders (loss of income) and social for non-leaseholders (social and health crises).

A media blitz has accompanied Newsoms brutal law-and-order actions, publishing images and footage of the Governor as he participated in the dismantlement of tents and piling up abandoned possessions. Arrogantly, Newsom bragged that People are done. If we dont deal with this, we dont deserve to be in office.

Hes speaking on behalf of an upper middle class that finds homelessness an inconvenience to their living standards. The sight of homeless people for this layer conflicts with dining at fancy restaurants and pricey yoga classes. The truth is, none of the Democrats or Republicans deserve to be in office, as they are solely responsible for the policies that have produced a social catastrophe resulting in tens of thousands being thrown on the streets.

In light of this tragic balance sheet, to further deflect responsibility, Newsom upped his reactionary tone by threatening to penalize counties that dont reduce homelessness as he prepares to take state money away from social programs, therefore transferring the burden to local and municipal administrations, whose leaders have supinely supported his sweeping attack on the homeless.

Newsom is a full supporter of the criminal war policies of the Biden administration. He pledged his support to Democratic candidate Kamala Harris, current vice president and former California Attorney General, who has promised to continue the policies of warmongering and genocide that have produced an explosion of opposition among the working class and youth.

The message is clear: the state has no intention to resolve a serious social problem like homelessness because money must be directed to the defense of the interests of the ruling class and, importantly, the preservation of the profit system that has created the most severe levels of social inequality since the 1930s, despite unprecedented wealth produced by workers.

Significant funds have been allocated for a capitalist solution of homelessness, i.e., the removal of its appearance from public eye. Newsom has directed more than $24 billion during his administration to clean up encampments, move the homeless off the streets and sidewalks, and convert hotels and motels into temporary shelters. These measures, however, are nothing but an aspirin to a cancer patient, as they do not address the root cause of social inequality, the capitalist system.

A 6-3 Supreme Court ruling on June 28, City of Grants Pass, Oregon v. Johnson, has cleared the way for governors and local administrations to dismantle and ban encampments. The far-right decision cynically declared that bans on outdoor sleeping do not violate the Eighth Amendments prohibition of cruel and unusual punishment.

The ruling was warmly welcomed by Newsom, who wasted no time to criminalize the victims of the policies dictated by the two big business parties. Turning homelessness into a security concern, he welcomed the decision as it gives administrations the authority to clear unsafe encampments and stated that This decision removes the legal ambiguities that have tied the hands of local officials for years.

So glaring is the right-wing attack on the homeless by the hand of California Democrats that some of their officials jumped into damage control mode. Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass had the audacity to try to distance herself from Newsoms measure, stating that strategies that just move people along from one neighborhood to the next or give citations instead of housing do not work.

Last March, Bass and Newsom forged a new partnership to help keep areas near freeways clean and safe as both the State and the City continue their efforts to bring unhoused people indoors. Joining the mayors vist to Sacramento were two of the three members of the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) on the City Council.

On that occasion, Bass thanked Governor Newsom for locking arms with us to deliver for the people of Los Angeles. To which, Newsom added: This agreement between the City of Los Angeles and the state underscores our shared commitment to addressing encampments and ensuring clean and safe public spaces for all Californians. We now know what they meant.

Bass is only concerned that the burden will now be shifted onto municipalities, having no solution for a problem that in the last five pandemic years has significantly changed the physiognomy of the citys population. Multiple police crackdowns on the homeless have taken place under Basss administration, in addition to a number of City Council measures implemented to selectively prohibit encampments.

Moreover, while Bass provided increased funds for the police (an additional $138 million), last April she announced a drastic cut to her already inadequate Inside Safe homelessness program, reducing funds from $250 million to $185 million. These are the actions that garner the support of the DSA, who have backed up Bass and her City Council from the get-go.

Nor is California the only state to have adopted the Supreme Court rulings ruthless approach. The attack on the homeless population is a nationwide effort spearheaded by Democrats. In Oregon, another state controlled by the Democrats, where the case originated that led to the Supreme Court ruling, the Grants Pass City Council unanimously voted last Wednesday to ban camping on public property and create a designated area where the homeless will be confined.

Last October, New York Democratic Governor Kathy Hochul supported New York Citys legal action to suspend efforts that provide emergency housing to homeless people. In recent months, a large influx of migrants was blamed for the failure of the citys utterly inadequate shelter system.

This was the occasion for anti-immigrant and xenophobic attacks on an already vulnerable population. Hochul herself made clear that no one is welcome unless they bring money to Wall Street, stating: I dont know how the right to shelter can or should be interpreted to be an open invitation to 8 billion people who live on this planet, that if you show up in the streets of New York, that the city of New York has an obligation to provide you with a hotel room or shelter.

A measure of Hochuls utter failure in addressing homelessness was given by her own Safe Options Support Program, according to which a measly 450 individuals received some sort of long-term or permanent housing in the last two years. This in a city with more than 100,000 homeless people, one in 83 New Yorkers.

Homelessness, like every social problem confronting the working class, can only be addressed by dismantling not encampments, but the entire scaffolding of the profit system that provides unlimited funds to the most horrific wars abroad and attacks on democratic rights and living standards at home, while facilitating increasing social polarization. Only a socialist society, which guarantees civilized living standards for everyone, can address such issues by prioritizing human needs, not profit.
On Wednesday evening, August 7, Texas executed Arthur Lee Burton at the state penitentiary in Huntsville. Burton, 54, was convicted and sentenced to death for the July 1997 killing and attempted rape of Nancy Adleman, 48, a mother of three.

Arthur Lee Burton [AP Photo]

Just hours before the execution, the US Supreme Court declined, with no noted dissents, a defense request for a stay based on Burtons intellectual ability. Lower courts had previously rejected his request for a stay.

Burton was the third inmate put to death this year in Texas. According to Associated Press, the condemned man appeared nervous as he lay strapped to the gurney in the death chamber, with his right leg twitching under a white sheet that covered him from his chest to his feet.

When asked by the warden for his final words, Burton said, his voice cracking, I want to say thank you to all the people who support me and pray for me.

He added, To all the people I have hurt and caused pain, I wish we didnt have to be here at this moment, but I want you to know that I am sorry for putting yall through this and my family. Im not better than anyone. I hope that I nd peace and yall can too.

Burton was injected with a single drug, the barbiturate pentobarbital, after 6 p.m. local time Wednesday. AP reported that he nodded to his brother Michael, who watching through a window to the chamber, and took four gasps as the sedative began taking effect, then appeared to yawn before his body stopped moving. He was pronounced dead at 6:47 p.m.

Police discovered Adlemans body in a shallow hole in a wooded area off the bayou where she had gone jogging. She had been beaten and strangled with her own shoelace. According to authorities, Burton confessed to killing Adleman, saying, She asked me why was I doing it and that I didnt have to do it, but he recanted this confession at trial.

A jury convicted Burton of capital murder and sentenced him to death. The sentence was reversed by the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals (TCCA), but he received another death sentence in 2002.

Numerous death row inmates have petitioned the Supreme Court for a review of the courts intellectual disability standards, the overwhelmingly majority unsuccessful. Burtons case was one of these.

In 2002, the Supreme Court ruled in Atkins v. Virginia that executing the mentally disabled is a violation of the Constitutions Eighth Amendment ban on cruel and unusual punishment. However, in 2014 in Hall v. Florida, the high court rejected setting a specific IQ score requirement in determining intellectual disability. In 2017 and 2019 the Supreme Court criticized Texas courts application of Atkins.

In Burtons case, two clinical psychologists found that neuropsychological testing showed his intellectual ability to be significantly subaverage. He struggled academically, had to repeat both the second and eighth grades and was placed in special education.

In a petition before the TCCA, Burtons attorney wrote, [T]he TCCA is unwilling to accept as a prima facie Atkins claim an unrebutted diagnosis of intellectual disability pursuant to the DSM-5-TR [Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition] and allow such a claim to proceed for further factual development and hearing. But the TCCA rejected Burtons intellectual disability claim.

Just six hours after Burtons execution, the state of Utah executed Taberon Dave Honie, its first execution since 2010, when Ronnie Lee Gardner died by firing squad.

Taberon Dave Honie [AP Photo/Utah Department of Corrections]

Honie was convicted in 1999 for the July 1998 murder of Claudia Benn, his ex-girlfriends mother. Benn was a substance abuse counselor for the Paiute Tribe.

After a day of heavy drinking and arguing with his girlfriend, Honie, then 22, broke into Benns home in Cedar City and then slashed her in the throat and stabbed other parts of her body. There was also evidence that he abused one of Benns two grandchildren who were both in the house at the time, according to court records.

In an appearance before the Utah Board of Pardons and Parole last month, Honie, now 48, said. Yes, Im a monster. The only thing that kept me going all these years, the only thing I know 100 percent, this would never happen if I was in my right mind ... I make no excuses.

In Honies 25 years on death row, he earned his high school diploma and learned the plumbing trade.

The petition before the board asking for Honies death sentence to be commuted to life in prison stated that Honies traumatic childhood, brain damage, long-standing substance abuse and extreme intoxication all had a synergistic effect, and affected his ability to control his judgment and behavior on the day he killed Benn.

Honie also inherited generations of trauma from his parents, extended family, and his Hopi-Tewa community, which is referred to as intergenerational trauma, argued the commutation petition, which was rejected by the Board of Pardons.

Honie was raised with five siblings in First Mesa, a village on the Hopi Reservation in Northern Arizona. The family lived for nearly a decade without access to basic needs like running water or toilets. Honie and the other children were often left to fend for themselves, as their parents were always absent, drinking and fighting, the petition stated.

Honie turned to alcohol and drugs at age 10, and later stealing to support his substance abuse. He received a formal diagnosis of depression in 2009 after various suicide attempts. Honie had been on death row for 25 years.

The Utah Department of Corrections did at least five run-throughs of the execution, preparing for scenarios of resistance by the condemned man and making sure they were skilled at inserting the IVs needed to inject the deadly chemicals to kill him. They had multiple doses of pentobarbital on hand in case they were needed.

After Honie was led into the execution chamber at the Utah State Correctional Facility in Salt Lake City at about 11:30 p.m. Wednesday, he said, If it needs to be done for them [the victims family] to heal, lets do this.

Speaking to his fellow prisoners, he said, If they tell you you cant change, dont listen to them. To all my brothers and sisters in here, continue to change. I love you all. Take care.

Honie was administered two doses of pentobarbital. According to witnesses, he then tapped his foot and mouthed, I love you, to his family members in the witness room. It took about 17 minutes for him to die.

With Burton and Honies executions, 12 men have now been executed in the US so far in 2024.
CHICAGO  Kroger can label eggs farm fresh even if they are produced by hens living in industrial confinement, a federal judge ruled in a decision dismissing a prospective class-action lawsuit against the grocery giant Tuesday.

Plaintiff and Marianos shopper Adam Sorkin filed a lawsuit against Kroger in federal court in Chicago last fall. Sorkin argued that when he bought premium-priced eggs labeled farm fresh from Kroger-owned Marianos, he believed the label meant the eggs were produced by hens who lived on farms, with open green space, grass, hay and straw.

The farm fresh label evokes favorable impressions in consumers such as a farmer getting up with roosters to gather warm eggs from straw nests and rush them to the local general store, Sorkin argued, alleging the product label violated the Federal Trade Commission Act and the Illinois Consumer Fraud and Deceptive Business Practices Act.

But Sorkins complaint failed to substantiate that most shoppers understand the farm fresh label to guarantee that they were produced on some sort of idyllic farm with a red barn, an abundance of hay, and hens frolicking in elysian green pastures, U.S. District Judge Charles Kocoras wrote in a decision dismissing the case Tuesday, as first reported by the Sun-Times.

The term farm fresh does not say or suggest anything about whether the eggs came from a hen that was caged or not, as opposed to more specific terms such as cage free or free-range, Kocoras wrote.

Sorkin, who argued in court documents that the farm fresh label misleadingly implied that the hens who produced the eggs were enjoying time playing in the grass and dirt, spreading their wings, etc., based his claim on a legally unreasonable interpretation of the product label, Kocoras ruled.

Representatives for Kroger and Marianos did not immediately return a request for comment Friday, nor did attorneys for Sorkin.
Real Housewives of Orange County fans have been seeing Alexis Bellino since her much-anticipated return to the show. Lex has already made sure to put Shannon Beador in her place. And made it abundantly clear she is in love with John Janssen and his anaconda. For fans who havent seen Alexis in a few years, she has been living a lavish lifestyle since her divorce from Jim Bellino. But thanks to a recent settlement, viewers are getting all the tea regarding exactly how much she has in her bank account.

Alexis Bellino is laughing all the way to the bank

Jim and Alexis were married for 14 years but were like oil and water. During their early time on the Real Housewives of Orange County, the two seemed to be living in a weird Leave it to Beaver alternate reality. Where Alexis was the god-loving housewife and Jim was the boss man. Honestly, it was pretty gross to watch. So when they officially divorced in 2018, the news didnt exactly rock the Bravo world.

Recently, Alexis divorce settlement has come to light thanks to In Touch, and the amount is a hefty sum. According to the documents, Alexis and Jim agreed to split joint legal and physical custody of their children. Together, they share three kids: James and twins Miles and Mackenna. Both parents also agreed to allow each other to have a say in any major life decisions when it came to the children. And both agreed to allow the other to have daily phone contact with all three children. The settlement read, The custodial parent shall not monitor the other partys phone calls with the minor children. Jim and Alexis agreed not to make derogatory or disparaging remarks about the other party to or in the presence of, or within the hearing of, the minor children.

Alexis Bellino is sitting pretty

Jim agreed to pay Alexis $6,000 per month in child support. But the former TV anchorwoman also got some other notable wins. Even though the child support will end once each child turns 18, Jim is currently also sending $6,000 for the childrens medical insurance. But Alexis did stipulate she would take out insurance coverage if Jim couldnt.

Alexis is making a killing as Jim also agreed to pay an additional $10,000 per month in spousal support. The payments started on August 1, 2018. The payments will continue thereafter until the death of either party or further order of the court, whichever first occurs. Interestingly enough, there is no note about whether Alexis was to remarry. Jim was also required to take out a $2.5 million life insurance policy with Alexis as the main beneficiary. According to the settlement, the policy has to be in effect as long as Jim is paying spousal support. Honestly, its a wonder he can afford to do anything else with his life. Jim, however, did win the San Juan Capistrano, California, home.

Alexis Bellino is taking the purses

Jim also won a house in Dana Point, CA, multiple bank accounts, all the stocks, bonds, and cars in his name, pieces of jewelry, artwork, and his business. But Alexis seems to be living her best life with what she walked away with. All I want to do right now is channel my inner Jennifer Coolidge from Legally Blonde when she says, Im taking the dog, dumb a**. Alexis walked away with a different home in San Juan Capistrano, California, all her jewelry, all her designer handbags and purses, and a $250,000 lump sum. Jim even agreed to take care of all the debt on Alexis home, taxes, and an Amex bill.

Even with all this division of the assets, Jim and Alexis have maintained a cordial relationship for the sake of their children. Recently, both parents attended James high school graduation and took photos together. Alexis is clearly moving on to bigger and better things in her life, and I have to assume it is in part due to her large settlement payout.

TELL US  DO YOU THINK ALEXIS DID WELL WITH HER DIVORCE SETTLEMENT?

The post Alexis Bellinos Divorce Settlement Details Revealed: Everything We Know appeared first on Reality Tea.
Blake Livelys It Ends with Us banned in Qatar due to kissing scenes

It Ends with Us, the new screen adaptation of Colleen Hoovers best-selling romance novel, has been prohibited from releasing in theaters in Qatar.

Directed by and starring Justin Baldoni opposite Blake Lively, the movie features several kissing scenes and one non-graphic sex scene, which shows the characters in their underwear.

Its due to the sexual nature of these scenes that the countrys censorship committee has blocked the PG-13 movie from coming out in theaters, sources told Variety.

The conservative Middle Eastern country has very strict censorship rules, especially when it comes to media.

It Ends with Us joins Qatars long list of banned American films. Other recent PG-13 titles that have been blocked from the country include Greta Gerwigs feminist comedy Barbie, the animated superhero movie Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse and Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness.

Netflixs R-rated comedy, No Hard Feelings, was also banned in Qatar for featuring a nude scene. Qatar was also among several countries to ban the latest Toy Story spin-off, Lightyear, for its inclusion of a same-sex kiss.

Disney previously refused to comply with Qatars requests to cut the transgender character Anybodys (played by non-binary actor Iris Menas) from Steven Spielbergs West Side Story remake. The musical movie was ultimately banned in Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Oman and Kuwait.

It Ends with Us was banned from Qatar due to kissing scenes ( 2024 CTMG, Inc.)

Out in theaters now, It Ends with Us follows Livelys character Lily Bloom, whos recently moved to Boston to fulfill her lifelong dream of opening a flower shop. There, she meets a charismatic neurosurgeon, Ryle (Baldoni), with whom she falls madly in love. However, after the two begin a whirlwind romance, Lilys former first love (Brandon Sklenar) re-enters her life, forcing her to make an impossible choice.

Following the films New York premiere earlier this week, rumors appeared online suggesting that Baldoni had been shunned by Lively and her husband, Ryan Reynolds, over creative differences.

The photos from the premieres red carpet were analyzed by social media users, who noted that Baldoni and Lively were not photographed together despite both being in attendance. It was also discovered that Baldoni was following Lively, Reynolds and Hoover on Instagram, but none of them were following him back.

Baldoni has remained complimentary about his co-star amid the speculation of an on-set feud.

I think shes best known as an actress, and, of course, shes a fashion icon, but she is so much more than that, he said of the 36-year-old Gossip Girl alum. She is a dynamic creative. She had her hands in every part of this production, and everything she touched made better.
Blake Lively Looks Positively Regal in Corset Gown on It Ends with Us Red Carpet  See Her Show-Stopping Dress!

The elegant dress had a beaded brown and blue corset with hints of yellow, blue, and purple on its floral print skirt

NILS MEILVANG/Ritzau Scanpix/AFP/Getty Blake Lively attends the gala premiere of the movie 'It Ends With Us' in Denmark on August 09, 2024

Blake Lively's new movie may now be in theaters, but that doesn't mean her floral-themed outfits are stopping anytime soon.

On Friday, Aug. 9, the actress, 36, looked regal in a sophisticated Versace corset gown as she attended the premiere of her film, It Ends with Us, in Denmark.



The elegant dress had a beaded brown and blue corset with hints of yellow, blue, and purple on its floral print skirt.

Lively, who plays floral shop owner Lily Bloom in the film adaptation of Colleen Hoover's novel of the same name, paired the look with sparkling blue and yellow bracelets, matching rings, and dangle earrings.

NILS MEILVANG/Ritzau Scanpix/AFP/Getty Blake Lively attends the gala premiere of the movie 'It Ends With Us' in Denmark on August 09, 2024

Related: Blake Lively Is Piling On the Florals on the It Ends with Us Press Tour: See Her Lily Bloom-Inspired Looks

The mom of four, who also serves as an executive producer in her latest project, has embraced florals throughout her various recent media appearances.

Earlier this month, Lively opened up to PEOPLE about why she chooses to method dress while promoting her films, including 2018's A Simple Favor.

I'm so excited method dressing is such a thing now because years ago when I did A Simple Favor, people were like, 'Why are you dressing like your character? Why are you in suits?' " the Gossip Girl alum said.

EPA-EFE/Shutterstock Blake Lively attends the gala premiere of the movie 'It Ends With Us' in Denmark on August 09, 2024

"It's a small movie and the only thing people really pay attention to at these junket interviews is the photos of fashion so if I just wear men's suits, people are going to go, 'Why is she just wearing suits?' And then they're going to go, 'Oh, because she's in a movie and she's wearing men's suits,' " continued Lively. "It's a marketing hack to try to get people to pay attention to our movie. And it worked."

For her current promo tour, Lively has found various ways to implement florals into her wardrobe, with items such as a vintage Vivienne Westwood halter dress from 1994, a beaded Dauphinette minidress, and a floral denim and blue floral top by Chanel.

The PEOPLE Puzzler crossword is here! How quickly can you solve it? Play now!

It's no surprise that Lively has put extra thought behind her latest fashion choices, as Lily Bloom is a character she told PEOPLE was "an honor to take on."

Blake Lively/Instagram Blake Lively poses in sequined dress worn during 'It Ends with Us' press tour

"I loved Lily. And I hope that love is felt by those who care about her like I do, and also those who are getting to know her for the first time in this film," she told PEOPLE in April.

Never miss a story  sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up to date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

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Clarence and John Anglin escaped from Alcatraz with a fellow felon in June 1962 and were presumed dead  but the brothers nephew details in a new book how he believes they survived, eventually making their way to Brazil (Widner Family/United States Penitentiary/Alcatraz/iStock)

The letters came to a Georgia PO box, 17 of them in all, missives written behind bars by an infamous Irish mob boss to the nephew of historys most legendary jailbreakers.

James Whitey Bulger had sought out correspondence with the family of John and Clarence Anglin, two brothers hed met in prison who went on to escape Alcatraz with a fellow felon in 1962. The trio were never found but presumed dead by the FBI, which closed the file in 1979  the same year Clint Eastwoods Escape from Alcatraz added further celeb status to the already famous tale of breaking for freedom from The Rock.

Bulger reached out through an emissary to the Anglins during the 50th anniversary events being held on the California island, now a national park and no longer an operating correctional facility; among the relatives attending in 2012 was Ken Widner, son of Marie, one of the Anglins 12 siblings.

Brothers John, left, and Clarence Anglin escaped from Alcatraz  the foreboding and supposedly escape-proof California penitentiary nicknamed The Rock  in June 1962 (United States Penitentiary, Alcatraz)

He and the numerous other Anglin cousins had grown up among hushed whispers, winks and quickly-changed subjects; their relation to the notorious and colourful Alcatraz escapees had always been the only reality theyd known. Widner had been a baby on his mothers knee as she watched news reports of her brothers jailbreak but now, decades later, his curiosity was growing  along with a desire to more three-dimensionally set the record straight about his uncles lives.

That included how they grew up, who they were as men, how they fooled authorities and, most importantly, how the family says they secretly succeeded in their escape eventually making their way to South America, where they carved out lives and families in Brazil.

Widner and his family have the picture they believe can prove it  as they work to hunt down long-lost relatives in the bowels of the worlds seventh most populous country.

And Boston mobster Whitey Bulger  the man Widner calls James who spent 16 years as a fugitive before his 2011 recapture saw him charged with 19 murders  would prove invaluable in doing so.

He thought very highly of John and Clarence, Widner says of Bulger, who first met the pair in prison in Atlanta in 1958 and ended up serving time with them again in Alcatraz. We became these really good penpals. And I started to ask him about what life was like in Alcatraz with John and Clarence, and could you tell me anything about my uncles that I wouldnt have known?

As part of the Anglins escape plan with fellow felon Frank Morris, they fashioned dummies to leave in their cell beds to fool guards (FBI)

He shared a lot of things  and then, eventually, he says: Im going to tell you something Ive never told anybody. And he goes into great detail about his involvement in the escape and how he helped them, Widner tells The Independent.

Bulger had first met the Anglins in prison in Atlanta in 1958, Widner writes with co-author Mike Lynch in their new book Alcatraz: The Last Escape. The brothers, who grew up poor in Florida and showed an early aptitude for petty crime  much to their parents chagrin  had ended up behind bars yet again after being sentenced for an Alabama bank robbery pulled off with a third sibling, Alfred.

John and Clarence Anglin were transferred separately to Alcatraz, where they began plotting their escape with fellow inmates Frank Morris and Allen West. Furtively hoarding materials, they began implementing a multi-pronged plan: digging out behind the grates in their cells with spoons and other implements to tunnel to freedom, hiding their progress with touched-up paint and fake replacement grates; creating dummy heads for their beds to fool guards on the night of the escape; and fashioning life preservers and a raft from raincoats gathered from other inmates.

The men planned to hitch the raft to a prison transport boat, then get picked up in the freezing San Francisco Bay by a waiting vessel arranged by another underworld contact, Mickey Cohen, whod been released from Alcatraz months before the planned escape.

Bulger was advising throughout, he told Widner in his letters, offering expertise hed picked up from his unexpected hobby of scuba diving.

Relatives believe that this 1975 photo, given to them by a family friend who claimed to have visited the Anglin brothers in Brazil, proves that they made it to freedom and built lives in South America (Widner Family)

He showed them how to make wetsuits, Widner tells The Independent. Whats so crazy is that all of what he told me backs up what was in the FBI files; they didnt take any of their clothes with them out of their cells  they took rubber cement and they painted the inside of the legs of trousers that they were keeping up on top, along with their shirt, and then they tied off their ankles with a black cloth tag, which they found inside of Johns cell.

They were painted black so they couldnt hardly be seen, and it also prevented the water from flowing in and out of their clothes very fast, so it kept them warmer longer  and then, of course, he taught them about how to survive if they ever go into the current. He shared a lot of what a scuba diver would do.

In the end, only the Anglins and Morris would make a break for it; West couldnt widen the hole in his cell enough on the night of June 11, 1962, as his co-conspirators desperately tried to help but eventually were forced to abandon the effort. West could reportedly be heard sobbing in his cell afterwards.

The others, however, made it out of the complex and to the water, though Morris badly cut his leg and was bleeding into the raft as they attached it with an electrical cord to the intended boat  surreptitiously hitching a ride into the dark waters, where they were then plucked from the water by a waiting white boat, according to the book.

That boat piloted them to land, where the trio were met by a friend and one of the Anglin sisters before scurrying to a small airport, where their childhood buddy, Fred Brizzi, sat behind the controls of a small plane. They took off for Mexico, where they spent some time before relocating to Brazil, where theyd likely be safer and less threatened by discovery.

Bulger took quite a bit of credit for that coup, too.

The Anglins nephew, Ken Widner, has co-written new book Alcatraz: The Last Escape, painting a fuller picture of the background and escapades of John and Clarence, pictured (Widner Family)

The biggest piece of information he gave them, he told them: When you get out, go to Brazil, marry a local woman, have children, and they can never bring you back, Widner tells The Independent.

And thats exactly what his uncles did, he insists  including in the book firsthand accounts from at least one relative and one friend who claimed they visited the pair.

Brizzi, who knew the family from back in Florida, paid a visit to the Anglins in 1992 with a trove of photos and stories  even acquiescing to being recorded as he shared how hed not only flown the brothers to safety but also visited them at their eventual home in South America.

Widners other uncle, Robert  affectionately known among the family as Uncle Man  had also been peculiarly coy in the decades after his brothers escape. According to the book, hed visited them in Mexico and reported on their life there to still-imprisoned Alfred back in Georgia  sparking a notable change in the mood of that brother, who sadly later died behind bars under mysterious circumstances.

Robert was the only member of the Anglin family repeatedly polygraphed, and authorities clearly believed he knew more than he was letting on  rightly, it turned out, given the 2009 deathbed statements he gave to family.

The federal penitentiary on Alcatraz Island, nicknamed The Rock, stopped operating as a prison in 1963, the year after the mens escape (Courtesy of San Francisco Public Library)

The final confirmation came from Man himself in 2009 shortly before he died, Widner writes in the new book. He shared these words with my mom and sister: Your brothers are fine and I have been in constant touch with them for over twenty-five years.

Widner didnt find out about his uncles admission until the 50th anniversary of the escape in 2012, though there had been indications for years within the family  whod felt hounded by authorities  that the brothers had gotten free and clear. Christmas cards, annual presents of roses for the mens mother and even a pair of mysterious, veiled, large stranger women attending her funeral certainly pointed towards their survival.

So would Widners deep-dive into public and family records, which turned up even more supporting evidence of the Anglin escapees thriving life elsewhere. The escapees nephew credits his career as an IT specialist with Georgia Pacific with making him really good at data analyzing and just seeing the bigger picture, digging into details.

The book includes details of a deathbed confession from a man who claimed to have been on the boat that picked them up on the night of the escape; it also details how searchers found a raft filled with blood on an island near Alcatraz  blood that likely came from Morris gushing leg.

Most compellingly, of course, is a picture Widner took special notice of among the photos Brizzi left with the family  a photo of two men posing in Brazil who, though ageing, look remarkably like John and Clarence. The childhood friend, incredibly, never flagged the photo to family or identified the men pictured as the Anglins; Widner was aghast when he re-discovered it and made the connection while doing research. So was everyone he showed it to; unrelated facial recognition experts have insisted the image does, in fact, show the two jailbreakers.

Once we find their families, theyre going to have photos with either their granddad or their dad  and I think well get some more information, he says.

Hes cagey about how far that search has gotten  but confirms we have somewhere down there that is a specialist in tracking people down.

Ken Winder, the Anglins nephew, was a baby on his mothers knee as she watched reports of the pairs escape on television; he believes John and Clarence lived out their days in Brazil, and it has become a mission of his life to uncover answers while keeping their story alive (Ken Widner)

He doesnt say what will happen when they find the long-lost family; hes certainly hoping for perhaps a reunion and/or more details about his uncles lives.

There is a small, small, slim chance that John is still alive . I doubt both of them, for sure, but its a possibility.

I love the fact that were keeping the story alive, he says. Its been a mission.

It might sound romantic to believe his uncles escaped the impenetrable Rock, evaded authorities for decades a forged a fantasy life in South America; Widner, however, points not only to family whispers and admissions but also to the trove of clues hes outlined  and an absence of proof to the contrary.

No bodies have ever turned up; while floating debris surfaced in the immediate aftermath of the escape, Widner writes in the new book, it was all part of the plan. The trio felt the detritus would throw searchers off the scent, supporting a conclusion that they drowned  and thats exactly what transpired.

While the FBI closed its file in 1979, the case remains open for the US Marshals, who continue to search for fugitives until theyre captured or dead.

Ive had people who have told me they dont believe any of this and I always ask them the same question, just like I ask the US Marshals: What piece of evidence have you ever seen that supports your theory? Widner says. There is none  so its just a theory.

And Ive challenged the US Marshals many times: You bring all of your circumstantial evidence, Ill bring all of mine, lets get before a group of people [and] see who has the best story.
Conservatives continue to desperately seek ways to make Kamala Harris look bad, but Fox News picked a real doozy of a reason to hate the vice president: her cooking videos.

The Democratic presidential nominee has a YouTube channel devoted to cooking that has videos on making cookies, tuna sandwiches, masala dosa and more.

Harris hasnt updated the channel since 2020, but its mere existence was enough to throw Outnumbered host Julie Banderasinto a tizzy on Friday.

Although Banderas was OK with the idea of a woman running for the presidency, she said the videos of Harris cooking arent doing women any favors.

Yes, it would be amazing to have a woman in the White House one day. That would be a huge glass ceiling shattered, Banderas conceded before insisting she doesnt want to hear about a White House, uh, president cooking.

As her co-workers laughed at her hot food hot take, she ladled more on.

And especially a woman! I dont cook! And I proudly wear that badge. I am not domesticated whatsoever, she said.

You can see her comments below.

Considering that many conservatives have been extolling the virtues of being a traditional wife, many social media posters were confused by Banderas beef with Harris culinary skills.

So let me get this straight



Conservatives are now anti-trad wives? Wut? https://t.co/mWZEx8KSxM  Kaylan_TX (@Kaylan_TX_) August 9, 2024

Old enough to remember the rightwing freakout when Hillary Clinton said she didn't "stay home and bake cookies." https://t.co/mKm2WPSqyg  Michael Ian Black (@michaelianblack) August 9, 2024

Not only does Kamala Harris smile, laugh and hug people  but she cooks! Fox is appalled by such normal behavior. https://t.co/QUg2yP7v6C  Mark Jacob (@MarkJacob16) August 9, 2024

I bet Banderas thinks that this statement says more about President Kamala Harris than it says about her. Can you imagine thinking that a woman cant be president and cook at the same time?   (@ChidiNwatu) August 9, 2024

Imagine going on national television and bragging that you are such a lazy parent that you don't ensure that your children have food to eat.  Mrs. Betty Bowers (@BettyBowers) August 9, 2024

For Fox "News", cooking is not OK.



Felonies, sexual assaults, multiple frauds, bullying, having 3 spouses & cheating on all of them, paying off a porn star, disrespecting childless women, & taking away the right to choose, are all OK.



Cooking is one step too far for @FoxNews.  Chris Wozney  (@ChrisWozney) August 9, 2024

Harris has a whole series of cooking videos on her YouTube and one thing Ive learned so far is that shes got the one-handed egg crack down. pic.twitter.com/oNzjeKIztY  Jacob Rubashkin (@JacobRubashkin) July 22, 2024

One person noted that Republican President Dwight D. Eisenhower was apparently no slouch in the kitchen.

Anyway here is Eisenhowers personal collection of recipes https://t.co/QypqBYbvUnhttps://t.co/SjxS8MJTCe  James Karst (@jameskarst) August 9, 2024

Another person noted that the Fox News tech people might have unintentionally made her look good to viewers by showing a clip in which she and her husband, Doug Emhoff, wished people a Merry Christmas.

Not mentioned in this clip is the fact one of the photos they showed included Harris' message of "Merry Christmas" from a past year. Wouldn't want to mention that to their viewers, would they? https://t.co/Z76VCAx3le  Jordan Liles (@jordanliles) August 9, 2024

Another person asked if there could be even more Cooking With Kamala videos, preferably with her presumptive running mate, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz.

Can we please get some cooking videos with @KamalaHarris and @Tim_Walzthey both love to cook. We need this joy! https://t.co/su566hVsSc  Jane Fleming Kleeb (@janekleeb) August 9, 2024
Above: Nikesha Breeze, Stages of Tectonic Blackness: Blackdom, 2021

Joan Weinstein is the hub of one of the art worlds biggest wheels. As the director of the Getty Foundation, where she has worked for 30 years, she helped create Pacific Standard Time: Art in L.A. 19451980, the acclaimed 2011 mega-exhibition that enlisted museums all over Southern California and set a new standard for collaborative ventures. PST had a second run in 2018 with a Latinx theme, and this month its third and largest edition, PST Art: Art & Science Collide, kicks off.

More from Robb Report

Joan Weinstein

Weinstein has savvily deployed the resources at her disposal, which stem from the Getty Trust, with an endowment hovering around $8 billion; it also funds the J. Paul Getty Museum and the affiliated conservation and research institutes. Going forward, PST Art will occur every five yearsmeaning that Weinstein will only be getting busier. Robb Report spoke to her about the ambitious undertaking, the history behind the theme, and why an Eastern Standard Time equivalent may not be in the cards.

The following conversation has been edited for length and clarity.

This thing is getting big, right?

It keeps growing. Were doing a takeover of the region. I think we funded about 35 exhibitions the first year. This time, its 60. So far for this edition, weve made about $23 million in grants.

Remind us how this all got going.

Andrew Perchuk, who is deputy director of the Getty Research Institute, and I were the two instigators of the first one. The institute was in the process of doing group oral histories of the period from 1945 to 1980. We realized that the families of L.A. gallerists and artists were discarding the papers dating to that time, thinking that they didnt have any real value.

We discovered that they told a very different story of the history of modern art in this country. And then we thought, oh, maybe well do one or two exhibitions on this topic. It quickly grew.



Rob Grad, The Holes That Cant Be Filled, 2023

There are so many institutions involvedis that a challenge?

I dont think theres any other place that could collaborate the way Los Angeles institutions do. At the first PST, the director of one of the major New York museums said, How could Los Angeles do this before we could? Somebody else said, Well, New Yorks just too competitive. It was at that moment we thought, weve done something special.

How do the museums play nice?

In the first Pacific Standard Time, there was a curator at a major institution who was talking with someone at a smaller placethey both were looking to borrow the same artwork. The curator at the big institution said, I already secured that loan from the collector. But it is so much more important for your exhibition. I could get another work. Im going to help you get that loan.

Do you think the smaller museums get a boost in other ways?

We do. During the first PST, we did intercept surveys at all of the museums. Huge numbers of people who considered themselves museum goers had never been to the institution where they were at that moment, something like two-thirds.

Why art and science as a theme for this edition?

Since the early 20th century, Southern California has been so intertwined with science and technology. It was the place where scientists came to look to the heavens, at the Mount Wilson Observatory, and where Edwin Hubble showed that the universe is constantly expanding.

Hana Ward, Pioneer of Possibility, 2023

Is it especially resonant now that science is under attack in some quarters?

When we came up with this theme five years ago, little did we know it was going to be quite this topical in 2024. I think that one of the great things about art exhibitions is that they open up new ways to talk about issues that are not quite as polarized.

Climate change, for instance, is so abstract to people, and it creeps up on us slowly. But artworks can actually help engage you in a much more visceral, emotional way on these issues.

Can it be a coincidence that the Los Angeles art scene has exploded since the first PST?

The greatest satisfaction has just been to see the small role that weve played in really making L.A. a destination in the art world. We hope we were part of that stimulus.

Must-see PST

If you dont have time for several dozen shows, here are Weinsteins top three.

Particles and Waves: Southern California Abstraction and Science, 19451990

Particles and Waves: Southern California Abstraction and Science, 19451990 at Palm Springs Art Museum

Palm Springs Art Museum

September 14 to February 23

It features some of the art that we saw in the first Pacific Standard Time, Weinstein explains, but looked at in a different contexthow advanced scientific research inspired abstract artists, including Mary Corse and Fred Eversley (Untitled (Black), 1978, above).

Brackish Water Los Angeles

Brackish Water Los Angeles at CSU Dominguez Hills University Art Gallery

CSU Dominguez Hills University Art Gallery

August 12 to December 14

Catherine Opie and Alfredo Jaar (Untitled (Water) E, 1990, above) are among the artists looking at disrupted natural water systems on a campus Weinstein describes as situated where the tidal zone and the wetlands once came together but no longer do because of changes in the climate. 

For Dear Life: Art, Medicine, and Disability

For Dear Life: Art, Medicine, and Disability at Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego

Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego

September 19 to February 2

Featuring work by Lynn Hershman Leeson (X-Ray Woman in Bathing Cap, 1966, above), Yvonne Rainer, and Ida Applebroog, the show looks at the way modern medicine has approached the human body, Weinstein says, and whether we need to take a different approach to thinking about it.

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Rihanna has been living her life more privately in recent years, which makes sense as she has become a mother and focused on her brands. Figuring out motherhood has been more than enough to keep her busy, but her fans have missed her. With rumors of new music and business ventures swirling, the star has been jet-setting and appearing on social media lately.

It came as no surprise to some that her comeback has been in the world of fashion. Her recent magazine features have been a huge hit. Most recently, she has stepped out to represent her home country. She made an appearance at the Crop Over Carnival in Barbados, where she was born. Bad gal RiRi stunned the world with her outfit, and rightfully so.

Rihanna At Crop Over Carnival

Rihanna at The Barbados Crop Over Festival today. pic.twitter.com/d3hEmQ7aUY   (@gabgonebad) August 5, 2024

Rihanna has made her presence known in her home country. On Monday, the Barbadian beauty wore a bedazzled carnival ensemble that caught the publics attention. It was her first time back to the carnival in many years, mainly due to the COVID-19 pandemic and other life events. Despite the time away, the star has returned home for the celebration. This appearance follows her being named an official ambassador of Barbados for culture and youth and a national hero.

Rihanna at Crop over 2024  Full video pic.twitter.com/KYBVOlen1t   (@phuckerih) August 5, 2024

In every picture and video, viewers can see she enjoyed the Crop Over Carnival, a popular festival in the Caribbean. The Barbados Crop Over happens annually but is a three-month-long celebration. It features music, food, culture, art, and more. One of the most popular events in the Caribbean, it dates back to the 17th century and rose to prominence partly due to Rihannas appearances in the past.

World travelers interested in enjoying the events  and possibly seeing Rihanna  have the opportunity to do so before August 10.

after 5 years wow pic.twitter.com/E5uDlVmB8A  maria .   .  .  (@mgar23_) August 5, 2024
Photo: Anna Marie Tendler

The Metropolitan Museum of Art is sprawling and often labyrinthine, but Anna Marie Tendler knows exactly where were going. Dressed in chunky New Balances, black bike shorts, and a T-shirt bearing the title of Martin Scorseses 1985 film, After Hours, she steers us through the Great Hall and Medieval Arts section, both bustling with tourists on a sultry Sunday morning in July. The ambient noise level drops noticeably, and we enter a quiet gallery showcasing French decorative arts under the rule of Louis XV and XVI. A series of furnished rooms bathe us in the opulence of prerevolution France, their mirrors and gilded moldings gleaming in the soft light that emanates from wiggling electric tapers.

Weve come here to see a particular painting by Rose Adelaide Ducreux, whose father was one of Marie Antoinettes portrait artists. When Tendler was a graduate student in New York Universitys costume studies program, where she earned a masters degree in 2021, she wrote a paper on this painting, a self-portrait that shows Ducreux standing at a harp in a luminous striped gown. It would have taken a great deal of skill to render the fabric of the dress with such realism, Tendler tells me, from its crumpled skirt to the translucent ribbon wrapped around the artists waist.

This painting is like sneaky self-promotion. She painted herself in this very typical, feminine environment, says Tendler. But if you look at the painting, it is a technical masterpiece. So shes also showing off, like, Look at what I can do.

Recently, Tendler has been engaging in her own kind of self-portraiture. Although she has led a creative life, working as a hairstylist, makeup artist, and a crafter of Victorian lampshades, she was for many years best known to the public as John Mulaneys wifea feisty but abstract figure in the comedians stand-up sets. In the months before they announced their divorce, in May 2021, she began posting a series of ornate self-portraits on Instagram, works she would later exhibit at the Other Art Fair. Photographed in the 1930s Connecticut home where she still lives, the mood shifts from picture to picture: grief, anger, a flicker of private satisfaction. On August 13, Tendler will publish a memoir, Men Have Called Her Crazy (Simon & Schuster), which illuminates certain aspects of the time surrounding her divorce, including her stay in a psychiatric hospital for self-harm, disordered eating, and suicidal ideation. Her budding photography project, she writes, was a means of survival: I needed to remind myself that I still existed. One of Tendlers haunting self-portraits serves as the books cover.

Photo: Anna Marie Tendler

Photo: Anna Marie Tendler

There are few mentions of Tendlers marriage in the book, but among the storylines that do come through, vividly, is her love of historic design and the comfort that aesthetic pleasures bring her, even in dark moments. Being surrounded by beauty really calms me, she says. I think being a human is really hard, and I think the world is really hard. If we can create spaces that make us feel good when were in them, why not?

Tendlers Connecticut home is, she writes, her greatest artwork to date. With the help of contractors, Tendler decorated her home in the spirit of the 19th-century Aesthetic and Arts and Crafts movements, with the goal of making each room feel like a fully considered cocoon. She sourced wallpapers from Morris & Co., an offshoot of the firm founded by Arts and Crafts designer William Morris, and she filled the spaces with furniture both inherited from her grandparents and great-grandparents and purchased in antique shops. Tendler hired an artisan to tile the ceiling of one room, in the vein of 19th-century architect Rafael Guastavino, whose vaulted marvels include the Grand Central Oyster Bar. My house was built in the 30s, and everything is a little askew, she says. So when he tiled that ceiling, he had to make these minute adjustments to the tiles so that it would appear as though the ceiling was symmetrical.

Photo: Anna Marie Tendler

Tendlers taste is confident and maximalist. She gravitates toward wallpapers brimming with flowers, fruits, and birds, and she covers her tables and mantels with inexpensive tchotchkes from thrift stores. She has always preferred her home to feel decoratedto feel full. She likes to feel the presence of all the people who made or touched the objects around her. It reminds her how small we are in the scope of history, and how interrelated we are. We find ourselves looking at a bedroom that could have been custom-made for Marie Antoinette. If I were to get lost in The Met and get to sleep here overnight, this is where I would sleep, Tendler says with a laugh.

After her stay at the psychiatric hospital, Tendler contends with a disappointing egg freezing procedure, frustrating dating experiences, and the death of her beloved dog Petunia. Life, she writes, is not easier. But Men Have Called Her Crazy nonetheless arcs toward something hopeful: self-destructive behaviors replaced with acts of creativity, a newfound refusal to chase unrequited affection, an emotional sturdiness that enables her to feel deeply without crumbling. When Tendler returns home from the hospital, the house that she designed with such care is a source of comfort. It is just what I need, she writes.

Photo: Anna Marie Tendler

See the video.

*[Men Have Called Her Crazy](https://cna.st/affiliate-link/2Cd7yruAyULCVrmDdL337pKk6eN4JbwMHrv8EoYgJD4kohmNjqds7rbLeLtLwkJsDaTdxtgHvDhSX1HNJfsbytfEXu2B8BRqUzMEebCuVq6To3E6891Kqy6opAotRLdSpmYE398hMX4tpbGZSJtfRJj45KBBpiUN1VQvi4Zq7jCPGCYY9zXFreVaqHUXp9Q8RZRAdzPc19qBbzLG6jKUG4TYQhNMPN9gezXqfKbVZWQauog9BhfC25eFfGA9V2yVEc4PXwdLb7o3NS14q5wRzWJzpp25yykgYWf56uLwmZFhZRegJfHw7dMdfGAedFPGkdtMFY1cSEb4mNgutaCX9PLuWgaha3i9yiKZ1pqzKA1dYdsZnTVnXPjrFen7mFycH2GhAtHHQEpVPujhrkNDm8ZRZspHxrgeekzUq5xK74BH){: rel="sponsored" target="_blank" isAffiliateLink="true"}* by Anna Marie Tendler is out August 13.

Men Have Called Her Crazy by Anna Marie Tendler

$27.00, Amazon

Tendler tells me that she enjoyed writing the book and is truly proud of the results, and that shes trying to appreciate the moment of its release into the world, rather than fixating on what comes next. Shed like to write more, though, and photography and fine art will no doubt remain a part of her life. I cant imagine ever just doing one thing, she says. Such an outlook seems appropriate for her omnivorous approach to and appreciation for craft.

We stand between a tower of decorative teapots and an embroidered yellow palampore, or bed covering, produced in 18th-century China, in the style of Indian textiles, for European or American consumers. Tendler looks closely at the textiles intricate stitching. Someone did this embroidery. Someone did this by hand. You think about all the people and hands and what went into creating these things, she says. That, I really like.

Originally Appeared on Architectural Digest

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The Cygnus Arm, a minor spiral arm of the Milky Way rises over Barskoon Valley, Kyrgyzstan. | Credit: Soumyadeep Mukherjee

When thinking about where to go for an astrophotography adventure, Kyrgyzstan isn't a place that immediately springs to mind. But the sparsely populated country lends itself to pristine dark skies and a rugged landscape just waiting to be explored.

Astrophotographer Soumyadeep Mukherjee embarked on an epic astronomy journey to this relatively unexplored corner of the world with a group of like-minded individuals, to relish in the beauty of Kyrgyzstan and its unspoiled dark skies.

"To say that it was full of surprises would be an understatement," Mukherjee told Space.com.

Mukherjee, based in Kolkata, India, started getting into astrophotography in 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic. Later on that year, Mukherjee co-founded Astronomads Bangla , a group of four amateur astrophotographers who work towards the promotion and popularization of astrophotography in India with workshops, events, annual competitions and exhibitions.

"Kyrgyzstan was not the initial plan for this tour," Mukherjee told Space.com in an email. "However, I came across a few Milky Way images captured from Kyrgyzstan and became interested in the place."

At the base of the image are towering snow-capped mountains and above the Milky Way dense with stars rises up into the sky.

Kyrgyzstan is a landlocked country in Central Asia. With a population of around 7 million people and an area of around 77,000 sq mi (200,000 sq km), the sparsely populated country offers up some of the darkest skies in the world .

"After doing some research on this country, I found it to be a paradise for astrophotographers," Mukherjee explained. "At the same time, I found its beauty underrepresented, especially in the world of astrophotography."

When the group arrived in Kyrgyzstan, they were welcomed by a stunning landscape oozing with history, dark skies and rugged grandeur.

a dark blue sky filled with stars and the distinct asterism of the big dipper.

a large tent is illuminated from within, there are steps leading to the entrance. Above is a starry sky with a distinct pattern of stars known as the big dipper shining bright.

"While I was traveling through the country, I felt that I could have camped in 100 places and still would not have been satisfied. The country, in every direction, is full of natural beauty." Mukherjee said.

With the dark skies calling, Mukherjee's team turned their attention to capturing some truly breathtaking night sky images.

Though it's challenging to choose favorites, Mukherjee told us his top three from the trip were of Tash Rabat and star trails, Yurts and the Milky Way and his image of the Milky Way behind the Yuri Gagarin statue. You can scroll through these three images in the gallery below.

Image 1 of 3

Astrophotos from trip to Kyrgyzstan.

Image 2 of 3

Astrophotos from trip to Kyrgyzstan.

Image 3 of 3

Astrophotos from trip to Kyrgyzstan.

The challenge to capture Yuri Gagarin against the Milky Way

Mukherjee's Yuri Gagarin statue image was particularly difficult to capture, so we asked him to describe the story behind the photo.

Yuri Gagarin statue with milky way behind, the sky is full of stars.

Mukherjee: "Our plan was to stay one night at Barskoon valley and capture the Milky Way in the backdrop of Yuri Gagarin's statue situated there.

"On our fourth day of the trip, we reached Barskoon valley but it was quite late in the evening and we did not get an opportunity to look around the place before our night session.

"As night fell, we had no idea where the statue was. At night, around 3 a.m., me and some of my friends decided to hit the road on foot and start looking for the statue. The map indicated that it was near but we were unable to find it.

"While returning, one of my friends indicated that he saw the statue (it was just beside the property where we were staying). However, the location was fenced and we came across a board mentioning 'Military Area.' I was not sure if I wanted to have the photograph. But eventually we all jumped above the fence with all our imaging gear, found the statue and spent around 30 minutes capturing a couple of images of the statue along with the Milky Way. Capturing this image was indeed challenging and adventurous."

Astrophotography deep dive: Yurts and Milky Way

Astrophotos from trip to Kyrgyzstan.

Top telescope pick!

Celestron Astro Fi 102

Looking for a telescope for the next night sky event? We recommend the Celestron Astro Fi 102 as the top pick in our best beginner's telescope guide.

It can sometimes be difficult to comprehend how much work goes into just one of these breathtaking images so we asked Mukherjee to take us through the processes involved.

Mukherjee: "This image is a blend (sky and foreground were captured from the same position). I used a Nikon Z6ii and Sigma 50mm along with Skyguider Pro, all on top of a Leofoto 364c + LH 40.

"Initially I captured the foreground with the star tracker turned off. I took three images of 120 seconds (f/2.8, ISO 1600). Then I turned the tracker on and took three images for the sky portion for 90 seconds each (f/2.8, ISO 2000).

"To process these kinds of images, I go through the following workflow: stack the sky images in Sequator, process it with Pixinsight and Photoshop, stack the foreground (median stack) and process it with Photoshop, and finally blend the two images (sky and foreground) with Photoshop. Although I normally take more than three images for the sky (normally 10-15) and for the foreground (normally 5-7), this image was captured just before twilight and I had to rush before the sky became too bright. But I'm happy that the image turned out this way."

Equipment used

Cameras: Nikon Z6ii , Nikon Zf and Nikon Z8

Lenses: Nikon Z 14-24mm f/2.8, Nikon Z 24mm f/1.8, Sigma 50mm f/1.4 Art and Samyang 135mm f/2 (The Nikon Zf. Nikon 14-24mm and Nikon 24mm were lent to me kindly by Nikon India)

Tripod: Leofoto 364c and 323c (kindly provided by Leofoto India) along with LH 40 ballheads.

Star tracker: iOptron Skyguider Pro along with William Optics base.

Post-processing: Sequator (for stacking), Pixinsight (for processing the sky portions) and Adobe Photoshop.

Mukherjee's stunning photographs are a window into Kyrgyzstan's remarkable landscapes, blending pristine dark skies and historical sites. The astrophotography tour was organized by Mukherjee's team, Astronomads Bangla, and consisted of three mentors and 16 participants. Once in Kyrgyzstan, travel was organized by Asia Expeditions .

Feeling inspired to take the leap into astrophotography but not sure where to start? Our guides on the best cameras and best lenses for astrophotography are here to help you find the kit you need. You can also get some helpful hints and tips from our astrophotography for beginner's guide on how to shoot the night sky.
The Duke and Duchess spent three days in Vancouver and Whistler in February at a "one year to go" event - ANDREW CHIN/GETTY IMAGES

Canada paid for a police presence while the Duke and Duchess of Sussex attended the Invictus Games, despite saying they would not use taxpayer money for the couples security once they stopped being working royals.

Vancouver police spent C$44,555 (25,436) on security-related overtime during the Sussexes short visit to the city in February, CTV news has reported.

The 390.5 hours of police overtime was not specifically for Prince Harry and Meghan but to maintain public security near to Invictus events while unrelated protests happened in the city.

The Sussexes personal security was paid for by private donors, a representative for the Invictus Games said.

The Duke and Duchess spent three days in Vancouver and Whistler in February, at a one year to go event promoting the winter games.

The Invictus Games paid $10,221 of the $44,555 security bill through cost recovery, with Canadian taxpayers left with $34,333 in overtime. The figures were revealed in a freedom of information request filed by CTV News.

The Duchess of Sussex joined Curling competitors at a training session in Vancouver - JAMES WHATLING

We didnt specifically provide security for them, a Vancouver police department spokesman told the outlet. But we had officers in the area they were in [in] case any issues arose due to the ongoing protests in the city.

Protests involved rallies in support of Palestinians and Sikh independence.

Doug Maynard, director of security for Invictus Games Vancouver Whistler 2025, added: Taxpayers did not fund the Duke and Duchess of Sussexs security during their visit last February; their private security detail was paid by individual donations directed by the donors for that purpose.

Public safety was ensured by Vancouver police resources in the area should issues have arisen due to protests in the city at that time.

In 2020, after the Duke and Duchess of Sussex left the working Royal family, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) confirmed it would no longer foot their security bill.

The couple had spent time on Vancouver Island after leaving the UK for what was initially thought to be an extended break. They later moved to California, staying in the home of Tyler Perry, the actor, before buying a family home in Montecito.

Prince Harry got also got involved at the promotional event for the winter games - JAMES WHATLING

In 2021, CTV confirmed that the Sussexes visits to Canada had cost Canadian taxpayers more than $334,000 over a period of less than four years.

Prince Harry is currently engaged in a protracted legal dispute in the UK over his security and maintains that it is unsafe to bring his wife and children to the country of his birth.

He is now appealing a failed bid to overturn a Home Office decision denying him the right to automatic police protection. He still receives security from specialist officers from the Met Police when he is effectively on public duty, including at family events, but is required to give the authorities 28 days notice of his plans.

In a television interview about tabloid phone hacking last month, the Duke said he wont bring my wife back to this country over genuine concerns about security.

All it takes is for one lone actor who reads this stuff to act on what theyve read, he said.

And whether its a knife or acid, these are things that are genuine concerns for me. Its one of the reasons why I wont bring my wife back to this country.
This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Contact a qualified medical professional before engaging in any physical activity, or making any changes to your diet, medication or lifestyle.

Colin Farrell made headlines this week for sharing details of his life with son, James. (Photo by Arturo Holmes/Getty Images )

If you're pressed for time but looking to stay up-to-date on the latest news, we've got you covered. We've compiled a weekly one-stop shop so you can read all about headline-making health stories and better your own health in the process. First, check out some of this week's health stories from Yahoo Canada you might have missed:

Here are more trending news stories you should know about:

 Colin Farrell brings awareness to Angelman syndrome

Colin Farrell shared details about his life with his 20-year-old son, James. (Photo by Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images)

Colin Farrell made headlines this week by sharing details of his new foundation designed to support adult children living with intellectual disabilities and their families. The Colin Farrell Foundation was inspired by the actor's 20-year-old son, James, who has Angelman Syndrome, a neuro-genetic disorder that causes severe physical and learning disabilities.

"This is the first time Ive spoken about it, and obviously the only reason Im speaking is I cant ask James if he wants to do this," Farrell told People magazine.

Farrell said his foundation will help provide "greater opportunities" to those coming of age so that they feel "greater degree of individuality and autonomy on life, and a greater degree of community."

"I want the world to be kind to James, Farrell told People magazine. I want the world to treat him with kindness and respect.

Angelman syndrome affects the nervous system causing severe physical and intellectual abilities. Children with Angelman syndrome often have delayed development from six months of age and will grow to have issues with movement (inability to walk) and may not be able to speak.

Genetic testing can confirm Angelman syndrome but there is no prenatal screening available. While there is no cure, there are therapies that can help develop non-verbal language skills as well as physiotherapy to help with posture and movement.

 Spike in Mpox virus causes concern for becoming 'another pandemic'

Cases of Mpox have spiked across Africa. (Image via Getty Images)

Growing concern for the rise of mpox (formerly known as monkeypox) cases in Africa has prompted concern from Dr. Kaseya, the head of Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, that the disease could become another pandemic.

We are committed to mobilizing resources and providing technical assistance to affected countries to control the outbreak, said Kaseya, according to The Independent.

The disease has been reported in 16 African Union member states, with 90 per cent of cases occurring in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Cases of mpox have increased 160% compared to last year  with 15,132 cases reported in 2024.

According to the World Health Organization, Mpox is a viral illness caused by the monkeypox virus that causes skin rash, fever, headache, swollen lymph nodes, back pain, and muscle aches. The virus can be transmitted from person to person or through contact with infected animals. The WHO states that the goal in treating mpox is to take care of the rash, manage pain and prevent complications.

Artificial sweetener could increase risk of blood clots, heart attacks

New research reveals artificial sweetener may not be as healthy for you as you think. (Image via Getty Images)

A new study from the Cleveland Clinic reports a link between the artificial sweetener erythritol and an increased risk of cardiovascular issues.

According to the latest findings, ingesting erythritol made platelets hyper-responsive, which can lead to blood clots and potentially heart attacks and strokes. The same effect was not reported in subjects who ingested sugar (glucose). Previous research revealed similar findings for xylitol, another artificial sweetener.

If your loved one has heart disease especially, I strongly recommend you advise them to avoid erythritol, xylitol and other sugar alcohols, Dr. Stanley Hazen, chair of cardiovascular and metabolic sciences in Cleveland Clinics Lerner Research Institute, told Yahoo Life.

Let us know what you think by commenting below and tweeting @YahooStyleCA! Follow us on Twitter and Instagram.
South Carolinians know the states flag is indisputably among the best in the nation.

Everyone from graphic designers and Reddit users to the North American Vexillological Association, a group of vexillologists as flag enthusiasts and scholars call themselves, routinely ranks the South Carolina flag above those in most if not all other states.

But it needs one thing to end the debate. It needs design consistency, which it hasnt had in more than eight decades.

I took a close look at all 50 state flags in the United States this week, and I ranked South Carolinas flag second-best, as youll see below, while doing research for a new column on why the Legislature should finally lock down the specific design elements of the flag in state law.

All my research made me think what better way to prod politicians to act than by polling readers in South Carolinas capital city and others around the nation on which flag they think is the best. This is your chance to weigh in on which and why.

To kick off the conversation, here is my definitive (for now) ranking of the 10 best state flags. Ive included 11 because voters in Maine are being asked to approve a new state flag in November, and a yes vote would instantly vault it into the top five as youll again see below.

Full disclosure: Im not a vexillologist. But I do like design, and I do love starting discussions and debates in my role as McClatchys South Carolina opinion editor.

Which state flag do you think is the best, and why? Let me know, whether its South Carolinas or some other states, one on my list or one of the other 40. Just send me a letter to the editor of 250 words or less via email at mhall@thestate.com. If we get enough, well publish them on one or more of our platforms.

Without further ado, heres my top 10, in reverse order.

10. California

This classic flag dating to 1911 is one of several state flags to feature an animal, in this case a grizzly bear, and one of many with at least a single star. Legend says its modeled after the last California grizzly bear in captivity, captured in 1889 at the request of newspaper mogul William Randolph Hearst and named Monarch. Legislation passed in 1953 defined the shades of its five colors and the dimensions of it. Like many state flags, its everywhere  and it deserves to be.







9. Mississippi

The 20th state in the Union was the last to remove the Confederate battle flag from its state flag, where it occupied the canton or top left from 1894 to 2020. Roughly three in four voters shown the exact image replaced a symbol of slavery with a magnolia blossom encircled by 20 white stars and topped by a gold 21st composed of an Indigenous symbol of five diamonds, above the words In God We Trust. Its a beautiful replacement even if it was overdue. In humanity, we can trust, too.

Mississippi

8. Minnesota

The nations newest flag has flown since May. Ted Kaye, the secretary for the North American Vexillological Association, has said the groups next poll would likely find it in the top 10, so Im beating them to it. Its striking simplicity showcases a night-colored shape suggestive of the Land of 10,000 Lakes geography, a lighter shape signifying the water for which the state is known, and a star. As NAVA says is true of the best flags, its so simple and striking that a child could draw it from memory.

Minnesota

7. Arizona

Fun facts about this memorable flag adopted in 1917: Its 13 red and yellow rays represent the nations first 13 colonies and are meant to suggest the flag of Spain because Spanish explorers once roamed the lands of Arizona. The central star is copper-colored to highlight the states top copper production. In a great tie-in, state law spells out that its red and blue colors are to be the same as the red and blue colors of the U.S. flag. The more you learn about this flag, the more you love it.

Arizona

6. Oklahoma

This is the flag with the best lessons for South Carolina. The story goes that a Boy Scout leader looking for the exact Native American imagery to replicate the Oklahoma state flag, which dates back to 1925, noticed multiple designs being displayed all over the state. He figured out which design should be used officially, contacted his state representative and set in motion the events that led to a new law that set out specific parameters for the flag in 2006. It can be done!

Oklahoma

5. Texas

The iconic Texas flag is immediately recognizable and inseparable from the state whose residents proudly display it everywhere. This flag does Arizonas one better: All three colors are specified by state law to be the same shades of red, white and blue in the flag of the United States of America. The states law specifically outlines the dimensions of the star and the three rectangles in it. The flag predates Texas becoming a state in 1845 by six years. Now its part of the states fabric.

Texas

> Maine

If voters approve a new flag for the Pine Tree State on Nov. 5, Id slot it fifth on my list, pushing Texas out of the Top 5 and California out of the Top 10. Its fantastic by itself, but it also gets points for resembling Maines flag from the early 1900s and because it would replace one of 20 forgettable state flags with boring seals on blue backgrounds. It sweats the details  the pines 16 branches represent Maines 16 counties  and, yes, calls to mind our flag, which does not (yet) sweat the details.

Maine, potentially

4. Rhode Island

The smallest states forebears knew what they were doing. They adopted this iconic imagery way back in 1897 and it has stood the test of time. Its colors are white and gold with a touch of blue highlighting a single word that South Carolinians know well: Hope. The 13 stars represent Rhode Island being the 13th state to ratify the U.S. Constitution, the anchor grounds the image and gives it weight and meaning in the Ocean State, and the look of it all is, say it with me here, is specified by state law.

Rhode Island

3. New Mexico

Its dimensions set by statute in 1925, this state honors its Indigenous and Hispanic ancestors with the use of the sacred sun symbol of the Zia people and the colors of red and yellow found in the Spanish flag. The Zia people have long complained of cultural appropriation and commercialization but they cannot copyright the Zia sun. Its become too emblematic of and everpresent in the Land of Enchantment. A rare state flag with neither white nor blue, its design is unique and unforgettable.

New Mexico

2. South Carolina

Our states beloved, beautiful flag has simple yet striking imagery, an eminently sleek and cool design and the heavy weight of the sacrifices and patriotism of those who came before us. We all know the story of a 1776 battle won in a fort protected by palmetto logs waged by soldiers whose caps were adorned by a crescent. Wouldnt it be great if we all saw the exact same image when we looked upon it? Its place on my list could only be higher if legislators finally codified it for consistency.

South Carolina

1. Alaska

Until South Carolina standardizes our flag, this one will top it. Everything about it and its origin is beautiful. It was designed by a seventh grader whose mother died of pneumonia and whose father sent him to an orphanage. He lifted himself up and won a student contest to design the flag, saying its blue background suggests the states forget-me-not flower and wide sky; the Big Dipper, the strength of its namesake Great Bear; and the North Star, the future of the northenmost state. Its poetry in motion. It first flew in 1927 and, yes, its design is specified by state law.

Alaska

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EPA bans common pesticide, new research in kids COVID mystery and 3rd listeria outbreak death: Catch up on the week's health news here

The EPA says that the chemical DCPA impacted birth weights of children exposed to it in utero. (Getty Creative)

Hello, health and wellness readers. My name is Kaitlin, your guide to the latest news you may have missed.

Heres what the Yahoo Life team wrote about this week:

Here are three more stories you need to know about this week:

The EPA bans a widely used pesticide

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has taken emergency action to suspend the use of a pesticide over health concerns  the first time it has done so in more than 40 years. The EPA found that dimethyl tetrachloroterephthalate, also known as DCPA or Dacthal, was linked to low birth weights for babies exposed in utero, as well as brain development issues later in life, leading the EPA to call to remove it from the market immediately.

Why it matters: DCPA was first put to use in 1958 and is a common pesticide for produce like broccoli and Brussels sprouts, onions and cabbage, and is also used as a weed killer for turf grass. Farm workers who come in close contact with the chemical are at greatest risk for unhealthy exposure. Many pregnant people did not know they were exposed to a dangerous chemical, making it vital for the EPA to step in to protect future generations from the pesticide.

The EPA previously stepped in and banned DDT (dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane) in 1972 due to its harmful environmental effects and its potential risks to human health. DDT, which was widely used as an insecticide before its ban, has been linked to a range of conditions, including breast cancer, obesity, birth defects, reduced fertility and testicular cancer. Due to dumping of the chemical, it can still be found in ocean life.

Doctors learn more about a COVID mystery for kids

For some children, a COVID-19 infection leads to multi-system inflammatory syndrome, or MIS-C for short. This rare illness, which occurs in about 1 out of every 2,000 children who are affected with COVID, includes symptoms like vomiting, high fevers and heart inflammation. While most children eventually recover, MIS-C can lead to hospitalization and, in rare cases, even death.

Now, a new study published in Nature says that theres a reason why some kids develop this condition. The research found it has to do with an incorrect calculation on the part of the childs immune system. In cases of MIS-C, the system that is supposed to help your body fight infection mistakenly believes that part of the coronavirus is a protein made by the immune system itself. This means that the immune system targets itself, instead of the virus, leading to inflammation and the other symptoms.

What it means: COVID is often considered a higher risk for older people, but MIS-C shows that COVID can cause serious harm to children as well. Knowing exactly why MIS-C happens can help doctors fight it down the road.

Its also important to note that MIS-C is more common in children not vaccinated for COVID-19, and that the number of MIS-C cases also rises about four weeks after waves of COVID-19 cases hit a community. At the moment, we are currently experiencing a COVID wave across the country, so if your child is exposed and experiencing symptoms consistent with MIS-C, its important to speak to their doctor.

Third person dies after listeria outbreak

An unnamed Virginia resident became the third person to die due to a listeria outbreak linked to packaged deli meat, per a new report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In total, 43 people have been hospitalized after becoming ill due to listeria during this outbreak across 13 states.

The outbreak has been linked to Boars Head products, with a sample of Boars Head liverwurst testing positive for listeria in July. The company has recalled all of its deli products with sell-by dates between July 29 and Oct. 17, 2024.

Why it matters: Listeria is a type of bacteria found in contaminated food, and is most common in raw or undercooked meats, dairy products and ready-to-eat foods like deli meat or hot dogs. It can cause a serious infection, particularly in older adults, pregnant women and people with weakened immune systems. Symptoms include fever, muscle aches, diarrhea and vomiting.

Though only 13 states have reported illnesses, its important to note that the recalled deli meat was sold nationwide, and that there may be a delay in the reporting of illnesses from this meat. Some people may also recover at home and not realize they are affected at all.

In order to keep yourself and your family safe, its recommended to discard or return these meats to the store for a refund. As listeria bacteria can survive and even grow under cold conditions, experts recommend you thoroughly clean and sanitize your fridge after removing these products.
One-meter-tall humans? It sounds incredible, something out of a Tolkien fantasy. But two decades ago, scientists discovered an ancient species of tiny humans. The hobbit-sized hominins lived on the Indonesian island of Flores 700,000 to 60,000 years ago. Researchers always believed they were approximately 1.07 meters tall. A newly found bone suggests they may have been even smaller.

Hobbit-sized humans: big hairy feet, elf ears, and a liking for brew not included. Illustration: Lucie Schrimpf/Wikimedia Commons

The new study focuses on a tiny arm bone and some teeth found at the Mata Menge site in 2016. This lies 72km away from the cave where the original remains turned up. The arm bone is 88mm long, and the incredibly small teeth indicate a smaller jaw.

These date back 700,000 years. This suggests that the hobbits lived on the island of Flores for hundreds of thousands of years and that the earlier ancestor hobbits were even smaller than their successors.

Researchers originally thought the fragment of arm bone belonged to a child because of its size, but microscopic analysis proves it belonged to an adult. Using the size of the arm bone and teeth, as well as a few other fossils from the site, the team estimates the older hobbits were just one meter tall.

The Mata Menge arm fragment, left, is slightly smaller than that of the original Homo floresiensis remains at Liang Bua. Photo: Yousuke Kaifu

The original Homo floresiensis fossils  named after the island of Flores where they lived  date to between 60,000 and 100,000 years. At the time, scientists nicknamed them hobbits due to their small stature. Why they are so small and where they fall in human evolution is a mystery. They may have been one of the last species of early humans to go extinct.

The initial discovery 20 years ago led to several theories. Some believed they were a separate species, others that they evolved from an unknown but similarly sized predecessor. Another theory suggested they were a tribe of modern humans with stunted growth.

The most widely accepted idea is that they evolved from Homo erectus, a taller ancient human species. The new study strengthens this theory. Though larger, the Homo erectus remains from nearby Java share many similarities with the Homo floresiensis fossils.

The Homo erectus fossils on Java are between 800,000 and 1.1 million years old. If this is how they evolved, this means that Homo floresiensis experienced dramatic body size reduction from large-bodied Homo erectus, said Yousuke Kailua, lead author of the new study. Homo erectus were about as tall as modern humans.

The arm bone fragment found in 2016. Photo: Yousuke Kaifu

The little humans would have shared the island with many unusually sized species. Pygmy elephants, giant rats, and Komodo dragons would all have been present at the time they existed. Komodo dragons would have loomed as large as dinosaurs to the hobbits.

No sign of these diminutive humans has turned up anywhere else, so it seems they adapted specifically to life on Flores.

It is thought that the main reason for this size reduction over many generations is that being small has more advantages than being large on an island, said co-author Gerrit van den Bergh. Periodic shortages of food are most likely the main selective force toward smaller body size.

The trend of ancient small island species is not new. Known as island dwarfism, it has appeared across the Mediterranean and Indonesia, yielding what are essentially mini-versions of ancient mainland megafauna.

[With animals], no one has a problem with island dwarfism, but when it comes to hominins, it seems somehow more difficult to accept, Bergh told The Guardian.

Why the hobbits are no longer with us is less of a mystery. The new discovery makes it clear that they survived on the island for a considerable time. They disappeared shortly after the emergence of Homo sapiens in the area. This hardly seems a coincidence, says co-author Adam Brumm.

The post Hobbit-Sized Humans Once Thrived in Indonesia appeared first on Explorersweb.
Picking the right wine can be daunting, even for experienced wine drinkers. With so many factors to consider, even those firmly in the camp of old world or new world wines, can be paralyzed by the abundance of options. We reached out to Gabriel Corbett, Sommelier of the two Michelin-starred JONT, to see how he recommends navigating the world's oldest alcoholic beverage. Corbett's suggests looking not at the front label but the one on the back of the bottle.

America has a system that allows you to find on a wine's back label not only where it was produced but also the company that helped bring that bottle stateside. Apart from winemakers, wine importers are arguably some of the most knowledgeable people in the industry, and finding one who matches your taste can be a game changer. Through a trusted importer, you still have the freedom to choose from a selection, but with the safety of knowing you're likely to favor most of the wines within it. More importantly, the recommendations of such importers can be invaluable for discovering new wines. Here are Corbett's go-to wine importers.

Read more: 12 Ina Garten Hacks That Will Have You Throwing The Best Dinner Parties

Kermit Lynch Wine Merchant

Wine imported by Kermit Lynch Wine Merchant - supremewinebeing / Instagram

One of the most prestigious wine importers in the country, Kermit Lynch, and his company Kermit Lynch Wine Merchant (KLWM), are fixtures amongst connoisseurs of French and Italian wines. Introduced to wines at age 16, Lynch later founded a wine retail business in 1972 with just 35 cases. Even during those early days he exclusively sold wines that he imported directly from French and Italian winemakers. As his business grew from retail to wholesale and eventually to the national scale, Lynch maintained and further solidified his relationships with small, traditional French and Italian winemakers.

A proponent of natural wines that exemplify, over everything else, the region they originate in, Lynch is a firm proponent of old-world wines and the deep knowledge their winemakers hold. Realizing the importance of natural wines early on, Lynch is nevertheless skeptical of fads like sulfite-free wine, pointing out that some of the best wines exist because of the sulfur added to them.

The legendary wine importer has won two James Beard awards and has been knighted by the French government. Now retired, his company is managed by his long-time associate, with Lynch's son and son-in-law also involved in its day-to-day running. Just like the vineyards it's represented and exalted for decades, the Kermit Lynch Wine Merchant is going to continue a familial tradition of fine, personally selected wines.

Louis/Dressner Selections

French wine imported by Louis/Dressner Selections - collinwagner / Instagram

Louis/Dressner Selections imports a wide variety of wines from France, Italy, Germany, Portugal, Slovenia and Chile. While its selection is a mix of old and new world wines, the importer focuses on natural wines made from hand-picked grapes using traditional methods and no additives to boost flavor, aromas, or alcohol content. Again, this is an importer that endorses wines that channel the characteristics of the region they are grown in.

The importer's origin story sounds like the plot of a romantic film. The company's founders, Joe Dressner and Denyse Louis, met while studying journalism at NYU. They subsequently spent a summer in France's historical wine-growing region of Burgundy, where Louis hails from. Starting their wine-importing business in the late 1980s with a focus on independent French winemakers, things really took off for the company when its founders discovered and started focusing on natural wines. While the importer's portfolio has expanded significantly since then, its values of wine selection are still rooted in natural wines. Now in its second generation and growing, the founders' son Jules has joined the company and you can find wines from Louis/Dressner Selections in most states across the country.

Wilson Daniels Wholesale

Wine imported by Wilson Daniels Wholesale - taal.martin / Instagram

Wilson Daniels Wholesale deals in some of the most prestigious wine brands in the world. The company's portfolio, which specializes in family-owned wineries with multi-generational expertise, features wines from 7 countries including France, Italy, Spain, New Zealand, Chile, and Hungary. The company also sells domestic wines. With a footprint in all 50 states and close ties with over 50 high-end fine wine estates, Wilson Daniels Wholesale is a good importer to help pick out high-end wines. While bringing a bottle of wine to a dinner party can be dicey, if you really must, a bottle from this importer's selection is most likely to impress the host.

The company was founded by Jack Daniels (no, not the Tennessee whiskey-maker) and Win Wilson in 1978. Their objective from the start has been to pinpoint exceptional wines from the world's major wine-producing regions. The wines should exemplify their region's attributes, while also being from prestigious vineyards. Both Daniels and Wilson have been named in the list of the 10 most influential people in the wine business and also received honors from the French government.

Becky Wasserman & Co.

The late Becky Wasserman and her husband in a Burgundy vineyard - Gene Shaw/Getty Images

This importer is deeply entrenched in French wine country. The company's founder and namesake, the late Becky Wasserman-Hone, had already spent over a decade living in Burgundy before she founded Becky Wasserman & Co. in 1979. The importer's offices are fittingly located in the heritage town of Beaune in Burgundy. Wasserman is credited with introducing Americans to a variety of iconic wines from the region and her company's portfolio encompasses established as well as up-and-coming winemakers. Having seen the wine industry's landscape evolve over decades, Wasserman herself was a trove of wine knowledge and responsible for bringing many small Burgundy winemakers to the attention of connoisseurs around the world.

Becky Wasserman & Co. doesn't have specific criteria for selecting wines except for what the company's team considers to be good wine (their motto is "If we won't drink it, we won't sell it"). Wasserman herself believed that despite the wine's exalted luxury status, a good Burgundy is available at any price point.

Choose Trusty Importers Over Wine Ratings And Brand Loyalty

Sommeliers tasting wines in a cellar - CandyRetriever/Shutterstock

The old world trio of wine producers  France, Italy, and Spain,  also happen to be the world's largest wine producers. Rating systems like the French AOC system, the Italian DOC/G, and the Spanish DO/Ca attempt to classify wines by quality. However, it can take a lifetime to understand the nuances of wine produced in these countries (or, for that matter, those produced even in a single region within any of them). Limiting yourself to a particular vineyard or label is also not advisable if you're interested in exploring and understanding wines. And this is before you begin to consider all the other countries that produce exceptional vintages as well.

With wines, it comes down to a human connection and the feel that a particular importer has for wines. You put your trust as much in the importer's knowledge as in their taste in wines. The importers that Corbett trusts have forged their own connection with wine and the regions where they are produced. Each of them pays particular attention to a wine's terroir or "sense of space," ensuring that when you take a sip, you experience the complexities and nuances characteristic of the region the wine hails from.

Read the original article on Foodie.
Here's a fact: Vaccines save lives. According to the World Health Organization, 154 million deaths have been prevented globally over the past 50 years thanks to vaccines. Thats the equivalent of saving six lives, most of them infants, every minute of every year. In the United States, a new Centers for Disease Control analysis found that a three-decade-long effort to mobilize families to get vaccines will prevent 1.13 million deaths, 32 million hospitalizations and 508 million illnesses.

Vaccines have been one of our best preventive health measures that we have, Dr. Pedro Piedra, professor of molecular virology at Baylor College of Medicine, tells Yahoo Life. They have done so well that many of the diseases that we worried about decades ago are no longer circulating or circulating at very low levels.

He adds: So what vaccines have been able to do is really allow us to live longer. People may not realize that. That has been one of the major benefits beside keeping us healthier.

Yet vaccine misinformation has grown enough to be deemed a public health threat because it keeps people from getting the shots they need to prevent diseases from spreading. Here are five important things to know about vaccines.

Vaccines protect against severe illness and death

Vaccines help your immune system fight off infections more effectively. Some vaccines prevent diseases from ever occurring  think measles, polio and whooping cough  while others make the illness less severe. It mainly comes down to whether a virus is stable, i.e. predictable, or mutates a lot.

Thats why for certain diseases, people who are vaccinated can still get infected. Some vaccines, such as those for HPV (human papillomavirus), for example, which protect against certain cancers, are close to 100% effective. HPV is a relatively stable virus, unlike SARSCoV2, which is the virus that causes COVID. SARSCoV2 mutates rapidly, even more so than the flu, which changes every year  making it harder to have effectiveness rates that high. Thats also why influenza and now COVID vaccines need to be updated each year.

But theyre still considered highly effective vaccines. According to the CDC, people who got the updated COVID-19 vaccine were 54% less likely to get COVID-19 during the four-month period from mid-September 2023 to January 2024. Flu vaccines are similarly effective: They reduce the risk of having to go to the doctor with flu by 40% to 60%. While those numbers might be lower than you might expect, immunologist Andrea Love explained in an Instagram post that even a vaccine that is 50% effective at preventing symptomatic illness is more protection than if you had no protection.

Dr. Dean Winslow, professor of infectious diseases at Stanford University School of Medicine, who is encouraging people to get the updated COVID and flu vaccines this fall, agrees. When it comes to COVID and flu vaccines, theyre doing exactly what theyre supposed to do: They are effective in preventing serious infection, hospitalization and death, Winslow says.

You can safely get more than one vaccine at a time

Getting multiple vaccines at once  whether its childhood immunizations or an adult getting their COVID and influenza shots at the same time  is safe, according to the CDC. There is no real scientific evidence that getting several vaccines at the same time is harmful, says Winslow, except for possibly a sore arm and a low-grade fever. If youre going to have a little bit of symptoms, you might as well get it over with at once, he adds.

Greg Marks, pharmacy program coordinator for antimicrobial stewardship at Cedars-Sinai, explains that the immunization schedules for children and adolescents are recommendations developed by experts who have researched and looked at the data out there and who know these vaccines more than anybody else. There are studies on different combinations of vaccines and no evidence that giving vaccines together as the schedule recommends is associated with any real additional harm  that overloading of the immune system.

He adds that separating out vaccines can mean having to make more appointments to get them, along with more time that youll need to take off from work. And more time youre potentially exposed too, he tells Yahoo Life.

Piedra agrees: You want to protect them as early as you can. If you start making up your own regimen the only person that its helping is the parent  its not helping the child.

Vaccines do not cause autism

An overwhelming amount of research shows there is no link between vaccines and autism spectrum disorder. The controversy started with a debunked 1998 paper in the Lancet, which only had 12 study participants and suggested a link between autism and the MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) vaccine. The paper, which was retracted in 2010, was written by Andrew Wakefield, who lost his license for making up data, notes Winslow. But the harm was done, leaving some parents reluctant to immunize their children.

According to the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine: Over the past two decades, many scientists have done rigorous studies to find out if any aspect of vaccines could cause autism, looking at both vaccine ingredients and getting multiple vaccines in a short time frame and concluded that none of these studies show any links between vaccines and autism.

Ingredients in vaccines are safe

The Food and Drug Administration is responsible for making sure vaccines are both safe and effective. Vaccines are one of the safest products that we have, says Winslow. They have to be safe because they're given to millions upon millions of individuals and many are given to very young children. So the FDA is very rigorous in their approach for licensure to ensure the vaccines are safe for the intended population.

One concern that some people have about vaccines is mercury, which has been one of the most widely used vaccine preservatives. In 2001, however, it was removed from or reduced in all vaccines routinely recommended for children age 6 and under. The tiny amount of mercury as a preservative in some vaccines has been removed from just about all vaccines, but even the amount is less than youd be exposed to if you ate seafood every day, says Winslow. To put it in perspective, the small amount of mercury still in a minority of vaccines is roughly the same amount youd find in a 3-ounce can of tuna fish, according to the FDA.

Piedra explains that there are also different types of mercury. The one found in some vaccines is thimerosal, which he says is a safer mercury than that which is found, say, in things we eat. Its different in how it is metabolized. More specifically, thimerosal is easily cleared from the body so it doesnt build up to harmful levels, according to the CDC.

It's important to note that some vaccines contain ingredients that people may be allergic to. For example, influenza and yellow fever vaccines are both made in eggs, which means these vaccines contain egg proteins. Although the CDC recommends talking with your doctor before getting the flu shot, the organization states that severe allergic reactions in people with egg allergies are considered rare and still recommends getting the shots as needed.

Getting vaccinated protects your health  and others

Vaccines not only protect you from getting sick, but they also safeguard others in your household and community. Peidra explains that, with infectious diseases, if the majority of people are vaccinated, it prevents large outbreaks from occurring. It also protects those who cant be vaccinated against certain diseases. This is the concept behind herd immunity, says Marks.

This is an important concept because there are people who are immunocompromised who can be vaccinated but their response might be reduced, so having that herd immunity is very important for people with these conditions, he says. Marks says that newborns, for example, cant be vaccinated until a certain age, along with people who have allergies to certain components in vaccines.

However, Winslow says that with COVID, we may never reach herd immunity because of how rapidly the virus mutates. But regarding the COVID vaccine, Even if it doesn't 100% reduce your own risk of infection, youre still doing this not only for yourself but for other people. For me, its being a good citizen.
Norton family on vacation finds message in a bottle on Tampa-area beach

While on a trip to a beach near Tampa on Monday, Aug. 5, 2024, the Cool family of Norton found a message in a bottle.

When Norton residents Rachael and Ronnie Cool and their three children arrived in the Tampa area on Sunday, Tropical Storm Debby was there to greet them.

It wasn't until the next day that the clan of five could get outside to experience the beach near Treasure Island on Florida's Gulf Coast.

They were on a hunt for sea shells, Rachael Cool said in a phone interview this week.

They found shells  and a starfish, octopus, and a baby turtle they helped back into the ocean.

But they also found a message in a bottle.

The keen eye of Ella Cool spotted bottle at Tampa-area beach

In a modern twist to the story, it was tucked inside a Propel water bottle.

During a trip to Tampa, the Cool family of Norton, Ohio, found this message in a bottle on Monday, Aug. 5, 2024.

"My daughter noticed a bottle ... and I noticed there was a letter and my husband ran and grabbed it," she said.

While the Cools collected shells and helped a baby turtle back into the Gulf waters, they held on to the bottle, spotted by 8-year-old Ella.

"We waited to get back to the condo to open it," Rachael Cool said.

Once there, the family, including Ella and her 5-year-old twin siblings Ryleigh and Greyson, gathered round to find out just what they had discovered in a plastic water bottle.

"My kids were very excited to open the message and have their dad read it," Cool said.

From Dallas to Tampa to New Jersey

Ronnie Cool, who owns MC Tree, a tree-trimming and removal service in Norton, read the note aloud.

Turns out it had been bobbing around for nine years.

The message was written by a then 16-year-old girl on April 15, 2015.

In it, she tells a bit of her personal history: She was born in Dallas, Texas, and moved to Tampa for 13 years before relocating to New Jersey.

"Why would anyone move from Florida to New Jersey?" she wrote in the note.

The writer ends with an apology: "Sorry I didn't leave any money. Treasure this note."

'It was pretty cool'

Rachael Cool, a local bank branch manager, posted about the message on Facebook right after the beach trip.

"A lot of people have said, 'Oh my gosh, thats interesting to find,' " she said. "A couple people (are) looking to see if they can find the girl."

A New Jersey woman who meets some of the details in the letter did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Rachael Cool said about 15 family members are gathering in the Tampa area for the vacation, hoping the storm clears for good.

She was a little surprised that the bottle preserved its contents so well.

"It was pretty cool that we were able to read it," she said.

Leave a message for Alan Ashworth at 330-996-3859 or email him at aashworth@gannett.com. Follow him on Twitter at @newsalanbeaconj or Facebook at www.facebook.com/alan.newsman.

This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Norton family finds message in bottle on vacation in Tampa
When you want the scoop on new developments at McDonald's, Mike Haracz is the person to ask. Having previously served as the chain's manager of culinary innovation, Haracz often shares insights regarding McDonald's on social media. His latest revelations were featured in a TikTok post, where Haracz disclosed that the restaurant's CEO shared a video claiming that the chicken Big Mac would be returning to menus "at some point."

This Big Mac variant made its American debut in 2022. Before that, the sandwich was available in locations outside of the U.S., including the U.K. and Australia. In multiple instances, the chicken Big Mac was only available in select test markets or offered on a limited-edition basis. Whether this suggests the sandwich lacks staying power is unclear. However, some of the chain's poultry-based offerings have left something to be desired. (For instance, some folks might feel the McDonald's McChicken Biscuit isn't the best sandwich because of how dry it can be.) Haracz expresses a less-than-stellar sentiment about the chicken Big Mac his video, stating, "It is not my favorite." He also speculated that the chain could use a lower-cost chicken patty to keep prices commensurate with the original Big Mac.

Read more: The Ultimate Ranking Of American Fast Food Restaurants

McDonald's CEO Confirms Re-Introduction Of The Chicken Big Mac

McDonald's storefront - M. Suhail/Getty Images

McDonald's CEO Chris Kempczinski not only confirmed the return of the chicken Big Mac in a TikTok video, but he also tried to sell followers on its beefy counterpart. Kempczinski performed a side-by-side comparison of the original and chicken versions. It seems that the only real difference between the Big Mac recipes is the meat, but it's a significant one.

Kempczinski described the chicken Big Mac as "really good" and had ample praise for the crunchy patties, noting that they offer a texture that the beef burgers lack. The CEO suggested buying both burgers rather than picking one over the other. However, that could be a pricey proposition. While there's currently no word on how much the new menu item will cost, it could be a concern for many fast-food fans frustrated by ever increasing prices. If you consider that a FinanceBuzz study found that the McDonald's McChicken is 200% more expensive than it was a decade ago, it seems highly possible that the new chicken Big Mac will come with a side of sticker shock.

Read the original article on The Daily Meal.
Who doesnt love a beach town? I love them so much that I left New York City to pursue a life and career of chasing the best beach towns all over the world. And while Ive found beach towns to love all over Thailand, the Philippines, Colombia, and beyond, my first love beach towns are in Mexico. Sadly, many of my favorites have fallen victim to the plagues of over-tourism: crowds, pollution, and rising prices. So where do I go when I want to ditch the crowds, post up in a hammock, and sip a 25-peso beer? Heres my list of the best affordable beach towns in Mexico.

1. San Pancho, Nayarit

Everett Atlas via Getty Images

Everyone knows Sayulita. Everyone. Between you and me, Im over Sayulita. The crowds, the prices, the garbage. And its principal beach is a bit of a let-down. Allow me to introduce you to San Pancho, short for San Francisco. Just a few minutes up the coast from Sayulita, San Pancho is often described as what Sayulita used to be 15 years ago. It has a rising foodie and art gallery scene, but things still shut down relatively early here, and you wont find an overwhelming amount of bars or hotels. The beach in San Pancho is even more beautiful than in Sayulita and much larger, too.

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How to Get There: Fly into Puerto Vallarta (PVR) and drive or take a taxi/Uber about an hour north.

2. Zipolite/San Agustinillo, Oaxaca

Charles Harker via Getty Images

For many years, Puerto Escondido had a special hold on my heart. It still does. But word of Puerto Escondido has spread like wildfire and its now one of the trendiest and most expensive beach destinations in Mexico. Instead of Puerto Escondido, I turn to beach towns further south, like Zipolite and San Agustinillo. These sleepy little towns have a small but growing scene of funky barefoot beach bars, boutique hotels, and locally owned restaurants. I love Zipolite for its creative crowd  its believed to be one of the rare energy vortexes on the planet, which means it attracts spiritualists, hippies, and the perpetually off-beat.

How to Get There: Fly into Puerto Escondido (PXM) and drive or take a taxi an hour south. Or fly into Huatulco (HUX) and drive or take a taxi an hour north.

3. Bacalar, Quintana Roo

Mardoz via Getty Images

Bacalar is far from an under-the-radar destination these days. But its still a pretty far cry from Cancun, Playa del Carmen, and Tulum. Perched on a spectacular freshwater lake (Laguna Bacalar), Bacalar is a wonderfully charming, quiet village with sandy streets, low-key boutique hotels, and great, local restaurants  many perched over the lake itself. The new airport in Tulum is going to make Bacalar much more accessible than it is right now, so my tip is to go as soon as you can.

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How to Get There: Fly into Cancun (CUN) and drive five hours south. Or fly into Tulum (TQO) and drive two and a half hours. Or fly into Chetumal (CTM) and drive for 30 minutes.

4. Lo de Marcos, Nayarit

David Leduc via Getty Images

With a little time, youll soon learn that Nayarit is a treasure trove of under-the-radar beach towns, especially if you go north of Sayulita. Next up the coast from San Pancho is the town of Lo de Marcos. I love this town for its beautiful, broad, golden-hued beach and lack of big hotels. The streets of the town are in a small grid, with the east-west streets all running to the beach. There are a handful of small restaurants and cantinas, but the real treat about Lo de Marcos is how quiet and naturally beautiful it is.

How to Get There: Fly into Puerto Vallarta (PVR) and drive or take a taxi for about an hour and a half.

5. Mahahual, Quintana Roo

Sophie Dover via Getty Images

About as far south as you can go in Quintana Roo before you cross over into Belize, thats where youll find Mahahual. This ribbon of sun-bleached, powder-soft sand is surrounded by mangrove jungle and blessed with some of the most spectacularly blue water youll find anywhere. There isnt much in Mahahual except for a modest strip of beach restaurants and bars. (There is a small cruise port, but very few cruises come.) Its the end of the road in Mahahual, the Mexican Caribbean, and you genuinely feel like that when you get there.

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How to Get There: Fly into Cancun (CUN) and drive five hours south. Or fly into Tulum (TQO) and drive two and a half hours. Or fly into Chetumal (CTM) and drive for two hours.

6. Loreto, Baja California Sur

Charles Harker via Getty Images

I have no idea why Loreto is not more popular. It has an airport with seasonal direct flights from Los Angeles, Dallas, and Phoenix. Beyond that, its spectacularly beautiful, facing the Sea of Cortez and backed by towering mountains that protect it like a forcefield. Its a gateway for divers and snorkelers who want to explore the richness of wildlife in the Sea of Cortez, and the water is calm enough to enjoy stand-up paddle boarding and kayaking. Youll find great seafood restaurants in town, including a seafood truck that I highly recommend.

How to Get There: Fly into Loreto (LTO). Or fly into Los Cabos (SJD) and drive for six hours.

7. Mazatlan, Sinaloa

Kirk Fisher via Getty Images

Talk about one of the best destinations in all of Mexico. Mazatlan is one of my favorite places in the country. Far from an under-the-radar destination, Mazatlan is one of Mexicos best beach cities, but it does not receive the attention it deserves. For the most part, its frequented by Canadian snowbirds or Mexican travelers, which has helped keep the cost of living a lot lower than other beach towns. But travelers are spoiled in Mazatlan when it comes to beautiful beaches, a gorgeous Centro Historico, beachfront restaurants, and crazy nightlife.

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How to Get There: Fly into Mazatlan (MZT).

8. Mulege, Baja California Sur

Cavan Images via Getty Images

What I love most about Mulege is the color palette. The lushest, greenest jungle greens flow down to the spectacular, eye-popping turquoise of the sea. Thick groves of bushy palm trees carpet this oasis town, which has popped up alongside a river in the middle of the Baja peninsula desert. A true oasis, Mulege is as tropical as it gets and is a popular stop for road-tripping travelers along the Baja peninsula. Its river flows into Bahia Concepcion, one of the most gorgeous bays within the already-mesmerizing Sea of Cortez. Fingernail flecks of white sand beaches hide around every cove, and youll find plenty of RVs parked at sandy camping strips for those who have come to Mulege to disappear off the radar.

How to Get There: Fly into Loreto (LTO) and drive an hour and a half.
As someone in their mid-30s, my birthday typically consists of coming home from work to a beautiful boutique of flowers from my husband, followed by a nice dinner on the weekend.

This year, I decided to do something a little bit different.

Toyota Tacoma and Uproxx Studios are hosting an event called the 10-Mile Challenge. The gist of the challenge is to explore a new city, town, or even neighborhood within ten miles of you.

Its about discovering whats waiting to be explored right in your backyard, as travel doesnt have to be about expensive, faraway places.

A Birthday Trip to Pungo, Virginia Beach

I grew up and spent most of my life in Virginia Beach, Virginia. One area of the city I did not have the opportunity to get to know well was Pungo. Its a rural community in the Southern part of the city, mostly made up of farmland.

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Surprisingly, there are fun adventures to be had in Pungo! Heres how we spent my thirty-seventh birthday.

Back Bay Kayak Tour with Surf & Adventure Co.

Alexandrea Sumuel Groves

For our outdoor adventure, we decided to kayak Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge. We booked a lunch tour through Surf & Adventure Co. Ocean Rentals. The tour was from 10 AM to 12 PM and included a bagged lunch once we returned.

Alexandrea Sumuel Groves

Our tour guide, Gavin, did a wonderful job. We wandered through narrow canals surrounded by lush greenery on a cloudy, breezy day. Along our tour, we chatted about the plants and wildlife that thrive in the environment. Much to my surprise, we spotted a water moccasin, a copperhead snake, and a beautiful great white egret.

Our tour lasted around two hours, and our club sandwiches and handmade chips were courtesy of Back Bay Gourmet. Needless to say, it was a great start to our day.

Birthday Sundae at Pungo Pizza and Ice Cream

Alexandrea Sumuel Groves

Next, I decided to compliment our lunch with a sweet treat. It was a hot and humid day, so I thought ice cream would be a great option! We decided to go to Pungo Pizza and Ice Cream.

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Pungo Pizza and Ice Cream was a great choice. It was a family-friendly atmosphere, with yummy pizza options, ice cream, and even an arcade!

Our ice cream Sundae was delicious, and we decided to order a pie and the garlic knots to take home with us.

Visiting the Military Aviation Museum

Alexandrea Sumuel Groves

Virginia Beach is not just a vacation destination; its also a military town. My grandfather, father, two sisters, and cousins they have all served in the military and have been stationed in the Hampton Roads area of the state.

The Military Aviation Museum showcases aircraft of different eras and is the world's largest private collection of warbirds that are still in flying condition. This summer, they are doing weekly flying demonstrations. They also host other types of events, so be sure to check out their calendar.

Alexandrea Sumuel Groves

Another unique aspect of this museum you can take a ride in a vintage ware plane!

Dinner at Blue Petes Restuarant

For dinner, we decided to check out Blue Petes Restaurant. Its a seafood restaurant on a creek and offers kayaking tours during the week right off its dock! The tour operator is also Surf & Adventure Co.

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We indulged. As an appetizer, we tried the crabby fries. I had the scallops with green beans and broccoli. My husband and friends also raved about the dishes and drinks.

There was indoor and outdoor seating. They sometimes host live bands.

It was an all-around good time.

Where Will 10 Miles Take You?

I had an unexpectedly wonderful time combining this challenge with my birthday. Pungo has so much to offer. They have strawberry festivals in the Spring, you can visit farms and pick fresh produce.

There are also some hidden gem crab houses and restaurants. For example, I absolutely recommend the Bee and Biscuit if youre looking for the perfect brunch spot.

Now that youve read about my experience, I CHALLENGE YOU! Tag @UproxxLife and #10MileChallenge on Instagram to be featured!
SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4)  After the riddle for the 2024 Utah Treasure Hunt was released this June, adventurers flocked to Utahs mountains, putting their theories to the test in search of the $25,000 reward.

Its been nearly two months since the riddle was released, and finally, the treasure has been found.

Utah Treasure Hunt returns with chance to win $25,000

In an Instagram story by David Cline, one of the organizers behind the hunt, he posted a picture of this years winners and wrote:

Treasure chest has been found! Damon and his son found it searching tonight. John is at Lagoon and Im getting my kids in bed. By the time we get down there, it will be dark. So were planning on meeting him tomorrow morning.

Cline confirmed with ABC4 it was found in Grove Creek in Pleasant Grove.

Each year, organizers Cline and John Maxim said they like to make the hunt a little different. This years twist was that, for the first time, the poem was in another language  Spanish.

A lot of the movies and stuff that we came up with like The Goonies, for example, the treasure map is all in Spanish  so its not that weird for us to be like, Hey, this time the treasure is in Spanish, Maxim told ABC4.com.

Organizers said they like to change aspects of the hunt each time, and after receiving messages each year to release a poem in Spanish, they were excited to finally put one together.

The Utah Treasure Hunt has been an annual summer event since 2020, when Cline and Maxim said they wanted to find an activity people could safely do during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC4 Utah.
BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET)  The Kern County Probation Department arrested one man after searching an Oildale residence in July.

On July 30, probation officers arrested Robert Porter after conducting a house search in the 200 block of Francis Street and uncovering five guns and suspected methamphetamine. Three of the guns were rifles, two were shotguns and officers said one of the shotguns was allegedly stolen.

Camp Okihi to hold Tree Fundraiser to fulfill 5-year, 13.7 acre restoration project

Porter was arrested for possession of a firearm by a felon, possession of stolen property and other drug related offenses.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KGET 17.
1 in custody after hourslong standoff on Ohio interstate; 1 officer hurt

A suspect is in police custody after an hourslong standoff on an Ohio interstate on Saturday, our media partners WBNS-10 TV reported.

>> Susan Wojcicki, former YouTube CEO and longtime Google executive, has died at 56

An initial crash was reported on I-70 westbound, over State Route 315, around 9:15 a.m., according to the Columbus Division of Police.

Columbus Police Sergeant James Fuqua told WBNS-10 that the driver of a work truck refused to get out after the crash.

The driver is accused of throwing construction tools at officers when they arrived on scene.

One officer was injured and was treated on scene. Fuqua said they would be okay.

Traffic was redirected from the scene as police negotiators responded to talk with the driver.

>> New splash pad opens in Miami County park

Police took the suspect into custody around 1:45 p.m., WBNS-10 reported.

They will be charged with felony assault on a police officer and additional charges may be added later, according to Fuqua.

The identity of the driver was not immediately available.

Two people involved in the initial crash were hospitalized with minor injuries, Columbus Division of Fire Battalion Chief Steve Martin said.

The interstate was closed for several hours but has since re-opened, WBNS-10 reported.
An 80-year-old man died and a child was hurt in a shooting in Salisbury early Saturday morning, police said.

Crews arrived at a home on Rowan Mill Road around 5:30 a.m. where there were reports of shots fired. Police the victim, 80-year-old Charles William, died at the scene.

ALSO READ: Arrests made after 1 killed, 3 others hurt in robbery-turned-shooting

Police later found out a child arrived at a nearby hospital with gunshot wounds related to the original shooting. The child was transferred to another hospital and is currently in critical condition at a local ICU.

No one has been arrested but police said this was not a random shooting.

Anyone who has information on the shooting is asked to call police.

(WATCH BELOW: Police investigate after 4 shot in south Charlotte)
EL PASO, Texas (KTSM)  Twelve Army sergeants major from Fort Bliss are being recognized by Penn State University this weekend, Aug. 9-10.

The sergeants major are graduating with masters degrees in education that they earned online through Penn State over the past year.

They received red, white and blue military honor cords during a ceremony on Friday, Aug. 9 on Penn States main campus in State College, Pennsylvania. The cords can be worn at the universitys official commencement ceremony for graduate students on Saturday, Aug. 10.

The sergeants major are part of the Sergeants Major Academy Fellowship program with Penn States online institution, Penn State World Campus. The fellowship provides scholarships through the Army for the sergeants major to complete a masters degree in lifelong learning and adult education in one year. The courses are taught by the faculty from the College of Education at Penn State.

After graduation, the sergeants major will teach the Sergeants Major Course at Fort Bliss. It prepares the militarys next generation of leaders with skills they need on and off the battlefield.

Sgt. Maj. Daniel Venton is one of those being recognized.

I thought it was amazing that a university well respected and well known and large as Penn State was working with the Army to help sergeants major get a degree from this university, Venton said. A masters degree from Penn State is no small feat. It was a lot of hard work.

More than 100 sergeants major have graduated from Penn State through the Sergeants Major Academy Fellowship program since it started in 2015.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTSM 9 News.
PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI)  Local leaders gathered in Providence to assemble 15,000 backpacks for students for the upcoming school year.

Lt. Gov. Sabina Matos, Providence Mayor Brett Smiley, Doris De Los Santos, Board Vice-Chair of Back to School Celebration of RI, along with other members of the community helped put together the backpacks.

More than 80,000 school supply items will also be distributed to students in in the community.

This is the 25th anniversary of the Back to School Celebration of RI, which was held at Sodexo Warehouse in Providence.

WPRI News is a proud sponsor of this event.

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Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WPRI.com.
19-year-old woman sexually assaulted on Upper East Side, just steps from Gracie Mansion: cops

19-year-old woman sexually assaulted on Upper East Side, just steps from Gracie Mansion: cops

A 19-year-old woman was sexually assaulted just steps from Gracie Mansion, leaving her bloodied and screaming for help, police said.

The disturbing attack occurred around 1:20 a.m. Saturday in the vicinity of East 90th Street and East End Avenue, about a block from the mayors official residence.

An alert doorman rushed to the womans aide after hearing her cries for help, and is credited with spooking the predator  who had lurked up behind her and shoved her to the ground before assaulting her, police said.

An alert doorman who rushed to the womans aide after hearing her blood-curdling screams is credited with spooking the predator and preventing further harm. G.N.Miller/NYPost

The disturbing attack occurred around 1:20 a.m. Saturday in the vicinity of East 90th Street and East End Avenue, a block from Gracie Mansion, authorities said. G.N.Miller/NYPost

This young lady was on the floor frantically crying, blood on her shirt and nose, the doorman, Hector Mateo, recalled.

The thug took off westbound on East 90th Street. The victim went to New York Presbyterian Cornell Medical Center in stable condition, police said. There have been no arrests.

The hero doorman told The Post he heard someone screaming, grabbed his flashlight and went down the block to investigate.

He then spotted the suspect running towards York Avenue.

Hey, what are you doing? Mateo shouted.

Police said the suspect is about 6-feet-tall and was wearing a gray sweatshirt with white stripes and dark colored jeans. G.N.Miller/NYPost

The good Samaritan doorman who helped the victim early Saturday. G.N.Miller/NYPost

The pervert kept on running. The good Samaritan then turned his attention to the assault victim.

Mateo  who stayed with the victim until police arrived  said he has a 20-year-old daughter and his instincts as a father kicked in. I just wanted to help.

Mateo, who doesnt usually work nights, said his wife told him, That was really God putting me on the right spot to help somebody else.

Officers responding to 911 calls for help encountered the shaken victim who told them an unknown male approached her from behind, the NYPD said. G.N.Miller/NYPost

Hours after the attack other neighborhood doormen said they were warning residents to be careful, especially at night.

This area is very desolate when it gets late, said one, adding, I hope she [the victim] is going to be okay.

Police said the suspect is about 6-feet-tall and was wearing a gray sweatshirt with white stripes and dark colored jeans. The NYPD would not say whether the victim was a passerby or neighborhood resident.

The crime scene is just one block away from Gracie Mansion G.N.Miller/NYPost

City Hall did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The shocking assault comes less than three weeks after a retired probation officer fatally shot her former daughter-in-law, then herself, also near Gracie Mansion.

On July 26, Kathleen Leigh, 65  a terminally ill, retired probation cop from Chicago  fatally shot Marissa Galloway, 45, twice before turning the gun on herself on East 88th Street around 9 a.m.

Anyone with information on the Upper East Side assault is asked to call the NYPDs Crime Stoppers Hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477) or for Spanish, 1-888-57-PISTA (74782).

The public can also submit their tips by logging onto the Crime Stoppers website at https://crimestoppers.nypdonline.org/, or on X @NYPDTips.
FRESNO, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE)  Two men from Sinaloa, Mexico, were arrested for allegedly carrying about 33 pounds of Fentanyl -a quantity that could kill about 7.5 million people, the Fresno County Sheriffs Office said.

Sheriffs officials say they made a traffic violation stop on a vehicle traveling along Interstate 5 in Fresno County. As detectives were speaking to the men in the vehicle, K-9 Gere picked up a scent of narcotics, alerting detectives.

Detectives say a search of the vehicle revealed several packages containing 33 pounds of powdered Fentanyl which, deputies say, when cut down into smaller usage amounts, this quantity of Fentanyl has the potential to kill 7.5 million people.

As a result, the Sheriffs Office says 21-year-old Manuel Gonzalez Lopez and 32-year-old Mario Andujo Hernandez, both of Sinaloa, Mexico, were arrested and booked into the Fresno County Sheriffs Office under suspicion of possession of narcotics for sale.

Manuel Gonzalez Lopez.

Mario Andujo Hernandez.

Deputies say the total street value of the Fentanyl was estimated to be $250,000. It was seized for evidence and destruction.

The Sheriffs Office encourages anyone with information regarding any type of illegal drug activity to report it anonymously by calling the Narcotics Hotline at 1-800-660-1086 or emailing drugtip@fresnosheriff.org.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to YourCentralValley.com | KSEE24 and CBS47.
WARREN TWP., Ohio (WKBN)  Two Warren Township Police officers, both of whom have only been with the department since December, are on paid administrative leave pending the outcome of an internal investigation.

It all stems from what happened at Doria Johnsons home in Warren on Saturday night.

Somethings just got to be done. Cops gotta do stuff in the right way, Johnson said.

According to a police report, after responding to a domestic-related call in the township, the townships officers  assisted by two Warren Police officers  went to Johnsons home on Martin Street SW to look for her son.

She advised that the officers went into her residence without a warrant, said Warren Township Police Chief Benjamin Harrell.

Johnson says her son didnt live there and the officers shouldnt have gone inside.

She arrived as the officers were leaving her house but says they searched it, guns drawn, while her 16-year-old daughter was upstairs watching her two young grandchildren.

My rights were violated. My Fourth Amendment was violated because I think they all should be off the force because if they doing it to me, they going to do it to somebody else, Johnson said. Cops gotta learn to realize that yall doing this, this is why people dont trust the police now because of the stuff they do.

Harrell says he takes Johnsons complaint seriously.

Weve got to keep the integrity of this department high, he said.

As for the Warren Police officers who assisted, Warren Police Chief Eric Merkel says the department is looking into their involvement.

First News has submitted a public records request for police body camera of this incident. At this point, we havent received it yet.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKBN.com.
25-year-old Clovis man IDd by coroner after he was struck by vehicle in Fresno County

The Fresno County Coroners Office identified a 25-year-old man who was struck and killed by a vehicle.

Kaiden Bailey of Clovis was killed July 31 when a Toyota Sienna minivan was going southbound Fowler Avenue, south of Perrin Road at 45 miles per hour. Bailey was standing in the southbound lane, near the middle of the roadway, the California Highway Patrol said.

A vehicle stopped in the northbound lane, next to Bailey. As the Toyota passed by the stopped vehicle, the left front corner of the Toyota collided with Bailey.

The impact caused Bailey to go airborne in a southerly direction, CHP said.

Bailey was pronounced dead at the scene.

The driver remained on scene.

Alcohol or drugs dont appear to be a factor in the collision.

The collision came days before another fatal happened in the same area.

Buchanan High student Sandro Lazo, 16, of Clovis was on his bicycle traveling west on Perrin. As he approached the stop sign, he made a southbound turn onto Fowler directly in front of an oncoming vehicle that did not have a stop sign and struck Lazo.

Lazo, who was wearing a helmet, died at the hospital.
28 Ukrainian officials who embezzled over US$36.45 million allocated for defence needs are exposed

The Prosecutor General's Office, together with the State Bureau of Investigation, Security Service of Ukraine, National Police of Ukraine, Strategic Investigations Department and Economic Security Bureau of Ukraine, have conducted a special operation to expose the organisers and participants of criminal schemes to embezzle budget funds allocated for Ukraine's defence.

Source: Prosecutor General's Office

Details: The total amount of losses to the state is over UAH 1.5 billion (approx. US$36.45 million) based on the report.

Following the investigation, the embezzlement involved employees of the Ministry of Defence, military units, enlistment offices, regional military administrations and city councils, and directors of businesses in many oblasts of Ukraine.

28 people, including nine members of organised criminal groups, were served with the notice of suspicion as a result of the investigation.

The suspects include the head of a department of the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine, the head of the enlistment office in Donetsk Oblast, more than seven employees of military units in Donetsk, Odesa, Dnipro, Kyiv and Cherkasy oblasts, five employees of city councils in Poltava and Dnipro oblasts, and representatives of commercial structures.

The suspects are charged with embezzlement and misappropriation of budget funds during the procurement of goods at inflated prices and overstatement of the cost of works, improper performance of duties, negligence in accepting low-quality uniforms for the Armed Forces of Ukraine, and forgery and use of forged documents.

"One of the suspects, the head of the Defence Ministry's Main Directorate, is charged with obstructing the lawful activities of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and other military formations. Knowing about a state contract, he entered into an additional agreement and unjustifiably transferred state funds to the company," the Prosecutor General's Office said.

Law enforcement officers conducted more than 65 searches in institutions and organisations throughout Ukraine (western, central, southern and eastern oblasts).

This is the second large-scale special operation by law enforcement officers to expose the organisers and participants in criminal schemes to embezzle budget funds allocated to meet the needs of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

Earlier, 30 people were served notices of suspicion, more than 70 searches were conducted, and the total damage to the state was over UAH 138 million (approx. US$3.35 million).

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CHICAGO  Chicago police are searching for three people in connection with a double-homicide that happened in Albany Park on May 24, 2024.

Police said the incident happened at 11:20 p.m. in the 4700 block of North Troy Street. Three suspects reported got out of a vehicle and shot and killed two men.

The victims have since been identified as 20-year-old Victor Rodriguez and 21-year-old Jaime Serrano.

According to investigators, the suspects fled the scene and stopped at a gas station to make a purchase.

The suspects are described as three Hispanic males. The first is about 6 feet tall with a small build, wearing a brown hooded sweatshirt and black pants.

Horrible, senseless loss: Hundreds gather to honor slain Deputy Wordlaw

The second suspect is about 59 to 511 with a small build, wearing all black clothing.

The third suspect is about six feet tall with a small build, wearing a black hooded sweatshirt and blue jeans.

A reward of $20,000 is being offered for the arrest and conviction of those responsible.

Anyone with information is asked to call Area Five Detectives a 312-746-6614 or leave an anonymous tip by clicking here.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WGN-TV.
An inmate has died after being found unresponsive at Tallahassee's low security Federal Correctional Institution.

After Shauna Maryann Boselli was found unresponsive, "responding employees initiated life-saving measures," according to a news release from the Federal Bureau of Prisons.

"Emergency medical services (EMS) were requested and life-saving efforts continued," the news release said. "Ms. Boselli was transported by EMS to a local hospital and subsequently pronounced deceased by hospital personnel."

The release did not specify any cause of death, rather noting that "no employees or other incarcerated individuals were injured and at no time was the public in danger."

The Democrat has asked the bureau if the case is being investigated or if there were any indications as to the cause of death.

The news release noted that Boselli had been in custody since November 2023 and was a 31-year-old woman serving a 40-year sentence for Enticement of a Minor. According to Tampa-area news reports, Boselli and her husband received 40 years in federal prison and a life sentence, respectively, for having sex with a seven-year-old girl.

FCI Tallahassee consists of a low-security women's prison  Ghislaine Maxwell is perhaps its most famous current inmate  and a detention center, or jail, where men and women are temporarily held pending trial or after sentencing, for example.

A month ago, a 31-year-old man being held at the detention center also died in custody. Keondrae Andon Neely, who had been awaiting transfer since April to a federal prison after being sentenced in a South Florida court to 20 years on robbery and firearm charges. Neely had been under observation as "a disruptive individual" when he "became unresponsive."

No indication of cause of death was released in that case either.

This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: 31-year-old Tallahassee federal detention center inmate dies
People wait for former President Donald Trumps arrival at an Election Day campaign rally at the KI Convention Center in Green Bay, Wis., on Tuesday, April 2, 2024. In 2020, 48% of voters said a candidates religious beliefs and practices are important to consider when voting; 52% said they were not important. | Laura Seitz, Deseret News

This article was first published in the On the Trail 2024 newsletter. Sign up to receive the newsletter in your inbox on Tuesday and Friday mornings here. To submit a question to next weeks Friday Mailbag, email onthetrail@deseretnews.com.

Hello, friends. Im writing today from Phoenix, where Vice President Kamala Harris and her new running mate, Tim Walz, will be rallying tonight.

3 things to know

The big idea

Four candidates, four religions

As of this week, the major-party presidential tickets are set: Trump and JD Vance, and Harris and Walz. Among the candidates, there is geographical, ethnic and gender diversity. And, notably, there is a good deal of religious diversity.

My colleague, Kelsey Dallas, has done a fantastic job reporting on the candidates religious backgrounds. I borrow from her reporting here. Consider this your unofficial guide to the religions on the ballot:

Former President Trump now describes himself as a nondenominational Christian, though he identified as a Presbyterian for much of his life. But during his first campaign for president, Dallas writes, Trumps comments about his religious upbringing were often awkward, resulting in gaffes like calling the New Testament book Two Corinthians. Whats more, Trumps perceived moral character  like his brashness and his alleged affairs  turned off many religious voters.

Even so, a majority of Republican voters consider Trump to be a person of faith  not because they think he is devoutly religious, but because they view him as a defender of religious people. Religious conservatives praise his three Supreme Court appointments as a victory for religious liberty. And in a signal toward that base, part of Trumps platform calls for creating a federal task force to investigate anti-Christian discrimination.

Vice President Harris has a more ecumenical religious background than any other major-party candidate on this years presidential ticket. Her mother grew up in India and practiced Hinduism. Her father, a Black American, taught her Christianity. Harris husband, Douglas Emhoff, is the first Jewish spouse of a U.S. vice president. And Harris herself identifies as a Baptist. She represents a religious pluralism that ought to be amenable to religious freedom, said Nathan Finn, senior fellow on religious liberty with the Southern Baptist Conventions Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission.

But some religious conservatives find Kamala Harris beliefs about religious freedom troubling, Finn added  noting that Harris is a staunch supporter of abortion access and LGBTQ rights, and she supported some legislation in the U.S. Senate that would have limited the application of federal religious freedom protections.

Harris maintains a close relationship with the Rev. Amos C. Brown of San Franciscos Third Baptist Church.

Sen. JD Vance, too, has an ecumenical background. He grew up attending an evangelical Christian church but was baptized as a Catholic as an adult. His wife, Usha Vance, is Hindu. Vance said he weighed his decision to join the Catholic church with the impact it would have on his then-2-year-old son: (My conversion) probably would have happened sooner if the sex abuse crisis, or the newest version of it, hadnt made a lot of headlines. It forced me to process the church as a divine and a human institution, and what it would mean for my 2-year-old son, Vance said in 2019.

And Gov. Tim Walz is a self-described Minnesota Lutheran. If elected, Walz would become either the first or second Lutheran vice president, reports Jack Jenkins from the Religious News Service: The only previous vice president connected to the tradition was another Minnesotan, Hubert Humphrey, who was raised Lutheran but ended up attending a Methodist church after his family moved to a city where there wasnt a Lutheran one available.

If youve read this far, you probably have at least a passing interest in the faith of the candidates. But do American voters, in the aggregate, really care? Does a candidates personal religiosity have an effect on voters decisions? It wasnt long ago when only 38% of U.S. voters said the country was ready for a Latter-day Saint president. (Mitt Romney won the Republican nomination in 2012 nonetheless.) In the three subsequent election cycles, the Republicans have nominated Trump.

So, do voters really care? Yes and no  by almost equal proportions. In 2020, 48% of voters said a candidates religious beliefs and practices are important to consider when voting; 52% said they were not important.

What Im reading

All eyes are on Arizona, a key battleground state. But for Democrats, that gaze starts and stops with Maricopa County. Volunteers, resources and staff are being poured into the Phoenix urban area, and the rest of the state is being ignored, according to a former Democrat organizer from rural Arizona. Trump is launching Rural Americans for Trump; Democrats, it seems, are cutting their losses and honing in on cities: The scythe of Trumpism cut so cleanly through Americas farm and ranch country not so much because voters radically changed their beliefs but because Democrats made the disastrous strategic decision to abandon them. How the Democratic Party Abandoned Rural Voters (Tom Zoellner, The Dispatch)

Trumps relationship with Walz, the Democrats new VP nominee, goes back years. In a recently unearthed interview, Walz blames Trump for riling up Minnesotans during the pandemic  which led to Walz dealing with armed demonstrators at his private residence. Then, on January 6, protesters marched on the residence again, and Walz 14-year-old son had to be evacuated by state patrol. It Brought Armed People to My House: Tim Walz on Being Targeted By Donald Trump (Alexander Burns and Jonathan Martin, Politico)

The Biden administrations approach to migration has been twofold: making entrance at the border more difficult (by curtailing asylum and other programs), and by making the journey to the border  with the assistance of Mexico and Central American countries  more difficult. This dispatch from the Darien Gap, a treacherous stretch crossed by thousands of migrants each year, highlights the futility of that strategy: These deaths are the result not only of extreme conditions, but also of the flawed logic embraced by the U.S. and other wealthy nations: that by making migration harder, we can limit the number of people who attempt it. This hasnt happened ... The harder migration is, the more cartels and other dangerous groups will profit, and the more migrants will die. Seventy Miles in Hell (Caitlin Dickerson, The Atlantic)

See you on the trail.

Editors Note: The Deseret News is committed to covering issues of substance in the 2024 presidential race from its unique perspective and editorial values. Our team of political reporters will bring you in-depth coverage of the most relevant news and information to help you make an informed decision. Find our complete coverage of the election here.
Officials say five people were hospitalized following a carbon monoxide leak at an assisted living center in northeast Ohio on Friday.

Crews were called to the Inn at the Pines Assisted Living and Memory Care Center in Troy Township, in Geauga County, just before 8 p.m. after the carbon monoxide detectors started to go off, according to WKYC.

>> State Patrol Trooper saves puppies from Ohio roadway

When they got to the scene, they found a high level of carbon monoxide on the first floor of the building, WOIO reported. They then found that the generators powering the building since the severe storms on Tuesday were venting toward the interior of the facility.

Firefighters helped the facilitys staff evacuate the building and five people were later taken to area hospitals. Their conditions are unknown, but Troy Township Fire Chief Nicholas Bushek told WKYC that most were non-critical.

The building was ventilated and residents were able to return.
A South Carolina child has died after an apparent accidental shooting, the Orangeburg County Sheriffs Office announced Friday.

We are brokenhearted over this tragic loss of a little princess, Sheriff Leroy Ravenell said in a statement. We lost someone precious this week.

Orangeburg investigators were called to a Eutawville residence for a reported shooting Wednesday around 3:30 p.m., officials said. They learned that a 6-year-old girl had been critically wounded after being shot by another child in the residence.

The girl was taken to a medical facility where she later died from a single gunshot wound to the upper body.

My heart is extremely heavy at having to let the public know what happened, Ravenell said. This type of incident, this type of investigation is one of the hardest an investigator will ever do.

Unintentional injury from a firearm is leading cause of death for children in the United States, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported. Last year was the worst year on record for unintentional shootings by children, surpassing 400 incidents, according to Everytown, a nonprofit that advocates for gun safety.

WIS10 reported that the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division is investigating the shooting. The investigation is ongoing.
DELANO, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE)  A 66-year-old inmate from Merced County housed inside Kern Valley State Prison was killed behind bars on Friday, according to the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation.

State officials say 66-year-old Johnny Victor, who was received from Merced County in 1987, was sentenced to life with the possibility of parole for attempted second-degree murder. At around 10:45 a.m. on Friday, two other inmates were found to be attacking him and he was pronounced dead around 11:20 a.m. by paramedics.

According to the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, the two alleged to be responsible for attacking Johnny Victor were 25-year-old Raymond Rojas and 29-year-old Tyler Ostertag. Officials say Rojas was received from Kern County in 2022 on a life sentence with the possibility for parole; Ostergag was received from Ventura County in 2019 also with a life sentence with the possibility for parole.

29-year-old-Tyler-Ostertag (image courtesy of the CDCR)

25-year-old-Raymond-Rojas (image courtesy of the CDCR)

Investigators at the scene of the attack found what was described as an inmate-manufactured weapon at the scene.

Johnny Victors official cause of death will be determined by the Kern County Coroners Office.

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Dengue is a viral infection thats on the rise, with many countries reporting a record number of cases this year.

Dengue is the most prevalent mosquito-transmitted pathogen in the world, with 400 million infections globally each year, says Bobby Brooke Herrera, Ph.D., assistant professor, Rutgers Global Health Institute, and assistant professor, department of medicine at Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School. Its most localized to the tropics and subtropics around the equatorial belt.

However, that doesnt mean were not at risk for dengue right here in the United States. The biggest risk factor for U.S. residents is that we travel to other countries, says Herrera. This year, Puerto Rico has declared a public health emergency, while a higher-than-expected number of dengue cases have been identified among U.S. travelers, especially in those returning from Brazil, Costa Rica, Cuba, Guatemala, Honduras and Mexico.

There have also been reports of localized transmission in places such as Florida and Texas. Localized transmission means people who have not traveled outside the U.S. have been bitten by a local mosquito thats carrying the virus. This occurs when a mosquito bites an infected person and then bites someone else, says entomologist Elmer Gray, University of Georgia public health extension specialist. This makes humans the reservoir for the virus, unlike other mosquito-borne illnesses, such as West Nile, when birds are the reservoir.

What is dengue?

Dengue is caused by four different but related viruses (DENV-1, -2, -3, and -4), or serotypes, which co-circulate and can infect a person at the same or different times. Symptoms begin within about a week of being bitten by an infected mosquito, says Herrera.

Most people with dengue will not have symptoms or only have mild symptoms, and usually will feel better in about a week. But for others, dengue can progress to life-threatening conditions, including dengue shock syndrome or dengue hemorrhagic fever, says Herrera.

Certain groups, including infants, pregnant women, older people and those with certain medical conditions, are at greater risk of progressing to severe dengue. Also, some people previously exposed to one serotype may develop worse disease if exposed to another serotype later, says Herrera.

There is no specific medicine to treat dengue, nor is there a dengue vaccine available in the U.S., says Herrera. Treatment includes rest, drinking plenty of fluids to stay hydrated and taking acetaminophen (not aspirin or ibuprofen) to control fever and relieve pain.

Bloomberg Creative Photos - Getty Images

How is dengue transmitted?

Dengue is transmitted by the bite of the Aedes mosquito, with Aedes aegypti the most common vector, or means of transmission. Aedes aegypti, or the yellow fever mosquito, is a highly effective vector because it feeds primarily on humans and commonly rests indoors, says Gray. It has a tendency to take supplementary blood meals and often moves from one residence to another as it deposits a few eggs here and there in small numbers in hidden places.

Aedes albopictus, the Asian tiger mosquito, is another common vector. Though its not the primary vector, there have been outbreaks in certain areas with these mosquitoes, says Gray. Other Aedes species transmit the virus in areas such as the Pacific.

What are the symptoms of dengue?

The most common symptom of dengue is fever (which can range from mild to 104 degrees) and other symptoms, including:

Muscle aches and pains

Pain behind the eyes

Bone pain (leading to its common name of break-bone fever)

Nausea and vomiting

Swollen glands

Rash, anywhere on the body

How to protect yourself

Prevention is your best defense against dengue. This is not just about a mosquito bothering you. Its about getting very sick, says Gray.

Heres what to do to protect yourself and family abroad and at home:

Get country-specific travel information from the CDC before you travel to help you plan and pack, says Gray. Check here for current travel notices from CDC.

Reconsider traveling to regions with dengue if you are pregnant. Theres evidence of transmission from a pregnant mother to her baby, with risk of pre-term birth, low birth weight or neurological abnormalities, says Herrera.

Pack loose-fitting, light colored clothing, including long sleeves and pants. A mosquito has a long proboscis and can bite through tight-fitting fabrics, says Gray. Also, choose light colors, which provide less contrast in the environment, so mosquitoes are less able to detect you. Youll also transmit less of a heat signature in light clothes.

Consider wearing permethrin-treated clothing and hats, which are pre-treated with insect repellant, says Gray.

Use EPA-approved insect repellants , which have been proven safe and effective. Other products that are not EPA-approved, such as garlic oil, are proven safe but they have not been proven effective, says Gray. EPA-approved repellants include DEET, picaridin, IR3535, oil of lemon eucalyptus and 2-undecanone.

Choose the right product for your activities. The lower concentration of active ingredient, the more often you will need to apply it, says Gray. For example, you may be able to use a product with a lower percentage of active ingredients for a few hours of outdoor dining versus an all-day hike.

Ensure you protect every exposed skin surface. Theyre very good at finding areas you didnt treat, says Gray. Dont forget your face, back of the neck, ears and hairline, and reapply according to label instructions.

If youre also using sunscreen, apply it first, let it dry, then apply insect repellant.

Make sure your lodging has air conditioning and/or screens on the windows. Or pack a bed net, says Herrera.

When you return from a trip to a dengue region, avoid getting bitten for three weeks, even if you dont feel ill; this is in case you are carrying the virus so you do not inadvertently spread dengue to others through a mosquitos bite, says Gray.

Pay attention to public health department alerts about locally-acquired cases so youre aware of local risk, says Gray.

Be diligent about eliminating standing water around your home. No good ever comes from standing water. The species that carry this virus are container breeders, so any standing water can be a place for them to lay eggs and reproduce, says Gray. That includes kiddie pools, clogged gutters, pet water bowls, tarps, and even flower pot saucers. For areas you cant drain, toss in mosquito dunks containing a naturally occurring bacteria called Bacillus thuringiensis israeliensis (Bti). This kills mosquito larvae and is specific to mosquitoes and other biting pests, but wont harm bees, fish, frogs, people or pets.

Bottom line:

While theres no need for alarm, you should be aware that dengue is a risk to travelers, and that you should take steps to prevent getting bitten. Most importantly, if you have traveled recently to a dengue region and have a fever and other symptoms, inform your doctor, says Herrera. Your healthcare provider can request a blood test for dengue, although test sensitivity decreases after the first seven days of infection.

Also, be aware that severe dengue symptoms may occur as the fever goes away. Warning signs include symptoms such as abdominal pain or tenderness, vomiting more than 3 times in 24 hours, lethargy and restlessness. Severe dengue is a medical emergency that requires hospitalization.

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CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo.  The Cape Girardeau Police Department arrested a man Tuesday for robbing a bank of $20.

According to a release from the police department, witnesses stated that 72-year-old Richard Bann, of Springfield, Mo., went to Southern Bank around noon. Bann made it known he was robbing the bank and told an employee to put money in an envelope without naming a specific amount.

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The teller put $20 into the envelope, and Bann then walked outside and waited for police to arrive in front of the building. Upon arrival, police say he was sitting on his walker, waiting.

Bann gave the envelope of $20 to the police and allegedly told the officer that he robbed the bank so he could go to jail and receive medical care.

The release states there were no weapons on Bann or around the premises.

Bann was charged with a Class B felony of stealing. He is being held on a $50,000 cash-only bond.

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UPDATE (8/9, 2:05 p.m.): Washington State University (WSU) officials confirmed Friday afternoon KIRO Newsradios earlier reporting that operations of WSU Press are no longer slated to cease, and will continue for the foreseeable future.

In an emailed statement, WSU Vice President of Marketing & Communications Phil Weiler wrote:

I am pleased to share an important update on the future of the WSU Press. Thanks to a funding commitment from the Washington State University Provosts Office, the Press will continue its operations beyond the previously scheduled closure date. Originally, funding for the WSU Press was slated to expire after December 31, 2024.

The operation of the WSU Press will transition under the umbrella of WSU Libraries. While logistical and operational specifics are still being worked out, planning for this move is actively underway to ensure a seamless transition.

I am also pleased to confirm that the two remaining employees of the WSU Press will be retained beyond December 31. This continuity will help maintain the high standards and dedication that have characterized the Presss work over the years.This decision allows Washington State University to continue delivering on its land-grant mission by supporting scholarly communication and the dissemination of knowledge through the WSU Press.

ORIGINAL STORY: Officials at Washington State University (WSU) in Pullman decided in July to eliminate annual funding for the schools academic publisher WSU Press. The roughly $300,000 cut is effective at the end of December, and the press would be shut down then.

WSU Press, which is part of WSUs Department of Marketing and Communications, was founded 96 years ago. It employs three full-time and one part-time staff and publishes a range of titles from dozens of authors focused on the history and culture of Washington and the Pacific Northwest.

Linda Bathgate is editor-in-chief and has worked for WSU Press for nearly five years. She told KIRO Newsradio Tuesday afternoon that she learned of the cuts and the impending shutdown in early July.

With the beginning of the fiscal year on July 1, 2024, Phillip Weiler, whos our VP of University Marketing and Communications, had to make a 7.5% cut in the budget for the group, and he decided to cut the funding for the University Press, Bathgate told KIRO Newsradio. We would close down as of December 31, 2024.

Bathgate is clearly disappointed at the prospect of WSU Press going away.

Were the only publisher that really covers the Inland Empire, Washington, Idaho, Oregon  and we work a lot with tribal communities to provide an outlet for their stories, Bathgate said. So we feel that this was a very short-sighted, and maybe not a well-thought-out decision, maybe just a financial decision, but without consideration to the repercussions.

I think it will give WSU a lot of poor press, Bathgate continued, because nobody likes to see these kinds of institutions disappear, and we are part of the land-grant mission that WSU has, to provide an outlet for research to educate the community.

It feels like the efforts that weve been doing for the past 96 years are really just not even considered, are just tossed away and that theyre not of any value in todays academic community, Bathgate said. So its very discouraging.

Bathgate, who KIRO Newsradio contacted after information about the funding cut was posted Tuesday on Facebook by the WSU English Department, has not been actively spreading the word in hopes of finding some means to continue operations beyond the end of December. However, book publishing often follows timelines that stretch for a year or more from when a contract with an author is signed, to when books are printed and shipped.

Bathgate wants to be sensitive to the authors with whom she and her WSU Press predecessors have cultivated long relationships with, some stretching for decades.

Im very gradually notifying authors, because I want them to understand why there may not be movement on their project, Bathgate explained. And even if they want to take the project to another press, since Im not able to guarantee that well have a home for it, Im allowing that.

Rather than cease operations, Bathgate hopes to find a new home for WSU Press, perhaps within another department at WSU, or perhaps as part of a publishing consortium managed by the University of Colorado  so that the nearly two dozen books already in the pipeline to be published by WSU Press will still be able to be produced.

I tend to be cautiously optimistic, Bathgate said. And if the president of WSU, Kirk Schulz, if he determines that its appropriate to keep the press at WSU, I think there will be a way to find funding to at least bring it back, even at a reduced level. I do think its important for the president to hear how valued the press is amongst the community, even outside of the state of Washington.

If WSU Press does find a new home at WSU, Bathgate said the publisher will likely look very different from the current operation.

I think that we may have to make some changes, Bathgate said. We may have to slim down a bit. Weve done our own warehousing and distribution traditionally; we may have to outsource that because we wont be able to support (employing) an order person.

In fact, Bathgate said, while she and the WSU Press marketing person will be kept on the payroll at least until the end of 2024, the order persons position was cut effective in mid-July  leaving Bathgate and her colleague to pick up the slack on all that persons order fulfillment duties.

Phil Weiler is Vice-President of Marketing and Communications at Washington State University and the WSU official who made the decision to cut funding to WSU Press.

Weiler told KIRO Newsradio Tuesday afternoon that its too early to report on the imminent closure.

I guess the issue is that there will be a change in six months, but we dont know what that change is, so I would say the story is premature, Weiler told KIRO Newsradio. Once we know what the plan is, we will obviously share that with authors, with readers, so that everybody knows, but we havent had the time to be able to determine what our next steps are.

We just know that by the end of the year, there will be some sort of a change, but we havent figured out what that change is going to look like yet, he continued.

We have a fiscal year that we need to plan for, and so this was a decision made for the current fiscal year, Weiler said. And so we are being able to take the next six months to figure out what we can do with the operation so that authors and readers arent disrupted by the change in the funding.

Is one option restoring the funding, so that WSU Press would remain within the Department of Marketing and Communications after the end of 2024?

Thats certainly a possibility, Weiler said. I dont think thats a likelihood, but thats certainly something were looking at.

Weiler was not able to provide a timeline for when an alternate plan to find a new home for WSU Press might be hatched.

Well let the public know as soon as we have a better sense of which options are still viable, Weiler said.

Editors note: This story originally was published on Tuesday, Aug. 6. It has been updated and republished multiple times since then.
SIOUX FALLS, SD (KELO)  People gathered in Sioux Falls Saturday to honor the sailors who served aboard the USS South Dakota during World War II.

A California man, believed to be the last surviving crew member, was part in the Day of Honor ceremony.

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This visitor to the USS South Dakota Battleship Memorial Museum has a personal connection to the ship.

You didnt think too much about it. You just thought about doing your job, Gee said.

98-year-old served as a radar operator on the South Dakota, one of the most decorated battleships of World War II.

And wed pick up a flight of Japanese planes a couple hundred miles out, Gee said.

Gee was a witness to history when the South Dakota was anchored near the USS Missouri. He was there as the Japanese surrendered, ending World War II 79 years ago.

I could watch what was going on. I couldnt hear what was going on, Gee said.

Gee feels a certain comfort level about sharing war stories at the Battleship Memorial, something that eludes him when hes home in California.

Hes a quiet man. But he talks more here than he does at home, wife Marion Gee said.

Gee is in Sioux Falls for Saturdays USS South Dakota Day of Honor. Hes likely the battleships last surviving crew member. His thoughts are constantly with his fellow sailors who never made it home.

And thats one of the things that bothers me yet. Seeing the burials at sea and even though you didnt know the person, know that its probably somebodys son, maybe somebodys father, Gee said.

Gee says hes humbled by the warm reception he receives from the community each time he visits Sioux Falls. And as members of the Greatest Generation fade away with each passing day, those closest to them are grateful for every moment together.

Hes a terrific person to live with I was very fortunate, Marion Gee said.

The public is invited to attend Saturdays Day of Honor at the Battleship Memorial. Activities begin at 10 a.m. with a performance by the Sioux Falls Municipal Band Quintet. The ceremony starts at 11 a.m.

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ABILENE, Texas (KTAB/KRBC)  The Abilene Zoo has recently welcomed four young spider monkeys who were rescued from the illegal pet trade. The group comprises two girls around 11 months old and two boys around six months old. These monkeys were confiscated in separate incidents by authorities and are now being cared for by the Abilene Zoo team.

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The boys were discovered hidden in crates inside a vehicle at the border crossing in Brownsville. They and others were temporarily held at the Gladys Porter Zoo until permanent homes were found. The girls were found at a private residence in the Houston area. Since they were illegally obtained, they had to be surrendered to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

The Abilene Zoo shared that the illegal pet trade is a serious issue, and South Texas zoos are experiencing the impact of the illegal trade of spider monkeys. Spider monkeys are often captured in the wild by shooting the adults from the trees, leaving the orphaned babies to be trafficked. These young monkeys, sometimes only weeks old, endure traumatic conditions. They are transported to the border and hidden in compartments within vehicles, often resulting in severe injuries or death. Once across the border, they are sold to intermediaries who distribute them to private owners. The farther they travel, the higher their value becomes.

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Staff have shared that zoos are being called upon to care for the growing number of rescued animals. For example, the Gladys Porter Zoo is currently caring for almost 20 infant Mexican spider monkeys. When these facilities reach full capacity, they seek assistance from other zoos, such as the Abilene Zoo.

The four adult spider monkeys currently residing at the zoo were also confiscated from illegal pet trade more than 20 years ago, mentioned Robert Trejo, Abilene Zoos animal curator. Now, the zoo is tasked with integrating these four young ones into the established troop. This process will be done carefully to ensure a successful and harmonious introduction.

Spider monkeys live in close-knit family groups called troops, and they have complex social structures. When introducing new babies to the troop, the process is gradual, starting with visual introductions to ensure acceptance and minimize stress.

Abilene Zoo deploys unique methods to help animals beat the heat

Abilene Zoo emphasized that spider monkeys require specialized care and can carry diseases transmissible to humans, making them unsuitable as pets. The zoo aims to discourage the illegal pet trade and promote conservation efforts.

All spider monkey species are endangered, some species are on the critically endangered list, remarked Jesse Pottebaum, Abilene Zoos director. The plight of these species highlights the urgent need to address illegal pet trade. Our role as an AZA-accredited facility is to not only care for these animals but also to educate the public about the devastating impact of this illicit industry.

Abilene Zoo is inviting the community to learn more about the illegal pet trade and efforts to protect these creatures. The zoos mission is to inspire respect for nature through education and conservation. They aim to raise awareness about the decline in the population of spider monkeys and other wildlife affected by the illegal pet trade.

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The scientists accused of using flawed research to tell you to stop drinking

There is no safe level of alcohol. A single drink a day could shave almost three months off your life. And drinking can boost your cancer risk by 23 per cent.

These are the findings of a controversial British scientist whose headline-grabbing research is influencing government policy and drinkers around the world.

Dr Tim Stockwells work  which has been published in The Lancet, among other esteemed organs  has inspired a new crackdown on alcohol that has seen daily drinking guidelines slashed in Canada and Australia. The US may next year follow suit, and the UK anti-alcohol lobby is using Dr Stockwells work as it warms up for a similar fight.

But many of Dr Stockwells respected peers say it is far from settled science and have cast doubt on his research. They question his motives and accuse him of being a front for a worldwide temperance lobby that is secretly attempting to ban alcohol.

Dr Stockwell denies this. Speaking to The Telegraph, he in turn accused his detractors of being funded by the alcohol lobby and said his links to temperance societies were fleeting. He was the president of the Kettil Bruun Society (a think tank with links to an organisation born out of what was the international temperance congresses) and he has been reimbursed for addressing temperance movements and admits attending their meetings, but, he says, not as a member.

A crowd lines the street during a temperance march circa 1906 - Science & Society Picture Library

The anti-alcohol furrow Dr Stockwell is ploughing is not a lonely one: scientists he has collaborated with on research highlighting the dangers of alcohol are in positions of power at major institutions, such as the World Health Organisation; three are currently on the six-person panel that will decide if US drinking guidelines will be reduced.

They are overhauling decades-worth of scientific evidence  and newspaper headlines  that backed the health benefits of alcohol, or what is known in the scientific community as the J-curve. The J-curve is the theory that, like a capital J, the negative health consequences of drinking dip slightly into positive territory with moderate drinking  as it benefits such things as the heart  before rising sharply back into negative territory the more someone drinks.

Dr Stockwell, who was director of the Canadian Institute for Substance Use Research from 2004 to 2020, began publicly courting controversy last year when he was a key member of a panel that slashed Canadas recommended weekly allowance from 10 drinks for women and 15 drinks for men to two drinks for each sex.

But his most recent intervention might be his most controversial yet: a study that found there was no safe level of alcohol intake. The research was widely reported without a hint of the row it had triggered in the scientific community. In common with other news outlets, The Daily Mail stated baldly that the longstanding belief that one or two drinks a day is good for you was based on flawed scientific research.

However, it was the final straw for many fellow academics and experts who told The Telegraph they read the report in disbelief, concluding it was yet another example of Dr Stockwell cherry picking the evidence to suit his agenda.

Former British government scientist Richard Harding, who gave evidence on safe drinking to the House of Commons select committee on science and technology in 2011, told The Telegraph that Dr Stockwell had wrongly taken a correlation to be causal.

Dr Stockwells research is essentially epidemiology, which is the study of populations, Dr Harding said. You record peoples lifestyle and then see what diseases they get and try to correlate the disease with some aspect of their lifestyle. But it is just a correlation, its just an association. Epidemiology can never establish causality on its own.

And in this particular case, Dr Stockwell selected six studies out of 107 to focus on. You could say he cherry picked them.

Really, the important thing is not the epidemiology, its the effect that alcohol actually has on the body. We know the reasons why the curve is J-shaped; its because of the protective effect moderate consumption has on heart disease and a number of other diseases.

British scientist Tim Stockwell has been accused of cherry picking evidence to fit his own agenda, which he denies - Lucas Oleniuk/Toronto Star

Dr Stockwell rejects Dr Hardings criticism of his study, telling The Telegraph that Dr Harding doesnt appear to have read it and accusing him of being in the pocket of the alcohol industry.

We identified six high-quality studies out of 107 and they didnt find any J-shaped curve, Dr Stockwell said. In fact, since our recent paper, weve now got genetic studies which are showing theres no benefits of low-level alcohol use.

I personally think there might still be small benefits, but the point of our work is that, if there are benefits, theyve been exaggerating them.

Taking aim at Dr Harding, he accused him of being an industry-funded person who has made a living from putting a good spin on the relationship between alcohol and health. Dr Harding denied being funded by anyone. Dr Stockwell in turn brushed off the claim that he himself is compromised through his links to the temperance lobby.

I have attended a meeting funded by the Swedish Temperance Organisation and Ive written material that they have published, he said. Ive had connections with the International Order of Good Templars. Ive attended some of their meetings, but Im not a member.

On a practical level, drinkers will almost certainly be unaware of the explosive row Dr Stockwells research has generated in academia. But there is a very high chance they will have read one of the many stories his work has generated, and potentially modified their behaviour, reluctantly popping the cork back into the wine bottle or leaving the beer unbought on the supermarket shelf.

Now experts warn that the anti-drinking lobby  a neo-temperance movement  has the US and UKs drinking guidelines in its sights.

Dr Stockwell has never conducted any primary research into this as far as Im aware, Christopher Snowdon, head of lifestyle economics at the Institute of Economic Affairs, told The Telegraph. He just keeps creating systematic reviews with the aim of trying to obscure the J-curve and the benefits of drinking.

You have what I think you can fairly describe as a neo-temperance movement operating quite effectively in Britain and around the world.

A lot of these academics take the view that everybody needs to drink less. Theyre very keen on being able to say theres no safe level because then they could treat alcohol very similar to tobacco. Both these things are addictive, both cause cancer.

I think theyre playing quite a long game and theyre having to deny a lot of pretty credible science to do it. I think that they think its a noble lie to say there is no safe level. What harm can it do if people are discouraged from drinking?

He added that the UK guidelines, which were last updated in 2016 to no more than 14 units a week for men and women, are in the crosshairs and that, Gradually over time, they want to bring these guidelines down to zero.

Last week, the Institute of Alcohol Studies, formerly the UK Temperance Alliance, said groups with links to the alcohol industry should be treated in a similar way to the tobacco industry as the think tank pushed for tighter restrictions on alcohol policy.

A ghost sign of the Temperance Building Society building, Alton Road, Richmond, London - Alamy Stock Photo

Dr Snowdon pointed out that Dr Tim Naimi  a longtime collaborator with Dr Stockwell, who replaced him as director of the Canadian Institute for Substance Use Research  has also had to declare links to the International Order of Good Templars, also known as Movendi International. Dr Naimi was reimbursed for addressing the temperance group and took part in their podcast. Dr Naimi is currently on the US panel that will decide if US guidelines need to be cut. He declined to talk to The Telegraph.

Dr Dan Malleck, an alcohol policy specialist at Brock University in Ontario, told The Telegraph: Its like when they asked Willie Dunn, the bank robber, why he robbed banks, and he said Because thats where the money is.

Well, why do you look at alcohol harm? Because its where the money is. But its not a self-enriching thing. Most of the money is government funding, and governments are more concerned about protecting their people than about encouraging them to enjoy themselves. So people like Stockwell and Naimi have been doubling down on the harms research because thats where the money is.

But the focus on reducing harm is to miss many of the unquantifiable benefits of drinking, Dr Malleck added.

Mild, moderate drinking loosens people up, creates social bonds, creates benefits, boosts creativity [and] innovation, as well as just encouraging relaxation, he said. The only thing you can measure is stuff like death, violence, accidents, injuries. Its really hard to measure non-accidents or non-injuries.

I use this image from a French film in the Fifties where two guys are standing outside of St. Pauls in London, and one says to the other, Dont kill yourself, lets go have a drink. Its this notion that drinking is part of this social connection we have with people, but you cant measure when someone didnt hurt themselves because a friend invited them for a drink.

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PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN)  A man was arraigned Friday after being indicted and arrested on 16 charges in connection to a car theft ring spanning multiple states.

According to the Multnomah County District Attorneys Office, 21-year-old Aric Adams was identified as the main suspect and ringleader of a car theft ring after a months-long investigation conducted by the MCDA Auto Theft Task Force and the Multnomah County Sheriffs Office. Officials say the investigation was also aided by the group PDX Stolen Cars.

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Officials say they learned the theft ring involved newer American-made muscle cars, such as Dodge Challengers and Chevrolet Camaros, some of which were valued at over $70,000 each. The ring allegedly paid those involved a few hundred dollars every time they provided information on where the targeted vehicles were located. Members of the ring would then go and steal the cars, unlocking them with an electronic device, without needing the original key, authorities said.

The ring would then allegedly go on to sell the stolen vehicles via social media.

Authorities say one incident of note happened in the early morning of March 26, when a man reported his 2016 Chevrolet Camaro stolen. As the car was being stolen from outside his home by multiple suspects, the man had tried to communicate with them. However, he told police that he stopped communication when he saw a green laser pointed at his chest, fearing he was going to be shot.

Lee Falls Fire evacuations still in place as wildfire near Henry Hagg Lake rages on

Three separate incidents also detail the theft of a Chevrolet Camaro in downtown Portland, a 2017 Dodge Charger Scat Pack and a 2015 Dodge Challenger.

A grand jury indicted Adams on July 30 on charges related to each of the four incidents, including:

One count of first-degree robbery with a firearm

Two counts of second-degree robbery

Four counts of first-degree theft

Four counts of possession of a stolen vehicle

Three counts of unauthorized use of a vehicle

One count of unlawful use of a weapon with a firearm

One count of unauthorized use of a vehicle with a firearm

On August 8, Adams was arrested at his home in Central Point, Oregon and booked into the Multnomah County Detention Center.

As the case is still under investigation, anyone with information relating to these car thefts is encouraged to contact the Multnomah County Sheriffs Office.

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Montague Simmons was holding a community meeting on Aug. 9, 2014, on the west side of St. Louis with the Organization for Black Struggle when the event was suddenly interrupted by breaking news: An unarmed 18-year-old Black man named Michael Brown had been killed by a white police officer.

Simmons, now the director of strategic partnerships for the Movement for Black Lives (M4BL), said the meeting dissolved as members decided to answer one of the calls to action at the police station.

We could see it was something different, because wed been involved in other cases and when these things happened before, the community did not always turn out, Simmons told The Hill. So to see other people actually making the choice to show up, it was saying that this is definitely going to be a different moment.

The nation watched as protests over the next several days, both peaceful and violent, spread across St. Louis.

The unrest in many ways thrust the Black Lives Matter movement into the national spotlight in a way it hadnt before, even in the wake of the 2012 killing of Trayvon Martin in Florida.

This was part of a longer arc of police killing, said Simmons. Folks had actually been responding and watching and noticing more so they had before. Peoples nerves were already kind of frayed.

It was also a pivotal moment in terms of social media engagement, Simmons added. This wasnt filtered by news channels. They didnt have to wait for radio stations. They were literally watching livestreams of people who were on the scene. They were hearing the frustration of not only people in the community, but the parents that were on the scene who couldnt get to [their kids] and that caused a visceral response.

A full decade later, Browns family, advocates and lawmakers say justice has still not been served.

Six years after Browns death, then-newly elected St. Louis County Prosecutor Wesley Bell vowed to get justice for the Brown family. But Bell never brought charges against Darren Wilson, the officer who shot and killed Brown.

Ten years since Ferguson means ten years without justice, ten years without accountability, ten years without healing, Rep. Cori Bush (D-Mo.) said in a statement to The Hill.

Bell, who recently campaigned and won against Bush in the states Democratic primary, said at the time that an independent review could not prove that Wilson committed murder or manslaughter under Missouri law.

Browns family has expressed disappointment, with Michael Brown Sr., Browns father, saying Bell used his family for power while he endorsed Bush for reelection. Bell defeated Bush in a primary this week.

Wilson claimed he shot Brown after the teenager reached for his gun. The Department of Justice (DOJ) in investigating the killing determined there was no evidence prosecutors could rely upon to disprove Wilsons belief that he feared for his safety.

Following the DOJs decision, Browns parents, Lesley McSpadden and the elder Brown, said they were saddened by the decision but hopeful change would still happen.

If that change happens, our sons death will not have been in vain.

Advocates say a lack of reforms across the country have led to the killings of more Black men and women since Brown.

Most recently, the killing of Sonya Massey in her home in Illinois has triggered outrage.

Massey, a 36-year-old Black woman, could be seen in body camera footage being shot three times in her home by Sean Grayson, a Sangamon County sheriffs deputy. Vice President Harris, the new Democratic nominee for president, in a recent statement said that Massey deserved to be safe in her home.

Its sad that a decade after Mike Browns death, were still advocating for reforms that could have saved his and countless other Black lives, said Derrick Johnson, CEO and president of the NAACP.

Mike Brown had a bright future ahead of him, but it was cut short when Missouri police took his life. Its only right that his tragic death reignited the movement to hold police accountable.

Thats not to say that there havent been some successes in police reform.

Following Browns death, Simmons and other grassroots organizers on the ground created a menu of reforms around escalations, deployments and training. They also began meeting with elected officials.

In 2016, along with other activists, St. Louis advocates including Simmons joined with other grassroots organizations to present a national Vision for Black Lives policy agenda.

The vision called for divestment from militarized police forces and investment into other community resources, including mental health professionals to call in emergencies.

Leaders in Congress have tried to pass legislation to address police violence and the disproportionate effect on Black Americans.

These bills include the Helping Families Heal Act, which would support families, schools and communities harmed by police violence; the Peoples Response Act, which would advance an inclusive, holistic and health-centered approach to public safety; and the BREATHE Act, which expands upon the Peoples Response Act.

This past decade, we took the movement to save Black lives from the Ferguson Uprising to the halls of Congress, Bush said. We will never stop fighting to build a world where Mike Brown would still be here and no more lives are taken by police violence.

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NACOGDOCHES, Texas (KETK)  The arrest documents of seven East Texans charged with capital murder reveal the events leading up to their arrests and a plan to steal drugs.

Man accused of yearlong sexual assault of minor arrested in Nacogdoches County

According to the Nacogdoches Police Department, seven suspects were arrested on Thursday in connection to the shooting death of an 18-year-old on July 30.

Documents state that police were called to a trailer park on California Street at around 9:15 p.m. due to numerous calls about gunshots heard in the area. Officers reportedly entered a trailer home that had been hit multiple times by gunfire to check on the occupants welfare. That is where officials found 18-year-old Angel Bonilla dead.

A total of three individuals are believed to have been struck by gunfire during the homicide, Nacogdoches PD said.

The affidavit said one of the occupants was taken to a local hospital by two others and claimed that the gunshot wound was self-inflicted. Based on the arrest documents, it is believed four people including Bonilla were residing at the California Street home when two of the suspects entered to conduct a drug transaction.

Prosecutors to seek death penalty for family friend accused of killing Audrii Cunningham

Mugshot of Martin Montalvo, courtesy of the Nacogdoches County Jail

An Italian restaurant just two blocks away from where the shooting occurred contacted police about a man that appeared suspicious and disheveled, the affidavit said. The restaurants security video reportedly showed 19-year-old Martin Montalvo, of Lufkin, holding a box similar to one located at the crime scene that had THC vapes shortly after the shooting.

Mugshot of Gerardo Christopher Ocon, courtesy of the Nacogdoches County Jail

According to the affidavit, on Aug. 1 police interviewed Montalvo who admitted to driving with Gerardo Christopher Ocon, 21 of Nacogdoches, to buy narcotics at the home.

New mandate requires doctors note to give over-the-counter meds in school

Ocon told investigators he drove six people, identified as Montalvo, 21-year-old Nathan Sauceda, 17-year-old Eder Torres, 19-year-old Lionso Torres, 19-year-old Santiago Mendoza and 20-year-old Raul Molina Lopez to the home so that Montalvo could buy THC disposable vape pens.

Mugshot of Nathan Joshua Sauceda, courtesy of the Nacogdoches County Jail

Mugshot of Eder Torres, courtesy of the Nacogdoches County Jail

Lionso Antonio Torres, courtesy of the Nacogdoches Police Department



Mugshot of Santiago Mendoza, courtesy of the Nacogdoches County Jail

Mugshot of Raul Molina Lopez, courtesy of the Nacogdoches County Jail

Ocon said they made two trips to the home and during the first time they successfully purchased THC vape pens from an occupant. During the second trip Montalvo and Sauceda entered and the rest of the suspects remained outside.

One of the suspects arrested allegedly admitted that the robbery was planned prior to the first drug transaction. The affidavit said the suspects all discussed their roles and several suspects attested to knowing about the plan.

The documents said that while Montalvo and Sauceda were inside, Lionso Torres, Eder Torres and Mendoza who were in possession of firearms, exited the vehicle.

Montalvo told investigators there was an altercation inside. Lionso Torres who was outside near the front door, said he heard a gunshot inside and that is when he began firing, the affidavit said.

Dispute between neighbors leads to shooting in Panola County

Ocon said he and Lopez who were in the truck began hearing gunshots and saw as Lionso Torres, Eder Torres and Mendoza fired rounds into the mobile home.

Sauceda reportedly suffered a gunshot wound and Montalvo left the home through a window after the gunfire stopped.

The affidavit said all of the suspects spoke to investigators following the shooting. A warrant for their arrests was issued and they were all charged with Bonillas murder in the course of attempting to commit robbery.

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CALHOUN COUNTY, Ala. (WIAT)  An Alabama man charged in a rape and kidnapping case from 2022 received his sentencing on Friday.

Tony Lamar White, 49, of Anniston, was sentenced to 198 years in prison by Judge Burgess, according to the Calhoun County Sheriffs Office.

On July 4, 2022, deputies with the CCSO responded to a home in the Choccolocco community regarding a report of a missing 75-year-old woman. Evidence at the scene, such as her glasses and groceries found in the driveway, suggested a struggle had taken place.

Oneonta teacher resigns from school after being charged with soliciting sex from student

Key information led investigators to report White as the suspect. Nearly six hours later, deputies located the victim bound in a closet inside Whites residence in Anniston. White was taken into custody the following day in Kentucky and booked into the Calhoun County Jail.

On June 11, White entered an open guilty plea to charges of first-degree burglary, first-degree kidnapping, first-degree rape and first-degree sodomy. The CCSO states an open guilty plea indicates no deals or agreements were made with prosecutors.

According to CCSO, DNA evidence has linked White to other crimes of a similar nature. It is unknown if the agency is pursuing further charges against him.

While no sentence can truly account for the gravity of such a heinous crime, it is the hope of the Sheriffs Office that Tony White will never again be free in our society, a press release from CCSO stated.

District Attorney Lynn Hammonds and her team prosecuted the case.

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This article was originally published in Alaska Beacon.

All but seven of the 56 books the Matanuska-Susitna Borough School District removed from school libraries must be reshelved by next week, pending a trial next year, ruled U.S. District Court Judge Sharon Gleason on Tuesday.

The banned books, including well-known titles like Toni Morrisons The Bluest Eye, Kurt Vonneguts Slaughterhouse-Five and Khaled Hosseinis The Kite Runner, were removed from schools last year without individual consideration of their content after parents and community members complained of LGBTQ themes or sexually explicit content in district meetings.

Gleasons order said the districts action violated students constitutional rights and raises the specter of official suppression of ideas. That caused irreparable harm, and would continue to do so if they stayed off library shelves until trial, her order found. The order is a preliminary injunction; the books ultimate fate will be determined in a trial scheduled for April of next year.

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The district released a statement on Thursday that said the order is in line with work the school board has undertaken in the last year, which includes reviewing the books and returning some to library shelves. The Courts decision directs the District to report on what it has already done including the reshelving of books as directed by the Board, the statement said, in part.

Savannah Fletcher, the attorney for the plaintiffs with the Northern Justice Project, said the courts ruling shows that the Constitution doesnt allow the government to remove books without a compelling reason for an indefinite period of time.

The Constitution doesnt allow the government to remove ideas simply because some people disagree with them, she said.

I think its a really great reminder during this time of tension around our schools, around students rights and parents rights and the protection of teachers and educators, that there is a baseline we all have to follow, and our Constitution is going to protect that. It really reaffirms the rights of students to access ideas, to access information.

The case comes against the backdrop of a national reckoning about which books and what kind of material should be available to students. Fletcher said the Alaska case is unique because the district removed such a large quantity of books without individual review.

This has never been written about by a court before. It is kind of a novel spin on it, Fletcher said, adding that the lack of precedent presented a challenge when briefing the court.

Meanwhile, some books have already been approved to go back to library shelves by the community. After the district removed them, it established a library committee, a majority of whose members were selected by the school board. The committee was tasked with determining whether the books were criminally indecent and it allowed more than a dozen books to return to schools, according to court filings. Another 14 titles were referred to the district for a final decision; others were not reviewed or found to be out of circulation or missing entirely. The courts decision overrides these determinations, unless the school administration or board provides the court with a compelling reason to remove a specific title.

Scott Adams and his wife Dawn were plaintiffs in the case with their middle school-aged daughter, who he said is an avid reader and fan of the Harry Potter series.

He said he joined the lawsuit because the family felt the districts action was a violation of the First Amendment and he was ecstatic with Tuesdays order.

I took an oath when I joined the military over 30 years ago. And the oath  to support and defend the Constitution  doesnt end when you leave the military, he said.

He said he wants to see a better process for deciding which books should be in the library, and said teachers and librarians should be trusted with those decisions.

The seven books that will remain off the shelves for indecency in the Matanuska-Susitna Borough school district are Call Me by Your Name, Verity, It Ends with Us, Ugly Love, A Court of Mist and Fury, A Court of Silver Flames and You Their removal will be reviewed with the others in the trial next year.

Alaska Beacon is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Alaska Beacon maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Andrew Kitchenman for questions: info@alaskabeacon.com. Follow Alaska Beacon on Facebook and X.
At the Kake Dog Salmon Festival on Saturday, Aug. 3, 2024, residents and visiting Quakers examined artifacts returned to the village by the ancestor of a Quaker missionary. (Photo courtesy of Jan Bronson)

At the Kake Dog Salmon Festival on Saturday, Aug. 3, 2024, residents and visiting Quakers examined artifacts returned to the village by the ancestor of a Quaker missionary. (Photo courtesy of Jan Bronson)

Formline carved paddles, beaded slippers, and a small totem were among the items returned to Kake last weekend by a Quaker woman whose ancestor taught in the mission school there in the early 1900s.

Joel Jackson, the Tribal council president for the Organized Village of Kake, said it is nice to have the objects home.

That wasnt meant for somebody else to display in their home as an artform or whatever. Thats sacred to us, he said.

He said the village is working on repatriating other objects that are held privately or in museums across the country.

The return of the objects is part of Quakers ongoing reparations effort in the Southeast city of roughly 500 people. In January, Quakers with the Alaska Friends Conference and from Oregon and Washington donated more than $90,000 to the establishment of a cultural healing center in Kake, which followed a formal apology in 2022 for the Quaker role in the boarding school era.

Quakers established a mission school in the Tlingit village of Kake in the early 1900s. Presbyterians later took over the school, which was among the boarding schools that forcibly assimilated Alaska Native people.

Juulie Downs, the great-granddaughter of one of the Quaker teachers there, was moved to return the objects that had been in her family since then after learning that, in some worldviews, objects can be sacred or even considered to be ancestors. She wondered if the items she now owned might have more meaning than she had previously considered with her Christian worldview.

We dont humanize objects and say, This is an ancestor, and this ancestor has a home and needs to be taken home, she said. And so for me, it was just a really cool thing that Id inherited that was gorgeous and it was meaningful to me, but not as an ancestor.

Downs reached out to the Haa Tooch Licheesh Coalition in Juneau and formed a plan to visit Kake to return the objects.

At the Kake Dog Salmon Festival Downs met community members, including a woman whose great-grandmother was a student of her great-grandmother. Their ancestors had exchanged letters after Downs great-grandmother left Kake in 1906.

Down said she was deeply moved by the experience, and the effect the objects had on the community.

Im the first descendant of any of those missionaries to come back, to return and to bring back artifacts. So theoretically, theres other artifacts out there, she said.

Joel Jackson saw it as part of a healing process from the intergenerational trauma sparked by those schools. He said some of the symptoms of that trauma, like alcoholism, could be healed by the cultural healing center he is working towards in the community.

Thats why the healing center is so important to me: Its to give people that may want to quit drinking or doing drugs an option of going to a cultural healing center, instead of the Western style of rehab, he said.

The National Forest Service has agreed to let the village use an empty building for the center, but Jackson said a final hangup is getting the building insured. Sen. Lisa Murkowski and Alaska Regional Forester Chad VanOrmer attended the festival and participated in a round table with community leaders. Jackson said he hopes it leads to a breakthrough for the center.

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ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE)  A bizarre case involving drugs, cash, exotic animals, and a mystery that endures to this day. Whatever happened to the tiger that police and the feds were looking for at an Old Town Albuquerque home? The case is now moving forward against the man investigators found at the home that day.

A raid at a home near Old Town in 2022 yields ten pounds of cocaine, two pounds of heroin, 40 pounds of marijuana, fentanyl pills, and $40,000 in cash; along with a three-foot alligator. But what investigators did not find was what they were searching for.

So you guys just looking for the tiger, basically? Hes not here anymore, man. Hes gone, thats all I can tell you guys, Carlos Giddings said in a lapel video.

Tiger cub helps bring down accused Albuquerque drug trafficking ring

The search started a couple of months earlier when Game and Fish got ahold of Snapchat videos of a tiger cub in a dog bed. The investigation led to a home near Rio Grande and Mountain.

In August of 2022, officers from APD, state police, Game and Fish, and U.S. Fish and Wildlife raided that home. The man who lived there told investigators a tiger cub was there but was already gone, possibly to Arizona. Evidence in the home backed up that claim.

Giddings was initially charged for the drugs in the home and has since pleaded guilty to drug trafficking. Now, hes facing new charges and two counts of importing live game animals without a permit (a misdemeanor) for the tiger and the alligator.

Feds investigate larger potential exotic animal smuggling ring in Albuquerque

Its believed that tiger was one of two brought into the country from Mexico by another man, David Mendoza-Enriquez. Federal investigators say the second cub was found a few months later in a dog crate inside a mobile home near Zuni and Louisiana, while police were investigating a drug-related shooting.

That Bengal cub, later named Duke, was sent to a wild animal sanctuary in Colorado. The cub believed to be once inside Giddings home was never found.

Mendoza-Enriquez, the man the feds believe arranged to import the tigers from Mexico, is still awaiting trial in federal court. According to federal documents, he paid $25,000 each for the cubs.

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ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE)  The Albuquerque Police Department arrested a man they said caused more than $100,000 in damage at a Toyota dealership. According to police, 20-year-old Daniel Candelaria was an employee at the American Toyota Dealership in northeast Albuquerque.

Former Clovis officer charged with multiple crimes

Officers were called to the dealership on Monday where they found two men damaging the inside of the store. The dealerships general manager told authorities that Candelaria would hang out with an employee who was recently fired for groping a woman.

Detectives said they reviewed the surveillance footage and saw two men damaging thousands of dollars worth of televisions, and computers, and the womans desk was vandalized.

Candelaria was arrested on Friday and booked into the Metropolitan Detention Center.

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ETOWAH COUNTY, Ala. (WHNT)  The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency says troopers are searching for a missing person on Lake Neely Henry.

ALEA Lieutenant Jeremy J. Burkett said around 8:25 a.m. Saturday, the agency got a call for a marine-related event on Lake Neely Henry.

Colbert County agencies respond to Essity Plant warehouse engulfed in flames

Lieutenant Burkett said this event has caused troopers to search for a missing person.

The area where the person reportedly went missing is near Canoe Creek Road and U.S. 411, southwest of the Rainbow City community.

Troopers with ALEAs Marine Patrol Division and Aviation Unit are said to have responded to the area to help with the search.

ALEA said this is an ongoing situation and the agency will provide updates as they come in.

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Former White House communications director Alyssa Farah Griffin on Friday disparaged President Trumps lengthy press conference Thursday, arguing the GOP presidential nominee was hurting himself.

This was an absolute dumpster fire of a press conference, just to be clear, Farah Griffin said on CNN News Central to the outlets Kate Bolduan, in a clip highlighted by Mediaite.

Trump gave a lengthy and rambling press conference at his Mar-a-Lago estate Thursday, in which he discussed topics such as crowd size and abortion. When asked if he feared Vice President Harriss crowd sizes, he gave an exasperated answer and went on defense.

Oh, give me a break, Trump said. Listen, I had 107,000 people in New Jersey, you didnt report it. Im so glad you asked. What did she have yesterday, 2,000 people?

In response to Trumps talk about crowd sizes, Farah Griffin said that Trump is triggered because hes actually running against a candidate, for once, who is the celebrity candidate, the one that like pop culture is [following.]

That was him against [former Secretary of State] Hillary Clinton in 2016, added Farah Griffin, a frequent critic of Trump.

Harriss campaign has said that 14,000 people attended her rally in Philadelphia on Tuesday and 15,000 attended another in Detroit Wednesday night.

According to an average of national polls from The Hill/Decision Desk HQ, Harris is trailing Trump nationally by 0.2 points.

The Hill has reached out to the Trump campaign.

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Video above: Amanda Knox in court in 2009

MILAN (AP)  Amanda Knoxs hand-written memo at the center of her latest retrial for falsely accusing a Congolese bar owner in the 2007 murder of her British housemate contained enough elements for her to be reconvicted of slander in June, an Italian appeals court said Friday.

The slander conviction is the only one remaining against her long after Knox was definitively exonerated of the murder, and she traveled to Florence in June hoping to remove the last legal stain against her  only to be convicted again.

Knoxs hand-written document was the only piece of evidence the Florence appellate court was to examine after Italys supreme court threw out two signed statements falsely accusing Patrick Lumumba of murdering Meredith Kercher in the Italian university town of Perugia.

The highest courts ruling followed a finding by a European court that Knoxs rights had been violated during a long night of questioning.

The manuscript was written spontaneously and freely, as the accused confirmed in the course of her examination, the Florence appellate court said in a 35-page document that gave its reasonings for the June conviction. The court said that the memo contained the objective details of the crime of slander.

Knoxs hand-written document was an attempt to walk back the accusations against Lumumba.

Im very doubtful of the verity of the statements because they were made under the pressure of stress, shock and extreme exhaustion, Knox wrote.

She wrote that she had been pressured and told she faced 30 years in prison while being questioned overnight and went on to repeat elements of her accusation against Lumumba, underlining, these things seem unreal to me, like a dream, and I am unsure if they are real things that happened, or are just dreams my mind has made to try to answer the questions in my head and the questions I am being asked.

The European Court of Human Rights in 2019 ordered Italy to pay Knox damages for failing to provide a lawyer or an independent interpreter during the extended night of questioning during which she signed the two statements fingering Lumumba.

Knoxs lawyer, Carlo Dalla Vedova, confirmed that Knox would appeal the ruling to Italys highest court, saying the appeal courts reasonings are aimed at reducing the weight of the European Court of Human Rights, for which Italy paid damages for the proven harm to Amanda Knox.

Kerchers brutal stabbing death in the idyllic Perugia fueled global headlines as suspicion fell on Knox, a 20-year-old exchange student from Seattle, and her new Italian boyfriend of just a week, Raffaele Sollecito.

Flip-flop verdicts over nearly eight years of legal proceedings polarized trial watchers on both sides of the Atlantic. The pair were fully exonerated by Italys highest court in 2015.

Rudy Hermann Guede, a man from Ivory Coast whose DNA was found at the crime scene, has been definitively convicted in Kerchers murder. He was released from prison in 2021 after serving 13 years of a 16-year term.

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Ambassador to Mexico: El Mayo brought to U.S. against will

Ambassador to Mexico: El Mayo brought to U.S. against will

MEXICO CITY (AP)  The U.S. ambassador to Mexico confirmed Friday that drug lord Ismael El Mayo Zambada was brought to the United States against his will when he arrived at the Santa Teresa, New Mexico, airport in July on a plane along with fellow drug lord Joaquin Guzman Lopez.

Zambadas attorney had earlier claimed the longtime chief of the Sinaloa cartel had been kidnapped. But officials had not confirmed that and Zambadas age and apparent ill-health had led some to speculate he turned himself in.

U.S. Ambassador Ken Salazar on Friday said the evidence we saw  is that they had brought El Mayo Zambada against his will.

This was an operation between cartels, where one turned the other one in, Salazar said. Zambadas faction of the Sinaloa cartel has been engaged in fierce fighting with another faction, led by the sons of imprisoned drug kingpin Joaquin El Chapo Guzman. Guzman Lopez is the half-brother of the factional leaders.

Salazar said no U.S. personnel, resources or aircraft were involved in the flight on which Guzman Lopez turned himself in, and that U.S. officials were surprised when the two showed up at an airport outside El Paso, Texas on July 25.

Frank Perez, Zambadas attorney, said in a statement in July that my client neither surrendered nor negotiated any terms with the U.S. government.

Joaquin Guzman Lopez forcibly kidnapped my client, Perez wrote. He was ambushed, thrown to the ground, and handcuffed by six men in military uniforms and Joaquin. His legs were tied, and a black bag was placed over his head.

Perez went on to say that Zambada, 76, was thrown in the back of a pickup truck, forced onto a plane and tied to the seat by Guzman Lopez.

In early August, Zambada made his second appearance in federal court in Texas after being taken into U.S. custody the week before.

Guzman Lopez had apparently long been in negotiations with U.S. authorities about possibly turning himself in. Guzman Lopez, 38, has pleaded not guilty to drug trafficking and other charges in federal court in Chicago.

But U.S. officials said they had almost no warning when Guzman Lopezs plane landed at an airport near El Paso. Both men were arrested and remain jailed. They are charged in the U.S. with various drug crimes.

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YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (MyValleyTributes)  Youngstown  Amber R. (Vince) Angelilli, 48, passed away unexpectedly at her home on Monday, August 5, 2024.

Find obituaries from your high school

She was born March 20, 1976 in Youngstown, a daughter of Kathy (OHare) Vince and the late Patt Vince and Felicia Vince, who passed away when Amber was 2.

She graduated from Woodrow Wilson High School and attended the Pittsburgh Art Institute.

She worked as a legal secretary for Kisling, Nestico, & Redick and also as manager at Station Square Restaurant.

Life for Amber was never easy, but she fought hard and persevered through all her challenges. She believed deeply in a higher power and was very spiritual, which helped guide her through life. She was a feisty, happy, bubbly woman who had a beautiful smile and a laugh that was both unique (you knew it was her before you saw her) and extremely infectious. You couldnt help but laugh along with her. When Amber entered a room, she instantly was drawn to the quiet or lonely to strike up a conversation with them and bring them up in to the light.

She turned her own struggles with sobriety into stories of healing and empowerment to those who faced the same issues, and would go above and beyond to help them stay on the right path. She was sober for over 15 years, but when she fell herself, she was quick to pick herself back up and recognize that we are human, and worked towards becoming clean again.

Amber leaves behind to cherish her memory, her only son, Niko Angelilli, whom she loved deeply; her mother, Kathy Vince; her sister, Alicia (Donald) Ficke of Austintown; her brothers, Anthony (Kanda) Vince of Oklahoma City, Peter (Melissa) Vince of Struthers, Joe Vince of Poland, and Ron (Julie) Vince of Springfield; grandmother, Mary Copeland; several aunts and uncles, including Pam (Rich) Maggiano whom she was close with and were instrumental in her life; many nieces and nephews, whom she mentored and pulled no punches with; many cousins; and lifelong friends, lovingly known as The Fab Five, especially Jayme and Amber, who supported her in her daily life. She also leaves Nikos father, Antonio Angelilli of Struthers.

She was preceded in death by her father and biological mother.

Friends will be received on Monday, August 12, 2024 from 4:00 p.m. to 5:50 p.m. at the Davidson-Becker Funeral Home in Struthers, followed immediately by a memorial celebration of her life beginning at 6:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that in following with Ambers tradition of being there for others, to perform an act of kindness towards someone in need in her memory.

Please visit www.beckerobits.com to send the family condolences.

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Amber R. (Vince) Angelilli, please visit our flower store.

A television tribute will air Sunday, August 11 at the following approximate times: 8:58 a.m. on FOX and 9:58 p.m. on MyYTV. Video will be posted here the day of airing.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKBN.com.
America saved the grizzly bear from extinction. Now, they are invading backyards and main streets

America saved the grizzly bear from extinction. Now, they are invading backyards and main streets

The grizzly bear, long an icon of Americans Mountain West, has bounced back since being placed on the endangered species list in 1975, with at least 2,000 roaming the country.

The population growth is a major conservation success, so much so that the bears were removed from the list in 2017, but the increase means that humans and bears are encountering each other more often.

The apex predators, which can top 500 pounds, seem increasingly comfortable across a range thats grown to some 27,000 milesa development thats put them in new and dangerous situations, as well as their human counterparts, whove experienced burglarized homes, dead livestock and personal injury.

Now, because of the alarming spike in encounters, states such as Idaho, Montana and Wyoming are pushing federal wildlife managers to remove the grizzlys protected status and allow hunters to target the famous species.

The successful conservation of grizzly bears in the U.S. has led to new tensions between the animals and humans. As bear populations have grown, so have the number of face-to-face meetings. (Copyright 2020 The Associated Press. All rights reserved)

They need to be scared of us, raft guide Samantha Justice, who carries a rifle when she goes into the woods in the region, toldThe Wall Street Journal.

In Cody, Wyoming, rancher Bridget Gallgher told the paper shes had to put up an electric fence to keep grizzlies from entering her corn fields, where wildlife managers trapped four bears last year.

I do a lot of praying, she said.

As recently as the early 1990s, bears were responsible for about 50 human-animal conflicts each year, a figure thats risen to more than 400 in recent years, according to the Journal.

Over the July 4 holiday, a hiker in Montanas Glacier National Park had a close encounter with a grizzly.

I took out my bear spray, got low and backed away slowly from the bear, Amanda Wylie said on social media. I talked to him nice and once I felt a safe enough distance away, I got my phone out to record, wondering if these would be my last moments.

As recently as the early 1990s, bears were responsible for about 50 human-animal conflicts each year, a figure thats risen to more than 400 in recent years (Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks)

Video of the interaction shows her telling the creature, Youre OK. Please dont come here. Thank you. Please go.

It eventually shook his body, which let me know I could relax a little, she explained. Once he turned away, I rejoiced, knowing I would live to see another day and have an amazing encounter story to share.

The previous month, across the border in Canada, a rare white grizzly and its two cubs were involved in two car accidents.

In May, a grizzly bear at Grand Teton National Park sent a man to the hospital.

Last year, wildlife officials euthanized a grizzly that broke into a home in Montana and killed a female hiker near Yellowstone in July 2023.

In September of 2023, a hunter suffered a series of injuries after being mauled in Montana by a grizzly, prompting officials to partially close Custer Gallatin National Forest.
An American Airlines passenger on an oversold flight stayed in Italy for an extra 3 nights to collect $3,550 in travel vouchers

An American Airlines passenger on an oversold flight stayed in Italy for an extra 3 nights to collect $3,550 in travel vouchers

Susan Berry's American Airlines flight from Italy to Philadelphia was overbooked.

She offered to be bumped and was given a $1,200 flight voucher, free food, and a hotel stay.

The route continued to be overbooked, so she stayed as long as possible, collecting $3,550 in vouchers.

When American Airlines gate agents announced they needed volunteers to step off an overbooked flight, Susan Berry didn't hesitate to raise her hand.

Berry, who had spent two months in Italy, didn't want her trip to end. By volunteering, she'd continue exploring Naples and receive a $1,200 flight voucher for future travels.

"Before the manager could even finish his sentence, I'm like, 'Me! Me! Me! Can I do it please?'" Berry, who was scheduled to fly from Naples, Italy, to Philadelphia on August 4, told Business Insider.

After accepting the offer, the 36-year-old said she hopped in a car provided by the airline that drove her and seven other bumped passengers to a four-star hotel, where they spent the night for free.

Berry arrived at the airport the following day, where she learned that her next scheduled flight was also full. She said she volunteered again, and then an airline worker mentioned that the flight was fully booked until mid-August.

After some quick math, Berry realized she could spend the next 10 days gaining flight vouchers, staying in free hotels, and dining on free Italian cuisine.

It was an opportunity the freelance fashion photographer said she couldn't pass up. By the end, she hoped to have more than $10,000 in vouchers for a trip around the world.

Berry's $10,000 goal was cut short, but she did extend her trip three extra days and has $3,550 in flight vouchers.

The airline offered passengers a hotel stay, free food, and a $1,200 flight voucher

For most travelers, a full flight might be a nightmare, but Berry said she saw it as an opportunity, especially after the first day in Naples was a success.

The group of bumped passengers became fast friends  they traveled to their hotel together, dined on a dinner of prosciutto, mozzarella, and fish, and cracked jokes.

Berry initially assumed it was a one-time event until she arrived at the airport the next day when volunteers were once again needed.

As a freelancer, she could do her work from anywhere in the world  including a free hotel in Naples. Plus, another $1,200 in flight vouchers would allow her to photograph in new destinations.

"I could do a really great trip or travel for the whole year," Berry said. "This could be fantastic for my career."

Susan Berry has spent her days taking photos in Naples, Italy. Susan Berry

Berry said she decided to continue volunteering and wouldn't return to Philadelphia until the airline had an open seat. She started referring to the experience as "Camp American Airlines," and on August 6, she posted about it on TikTok. An audience quickly formed, rooting for Berry to earn more than $10,000 in flight vouchers.

For three nights, Berry stayed in different hotels across Naples. She said American Airlines booked her in four-star hotels, and the properties ranged in quality and location. Some were in the heart of Naples, while others were on the outskirts.

The first hotel, the Grand Hotel Vanvitelli, was the most luxurious, she said. According to TripAdvisor, rooms cost between $122 and $138 a night, and the property has a pool, an elegant restaurant, and rooms with balconies.

"Definitely the nicest hotel I stayed in during my trip," she said.

Berry said each hotel she stayed at while waiting for a flight had a restaurant where she charged breakfast, lunch, and dinner to her room and ate for free.

Her free hotel stays, meals, and flight vouchers ended on August 7, three nights after her first bumped flight. BI verified that Berry earned $3,550 in flight vouchers, with one voucher worth $1,150 instead of $1,200.

In a statement to BI, an American Airlines spokesperson said, "When you volunteer to give up your confirmed seat on a flight, we will compensate you in a form and in an amount we think is fair."

The flight vouchers expire within a year, but Berry isn't concerned about jet-setting off to new destinations. Photographing in places like Rio de Janeiro and the Seychelles Islands is at the top of her list.

Susan Berry has spent her days photographing while in Naples, Italy, bumped on an overbooked flight. Susan Berry

With a challenging start to the year, Berry said that this summer in Italy, along with a new travel fund and the memories from this experience, has left her "grateful."

"It makes me feel like me again," she said. "I feel like I'm engaging with community. I'm saying yes to unknown things, and that's what makes me tick."

Read the original article on Business Insider
A 15-year-old American tourist lost her leg in a shark attack while vacationing in Belize, ABC News reported.

Annabelle Carlson was with her family on an expedition to Lighthouse Reef, near Halfmoon Caye in the Gulf of Honduras with the Belize Dive Pro company when tragedy struck. Carlson had just completed a dive when a shark bit one of her legs.

"It was her right leg that received a bite from the shark," Admiral Elton Bennett, of the Belize Coast Guard, told ABC News. "So, she lost her right leg."

While People and local outlets Channel 5 and 7NewsBelize reported the victims identity as Sofia Carlson, Carlsons mother confirmed to ABC that it was her eldest daughter, Annabelle, who was injured in the attack. Carlsons mother reported that Annabelle was attacked by a reef shark which appeared to be about six feet long.

Carlson was pulled from the water by Dive Pro employees and taken to a Coast Guard base, where she was stabilized and later transported by helicopter to a local hospital. "She's stable and she's recovering at this time," Bennett told the outlet on Thursday.

Authorities in Belize reiterated that while this is an unfortunate situation, shark attacks are not particularly common in their locale. Were very saddened about it, but I want to highlight that this is very rare, Andre Perez, Belize's Minister of the Blue Economy, told Channel 5.

Perez went on to assert that there must be some other reason why [the attack] happened, but its too early to say right now. Much like the mayor in Jaws, he argued that tourists shouldnt be dissuaded from going to the beach. I dont think this is a time to say, well, you know, we dont want to go swimming again or something, Perez argued.
Amnesty investigation claims US-made weapon used in two Israeli airstrikes in Gaza that killed 43 civilians

An investigation by Amnesty International alleges that a US-made weapons guidance system was used in two Israeli airstrikes in Gaza in October in which 43 civilians are said to have been killed.

Fragments of the US-made Joint Direct Attack Munitions guidance system were found in the rubble of destroyed homes in the neighborhood of Deir al-Balah in central Gaza, according to a report released Tuesday by the human rights organization.

Israel uses a wide variety of American weapons and munitions, but Amnesty Internationals report is one of the first attempts to tie an American-made weapon to a specific attack that left a significant number of civilians dead.

The JDAM is a guidance tail kit that converts existing unguided free-fall bombs into accurate, adverse weather smart munitions, according to the US Air Force.

CNN cannot independently verify Amnesty Internationals findings.

Amnesty International said its weapons experts and a remote sensing analyst examined satellite imagery and photos of the homes that show the fragments of ordnance recovered from the rubble and the destruction, the report explains. Amnestys fieldworkers took the photos.

As a result of these two attacks, 19 children, 14 women, and 10 men were killed, the report claims.

The human rights organization said it did not find any indication that there were any military objectives at the sites of the airstrikes or that the individuals living in the homes were legitimate military targets.

The organization found that these air strikes were either direct attacks on civilians or civilian objects or indiscriminate attacks, the report says, calling for the attacks to be investigated as war crimes.

In a statement to CNN, the Israel Defense Forces called the report flawed, biased and premature, based on baseless assumptions regarding the IDFs operations.

The assumption that intelligence regarding the military use of a particular structure does not exist unless revealed is contradictory to any understanding of military activity, and the report uses this flawed assumption to imply equally flawed and biased conclusions regarding the IDF, in line with existing biases and prior problematic work by this organization, the IDF said.

The statement said that the military regrets any harm caused to civilians or civilian property as a result of its operations, and examines all its operations in order to learn and improve.

Amnesty International, in its report, said that the use of American weapons for such strikes should be an urgent wake-up call to the Biden administration.

The US-made weapons facilitated the mass killings of extended families, said Agnes Callamard, Amnesty Internationals Secretary General, according to the report.

US reviewing report

The US State Department is reviewing Amnesty Internationals report, spokesperson Matt Miller said Wednesday.

We have made clear in our discussions with Israeli leaders that we are deeply concerned about the protection of civilians in this conflict, Miller said. We expect Israel to only target legitimate targets and to adhere to the laws of armed conflict.

The Pentagon on Tuesday said it too was reviewing the report.

We are going to continue to consult closely with our Israeli partners on the importance of taking civilian safety into account in conducting their operations, spokesman Brigadier General Patrick Ryder told journalists.

Israel is the largest cumulative recipient of US foreign assistance since World War II, according to the Congressional Research Service. The US on average gives Israel $3 billion in military aid per year, and the Biden administration sought an additional $10.6 billion in military aid in the wake of Hamas October 7 attack in Israel.

The first attack referenced by Amnesty International occurred about 8:30 p.m. on October 10, hitting the al-Najjar family home and killing 21 of its members, as well as three of their neighbors, the report says.

That bomb most likely weighed about 2,000 pounds, based on the amount of damage to the home and surrounding buildings, Amnesty claims. The year 2017 is also stamped into the plate, photos from the report show, indicating the bomb was manufactured in that year.

JDAM is a guided air-to-surface weapon that uses either the 2,000-pound BLU-109/MK 84, the 1,000-pound BLU-110/MK 83 or the 500-pound BLU-111/MK 82 warhead as the payload, according to the US Air Force.

A scene of utter destruction

Suleiman Salman al-Najjar, who survived the attack, told Amnesty he had been ill and returned from the hospital to find his home bombed and family killed. I was shocked. I rushed home and saw a scene of utter destruction. I could not believe my eyes. Everybody was under the rubble. The house was completely pulverized. The bodies were reduced to shreds, he said.

The second attack occurred about midday on October 22 and hit three houses belonging to three brothers in the Abu Mueileq family, the report says. In total, 18 members of the Mu-eileq family were killed, including 12 children and six women, as well as one of their neighbors, the report says.

Bakir Abu Mueileq told Amnesty he lost his wife and four of their children in the attack. Abu Mueileq  an ear, nose and throat specialist  said that he had been working at the nearby hospital when the attack occurred.

We are three brothers married to three sisters, living among ourselves, focused on our families and work, and far from politics. We are doctors and scientists, Abu Mueileq said, adding, we cannot understand why our homes were bombed.  There is nobody armed or political here. Our lives, our families, were destroyed completely, obliterated. Why?

Amnesty says photos show the bomb that hit the homes of the Mu-eileq family weighed about 1,000 pounds and was manufactured in 2018, according to the year stamped into the plate.

The US may share responsibility for serious violations of international humanitarian law committed by Israel with US-supplied weapons, as all states have a duty not to knowingly contribute to internationally wrongful acts by other states, Amnesty warned.

The human rights organization is urging the US government and other governments to stop transferring arms to Israel that more likely than not will be used to commit or heighten risks of violations of international law.

A state that continues to supply arms being used to commit violations may share responsibility for these violations, Amnesty said.

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LANCASTER, Ky. (FOX 56)  The number of abandoned dogs and animal cruelty cases across Kentucky is gathering attention from animal advocacy groups.

On Thursday more than 60 dogs were found in extremely deplorable conditions in a Lancaster home. Anita Spreitzer, Vice-President and General Manager, of Paws 4 the Cause, called it horrendous.

Richmond rallies to bring home dog who opened two doors at daycare, video shows

The last two years have been horrendous. We have seen more dump dogs, starved dogs, and dogs in deplorable conditions, more than weve ever wanted to see, said Spreitzer.

Spreitzer says she has been in the rescue business for 45 years, but it never gets easier when it comes to dealing with animals that are abused.

If you have to look in their eyes and you see how defeated they are, said Spreitzer.

Spreitzer said she related with the Garrard County Animal Shelter which took in the dogs rescued in the Garrard County home, on how such situations can be overwhelming.

For Garrard County to have to take on something like this, on top of the fact that they have so many dogs right now in their shelter to begin with.

LATEST KENTUCKY NEWS:

She said she feels for the shelter and plans to take in some of the animals that were already there to make room for the dozens of huskies.

Spreitzer said lawmakers must also do their part, pushing for stricter laws and tougher penalties for those who harm animals.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 56 News.
A federal appeals court on Friday blocked President Bidens new student debt relief plan, teeing up a potential expansion of the legal fight already brewing at the Supreme Court.

The 8th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruling extends the brief pause it ordered last month. The courts updated decision prevents the administration from moving ahead with its Saving on a Valuable Education (SAVE) plan until the court resolves the lawsuit, which could take months.

The 3-0 ruling called the plan a vast assertion of newfound power and said the Biden administration fell far short of showing clear authorization from Congress.

The new SAVE plan  is an order of magnitude broader than anything that has come before, the court wrote in its unsigned, 10-page opinion.

The panel, all appointed by Republican presidents, also rejected the administrations attempted workaround after a district judge invalidated portions of the plan at a previous stage of the case.

Seven Republican state attorneys general sued over the SAVE plan, which was introduced last year after the Supreme Court struck down the presidents universal student debt relief program.

The new income-driven repayment plan had two phases. The first phase occurred last fall, raising the income protected from payments from 150 percent above the federal poverty guidelines to 225 percent and waiving accrued unpaid interest outside the calculated payments.

The second part was set to occur in July, when undergraduate student loan repayments were to be dropped from 10 percent of discretionary income to 5 percent and other loan forgiveness options became available to certain groups.

The new ruling adds to the state of confusion borrowers have been in due to the various rulings about the SAVE plan, with potential deja vu heading their way as the Supreme Court is asked to get involved.

In a separate challenge, three Republican state attorneys general have filed an emergency request urging the high court to temporarily block the second half of the plan  and agree to take up the challenge on the merits during the courts next term.

Fridays ruling could lead the Justice Department to file an emergency appeal at the Supreme Court, too, or similarly urge the court to hear the case in full, now.

The Hill has reached out to the Justice Department and the Department of Education for comment.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
A federal appeals court has upheld the 2021 conviction of a Chinese spy who plotted to steal proprietary information from aviation companies, including Evendale-based GE Aviation.

Yanjun Xu, a deputy division director for the Chinese Ministry of State Security, was sentenced to 20 years in prison in 2022 for conspiring to commit economic espionage and attempting to steal trade secrets. In an opinion released Aug. 7, the 6th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals upheld the convictions.

A federal appellate court has upheld the conviction of Yanjun Xu, a Chinese spy sentenced to 20 years in prison for attempting to steal trade secrets from U.S. aviation companies, including GE Aviation.

A jury declared at the end of Xus trial that the government had proven him guilty beyond a reasonable doubt  Now, the appellate court has upheld those decisions, U.S. Attorney Kenneth Parker said in a statement. This office will continue to pursue justice at every stage of a case.

As a senior member of a Chinese intelligence agency, Xu was responsible for "procuring foreign military and commercial aviation technology," according to the 6th Circuit's opinion.

Between 2013 and 2018, Xu and his colleagues recruited aviation experts  many of whom had connections to China  to give presentations at universities and aviation companies in China. During those visits, Chinese spies would try to obtain private information.

The GE Aviation engineer, a native of China, fell victim to Xu's ploy in 2017, according to the opinion.

The engineer was an expert in GE Aviation's composite fan-blade technology, which no other company had been able to duplicate. He was invited via LinkedIn to give a presentation at a university in China by a spy posing as a university leader.

The engineer accepted the invitation but did not tell GE Aviation about the trip. Before he left, he downloaded files containing proprietary training materials that were not supposed to leave the country without a license, court records show.

After the FBI began investigating the engineer's trip to China, he agreed to cooperate with the investigation in exchange for immunity from prosecution. The FBI arranged to send him to Europe to meet with Chinese spies.

In preparation for the meeting, Xu asked the engineer to bring his work computer and a separate hard drive with the files with him on the trip. Prosecutors say that was done in case Xu couldn't gain access to the files on the computer.

Xu was arrested in Belgium in April 2018 and extradited to the U.S.

Authorities discovered multiple devices containing information about Xu's attempts to steal trade secrets, including information related to GE's composite fan-blade technology.

He is being held at a federal prison in New York.

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Chinese spy who plotted to steal GE Aviation technology loses appeal
JEFFERSON PARISH, La. (WGNO)  Qualified homeowners in Jefferson Parish could soon get some help with their home repairs.

The Jefferson Parish Department of Community Development has received $2 million from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and will be putting the money toward its 2024 Revitalizing Jefferson Together: Under One Roof Homeowner Rehabilitation Program.

Applications are now being accepted for the program, which provides funding to assist qualified homeowners with major and minor repairs from roof repairs to plumbing repairs.

A desirable candidate is a homeowner in Jefferson Parish who meets the income requirements, explained Stephanie Brumfield, the director of the Jefferson Parish Department of Community Development.

University of New Orleans reaches solution for fall commencement ceremonies

Applications will be reviewed on a first-come, first-serve basis and separated into two tiers. Tier 1 will include income qualified applicants who are elderly and disabled, and Tier 2 will include remaining applicants.

We have been hearing from the community, and we do get a lot of calls about our elderly who need home repairs, said Brumfield. We get this funding every year from HUD, and we feel like this is the best use for the funding, to open up a program like this to help the people who are in need.

Some homeowners in Bridge City say theyre facing several issues with their houses.

Homeowner Leonard Rodgers says his list of repairs includes plumbing, air conditioning and a roof.

Louisiana lagging behind in REAL ID compliance

The Bridge City homeowner believes he would benefit from the program because he does most of the repairs himself, since thats all he can afford.

Insurance in Louisiana is outrageous, said Rodgers. WGNOs Jordan Lippincott asked, Do you think you will apply [for the program]? Rodgers responded, Oh, for sure. Im glad I heard about it.

Those interested can go online to access the online application portal. The deadline to apply is Friday, Aug. 23.

Community development staff will be available to assist those who do not have access to a computer. To make an appointment for in-person assistance, call 504-736-6262.

Stay up to date with the latest news, weather and sports by downloading the WGNO app on the Apple or Google Play stores and by subscribing to the WGNO newsletter.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WGNO.
Gold coins buried in a small pot and dated to the fifth century B.C. were discovered in modern-day Turkey.

Archaeologists believe that the coinsbased on their location underneath a Helensitic housewere meant to pay off mercenaries.

Fighting between the Persian and Athenian armies in the ancient Greek city of Notion could explain the existence of these coins and the fact that they were still buried.

Mercenary armies werent cheap in the Greek city of Notion during the fifth century B.C.especially with the Persian and Athenian fighters waging a front-line battle in the area. Getting a little extra muscle in the conflict likely required having a bit of spare cash on hand, and archaeologists recently uncovered some of that loot in the form of a hoard of gold coins, which they found buried in a small pot in western Turkey.

According to researchers led by the University of Michigan, the gold coinswhich were originally discovered in 2023, but only recently okayed for publication by the Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourismdepict a kneeling archer. The archer was a key signature of the Persian daric, issued by the Persian Empire and potentially minted during the fifth century B.C. about 60 miles northeast of Notion in the ancient city of Sardis.

The fact that this literal pot of gold was even found shows that an unlikely scenario befell the owner.

The discovery of such a valuable find in a controlled archaeological excavation is very rare, said Christopher Ratte, professor of ancient Mediterranean art and archaeology and director of the Notion Archaeological Survey, the project that discovered the coins, in a statement. No one ever buries a hoard of coins, especially precious metal coins, without intending to retrieve it. So only the gravest misfortune can explain the preservation of such a treasure.

That grave misfortune could have come in the form of the very thing that experts believe the coins were intended for: war.

According to the Greek historian Xenophon, a single daric was equivalent to a soldiers pay for one month. Finding a hoard of the coins indicates the possibility that it may have been part of the payment to mercenary troops around Notion.



While Ratte admitted that the evidence for the mercenary theory is circumstantial, he believes the timing adds up. Notionalong with other Greek cities on the west coast of present-day Turkeybecame part of the Persian Empire in the mid-sixth century B.C. Then, come the early fifth century B.C., it came under Greek control. That didnt last too long, however, as the early fourth century B.C. saw it return to Persian command until the conquest of Alexander the Great in 334 B.C.

All this back-and-forth rule made Notion the front lines of conflict, with Greek historians chronicling the use of barbarian mercenaries during Athenian vs. Persian skirmishes. It is battles like these that could have warranted an army collecting enough daric to pay for additional assistance, but any sort of defeat could have meant that the owners of the coins werent able to retrieve them, leaving... say... a pot of coins to be found centuries later.

Of course, the mercenary idea isnt the only theory in play. As Notion was an important military harbor, the coins could have been part of payment to help build out the waterfront. If a tragedy befell the owner of the hoard, the coins would have simply remained secretly buried.

The history of the daric started in the sixth century and lasted until Alexander the Greats control began around 330 B.C. The design of the coins remained relatively similar, with only minor stylistic differences in play. Using the new coinsand the independent dating of the coins, thanks to additional artifacts found nearbyto help highlight those style shifts should help set up a distinct timeline for the daric.

This hoard, Ratte said, will provide a firm date that can serve as an anchor to help fix the chronology of the [entire sequence of coins].

If it can be established accurately by other means, to allow us to fine-tune the chronology of the Achaemenid gold coinage, said Andrew Meadows, former curator of coins at the British Museum and the American Numismatic Society and now at Oxford University, in a statement. This is a spectacular find [] of the highest importance.

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From the Stirewalt on Politics on The Dispatch

Kari Lake addresses the crowd at a rally with Sen. J.D. Vance at Arizona Christian University Event Center in Glendale, Arizona, on July 31, 2024. (Photo by Laura Segall/AFP/Getty Images)

Checking in on Arizona, which was, at a margin of 10,457 votes, the narrowest of all Democratic victories four years ago.

At the end of President Joe Bidens reelection campaign, the Grand Canyon State had fallen off a cliff for Democrats, with a 10-point loss seeming increasingly likely. When she came into the race, three weeks ago, it looked much the same for Vice President Kamala Harris.

Now? Not so much: According to the latest methodologically sound poll from Arizona, Harris leads former President Donald Trump by nearly 3 points, right at the edge of the margin of error, keeping up the trend across the swing states: Harris surging, Trump sagging.

As she headed to Phoenix on Friday, Harris went as a candidate pressing an advantage where just a fortnight ago she would have been seen as making a desperation play. The July strategy of holding all of the Blue Wall of Pennsylvania, Michigan, and Wisconsin and writing off the Sun Belt has given way to a new, ahem, southern strategy for Democrats.

And its not just the top of the ticket. The same new poll shows GOP Senate candidate Kari Lake, fresh from a surprisingly close primary win, getting shellacked by Democratic Rep. Ruben Gallego by 11 points, 50 percent to 39 percent.

Woof.

Maybe its because Lake is bad at politics, describing her opponent in a recent interview as a cross between Mr. Rogers and G.I. Joe and concluding that the response to getting so much pushback from moderate Republicans in her primary, despite backing from the national party establishment, iswhat elseto go quadruple mega MAGA in the general election.

I honestly believe that the America First agenda is the greatest way for people in the middle, Lake told D.C. insider favorite, Punchbowl News. Unfortunately, we have to push back against a very corrupt media thats trying to paint this movement as extremist. Frankly, I dont see anything extremist.

Oh.

Or maybe its because Arizona still hasnt gotten over the nightmare of the 2020 election.

Jenna Ellis, once the top spokeswoman for Trumps efforts to overturn the results in Arizona and elsewhere, flipped herself this week, and is now cooperating with prosecutors who are going after former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani and former White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows for their alleged role in an effort to manufacture fake electoral votes from the state to blow up the certification process in the Senate on January 6, 2021.

A good indicator of how much scar tissue is left over from Republican efforts to steal Arizonas electoral votes is this: Schools in Maricopa County, the biggest and swingiest county in the state, will no longer open their doors as polling places.

In this environment, where you have people with body cameras and weapons that are being brandished, that is a concernthat is intimidating for many people, Superintendent Scott Menzel in Scottsdale, a tony suburb northeast of Phoenix, told the Washington Post. It just takes one flash point to ignite something thats catastrophic, and I absolutely dont want that to happen on any one of my campuses.

Its far from over in Arizona. And given Harris vulnerabilities as the former czar-not-czar of the Biden administrations initial efforts to staunch the flow of Central American migrants across the southern border, Republicans certainly know where to hit her and make it hurt with Arizona voters.

But the state gives us an insight on how dramatically the race has changed. With Democrats revving up younger voters and Hispanic voters back in full force, the chances to win the southern tier are real.

That puts Republicans in a position of having to defend must-win states instead of looking for one crack in the three states up north. What a difference three weeks makes.

Holy croakano! We welcome your feedback, so please email us with your tips, corrections, reactions, amplifications, etc. at STIREWALTISMS@THEDISPATCH.COM. If youd like to be considered for publication, please include your real name and hometown. If you dont want your comments to be made public, please specify.

STATSHOT

General Election

Donald Trump: 43.2% ( 0.4 points from last week)

Kamala Harris: 46.2% ( 3.2)

Robert F. Kennedy Jr: 5.4% ( 0.2)

[Average includes: Marquette Law: Trump: 42%  Harris 50%  Kennedy 6%; Marist/NPR/PBS: Trump 45%  Harris 48%  Kennedy 5%; TIPP: Trump 42%  Harris 44%  Kennedy 7%; Wall Street Journal: Trump 44%  Harris 45%  Kennedy 4%; New York Times/Siena: Trump 43%  Harris 44%  Kennedy 5%]

Generic Ballot

Democrats: 45.6% ( 0.4 points from last week)

Republicans: 46.2% ( 0.4)

[Average includes: Marist/NPR/PBS: 47% Democrats  45% Republicans; CNBC: 44% Democrats  47% Republicans; Wall Street Journal: 46% Democrats  48% Republicans; Echelon Insights: 48% Democrats  47% Republicans; Noble Predictive Insights: 43% Democrats  44% Republicans]

TIME OUT: JONAH GOLDBERG, CALL YOUR OFFICE

The Paris Review: The evening before the fourth annual Great Florida Bigfoot Conference in the north-central horse town of Ocala, I was in a buffet line at the VIP dinner, listening to a man describe his first encounter. I was on an airboat near Turner River Road in the Glades and I saw it there, he said.  I sat down at a conference room round table and gnawed on an undercooked chicken quarter, looking around at my fellow VIPs, or as the conferences master of ceremonies, Ryan RPG Golembeske, called us, the Bigfoot Mafia.  The etymology of the name Bigfoot can be traced to Bluff Creek in California.  Bigfoot hysteria entered the American psyche more broadly in the seventies after the release of the famous 1967 Patterson-Gimlin film, which purported to capture Bigfoot  in 16mm glory.  All of a sudden, people were heading into the woods in search of the creature.

KAMALA RESETS RACE AS SUNBELT RETURNS TO TOSS UP

Cook Political Report: Today, Kamala Harris leads Donald Trump by less than one point, a shift of more than three points in Harris direction. Battleground state polls are showing similar results, with Harris cutting into Trumps lead by anywhere from two to five points.  Back in early June, her favorability ratings were underwater by 16 points (37% favorable to 53% unfavorable). Today, they sit at 43% favorable to 49% unfavorable, or -6%.  In other words, the presidential contest has moved from one that was Trumps to lose to a much more competitive contest. As such, we are moving three battleground states that we moved to Lean Republican in early July  Arizona, Georgia, and Nevada  back into Toss Up. Bottom Line: Things look a lot better for Democrats today than they did a few weeks ago, but Trump is looking stronger now than he did in 2020. This is a Toss Up.

Poll shows Trump, Harris even in Wisconsin: Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump are in a statistical dead heat in Wisconsin, according to a Marquette University Law School poll.  Among registered voters, 50% supported Trump and 49% supported Harris. Among likely voters, 50% supported Harris and 49% supported Trump.  When polling for President Joe Biden and Trump, Biden was at 42% and Trump at 47% among registered voters.  When factoring in third-party candidates like Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., Harris led Trump by two percentage points, 45% to 43%.  Respondents who considered themselves very enthusiastic to vote still leaned toward Trump 52% to Harris 47%. That narrows the numbers from June, when that group leaned 61% for Trump to 39% for Biden. Harris has a slight lead among somewhat enthusiastic voters.

Backtracking, Trump reaccepts September debate: Bloomberg: Republican nominee Donald Trump proposed three debates with Vice President Kamala Harris during a press conference as he sought to regain momentum for a campaign overshadowed in recent days by his new 2024 rival. Trump said he had agreed to debates with Fox, NBC and ABC in September but acknowledged that the Harris campaign has yet to sign off on the plan. He also said he believed CBS would host a vice presidential debate.  Trump also assailed Harris for not doing a sitdown interview with the media since her entry into the presidential race in July.  Trump has previously dismissed the need for a debate, saying theres no reason to participate because hes leading in the polls and everybody knows him.

Team Trumps risky ground-game gambit: Washington Post: With fewer than 100 days before the election, local GOP officials in battleground states have raised alarms about the scant presence of Trump campaign field staff. For the large armies of paid and volunteer door-knockers and canvassers who typically drive turnout in presidential elections, the campaign is largely relying on outside groups such as America First Works, America PAC and Turning Point Action.  Past experiments with outsourcing field operations, most notably Florida Gov. Ron DeSantiss heavy reliance on a super PAC in the Republican presidential primary race, have wound up as expensive boondoggles.  The campaigns own field operations are using the same formula that carried Trump to victory in the Iowa caucuses, relying on dedicated volunteers serving as neighborhood captains.

SLOTKIN, ROGERS WILL FACE OFF IN CRUCIAL MICHIGAN CLASH Detroit Free Press: The battle for Michigans open U.S. Senate seat came into clearer focus Tuesday night as U.S. Rep. Elissa Slotkin, D-Holly, and former U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers, R-Brighton, won their parties nominations to succeed U.S. Sen. Debbie Stabenow.  Slotkin led Detroit actor Hill Harper 76% to 24% in the Democratic primary, with 94% of the vote tallied statewide. Rogers led the Republican primary, with 63% to 16% for former U.S. Rep. Justin Amash.  The race to replace Stabenow is expected to be an unusually hard-fought one, given that no Republican U.S. Senate nominee has won in Michigan since 1994.

Poll: Sheehy narrowly leads Tester in Montana: The Hill: Sen. Jon Tester (D-Mont.) is locked in a tight race in Montana as former President Trump boasts a wide lead over Vice President Harris in the state, polling shows. A new Emerson College Polling/The Hill survey puts Trump-backed Republican Tim Sheehy with a 2-point lead over Tester, 48 percent to 46 percent. Another 5 percent were undecided.  The poll also marks a shift from March, when the same pollster found Tester up by 2 points over his Republican challenger.  This week, Tester launched a Republicans for Tester group to rally support from across the aisle as he braces for a competitive November contest. At the top of the ticket, Trump is a whopping 15 percentage points ahead of Harris.

BRIEFLY

Squad down two members as Rep. Cori Bush loses primarySt. Louis Post-Dispatch

Gluesenkamp Perez, Kent rematch looms in Washingtons 3rd DistrictAxios

Ferguson, Reichert advance to Washington gubernatorial general electionSeattle Times

WITHIN EARSHOT: FROM THE AUGEAN STABLES

If Kamala really is black, have her say the N-word, let the people decide for themselves.  Post from Kevin Sorbo, who famously portrayed the titular character in the long-running series Hercules: The Legendary Journeys, with a suggestion for resolving former President Donald Trumps doubts about the vice presidents ethnicity.



MAILBAG

You write that Joe Lieberman was the first Jewish person on a presidential ticket. Setting Barry Goldwater, who was not halachically Jewish, aside, the first Jewish person on a presidential ticket would have been Tonie Nathan in 1972, who is also the first Jewish person and the first woman to receive an electoral college vote. A small correction.Joshua Katz, Phoenix, Arizona

Mr. Katz,

True, true! I should have said that Leiberman was the first Jewish American to be on a major party presidential ticket. While I cant say for certain that no other minor party ever picked a presidential or vice presidential nominee of Jewish faith or heritage, we can for sure say that Nathan fits the bill. Details do matter, and I do delight in such arcana as Ms. Nathans place in vice presidential history.

She is of note for more than her barrier breaking, though. Nathan, running with 1972 Libertarian presidential nominee John Hosperserstwhile friend of Ayn Rand and chairman of the philosophy department at the University of Southern Californiagot a grand total of 3,674 votes that year.

But they made it in the history books because of one man, Roger MacBride, a one-term member of the Vermont legislature who moved to Virginia and became treasurer of the commonwealths Republican Party. From that perch he was picked for the typically ceremonial duty of serving as one of what were then Virginias 12 electors in the Electoral College.

President Richard Nixon won Virginia that year by 38 points, but MacBride opted to be a faithless elector, and cast his vote for Hospers and Nathan, bringing the official tally to Nixon 520, Democrat George McGovern 17, and Hospers 1. MacBride, perhaps not surprisingly, sought and won the Libertarian nomination in 1976, but received no electoral votes, faithless or otherwise.

None of that was MacBrides most notable turn in American public life, though. That distinction belongs to his status as heir to the estate of Rose Wilder Lane, daughter of Little House on the Prairie author Laura Ingalls Wilder. MacBride had been a close friend of the authors daughter, with whom he shared a love of free market economics and frontier literature. She designated MacBride, an attorney, as sole heir and executor to her estate. After she died in 1968, it was MacBride who sold the rights to the book and helped develop the hit television series of the same name.

An unsuccessful lawsuit after his death in 1998 challenging his familys continued ownership of the rights to Ingalls work suggested that the estate was worth at least $100 million at the time.

All best,

c

You should email us! Write to STIREWALTISMS@THEDISPATCH.COM with your tips, kudos, criticisms, insights, rediscovered words, wonderful names, recipes, and, always, good jokes. Please include your real nameat least first and lastand hometown. Make sure to let us know in the email if you want to keep your submission private. My colleague, the tenacious Nate Moore, and I will look for your emails and then share the most interesting ones and my responses here. Clickety clack!

CUTLINE CONTEST: LOX-ED OUT

Vice President Kamala Harris and Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro speak to the press while making a stop at the Reading Terminal Market in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, July 13, 2024. (Photo by Ryan Collerd/AFP/Getty Images)

Not all Cutline Contest winners are simple, but I think the very best ones tend to be, and we have a miniature masterpiece this week for a picture of Vice President Kamala Harris and then-running mate contender, Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro.

Some of my best friends are Jewish.Peter Schwartz, Auburn, Alabama

Winner, Walz-ed Out of Contention Division:

Some things are just mensch to beTom Walk, Greensboro, North Carolina

Winner, Build a Wall Division:

Let me be the first to introduce you all to the future Border Czar of the Harris Administration Kirk Dunn, Yuma, Arizona

Winner, Shine a Light Division:

VP Kamala Harris continues Freedom theme by asking Gov. Josh Shapiro to join chorus of Elton John hit.Linda McKee, DuBois, Pennsylvania

Winner, Joyful Noise Division:

This is Joshua David Shapiro. J.D. Shapiro? [LAUGHTER] See? And, J.D. Vance! [LAUGHTER] The letters, right? Remember the letters? Those two letters! [LAUGHTER]Tripp Whitbeck, Arlington, Virginia

Winner, Salad Shooter Division:

Websters dictionary defines semite as a member of any of the peoples descended from Shem, the eldest son of Noah. Eldest son. Family. Mothers and fathers. Daughters and sons. And arks! And thats the significance of the passage of time, right, the significance of the passage of time. So, when you think about it, there is great significance to the passage of time in terms of what we need to do to win the election. What we need to do to create these votes. And there is such great significance to the passage of time when we think about a day in the life of our children. How true that is. How true that is.David Connor, Reston, Virginia

Winner, Wrong Opinions Division:

Now Josh  this is a man who can pull off the suit-no tie look.Tim Maloney, St. Louis, Missouri

FIRST DALE, DALE, DALE AND GOAL

The Guardian: Welcome to Pitbull Stadium, the home of your FIU Panthers. Florida International announced what could end up as a 10-year agreement on Tuesday with international recording artist, Grammy winner and entrepreneur Armando Christian Perezthe Miami native better known as Pitbullto put his name on their college football stadium.  Perez will pay $1.2m annually for the next five years, the university said, for the naming rights. He will have an option in August 2029 to extend the deal for another five years and continue the rebranding. Yes, were going to create history in Pitbull Stadium, Perez said during a news conference in Miami. This isnt just an announcement. This is a movement.  According to the agreement, Perez will be referred to as the Official Entrepreneur of FIU Athletics.  Pitbullwho also goes by Mr 305, a nod to Miamis area codekicked off his music career in the South Florida rap scene.

Nate Moore contributed to this report.

Read more at The Dispatch

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A GOP mayor in Arizona said he now doesnt recognize his party while speaking at a campaign rally for Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris in Glendale on Friday.

Mesa Mayor John Giles  who in 2022 was censured by a GOP committee after he endorsed Sen. Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.) over Blake Masters, a challenger backed by former President Donald Trump  said his party has been taken over by extremists that are committed to forcing people in the center of the political spectrum out of the [Republican] Party.

So I have something to say to those of us who are in the political middle: You dont owe a damn thing to that political party, the Republican said at the rally, which attracted an estimated crowd of over 15,000 people.

In particular, you do not owe anything to a party that is out of touch and is hell-bent on taking our country backward. And by all means, you owe no displaced loyalty to a candidate that is morally and ethically bankrupt.

The remarks from Giles, who has previously applauded Democratic President Joe Bidens White House and once warned that Trump wouldnt leave office if he were to win a second presidential term, arrives just days after the mayor called the current GOP ticket the greatest threat to American values and institutions that hes seen in his life.

Giles is a co-chair of the Republicans for Harris campaign committee and, in an op-ed published last month, said the Republican Party has a moral and ethical responsibility to restore faith in our democratic institutions.

I would say in the spirit of the great Sen. John McCain, please, please, please join me in putting country over party and stopping Donald Trump and protecting the rule of law, protecting our Constitution and protecting the democracy of this great country, Giles told the Glendale crowd.

Mesa, AZ Republican Mayor John Giles: I do not recognize my party. I have something to say to those of us who are in the middle: You dont owe a damn thing to that party. You dont owe anything to a party that is out of touch and hell-bent on taking us backward. And by all means, pic.twitter.com/8vpQmdxsPx  Acyn (@Acyn) August 9, 2024

Related...
LAS VEGAS (KLAS)  A wildfire in northwest Arizona has burned 5,364 acres and has moved north into the Mount Tipton Wilderness.

The Element Fire is about four miles east of Chloride and 12 miles north of Kingman, according to Bureau of Land Management officials.

An incident report said the fire started Tuesday night, ignited by a lightning strike. It is currently 5% contained with 145 personnel on the scene fighting the blaze.

Smoke from the fire has not been affecting Las Vegas. The fire is burning desert grass, manzanita and pinyon juniper.

Crews are working on structure protection as well as working to prevent spread into Mount Tipton Wilderness, a BLM report indicates.

BLM reports the following closures: Big Wash Road from the water tank junction (CM1470) to the Cherum Peak Trailhead; CM1364 to Big Wash Road; Packsaddle Campground; Windy Point Campground; and Cherum Peak Trailhead.

Wind gusts and possible thunderstorm activity in the area could be factors in efforts to contain the fire.

Kingman is about 107 miles southeast of Las Vegas.

The Broom Canyon Fire has doubled in size in the Currant Mountain Wilderness area in Nye County, about 60 miles southwest of Ely. (BLM photo)

In Nevada, firefighting efforts continue on the Stockade Canyon Fire in Washoe County. That fire has burned 18,212 acres and is the states largest wildfire so far this year.

The Broom Canyon Fire in Nye County is now at 1,351 acres, more than double its size a few days ago. The fire is in the Currant Mountain Wilderness area and does not pose a threat to people or property, according to the BLM.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLAS.
LITTLE ROCK, Ark.  A group working to place a ballot question before voters is calling out what it sees as bias in a recent Secretary of State ruling.

The supporter group Arkansans for Limited Government is pointing toward a Thursday letter by Secretary John Thurston to a group gathering signatures for a medical marijuana ballot question. In that letter, Thurston states that the group made errors in its original signature submission paperwork, and further signature submissions will be checked to ensure the paperwork is in place.

Arkansans for Limited Government sues Secretary of State Thurston over abortion amendment petition rejection

The marijuana group, Arkansans for Patient Access (AFPA) was given additional time after the July 5 deadline to gather signatures under what is called a cure period for ballot approval.

The signatures submitted by Arkansans for Limited Government (AFLG) on July 5 were rejected by Thurstons office on July 10 because they did not include the required paperwork. The office did not count the signatures due to this lack, meaning the group would not get its ballot question before voters.

AFLG appealed Thurstons ruling to that state Supreme Court on July 16. Thurstons Thursday letter to the marijuana group led to AFLG filing a revision to its July 16 pleading on Friday.

Arkansans for Limited Government reacts to state Supreme Court order for Secretary of State to count signatures

In the revised pleading, attorneys state that Thurstons decision on AFPA shows that while he was willing to tolerate an omission by that group, he was not willing to tolerate the same omission by the abortion amendment group.

AFLGs response today to the Attorney Generals brief, which was filed last week, can be summed up quite succinctly: the facts and law are on our side, a group spokesperson said. Whats more, yesterday, the Secretary of State told our counterparts at Arkansans for Patient Access that their identical paperwork errors are not disqualifying.

The spokesperson continued that Thurstons ruling made it crystal clear that the secretary was working to keep the AFLGs work off the ballot regardless of facts or law.

Were furious, and Arkansans should be, too, they concluded.

Arkansas Supreme Court orders Secretary of State to count petition signatures for proposed abortion amendment

A response from Attorney General Tim Griffins office to the amended complaint said AFLG had violated Arkansas law by not submitting its paperwork and is not entitled to any relief.

In short, AFLGs briefing asks for a mulligan on its failure to comply with Arkansas law, the response states. This Court should reject that request and, applying the required strict-compliance analysis, deny relief.

Arkansas abortion amendment organizers claim secretary of state failed to fulfill his duty in rejecting signatures

If AFLG prevails in court, voters in November will have an opportunity to make access to abortion part of the Arkansas constitution.

If the group prevails in court, voters in November will have an opportunity to make access to abortion part of the Arkansas constitution.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KARK.
Arkansas Library Board member Jason Rapert at a February meeting at which he sought to withhold funds from libraries involved in a federal lawsuit over a 2023 state law. (Photo by Tess Vrbin/Arkansas Advocate)

Six members of the Arkansas State Library Board stonewalled fellow member Jason Raperts attempts Friday to get the board to withhold funds from certain libraries.

Rapert has been trying since February to restrict or withhold state funding to some libraries for their involvement in a lawsuit over Act 372 of 2023, a law that would change how libraries handle controversial material and make librarians criminally liable for distributing content that some deem obscene or harmful to minors. A federal judge temporarily blocked two sections of the law last year shortly before it took effect. A trial in that case is scheduled for October.

The former state senator from Conway offered three different motions to withhold funds from libraries on Friday, all of which failed to obtain a second from other board members.

Rapert and board member Shari Bales of Hot Springs, both appointed to by Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders last year, spoke over each other as they debated whether the board has the authority to withhold state funds or ban books.

We have the authority to decide how we dispense those funds, Rapert said as he tried to read excerpts from controversial books that some conservatives in Arkansas have sought to remove from public library shelves or have stashed in hard-to-access areas.

Bales countered that state law and board bylaws make the board responsible for setting policy for the State Library only, not every library in the state. The boards duty is to disburse the funds authorized by the Legislature, she said.

Our opinions about these books dont matter, Bales said.

She suggested Rapert run for office again if he thinks the law should change or speak to legislators, specifically mentioning Sen. Dan Sullivan, the main sponsor of Act 372. The Jonesboro Republican was in the audience and said, Im here.

Raperts first motion Friday sought to withhold funds from public libraries involved in the federal lawsuit over Act 372. His second motion sought to withhold funds from any library that refuses to segregate books deemed offensive to the community from general access to library patrons.

The back-and-forth between Rapert and Bales began when he asked that the rooms projector screen display pages from two books he criticized as inappropriate for minors  All Boys Arent Blue, by George M. Johnson and Gender Queer, by Maia Kobabe. The pages were posted on a website (takebacktheclassroom.com) that purports to help parents remove explicit and pornographic books from school libraries.

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Before Rapert could read an excerpt from All Boys Arent Blue, Bales objected to the reading of pornography in a public forum.

But you dont object to it being available to kids, Rapert responded.

Bales: I did object and stated that more than once.

Rapert: You dont vote to stop it.

Bales: We cannot stop it, Mr. Rapert.

Rapert: Yes you can.

Bales: We do not ban books on this board!

Rapert: This is not banning books.

Yes it is, Bales shouted.

Rapert, founder and president of the National Association of Christian Lawmakers, read the excerpt from All Boys Arent Blue and noted graphic images in Gender Queer before offering his first motion.

When that motion failed, he asked the board to withhold funds from any library that doesnt segregate 30 books in a restricted area, which also failed to receive a second.

Every time you vote or dont vote, youre telling the people of Arkansas you dont care, Rapert said after his second motion.

When his third motion  to stop providing funds to the American Library Association  died, Rapert said he would bring the defunding motions back at all future board meetings. Its not clear that the board provides any funds to the ALA.

The boards failure to vote on his motions was a vote against decency not a vote for censorship, Rapert said in response to board member Pamela Meredith, who said, I will never vote for censorship.

This body has the absolute ability to say were not going to give money to a library thats putting pornographic material in front of children, he said.

At one point, Rapert said he supported abolishing the board if they wont do their duty. He said some legislators have contacted him and said, If that board wont do its job, well just abolish the board and give the duties to the secretary of education.

And unless the board acts, I say, amen, destroy it and put it in the hands of somebody who knows you shouldnt be putting pornography in front of children.

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Dr. Alonzo Williams, a gastroenterologist and medical director of the Arkansas Diagnostic Center, testifies at an Arkansas State Medical Board hearing into his practice in Little Rock on Aug. 9, 2024. (Mary Hennigan/Arkansas Advocate)

After approximately 20 hours of testimony during a two-day hearing, the Arkansas State Medical Board voted to revoke the license of Dr. Alonzo Williams, a Little Rock gastroenterologist accused of sexual abuse and improper prescription practices.

The medical board, led by Dr. Ward Gardner, approved 16 of the 17 charges against Williams, many of which were related to gross negligence or ignorant malpractice for the over-utilization of medical procedures such as biopsies, colonoscopies and a specific esophagus examination called an esophagogastroduodenoscopy, or EGD.

The hearing centered around an investigation of six of Williams patients, whom he and his attorney Kevin ODwyer described as extreme outliers.

Medical records  which testimony revealed Williams staff did not collect in their entirety for the investigation  showed the six patients frequently underwent sedated procedures and were prescribed opioids even after pharmacies communicated risks for certain patients to Williams clinic.

Williams, 73, testified Friday and said he believes some patients duped him. In an effort to assuage board members, Williams said he was willing to complete various courses to improve his practice and would stop prescribing narcotics entirely. He said he would refer patients with chronic pain to other practitioners.

As a former member of the Arkansas State Medical Board himself, Williams said he worked real hard to not be on this side of the table, referring to his position as the subject of the hearing.

His attempts to relieve board members of concerns did not prove to have enough sway when it came to the charges.

The only charge board members did not approve Friday concerned an allegation of sexual harassment of an employee in a clinic setting. The board rejected the allegations because of a disagreement of whether the alleged victim was an employee of Williams and concerns that the woman did not testify.

Williams did testify Friday that he had an inappropriate relationship with one of his coworkers, a woman who was frequently referenced throughout the hearing as his employee. Williams does not consider her to ever have been his employee.

Further, he said their relationship was consensual, brief and was not sexual harassment. He did not provide any further details.

In addition to approving allegations and charges, the medical board also assigned penalties to the separate charges, the majority of which were license revocations. Other approved penalties included reprimand and a one-year license suspension.

The license revocation will take effect upon a signed order, and Williams will be informed of the appeal process.

One member of the board, Dr. Brian McGee, recused from the hearing because he previously practiced gastroenterology in the same clinic as Williams. McGee was not present either day of the hearing. Another board member, Dr. Timothy Paden, was absent Friday and did not participate in the vote.

Gardner, who as chairman doesnt participate in board votes, was the only member who spoke to the result of the hearing.

No desire to make any comments, its a sad day, he said soon before the board adjourned after a 13-hour hearing on Friday.

Williams declined to comment on the hearings outcome as he left for the evening with his family.

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Friday testimony

Two witnesses spoke on Friday, adding to Thursdays list of 10.

In addition to Williams, ODwyer also called on Kevin Olden, a retired doctor who practiced gastroenterology with a focus in psychiatric influence  or how the brain and the gut interact with each other. Though Oldens most recent practice occurred in Arizona, he did practice medicine in Arkansas in the 2000s.

As the defenses expert witness, Olden spoke to Williams medical practice and the frequency of certain procedures he performed.

At the beginning of his testimony, which lasted approximately six hours, Olden seemed to agree with Williams care patterns even in cases of multiple EGDs a year, which would typically only be done on an annual basis.

He testified that these six patients Williams treated were difficult and not representative of typical cases. Olden described Williams use of frequent follow-up colonoscopies as aggressive, but said care depends on a patients needs.

Olden also said it is not common for a gastroenterologist to prescribe narcotics or treat patients for chronic pain, which is what he said it appeared Williams was doing.

I think Dr. Williams had the best of intentions, Olden said. I think he was doing what he thought was right for the patients. But he was over his head, and thats not saying that hes not a qualified physician or gastroenterologist. He was taking on management of patients that I dont think he fully perceived how complex and very different from his skillset they were.

Olden testified that he had to assume information from the records he reviewed because Williams documentation was not robust. Among those assumptions was that Olden said he thought Williams patients repeatedly returning for care to be an indication that the procedures were offering relief.

While being questioned by Jordan Broyles of the attorney generals office, which represented the medical board during the hearing, Olden testified he did not receive all of the documents that were provided to the attorneys.

Olden said he had not reviewed documentation regarding prescriptions of the six patients. Once he did read the records, Olden said information about prescribing opioids to patients who had drug-seeking habits was concerning.

In his practice, Olden said, he would have documented conversations with those patients about the inappropriateness of their behavior. In some cases, he would have terminated care, he said.

Olden concluded that it would be best if Williams didnt prescribe narcotics. He described Williams actions as a well-intentioned mistake.

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ATCEMS: One dead after train-vehicle crash in south Austin

AUSTIN (KXAN)  One person is dead after a train crashed into a vehicle in south Austin Friday, according to Austin-Travis County EMS.

ATCEMS medics said on social media the agency responded to the crash along with the Austin Fire Department shortly before 4:30 p.m. at 1700 Matthews Lane. Thats near Menchaca Road.

This embedded content is not available in your region.

Medics said the train hit the vehicle, and one person was involved in the crash. CPR was in progress on the patient as of 4:35 p.m. However, shortly after 5 p.m., medics said resuscitation efforts were unsuccessful and one person was pronounced dead on the scene.

One person is dead after a train crashed into a vehicle in south Austin Friday, according to Austin-Travis County EMS. (Tim Holcomb/KXAN News)

One person is dead after a train crashed into a vehicle in south Austin Friday, according to Austin-Travis County EMS. (Tim Holcomb/KXAN News)

One person is dead after a train crashed into a vehicle in south Austin Friday, according to Austin-Travis County EMS. (Tim Holcomb/KXAN News)

The Austin Police Department said on social media Dittmar Road and Matthews Lane are closed, due to the crash. Drivers should expect traffic delays, as well as seek alternate routes.

No other details were released Friday.

This is a developing story.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KXAN Austin.
AURORA, Ill.  Felony charges have been filed against an Aurora man accused of lying on a Firearms Owners Identification (FOID) card application in late 2023.

49-year-old Juan Jose Jaime Ramirez has been charged with two counts of unlawful violation of the Firearms Owners Identification Card Act and two counts of forgery, Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul announced Friday.

Charges filed against 2 accused of bringing 120,000 fentanyl pills into McHenry County

Prosecutors said in October of 2023, Ramirez allegedly failed to disclose a previous felony conviction while applying for his FOID card. He then allegedly forged the application and submitted it to the Illinois State Police (ISP).

Individuals who have been convicted of felonies are prohibited from owning firearms in Illinois.

Person hospitalized after falling from apartment balcony in Elmhurst

Protecting communities from gun violence includes ensuring individuals who possess firearms have obtained them in accordance with state law, Raoul said. I will continue to work with the Illinois State Police to prosecute individuals who lie on FOID card applications.

If convicted, Ramirez could face up to 24 years in prison.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WGN-TV.
Whatcom County deputies arrested a Blaine man at his residence following a seven-hour standoff with law enforcement officers Friday afternoon.

Tristen Alexander, 35, violated a no-contact order with another individual when he forced himself into a Blaine residence and physically assaulted them July 29, according to a news release from the Whatcom County Sheriffs Office.

The victim was able to escape the assault and fled in a vehicle to a nearby gas station but was followed by Alexander, who pulled in front with his vehicle, blocking the road. When Alexander approached the other vehicle, the victim drove away in reverse.

The incident was reported to the sheriffs office Aug. 2. Deputies obtained probable cause to charge Alexander with multiple offenses, and attempted to contact him at his Blaine residence Friday, Aug. 9.

The standoff began around 8 a.m. Friday. A search warrant was authorized after Alexander did not initially communicate with the deputies. SWAT and crisis negotiators were deployed due to the severity of the charges and because authorities suspected he had access to firearms.

Law enforcement used less-than-lethal and chemical munitions to stun Alexander near the end of the standoff, and he was found hiding inside the residence. He was taken into custody and treated for minor injuries.

Alexander was arrested on suspicion of nine domestic violence charges: first-degree burglary domestic violence, felony order violation, felony harassment, assault third degree, stalking, reckless endangerment, disclosing intimate images, tampering with a witness and unlawful imprisonment.

Alexander was arrested May 30 by the Blaine Police Department for allegedly sending a threatening photo to the victim. Following his July 22 release from jail, a no-contact order was issued. The victim told police Alexander repeatedly violated the order, including sending texts and sightings of Alexanders vehicle near the victims home and workplace.

The investigation is ongoing, and additional charges against Alexander are pending.

Multiple agencies assisted in the operation, including the Blaine Police Department, Bellingham Police Department and Lynden Police Department. Homeland Security Investigations provided tactical robots.

Resources

 Brigid Collins Family Support Center: 360-734-4616, brigidcollins.org

Brigid Collins Family Support Center professionals are on-call between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., Monday through Friday, to answer questions about children, families, abuse prevention or treatment at (360) 734-4616.

 Child Protective Services: Washington state hotline for reporting child abuse and neglect, 866-829-2153.

 Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault Services: 24-hour Help Line: 360-715-1563, Email: info@dvsas.org.

 Lummi Victims of Crime: 360-312-2015.

 Tlils Taaaltha Victims of Crime: 360-325-3310 or nooksacktribe.org/departments/youth-family-services/tlils-taaaltha-victims-of-crime-program/

 Bellingham Police: You can call anonymously at 360-778-8611, or go online at cob.org/tips.

 WWU Consultation and Sexual Assault Support Survivor Advocacy Services: 360-650-3700 or wp.wwu.edu/sexualviolence/.

If you or a child is in immediate danger, call 911 and make a report to law enforcement.

To report child abuse or neglect call 1-866-END HARM.
Activists march outside the Bangladesh consulate to protest a wave of attacks against Hindus - Dipa Chakraborty/Pacific Press/Shutterstock

Bangladeshi Hindus are facing a wave of targeted attacks after the ousting of longtime prime minister Sheikh Hasina, who was seen as a supporter of the minority group.

Houses, businesses and temples have been looted and destroyed by mobs in at least 27 districts across the country that is 90 per cent Muslim, Hindu residents told The Telegraph.

Two Hindus are reported to have been killed in the chaos, including Mrinal Kanti Chatterjee, a 65-year-old primary school teacher.

The reports of attacks on Hindu minorities first surfaced after Ms Hasina, 76, fled the country on Monday, ending 15 years of her rule. The new leader, Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, 84, appealed for calm on Thursday as his interim government was sworn in.

Student protests began on July 1 over new job quotas that gave the lions share of government employment opportunities to the children of freedom fighters, women and people from underdeveloped districts.

But the agitation soon turned against Ms Hasina, providing a fresh focus for long-running dissatisfaction with her regime.

Hindu minorities in Bangladesh have been widely perceived as supporters of Ms Hasinas party, the Awami League, which identifies as largely secular, but shares a close bond with Indias Hindu nationalist government.

The opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) meanwhile is seen as aligned with Pakistan and China, the two arch rivals of India.

The student protesters, known as the Anti-Discrimination Movement, have distanced themselves from the attacks on the Hindus and, in some cases, protected their homes and temples.

We have fought hard for democracy and to remove a despotic leader. I hope radical Islamists dont exploit the situation to find a way to power, said Anisa Islam, a university student who has been part of the protests.

People in Kolkata call for the end of violence in Bangladesh - Dipa Chakraborty/Pacific Press/Shutterstock

Yudhistir Govinda Das, a spokesman for the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (Iskcon), a Hindu organisation, said: One of our Iskcon centres in Meherpur was burnt, including the deities of Lord Jagannath, Baladev, and Subhadra Devi.

Three devotees who lived in the centre somehow managed to escape and survive.

Rahul Ananda, a notable Hindu musician who met with the French president Emmanuel Macron last year, had his home burned this week.

Deepra Prativa Das, a writer from the Hindu community, said that the attacks are happening in rural areas mostly, while in urban areas, students from schools and colleges and madrasas are protecting [the] temples.

Ms Das added that Bangladesh was used to communal violence during political transitions, saying it is unlikely that the perpetrators will face justice as political parties blame each other for the attacks.

Reports also emerged of vigilantes burning down the homes of Ahmadi Muslims, a minority sect of the faith deemed blasphemous in Pakistan.

Hundreds of Hindus tried to flee Bangladesh to India in the wake of Ms Hasinas fall. On Thursday, a large group gathered near the border areas of Thakurgaon and Panchagarh, but were turned back by border guards.

A woman visits Jagannatha Temple in Barisal with her child in a show of solidarity with victims - Anadolu/Niamul Rifat/Getty

Nahid Islam, 26, one of the main protest leaders who is now an adviser to the interim government, condemned the violence.

Temples are being attacked, vandalised and looted, he said, attributing it to individuals seeking to destroy the student movement.

Bangladeshs new ruler Mr Yunus also called for the attacks to end in his first speech as he landed in the capital Dhaka from Paris.

Our responsibility is to protect everyone, he said, surrounded by student leaders decades younger than him. If you believe in me and trust my leadership, please ensure that no one is harmed in this country.

If you cannot heed this request, then my presence here serves no purpose.

Mr Yunus also suggested that the recent attacks on minorities might be part of a conspiracy to discredit the interim government, though he did not specify who might be responsible.

The people of Bangladesh are uncomfortable with the existing situation. There has already been a lot of damage, said Ala Uddin, a professor of Anthropology at the University of Chittagong.

But he praised students for coming forward to protect the lives, property and temples of the minorities.

The Anti-Discrimination Movement is not involved with these [attacks]. They have repeatedly spoken out against violence; their position is clear. We are looking forward to a new Bangladesh that is discrimination free and non-sectarian, Mr Uddin added.

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Theyre beautiful: Brooklyn residents weigh in on DIY goldfish pond on their block

Theyre beautiful: Brooklyn residents weigh in on DIY goldfish pond on their block

BEDFORD-STUYVESANT, Brooklyn (PIX11)  Its become an international sensation after going viral.

Its a do-it-yourself goldfish pond created by a leaking fire hydrant on a Brooklyn street.

More Local News

The city doesnt want to issue tickets but says its a safety issue. Its the talk of Bed-Stuy and beyonddozens and dozens of goldfish in this makeshift pond on Hancock Street.

The big question is how long will the city allow these goldfish to continue making a splash?

I think its beautiful, one neighbor, who didnt want to give her full name, told PIX11 News. They should leave it there, she added. Another neighbor added: is it art, is it a prank? Is it beautification? Whats the intention behind it?

Neighbors in Bed-Stuy seem to love that this puddle from a leaking fire hydrant has turned into a free aquarium for young and old alike.

I just heard about it this morning on Instagram, Daniel Thompson, another neighbor, told PIX11 News. My friend in Lisbon, Portugal, sent it to me, he added.

Freya Holmes, a 5-year-old, told PIX11 News, I have never seen fish on the street before.

Another 5-year-old, Star Noel, added,  I think theyre beautiful. I didnt know they were right here. I thought theyd be inside the hydrant.

But the New York City thank-you has shut off the trickling fire hydrant, only to have neighbors turn it right back on.

A spokesperson for the DEP said the leaking hydrant can impact water pressure and supply issues for the neighborhood. We love goldfish also, but we know there is a better home for them than on the sidewalk.

We live down the block from the fire department, and they have the hydrants on all the time in the summer, and they dont seem to be concerned about the water pressure, a person who didnt want to give their full name told PIX11 News.

Theres a team of neighbors who feed the fish three times a day.

Theres also a sign saying theres a surveillance camera trained at all times on what the organizers now call Gavs fish pond.

The creator of the DIY goldfish pond did not want to appear on camera but said he bought 200 goldfish for $32 for his neighborhood to enjoy.

One of my friends came up with the idea and acted on it, Floyd Washington, a 47-year-long resident of Bed-Stuy, told PIX11 News.  Its kind of cool. He added that it brings people together to have a conversation on their way to work, drink a cup of coffee, or going to school, he added.

Another resident on a bicycle pedaled over to see the new famous goldfish pond.

I think it is beautiful. I am pro-fish, Rob Bell, another Bed Stuy neighbor, told PIX11 News.

And if you are, dont worry about colder temperatures for the fish. Organizers say they will dismantle the aquarium by Labor Day and give away the fish to children in the neighborhood. They are also developing even bigger plans for a free aquarium next summer.

And because the popularity of the goldfish pond appears to keep growing, the creator of the fire hydrant goldfish pond wants to explore the possibility of keeping the fish there year-round, which may cost thousands of dollars, so a GoFundMe has now been set up. Its called help fire hydrant fish survive and thrive.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11.
Salvador Illa (C) takes office as the new president of the Generalitat of Catalonia after his investiture. Illa is the 133rd president of this Catalan political institution. Marc Asensio Clupes/ZUMA Press Wire/dpa

Socialist politician Salvador Illa was inaugurated as president of the Catalan regional government in a ceremony in the government palace in Barcelona on Saturday.

"By taking office today, I am also inheriting the hopes of the Catalan people," said the 61-year-old, who made a name for himself as Spain's health minister during the coronavirus pandemic.

The inauguration came just two days after Catalan separatist leader Carles Puigdemont, who is facing an arrest warrant, gave a speech in central Barcelona.

He then fled, despite a heavy police presence. On Friday Puigdemont posted on X that he was back in Belgium, where he has mainly resided since he initially escaped in 2017.

At the start of the inauguration ceremony, Illa expressed a conciliatory attitude towards his separatist predecessors. "I have no doubt that all previous presidents came into office with the best intentions of making Catalonia a better country," he said, including Puigdemont among them.

Although Illa's Socialist Party won elections to the Catalan parliament in May, it needs support from the separatist Republican Left of Catalonia (ERC) and the ecological Comuns alliance to govern.

On Thursday, 68 of the 135 members of the regional parliament in Barcelona voted in favour of Illa. Spanish media saw his election as a new beginning for the region, which has been rocked by a dispute over demands for independence for more than 10 years.
Salvador Illa (C) takes office as the new president of the Generalitat of Catalonia after his investiture. Illa is the 133rd president of this Catalan political institution. Marc Asensio Clupes/ZUMA Press Wire/dpa

Socialist politician Salvador Illa was inaugurated as president of the Catalan regional government in a ceremony in the government palace in Barcelona on Saturday.

"By taking office today, I am also inheriting the hopes of the Catalan people," said the 61-year-old, who made a name for himself as Spain's health minister during the coronavirus pandemic.

The inauguration came just two days after Catalan separatist leader Carles Puigdemont, who is facing an arrest warrant, gave a speech in central Barcelona.

He then fled, despite a heavy police presence. On Friday Puigdemont posted on X that he was back in Belgium, where he has mainly resided since he initially escaped in 2017.

At the start of the inauguration ceremony, Illa expressed a conciliatory attitude towards his separatist predecessors. "I have no doubt that all previous presidents came into office with the best intentions of making Catalonia a better country," he said, including Puigdemont among them.

Although Illa's Socialist Party won elections to the Catalan parliament in May, it needs support from the separatist Republican Left of Catalonia (ERC) and the ecological Comuns alliance to govern.

On Thursday, 68 of the 135 members of the regional parliament in Barcelona voted in favour of Illa. Spanish media saw his election as a new beginning for the region, which has been rocked by a dispute over demands for independence for more than 10 years.

However, it is likely to be difficult for the calm and conciliatory Illa to reconcile his pro-Spanish policies with the ERC's desire for independence.

Although an amnesty was declared for the Catalan separatists, it did not apply to Puigdemont, as he is facing charges of personal enrichment.

It is not clear if or when the arrest warrant for the former Catalan leader would be cancelled. Illa had called on the Spanish judiciary to apply the amnesty law issued for Catalan separatists, including Puigdemont "quickly, swiftly and without excuses."
MOSCOW (Reuters) - Belarus sent more troops to reinforce its border with Ukraine on Saturday, saying Ukrainian drones had violated its airspace in the course of Kyiv's military incursion into Russia's Kursk region.

Belarus' Foreign Ministry summoned Ukraine's charge d'affaires, demanded measures to ensure such incidents would not recur and suggested a repeat would prompt Belarus to consider whether Kyiv's diplomatic presence in Minsk was "appropriate".

President Alexander Lukashenko, addressing a meeting in eastern Belarus, said air defence forces on Friday destroyed several of "about a dozen" Ukrainian drones after they violated Belarusian airspace in the Mogilev region bordering Russia.

Lukashenko, one of Russian President Vladimir Putin's closest allies, said others were later destroyed near the Russian city of Yaroslavl.

"I don't understand why Ukraine had to do this. We have to look into it," the BelTA news agency quoted him as saying. "But we have...made ourselves clear and conveyed to them that any provocation will not go unanswered."

The state television channel Belarus1 showed footage of what it said were fragments of downed drones.

The Belarusian Foreign Ministry, in comments also appearing on BelTA, said Minsk demanded "comprehensive measures" to ensure such incidents were not repeated.

"It was pointed out...that if Ukraine's diplomatic representation in Belarus cannot have an effect on preventing such provocations, the Belarusian side will raise the issue of the appropriateness of its continued presence in Minsk."

The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Andriy Kovalenko, head of Ukraine's Centre for Countering Disinformation, a state body, wrote on Telegram that boosting arms deployments near the border was "an attempt to help Putin and divert the attention of Ukraine's command to this sector".

Earlier on Saturday, the Russian Defence Ministry said Russian forces had intercepted six drones in the Yaroslavl region.

"Considering the situation in Ukraine and in the Kursk region of Russia, the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces has given orders to reinforce troops in the Gomel and Mozyr tactical areas in order to respond to such provocations," Defence Minister Viktor Khrenin said.

"Special operations forces, ground troops and rocket forces, including Polonez and Iskander systems, have been tasked with deploying to the designated areas."

He said Belarus regarded the violation of its airspace as a provocation and "was ready to respond".

(Reporting by Reuters; Editing by Mark Potter, Guy Faulconbridge, Giles Elgood and Ron Popeski)
(Reuters) -Belarus' Foreign Ministry summoned the Ukrainian charge d'affaires on Saturday and told Kyiv to act against airspace violations after Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko said a dozen Ukrainian drones had been destroyed in its airspace, Russia's Tass news agency reported.

A ministry statement, reported by Tass, said if Ukraine failed to prevent the situation from repeating, Belarus would call into question the "appropriateness" of Ukraine's diplomatic representation in Minsk.

"The Belarusian side demanded that comprehensive measures be taken to rule out any such future incidents in the future which could lead to further escalation of the situation in the region," Tass quoted the ministry's press service as saying.

"It was pointed out...that if Ukraine's diplomatic representation in Belarus cannot have an effect on preventing such provocations, the Belarusian side will raise the issue of the appropriateness of its continued presence in Minsk."

Lukashenko earlier said air defence forces on Friday destroyed several of "about a dozen" Ukrainian drones after they violated Belarusian airspace in the eastern Mogilev region bordering Russia.

He said others were later destroyed near the Russian city of Yaroslavl. The Russian Defence Ministry said Russian forces had intercepted six drones in the Yaroslavl region.

(Reporting by Ron Popeski; Editing by Josie Kao)
Belarus to send troops and rocket systems near Ukrainian border after alleged drone incursion

Belarusian dictator Alexander Lukashenko ordered reinforcements sent to border areas near Ukraine following reports of several aerial targets from Ukraine getting shot down over Belarus on the evening of August 9.

We suspect these are attack drones, Lukashenko said at a morning briefing on August 10, published by the state-run propaganda outlet Belta. He called the incident a Ukrainian provocation and said that the General Staff of Belarus has been ordered to take measures to ensure the security of our state.

After his briefing, Belarusian defense minister Viktor Khrenin told journalists that Lukashenko ordered to strengthen military presence in the Gomel and Mozyr directions in order to respond to possible provocations, according to the statement by the Defense Ministry.

On the Ukrainian side, the area borders Kyiv, Zhytomyr and Chernihiv oblasts.

Military units of special operations forces, ground forces, missile forces, including the Polonez rocket systems and Iskander (mid-range ballistic missile) complexes, were tasked with marching to designated areas. Khrenin said.

The forces and assets of air defense systems, radio-technical forces and aviation were also increased, he added.

The drones were reportedly detected over the Kastsyukovichy District in the west of Belarus, at least 85 kilometers north of the Ukrainian border.

According to Lukashenko, Belarusian air defense forces were put on high alert to intercept the targets. Around 7 p.m., several were shot down by Belarusian forces, while the rest were passed on to Russia and destroyed by Russian air defense over Yaroslavl, he said.

Lukashenko added that the search was ongoing for the remains of intercepted targets.

The Russian Defense Ministry issued a statement claiming the destruction of 6 fixed-wing UAVs (unmanned aerial vehicles) above Yaroslavl Oblast overnight, as well as 26 others over Kursk Oblast.

The statement comes in light of the ongoing Ukrainian incursion in the Russian Kursk Oblast over 150 kilometers east of Belarus.

Russian UAVs have crossed into Belarusian airspace several times over the summer on their way to attack Ukraine, the Belarusian Hajun monitoring group reported.

The monitoring group said that "despite the massive and regular flights of UAVs into the airspace of Belarus," Minsk made "practically no comments" on the situation.

Belarus did, however, start sending Su-30 fighter jets to fly to the south of the country during Russian attacks on Ukraine, the group reported.

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The Belarusian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has told Charge dAffaires of Ukraine Olha Tymush that Belarus may reconsider the desirability of further presence of the Ukrainian diplomatic mission in Minsk.

Source: Belta, a Belarusian state news agency, with reference to the Belarusian Foreign Ministry

Details: Soon after self-proclaimed Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko claimed that Ukrainian drones were spotted in Belarus on 10 August, Charge dAffaires of Ukraine Olha Tymush was summoned to the Belarusian Foreign Ministry.

Tymush was given a "strong protest" and "issued with a relevant note with regard to the breach of the border of the Republic of Belarus by a group of drones launched from Ukraine".

Quote from the Belarusian Ministry of Foreign Affairs: "It was noted in particular that if Ukraines diplomatic representation in Belarus cannot prevent such provocations, the Belarusian side will reconsider the desirability of its further presence in Minsk."

Background:

On 10 August, self-proclaimed Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko claimed that "several targets" from Ukraine were shot down over Belarus. He said that Belarus suspects that these were attack drones.

Later that day, Lukashenko ordered the reinforcement of the grouping of forces in the Gomel and Mozyr tactical areas bordering Ukraine's Kyiv and Chernihiv oblasts.

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Self-proclaimed Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko has claimed that "several targets" from Ukraine were shot down over Belarus.

Source: Alexander Lukashenko's press service

Quote from Lukashenko: "The Belarusian Air Force and Air Defence Forces were put on high alert yesterday [9 August - ed.] at 18:10. We call it readiness condition 1.

The Armed Forces of Ukraine violated all rules of conducting war and violated the airspace of the Republic of Belarus. [Targets were - ed.] very close to us in the Kastsyukovichy district in the eastern direction. Therefore, air defence forces were on full combat alert to intercept the targets. There were about a dozen of them."

Details: Lukashenko said that on Friday at 19:04, at an altitude of 1.5 kilometres, the air defence forces "destroyed several targets" over the territory of Belarus.

Quote from Lukashenko: "Overnight and in the morning, we have been searching for the wreckage of what was destroyed. We suspect that these are attack drones. They violated the airspace of Belarus and flew from Ukraine.

We destroyed the targets over the territory of Belarus. The rest were destroyed (we have a single air defence system with Russia) by the Russian Federation."

Background: The Russian Ministry of Defence stated that their air defence had allegedly destroyed 32 aircraft-type drones overnight.

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Resident of the village of Poroz (in the middle).

Vyacheslav Gladkov, the governor of Russias Belgorod Oblast, has said that the Ukrainian military had forcibly detained two residents of the village of Poroz in that oblast. A video from Poroz depicting soldiers of Ukraine's defence forces had previously appeared online.

Source: Vyacheslav Gladkov on Telegram

Quote: "Two of our residents of the village of Poroz, Graivoron City District, were forcibly detained by the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Now they are okay; they are alive, healthy and with their families.

We met with one of the families and talked to their relatives."

Details: The governor published a video of the meeting with the villagers.

At the same time, Gladkov did not mention anything about the presence or absence of the Ukrainian defence forces in Poroz.

Background:

On Saturday, 10 August, a video was shared on social media showing Ukrainian soldiers claiming to be present in the Russian village of Poroz, Belgorod Oblast.

Analysts from VoxCheck and Suspilne have confirmed that the video was indeed filmed in front of a community arts centre in Poroz.

At the same time, Vyacheslav Gladkov noted that law enforcement officials would investigate the situation in Poroz. However, the entrance to the village was closed as part of the "counter-terrorism operation (CTO) regime" imposed in the region.

The counter-terrorism operation regime was imposed on the night of 9-10 August in Russia's Bryansk, Kursk and Belgorod oblasts.

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The United States effort to reverse the permanent shutdown of a nuclear station for the first time hit a potential snag this week when an ex-employee at the facility went public with safety concerns about reopening the 53-year-old power plant.

Now the company that owns the Palisades Nuclear Generating Station on Michigans southwest coast is hitting back at what it called a series of assumptions and inaccurate statements from Alan Blind, a former engineering director.

Blinds seven-year tenure overlapped with a period when the plant performed poorly and required significant improvements and ended nearly a decade before its closure two years ago, according to Florida-based Holtec International, which bought the station from utility giant Entergy following its shutdown in May 2022.

In an unusually pointed 1,000-word rebuttal, Holtec said significant investments, upgrades, and modifications were made by the prior owner to dramatically and measurably improve plant reliability in the nine years after Blinds departure. The company said the process is on schedule and announced at a public meeting this month that the plant is on track to reopen in October 2025.

But Blind cast doubt on Holtecs proposed budget and timeline for restoring Palisades given that no U.S. reactor has ever come back online after ceasing operations ahead of a planned demolition.

Resurrecting the Palisades plant is among the most closely watched nuclear projects in the nation now that construction is finally finished on the only two new reactors built from scratch in a generation.

While atomic energy is considered by far the most reliable source of carbon-free electricity ever harnessed, the steep cost and decade-long timelines for constructing new plants limit the potential for nuclear power to meet Americans surging electricity demand, stem rising blackouts and slash planet-heating pollution from fossil fuels.

New laws Congress passed over the past three years made billions of dollars available to the nuclear energy industry to extend the operating lives of existing plants, build new reactors and catch up with Russia and China on next-generation nuclear power technologies.

The Palisades nuclear power plant in Covert, Michigan, is the most recent U.S. atomic station to shut down amid growing competition from cheap natural gas and renewables. Holtec

The money is going out. In January, the Biden administration put up $1.1 billion to keep Californias last nuclear power station from closing. Two months later, the Department of Energy offered Holtec a loan worth $1.5 billion to make Palisades the first U.S. nuclear plant to ever come back online after shutting down in preparation for decommissioning.

At least two other utilities are now considering restarting shuttered nuclear reactors, including the unit at the Three Mile Island facility in Pennsylvania that did not melt down in 1979.

On Monday, Reuters cited Blind saying the Palisades plant received waivers from the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission that exempted the facility from modern safety standards that prevent insulation on pipes from breaking down and clogging cooling systems, guard against earthquakes and curb risks from fires.

Im worried that the NRC will not insist that the generic safety issues be  fixed before they allow Palisades to restart, Blind said in the newswire report published Monday.

But in its rebuttal, Holtec said Palisades has not filed for exemptions on any of the issues Blind laid out, calling all but one of his claims inaccurate. The company acknowledged that it had deferred upgrades to the fire system due to the shutdown, but said those are now being completed as required by the NRC prior to restart.

In an hour-long interview with HuffPost on Friday, Blind said Reuters had inaccurately described his complaints as being about NRC exemptions. (Reuters did not immediately respond to an email requesting comment.)

But Blind said Entergy had, for years, postponed complying with requests from the NRC only to ultimately give up its operating license and sell to Holtec, which primarily works to disassemble and demolish defunct nuclear plants. Given the billion-dollar cost overruns and delays in building new reactors elsewhere in the U.S., Blind said theres no basis for Holtecs proposed schedule and that theres no basis that the NRC is even going to approve any of it.

Thats all pending, he said by phone. Theres just so many questions about this whole thing that the probability of success has to be considered to be very low.

Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm, a former governor of Michigan, has praised the effort to restart Palisades, and her agency's Loan Programs Office gave Holtec a $1.5 billion loan. Anna Moneymaker via Getty Images

The NRC said the agencys staff was already aware of every safety-related issue Mr. Blind has raised.

Holtec must demonstrate it has resolved those issues before the agency will reach a decision on whether to authorize a resumption of operations at Palisades, Scott Burnell, an NRC spokesperson, said in an email. The NRCs safety and environmental reviews, as well as inspections of work Holtec has underway, continue on schedule.

The agency said the process would take about a year.

The NRC has no rule specifically tailored to restarting a shuttered nuclear plant. Blind said the Palisades project should be halted until the agency enacts such a regulation, and submitted a petition to the NRC urging the agency to begin a formal rulemaking process.

But Burnell said the NRC previously supervised the Tennessee Valley Authoritys restoration of Unit 1 of the Browns Ferry Nuclear Plant in the mid-2000s, two decades after the reactor went dormant for repairs.

This is not a perfect analog, but in the 2000s, the Tennessee Valley Authority took several years to return Browns Ferry Unit 1 to operations, Burnell said. The NRCs oversight of that process was similar to what is currently underway with the Palisades effort.

While Holtec acknowledged fraying insulation could clog cooling systems, the company said the issue is known within the industry and would be dealt with prior to any restart.

Sola Talabi, a reactor safety expert at the University of Michigan who specialized in the breakdown of pipe insulation, called the problem a generic industry issue with straightforward fixes.

None of what was mentioned is new or unknown, Talabi, who is not involved in the Palisades project, said after reviewing Blinds claims. There are solutions that can be implemented to address those issues.

To me, the question is not, Can it be done in a year? but rather, Why should it take more than a year?Sola Talabi, nuclear safety expert at the University of Michigan

Talabi, a 24-year industry veteran who has focused most of his career on safety issues, said, It is good practice for a concerned employee to raise an issue.

Thats generally encouraged as part of the nuclear safety culture, he said. Its good that if you see something, say something. Thats how were all trained.

But Talabi said there was no reason for any of the issues Blind raised to delay Holtecs timeline for bringing Palisades single mothballed reactor back online in roughly a year.

To me, the question is not, Can it be done in a year? but rather, Why should it take more than a year? Talabi said.

Blind described himself as pro-nuclear in the Reuters story and told HuffPost he does not see himself as an advocate against the industry. But he said he shares the view of anti-nuclear activists such as Bill McKibben and Greta Thunberg that operating plants should remain open without constructing new reactors like the ones countries such as China, India and Poland are banking on to meet climate goals.

Blind said he would only support the construction of new reactors once the U.S. develops a plan to store the radioactive waste the industry produces, which is minuscule relative to the air pollution and planet-heating carbon dioxide fossil fuels generate and the growing trash heaps of busted solar panels and wind turbines.

In May, Blind appeared in six episodes of a podcast series released by the anti-nuclear advocacy group Beyond Nuclear. The other major guests on the show were the longtime anti-nuclear activist Kevin Kamps and Mark Z. Jacobson, the controversial Stanford University professor behind widely contested claims that solar panels and wind turbines are sufficient to replace fossil fuels.

Blind said he doesnt agree with everything Beyond Nuclear promotes. A spokesperson for the Maryland-based nonprofit did not return a call requesting comment Friday morning.

Hopefully it was clear my views were specific to Palisades and didnt go beyond that, he said.

Air pollution rises from smokestacks at a gas and oil refinery on the St. Clair River at Port Huron, Michigan. Dennis Macdonald via Getty Images

What happens at Palisades will likely ripple far beyond Michigan, however.

Weve obviously seen what happened with Palisades, Joe Dominguez, the chief executive of Constellation Energy, said in May during a quarterly earnings call with investors. I think that was brilliant.

In July, Dominguezs company  the largest operator of nuclear reactors in the country  floated plans to restart the unit of Pennsylvanias Three Mile Island power station.

NextEra Energy, the nations biggest renewables operator, is considering bringing back its Duane Arnold Energy Center, the central Iowa facility that closed in 2020.

There would be opportunities and a lot of demand from the market if we were able to do something with Duane Arnold, NextEra CEO John Ketchum said on a call with investors last month.

Were looking at it, he added. But we would only do it if we could do it in a way that is essentially risk-free, with plenty of mitigants around the approach. There are a few things we would have to work through.

Related...
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WIAT)  The Birmingham Police Department announced a man was arrested in connection to a shooting that injured a 12-year-old boy in early August.

Birmingham resident Dennis Buckner Jr., 23, was taken into custody Thursday on the arrest warrants of attempted murder, first-degree assault and discharging a firearm into an occupied dwelling. BPD detectives obtained the warrants Tuesday. Buckner is being held in the Jefferson County Jail under a $120,000 bond.

Tuscaloosa Violent Crimes Unit investigating deadly overnight shooting

The BPDs preliminary investigation shows that police found a 12-year-old boy shot in the 1600 block of 49th Street Ensley on Aug. 3. Police believe the boy was inside a residence when his father was in a verbal argument with Buckner.

Police stated the boys father and Buckner exchanged shots. Buckner allegedly fired shots toward the residence, and police think one of those bullets hit the boy. The victim was transported to Childrens of Alabama and diagnosed with a not life-threatening injury.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WIAT)  A Birmingham man who was arrested after allegedly burglarizing a city church this week had sexual assault warrants against him out of Walker County.

According to the Birmingham Police Department, 48-year-old Hollis Smith was arrested Thursday following his suspected burglary at United Church Center on Monday. Officers transported Smith to BPD Headquarters, so detectives could interview him.

Birmingham man arrested in connection to shooting injuring 12-year-old boy

The BPD stated detectives found Smith lied about his identity. Once they determined Smiths identity, they discovered Smith was wanted out of Walker County on four first-degree sodomy warrants.

He was transported to the Birmingham City Jail and is charged with third-degree burglary and obstructing justice using a false identity. Smith will be taken to the Jefferson County Jail before he is booked into the Walker County Jail for the sodomy charges

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Topekan Patrick Schmidt won the Democratic primary in the new 19th District of the Kansas Senate, which stretches from Topeka to Lawrence. He said one of the best parts about campaigning was talking to potential voters while going door-to-door as he did in Topeka on a warm day before the August primary. (Tim Carpenter/Kansas Reflector)

Topekan Patrick Schmidt won the Democratic primary in the new 19th District of the Kansas Senate, which stretches from Topeka to Lawrence. He said one of the best parts about campaigning was talking to potential voters while going door-to-door as he did in Topeka on a warm day before the August primary. (Tim Carpenter/Kansas Reflector)

TOPEKA  Democrat Patrick Schmidt brought old-fashioned door-to-door campaigning to east Topeka on a sizzling day ahead of the primary election, but the 97-degree temperature was eclipsed by scorched-earth opinions of some voters who stepped onto the porch to talk about the Kansas Senate primary.

Schmidt, who walked a neighborhood east of the Capitol wearing a long sleeved U.S. Navy shirt, reminded folks he was running in the newly formed District 19. He moved through those streets knowing Gov. Laura Kellys Middle of the Road PAC had his back. Schmidts chief rival was Kansas House Minority Leader Vic Miller, who had spent decades in public life in state and county government and as a Topeka municipal judge.

Is there anything I could do for you? Schmidt asked repeatedly. Can I count on your vote?

Most declined to share their personal political agenda. There were offers of verbal support for Schmidt. A registered Libertarian wished him well. Others werent certain theyd take part in the Aug. 6 primary election. Several who answered their door along Lime and Lake streets said they were exasperated by Millers style of politics and ready to see the names of a new generation of Democratic candidates on the ballot.

We voted for you, dude, an elderly man told Schmidt.

It was anecdotal evidence the Senate campaign wasnt shaping up to be a cake walk for Miller, who possessed the most significant name recognition and the deepest reservoir of policy decisions to pick apart.

The Kelly nudge

On Tuesday, registered Democrats put an end to speculation. Schmidt carried 53% of the vote, drawing support of 2,554 Democrats. Miller trailed with 1,638 votes or 34% of the total. In third place was Topeka community activist ShaMecha King Simms, who captured 601 votes or 13%.

I was just really humbled and grateful for the trust and support of everyone I met, said Schmidt, who gained financial and voter traction through Kellys endorsement. I knew Laura Kelly is highly respected and accomplished in this district.

During the campaign, Miller told voters the gap between himself and the governor wasnt wide. He said he would be there to help Governor Kelly deliver a safe, secure and fiscally sound Kansas, lower residential property taxes and bring an expanded Medicaid program to 150,000 uninsured Kansans.

In May, Miller created controversy at a candidate forum by telling Simms, who is Black, she ought to run for office another day, another place. Miller is white. The governors Middle of the Road PAC denounced Miller for supporting a Republican bill that would have created a single-rate, flat income tax in Kansas that was opposed by Kelly.

Schmidt, an officer in the Navy Reserve, said the 19 percentage point margin between himself and Miller in the primary was somewhat of a surprise.

Its hard to read the label from inside the bottle, Schmidt said. I kind of thought we were somewhere around that just by what I heard knocking at the doors.

Schmidt, who was born in Johnson County and moved to Topeka, lost a campaign for the U.S. House by 35,000 votes against incumbent Republican U.S. Rep. Jake LaTurner in 2022. Schmidt filed for the state Senate race in late 2023.

The new Senate district up for grabs extends from central Topeka to northern Lawrence. It includes a swath of rural Shawnee and Douglas counties that takes in the cities of Lecompton and Tecumseh and parts of Kanwaka, Wakarusa and Soldier townships. Overall, the district leans Democrat.

Refuse to talk bad

In the November general election, Schmidt will face Republican Party nominee Tyler Wible, a Topekan who defeated moderate Cynthia Smith in the primary by a comfortable 61% to 39% margin.

Wible said he was a constitutional conservative concerned about erosion of individual rights. He said he brought to the Senate campaign an appreciation for the region in which he attended school, faced poverty, bought his first home and built a construction business.

He said voters there lacked representation from someone committed to lowering taxes and minimizing the size of state government.

Weve got to keep government out of private industry, Wible said. The bigger that government is, the more interference with our rights.

Wible said he wasnt familiar with Schmidts positions on key issues, but had no interest in taking part in the style of campaigning illustrated by Miller and Schmidt.

I refuse to talk bad about anybody, Wible said, noting Schmidt could come after him during the fall campaign. Im ready for it. Im not going to lose myself to run for politics.

Miller and Schmidt engaged in back-and-forth assaults with a series of mailers sent to potential Democratic voters. Schmidt included on the postcards a mugshot of Millers 2019 DUI booking, while Miller placed an image of Schmidts face on the body of a woman spinning yarn on a wooden spindle.

A central element of their conflict was Millers vote for a 2017 bill that expanded state regulation of abortion clinics. The law was struck down by the Kansas Supreme Court. Schmidt referred to Millers vote as a betrayal of women and a vote that helped extremist Republicans.

In response, Miller sent out a colorful postcard that claimed Schmidt and his dark money special interests are working overtime to spin yarn about Vic Miller. Miller, who didnt respond to a request for post-election comment, said in his mailers that he voted 16 times in support of abortion rights and reproductive freedom during the past two legislative sessions.
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE)  A member of the Knox County Board of Education is suing Superintendent Jon Rysewyk, Assistant Superintendent Jennifer Hemmelgarn and the Knox County Law Directors Office over what she claims is a lack of transparency.

The suit, brought by Jennifer Owen, was filed on August 9 in Knox County Chancery Court. It focuses on Owens multiple requests for employee salary information with Knox County Schools and the subsequent denials.

Three teens facing rape charges in connection to incident at Claiborne High School

On June 3, the suit said Owens filed the following written request with the Knox County Schools administration as a follow-up to requests that were denied during two public board meetings in April and May.

The suit said Hemmelgarn denied the June 3 request on June 13, saying it was too difficult to supply. Owens claims the denial hinders the ability to understand how employees are being compensated and to explain this to the public and other employees. She also expressed concerns about the lack of transparency and communication regarding salary changes for employees.

Biker gang bust marks latest success in East TN drug crackdown

This is a break of the public trust and a failure to supply public information to the public, as required by statute, reads the suit.

In April, the board voted to adopt a new salary scale. Following this, the suit claims that more than 100 employees reached out to Owens to report discrepancies in salary notifications and changes in their conditions of employment. The suit said that Owens is attempting to determine whether or not these reports are true by looking at the salary information.

The suit also claims Owens has faced a clear pattern of denial regarding employee compensation, assignments and responsibilities with a significant number of requests filed throughout her time in office being denied or provided in a useless manner.

VIDEO: TDOT worker nearly hit after driver loses control on I-640 in Knoxville

Owens claims she reached out to various offices, including the Knox County Law Directors Office, the Tennessee Department of Education and the state comptroller, in an attempt to address the lack of information.

Owens is asking for the court to compel Knox County Schools to turn over the requested information, to comply with the Open Records Act, to provide complete information to every board member before future deliberations and votes and for Knox County Schools to undergo an audit of HR procedures. She is also requesting relief from the costs of the lawsuit.

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EL PASO, Texas (KTSM)  The U.S. Border Patrol El Paso Sector says it has seen a significant rise in attacks on Border Patrol agents recently and is reminding criminals of the consequences of assaulting a federal officer.

Assaulting federal agents is not just a crime; it is an affront to our principles of justice and the safety of our nation  the brave men and women of the U.S. Border Patrol and all our law enforcement partners that work alongside with us safeguarding our nations borders, said El Paso Sector Chief Patrol Agent Anthony S. Good. We will not tolerate any harm to the well-being of those dedicated to protecting others. Our law enforcement partners stand with us in bringing those responsible to justice.

The El Paso Sector Border Patrol says it is working closely with the FBI and the U.S. Attorneys Office to bring anyone who assaults an agent to justice.

As the influx of migrants illegally crossing the border into the United States continues, the frequency of attacks on our federal agents has also increased, the Border Patrol said in a news release.

Since the beginning of Fiscal Year 2024, 66 El Paso Sector Border Patrol agents have been assaulted, the Border Patrol said in its news release.

During Fiscal Year 2023, 104 agents were assaulted in the El Paso Sector, which also includes all of New Mexico.

Federal law states that it is a crime to assault or resist arrest by a federal officer while they are

performing their official duties, the Border Patrol said in its news release.



The use of hands, fists, feet, teeth, firearms, knives, vehicles, and rocks, along with other items used as weapons to purposely inflict harm on federal officers while performing their duties, and the severity of the injuries are gathered and provided to the U.S. Attorneys Office for federal prosecution, the Border Patrol said in its news release.

The Border Patrol cited two recent examples of assaults on its agents.

Border Patrol agents assigned to the Santa Teresa station were assaulted by a subject who forcibly resisted arrest by spitting on and attempting to bite them, the Border Patrol said.

Also, another Border Patrol agent assigned to the Santa Teresa station was pulled off his ATV.

Citizens are encouraged to report suspicious activity to the U.S. Border Patrol while remaining anonymous by calling 1-800-635-2509.

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The Finnair ATR 72-500 aircraft pictured here is the same type that Brazilian airline Voepass owned but crashed Friday in Brazil with the loss of 62 lives. Photo by Valda Kalnina/EPA-EFE

Aug. 10 (UPI) -- Brazilian airline Voepass raised the death toll to 62 with 58 passengers plus four crew members aboard its plane that crashed Friday, and Brazilian investigators recovered the plane's flight recorders.

Voepass said Flight 2283-PS-VPB took off from Cascavel in the state of Parana at 11:46 a.m. local time and was bound for Sao Paulo/Guarulhos International Airport.

Voepass initially reported 57 passengers plus four crew members but revised the number of passengers to 58 and raised the total deaths to 62.

There were no survivors in the crash near the city of Vinhedo in Sao Paulo state.

The aircraft crashed in a residential area but did not cause casualties among local residents or visitors.

Brazilian investigators said they recovered both flight recorders from the Voepass ATR 72-500 that burst into flames upon crashing into the ground and killing all 62 passengers on board Friday in Brazil. Photo by Isaac Fontana/EPA-EFE

The aircraft was an ATR 72-500, which is a twin-engine turboprop used by regional airlines and designed in Italy and France and built in France by ATR.

The Brazilian Air Force's CENIPA investigations unit reported it recovered both flight recorders carried by the aircraft and included cockpit voice recordings and flight data records.

CENIPA will conduct the crash investigation while the Brazilian government will conduct a judicial investigation, CENIPA Air Brigadier Marcelo Morena told reporters.

The aircraft was built in 2010 and delivered to Albanian airline Belle Air.

After Belle Air went out of business, Nordic Aviation Capital acquired the aircraft, which it leased to the Pelita Air Service in Indonesia.

The aircraft suffered damaged nose gear during a "bounced landing" in 2017, which triggered an accident investigation, FlightGlobal reported.

Voepass leased the aircraft in 2023, registered it and obtained an airworthiness certification.

All four of its deceased crew members were licensed and qualified to operate the aircraft.
A bride went on a solo bachelorette trip, and it saved her money and stress

Priscilla Torres started planning a big bachelorette party, but it wasn't right for her.

She ended up going on a solo bachelorette.

Torres said it felt like the perfect way to "recharge" before her wedding.

When Priscilla (Prissy) Torres got engaged, she assumed she would have a big bachelorette party.

Torres, a 30-year-old Miami-based content creator and the founder of Mood House, is getting married on September 14.

The bride-to-be is tying the knot at a time when extended bachelorette parties have become the norm for many. It's common for large groups to travel out of state for destination celebrations, which can be both time-consuming and costly.

"I started planning a very traditional bachelorette with about nine girls," Torres told Business Insider. The group was made up of friends and close family members, and they planned to go to Palm Springs, California, for the trip.

But as time went on, Torres realized a bachelorette would be more difficult to pull off than she anticipated  so she decided to go on a solo trip instead.

A bachelorette didn't feel right

Torres told BI that she and her friends were excited about the trip, but as the event loomed closer, it became more difficult for people to commit to a vacation due to work and family conflicts.

She also felt uncomfortable about how much the trip would cost her friends, as bachelorette trips can often be expensive for attendees.

"There were girls in that trip that financially couldn't commit to spending or chipping in $800 to $1,000 on just an Airbnb," Torres said. "You have to add in food, activities, and travel."

"As a friend, I didn't want to put that pressure on my friends," she added, particularly because several of her friends will be traveling from out of town for her wedding.

Prissy Torres decided not to have a big bachelorette. Prissy Torres

"I feel like the greatest gift that I could get is my friends attending my wedding, and that's all I want," she said.

Torres had also opted not to have a bridal party, so she didn't have a maid or matron of honor planning the trip. She told BI that the bachelorette came to feel like an additional stressor on top of wedding planning rather than a way to relax ahead of her nuptials.

"I told myself, 'Oh my God, I don't think I'm even happy doing this plan anymore, and I gotta figure out what I really want to do. Because at this point, I'm just catering to everybody else, and I'm not catering to what the actual point of having a bachelorette is about,'" she said.

About two months before the trip was supposed to take place, Torres decided to call off the big bachelorette in favor of a solo adventure.

The bride chose a solo trip instead

Instead of traveling to California, Torres went to Palm Beach, around an hour and a half from Miami, for a long weekend at the end of July.

"I love Palm Beach in general," she said. "It's so curated. It's cute. It's aesthetic, and it really screams me as the general vibe."

She stayed at the Colony Palm Beach, which she selected because of its all-pink aesthetic.

She went to Palm Beach, Florida. Prissy Torres

Torres treated herself throughout the weekend, enjoying solo dinners, a day at the beach, a pool party at the hotel, a relaxing brunch, and a shopping trip on her way back to Miami on Monday.

The trip was much less expensive than her larger bachelorette party would have been, which Torres said was "relieving." Her friends also didn't lose out on any money when she decided to have a solo bachelorette trip since they had not put deposits down anywhere before Torres changed her mind.

She said she was apprehensive about spending time alone before she went on the trip, as the bachelorette marked her first solo vacation.

"The first night dinner I was a little nervous," she said, adding that she worried other patrons would judge her for being alone.

"As soon as I got to the restaurant and I sat down, all of that went away," she said. "I really enjoyed my own company."

Torres said she left the weekend feeling "recharged" and grateful that she got to do exactly what she wanted, from enjoying a place with an aesthetic she liked to relaxing on the beach.

She also documented the weekend for her TikTok followers.

"I knew that there are brides out there or future brides that are feeling the same or have felt the same about their bachelorettes, and I didn't want anybody to feel like they were alone in that thought," she said.

The solo trip ended up being exactly what Torres needed

Torres said her hesitation about a solo bachelorette came from what she thought others might think of her trip.

"People are going to think, 'Oh, this girl has no friends, she's so lonely. Why would she choose that?'" Torres said of her fears. "But I built up this confidence, and I told myself there has to be an aspect of this that is wrapped in self-care."

"I've been so stressed throughout this process," she said of wedding planning. "It's been a lovely process, but it is stressful, and I need to take some time for myself, treat myself, and take care of myself mentally and physically."

Prissy Torres on her solo bachelorette. Prissy Torres

Torres' solo trip also allowed her to celebrate getting married the way she wanted, which she thinks might not have happened if she had a larger bachelorette.

"I feel like the general vibe for a bachelorette is celebrating your last moments of being single," she said. "It kind of gives a negative connotation to marriage."

"I wanted to take the time to reflect and just be at peace and celebrate that I did find such an amazing partner in life," Torres continued. "I don't care that I'm saying goodbye to my single life. I'm just looking forward to my new chapter and my new role in life as a wife."

Torres wants other engaged people to know they don't have to celebrate their impending nuptials the way they see other people do.

"I just think it's so important to show that there's no one way to do this phase of life. At the beginning, when you get engaged, I feel like everybody's telling you the right way of doing things," she said, adding that "it's a lot of pressure."

While choices like her solo bachelorette, forgoing a bridal party, and walking down the aisle with both of her parents might not be traditional, they feel right to Torres.

"No two brides are the same, so why do they have to have the exact same path?" she said.

Read the original article on Business Insider
Britain is hoping its riots have peaked. But the far right is lingering, and more trouble could lie ahead

For a few hours on Wednesday evening, tension pulsed through Britains streets.

Shops and businesses closed early in dozens of cities and towns, boarding up their storefronts and getting out. Police descended on high streets and residential roads, and locals showed up too, ready for the worst.

It was meant to be another night of violence at the hands of the far right. A list of target addresses for far-right protests, seen by CNN, had been circulating on Telegram channels and then on social media for days, raising alarm that the racist attacks on Muslims and asylum seekers over the weekend would return.

But then the counter-protests started. Anti-racism rallies stole back the narrative and kept away far-right antagonists, and a nervous country breathed a huge sigh of relief after a night that could have felt very different.

Wednesday felt like a turning point after a string of violence that had put a country on edge and thrown its new government into a sudden crisis.

Theyre nowhere to be seen, Ahmed Hussain, 31, told CNN from a Walthamstow site in north London that had expected far-right violence, and instead saw a sizeable counter-protest that became a symbol of Wednesdays grassroots response. It shows that when everyone comes out to support, their numbers dwindle.

But the government says it remains on high alert for more unrest this weekend. The fury simmering in a subset of White Britain remains a live danger; these riots were shocking, but not entirely surprising.

I normally walk through this city center all the time, Nadeem Akhtar, 18, told CNN in the northern English city of Sheffield, where angry riots took place. But now, recently, even my mums been saying to me, dont be going out so much, because you never know what could happen.

And the causes that aided and enabled the racist violence  misinformation, anti-migrant rhetoric in Britains media and politics, a hobbled police force and stuffed prisons and courts  will take far longer than a night to fix.

These are all events that have been bubbling up over the past 15 years, Jesse Bernard, 34, told CNN in Walthamstow, reflecting on the weekends violent riots and the prevalence of the far right. It was bound to happen.

The chickens come home to roost, he said. As a country, this is a bed that weve made, and now were sleeping in it.

Online provocateurs and far-right foot soldiers

Fittingly, after a week of misinformation-fuelled fury, the origin and authenticity of the list of supposed far-right targets on Wednesday isnt clear.

The addresses included were mainly immigration centers and lawyers dealing with migration cases. It was a scattershot collection, seemingly collated with little knowledge of the local areas; some were offices based in non-descript business parks; others on quiet, residential streets.

A car burns on Parliament Road in Middlesborough after it was set alight by far-right activists last weekend. - Ian Forsyth/Getty Images

But after a weekend of ugly anger on Britains streets, in which hotels housing asylum seekers were set on fire by racist mobs, it quickly went viral: first on Telegram channels used by the far right, then across social media, and among the communities that appeared to be targets. A huge police operation across the country was launched; in the end, few far-right disruptors showed up anywhere.

Misinformation on social media has added an element of unpredictability to the far rights organization.

Leading platforms, especially X, have provided new soapboxes to incendiary figures intent on stirring anti-migrant sentiment. In many cases, their posts are eagerly shared and viewed by the far-right foot soldiers who joined the weekends riots  even if the authors quietly condemn violence after the fact.

Tommy Robinson, the figurehead of Britains far right, was reinstated to X (then Twitter) days after Elon Musk bought the platform. Robinson, whose profile picture shows him with tape across his mouth, has nearly a million followers.

Almost every one of his tweets is an anti-migrant tirade, frequently using dehumanizing and othering language to describe the high rate of legal and illegal migration to the UK.

Anti-racism protesters gesture at people who had gathered for a far-right rally in Bristol. - Justin Tallis/AFP/Getty Images

Those themes are echoed by other high-profile Twitter users, like provocateur Laurence Fox, who hosted a show on the right-wing GB News TV channel until he was fired last October for demeaning the appearance of a female journalist on air. Amid the weekends riots, Fox told his followers: Islam needs to be removed from Britain. Completely and entirely.

Starmer has become an enemy in the eyes of the far right over the past week, but he has little ability to quell a right-wing and far-right online ecosystem that exists in private messaging apps and, increasingly, on public sites accessible by anyone.

And remarkably, the first spat that Britains new Prime Minister Keir Starmer found himself engaged in was with Musk himself, who has taken an interest in goading Starmer on his platform.

Musk tweeted Sunday that civil war is inevitable in Britain  a prediction most Brits would scoff at, and one that prompted an unusually direct rebuke from the prime ministers spokesperson, who told reporters there was no justification for the comments.

A legal blitz

Britains far-right rioting broke out less than a month into the tenure of its new prime minister, but Starmer has been here before.

Formerly Britains highest-ranking prosecutor, Starmer oversaw a rapid legal response to the 2011 rioting that broke out after the shooting of a Black man by police in north London. Courts stayed open 24 hours and sentences were well publicized, in an effort not just to deal justice but to send a message.

He has reached for the same playbook this week. There have been hundreds of arrests, and already dozens of rioters have been charged and sent to begin hefty prison terms, ranging from several months to nearly three years. Their ages, so far, span from 16 to 69. Some judges sentencing remarks have been broadcast live, a novel tactic in a country where courtroom cameras are a recent and heavily restricted phenomenon.

Early signs suggest the legal blitz has worked in deterring far-right supporters from taking to the streets.

It has also led to a moniker  two-tier Keir  among those far-right groups, who claim Starmer is using tougher rhetoric on the far right than he did against other protesters, like climate activists.

Starmer will be unbothered by that fringe grievance. But there are wider inequalities that gave rise to the unrest which will take years to resolve.

Riots took hold disproportionately in cities and towns suffering from high levels of deprivation; places where, over recent years, people have increasingly seen the creaking foundations of the British state through a lens that focuses unforgivingly on migration.

You cant get a doctors appointment, a dentist appointment, a hospital appointment, Paul James McDermott, 69, told CNN at a small far-right demonstration in Sheffield on Wednesday. We have become second-class citizens in our own country, he said, though migrants receive no benefits in accessing medical care, and asylum seekers are permitted only limited care.

The motives of the far-right stray well beyond concern about migration, and into hatred and racism. We are losing our heritage to a Muslim situation that has got out of control. They want this country for their own, McDermott also said. Referring to a larger crowd of counter-protesters in Sheffield, he added: I dont know what the hells going on with them. Theyre not human.

But the explosion of anti-migrant discourse on Britains airwaves and online, coupled with the breakdown of the countrys underfunded public services, has given Brits tempted by far-right discourse a more emotive, and socially acceptable, entry point.

The combination of those grievances with the proliferation of far-right material is a trend that Britain is not facing alone, but it is a force Starmer has pledged to counter.

Starmer styled himself as an antidote to populism at the start of his time in office, and told rioters in an address from Downing Street: I guarantee you will regret taking part in this disorder. How quickly he comes through on those promises may become a defining question of his premiership.

CNNs Christian Edwards contributed reporting

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BROOKLYN, N.Y. (PIX11)  A man is free from prison after prosecutors at the Brooklyn District Attorneys office overturned his conviction.

Arvel Marshall was given 25-years-to-life in prison in connection with a fatal shooting in 2008. Years later, the district attorneys Conviction Review Unit reconsidered video from the night of the shooting that was never played in court during Marshalls original trial.

The video appeared to point to a different suspect behind the death of Moustapha Oumaria. The 22-year-old was killed on the night of July 15, 2008 when he was shot in the head while sitting outside his home with three friends.

More Brooklyn News

Prosecutors say Oumarias three friends identified Marshall as the shooter because of a dispute the two men had over a woman. However Marshalls appearance as a 36-year-old at the time, conflicted with accounts that described the gunman as a teenager, according to court documents.

Despite Marshalls many requests, the surveillance video was never played during the original trial because of technical difficulties. According to the district attorneys office, police presented still photos of the video which prosecutors determined was enough to work off at the time.

The Conviction Review Unit found that the video was favorable to Marshall and should have been turned over. They determined that his original lawyer was ineffective in advocating on Marshalls behalf, and the judge unfair in determining the video was not relevant despite having never watched it.

More Local News

The reinvestigation came because of a tipster, who claimed Oumarias shooting was arranged by a drug dealer for intruding on his territory. The dealer admitted to his dispute with Oumaria but denied being involved with the shooting during questioning from the CRU.

The district attorney has recommended that Marshalls case be vacated and the indictment dismissed. Its the latest win for the CRU, a team that specializes in reviewing old cases in which there might be credible claims that people may have been wrongfully convicted.

Dominique Jack is a digital content producer from Brooklyn with more than five years of experience covering news. She joined PIX11 in 2024. More of her work can be found here.

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GUERNSEY COUNTY, Ohio (WCMH)  Three brothers were sentenced Wednesday after being convicted on rape charges stemming from incidents starting nearly a decade ago.

According to the Guernsey County Sheriffs Office, Micah, Jonathon and Caleb Vaughn were charged with one count of rape on June 24. Wednesday, they received a combined mandatory 30-year sentence and must register as Tier III sex offenders for life, officers said.

A mandatory sentence in Ohio law means that these offenders will serve each and every day of their sentences. None of them are ever going to be eligible for early release. said Guernsey County Prosecutor Lindsey Angler.

Columbus sued by officers in the dark on cyberattack

The three brothers were apprehended after a woman reported she had been sexually assaulted by three men multiple times. Police said she reported the assaults June 20, and officers learned in the investigation that the assaults began nearly a decade ago when the victim was a juvenile.

Prior to the case reaching a Grand Jury, all three defendants agreed to be prosecuted via Bill of Information, police said. According to the Bill of Information, the brothers assaulted the victim multiple times from 2015 through 2018.

Micah, Jonathon and Caleb Vaughn are 23, 25 and 28 respectively, and police said the length of their sentence was specifically requested and approved by the victim.

Our Deputies and Detectives have proven to the community that no matter how long ago the crime occurred, the passage of time doesnt make any criminal safe, Lieutenant Bill Patterson of the Guernsey County Sheriffs Office said.

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Two brutes viciously beat an 82-year-old woman in an apparently unprovoked Bronx attack, cops said Friday.

A man and woman, both strangers, approached the senior at East 212th Street and White Plains Road in Olinville just after 7 p.m. Aug 2, cops said.

Without saying a word, they punched the elderly woman multiple times, slammed her to the ground and repeatedly stomped on her, police said.

The suspects punched the 82-year-old woman, slammed her to the ground and stomped on her, cops said. NYPD

The suspects said nothing during the senseless attack, cops said. NYPD

The deviant pair ran off, heading east on East 212th Street toward Holland Avenue, cops said.

The octogenarian was taken to Jacobi Medical Center, where she was listed in stable condition.

The NYPD released photos of both suspects, who are still on the loose.

The elderly victim was hospitalized in stable condition, cops said. Google Maps

The male suspect, described as having a medium build and a dark complexion, was last seen wearing a white polo shirt, blue shorts, and gray and black sneakers.

The woman is described as having a medium build and medium complexion. She was last seen wearing a black T-shirt, black shorts, white sneakers, and carrying a black cross-body bag.

Anyone with information on the attack is asked to call the NYPDs Crime Stoppers Hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477) or for Spanish, 1-888-57-PISTA (74782).

The public can also submit their tips by logging onto the Crime Stoppers website at https://crimestoppers.nypdonline.org/, or on X @NYPDTips.
Buenas on 32nd apartment units to be tested for high temps, tenants may be moved to hotel

Attorneys from the Arizona Attorney Generals Office and Buenas Communities LLC appeared in Maricopa County Superior Court on Friday afternoon to discuss whether the substandard conditions at one of the company's apartment complexes justified relocating tenants to a hotel at the companys expense until the issues were resolved.

The hearing took place a week after Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes filed a lawsuit against Buenas Communities LLC for failing to repair a faulty air conditioning system at Buenas on 32nd, an apartment complex located at 32nd Avenue and Indian School Road.

Mayes' office had previously issued a demand letter to the apartment complex, instructing them to resolve the air-conditioning issues affecting multiple units by July 26.

The extreme heat poses a serious health risk, and its unacceptable for tenants to be without proper air conditioning, Mayes wrote in a news release at the time.

During a reporter's visit to the complex on July 25, a generator and a portable "chiller"both bearing labels from companies that rent industrial equipmentwere observed outside the complex. Large hoses from the chiller were routed through a square hole that had been cut into a locked door.

Exteriors of the apartments at Buenas on 32nd in Phoenix, which had been without AC for a month.

The action apparently did not satisfy the Attorney Generals office, which filed a lawsuit against the apartment complex on August 2. The lawsuit claims that the complex failed to adequately address the air-conditioning problems and cited numerous other issues, including broken windows, faulty plumbing, and bed bug infestations.

The lawsuit also alleged that residents at the complex who complained were threatened with eviction and retaliation from the complex staff, according to the news release.

Managing the heat: Southwest Phoenix neighborhood suffering without AC since Wednesday

Five units to receive additional temperature readings

During Fridays hearing, the parties discussed five units in particular that ultimately resulted in a ruling they be tested daily for high temperatures under various conditions.

Denise Holliday, the attorney representing Buenas Communities LLC, frequently presented statements that contradicted the findings of the Attorney Generals office. In one instance, Holliday mentioned having a video of a woman wrapped in a blanket, claiming she was too cold.

Amanda Salvione, an assistant attorney general with the offices Consumer Protection and Advocacy group, clarified that the woman had wrapped herself in a blanket for modesty, as she wasnt expecting visitors to measure the temperature in her apartmentnot because it was too cold. State investigators recorded temperatures of 82.3 and 82.9 degrees inside the unit.

For another unit, Holliday claimed that it appeared to be vacant due to a lack of furniture. However, Heather Hamel, another attorney from the AG's office, countered this by explaining that the unit was occupied by a tenant who simply couldnt afford much furniture.

Holliday argued that some tenants had chosen to turn off their window A/C units, and her client had no authority to compel them to use the units or maintain a temperature below 82 degrees if they preferred not to.

However, attorneys from the AGs office pointed out evidence suggesting that the electrical systems in the units were incapable of supporting multiple window A/C units running simultaneously. Doing so would cause the circuit to short, leading to a complete loss of electricity.

Relocation dilemma

At one point, Judge Frank Moskowitz expressed his dilemma, noting that he wanted to ensure fairness by allowing tenants to be relocated to a hotel if their apartment temperatures exceeded Phoenix code standards, even if their A/C units were functioning.

However, Moskowitz also emphasized his reluctance to issue a blanket order that would displace residents from their homes if they did not want to be relocated.

Toward the end of the approximately one-hour hearing, Judge Moskowitz directed that the temperature in the center of the main room of the five affected units be measured with the wall unit turned off and the central unit running for an hour. If the temperature exceeds 82 degrees, the window unit should be turned on and left to run for another hour to see if the temperature remains above 82 degrees.

Exteriors of the apartments at Buenas on 32nd in Phoenix, which had been without AC for a month.

If it does, Moskowitz ruled that the tenant of that unit would be provided alternative accommodations at the landlords expense until the issue is resolved. However, he noted that tenants who refuse to participate in the temperature tests or who do not activate their window units would not be eligible for these alternative accommodations.

This ruling is designed to make sure that those that truly need the protections for their health and safety get that as soon as possible, Moskowitz said. And also ensures that those that dont may have another day in court for another remedy, but theres not one thats urgently or emergently needed.

Testing temperature

Moskowitz concluded the hearing by transferring the case to a different judge due to the urgent nature of the matter conflicting with his schedule, which was fully booked with trials on Monday and Tuesday.

In an interview with The Arizona Republic after the hearing, Salvione confirmed that state investigators would measure the temperatures in the affected units on Saturday, Sunday, and likely Monday. This will determine if the units are out of compliance with the code and offer tenants the option to relocate if necessary.

Salvione pointed out that, given the judges stipulations to first test the units with the window unit off for an hour and then on, they have a limited amount of time each day to complete the tests.

However we feel its critically important to take the temperature during the hottest parts of the day to get the most accurate read for what these people are actually dealing with, Salvione said.

She added that the AGs office has been in touch with many individuals beyond those in the five affected units and would like to conduct temperature checks on all 109 occupied units. She noted that this process would require additional time.

Some of this is a moving target in the sense that were still trying to figure out the best way to manage the process on short notice to ensure that everybody who would need the attention or care that they deserve is getting it, Salvione said.

A secretary for Hollidays office took a Republic reporters contact information on Friday afternoon but noted that she likely would not receive it until Monday as she was out of the office.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Buenas on 32nd apartment units to be tested for high temperatures
A Federal Bureau of Prisons employee died after coming into contact with an unknown substance in the mailroom at the U.S. penitentiary in Atwater, California, according to a bureau spokesperson.

The Bureau of Prisons is investigating whether the employee was exposed to fentanyl, sources told ABC News.

The employee began to feel unwell on Friday after coming into contact with the substance and was rushed to the hospital where he was pronounced dead, according to the BOP. A second employee came into contact with the substance, was observed at the hospital and released.

"Our hearts are heavy as we extend our deepest condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of our fallen Bureau employee," a Bureau of Prisons spokesperson said. "Out of respect for the family's privacy and the grief of our Bureau community, we have no further details to share at this time."

MORE: Bureau of Prisons union leader asks Biden 'to prioritize and address' staffing

The Council of Prison Locals, the BOP's largest union that represents employees, has been advocating for more mailroom safety measures, according to Council President Brandy Moore-White.

A bill was introduced by Rep. Don Bacon, R-Neb., in December 2023 that would require the agency to electronically scan all the mail coming into the facilities. It is unclear what the procedures are now.

The bill has yet to make it out of the Judiciary Committee.

Bureau of Prisons employee dies after coming into contact with 'unknown substance' originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
People sit following an Israeli strike that killed at least 100 people on a school sheltering displaced Palestinians in Gaza City. Khaled Daoud/APA Images via ZUMA Press Wire/dpa

Egypt has strongly condemned Saturday's Israeli attack on a shelter inside a school in Gaza City which killed at least 100 people..

The Foreign Ministry in Cairo said the strike showed an "unprecedented disregard for international law."

It said the attack was a "continuation of crimes on a large scale" in which "huge numbers of unarmed civilians" were killed.

The ministry pointed out that the strike came at a time when mediators were trying to achieve a ceasefire in Gaza, adding that this was "clear proof" that there is no will on the Israeli side to end the war in the Gaza Strip.

Egypt has been involved in months-long efforts alongside the United States and Qatar to bring about a ceasefire between Israel and the Palestinian extremist group Hamas to end the Gaza war.

At least 100 people were killed in the overnight airstrike carried out by Israeli forces on a school in Gaza City, according to medical and security sources.

The building, which had been used as a shelter for displaced persons, was struck during morning prayers, the Hamas media office said.

The Israeli army said it had targeted "a Hamas command and control center" that had been operating from inside the school.

It was not possible to independently verify the claims from either side

People inspect damages following an Israeli strike that killed at least 100 people on a school sheltering displaced Palestinians in Gaza City. Khaled Daoud/APA Images via ZUMA Press Wire/dpa
A California Democrat said he believes Donald Trump confused him with onetime San Francisco Mayor Willie Brown (D) after the former president shared a wild story Thursday about a helicopter ride with Brown that resulted in an emergency landing.

Willie is the short Black guy living in San Francisco. ... Im a tall Black guy living in Los Angeles, said Nate Holden, who served as a member of the Los Angeles City Council and a California state senator, in an interview with Politico on Friday.

I guess we all look alike.

Trump, in a rambling press conference at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida, said he went down in a helicopter with Brown and thought it was the end. He added that it was not a pleasant landing and Brown was a little concerned at the time.

Brown laterdisputed the claim and said Trump was obviously wrong, before Holden revealed that Trump may have been thinking of him all along.

Holden recalled getting in contact with Trump in the 1990s as the businessman was looking to develop the site of the Ambassador Hotel in Los Angeles.

He said that he met Trump, now the Republican presidential nominee, at Trump Tower on the way to Atlantic City, New Jersey, to check out his Taj Mahal casino.

Former Trump Organization executive Barbara Res, who was on their helicopter ride, told Politico that Holden was the man in the aircraft and said she recounted the incident in a 2013 book.

Res wrote that she saw a co-pilot pumping a device with all his might in the cockpit before passengers were told they had to make an emergency landing.

The group eventually touched down in New Jersey and, as Res told Politico, Trump used to joke that Holden turned white during the episode, even though she said it was Trump who was actually pale.

He was white as snow, said Res. And he was scared shitless.

A Trump campaign spokesperson, in a comment to Politico, said the former president referred to the helicopter story last year in his Letters to Trump book, in which he said Brown was with him during an emergency landing.

The former president took to his Truth Social platform late Friday and suggested that Brown had spoken before about a ride in a Trump aircraft. Brown had recalled in a SFGate column in 2013 that Trump once sent a private jet to Boston to pick him up for lunch. He did not write about an emergency landing in the column.

Hes just angling for another ride in Trumps jet (helicopter!). But now Willie doesnt remember? No, he remembers! Trump insisted.

Donald Trump names former San Francisco Mayor Willie Brown in a Truth Social post. Donald Trump

Holden told Politico that hes spoken with Brown since Trumps telling of the helicopter story and noted that people on the ride werent critical of Kamala Harris, the current vice president and Democratic presidential nominee, as Trump had claimed on Thursday.

Brown dated Harris in the mid-1990s.

He either mixed it up ... Or, he made it up, Holden said of Trump.

Read more at Politico.

Related...
CAMBRIA COUNTY, Pa. (WTAJ)  Residents throughout Cambria County woke up Friday with their properties underwater as a tropical rain storm hit Pennsylvania.

According to Cambria County Department of Emergency Services, the areas of Patton, Northern Cambria and Nanty Glow received the worst of the weather, all experiencing flash flooding, prompting the Swift Water Rescue Team into action to ensure the safety of motorists and residents caught in the water.

Little Chest Creek in Patton spilled over onto the lawns of properties along Moose Avenue. Residents said that this is not the first time their neighborhood has flooded during severe weather, but that the flooding is avoidable, attributing the problem to debris blocking the creek downstream. They also said that the creek has not been drudged since 2006 and, as a result, has narrowed to the point that flooding is becoming a more frequent issue.

Darlene Gillette, landlord of some of the properties, said that when she has tried to address the problem with local authorities, she gets dismissed, having been told that those residents live in a flood zone and that their best option is to move.

Flooding closes roads, causes restrictions across Central Pennsylvania

Over the years, it has closed with all the debris and erosion that had, you know, it just had gotten smaller. So now were like this, Gillette said. I went to the council meeting. Every time I go there or say something to one of them down there, they just blow me off like Im nobody.

Gillette also said that she has contacted the Department of Environmental Protection and State Representative Dallas Kephart (R-73rd District), but neither has attempted to implement any flood prevention measurements.

In Northern Cambria, multiple houses experienced flooding in their basement with some residents, like Diane McMullen, reporting depths of up to seven feet causing damage to washers, dryers, water heaters and furnaces  something they believe could have been prevented had the West Branch Sewage Authority acted sooner.

Every time we get a heavy rain, what happens is the sewer system is supposed to be a closed system. And there are just people that are illegally tapped in there, like water drainage from their drains. And things run into it, it fills it up, and then what happens is the manholes start to lift up, McMullen said. But what happens is then we called the West Branch Sewage Authority and asked them if they open the gates because theyll open the gates and release all that extra water.

McMullen and her husband Patrick fled the floodwaters, leaving their home, taking only what they could carry  a few important documents and their 16 year old dog, Max.

We were too frantic because the water was up to my waist coming in very fast. We were trying to get rid of stuff out. And we did open a safe that we have in there and we removed some like social security, our birth certificates and some guns and stuff, McMullen said. But I do have my wedding photo, my video from when I got married and things on the top shelf so Im hoping they were saved.

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WTAJ reached out to the West Branch Sewage Authority for comment but they directed us to speak to their attorney who we were not able to reach.

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Matthew Eatough, who lives by Rutland Water, leads the campaign against the quarry expansion plans - ANDREW FOX

Campaigners at Englands largest reservoir are planning to use a controversial new legal judgment on climate change to prevent the landscape from being ruined by a proposed development.

Rutland Water, an iconic Midlands beauty spot and Site of Special Scientific Interest, has for decades sat close to the sprawling Ketton Cement Works, which produces roughly a tenth of the UKs Portland cement.

In its current form, the plant is due to run out of raw materials within the next 10 years. Its owners have applied to dramatically increase the scope of the adjoining Grange Top quarry.

The proposed expansion would enlarge the quarry by approximately 275 acres, and come with new buildings and roads.

If allowed, it would extend the life of the works by another 25 to 30 years.

But residents have now mobilised to try to prevent the expansion, arguing that it would encroach on Rutland Water and the neighbouring picturesque village of Empingham.

This year, the reservoir became the first inland bathing location in England to win a Blue Flag and Seaside Award due to the quality of its water.

It is also recognised as an official wetland of international importance.

Rutland Water is an iconic Midlands beauty spot and Site of Special Scientific Interest - CLUBFOTO/ISTOCKPHOTO

Campaigners opposing the development have been buoyed by a recent judgment in the Supreme Court, which ruled that when deciding whether or not to allow new developments, local councils have to take into account not just the impact on the environment of building the site, but the downstream impact on the climate of any emissions once it is up and running.

The June decision was criticised as bizarre and perplexing by some in the oil and gas industry, who said it amounted to judicial overreach.

However, the residents near Rutland Water are now set to become the first to potentially benefit from the new case law.

Matthew Eatough, one of the key figures in the Stop Grange Quarry Expansion Group, said that, given the ruling, Rutland County Council should have no option but to turn down the application, which would see the continued burning of the quarried limestone and clay, because it has declared a climate emergency.

He said: Weve seen an increased reach of the courts in this area and we hope that we will be the first people to use this argument in order to stop a development.

It would be a very large expansion of the quarry. Were obviously concerned about the visual impact, which would be considerable.

Quarrying works near Rutland Water - ANDREW FOX

Mr Eatough has commissioned Leigh Day, the same lawyers who successfully acted in the Surrey case, to warn Rutland County Council that they risk falling foul of the new legal principle.

Environmental challenges to controversial planning applications tended to focus more on concerns over localised pollution, rather than the general harm to the climate.

But in addition to increasing CO2 emissions from the site, the group argues that expanding the quarry at Ketton Cement Works may also pose a risk to Rutland Water due to contaminated run-off and harm migratory bird species that rely on the reservoir.

The proposed expansion would bring the works to within a mile of the water, including the picturesque Normanton Church, which is set on an outcrop on the south-east bank.

Downstream effect ignored

Although no decision has yet been made, Mr Eatough said from the manner of its public consultation Rutland County Council appeared not to have taken account of the downstream effect of the expanded cement works.

Were Englands smallest counties but weve got one of the biggest CO2 polluters, he said.

Allowing the cement works to carry on would clearly contravene all the targets.

Rowan Smith, senior associate solicitor at Leigh Day, said: Our client is concerned that the climate impacts of this development  which would lead to, and lock in, an increase in greenhouse gas emissions from continued cement production at the site  have not been sufficiently assessed in light of the Supreme Court judgment.

Both Rutland County Council and Heidelberg Materials, which owns Ketton Cement Works, have been contacted for comment.

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Candler Co. Sheriffs Office search for man who fled scene

CANDLER COUNTY, Ga. (WSAV)  On Sunday, the Candler County Sheriffs Office (CCSO) said a suspect who fled the scene on foot early Saturday morning is now in custody.

According to the CCSO, at approximately 2 a.m., deputies and officers from the Metter Police Department attempted to serve an arrest warrant to the suspect, who authorities have not named.

Authorities say the suspect fled the scene located at Michael St. in Metter, on foot.

Suspect arrested in Jasper County murder case

The CCSO says their Special Response Team, including K9 Daxx, was deployed along with assistance from the Georgia State Patrol, who provided troopers and K9 support.

A comprehensive search of the area was conducted using K9 units, UAVs, and personnel, however, according to authorities, they were unable to locate the suspect.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WSAV-TV.
Glacial Fright

This week, Alaska's Mendenhall glacier has flooded its accompanying river in Juneau, and city officials are calling it an "unprecedented" catastrophe.

As CNN and other outlets report, more than 100 houses in the remote Arctic state's capital have been damaged as a result of what is known as a "glacial lake," which occurs when melting ice and snow begin to drain rapidly.

This effect is akin to "pulling out the plug in a full bathtub," the city of Juneau said in a press release earlier in the month. The water levels rose so high, in fact, that they overtopped the glacier itself.

As the glacier's so-called "Suicide Basin" drained into the nearby Mendenhall River, so too did the river's banks flood, resulting in the property damage and safety hazards that have continuously plagued the Alaskan capital as the world continues to warm.

Watch the dramatic rise and fall of water levels in Suicide Basin during a glacial outburst that caused flooding in Juneau, Alaska.



The USGS installs and monitors tools used by other agencies to build predictive tools to help anticipate when the next flood will occur. pic.twitter.com/tscARBSUto  USGS (@USGS) August 9, 2024

Fill 'Er Up

While the damage this flooding has done has been "unprecedented," it's far from the first time such an event has occurred. In fact, the glacier's Suicide Basin also filled past its brim roughly a year ago, and video from that catastrophe showed a riverbank house being literally swept away with the flooding.

Though this sort of flooding has occurred for more than a decade in the Mendenhall Valley region, officials say that this year was worse. As Deputy City Manager Robert Barr told the Associated Press, the flooding's gone further than it had in previous years, and there is a "lot more water in the valley, on the streets, in peoples homes."

At its highest, the water reached nearly 16 feet high within the Mendenhall River, and as Barr noted, there was standing water as high as three or four feet on some streets during the worst of it.

Despite the wreckage this climate change-fueled flooding has caused, nobody has been seriously injured  though as CNN notes, the city's emergency shelter had roughly 40 people in it overnight at one point.

In the wake of the flooding, Alaska's Governor Mike Dunleavy issued a disaster declaration, which seems to have properly activated emergency networks to respond to the crisis.

"I am grateful no one has been injured or killed by this mornings outburst flood," Dunleavy said earlier in the week. "Emergency responders and managers have done an outstanding job keeping their residents safe."

More on frozen disasters: The World's Biggest Iceberg Has Started Spinning Rapidly
NORTHAMPTON, Mass. (WWLP)  Kennedy Road in Northampton was closed after a truck crashed into a telephone pole on Friday.

Cancer survivors showcase art in Northampton exhibit

According to the Northampton Fire Rescue, a truck crash caused a telephone and wires down on Kennedy Road. It was closed in the 400 block for some time on Friday as crews had to repair the wires.

Injuries have been reported, but it is unknown how many are injured. 22News will update this story as soon as more information becomes available.

Latest Local News Headlines

WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WWLP.
Carter, Ford forged a bond that might be hard to recognize in todays political climate

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD)  History books will remember Jimmy Carter for the triumphs and failures of his presidency during his one term in office. One chapter of his success involves the friendship he developed with Gerald Ford, the man he beat in 1976.

Both men offer a model for us today, for Americans really to embrace, study, Gleaves Whitney, executive director of the Gerald R. Ford Foundation, said.

It all began in the latter half of 1976. The run for the White House that year was like no other.

Extraordinary circumstances: 50 years ago, Gerald Ford became president

Incumbent President Ford, Grand Rapids favorite son in office by virtue of President Richard Nixons resignation, faced an uphill battle in his bid to win the presidency.

First, there was a primary challenge from within his own party from Ronald Reagan. The campaign leading up to the general election against Georgia Gov. Jimmy Carter wasnt any easier.

Whitney sad the campaign was divisive by issues, not by personalities.

Campaigning in 1976 could be vicious and it certainly could be divisive, said Whitney. However, it was not like it has become now with the 24-hour news cycle, Twitter and all of the other social media that tend to pile on every mistake or exaggerate for purposes of raising donor money.

In the end, Ford could not overcome his pardon of Nixon and a basic throw-the-bums-out, anti-incumbency mood among voters. Ford narrowly lost to Carter on Election Day with just 3 percentage points separating the two.

Historian on what we can learn from Gerald Fords presidency

If there was any post-election bitterness between Ford and Carter, it began to thaw on inauguration day as the new president recognized Fords effort to bring the country together following Watergate and Nixons resignation.

For myself and for our nation I want to thank my predecessor for all he has done to heal our land, said Carter during his Inaugural address.

He also says that President Ford was such a decent man these great contributions he made to the country and that he also aspired to as president. And that bonded them in a very special way, Whitney said.

It was after that address the friendship began to form between the two men.

Carter invited Ford to visit the White House when he was in town. He also provided monthly briefings on domestic and foreign affairs to the former president.

Whitney has studied the correspondence between the two men. He says signatures show the evolution of their relationship.

All the best, Jimmy, or all the best, Jerry.  Then it goes from all the best to your friend. And then by the end, its, Please give my love to Betty or Give my love to Rosalynn. Cant wait to see ya, Whitney said, describing some of the correspondence.

Carter would go on to serve one term. After he left the White House, the bond between the then-former presidents continued to grow.

Jimmy Carter would go so far as to say that there were never two former presidents after 1980 there were never two former presidents who had a more intense, personal friendship than Jerry Ford and Jimmy Carter, Whitney said.

Like so many friendships, much of Carter and Fords was based on shared life experiences. Both served in the U.S. Navy during World War II. After leaving the military, they committed to continuing public service by running for public office.

They had a love for this country that was second to none. They believed in this country, its optimism, and its rootedness in the hope of the American people, Whitney said.

The bond remained until Fords death in 2006. Carter recalled his words during his 1977 inauguration while delivering the eulogy.

I want to thank my predecessor for all he has done to heal our land, Carter said during Fords funeral at Grace Episcopal Church on Jan. 3, 2007. Those are the first words I spoke as president. And I still hate to admit they received more applause than any other word in my inaugural address.

Over nearly three decades, the former presidents collaborated on at least 25 projects and traveled extensively together.

He and I commented often that when we were traveling somewhere in an automobile or airplane, we hated to reach our destination, recalled Carter during the funeral.

Whitney said the words of the past provide a significant lesson for today.

It shows that people from two very different political parties at the time, and certainly how theyve evolved to today, can produce leaders within the parties who know how to maintain a civil friendship through their differences.

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LANSING, Mich. (WLNS)  Lansing police and fire responded to a crash involving a CATA bus at the intersection of S Martin Luther King Blvd and Olds Ave, just south of I-496 Friday afternoon.

The crash happened at around 4:30 p.m., involving a CATA bus and a car. Police say the bus was heading southbound on Martin Luther King Blvd and was t-boned by a car headed eastbound on Olds Ave.

A smaller CATA bus and a car (WLNS)

An LFD battalion chief told 6 News that there were 8 people in total involved in the crash and that 6 people with minor injuries were transported to a hospital.

A communications official with Sparrow Hospital confirmed with 6 News on Friday that they were treating about a dozen people after the crash, and that none of the injuries are considered serious.

The investigation is ongoing.

(WLNS)

(WLNS)

(WLNS)

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The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has finally issued pain management recommendations for doctors, nurses, and other clinicians who insert intra-uterine devices (IUDs) in patients  but for many of us who've undergone the excruciatingly painful procedure, it feels like too little, too late.

As the Washington Post and other outlets report about the new CDC recommendations, medical professionals who administer IUDs are only being advised to counsel patients on managing the severe pain of having their cervixes dilated to insert the T-shaped contraceptive, rather than more urgently instructed to give them pain medication or local anesthetics.

That's great news for anyone interested in getting an IUD in the future. Everyone else who's suffered through the brutal pain of IUD insertion already, however, still has to live with the memory of it.

Like tons of other people, I elected to get an IUD in the wake of Donald Trump's surprise 2016 electoral victory out of fear that my home state of North Carolina, where I lived at the time, might outlaw abortion if Roe v. Wade fell, which it indeed eventually did. The decision was one I'd been weighing for a while after having heard many friends' horror stories about the incredible pain from the manipulation required for people who have not given birth  which generally is supposed to make the insertion a lot less painful  to get the device inserted and its aftermath.

In a certain light, I was lucky that my gynecologist allowed my then-partner to come in with me to squeeze my hand while I bore down and waited for the searing pain that radiated through my body, which felt like the worst menstrual cramps I'd ever experienced had been given "Hulk"-like steroids, to calm.

I'd been given little professional warning from my OB/GYN about the pain of the procedure beyond being advised to take some ibuprofen. The cramps that followed for about 12 hours after the insertion, which weren't quite as gutting but lasted much longer than the initial pain, I managed by smoking copious amounts of weed while wearing a hot pad.

Years later, I learned that not only were doctors technically able to administer local anesthetics such as lidocaine or topical numbing gel before the insertion, but that they could and sometimes did prescribe heavier-duty painkillers to take after, too. Instead of offering those options upfront, however, doctors didn't mention them  or, as some people have claimed, put the kibosh on the whole conversation.

Though one person I knew managed to find a gynecological practice in New York City that gave her local anesthetic and administered the procedure in her house for her comfort, I and most everyone else I knew considered it a foregone conclusion that it was going to hurt, and that there was nothing that could be done for it.

Though people have been sharing stories of the pain associated with IUD insertion one-on-one and on social media over the past decade as the medical industry began recommending them more and more, it seemed our cries hadn't changed much in the industry.

This year, however, something shifted as people began not only recounting their horrific IUD pain stories, but also began filming their reactions to the pain of insertion as it was happening. The videos are unsettling to watch  and it seems the medical industry and the CDC are finally taking note.

Doctors and nurses ignoring women's pain is nothing new, and if you know anything about the bloody history of obstetrics and gynecology, you'll know that it's steeped not only in misogyny but anti-Blackness as well. It seems that it took people literally recording their shrieks of pain to get the medical establishment to finally start paying attention.

Hopefully, this CDC move will give folks who want to enjoy the benefits of years of effective birth control more agency  and hopefully their doctors will start listening as well.

More on reproductive health: Test of Male Birth Control Treatment Produces Promising Results
ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC)  The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has released new guidelines recommending pain medication be offered to patients for IUD procedures.

Dr. Stacy Sun, an OBGYN with the University of Rochester Medical Center, says in the past patients have expressed concerns over pain management, citing pain as a potential barrier to getting medically necessary procedures.

What I think is going to help actually change things in the right direction is changing this into a more patient-centered approach, she said. Were sitting in a room with a patient. We chat about your birth control options. If they wanted an IUD, we should be able to say hey these are all the different options. You can have nothing if you wanted to, but if you wanted to have IV pain medications, we can offer that to you. Everyone deserves options. Everyone deserves a choice.

URMC representatives say even before the new guidelines, theyve been working for the past few years on expanding pain control options for all procedures.

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(NewsNation)  Celine Dions managers and her record label say the campaign of former President Donald Trump did not have permission to use a video of Dion singing My Heart Will Go On at a Friday Trump rally in Montana.

In no way is this use authorized and Celine Dion does not endorse this or any similar use, said the statement on Dions X account. And really, THAT song? capped the post.

Media outlets were also quick to note the irony of a campaign using the song featured in the 1997 movie Titanic.

Trump trails Harris by 4 points in 3 key swing states: Poll

The Harris campaign posted a video taken by someone at the Trump rally in Bozeman showing the crowd watching the video, with the comment Trump campaign plays the theme from the Titanic at his rally.

A Trump rally near the end of the 2020 campaign also featured My Heart Will Go On, and it was also on the playlist at Trumps Washington, D.C. rally on Jan. 6, 2021.

Over the years, several musicians have objected to Trump using their music without permission. The list includes Rihanna, Axl Rose and the estates of Prince, Sinead OConner and Tom Petty.

Trump campaign says its internal communications were hacked

The Rolling Stones threatened legal action against Trump, and Neil Young filed a copyright infringement lawsuit.

Plaintiff in good conscience cannot allow his music to be used as a theme song for a divisive, un-American campaign of ignorance and hate, the suit filed in 2020 stated. Four months later, a judge in New York dismissed the suit.

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NORTH CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCBD)  Charleston International Airport (CHS) marks a significant milestone Saturday, celebrating 95 years since its formation. Established in 1929, CHS has grown to become South Carolinas largest and busiest airport, playing a vital role in the regions transportation and economic landscape.

Located in North Charleston, about 12 miles northwest of downtown Charleston, the airport operates as a joint civil-military facility. This unique arrangement is facilitated through a long-standing agreement with the Department of Defense, making the airport one of the oldest civilian-military joint-use airports in the United States. The runways are owned by the U.S. Air Force and Joint Base Charleston, highlighting the airports strategic importance and its enduring partnership with the military.

Over the decades, the airport has expanded its facilities and services, becoming a major hub for both domestic and limited international flights. It hosts several major airlines, including American, Delta, Southwest, and United, connecting Charleston to destinations across the country and beyond.

The airport is also home to a Boeing facility that assembles the 787 Dreamliner, further solidifying its role as an economic engine for the region.

It is operated by the Charleston County Aviation Authority (CCAA), which has overseen significant expansions and upgrades to the terminal and facilities in recent years to accommodate the growing passenger traffic. Today, CHS serves millions of travelers annually, supporting Charlestons booming tourism and business sectors.

As CHS celebrates 95 years, it continues to look toward the future, aiming to further enhance its services and infrastructure while maintaining its commitment to the Charleston community and its long-standing military partnership. The airport remains a vital gateway to the Lowcountry, connecting Charleston to the world while preserving its rich aviation heritage.

Take a peek into the past through these photos CHS shared on X.

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CHARLOTTE, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS)  The management company for a south Charlotte IHOP was ordered to pay $40,000 from a lawsuit after an employee was allegedly fired for refusing to work on Sundays for religious reasons.

According to the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, Suncakes NC, LLC, and Suncakes, LLC, doing business as the IHOP breakfast restaurant, will pay the fine and provide other relief to settle a religious discrimination and retaliation lawsuit.

According to the EEOCs lawsuit, Suncakes hired a cook at its Woodlawn Road location in January 2021. At the time of hire, the employee requested and was granted a religious accommodation of not working on Sundays to honor his religious observances.

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After a change in management in April 2021, documents say the new general manager expressed hostility toward the accommodation and required the employee to work on Sunday, April 25, and Sunday, May 9. After the employee told the general manager that due to his religious beliefs, he would no longer work on Sundays, the general manager fired him.

The lawsuits states that the general manager was also alleged to have made comments to other employees such as, religion should not take precedence over [the employees] job and that the employee supposedly thinks it is more important to go to church than to pay his bills.

The alleged conduct violates Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which provides for religious accommodations in the workplace and protects individuals from religious discrimination and retaliation. The EEOC filed suit in U.S. District Court for the Western District of North Carolina after first attempting to reach a pre-litigation settlement through its voluntary conciliation process.

Under the two-year consent decree resolving the lawsuit, Suncakes is ordered to pay $40,000 in monetary damages to the employee, provide annual training to managers on the provisions of Title VII, post a notice to employees about the settlement, and revise their current policies to expressly include protection for religious accommodations.

The revised policy will be posted in all 17 IHOP locations operated by Suncakes in North Carolina. The IHOP website shows the Woodlawn location is currently hiring for 15 positions, including two general managers.

Religious discrimination is intolerable, said Taittiona Miles, lead trial attorney for the case. Employers must respect all sincerely held religious beliefs, which includes providing reasonable accommodations when no undue hardship exists.

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(COLORADO SPRINGS)  More than 300 students in Cheyenne Mountain School District 12 (CMSD12) will take part in an emergency exercise alongside emergency preparedness officials and first responders.

The exercise will be held at the Broadmoor World Arena on Friday, Sept. 13. The Pikes Peak Regional Office of Emergency Management (PPROEM), Colorado Springs Fire Department (CSFD), and Colorado Springs Police Department (CSPD) will all be in attendance to conduct the exercise.

We are committed to the safety and well-being of our students and staff, said Dr. David Peak, CMSD12 Superintendent. Exercises where we can work closely with our community partners are the best way to ensure all members of our school community are prepared when real emergencies happen.

In addition to the over 300 students participating in the event, approximately 50 staff members will take part as well. The exercise will consist of a large-scale evacuation and reunification, and CMSD12 said it would also collaborate with neighboring Colorado Springs School District 11 and Harrison School District 2 for transportation assistance as well as The Broadmoor World Arena.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX21 News Colorado.
LOMBARD, Ill. (WGN)  A suburban Chicago brewpub was recently fined and given an education in connection with cicada-infused Malort being served to celebrate the emergence of two broods of periodical cicadas in Illinois.

Noon Whistle Brewing co-founder Mike Condon confirmed to Nexstars WGN that there was a citation from the Illinois Liquor Control Commission but wrote that he preferred to keep details internal.

We complied and paid the fine to avoid any further issue, Condon wrote.

Word of the citation came to light from the Hospitality Business Association of Chicago, which reviewed a recent report from the commission and shared a screenshot on social media.

The ILCC received information that a licensee was selling an infusion that contained cicadas, the report snippet said. After conducting a field compliance inspection, the Agent determined that the licensee was offering for sale an infusion containing cicadas. The licensee was cited for the violation and was provided education on the issue.

The Hospitality Association noted that Illinois retailers can not infuse spirits with cicadas for retail sales.

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The ILCC also confirmed the citation but declined to offer any further information.

In May, Noon Whistle Brewing touted the $5 shots as a once-in-a-lifetime experience crafted from locally harvested cicadas.

Obviously, Malort has a very strong flavor and aroma. The cicadas are just going to add a subtle sort of Umami and kind of like an herbal spiciness to it, the brewpubs marketing and creative director, Joey Giardiniera, said during an appearance on WGN-TVs Spotlight Chicago.

Billions of buzzing Brood XIII cicadas that were born in 2007 emerged earlier this summer across Northern Illinois. Another variety, Brood XIX, emerged in central and southern parts of the state. Thomas Jefferson was president when the two broods last emerged together in 1803.

The cicada emergence is now believed to be connected to a rash of mite bites reported throughout the area.

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The armed suspect who died Wednesday during a SWAT standoff after authorities said he shot a Tarrant County sheriffs deputy has been identified as a 41-year-old Fort Worth man.

Court records name the suspect as Bo William Aurell. He hasnt been publicly identified yet by the Tarrant County Medical Examiners Office.

Aurell opened fire and engaged in a close-combat gunfight with deputies when they tried to execute three felony arrest warrants, authorities said. Deputy Todd Tipton suffered a grazing wound to the back of the head, one wound to an arm and one to his lower back. He was taken to John Peter Smith Hospital and was released within hours.

Aurell barricaded himself inside his duplex in the 2900 block of Elinor Street, where the deputies had tried to serve the arrest warrants. Law enforcement officials tried to negotiate with Aurell, but Fort Worth SWAT officers eventually breached the home after the suspect falsely claimed he was holding hostages, according to Police Chief Neil Noakes.

The SWAT team officers exchanged gunfire with Aurell inside the home, police said. Aurell was critically injured and died a short time later. Police said Wednesday afternoon that they couldnt say whether the suspect was killed by officers or by a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

Aurell was arrested in December 2022 and January 2023 on charges of sexual assault of a child, indecency with a child, unlawful restraint of a child and violation of child labor laws, according to court records. He was released from the Tarrant County Jail on bond and later rejected a plea deal from prosecutors offering him 15 years in prison.

Court documents show Aurell failed to appear for a scheduled court date July 24 and failed to provide a urine sample, both in violation of his bond conditions. New felony warrants were issued for his arrest, which Tipton and other Tarrant County deputies attempted to serve at his residence Wednesday.

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The cases against Aurell were dismissed Friday due to his death.

Aurells wife, April Aurell, also faces one charge of unlawful restraint of a child, according to court records. Her case was set for a hearing on the pre-trial docket on Aug. 14, but April Aurell and her attorneys asked the court for a delay Friday.

April Aurells motion for a continuance mentions that her co-defendant shot at law enforcement and was killed in the altercation.

Defendant is in the process of making funeral arrangements and handling other aspects of this incident, the document states.

Aurell and his wife had a family business  Bos BBQ and Firewood  according to court documents. In January 2023, Aurell filed a motion, which was approved, to amend his bond conditions so he could see his wife and they could continue to work in the business together.
MOBILE, Ala. (WKRG)  A retired Circuit Court judge is no longer assisting the court on criminal cases after a possible conflict of interest was found between him, the city of Mobile, and the Mobile Police Department.

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According to Presiding Circuit Court Judge Honorable S. Wesley Pipes, the conflict of interest involves Judge Charlie Graddick and his work as a lawyer for the Citys Office of Professional Responsibility.

Charlie Graddick (Photo Courtesy Mobile Bar Association)

We have been informed that the existence of this attorney-client relationship requires him to recuse from prosecutions involving the Mobile Police Department and that, even though he may not be aware of the requirement to do so, he should have recused from those matters he presided over in the past two years involving the MPD, said Judge Pipes.

Judge Graddick retired in 2020 but after the COVID-19 pandemic in January 2022 was asked to assist in clearing the backlog of criminal cases under interim active duty status.

In January of 2024, an Alabama state law changed and allowed the Administrative Office of Court to begin paying Judge Graddick and other retired judges helping with the backlog, according to Mobile Mayor Sandy Stimpson.

We were recently made aware of this change in circumstances. In response, we immediately shared all pertinent information to determine if a conflict existed, said Mayor Stimpson.

It has been determined that there is a potential conflict regarding some cases heard by Judge Graddick in the months between January and May of 2024. We will continue to provide information as requested by the courts as they determine the resolution of this matter.

UPDATE: Hoover football coaches resign after humping, pushing incidents

Officials with the Mobile County District Attorneys Office said they are aware of how this revelation could be an issue for their cases and they are ready to argue in the event of any post-trial motions.

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(BCN)  Election officials in five Bay Area cities are giving some candidates for political office extra time to turn in nominating papers because the current officeholders arent coming back.

Deadlines have been extended through Wednesday for several positions in San Francisco, Santa Rosa, Novato, Foster City and Union City to appear on the Nov. 5 general election ballot, officials said Friday.

Californias elections code says that if an incumbent fails to return candidate nomination papers by the deadline (which fell on Friday), the nomination period must be extended five days. The cities said that will make the new deadline 5 p.m. on Wednesday.

 In San Francisco, the Department of Elections said it will stretch the candidate nomination period for the Board of Education, Community College Board of Trustees, and BART Board of Directors for Districts 7 and 9.

Candidates may obtain and file nomination documents, signatures, and fees with the department at sfelections.gov.

 Santa Rosa likewise set a later deadline for candidates to turn in nomination papers for residents interested in running for the District 5 City Council seat.

Prospective candidates are urged to schedule an appointment with City Clerk Dina Manis by emailing dmanis@srcity.org or calling (707) 543-3015.

 In Novato, the nomination period for City Council District 1 has been extended. Those interested in running for the office must reside and be a registered voter in District 1 at the time nomination papers are issued.

To make an appointment to run for Novato City Council, contact City Clerk Laura McDowall at (415) 899-8986 or lmcdowall@novato.org.

 Foster City has extended the deadline for three full four-year terms on the City Council. Call Priscilla Schaus at (650) 286-3253 for more information or to make an appointment to be issued nomination papers.

 In Union City, the nomination period has been extended for the office of City Council District 1. Candidates are encouraged to review the comprehensive Candidate Guide, available on the citys website, which provides essential information on regulatory compliance, key deadlines, and campaign procedures.

For more information, contact the City Clerks office at cityclerk@unioncity.org or (510) 675-5448.

Copyright  2024 Bay City News, Inc.

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Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools students are getting a head start celebrating their return to the classroom.

The district held a back-to-school celebration this morning at McClintock Middle School where families connected with classmates, staff, and community resources.

ALSO READ: City introduces CMS apprentice program for recent graduates

The celebration also marked the launch of the CMS Family Academy to help support student success.

School will start back for CMS on August 26th.

(WATCH BELOW: CMS works to fill bus driver vacancies as first day of school nears)
The U.S. Coast Guard located a Russian Navy ship sailing south of the Aleutian Islands in Alaska earlier in the week. Photo courtesy of U.S. Coast Guard

Aug. 10 (UPI) -- The U.S. Coast Guard located a Russian Navy ship sailing south of the Aleutian Islands in Alaska.

The Vishnya-class naval vessel was spotted 30 miles south of the chain of islands by the Coast Guard Cutter Alex Haley Monday, with officials confirming the news Saturday.

Though in international waters, the Russian Federation ship was inside the U.S. Economic Exclusion Zone or EEZ, an area of the ocean that generally extends around 200 nautical miles beyond a country's territorial sea.

While patrolling the Aleutian Islands earlier this week, the crew of U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Alex Haley (WMEC 39) encountered a Russian Federation Vishnya-class naval vessel south of the Aleutian Islands, #Alaska. More: https://t.co/n2UpyofUBV USCGAlaska (@USCGAlaska) August 9, 2024

There was no communication between the Coast Guard cutter and the Russian Federation vessel, U.S. officials said.

A Coast Guard Lockheed HC-130 long-range search and rescue aircraft joined the 283-foot Medium Endurance Cutter in observing the Russian ship until it exited the EEZ. The Alex Haley is homeported in Kodiak, Alaska.

"This type of monitoring of vessel activity is not outside of the normal," the Coast Guard said in a statement.

The Vishnya-class vessels were built in the 1980s for the former Soviet Union and are used to gather intelligence.

"As a proud Alaska-homeported cutter, we patrol to uphold maritime governance and a rules-based international order," Alex Haley Cmdr. Steven Baldovsky said in the Coast Guard's statement.

"We met presence with presence to ensure there were no disruptions to U.S. interests in the maritime environment around Alaska."

This is not the first time a foreign military ship has ventured into the American EEZ.

Last month, the Coast Guard encountered multiple military ships in the Bering Sea operated by the People's Republic of China. The three vessels were detected approximately 124 miles north of the Aleutian Islands.

In late July, officials with the North American Aerospace Defense Command confirmed U.S. and Canadian fighter jets intercepted Russian and Chinese bombers operating off the coast of Alaska.
MACKINAC COUNTY, Mich. (WJMN)  Five people and a dog are safe after being rescued by the U.S. Coast Guard on Friday afternoon.

After 2 p.m. on August 9, Coast Guard Sector Northern Great Lakes received a report from Mackinac County Dispatch of a capsized vessel with multiple people in the water, including children, approximately 200 yards off the Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island. The Coast Guard responded to the scene along with Mackinac Marine Rescue and Sheplers Ferry Wyandot. All five people as well as a dog had safely been recovered from the water within 20 minutes of initial notification to the Coast Guard.

Thanks to our close coordination with local and commercial partners, we were able to

accomplish a quick and safe rescue of all persons involved, said Lt. Alex Waide, Sector

Northern Great Lakes Search and Rescue Coordinator. This is also a great reminder of how

important it is to wear life jackets; in this situation, all five of the distressed boaters were wearing

them which helped buy first responders the few minutes needed to get to them in time.

For additional information, please contact Lt. Joseph Snyder, Sector Northern Great Lakes Public

Affairs Officer, at joseph.d.snyder@uscg.mil or via phone at 906-748-0539.

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Brazilian authorities have recovered the cockpit voice recorder after a plane carrying 61 people on board crashed into a residential area in the city of Vinhedo in the state of Sao Paulo, the Brazilian air force said late Friday.

No one on board survived the crash, which occurred early Friday afternoon.

The cause of the crash was initially unclear. The air force said the cockpit voice recorder and the flight data recorder, which has also been recovered, would be examined as soon as possible but cautioned that the outcome was dependent on the extent of damage suffered.

Voice recorders record the conversations in the cockpit, while data recorders track the flight data.

The ATR 72 aircraft operated by Brazilian airline Voepass was en route from Cascavel in the state of Parana to Sao Paulo when it crashed into the residential area in Vinhedo shortly before reaching its destination.

Data from the platform Flightradar 24 suggested that the plane descended almost 4,000 metres in less than a minute.

Some experts believe that ice may have formed on the wings, which could turn an aircraft into a "rock without momentum," Brazilian news website Uol wrote.

A warning over possible ice formation had been in place for the location of the crash, according to the report.

Other experts did not rule out the possibility that several causes were behind the crash.

Rescue crews at the accident site after a plane crash. Allison Sales/dpa

Rescue crews at the accident site after a plane crash. Allison Sales/dpa
COLBERT COUNTY, Ala. (WHNT)  The Florence Fire Department says a building at the Essity Plant was engulfed in flames Saturday morning.

Florence Fire Chief Tim Anerton told News 19 the department got a call around 6:30 a.m. for a fire at Essity Professional Hygiene North America, LLC in Colbert County.

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Chief Anerton said when his unit arrived on the scene, several agencies were trying to put out the fire: Muscle Shoals Fire Department, Tuscumbia Fire Department, Sheffield City Fire Department and Cherokee Fire Department.

The warehouse building is reportedly engulfed in flames and fire crews are actively working to get the fire under control.

News 19 will continue to provide updates to this story.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WHNT.com.
Cold Case Suspect Accused Of Killing Teen In 1996 Dies By Suicide After Police Interview

A Montana man accused of killing a 15-year-old girl in 1996 died by suicide last month, a day after police questioned him about the teens cold case, the Gallatin County Sheriffs Office announced Thursday.

Paul Hutchinson, 55, was questioned by authorities July 23, after DNA evidence collected in Danielle Danni Houchins death made him a suspect.

Houchins was last seen leaving her home on Sept. 21, 1996, at around 11 a.m. and was reported missing by her family after failing to return. Her mother found the teens truck later that night at the Cameron Bridge Fishing Access Site on the Gallatin River.

Danielle Danni Houchins, who died under suspicious circumstances in 1996, is shown in a photo, via the Gallatin County Sheriff's Office. Gallatin County Sheriff's Office

Two brothers who lived nearby searched the area, and one of them eventually spotted Houchins body, the Montana Free Press reported.

She had been raped, suffocated and left alone face down in shallow water, Sheriff Dan Springer told reporters Thursday.

Houchins case went cold after years of investigation, which involved interviews with a number of suspects and collection of DNA evidence. The sheriffs office revisited the case in 2019 and hired a private detective in 2021.

Springer told reporters that modern forensic technology was able to point to Hutchinson last month as a suspect in the teens death.

His office said Hutchinson was a Montana State University student at the time of Houchins death and randomly encountered her at the river. Authorities described the killing as a crime of opportunity because the two had no prior connection.

Stephanie Mollet, Houchins younger sister, told reporters Thursday that she has no doubt that Hutchinson forcefully and violently sexually assaulted her sibling. Mollet went on to say that Hutchinson had held her sisters head down in mud until she choked to death.

Since the killing, Hutchinson had married, with two children, the sheriffs office said. He worked for the local Bureau of Land Management for 22 years and had no criminal or traffic violation history.

When Hutchinson was questioned, investigators saw that he sweated profusely, scratched his face, and chewed on his hand, the sheriffs office stated, adding that the interview lasted nearly two hours.

When shown a photo of Houchins, Hutchinson slumped in his chair and exhibited signs of being uncomfortable.

The sheriffs office also noted that Upon release, his behavior was observed to be erratic.

Hutchinson called the nearby Beaverhead County Sheriffs Office the following day at 4:17 a.m., saying he needed assistance before hanging up, according to the sheriffs office. Responding deputies found him on the side of the road with a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

Houchins case is now closed, but Springer told reporters that authorities are continuing to investigate Hutchinson in possible connection to other cold cases around the country.

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A 20-year-old man who was found dead in the swimming area of Spanaway Lake has been identified by the Pierce County Medical Examiners Office.

Steven Obote of Tacoma died Aug. 4 near the 14900 block of Bresemann Boulevard South. His official cause and manner of death is pending, the medical examiner said in a news release. That is a temporary designation used when additional investigation, information and/or test results are required for certification.

A search began after Obotes family reported him missing Aug. 2 after he did not return home overnight. Family members said he had gone swimming alone at the lake on Aug. 1, The News Tribune previously reported.

Deputies went to the lake and found his vehicle as well as phone and clothing on the shore of the swim area. A dive team also responded and searched the lake all day on Aug. 2 but could not locate Obote, the story said.

He was found by someone in the swimming area Sunday morning.

Obote, also known as Frank, according to a GoFundMe, moved to Washington in March 2024 from Texas to connect with family in Seattle. He was going to start college in September.

His bright future and big ambitions were tragically ended at just 20 years old. He was planning on going to study Biology, the fundraiser said.

Described as enthusiastic and energetic, Obote had a passion for learning.

His enthusiasm for biology and his helpful nature reflected genuine curiosity and kindness for others around him, the fundraiser said.

Some of Obotes interests were cars and planes, which made him fascinated with engineering and technology as well.

He was someone who combined a love for knowledge with a generous spirit, making a meaningful impact on those around him, the GoFundMe said.

About $255 was raised so far through the fundraiser. A service for Obote is scheduled Aug. 23.
"I think a lot of students had a moment where they were forced to look at the reality of our drug problem," student activist Hays Stritikus tells PEOPLE

Hays Stritikus Narcan campaign by Colorado students standing in front of the school board chambers

Niko Peterson and Zoe Ramsey's fight to save lives began after their friend died in 2021, just days short of his 16th birthday

Along with other student activists, they went on to form the group Students Against Overdose  and after successfully lobbying school administrators to allow high schoolers to carry and administer naloxone and fentanyl test strips, they then did the same at the statewide level

Their friend died, and instead of just saying, Oh, that's too bad, they really did something for it,' " Colorado State Rep. Barbara McLachlan tells PEOPLE

Niko Peterson and Zoe Ramsey, both recent graduates of Colorado's Animas High School in Durango, still have fond memories of a dear friend and fellow student, who died days short of his 16th birthday.

He was the epitome of accepting, Peterson, 18, tells PEOPLE. It didnt matter your skin color, age, whatever  he would be your friend. He'd care about you. Adds Ramsey, He was extremely hilarious...a ball of joy and light and wonder.

Tragically, that friend (whom PEOPLE is not naming per the wishes of the victims family) didnt live long enough to graduate with Zoe and Niko this year. In December 2021, he and another individual reportedly overdosed on pills laced with fentanyl, which they originally thought was Percocet. The other person survived after being given naloxone, a medication that immediately reverses an opioid overdose, but Niko and Zoes friend died at the scene.

Related: Teen Works to Save Lives with Org After Cousin, 18, Died from Accidental Fentanyl Overdose: 'Talk Openly'

Niko recalls his heart racing when he first heard that his friend died. I couldn't believe it, Niko says. I couldn't really process what happened.

Afterwards, Niko, Zoe and other students gathered at a house to console each other, while a number of teachers from Animas High School dropped by and offered their support. We just kind of sat there and cried for multiple days, says Zoe.

We all lived together for a little bit, just being shoulders for each other to cry on," Niko adds. It was a time where the community really did come together and show that we had the support.

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Several months after their friends funeral. Zoe took a class about the War on Drugs during her junior year. For their final project, students held a forum at Animas High about harm reduction, which the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) defines as an approach to equip people who use drugs with life-saving tools and information to potentially save their lives."

At the forum, Zoe says she wanted to give out Narcan, the brand name of naloxone.

I was talking to my school about it, and they're like, We want to try and support you with this. However, it is kind of a liability to allow students to carry Narcan for this, this, and this reason,' " Zoe remembers. "Obviously, I was a little annoyed about that. I was like, Okay, well, can we change the policy? 

Related: Former Addict and His Wife Have Prevented Hundreds of Fatal ODs by Going to Music Festivals  Heres How (Exclusive)

Niko and Zoe heard about other students at neighboring Durango High School who were also pushing for change. Among them were twin brothers Hays and Leo Stritikus, who didnt know Niko and Zoes friend, but were inspired to take action after hearing about his death. They also faced pushback from the Durango school board over liability concerns.

Our community [in Durango] has a drug problem, Hays, now a 20-year-old college student, tells PEOPLE. I think a lot of students had a moment where they were forced to look at the reality of our drug problem."

According to a January report from the New England Journal of Medicine, an average of 22 students in the U.S. of high school age died from drug overdoses per week in 2022. Additionally, data from the health policy organization KFF found there were 1,177 opioid overdose deaths in Colorado in 2022, making up 65 percent of all drug overdose fatalities in the state.

Hays Stritikus L-R: Leo Stritikus and Hays Stritikus formerly of Durango High School

The student activists from both schools then joined forces as Students Against Overdose.

For the next several months, they protested in front of the school district building, attended board meetings and garnered support from parents and medical professionals. They also obtained opioid antagonists from their local public health agency, distributed them to their fellow students and taught them how to use the medication.

The school district argued that teachers are already prepared and had Narcan, Niko says. But our argument was the teachers arent going to be at the parties [and] the skate park [where the students are]. Teachers aren't going to be where the overdoses are actually going to happen.

Hays Stritikus Narcan campaign by kids students standing in front of the school board chambers in Durango, Colorado

The students campaigning paid off and last year the Durango school board voted to approve a policy that has the district assume the legal risk of allowing students to carry and use Narcan at school.

It was really a big moment for all of us, to see something that had started as an idea between friends and between peers to be adapted by our school district after so long advocating and fighting for it," says Hays.

But it didnt stop there. Next, the student activists reached out to Colo. State Rep. Barbara McLachlan and other lawmakers to help them craft legislation permitting students across the state to have access to naloxone and fentanyl test strips. We were like, Wow, we can really actually make some change,  recalls Niko. We were doing something that we felt was right, and it just grew and grew, and grew.

All last summer, we dreamed up a bill we wanted to do, adds Zoe. I spent the school year helping write the bill. We had meetings with different school nurses associations across Colorado and school board associations. We went through at least 15 bill drafts."



Related: Two Moms Who Became 'Sisters in Grief' After Losing Kids to Fentanyl Now Fight 'For the Living' (Exclusive)

Rep. McLachlan, a retired teacher, heard about the student activists efforts in lobbying the Durango school board. It was quite the argument and quite the work they had to do because it had never been done before, she tells PEOPLE.

This year, on Feb. 8, Students Against Overdose testified in front of the Colorado General Assemblys House Committee on Education in support of bill HB24-1003, which allows students to have and use opioid antagonists without liability, and to ensure that opioid antagonists are available in school buildings and school buses.

It was so surreal, Niko remembers about addressing lawmakers. This is one of the moments like, 'Wow. We're actually making a change, and making a positive impact, and deciding that it's our turn to decide what we want to do and decide what's important.' "

The bill first passed in the Colorado House in late February, then was approved by the Colorado Senate in early April. The states lieutenant governor, Dianne Primavera, signed it into law on April 22 and the new legislation went into effect on Wednesday, Aug, 7.

They were following their hearts, McLachlan says. Their friend died, and instead of just saying, Oh, that's too bad, they really did something for it.

Related: Inside Moms Heartbreak After 19-Year-Old Son Dies of Apparent Fentanyl Overdose: 'He Was Just a Baby'

Hays, who is entering his sophomore year at the University of Richmond, says that he hopes the first impact of the new legislation is a reduction in opioid-related deaths among high school students. The second one is we hope that this bill can start and foster broader conversations within the education system and within communities about the reality of the opioid epidemic, he says.

Niko and Zoe both acknowledge that the legislative victory is bittersweet. At Animas recent graduation ceremony, an empty seat was set aside for their late friend, which was decorated with his belongings.

We had a moment of silence before we all started to walk, Zoe says. I know he's looking over us. I know he saw what me and Niko did, and I know he's proud of us. We did it to honor him. So I'm glad we did it.

We wanted him to graduate with us, recalls Niko. That felt very special. When I was walking down [at the ceremony], I kissed my hand and tapped it a couple of times just to honor him, letting him know that he's graduating with me.



If you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse, please contact the SAMHSA helpline at 1-800-662-HELP.

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Colorado Gov. Jared Polis speaks at a ribbon cutting ceremony unveiling 12 workforce housing units for corrections workers Aug. 9, 2024, in Buena Vista. (Photo courtesy of the governor's office)

Colorado Gov. Jared Polis on Friday joined state and local officials for a ribbon cutting ceremony to unveil 12 newly built housing units built for corrections staff in Buena Vista.

The Colorado Department of Corrections collaborated with local developer Fading West Development to build the fully furnished two- and three-bedroom units, which will serve as workforce housing for staff at the state prison in Buena Vista.

Colorado supports our Department of Corrections workers and these new housing options in Buena Vista are an important way to retain and attract the workforce we need to serve the community, Polis said in a statement.

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Colorado House Speaker Julie McCluskie, a Dillon Democrat, and CDOC Executive Director Andre Stancil also attended the ribbon cutting.

Too many corrections officers and DOC employees have struggled to find a place to live where they can afford, and many have been commuting long distances, McCluskie said in a statement. This will go a long way toward recruiting and retaining our crucial DOC workforce in Buena Vista and ensuring a higher quality of life for those that live and work here.

A Newsline story last summer detailed the difficulties staff at the Buena Vista Correctional Complex experienced while paying $200 a month to live in a cubicle at the prison.

CDOC spokesperson Alondra Gonzalez said staff interested in the units can apply through Fading West and follow the developers normal move-in and application processes. She said the units are expected to be ready for move in later this month.

Stancil said the department is committed to supporting its workforce.

These new housing options address immediate needs while contributing to the long-term sustainability and growth of our communities, Stancil said in a statement. We are excited to celebrate with our partners in Buena Vista and demonstrate the power of collaboration in advancing the best interests of our communities.

After the ribbon cutting, Polis  who has made increasing Colorados housing supply his top second-term priority  visited another new development in Buena Vista, where 60 low-cost housing units will open next year. The Midland Apartments complex will also include a childcare center.

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YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (WKBN)  On the front lawn of South High School, hundreds showed up Saturday to celebrate all the schools in Youngstown.

The iconic building is being restored by Jubilee Urban Development to be used as a workforce development and career technical center.

Many of those attending Saturday were graduates of South High School and were able to get a tour of the building.

Jon Howell is a graduate who organized the event. He says it was held to promote education in the Youngstown community.

Every mother and every father should be telling their kids, We want you to have a better education than I did. Therefore, you can have a higher quality of life than I did. So, this is about education and catapulting education back into the forefront of our community, Howell said.

The renovations are set to be completed sometime next year.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKBN.com.
DANVILLE, Ark  The Arkansas River Valley is mourning the loss of a young pioneer in womens law enforcement who died weeks after becoming a mother.

15th Judicial District Drug Task Force Agent Lyonette Hale-Thomas will be laid to rest on Monday, Aug. 12. She died Wednesday, Aug. 7, from a sudden blood clot.

Jefferson County Sheriffs Office mourning sudden death of lieutenant-investigator

Thomas was the first female president of the Arkansas Narcotics Officers Association. She has represented the state all over the country including multiple times in D.C.

The Waldron native graduated from Waldron High School in 2003. She knew her calling going straight into the local justice system while studying criminal justice at Arkansas Tech University. Her first boss was 15th Judicial District Prosecuting Attorney Tom Tatum Jr.

She was young and energetic then, Tatum said. She would have been the one doing everything we are trying to do for her. She would have made sure everything was perfect.

Thomas became a probation and parole officer before Commander Joe Patterson hired her at the Arkansas 15th Judicial District Task Force.

It was 13 years ago, and what quickly struck Thomas was her passion. Passion for collecting, the Hogs, and doing her job of getting drugs off the street right.

She was, you might say, an inspiration to all of us, Patterson said. She knew all the DTFs you might say in Arkansas. There are 19 of us, and she knew them all.

Community members mourning loss of Fairfield Bay fire chief after accident

Agent Thomas won the Paudert Evans Law Enforcement Officer of the Year award in 2016. Beyond that, her peers statewide chose her as the first female president of the Arkansas Narcotics Officers Association.

Without a doubt, being a mother was her favorite role, Tatum said.

Thomass seven-week-old daughter shares her middle name, Sue. Her husband, an Arkansas Game & Fish warden, is watching over their daughter. Thomas was on maternal leave when she passed.

That baby meant everything to her. She talked about that baby and loved that baby like you couldnt believe, Patterson said.











Agent Thomas would have turned 39 at the end of August. She was set to return to work in September.

Its sad. Tragic. But her family loved her, and they thought the world of her. We all loved her. Everything that she wanted was right there in front of her,  Patterson said.

Jefferson County deputy killed in Saturday morning motorcycle accident, sheriffs department mourns loss

Several agencies honored Lyonette Hale-Thomass legacy during processions from Little Rock to Dardanelle Thursday and Dardanelle to Waldron Friday.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KARK.
Concerned residents say buses of migrants are being dropped off in Marshall County

MARSHALL COUNTY, Ala. (WHNT)  People in Marshall County are upset over multiple recent sightings of charter buses they say have been bringing migrants to their area, with many feeling the border crisis is affecting their county.

Residents in Albertville and Boaz say it caught them off guard and claim officials failed to notify them about the drop offs, with some saying their officials are putting money over the people.

Victims identified in Grove Oak murder-suicide

According to Pilgrims Pride Food Company, they hired workers from a neighboring facility and have been providing transportation for those employees.

Some people in the area tell News 19 they believe issues at the border have turned Albertville and Boaz into hotspots for illegal immigrants.

One person, who did not want to be identified, feels officials were being secretive about it all  adding their leaders should be prioritizing the people of Marshall County.

Pilgrims Pride shouldve warned everyone in this community, like hey dont be alarmed but with it being so shady thats why everybodys asking and everyone is concerned, the anonymous resident explained. Our communities cant handle it, we dont have the infrastructure for that amount of people.

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The anonymous resident says the charter buses dropped off dozens at a time, and those individuals were getting off the buses with suitcases and other belongings.

Albertville officials said in a statement theyve never received funding to house individuals from different countries.

We want to make it abundantly clear that Albertville is not a sanctuary city, has never received funding to harbor individuals from any country, nor have any of our elected officials been

involved in such activities, the city stated. Our city government does not have the authority to enforce or affect federal immigration policies, but we are no stranger to the local impacts these policies have and the challenges they present are not new.

In part of the statement, Albertville city leaders also addressed how they feel the concerns have impacted the community over the past few days.

It is deeply unfortunate that as our students returned to school this week, they did so amidst a climate of controversy, baseless accusations, and hurtful rhetoric toward the families of some of their classmates. It is your right to ask questions of your elected officials and hold them accountable and Albertville city leaders will always work to be as transparent and diligent as possible in addressing your concerns, but we will not support or condone any narrative or discourse that seeks to marginalize individuals in our community based on their race or ethnicity. To those who have expressed criticism, due or undue, without any form of understanding we extend an invitation to engage with us constructively. Your elected officials are citizens just like you and welcome the opportunity to discuss the issues our community faces in practical and productive ways. Albertville City Leaders

The citys full statement in response to their concerns can be here.

In a statement on X, Sen. Wes Kitchens said he spoke with the poultry company and assured the charter busses would no longer be running in Marshall County.

Kitchens added that hed be meeting with Texas Border Patrol in the coming weeks to discuss improvement surrounding what he called a crisis that needs to be addressed.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WHNT.com.
ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC)  A fire on Conkey Avenue in Rochester left five people without a home Friday.

According to first responders at the scene, the fire started on the second floor of the multi-family home. It was contained to that room, but there was fire and water damage to the apartment.

The Red Cross was called to assist two adults and three children.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to RochesterFirst.
The Choptank River in Cambridge, where an election for mayor will be held in October. Photo by L. Toshio Kishiyama/Getty Images.

Former Cambridge Mayor Andrew Bradshaw, who resigned in early 2022 due to a revenge porn scandal, is trying to get his old job back.

Bradshaw is one of three candidates who filed in recent days to enter the October election for mayor of the Eastern Shore city. Hell face Cambridge Commission President Lajan Cephas and former Cambridge Commissioner La-Shon Foster. The incumbent, Stephen Rideout, chose not to seek a full four-year term.

Bradshaw, a 35-year-old local businessman, was elected mayor in 2020, but became engulfed in scandal just a year into his term. He quit after being charged by the state prosecutors office on 50 counts of distributing revenge porn on a social media website.

After pleading guilty in April 2022 to five counts of distributing revenge porn, Bradshaw was sentenced to three years of supervised probation and fined $5,000. He was also ordered to complete 100 hours of community service and pay $750 to the woman he posted nude photos of online without her knowledge or consent.

After Bradshaw resigned in January, 2022, Cephas was elevated to acting mayor, a role she filled for nine months. Rideout was then elected in a September 2022 special election to fill the remainder of Bradshaws term.

In an interview last week, Bradshaw said he decided to run for mayor again after being urged to do so by friends and former supporters, as well as by people he did not know  and because he was concerned about the direction of the city.

Since Ive been out of office, Ive seen a lot of stagnation in the city  on housing availability and quality, on economic development, on job opportunities, he said. I felt a little bit of responsibility for this.

Bradshaw acknowledged that the scandal that drove him from office is definitely something thats on the minds of the voters, and said it isnt a topic hes going to shy away from.

As embarrassing and hurtful as this was for people to see this in their community, no one carries the weight of this disappointment more heavily than I do, he said.

And Bradshaw is offering voters a pledge: Never again will I disappoint or hurt my community or my supporters, he said.

Whether Bradshaws opponents use the scandal against him remains to be seen. Foster, who has run for mayor in the past, could not be reached for comment last week. Cephas, who is considered Bradshaws leading foe, did not respond to requests for comment left by phone and email at City Hall.

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But in an interview last week with WHCP Radio in Cambridge, Cephas said she was planning to highlight her own record and platform on the campaign trail and not discuss her opponents.

Cephas, 43, has faced legal problems of her own. In November 2022, she was charged with second-degree assault following a domestic violence incident in her home. The charges were dismissed in January 2023.

Both Bradshaw and Cephas appear to be laying out similar priorities in the election, including the importance of economic development in Cambridge and the need to address decades of racial and economic disparities in the city. Cephas, in her recent radio interview, said this is why she decided to run for mayor rather than seeking reelection to her seat on the commission, which is the town council.

Its definitely a gamble and worth the gamble, she said. One thing Ive noticed in Cambridge  were divided, over the waterfront development, over race relations, over community development. Were divided in so many ways. So I felt like this was the time for me to be all in.

Cephas, a former corrections officer who now sells insurance, is bidding to be the citys second Black woman mayor. Victoria Jackson-Stanley, who was the first woman and first African-American to serve in the top job, was mayor from 2008 to 2020, when she was defeated by Bradshaw.

Cambridge, a city of about 13,000, is 47.4% Black, according to the 2020 Census, and 38.19% white. While the city along the Choptank River has many of the same natural and historic charms of other waterfront towns on the Eastern Shore, it has so far fallen far short of its ambitions to match Easton, St. Michaels and Salisbury in economic firepower and tourist traffic.

Perhaps the biggest issue in the election is the future of a city-owned waterfront property at the northern end of Cambridge, which has been mired in bureaucratic, political and managerial gridlock for the past few years.

City officials have been feuding with the leaders of Cambridge Waterfront Development Inc. (CWDI), the entity set up by the city, Dorchester County and the state of Maryland to lead the development process for the 64-acre property. One of the issues is whether CWDI should handle the development itself or find an outside developer to set up a blueprint for the site; the development entity and the city are in mediation to try to resolve their differences.

Adding to the drama and discord is the stated desire of the Cambridge YMCA, which is currently in a century-old high school building in another part of town, to build a new facility on the development site. The controversy over that proposal has several political and sociological crosscurrents.

Bradshaw told Maryland Matters that putting the YMCA along the waterfront would do nothing to generate revenue or tourist traffic for the site, or expand economic opportunity, which is what the development is supposed to do.

CWDI has continued reaching for low-hanging fruit, and the YMCA is low-hanging fruit, he said.

Both Bradshaw and Cephas have said that resolving the impasses over the property and bringing quality development to downtown Cambridge are among their top priorities.

I believe we can work through this project, Cephas told WHCP Radio. I believe this time were going to knock it out of the park.

But these and other election issues are inevitably being seen in Cambridge through the prism of race.

We have a lot of different silos in Cambridge, Cephas said.

Bradshaw said he is committed to closing the racial divides in the city, and offered an olive branch to Cephas  whom he described as a good governing partner when he was mayor.

I think the commission president and I worked very well on that [race relations] when I was in office, and I respect her tremendously, he said. I know she cares about this city.

The nonpartisan municipal election in Cambridge takes place on Oct. 19. If none of the candidates for mayor clears 50% of the vote, the top two vote-getters advance to a Dec. 3 runoff. The registration deadline for voters to participate in the city election is Sept. 27.
Convict in Kremlin critic murder released from jail to fight in Ukraine - agencies

FILE PHOTO: Eskerkhanov, who is suspected of involvement in the killing of opposition figure Nemtsov, sits inside a glass-walled cage during their trial at the Moscow military district court

(Reuters) - A man convicted in the killing of Russian opposition politician Boris Nemtsov has been discharged from jail after signing a contract to join the military operation in Ukraine, state-run news agencies TASS and RIA Novosti reported on Saturday.

Nemtsov, a critic of President Vladimir Putin and former deputy prime minister under president Boris Yeltsin, was shot dead in 2015 as he walked across a bridge near the Kremlin in the heart of the Russian capital.

In 2017, a Russian court sentenced five men to prison terms ranging from 11 and 20 years for his murder. Among them was Tamerlan Eskerkhanov, who was convicted as an accomplice and jailed for 14 years.

"Eskerkhanov signed a contract with the defence ministry in March 2024, was pardoned, and then released from his penal colony," TASS cited a source in law enforcement agencies as saying.

"He went to one of the assault units and is now carrying out combat missions in the special military operation zone."

He added that the other convicts jailed over Nemtsov's killing were still in jail because they had refused to sign contracts with the military.

Ilya Yashin, Nemtsov's one-time spokesman who was freed last week in a high-profile prisoner exchange between Russia, Belarus, the United States and several European countries, called Eskerkhanov's release "scorn for memory of my dead friend."

Tens of thousands of Russian prisoners have volunteered to join the Russian army fighting in Ukraine, taking advantage of an offer of clemency for those who survive their stints at the front.

The recruitment of prisoners was initially pioneered by the Wagner mercenary group, whose leader Yevgeny Prigozhin was killed in an August 2023 plane crash after a failed mutiny against Russia's military leadership.

Russia's defence ministry has since adopted the tactic, forming its Storm-Z units partly out of convict volunteers recruited directly from prisons.

(Reporting by Reuters; editing by Clelia Oziel)
Temirlan Eskerkhanov, convicted in the Boris Nemtsov murder case, has been released from prison after signing a contract with Russia's Defence Ministry to join the war against Ukraine. Nemtsov, murdered in 2015, was a Russian opposition leader and former deputy prime minister known for his outspoken criticism of Russian ruler Vladimir Putin's government.

Source: Kremlin-aligned Russian news agency TASS

Quote: "Eskerkhanov signed a contract with the Defence Ministry in March 2024, was subsequently pardoned, and released from prison.

He was assigned to one of the assault units and is now performing combat missions in the 'SVO' zone ['SVO' or special military operation is a term used by Russian propaganda to describe the war against Ukraine  ed.].

Details: TASS reports that the contract with the former convict is valid for a duration of one year.

None of the other accomplices in the Nemtsov murder currently serving prison sentences have shown any interest in signing the contract.

For reference:

Nemtsov was murdered in the centre of Moscow on 27 February 2015. Five suspects were later detained, and another one took his own life while being detained.

Media reports indicate that the masterminds behind the murder have not yet been identified. Nemtsov's associates and relatives have criticised the investigation, with many suspecting that the Chechen or Russian leadership may have been involved.

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The Danish police cordoned off a location in the center of Copenhagen with barrier tape. Steffen Trumpf/dpa

Police in Copenhagen are to receive reinforcements from surrounding districts after an apparent gang war broke out in the Danish capital, the Ritzau news agency reported on Saturday.

The police believe that there is a violent conflict between two criminal groups, one of which is based in the Indre Nrrebro district, while the other is controlled from abroad, according to a statement.

In several districts, increased police presence is intended to prevent further crimes.

There are fears that the violence will spill over from Sweden, which has been grappling for years with brutal conflicts between rival gang members linked to the drug trade.

"The conflict has led to several violent incidents," the Copenhagen police said in their statement.

The fatal shooting of a 43-year-old in the city on Thursday is linked to the confrontation, investigators said. Later, the police announced that they had apprehended a suspect in the case, a Danish citizen.

"We cannot and will not accept or tolerate gang violence in Copenhagen and that is why we are doing everything we can to prevent similar incidents," said Police Chief Sren Thomassen.

Recently, Denmark has seen a series of incidents involving young suspects from Sweden alleged to have attempted murders in Denmark.

Over a five-day period last week, three Swedish youths reportedly tried to shoot people in Denmark, according to the Ritzau news agency.

Two of the cases were in Copenhagen and one in the southern city of Kolding, about 80 kilometres from the German border. All three youths, aged 16 and 17, were placed in pre-trial detention.

Additionally, the Danish police confirmed the extradition of a man and a woman, both 24, who were arrested at the border by Swedish security forces in connection with an explosion in Copenhagen. They were scheduled to be brought before a magistrate on Saturday.
The Danish police cordoned off a location in the center of Copenhagen with barrier tape. Steffen Trumpf/dpa

Police in Copenhagen are to receive reinforcements from surrounding districts after an apparent gang war broke out in the Danish capital, the Ritzau news agency reported on Saturday.

The police believe that there is a violent conflict between two criminal groups, one of which is based in the Indre Nrrebro district, while the other is controlled from abroad, according to a statement.

In several districts, increased police presence is intended to prevent further crimes.

There are fears that the violence will spill over from Sweden, which has been grappling for years with brutal conflicts between rival gang members linked to the drug trade.

"The conflict has led to several violent incidents," the Copenhagen police said in their statement.

The fatal shooting of a 43-year-old in the city on Thursday is linked to the confrontation, investigators said. Later, the police announced that they had apprehended a suspect in the case, a Danish citizen.

"We cannot and will not accept or tolerate gang violence in Copenhagen and that is why we are doing everything we can to prevent similar incidents," said Police Chief Sren Thomassen.

Recently, Denmark has seen a series of incidents involving young suspects from Sweden alleged to have attempted murders in Denmark.

Over a five-day period last week, three Swedish youths reportedly tried to shoot people in Denmark, according to the Ritzau news agency.

Two of the cases were in Copenhagen and one in the southern city of Kolding, about 80 kilometres from the German border. All three youths, aged 16 and 17, were placed in pre-trial detention.
A correctional officer from Danville was arrested Friday, after Kentucky State Police say he was caught bringing a substance thought to be liquid methamphetamine into Northpoint Training Center.

Kentucky State Police said Northpoint officials called them just before 8 a.m. Friday for help with the investigation.

Chad Chiaro, 27, is accused of bringing in approximately 23.9 ounces of a liquid substance contained within a clear water bottle, suspected to be methamphetamine, in exchange for money, state police said in a news release.

Chiaro has worked as a correctional offficer at Northpoint for just over a year.

He was taken to the Boyle County Detention Center and charged with first-degree trafficking in a controlled substance, first offense, and first-degree promoting contraband.

Northpoint, which is outside Danville, is a medium-security state prison with a bed capacity of 1,256 inmates, according to the facilitys website.
(KTAL/KMSS)  A Louisiana corrections officer was arrested for allegedly engaging in an unprofessional relationship with an inmate, according to the Louisiana Department of Corrections.

La. DOC officials said 22-year-old JaCamry Davis of Baton Rouge was arrested for an alleged inappropriate relationship with one inmate and smuggling cellphones in for another inmate housed at Elayn Hunt Correctional Center (EHCC).

More: Louisiana News

An investigation by EHCC uncovered the alleged actions during questioning with the officer who resigned from her post during questioning.

Davis was booked into the Iberville Parish Prison on one count of malfeasance in office and three counts of introducing contraband into a penal institution. She had been employed at the prison since August 22, 2022.

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KANSAS CITY, Mo.  It was just a few weeks ago a local funeral home started searching for any family of a 99-year-old woman who had died.

That woman was Katherine Shirley, a woman who had battled enough adversity for two lifetimes.

FOX4s story on the search for her family reached her half-sister in California, who was able to be in Kansas City today for her farewell services.

The color of the day, pink, was Katherine Shirleys favorite color.

Jason Sudeikis to host 8th annual music variety show, THUNDERGONG!

It was with a joyful noise, and a praise dance to go along with it, a community and a family said their final goodbyes to a remarkable woman.

Shirley was a fearless woman of God who made it through 99 years. The best way to describe Katherine Shirley was everything.

No matter what situation she was in she was always the nicest and most pleasant person, Katie Basey, one of Shirleys caretakers, said.

She will truly be missed by a lot of people like she just had that calm spirit that just cleared the atmosphere, another caretaker said.

Those sentiments from her caretakers who, over the course of her 30 years at the Life Care Center of Grandview, became her family. Up until now, no one knew if she had any living relatives.

Thats when Marcom-Harvey Funeral Care turned to FOX4.

Two injured after being run over by vehicle following crash in Shawnee

In less than a week and because of viewers willingness to share the story, Shirleys half-sister Shelia Johnson was found and made it from Los Angeles just in time to lay her sister to rest.

Im just sorry to have missed all the years to be with her that we could have had some beautiful times together but Im here now, here in love and in spirit with her, Johnson said.

Johnson is full of gratitude, never imagining shed get this moment for Shirley who she hadnt seen in more than four decades.

From the bottom of my heart words cannot express how I feel knowing that she was loved and very well taken care of, Johnson said.

Shirley was laid to rest at a cemetery not too far from Marcom-Harvey Funeral Home.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports.
AUSTIN (KXAN)  Its back-to-school season, and with it comes an uptick in viral bugs, allergies and other respiratory illnesses swirling around.

Texas, along with the majority of the U.S., continues to report high levels of COVID-19 viral activity as the respiratory condition experiences a summertime bump. Since the onset of the coronavirus pandemic in March 2020, communities across the country have seen heightened levels of COVID-19 in the summer, as well as, winter months.

Texas, majority of U.S. reporting spiked COVID-19 levels this summer

But that isnt the only thing circulating right now, local health experts told KXAN.

Were kind of seeing this strange outcrop of symptoms that include congestion, a lot of coughing, running nose, sneezing, all the things that point to some sort of respiratory illness, said Rannon Ching, president and chief pharmacy officer at Tarrytown Pharmacy. It could be the cold. It could be the flu or COVID, but not always do patients test positive for these respiratory illnesses when they get a test or if they go to their doctor.

Two possible causes Ching mentioned included recent rainstorms on Sunday as well as the Saharan dust settling in the greater Austin area. Both tend to lead to more allergens swirling in the air, in turn, impacting peoples respiratory systems and possibly causing these latest symptoms.

Prior to COVID, cold and flu season, typically, kickstarted in the fall before progressing in the winter months. With the addition of COVID to the mix, its become more common to see respiratory illnesses  COVID-19 and otherwise  uptick in the summertime, Ching said.

It seems to be kind of normalizing where were seeing this twice a year kind of illness  and then especially in Austin, when you add in the allergies and the cedar, sometimes it feels like its all year-round, Ching said. But it has been interesting seeing the different paths and different patterns change, especially over the last three to four years.

US to roll out updated COVID-19 vaccines this fall

For those who do feel any sort of respiratory symptoms, Austin Public Health said it doesnt hurt to test a few times for COVID-19. The health agency told KXAN Friday that while initial testing might be negative, symptoms can develop over the course of multiple days.

Symptoms may develop over several days and your initial test may be negative, however, a repeat test in 24 to 48 hours may be positive, Dr. Desmar Walkes, medical director and health authority for Austin/Travis County, told KXAN in a statement. It is a good idea to see medical attention when respiratory symptoms develop so that treatment can be started.

Walkes also confirmed that APH has seen a higher concentration of respiratory illnesses locally. For those who are sick, its recommended that they stay at home until their symptoms improve and, if they have a fever, they dont go out in public until its been 24 hours fever-free without the assistance of fever-reducing medications.

Once symptoms begin to improve, APH added people can continue wearing a mask, thoroughly washing hands and carefully cleaning commonly touched surfaces to minimize any spread.

Ching echoed APHs advice for anyone who might be feeling sick, especially with the 2024-25 school year poised to start. Good hygiene and keeping ones distance is always beneficial if theyve been sick, as well as alerting others if someone they know has a respiratory illness or if they themselves are exhibiting symptoms.

Outside of those everyday measures, Ching added flu shots and updated COVID-19 vaccines will be available at pharmacies this fall. He encouraged people to stay up to date on those vaccines and to get them sooner rather than later, so it doesnt get lost in the shuffle of back-to-school season.

Try to get your preventative vaccines as soon as possible, whether it be flu or COVID, he said, adding: Try to wash your hands if someones sick. Just try to keep your distance if you can, and all the normal preventative things. But I think the big thing is: Control what you can control.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KXAN Austin.
CARLISLE, Pa. (WHTM)  A disaster declaration has been issued as 42,000 Cumberland County water customers are either under a boil water advisory or without water service altogether.

County commissioners said in a media release that a water main break caused by the remnants of Tropical Storm Debby is impacting three of the four acute care facilities in the county.

Cause of water main break found, repairs initiated as Cumberland County boil water advisory continues

The declaration, the county says, allows officials to purchase needed supplies, employ temporary workers, and enter into contracts and agreements with vendors without the time-consuming procedures and formalities normally prescribed by law.

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The Cumberland County Department of Public Safetys Emergency Operations Center was activated Friday evening to monitor the situation, as well.

County officials are working with the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency, the Public Utility Commission, and Pennsylvania American Water.

According to Pennsylvania American Water, customers affected in the Mechanicsburg system include Camp Hill, Lemoyne, New Cumberland, Shiremanstown, West Fairview and Wormleysburg boroughs, and East Pennsboro, Hampden, Lower Allen, Silver Spring townships, and portions of Middlesex and Upper Allen townships in Cumberland County, as well as portions of Fairview and Newberry townships in York County.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC27.
(WJW)  Gov. Mike DeWine on Saturday declared a state of emergency for eight Northeast Ohio counties where residents are still dealing with the aftermath of Tuesdays powerful storms that spawned four tornadoes, caused widespread damage and knocked out power for days.

They include: Ashtabula, Cuyahoga, Geauga, Lake, Lorain, Portage, Summit and Trumbull.

Still no power? Heres when lights could turn on and information to help until then

This declaration of a state of emergency will give the state the ability to give these communities expedited assistance. At the moment, we have no outstanding requests for services the state can provide to our local communities to help in the aftermath of these storms, DeWine is quoted in the release. However, we are in this for the duration and will continue to help local communities in Northeast Ohio as they recover from the damage left by the storm, should we receive any new request for services the state is able to provide.

County emergency management agencies are now assessing local damages for possible reimbursement. Those assessments are then sent to the state to determine whether they meet the federal threshold for assistance.

Homeowners, businesses, renters and non-critical private and nonprofit organizations can have damages assessed by calling their countys emergency management agency office. Here are the numbers:

Ashtabula Emergency Management Agency : 440-576-9148

Cuyahoga Emergency Management : 216-443-5700

Geauga County Department of Emergency Services : 440-279-2170

Lake County Emergency Management Agency : 440-350-5499

Lorain County Office of Emergency Management and Homeland Security : 440-406-3271

Portage County Emergency Management Agency : 330-297-3607

Summit County Emergency Management : 330-643-2558

Trumbull County Emergency Management: 330-675-2666

DeWine has also ordered Ohio Emergency Management Agency Director Sima Merick to request a damage assessment from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, according to the release.

Crews from Ohio and beyond are working around the clock to restore power to customers, DeWine is quoted in the release. For the safety of everyone, please give the crews plenty of space do their work when they are in your neighborhood.

Since Tuesdays storms, the state health department has helped out by sending mobile oxygen generators to Cuyahoga County. Brook Parks recreation center hosted a refilling station on Saturday afternoon and its expected to be back there on Sunday morning.

The Ohio Department of Job and Family Service is also keeping an eye on the needs of SNAP beneficiaries, while the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio has been monitoring utilities, according to the release.

Urgent action

Cuyahoga County officials earlier Saturday called on the state to take urgent action and declare a state of emergency after four tornadoes ripped through Northeast Ohio, damaging homes and businesses and leaving hundreds of thousands of residents without power for days.

Cuyahoga County Executive Chris Ronayne said he wanted Gov. Mike DeWine to waive the state-imposed threshold of $5.9 million in damages and expenses required to declare a state of emergency.

According to a news release sent earlier Saturday, Cuyahoga County had not yet met that requirement.

However, Ronayne said in a Saturday afternoon news conference that area officials anticipate that number to be reached soon. He called the threshold red tape and proclaimed the county is in a state of emergency.

Today, we declared a state of emergency for Cuyahoga County because we couldnt wait. We needed the state to realize it is time. Its time to recognize the devastation that has happened here and help us appeal to the federal government for FEMA support in the future, said Ronayne.

On Friday, DeWine issued a proclamation to direct state agencies to be ready to offer further assistance to communities affected by the recent extreme weather.

Waiving the threshold requirements will allow us to mobilize even more resources to support cities and communities in need, said Ronayne.

FirstEnergy has called the storms that hit on Tuesday, Aug. 6, the most impactful that The Illuminating Company service territory has seen in more than 30 years.

One tornado went from Brook Park to Bedford and was on the ground for 17 miles. FOX 8 Meteorologist Scott Sabol said its the longest tornado track Cuyahoga County has seen in more than 70 years.

Helpful Links:

Still no power? Heres when lights could turn on

Where to get free water, ice while powers out

Where shelf-stable meals are being distributed

Community centers open as power outages continue

Where to refill oxygen tanks in Cuyahoga County

We are committed to doing everything in our power to support our residents during this difficult time, said Ronayne. By waiving the threshold, the state can demonstrate its commitment to standing with Cuyahoga County and ensuring that no one is left behind.

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How a Cyberstalker Terrorized a Family by Exploiting Their Tragic Encounter with a Serial Killer

Alvin Willie George harassed a surviving victim of serial killer Tommy Lynn Sells

Val Verde County Sheriff via AP Tommy Lynn Sells

Nearly twenty years after a serial killer slit the throats of two girls in a bedroom in Texas, killing one of them, a Florida man began harassing the victims family and threatened to kill the surviving girl.

Tommy Lynn Sells was convicted of the 1999 murder of 13-year-old Katy Harris as she slept in her Del Rio, Texas, home. Also in the room at the time was 10-year-old Krystal Surles, CBS reported. Sells slit the throats of both girls, but Krystal survived.

ABC reported that Sells was executed in Texas 2014, having claimed responsibility for dozens of murders across the country.

But the case would take a bizarre turn in 2016, when Alvin Willie George, a Florida man with no connection to Sells' case, began sending photos of the 1999 crime scene to the surviving victim and her siblings, who live in Idaho, the U.S. Attorney's Office, District of Idaho said.

George ended up pleading guilty in 2021 to cyberstalking and was sentenced to 51 months in prison. He is due to be released in 2027.

According to the plea agreement, reviewed by PEOPLE, George began messaging Krystal, who is only identified by her initials in the agreement, in November 2016.

Authorities said George researched the infamous case and used multiple Facebook accounts to message his victims.

George began by sending a crime scene photo of Katy to Krystal. Then in April 2017, he began sending her different intimidating messages.

How did it feel to watch your friend get murdered and get your throat slit???, George wrote in one message, according to the plea agreement.

In other messages, George wrote sexually explicit threats and even revealed that he knew her home address, as well as the name of her child.

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George then began sending messages to Krystals siblings, including one in which he claimed he would do worse than Tommy.

FBI agents interviewed George at his Florida home in December 2017, and he admitted to creating the Facebook accounts and sending the threatening messages.

In addition to having to serve nearly five years in prison, George will have to pay $525.31 in restitution.



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Daly City PD looking for 2 suspects who stripped victims of their jewelry

(KRON)  Victims were stripped of their jewelry in a robbery that occurred in Daly City in late July. The Daly City Police Department is searching for two suspects in connection with the robbery.

At 12:30 a.m. on July 31, Daly City PD responded to Wilshire Court and North Mayfair Avenue for a report of a robbery. Police were informed that four passengers were in a vehicle when a white Toyota Prius pulled up next to them. Two suspects exited the Pruis brandishing weapons. One suspect opened the drivers side door as the other suspect opened the rear passenger door.

According to Daly City PD, a victim was hit in the face with a gun. Another victim was scratched on the face while the suspect grabbed her necklaces. The third victim was punched in the face and elbowed in the chest several times. The suspects snatched the fourth victims necklace from her neck.

Dont tell a soul. Ex-Antioch police officer convicted in pay raise scam

Police said the suspects stole the victims jewelry, cell phones and an Apple Watch.

Daly City PD said the first suspect was described as a Hispanic man, around 24 to 26 years old. He was wearing a white face mask. The second suspect was also described as a Hispanic man, around 24 to 26 years old. He was wearing a colorful face mask and a black sweatshirt with a white logo.

Anyone with information regarding this case is asked to contact the Daly City Police Department.

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DANVILLE, Va. (WFXR) Governor Glenn Youngkin recently awarded a total of $126 million to 23 sites across the Commonwealth as a part of the Virginia Business Ready Sites Program (VBRSP), including both the City of Danville and Pittsylvania County.

The VBRSP is run by the Virginia Economic Development Partnership and partners with localities, utilities, and state agencies to fund infrastructure improvements. It builds on sites that are considered operation-ready for employers and manufacturers ready to expand in the state.

Business-ready sites drive and accelerate economic growth, and our continued investments in site development position the Commonwealth to compete to win transformative projects that will bring hundreds and thousands of jobs to Virginia, said Governor Youngkin. A growing inventory of project-ready sites is a huge competitive advantage, and our investments in the Virginia Business Ready Sites Program were a big factor in Virginia being named Americas Top State for Business.

Roanoke receives $7.5 million grant to go towards Tract 8 development project

As a part of the VBRSP, the City of Danville was awarded $9,000,000 for the Coleman Site on Gypsum Road, and Pittsylvania County received $6,000,000 for the Southern Virginia Megasite at Berry Hill.

We thank Governor Youngkin and the Virginia Economic Development Partnership for their continued support in preparing project-ready sites across Danville and Pittsylvania County, said Corrie Bobe, Director of the Danville Office of Economic Development and Tourism. Investing in site development and infrastructure is essential for regional economic growth and, with support through the Virginia Business Ready Sites Program, we are better positioned to meet the needs of industry.

For more information about the VBRSP, visit the Virginia Economic Development Partnerships website.

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In To Be Destroyed, premiering Aug. 11 on MSNBC, Eggers visits Rapid City, where five books, including his own, were banned from high school classrooms

MSNBC Films Dave Eggers (center) meets with students in the documentary 'To Be Destroyed'

Bestselling author Dave Eggers wasnt expecting to learn that his 2013 dystopian novel, The Circle, was removed from high schools in Rapid City, S.D. What's more, Eggers' book, along with four others, was designated to be destroyed by the school board as well.



It was new to me, although the other authors that were banned have had the books banned again and again, Eggers tells PEOPLE.



The decision to ban The Circle, as well as The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky, How Beautiful We Were by Imbolo Mbue, Fun Home by Alison Bechdel and Girl, Woman, Other by Bernadine Evaristo, is the subject of the documentary To Be Destroyed, premiering on MSNBC on Aug. 11 as part of Trevor Noah's "The Turning Point" series. Directed by Arthur Bradford, the film follows Eggers during his travels to Rapid City, where he met with the teachers and students on the frontlines of the book banning fight.

MSNBC Films A still from the documentary 'To Be Destroyed'

Jill Haugo, a Rapid City teacher featured in the film, recalls the occasional objection to a books content throughout her time as an educator, but wasnt prepared for the severity of the decision to destroy books.

Related: Sheila Nevins on Her Oscar-Nominated Documentary on Book Bans: We Have to Make This Film (Exclusive)

The scope of it, the aggressiveness with which we were forced to remove [books], the language of destroying books  it was larger and more than we expected, she tells PEOPLE. The five titles, along with 38 other books selected by English teachers, were bought in 2021 for seniors to read the following school year, Eggers wrote for The Washington Post. The books would be divided into separate themes taught during the school year, and students would have the option to pick one of six books to read per theme. After school officials took issue with "brief sexual passages" they said each of the five books contained, they were ordered to be pulled from shelves and destroyed.

During his time in Rapid City, Eggers, who is also the founder of the youth writing non-profit 826 National, met with teachers like Haugo and attended school board meetings. He co-organized an event with his colleague Amanda Uhle at local bookstore Mitzi's Books, where community members came together in support of keeping the books on the shelves. Copies of all five banned books were also available to purchase at the store.

The covers of the books banned in Rapid City, S.D.

We have to be able to defend why certain books are taught, Eggers says. "And then on the other side, we have to be aware of and respect the processes that are in place where teachers and administrators approve of lists of books." One of the director's goals was to give all community voices a chance to speak; the documentary includes interviews with citizens in favor of the book removals, as well.

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"What I like about the film is that it gives a chance to have a conversation," Bradford tells PEOPLE, adding, "I think there is common ground for Americans to talk about this subject without demonizing each other."



Related: New Coalition Against Book Bans Launches Nationwide With Support From Authors Like Judy Blume and Julia Quinn

Though the five books did end up getting removed from the school district's shelves, recent years have brought major shifts to the Rapid City school board. Jamie Clapham and Michael Birkeland, the school boards first Black woman and first openly LGBTQ+ board members respectively, won their elections in June 2022.

Even in light of those changes, Haugo says that speaking against book banning feels like a risk. Despite many of her fellow educators standing up for the right to read, 88 positions for classroom teachers remain vacant following the incident as of June 2022.

MSNBC Films Dave Eggers (right) meets with students in the documentary 'To Be Destroyed'

We lost a lot of really great teachers, Haugo says. We lost five really great pieces of literature in our classrooms, but we found our voices and our students found their voices, and we are not really going to let those disappear again.

Related: PEOPLEs Picks for the Best LGBTQ+ Kids Books for Pride Month

Chbosky, whose novel The Perks of Being a Wallflower was first removed from shelves in 2003, says it's "no longer shocking" to see his book on banned lists. Watching Rapid Citys fight against removing the five books from their district's own banned list, however, has left him very grateful  particularly because those books that may benefit young readers.



Never miss a story  sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer , from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

You never know where the next kid is, the author tells PEOPLE. You never know where the next person who needs to hear the words, who needs to not feel alone, who needs that sense of hope, to just find his, her, their truth or focus or path. I think it's an act of heroism to ensure that those kids are able to find these books.



To Be Destroyed will air on MSNBC on Aug. 11 at 9PM/ET.

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Read the original article on People.
A 32-year-old Muscatine man was in custody Friday after members of the Davenport Police Departments Tactical Operations Bureau conducted an investigation and found heroin, methamphetamine and a gun, according to court records.

Terrance Harris faces four charges of controlled substance violation, two charges of failure to affix a drug stamp, a charge of dominion/control of a firearm/offensive weapon by a felon; unauthorized possession of offensive weapons and interference with official acts  firearm, all felony charges, court records show.

Terrance Harris (Scott County Jail)

Harris was observed in a gray Nissan Rogue with Texas plates, according to affidavits. A vehicle block was conducted on Harris and a co-defendant by undercover police officers. Harris tried to run off but was captured a short distance later.

He had 79.65 grams of crystal meth on his person and $2,825, police say in affidavits. The co-defendant took off in the car and wrecked a short distance away, then ran off and was captured a short distance away after being seen dropping a back pack.

After a search warrant was obtained, police found in the:

BOOK BAG:

A fully loaded 40 caliber pistol with a round in the chamber and a 22 round extended magazine. The pistol also had a switch making the pistol fully automatic.

CAR:

7.35 grams of crystal meth

26.25 grams of heroin (separated into 40 individually wrapped bags)

Digital scale with meth residue

A fully loaded 40 caliber pistol with a round in the chamber and a 22 round extended magazine. This firearm was located in the map pocket directly in front of where Harris was seated.

In affidavits, police say that, during a post-Miranda Rights interview, the co-defendant admitted that he and Harris sell narcotics in the Quad City area. The co-defendant admitted the firearms located during this incident were passed around by him and Harris.

The co-defendant said he and Harris picked up the methamphetamine and heroin that was located inside the vehicle, and all of the narcotics inside the vehicle belonged to Harris. The co-defendant said all of the guns belonged to Harris.

An interview was conducted with an additional co-defendant who admitted Harris purchases 2-4 pounds of methamphetamine from his source in Chicago every two days and all of the co-defendants work for (Harris.) The co-defendant advised (Harris) provides the co-defendants with guns and calls them his shooters, affidavits show.

The co-defendant named several shootings that (Harris) ordered the co-defendants to conduct for him, police allege in affidavits.

According to affidavits, the heroin weighing 26.25 grams and the meth weighing 87 grams did not have an affixed Iowa Drug Tax Stamp. (Harris) and co-defendants conspired together to sell and deliver heroin and crystal methamphetamine in the Quad City area, affidavits show.

A search warrant was formulated and executed on Harriss Moline hotel room, where police found $4,040, two pistol magazines and ammunition.

Harris, who was being held Saturday in Scott County Jail on a total $154,000 bond, is set for a preliminary hearing Aug. 16 in Scott County Court.

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WASHINGTON (DC News Now)  A D.C. man faces nearly a century in prison after the U.S. Attorneys Office (USAO) charged him with over two dozen counts for his suspected involvement in a string of armed robberies and carjackings.

The charges against 36-year-old Shamell Naquan Joyner stem from a series of 10 robberies and two armed carjackings that happened between April 12 and May 2, 2023, throughout the DMV.

Fire causes about $5 million in damages at church in Montgomery County

The USAO said Joyner was previously charged with six similar robberies and one armed carjacking.

According to the indictment, Joyner is believed to have robbed the Falcon Fuel gas station and convenience store on April 12, 2023, in Northwest D.C. The USAO said he stole money and property from the business and two of its employees, who he held at gunpoint.

The prosecutors alleged that Joyner shot at them during the robbery, but neither of them were hurt.

A day after this incident, the USAO said Joyner carjacked a man at gunpoint in the Mount Vernon Triangle neighborhood, stealing his Honda HR-V and driving it into Virginia.

Using the car, Joyner allegedly committed several other armed robbery offenses.

The USAO believes Joyner is responsible for the following in the weeks after:

April 15: Joyner robbed a 7-Eleven at 1100 Vermont Ave. NW and held an employee at gunpoint;

April 17: Joyner robbed the 7-Eleven at 3023 Duke Street in Alexandria, Va. and held an employee at gunpoint Prosecutors said Joyner shot an employee in the leg during this incident  he had non-life-threatening injuries;

April 30: Joyner robbed the 7-Eleven at 7401 Georgia Ave. NW and held an employee at gunpoint;

May 1: Joyner robbed two stores at gunpoint: 7-Eleven at 1325 2nd Street NE 721 Shop & Run at 721 H Street NW



One killed after tree falls onto home during storm in West Virginia

Finally, on May 2, the USAO said Joyner is believed to have robbed the following stores at gunpoint:

7-Eleven at 1645 Connecticut Ave. NW and an employee;

7-Eleven at 8484 Georgia Ave. in Silver Spring, Md.;

7-Eleven at 1101 Annapolis Rd. in Odenton, Md.;

Exxon Auto Service Center at 7898 Ridge Road in Hanover, Md.

During the Exxon robbery, Joyner is believed to have carjacked an employee at gunpoint, stealing his Toyota RAV4, which he drove into D.C.

Later that day, officers with the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) found him in the stolen car and arrested him. At the time, he had the gun used in the robberies committed between April 30 and May 2.

Joyner has been detained since his arrest last year.

VIDEO: Debbys effects in DC, Maryland, Virginia

He was charged with 38 counts in total:

10 counts of interference with commerce by robbery;

Two counts of carjacking;

12 related counts of using, carrying, and possessing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence;

Two counts of interstate transportation of a stolen motor vehicle;

Two counts of unlawful possession of a firearm and/or ammunition

For these charges, Joyer faces a mandatory minimum of 90 years in prison.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | Washington, DC.
DC police searching for 3 suspects accused of stealing from store, assaulting person

WASHINGTON (DC News Now)  Police were looking for three suspects accused of stealing from a store in Northwest D.C. in July.

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) said three people entered a store in the 3100 block of 14th St. NW around 10 a.m. on July 24 and stole items before leaving.

Loudoun County Sheriffs Office: Son shot, killed father in Ashburn

MPD said that one of the suspects assaulted a person as they were leaving.

(Image courtesy of the Metropolitan Police Department)

A surveillance camera captured the two suspects. MPD asked that anyone with any information call (202) 727-9099 or text 50411.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | Washington, DC.
As Debby moves through the Tri-state; utilities and charities expect the worst

As Debby moves through the Tri-state; utilities and charities expect the worst

PURCHASE, N.Y. (PIX11)  The combination of high winds on Friday, combined with the rains of the last week, along with the rain thats in the forecast has made for some potentially hazardous conditions in areas north of the city.

Its why Con Edison, the local utility, created a massive deployment of utility trucks, personnel, and equipment based out of a lot at SUNY Purchase.

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It was in anticipation of a need to restore power to customers affected by the remnants of the hurricane.

Deanne Ostrowski supervised the emergency reaction force assembled in the northern suburban location. She explained why it was needed.

The ground is really saturated, as far as the amount of rain we have had, she said in an interview in the middle of the emergency deployment lot, and the wind, as you can see, is blowing.

When the wind hits those leaves, she continued, theres a good chance that trees may come down and impact our overhead systems.

Anticipating that impact, the deployment location shed set up had some 600 technicians whod been brought in from other utilities from as far away as Indiana and North Carolina. In addition, there were hundreds of dumpster-sized crates in the staging area of the emergency deployment encampment, filled with electrical equipment for crews to use.

Tracking Debby: Tornadoes possible in NY, NJ as storm brings heavy rain and wind

Another way in which preparations for the worst were underway was visible in a flood-prone area of Greenburgh.

There, organizers and volunteers with the Fuller Center for Housing were distributing sandbags to anyone who said they needed them.

Simon Campana and Marco Gomez were among Greenburgh residents whod requested sandbags. Their home on Florence Avenue, which is across the street from a creek, flooded last year when a heavy rain swelled the creek and inundated the whole neighborhood.

Water [was] coming quickly, Campana said, to which Gomez added, Last time, water came inside their home. Two feet  inside.

They said that the creek needed to be cleared of debris, and without it, the danger of it overflowing into their home was significant.

Tornado warning in Orange County

They, and the non-profit that supplies the sandbags, are hoping that the remnants of Debby do not come close to the type of flooding theyve seen in the past.

Every inch of water you save from coming in your house, said Jim Killoran, the executive director of the Fuller Center, could be sixteen- to twenty-thousand dollars of rehabbing and paying a contractor to do that.

He said that the need to be prepared for the worst is ongoing, especially during hurricane season, which runs through November 30.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11.
The deluge from Tropical Storm Debby this week swamped Tampa Bays sewage systems, causing millions of gallons of raw and partially treated wastewater mixed with rain to overflow into streets, canals and natural waterways.

Sewage bubbled out of so many manholes in Clearwater that city workers ran out of vacuum trucks, forcing them to use sandbags to hold off the polluted water until they could suck it up, according to reports the city filed with the state.

We had three or five trucks running 24 hours just trying to do as much as we possibly could, said Rich Gardner, Clearwaters director of public utilities, who added that the trucks got a fraction of the total pollution.

Together, local governments and housing complexes in Pinellas, Hillsborough, Manatee and Pasco counties reported more than 6.3 million gallons of spilled sewage over the three days when Debby lashed the region, according to a Tampa Bay Times analysis of reports made to state environment regulators and posted on city websites. Lags in reporting mean this is almost surely a significant undercount.

In the single largest incident recorded so far, about 3.5 million gallons of raw and partially treated wastewater spilled out of a treatment plant and into the Manatee River in Bradenton starting Sunday, city pollution documents show.

The majority of the sewage spilled into regional waterways, spoiling creeks, rivers, lakes, bays and bayous. Thousands of gallons entered the Hillsborough River, Clearwater Harbor and, when a Tampa pumping station failed, into drains that lead to Old Tampa Bay.

Local officials said stormwater and sewage systems werent built to handle the sudden influx of water that Debby wrought. Parts of Hillsborough and Pinellas counties saw 10 to 14 inches of rain, according to rainfall data.

When you have a storm like this one  (problems are) not limited to one municipalitys sewage system. Its wastewater systems all across the region  because the rain was coming and there was nowhere for it to go, said Bill Logan, a spokesperson for Manatee County. It was an abnormal event.

But environmentalists say its indefensible for a state accustomed to extreme weather to allow these spills to continue. Climate change is expected to increase the frequency of storms bringing heavy rainfall. Just in the last two years, parts of Florida have experienced two 100-year rainfall events with Debby and Hurricane Ian.

These tropical events are not a surprise. It is no longer an excuse to be OK with not prioritizing investments that get our wastewater infrastructure up to speed with the amount of folks that are here, said Justin Tramble, executive director of the clean-water advocacy nonprofit Tampa Bay Waterkeeper.

Crap is going to end up in our water  over and over again  until we as a community say weve had enough.

Aging infrastructure a massive problem

When Hurricane Ian made landfall in Southwest Florida two years ago, Tampa Bay-area wastewater managers reported about 15 spills to the state in the first 72 hours. Over the same time frame for Tropical Storm Debby, more than 70 reports have been made, according to the Times analysis.

As Debby churned offshore of Tampa Bay on Sunday, Rep. Lindsay Cross, a St. Petersburg Democrat and environmental scientist, took to social media to issue a warning.

Rain is here and will be for a while, Cross wrote. Please avoid doing laundry, running dishwashers or taking long showers. Our stormwater systems will be working overtime and excess water usage can add extra stress.

Parts of Cross district logged more than a foot of rain over a three-day period, weather data shows. When the storm finally cleared earlier this week, the fallout of at least one overstressed water system in Cross district became clear: At least 185,000 gallons of raw sewage spilled from St. Petersburgs Northeast Water Reclamation plant as crews scrambled to suction waste from manholes to stop them from overflowing into roads.

All told, about 81% of that sewage dumped into a canal that siphons into Smacks Bayou, the waterway surrounding the Snell Isle neighborhood. It was enough to fill more than 3,500 bathtubs, according to a pollution notice filed to state environmental regulators.

There is just a huge backlog of infrastructure projects that have to be funded in communities around the Tampa Bay area in particular, Cross told the Times. Some of our pipes had been in the ground for decades.

Cross said aging stormwater infrastructure is a massive problem across Florida. Earlier this year, she filed a bill that would have identified the wastewater treatment plants in most need of upgrades, and the measure would have created a priority list for funding. The bill didnt get a hearing.

St. Petersburg is no stranger to large-scale sewage spills. The city dumped at least 200 million gallons of waste from 2015-2016 in a sewage crisis that prompted intervention from state environmental regulators and slapped the city with a more than $300 million bill to improve the embattled waste system.

The amount of waste entering waterways because of Tropical Storm Debby is likely to fall well below the volume dumped during the peak of the crisis. As of Thursday, more than 400,000 gallons had spilled, according to the analysis, some of it into a nearby creek and lake.

Infrastructure repairs made since 2016 prevented more than 8 million gallons of potential spills in the recent storm, according to a St. Petersburg city document.

In his first year as governor, Ron DeSantis proposed increasing the fines levied against city and county governments that spew sewage into waterways. He signed such a bill into law four years ago.

But it is unclear if the state will fine Tampa Bay-area governments for these Debby-related incidents. The Florida Department of Environmental Protection said in a statement they are evaluating each spill to determine if violations occurred.

Dave Tomasko, executive director of the Sarasota Bay Estuary Program, a partnership including researchers and the state and federal environmental protection agencies, said the most beneficial step local governments could take would be to line outdated sewage pipes. That way, less rainwater seeps inside and gushes into treatment plants, overwhelming them.

State lawmakers approved $2.2 million to help Bradenton line its pipes for this reason. DeSantis vetoed the project in the budget.

The governors office did not respond to emails asking about the veto in light of the latest Bradenton spill.

Health and ecological impacts

Floridas Department of Health has not tested the water quality at Tampa Bay-area beaches so far this month, according to data as of Thursday afternoon.

County and state health department officials did not respond to emailed questions asking about public health risks, but they did issue an advisory Thursday afternoon for Simmons Park Beach in Ruskin. Recent tests there showed unsafe levels of fecal bacteria, Hillsborough Countys health department announced.

Margaret Mars Brisbin, an assistant professor of biological oceanography at the University of South Floridas College of Marine Science, said she typically waits a few days after a major storm before she returns to the dog park beach at Fort De Soto with Ruby, her mini Australian shepherd.

The public should stay out of the water for at least a few days, Brisbin said.

Most people associate wastewater spills with common bacteria like E. coli or fecal coliform, she said, but there are other, lesser-known bacteria that enter the water after a storm, too. Brisbin pointed to diarrhea-causing campylobacter and a group of vibrio bacteria that can hurt human health.

Its not just bacteria, either. The nutrient pollution that dumps into Tampa Bay waters could act as food for preexisting harmful algal species, like the one that causes red tide. Its something scientists will be watching closely.

Already, the pollution has lowered oxygen levels enough in parts of Sarasota Bay that the estuary program expects small fish, clams and starfish to die.

Tramble, of Tampa Bay Waterkeeper, said water quality was questionable before the storm. Six days before Debby arrived, the nonprofit took routine water samples at 11 sites around Tampa Bay, from as north as Rivercrest Park in Tampa to Fort DeSoto on the bays southern end. All of them showed high levels of fecal bacteria. The nonprofits team will head out to the bay Monday to take more water quality samples.

The group is evaluating past wastewater plants that saw repeated sewage spills during storms to better inform the public about repeat offenders.

We shouldnt be OK with millions of gallons of treated and untreated wastewater going into the bay, Tramble said. At some point, enough is enough.
Defense contractor arrested after printing 150 pages of top secret documents and is cuffed on the way to Mexico

Defense contractor arrested after printing 150 pages of top secret documents and is cuffed on the way to Mexico

A Defense Department contractor is accused of printing over 150 pages of classified government documents marked top secret, then heading for Mexico, according to a federal court case unsealed in Virginia.

Gokhan Gun, an electrical engineer who works with the Air Force, was arrested Friday morning as a ride-hailing driver was about to take him to the airport for a flight to Puerto Vallarta, The Washington Post reports.

In court on Friday, Gun appeared confused, and told the judge, This is a surprise, sir, for me, according to the paper. His public defender told the court he wasnt a flight risk and was heading to Mexico for a fishing trip.

Air Force contractor Gokhan Gun is accused of mishandling classified documents and police said they arrested him on the way to Mexico. (Alexandria Sheriffs Office)

A search of Guns home revealed 155 pages of top secret documents, among the most sensitive state secrets, stacked in his dining room and stored inside a backpack, according to court documents.

There was no word on what was contained in the documents.

Hes charged with the unauthorized removal and retention of classified material, and could face up to five years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

The Independent has contacted Guns public defender for comment.

Since starting with the Air Force in 2020, Gun printed a total of around 3,400 pages of documents, a mix of classified and non-classified materials, according to The New York Times.

He carried the documents out of his office in rolled-up wads in plastic shopping bags, a law enforcement source told the paper.

In a voluntary interview with the FBI, the contractor denied taking anything classified back to his home and suggested materials found with such classifications might be expired.

Earlier this week, Gun printed 406 pages, including 82 marked top secret, according to the complaint.

In March, Massachusetts Air National Guard member Jack Teixeira pleaded guilty in federal court to leaking highly classified military documents on the social media platform Discord, including assessments of the war in Ukraine.
A contractor for the Defense Department was arrested Friday and charged with mishandling classified documents, according to an FBI complaint.

From May until as recently as August 7, Turkey-born electrical engineer Gokhan Gun printed over 250 documents at work, a few of which were labeled top secret, FBI officials allege. Because of his employment with the Defense Department, Gun possesses a top-secret clearance, but he was not authorized to take the documents home, according to an 11-page complaint filed in a Virginia federal court.

Gun was scheduled to depart the US for Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, on Thursday morning, before federal agents executing a search warrant caught him leaving his home ahead of the flight, according to the complaint. In their initial search of his backpack, agents found a document marked top secret.

During their search of his home, agents found stacks of papers in what appeared to be his dining room, where they discovered a few more documents labeled top secret.

In one instance of his alleged printing of documents, Gun was seen leaving the office with what appeared to be rolled papers within a partially translucent shopping bag, according to officials. In another instance, Gun was seen exiting the office with a translucent red shopping bag and observed traveling to his Fairfax, Virginia, residence. He was then seen operating two cell phones before heading to his second residence in Falls Church, Virginia. Officials confirmed Gun had not been issued a work cell phone.

Gun is a frequent traveler, having taken numerous trips to Turkey and to various European and Middle Eastern countries, according to officials. He owns homes in Virginia, Texas and Florida.

Investigators are still trying to determine why Gun took the documents, and its unclear why he was heading to Mexico.

CNN has reached out to Guns attorney for comment.

The arrest comes after a number of high-profile cases in recent years regarding classified documents. Former President Donald Trump was indicted in 2023 for wrongfully hoarding classified documents at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida. He pleaded not guilty, and US District Judge Aileen Cannon dismissed the case last month. In March, Massachusetts Air National Guardsman Jack Teixeira pleaded guilty to leaking sensitive defense information after he was accused of posting highly classified intelligence reports and other documents on social media.

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The Democratic primary contest between Katrina Shankland, left, and Rebecca Cooke, right, in Wisconsin's 3rd Congressional District has gotten combative. (Wisconsin Examiner photo illustration. Shankland, Cooke photos courtesy of the candidates.)

In the weeks before polls opened in the Democratic primary in Wisconsins 3rd Congressional District, two of the candidates traded increasingly heated attacks against each other as the race ramped up.

State Rep. Katrina Shankland (D-Stevens Point) and Rebecca Cooke, who runs a local non-profit and previously ran a small business, are running to take on Republican incumbent Rep. Derrick Van Orden. A third candidate, Eric Wilson, who has worked in real estate and health care, is also running but has not been involved in the attacks.

In the final days of the race, the election has become more combative as outside super PACs have injected money into the race on behalf of Cooke while Shankland cries foul and touts her experience as a legislator.

The 3rd Congressional District in western Wisconsin is a big target for Democrats this year, with hopes of unseating Van Orden after just one term. The Republican has regularly made headlines nationally for public outbursts. Prior to Van Orden winning the seat in 2022, the district was represented for more than two decades by Democrat Ron Kind.

Cooke also ran in the 2022 Democratic primary, losing that race to state Sen. Brad Pfaff (D-Onalaska). Pfaff lost the general election by 3.7 points, with many Democrats across the state blaming the loss on national Democrats for withdrawing financial support for Pfaff in a winnable race.

This is a dramatic shift in tone from the 2022 primary, and that could be for a number of reasons, UW-La Crosse political science professor Anthony Chergosky says. One reason could be, I think, Democrats are no doubt fired up about the prospect of defeating Derrick Van Orden, and that means that the opportunity to be the party standard bearer is a highly coveted opportunity, and so Shankland and Cook have gone negative.

In this years primary, Shankland has run on her record as a legislator and won the support of 20 labor organizations, while Cooke has painted herself as a political outsider and is supported by groups that represent centrist Democrats.

Despite the divide in the candidates branding, Cooke told the Examiner in March that Shankland might lean a little bit more left than her, but that their policy views on issues such as abortion rights and health care are similar. Rather, Cooke said, I think it comes down to the profile thats going to be able to take on [Van Orden].

It remains unclear what exactly the policy differences are, Chergosky says. If there are, in fact, any policy differences between Cooke and Shankland. Largely the campaign has been about the development of their brands.

Last month, Shanklands campaign released a TV ad in which Shankland cuts her husbands hair and asks, Would you hire a barber whos never cut hair before? So why send someone to Congress whos never held public office and never passed a single bill?

A few weeks later, an outside group supporting Cooke began running an ad that claimed Shankland is working for Republicans, not you. The ad from New Democratic Majority PAC mirrored talking points criticizing Shankland that had been posted to Cookes campaign website. The PAC has spent $150,000 on the attacks. Cooke has also accepted $170,000 in support from other conservative-leaning PACs.

The attacks highlight Shanklands 2018 vote with Republicans on a bill that included a provision to prohibit the governor from expanding Medicaid without the approval of lawmakers.

The bipartisan legislation created a reinsurance plan, approved by the federal government in connection with the federal Affordable Care Act, to stabilize individual health insurance costs and lower premiums. Republicans added the Medicaid expansion restriction midway through the debate over the bill, and Democrats attempted to nullify it but failed. The final bill passed with some Democrats support in both houses.

Shankland has responded to the attack by pointing to her co-sponsorship of a bill to expand BadgerCare for the past 12 years.

Other Democrats have come to Shanklands defense against the super PACs attacks. In a call earlier this month, U.S. Rep. Mark Pocan, who has endorsed Shankland, said the focus should be on defeating Van Orden, not to hack our fellow Democrats like this.

Britt Cudaback, spokesperson for Gov. Tony Evers, disputed the claims in the attack against Shankland.

There are few legislators whove fought to expand BadgerCare and access to affordable healthcare in Wisconsin for as long as Katrina Shankland has, Cudaback said. And its especially disingenuous to invoke the governor in attack ads that aim to mislead people into believing otherwise.

Assembly Minority Leader Greta Neubauer (D-Racine), also criticized the ads claims and its source.

[Shankland] is a steady and experienced leader who shows up for her constituents and colleagues, Neubauer posted on X. She has been at the forefront of Assembly Democrats fight to expand BadgerCare, help working families, and keep our communities safe and healthy. Im incredibly disappointed to see her record and character under attack by a dark money super PAC from Washington, D.C. This kind of dishonesty doesnt belong in our politics, especially coming from fellow Democrats.

In recent days, Cookes campaign has pushed back, pointing to outside funding Shankland has received in her previous legislative races and in this election from a PAC affiliated with David Hogg. Hogg is a survivor of the 2018 school shooting in Parkland, Florida, who has become politically active in the years since.

For Katrina Shankland its do as I say not as I do: she says she opposes outside spending but benefits from it, she says she cares about rural families but votes to take our health care away, Cookes campaign manager Alex Obolensky said in a statement. We cant trust Katrina Shankland.

Shanklands campaign said the difference is that she didnt use the outside money to attack fellow Democrats.

Shanklands campaign also unsuccessfully pushed for a debate to be held between the Democratic candidates, but Cookes campaign never agreed to terms. The lack of a debate in the primary surprised Chergosky after Democrats criticized Van Orden heavily in 2022 for refusing to debate Pfaff.

I think it would have been helpful for voters to just see them kind of hash things out face to face, says Chergosky, who has previously moderated debates in the district.

He is also involved in a coalition of local civic institutions and media to host debates.

But yeah, it came as a big surprise to us, he says, because we figured Democrats would be very eager to debate, given the opportunity that a debate would provide for them to make the case for themselves before a large TV and radio audience and to build on their partys criticism of Van Orden for not debating.

Cooke has released internal polling suggesting she may be leading the race, though the poll included a large number of undecided voters. She also leads Shankland heavily in fundraising, with federal campaign finance reports showing Cooke has received more than $2 million in contributions while Shankland has raised about $860,000.

Chergosky says there are two risks of a highly competitive primary. The competition could force the candidates to take positions that push them further to an ideological extreme, which he says he hasnt seen in this race, or it could empty the campaign coffers before the general election.

I do not think that the competition in this primary has caused the race to take the most liberal positions possible, he says. In fact, I have not seen Cooke or Shankland really rush to take more progressive positions. So I dont think thats the issue so much as the effect on their campaign resources. The question for them would be, how much money is left in the bank after the primary is all said and done for whoever is the winner of this race?

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Deputy's Son Allegedly Said Parents Kept Him Out Of School And Abused Him

A Florida sheriffs deputy and his wife were arrested Saturday and accused of abusing their children after their son reportedly showed photographic evidence of his injuries to authorities.

Escambia County sheriffs Deputy Christopher George Turney, 40, who was fired, and Leandra Childers Turney, 39, were charged with child neglect without great bodily harm and two counts of contributing to the delinquency of a minor by failing to require school attendance, according to court records reviewed by HuffPost. The father also faces a charge of cruelty toward children.

The Escambia County Sheriff's Office reported that the deputy was terminated after his arrest. Escambia County Sheriff's Office via Facebook

The sheriffs office confirmed with HuffPost that Christopher Turney had been a deputy for a little over two years and was terminated after his arrest.

Investigators said that Turneys son, whose age was redacted from paperwork, walked to a church on July 28 and told a pastor that his father had been physically abusive and had punched him in the face, causing bruising around the eye, according to an arrest warrant obtained by HuffPost.

The child was fearful of telling his story because he thought no one would believe me because [Turney] is a cop, the warrant said. He told authorities that Christopher Turney had also called him names belittling him as an adoptee.

The child also gave detectives photographs of bruising and skin irritation that he said was caused by his father, according to the warrant.

The warrant said the couple had adopted the child in 2017 and since then he had not attended school or received a formal education, authorities said. The boy allegedly also told authorities that he was forced to give his father money he made mowing lawns.

Deputies also reported that they spoke to another of the Turneys children, who was reportedly born in 2019. The girl claimed she was being homeschooled for one to two hours a day and was unsure what grade level she was at, according to the warrant. The daughter also allegedly said that she didnt have a toothbrush and that her father was saving up money to get her one. The deputies reported that they noticed some of her teeth were black from decay.

The girl also told deputies she did not have a regular doctor and saw a doctor only when she was sick, authorities said, noting that the former deputy had medical and dental health insurance for his family.

Christopher Turney denied abusing the children and said his wife was responsible for homeschooling the three school-age children in the home. He added, though, that hed assist when she was out of town on business. He told officers his daughter has a dental appointment in Alabama in September, the warrant said.

Leandra Turneys mother, a dental hygienist at a clinic near Pensacola, told detectives that she noticed the condition of the youngest childs teeth in March and offered to help with dental care or finding in-network providers. However, she said, she was never asked for assistance but had given the family toothbrushes, toothpaste and basic dental care items.

The childrens grandmother also reportedly told officers that she believed the condition of the childrens teeth had been caused by neglect, according to the warrant.

Court records show the Turneys were released on bond Sunday afternoon and are scheduled to be arraigned on Aug. 23. An attorney referenced in the warrant did not immediately respond to HuffPosts request for a comment.

The children were placed in a local nonprofit child advocacy group at the time of their interview, according to the warrant. Its unclear if they were released to another child protective group, but police said they are no longer living with the family. Neither the police nor the care facilities would provide details on the number of children removed from the home or their ages.

In a 2021 survey, the most recent by the Childrens Bureau of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, an estimated 3,987,000 referrals of child maltreatment and abuse were received by child protective service agencies in the U.S. in 2021, representing more than 7 million children. The data showed that at least 76.8% of perpetrators were a parent of the victim.

Related...
SAN ANGELO, Texas (Concho Valley Homepage)  A third suspect was arrested on Aug. 7 in connection to a lottery fraud scheme that stole approximately $1.05 million from a San Angelo Walmart in the span of a year. Heres the latest on how he was involved, according to court records.

An affidavit filed within Tom Green County states that a San Angelo Police Department detective was notified on July 30 by a Walmart Global Investigations and Security investigator that an investigation was being conducted regarding fraud of lottery ticket redemptions.

The Walmart investigator stated that their investigation led to the discovery that 21-year-old Zkel Grant, an employee of the Walmart Neighborhood Market located at 1852 Sherwood Way, had been creating fraudulent winning transactions to take the winnings in United States currency.

These transactions were conducted in amounts ranging from $10 to $1,500 and occurred between Feb. 18 and April 28. The Walmart detective told the SAPD investigator that the amount of money stolen from the business during this time period was approximately $76,165.41.

The Walmart investigator said that the transactions mainly involved removing money from the register and later pocketing the money, though some began as legitimate winning lottery transactions from customers that Grant would key in a different dollar amount at the Walmart register for.

The Walmart detective said that on other occasions Grant would take winning lottery tickets from customers and not scan them in the lottery terminal, instead keeping the ticket for himself after paying the customer. Grant was also alleged to have transferred the funds to a gift or debit card kept on his person.

The affidavit also states that on Feb. 18, a legitimate customer had winnings for $110. Grant reportedly keyed in $310 for a loss of $200 that he then pocketed.

The Walmart investigator told the SAPD detective that all of the fraudulent lottery transactions were conducted by Grant, Carmelo Amigleo and Ryan Munoz. CCTV footage filmed at the Walmart showed the three completing these transactions, occasionally working together to do so. Amigleo and Munoz were apprehended by the police department on July 29 in relation to the incident.

RELATED: 2 arrested after over $1M stolen from San Angelo Walmart

The Walmart detective also stated that Grant left the Walmart on April 29 to pursue other job opportunities.

The SAPD investigator reviewed footage captured by the stores CCTV system which showed Grant in care and control of the customer service desk where the lottery terminal for the location was kept. Through viewing this surveillance footage, the investigator observed Grant conducting fraudulent lottery transactions and pocketing funds from said transactions. Grant was also observed not scanning a winning lottery ticket and pocketing it for himself as well as using gift and debit cards while conducting fraudulent transactions.

The SAPD detective spoke with Amigleo during a non-custodial interview on Aug. 2. During this interview, Amigleo stated that Grant had taught him how to perform the lottery fraud scheme and that he observed Grant taking money from the register after completing fraudulent transactions on multiple occasions.

As of the time of publication, Grant is being held in the Tom Green County Detention Center following his arrest on Aug. 7. He faces one charge of theft of property between $30,000 and $150,000, and he has a posted bond of $350,000.

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New details learned in fatal deputy shooting in Smyth County

UPDATE 12:30 P.M. 8/10/24 SMYTH COUNTY, Va. (WFXR)  Smyth County Commonwealths Attorney Phillip Blevins says a North Carolina man has been charged in the death of a Smyth County Deputy Hunter Reedy.

65-year-old Timothy Wayne Goodman was charged with aggravated murder, four counts of attempted aggravated murder, and using a firearm in the commission of a felony.

Blevins also posted a statement to Facebook, saying in part:

After charges were filed last night, my office and I visited Deputy Michael Fedorchuk in the hospital. Deputy Fedorchuk was airlifted and had emergency surgery  but is expected to fully recover. The heartbreaking death of Deputy Reedy is profound. We are mourning the loss of a father, husband, son, friend, and community hero. I will not rest until the murderer is held accountable for his actions.

UPDATE 9:55 P.M. SMYTH COUNTY, Va. (WFXR) Virginia State Police have released further information about the fatal shooting of a deputy in Smyth County on Friday, August 9.

According to VSP, the incident happened at around 5 p.m. when a Marion Police Officer initiated a traffic stop on Rt. 16. The vehicle allegedly did not initially pull over, but stopped near the intersection of Rt. 16 and Hatchery Dr. in the county. Deputies with the Smyth County Sheriffs Office responded to assist the Marion Police Officers with the stop.

During the traffic stop, VSP says the driver allegedly fired at the officers and deputies, and both deputies were struck. In response, law enforcement returned fire and struck the male suspect.

Two arrested for drug possession after foot pursuit in Henry County

According to our sister station, WJHL, officials confirmed during a press conference the Smyth County Sheriffs Office deputy killed was identified as 27-year-old Hunter Reedy.

The injured Smyth County Sheriffs Deputy and the suspect were flown to a nearby hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries.

This remains an ongoing VSP investigation. WFXR News will update this story as further information is released.



SMYTH COUNTY, Va. (WFXR) The Virginia Sheriffs Association reports two deputies were shot during a shooting in Smyth County on Friday, August 9.

Although details remain limited at this time, VSA reports one deputy was shot and killed.

According to our sister station WJHL, a section of Highway 16 is closed near Market Street as there is a large police presence in the area.

Following the news of the shooting, Governor Glenn Youngkin released this statement on X:

My administration is monitoring the situation involving the deputies in Smyth County. Suzanne and I are praying for them and their families, and for all those law enforcement heroes who keep Virginians safe. Governor Glenn Youngkin

VSA sends its deepest condolences to the Smyth County Sheriffs Office and the family of the deputy whose life was lost.

WFXR News will update this story as further information is released.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFXRtv.
STILLWATER, Okla. (KFOR)  Some Oklahoma State University (OSU) students moving into a Stillwater apartment complex Friday tell News 4 they were met with long hours of waiting and filthy units.

The problems are tied to the Apex on Perkins apartment complex. Last week, News 4 told viewers about two OSU students who moved into the same complex to dirty vents, trashed floors and clogged toilets.

LOCAL NEWS: Students and families affected by FAFSA hold up

A student move-in day was scheduled for Friday, with a lot of people showing up telling News 4 they encountered waits of several hours just to get their keys. A sign on one leasing office door instructed residents that if they had an issue after picking up their keys to go to 211 to speak with a manager who could help and that they would not be allowed back in the office for any issues.

Sign on Apex on Perkins door offers information for residents. Image courtesy KFOR.

Sign on Apex on Perkins door offers information for residents. Image courtesy KFOR.

Sign on Apex on Perkins door offers information for residents. Image courtesy KFOR.

I lived in dorms last year for my freshman year, said student Gary Ray. It was easier than this.

Ray had been in line for at least five hours when News 4 employees spoke with him, telling those employees people waiting in line had been offered water once; but were told the office would be closing at the end of the business day despite the long lines. Ray said that employees also took a lunch break, leaving students stuck to wait in line even longer.

OSU students experience nightmare move-in at Apex on Perkins. Image courtesy KFOR.

OSU students experience nightmare move-in at Apex on Perkins. Image courtesy KFOR.

OSU students experience nightmare move-in at Apex on Perkins. Image courtesy KFOR.

OSU students experience nightmare move-in at Apex on Perkins. Image courtesy KFOR.

Some students who managed to get their keys told News 4 they were disappointed with the state their apartments were in.

LOCAL NEWS: OKCPS Supt. updates on a range of topics ahead of new school year

I walked in to find ceiling fans on the floor. The fridge was in a box in there, it was trashed, said student Albony Bryles. There was mold, dirty water. It was just really bad. Its not livable.

Bryles said she had to pay a deposit and first months rent before she could get her keys to see the state of the unit. She said that she and her father went to the front to try to explain to management what was going on and received little help.

The woman who works in the room is actually the property manager, said Bryles. Shes like the head. She went into that building so I waited for her to come out and she actually slammed the door in me and my fathers face before we could go in there and speak to her about what was going on.

The explanation Bryles said she and her roommates were eventually able to get was that there had been a management change and that management was having a difficult time getting ahold of corporate. Bryles said that explanation still wasnt enough to justify why the move-in was allowed to move forward with some units in the condition they were in.

I want them to take accountability for what theyve done, said Bryles. I dont want them to slip this under the rug, and I dont want them to have more residents come in and thinking that theyre getting this pretty perfect apartment when more than likely its not going to be ready.

News 4 tried to make contact with Apex employees Friday, but were met with a locked door guarded by an employee. When News 4 asked the employee if they could pass on their contact information for a statement the employee declined and told the News 4 employee to get off of the property; and to stop recording.

Everything is very chaotic here, said Bryles. Disaster, catastrophe, everything in between.

Bryles said, given the state of things, she would have preferred an option to get out of the lease and find somewhere else to stay.

It seems like theyre very money hungry, said Bryles. Theyre more worried about their money than they are about people having a place to live thats livable. I could not stay in that apartment. Its not possible.

News 4 heard from multiple other parents and students who said move-in conditions were disastrous, of whom did not share their names out of fear of retaliation.

News 4 spoke with Bryles and one of her roommates, Ashley Ramirez, about their future apartment plans given the state their unit was in.

Our other roommate lives over four hours away, Im almost at three hours away, I cant just go back home, said Ramirez. Were just looking to see if we can get a hotel, stay with someone we might know here; but a lot of people arent here yet because we havent started [school].

Its important to note Bryles and Ramirez said they were offered to stay in the complexs model unit, but noted conditions in that unit werent much better than their assignment.

The first day of class for OSU is August 19. The Apex on Perkins is not affiliated with the university.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KFOR.com Oklahoma City.
The Research Brief is a short take about interesting academic work.

The big idea

Experiencing discrimination significantly harmed the well-being of Asian and Asian American college students in the U.S. during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Thats the key finding of our study, which compared over 6,000 survey responses from Asian and Asian American students who took the National College Health Assessment  an annual survey of student health behaviors  in the fall of 2019 and the fall of 2020. Our study focused only on Asians and Asian Americans. Others have found that both Asian and Native American ethnic groups experienced the highest rates of COVID-19-related discrimination.

We found that Asian and Asian American students experienced high levels of stressors during the COVID-19 pandemic. By fall 2020, 9% had a loved one who had died from COVID-19, 7% reported experiencing discriminatory behavior because of the pandemic, and 61% had pandemic-related financial stress. Compared with 2019, Asian students in 2020 reported significantly more insomnia and psychological distress.

We then determined what factors most accounted for students poor mental health. We also tested whether the impact of these factors changed with the stressors of the pandemic.

In 2019, 11 factors were significant predictors of suicidality  that is, thoughts of suicide and attempts  in Asian students. Some of these factors are variables mental health professionals know to screen for: diagnosed depression, loneliness, and higher alcohol and drug use. But we found other significant predictors of suicidality  food insecurity, hours of screen time and experiencing discrimination  that are not often assessed in health settings. We also found variables that protected mental health. These included sleeping well, exercising and spending time with loved ones.

In 2020, only three factors were significant predictors of suicide  depression, loneliness and discrimination. The impact that experiencing discrimination had on suicidality also almost doubled, and there were no longer any significant protective factors.

Why it matters

We wanted to understand the experiences of Asian and Asian American students for two reasons. First, Asian college students are the racial group with the greatest unmet mental health need. Only 20% of Asian college students diagnosed with a mental health disorder receive treatment, compared with 40% of students overall.

Second, in 2020 there was a sharp increase in anti-Asian hate incidents. For example, the nonprofit Stop AAPI Hate, which tracks incidents of hate and discrimination against Asian Americans, saw a jump in reported incidents from about 3,800 annually before the pandemic to over 6,600 after the first year of the pandemic.

These incidents came at a time when former President Trump was associating COVID-19 with Asians by calling it the China virus or kung flu.

From 2016 to 2020, suicide was the leading cause of death among Asian adolescents. To reduce deaths from suicide, researchers must first understand what individual factors increase or decrease its likelihood.

Our research shows that experiencing loneliness and discrimination significantly harmed Asian students mental health. This finding is true in typical years, such as 2019, but especially in times of acute social turmoil.

These findings provide insight on how universities and health care providers can better support students mental health by addressing the psychological impact of experiencing racism.

Whats next

Now that researchers better understand what predicts psychological distress in Asian American students, the next steps are to apply this information. Future research is needed to understand better how therapy that supports healing from racial discrimination could support students mental health.

Research should also evaluate how treatments aimed at improving sleep quality could support Asian students mental health. These interventions could improve mental health especially in times of social turmoil.

This article is republished from The Conversation, a nonprofit, independent news organization bringing you facts and trustworthy analysis to help you make sense of our complex world. It was written by: Roxanne Prichard, University of St. Thomas

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Roxanne Prichard receives funding from the National Science Foundation and Howard Hughes Medical Institute.
DES MOINES, Iowa  DMPS is once again able to offer free breakfast and lunch to students in the upcoming 2024-25 school year.

This will be the third year that the food and nutrition department staff is able to provide free, nutritious meals for their students. Students are automatically enrolled in this program, meaning no forms or applications are required.

Senior bodybuilder proves its never too late to get in shape

I am delighted that we can continue to provide free meals to students, said Food and Nutrition Director Amanda Miller. The best part is there are no hoops for families to jump through and no lunch debt for them to accrue. Every child gets in the same line and is handed the same nutritious meal regardless of their family income.

Miller has worked towards this goal over the past several years and has seen it flourish over the past decade. The program began in the 2013-14 school year with just 13 schools, the following year they were able to add 25 schools. DMPS currently offers free meals to all of their students.

DMPS is able to provide this service due to their participation in the U.S. Department of Agricultures Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) program. CEP and the National School Lunch and School Breakfast Program work together to offer free meals to schools and districts that predominantly serve low-income children.

In addition, DMPS and USDA have worked together to provide free summer meals to Des Moines children for over 40 years.

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Vladimir Putin fixed the commander in chief of Russias military, General Valery Gerasimov, with a cold stare and a look of exasperation. The video, released Wednesday by the Kremlin, showed the Russian president was not happy with news from the southern region of Kursk.

At that moment, hundreds of Ukrainian troops, backed by tanks and protected by air defenses, were advancing into the region. Russian soldiers were surrendering; hundreds of Russian civilians in and around the town of Sudzha were fleeing with anything they could grab.

In two-and-a-half years of warfare, it was an unprecedented Ukrainian incursion into Russia. Putin told the Kremlin meeting that it was another major provocation by Kyiv. The regions acting governor declared a state of emergency, describing the situation as very difficult.

Above all, it was humiliating for a Russian state that prides itself on protecting the motherland.

The Kursk attack was an audacious and counter-intuitive move from the Ukrainian military, what one analyst describes as doing the least obvious thing.

Despite steadily losing ground in eastern Donetsk, it chose to send elements of experienced brigades into Russian territory, with the apparent goals of embarrassing the Kremlin and forcing the Russian Defense Ministry to redeploy resources and providing the home front with a much-needed morale boost.

George Barros at the Washington-based Institute for the Study of War says the Ukrainians achieved operational surprise against great odds and are currently exploiting Russias lack of readiness in its border areas. (The same tactic worked in September 2022 when they recovered much of occupied Kharkiv region within a week.)

The Russian regiment tasked with defending this part of the border abandoned its positions. Several dozen soldiers were taken captive, leading President Volodymyr Zelensky to express Friday special gratitude to our warriors and units who are replenishing the exchange fund  by taking the occupiers as captives and thus helping to free our people from Russian captivity.

A column of Russian reinforcements was taken out by a missile attack near the town of Rylsk on Thursday night, possibly because the Ukrainians had managed to hack into multiple traffic cameras that are a feature of Russian highways. One Russian blogger, Aleksander Kots, said he had driven the route. I noticed that there are cameras working along the entire highway. They are literally blinking their lights.

Meeting little resistance, and with Russian communications in the region reportedly jammed by effective electronic warfare, the Ukrainian brigades pushed more than 20 kilometers (12 miles) inside Kursk in the first two days of the operation.

Good intelligence allowed advanced units to move still further forward in a somewhat chaotic battlefield, often bypassing Russian defenses. By Friday Russian authorities had lost control over at least 250 square kilometers of territory, according to several independent analyses and CNNs mapping.

This wasnt just a patch of empty Russian countryside. Among the places that came under Ukrainian control was a natural gas transit hub near the border through which Russia supplies Europe with substantial volumes of natural gas.

On Friday, a Ukrainian military Telegram channel declared the facility under the control of the 99th mechanised battalion of the 61st Mechanized Brigade, one of the experienced units involved in the assault. A video showed soldiers in front of the building, but Gazprom said Saturday that the pipeline was still operating.

Inside Russia, the sort of anger that had greeted setbacks at the beginning of the war was rekindled.

Andrey Gurulyov, a former commander in the region, reposted a comment on Telegram that demanded military prosecutors investigate decisions by commanders to transfer units from the Kursk region ahead of the attack.

And there was resentment amongst Russian civilians in the region, thousands of whom fled their homes. The head of the city of Rylsk  some distance from the most advanced Ukrainian units  said Friday more than half the population of 15,000 had left. Social media videos illustrated the frustration among civilians at the sluggish response of the military; some appealed directly to President Putin.

An expeditionary force

Ukrainian troops, even if reinforced, cannot expect to occupy several hundred square kilometers of Russian territory. This is very much an expeditionary force, albeit a battle-hardened one, that has exploited the absence of organized resistance to make ground quickly.

But holding a large chunk Russian territory is beyond their capacity and probably beyond their goal. Russian reinforcements will eventually make their mark, even if it takes them longer than three days to begin effective defense. On Saturday, the Russian Defense Ministry said units had thwarted the attempts of the enemys mobile groups to get to the depth of Russian territory near Ivashkovsky, Malaya Loknya, and Olgovka in the Kursk region. Olgovka is 20 kilometers (12.4 miles) from the border.

There were also signs Saturday that Russian Lancet drones were beginning to degrade Ukrainian armour.

Emil Kastehelmi at the Black Bird group in Finland, which uses open-source intelligence to track the conflict says time is running against Ukrainians  (the) Russians wont be disorganized forever.

Even if the Ukrainians need to pull back from more advanced positions, such an operation still serves several purposes. Barros says it exposes some of Russias planning assumptions and critical vulnerabilities. And Matthew Schmidt, who has taught strategic and operational planning at the US Armys Command and General Staff College, said the Ukrainians creative use of force was designed to put pressure on the decision-makers in Moscow  and possibly cost some of them their jobs.

Russian military blogger Vladislav Shurygin crystallized all this in a Telegram post Friday, saying that the enemy had very skilfully and accurately chosen a different strategy - taking advantage of the bureaucratic rigidity and sluggishness of the Russian management system, to exhaust Russia with continuous unexpected strikes on sensitive infrastructure and the civilian population, provoking discontent, disappointment and apathy.

A view of a building on fire in the town of Sudzha following an incursion of Ukrainian troops into the Kursk region, Russia, in this still image from video taken August 7. - Mic Izvestia/IZ.RU/Reuters

The Kursk operation also demonstrates to Ukraines allies that it still has the energy and imagination to surprise its enemy and embarrass the Kremlin at a time when much of the news from the frontline was bleak for Kyiv.

Thats not lost on Shurygin. The goal of this new strategy is to put Russia before the prospect of an increasingly costly war (financially, reputationally and organizationally) and to force it to negotiate peace by November-December.

Daniel Fried at the Atlantic Council says there is a long history of such surprise military raids  some inconsequential and others impactful. He recalls George Washingtons daring maneuver to cross the Delaware River in 1776, when he returned with captured prisoners and supplies and raised morale for the fight against the British.

Fried, a former US assistant secretary of state for Europe, says that by demonstrating Russias failure of intelligence and weakness along its border, the raid had punctured the Kremlins narrative that Ukrainian resistance is useless and support for Ukraine is futile.

Ukraines Kursk gambit forces the Russian Defense Ministry into some tough choices. It appears that existing groups in Kursk such as the National Guard, FSB and irregular elements are unable to combat the Ukrainians.

Barros told CNN that the military command may redeploy elements of the recently created Northern Grouping but the redeployment of significant elements would likely further stretch these elements and create vulnerabilities in Russian defenses elsewhere along the border.

Alternatively, it may call on Russias substantial reserves in a larger-scale operation  but these are critical for current Russian offensive operations inside Ukraine, where the continuous commitment of high numbers of troops has eroded Ukrainian defenses.

Or, Barros says, the Russians may turn to aviation to attack Ukrainian armor inside Kursk, thereby preventing Ukrainian forces from consolidating positions and assisting current Russian forces deployed in the area.

Whatever combination the Russians choose, they are trying to reverse a humiliating episode in the conflict just as sheer mass and air superiority in eastern Donetsk was beginning to deliver incremental progress, underpinning the Kremlins insistence that Ukraine give up four eastern regions as a condition for negotiations.

The unfolding events demonstrate the extent to which Moscow has deeply depended on sanctuary in Russian territory to wage its war against Ukraine, Barros told CNN. Russia has undermanned its borders and border fortifications, relying on its perception of safety because it has not felt vulnerable.

Across a southern border with Ukraine that is hundreds of miles long, that perception has been seriously, and unexpectedly, challenged.

Darya Tarasova and Maria Kostenko contributed reporting to this story.

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(KRON)  A former Antioch police officer, Morteza Amiri, was convicted by a jury this week for orchestrating a scheme to obtain pay raises from his police department, United States Attorney Ismail J. Ramsey said. Amiri paid someone else to secretly earn a university degree online for him.

The jurys verdict followed a four-day trial with U.S. District Judge Jeffrey White presiding.

Amiri, 33, of Antioch, is the sixth police officer convicted in the university degree police scam. Five more convicted officers were:

Patrick Berhan of Pittsburg Police Department

Amanda Nash Theodosy of Pittsburg PD

Samantha Peterson of Antioch Police Department

Ernesto Mejia-Orozco of Pittsburg PD

Brauli Rodriguez Jalapa of Pittsburg PD

Prosecutors said evidence at trial showed Amiri exchanged numerous text messages with a person who took his classes. In Amiris text messages he wrote, Ill pay you per class. Dont tell a soul about me hiring you for this.

He also texted, We cant afford it getting leaked and me losing my job. Im gonna rush order my degree to get my pay raise jump started.

Antioch Police Officer Morteza Amiri (Image via Antioch Police Department)

The Antioch and Pittsburg police departments offered reimbursements toward higher education tuition, along with pay raises upon completion of a degree. Amiri and his co-conspirators hired someone to complete entire courses to secure a bachelors degree in criminal justice, prosecutors said.

The six officers all obtained salary raises from their police departments.

We expect integrity and honesty from every police officer, every day, in the police departments across this country, Ramsey said. Amiri failed to uphold these basic responsibilities, and a federal jury has convicted him of defrauding his employer, the Antioch Police Department.

FBI Special Agent Robert Tripp said, Amiri engaged in a calculated conspiracy to defraud his police department of taxpayer funds. His actions were a violation of the law. Amiri and his co-conspirators deception has no place in law enforcement.

The jury convicted Amiri of one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and one count of wire fraud. Each count carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison. Judge White will sentence Amiri on November 12.

Last summer, a federal grand jury issued sweeping indictments charging 10 current and former officers.

Amiri will also be put on trial on February 2025 in another case in related to his time as a police officer. Three Antioch police officers  Eric Rombough, Amiri, and Devon Christopher Wenger  are charged with a disturbing litany of civil rights violations, Ramsey said.

The three officers inflicted excessive force against citizens, bragged about violence, and covered up brutal tactics by falsifying police reports, investigators said.

Amiri was a K-9 unit officer who excessively deployed his Belgian Malinois, named Purcy, court documents show. Amiri is accused of storing gory, bloody photographs of victims dog bites on his personal cellphone as trophies, and sending the photos to fellow officers.

Purcy was deployed to bite dozens of Antioch residents, investigators said. (APD photo)

Investigators described one incident that happened on May 5, 2020. Purcy bit a man, identified as X.B., before Rombough arrested him. Amiri sent images of X.B.s dog bite injuries to other officers. The following day, Amiri wrote to Rombough, Bro yesterday was sooooo fun, and said X.B. was in jail. Rombough replied, Hopefully he dies.

The trios private cellphones contained racist, unethical, and homophobic text messages, court documents state.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRON4.
Donald Trump to deliver remarks on the economy in Asheville

Donald Trump to deliver remarks on the economy in Asheville

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS)  Former President Donald J. Trump will discuss economic hardships in Asheville on Wednesday, August 14.

According to a press release, Trump plans to deliver remarks on the impact of the Harris-Biden Administration on the economy.

The event is taking place at the Harrahs Cherokee Center in Asheville. Opens open at 1 p.m. and the event starts at 4 p.m.

Tickets for the event can be purchased on the Donald J. Trump website. Tickets are first come, first serve.

VP nominee, Senator JD Vance will be in Byron Center, Michigan Wednesday to discuss similar issues.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News.
A plane carrying former President Donald Trump reportedly made an emergency landing in Billings, Montana, Friday afternoon after it was diverted because of a mechanical issue.

From Billings, Trump took a private jet to Bozeman, where hes holding a Friday night campaign rally, reported Helenas NBC affiliate KTVH.

Its unclear what sort of malfunction forced the landing in Billings. The Montana cities are separated by roughly 140 miles.

Trump posted a video on Truth Social from inside a plane that appeared to be his personal jet. The 78-year-old Republican candidate said he was in beautiful Montana, but didnt mention the airplane incident.

There was also no mention of whether his 8 p.m. rally would be delayed because of the incident.

Trump is slated to appear Friday with U.S. Senate candidate Tim Sheehy, whos challenging Democrat Jon Tester in a hotly contested race that could decide which way the Senate goes in the November election.

The campaign trail has been turbulent for Trump, who was shot in the ear during a rally in Pennsylvania last month.

A week later, he learned his competition in the race would be Vice President Kamala Harris rather than 81-year-old incumbent President Joe Biden, who he was leading in polls. New polling shows Harris, 59, pulling slightly past Trump.

The former president also withstood heavy media criticism Friday after telling a seemingly fake story about an emergency landing involving a helicopter he was in with former San Francisco Mayor Willie Brown and California Gov. Gavin Newsom.

Newsom and Brown  the latter of whom dated Kamala Harris in the 1990s  both shot down the Republican nominees claim that any such incident occurred. Theres also no record of the alleged scare.
Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump called Kamala Harris a b---h in private, according to a report by The New York Times, as the former presidents polling numbers plunge, and his campaign struggles to stick to an attack strategy against the sitting vice president.

In a statement to NYT, Trump spokesperson Steven Cheung said that is not language President Trump has used to describe Kamala, and its not how the campaign would characterize her.

However, sources close to Trump told NYT that he has called Harris out of her name on multiple occasionsfrustrated by her campaigns control of the news cycle over the last three weeks.

On July 25, Trump sent angry texts to Miriam Adelson, widow of right-wing magnate Sheldon Andelson, complaining that the people running the super PAC, Preserve America, werent real Republicans, reported NYT. Sources said Trump called them RINOS or Republicans In Name Only.

The texts were particularly jarring because Mrs. Adelson and Mr. Trump had a friendly meeting just a week earlier at the Republican National Convention, NYT reported, which added that Adelsons PAC was spending around $18 million a week on ads for Trump at the time.

Republican presidential nominee and former U.S. President Donald Trump stands with Republican vice presidential nominee U.S. Senator JD Vance. Tom Brenner/Reuters

JD Vances couch and childless cat ladies baggage has also reportedly not sat well with donors. And when asked about the Democrats trying to paint Republicans as weird in the presidential election, Trump reportedly responded, Not about me. Theyre saying that about JD.

In response, Trump advised Vance to go on the attack on the campaign trail against Harris and her VP pick, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz. Vances recent attacks against Walz reportedly earned him praise from Trump, according to two people who have spoken to Mr. Trump, reported NYT.

Former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris. Carlos Osorio/Elizabeth Frantz/Reuters

As the main obstacle standing in the way of Trumps election chances, Harris has proved that she is no President Joe Biden. She is younger, has more staminaand how this has reflected in her polling has kept Trumps campaign team on their toes, reported NYT.

Harris has gotten the equivalent of the largest in-kind contribution of free media I think I have ever seen in all the years Ive been doing presidential campaigns, Trump campaigns chief pollster Tony Fabrizio told NYT.

On Saturday, NYT reported that Harris currently has a lead over Trump in Michigan, Wisconsin, and Pennsylvania.

Two private polls conducted in Ohio recently by Republican pollsterswhich Mr. Trump carried in 2020 with 53 percent of the voteshowed him receiving less than 50 percent of the vote against Ms. Harris in the state, according to a person with direct knowledge of the data, NYT reported.

Overall, despite Trumps attempts to denigrate Harris with names, such as Laffin Kamala and Crazy Kamala, as well as mocking her laugh and calling her crooked, and questioning her Blackness, sources told NYT that Trump seemed to be struggling with how quickly things have changed for him, his campaign and his safety.

Mr. Trump has also been whipsawed by a seven-week roller-coaster-ride of events: an attempt on his life, the selection of a running mate, a nominating convention, his opponents withdrawal from the race, reported NYT.

Adding to Trumps challenges are a potential Iranian assassination threat against him and new layers of security that have brought a bunker-like feel to his properties, more than at any time since he was in the White House, reported NYT.

When Trump was asked by real estate scion Harrison LeFrak about how he planned to take back the narrative from Democrats and paint himself as a positive option for Americas future, NYT reported that Trump said: I am who I am.

Read more at The Daily Beast.

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Republican vice presidential candidate Sen. JD Vance, R-Ohio, left, and Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump, shake hands at a campaign rally at Georgia State University in Atlanta, Saturday, Aug. 3, 2024. (AP Photo/Ben Gray)

Former President Donald Trumps presidential campaign said Saturday that it has been hacked and suggested Iranian actors were involved in stealing and distributing sensitive internal documents.

The campaign provided no specific evidence of Iran's involvement, but the claim comes a day after Microsoft issued a report detailing foreign agents attempts to interfere in the U.S. campaign in 2024.

It cited an instance of an Iranian military intelligence unit in June sending a spear-phishing email to a high-ranking official of a presidential campaign from a compromised email account of a former senior advisor.

Trump campaign spokesperson Steven Cheung blamed the hack on foreign sources hostile to the United States. A spokesperson for the National Security Council said in a statement that it takes any report of improper foreign interference extremely seriously and condemns any government or entity that attempts to undermine confidence in U.S. democratic institutions, but said it deferred to the Justice Department on this matter.

Irans mission to the United Nations, when asked about the claim of the Trump campaign, denied being involved. We do not accord any credence to such reports, the mission told The Associated Press. The Iranian government neither possesses nor harbors any intent or motive to interfere in the United States presidential election.

However, Iran long has been suspected of running hacking campaigns targeting its enemies in the Middle East and beyond. Tehran also long has threatened to retaliate against Trump over the 2020 drone strike he ordered that killed prominent Revolutionary Guard Gen. Qassem Soleimani.

The U.S. Justice Department this past week unsealed criminal charges against a Pakistani national with ties to Iran alleged to have plotted assassination attempts against political figures in the United States, including potentially Trump, and to have sought to hire purported hitmen who were actually undercover law enforcement officials. Court documents in that case pointedly noted a desire by Iran to conduct operations against perceived enemies of the regime and to avenge the killing of Soleimani.

Politico first reported Saturday on the hack. The outlet reported that it began receiving emails on July 22 from an anonymous account. The source  an AOL email account identified only as Robert  passed along what appeared to be a research dossier the campaign had apparently done on the Republican vice presidential nominee, Ohio Sen. JD Vance. The document was dated Feb. 23, almost five months before Trump selected Vance as his running mate.

These documents were obtained illegally and intended to interfere with the 2024 election and sow chaos throughout our Democratic process, Cheung said.

He pointed to the Microsoft report issued Friday and its conclusions that Iranian hackers broke into the account of a high ranking official on the U.S. presidential campaign in June 2024, which coincides with the close timing of President Trumps selection of a vice presidential nominee.

The Iranians know that President Trump will stop their reign of terror just like he did in his first four years in the White House, Cheung said, adding a warning that any media or news outlet reprinting documents or internal communications are doing the bidding of Americas enemies and doing exactly what they want.

Cheung did not immediately respond to questions about the campaign's interactions with Microsoft on the matter. Microsoft said Saturday it had no comment beyond its blog post and Friday report.

In that report, Microsoft stated that foreign malign influence concerning the 2024 US election started off slowly but has steadily picked up pace over the last six months due initially to Russian operations, but more recently from Iranian activity.

The analysis continued: Iranian cyber-enabled influence operations have been a consistent feature of at least the last three U.S. election cycles. Irans operations have been notable and distinguishable from Russian campaigns for appearing later in the election season and employing cyberattacks more geared toward election conduct than swaying voters."

Recent activity suggests the Iranian regime  along with the Kremlin  may be equally engaged in election 2024, Microsoft concluded.

Specifically, the report detailed that in June 2024, an Iranian military intelligence unit, Mint Sandstorm, sent a phishing email to an American presidential campaign via the compromised account of a former adviser.

The phishing email contained a fake forward with a hyperlink that directs traffic through an actor-controlled domain before redirecting to the listed domain, the report states.

Vice President Kamala Harris' campaign did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the reported hacking or on the Democratic nominee's cybersecurity protocols.

___

Associated Press writers Jon Gambrell in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Mae Anderson in New York, Fatima Hussein in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, and Eric Tucker in Washington contributed to this report.
Update, 9:18 p.m.

BOX ELDER COUNTY, Utah (ABC4)  Forward progress of the fire has been stopped, officials said.

The fire is currently 594 acres and is 55% contained. A total of 12 structures were threatened but favorable weather conditions helped firefighters in protecting them.

No further information is available at this time.

Original Story

BOX ELDER COUNTY, Utah (ABC4)  A new fire called the Dove Creek Fire has started in Box Elder County, according to Utah Fire Info. Evacuations are in place as structures are threatened at this time.

The fire reportedly kicked up near the Park Valley area in Box Elder County.

PHOTOS: Lake Powells popular toilet bowl arch collapses

While details are limited, the fire is currently sized at over 125 acres and is spreading in all directions. Multiple ground and air resources are responding to the scene, officials said.

Fire officials have not specified how many structures are evacuated at this time.

This is a developing story. ABC4 will update this post as new information becomes available.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC4 Utah.
People mourn near the bodies of Palestinians who were killed in Israeli attack on the Al-Tabeen school which sheltering displaced Palestinians in Gaza City, at the al-Maamadani hospital. At least 100 people were killed and dozens more were wounded. Hadi Daoud/APA Images via ZUMA Press Wire/dpa

Dozens of people sheltering inside a school in Gaza City were killed in an airstrike carried out by Israeli forces early on Saturday.

A spokesman for the Hamas-controlled Palestinian civil defence agency put the death toll at 93, while medical and security sources inside Gaza said at least 100 people had been killed in the attack.

The media office of Palestinian extremist organization Hamas said the strike hit the Al-Tabeen school in Gaza City's Daraj neighbourhood during morning prayers, resulting in the high number of casualties.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) did not comment on the number of possible casualties but said in a statement on Telegram that it had targeted "a Hamas command and control center embedded in the Al-Taba'een school and located adjacent to a mosque in Daraj Tuffah, which serves as a shelter for the residents of Gaza City."

It said the centre "served as a hideout for Hamas terrorists and commanders," adding that a number of attacks against Israel were "planned and advanced" from the location.

Israel has long accused Hamas of hiding behind Gaza's civilian population. In its statement, the IDF said Hamas "systematically violates international law and operates from within civilian shelters, brutally exploiting the civilian population and institutions as human shields for their terror activities."

The IDF said "numerous steps were taken to mitigate the risk of harming civilians" in Saturday's operation.

In Israel's air and ground offensive in Gaza, more than 39,600 people have died, according to the Hamas-run Health Ministry.

It was not possible to independently verify claims from either side. Israel has come under international criticism given the high number of civilian casualties and dire humanitarian situation in Gaza.

After the outbreak of the Gaza war on October 7, school operations in the sealed-off coastal area were suspended. Most schools now serve as emergency shelters for displaced persons.

Around 85% of the population of the Gaza Strip has been forced to leave their homes as a result of the conflict.

Egypt strongly condemned Saturday's attack, saying the strike showed an "unprecedented disregard for international law."

The Foreign Ministry in Cairo said the attack was a "continuation of crimes on a large scale" in which "huge numbers of unarmed civilians" were killed.

The ministry pointed out that the strike came at a time when mediators were trying to achieve a ceasefire in Gaza, adding that this was "clear proof" that there is no will on the Israeli side to end the war in the Gaza Strip.

Egypt has been involved in months-long efforts alongside the United States and Qatar to bring about a ceasefire between Israel and the Palestinian extremist group Hamas to end the Gaza war.

The conflict was triggered by an unprecedented massacre in which more than 1,200 people in Israel were killed by Hamas and other militant groups on October 7 and 250 hostages were taken to the Gaza Strip.

People mourn near the bodies of Palestinians who were killed in Israeli attack on the Al-Tabeen school which sheltering displaced Palestinians in Gaza City, at the al-Maamadani hospital. At least 100 people were killed and dozens more were wounded. Hadi Daoud/APA Images via ZUMA Press Wire/dpa

People inspect damages following an Israeli strike that killed at least 100 people on a school sheltering displaced Palestinians in Gaza City. Khaled Daoud/APA Images via ZUMA Press Wire/dpa

People sit following an Israeli strike that killed at least 100 people on a school sheltering displaced Palestinians in Gaza City. Khaled Daoud/APA Images via ZUMA Press Wire/dpa
A United States military base in eastern Syria was attacked by a one-way drone, according to a U.S. defense official.

"On Aug. 9 at about 5 p.m. ET, there was an attack using a one-way attack uncrewed aerial system (OWAUAS) against U.S. and Coalition forces at Rumalyn Landing Zone in Syria," defense officials said.

Several people suffered "minor injuries," officials said Sunday, including smoke inhalation, while others were examined for traumatic brain injuries. None of the injuries were considered life-threatening, officials said.

Initial reports had not indicated there were any injuries in the attack, and an official had said medical evaluations and a damage assessment following the attack were ongoing.

The attack is the latest indication that Iranian-backed militia groups in Iraq and Syria may have resumed attack on bases in both countries following a monthslong pause.

Social media posts have indicated that a fire may have resulted from the attack.

PHOTO: Secretary Of Defense Austin And Joint Chiefs Chairman Milley Hold News Conference (Bloomberg via Getty Images)

Earlier this week, five Americans were injured when two rockets struck the sprawling Al-Asad Air Base in western Iraq. The Pentagon has blamed that attack on Iranian-backed militia groups but has not determined specifically which group is responsible.

MORE: 7 US personnel injured in rocket attack on Iraqi base, officials say

There are currently about 900 American military personnel still operating in Syria where they support local Kurdish forces in preventing a resurgence of the Islamic State. There are about 2,500 U.S. military personnel in Iraq also participating in a counter-ISIS mission.

MORE: US sends more fighter jets and ships to Middle East ahead of possible Iranian retaliation

Since Oct. 18, there have been close to 170 attacks taking place on a nearly daily basis as Iranian-backed militia groups target U.S bases in Iraq and Syria, supposedly in retaliation for the Israel-Hamas war.

Those attacks largely stopped after Feb. 4 following large-scale U.S. airstrikes in Iraq and Syria and a drone strike that killed a top-level leader of the Kataib Hezbollah militia group that the U.S. held responsible for the attacks.

However, there have now been a small number of attacks on U.S. bases since mid-July that had not resulted in any damage or casualties until this week's injuries in the attack on the base at Al-Asad.

MORE: US carries out defensive airstrike in Iraq: Officials

U.S. officials have indicated that Iran may enable its proxy groups in the region to resume attacks on U.S. bases as part of a plan to retaliate for the assassination of a top Hamas leader in Tehran last week that Iran blames on Israel.

Earlier this week, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin told reporters that the U.S. was putting in place force protection measures "to protect our troops and also make sure that we're in a good position to aid in the defense of Israel if called upon to do that. So you've seen us do a number of things to strengthen our force posture."

"So we'll see how this evolves, but I won't speculate on any specific action by Iran or any other Iranian-backed group going forward," he added.

Drone attack on US base in Syria, minor injuries reported originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
As early voting begins, Tallahassee campaigns battle on air, in texts and in mailboxes

The local candidates and campaigns are dropping some of their final TV commercials, digital ads and mailers  going on the attack  as Leon Countys primary election enters the final stretch.

The deluge of political marketing isnt coming from the candidates alone  political committees that can raise and spend unlimited sums and the Democratic and Republican parties have joined the fray in a major way. Two opposing political committees, One Tallahassee and Citizens for Balanced Growth, recently filled their coffers with $50,000 each to support candidates in the battle for control of City Hall.

The messaging is timed to hit TV screens, mailboxes and cellphones as voters head to the polls to vote early in the Aug. 20 primary. And while many of the races, including City Commission and School Board, are officially nonpartisan, both sides are trying to stoke partisan passions and seize on recent national events to sway voters.

The Republican Party of Florida funded mailers attacking Jeremy Rogers, who's challenging School Board member Laurie Lawson Cox in the Aug. 20, 2024 primary.

In a heated race for School Board District 4, the Republican Party of Florida and the Leon County Democratic Party each funded mailers accusing the candidate on the other side of being an extremist. Though the district tilts Democratic, it has a high concentration of GOP voters and is home to School Board member Laurie Lawson Cox, the only elected Republican on the board.

The RPOF flier attacked Lawson Coxs sole challenger, Jeremy Rogers, a Democrat, saying extremist groups with radical ideas support his campaign. The mailer includes a pop quiz with a big red F on one side saying his backers believe we live in a racist, white-dominated society, among other things.

The Republican Party of Florida funded mailers attacking Jeremy Rogers, who's challenging School Board member Laurie Lawson Cox in the Aug. 20, 2024 primary.

Dont let them take over our classrooms, the GOP-funded mailer says.

The Leon County Democratic Party responded with its own mail piece featuring a photo of Rogers, a city firefighter, and his family on one side and cut-out faces of Gov. Ron DeSantis and Lawson Cox on the other above a Moms for Liberty logo.

Ron DeSantis and Republican extremists are backing Laurie Cox, the Democratic mail piece says.

The Leon County Democratic Party funded mailers supporting Jeremy Rogers for School Board District 4 and attacking the incumbent, School Board member Laurie Lawson Cox.

Cox herself put out a mail piece saying she has 30 years classroom experience and is a Leon County native while Rogers runs a daycare, moved to town in 2006 and is "backed by groups against transparency." A Facebook address footnote to that claim links to his endorsement by the Leon County teachers' union.

Since mid-July, the candidates for City Commission and School Board and a handful of political committees electioneering on their behalf have spent at least $190,000 on political ads, according to state and local campaign finance reports and FCC records. That figure will only grow as more campaign expenses are reported over time.

The candidates with the biggest recent ad buys include City Commissioner Curtis Richardson, who spent $30,600 on TV and radio commercials, mailers and texts; School Board member Rosanne Wood, who spent $30,000 on printing, billboards and digital ads; and City Commission candidate Rudy Ferguson, who spent $20,500 on TV and radio ads and printing.

Tallahassee Democrat, WFSU, League of Women Voters hold local candidate forums for 2024 primary. Here's how to watch.

The ultimate Leon County, Tallahassee voter's guide to the 2024 primary election. Study up to vote with confidence

Missed our voters guide to the Tallahassee primary? Subscribers can find the e-edition here

Partisan sparring creeps into nonpartisan City Seat 1 race

Party politics also seeped into the City Commission Seat 1 race, with Grow Tallahassee PC repeatedly criticizing City Commissioner Jack Porter in mail pieces for taking $50,000 from GOP-affiliated PACs during her first campaign in 2020. Porter, a Democrat, is running for a second term against two challengers, Rudy Ferguson Sr. and Louis Dilbert.

The secret Porter doesnt want you to know, says one of the Grow mailers, citing previous reporting by the Tallahassee Democrat, and pairing her photo with portraits of national Republican leaders, including former President Donald Trump.

Porter, a progressive who is also courting conservative northeast voters, isn't shying away from potential GOP support. In her own mail pieces, she emphasized that she voted against last years city property tax three times and stood with conservative groups in opposing wasteful spending.

I also promised you that I would govern the same way we ran my first campaign, with our neighbors, Republicans and Democrats, working together to find creative solutions, she said in the mail piece.

Meanwhile, One Tallahassee, whose founder, City Commissioner Jeremy Matlow, promised to stay positive when the committee launched earlier this year, sent out text blasts accusing Ferguson of using a MAGA-funded committee to attack Jack Porter.

City Commissioner Jack Porter, who's running for a second term in the 2024 election, sent out this mailer touting her votes last year against a city property tax rate hike.

It turns out that after Ferguson became upset that Democrats were supporting Jack Porter, he teamed up with a political committee called Grow Tallahassee that is funded by right-wing Trump supporters, the text says.

Ferguson, also a Democrat, last month accused Ryan Ray, chairman of the Leon County Democratic Executive Committee, of taking Porters side in the race. Ray responded that Fergusons behavior would only benefit Donald Trump and his local enablers.

Bugra Demirel, chairman of Grow Tallahassee PC and owner of the SoMo Walls project that got a $1.8 million Blueprint appropriation, told the Democrat that the political committee is emphasizing Porters GOP ties because her side is dishonest about it.

One one hand, they are preaching anti-MAGA on Twitter, on another they are getting money, or appealing to Republican voters, he said.

Demirel downplayed any ties to the Republican party, adding that Grow Tallahassee's board has four registered Democrats and one NPA (that's me)," he said.

Richardson, new political committee backing him launch TV ads

A new political committee called Citizens for Balanced Growth, chaired and entirely financed by Tallahassee businessman Jeff Phipps, began running TV commercials in support of Richardson, whos facing a challenge from former City Commissioner Dot Inman-Johnson and two lesser-known candidates.

According to campaign finance reports, the committee reported a single $50,000 donation from Phipps on July 27 and a single $40,000 expense four days later.

Campaign reports dont specify how much of the committees money went toward pro-Richardson efforts. However, Citizens for Balanced Growths website mentions only one candidate, Richardson.

The Committee for Balanced Growth in Tallahassee is dedicated to fostering a thriving and sustainable community through strategic development and responsible planning, the PC says on its website.

Citizens for Balanced Growth, a political committee chaired and funded by Jeff Phipps, is running TV commercials in support of City Commissioner Curtis Richardson, who's running for re-election.

The committees commercial calls Richardson a proven leader who made the tough decisions. State records dont say when Phipps created the committee; he operated one under a similar name during the 2006 election cycle.

Meanwhile, Richardsons campaign launched its own TV ads with footage of him and his wife, Leon County Judge Nina Ashenafi-Richardson.

Weve still got work to do, Richardson says in the commercial, and if you continue to trust me to fight for you, we can ensure that Tallahassee remains an All-American City for years to come.

FCC records show Richardson spent about $10,000 to run a series of 30-second spots on WCTV. The ad agency and buyer working with Richardson were listed as Auryeon Ideas and Remera Jones-Haynes, the spouse of Chauncy Haynes, a political consultant and aide to Leon County Commissioner Carolyn Cummings.

A screenshot from the new TV commercial of Rudy Ferguson, who's challenging City Commissioner Jack Porter for Seat 1 in the Aug. 20, 2024, primary election.

Auryeon Ideas also handled a $10,000 ad buy at WCTV for Ferguson, who recently launched his first TV commercial.

In the ad, Ferguson pledged to be a good steward of the peoples voice through productive discussions that yield solutions and said he has the ability to work with others even if we always dont agree.

One Tallahassee puts candidate slate on display in TV commercial

One Tallahassee, the Matlow-backed political committee, reported two $25,000 donations from the Green Advocacy Project of Palo Alto, California, which has helped bankroll progressive campaigns in Tallahassee for the past few election cycles. The money came in on July 22 and 29.

Since 2018, the group has given more than $150,000, often circuitously, to committees backing candidates that include Matlow, Porter and Adner Marcelin, who ran for City Commission in 2022 and serves as campaign treasurer for Inman-Johnson.

A new TV ad from the One Tallahassee political committee features City Commissioners Jeremy Matlow and Jack Porter and City Commission candidate Dot Inman-Johnson, who's challenging City Commissioner Curtis Richardson in the 2024 election.

The donation helped bankroll efforts that include a new TV ad featuring Matlow, Porter and Inman-Johnson, who would make up a new voting majority on the City Commission if the latter two win this year. FCC records show One Tallahassee spent $8,220 on 30-second commercials that show all three talking about the election from three different locations.

Nobody likes when we dont get along, but we need to have a serious conversation about City Hall, Porter says.

Because what we do in the this election will determine what we do in the future, Inman-Johnson says.

Thats what this election will determine, Matlow says. Will we have a balanced commission that listens to all voices or solidify a pro-developer commission that takes resources away from the things that truly matter?

One Tallahassee also is running new digital ads showing side-by-side photos of Porter, Inman-Johnson and Kamala Harris, the newly minted Democratic nominee for president who has re-energized her party.

Porter's campaign has its own commercials up on YouTube and Facebook, including a 30-second spot with video similar to that of her in the One Tallahassee ad and a longer one with slow-motion footage. According to her campaign reports, she's spent roughly $6,300 since mid-July on postage and advertising, including $2,250 to Max Herrle's firm, THG Consulting, for ad production. Herrle, a former lobbyist, also runs the Our Tallahassee electioneering website.

Inman-Johnson responds to Grow Tallahassee attack mailer

Grow Tallahassee PC also funded a mailer critical of Inman-Johnson, who served on the City Commission from 1984 until her defeat a decade later by Ron Weaver.

Tallahassee voted Dot out of office 30 years ago, the mailer says. Its time to reject her extreme agenda once more.

One side of a recent Grow Tallahassee PC mailer attacking Dot Inman-Johnson, a former mayor and city commissioner who's challenging City Commissioner Curtis Richardson for Seat 2.

The flier shows Inman-Johnson speaking into a bullhorn at a protest against Floridas six-week abortion ban. She told the Democrat the photo wasnt hidden and is among many on her campaign website.

Thankfully there are many people in Tallahassee who remember my hard work for this community then and now, said Inman-Johnson who was the first Black woman elected to the City Commission.

The flip side of the Grow Tallahassee mailer touts Richardson as "a proven leader for Tallahassee's future" and includes endorsements by the Big Bend Police Benevolent Association and others along with the straw poll results from a Seat 2 forum hosted by the Network of Entrepreneurs and Business Advocates.

One side of a recent mailer sent by Dot Inman-Johnson, who's challenging City Commissioner Curtis Richardson for Seat 2.

Inman-Johnson's campaign, which recently spent $5,820 on a television ad buy, sent out its own mailers saying she would protect neighborhoods from developers and end city tax increases, alluding to Richardson's support last year of an 8.5% tax rate hike that funded additional police officers.

Her mailer notes notes she was the first Black woman to serve as Tallahassee mayor and her endorsement by the Tallahassee firefighters union. It includes a photo of her giving the key to the city to Rosa Parks years ago and in an echo of one of her TV commercials says, "Shes not done yet.

CORRECTION: An earlier version of this article misidentified Dot Inman-Johnson's campaign manager. Her husband, Lee Johnson, is managing her campaign.

This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Tallahassee candidates, committees dropping final ads, launch attacks
By Alexandra Valencia

QUITO/GUAYAQUIL, Ecuador (Reuters) - Revolucion Ciudadana, the political party of Ecuador's ex-President Rafael Correa, picked on Saturday former lawmaker Luisa Gonzalez as its candidate for the 2025 presidential election.

Ecuador goes to the polls on Feb. 9, at the end of a truncated term for President Daniel Noboa, who was elected in 2023 for just 18 months after his predecessor called early elections to escape impeachment.

Noboa, heir to a banana business empire, was confirmed on Friday as his party's candidate for the elections, where lawmakers will also be elected.

"No one wants four more years of the same," said Gonzalez following her selection as RC's candidate at the party convention in Guayaquil. "Today, it's time for change."

Gonzalez, 46, is a former lawyer and legislator who lost to Noboa in 2023, despite her promises to bring back the multi-million-dollar spending programs of her mentor, Correa.

RC has lost two straight presidential elections since Correa stepped down. The former president lives in Belgium and has been convicted of corruption and sentenced to prison, something he says is political persecution.

Economist and former central bank head Diego Borja will run as Gonzalez's candidate for vice president.

Since losing to Noboa, RC has become the young president's biggest opponent, arguing his plan to restore security has not been as successful as promised.

Noboa has declared a string of states of emergency amid his anti-crime efforts, allowing soldiers to patrol streets and prisons.

Violent deaths in Ecuador in 2024 fell 19% through July, compared with the year-earlier period, according to the government.

RC has also made fighting crime a key campaign promise.

(Reporting by Alexandra Valencia in Quito; Additional reporting by Yury Garcia in Guayaquil; Editing by Rod Nickel)
Its like all of Britain paying London house prices: the cost of the UKs unified energy market

Ed Milibands mission to achieve a net zero electricity system by 2030 isnt lacking in ambition.

But even if he can muster the will and investment needed, the Energy Secretarys plan currently faces a more prosaic barrier  the countrys creaking power grid.

Despite huge wind farms coming online in Scotland and northern England, Britain lacks the cable capacity needed to send power southwards when it is needed most in places such as London.

A 60bn great grid upgrade, as it is dubbed by the National Grid, is under way to fix this, including new subsea bootstraps to connect one end of the country to the other.

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But some energy companies and experts are now urging Mr Miliband to go even further, by charging households in the South more for their power than those in the North.

At the National Grid Electricity System Operator (ESO), executives have warned privately that the South East, where grid capacity is particularly tight, may even face blackouts unless action is taken.

The ESO this week publicly insisted there was no such forecast. But it called for so-called zonal pricing to ensure the electricity system is overhauled in a manner that is efficient and ensures that all networks and assets are utilised to their maximum.

In practice, this would mean adopting individual electricity prices for seven to 12 zones drawn across the country. Currently, there is one wholesale price for all of Great Britain and it changes at half-hourly intervals throughout the day.

But critics argue the existing set-up leads to all kinds of farcical outcomes, from batteries charging at the wrong times to interconnectors sending power to Europe when it is needed in the South East.

It also forces the ESO to pay Scottish wind farms to switch off while it simultaneously hands a small fortune to gas-fired plants to switch on in the South.

All of this ultimately adds to consumer bills, with so-called constraint payments such as those made to wind farms set to reach 2-4bn per year by the 2030s, according to FTI Consulting.

Switching to a location-based system would, at a conservative estimate, strip out between 15bn and 51bn of waste, cutting bills by an average of up to 600 per household between 2025 and 2040, according to a study commissioned by Ofgem, the energy regulator.

It would also incentivise power companies to build generation capacity closer to where it is needed, requiring fewer pylons to be built.

At the same time, Scotland would be transformed overnight into the cheapest place in Europe to buy electricity, potentially turbocharging investment in industries such as green hydrogen production.

There are broadly two types of locational pricing: zonal (regional) and nodal, a far more granular, street-by-street system. However, critics say both resemble what might be regarded as a postcode lottery, with those closest to wind farms rewarded and those who live in and around London penalised.

After two consultations under the previous government, officials in the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) have ruled out adopting a nodal model. But they are still considering a zonal system, with Mr Miliband expected to rule on the issue soon.

Octopus Energy, the UKs biggest household supplier of electricity, is among businesses lobbying enthusiastically in favour of the change. The company has developed software, known as Kraken, designed to optimise electricity networks, meaning it would likely benefit from any switch to zonal pricing.

But Greg Jackson, chief executive of Octopus, is also passionate about the potential benefits it will unlock for consumers, likening the current national pricing system to every part of the UK having to pay London prices for housing.

Its grotesque and hugely exploited, he explains. The interconnectors with other countries flow the wrong way a third of the time  we literally pay top dollar to import Norwegian electricity into Scotland whilst paying Scottish wind farms to turn off.

Regional pricing would end this farce. Every region would be cheaper and Scotland would have the cheapest power in Europe.

Michael Liebreich, chief executive of energy consultancy Liebreich Associates, agrees: If we try and fix this by building a few more transmission lines, it will take decades and will fail.

But if we allow prices to vary by zone, every zone gets lower prices because existing transmission and other assets are used more efficiently and we stop paying people not to produce power.

Think what that would do for the economy.

The main issue with the pricing system we use today is that it ignores the realities of Britains ageing electricity grid, says Jason Mann, an expert at FTI Consulting who authored the Ofgem-commissioned study.

This means the constraints and bottlenecks on the national grid, for example a choke point at the Scottish-English border, are not fully taken into account when power is traded on forward markets.

Take one snapshot modelled by FTI, which forecasts what might happen on a typical March morning in 2030.

At 8am, demand for electricity spikes as millions of people switch on the kettle and get ready to leave for work. There is plenty of wind power in Scotland for this demand to be met. Yet it cannot all travel south to where demand is highest because of grid bottlenecks, requiring the ESO to source power from elsewhere  potentially from gas-fired plants.

In this scenario, the national pricing system exacerbates the problem by sending the wholesale cost of electricity to 13.90 per megawatt hour across the entire country. That leads to market quirks, such as Scotland importing electricity via a planned interconnector from Norway  where power is notionally cheaper  even though it has abundant wind power of its own.

Meanwhile in the South East, the electricity price is artificially low. This makes it less expensive than the cost in France, resulting in power being scheduled to go across the Channel via interconnector, even though it is technically needed at home. To reverse this and keep the lights on, the ESO has to step in and pay even higher rates.

Under a locational pricing system, the results are very different. The power price in wind-abundant Scotland plummets to zero, leading power to be exported to more expensive Norway.

And in the South East, the price temporarily jumps to 81.40 per megawatt hour, ensuring power is pulled in from neighbouring European countries.

So instead of trying to export from Britain to France we are now importing, says FTIs Mann. Hence you have less strain on the British transmission system.

Over the long term, this may also mean you need fewer electricity pylons.

In a report published last October, Ofgem forecast billions of pounds of benefits for consumers in every scenario under locational pricing.

According to Mann, these numbers are highly conservative and are likely to be bigger in reality.

He says Britains national electricity market, along with those in France and Germany, is a global outlier which directs assets such as batteries and interconnectors to do the wrong thing roughly half of the time.

In Texas, Mann says locational pricing has spurred power-hungry data centres to set up in cheap areas, while new wind farms are being built in the more expensive zones. Likewise, a green steel plant is under construction in an area of Sweden where the cost of power is low.

However, Ofgem has warned that the longer it takes to introduce a zonal system, the lower the eventual pay-off will be, because so much cash will have already been spent on transmission upgrades.

Octopus and others also argue that adopting the change now would act as an effective hedge against possible failure to overhaul the electricity grid in time for 2030.

Yet the proposal is already proving controversial with powerful lobby groups that Mr Miliband needs to work with to hit his targets.

Wind farm developers, via industry body Renewable UK, have come out strongly against zonal pricing, arguing that making such huge changes so close to the 2030 target would be madness.

They say it will make it difficult for wind farm developers to gauge the future profitability of projects, injecting massive uncertainty into the investment process just when it needs to accelerate.

The industry consensus is that the risks of overhauling the system in such a radical manner would vastly outweigh any potential benefits, the lobby group wrote in a blog published online last week.

One energy industry source disagrees. He argues that the idea customers should suffer high energy prices and bankroll unnecessary pylons just to keep a few energy company executives comfortable is disgraceful.

But Ana Musat, executive director for policy and engagement at Renewable UK, questions whether asking people in southeast England to pay more for their power is politically feasible. Whats more, the electricity price is only one of many factors that businesses of all stripes must consider when choosing where to base themselves.

And notwithstanding Mr Milibands recent decision to axe the onshore wind farm ban in England, it would still be difficult to secure planning permission for a string of huge wind farms in the Home Counties, Musat adds.

There is also a risk that locational pricing ends up backfiring by removing the incentive to build the grid infrastructure we need, says Kathryn Porter, an independent energy consultant at Watt Logic.

It doesnt solve the underlying problem, which is insufficient grid infrastructure, she says.

Even if electricity is cheap as chips in Scotland, data centre operators wont move there if the telecoms connectivity is bad or there arent enough qualified people to work there.

The ESO thinks electricity is everyones top priority and will drive their locational choices. If that assumption is wrong, which I think it is, the result of locational pricing will still be a risk of blackouts in the South East  while everyone is paying much higher electricity prices.

Instead, Britain simply needs to build more, Porter says.

A DESNZ spokesman said earlier this week that a net zero grid by 2030 was the best way to achieve energy independence and protect billpayers.

A spokesman said: We have a well-established system in place to secure our electricity capacity needs with reliable, affordable power for future years to come.

If Mr Miliband gets this issue right, it could help him fulfil Labours pledge to cut energy bills for millions of households.

The cost of getting it wrong, however, may prove even bigger for his party at the ballot box.

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Beverly Cassirer and her husband, Claude Cassirer, the grandson of Lilly Cassirer, at their home in San Diego. A copy of the painting the family wants returned hangs behind them. Both have died, and their son, David, is the only surviving member of the family. (Allen J. Schaben/Los Angeles Times)

In the twists and turns that an exquisite Impressionist painting of a rainy Paris streetscape has taken from Lilly Cassirers Berlin home in 1939 to the wall of a Spanish museum where it hangs today, no one has ever questioned that the artwork was stolen by the Nazis.

Yet, her descendants, now living in California, haven't been able to get it back.

Finally, after two decades of fighting in court from California to the U.S. Supreme Court, a bill in the state Legislature may give the Cassirer family the best chance yet of winning back the Camille Pissarro painting, Rue Saint-Honore, apres midi, effet de pluie, which the Nazis forced Lilly to give up in exchange for exit papers out of Germany.

Read more: Editorial: It's outrageous that a Spanish museum refuses to return Nazi-looted art to the rightful heirs

Assembly Bill 2867, authored by Assemblymember Jesse Gabriel (D-Encino) and sponsored by California Lt. Gov. Eleni Kounalakis, would mandate that all court cases filed by California residents or their families to recover their stolen art held by museums be adjudicated according to state law. Under California law, a thief has no legal right to stolen property and therefore cannot pass legitimate title to others no matter how many times the property is sold or how much time passes.

Gabriel and Kounalakis know how hard it is to find and retrieve property stolen during the Holocaust. Gabriel, an attorney, has represented Holocaust victims, and Kounalakis was previously ambassador to Hungary, a country that sent more than half a million Jewish people to their deaths.

Read more: Lost and found: Should California return Cambodia's stolen art?

This morally compelling bill solves a glitch that had stymied the Cassirer family's case. Currently, courts deciding a case in a state where the plaintiff is suing a foreign entity (like the Spanish museum) are required to make a decision whether to apply that state's law or the law of the defendants country. In the Cassirer case, federal courts always decided to apply Spanish law. And in Spain, the holder of stolen property has the right to keep it after a certain period of time passes  even if it was stolen.

Under those rules, the Cassirer family lost in federal district court, the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals, and  after the U.S. Supreme Court sent the case back to the appellate court in 2022  again in the appellate court. Earlier this year, a panel of the 9th Circuit applied Spanish law and ruled that the Museo Nacional Thyssen-Bornemisza in Madrid had the right to keep the painting. If the bill passes, the Cassirer family can go back to the 9th Circuit based on the new law or they can appeal the 9th Circuits recent decision to the U.S. Supreme Court.

No matter what law was applied, it's outrageous that the museum has kept it. Even a concurring judge on the 9th Circuit said the museum should give it back to the Cassirer family.

This bill will send a clear message from the people of California to all courts as well as the government of Spain  that museums should have no right to hold stolen art. The Legislature should pass this quickly and Gov. Gavin Newsom should sign it into law as soon as it passes. The bill has an urgency clause, meaning it will go into effect immediately after the governor signs it into law.

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
(Courtesy of iStock/Getty Images Plus)

LINCOLN  Education organizations have joined opposition to the Nebraska Legislatures current draft plan to reform a school funding model in pursuit of property tax relief.

The Education Collaboration  representing teachers, administrators, school boards, rural schools and more  said a draft amendment to Legislative Bill 9 risks breaking an existing current school funding formula.

That is because of the disproportionately large percentage of school funding that will be channeled through the state to schools under the plan: almost $2.3 billion. One section of a draft amendment, and LB 1, suggests eliminating school general fund levies in the future, as Gov. Jim Pillen suggested this summer.

This proposed shift would leave the allocation of critical dollars solely to future Legislatures, significantly undermining local control, the Education Collaboration said in a statement.

Maximum 25-cent tax levy

Eight organizations represented in the group are: the Nebraska Council of School Administrators, Nebraska Association of School Boards, Nebraska State Education, Schools Taking Action for Childrens Education (STANCE), Greater Nebraska Schools Association, Nebraska Rural Community Schools Association, Educational Service Units Coordinating Council and Stand for Schools.

The intent of the Legislature is to find property tax relief by going through the largest property tax collector, at about 60% of local bills: K-12 public schools, of which there are 244 districts.

The original LB 9, from State Sen. Jana Hughes of Seward, would have gradually lowered school districts taxing authority to 25 cents by 2033-34. By dropping the rate first to 65 cents, every two years lawmakers would have needed to find additional funds to lower it by 10 more cents. It was received more favorably than a complete elimination of that levy authority.

A draft amendment still included language that this taxing authority should go away. State Sen. Lou Ann Linehan of Elkhorn, the Revenue Committee chair, said it was mistakenly included.

The Revenue Committee chose twenty-five cents because LB 9 ultimately lowered the levy to twenty-five cents, Linehan wrote.

Linehan said she was greatly disappointed by the Education Collaboration statement and said most are funded by property taxpayers. She noted that several schools already receive 60% of funding from state and federal sources.

So, if 25% is not the right number, what is the right number? Linehan asked, which she has done multiple times throughout the special session.

School Funding Commission

Education Collaboration said the proposed plan to LB 9 doesnt provide new funding to schools. Instead, it is a net loss of levying authority, leading to cuts in schools and reduced support for students. Multiple superintendents and school board members, who have used funding models from the Nebraska Department of Education, have estimated they would be at a net loss, too.

The group said there is a pressing need for property tax reform but said increasing funding, particularly to address educator workforce shortages, is equally important.

The rushed nature of this process does not allow for careful planning, adequate forethought or the inclusion of school finance experts and modeling to prevent adverse impacts and unforeseen consequences, the statement reads.

The education-led group recommended establishing a School Funding Commission to avoid disastrous results with at least the following members:

School board members.

School business managers from diverse schools.

Nebraska Association of School Board delegates.

Educators represented by the Nebraska State Education Associations.

School finance officials from the Nebraska Department of Education.

Previous K-12 investments

Linehan said clearly, the collaboration is confused as to what the bill does and said $1.8 billion would be new state funding. However, it would largely replace funds that could have come to schools through property taxes and schools would retain at least $950 million in taxing authority.

She pointed to 2023 when the Legislature increased state aid to schools by $328 million, the largest increase in state funding in decades. That includes $1,500 in foundational aid per student and doubling state coverage of special education funding.

A revised LB 9 amendment hasnt been finalized for consideration, or for the public to weigh in on, but Linehan said the intent is still to annually increase state aid funding to schools by 3%.

In a special session, lawmakers are not bound to 90-day or 60-day sessions. Linehan has said there is no end date for a reason and that as long as 25 lawmakers want to stay, they will.

The Legislature finished its ninth day Thursday and abruptly adjourned for the weekend. Linehan said that was for her to negotiate and for the committee to be ready to meet come Monday morning. Debate on LB 9, or a new tax package, could come as early as Tuesday.

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The front pages of Mexican newspapers last month announced the news of Ismael "El Mayo" Zambada's capture by U.S. authorities. (Rodrigo Oropeza / AFP/Getty Images)

The reclusive drug kingpin Ismael "El Mayo" Zambada was famous for staying out of the public eye, ruling a multibillion-dollar narcotics trafficking empire from remote mountain hideouts and speaking to the press just once over the course of his decades-long criminal career.

But on Saturday, Zambada thrust himself into the spotlight, issuing a remarkable statement from jail in the United States, where he is being detained after an alleged betrayal by another cartel trafficker seeking to cut a deal with authorities.

In a two-page document in English sent to The Times by his attorney, Frank Perez, the Sinaloa cartel leader said he was kidnapped by the son of Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman, flown to a small airport near El Paso and handed over to authorities. He claimed that a prominent politician in Sinaloa was killed in the process.

Zambada, 76, the cartels co-founder, was long believed to have police, soldiers and political leaders in his pocket. But the new statement includes unprecedented admissions of those ties. He described how a state police official served as his personal bodyguard and said he had agreed to leave his hideout at the request of 38-year-old Joaquin Guzman Lopez to "help resolve differences" between two feuding politicians.

Those politicians, he said, were Sinaloa Gov. Ruben Rocha Moya and Hector Melesio Cuen Ojeda, a former mayor of the state capital, Culiacan.

Zambada said Cuen Ojeda was shot dead at the meeting. That's a different version of events than one shared by Sinaloa law enforcement authorities, who said they believed Cuen Ojeda had been killed in an attempted carjacking.

"I am aware that the official version being told by Sinaloa state authorities is that Hector Cuen was shot in the evening of July 25th at a gas station by two men on a motorcycle who wanted to rob his pick-up truck," Zambada said. "That is not what happened. He was killed at the same time, and in the same place, where I was kidnapped."

Perez said he released Zambada's statement "to set the record straight and counter the false narratives."

Zambada said the two Sinaloa politicians were locked in a dispute "over who should lead" the Autonomous University of Sinaloa, where Cuen Ojeda, a onetime candidate for governor, had once been the rector.

At a news conference Saturday, Rocha forcefully denied any knowledge of the meeting described by Zambada, saying he was not in the state on the day it allegedly occurred. "We have not been complicit with anyone," he said.

Zambada has pleaded not guilty to federal charges in El Paso. The Justice Department is expected to transfer his case to Brooklyn, N.Y., where he also faces charges, to the same court that hosted the trial of El Chapo, his longtime partner who is serving a life sentence in the U.S. after a 2019 conviction.

Read more: The secretive life  and stunning downfall  of Sinaloa cartel boss 'El Mayo' Zambada

El Chapos son, Guzman Lopez, has pleaded not guilty to federal charges in Chicago, where he and his younger brother Ovidio are accused of leading a cartel faction, Los Chapitos, known for manufacturing and exporting illicit fentanyl. Their lawyer, Jeffrey Lichtman, did not immediately respond to a request for comment Saturday and has previously denied that the elder Guzman Lopez sibling had struck a deal to cooperate with U.S. authorities.

In his statement, Zambada said he arrived early for a meeting scheduled for 11 a.m. at a ranch and event center called Huertos del Pedregal, just outside Culiacan. He said he also expected to see Ivan Guzman Salazar, an older half-brother of Guzman Lopez who remains a fugitive in Mexico, wanted for co-leading Los Chapitos.

"I saw a large number of armed men wearing green military uniforms who I assumed were gunmen for Joaquin Guzman and his brothers," Zambada said.

Zambada said he brought his own bodyguards, including Jose Rosario Heras Lopez, a commander in the State Judicial Police of Sinaloa, and Rodolfo Chaidez, whom he described as "a longtime member of my security team."

"While walking toward the meeting area, I saw Hector Cuen and one of his aides. I greeted them briefly before proceeding inside to a room that had a table filled with fruit," Zambada said. "I saw Joaquin Guzman Lopez, whom I have known since he was a young boy, and he gestured for me to follow him. Trusting the nature of the meeting and the people involved, I followed without hesitation. I was led into another room which was dark."

Zambada continued: "As soon as I set foot inside of that room, I was ambushed. A group of men assaulted me, knocked me to the ground, and placed a dark-colored hood over my head. They tied me up and handcuffed me, then forced me into the bed of a pickup truck."

Zambada said he was "subjected to physical abuse, resulting in significant injuries to my back, knee and wrists," and driven to a landing strip "about 20 or 25 minutes away, where I was forced onto a private plane."

He said that once on board the airplane, Guzman Lopez removed the hood and "bound me with zip ties to the seat."

Photos taken by U.S. news media inside the plane after it landed showed a bag from the Mexican gas station chain Oxxo containing zip ties, along with cookies and snacks.

Zambada said the two bodyguards who were with him, including the state police official, have been missing since the ambush. The statement said Cuen Ojeda was killed at the scene and that his body was taken away.

"The notion that I surrendered or cooperated voluntarily is completely and unequivocally false," Zambada said. "I was brought to this country forcibly and under duress, without my consent and against my will."

Mexican officials have said the Guzman Lopez brothers reached an agreement to cooperate with U.S. authorities in hopes of receiving leniency in their cases, which could carry long prison sentences.

A spokesperson for the Department of Justice did not immediately respond to a request for comment Saturday morning.

Zambada, should he choose to cooperate with U.S. authorities, could spill more than 40 years of secrets about whom he and his cartel have corrupted in Mexico. Twice during criminal trials in the United States, allegations have surfaced that the Sinaloa cartel made payments to an early and unsuccessful presidential campaign by Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador in 2006. The president, who was elected when he ran again in 2018, has vehemently denied any links to drug traffickers.

With a president-elect from his own party, Claudia Sheinbaum, poised to replace him in October, Lopez Obrador called this week for Zambada and Guzman Lopez to reveal whatever they might know about political corruption in Mexico to U.S. investigators.

If they can tell how much support was given to authorities, if they can inform on who was protecting them, all of that will help a lot, and also their agreements with the U.S. agencies.  Make it all transparent. That would help a lot, the president said at a news conference.

Lopez Obrador and Sheinbaum were scheduled to appear Saturday in Sinaloa at the opening of a hospital. The president and president-elect are from the same political party as Rocha, the Sinaloa governor.

State authorities in Sinaloa have said Cuen Ojeda was declared dead by doctors at a private clinic in central Culiacan on the night of July 25. An autopsy showed he died from the impact of four bullets, one of which hit a major artery on his right leg.

Sinaloa Atty. Gen. Sara Bruna Quinonez Estrada said in a statement last week that police are investigating "all possible causes" in Cuen Ojedas case.

Read more: 'El Mayo' Zambada's lawyer says his client was 'forcibly kidnapped' by son of 'El Chapo'

The State Attorney General's Office does not rule out any line of investigation  and continues to carry out all relevant investigative acts to clarify the facts and bring those responsible to justice, Bruna said.

Zambada called for "the truth to come out" about the events of July 25.

"I call on the governments of Mexico and the United States to be transparent and provide the truth about my abduction to the United States and about the deaths of Hector Cuen, Rosario Heras, Rodolfo Chaidez, and anyone else who may have lost their life that day," he said. "I also call on the people of Sinaloa to use restraint and maintain peace in our state. Nothing can be solved by violence. We have been down that road before, and everyone loses."

BREAKING: Statement released by El Mayo Zambada through his lawyer says he was ambushed when expecting to meet Ruben Rocha Moya, the governor of Sinaloa, and Hector Melesio Cuen Ojeda, politician who was killed on the days of the arrests. pic.twitter.com/iXLq6EC3AD  Keegan Hamilton (@keegan_hamilton) August 10, 2024

Sinaloa authorities said the man who brought Cuen Ojeda to the Culiacan clinic reported that the shooting had occurred in a failed carjacking attempt at a gas station.

The witness reportedly said a gas station attendant was fueling Cuen Ojeda's truck when two men on a motorcycle ordered him out of the vehicle. After Cuen Ojeda refused to comply, officials said, the men shot him and sped off.

Two gas station employees interviewed by journalists for the local news site Riodoce said that they did not see a motorcycle approach the vehicle or see an altercation.

Ken Salazar, the U.S. ambassador to Mexico, released a statement Friday that said Guzman Lopez surrendered to U.S. authorities voluntarily and that the evidence at the moment indicates El Mayo was brought against his will.

Salazar said no U.S. resources were used in the rendition of Zambada: It was not our plane, not our pilot, and not our people.

Salazar said U.S. authorities did not receive a flight plan for the plane in advance, and that the plane took off somewhere in Sinaloa, contradicting previous statements from Mexican officials that said the craft disembarked from Hermosillo in the neighboring state of Sonora.

A prominent figure in Sinaloa, where his leadership of the Autonomous University of Sinaloa earned him the affectionate nickname El Maestro, Cuen Ojeda pivoted from an academic career to politics in 2010, later forming his own party. He also ran for Senate and served as state secretary of health until 2022.

A statement released by Cuen Ojedas family remembered his tireless commitment to work, his hand always outstretched to help others and the big heart that he always had open to those around him.

The familys statement made a firm and respectful call for the case to be investigated free of any speculation to provide the justice that his work and legacy have left us in his time in this life and that he rightly deserves.

Former federal prosecutors have told The Times that even if it's true that Zambada was kidnapped and other crimes occurred as he was brought to the United States, its unlikely that the charges against him will be dismissed due to a violation of Mexicos extradition treaty or for other procedural reasons.

In 2019, the Mexican government forced the return of Gen. Salvador Cienfuegos, a former defense secretary who had been arrested that year on narco-corruption charges by the Drug Enforcement Administration while traveling to the U.S. with his family.

Lopez Obrador was furious about the generals arrest, arguing that the countrys sovereignty had been violated. The Justice Department ultimately dropped all charges and allowed Cienfuegos to return home. Mexican authorities later released evidence from the case and maintained the general was innocent.

There is some evidence to support Zambada's claims that he was in league with corrupt Mexican officials. During the trial of El Chapo in Brooklyn in 2019, Zambada's eldest son, Vicente Zambada Niebla, testified that the cartel paid an estimated $1 million per month in "salaries" to officials at all levels of government. Zambada Niebla testified that a commander of the state judicial police, the agency his father mentioned in his statement Saturday, would receive around $50,000 per month.

State police commanders were given the nickname "Yankee," Zambada Niebla testified, and his father liked to hand-deliver the bribes.

"My dad is the kind of person who liked to see the Yankees or commanders personally," he said.

Zambada Niebla also detailed payments on his father's behalf to a military general, federal police officials, and agents from the Mexican attorney general's office tasked with investigating organized crime.

Read more: Why Mexico was in the dark about the arrest of top Sinaloa cartel leaders

Tim Sloan, former head of the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives in Mexico, noted that Lopez Obrador was once photographed shaking hands with El Chapos mother in Sinaloa, a gesture that did little to quiet speculation about the presidents sympathies.

Pushing to return Zambada, Sloan said, would be untenable: It would be really bad politically for Mexico to go out on a limb for this guy who has been one of Americas most wanted for decades."

Hamilton reported from San Francisco and Linthicum from Mexico City. Special correspondent Cecilia Sanchez Vidal in Mexico City contributed to this report.

Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
BAY COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB)  The first day of school for most of our counties is Monday, August 12. Since its still going to be extremely hot outside, authorities are urging parents to be aware of the children and pets that are riding in the car.

One mistake can lead to disaster and tragedy. Heat-related illnesses like heat exhaustion and heat strokes can happen within minutes of being locked in a car. Sometimes, those situations can be fatal.

Depending on the temperature outside cars, you can reach the temperature inside the vehicles can reach dangerous levels within 5 minutes, within 10 minutes, Bay County EMS Chief Medical Examiner Jessica Lundeen said.

Panama City Beach man sentenced to federal prison for child pornography

Florida had the second-most hot car deaths in the nation last year, with 7 deaths. Lundeen says permanent neurological damage can happen to a child within minutes.

Even if the child is left in the vehicle long enough to where they dont necessarily die, but that could cause them some detrimental effects neurologically, which could be bad for them for the rest of their life, Lundeen said.

She recommends parents place a purse or wallet in the back seat to remind themselves that their child is back there.

County officials arent just warning residents about the dangers of leaving children in the car, but pets as well.

Even though pets are able to sustain more heat than children or adults do, its still that its could still be detrimental to them. You know, it could cause them to become dehydrated and cause issues for the animals as well as being left in hot vehicles, Lundeen said.

Officials say parents should be extra careful with the start of the new school year.

Walton County Sheriffs Office seeking public assistance in locating burglary suspect

You know, its a busy time of the year. Kids are going back to school. Youre getting into a different routine. Youve had the summer off, but just making sure that you get back into that normal school routine and making sure your kids are taken care of, Lundeen added.

Officials also want to remind residents to practice general heat safety, like staying hydrating and limiting time spent outdoors.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to mypanhandle.com.
Pages of history features excerpts from The News Journal archives including the Wilmington Morning News and the Evening Journal.

Aug. 13, 1898, The Morning News

Peace! War with Spain ended

The protocol preliminary to a treaty of peace between the United States and Spain was signed at the White House at 4:23 oclock yesterday afternoon .

The peace commissioners will meet in Paris on Oct. 1.

President McKinley signed a proclamation declaring the existence of an armistice, and orders were transmitted  to raise the blockade in Cuban and Puerto Rican waters. Orders were also included liberating the port of Manila from blockade.

The full text of the protocol was not made public, but a statement was made of its chief provisions, as follows:

Spain will relinquish all claim of sovereignty over and title to Cuba.

Puerto Rico and other Spanish islands in the West Indies and an island in the Ladrones, to be selected by the United States, shall be ceded to the latter.

The United States will occupy and hold the city, bay and harbor of Manila, pending the conclusion of a treaty of peace which shall determine the control, disposition and government of the Philippines. ...

Aug. 15, 1914, The Evening Journal

Panama Canal formally open to commerce

Messages of congratulations were exchanged today between President Wilson and Secretary of War Garrison, Secretary of the Navy Daniels and Gov. Goethals of the Panama Canal zone upon the opening to commerce of the world of the big ditch.

A War Department vessel, the steamer Cristobal, loaded to the gunwales with Isthmian, war and navy officials, and a hefty cargo of newspapermen, was given the honor of being the first official vessel to go through the inter-oceanic waterway.

Page 5 of The Evening Journal from Aug. 15, 1914.

The formal opening of the canal will not occur until March 4, 1915, when President Wilson, Admiral Dewey, cabinet and congress members will head a gigantic fleet. ...

Smaller vessels  have been passing through for a couple of months.

Aug. 15, 1935, Wilmington Morning News

Roosevelt signs social security bill into law

President Franklin Roosevelt signed into law a social security program yesterday he said would provide for the United States an economic structure of vastly greater soundness.

This social security measure, Mr. Roosevelt added, gives at least some protection to 30 million of our citizens who will reap direct benefits through unemployment compensation, through old age pensions and through increased services for the protection of children and the prevention of ill health.

Front page of the Wilmington Morning News from Aug. 15, 1935.

The President spoke into sound cameras crowding the White House Cabinet Room after his pen welded to the statute books the security program molded in studies that began more than a year ago. It was seven months going through the House and Senate. ...

Recent news for retirees: Delaware House overrides Gov. Carney's veto in historic vote to support retirees' concerns

Aug. 15, 1945, Wilmington Morning News

Peace comes to world; MacArthur named to rule over Japan

The Second World War, historys greatest flood of death and destruction, ended Aug. 14 with Japans unconditional surrender.

Formalities still remained  the official signing of surrender terms and a proclamation of V-J Day.

But from the moment President Truman announced at 7 p.m. Eastern War Time that the enemy of the Pacific had agreed to Allied terms, the world put aside for a time woeful thoughts of the cost in dead and dollars and celebrated in wild frenzy.

Front page of the Wilmington Morning News from Aug. 15, 1945.

To reporters crammed into his office, showing now-useless war maps against a marble mantel, the President disclosed that Japan, without ever being invaded, had accepted completely and without reservation and Allied declaration of Potsdam dictating unconditional surrender, and that Gen. Douglas MacArthur had been designated supreme Allied commander, the man to receive surrender. ...

Japans surrender capped a week packed with some of historys most stunning news: The first atomic bomb on Hiroshima, Russias declaration of war, another atomic bomb on Nagasaki, Japans offer to surrender if she could have her emperor and his sovereign prerogative, an Allied declaration that he would become merely their instrument. ...

Catch up on history: School desegregation ruling, U.S. volcano erupts: News Journal archives, week of May 14

Aug. 16, 1969, Evening Journal

Scores fall ill at Woodstock rock festival

Organizers of the Woodstock Music and Art Fair near White Lake, New York made an emergency appeal today for medical supplies and hip doctors to treat scores of young people who have fallen ill, many of them suffering adverse drug reactions.

Dr. Donald Goldecker, medical officer of the fair, said a 40-seat Mohawk Airlines plane had been chartered to bring volunteer doctors and emergency medical supplies to this Catskill community to treat the sick, who were among an estimated 300,000 people who have jammed into a 600-acre farm for the three-day rock festival.

Front page of the Evening Journal from Aug. 16, 1969.

What brought everybody here is something the producers call an Aquarian Exposition, set up with the stage at the foot of an alfalfa field that forms a natural amphitheater.

Goldecker asked for doctors who were familiar with the drug scene, since so many of the sick were suffering from ill effects of drug use. He called for medical supplies used to relieve these effects, such as heavy tranquilizers and anti-spasmodics.

But Goldecker also said general anti-biotics were needed as well as tetanus vaccine and antihistamines for asthma sufferers.

Reporter Ben Mace is a former reporter and editor at the Smyrna/Clayton Sun-Times, Dover Post and Middletown Transcript with 33 years of journalism experience. He now primarily covers real estate, development and business news in central Delaware for The News Journal and delaware online. Reach him at rmace@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: News Journal archives Aug. 11-17: Two wars end, Social Security begins
EL PASO, Texas (KTSM)  The New Mexico Environment Department has withdrawn a $1.2 million fine levied against El Paso Water and all allegations of wrongdoing stemming from a 2022 wastewater spill into the Rio Grande have also been withdrawn, El Paso Water said in a news release issued late Friday afternoon, Aug. 9.

EP Water faced $2M penalty for wastewater dump into Rio Grande, spent $7M for cleanup

As KTSM previously reported, El Paso Water was facing the potential of up to a $2 million fine after 1.25 billion gallons of wastewater was discharged into the Rio Grande between August 2021 and January 2022 after major pipelines in West El Paso experienced multiple breaks.



In June 2022, NMED issued two administrative compliance orders (ACOs), claiming that

EPWater violated portions of New Mexicos Surface and Groundwater Protection regulations as a

result of the discharge of wastewater into the Rio Grande after portions of the Frontera

wastewater mains experienced a catastrophic failure in August 2021, the utility said.



In response, EPWater filed a lawsuit against NMED in the United States District Court for the

Western District of Texas (El Paso Division), denying all allegations and challenging the legality of

NMEDs enforcement action on the basis that NMED lacked the authority or jurisdiction to

institute its enforcement action, the utility said in its news release.

NMED and EPWater recently entered into a settlement agreement that resulted in the resolution

and dismissal of the fine and related issues, the utility said.

In exchange for the withdrawal of NMEDs enforcement action, EPWater will continue to provide NMED with information, documents, and materials pertaining to the Frontera wastewater discharge incident, the utility said.



From the start of the emergency, EPWater maintained consistent communication with the Texas

Commission on Environmental Quality, the Environmental Protection Agency and the

International Boundary and Water Commission. Utility officials also initiated immediate cleanup

of impacted areas within the Rio Grande or surrounding areas. Contractors worked seven days a

week for four months to expedite the replacement of more than a mile of the Frontera pipeline, according to El Paso Water.

EPWater also says it proactively started replacing the Frontera mains in 2020. Beginning on

August 13, 2021, when the remediation work that began in 2020 was 60% complete, the utility

experienced multiple breaks to the Frontera main.



Additional breaks forced EPWater to make the difficult decision to divert wastewater to the Rio Grande during the time frame between August 2021 and January 2022 in order to prevent wastewater from inundating homes, businesses, streets and in an effort to protect the public health and safety of the community. Throughout that process, the utility maintained regular contact with the community and fully cooperated with regulatory agencies, the utility said.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTSM 9 News.
FILE - Groups of Rohingya Muslims cross the Naf river at the border between Myanmar and Bangladesh, near Palong Khali, Bangladesh, on Nov. 1, 2017. At least 150 civilians from Myanmars Muslim Rohingya minority may have been killed this week in an artillery and drone attack in the western state of Rakhine that is being blamed on the Arakan Army, a major force in the resistance to military rule.(AP Photo/Bernat Armangue)

BANGKOK (AP)  At least 150 civilians from Myanmars Muslim Rohingya minority may have been killed this week in an artillery and drone attack in the western state of Rakhine that survivors suspect was carried out by a major force in the resistance to military rule.

The Arakan Army, the military wing of the states Rakhine ethnic group, denied responsibility for the assault Monday on Rohingya trying to flee fierce fighting in Maungdaw town by crossing the Naf River into Bangladesh.

A statement issued Friday by an international medical assistance group, Doctors Without Borders, said that in the past week, it has been treating increasing numbers of Rohingya people with violence-related injuries who managed to cross the border into Bangladesh.

The statement said some patients "reported seeing people bombed while trying to find boats to cross the river into Bangladesh and escape the violence. Others described seeing hundreds of dead bodies on the riverbanks.

Two self-described survivors contacted by The Associated Press blamed the Arakan Army, as did Rohingya activists and Myanmar's military government. The attack, if confirmed, would be one of the deadliest involving civilians in the country's civil war.

Gruesome videos circulating on social media purport to show dozens of bodies of adults and children strewn along a road near the riverside.

Neither the video nor details of the attack can be easily verified due to tight restrictions on travel and ongoing combat in the area.

Pro-democracy guerrillas and ethnic minority armed forces have been attempting to oust the countrys military rulers since they seized power in 2021 from the elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi.

However, the fighting in Rakhine has raised fears of a revival of organized violence against members of the Rohingya minority.

In 2017, a military counter-insurgency campaign drove at least 740,000 members of their community to Bangladesh for safety. Almost all still remain there in overcrowded refugee camps, unable to return home because of the continuing instability.

Many Rohingya have lived in Myanmar for generations, but face widespread prejudice and are generally denied citizenship and other basic rights in the Buddhist-majority country.

The Arakan Army, seeking autonomy from Myanmars central government, began its Rakhine offensive in November and has gained control of nine of 17 townships, along with one in neighboring Chin state. It has been trying since June to seize the border town of Maungdaw.

It has been accused of major human rights violations before, particularly involving its capture of the town of Buthidaung in mid-May. It was accused of forcing its estimated 200,000 residents, largely Rohingyas, to leave, and then setting fire to most of the buildings there. The Arakan Army denied such allegations, though witnesses have described the groups actions to the AP and other media.

Allegations of abuses by the Arakan Army are controversial because the groups armed force has played a major role in winning battlefield victories for the resistance movement against military rule.

There is much credible evidence of atrocities carried out by the military governments forces, but reported abuses by resistance groups have minimal.

A 17-year-old Rohingya from Maungdaw who survived the artillery and drone attacks said that just after 6 p.m. Monday, he saw four drones flying from the southern part of Maungdaw toward the riverbank where about 1,000 Rohingya, including himself, were waiting for boats to cross into Bangladesh.

The man, speaking to the AP by phone Friday from Bangladesh on the condition of anonymity to protect his relatives remaining in Maungdaw, said he and other people jumped into the water as the drones dropped three bombs near where he and 12 of his family members had been standing.

Following the drone attack, about 20 artillery shells also hit the crowd, he said, and he estimated that about 150 people, including children and women, were killed in total, and many others wounded.

Unable to get any boat to cross into Bangladesh that night, he and his family returned to their village in Myanmar and went back to the riverbank around 5 p.m. Tuesday to try again. But fighting broke out at the site between military government soldiers  who were in civilian clothes  and the Arakan Army troops pursuing them.

He said the soldiers withdrew from the riverbank after an hour of fighting, but the Arakan Army troops shot Rohingya civilians remaining there at close range. He saw at least 20 Rohingya killed by them, and believes many others trapped in the crossfire also died.

He and just four family members managed to cross to Bangladesh, while eight others were missing in the aftermath of Tuesdays violence.

A 22-year-old Rohingya man who crossed into Bangladesh by boat just two hours after Mondays attack told the AP that he passed about 50-60 dead bodies before boarding the boat, and saw many injured people, including children, asking for water and help or looking for missing persons in the dark.

The man from Maung Ni village, who also spoke on the condition of anonymity for safety reasons, said 30 people including him and 11 family members were carried by a small boat into Bangladesh around 9 p.m. Monday. He said they were able to escape Friday and make their way into a refugee camp in Bangladesh.

Both men said they believed the Arakan Army was responsible for the attacks, which came from the direction of the group's encampment south of Maungdaw and resembled drone attacks the group has been making daily on the town itself, which is still held by troops of the military government. The Arakan Army also has a reputation for hostility toward the Rohingya community.

Friday's statement from Doctors Without Borders supported the dates, locations and type of wounds described in the two survivors' accounts.

It said that from Sunday to Wednesday, its teams in Bangladesh treated 39 people for violence-related injuries.

More than 40 percent were women and children, and many had mortar shell injuries and gunshot wounds," it said, noting that the numbers peaked on Tuesday, when 21 wounded people were treated.

The military, through Myanmars state-controlled press, also blamed the Arakan Army for attacking Rohingya civilians, an offense the military itself was accused of carrying out on a large scale in 2017.

A report Wednesday in the Global New Light of Myanmar newspaper claimed Arakan Army troops raped and killed Rohingya women and girls.

The Arakan Army, in a statement released Wednesday on the Telegram messaging app, denied carrying out Mondays attack. The group said it bore no responsibility for the deaths, which did not occur in an area under its control. The statement also expressed condolences.

It claimed that the military governments soldiers and local Muslims it said were fighting alongside them were preventing civilians from reaching safe locations.

The situation is especially complicated because the military government has been forcibly drafting Rohingya to serve on its side, while several armed Rohingya groups are widely reported to have abducted Rohingya men from refugee camps in Bangladesh to hand them over to serve in the army.
People mourn near the bodies of Palestinians who were killed in Israeli attack on the Al-Tabeen school which sheltering displaced Palestinians in Gaza City, at the al-Maamadani hospital. At least 100 people were killed and dozens more were wounded. Hadi Daoud/APA Images via ZUMA Press Wire/dpa

The EU's top diplomat, Josep Borrell, has said he is "horrified" after an Israeli airstrike hit a school sheltering residents in Gaza on Saturday, which Palestinian authorities said killed up to 100 people.

"At least 10 schools were targeted in the last weeks. Theres no justification for these massacres," he wrote on X.

"We are dismayed by the terrible overall death toll," he added, saying that more than 40,000 Palestinians have been killed since the war began in October.

The Palestinian health ministry, which is controlled by the militant Islamist group Hamas, puts the death toll in Gaza at more than 39,600. The figure does not distinguish between civilians and fighters and cannot be independently verified.

Israel has repeatedly said it attacks such facilities because its intelligence has revealed that Hamas operatives are hiding there, using civilians as shields.

Borrell said "a ceasefire is the only way to stop the killing of civilians and secure the hostages' release."

The EU diplomat also used the post to denounce Israel's far-right Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, who on Thursday lobbied against a ceasefire, telling Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu not to fall into a "dangerous trap" with a ceasefire deal.

Borrell condemned Smotrich's comments, saying they are "against the interest of the Israeli people."

People mourn near the bodies of Palestinians who were killed in Israeli attack on the Al-Tabeen school which sheltering displaced Palestinians in Gaza City, at the al-Maamadani hospital. At least 100 people were killed and dozens more were wounded. Hadi Daoud/APA Images via ZUMA Press Wire/dpa

People mourn near the bodies of Palestinians who were killed in Israeli attack on the Al-Tabeen school which sheltering displaced Palestinians in Gaza City, at the al-Maamadani hospital. At least 100 people were killed and dozens more were wounded. Hadi Daoud/APA Images via ZUMA Press Wire/dpa
EU's Chief diplomat Josep Borrell has reacted to the Russian strike on a shopping centre in the city of Kostiantynivka in Donetsk Oblast on 9 August, which resulted in over a dozen deaths.

Source: Borrell on Twitter (X), as reported by European Pravda

Details: Borrell noted that Russia had once again struck a civilian target with many people present.

Quote: "We support accountability for this and other Russian war crimes. Ukraine needs more military support now to protect its cities, civilians and infrastructure."

Russia again targeted Ukrainian civilians, attacking a busy shopping centre in Kostyantynivka, Donetsk region.



We support accountability for this and other Russian war crimes.



Ukraine needs more military support now to protect its cities, civilians and infrastructure.  Josep Borrell Fontelles (@JosepBorrellF) August 9, 2024

Background:

Dutch Defence Minister Ruben Brekelmans said that the Russian attack on a supermarket in Kostiantynivka is another reminder of why allies should support Ukraine.

On the afternoon of 9 August, Russian forces hit a supermarket in the town of Kostiantynivka in Donetsk Oblast with artillery, destroying a post office.

The latest reports indicate that 14 people were killed and over 40 injured.

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Evacuation notice issued for parts of Dorchester County due to rising flood risks along Edisto and Ashley Rivers

DORCHESTER COUNTY, S.C. (WCBD)  Dorchester County officials have issued an evacuation notice for some areas due to the Edisto River reaching record-breaking water levels.

The Edisto River has now surged to 17.04 feet, surpassing the 2015 flood level of 16.06 feet and the third-highest crest ever recorded, which was 17.0 feet on August 1, 1904. Storm Team 2 Meteorologist Jed Christoph said its beginning to close in on the all-time record of 17.5 feet set on February 1, 1925.

SEVERE FLOODING: Edisto and Ashley Rivers reach record-breaking flood levels

Both Edisto and Ashley Rivers are expected to continue rising, posing a potential threat to nearby communities. Residents should stay vigilant and prepare for potentially severe flooding.

Officials are urging residents in green areas to evacuate.

This major flooding is predicted to inundate the entire floodplain from Canadys to Highway 17. This is expected to cause extensive damage to homes and cabins throughout the area, and most river access roads are likely to become impassable. Additionally, travel will be impeded as portions of major roadways, including Parkers Ferry Road, Camp Buddy Road, and Wire Road, may be closed to traffic.

Shelter Information

In response to the widespread flooding, Dorchester County has opened St. George Middle School as a shelter for those in need. Residents requiring shelter can go to the following location:

St. George Middle School Address: 600 Minus St, St George, SC 29477

Summerville Community Seventh-Day Adventist Church Address: 520 Gahagan Rd, Summerville



What to Bring to the Shelter:

Important documents (insurance papers, medical records, etc.)

Medications and medical supplies

Bedding (blankets, pillows, sleeping bags)

Personal hygiene items (toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, etc.)

Food and water (non-perishable items)

Clothing and shoes

Flashlight with extra batteries

Childcare items (diapers, formula, toys, etc.)

Pet supplies (leash, carrier, food, water, and vaccination records)

Pet-Friendly Shelter Tips:

Bring Identification: Ensure your pet has a collar with an ID tag, and bring any relevant paperwork such as vaccination records.

Pack Essentials: Bring enough food, water, and medications to last several days. Dont forget bowls, leashes, and waste bags.

Comfort Items: Bring your pets favorite toys, bedding, and any other items that may help reduce their stress.

Health Needs: If your pet has special health requirements, make sure to bring any necessary supplies and instructions.

Safety First: Keep pets in carriers or on leashes while in the shelter to ensure their safety and the safety of others.

Key Actions for Residents

Stay Informed: Residents are encouraged to regularly check the latest river conditions through official sources. Links to monitor the Edisto River and Ashley River water levels are available on the countys website.

Emergency Preparedness: It is crucial for residents to have an emergency plan in place and to prepare essential items in case evacuation becomes necessary.

County Call Center: For assistance or further information, residents can contact the Dorchester County Call Center at (843) 832-0393.

Dorchester County officials emphasize that the safety and well-being of residents are their top priorities. They urge everyone in the affected areas to take proactive measures to protect themselves, their families, and their property.

With both rivers surpassing records, the situation is being closely watched by county officials.

Further updates will be provided as the situation develops. Residents are encouraged to follow Dorchester County on social media and visit the official county website for the latest information.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WCBD News 2.
Samuel Harris, the ex-boyfriend of slain Kennesaw State University student Alasia Franklin, was indicted by a Cobb County grand jury on Thursday on charges of malice murder and several other related charges.

Harris was accused of assaulting and murdering the 21-year-old Franklin at the KSU campus on May 18 and was arrested the same afternoon.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

According to the indictment, Harris is accused of murdering Franklin by shooting her to death at her dorm room on the afternoon of May 18.

In the days following Franklins murder, members of her family shared details about her connection to Harris.

RELATED STORIES:

Franklins mother, Alinda Fortner, previously told Channel 2 Action News Harris was her daughters ex-boyfriend and that he lived in Cairo, Ga., the familys hometown. Franklin and Harris had known each other since middle school.

Fortner told Channel 2 Cobb County Bureau Chief Michele Newell in May that the two had gone through a heated breakup in December but had agreed to remain friends.

Hes also been indicted for possessing a firearm while committing a felony, carrying a weapon on campus and tampering with evidence.

Harris is accused of altering and concealing evidence by taking Franklins cellphone, car and other items and leaving the scene, in order to obstruct his own apprehension and prosecution by members of law enforcement.

The grand jury indictment leveled charges of malice murder, felony murder, aggravated assault, possessing a firearm during commission of a felony, carrying a weapon within the school safety zone and tampering with evidence.

A trial date for Harris has not yet been set, according to court records, but the case will be overseen by Judge Julie Adams JAcobs in Cobb County Superior Court.

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The Cobb County grand jury last week indicted a man accused of killing his ex-girlfriend on the Kennesaw State University campus, according to court records.

Samuel El Harris, 21, was indicted on six charges, including felony murder, malice murder and aggravated assault, in the May 18 shooting that killed Alasia Franklin. Franklin, 21, was shot to death in front of the Austin Residence Complex on the south side of campus.

Harris initially fled the scene but was later arrested and accused of using a Glock 9mm handgun to shoot Franklin, according to police. Harris is from Cairo, a South Georgia town where Franklin went to high school. He was not a student at KSU.

According to court records, Harris was also indicted on charges of possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, carrying a weapon within a school area and tampering with evidence. Investigators believe he hid Franklins car and cellphone after the shooting, his indictment states.

Franklin had dreams of becoming a nurse after college and had made the Deans List, according to her family.

She was a special individual to everyone she encountered, her mother, Alinda Henderson-Fortner, told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution after her death. She was very humble, respectful, smart and beautiful inside and out.

Franklin served on the KSU homecoming court as a junior in October. She celebrated her 21st birthday a month later, her family said.

She was my oldest daughter. She was very smart and intelligent with a heart of gold, her father, Frederick Fain, told the AJC.

Harris remained late Friday in the Cobb jail, where he was being held without bond.

Franklins death came about three months after a nursing student was killed on the University of Georgia campus. Laken Riley was killed in February near the UGA intramural fields. Jose Antonio Ibarra has been indicted on several charges, including murder, in that case.

Ibarra is tentatively scheduled for trial in November.
Former Defense Secretary Mark Esper called on Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz (D), the Democratic vice presidential nominee, to clarify his military record amid Republican claims that Walz lied about the details of his service.

I think some of the attacks are without merit, Esper, who served under the Trump administration, said Friday afternoon on CNN. Some, I think, need [to be] clarified by Governor Walz. He should speak to it. The fact that its been going on for a few days now, in my view, means that he should just get out, speak to the issues.

Clarify where I think hes probably misspoken or people would say misled and clarify things, he added in the interview, highlighted by Mediaite. But get this off the table and get focus back on the bigger issues that are out there.

Walz, who served in the Minnesota National Guard for 24 years, retired months before his unit deployed to Iraq in 2006. He was running for Congress at the time.

Members of his unit have said that he retired before he knew they would be deployed, while others have said that he knew and abandoned them.

Tim Walz abandoned his fellow soldiers on the heels of their deployment to Iraq, said Rep. Brian Mast (R-Fla.), a combat veteran who served in Afghanistan. He chose Congress over combat. He is unfit to be anywhere near the commander-in-chief.

Walz has also faced criticism for speaking of his experience with weapons of war in combat while arguing for gun control in the U.S. The governor, tapped earlier this week to be Vice President Harriss running mate, never served in an active combat zone.

We can make sure those weapons of war, that I carried in war, are only carried in war, Walz said in a video released by the Harris campaign.

Republicans, led by former President Trumps running mate Sen. JD Vance (R-Ohio), have accused the Minnesota Democrat of stolen valor.

I wonder, Tim Walz, when were you ever in war? Vance, who also served in the military, said at a campaign stop in Michigan. He has not spent a day in a combat zone.  Id be ashamed if I was him and I lied about my military service like he did.

Since Espers remarks on CNN, a Harris-Walz campaign spokesperson has released a statement saying the governor misspoke.

In making the case for why weapons of war should never be on our streets or in our classrooms, the Governor misspoke, the spokesperson told The Hill in a statement. He did handle weapons of war and believes strongly that only military members trained to carry those deadly weapons should have access to them, unlike Donald Trump and JD Vance who prioritize the gun lobby over our children.

Republicans have also attacked Walz for claiming a higher rank in the National Guard than he actually achieved. In Congress, Walz said he was the highest-ranked enlisted soldier ever elected.

I proudly served 20 years in the U.S. Navy, with multiple deployments to Afghanistan and Iraq  retired as a Master Chief, Rep. Tony Gonzales (R-Texas), a Navy veteran, said in a post on the social platform X. Yes, that makes me the highest ranked enlisted service member to EVER serve in Congress. A claim Gov. Walz has falsely paraded around. Its important to call out DISHONESTY. Tim Walz should immediately be WITHDRAWN as the Vice President Nominee.

Walz says he is a command sergeant major, which is a rank that he provisionally reached. However, he never completed related assessments so he retired as a sergeant major.

The Minnesota National Guard has said that it is accurate to say Walz served as a command sergeant major, but it is incorrect to list that he retired as one, per CBS.

According to Politico, the Harris campaign has since updated Walzs biography on their website to reflect the difference.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Former YouTube CEO Susan Wojcicki died Friday, aged 56, after living for two years with non-small cell lung cancer, her family announced.

It is with profound sadness that I share the news of Susan Wojcicki passing, her husband Dennis Troper said on Facebook. Susan was not just my best friend and partner in life, but a brilliant mind, a loving mother, and a dear friend to many.

Her impact on our family and the world was immeasurable. We are heartbroken, but grateful for the time we had with her. Please keep our family in your thoughts as we navigate this difficult time.

Susan Wojcicki and husband Dennis Troper. C Flanigan

Wojcicki was akin to Silicon Valley royalty as one of the first employees hired by Google founders Larry Page and Sergey Brin. Her sister, Anne Wojcicki, was the founder and CEO of 23andMe, and married to Brin from 2007-2015.

It was Wojcicki who recommended that Google acquire YouTube, which was eventually purchased for $1.65 billion.

She became YouTube CEO in 2014, a position she held for nine years, and was named one of Time Magazines 100 most influential people in 2015.

In February this year, Wojcickis 19-year-old son, Marco Troper, was found dead in his dorm room at the University of California, Berkeley.

Son of Former YouTube CEO Found Dead in Dorm

SFGATE reported that he died of an overdose having consumed a high amount of alprazolam (the key drug in Xanax), as well as cocaine, amphetamine, and the antihistamine hydroxyzine.

Wojcicki and her husband Dennis Troper married in 1998 and had five children.

Google CEO Sundar Pichai paid tribute to Wojcicki on X, calling her an incredible leader.

Unbelievably saddened by the loss of my dear friend (Susan Wojcicki) after two years of living with cancer, Pichai said in a statement on X. She is as core to the history of Google as anyone, and its hard to imagine the world without her.

She was an incredible person, leader and friend who had a tremendous impact on the world and Im one of countless Googlers who is better for knowing her. We will miss her dearly.

Read more at The Daily Beast.

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Parts of Port-au-Prince are showing signs of life again: On the once-desolate Boulevard Toussaint Louverture, a young couple could be seen hugging one recent afternoon. Down the street, a group of men danced as Bob Marleys One Love came on the radio.

A few months ago, walking down this main artery in Haitis capital was inconceivable; a loose alliance of gangs was rampaging, kidnapping civilians, blocking shipments of food and water, and battling the Haitian National Police block by block. Since the arrival in late June of a foreign police force known as the Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission, criminal attacks here have slowed.

But in red zones across the city and beyond, a new war is just beginning, as gangs test the still-forming MSS. Haitians and the missions backers in Washington are watching closely for signs of weakness.

Kenyan police and Haitian civilians on the street in Port-au-Prince. - Evelio Contreras/CNN

CNN gained access to the mission last week, the first media in the world to do so. A night patrol with troops from Kenya, which is leading the MSS, highlighted their fraught assignment, tens of thousands of miles away from home.

Rolling through downtown Port-au-Prince, the armored convoy came under intense fire in the dark. Inside one vehicle, the stifling metal cabin was quiet, except for the bullets rattling angrily at reinforced windows and doors. A Kenyan officer brushed it off as mere rain typical of a patrol in Port-au-Prince, but later took careful note of the close-range pocks and thick cracks left behind.

None of the troops returned fire; they could not  their vehicles had been delivered to Haiti without turrets from which to shoot. Making painfully slow three  and four, and five  point turns on the narrow street, the hulking fighting vehicles retreated under an echoing onslaught.

The next day, a Kenyan officer would become the missions first injury, struck in the arm as he attempted to shoot out of a half-open loading panel during a gang attack on a grain delivery truck.

Security experts panned the maneuver as unprofessional; Kenyan troops say its the only option with the equipment they currently have.

The arrival of the Kenyans has created expectations

This mission was debated for years before it came into being.

Since at least 2022, Haitis neighbors have agonized openly over the spread of insurgent armed groups in the Caribbean nation. Responding with force became the only obvious option in March, when a series of coordinated gang attacks on government buildings and prisons forced the Haitian government to dissolve  threatening a state of anarchy just two hours from the Florida coast.

Thats how Garry Conille  a Haitian doctor, former regional director for the United Nations childrens agency, UNICEF, and self-described non-political person  ended up in charge of solving the crisis. Regional bloc CARICOM orchestrated the creation of a transitional governing council for Haiti, which in turn appointed Conille as interim prime minister in May.

CNN met with Conille in the grounds of the gang-destroyed State University of Haiti Hospital in downtown Port-au-Prince, its shattered windows and abandoned buildings chosen by his team as a clear symbol of the citys ruin  and one of personal significance to the prime minister, who trained there as a young doctor.

In a rare interview, Conille summarized the situation with the ready statistics of a career humanitarian: Over 85% of the Port-au-Prince metropolitan area is under gang control; around 600,000 people have been forced to flee their homes; some 2 million people live in fear of being raped or killed in their households, he estimated.

In other words, the MSS mission has no time to lose.

People are living in under very bad circumstances. So, they want to see action. They want to see movement, Conille said.

Public confidence in the missions ability to restore security is key to rebuild the Haitian state, says Conille, who works the phones every single day to expedite the delivery of hundreds of millions in funds and equipment pledged to the MSS by international donors. It needs to come faster, he says.

The arrival of the Kenyans has created expectations, and we need to meet this expectation or the whole system crumbles, including the credibility of the transitional government, he explained as we walked through piles of trash, abandoned prosthetics, and wrecked electrical generators.

The concern is: Will we get the amount of resources we need so that this force can be deployed as quickly as possible, and that we can see in the next few weeks and months? said Conille.

My anticipation is that political interests will begin to use the sentiment of inertia or the lack of movement to mobilize frustration of population and destabilize what is still a very fragile consensus.

Inside the MSS base

The creation of the MSS base is itself was an achievement. In just months, empty lots next to Port-au-Princes Toussaint Louverture International Airport have transformed from a battle zone to a bustling little town of men in camouflage.

Private security guards arrived first, camping under the wings of old aircraft as they secured the area. Then a wave of private contractors were brought in, working around the clock to build access roads and helipads, a gleaming mess hall, expansive field hospital, long domed tents for offices and barracks, and even a laundry room, where laminated signs warn against throwing body armor in the dryer.

A monumental reminder of the rush with which it all came together, a passenger jet from the now-defunct Planet Airways still sits rusting onsite  there was no time to move it before the first deployment of Kenyans arrived.

Four hundred Kenyan police live here, many of them selected from special units and border police. They are the vanguard of a force that could soon grow to 2,500 strong, with more troops expected from Jamaica, Benin, Chad, the Bahamas, Bangladesh, Barbados and Belize.

This mission is designed to break the mold; unlike previous peacekeeping missions in Haiti, the MSS is independent of the United Nations. Largely funded by the United States, along with France and Canada, it will consist mostly of police rather than militaries, and is mandated to bolster Haitian National Police operations rather than sideline them  hence the word support in the missions official name (though locals refer to the MSS as simply the Kenyans.)

MSS Commander Godfrey Otunge, a top police official from Kenya with experience as far-flung as South Korea, Italy, and India, says hes been making decisions jointly with the new director general of the Haitian National Police Rameau Normil. He is like my brother, like my relative, he told CNN.

Previous missions, if you look at it critically, were given independence in terms of operations. But this mission is designed to support the Haitian police so that by the end of the mission, the Haitian National Police will maintain that capacity and capability to sustain the fight, Otunge told CNN. (Normil declined CNNs request for an interview.)

Kenyan police are no strangers to allegations of human rights abuses, but theyre putting in guardrails to avoid the scandals of previous missions in Haiti, including allegations of sexual exploitation and the 2010 introduction of cholera by UN peacekeepers. On a tour of the base, Otunge highlighted its sanitation system and handwashing facilities. Troops are not allowed to leave the base during off-hours.

With the mission still in phase one of its deployment, Otunge says its a good sign that his men are already able to perform patrols to establish a public presence, while waiting to reach full strength.

Once we now reach the full operational capability of the mission, there will be nothing to worry about in the issue of gangs in this country, he says.

Otunges confidence is infectious. No wonder his officers pooh-pooh Haitis gangs as amateurs compared to their previous foes, like Al Shabaab  though the al Qaeda affiliate hasnt been entirely vanquished back home in Kenya.

Managing expectations

Perceptions are everything in this critical period, security experts in the US and Haiti tell CNN.

Several expressed worry that the mission is already struggling to live up to expectations abroad, with viral videos by local journalists in Port-au-Prince showing Haitian and Kenyan police handling some engagements ham-handedly and shouting at each other in apparent frustration.

Tactical victories are hoped to help validate foreign governments commitments to the MSS, and even persuade more international partners to open their purses. According to a July 30 press conference by Normil, the police chief, over 100 alleged gang members have been stopped  an apparent euphemism for killed  in exchanges of fire with police and an additional 65 arrested in recent operations.

Still, those kinds of numbers barely begin to address the scale of crime and impunity in the Port-au-Prince area.

Last week, a gang raided a boarding school for deaf children, the Institut Monfort, in the western outskirts of the capital. The attack scattered the nuns who work there and 47 of their charges into the night, forcing them to shelter with other religious organizations across the city, according to Sister Lamercie Estinfort.

We were all sleeping, the children were in their beds, when we heard them attacking, Estinfort told CNN, bursting into tears as she recounted watching the gang through the window as they stole animals from the school farm, vandalized classrooms, and terrorized children in their dormitory.

The kids could not stop crying. The gang screamed at them and made them lie on the floor and threatened to shoot them if they didnt stop crying, but our kids couldnt understand anything that was happening. They are deaf.

No one came to help, she said  not the police, and not the MSS forces. She and the children are now among the hundreds of thousands of Haitians made homeless by gang attacks.

The incident is one of several fueling fears that as the MSS settles into Port-au-Prince, criminal groups are now shifting their focus to the citys outskirts.

An MSS spokesperson said they were not called to respond to the incident, and Haitian National Police did not respond to request for comment.

Further west, in the town of Ganthier, a joint response last week by Haitian National Police and MSS forces to an assault by the gang 400 Mawozo was touted as a victory, but has proven inconclusive, with the group still attacking in the area.

Im waiting to see a real operation, a muscular operation, one off-duty Haitian police officer told CNN when asked about the MSS.

Im even waiting for orders myself, to hear the order: Its time to dismantle Barbeque. To dismantle Lanmo Sanjou. To dismantle Izo. To dismantle Chen Mechan, he said listing the nicknames of notorious Port-au-Prince gang bosses.

Breakfast with the US ambassador

The Biden administration is by far the missions biggest backer, pledging at least $380 million. It is following progress on the ground closely. Stopping by the MSS base last week, quiet-spoken US Ambassador to Haiti Dennis Hankins told CNN hes been hosting breakfast for the Kenyan top brass on the weekends, frying up omelets and French toast himself.

Hankins promises that more equipment is on the way, but argues the MSS has already had a powerful psychological impact.

Market sellers in Port-au-Prince told CNN that business is down amid the insecurity, and that they are eager to see action from the MSS. - Evelio Contreras/CNN

When I arrived in Haiti four months ago, I had to come in by helicopter, because the gangs had attacked the airport. The city was essentially under siege. And there were realistic concerns that the security forces would collapse totally, and that we might by now have a de facto President Barbecue, Hankins says, referring to one of the most outspoken gang leaders in the city.

So, if you move forward four months, huge political progress, huge security progress. A lot of challenges ahead and certainly no guarantees of the future. But were just in a much better place than when I arrived.

And its not just about what the Haitian public and funders think, he says. In addition to material support, the symbolism of the MSS and its gleaming base also sends an important message to Haitis police that the world is with them. And that could make a difference in their operations, Hankins suggests.

As soon as you get confidence and at least some equipment for the security forces, the gangs tend to back off  half the gang members are kids. They dont have military training.

Kenyan police at the MSS base in Port-au-Prince. - Evelio Contreras/CNN

The list of what remains to be done is long and complicated. The mission aims to establish forward operating bases, including in the volatile Artibonite region, an agricultural powerhouse in central Haiti, to eventually defend territory seized from the gangs. The Haitian Justice Department is looking into possible mobile courts to speedily process arrested gang members, in a country where many prisoners have never seen a judge.

Prisons must be built  there isnt space to put all the gang members that the MSS hopes to arrest. And the countrys child protection agency IBESR and UNICEF just signed a protocol for handling children affiliated with armed groups, who are estimated by the Haitian government to make up 30% to 50% of the gangs ranks.

But first, MSS troops say they need the basics  like turrets for their vehicles.

As Haiti becomes once again a laboratory for international intervention, its gangs are waiting and watching. Some have called for dialogue, offering a potential avenue toward a negotiated peace, which Conille has not ruled out. Others have already thrown down the gauntlet, posting videos on social media of fresh weapons shipments smuggled into the country, and ceiling-high stacks of ammunition.

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Executions surge as Iran uses Israel tensions as cover for crackdown at home

Reza Resaei was hanged in Iran on Tuesday as the regime cracked down on dissent - Amnesty

Iran has executed a record number of prisoners while global attention has been focused on the prospect it may go to war with Israel.

Human rights observers say the Islamic Republic is using international tensions as cover while it cracks down on dissent at home.

On Wednesday, the regime carried out its largest mass execution in more than two decades, putting 29 prisoners to death in a single day.

One day earlier, Reza Resaei, a young Kurdish-Iranian protester arrested during demonstrations in 2022, was hanged in the western city of Kermanshah.

The 34-year-old was the tenth protester to be executed over the uprising sparked by the death in custody of Mahsa Amini, a 22 year-old detained by morality police for supposedly not wearing a hijab in September 2022.

Resaei was alleged to have killed an officer during the subsequent protests. His family, who maintain his innocence, were denied a final visit before his execution, which was carried out in secret.

[Resaei] was the most voiceless of those executed. The EU and other countries did not protest his execution a lot because the attention is elsewhere, said Mansoura Shojaee, an Iranian womens rights researcher and activist in the Netherlands.

While global and domestic media attention have been focused on regional tensions with Israel, the Iranian authorities have carried out the abhorrent arbitrary execution in secret of a young man, said Diana Eltahawy of Amnesty International.

According to Amnesty, Rasaei was subjected to torture and other ill-treatment, including sexual violence, then sentenced to death in a sham trial.

Shocking

Ms Shojaee said the surge in the number of executions in recent days has shocked Iranian human rights activists.

For the first time in the recent social movements in Iran, we have four imprisoned women activists who are sentenced to death, she said.

She said the regime had diverted the peoples attention to war and a foreign enemy to carry out more executions  just like they did in the 1980s.

This distraction is precisely what the regime seeks, to further suppress domestic dissent, she added, referring to the escalating crisis in Iran-Israel relations.

Assassination of Haniyeh

Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Irans supreme leader, has vowed to severely punish Israel for the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh on Iranian soil.

Israeli and Western officials expect an attack in the coming days, carried out either by Iran or its Lebanon-based proxy group, Hezbollah.

Meanwhile, in Iran, executions surge. The United Nations has reported 345 so far this year, including 15 women.

Ali Fadavi, a Revolutionary Guards commander, prays at a ceremony for Ismail Haniyeh, the Hamas leader killed in Tehran - Morteza Nikoubazl/Shutterstock

Activists believe the actual number is significantly higher, as many families are forced to remain silent by pressure from the regime.

The executions sparked protests in the womens ward of the notorious Evin prison in Tehran, leading to clashes between officers and inmates. Several prisoners were severely injured.

Among the victims was Narges Mohammadi, the imprisoned 2023 Nobel Peace Prize winner.

According to her family, she was repeatedly punched in the chest by male military and security guards, causing her to faint.

Israeli spies

Irans Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and ministry of intelligence have also launched a widespread operation to track down Israeli spies, according to an official of the IRGC who spoke to The Telegraph.

They are summoning so many individuals from various sectors of the [IRGC] and the ministry of intelligence for questioning, he said. They are very angry.

I heard one of the commanders say they plan to ransack every single part of both entities, the IRGC official added.

According to the official, ten days after the killing [of Haniyeh], top commanders are still in shock. No one anticipated such a high-profile assassination inside Iran.

The level of mistrust among officials is huge, he added. I havent seen such a situation in a while.

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A worker returns voting machines to storage at the Fulton County Election preparation center in Atlanta, Ga. (John Bazemore / Associated Press)

A federal grand jury in Miami has charged the co-founder of Smartmatic, a voting machine maker that is separately suing Fox News for defamation, with paying $1 million in bribe payments to officials in the Philippines.

The indictment announced Thursday by the Justice Department said Smartmatic President Roger Pinate and two other employees allegedly made illegal payments to a former Philippines elections commissioner in order to get its voting machines and services used in the country's 2016 election.

The department said the payments were funded by a slush fund the executives created by inflating the cost of the voting machines. The money was allegedly laundered through bank accounts in Asia, Europe and the U.S.

Read more: Voting software company sues Newsmax and OAN over false election reporting

Pinate, a Venezuelan citizen, Smartmatic executive Jorge Vasquez and former executive Elie Moreno are each charged with one count of conspiracy to violate the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, which forbids corporate bribery abroad.

Boca Raton, Fla.-based Smartmatic is currently waging defamation suits against Fox News and its smaller competitor Newsmax. The company said the conservative networks aired false statements about its machines being used to commit voter fraud during the 2020 presidential election, charges that were pushed by former President Trump and his allies.

Read more: Voting software maker Smartmatic sues Fox News and its anchors for $2.7 billion

Smartmatic's services were only used in Los Angeles County during the 2020 presidential contest, not in any of the states where Trump said voter fraud was committed.

The firm's case against Newsmax is scheduled for a Delaware trial in September. The case against Fox News, in which Smartmatic is asking for $2.7 billion in damages, would go to court next year in New York unless it's settled.

In a statment, Smartmatic said it had placed the two indicted current employees on leaves of absence, effective immediately. The company also noted that the case has nothing to do with voter fraud.

No voter fraud has been alleged and Smartmatic is not indicted, the company said. Voters worldwide must be assured that the elections they participate in are conducted with the utmost integrity and transparency.

Still, Fox News is likely to cite the Justice Department indictment in defense of its case. Fox News had no comment on the matter. We look forward to defending our case in court, a representative said.



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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
A new experimental US Air Force bomb can sink warships, but the question is if it's the right weapon for a war with China

The US military recently tested its experimental QUICKSINK weapon that's designed to sink warships.

The munition gives the US Air Force more strike options in the maritime domain.

But it may not be the right weapon to take on China's increasingly capable navy in a Pacific fight.

A US Air Force B-2 Spirit stealth bomber recently used a new anti-ship weapon to sink a decommissioned warship in the Pacific and a cargo ship off the coast of Florida.

The US military hails this experimental weapon, called QUICKSINK, as a low-cost way to defeat surface vessels that gives American forces more strike options in the maritime domain.

However, in a potential future clash between the US and China in the Pacific, this weapon may not be the ideal munition to take on Beijing's growing fleet of increasingly modern and capable surface combatants.

The weapon isn't standoff and can't be launched from great distances, which would potentially make the American bombers dropping it vulnerable to enemy sea- and land-based air defenses.

A low-cost strike option

The Air Force has long lacked sufficient anti-ship capabilities due to its focus on land-attack missions, and experts say the QUICKSINK program underscores the service's intention to enter the sea-denial space.

A US Air Force B-2 Spirt receives fuel from a KC-135 Stratotanker in the sky over northwest Missouri in August 2018. US Air National Guard photo by Senior Master Sgt. Vincent De Groot

This experimental weapon was first tested a few years ago and most recently in a pair of tests in July, one during a series of live-fire drills off the coast of Hawaii last month and another in the Gulf of Mexico. The weapon's development comes amid a broader, military-wide effort to pursue anti-ship capabilities.

QUICKSINK pairs existing Joint Direct Attack Munition guidance kits with new seeker technology that allows the weapon to target stationary and moving targets  like ships  with precision. According to the Air Force Research Laboratory, the goal is to replicate the combat potential of a submarine with an aircraft that can cover a much larger area.

QUICKSINK undoubtedly gives the US military more strike options in the maritime domain at a lower cost, and the new bomb's development appears to address the military's growing concerns about China's substantial and increasingly capable naval forces. If Washington and Beijing were to ever go to war, anti-ship capabilities would probably play a critical role.

Before QUICKSINK, Chinese forces at sea would mainly have to worry about the threat of a nearby aircraft carrier, surface combatant, or submarine, Bryan Clark, a former US Navy officer and defense expert at the Hudson Institute, told Business Insider. Now, Beijing has to think about the possibility of being attacked by US bombers, too.

Even if there aren't any "naval forces around," he said, the Chinese navy "might still be under threat from Air Force bombers that can essentially range globally."

A US F-15E Strike Eagle with modified 2,000-pound munitions during a 2022 QUICKSINK test. US Air Force/1st Lt. Lindsey Heflin

But there are risks. In a conflict, experts say that QUICKSINK  and the aircraft launching it  would still be vulnerable to defeat. That's because China maintains a significant air-defense network along its coastal areas, and has modern destroyers and cruisers with sophisticated surface-to-air missile systems that could extend this shield.

"QUICKSINK is a short-range, 'direct attack' weapon, which means their launching aircraft must release them in fairly close proximity to their designated targets," Mark Gunzinger, a retired Air Force colonel who flew the B-52 Stratofortress, told BI.

That proximity "can significantly increase risk to fighters and bombers  even stealthy aircraft  that use them to attack targets equipped with modern air defenses, such as [People's Liberation Army] surface action groups, or amphibious ships operating in areas that are covered by highly capable integrated air-defense systems," he said.

QUICKSINK reportedly has a range of around 15 miles, and experts say it lacks the maneuverability and survivability features necessary to evade Chinese air defenses, though an intercept may still be challenging given the nature of the weapon. A bigger potential problem is that at that range, air defenses could easily target a US bomber, creating an incredibly unideal situation for American pilots.

Building up anti-ship capabilities

There are still situations where QUICKSINK could be quite effective. For instance, out in the open ocean, a US bomber could target a small Chinese surface action group with limited air defenses that could be overwhelmed and neutralized, Clark said. Less protected supply and support ships could also be potential targets for the weapon.

The Chinese Type 055 guided-missile destroyer Nanchang sails in the Western Pacific. Sun Zifa/China News Service via Getty Images

"It's an important tool in the toolkit," Clark said, explaining that it makes sense for the Air Force to pursue the capability since it's an inexpensive adaptation of an existing weapon and there are not any additional costs needed to buy or modify aircraft.

The weapon "seems like a pretty low-cost way to create another avenue of threat for Chinese naval forces to consider," he said.

QUICKSINK is not the only initiative indicative of the Air Force's desire to increase its maritime strike capabilities.

Gunzinger, the director of future concepts and capability assessments at the Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies, said the Air Force is also trying to acquire as many of the Long-Range Anti-Ship Missile, or LRASM, as possible.

The Navy says that the LRASM is a "precise, stealthy, and survivable cruise missile" capable of offensive anti-surface warfare. This particular missile is the ideal air-launched weapon for maritime warfare, but it's rather costly at over $3 million a piece.

The Air Force remains interested in developing more affordable munitions for maritime strikes. And while QUICKSINK fits some of the criteria, it ultimately lacks some of the characteristics that would otherwise make it a front-running weapon of choice in battle.

"QUICKSINK could be another arrow in the Air Force's quiver of anti-ship munitions," Gunzinger said. "But it is unlikely to become its mainstay weapon for maritime strikes in contested operational environments."

Read the original article on Business Insider
Experts concerned after 'insidious' oil and gas ad campaigns take over train stations: 'Some of the world's top polluters'

Oil and gas energy companies have been buying up ads throughout London's public transit systems, sparking ire over their attempts to influence politicians.

What's happening?

Environmental news site DeSmog reported on the campaigns. According to its findings, the public Transport for London (TfL) network has displayed over 240 advertising campaigns from major oil and gas companies since Mayor Sadiq Khan established "zero carbon city" goals in 2018. That number more than quintuples when including energy suppliers that still use fossil fuels in their offerings.

What's more, the ads were concentrated in Westminster and St. James's Park underground stations, which are frequented by politicians, government workers, and political advisors, DeSmog reports.

This comes at a time when oil and gas companies are already being monitored for their misleading advertising, including many greenwashing campaigns that suggest oil is "low carbon" or that clean energy is a higher priority for the companies than it truly is.

"Many in the fossil fuel industry have shamelessly greenwashed, even as they have sought to delay climate action  with lobbying, legal threats, and massive ad campaigns," DeSmog quoted U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.

Earlier this summer, Guterres had called for a global ban on fossil fuel advertising, saying that the advertising and PR companies were "enablers to planetary destruction."

Why is this advertising harmful?

"These campaigns definitely have an effect on politicians," Nicholas Cosburn, a former parliamentary assistant, told DeSmog. "I think being able to advertise in Westminster station is as close as you can get to being able to advertise in Parliament itself."

"There's no doubt that advertising has an impact on people's behaviour, on the image of companies, and has the ability to directly affect decision makers like me," agreed former London Assembly Member (and recent Member of Parliament electee) Sian Berry, who labeled the campaigns as "insidious."

Even if the ads don't sway politicians  and nobody can prove if they do or do not  other environmental advocates are concerned about the messaging it conveys to voters.

"TfL risks its climate commitments being completely derailed by the fossil fuel promo soaking its network," DeSmog quoted Veronica Wignall of Adfree Cities. "Continuing to allow the fossil fuel industry to broadcast across London's tubes, buses, and billboards undermines the Mayor's climate goals by allowing some of the world's top polluters to garner public and political support. This support then translates into delayed action, diluted regulation, and more emissions."

What's being done about these ads?

Opponents of the ads are arguing that Mayor Khan has already established a precedent for banning harmful campaigns, pointing to his decision to restrict advertising for certain unhealthy foods in 2019. A subsequent government study showed that the caloric intake of those foods in London dropped significantly the following year.

Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
Nothing like a tree falling on your house to remind you how badly Texas leaders have botched immigration policy.

You think its unrelated? Stay with me.

As I sit in what used to be my bedroom staring up at the sky through the three gaping holes in my roof, Im struck by just how much money Gov. Greg Abbott and his cronies have dumped into his reckless, racist border policy regime, Operation Lone Star. In just three years, Texas has spent more than $11 billion to prop up OLS and its made-for-TV stunts.

To put that in perspective, Texas has spent in just three years almost 14 times what CenterPoint Energy spent on the mobile generators left unused during last month's Hurricane Beryl.

Fallen trees still on homes, families still without power

May 28, 2024 - A tree rests on the roof of the home of attorney Jennefer Canales-Pelaez.

Its hard not to look at my city of Houston  with storm debris piling up higher and higher from the May 16 storm that has not been removed, fallen trees still on homes, families still without power  and not feel deep, seething anger at how our leaders have left us to fend for ourselves.

Operation Lone Star began in March 2021, a month after Winter Storm Uri. Hundreds of Texans died during that storm, which nearly took down our electric grid and caused $195 billion in damage.

Yet, there wasnt a multibillion dollar, whole-of-government effort to fix the grid and make our communities whole again. Instead, we watched our leaders shift billions in utilities Uri debt onto consumers and funnel billions more of our taxpayer dollars into an unaccountable, unconstitutional border policy regime that has terrorized our communities without improving public safety.

If Gov. Abbott gets his way, dogcatchers will be able to detain suspected migrants in Texas

Three years and countless extreme weather events later, Hurricane Beryl hit Harris County, which encompasses Houston. I hoped the governor would be moved by video footage of his fellow Texans struggling to recover. I hoped he would be persuaded to send even a fraction of the OLS-earmarked funds to help my neighbors and me recover.

I hoped he would direct the Texas National Guard to help with recovery efforts, as they have in the past. But suffering seems to be a trademark of Abbotts administration. OLS continues to bleed state resources, all while the legitimate needs of Texans remain unmet. As of the writing of this column, thousands remain without power weeks after Beryl made landfall.

Wouldn't it be great if Gov. Abbott helped Texas recover?

Cars are submerged in floodwaters after Hurricane Beryl hit Houston on July 8, 2024.

I thought about all this after Beryl knocked power out in my neighborhood and I sat in my dark, hot and damaged house, sweaty and pissed off in solidarity with my community.

Wouldnt it be great if Gov. Abbott took the climate crisis seriously, helped Houston prepare for extreme storms and dedicated even a fraction of the billions in funding OLS to help us recover?

It would have been nice to have the National Guard deployed to help the millions affected by these storms. Gov. Abbott is quick to deploy them to the border for a manufactured crisis but apparently not for Houstonians facing a real crisis.

Climate change threatens American lives: Extreme heat is causing patients to suffer  and die. Trump Republicans don't care.

Since compassion and humanity are in short supply in the Texas Capitol, heres an example of how being kind can actually pay dividends.

As I surveyed the damage to my house, I became overwhelmed and did not know where to turn. However, within hours of the tree falling, community members descended upon my home to help remove the tree, tarp up my roof and clean the water damage.

Opinion alerts: Get columns from your favorite columnists + expert analysis on top issues, delivered straight to your device through the USA TODAY app. Don't have the app? Download it for free from your app store.

I remembered that a former client of mine, a woman whose immigration case I worked on, owned a contracting company. My former client is a brave woman who didnt let bigotry and the complicated mess of our immigration system get her down.

The entire time I represented her, I was amazed by her grace, her compassion and humanity toward me. Compassion and humanity guided our relationship until she no longer needed my services.

Jennefer Canales-Pelaez is the Texas policy attorney and strategist for the Immigrant Legal Resource Center.

Within hours of reaching out to her company, she personally assessed the damage and lent me her companys services. I sat in amazement as she explained the regulations she would abide by during the repairs. It felt so surreal to sit across from her in my damaged home as she confidently spoke in contractor talk. She asked me if I understood, a question that I had constantly asked her while we navigated the broken immigration system together.

Here was my symbol to persevere, to continue to fight against Operation Lone Star and protect the communities that Gov. Abbott sees as the enemy. Because its us, the community, that keeps us safe.

Jennefer Canales-Pelaez, a Houston resident, is the Texas policy attorney and strategist for the Immigrant Legal Resource Center, a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving immigration law and policy and advancing immigrant rights.

You can read diverse opinions from our USA TODAY columnists and other writers on the Opinion front page, on X, formerly Twitter, @usatodayopinion and in our Opinion newsletter.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Abbott puts border policy ahead of helping Texas recover from storms
ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC)  The Department of Recreation and Human Services in Rochester hosted a fair on Saturday to inform the community about the opportunities available in the Citys Flower City AmeriCorps program at its first ever Educational Community Fair at the Edgerton Recreation Center on Backus Street in Rochester.

Flower City AmeriCorps prepares the next wave of public health and human service professionals for a meaningful career by providing them with the information, skills and experience needed to succeed.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to RochesterFirst.
ODESSA, Texas (KMID/KPEJ)  Odessa Fire Rescue made some promotions at its badge pinning ceremony on Friday, moving more than 25 people up to the next rank in their career.

Feels good but gotta keep working, gotta keep pushing past paramedics and whatevers next, said Alex Villanueva, a future OFR paramedic.

A packed crowd at the Texas Tech Health Science Center on Friday, cheering on Odessas firefighters and paramedics. OFR held the badge pinning ceremony at the Science Centers campus so friends and families of the brave first responders could enjoy the ceremony with air conditioning, rather than dealing with the summer heat.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Yourbasin.
Merseyside Police previously confirmed that Bebe King, 6, Elsie Dot Stancombe, 7, and Alice Dasilva Aguiar, 9, were killed in the July 29 incident

PETER POWELL/AFP via Getty Floral tributes are left for the victims of a deadly knife attack in Southport, northwest England, on July 31, 2024. Violent clashes broke out in the northern England town where a mass stabbing at a Taylor Swift-themed dance event claimed the lives of three children.

The family of 6-year-old Bebe King  who was killed alongside two other children in the July 29 deadly stabbing at a Taylor Swift-themed yoga and dance class in Southport, England  are speaking out.

In a statement from Merseyside Police on behalf of Kings parents, Lauren and Ben King, that was obtained by PEOPLE, the couple and their nine-year-old daughter Genie paid tribute to Bebe, whom they described as full of joy, light and love.

On Monday, the 29th of July, our world was shattered by the loss of our precious daughter, Bebe. Along with two other beautiful souls, Elsie [Dot Stancombe] and Alice [Dasilva Aguilar], she was taken from us in an unimaginable act of violence that has left our hearts broken beyond repair, Bebe's family wrote.

They added, Our beloved Bebe, only six years old, was full of joy, light and love, and she will always remain in our hearts as the sweet, kind, and spirited girl we adore.

King Family A photo of Bebe King, 6, shared by her family.

Related: All Children Injured in Mass Stabbing at Taylor Swift Themed-Event Released from Hospital

The family went on to praise "the outpouring of love and support from our community and beyond," describing it as "a source of incredible comfort during this unimaginably difficult time. From the pink lights illuminating Sefton and Liverpool, to the pink bows, flowers, balloons, cards, and candles left in her memory, we have been overwhelmed by the kindness and compassion shown to our family."

They added, "The response from Southport, the whole of Liverpool, and even further afield has deeply touched our hearts, and we are so grateful to everyone who has reached out to us."

The statement went on to "acknowledge" their older daughter Genie, who witnessed the attack and managed to escape.

"She has shown such incredible strength and courage, and we are so proud of her. Her resilience is a testament to the love and bond she shared with her little sister, and we will continue to support her as we navigate this painful journey together as a family," the family said.

"Our thoughts are also with everyone else involved in this tragedy and all those who were injured. We hope that they find strength and healing in the days ahead," they wrote, adding to children who witnessed the incident: "We send our love and hope that they too can begin to heal, surrounded by the care and support of those who love them."

The family also thanked the emergency services and "our community, friends, and strangers who have shown us such love," adding that they were thinking of the families of 7-year-old Elsie and 9-year-old Alice, who were also killed in the incident.

Courtesy of Merseyside Police A photo of Elsie Dot Stancombe, Bebe King and Alice Dasilva Aguiar, who were killed in an attack at a Taylor Swift-themed dance and yoga class.

Related: 'Always Our Princess:' Child Victims of Southport Stabbing at Taylor Swift-Themed Event Identified

Our hearts are broken, but we find some comfort in knowing that Bebe was so deeply loved by all who knew her. She will forever be our shimmering star, and we will carry her with us in everything we do, they concluded their statement, signing off "with love and gratitude."

Police previously alleged that a 17-year-old suspect, armed with a knife, walked into the dance studio on Hart Street in Southport, England, on July 29 and attacked the group.

Officers responded to the scene on reports of a stabbing around 11:50 a.m. that morning and said that the suspect was arrested.

James Speakman/PA Images via Getty Police on Hart Street Southport, Merseyside, where a man has been detained and a knife seized after a number of people were injured in a reported stabbing.

Authorities said in the same press conference that two children had been killed and eight other children and two adults were injured. One of the adults was identified as yoga teacher Leanne Lucas who organized the dance and yoga class, according to the BBC, The Times and The Guardian.

Police said at the time that the incident was being treated as terror-related and we are not looking for anyone else in connection with it.

On July 30, authorities confirmed that a third child had died from injuries sustained in the attack. In a press release from Merseyside Police the same day, all three children were identified.

Per a news release on Aug. 1, Merseyside Police announced that the teenage suspect had been charged with killing the three girls, as well as possession of a bladed article and 10 counts of attempted murder.

Never miss a story  sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.



Following the stabbing, Swift shared a message on her Instagram Stories, writing in part, I'm just completely in shock... The loss of life and innocence, and the horrendous trauma inflicted on everyone who was there, the families and first responders."

"These were just little kids at a dance class. I am at a complete loss for how to ever convey my sympathies to these families," she added.



On Aug. 8, Merseyside Police said in a press release obtained by PEOPLE, that the final hospitalized child injured in the attack had been released from the hospital.



For more People news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter!

Read the original article on People.
Saturday's Pride Parade in the east German town of Bautzen, overshadowed by far-right protests, ended without major incidents, according to the police.

"There were no major riots or assaults," said a police spokeswoman. She said the police strategy to keep the two groups separated had worked. There were reportedly no arrests initially; a more detailed assessment was to follow, she said.

More than 1,000 participated in the second Pride Parade to be held in the town in the state of Saxony, significantly more than organizers had expected, while 680 people joined a counter-demonstration under the motto, "Against gender propaganda and identity confusion."

The small right-wing extremist party Freie Sachsen (Free Saxons) also called for a protest, which the spokeswoman said approximately 30 people attended.

After the demonstration, Pride participants were escorted to the train station by officers.

Co-organizer Jonas Loschau drew a positive conclusion in the evening: "That was an incredibly great and important sign that we set there."

He said he was pleased with the significant turnout. The fact that the demo, despite the counter-protests, went off without major incidents, he credited to good preparation and the police.

Major police operation following assessment

Pride celebrates the lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and wider queer community (LGBT+).

It is known as Christopher Street Day (CSD) in Germany, in honour of the 1969 protest against police discrimination that occurred at the Stonewall Inn on Christopher Street in New York and sparked the modern LGBT+ movement.

Ahead of the Pride parade in Bautzen, police were deployed in large numbers, but no major disturbances were recorded.

"When the CSD parade passed the counter-demonstrators, it was loud, but there were no significant incidents," said a police spokeswoman.

In addition to officers from the nearby city of Gorlitz on the Polish border and from Bautzen itself, officers from the federal police and riot police were also deployed, including with dogs.

The spokeswoman did not provide details on the number of officers deployed.

Earlier on Saturday, federal police prevented a confrontation between the two groups at Dresden's main railway station with a large operation. Police also checked counter-demonstrators at Bautzen station.

Investigations after hate comments about Pride in Gifhorn

The Pride Parade in the town of Gifhorn in the north-western state of Lower Saxony also continues to be a concern for the police.

Investigations were launched after several hate comments were made on an online article about the event.

Around 2,500 comments under a Facebook post were saved by an editorial team, the police reported, many of which reportedly contained insults and threats.

The editorial team eventually removed the article.

Closing party cancelled for safety reasons

In Bautzen, the Pride organizers cancelled a planned closing party the previous day, citing safety concerns.

"In the short amount of time, we did not have the necessary resources to secure the party and protect people," co-organizer Loschau told dpa.

He said he received mixed feedback after the cancellation: "There were some people who expressed their concern to us, but at the same time, many also showed solidarity with us. That was nice to see."

Organizers request that people stay in groups

Loschau, who sits on the city council and district council of Bautzen for the Greens, said it was sad that such events always needed to be secured by police and private security forces.

"This has become a permanent state and a terrible sign," he said.

However, after discussions with police, Loschau expressed confidence that the Pride participants would be safe.

"The police will also accompany people arriving and departing at the station," Loschau said.

Nevertheless, he recommended that people travel to and from the city only in groups.

Saxony's justice minister shocked

Saxony's Justice Minister Katja Meier said she could not believe that an event had to be cancelled due to the tense situation and strong mobilization by right-wing extremists.

"Hate and incitement against queer people are expressions of inhumane ideologies that have no place in our society," the Green politician said.

Police accompany right-wing demonstrators during the CSD Christopher Street Day parade. Sebastian Willnow/dpa

People take part in the CSD Christopher Street Day parade. Sebastian Willnow/dpa
CHICAGO  A federal grand jury has charged a man in connection with a West Loop gas station shootout captured on camera.

Marquist Evans, 30, of Chicago, is charged with illegal possession of a machine gun and ammunition following an incident on May 6 in the 500 block of W. Grenshaw Street at a 7-Eleven.

Prosecutors allege Evans fired a machine gun in the direction of two shooters.

Photo: U.S. Attorneys Office

Photo: U.S. Attorneys Office

WGN INVESTIGATES: Number of armed robberies rising and becoming more dangerous, data shows

According to the complaint, Evans equipped his handgun with a conversion device known as a Glock switch, which allows firearms to fire multiple rounds with a single pull of the trigger.

The complaint noted an opposing shooter fired back toward Evans with a rifle.

The shootout allegedly began as an argument between two people, Chicago police said.

Shooting at gas station in South Loop caught on camera

There were 50-60 shots, Jonathan Nowak, who owns the 7-11 store, told WGN News in the aftermath. One car load is shooting another car from both pumps. Like the wild west, they were shooting each other.

No one was hurt.

Evans is due to be arraigned on Thursday, Aug. 10.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WGN-TV.
A Canadian truck driver was accused in federal court Friday of smuggling 10 citizens of Vietnam into the United States inside the commercial trailer of his semitrailer.

Husain Al Kawwaz, a citizen of Canada, told an investigator in an interview that he was to be paid $5,000 upon his return to Canada after successfully smuggling the people into the U.S., according to a federal enforcement officer's affidavit filed with a criminal complaint in U.S. District Court in Detroit. The alleged incident occurred Wednesday in Detroit.

The complaint listed the offense against Al Kawwaz as alien smuggling for commercial advantage and private financial gain. .

Al Kawwaz was temporarily detained during an initial appearance Friday in federal court. A detention hearing is set for Tuesday, according to court records.

Attorney Elizabeth Young, who represented Al Kawwaz at his initial appearance, said Friday that he doesn't have any criminal history. She said he has a family that he loves and that he has a "very loving, supportive family." She said she thought release while the case proceeds would be appropriate.

The affidavit stated that Al Kawwaz, 34, a native of Iraq, applied for admission to the U.S. at the Fort Street Cargo Facility in Detroit about 11:32 p.m. Wednesday.

He drove up to a booth for inspection by a Customs and Border Protection officer and appeared to be the sole occupant of the semitruck, per the affidavit.

The officer referred him and his truck to secondary inspection for an X-ray examination of the truck and agricultural inspection of his commodity, which was fresh produce from Canada. The affidavit stated Al Kawwaz drove from the primary inspection booth to the parking lot within the port of entry that is designated for trucks awaiting secondary inspection.

About 12:30 a.m. Thursday, it stated, perimeter security team officers found 10 people, later identified as citizens of Vietnam, hiding within the secondary inspection parking lot.

Officers initially couldn't get answers about how they arrived because of a language barrier. Their passports revealed they had no U.S. visas or other documents that would allow them to enter the U.S., according to the court record.

About 1:25 a.m. Thursday, Al Kawwaz completed his secondary inspections, per the affidavit, and was released with his truck into the U.S.

About 2 a.m. Thursday, a Customs and Border Protection supervisory officer reviewed recorded security camera footage to determine where the people came from and saw a large group walk away from Al Kawwaz's truck after he parked in the secondary inspection parking lot and exited his vehicle, according to the affidavit.

It stated that about 25 minutes later, officers contacted Al Kawwaz's dispatcher and requested he return to the port of entry, which he did. He was advised of his Miranda rights verbally and in writing, which he acknowledged, per the affidavit, and he agreed to answer questions without a lawyer present, an interview the investigator stated was video and audio recorded.

More: Passenger attempts to sneak 90 invasive snails into Detroit Metro Airport from Ghana

During the interview, Al Kawwaz claimed this was his first time smuggling people to the U.S. after he was approached 'a week or 10 days earlier' at a truck stop in Windsor with the offer to smuggle people for $5,000.

He told the investigator he brought the people with him from Windsor, concealed in his commercial trailer. He stated to the investigator he was to be paid upon his return to Canada after successfully smuggling them into the U.S., according to the affidavit.

Al Kawwaz stated he picked up the people in Windsor right before coming to the U.S. and that after they entered his semitrailer he applied a seal on the exterior of the trailer doors to secure them.

After he was referred for secondary inspection, per the affidavit, he stated he parked his truck in the secondary inspection lot, got out, removed the seal from the trailer and "gestured for the 10 individuals to get out of the trailer."

He stated he planned to complete his secondary inspection and return to the truck lot to pick up the people, but when he did so, they were not there so he left without them, per the affidavit. Court records did not reveal the status of the Vietnamese.

Contact Christina Hall: chall@freepress.com. Follow her on X, formerly Twitter: @challreporter.

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Submit a letter to the editor at freep.com/letters.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Feds: Canadian truck driver smuggled 10 Vietnamese into US
Feds say a Southern California man tried to ship more than 2,000 pounds of meth to Australia

A San Gabriel Valley man has been arrested on suspicion of attempting to ship more than 2,000 pounds  a metric ton  of methamphetamine to Australia last year, according to the U.S. Attorneys Office of the Central District of California.

Jing Tang Li, 32, of El Monte is facing federal charges for distribution of and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute controlled substances, exportation of controlled substances and attempt and conspiracy to export controlled substances.

Hes expected to make his first court appearance in downtown Los Angeles on Friday. He was arrested in South El Monte on Thursday.

An El Monte man was arrested and charged in connection to an alleged plot to send more than 2,000 pounds of meth to Australia. (U.S. Attorneys Office)

An El Monte man was arrested and charged in connection to an alleged plot to send more than 2,000 pounds of meth to Australia. (U.S. Attorneys Office)

An El Monte man was arrested and charged in connection to an alleged plot to send more than 2,000 pounds of meth to Australia. (U.S. Attorneys Office)

How is this justice?: DA blasts court for releasing convicted child rapist 34 years early

The U.S. Attorneys Office said that U.S. customs officers inspected seven shipping containers that were set to be sent to Australia between February 2023 to December 2023. The containers were falsely listed as carpets and textiles, furniture, wheel hub testing equipment and a casting machine.

Embedded in the products was 2,205 pounds of meth.

Dangerous drugs such as methamphetamine devastate our community, said United States Attorney Martin Estrada. We see the misery brought by highly addictive drugs on our streets every day. The massive amount of methamphetamine seized in this case shows how brazen drug traffickers have become and why it is imperative that we use our resources to hold these criminals responsible.

Its unknown how law enforcement traced the illegal drugs to Li, but he was arrested after being spotted driving near a South El Monte warehouse where a robbery was reported during the early morning of Thursday.

A conviction in the case would send Yi to federal prison for a minimum of 10 years, and for as long as a life sentence.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA.
Feeling ill lately? Heres how to tell what might be making you sick in the Central Valley

Youre experiencing a runny nose, cough, congestion, and general fatigue; could it be COVID-19? Maybe its the flu? Or your allergies acting up again?

Figuring out the illness one may have isnt simple to self-diagnose. While most cold and flu infections will clear up on their own, it is important to monitor your symptoms and seek medical care when nothing seems to be improving. This guide, based on information from the California Department of Health and the national Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, may help you to figure out what ails you and how best to manage your symptoms.

Respiratory viruses

COVID-19, influenza and RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) are all considered respiratory viruses according to the California Department of Public Health. These illnesses can be hard to distinguish without a doctors diagnosis because the symptoms are similar.

COVID-19

Healthy Central Valley Together Wastewater data show a rise in COVID-19 cases starting at the end of June and rising steadily since.

Symptoms of COVID-19 are fever, chills, sore throat, runny nose and congestion, fatigue, and muscle and body aches. Similar to common cold and RSV symptoms, COVID-19 also can be distinguished by a loss of taste and smell, nausea, and diarrhea. To be sure, COVID-19 test kits are readily available.

Symptoms can appear two to 14 days after exposure and an infected individual can be contagious one to two days before symptoms begin and eight to 10 days after symptoms appear, according to the CDC. While many people can just rest and recover, young and elderly people and those with compromised immune systems may need additional treatment.

Oral antivirals including Paxlovid and Lageviro can help those with advanced cases and, according to a recent study from Yale, Paxlovid may be effective in preventing long COVID. The CDC recommends isolating for five days from when symptoms began or five days from a positive test result.

Respiratory syncytial virus

Though most common from October through March, RSV can occur at any time. It is contagious through contact and germs spread through coughing and sneezing. Symptoms include fever, cough and runny nose much like the common cold, but wheezing and a barking cough in younger individuals can distinguish it from other infections.

Young children are especially vulnerable, as RSV is the leading cause of hospitalization of infants. People 65 or older or those with weakened immune systems can be at risk of more advanced complications. Prevention is key and the CDC recommends immunization for pregnant women or new mothers.

RSV vaccines can be administered at the same time as COVID-19 and flu vaccines. Similar to COVID-19, infected individuals can be contagious one to two days before symptoms occur and three to eight days after symptoms start. Staying home and getting rest is recommended, and symptoms can be managed using over-the-counter flu and cold medicines.

Influenza

Most commonly spreading and at its peak October through May, influenza infection often spreads year round. Similar in symptoms to a cold and COVID-19, flu is characterized by a runny nose, congestion, fever, sore throat and fatigue.

Some ways to distinguish this infection from a cold are body aches, pain and headaches, which occur less in cold infections. Also, the onset of flu symptoms typically is sudden, while cold symptoms develop more gradually.

Influenza is highly contagious, spread through close contact and still accounts for hundreds of thousands of hospitalizations and thousands of deaths per year.

Vaccines are readily available and the California Department of Public Health advises that everyone 6 months of age or older receive yearly flu shots.

The flu can usually be managed at home with rest and over-the-counter medications, but more severe cases may require prescription antiviral medicines.

People with the flu can be contagious one day before symptoms appear and five to seven days after developing symptoms, with the most contagious period being the first three days of illness.

Common cold

Like most of the respiratory viruses listed, symptoms of the common cold include runny nose, sore throat, congestion, fatigue, cough, sneezing and a low-grade fever.

The cold is spread through close contact and can appear one to three days after exposure. Symptoms can last anywhere from seven to 10 days and longer in some cases for people who smoke.

At-home rest and over-the-counter flu and cold medicines usually are enough to tackle the infection, but more severe cases may require a doctor visit.

Other illnesses

Valley fever

Also known as coccidioidomycosis or cocci, valley fever is a disease caused by a fungus present in dirt and soil. In the Central Valley, the CDPH reports that cases have been on the rise, growing from fewer than 1,000 cases in 2000 to more than 9,000 in 2019. According to Cal Matters, there have been 63% more infections this year than the same period last year, with 5,300 new cases diagnosed over the last six months.

Valley fever presents with many of the same symptoms as the flu or COVID-19, including cough, difficulty breathing, fatigue and fever. Unlike the respiratory viruses, Valley Fever can take weeks to manifest. Dry and windy conditions stir up the soil making it easier to breathe in and people working outside can be especially vulnerable.

Valley fever is not contagious and cannot be spread from person to person. In healthy individuals, it likely will resolve itself, but people with compromised immune systems or lung issues may require further treatment. For more difficult cases, antifungal medications are prescribed.

Sinus infections

Sinus infections can develop on their own or after a bout of a respiratory infection and occur when fluid builds up in the sinuses. This inflammation allows germs to take hold and grow.

Like flu and COVID-19, sinus infections are characterized by a runny or stuffy nose, sore throat and cough. With sinus infections, the discomfort usually is limited to the head, also causing facial pain pressure and postnasal drip.

Most cases will resolve on their own and can be managed with over-the-counter medications, but more severe infections may require antibiotics.

Seasonal allergies

With symptoms ranging from a runny and stuffy nose to headaches, tiredness, chest congestion and cough, allergies can be distinguished from infection in several ways, including lack of fever and body aches and pains.

Allergies can also cause itchy and watery eyes, skin rashes and even wheezing for people with asthma or other respiratory conditions.

Though very uncomfortable and seemingly unyielding at onset, allergies can be managed by over-the-counter allergy medications in pill and nasal spray options and even an allergy shot administered by a doctor. Peaking during allergy season when pollen levels are at their highest, allergies can occur at any time.
FRESNO, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE)  The Fresno Fire Departments Water Rescue Team saved a dog that had fallen into a canal in Fresno.

According to firefighters, Jake, the dog, had fallen into the canal on Friday.

Fresno Fire jumped into action, with one firefighter even going into the cold water to rescue Jake.

Water Rescue

Firefighters say the rescue was a success and Jake has been reunited with his owner.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to YourCentralValley.com | KSEE24 and CBS47.
Firefighters thankful for rain, but Colorado is not out of the woods yet

JEFFERSON COUNTY, Colo. (KDVR)  After weeks of battling fires amid hot, dry conditions that made things worse, rain in recent days was a welcomed relief to firefighters across Colorados Front Range.

It seemed Colorado was breathing a collective sigh as the first heavy drops fell and saturated the ground.

The rain was critical to containment efforts, said Jayson Papenfus, incident commander for the Quarry Fire.

Containment is increasing on the Alexander Mountain Fire and the Quarry Fire has reached full containment, but fire crews are warning Coloradans not to let their guard down.

By no means has it gotten us out of the woods with that yet, Papenfus said.

Burn scar of the Quarry Fire

This is because a short duration of rain, as is typical in Colorado, is not enough to dispel the risk of fire.

It takes a long time for all of the heavy materials inside the interior of the fire to actually become mopped up, Papenfus said.

Mayor: Out-of-state slumlords to blame for condemned Aurora apartments

Papenfus said heavy logs, stump holes and root systems can hold onto heat for months.

With all those scooper ships, the airplanes that were going through and picking up water out of Chatfield, they can drop thousands and thousands of gallons of water on logs and stump holes up in there. And after a couple of days of direct sunlight and heating, you can see those stump holes start to smoke again, because the only way to quickly get that heat out of there is to actually manually go in, scrape it out and remove it, Papenfus said.

When is a fire actually extinguished?

This is also why a fire labeled as 100% contained is not 100% extinguished. Containment refers to the perimeter of the fire being cold, with no growth or change to that perimeter. A fire that is controlled is the next step.

Controlled means that those lines are hardened and that we have seen no additional heat on the fire, and that theres been no sign of smoke on the fire and were not tracking any other heat within the fire, Papenfus said.

The last and final step is declaring the fire to be fully out.

With a fire like this, were generally not going to call it out for a significant period of time. And you can expect to see smoke in the interior for quite some time, Papenfus said.

Especially when the sun comes back out and dries things up, crews will continue to heavily monitor the fire area.

If we were to go into another heating and drying trend, the grasses could become available after just a day or two of direct sunlight on the dead, yellow receptive grasses, and so grass fire becomes a pretty immediate concern, Papenfus said.

Denver firefighter took bronze in the 2008 Beijing Olympics

In the meantime, firefighters are continuing to urge Coloradans to be cautious, especially ahead of the weekend, and not take all the rain for granted.

People always need to be careful in the woods when it comes to using campfires, recreational equipment or anything else thats a possible ignition source for fire, Papenfus said.

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First Alert Weather: A few storms each day before an onshore wind late week

First Alert Meteorologist Corey Simma is tracking storms on Saturday.

Storms have fired and moved offshore south of I-10 Saturday afternoon.

There will be a few more storms that develop, mainly along & north of I-10 & west of Jax.

Preseason action at The Bank looks dry, warm, and humid.

Sunday brings the next round of midday and afternoon storms.

This weather pattern doesnt really change until Thursday of next week.

Onshore winds surge in from the Atlantic beginning on Thursday.

Temperatures drop slightly and the threat of storms will go down a bit too.

In the tropics, a disturbance in the Central Atlantic will be approaching the Caribbean next week.

This system is forecast to become the next named storm, Ernesto.

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Puerto Rico looks to be near the potential track of this system on Wednesday.

Early indications pull this system out over the Atlantic, east of our area.

Rough seas and surf could impact our beaches, depending on the size of the storm and far away it is.

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Heres a look at your 7-day forecast:

TONIGHT: Isolated Shower/Storm Early, Partly Cloudy. Low: 76

TOMORROW: Mostly to Partly Sunny, Midday & Afternoon Storms. High: 94

MON: Partly Sunny, A Few Storms. 74/93

TUE: Partly Cloudy, A Few Storms. 74/92

WED: Partly Sunny, A Few Storms. 76/93

THU: Partly Cloudy, Scattered Storms. 76/92

FRI: Partly Cloudy & Breezy, A Few Showers. 75/89

SAT: Partly Cloudy & Breezy, A Few Showers. 74/89

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Former Idaho U.S. Sen. Steve Symms died Friday. He was 86.

Flags flew at half-staff Friday for the former Canyon County fruit farmer who represented Idaho for two decades: four terms in the U.S. House and two in the Senate. First elected to Congress with no political experience in 1972, the Republican went on to challenge high-ranking Sen. Frank Church in the 1980 election, toppling him in one of the most contested races in Idaho history and closing a door on Democratic Idaho lawmakers in the Senate that has not been reopened to this day.

At early campaign rallies, Symms would say that we need to take a bite out of government before chomping down on an apple from his familys farm, Phil Reberger, who ran his Senate campaigns and served as his chief of staff in the Senate, told the Idaho Statesman by phone.

He could uniquely identify with the average voter, Reberger said.

Symms served in the Senate during Ronald Reagans presidency and channeled the conservative energy of the era and the Sagebrush Rebellion, a movement that pushed back against federal control of public lands in the West. The 40th president visited Boise for a Symms campaign rally in 1986, when Democratic Gov. John V. Evans challenged the senator for his seat in a competitive race.

While on Capitol Hill, Symms, a former Marine, often supported military spending and decreased regulation.

Left to right: U.S. Sen. Jim Risch, former U.S. Sen. Jim McClure, Louise McClure, former U.S. Senator Steve Symms, President George H.W. Bush

If there was a vote to keep the government from having more regulations and restrictions, he usually was on that side of it, Reberger said.

Symms helped boost funding for Mountain Home Air Force Base and programs at the Idaho National Laboratory, he added, and ensured funding for highway projects like the I-184 Connector and Idaho 55 through Horseshoe Bend.

In 1988, Symms made headlines for claiming that Democratic presidential candidate Michael Dukakis wife, Kitty, had burned an American flag during an anti-war demonstration two decades earlier. He later said he had no evidence to make the claim, according to previous Statesman reporting.

Steve Symms was a true patriot

Born in Nampa, Symms grew up on a fruit farm, graduated from Caldwell High School and attended the University of Idaho. He spent three years in the Marine Corps and ran for Congress in 1972.

Eight years later, the former farmer set his sights on a seat in the Senate.

Idahos congressional delegation together in a photo dated sometime in 1973-75. From left: Sen. Frank Church, Rep. Orval Hansen, Rep. Steve Symms, Sen. Jim McClure.

A conservative Republican, Symms ran far to the right of Church, the powerful head of the Foreign Relations Committee who had spent nearly a quarter century in Washington. He advocated for a national abortion ban and opposed gun control, consumer protection and labor unions. He also fought against limits on exploitation of public lands, a notable contrast with Church, who pushed to create more wilderness areas in rural Idaho.

Symms was one of six senators to vote against the Americans with Disabilities Act in 1990.

Sen. Jim Risch said in a statement that Symms commitment to Idaho and conservative principles has stood as an inspiration for our state leaders.

After two Senate terms, he chose not to run again in 1992 and retired. He became a lobbyist and lived in northern Virginia with his second wife, Loretta, who died last year.

Republican Gov. Brad Little called Symms a patriot in a Friday statement, and ordered flags in the state lowered to half-mast.

Sen. Steve Symms was a true patriot  a military veteran and dedicated public servant whose roots in agriculture helped informed his decisions back in D.C. representing Idahos interests, Little said. Symms routinely pushed back on government overreach, stood up for the working people of Idaho, and defended the freedoms we hold dear as Americans.
After weeks of back and forth, both presidential candidates Kamala Harris and Donald Trump have agreed to debate.

Sept. 10 will be the first debate between the political opponents.

Local political experts comment on Tim Walz as Harris Campaigns VP pick

Since President Joe Biden dropped out of the race, Vice President Kamala Harris has soared in recent polling and injected life into the Democratic Party.

Republicans say the hype will die down, calling this a honeymoon phase for Democrats.

Erie County labeled a top swing county for 2024 election. What do the experts think?

Donald Trump has agreed to this debate because he has to stop the bleeding. What weve seen in these last couple of weeks is that Kamala Harris has shot up in the polls, not just nationally, but in every swing state  those important states that are likely to determine the outcome of the election. This debate is going to be really important for both candidates, said Dr. Joe Morris, political science at Mercyhurst University.

While there is hope that several debates will be held, others are not set in stone. At this time, there has been no announcement of any vice presidential debates

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJET/WFXP/YourErie.com.
Five civilians injured in Russian attack on Kherson

Five civilians were injured in a Russian attack on the city of Kherson on 10 August.

Source: Roman Mrochko, Head of Kherson City Military Administration

Details: Around 07:00, a man, about 65, came under fire at a bus stop and sustained a blast injury and shrapnel wound to his chest.

Another man, around 54, was injured and taken to hospital. He was diagnosed with a blast injury.

A man, 75, was also brought to hospital in a serious condition. He suffered blast trauma and shrapnel wounds.

Later, another woman, around 45, sought medical assistance, and another woman, 82, was taken to a hospital in Kherson.

The 82-year-old woman suffered blast injuries and shrapnel wounds when Russian forces dropped explosives from a drone in the Dniprovskyi district of the city after 11:00.

All of them have been injured in the Russian attack on Kherson's Dniprovskyi district.

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MIDDLETOWN, Conn. (WTNH)  Five people were displaced this morning after a house fire in Middletown caused heat and smoke damage.

Photos provided by the South Fire District in Middletown.

Photos provided by the South Fire District in Middletown.

Photos provided by the South Fire District in Middletown.

Photos provided by the South Fire District in Middletown.

The South Fire District in Middletown responded to a house on Julia Terr. for reports of a fire with a trapped occupant. Crews quickly arrived at the scene and witnessed smoke coming from the structure. A search operation was conducted and no occupants were home at the time of the fire.

The flames were contained to one room but the entire structure suffered heat and smoke damage.

The American Red Cross is assisting the five displaced residents and the South Fire District Fire Marshals Office is investigating this fire.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WTNH.com.
Heavy rain has led to intense flooding throughout the state. Here's the latest news and information related to the storm.

One saved from flooded home, three from submerged vehicle in Steuben County NY

The Swift Water Rescue Team from the Bath Volunteer Fire Department made two successful rescues Friday on a busy day for first responders across the region.

The team was deployed to southern Steuben County, which was hit hard by flash flooding as the remnants of Tropical Storm Debby dumped several inches of rain on the area Friday morning.

Bath's Swift Water Rescue Team rescued a person trapped in their house in the town of Jasper near state Route 36 and county Route 21, the department reported Friday night.

The individual was successfully removed from the flooded home and was taken to safety.

The rescue team also made a save in the Canisteo area on county Route 119 near the county Route 14 intersection.

"Three people were on top of their submerged pickup truck but managed to get to the bank along county Route 119 where the Bath Swift Water Rescue Team were able to pick them up and take them to safety as well," said John Conrad Sr., Public Information Officer.

Severe flooding hits upstate New York: See the photos

Canandaigua officials warn of storm debris while boating this weekend

Because of the heavy rainfall on Friday, Ontario County Sheriff David Cirencione is urging boaters to use caution on Canandaigua Lake.

Heavy debris carried into the lake can create navigational hazards, and crews are working to remove large floating items, Cirencione said.

The good news, the Canandaigua Lake Watershed Association noted Friday, is that there has been a decrease in the amount of harmful algal bloom activity on the lake. In fact, there have been no confirmed blooms since Aug. 3.

But, Watershed Association officials said, flooding is being experienced in some areas related to Tropical Storm Debby.

Watershed staff on Friday were checking sites for impacts from the rain.

In anticipation of the watershed-wide rain associated with the tropical storm, the Canandaigua Water Resource Recovery Facility opened both outlet gates and the feeder canal gate on Thursday morning. The lake level as of Friday afternoon was 688.33 feet, and the desired level is 688.50 feet.

People are urged to avoid wading or swimming in water that has an odor, is cloudy or discolored.

 Mike Murphy

Dramatic video captures flooding in upstate NY

Naples: 'It was like a monsoon'

Like many people in Naples and elsewhere in Ontario County, Sally Gardner received the flood watch alerts.

Naples Creek travels several hundred feet behind her East Avenue home, so she was prepared for the worst when she woke up at 6 a.m. Friday.

Sally Gardner watches as Naples Creek floodwaters rush into her East Avenue backyard. Tropical Storm Debby brought heavy rain to parts of New York Friday.

And as the morning progressed, it was like a monsoon coming down, Gardner said.

By the time the rain diminished and sun started to peek out early Friday afternoon, however, Naples Creek had burst its banks, flooding hers and several neighbors backyards. She estimated it was a foot deep in one of the spots.

Elsewhere in Naples, a torrent of water carrying debris tumbled from waterfalls through Grimes Glen Park toward the village. Similar torrents of water plummeted down hills toward the Naples hamlet of Woodville, leaving debris alongside and on state Route 21 heading into the village.

A torrent of water runs down the hills alongside state Route 21 in the Naples hamlet of Woodville on Friday, Aug. 9. Tropical Storm Debby brought heavy rain to parts of New York Friday.

Closer to Gardner, brown creek waters rushed underneath the Ontario Street bridge in Naples Community Park.

I was worried about the other houses, said Gardner, shortly after checking in with neighbors. Relieved to see that many were doing fine, Gardner said to see that much water come up that quickly toward homes was startling.

Now that I know everyone is OK down here, now its just kind of exciting, Gardner said.

 Mike Murphy

Steuben County declares state of emergency, evacuates 3 communities

The Steuben County Office of Emergency Management on Friday declared a state of emergency and said residents must avoid any unnecessary travel until further notice. Several roads throughout the county are not passable. The state of emergency will remain in effect until further notice.

County officials also ordered evacuations of the hamlet of Woodhull and Village of Addison, both along Tuscarora Creek, and the hamlet of Jasper.

Flash flooding upstream has damaged property and is threatening the safety of Woodhull and Addison residents downstream, county officials said in a news release. All residents along the Tuscarora Creek between Woodhull and Addison should immediately head to higher ground.

In Jasper, the evacuation is due to leaking propane storage tanks as a result of the flash floods. All Jasper residents and people who live within a half-mile of the hamlet should evacuate the area.

A Red Cross shelter is being set up at the Corning-Painted Post High School Fieldhouse.

The Town of Greenwood also declares a town wide state of emergency prohibiting all traffic.

Flood, flash flood warnings issued for Rochester NY region

The National Weather Service in Buffalo has issued a flood warning through 6:45 p.m. Friday for Monroe, Ontario, Livingston, Wayne and Allegany counties. Forecasters said that flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations is imminent or underway.

The Weather Service also issued a flash flood warning for parts of Steuben and Yates counties (also Chemung and Schuyler counties) through 3:30 p.m. Friday as the areas are at risk for flash flood caused by Friday's heavy rain.

Storm impacting NY airports: Check your flight status

The large metropolitan airports in the New York City area are experiencing flight disruptions on Friday due to heavy rain and other storm-related weather.

Most arrivals and departures at the Frederick Douglass Greater Rochester International Airport continue to operate on schedule Friday morning, however several flights to and from Rochester are facing delays.

Check your flight's status before heading to the airport.

JFK Airport is experiencing flight delays due to inclement weather conditions. Please check with your airline to determine the status of your flight. pic.twitter.com/pw41MLYetT  John F. Kennedy Airport (@JFKairport) August 9, 2024

Weather conditions have caused LGA Airport flight disruptions. Check with your airline to determine the status of your flight.  LaGuardia Airport: Rated Best Airport in its Class (@LGAairport) August 9, 2024

Rainy day in Canandaigua NY

A shopper at Wegmans in Canandaigua walks to her vehicle in the rain on Aug. 9, 2024.

Where is the heaviest rain predicted to fall in the Rochester NY region?

According to the National Weather Service in Buffalo, the area with the heaviest rain and greatest risk for flooding is east of the Genesee River.

Parts of Ontario and Allegany counties (the southeastern corners) could see between 3 to 4 inches of heavy rain on Friday that could cause some flooding and/or flash floods.

Much of the Rochester region - including most of Monroe, Wayne, Ontario, Orleans and Genesee counties - are within the zone to expect 2 to 3 inches of rain.

Here's a breakdown of how many inches of rain are expected and where:

The remnants of Tropical Depression Debby will bring heavy rain to most of the region today. The greatest amounts and risk for flooding from the Genesee River eastward, but localized heavy rain could produce flooding across the rest of the area. Rain will taper off late today. pic.twitter.com/bdRXDtzxyr  NWS Buffalo (@NWSBUFFALO) August 9, 2024

Utility companies prepare for storm, possible outages

Rochester Gas and Electric and New York State Gas & Electric have prepared work crews and equipment in the case that heavy rain, possible winds and flooding from Debby causes power outages in the area, the companies announced in a news release.

RG&E and NYSEG have pre-staged 170 additional line crews nd another 80 tree crews across the state to help with any restoration work as needed on Friday and into the weekend. As of 6:30 a.m. Friday, no outages were yet reported by RG&E. Roughly 715 NYSEG customers were without power across the Empire state - with the bulk of those customers in Westchester County, according to the company's website.

Radar Rochester NY

Record rainfall in the South from Debby

Debby spawned several tornadoes, at least one deadly, as it brought torrential rainfall to Florida, Georgia and the Carolinas, leaving extensive flooding and overwhelmed communities in its wake. In some cases, the rain and stream levels set new records.

Debby projected rainfall

The storm made a second landfall in South Carolina on Thursday, bringing life-threatening flash flooding and is projected to bring up to 6 inches more rain to some areas over the weekend, according to the National Weather Service.

Other parts of New York, including the Finger Lakes region and central New York predict 2 to 4 inches of heavy rain on Friday, with localized rain even higher, according to the Weather Service.

Debby's impact: floods, power outages

Flash flooding triggered water rescues, overtook roads and breached several dams as winds knocked over trees and tangled power lines. The weather service warns that the risk will continue through Sunday morning in some parts of the Northeast.

Also, more than 300,000 power outages have been reported over the past three days in these states as of Thursday morning, according to USA TODAY's power outage database  some in Florida have been in the dark for days. Thousands are already seeing outages in Virginia.

Includes reporting by USA Today reporters Jennifer Borresen Dinah Voyles Pulver and Carlie Procell

This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Flood warnings issued as Debby hits New York. Live updates
Editors note: This story is available as a result of a content partnership between WFTV and the Orlando Business Journal.

Florida Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis was on the ground in Madison where Hurricane Debby cut a path on Aug. 4, and he said damage from the Category 1 storm will be manageable for insurance carriers, but he still has lingering concerns.

Despite a historic legislative overhaul to tamp down fraud and abuse in Floridas insurance market in 2022, Patronis said there is absolutely still more work to be done.

Read: Last chance to save: Floridas back-to-school tax holiday ends Sunday

The main thing Im trying to stress with policyholders is: Do not sign anything. Im relentless about it. There are still a lot of bad actors out there that try to take advantage of the claims process, Patronis said in an interview with sister publication Tampa Bay Business Journal while in Madison on Aug. 6.

Click here to read the full story on the Orlando Business Journals website.

Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.




Former California lawmaker Nate Holden says he was on the scary helicopter ride with Trump

Former Los Angeles city councilman and California state Sen. Nate Holden said Friday that he was with former President Donald Trump in the helicopter ride that made an emergency landing, despite Trump saying it was former San Francisco Mayor Willie Brown.

Willie is the short Black guy living in San Francisco, Holden said in an interview with Politico late Friday. Im a tall Black guy living in Los Angeles.

I guess we all look alike, he added.

Trump told reporters gathered at his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida on Thursday that he was involved in a helicopter emergency landing with Brown, who has since rejected Trumps account as obviously wrong during a phone call with CNN. Ive never been in a helicopter with him in my life, Brown said.

Thursday wasnt the first time Trump referenced the incident as something hed experienced with Brown. In a book, Letters to Trump, the former president recalled the event as a little scary for both of us. Trump campaign spokesperson Steven Cheung pointed that out on Saturday in a post on X.

Holden said that he was in touch with Trumps team in the 1990s as Trump was trying to build on the site of the Ambassador Hotel in Los Angeles, in the district that Holden represented at the time, according to Politico.

Holden recalled meeting with Trump at Trump Tower before departing for Atlantic City, New Jersey, where they were planning to tour Trumps since-closed Taj Mahal casino. Also aboard was Barbara Res, Trumps former executive vice president of construction, who told Politico that the man on the helicopter was definitely Holden.

Res recounted the experience in her book All Alone on the 68th Floor, where she said the helicopter landed safely in New Jersey after the pilot said they would need to make an emergency landing. She recalled Trump joking about Holden being scared on the flight, with Holden noting to Politico that it was Trump who was scared sh*tless.

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Former California state senator Nate Holden said that he was the Black man in a helicopter with former President Trump, refuting Trumps claims that it was Willie Brown, in an interview with Politico.

Willie is the short Black guy living in San Francisco, Holden told Politico. Im a tall Black guy living in Los Angeles.

I guess we all look alike, Holden added.

Holden is part of a growing group of people refuting Trumps claim that former California state house speaker Willie Brown, who is also Vice President Harriss ex-boyfriend, took a helicopter ride with him that nearly ended in a crash.

Trump made the claim during his Thursday press conference at Mar-a-Lago after a reporter asked him about Harriss career and its ties to Brown.

Well, I know Willie Brown very well, Trump said. In fact, I went down in a helicopter with him.

I know him pretty well. I mean, I havent seen him in years, Trump continued. He told me terrible things about her.

He had a big part in what happened with Kamala. But he  he, I dont know, maybe hes changed his tune. But he  he was not a fan of hers very much, at that point, he added.

Brown has responded to Trumps claims by calling them creative fiction.

Brown also said that he never told Trump anything about Harris, telling the San Francisco Chronicle that he wouldnt say anything bad about any woman to him.

Trump has responded to Brown by referencing a 2011 article about Brown talking about his relationship with him.

In an article dated April 15, 2011, His Willieness dishes about his good buddy Donald Trump. I remember one time Trump sent his private jet to Boston to pick me up, Trump wrote on his Truth Social. Hes just angling for another ride in Trumps jet (helicopter!). But now Willie doesnt remember? No, he remembers!

Trump has also gone after The New York Times over their reporting fact-checking his claims.

The New York Times and other news outlets quickly ran fact-checks on Trumps claims, with the New York Times reporting that Trump was on a scary Helicopter ride but that Brown was not on the helicopter.

The Times reported on Friday that Trump had a fiery phone call with one of its reporters, during which he threatened to sue the paper.

Two Failing New York Times reporters questioned my story about a forced landing of a helicopter, in a field, with former Mayor of San Francisco, Willie Brown, and others. First of all, it was in New Jersey, not California, and it was Willie Brown, not former Governor Jerry Brown, Trump wrote in a Truth Social post.

So far they are about as accurate as they are with their other stories about me. At least when I became President, the NYT apologized to their readers for their REALLY BAD REPORTING ON THE PRESIDENTIAL RACE, he continued.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Gov. Tim Walz and Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan encouraged Minnesotans to file their taxes, highlighting the states new child tax credit at the nonprofit Prepare + Prosper on Feb. 5, 2023. (Photo by Michelle Griffith/Minnesota Reformer)

Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz really, really likes maps.

The former geography teacher, now a vice-presidential candidate, identifies as a GIS nerd and proclaimed Nov. 15, 2023, as Geographic Information Systems day, writing that an understanding of maps and data helps community leaders and government officials make data-driven decisions governing important policy issues like education, public safety, and the environment.

Over the past several years, Walz has given addresses at conferences hosted by ESRI, the company that makes leading GIS software ArcGIS. Part stump speech and part GIS infomercial, the talks underscore how maps shaped Walzs understanding of the world as a young educator and member of Congress, and how he now relies on them as the tools to implement the ambitious policy agenda crafted by Minnesotas Democratic Farmer Labor Party trifecta this term.

The end product of these maps is a more sustainable economy, a more sustainable environment, and lifting up of peoples lives in a way that they can thrive, he said as part of the keynote of an ESRI conference in mid-July.

Geography in the classroom and in Congress

Walz said he was an early adopter of GIS software in the 1990s, using it, among other things, to teach high school students about the Holocaust.

He had his students build maps of the contemporary world using different layers of data that scholars believed could factor into modern-day genocides. They started looking at food insecurity, potential drought, just like the UN was doing around famine early warning, Walz said.

In 1993, he asked his sophomores where they thought the next genocide might happen, based on the geographic data. They pinpointed Rwanda. The following year, the Rwandan Genocide occurred. The New York Times interviewed some of the students involved in the project in 2008, when Walz was a U.S. congressman.

Walz criticized his former congressional colleagues for their lack of knowledge about global geography. He spoke of blank stares in an Armed Services Committee hearing when he brought up the Durand Line, referring to the often disputed border between Afghanistan and Pakistan.

A geographically illiterate member of the United States Congress is a very scary proposition, he said.

All the governors maps

Walz says that he now relies heavily on maps to both share information with constituents and to target policy interventions.

As a governor, the ability to use what I knew about mapping and the visual display of data to convey complex issues, to affect change amongst people, is really important, he said. The early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, when maps of case counts and geographic spread were a ubiquitous part of newscasts and policy discussions, underscored this point.

GIS helps build trust, he said. Conveying data to people in a complex way helps to build trust.

Walz boasted about St. Pauls map of lead pipes that allows homeowners to look up their addresses and schedule service to get the pipes replaced. This is the interaction between your map and policies, and a united world and good outcomes for people, he said.

Walz says maps help implement the nitty-gritty details of otherwise abstract policy. You have to have a plan for how were doing power and economic justice and environmental justice, he said. The tools for that plan are GIS. Those tools transfer a vision of a fair society into one that actually has results.

At the keynote, Walz shared something called the Minnesota Executive Map Portfolio, a collection of online maps showing data on some of his policy priorities: children and families, the climate, and the economy.

He spoke at length about a map of peat bogs (Minnesota has the second most of these only behind Alaska); one showing child tax credit filing versus eligibility (we had to get out there and find out whos not filing for taxes and break it down to the street level); and a map of youth job skills training rates (matched up with the employers who are there, overlaid with our high school graduation rates, means fewer students drop through the cracks.)

Walz has strong feelings about maps hes not particularly fond of. In 2023, he told an ESRI audience that we need to find the first person who put that red-blue map up and beat the hell out of them for putting that on, because it divided the country. And it did not show the nuance that GIS shows.

Red and blue

Those red and blue maps were the subject of off-the-cuff remarks that became infamous among Walzs Republican opponents. In 2017, he was speaking at a candidate roundtable on comedy show T2P2 when he brought up the urban-rural partisan divide.

You see those maps. Red and blue and theres all that red across there. And Democrats go into depression over it. Its mostly rocks and cows that are in that red area because of demographics, he said. Im a geographer. But it doesnt change the fact that moving toward an urban population left a lot of areas where they were wondering, Where was the person speaking for them?

Republicans circulated an abbreviated clip of the rocks and cows comment and turned it into an attack line.

But overall, Walz tends to speak rapturously about the power of good maps to bring about social change. I know Im preaching to the choir, but the choir needs to sing, he told ESRI in 2024. This stuff works. This stuff makes a difference. The map is wonderful to look at. Its exciting.

As an ESRI executive put it while introducing Walz to the crowd of GIS enthusiasts and map nerds: Hes one of us.

This story first appeared in the Minnesota Reformer, like the Phoenix a member of the nonprofit States Newsroom network.
Former inmate at Dozier School for Boys facing execution following 1994 murder

JACKSON COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB)  A Marion County Circuit judge is refusing to vacate the death penalty of a former inmate at the Dozier School for Boys.

He claims his abuse at the hands of Dozier guards led him to the murder a decade later.

57-year-old Loren Cole is scheduled to be executed at the Florida State Prison in Starke on August 29.

Pedestrian fatally struck by vehicle on Back Beach Road

In 1994, Cole murdered a Florida State University student named John Edwards who went camping with his sister in the Ocala National Forest.

Cole slashed Edwardss throat and repeatedly hit him in the head. Edwards sister was sexually assaulted. Coles lawyers have claimed his criminal behavior was caused by the time he spent at a Dozier School for Boys in Marianna.

He was 17 years old when he was sent to Dozier in 1984 for 6-months. He claims guards bat him twice a week, raped him once, and broke both legs after an escape attempt.

Earlier this year the state passed the Dozier Compensation Bill, entitling victims at Dozier between 1940 and 1975 to payments.

Governor Ron DeSantis signed Dozier compensation bill into law

Cole is not eligible for the money. But his lawyers argued the compensation bill amounts to an admission of the states guilt in the abuse of the dozier boys, including Cole.

They asked the court to vacate his death sentence. The judge has refused. Dozier has been closed for more than a decade. We will likely see a number of appeals leading up to Coles execution date.

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LAS VEGAS (KLAS)  A former Las Vegas police officer is accused of grooming several children and paying them to engage in numerous sex assaults, 8 News Now has confirmed.

Harvey Velazquez, 31, faces 21 charges, including child abuse and luring a child to engage in a sex act, records said.

The Las Vegas Metro Police Department fired Velazquez, who was officially a police officer going through field training, on April 23, the day of his arrest, a department spokesperson said.

On April 1, a person called police about two children receiving inappropriate text messages from a phone number registered to Velazquez, documents said. The childrens ages are not provided in court documents though detectives indicated they were under 16.

Trump fires back at Rogan over praising RFK Jr.

While speaking with detectives, Velazquez admitted to speaking to the children numerous times and explained that he knew talking to the females was wrong, documents said. Police then obtained a warrant to search Velazquezs phone, finding text messages sexual in nature where Velazquez allegedly talked about exchanging money for sexual acts.

Beginning in 2021, Velazquez reportedly exchanged nude photos and videos of himself  some taken at work  with at least one child while also sending her money through an application, documents said. Police allege in one case, Velazquez accepted an offer to trade oral sex for a vape pen, documents said.

In one message from February, Velazquez allegedly paid a child $250 and met her at an off-Strip hotel, documents said. In another incident, Velazquez reportedly told the child he needed to take her to purchase Plan B  an emergency contraceptive pill  so she would not get pregnant.

How to watch the Perseid meteor shower this weekend

In all, police suspect Velazquez paid one child up to $800 over the duration of [the] incidents, police said.

Velazquez remained at the Clark County Detention Center on $275,000 bail as of Friday. Should he post bail, Velazquez will be required to wear an alcohol monitor and stay away from the children connected to the case. A preliminary hearing was scheduled for August 27.

Velazquezs arrest was not made public until the 8 News Now Investigators reporting. The age of consent in Nevada is 16.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News.
LAS VEGAS (KLAS)  A former Las Vegas police officer is accused of grooming several children and paying them to engage in numerous sex assaults, the 8 News Now Investigators have confirmed.

Harvey Velazquez, 31, faces 21 charges, including child abuse and luring a child to engage in a sex act, records said.

The Las Vegas Metro Police Department fired Velazquez, who was officially a police officer going through field training, on April 23, the day of his arrest, a department spokesperson said.

On April 1, a person called police about two children receiving inappropriate text messages from a phone number registered to Velazquez, documents said. The childrens ages are not provided in court documents though detectives indicated they were under 16.

While speaking with detectives, Velazquez admitted to speaking to the children numerous times and explained that he knew talking to the females was wrong, documents said. Police then obtained a warrant to search Velazquezs phone, finding text messages sexual in nature where Velazquez allegedly talked about exchanging money for sexual acts.

Beginning in 2021, Velazquez allegedly exchanged nude photos and videos of himself  some taken at work  with at least one child while also sending her money through an application, documents said. Police allege in one case, Velazquez accepted an offer to trade oral sex for a vape pen, documents said.

In one message from February, Velazquez allegedly paid a child $250 and met her at an off-Strip hotel, documents said. In another incident, Velazquez reportedly told the child he needed to take her to purchase Plan B  an emergency contraceptive pill  so she would not get pregnant.

In all, police suspect Velazquez paid one child up to $800 over the duration of [the] incidents, police said.

Velazquez remained at the Clark County Detention Center on $275,000 bail as of Friday. Should he post bail, Velazquez will be required to wear an alcohol monitor and stay away from the children connected to the case. A preliminary hearing was scheduled for Aug. 27.

Velazquezs arrest was not made public until the 8 News Now Investigators reporting. The age of consent in Nevada is 16.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLAS.
Susan Wojcicki, who served as YouTube's CEO for almost a decade until she stepped down last year, has died. She was 56 years old. Her husband Dennis Troper has shared the news on Facebook, revealing that Wojcicki lived two years with non-small cell lung cancer. "Susan was not just my best friend and partner in life, but a brilliant mind, a loving mother, and a dear friend to many," he wrote in his post. "Her impact on our family and the world was immeasurable."

Google operated out of Wojcicki's garage when the company was just starting out, with founders Larry Page and Sergey Brin using it as their office. She became the company's first marketing manager, co-created Google Image Search and was the first product manager of AdSense. Wojcicki also headed Google's video efforts and was the one who encouraged the company to purchase YouTube in 2006, a year after the video-sharing platform debuted.

In 2014, she was appointed as the CEO of YouTube, which became a key part of Google under her leadership. For the fiscal year of 2022, the year before she stepped down, YouTube ads brought in $29.24 billion in revenue, which made up over 10 percent of the company's total earnings. Outside of her work with Google, Wojcicki brought attention to the gender gap issue in tech and to the plight of refugees. She was also a proponent of lengthy parental leaves and talked about they're actually good for business. In a post on X, Alphabet's current CEO, Sundar Pichai, said Wojcicki was "as core to the history of Google as anyone" and described her someone who's "had a tremendous impact on the world."

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EL PASO, Texas (KTSM)  El Paso and Juarez regional business leaders Paul and Alejandra De La Vega Foster have donated $10 million to the capital campaign that will support El Pasos new childrens museum and STEAM center, La Nube, which is opening this weekend.

La Nube, located at 601 N. Oregon, opens to the public on Saturday, Aug. 10.

A public celebration will be held from 10 a.m. through 4 p.m. Saturday on Main Street. The celebration will start with an official ribbon-cutting ceremony at 10 a.m. Operating hours on will be from 11 a.m. through 5 p.m. on Saturday.

The Grand Foyer at the new childrens museum will be named after the Fosters, the La Nube officials said.

Paul and Alejandra really have our community at heart. Time and time again, they have stood up and spoken clearly about whats important here in El Paso and Ciudad Juarez, said Eric Pearson, president and CEO of the El Paso Community Foundation. We are grateful to them for so much, and this gift to La Nube is another reason why.

We are pleased to make this donation to La Nube, and it is an honor for us to be named in the Grand Foyer, Paul Foster said. As one of the signature projects of the 2012 bond election, we know how important this effort is to the quality of life for all residents of the region, as well as for tourism and economic development. We wanted to do our part to help make sure this science and discovery center is as promised: world class. Just seeing it tonight, I think La Nubes guests will feel that. This is really an amazing place.

Alejandra Foster added: Paul and I are proud to be part of this wonderful venue. It is not only a place of STEAM-focused education, La Nube also represents a place with no borders that says welcome to all. Everything in here celebrates El Pasos ties to our neighbors in Mexico, our dual cultures and language, and especially through the Connected Sky with La Rodadora in Juarez. We are excited to help make this possible for everyone in the Borderplex for generations to come.

We could not be more grateful to Paul and Alejandra for their incredible support, said Stephanie Otero, Interim CEO for La Nube. Their gift will help support essential, critical expenditures associated with bringing this STEAM discovery center to El Paso, including exhibit installations, construction, program development, outreach and more. In recognition of their transformational gift, the Grand Foyer of La Nube will bear the name of the Foster Family, honoring their generosity that will allow us to inspire lifelong learners and the visionaries of tomorrow.

Ahead of the ribbon-cutting and grand opening of La Nubes doors, major donors and community partners gathered with the Fosters for a sneak peek event, billed as Los Luminarios de La Nube, on Thursday, Aug. 8.

La Nube is a public-private partnership of the El Paso Community Foundation, the City of El Paso, and other community leaders.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTSM 9 News.
Anna Landre had been reassured of a wheelchair ramp, but it wasn't there on the day - ALICE HEPPLE

A disability campaigner who won the Freedom of the City of London was unable to collect her award from the Lord Mayor on stage because it was not wheelchair-accessible.

The City of London Corporation (CLC) has apologised after Anna Landre was left fighting back tears at the ceremony at Mansion House in London last month.

The 25-year-old was due to be given the ancient honour for her work promoting the rights of disabled people.

But the temporary stage had not been constructed with wheelchair access, which meant that she had to receive her award from the main floor, in contrast to the other recipients.

She has now spoken out about the absurd incident, citing it as an example of the access roulette disabled people are forced to face in everyday life.

Writing in The Big Issue, she said: I suppose I was worthy of being granted the Freedom of the City, but not the freedom of the room.

The stage itself was not a historic feature and sat barely half a metre off the floor.

The organisers knew I was coming and had assured me of wheelchair access. So why did this happen?

Ms Landre speaking on Good Morning Britain - KEN MCKAY/SHUTTERSTOCK

Ms Landre said that although the Disability Discrimination Act and the Equality Act should prevent situations like the Mansion House debacle from taking place, she and fellow disabled people routinely faced an implementation gap.

The gap is wide, and we have no choice but to mind it every day, she said.

I quietly accepted my Freedom of the City from the floor beneath the stage, knowing that despite the legal obligation for disabled people to be granted reasonable adjustments like a ramp to ensure access, if I made a scene it would be I who was branded unreasonable.

The Freedom of the City of London is one of the Citys oldest traditions and is believed to have been handed out since 1237.

They are awarded to individuals for their contribution to London or public life or to celebrate significant achievement, according to CLC.

Ms Landre, who moved to the UK three years ago from Washington DC, received the award for her contributions both to disability campaigning and computer science.

She said: As an activist, whenever this happens its an opportunity to fix it for the next person because if I dont, it will happen to the next person.

Ms Landre pointed out the irony of being granted the Freedom of City, but not the 'freedom of room' - KEN MCKAY/SHUTTERSTOCK

The current legislation makes it illegal for employers and public places to discriminate against someone because they are disabled.

In practice, this means they are obliged to make adjustments to ensure disabled people have access.

A CLC spokesman said: The City of London Corporation would like to offer our sincerest apologies to Anna Landre for the inaccessible stage upon receiving her Freedom award.

The City of London Corporation is fully committed to equity, diversity and inclusion and we are undertaking an urgent review to ensure accessibility at our buildings, facilities and events.

Again, we want to make clear our unreserved apology to Anna Landre and we are making every effort to ensure this doesnt happen again.

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Fresno Unified students will get out early every Tuesday

Fresno Unified students will get out early every Tuesday

FRESNO, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE)  Fresno Unified has announced that there will be an early release day for students every Tuesday.

According to the school districts website, beginning this year, early dismissal on Tuesday will be for all students.

District officials say afterschool programs will start directly after the early release days.

The bus schedule has also been adjusted for the new early release schedule. District officials say that the change is designed to provide the teachers with essential time for planning, professional development, and increased engagement with parents and families.

The districts website says that the early release schedule does not apply to the Child Development Center or Preschool programs.

According to the district, the time of early release varies slightly from school to school, and they encourage parents to check with their childrens schools website.

More information can be found here.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to YourCentralValley.com | KSEE24 and CBS47.
The East Frisian island of Borkum. The competent Dutch authority has granted One-Dyas a mining permit for the planned extraction of natural gas in the North Sea off Borkum. Sina Schuldt/dpa

The Fridays for Future climate group on Saturday held a demonstration to criticize plans to drill for natural gas off the German island of Borkum.

Leading climate activist Luisa Neubauer said the project would come at "an immense ecological and political cost, without any necessity for this gas."

According to Fridays for Future, around 2,000 people protested on the North Sea island on Saturday, although only 50 had registered to attend.

Police neither confirmed nor denied the figure, with a spokesman saying that people had repeatedly joined and left the march, making it difficult to determine a number.

Fridays for Future stated that Environmental Action Germany (DUH), Greenpeace and other citizen initiatives also participated.

The Dutch company One-Dyas plans to start extracting natural gas from a field in the North Sea by the end of the year.

To do so, a production platform is to be built on Dutch territory, about 23 kilometres north-west of Borkum.

According to the plans, extraction will take place in both Dutch and German territorial waters, near the Wadden Sea National Park in the north-western German state of Lower Saxony.

"Either you side with this foreign gas company, which is the only winner in this whole thing ... or you side with everyone else: the island of Borkum, the people, the climate targets, the coalition agreement, the ecosystems, the reefs, the grey seals and Germany's international credibility in the energy transition," said Neubauer.

Decision on drilling pending

Permits from both the Netherlands and Germany are required for the extraction of natural gas in the border area.

On the German side, a decision is currently awaited on whether the Lower Saxony State Office for Mining, Energy and Geology will approve the project. If approval is granted, DUH intends to file a lawsuit against it.

Additionally, an agreement between Germany and the Netherlands is needed for the drilling. From the perspective of the regional state government, the federal government has the final say.

In the centre-left coalition agreement of 2021, the three parties, the Social Democrats (SPD), Greens, and Free Democrats (FDP) agreed not to issue "any new permits for oil and gas drilling beyond the granted framework operating permits for the German North Sea and Baltic Sea."

A recently approved power cable cannot be laid for the time being following a court decision by the Administrative Court of Oldenburg in Lower Saxony. The urgent application had been filed by DUH.
Michael Brown Sr. leads a march to the site where his son Michael Brown Jr. was shot and killed during the 10th anniversary commemoration of Brown Jr.'s death in Ferguson, Mo. on Friday, Photo by Bill Greenblatt/UPI

Aug. 9 (UPI) -- Friends, family, religious and community leaders commemorated the 10th anniversary of the shooting death of Black teenager Michael Brown Jr., by a White police officer in a series of events held Friday in Ferguson, Mo.

Brown, 18, was unarmed when he was shot to death by Darren Wilson, a White police officer. The shooting sparked a nationwide outcry and was a catalyst for the growth of the Black Lives Matter movement in the United States.

The incident triggered nearly two weeks of nightly protests and battles with police in the St. Louis community.

Brown's death was commemorated with an "All Roads Lead to Ferguson" Unity Walk, which stretched approximately four miles from Brown's alma mater of Normandy High School to the spot on Canfield Drive in Ferguson where he was killed.

The walk was followed with a community day memorial service at the site in which religious leaders, community activists and friends of the family spoke to the crowd. Speakers included U.S. Rep. Cori Bush, D-Mo.

Marchers chant as they march to the spot in the street where Michael Brown Jr. was shot and killed during a memorial service for Brown Jr., celebrating the 10th anniversary of his death in Ferguson, Mo., on Friday. Photo by Bill Greenblatt/UPI

"There has still not been justice for this family," Bush said, according to St. Louis Public Radio. "There has still not been change, not enough for Black folks to feel it. And so right now, we lift up all of Mike Brown's family, every single one that felt the pain and continues to feel it."

Brown's father, Michael Brown Sr., led the unity walk and placed blue roses at the spot in the middle of Canfield Drive where his son was shot and killed 10 years ago.

Children listen to memorial speeches for Michael Brown Jr. behind signs shaped in wooden fists of those killed by police during a service celebrating the 10th anniversary of Brown's death in Ferguson, Mo., on Friday, Photo by Bill Greenblatt/UPI

Mourners also placed teddy bears and flowers at the memorial site before the service and signs shaped into wooden fists -- representing those killed by police -- were set up along the road.
A procession of law enforcement officers led way to the Celebration of Life and Memorial Service for 28-year-old Lake County Master Deputy Bradley Link.

The procession traveled US Highway 27 to the Real Life Christian Church in Clermont.

At the front, deputy links widow, Brittany Link, looked to be taking in the overwhelming support of this community.

Read: WATCH: Memorial service for Lake County Master Deputy Bradley Link

The family was met with an Honor Guard who lined the walkways to make way for the family to enter the service.

Also in attendance, Deputy Harold Howell, carrying his arm in a sling. He was also shot in the ambush and released from the hospital this week.

Its been a very hard week, Lt. John Herrell, with the Lake County Sheriffs Office, said. This has been a nightmare.

Read: UCF partners with Lake County to provide mental health support to deputies

The service was open to the public which is why members from the Warthog Motorcycle Club from Daytona Beach decided to pay their respects.

Weve all been on this job, a club member said. Weve all been on this job, most of us are retired but weve all been on this job. One way or the other.

Retired law enforcement, fire fighters, and corrections officers who collected more than $1,000 to donate to the link family.

WATCH: Procession held for Lake County deputy killed in the line of duty

Cause its just a sad thing when a man loses his life doing his job, another club member said. Were just here to support the blue. Thats what we do. This is family to us.

Support and strength of a community that will keep his memory alive forever.

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The brother of George Floyd, whose murder by Minneapolis police sparked nationwide protests in 2020, has reportedly endorsed the Democratic ticket of Kamala Harris and Tim Walz, the governor of Minnesota.

On Friday, Philonise Floyd shared his support for Walz, saying he showed what unity was by attending the funeral of Daunte Wright, a 20-year-old Black man who was fatally shot by Minnesota police in 2021.

For him to take time out of his day to speak at the funeral, I gotta give him kudos, Philonise Floyd said, according to NBC News. Hes a family man with a good heart.

He described the governor, who was announced as Harris vice presidential running mate Tuesday, as someone who rose to the challenges he faced in office.

At first, he was just a regular governor, just looking like a politician, he said. Then, he stood up and he put Keith Ellison in place as the prosecutor, and that showed a lot of people he was not playing. He was serious.

Walz had tapped Ellison, the Minnesota attorney general, to handle the prosecution of Derek Chauvin, who was fired from his police role and tried after kneeling on George Floyds neck for around 9 minutes, killing him.

Chauvin was convicted in 2021 on two counts of murder and one count of manslaughter, receiving 22.5 years in prison. He received an additional 21-year sentence in 2022, to be served concurrently, for violating George Floyds civil rights.

If it wasnt for Gov. Walz, we would not be able to walk around and say that we got some accountability, Philonise Floyd said Friday.

Philonise Floyd is pictured tearfully reacting to the verdict in Derek Chauvin's 2021 trial. John Minchillo/Associated Press

The Harris-Walz ticket has been enthusiastically received by Democrats. Meanwhile, Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump has called Walz a radical left man, though hed previously praised his leadership during the civil unrest in Minnesota following George Floyds killing.

I cant say anything bad about him. I really just want to shake his hand right now, Philonise Floyd said about the vice presidential nominee. Sometimes, its the people that you dont see everyday, those are the people that have the best advice. Hes ready.

Read more at NBC News.

Related...
The number of squatters being taken to court is skyrocketing in Georgia as homeowners continue to face issues with illegal tenants residing on their properties.

Georgia has seen a significant uptick over the past several years in squatting court cases. While reporting only three such cases in 2017, the number grew to 50 in 2021 and then 198 in 2023, according to a new report from Pacific Legal Foundation. The real number could be far higher, as the report covered courts in only 25 of the states 159 counties.

These are low-risk crimes of opportunity and very appealing as a result, Pila Jessie, the owner of Khorr Realty, told Newsweek. Squatting cases are more prominent because there has been an increase in housing inventory and more short-term rentals across the country. This leaves more inventory for people to squat in.

The surge in cases might not actually reflect a higher incidence of squatting but could instead reflect the states harsher response. Georgia joined several other states in passing laws that criminalize squatting in April, and that could lead to a higher number of squatting court cases.

Governor Brian Kemp signed the Georgia Squatter Reform Act, making the act of squatting a criminal offense and also adding on additional rights for property owners.

Under the states previous law, homeowners had to file a landlord-tenant dispossessory proceeding or undergo what is called the intruder-ejection process. That usually took at least eight months for an eviction notice to go through and led to significant financial loss and distress.

Under the new law, police can serve a criminal notice and remove squatters in less than two weeks.

Florida has passed a similar law that allows police to immediately remove a squatter from a property, and several other states have anti-squatting bills in the works.

New York state Senator Mario Mattera introduced several bills that would permit law enforcement to evict squatters immediately based on a homeowners sworn complaint and without court involvement of any kind.

Title and escrow expert Alan Chang told Newsweek: Only a handful of states class this as a criminal matter, so most of the country considers it a civil proceeding, which means that it will be a slow and often costly problem for homeowners.

The rise in squatting coincides with the growing issue of lack of affordable housing, studies show.

A record high number of renters, 22.4 million, said they spent more than 30 percent of their income on rent in 2022, according to the Harvard Joint Center for Housing Studies. And another report from the National Low Income Housing Coalition revealed that a full-time minimum wage worker would not be able to afford a one-bedroom apartment in at least 92 percent of counties in America.

In states that have not passed anti-squatting laws, residents are more easily able to take advantage of the rules in place to protect tenants, even if they are illegally occupying a home.

A criminals job is to find ways to unjustly enrich themselves, and when they find a weakness in the law, word gets around to other criminals and the activity increases, broker Ben Caballero previously told Newsweek.

Chang said property owners with a vacant home should keep it secure with quality locks and visit it on a consistent basis to reduce the likelihood of squatters.

Little things like lights turning on, mail/newspapers being collected, and a car in the driveway will help keep squatters from seeing a vacant and easy target, Chang said.
Athens Republican Sen. Bill Cowsert, left, asked several Fulton County officials at a May 3 investigation committee hearing whether they believed county officials should have a greater influence over special prosecutors hired by the district attorney. Stanley Dunlap/Georgia Recorder (File)

A Georgia Senate special committee investigating the professional conduct of Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis spent several hours Friday hearing testimony about the broad discretion district attorneys have over their budgets.

Republican state lawmakers trained their sights on DA discretionary spending after a Fulton Superior Court hearing revealed that Willis had hired a special prosecutor she was romantically involved with.

In the Senate Special Committee on Investigations hearing, the majority of the focus was on rules and regulations for District Attorney offices throughout the state, including a DAs ability to hire special prosecutors and the allocation of other budgetary expenses.

Committee Chairman Bill Cowsert, an Athens Republican, said the hearing was intended to address concerns that county commissioners, the public, and others may have that Georgia DAs have too much control over how to run their offices.

Cowsert said he is concerned about budgetary disparities between less populated counties and wealthy counties that can afford to provide significantly greater funding resources for their district attorneys.

I hate to see us have smaller counties that feel like they dont have enough personnel because their counties cant supplement it or theyre not playing their politics well enough or are not on the right side of the blue or the red to be getting the federal grants coming down, he said.

The Senate committees hearing Friday was its first time meeting since May 23, when a former Fulton juvenile diversion program director alleged that Willis and DA staff improperly spent federal funds on gang prevention and empowerment programs.

Willis Fulton Superior Court 2020 presidential election interference case is now on hold while the Georgia Court of Appeals reviews a motion filed by Trump and several co-defendants seeking to remove Willis from the case. Their argument is that Willis should be disqualified as a result of an undisclosed romantic relationship he had with Nathan Wade, who she hired as a special prosecutor to oversee a case. Wade was paid about $700,000 from the county as the cases lead prosecutor before he resigned this March under scandal.

Over the past few months, the committee has heard from expert witnesses ranging from a defense attorney who helped uncover the Willis romantic affair, high-ranking Fulton County officials, and others.

Willis remains at odds with Cowserts panel over whether she should be forced to comply with a subpoena to testify before the committee.

The special investigation committees next meeting is scheduled for Sept. 13.

On Friday, three current and former district attorneys testified about how state, local, and federal grants trickle down to the local offices.

The statewide Prosecuting Attorneys Council of Georgia oversees how DAs allocate state money, as well as how they provide resources such as assigning independent prosecutors to assist DAs offices in handling specialized cases.

It is not the councils responsibility to discipline or remove district attorneys for misconduct, which is handled by a board of the State Bar of Georgia that determines whether a lawyer has violated a states professional conduct rules, the witnesses said Friday.

At Fridays hearing, legislators wondered how they could help develop more ethical guidelines for district attorneys, including directing a controversial new prosecutors oversight commission to develop a code of conduct for local prosecutors.

A majority of the states 50 district attorneys handle cases for several counties within a judicial circuit, operating on a shoestring budget compared to larger metropolitan areas, said T. Wright Barksdale III, district attorney for the Ocmulgee Judicial Circuit.

Wright said that county and judicial district types of cases differ greatly, and that while the county provides prosecutors with operating expenses, accountability for district attorneys takes place at the ballot box with the public deciding whether the money is being spent appropriately.

Fulton Countys district attorneys office was recently criticized in an county audit, resulting in the DAs attorneys arguing Willis as a constitutional officer has the authority to hire special prosecutors and case experts.

The county can come in next year and say, We dont agree with that but the public needs to understand the county commissioners are giving large amounts of money to people that are spending it however, they have culpability and responsibility to make sure that whats being spent is appropriate, Wright said.

Porter suggested that county officials could try to reduce funds they believe were misappropriated in the next budgetary cycle, which could further encourage DAs to follow county government regulations.

Porter said district attorneys have the same legal authority to control their budgets as other constitutional officers such as sheriffs, who are generally able to spend the states money as they see fit. The new prosecutor oversight commission will develop similar ethics conduct guidelines as the Judicial Qualifications Commission, the panel that oversees Georgia judges, Porter said.

A prosecutors disciplinary panel also investigates complaints filed against district attorneys, including the current complaint already filed against Willis related to the 2020 case. Willis has called the attacks from Trump and the GOP machine a witch hunt against her because shes a Democrat and Black woman who stands up to Trumps attempts to illegally overturn his loss in Georgias 2020 election.

Cowsert said hes concerned that Georgia doesnt have universal consistent codes of conduct for prosecutors.

What are the ethical guidelines? What are the fair expectations of our citizens? Cowsert said. The reason is because, as far as I can tell, theyre only bound by the disciplinary rules and ethical guidelines of the State Bar of Georgia that apply to all attorneys.

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Germany warns of possible Russian influence on state elections

Germany's Federal Ministry of the Interior has warned that state elections in the east of the country could become a potential target for Russian disinformation campaigns.

Source: a representative of the ministry in an interview with German newspaper Handelsblatt, as reported by European Pravda

Details: The ministry emphasises that Russia may try to manipulate the upcoming state elections.

"We have to assume that all elections in our country are a potential target for illegitimate influence," the representative said.

By doing so, Russia is trying to "illegally influence public debate and political decision-making in Germany," they added.

The ministry observed a rise in disinformation from Russian official bodies, state- and government-affiliated media and social media accounts since the start of Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

"They are using false information to foment emotionally charged discussions and deliberately pit social groups against each other," the representative stated.

Background:

In late July, US intelligence warned about an avalanche of disinformation from the Russian Federation before the election.

A few months ago, European intelligence agencies informed their governments that Russia was planning a pan-European sabotage.

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People mourn near the bodies of Palestinians who were killed in Israeli attack on the Al-Tabeen school which sheltering displaced Palestinians in Gaza City, at the al-Maamadani hospital. At least 100 people were killed and dozens more were wounded. Hadi Daoud/APA Images via ZUMA Press Wire/dpa

Dozens of people sheltering inside a school in Gaza City were killed in an airstrike carried out by Israeli forces early on Saturday, sparking international condemnation.

A spokesman for the Hamas-controlled Palestinian civil defence agency put the death toll at 93, while medical and security sources inside Gaza said at least 100 people had been killed in the attack.

The Palestinian militant organization Hamas said the strike hit the al-Tabeen school in Gaza City's Daraj neighbourhood during morning prayers, resulting in the high number of casualties.

School operations in the territory have been suspended since the beginning of the conflict, with most school buildings now serving as emergency shelters for displaced people.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) did not comment on the number of possible casualties but said in a statement on Telegram that the strike had targeted "a Hamas command and control centre" which "served as a hideout for Hamas terrorists and commanders."

Up to 20 Hamas terrorists were killed in the strike, the IDF said, adding that a number of attacks against Israel were "planned and advanced" from the location.

"Numerous steps were taken to mitigate the risk of harming civilians" in Saturday's operation, the IDF added.

Israel has long accused Hamas of hiding behind Gaza's civilian population.

In its statement, the IDF said Hamas "systematically violates international law and operates from within civilian shelters, brutally exploiting the civilian population and institutions as human shields for their terror activities."

Eyewitness report horrific scenes

It was not possible to independently verify claims from either side.

However, eyewitnesses reported horrific scenes in the aftermath of the strike.

Women and children were said to be performing morning prayers on the upper floor of the school in Gaza City.

A man who rushed to the scene after the strike said he was in tears as the smell of burnt flesh filled the air, with body parts scattered around.

A woman who survived the attack on the upper floor said she had lost 10 relatives, including her father, two sons and her brothers.

Egypt, Hezbollah denounce Israel

Egypt strongly condemned Saturday's attack, saying the strike showed an "unprecedented disregard for international law."

The Foreign Ministry in Cairo said the attack was a "continuation of crimes on a large scale" in which "huge numbers of unarmed civilians" were killed.

Egypt has been involved in months-long efforts alongside the United States and Qatar to bring about a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas to end the Gaza war.

The latest strike, Cairo said, was "clear proof" that there is no will on the Israeli side to end the conflict.

The Lebanese Hezbollah militia similarly accused Israel of "lies and deception," adding that its "real choice is to kill and carry out massacres."

The militia said Palestinians have been subjected to the "most heinous massacre for more than 10 months," since the conflict in Gaza began.

International organizations condemn attack

International organizations were also quick to respond to Saturday's attack, with the EU's top diplomat, Josep Borrell, saying he was "horrified".

"At least 10 schools were targeted in the last weeks. Theres no justification for these massacres," he wrote on X.

Philippe Lazzarini, the head of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), said the incident represented "another day of horror" in Gaza.

"The unbearable cannot become the norm," he added.

The French Foreign Ministry also criticized Israel, saying it condemned the attack "in the strongest possible terms" in a post on X.

Death toll approaches 40,000

Israel has come under international criticism given the high number of civilian casualties and dire humanitarian situation in Gaza.

More than 39,600 people have died in Israel's air and ground offensive in the territory, according to the Hamas-run Health Ministry.

Around 85% of the population of the Gaza Strip has been forced to leave their homes as a result of the conflict, which was triggered by an unprecedented massacre in which more than 1,200 people in Israel were killed by Hamas and other militant groups on October 7, while 250 hostages were taken to the Gaza Strip.

People mourn near the bodies of Palestinians who were killed in Israeli attack on the Al-Tabeen school which sheltering displaced Palestinians in Gaza City, at the al-Maamadani hospital. At least 100 people were killed and dozens more were wounded. Hadi Daoud/APA Images via ZUMA Press Wire/dpa

People mourn near the bodies of Palestinians who were killed in Israeli attack on the Al-Tabeen school which sheltering displaced Palestinians in Gaza City, at the al-Maamadani hospital. At least 100 people were killed and dozens more were wounded. Hadi Daoud/APA Images via ZUMA Press Wire/dpa
LAS VEGAS (KLAS)  A young golden eagle rescued at Red Rock Canyon early last month is recovering, but still weeks away from being released into the wild.

It was on deaths door, according to Matt Flores, a Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW) biologist who helped get the eagle to a vet when it was found on the ground near the Icebox Canyon trailhead on July 11. He said the eagle was less than a year old.

A young eagle shown here shortly after it was rescued from Red Rock Canyon on July 11 has been nicknamed Nevada Dave. The eagle is recovering at the Arizona Raptor Center. (Photo: Matt Flores/Nevada Department of Wildlife)

It was so weak. It was dehydrated. It was emaciated to the point where it was weak and couldnt fly, Flores said. The eagle wasnt injured, he said, but it might have been hit by a vehicle or ran into a power line.

BLM called us, basically saying we have a bird thats on the ground. Its an eagle. They were wondering what they could do with it. Theres a very set course of action, he said. Even feeding an eagle in distress is a bad idea because its likely to make them more sick.

Decision to intervene

A young birds best chance for recovery is its parents. Flores said its best to leave the bird alone and the parents will show up. An eagle that leaves the nest usually stays nearby and the parents feed it.

But a known eagles nest in Icebox Canyon was empty and there were no signs of other eagles.

NDOW isnt in the business of nursing birds back to health. You might remember the story of a rare yellow-billed loon that took up residence at the Bellagio fountains on the Las Vegas Strip in March. NDOW assisted by moving that bird for its own safety, but its rare that officials take such steps.

You have to have a plan if youre going to pick it up, Flores said. A park ranger captured the bird with a net, and then covered it with a towel.

If theres a need for medical attention, its a job for a vet. For this eagle, NDOW found a specialist who took the bird for 48 hours, giving it saline injections to restore hydration. But with the eagles parents gone, there was no way to teach the juvenile bird to hunt.

Expertise with raptors

Enter the Arizona Raptor Center, a wildlife rescue organization that helps injured and orphaned birds of prey. This was the first time NDOW had worked with the organization, Flores said.

The eagle was sent to a hack site in Cochise, Arizona, where master eagle falconer Jerry Ostwinkle has taken over caring for Nevada Dave. The center assigns nicknames for the birds to include the name of the person who found the bird.

If the officer wouldnt have rescued that eagle it would have died the next day, Ostwinkle said.

On the same day Nevada Dave was rescued, a similar situation was unfolding 240 miles southeast of Las Vegas near Seligman, Arizona. An injured eagle took refuge under a police vehicle. Officers knew how to handle the eagle, covering the bird to prevent injuries and moving it into the vehicle to help cool it off.

A golden eagle takes shelter under a police vehicle near Seligman, Arizona, on July 11, 2024. (Photo: Mohave County Sheriffs Office)

A golden eagle in the rear seat of a police vehicle near Seligman, Arizona, on July 11, 2024. (Photo: Mohave County Sheriffs Office)

A golden eagle recovered near Seligman, Arizona, is weighed at the Arizona Raptor Center. (Courtesy, Jerry Ostwinkle)

A golden eagle recovered near Seligman, Arizona, inside an enclosed pen at the Arizona Raptor Center. (Courtesy, Jerry Ostwinkle)

A golden eagle recovered near Seligman, Arizona, inside an enclosed pen at the Arizona Raptor Center. (Courtesy, Jerry Ostwinkle)

The Mohave County Sheriffs Office posted a video and photos of the eagle and thanked the Arizona Raptor Center for taking care of him. They call him Charlie.

Whats a hack site?

The two eagles are among four that were at the hack site in early August, making progress toward being released into the wild. Hacking falcons is a practice developed centuries ago to reintroduce the birds to the wild. According to a 2023 article, Falconers placed young falcons in a wagon or hack and took them to the top of a hill. They fed them daily and the falcons could come and go as they pleased. Over several weeks the young birds developed muscle tone, flying and hunting abilities.

In Cochise, the eagles learn from ravens and turkey vultures in the surrounding Dragoon Mountain Range. They sometimes feed on carcasses left behind by mountain lions.

Recovery, release

Nevada Dave probably wont be released for another three weeks, according to Jerry Ostwinkle of the Arizona Raptor Center.

It has to do with growth. Hes not fully feathered. He has to become hard-pinned. Thats when all the blood leaves his feathers and its easier for him to fly.

Nevada Dave perches on wood on the ground inside an enclosed pen at the Arizona Raptor Center. (Courtesy, Jerry Ostwinkle)

Even though the Arizona eagle was injured, it is making fast progress and could be released sooner. Ostwinkle said its not unusual for an eagle to be released 18-22 days after it is brought in. Methods used by other rescue operations usually take three to four months, he said.

The difference is the unique environment of the hack site, Ostwinkle said. Eagles need access to game, and elevation is important. He said the thermal activity provided by monsoons is also a factor that works in the sites favor.

No rehabber will ever know this because they dont fly golden eagles, Ostwinkle said.

The Arizona Raptor Center had already turned two other eagles back to the wild before the two new arrivals in July, he said. They have joined up with other eagles in the wild.

What should you do?

NDOW emphasizes that not every young bird needs human intervention. Its almost always best to leave a bird alone and allow its parents to return. Flores said if the parents are near, a bird is generally on the ground for 24-48 hours.

Flores also recommends leaving dead birds in place. Some species feign injuries as a defense mechanism.

If you find an injured bird that needs a vets care, always call ahead  not all veterinarians treat birds. Know what you are going to do before you take the first step of intervening.

Covering the bird with a towel before you pick it up will make it easier because birds will fight to get away from what they can see.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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In the post-war period, Britain has been a lenient country, a country of second chances, policing by consent, a gentle approach to the destitute and, increasingly, an insanely generous blindness towards bad actors  so long as those bad actors are minorities (except for Jews).

We have let terrorists out of prison before serving their full sentence, some of whom have gone on to murder. We treat asylum-seeking young men chancing it by the thousands on small boats to perpetual stays in hotels that many legal residents could never afford, without subjecting them to any meaningful vetting.

And yet even we have lines that cant be crossed. In leaving for Syria, aged 15 and in full possession of her faculties to join Islamic State (IS), a killing machine of global ambition every bit as bad as Hitlers Nazis, Bethnal Greens Shamima Begum forfeited her right to British citizenship and the rights that entails. In Syria, evidence suggests she cheered on her new nations sprees of mass executions, torture and rape. She swore allegiance to a terrorist enemy army with the explicit aim of destroying the West, including the UK, and replacing it with a nightmarish caliphate. Yet Begum had received nearly 250,000 in taxpayer-funded legal aid, which could have risen to millions with all her appeals.

Well, last week the Supreme Court refused to hear another appeal from Begum, who had her citizenship stripped in 2019, after she was deemed by the then-home secretary Sajid Javid to be a threat to national security.

In February, the Court of Appeal ruled the government was allowed to block Begums return to the UK to argue her citizenship case in person. I wont go into details of the case, but what I will say is that you certainly havent seen what I saw, Javid had said. If you did know what I knew, because you are sensible, responsible people, you would have made exactly the same decision  of that, I have no doubt.

So its no dice for the IS bride in Britain. You have to hand it to her, though, for trying to spin herself as someone who, if allowed back in with her citizenship restored, could, as she said in 2021, very much help you in your fight against terrorism because you clearly dont know what youre doing.

Her apologies  like the creepily, smoothly vacuous self-presentation we saw in the BBC documentary, filmed in the Syrian refugee camp in which she has lived since IS fell  are singularly unconvincing sorry-not-sorries. I am so sorry if I ever offended anyone by coming here, if I ever offended anyone by the things I said, she wheedled.

The UKs rejection hasnt put her off though. Next stop: Strasbourg, and the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR).

And, as an embodiment of all that is wrong with the modern Western conceptions of human rights  namely that the rights of terrorists, would-be terrorists and their sympathisers end up outweighing those of non-terrorists and other innocent folk to live without fear of murder  the ECtHR is just the place for her to go. Its also a reminder of why Britain really ought to break away from the European Convention on Human Rights, full stop (though certainly wont under Starmer).

There is a long history and rich body of work critiquing the idea of human rights. Perhaps most famously, philosopher Hannah Arendt wrote, observing the floods of stateless people that grew up between the end of the first and second world wars, that human rights is a meaningless term in a world in which only nation states are the guarantors of rights and the protection of people  the human herself does not, cannot, float above the nation state, rightly or wrongly.

Less theoretically, the European Convention on Human Rights, to which the UK is a signatory, is a known obstacle to the swift and just dealing with terrorists, and indeed who we allow in or out of our country. The ECtHR stopped our now-kiboshed Rwanda plan for asylum seekers with a single judge blocking the flight bound for Africa at the eleventh hour.

And as Ben Wallace noted, shortly after leaving his post as defence secretary in 2023, human rights laws are lunacy when it comes to protecting the nation from terrorists.

When we have a threat to the UK, this lunacy of being unable to render people across borders or arrest people in countries whose police forces are unacceptable, means that we are more often than not forced into taking lethal action than actually raiding and detaining, he said.

Wallace noted that the UK, bound by the ECtHR, could not have raided Osama bin Ladens villa as the US did. If there was an IS plot in some Central African country for example, under international law we have the right to take action with or without permission from the host nation, but we couldnt capture the bad guys  we could only kill them.

This is the system of justice that mainstream respectable opinion in Britain insists we dont question, that to pull away from it would render us a pariah state of anarchy and violence. But in remaining bound by the European framework, we show our submission to its governing ideology of pernicious moral relativism. On the broadest level, too many are left to get away with conspiring against us, from within and without, while on the streets, law and order feels patchy, at best, often two-tier in appearance and is clearly overstretched, leading to brazen criminality. Thats where the road to anarchy lies, not in pulling free of a band of obstructive officials in Strasbourg.

If Shamima Begum gets herself back to Britain through the ECtHR, nobody sensible will be surprised, and the perverse  an increasingly large number  will celebrate.

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Gov. Brian Kemp Wednesday pledged to continue pushing major tort reform legislation when the General Assembly convenes in January for the 2025 legislative session.

Kemp made his announcement at the annual Congressional Luncheon in Athens sponsored by the Georgia Chamber of Commerce, the same venue he used a year ago to promise that comprehensive tort reform would be a major priority during the 2024 session.

However, in that sessions early days last January, the governor said getting tort reform done would require more than one year. As a result, lawmakers settled for passing legislation limiting the ability of plaintiffs in lawsuits against commercial truckers to file suit directly against a trucking companys insurance carrier.

We took the first meaningful steps on this issue this past session by creating a mechanism to gather needed information that will guide the next steps, Kemp told a roomful of political and business leaders Wednesday. And as we gather that data, Im ensuring we listen to all stakeholders.

Kemp announced he will hold a listening tour to hear from subject matter experts and industry leaders, including three roundtables that will inform his tort reform agenda for 2025.

Republican governors and GOP legislative leaders have worked for years to pass significant tort reform legislation. The most significant step in that direction came nearly 20 years ago with a bill that placed a $350,000 cap on non-economic damage awards in medical malpractice and product liability lawsuits. But the state Supreme Court declared the law unconstitutional in 2010.

Since then, legislative Democrats and their allies in the legal industry have joined forces to sink efforts to enact tort reform, arguing it would take away victims rights to their day in court.

Kemp is backing tort reform as a pro-business measure that would stop frivolous lawsuits from driving up insurance premiums to the point that the costs prevent Georgia businesses from creating jobs.
Elon Musk recently made headlines when he posted a deepfake video of Vice President Kamala Harris, with manipulated audio to make it sound like she called herself the ultimate diversity hire who doesnt know the first thing about running the country. A month earlier, a Republican congressional candidate in Michigan posted a TikTok using the AI-generated voice of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. to say hed come back from the dead to endorse Anthony Hudson. In January, President Joe Bidens voice was replicated using artificial intelligence to send a fake robocall to thousands of people in New Hampshire, urging them not to vote in the states primary the following day.

AI experts and lawmakers have been sounding the alarm, demanding more regulation as artificial intelligence is used to supercharge disinformation and misinformation. Now, its three months before the presidential election and the United States is ill-prepared to handle a potential onslaught of fake content heading our way.

Digitally-altered images  also known as deepfakes  have been around for decades, but, thanks to generative AI, they are now exponentially easier to make and harder to detect. As the threshold for making deepfakes has lowered, they are now being produced at scale and are increasingly more difficult to regulate. To make matters more challenging, government agencies are fighting about when and how to regulate this technology  if at all  and AI experts worry that a failure to act could have a devastating impact on our democracy. Some officials are proposing basice regulations that would disclose when AI is used in political ads, but Republican political appointees are standing in the way.

Any time that youre dealing with misinformation or disinformation intervening in elections, we need to imagine that its a kind of voter suppression, says Dr. Alondra Nelson. Nelson was the deputy director and acting director of Joe Bidens White House Office of Science and Technology Policy and led the creation of the AI Bill of Rights. She says that AI misinformation is keeping people from having a reliable information environment in which they can make decisions about pretty important issues in their lives. Rather than stopping people from getting to the polls to vote, she says, this new type of voter suppression is an insidious, slow erosion of peoples trust in the truth which affects their trust in the legitimacy of institutions and the government.

Nelson says that the fact that Musks deepfake video post is still up online proves that we cannot count on companies to abide by their own rules about misinformation. There have to be clear guardrails, clear bright lines about whats acceptable and not acceptable on the part of individual actors and companies, and consequences for that behavior.

Multiple states have passed regulations on AI-generated deepfakes in elections, but federal regulations are harder to come by. This month, the Federal Communications Commission is accepting public comments on the agencys proposed rules to require advertisers disclose when AI technology is used in political ads on radio and television. (The FCC does not have jurisdiction over online content.)

Since the 1930s, the FCC has required TV and radio stations to keep a record of information about whos buying campaign ads and how much they paid. Now, the agency is proposing adding a question asking whether AI was used in the production of the ad. The proposal wouldnt prohibit the use of AI in ads; it would simply ask if AI was used.

We have this national tool that has existed for decades, FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel tells Rolling Stone in a phone interview. We decided that now is a good time to try to modernize it in a really simple way, when I think a lot of voters just want to know: are you using this technology? Yes or no?

Rosenworcel says there is a lot of work to be done when it comes to AI and misinformation. She points to the fake Biden robocall, which the FCC responded to by invoking the Telephone Consumer Protection Act of 1991, which restricts the use of artificial voices in telephone calls. The FCC then worked with the New Hampshire attorney general, who brought criminal charges against the man who created the robocall.

Youve got to start somewhere and I dont think we should let the perfect be the enemy of the good, says Rosenworcel. I think building on a foundation thats been around for decades is a good place to start.

The Federal Election Commissions Republican chairman Sean Cooksey opposes the FCCs latest proposal, claiming it would sow chaos since it is so close to an election.

Every American should be disturbed that the Democrat-controlled FCC is pushing ahead with its radical plan to change the rules on political ads mere weeks before the general election, Cooksey said in a written statement to Rolling Stone. Not only would these vague rules intrude on the Federal Election Commissions jurisdiction, but they would sow chaos among political campaigns and confuse voters before they head to the polls. The FCC should abandon this misguided proposal.

The FEC has for years routinely deadlocked on matters as Republicans on the commission have worked to prevent new regulation on nearly anything for years.

The watchdog group Public Citizen petitioned the FEC to engage in a rulemaking on artificial intelligence, and in the past Cooksey said the agency would have an update in early summer.

Cooksey told Axios that the FEC wont move to regulate AI in political advertising this year, and the commission is set to vote on closing out Public Citizens petition on Aug. 15. The better approach is for the FEC to wait for direction from Congress and to study how AI is actually used on the ground before considering any new rules, Cooksey told the outlet, adding that the agency will continue to enforce its existing regulations against fraudulent misrepresentation of campaign authority regardless of the medium.

AI experts believe that action needs to be taken, urgently. Were not going to be able to solve all of these problems, says Nelson, adding that theres no silver bullet answer to fix all AI-enabled deepfakes. I think we often come to the problem space of AI with that kind of perspective as opposed to saying, unfortunately theres always going to be crime and we cant stop it, but what we can do is add friction. We can make sure that people have consequences on the other side of their bad behavior that we hope can be mitigating.

Rep. Yvette Clarke (D-N.Y.) has been calling for congressional legislation on artificial intelligence for years. A bipartisan bill targeting non-consensual deepfake AI porn recently passed the Senate.

It was inevitable that these new technologies, particularly AI, that enable you to distort imagery and voices, would be weaponized at some stage to provide confusion, misinformation, disinformation to the American people, says Clarke.

[Theres] no way of truly discerning a fabricated picture versus something that is factual and real, [which] puts the American people at a disadvantage, particularly in these no-holds-barred campaigning.

Clarke introduced the REAL Political Ads Act in May 2023, to require campaign ads to disclose and digitally watermark videos or images in ads created by generative AI. Weve gotten quite a few co-sponsors of the legislation, but it hasnt been moved by the [Republican] majority on the Energy and Commerce Committee, says Clarke.

Its an open field for those who want to create misinformation and disinformation right now, because theres nothing that regulates it, says Clarke. She points out that shes also working on this with the Congressional Black Caucus, given the fact marginalized communities and minorities are often disproportionately the targets of misinformation. Were behind the curve here in the United States, and Im doing everything I can to push us into the future as rapidly as possible.

Dr. Rumman Chowdhury used to run ethical AI for X (formerly Twitter) before Musk took over and is now the U.S. Science Envoy of Artificial Intelligence. She says the broader issue at hand is that America is at a dangerous, all-time low of trust in the government, elections, and communication institutions. She says the FEC could be further eroding its own credibility by not taking action.

Here we are in a state of crisis about the institutions and government which we should trust, and theyre going to sit on their hands and be like, We dont know if we should do something? says Chowdhury. If they are not seen as doing something about deepfakes, this may actually further tarnish the image they have from the American people.

As for Musks specific sharing of the Harris deepfake, Chowdhury says she doesnt know why people are so surprised that hes doing it. Musk has turned X (formerly Twitter) into a misinformation machine since he took over the platform.

Is it terrible? Absolutely, says Chowdhury. But its kind of like were the people at the face-eating leopards party. Youre going to be mad because this man is doing exactly what he said he was going to do? If youre upset, then literally, dont be on Twitter. Or know that if you are on the platform, you are complicit in allowing this man to manipulate the course of democracy.

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Research shows family doctors are working around three and a half fewer hours per week compared with in 2012

GPs are working fewer hours but being paid 50 per cent more than they were a decade ago, analysis shows.

Research published in the British Journal of General Practice (BJGP) shows that on average, family doctors are working around three and a half fewer hours per week compared with in 2012.

Over the same period, pay for GP partners  who make up the majority of family doctors  has risen from 103,000 to 153,400, separate NHS data show.

The study in the BJGP found that on average, family doctors worked almost 38 hours a week in 2021. This compares with around 41 hours and 20 minutes in 2012.

Over the period, the number of sessions worked by a GP has fallen sharply.

Family doctors worked an average of 6.24 sessions in 2021, down from 7.22 in 2012.

But the study, by researchers from the University of Manchester, shows that the stints are getting longer, now amounting to 6.22 hours each, up from 5.82 hours in 2012.

GPs have embarked on industrial action across the country in protest over funding of their contracts. The union says the current system is underfunded.

But the Department of Health and Social Care said GPs had been balloted at the point when the GP contract was due to rise by 1.9 per cent, saying the pay uplift for 2024-25 would now be rising by 6 per cent.

The British Medical Association (BMA) has told GPs to pick and choose from measures designed to wreak chaos across the health service.

They include a cap on the number of appointments, meaning practices could turn away record numbers of patients, heaping pressures on 111 and Accident & Emergency departments.

The measure caps patient contacts  which includes face-to-face appointments, remote consultations and messages  at 25 per GP. This is a third less than the current workload.

Internal modelling documents drawn up by NHS England suggest the measures could push more than one million extra cases to A&E over the next four months.

New deal must be negotiated

Dennis Reed, from Silver Voices, a campaign group for the over-60s, urged the Government to tear up the existing contracts and start again.

He said: Given how significant these rises have been, at a time of worsening access to GPs, it is high time we negotiated a new deal, which is far more transparent, and which means doctors are paid in return for the service that is received by patients.

We often hear from GPs that they are working all hours, and yet the experience of patients is that it is impossible to get to see a doctor, especially face to face.

Wes Streeting, the Health Secretary, has said that the Government would divert billions of pounds to general practice in an effort to fix the front door of the NHS.

He has urged GPs not to take part in the collective action, saying it would punish patients, and that the Government was willing to work with doctors.

Mr Streeting has said the Government would divert billions of pounds to general practice in an effort to 'fix the front door of the NHS' - Thomas Krych/Story Picture Agency

Before winning the election Labour pledged to bring back the family doctor and to rebuild the relationship between GP and patient.

The Health Secretary is expected to outline longer term plans to boost general practice in the autumn budget.

Mr Streeting has previously said that practices that provide better continuity of care and allow patients to see the doctor of their choice would receive higher funding than other surgeries.

But the BMA is pushing for more immediate changes.

Last week Mr Streeting announced emergency measures to get up to 1,000 newly qualified GPs into work more quickly.

The BMA has said collective action by GPs across the country was meant to bring the NHS to a standstill but has insisted the protest was aimed at policy makers and administrators, not patients.

However, NHS England modelling suggests that a 30 per cent reduction in activity by GPs could push around 1.2 million extra patients to casualty units.

Latest data show A&E units are already having their busiest summer on record, partly as a result of pressures caused by junior doctors strikes.

NHS is broken

A Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson said: The NHS is broken, and the Secretary of State has been clear that he wants to work with doctors to get it back on its feet, so it works for patients and staff.

NHS England is working to address training bottlenecks so the health service has enough staff for the future, and we will recruit over 1,000 newly qualified GPs by the end of the year, so patients can get the care they need.

Dr David Wrigley, deputy chair of the BMAs GP committee for England, said: The figures from the BJGP study show the pressures that GPs are under; a single GP is now responsible for nearly 2,300 patients on average, with more than 1,300 GP practices lost across the past decade.

Its no wonder patients are waiting far too long to be seen by their family doctors, and its crucial that we dont blame GPs, who are working tirelessly within a system burdened by chronic underfunding, said Dr David Wrigley.

Instead of listening to GPs and working with us to develop a contract that ensures safety for both patients and GPs, previous government attempts to fix issues in general practice have involved imposing unsafe and illogical contracts on overworked GPs.

We hope the new government will listen to family doctors who want nothing more than to provide the best and safest possible care to our patients.

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GREENE COUNTY, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV)  The Greene Co. Health Department is throwing a big event on August 10.

The third annual back to school health fair aims to ensure that families are set up for another healthy and successful school year free of charge. There will be various services offered, such as immunizations, physicals, and various screenings. Public health nurse Carrie Ramey says that the event will allow the community to see what Greene Co. has to offer.

They can see whats offered in Greene County as far dental, Ramey said. Powers Orthodontics I believe is going to be there, Teamworks is going to be there, so they are going to be able to see that theres a lot offered in Greene County that you dont have to leave our county to go get the medical care you need.

The event will run from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Greene Co. Community Events Center.

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The Kamala Harris campaign is taking steps to ensure the Democratic National Convention doesnt turn into a convention for celebrities, according to reports.

While a multitude of Hollywood heavy-hitters have recently voiced their enthusiastic support for Harris presidential bid, those working on her campaign are trying to be tactful about who gets an invite to the upcoming DNC, sources told TMZ.

They said her team is doing its best to avoid turning the upcoming political gathering into an event for the Hollywood liberal elite.

Harris campaign is seemingly trying to learn lessons from the 2016 presidential election, which saw Hillary Clinton lose to Donald Trump. They believe the overwhelming celebrity presence at the DNC eight years ago ultimately backfired, and proved to be a turn-off to everyday voters.

The celebrities in attendance in 2016 included the likes of America Ferrara, Meryl Streep and Lena Dunham, with Elizabeth Banks as the host.

The Harris campaign is trying to be more strategic when it comes to who will speak and perform at the DNC, which is scheduled to run Monday, Aug. 19, through Thursday, Aug. 23, in Chicago. Who exactly has made the list is still unclear, and sources told TMZ the campaign is currently working to finalize their roundup of attendees.

Beyonce is at the top of their invite list, sources told The Daily Beast. The Grammy winner has already given the Harris campaign permission to use her song Freedom, and there are rumors floating around that shell take the stage to perform on the final night of the convention.

Former Veep star Julia Louis-Dreyfus also recently told The Times in London that she would be extra-involved in the Harris campaign through to Election Day.

Other celebs who are reportedly trying to snag an invite include Kerry Washington, John Legend and Chrissy Teigen.

Oscar nominees Jeffrey Wright and Octavia Spencer, R&B group Boyz II Men and actors who are part of the Creative Coalition, a nonpartisan arts advocacy organization, may also attend the event.

This year, the Creative Coalitions delegation is led by Uzo Aduba, Anthony Anderson, Yvette Nicole Brown, David Cross, Jon Cryer, Jesse Tyler Ferguson, Busy Philipps, Sheryl Lee Ralph and Uma Thurman, among others.

Meanwhile, Taylor Swift, who many think subtly endorsed Kamala Harris during her Eras Tour shows in Poland, will be overseas during DNC week for performances in London.
Vice President Harriss campaign has pushed back on criticism of Minnesota Gov. Tim Walzs military background, saying the vice-presidential nominee misspoke in a video pushing for gun control when saying he used combat weapons during his time in the National Guard.

Governor Walz would never insult or undermine any Americans service to this country  in fact, he thanks Senator Vance for putting his life on the line for our country, a Harris-Walz campaign spokesperson said in a statement emailed to The Hill.

Its the American way, the spokesperson continued. In making the case for why weapons of war should never be on our streets or in our classrooms, the Governor misspoke. He did handle weapons of war and believes strongly that only military members trained to carry those deadly weapons should have access to them, unlike [former President] Donald Trump and [Sen.] JD Vance [(R-Ohio)] who prioritize the gun lobby over our children.

In the clip, Walz said, We can make sure those weapons of war, that I carried in war, are only carried in war.

The North Star State governor has faced a slew of attacks from the right about his military record. Vance, who served in the Marines, has called out Walz over his military record, accusing Harriss running mate of stolen valor, noting that the Minnesota Democrat left service before a deployment to Iraq.

I wonder, Tim Walz, when were you ever in war? Vance, former President Trumps running mate said during a campaign stop in Michigan. He has not spent a day in a combat zone  Id be ashamed if I was him and I lied about my military service like he did.

Former Defense Secretary Mark Esper, who served under the Trump administration, also pressed Walz to clarify his military record  stopping short of levying his own attacks on the Minnesota governor.

I think some of the attacks are without merit, Esper, who served under the Trump administration, said Friday afternoon in an interview on CNN. Some, I think, need clarified by Governor Walz. He should speak to it.

The fact that its been going on for a few days now in my view, means that he should just get out, speak to the issues, he said, before the campaign issued its rebuttal.

Walz and Vance stand out as veterans on national tickets, the first since the late Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) ran for president in 2008  though neither VP hopeful has served in a combat mission.

Walz has also had his defenders in the battle over his military record, including former Rep. Adam Kinzinger (R-Ill.).

This is the insane thing. Every month thousands of people retire, Kinzinger, an Air Force veteran, said in a post on X Wednesday. The fact that Walz did 25 years, 5 OVER retirement eligibility, and 4 years after 9/11, is honorable.

Many people at 25 years today would get out even if there was a deployment possibility because they DID THEIR DUTY, Kinzinger continued.

Rep. Mikie Sherrill (D-N.J.), a Navy veteran , likened the attacks on Walzs military record Thursday to the swift boat attacks against former Sen. John Kerry (D-Mass.) when he ran for president in 2004.

Its reminiscent of the Swift Boat bulls that Sen. Kerry faced in his election. Were seeing the same type of people trying to reignite this same kind of slanderous campaign against a man who served for 24 years in the National Guard, she said.

Updated at 3:42 p.m. EST.

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Kamala Harris appears to have one more group backing her campaign today, with which she has a deep history.

Alpha Kappa Alpha, the historically Black sorority Harris joined as a student at Howard University, filed paperwork with the Federal Elections Commission on Friday to launch a PAC, ahead of the 2024 race.

The sorority, which already boasts a voter mobilization operation filed to create the AKA AKA 1908 PAC, connected to the organizations Chicago headquarters.

With over a thousand national chapters, Alpha Kappa Alpha is the largest of the Divine Nine members, a grouping of historically Black fraternities and sororities with 2.5 million members nationwide and a tradition of civic and political engagement.

Harris, a proud Alpha Kappa Alpha member, spoke last month at the groups annual conference in Dallas to crowds donning the groups signature salmon pink and apple green, and championing the sorority's impact on her careers trajectory.

The powerful group, which raised hundreds of thousands of dollars and Strolled to the Polls for Harris in 2020, is in a position to mobilize millions of Black voters in key swing states across the country.

Black voters are enthusiastic about Harris candidacy, with a recent NPR/PBS/Marist poll showing an explosive gain from a 23-point lead in July amongst Black voters to a 54-point lead with Harris at the top of the ticket.

Still, despite her AKA membership and racial background, opponent Donald Trump has spent the last week accusing Harris of turn[ing] Black, a claim which many Black political figures pushed back against.
Harris steps off of Air Force Two upon arrival at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland

By Kanishka Singh and Nilutpal Timsina

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. Vice President and Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris leads Republican former President Donald Trump in three battleground states - Wisconsin, Pennsylvania and Michigan - by four points, according to polls by the New York Times and Siena College.

Harris is ahead of Trump by four percentage points in those three states, 50% to 46% among likely voters in each state, according to the surveys conducted from Aug. 5-9.

The margin of sampling error among likely voters was plus or minus 4.8 percentage points in Michigan, plus or minus 4.2 points in Pennsylvania and plus or minus 4.3 points in Wisconsin, the report added. In total, 1,973 likely voters were interviewed for those polls.

Democratic U.S. President Joe Biden ended his reelection bid on July 21 and endorsed Harris for the Nov. 5 vote against Trump after a disastrous debate performance against Trump in late June.

Harris' takeover has reenergized a campaign that had faltered badly amid Democrats' doubts about Biden's chances of defeating Trump or his ability to continue to govern had he won.

U.S. support for Israel's war in Gaza, which has killed tens of thousands and caused a humanitarian crisis after Palestinian Islamist group Hamas' Oct. 7 attack on Israel, had led to large protests and opposition against the Biden administration in those states, especially in Michigan from some liberal, Muslim-American and Arab-American groups.

About 200,000 people from those three states were "uncommitted" to supporting Biden in the Democratic primaries, citing Gaza policy. Harris has made some forceful public comments on Palestinian human rights and expressed a tonal shift, even though she has displayed no substantive policy differences from Biden on Gaza.

Polls showed that Trump had built a lead over Biden, including in battleground states, after Biden's debate performance, but Harris' entry to the race has changed the dynamic.

An Ipsos poll published on Thursday showed Harris led Trump nationally 42% to 37% in the race for the Nov. 5 election. That online nationwide poll of 2,045 U.S. adults was conducted Aug. 2-7 and had a margin of error of around 3 percentage points.

(Reporting by Kanishka Singh in Washington; Editing by Daniel Wallis)
GLENDALE, Arizona  Less than 200 miles from the southern border, Vice President Kamala Harris promised to fight for strong border security, going after Donald Trump for killing immigration legislation that would have curtailed asylum and promising to sign such a bill into law if elected.

I was attorney general of a border state. I went after the transnational gangs, the drug cartels and the human traffickers, Harris said, touching on an issue she has rarely spoken about in depth. I prosecuted them in case after case and I won, so I know what Im talking about.

Speaking in front of a crowd of more than 15,000 supporters at the Desert Diamond Arena, Harris blamed Trump for the failure of Congress to pass a bipartisan border deal earlier this year: He talks a big game about border security but he does not walk the walk, Harris said to a raucous Sun Belt crowd.

We know our immigration system is broken and we know what it takes to fix it: comprehensive reform. That includes strong border security and an earned pathway to citizenship, Harris said.

The remarks are part of an aggressive effort by the Harris campaign to flip the issue of immigration and border security, long a political liability for Democrats and the vice president in particular. Polls show Americans believe Republicans are more effective on the issue, a perception the GOP has worked to reinforce in recent weeks by condemning Harris efforts on the subject as vice president.

Republican ads have sought to tie Harris to record migrant surges earlier in the Biden administration, calling her President Joe Bidens border czar, though her remit as vice president was narrower  root causes of migration from three Central American countries.

Democrats have typically shied away from the issue, but Harris camp has suggested a more aggressive posture, framing her as tough on the border throughout her career. Harris remarks Friday were similar to a new campaign ad up on TV earlier in the morning that pushed a tough-on-immigration message.

As vice president, she backed the toughest border control bill in decades. And as president, she will hire thousands more border agents and crack down on fentanyl and human trafficking. Fixing the border is tough. So is Kamala Harris, a voice read over videos of Harris political career.

Josh Ulibarri, an Arizona-based Democratic pollster, said the message was smart, strategic, aggressive and  well-aligned with what the swingier Arizona audiences need and want to hear from Democrats at this time  particularly Hispanic men and white suburban women in this border state, he said.

"We need to neutralize the [immigration] issue, so we can give clarity to voters on abortion, on economic conversation and the risks Trump presents."

Earlier this year, when Biden still led the ticket, Democrats tried to move to the center on the issue  leaning heavily on the failed bipartisan border security effort in the Senate. But it was not obvious that Harris  who adopted much more progressive stances on immigration as a senator and a presidential candidate in 2019  would follow suit.

Notably, Harris joined other 2020 Democratic hopefuls in suggesting that entering the country without authorization should not be a criminal offense.

Now, the Harris campaign says her position is the same as the administration's  unauthorized border crossings are illegal. The change in that policy and others have been shaped by three years of effective governance as part of the Biden-Harris Administration, said a Harris campaign adviser granted anonymity to discuss internal deliberations.

Harris campaign officials view this as repair from years of lack of Democratic engagement on the issue that's allowed Republicans to paint the party as weak and ineffective. Border politics are unlikely to become a central theme of the Harris campaign, but one Democratic strategist granted anonymity to discuss private deliberations told POLITICO that voters need to see that were reasonable and have a plan.

Another Harris campaign official, this one in the Arizona team, said that being proactive on communicating the issue, making sure voters know that you know this is an issue and that you're serious about solving the problem is huge. And laying that down proactively in the first two to three weeks of her campaign, is a huge, huge step.

A broader immigration policy platform is still being worked out, campaign officials said, as she seeks to distinguish herself without distancing herself too much from the administration she still works in.

Notably on Friday, Harris declared her support for comprehensive reform that includes strong border security and an earned pathway to citizenship  referencing a policy compromise that was at the heart of every past immigration negotiation over the past two decades until the recent Senate talks.

That is a nod to immigration advocates who have been dismayed at Bidens willingness to pursue border security measures without dealing also with the status of undocumented immigrants already in the country.

"Republicans are never going to let immigration go as an issue. Having a response, having a plan, having a rebuttal, Harris is doing that and we will continue to need to do that, said Melissa Morales, president of Somos Votantes. "Its important to address border security, but where we see it work best is to pair it with a pathway to citizenship. Its how our community actually responds to it best, when those things are paired.

CLARIFICATION: This report has been updated to reflect Kamala Harris' prior comments on immigration.
1. Yes. They look better and require less maintenance. Most high-end housing areas have them.

2. Yes. Wood fences can weather and look unsightly, plus masonry walls help to block sound.

3. No. Residents should have a choice of what kind of barriers are put up near their homes.

4. No. Allowing a variety of materials will be better for aesthetics, and costs may be lower.

5. Unsure. Its hard to say. Masonry walls may be sturdier, but mandating them is problematic.

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Vice President Harris told protesters who interrupted her campaign rally in Phoenix that the time is now for a cease-fire deal to get done in the war between Israel and Gaza.

A group of pro-Palestinian demonstrators shouted out free, free Palestine during Harriss Arizona event, the second time this week she has been interrupted by individuals upset about the war in Gaza.

Hold on. Heres the thing: we are all in here together. Im told an extraordinary number of folks who are here together because we love our country, Harris said. Were here to fight for our democracy, which includes respecting the voices that I think we are hearing from.

I have been clear: now is the time to get a cease-fire deal and get the hostage deal done. Now is the time, Harris continued. And the president and I are working around the clock every day to get that cease-fire deal done and bring the hostages home. So, I respect your voices, but we are here to now talk about this race in 2024.

Harris on Wednesday was interrupted by Gaza protesters at a rally in Detroit who shouted, Kamala, Kamala you cant hide, we wont vote for genocide. As protesters continued to interrupt, Harris gave a blunt response.

You know what, if you want Donald Trump to win, then say that. Otherwise, Im speaking, she said.

The vice presidents national security adviser said Thursday she does not support an arms embargo on Israel, something protesters have called for.

The war in Gaza has divided some Democrats dating back to October, when Hamas killed roughly 1,200 Israelis and took more than 200 hostage. Israel has responded with a military campaign in Gaza that has killed more than 30,000 Palestinians.

Harris has been aligned with Biden in vowing ironclad support for Israel, and she has stressed that the way Israel carries out its war against Hamas matters and that more needs to be done to protect civilians in Gaza.

Ive said it many times, but it bears repeating: Israel has a right to defend itself, but how it does so matters, Harris said following a meeting with Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu last month.

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Vice President Kamala Harris told pro-Palestine protesters at a rally in Glendale, Arizona that now is the time to get a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas to end the war in Gaza.

Harriss words differ vastly from two days ago when she told pro-Palestine protesters at a rally in Detroita state with a large Arab-American populationthat If you want Donald Trump to win, then say that. Otherwise, I'm speaking.

By contrast, early in her speech at the Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale, Arizona, she received heckles from pro-Palestine protesters chanting free, free Palestine. In response, Harris tried to speak from a policy perspective.

I have been clear: now is the time to get a ceasefire deal and get the hostage deal done, she said to applause. Now is the time. And the president and I are working around the clock every day to get that ceasefire deal done and bring the hostages home. So, I respect your voices, but we are here to now talk about this race in 2024.

Harris had briefly met with activists supporting the Uncommitted Movement, which pushed to have voters select uncommitted in Democratic primaries. In Detroit, they briefly met with Harris in Michigan and said she agreed to a meeting to discuss an arms embargo.

But Harriss national security adviser said on X that she would not support an arms embargo.

She does not support an arms embargo on Israel, Phil Gordon said. She will continue to work to protect civilians in Gaza and to uphold international humanitarian law.

Harriss rally was part of her larger tour with her running mate, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, whom she selected earlier this week.

Initially, attendees at the rally attempted to drown out the demonstrators, which led to people repeatedly chanting USA. The Harris team said that 15,000 people attended the rally. Walz commented that it was the biggest political gathering in the history of the state.

Harris also sought to further articulate her policy toward immigration, which has become one of her weakest political points and one that Republicans have used to attack her. Harris has long said she would support a bipartisan deal to restrict immigration at the US-Mexico border that Trump killed. But she also revealed a new plank to offer relief for migrants who came to the United States illegally.

We know our immigration system is broken and we know what it takes to fix it: comprehensive reform, she said. That includes strong border security and an earned pathway to citizenship.

The crowd was often raucous, playing music varying from Beyonce, a longtime favorite of Harris, Prince and Charli XCX, who backed Harris when she said Kamala Harris is brat.

Harris is making a large play for Arizona. The Harris campaign said it will ultimately open 18 field offices in Arizona as it hopes to keep the state that Joe Biden narrowly won in 2020 in the Democratic column.

As part of that strategy, the rally also featured the Republican mayor of Mesa John Giles, the co-chairman of Republicans for Harris, who told fellow voters in the center that they do not owe a damn thing to the GOP. He also invoked the spirit of Senator John McCain, who criticized and voted with Trump in equal measure.

In addition, the rally also featured Representative Ruben Gallego, whose Senate campaign is far ahead of even Harriss in his race against former news anchor and election denier Kari Lake. The two are running to fill the Senate seat being vacated by Kyrsten Sinema, the former Democrat who became an independent.

Senator Mark Kelly of Arizona, who was in the running to become Harriss running mate, also spoke ahead of Harris and she thanked him.

A poll from Highground, a public affairs firm and one of the top pollsters, showed that Harris had taken a slight lead against Trump, though still within the margin of error.

Harris and Walz will head to Las Vegas on Saturday.

But it will likely not be the last time that Harris will face a challenge from pro-Palestine protesters. Harris will head to Chicago later this month for the Democratic National Convention, where a number of uncommitted delegates will likely use their voices to express concerns.
Just hours after President Biden dropped out of the race, a spoof of the Charli XCXs album cover, brat, graced the banner on the Harris campaigns X account.

The next day, Charli XCX declared that the vice president is brat, validating the hard tone shift in the Democratic tickets digital strategy.

In the weeks since, KamalaHQ  the 2024 Democratic presidential campaigns rapid digital response team  have jumped on various viral soundbites on TikTok to drum up excitement, whether its teasing the VP pick or making an on-trend jab at Sen. JD Vance (R-Ohio).

And each video posted on the KamalaHQ TikTok has racked up hundreds and thousands of likes, if not millions.

Its working, Christian Divyne (@xiandivyne), a TikTok creator with 600,000 followers, told The Hill Its just making people like Kamala Harris.

But, as fast as the waves of support came in for Harris, it could quickly come crashing down. Three weeks into the campaign, it remains an open question whether excitement for Harris  both online and at massive rallies  will continue through November.

The internet can be unforgiving, and one memorable misstep make a politician cringe-worthy overnight.

In Hillary Clintons 2016 campaign, her online momentum tanked after one moment: Pokemon Go to The Polls.

Thats an iconic moment that will live on forever as a campaign staffer, said a spokesperson for Priorities USA, a Democratic SuperPAC focused on digital communication.

In an appearance on the Ellen Show, Clinton called the American people to join her at the polls in November, and made a flailing reference to Pokemon Go, the then-trending phone app.

The segment was clipped and strewn all over the internet. While some were laughing along with Clinton, many more were laughing at her.

Hillary Clinton in that time was taking something that she had heard about, or her team had heard about that she had no reference with, Divyne noted. It also isnt a great joke, like, fundamentally.

So, how does Harris avoid her own cringe-worthy moments? The answer lies in cultural fluency.

A good social media campaign is one that understands the ideal target audience and is able to speak credibly to that audience based on the message, the messenger, the tone, the delivery, etc, explained Danielle Butterfield, Priorities USAs Executive Director.

Harriss supporters online are warning her against taking the brat comparisons too far, such as one TikTok video that has amassed 1 million views and over 190,000 likes.

[P]raying someone on Kamalas team has enough sense to ensure she NEVER does the apple dance. At the moment the memes are fun but if that were to ever happen I fear wed be jumping the shark into pokemon levels of cringe, the user wrote on the screen with Charli XCXs aforementioned song, Apple, playing in the background.

The apple dance is a trending spin-off from the brat album.

Hundreds of commenters commented on the post with their own suggestions to the Kamala HQ account on thwarting a devastating gaffe for the campaign.

I think if she engages with it too much, it might become more cringy, Divyne said. It has to remain in this way where it seems like the sort of goofy, fun part of it is the part that her people are doing.

The digital-side of the Harris campaign is comprised of 175 staffers from the Democratic National Committee and the campaign staff, according to the campaign. The mobilization team, responsible for their social media strategy, all belong to Gen-Z.

Its obvious to those online that Harris is not the mastermind behind their social media strategy  and thats a good thing.

The other component of cultural fluidity is appearing genuine to the audience. Part of the reason that no one wants to see Harris in control, or filming videos for the KamalaHQ account, is because they know the 59-year-old leader of the Democratic party has likely never heard of the trends being referenced, and pretending she was in the know could be tragic.

I think being cringe-worthy generally comes from being out of touch, said Allie OBrien (@allie_202_), a 23-year-old influencer on TikTok with over 550,000 followers.

Harriss running mate, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz (D), quickly pushed the envelope during his first speech as the VP candidate. He made a reference to a debunked meme insinuating that Vance once had sex with a couch.

I gotta tell ya, I cant wait to debate the guy, he said, to thunderous applause. That is if hes willing to get off the couch and show up!

The quip made rounds online, with even KamalaHQ reposting the bit. In a viral TikTok video, Walzs daughter, Hope, coyly shrugged when asked if she shared the meme with her father.

Kamala Harris is engaging with the culture in the ways that she knows and other people are making Kamala Harris brat, right? Kamala Harris didnt get up and go, I am brat, Divyne also noted.

Online politics can also get tricky when politicians turn against the platforms that helped make them popular.

Rep. Jeff Jackson (D-N.C.)  who went viral during the 2022 midterms for his easily-digestible explainers on policy and politics  faced intense backlash after he supported a TikTok ban.

He kind of built up all of this goodwill through his use of TikTok, Divyne explained, its sort of a hypocritical moment where you voted for something that people didnt think you were going to support.

In less than 24 hours, Jackson lost 100,000 followers. It spiraled so far that the congressman eventually filmed an apology video explaining his vote  which was met with even more political scorn.

The Harris campaign says she doesnt want a TikTok ban, but does want it to change owners. Biden signed a bill in April to force its Chinese parent company to either divest or face a U.S. ban.

But a more immediate concern is how the campaign connects to users before November, and social media professionals say the biggest threat to the Harris campaigns soaring virality is a lack of substance.

Our theory is that the conversation needs to shift to substance and issues and contrast, Butterfield noted. Ultimately, voters are making their decision at the ballot box based on what candidates they think is going to improve their lives for the better.

I think were sort of nearing the end of the curve of, you know, enthusiasm just around a new candidate, OBrien said, and theres starting to be some curiosity of, okay, we havent heard specifically exactly what you stand for.

The campaigns digital team has limited material to work with. Three weeks into her campaign, Harris has yet to release a comprehensive policy plan, or add an issues tab to her campaign website.

Instead, her campaign has publicly backtracked on some of her more progressive policy opinions from past campaigns, such as a fracking ban, gun buybacks defunding the police and universal Medicare.

For an online generation thats widely progressive, this lack of substantive issues could prove to be troubling down the line.

OBrien highlighted the war on Gaza as one area the campaign could aim to engage on the issues online.

Palestine has been sustainably viral for, you know, months now  since October  and they simply have not tapped into the energy, they said.

The Harris campaign knocked down suggestions that she was open to an arms embargo after a brief encounter with Uncommitted movement leaders at a rally in Detroit on Wednesday.

For now, KamalaHQ is largely focused on bashing the Trump-Vance ticket, and sculpting Harriss cult of personality. Given their success so far, her social media team is already looking like the Democratic vanguard.

I can only imagine that people are now going to try to pick up on it and hire specific social media managers for their campaign to try to replicate this, Divyne expressed.

I unfortunately think it will be the future, and it will be very cringey.

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Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz and Vice President Kamala Harris are scheduled to wrap up their five-day campaign tour of battleground states Saturday in Las Vegas. File Photo by Rena Laverty/UPI

Aug. 10 (UPI) -- The 2024 Democratic presidential ticket of Vice President Kamala Harris and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz are set to wrap up their five-day campaign tour of key swing states with a rally in Nevada on Saturday.

The duo are scheduled to appear at 5:30 p.m. PDT at the 19,500-seat Thomas & Mack Center on the campus of the University of Nevada at Las Vegas, capping off their initial of barnstorming tour of battleground states with previous stops in Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, Michigan and Arizona.

On Friday, Walz and Harris staged a rally at a packed Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale, Ariz., where they were introduced by U.S. Sen. Mark Kelly, D-Ariz., and his wife, former U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords, D-Ariz.

Kelly, who was on Harris' shortlist as a possible running mate, proclaimed his support for the Harris-Walz ticket, while Giffords, the survivor of an assassination attempt in 2011, related her story of learning to speak and walk again after the gun violence incident.

"We are living in challenging times," she told the crowd. "We're up to the challenge."

In a theme that was expected to be repeated Saturday in Las Vegas, Harris in Arizona concentrated her attention on the issue of immigration, responding to frequent charges from the GOP ticker of former President Donald Trump and Sen. JD Vance of Ohio that she "oversaw" the Biden administration's "failed immigration policies" as its "border czar."

Much as Kelly did earlier this year in the Senate, Harris voiced strong support for a bipartisan border security bill brokered by Sen. Kyrsten Sinema, I-Ariz., and backed by President Joe Biden, under which thousands of additional Border Patrol agents and Customs and Border Protection personnel would have been added.

The agreement, however, failed in the Senate in May after Trump urged Republicans not to give Biden a pre-election legislative victory.

"Earlier this year, we had a chance to pass the toughest bipartisan border security bill in decades," Harris said. "But Donald Trump tanked the deal because he thought by doing that it would help win an election. But when I am president, I will sign the bill."

Local and national Republicans kept up their attacks on the Democrats over immigration in Las Vegas on Friday prior to the rally there.

At the state's GOP headquarters in Henderson, Nev., state party chairman Michael McDonald again referred to Harris as the Biden administration's "border czar," asking reporters, "How'd that work out?"

Democrats dispute the characterization that Harris has ever been placed in charge of securing the nation's southern border as a "czar." Rather, they say, in 2021 she was chosen to head a wide-ranging, cross-agency effort to address the root causes of illegal border crossings through diplomatic engagements with Latin American nations such as Guatemala, Honduras and El Salvador.

Harris this week has sought to toughen her message on immigration with the unveiling of a new ad running in Arizona and Nevada, emphasizing her support of the bipartisan border bill and touting her credentials as a "border state prosecutor."

"Fixing the border is tough, so is Kamala Harris," the ad states.
This week, hours after Vice President Kamala Harris announced Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz as her running mate in the 2024 election, the website domain HarrisWalz.com sold for $15,000. It was a tidy profit for domain owner Jeremy Greene Eche, who bought it for around $9 in 2020.

Eche is what is known as a domain squatter, someone who buys up low-cost web addresses with the intention of flipping them for a profit. The New York City trademark lawyer purchased several domains around the time of the 2020 election, he told ABC Audio, specifically focusing on candidates who were likely to run in the future.

So I just looked up every heartland governor and senator I could think of, he said. I got a bunch of midwestern politicians."

PHOTO: Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris is welcomed by running mate Democratic vice presidential nominee Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz before she delivers remarks at a campaign rally, Aug. 7, 2024, in Eau Claire, Wis. (Kerem Yucel/Minnesota Public Radio via AP)

In addition to the Harris/Walz domain, Eche also bought addresses that paired Harris name with Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker, and Pennsylvania Sen. John Fetterman. He tried to buy HarrisShapiro.com as well, he noted, in anticipation of Harris picking Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro, but it had already been registered and purchased.

You just have to hope you hit the jackpot when you start buying those names, he said.

In total, Eche owned more than a dozen domains related to the 2024 election cycle, each of which needed to be renewed yearly for a small fee.

Eche was also the owner of ClintonKaine.com in the runup to the 2016 election, in which Hillary Clinton ran alongside Virginia Sen. Tim Kaine. Once Clinton announced Kaine as her running mate, Eche sold the address for $15,000.

The buyer was Brad Parscale, senior adviser for data and digital operations for Donald Trump's 2020 presidential campaign, who used the address to spread negative messaging about the Democratic ticket, Wired reported in 2016. At the time, Parscale told the tech magazine the site was the Trump campaign's answer to what they said was the liberal mainstream media.

"It allows us a nice playing field to do some opposition research and let it show," Parscale told Wired. "We want people to see all the truth, and not the sometimes one-sided truth that we get from the media."

At the time of the sale, Eche wasn't aware of the buyers identity, he said.

PHOTO: Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX) speaks during a news conference about military assistance to Israel at the U.S. Capitol, Sept. 20, 2016 in Washington, DC. (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images, FILE)

It wasnt the first time a political domain name was used against a candidate. Visiting TedCruz.com in the run up to the 2016 Republican presidential primary didn't bring users to the campaign website for Texas Sen. Ted Cruz.

Instead, the website, which was owned by an Arizona lawyer also named Ted Cruz, was used to promote the Republican's potential Democratic political rival, then-President Obama. The campaign ended up using TedCruz.org, Politico reported.

The buyer of HarrisWalz.com wanted to remain anonymous, according to Eche. He acknowledged that he's already sitting on domains looking ahead to future elections.

I have a lot of Tim Walz domains because, like Harris was four years ago, Tim Walz now is an obvious candidate for eight years from now for the presidency.

However, Eche admited that typing in a specific web address isnt as common as it once was.

Nobody just types in HarrisWalz.com, Eche said. They Google it.

Hear more on "Start Here" from ABC Audio:

HarrisWalz.com domain sells for $15,000 originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
An Israeli air strike on a school building sheltering displaced Palestinians has reportedly killed dozens of people in Gaza.

The Hamas-controlled authorities said between 80 and 100 people had died in the 4.30am strike which left the al-Tabaeen school complex in Gaza City strewn with dead bodies and body parts, according to eyewitnesses and images shared on social media.

The compound was in a designated civilian zone and more than 2,000 Gazans were said to have been sheltering there. Morning prayers were taking place when the missiles hit, said witnesses.

So far, there are more than 93 martyrs, including 11 children and six women, Mahmoud Bassal, a spokesperson for the Hamas-run Civil Defence agency said on Saturday morning.

Fadel Naeem, the director of the al-Ahli hospital in Gaza City, said the facility had received the bodies of 80 people killed in the strike by mid morning. Medical teams had identified 70 bodies and received body parts of at least 10 others, he added.

Palestinians gather in the yard of a school hit by an Israeli strike in Gaza City on Saturday - OMAR AL-QATTAA/AFP

Israel confirmed the strike but said it had targeted an active command and control centre embedded within a mosque in the school complex from which Hamas and Islamic Jihad fighters were operating.

Prior to the strike, numerous steps were taken to mitigate the risk of harming civilians, including the use of precise munitions, aerial surveillance, and intelligence information, said the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF).

It added that its own assessment of the numbers killed did not align with those being claimed by the Hamas controlled authorities in Gaza.

Damage inside the Gaza school on August 10 - OMAR AL-QATTAA/AFP

According to a preliminary examination, the numbers published by the government media office in Gaza  which acts as a media arm of Hamas  are exaggerated and do not match the information available in the IDF, the precise munitions used, and the accuracy of the strike, said the IDF.

The strike - part of a renewed push against Hamas in Gaza by the IDF in the last week in which several school compounds have been hit - threatens to derail the recently revived US-led ceasefire negotiations, which were due to open again on Thursday in either Cairo or Doha.

It could also undermine efforts by the US and western diplomats to persuade Iran to scale back its threatened military response to the assassination of the Hamas leader, Ismail Haniyeh, in Tehran.

The Telegraph reported on Friday that Irans new president, Masoud Pezeshkian, was battling with the hardline Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) to prevent a retaliatory strike on Israeli cities.

A young girl cries inside a school used as a temporary shelter for displaced Palestinians - OMAR AL-QATTAA/AFP

Displaced Palestinians watch as first responders prepare to transport corpses - OMAR AL-QATTAA/AFP

Egypt, France, Jordan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Turkey and the EU joined the UK in condemning the attack on Saturday. The US said it was deeply concerned and asking questions of the Israelis.

For several weeks, school buildings have been repeatedly targeted, with an intolerable number of civilian victims, said the French statement.

The EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell added in a statement on X: Theres no justification for these massacres.

Arab nations, whose airspace may be needed to defend Israel in the event of an attack by Iran, were also vocal in their criticism.

Egypts foreign ministry condemned the strike on the school, accusing Israel of repeatedly committing large-scale crimes against unarmed civilians whenever there is an international push for peace.

The Jordanian foreign ministry described the strike as a flagrant violation of international law. It was a continuation of the policy of harming civilians and sites for displaced persons and refugees, it added.

Separately, Jordan was forced to officially deny to Arab media that it would allow its airspace to be used to shoot down missiles fired at Israel in a potential Iranian attack as it did in April.

Hamas, which has yet to say whether it will join next weeks ceasefire talks, described the strike as a grave escalation.

In a statement it called on Arab and Islamic countries and the international community to fulfil their responsibilities and take urgent action to stop these massacres.

Britons told to leave Lebanon

Britons have been told to immediately evacuate Lebanon, following the Israeli airstrike.

The Foreign Office warned as many as 15,000 UK nationals who are still in the country that it may not be able to evacuate them if a regional war breaks out.

In updated travel advice, it said that tensions are high and events could escalate with little warning, which could affect or limit exit routes out of Lebanon.

In a post on social media, the UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy said he was appalled by the Israeli Military strike, adding that Hamas must stop endangering civilians and Israel must comply with International Humanitarian Law.

Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 3 months with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more.
The Sarasota area's well-known Gulf waters have turned a dark muddy brown after Tropical Storm Debby washed flooding and sewage offshore.

Environmental advocates are working to understand the full impact on local water quality.

"There is a tremendous amount of wastewater overflows that have occurred," Sarasota Bay Estuary Program Director Dave Tomasko said. "One of the bigger issues is all of the urban stormwater runoff that comes into the bay, all that street flooding in Phillippi Creek and Anna Maria Island and Longboat Key, all of that is being washed into Sarasota Bay. There is no doubt our water quality was hit and hit pretty hard."

More: Millions of gallons of sewage spilled in Sarasota and Manatee during Debby. See where.

Also: Myakka River: Debby floodwater expected to progress into South Sarasota county

Estuary Program eyes impact of Phillippi Creek flooding on south Sarasota Bay

Tomasko has scouted conditions in Sarasota Bay since Tropical Storm Debby but said sample work to determine the storm's impact on local water quality is just getting started.

He expects the biggest impact to come from heavy flooding along Phillippi Creek in Sarasota. Researchers will take water samples from the same locations in Sarasota Bay that they studied during Hurricane Ian to compare results between each storm. They will be checking oxygen levels, nutrients, algae and bacteria.

More: Sarasota County water levels expected to recede over next few days after Debby floods

"One-third of our bay's watershed is Phillippi Creek," Tomasko said. "The thing about Phillippi Creek is with an incoming tide that water is transported to the south, to Little Sarasota Bay. Little Sarasota Bay had the biggest problems after Hurricane Ian. We anticipate it's going to have the worst problems after this rain event."

He said the estuary program's research is focused on the lower part of the bay, where the impact should be greater because the system's ability to rebound is lower in that area.

"It's not going to be pretty for a while," he said. "After Ian, we found algal blooms that lasted at least two weeks, we had bacteria levels that were high. It could very well be that next week the water is going to smell worse than it does now because it takes a little while for the bacteria levels to get high enough to get oxygen levels to crash at the bottom."

Sewage spills reported throughout the Sarasota-Manatee region

Suncoast Waterkeeper is keeping tabs on the significant amount of sewage spills reported throughout the region.

Municipalities throughout Sarasota and Manatee counties reported at least 6.6 million gallons of sewage spills as a result of Tropical Storm Debby. Founder Justin Bloom took issue with municipalities like Manatee County and the City of Sarasota not reporting estimated amounts of sewage spilled during the storm, and an apparent lag in reporting by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection.

"Unfortunately it's very common," Bloom said. "These sewage systems were not built to accommodate this type of storm, so it's going to continue to happen. There is a period for many years where municipalities throughout this region failed to make adequate investment in their sewage systems, they are behind the ball. They are leaky systems."

More in Manatee: Residents flooded out by Manatee County water release in response to Debby

In 2022 the Suncoast Waterkeeper and the City of Bradenton settled a lawsuit over at least 160 million gallons of sewage dumped into the Manatee River since 2018. That settlement ensures that the Suncoast Waterkeeper receives copies of communications between the city and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection.

Those records show the amount of sewage bypassed by the city into the Manatee River since Tropical Storm Debby has grown to at least 25 million gallons, far more than the 3.5 million initially reported by the city early during the spill.

"I am really concerned because Manatee County and the City of Sarasota, we don't know how these systems performed because they didn't make an estimate in their public notices," Bloom said. "Then, when it comes to Bradenton I just want to cry. They are at 25 million gallons, from what I understand. It's a huge amount of sewage being discharged into the river."

"While they are under this settlement, which is designed for them to come into compliance, they are lagging behind," he said.

No red tide has been identified in the Gulf

Tomasko said he is relieved that his biggest concern, red tide, does not appear to be an issue after Debby.

A significant red tide bloom plagued local waters after Hurricane Ian in 2022, making a significant impact on water quality, sea life and the tourism industry.

"There doesn't appear to be any red tide offshore in the Gulf of Mexico," Tomasko said. "That's really important because if there was Karenia Brevis, if we had any of it out there at any detectable levels, it would be bad because we've just loaded a huge amount of nutrients into our coastal waters. But it does not look like we have any evidence of a red tide out in the Gulf of Mexico, and that would be the worst-case scenario."

This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Advocates study how Tropical Storm Debby affected local water quality
Originally posted at mynorthwest.com

Woodland Park Zoo workers who are members of the Join Craft Council (JCC) Coalition of Unions are negotiating a strike over a new contract they hope will result in better pay and benefits.

Workers said they are frustrated that the zoo fails to value and retain an experienced workforce, according to a news release from Teamsters Local Union 117, an affiliate of JCC, on Monday.

We are hemorrhaging critical animal care experience which directly affects the standard of care we can provide for our animals, Allison Cloud, an animal keeper and member of Teamsters 117, said. The zoo is forcing us to choose between our livelihoods and our animals, a heartbreaking decision no zookeeper ever wants to make.

More on the zoo: Sea lion pup earns her name at local zoo; another animal expecting

Members of the coalition said low wages, cost of healthcare, low morale and high turnover also put the zoos Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) accreditation at risk.

If there is a strike, the coalition said the group of 200 workers would devise a skeleton crew for the animals and the zoo would have to close to the public.

We are making contingency plans to ensure the continued well-being of the animals if we are forced to strike, Janel Kempf, a learning coordinator with the zoo and a shop steward with Teamsters 117, said in the release.

A strike is an absolute last resort and one that none of us takes lightly, but the zoo keeps pushing us in that direction. If the zoo doesnt change course soon, we will have no other choice than to withhold our labor, she continued.

More local strikes: Boeing machinists vote overwhelmingly to authorize a strike

JCC and the zoo have been negotiating for the last ten months, according to the coalition. A Woodland Park Zoo spokesperson told MyNorthwest on Tuesday they will continue to negotiate.

The zoo continues to bargain in good faith and comes to the table with good intentions, the spokesperson stated via email. We share their values of fair wages and are eager to reach an agreement.

The next meeting between the zoo and JCC is scheduled for Friday. Workers said, via a public statement, if they do not accept the zoos proposal, they will take their case to the public through direct, concerted action.

Julia Dallas is a content editor at MyNorthwest. You can read her stories here. Follow Julia on X here and email her here.
Are you ready for the best meteor shower of 2024? Every summer, the Perseid meteor shower peaks in mid-August, drawing tons of eyes to the sky for the evening. "Perseid" comes from the constellation Perseus, known as the radiant of the meteor shower. According to NASA, the Perseids boast 50 to 100 meteors per hour, making them one of the largest meteor showers.



The sound of a meteor shower may sound scary at first, but the Perseids are breathtaking to experience. Known for leaving long wakes of color, light and fireballs behind in the sky, your jaw will likely drop at the beautiful sight. Summer isn't over quite yet, and we can't think of a better last-minute item to add to your summer bucket list than seeing this phenomenon.



Outer space is a mysterious thing that feels so close, yet so far. Experiencing a meteor shower like the Perseids serves as a reminder of the beauty and mystery that the universe holds. Plus, it can truly remind you just how small you areinviting you to pause and appreciate the magic around you.



Have we convinced you yet? Parade is answering all your questions about the Perseid meteor shower in 2024including where and how to watch it, what causes them and more. Here's exactly how to see the celestial event happening this week!



Related: Get Ready for 2024's First SupermoonHere's When To Look Up

What Is a Perseid Meteor Shower?

The Perseid meteor shower is a meteor shower that occurs every summer, typically between mid-July and late August. It's one of the most well-known and abundant annual meteor showers. According to Space.com, the Perseid meteor shower is caused by Earth passing through the debris left behind by the comet Swift-Tuttle.



Comets leave a dusty trail behind them when they come around the sun. Every year, Earth passes through this trail of particles and they enter our atmosphere at high speeds. Once the particles collide with Earth's atmosphere, they burn up and create bright streaks of light across the sky, which we witness as meteors.

When Is the Perseid Meteor Shower in 2024?

Technically, the Perseid meteor shower has been going on since July 14 and will end on September 1. However, EarthSky has reported that the peak is predicted for 14 Universal Time on August 12, 2024.



The Perseid meteor shower rises to an intense peak before rapidly falling off, so you definitely don't want to miss the peak! EarthSky reported the mornings of August 11 and 12 are your best bets for witnessing the shower.



Related: When Is the Next Full Moon?

Where Does the Perseid Meteor Shower Take Place?

Ready to watch it? Luckily, the Perseid meteor shower is visible from many parts of the world, but it's most visible in the Northern Hemisphere. According to The Planetary Society, this is because the Perseid radiant is north on the skys dome. Still, the Perseids can be spotted as far south as the southern mid-latitudes.



The best viewing spots are in areas with dark skies, away from city lights. Think about rural areas, like national parks or farms. The American Meteor Society noted that most of the Perseids will be earthgrazing," seen low in the east or west, traveling north to south. You may occasionally see one pass overhead!

How To Watch the Perseid Meteor Shower 2024

Folks located within the Northern Hemisphere have the best chance of witnessing this event with their own eyes! It's best to find a spot away from light pollution. If you want to watch the 2024 Perseid meteor shower in real life, consider one of the following spots:

National parks and designated dark sky parks

Remote beaches

Mountainous areas

Rural, countryside locations

Local parks

Local astronomy clubs or observatories

Your backyard or front yard!

If you want to watch the 2024 Perseid meteor shower online, Space.com shared that astrophysicist, Gianluca Masi, will be hosting two free livestreams via the Virtual Telescope Project website and YouTube. If you want to join, the first livestream will begin at 9 p.m. EDT on August 11. The second livestream will begin at 9 p.m. EDT on Aug. 12both coinciding with the anticipated peak activity of the Perseids.

Related: When Is the Next New Moon?

What Causes Perseid Meteor Showers?

The annual Perseid meteor shower is caused by Earth passing through the debris left behind by Comet Swift-Tuttle. And the meteors in the Perseid shower appear to originate from the constellation, Perseus, which is where the name comes from.



As the comet travels through space, it sheds tiny particleslike dust and small rockswhich form a trail in its orbit around the sun. Each year, between mid-July and late August, Earth's orbit intersects this debris trail. When these particles enter Earth's atmosphere, they burn up due to friction with the air, creating meteors.

When Is the Best Time to View 2024's Perseid Meteor Shower?

According to the American Meteor Society, "As the morning progresses, the activity will increase as the radiant climbs higher into the sky. Theoretically, the best time to watch the Perseids is just before the break of dawn when the radiant lies highest in a dark sky. This is usually around 04:00 local daylight saving time. Experienced observers often say the hour between 03:00 and 04:00 is usually the best, not 04:00 to 05:00."



This corresponds with EarthSky's report that the mornings of August 11 and 12 are your best bets for witnessing the shower.

Up Next:

Related: When Is the Next Eclipse? Astronomers and Astrologists Answer Your Burning Eclipse Questions
People sit following an Israeli strike that killed at least 100 people on a school sheltering displaced Palestinians in Gaza City. Khaled Daoud/APA Images via ZUMA Press Wire/dpa

The Lebanese Hezbollah militia has accused Israel of "lies and deception" following its strike on a school in Gaza City which Palestinian authorities said killed up to 100 people.

"The speeches about a ceasefire and new dates for negotiations are nothing but lies and deception," Hezbollah said. Israel's "real choice is to kill and carry out massacres," it added.

The militia said Palestinians have been subjected to the "most heinous massacre for more than 10 months," since the current conflict in Gaza began.

Israel said the building it hit in Gaza City on Saturday "served as a hideout for Hamas terrorists and commanders."

Hezbollah and Israel have been exchanging fire across the border for months.

Fears of a major escalation have grown since Israel assassinated a top Hezbollah commander in Beirut following a strike on the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights which killed 12 children.

People inspect damages following an Israeli strike that killed at least 100 people on a school sheltering displaced Palestinians in Gaza City. Khaled Daoud/APA Images via ZUMA Press Wire/dpa

People mourn near the bodies of Palestinians who were killed in Israeli attack on the Al-Tabeen school which sheltering displaced Palestinians in Gaza City, at the al-Maamadani hospital. At least 100 people were killed and dozens more were wounded. Hadi Daoud/APA Images via ZUMA Press Wire/dpa

People mourn near the bodies of Palestinians who were killed in Israeli attack on the Al-Tabeen school which sheltering displaced Palestinians in Gaza City, at the al-Maamadani hospital. At least 100 people were killed and dozens more were wounded. Hadi Daoud/APA Images via ZUMA Press Wire/dpa
Hawaii Sen. Mazie Hirono wins Democratic primary for third term, will face McDermott in general

HONOLULU (AP)  U.S. Sen. Mazie Hirono and the state's incumbent congressional representatives won their races in the Democratic Party's primary election on Saturday.

Hawaii is a vote-by-mail state. Ballots were mailed to registered voters who must return them through the mail or to drop-off boxes located around the islands. Voters also were given the option to cast ballots in person at a handful of voter service centers in each county.

Ballots had to be received by county elections offices by 7 p.m. on Election Day to be counted.

Here's a look at key Hawaii races:

U.S. Senate

Hirono is seeking a third term after first being elected to the office in 2012 to replace Daniel Akaka, who was the first Native Hawaiian to serve in the U.S. Senate after statehood.

She won a three-way race against Ron Curtis and Clyde McClain Lewman. Curtis lost to Hirono in the general election six years ago when he was the Republican nominee for the same seat. Lewman placed seventh in the Democratic primary for governor in 2022 with 249 votes.

Hirono became a state legislator in 1980, Hawaiis lieutenant governor in 1994 and a member of the U.S. House in 2007.

She underwent surgery for kidney cancer in 2017, a year before she was last elected to a second six-year term in the Senate.

Former state Rep. Bob McDermott beat five lesser-known candidates for the Republican nomination for Senate. McDermott last ran for Senate two years ago when he lost to U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz, a Democrat, in the general election by a 44-point margin.

U.S. House

U.S. Rep. Ed Case won the Democratic Party primary to represent Hawaiis 1st Congressional District in Congress by defeating Cecil Hale.

Case was first elected to the seat representing urban Honolulu in 2018, after previously representing Hawaiis 2nd Congressional District from 2002 to 2007.

Patrick Largey ran unopposed in the Republican primary.

In the 2nd Congressional District race, U.S. Rep. Jill Tokuda was unopposed in the Democratic primary and Steve Bond was unopposed in the Republican primary. The district covers suburban Honolulu and the neighbor islands.

State House

House Speaker Scott Saiki faces a tough race against Kim Coco Iwamoto, who is running once more after losing to Saiki by just 161 votes two years ago and 167 votes in 2020.

Their state house district covers downtown Honolulu and Kakaako, where a construction boom has transformed warehouses into high-rise condos.

Saiki, an attorney, has been House speaker since 2017 and a state representative for three decades. His campaign website touts legislation passed this year that he said would provide a 70% tax cut to working-class families.

Iwamoto is an attorney who represented Oahu on the state Board of Education from 2006 to 2011. Her website says she is fighting to expose government corruption and waste and to provide sufficient shelter and social workers to address homelessness.

Iwamoto was the highest-ranking openly transgender person elected in the country when she first won her education board seat 18 years ago.
HAVANA, Ill. (WMBD)  A little after 5 p.m. Monday, the ceiling of the historic Lawford Theatre collapsed, causing a major shakeup to Havanas downtown.

What was originally thought to be a tragedy could turn out to be a bright light towards the citys revitalization.

The Havana Area Chamber of Commerce says the vacant theaters collapse could be an opportunity to move Havana forward.

I think it provides an exciting opportunity, said April Burgett, the chambers president. The bigger buildings seem to be the last to be restored. And of course, the Lawford is probably one of the biggest buildings in our downtown, and the big ones come with a bigger price tag.

So its harder to wrap your head around how much restoration is needed and how much work and funding is needed to do that, she said.

Built in 1914, the Lawford Theatre, located next to City Hall, has been home to many live shows along with lots of films. Its been shuttered several times until purchased by a new owner and then reopened.

The citys fire chief, Matthew Fliege, said there was initially a gas leak caused by the collapse but that was contained.

There was a gas line to the structure and the line inside the building was sheared off just past the meter. Ameren was quickly on scene, he said. We ended up shutting the gas off to the structure and they did a full assessment of the area or to the all the buildings and underground to make sure that we didnt have any other gas problems.

Fliege said that decisions on the Lawford Theatre wont happen for a couple weeks.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to CIProud.com.
How do homeless people feel about their situation?

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO)  Sioux Falls city leaders say theyre seeing more problems being caused by people who are homeless.

They say panhandling and alcohol abuse are the main causes. Yesterday we heard from the Mayor, Police Chief and local non profits. But, no one knows homelessness better than the people experiencing it.

I have been homeless for 11 years, Cindy said.

Since my wife passed away, back in 94, Andre Spotted Elk said.

KELOLAND spent almost two hours talking to people both inside and outside of the Bishop Dudley Hospitality House. While no one we talked with seemed to enjoy being homeless, the ones inside the shelter were taking action to change their situation.

They gave me food and shelter and clothing. They helped me with clothing. They sent me to a thrift store to get some more clothes. And they gave me a suitcase. They bought me a bus ticket back to Detroit, Michigan, homeless for 11 years, Cindy said.

Cindy has moved around the country, and says disruptive homeless people are a problem everywhere.

The people that are lost in addiction and gangs, theyre destructive and they destroy it. It makes it hard. It makes it hard for us that are homeless, that are trying, Cindy said.

Cindy is staying inside the Bishop Dudley Hospitality House as she tries to get back on her feet.

But outside the building, you will find people who either chose to not use its resources or are no longer allowed inside.

Panhandling, alcohol use in focus for Thum, TenHaken

I think its a choice. I think they choose to stay out there. You know, who knows what their story is? But from what Ive seen, a lot of people are lost in their addiction, Cindy said.

Andre Spotted Elk has been homeless since 1994. Hes watched how the homeless population in Sioux Falls has changed over the years.

Its been pretty much growing, Spotted Elk said.

With the city of Sioux Falls trying to crackdown on panhandling, we asked what people use their panhandling money for.

I panhandle. But you know, I look for a place for shelter, for a motel room. But some of them, 75% of them for alcohol, Spotted Elk said.

Mostly liquor. Mostly liquor, homeless, David Andrews said.

While the Bishop Dudley Hospitality House is just a few feet away, that doesnt mean everyone is going inside to use its resources.

We live our life on the street. Its free. You got to pay nothing. We hustle. So I got credentials. I can get a job if I want, but I feel free, Spotted Elk said.

Why arent you taking advantage of the resources that are inside? Madeline Shields said.

Because Im scared to get sober. Im scared of getting sober, Andrews said.

Rather than giving money to panhandlers, the executive director of the Bishop Dudley Hospitality House encourages people who want to help to volunteer their time so they can learn more about the people using its resources.

Another option is to donate directly to a nonprofit so the agency can help more people who want to break out of homelessness.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KELOLAND.com.
Slates guide to the most important figures in politics this week.

Welcome to this weeks edition of the Surge, the frozen bear meat of the American political icebox.





This week, Democrats filled out their presidential ticket and were all happy and joyous and hopeful. Disturbing stuff. Former President Donald Trump spent all week at Mar-a-Lago, sitting and seething at television networks showing Vice President Kamala Harris crowd sizes, and has officially lost whatever modest control he had over himself. Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi went on a media tour to discuss her new book and her recent defeat of President Joe Biden in the presidential race.





Let us begin with the newest entrant to national politics, Walleye Walz.

Photo illustration by Slate. Photo by Andrew Harnik/Getty Images.

1. Tim Walz

What a fun honeymoon! It expires now.

The first couple of days of the Kamala HarrisTim Walz rollout were an unquestionable success. The selection of Walz was welcomed from left to center, from New York Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez to West Virginia Sen. Joe Manchin. The Surge attended their first rally in Philadelphia on Tuesday and can confirm that Democratic excitement registered at ear-damaging levels. That was followed by several blockbuster rallies, one of which included a (Trumpesque, honestly) showy pull-up-the-plane-to-15,000-screaming-fans power visual. Then came, of course, the fun part of being introduced to a national audience, as Walz was met with scrutiny of his military record. Theres a few different threads of criticism, some thinner gruel than others. (The one in which Walz does appear to have gone a step too far, in a clip shared by the Harris campaign itself, features Walz talking about restricting access to those weapons of war, that I carried in war. He was never deployed to a theater of combat.) The Harris campaign reportedly knew that these criticisms were coming and that Walz was upfront about them during the vetting process. Walz could do an interview to attempt to clear all this up, though the campaign is probably waiting to see if this just goes away. Speaking of interviews 

2. Kamala Harris

The road to the White House goes directly through an interview with the Surge.

Excitement! Energy! Memes! Crowds! Hope! Everything has been going Harris way since she entered the race. What else is there for her to do? Well, she hasnt spoken extemporaneously in public for more than about two total minutes since Biden passed her the torch three weeks ago, and we dont know much about how she would lead the most powerful country in the world beyond the generalities of her stump speech. The Surge understands why her campaign staffers havent submitted her for any interviews yet: because shes been getting away with it. Theyd prefer to ride this wave straight through the Democratic National Convention. In a brief Tarmac Q&A with traveling press on Thursdaya minimal effort to relieve growing tensions about her availabilityHarris said that she wants to get an interview scheduled before the end of the month. Well, theres a whole lot of month left. Yes, the Surge certainly has a conflict of interest here, as a member of the interview lobby (aka Big Interview). But it strikes us as more than a little odd that someone whose name will be on the ballot for president of the United States in less than three monthsand quite sooner for when mail ballots begin sending outhas not sat down for one interview to fill in the substantial number of blanks on her candidacy. And letting more and more time pass is only going to build up the stakes. All of which is to say: Just shoot the Surge an email; we can be there in 30 minutes.

3. Donald Trump

Our big boy is feeling so left out.

Nothing in this universe is more targeted to getting under Donald Trumps skin than multiple major television networks showing his direct competitor hosting large crowds that rival his. Nothing. Hed take waterboarding over that. And so hes not doing great. To reclaim the attention, then, Trump called a press conference for himself to ramble about whatever. He argued that the crowd for his Stop the Steal rally on Jan. 6, 2021, was larger than the March on Washington in 1963. Needless to say, he was not asked to compare the disparate events but volunteered this theory on his own. Photos of the two are easy to compare because, in his words, its the same real estate, same everything, and if you look at the picture of his crowd [and] my crowd, we actually had more people. He then, in his infinite grace, said he was OK with people still believing (correctly) that the March on Washington was bigger than his precoup pep rally. I'm OK with it because I liked Dr. Martin Luther King, he said. He also told a story about nearly crashing in a helicopter with former San Francisco Mayor Willie Brown, which did not happen. Though he was once on a helicopter with former California Gov. Jerry Brown, which was not at risk of crashing. The only thing spiraling down is Trump.

4. Nancy Pelosi

A timely book promotion tour.

Did Nancy Pelosi help squeeze Joe Biden out of the presidential race to gin up some interest ahead of her book release? Whos to say? Whatever the case, Pelosis media tour this week to promote her new memoir came at a point of heightened interest in her methods. In several interviews, she shared some details about her recent moves against Biden. While insisting that she didnt make one call to organize a rebellion against the presidentpeople, instead, called hershe made clear what her priority has been this election cycle. My goal in life was that that man would never set foot in the White House again, she told reporters, speaking of Trump, and that she couldnt sit idly and watch an unfolding of events that were just putting rose petals in front of him to go there. She got even more candid in speaking to the New Yorker. Ive never been that impressed with his political operation, she said of Biden. They won the White House. Bravo. But my concern was: this aint happening, and we have to make a decision for this to happen. The President has to make the decision for that to happen. A translation for those not fluent in Pelosi: The Biden aides argument that Biden was the only candidate who had beaten Trump, and thus was the best candidate to beat him again, wasnt compelling, and they needed to convince Biden of that. Not that she enjoyed doing this work. When asked by the New Yorker if she thought her relationship with Biden would survive, she said she wasnt sure. I hope so, she said. I pray so. I cry so. Maybe they should get a coffee?

5. Josh Shapiro

A scenario.

Set aside the question of why Harris opted not to bring the Pennsylvania governor to the ticket. Speculation and reporting on that runs from a lack of chemistry between the two, to Shapiros selection facing too much opposition from the left, to Shapiro threatening to overshadow Harris, tothe rights favorite explanationantisemitism. There were also reports that Shapiro himself may have had second thoughts about leaving his governorship for what is, certainly, a boring job. That may sound like face-saving spin from a guy who could tell he wasnt likely to get it. But lets sketch out a scenarioone that may have run through Shapiros mind as wellwhere this turns out to be the path that works out best for Shapiros White House ambitions. Its one in which Harris and Walz lose in November. If that happens, it means they probably lose Pennsylvania in a close race. That could spark a widespread belief within the Democratic Party, whether rightly or wrongly, that Harris screwed up in bypassing Shapiro for her running mate and that the party needs to get more pragmatic going forward. And the pragmatic 2028 candidate would be staring the Democrats right in the face. Not that he wants HarrisWalz to lose! But if they did 

6. Brian Kemp

Georgiais this an important state?

Back to Trumps spiraling. There was a moment in his campaign, prior to the current meltdown sparked by the emergence of a real opponent, when Trump was letting bygones be bygones with former Republican enemies. But the Pax Trumpicana was short-lived, and this week, during a Georgia rally, he went after the states popular Republican Gov. Brian Kemp and Kemps wife (with some posting on the side to hammer it home). Kemp responded that Trump should leave my family out of it, while reiterating that hell do whatever he can to get Trump elected. After a wave of criticism from his fellow Republicans that this was an extremely counterproductive thing to doreally, not even close to being in his interestTrump did say in his Thursday press conference that hed love to see his relationship with Kemp be repaired. He reiterated, however, that he was responsible for Kemps election and that when you get someone elected, theyre supposed to like you. The TrumpKemp saga is a long one, but its worth remembering why Trump believes that Kemp doesnt like him: because Kemp didnt effectively void his states presidential election result, using powers he didnt have, to swing the states electoral votes to Trump. This is not Trumps best turf. He needs to get back to his A material, like observing how the toilets dont flush good anymore.

7. Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

Just the facts.

This week, in an effort to get ahead of a story from the New Yorker, independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. released a video of himself explaining a 2014 incident. During a trip to upstate New York for some falconry, he picked up a dead bear cub on the side of the road and put it in his car trunk so he could skin and freeze the meat later. After returning to New York City for a dinner at Peter Luger Steak House, he recognized that he needed to get rid of the bear before catching a flight. So he and some friends thought it would be funny to dump the bear in Central Park and pretend that a bicyclist had run it over. The next day, he was amazed to see that the discovery of a dead bear cub in Central Park was a major news story. In Kennedys video, he is explaining all of this to Roseanne Barr. The Surge has nothing to add to this. The newsletter is now concluded.
CHARLESTON, W.Va. (WBOY)  The Hope Scholarship offers $4,921 for families who would like their children to be educated outside of the public school system. Currently, its only available to students entering kindergarten, but in 2026, it will be opened to all students in West Virginia.

State Treasurer Riley Moore says that as many as 40,000 private school or homeschooled students could use the Hope Scholarship when it opens to everyone. If half of that 40,000 decide to take the $5,000 scholarship, then that is a roughly $100 million of new expense for the state governmentmoney that some argue should go to West Virginias public schools.

Kelly Allen of the West Virginia Center on Budget and Policy has been a vocal critic of the Hope Scholarship. Allen argues that the Hope Scholarship draws funding away from public schools, only aids a small subset of West Virginians, and has questionable education outcomes.

Voucher programs like the Hope Scholarship dont lead to better educational outcomes for the students who participate, Allen said. They go to families who are already in private school or who could already afford the cost of private school, and they really have a cost on our public schools where more than 90% of West Virginia students receive their education.

When do West Virginia students go back to school?

12 News also spoke to Treasurer Moore who made the case for the Hope Scholarship. Moore said the Hope Scholarship allows taxpayers to educate their children in the manner which best fits their childs educational needs and requirements.

A brief written by the West Virginia Center on Budget and Policy, however, raises concerns about the educational outcome of students under the Hope Scholarship. The brief says that students who have enrolled in similar programs to the Hope Scholarship in other states perform worse than students in public school. The brief criticizes that money from the Hope Scholarship can wind up in unaccredited schools as $1.7 million has so far.

To those academic concerns, Treasurer Moore said that opening education to the marketplace will improve education. Moore argues that as schoolsprivate and publiccompete with each other to attract students, the quality of education in West Virginia schools will improve as a whole. He said he trusts the parents to choose the best school for their children.

This is a choice that these parents can make, and the idea that the schools are receiving the moneyno, the families receive the money and then they make their decision and where they would like to spend that money, Moore said.

With millions of dollars on the line as well as the future landscape of West Virginia education, the Hope Scholarship is likely to continue to be the subject of debate.

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Our House shelter helps family of seven desperate for a home in Little Rock; working to expand services

Our House shelter helps family of seven desperate for a home in Little Rock; working to expand services

LITTLE ROCK, Ark.  Homelessness in the United States remains at an all-time high, and for shelters in Arkansas, the effects of that are becoming ever-present.

Homelessness is a problem all across the country and Little Rock is no exception. On Thursday night, the Smith family of seven from Illinois was desperate to find a shelter, and after calling and knocking on dozens of doors to be told they were full, they ended up in a hotel. On Friday morning, things thankfully started looking up.

Our House debuts expanded facilities in Little Rock, announces next phase

Our House in Little Rock is a shelter known for new beginnings and helping families get back on their feet. It works to serve these families going through hard times and is a place up to 160 people can stay for up to two years while they get jobs and save up money.

But as the number of people experiencing homelessness continues to skyrocket across the country, that job sometimes gets harder by the day. Thats something every shelter that KARK 4 News spoke with in the last 24 hours has said.

Ben Goodwin is the executive director of Our House and said that there are times when families come seeking shelter and they simply dont have the room.

Hope for the Homeless: How Little Rock, community groups are helping the unhoused

Theyll work to figure it out on their campus or work with other shelters to get them space somewhere else, but its a common issue thats heartbreaking for everyone.

Were driven to not just sit and accept this level of need in our community knowing we have a program that works that can help people get out of homelessness, Goodwin said. We feel an obligation to grow and get bigger.

Thanks to generous donations from kind hearts, Our House has recently been able to expand by 50% and looks to grow even more. In the meantime, as they hope to expand more, their services are everything and more the Smith family could hope for as they make their plans for a long-term future here in the Natural State.

Theres a lot of options now that weve made our home at Our House., saving up money and finding a place here. A stable place here in Arkansas, Smith said. Were to stay.

Little Rock city officials appoint new chief homelessness officer

More information about Our House can be found at OurHouseShelter.org.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KARK.
HPD investigates attempted murder of 17-year-old in Kalihi

HONOLULU (KHON2)  The Honolulu Police Department is investigating an attempted murder after a teenage male passenger was apparently shot on a city bus in Kalihi area.

The teen, aged 17, was struck by a bullet fired by two males riding a moped Friday afternoon.

An HPD investigator is seen photographing a bullet hole in a city bus on Aug. 9, 2024.

According to EMS, the boy was hit in the upper body and needed lifesaving treatment before being transported to the hospital.

The incident occurred near the intersection of School Street and Kamehameha IV Road around 3:30 p.m.

Officers are at the scene. No suspects arrested at this time.

The investigation is ongoing.

This post will be updated.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KHON2.
Democrats held their biggest rally since reshaping their presidential ticket and those in Glendale, from presidential nominee Kamala Harris to one of those she considered for vice president, U.S. Sen. Mark Kelly, to those sitting in the stands sent messages about what it all meant.

Here are five takeaways from an event that seemed to signal a sea change in the battle for Arizona.

Raising the bar in terms of Arizona crowd sizes and enthusiasm

Arizona Democrats made a statement about their numbers and their enthusiasm with the near-capacity crowd at Desert Diamond Arena.

The Glendale facility holds more than 19,000 people, and there were few empty seats.

That caught the attention of Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, the Democrats vice-presidential nominee.

The Minnesota governor joked about a few people showed up in Philadelphia the other night, followed by 10,000 in a Wisconsin field and an even bigger crowd in suburban Detroit.

But Arizona couldnt leave it alone, could you? he said with a laugh. Its not as if anybody cares about crowd sizes or anything.

It was more than an appreciative nod to the Democrats supporters. It was a message to former President Donald Trump, who has long fixated on crowd sizes, TV ratings and any other measures of his own popularity.

President Joe Biden won Arizona in 2020 by the narrowest margin of any state he carried. But Trump has consistently led in public polling in Arizona for more than a year. With Biden out of the race, it was unclear until Friday whether Democrats could again stake a claim to Arizona.

If crowds matter, Democrats showed they intend to fight for Arizona.

Polling is just beginning to reflect the revised Democratic ticket and Trumps own vice-presidential nominee, U.S. Sen. JD Vance, R-Ohio. But it appears the state is closer now, similar to what is happening in other swing states and in nationwide polling.

Sen. Mark Kelly rallies around the ticket

U.S. Sen. Mark Kelly, D-Ariz., who was on Harris' short list for vice president, was one of the speakers who warmed up the crowd at Fridays rally.

Kelly focused on international relations and the military in his speech, contrasting the Democrats' approach to Trump's track record.

International relations are at stake, he said, saying the election outcome will determine "whether our alliances are strengthened or shredded.

The appearance was the latest sign of Kellys support for the Harris-Walz ticket, which has united Democrats across several wings of the party. His enthusiastic speech signaled, at least publicly, that he had no hard feelings after falling just short of being the vice presidential nominee himself.

He cheered on the duo and made note of Walzs Army background, amid GOP-led attacks on the Minnesota governor's military record.

"What we need is an army," Kelly said, as he urged the crowd to work to get the Democratic ticket elected in November.

Kamala Harris offers clearer message to Gaza protesters

At Fridays rally, Harris offered one of her clearest public statements on the war in Gaza since she became the partys nominee.

Several minutes into her remarks, a handful of protesters began chanting a slogan in support of the Palestinian cause: Free, free, free Palestine.

Rather than ignore or shut down the protests as she has done in the past  Im speaking, Harris told protesters in Detroit earlier this week  Harris answered them.

I have been clear: Now is the time to get a ceasefire deal, and get the hostage deal done, she said.

Harris, who has pushed the White House to show more concern for the humanitarian situation in Gaza, said she and Biden were working around the clock to accomplish both goals.

I respect your voices, but we are here to now talk about this race in 2024, she said.

The issue has divided Democrats since the latest wave of hostilities between Israel and Hamas began in October 2023. Biden and Harris have proactively dodged protests on the topic: For a time the campaign was holding smaller campaign events, or withholding the time and location of events from the public, to avoid protests on the topic, NBC News reported.

Asked about the topic at Northern Arizona University last year, Harris delivered a hesitant response that left the crowd of college students unsatisfied.

Inside the Glendale arena on Friday, Harris response seemed not just to drown out the protests, but to put them to rest. The crowd cheered loudly at the mention of a ceasefire and Harris delivered the rest of her speech uninterrupted.

Kamala Harris and Tim Walz in Arizona: Rallygoers find hope, joy in message

Where was Gov. Katie Hobbs?

At the outset of her remarks, Harris did the obligatory kudos to incredible leaders on hand. But there was one prominent no-show.

Harris name-checked U.S. Rep. Greg Stanton, D-Ariz., Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Ruben Gallego, and U.S. Sen. Mark Kelly, D-Ariz.

She didnt acknowledge that Kelly was among her finalists for the vice-presidential nomination that eventually went to Walz, but she did praise Kelly as a dear friend.

As Arizona knows, Mark is an extraordinary leader who has dedicated his life to the service of our nation as a fighter pilot, as an astronaut and as a member of the United States Congress, Harris said. He has given so much to our country. He always fights for the people of Arizona and I am so grateful, Mark, for your friendship and your leadership.

Harris praised Kellys wife, former U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords, D-Ariz.

Harris thanked Mayors Kate Gallego of Phoenix, Corey Woods of Tempe and John Giles of Mesa. Giles is a Republican who has crossed party lines to back Harris.

What was missing was any mention of Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs.

Hobbs wasnt on hand for the Friday late afternoon rally, extending a run of absences at presidential events for her. She cited a vague, undisclosed scheduling conflict.

Earlier in the week, Hobbs gushed about Walz while downplaying the fact that Kelly had been in the running for the same position.

Oh my gosh, you should have been in my house and heard my scream when I saw the news this morning. Im absolutely thrilled that Vice President Harris has chosen him to be her running mate, Hobbs told reporters.

She went on to note that she had worked with Walz directly on many issues and have seen firsthand his dedication to the American people.

Hobbs said Kelly would have been a great choice. I have worked with him a lot to deliver for Arizonans and I know as vice president he would have continued that.

Kelly and Hobbs ran their 2022 election campaigns very separately. While Republican gubernatorial nominee Kari Lake and Senate candidate Blake Masters repeatedly appeared together as Lake and Blake, Kelly and Hobbs were seldom seen in the same place together.

Arizona Republicans are taking the Harris-Walz ticket seriously

Even before the crowd lined up to get into the event, Republicans telegraphed their concern  whether they intended to or not.

On Thursday, Republican U.S. Senate candidate Kari Lake headed a news conference in Chandler that quickly turned into an array of GOP attacks on Harris.

U.S. Rep. Andy Biggs, R-Ariz., for example, mocked Harris over the unofficial border czar title often used to describe a duty President Joe Biden gave her to determine the root cause of illegal immigration from certain countries.

Lake, whose unrivaled support of former President Donald Trump and embrace of election denialism in the 2020 and 2022 elections has raised her profile to national levels, sounded a sour note about Harris ascension to the top of the Democratic ticket.

Nobodys voted for her to be on the ticket. Not a single American voted for Kamala Harris to be on the ticket, not a single Democrat, Lake said.

My question to Democrats out there is: Are you OK with that? Is that a threat to democracy? It sounds like it to me. It really does.

Lakes words echoed Trumps own complaints Thursday at his news conference at his Florida resort.

We have somebody that hasnt received one vote for president, and shes running, and thats fine with me. But we were given Joe Biden, and now were given somebody else. And I think, frankly, Id rather be running against somebody else," Trump said. "But that was their choice. They decided to do that because Kamalas record is horrible. Shes a radical left person at a level that nobodys seen."

Trump called her the least-admired, least-respected, and the worst vice president in the history of our country, the most unpopular vice president.

By contrast, in a sign that Trump wanted Biden to remain in the race, he had little to say about Biden after his disastrous debate performance and as many Democrats called for him to leave.

Republic reporter Stacey Barchenger contributed to this article.

Vote now: Kamala Harris went to this Mexican restaurant. Where else should she have dined?

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Kamala Harris and Tim Walz in Arizona: 5 takeaways from
Hundreds without power in Augusta, Waynesboro after Debby

The remains of Tropical Storm Debby hit Staunton, Augusta County, and Waynesboro last night, bringing a flash flood warning, wind advisory alerts, and a tornado watch.

The overnight storm also brought power outages hundreds of Augusta County and Waynesboro residents.

Heres whos out, as of Friday morning.

Dominion Energy in Waynesboro

There are 406 Dominion Energy customers without power in Waynesboro across nine project areas.

The largest outage is along Duke Road and Rockfish Road, extending down to William Perry Elemenatry School. Crews are on scene, working to restore power to the 215 customers affected.

Crews are on site for an outage between Berkeley Glenn School and South River has 122 customers without power.

Crews are on scene around Maple Avenue affecting 20 customers.

Around S. Magnolia Avenue, 12 customers are without power.

Around Shiloh Avenue, another 12 customers are without power.

Two customers are out around Windigrove Drive, near I-64.

Four customers are out along Fairway Drive.

Two customers are out along Hopeman Parkway.

One customer is out near Flat Rock Road, just outside of Waynesboro.

Dominion Energy in Augusta County

In Augusta County, there are 18 ongoing projects as of 10:05, affecting 295 Dominion Energy customers.

Crews are on site around Mt. Bethel United Methodist Church to restore power to 62 customers. Another three customers are affected by another worksite just north of this on Crimora Fire Road.

Another 62 Stuarts Draft customers are without power along Cambridge Drive.

Crews have been dispatched to U.S. 340 near Grottoes Seventh-Day Adventist Church to restore power to 23 customers nearby.

Three customers without power near Stover.

Four customers east of Crimora Park.

Two customers southeast of Churchville.

Four customers out near Dooms Crossing Road.

Two customers out near the intersection of U.S. 262 and U.S. 250 north of Staunton.

Three different project sites affect a customer piece around E. Timber Ridge Road north of Grottoes.

Three customers are affected by two project sites around Ore Bank Road east of Grottoes.

One customer out apiece near Pine Bluff Road, Hildebrand Church Road, Holly Avenue in Grottoes,

Shenandoah Valley Electric Cooperative near Crimora in Augusta County

The Shenandoah Valley Electric Cooperative outage map reports two outages near Crimora as of 9:50 a.m.

Two members lost power around 5 a.m. near along Trayfoot Road.

Another 11 members lost power around 8:45 a.m. near Crimora Mine Road and Thorofare Road.

Lyra Bordelon (she/her) is the public transparency and justice reporter at The News Leader. Do you have a story tip or feedback? Its welcome through email to lbordelon@gannett.com. Subscribe to us at newsleader.com.

This article originally appeared on Staunton News Leader: Hundreds without power in Augusta, Waynesboro after Debby
IAEA chief calls for restraint as fighting remains ongoing 'in the vicinity' of Kursk Nuclear Power Plant

International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi called on both Kyiv and Moscow to "exercise maximum restraint" in order to avoid a nuclear accident as fighting is reportedly ongoing in the region around the Kursk Nuclear Power Plant (KNPP).

In a statement issued by the IAEA on Aug. 9, Grossi said that a nuclear accident at the KNPP would have "the potential for serious radiological consequences."

Grossi noted that two of the six nuclear reactors at the KNPP are in shutdown, while another two are fully operational. The remaining two reactors are under construction.

The statement comes as Ukraine's continues its surprise incursion across the border into Kursk Oblast, with Ukraine reportedly making gains deeper into Russian territory.

Earlier in the day on Aug. 9, a fire caused by an alleged drone attack on a power substation led to power outages in several areas of Kurchatov which houses the KNPP, regional Governor Alexei Smirnov claimed.

On Aug. 8, Kurchatov's mayor, Igor Korpunkov, claimed that battles are ongoing "a few dozen kilometers" from the town.

Independent Russian news outlet IStories reported on Aug. 9 that Russia is currently preparing to defend the Kursk Nuclear Power Plant as Ukrainian troops are approaching it.

The entrances to the Kursk Nuclear Power Plant were blocked as of the afternoon of Aug. 9, the pro-government regional newspaper network Bloknot claimed, citing its undisclosed sources.

Everything at the nuclear power plant's units under construction has been de-energized, and construction workers have left the site, Bloknot claimed.

The Kyiv Independent cannot verify the claims.

"I emphasize the five concrete principles to help to ensure nuclear safety and security which have been established for the Zaporizhzhia NPP in the context of the current conflict between (Russia) and Ukraine, and which are equally applicable in this situation," Grossi added.

Kyiv has so far maintained a policy of silence on the incursion, but President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Aug. 8 that "Russia brought war to our land, and it should feel what it has done." He did not directly mention the incursion into Kursk Oblast.

The town of Kurchatov is located some 150 kilometers (93 miles) from Ukraine's Sumy Oblast.

Kursk Oblast lies on the border with Ukraine's Sumy Oblast, which has been experiencing daily attacks since Russian troops were pushed out of the oblast and back across the border in April 2022.

Earlier on Aug. 9, Russian authorities introduced a so-called "counter-terrorism operation" in bordering Kursk, Bryansk, and Belgorod oblasts in response to Ukraine's incursion into the region.

Russia's Emergency Situations Ministry also said on Aug. 9 that the situation in Kursk Oblast had been declared a "federal emergency," and began sending additional military equipment into the region.

Read also: Russia prepares to defend Kursk nuclear plant as Ukrainian troops approach, IStories reports

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Editors Note: The video above first aired in November 2023.

PERMIAN BASIN (KMID/KPEJ)  Here are the top stories from around the Basin for the week ending on August 9.

Crews with Odessa Fire Rescue responded to Aghorn Operatons on Monday, following reports of a fire near West 35th Street and Kermit Highway. Crews were able to extinguish the fire with no injuries being reported. You can learn more about the fire here.

The Mexican convenience store, FEMSA, recently reached a $385 million deal with Delek US Holdings to acquire more than 249 corner food marts in Texas and New Mexico. Nearly all Delek stores include a gas station under the DK and Alon brands, with 90 percent of its convenience stores located in Texas. You can learn more about this deal here.

Native Midlander and Midland High Bulldog, Bryce Hoppel, secured a spot in the Olympic 800-meter semifinal this week with a second-place finish in his first-round heat. Now Hoppel is heading to the Olympic finals after another second-place finish in that semifinal. The City of Midland and the Midland RockHounds will be hosting a watch party on Saturday, August 10, as Hoppel runs for gold. You can learn more about Hoppel and how you can watch here.

Some Social Security recipients are receiving a second payment this month and it all depends on what day of the week the first of the month lands on. You can learn more about how this works here.

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FRESNO COUNTY, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE)  A 16-year-old who was killed when he was struck by a vehicle in Fresno County was identified by the Fresno County Coroners Office on Friday as a student with the Clovis Unified School District.

The Coroners Office named Buchanan High Schools Sandro Lazo as the victim of the crash.

According to officials, Sandro Lazo was traveling west on Perrin Road and as he approached the stop sign, he made a southbound turn onto Fowler Avenue, directly in front of an oncoming vehicle that did not have a stop sign. The two then collided.

Officials say the driver involved stayed at the scene. Sandro Lazo, who was wearing a helmet, later succumbed to his injuries at the hospital and passed away.

In a statement to YourCentralValley.com, Buchanan High Schools principal described the death of the Clovis Unified student as a devastating loss for our entire school and community.

Our hearts go out to Sandros family, said Principal Omar Hemaidan. Our incredible mental health team will be available when students return to school to come alongside and support those who are struggling in the aftermath of this tragedy.

The investigation into the incident is ongoing.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to YourCentralValley.com | KSEE24 and CBS47.
Ill. (WTVO)  The Illinois State Board of Education is launching a $6 million campaign to recruit school teachers.

This is to address the serious shortages in the industry across the state.

The campaign is especially for bilingual and special education in rural and urban communities.

The board said its annual unfilled positions data collected from all Illinois districts showed more than 4,000 unfilled positions.

The data showed that, as of October 2023, a third of vacancies are in special education.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to MyStateline | WTVO News, Weather and Sports.
CHICAGO  A downstate sheriff whose deputy officer shot and killed 36-year-old Sonya Massey in her Springfield-area home last month announced his retirement Friday following calls for his resignation from critics including Gov. JB Pritzker.

Sangamon County Sheriff Jack Campbell said hes been proactive and transparent in presenting the facts of the shooting to the public and continued to place blame for Masseys killing on Sean Grayson, the deputy who is charged with murder in Masseys death and was fired from the sheriffs office.

But Campbell said the political climate has made it nearly impossible for him to continue in his job.

Some individuals would rather see our community divided and in turmoil, than allow me to continue serving as sheriff, Campbell said in a statement. The health of me and my family, the sheriffs office, and our community has to be my priority.

His retirement will be effective no later than Aug. 31, according to the statement.

For weeks, Campbell, a Republican elected to his post in 2018, resisted calls to resign. In recent days, Campbell said he was fully prepared to resume his role as sheriff, dismissing calls to step down from Pritzker and Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton, both Democrats, as political maneuvering during a tragic event.

But on Friday, Campbell said there were people who wanted him to pay the price for Graysons actions, even threatening that I pay that price with my life, my familys lives or the lives of my deputies.

We will only persevere together as a community if we turn down the temperature and resolve to do better, Campbell said. We must honor the life of Sonya Massey by ensuring that no one else falls victim to such tragic and senseless action.

A statement from Pritzkers office said the governor hopes a fresh start with new leadership will usher in a new era of reform and rebuild the trust lost between the Sangamon County community and the sheriffs office.

Masseys killing has led to protests across the country, including in Springfield and Chicago, and renewed a national conversation over the use of deadly force by police against Black people.

The Sangamon County sheriffs office was the sixth Illinois police department Grayson, 30, had worked for in less than four years. Before he went into law enforcement, Grayson had two DUIs on his record in nearby Macoupin County.

Records show before the Sangamon County sheriffs office hired Grayson last year, the office spoke with some of the law enforcement agencies that previously employed him and those agencies questioned his abilities as an officer, saying he needed more training. Campbell downplayed that issue in a previous statement saying this is not unusual for deputies with Graysons experience, and that he underwent a 16-week training for new and lateral deputies when he was hired in Sangamon County.

On July 6, Grayson and another deputy officer responded to a 911 call about a possible prowler outside Masseys home in an unincorporated area outside of Springfield. When Grayson, who is white, and the other deputy officer arrived, Massey, who was Black, took a few minutes to answer the door and appeared confused. Her family has said she had mental health issues.

The two officers said they didnt find anyone around her home. Inside, a conversation ensued over a pot of boiling water on Masseys stove.

According to body camera footage, Massey said, Oh, Ill rebuke you in the name of Jesus, before Grayson angrily replied, You better (expletive) not. I swear to God. Ill (expletive) shoot you right in your (expletive) face.

Grayson then demanded that Massey drop the pot before shooting her. The Sangamon County coroners office said she died of a gunshot wound to the head.

Grayson was ordered held in custody about two weeks after the shooting. He has pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder, aggravated battery with a firearm and official misconduct.

____
Aug. 9 (UPI) -- Sangamon County, Ill., Sheriff Jack Campbell announced his retirement Friday a month after former Deputy Sean Grayson shot and killed unarmed Black woman Sonya Massey in her home.

In a statement distributed to media outlets, Campbell said he will step down from his elected post at the end of the month.

The sheriff this week came under heavy criticism from Illinois. Gov. J.B. Pritzker, who called for his resignation due to what he called his failure to see multiple red flags surrounding Greyson, including the fact he had been fired by at least one prior employer before his hiring by the Sangamon County Sheriff's Department.

Records obtained by CBS News show Greyson has twice been cited for driving while intoxicated, was discharged from the U.S. Army in 2016 for serious misconduct and had accusations of bullying and abuse of power entered on his Sangamon County personnel file.

Campbell fired Greyson on July 17 for violating use-of-force standards by shooting Massey, who was holding a pan of hot water in the kitchen inside her home after reporting a prowler. The former deputy now stands charged with three counts of first-degree murder.

In his Friday statement Campbell extended condolences to Massey's family and insisted he has been "proactive and transparent, working tirelessly to present all of the facts to the public."

He then blamed the "political climate" for his decision to retire.

"It has become clear that the current political climate has made it nearly impossible for me to continue effectively in my role," he said. "Some individuals would rather see our community divided and in turmoil, than allow me to continue serving as sheriff. The health of me and my family, the sheriff's office, and our community has to be my priority."
A person from Ingham County has a confirmed case of swine flu, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services said Friday.

While we believe this is an isolated case, Michigan residents should monitor for flu-like symptoms: fever, respiratory symptoms like cough and runny nose and body aches, said Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, the state's chief medical executive, in a statement.

If you have these symptoms, we recommend taking a test for influenza as well as COVID-19. Home COVID-19 tests are widely available, and both flu and COVID-19 tests are available at many pharmacies, urgent cares and clinics. Regardless of test results, please stay at home until you have recovered.

Health officials said Friday that the source of this person's exposure to the H3N2v virus remained under investigation.

The person tested positive for the H3N2 flu virus in late July. The Michigan Bureau of Laboratories also got a positive result for H3N2v virus when it tested a specimen from the Ingham County resident. A specimen was then sent to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which confirmed the person had been sickened by the influenza A H3N2 virus.

The influenza A H3N2v virus typically is associated with pigs, though it also has been known to sporadically jump to people, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

In 2023, the first two U.S. cases of swine flu in humans were linked to infected pigs at county fairs in Michigan, according to the CDC.

Scientists often grow concerned when viruses jump from animals to people  and sometimes back to animals again  because it can lead to mutations in the virus that could give it the ability to spread more easily or cause more severe symptoms, potentially triggering another pandemic.

Influenza A H3N2v is not the same as the highly pathogenic H5N1 influenza virus currently infecting dairy cattle and domestic poultry, along with some farmworkers in the U.S.

The H5N1 bird flu virus adapted to infect mammals not just in the U.S., but around the world, killing seals and foxes, raccoons and skunks. It leaped to cows in late 2023, with high levels of viral particles identified in the milk and udders of sick livestock.

Since then, 14 U.S. farmworkers have been infected with bird flu after working closely with infected cows and poultry. Two of them were in Michigan.

Aubree Gordon, a professor or epidemiology and global public health at the University of Michigan, told the Free Press for a previous article that one of her biggest concerns is that the H5N1 virus will soon begin to infect pigs.

"Pigs can be a bit of a mixing vessel for flu," said Gordon, who also is director of the Michigan Center for Infectious Disease Threats and Pandemic Preparedness. "They have some of the same receptors that humans have and a virus that transmits well amongst pigs may transmit well amongst humans."

More: CDC reveals new data on bird flu in Michigan farmworkers as US case count ticks up

More: Michigan farmworker is second US case of H5N1bird flu likely transmitted from cow to human

She suggested the USDA should carefully monitor swine for avian influenza infections and public health authorities ought to consider PCR testing of people who have flu-like symptoms.

Anyone who becomes ill with respiratory symptoms should talk with their medical provider about any recent exposure to birds or livestock, such as cattle or pigs, so that influenza testing can be considered, the state health department said.

While most individuals recover from the flu, including illnesses from variant viruses like H3N2v, these infections can sometimes cause severe disease. Antiviral drugs can be used to treat H3N2v infections in both children and adults, the state health department said, adding that the risk to the general public remains low.

Although this infection has not been linked to known exposure to swine or other animals, MDHHS suggested taking the following precautions to avoid potential exposure at farms, fairs and exhibits:

Refrain from eating or drinking in livestock barns or show rings.

Do not take toys, pacifiers, cups, baby bottles, strollers or similar items into pig areas.

Anyone who is at high risk of serious flu complications and planning to attend a fair should avoid pigs and swine barns.

Wash hands often with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub.

Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.

Contact Kristen Shamus: kshamus@freepress.com. Subscribe to the Free Press.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: H3N2 influenza A virus confirmed in an Ingham County resident
Ingham, Eaton counties say they're prepared to pay people who lost properties to tax foreclosure

A Michigan Supreme Court opinion issued last month saying that a 2020 decision applied retroactively and granting former property owners entitlement to profits from tax foreclosure sales wont be a financial detriment to Ingham or Eaton counties.

Correction: A property pictured in a photo that initially appeared with this story incorrectly identified the property as having been foreclosed upon. The incorrectly labeled image has been removed.

LANSING  A Michigan Supreme Court opinion issued late last month saying that a 2020 decision applied retroactively and granting former property owners entitlement to profits from tax foreclosure sales wont be a financial detriment to Ingham and Eaton counties.

Officials in both counties said they have been preparing to pay former property owners the profits collected during foreclosure auctions for years in anticipation of the ruling. Treasurers in Ingham and Eaton counties held on to the windfall from foreclosure sales, banking on the likelihood that it would be returned to the former property owners.

"My best estimate is that we have held on to enough money to satisfy all those claims," Ingham County Treasurer Alan Fox said.

The July 29 Supreme Court decision has been anticipated since the court's 2020 ruling that it was unconstitutional for local governments to keep surplus proceeds from tax foreclosure sales. In the wake of the ruling, guidelines were put in place for former property owners to apply for the profits from tax foreclosure sales beyond what they had owed.

Last month's opinion settled whether people who had lost property to tax foreclosure before 2020 could get the profits from the property's sale.

Both counties set aside funds

Eaton County Treasurer Bob Robinson said lawsuits related to the state Supreme Court's eventual ruling on tax foreclosure profits date back to 2017.

"We didn't even start foreclosing our own properties in Eaton County until 2016, so seeing that writing on the wall with those lawsuits I kept all the auction surplus in a reserve," he said. "We're fortunate in Eaton County that we have a reserve that will pay all those funds back to those who lost their homes in tax foreclosure."

The county has approximately $1.4 million in profits set aside, Robinson said.

Prior to conducting its tax foreclosure auctions, the State of Michigan handled those sales for the county, he said. The state still conducts tax foreclosure sales for properties in Clinton County.

Ingham County has been conducting tax foreclosure auctions since 2005, Fox said.

"We have approximately $4 million set aside," he said. "I don't think we're going to need all of it, but as I said, there's still some loose ends."

It could be another year before people owed funds before 2020 receive them, Robinson said, thanks to several lawsuits filed by property owners. Appeals, including one recently filed after the U.S. District Court of the Western District of Michigan approved a settlement in June regarding Wayside Church v. Van Buren County, a 2014 federal lawsuit involving three property owners who lost their property to tax foreclosure, will likely delay those payments, he said.

READ MORE:

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Auctions upcoming

Tax foreclosure auctions in Ingham and Eaton counties are upcoming.

Ingham County's will be held first at 10 a.m. at the Lansing Center on Aug. 22. There are a total of 43 properties up for auction, Fox said. Of those 17 are vacant lots and two dozen are residential structures, he said.

The number of tax foreclosure properties have gone down in recent years, Fox said. In 2023 there were 61 properties for sale at auction and in 2022 there were 71.

Open houses are scheduled at just over a dozen of those properties beginning on Monday.

Find the details for them here, along with a listing of every property for sale.

Eaton County's auction will be held at 5 p.m. at the Eaton County Governmental Complex on Sept. 19. There are a total of 23 properties for sale, Robinson said.

Find the details for the auction here.

Contact Reporter Rachel Greco at rgreco@lsj.com. Follow her on X @GrecoatLSJ .

This article originally appeared on Lansing State Journal: Ingham, Eaton counties prepared to pay people who lost properties to tax foreclosure
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO)  On this weeks Inside KELOLAND, were previewing the upcoming 2024 Heart Walk, how the American Heart Association is celebrating 100 years and how you can get involved.

Then well be talking about the growing issues of access to child care in South Dakota and how some Sioux Falls organizations are looking to help families.

Finally, as one of the biggest yearly events in South Dakota wraps up, well take you to Sturgis to show you the crucial role law enforcement played along with reaction from bikers around the country enjoying the beauty of the Badlands.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KELOLAND.com.
Downtown Jacksonville could be losing a major tenant as Citizens Insurance considers moving out of the Everbank Center.

Citizens is one of downtowns largest employers. Its been located at the Everbank Center since 2015.

However, the company wants to shift more than 1,000 employees to the Southside. Its seeking proposals for 225,000 feet of space.

Citizens sent Action News Jax the following statement.

Citizens is seeking to negotiate with vendors for Jacksonville office space that provides greater access in bad local weather conditions and enhances its emergency response capabilities by housing equipment and other response assets at a single site. Citizens is also seeking a more centralized location for its employees living in the Jacksonville area.

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The City also sent Action News Jax a statement.

The Mayors Office is in discussions with Citizens Property Insurance on potential opportunities for city support that will keep their office in downtown Jacksonville.

Citizens is a non-profit government entity that acts as an insurer of last resort for property owners unable to get insurance in the private market.

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Action News Jax Ben Becker has reached out to local Citizens board members, including former council Member Leanna Cumber and Bestbet President Jamie Shelton.

Neither have replied yet.

Click here to download the free Action News Jax news and weather apps, click here to download the Action News Jax Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Action News Jax live.
Labour's 20pc VAT on fees will come into effect from January 2025 - Ian West/PA Wire

Private schools are considering forcing international students to pay higher fees ahead of Labours VAT raid.

A number of independent schools are looking at charging foreign students more in order to help fund the 20pc VAT on fees that will come into effect from January.

Schools have started discussions about introducing differential pricing, a model already in place in universities where overseas students pay higher fees.

Some schools, such as Brighton College and Queen Ethelburgas Collegiate, already charge higher fees for overseas pupils.

But a growing number are expected to introduce the model in order to soften the blow of Labours tax policy on domestic pupils and their families.

Neil Roskilly, an education consultant, told The i that several schools were looking at charging overseas students more. This is an obvious area for schools to look at if they have overseas pupils, he said.

He said smaller schools were more likely to adopt the structure than schools with significant reserves.

Its the smaller local schools that are really worried about this because they dont have the huge reserves and their pricing structure is in line with what they can be afforded locally. That kind of school will suffer.

He said many international students parents wont be too concerned about the new differential pricing structure due to the benefits of the falling pound over the last decade.

The number of non-British private school pupils whose parents live overseas rose from 23,000 in 2010 to 29,000 in 2020, according to data from the Independent Schools Council. But that number has since fallen to about 26,000.

These international students make up about 5pc of pupils at private schools. However, some schools have a larger proportion of overseas students than others.

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The Government will impose VAT on private school fees from the start of next year. Fees are expected to rise by 20pc unless schools can afford to absorb some of the cost. Whether or not they raise fees is down to individual schools.

Other schools are expected to cushion the blow by claiming back VAT on their taxable activities such as building repairs and operating costs.

John Rainsford, of the wealth manager Evelyn Partners, said: Of course the majority of costs are related to staff salaries which are not subject to VAT. Schools are unlikely to be able to recover 100 per cent of the VAT incurred, as the Government has said that some activities will remain exempt, such as school meals, transport and stationery.

The Institute for Fiscal Studies, a think tank, has previously estimated that removing the tax exemption for private schools would raise an extra 1.6bn a year in revenue.

Labour said in its manifesto that the money will go towards improving the state school system, including 6,500 new teachers.

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A man sought for murder in Iowa has been shot and killed by Anaheim police, officials said. (Anaheim Police Department)

A man wanted for murder in Iowa was shot and killed Friday afternoon by Anaheim police, officials said.

The shooting by police occurred about 1:30 p.m. in an industrial park area on North State College Boulevard and the 91 Freeway  just south of Cal State Fullerton, police said.

Victor Delgadillo, 18, was wanted in a June 1 slaying in Marshalltown, a small city about 50 miles northeast of Des Moines, police said. He had been on the run for more than two months.

According to the Anaheim Police Department, officers were at the scene at the industrial park assisting a U.S. Marshal's Task Force, which consisted of multiple local, state and federal agencies  including the California Department of Corrections and the San Bernardino County district attorney's office.

What prompted officers to shoot is unclear, but police told ABC7-TV that "Task force personnel and Anaheim police contacted the suspect, and an officer-involved shooting occurred."

"One Anaheim Police officer and other members of the Task Force fired their weapons," police said in a news release.

Delgadillo was taken to a nearby hospital, where he later died.

A bystander was also struck by a bullet but was not seriously wounded.

Delgadillo was accused of killing Ramon Alexis Feliciano Nieves, 41, at a bar in Marshalltown, according to a criminal complaint.

The shooting by police remains under investigation.



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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Israeli airstrike on Gaza school used for shelter kills at least 80

At least 80 people were killed in an Israeli airstrike early Saturday morning that hit a school being used as a shelter in Gaza City, local authorities said.

Israel said the school was being used as a command center for Hamas, a claim the militant group denied. The strike marks one of the deadliest since the onset of the war.

Fadel Naeem, the director of the al-Ahli hospital in the city, said his hospital had received 70 bodies from the strike and body parts from 10 other people killed, The Associated Press reported. Gazas Health Ministry said another 47 people were wounded.

Israel acknowledged the strike, arguing that at least 20 Hamas and Islamic Jihad militants were operating from the compound.

Based on Israeli intelligence, approx. 20 Hamas and Islamic Jihad militants, including senior commanders, were operating from the compound struck at the Al-Tabaeen school, using it to carry out terrorist attacks, Nadav Shoshani, a spokesperson for the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) wrote.

According to an initial review, the numbers published by the Hamas-run Government Information Office in Gaza, do not align with the information held by the IDF, the precise munitions used, and the accuracy of the strike, he added.

A spokesperson for the Civil Defense first responders, who operate under the Hamas-run government, told the AP that three missiles hit the school and mosque. The school is also holding about 6,000 displaced people seeking shelter.

In recent months, Israel has ramped up its attacks on schools in Gaza, with the U.N. Human Rights Office finding at least 17 attacks on campuses in the previous month  seven in the last eight days. Those strikes have killed 163 people, per local officials.

As of July 6, the U.N. found that 477 out of 564 schools in Gaza have been directly hit or damaged in the war.

The EUs top diplomat, Josep Borell, condemned Israels strikes on schools in recent days, including the Saturday strike.

Horrified by images from a sheltering school in Gaza hit by an Israeli strike, w/ reportedly dozens of Palestinian victims, he wrote on social media platform X. At least 10 schools were targeted in the last weeks. Theres no justification for these massacres.

Israel struck two other schools on Thursday in Gaza City, killing at least 15 people, the AP reported.

Schools have increasingly begun to serve as shelters since Israel has destroyed much of the physical infrastructure in Gaza following Hamass initial attack on Israel on Oct. 7. More than 250 civilians were taken hostage during the event and more than 1,200 Israelis were killed.

The strike also comes as the U.S., Egypt and Qatar work with both Israel and Hamas to secure a cease-fire and hostage return deal in the region.

Egypt and Qatar, the two mediators of the conflict alongside the U.S., condemned Israel for the strike. Egypt said the strike was evidence that Israel is not serious about reaching a peace deal, while Qatar demanded an investigation of the heinous crimes against civilians.

Egypt considered the continued perpetration of these large-scale crimes, and the deliberate killing of such large numbers of unarmed civilians whenever mediators intensify efforts to reach a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, as clear evidence of the Israeli sides lack of political will to end this brutal war, the Egyptian foreign ministry wrote in a statement.

Qatar called the strike a horrific massacre and a flagrant infringement of the fundamental precepts of international humanitarian law.

The State of Qatar reiterates its call for conducting an urgent international investigation by dispatching independent UN investigators to probe the ongoing targeting by Israeli occupation forces of schools and shelters for displaced people, the statement reads.

The Associated Press contributed reporting.

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The castle in Capua, near Naples, was used as a prison in the 19th century - Casertaweb

Italy is auctioning off a vast 16th-century castle built for Charles V, Holy Roman Emperor, in an attempt to raise millions of euros to help pay off its ballooning debt.

The palatial complex near Naples tops the list of 33 sites owned or managed by the defence ministry to be sold in November.

The sale has sparked fury from the FAI, Italys equivalent to the national trust, which is asking for the castle to be given Unesco World Heritage protection.

We should protect our cultural assets, they are vital, Dante Specchia, an architect who heads the FAIs Caserta branch, told The Telegraph.

Depriving the public of a jewel like the Charles V castle should not be debatable.

Strategically significant

The Capua castle, built between 1522 and 1543, is considered a masterpiece of military architecture and was strategically significant for Charles V whose sprawling empire once stretched across Germany, Austria, Spain and Italy.

But unlike the nearby 18th-century Royal Palace of Caserta, which is now a major tourist attraction laden with sumptuous furnishings, the Capua castle has been stripped bare over the centuries.

It was turned into a prison in the 19th century, before being used more recently for the manufacture and storage of military explosives.

Other properties on the defence ministry list include palaces and villas across Florence, Padua and Taranto, various army barracks and warehouses, and three magnificent lighthouses to be sold in a separate sale.

The properties, which are currently used by the army, air force and navy, are said to have a market value of 240 million (205 million) but could fetch much more at auction.

The ministry said the properties would be sold under concession for 50 years and it was looking for proposals aimed at the redevelopment, enhancement and economic management of its real estate assets.

The Capua castle has been designated for potential tourism and hospitality development.

Missed opportunity

Mr Specchia said Giorgia Melonis administration had missed an opportunity to use EU funds  under the National Recovery and Resilience Plan  to save the Capua castle and protect Italys other cultural sites.

Located 25 miles north of Naples, the castle at Capua was vital for the defence of the Appian Way, a key thoroughfare since the Roman Empire, and of two city gates  one leading north to Rome and the other south to Naples.

Today the long-neglected castle is in need of major refurbishment. Apart from a large courtyard and a small chapel, it looks more like a military barracks than a luxury residence fit for an emperor.

Inside its walls, little remains of the original features or furnishings, while weeds sprout from cracks in the stone walls.

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JACKSONVILLE, Ark.  Jacksonville police made an arrest Saturday morning after a man was allegedly making threats to harm Walmart employees.

According to investigators, officers responded to a man calling into police dispatch saying he was going to shoot employees at the Jacksonville Walmart. After getting a description of the man, Kenyon Branch was developed as a suspect.

Pine Bluff police looking to identify two men allegedly connected to Friday shooting

Officers said Branch was quickly located at the Walmart on McCain Boulevard in North Little Rock and taken into custody.

Police say that Branch is now facing charges of falsely communicating terroristic threats and second-degree criminal impersonation.

Branch is currently being held at the Pulaski County Regional Detention Center.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KARK.
Former U.S. Capitol Police officer Harry Dunn participates in a discussion in Flint, Mich., on Aug. 9, 2024, about the Jan. 6, 2021, insurrection attempt at the U.S. Capitol. (Photo by Andrew Roth/Michigan Advance)

Two police officers who defended the U.S. Capitol from an attempted insurrection on Jan. 6, 2021, said in Flint on Friday that Michigan is the epicenter of preserving democracy.

Harry Dunn, who served in the U.S. Capitol Police, made the comment during a campaign event for Vice President Kamala Harris that also included Daniel Hodges, an officer with the District of Columbia Metropolitan Police Department, and U.S. Rep. Dan Kildee (D-Flint).

The riot of former President Donald Trump supporters on Jan. 6 left five dead and 140 police officers injured, as well as almost $3 million in damages to the U.S. Capitol.

Trump falsely claimed during a press conference Thursday that his speech on Jan. 6 drew a bigger audience than Martin Luther King Jr. had when he delivered his famous I Have a Dream speech.

Ive spoken to the biggest crowds. Nobody has spoken to crowds bigger than me, Trump said. If you look at Martin Luther King, when he did his speech, his great speech, and you look at ours, same real estate, same everything, same number of people, if not, we had more.

The congressional Jan. 6 committee estimated that Trumps speech drew 53,000 people, about one-fifth of the 250,000 who are estimated to have attended Kings address.

Kildee called the claim a patent lie, adding that this guys obsession with crowd size is some kind of psychosis that he has.

But thats not the real distinction that should be made, Kildee added.

Martin Luther King called this country to a higher purpose, Kildee said. He called upon us to have our voices heard, but in a non-violent manner. Peaceful protest. Thats powerful.

To contrast that with what Donald Trump did, forget the crowd size, what was the motivation, what was the intent? Dr. Kings intent was to spread love and to bring us together to overcome our problems. Donald Trumps intent was to foment violence, to support his ego and to gain power, Kildee continued. Forget the crowd size. Theres a moral difference that is bigger than any other distinction that could be drawn with that particular comparison.

Dunn retired from the police force in December to run for Congress in Maryland, ultimately finishing second in his primary. But he said he never expected to be anything other than an officer.

I thought that I was going to be a police officer for the rest of my working life, and Im not, and I blame Donald Trump for that. If Jan. 6 didnt happen, nobody knows who I am, Dunn said.

Hodges, who is still a police officer in Washington, D.C., noted that people may recognize him from footage from Jan. 6 that shows him being beaten by rioters, some of whom tried to gouge his eye out, while being pushed against a wall.

If youre a police officer, you dont do it for attention. If you make the news as a police officer, its a bad day, Dunn said. I hate that people know who I am. I hate that.

But Hodges said he feels it is his duty to speak out because, three years later, some Republican officials and candidates continue peddling these lies, this disinformation, and whitewashing the events of that day to try and make it seem like there was no insurrection, or that it was a trap set by the government or that it was Antifa that did it.

Im here because Im a living primary source for a very historical event, and I have a moral obligation to see that people understand the truth, Hodges said. As long as people are out there spreading these lies, Im going to come out and say, No, thats not true. Thats not what happened.

Kildee said that while Dunn has retired from the police force and Hodges was speaking in his personal capacity, both officers are honoring the oath they took by sharing their stories.

Both of these gentlemen have been willing to not just stand as heroes on Jan. 6, but also do whats necessary to make sure Jan. 6 never happens again, Kildee said. Theyre still doing the job, in a different way, that they swore an oath to do  that is to protect and to serve.

Kildee was in the gallery of the House chamber on Jan. 6 preparing to defend Michigans electoral votes from any challenges by Republican members of Michigans delegation when rioters entered the building, trapping him and others who couldnt jump down to the floor of the chamber to evacuate with others and had access to the upper floors cut off by the mob.

Kildee, who is retiring after his current term, credited Dunn and Hodges with saving his life.

You guys took the hit, and you held the line as long as you could until we were able to get out, Kildee said. This has been traumatic for a lot of us.

Asked whether Trump and his rhetoric might undergo unexpected changes, as the officers experienced, in response to his own trauma of having a bullet graze his ear in an apparent assassination attempt, Dunn said he wasnt convinced.

He said he was going to change. We saw how long that lasted: 47 minutes, maybe, Dunn said. Add that to the list of broken promises or misdeeds. If he says it, I probably dont believe it.

Donald Trump, as a candidate for president, has made it crystal clear that he stands with the Jan. 6 insurgents, to the extent that he would pardon them, to the extent that they have a Jan. 6 choir that they used to celebrate an insurgency against the United States of America as if that is some sort of moment to be proud of.

Thats weird, one attendee interjected, echoing a line from Harris running mate, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz.

That is weird, Kildee agreed. These are some weird people.

Dunn pointed out that, if Trump were to follow through on pardoning Jan. 6 rioters, it would be a felon pardoning felons.

The felon is the one issuing the pardons. It would be laughable if it wasnt a possibility, Dunn said.

He added that felons are not allowed to own firearms, but, if elected for a second term, Trump would have access to nuclear codes.

Hodges said Trump could have pardoned the rioters while he was still president but wanted to assess the fallout of the insurrection attempt.

U.S. Rep. Dan Kildee participates in a discussion in Flint, Mich., on Aug. 9, 2024, about the Jan. 6, 2021, insurrection attempt at the U.S. Capitol. (Photo by Andrew Roth/Michigan Advance)

Former U.S. Capitol Police officer Harry Dunn, left, and District of Columbia Metropolitan Police Department officer Daniel Hodges, right, participate in a discussion in Flint, Mich., on Aug. 9, 2024, about the Jan. 6, 2021, insurrection attempt at the U.S. Capitol. (Photo by Andrew Roth/Michigan Advance)

District of Columbia Metropolitan Police Department officer Daniel Hodges participates in a discussion in Flint, Mich., on Aug. 9, 2024, about the Jan. 6, 2021, insurrection attempt at the U.S. Capitol. (Photo by Andrew Roth/Michigan Advance)

Former U.S. Capitol Police officer Harry Dunn participates in a discussion in Flint, Mich., on Aug. 9, 2024, about the Jan. 6, 2021, insurrection attempt at the U.S. Capitol. (Photo by Andrew Roth/Michigan Advance)

Former U.S. Capitol Police officer Harry Dunn participates in a discussion in Flint, Mich., on Aug. 9, 2024, about the Jan. 6, 2021, insurrection attempt at the U.S. Capitol. (Photo by Andrew Roth/Michigan Advance)

District of Columbia Metropolitan Police Department officer Daniel Hodges participates in a discussion in Flint, Mich., on Aug. 9, 2024, about the Jan. 6, 2021, insurrection attempt at the U.S. Capitol. (Photo by Andrew Roth/Michigan Advance)

District of Columbia Metropolitan Police Department officer Daniel Hodges participates in a discussion in Flint, Mich., on Aug. 9, 2024, about the Jan. 6, 2021, insurrection attempt at the U.S. Capitol. (Photo by Andrew Roth/Michigan Advance)

U.S. Rep. Dan Kildee, left, and former U.S. Capitol Police officer Harry Dunn, right, participate in a discussion in Flint, Mich., on Aug. 9, 2024, about the Jan. 6, 2021, insurrection attempt at the U.S. Capitol. (Photo by Andrew Roth/Michigan Advance)

U.S. Rep. Dan Kildee, left, and former U.S. Capitol Police officer Harry Dunn, right, participate in a discussion in Flint, Mich., on Aug. 9, 2024, about the Jan. 6, 2021, insurrection attempt at the U.S. Capitol. (Photo by Andrew Roth/Michigan Advance)

Former U.S. Capitol Police officer Harry Dunn participates in a discussion in Flint, Mich., on Aug. 9, 2024, about the Jan. 6, 2021, insurrection attempt at the U.S. Capitol. (Photo by Andrew Roth/Michigan Advance)

U.S. Rep. Dan Kildee, left, former U.S. Capitol Police officer Harry Dunn, center, and District of Columbia Metropolitan Police Department officer Daniel Hodges, right, participate in a discussion in Flint, Mich., on Aug. 9, 2024, about the Jan. 6, 2021, insurrection attempt at the U.S. Capitol. (Photo by Andrew Roth/Michigan Advance)

Former U.S. Capitol Police officer Harry Dunn, left, and District of Columbia Metropolitan Police Department officer Daniel Hodges, right, participate in a discussion in Flint, Mich., on Aug. 9, 2024, about the Jan. 6, 2021, insurrection attempt at the U.S. Capitol. (Photo by Andrew Roth/Michigan Advance)

Donald Trumps guiding star is whatever benefits him at that point, Hodges said. He could have pardoned everyone on Jan. 7, but he didnt, I think because he wanted to see how the rest of the world was going to react to his attempt, and our institutions failed us. There are good people in positions of power trying to hold him accountable, there are also people with questionable morals in positions of power who prevented that from happening.

Kildee said moderate Republicans who either did not speak out against Trump or stopped him from facing consequences  such as in the case of then-Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) not holding hearings after the House voted to impeach Trump a second time  more insidious than the overtly nutty ones.

Refusing to take action is in and of itself a choice, Hodges said. When these people refuse to speak up in defense of the truth, it just demonstrates a breathtaking void of integrity, shocking absence of a backbone. They are just, as if they were screaming it explicitly, saying that they value their job more than the truth.

Victoria LaCivita, a spokeswoman for the Trump campaign in Michigan, noted that the Police Officers Association of Michigan has endorsed the former presidents bid for a second term.

Dangerously liberal Kamala Harris is as anti-law enforcement as it gets, LaCivita said of the former San Francisco district attorney California attorney general and U.S. senator.

But Kildee said that in the Nov. 5 general election, we all now are facing our own version of Jan. 6.

This time we see them coming. We have the warning that theyre on their way, Kildee said.

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Jay Slaters funeral held to the sound of drum and bass

Jay Slaters family and friends attended his funeral on Saturday, with the ceremony taking place to the sound of drum and bass.

As many as 500 mourners wearing blue, the 19-year-olds favourite colour, crammed into the chapel at Accrington Cemetery.

Mr Slater died after attending a music festival on holiday in Tenerife in June. His body was found in a remote area a month later after authorities had failed to find him in extensive searches.

Mourners, including some wearing T-shirts emblazoned with Forever 19, stood in drizzle outside to watch the proceedings, which were broadcast on a specially erected big screen outside.

As the teenagers blue coffin arrived by horse-drawn carriage outside the chapel, car horns beeped as passing drivers paid their respects and blue flares were lit on Burnley Road.

Horns beeped as passing drivers paid their respects, whle blue flares were lit - Peter Powell/PA

There were hugs for Mr Slaters family as tears flowed outside the chapel, while a version of Forever Young played inside.

The service heard that the apprentice bricklayer, who grew up in nearby Oswaldtwistle, was the life of the party. Whenever you were round him, youd just be buzzing and smiling. Thered be no bad vibes, one friend recalled.

Another remembered how Mr Slater used to light up any room, no matter where he was, saying: Keep partying hard up there. I will do you proud, my mate.

Laughter erupted inside the chapel as videos of Mr Slater dancing were shown. The service heard how the teenager worked hard and played hard, attending music festivals as soon as he was old enough.

Sarah Barton, the funeral director who officiated the service, said Mr Slater had lived life and was lucky to have been surrounded by a loving family and loyal friends.

On behalf of the family I would like to thank all those who have sent heartfelt messages and cards to them to help them get through this incredibly hard and sad time, she added.

I would also like to thank all those who have helped bring Jay safely back to us, family, friends, the kind offers from people in Tenerife, the police here back home and all of you for coming here today to show your love and care.

A friend remembered how Jay Slater 'used to light up any room, no matter where he was' - Family Handout/LBT Global/PA

The teenager went missing on June 17 after attending the NRG Music Festival with two friends. Searches by the authorities and his family, who set up a GoFundMe page, found no trace of him.

On July 15, human remains were found by the Spanish Guardia Civil that were later confirmed to be those of Mr Slater.

A post-mortem examination found the teenager had died on June 17 of traumatic head injuries, consistent with a fall from height. Spanish authorities said his death would have been instantaneous.

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Ohio U.S. Sen. JD Vance, the GOP vice presidential nominee, used the phrase "stolen valor" in his accusations against his Democratic counterpart.

Statement: When Tim Walz was asked by his country to go to Iraq, do you know what he did? He dropped out of the Army and allowed his unit to go without him.

Republican vice presidential nominee and Ohio Sen. JD Vance sought to negatively frame the 24-year military career of newly minted Democratic vice presidential candidate Tim Walz, Minnesotas current governor.

"When the United States Marine Corps, when the United States of America, asked me to go to Iraq to serve my country, I did it," Vance said Wednesday at the Shelby, Mich., Police Department. Vance served as a combat correspondent for the U.S. Marine Corps from 2003 to 2007 and deployed to Iraq for six months in 2005 but did not experience combat.

"When Tim Walz was asked by his country to go to Iraq, do you know what he did? He dropped out of the Army and allowed his unit to go without him.  I think its shameful," Vance said.

At a different event, Vance used the phrase "stolen valor" in his accusations against Walz.

On X, U.S. Rep. Ronny Jackson, R-Amarillo, made a claim similar to Vances, writing, "Tim Walz TURNED HIS BACK on the soldiers in his unit because he was TOO afraid to deploy to Iraq!!"

Walz retired from the Minnesota National Guard in May 2005. He had submitted retirement paperwork five to seven months beforehand, Fox News reported, citing the Minnesota National Guard.

In March 2005, Walzs battalion had been notified about a possible deployment to Iraq within two years, Walzs congressional campaign said in a news release that month, citing the National Guard Public Affairs Office. The Minnesota National Guard said the battalion then received an official order about mobilizing for deployment to Iraq in July 2005, after Walz had retired.

Vances statement misleads by distorting the timeline. Walz had not been "asked by his country to go to Iraq," as Vance said. He had been given a two-year window for a potential, not definite, deployment. And the official deployment notice came after Walzs retirement.

Walz has said since before his Army retirement that he left to run for Congress. He filed his candidacy paperwork in February 2005, before the March 2005 notification about the potential deployment.

This is not a new line of attack. When Walz ran for a second term as Minnesota governor in 2022, his Republican opponent, who did not serve in the U.S. military, criticized Walz for leaving the National Guard before his unit deployed to Iraq.

Two retired Minnesota National Guard command sergeant majors also penned a paid letter to a Minnesota newspaper in 2018 claiming Walz "embellished and selectively omitted facts" about his military service. This letter resurfaced on X after Vice President Kamala Harris tapped Walz as her running mate. Other guard members who served with Walz have defended him.

Walzs spokesperson in the Minnesota governors office did not respond to a request for comment, and the Harris-Walz campaign declined to comment.

When reached by The New York Times, a Harris-Walz campaign spokesperson didnt provide new details about Walzs retirement timeline and instead highlighted Walzs record advocating for veterans and their families.

When contacted for comment, Vances campaign spokesperson sent links to the 2005 Walz campaign news release about the potential deployment and several news stories that quote former members of Walzs battalion who were upset with him for not deploying to Iraq.

Walzs military timeline

Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, the Democratic vice presidential nominee, had filed papers to run for Congress before his National Guard unit learned that it might be deployed to Iraq.

Walz enlisted in the Nebraska National Guard on April 8, 1981, two days after his 17th birthday. In 1996, he transferred to the Minnesota National Guard, where he served in the 1st Battalion, 125th Field Artillery until he retired May 16, 2005, Army Lt. Col. Kristen Auge, the Minnesota National Guards state public affairs officer, told PolitiFact in a statement.

During his service, Walz responded to floods and tornadoes, specialized in heavy artillery and was recognized for his proficiency in sharpshooting and hand grenades, Minnesota Public Radio reported.

On Aug. 3, 2003, Walz and his battalion were deployed to Italy to support U.S. operations in Afghanistan under Operation Enduring Freedom. Walz returned to Minnesota in April 2004, Auge said.

In May 2005, Walz, then 41, officially retired from the Minnesota National Guard to campaign for Minnesotas 1st Congressional District. He filed his statement of candidacy paperwork with the Federal Election Commission on Feb. 10, 2005, and was elected to Congress in November 2006.

Al Bonnifield, who served with Walz in the Minnesota National Guard, told Minnesota Public Radio in 2018 that Walz weighed his retirement from the Guard and congressional run "very heavy." Bonnifield reiterated this to The Washington Post on Aug. 7.

"Would the soldier look down on him because he didnt go with us? Would the common soldier say, Hey, he didn't go with us; hes trying to skip out on a deployment? And he wasnt," Bonnifield said in 2018.

Doug Julin, who served as a more senior command sergeant major in Walzs battalion, said Walz went over his head to get retirement approval before the units deployment was official, because Julin would have "analyzed it and challenged him," the New York Post reported Aug. 8.

Others who served in Walzs battalion have said he "ditched" them and that his actions were "dishonorable," Fox News reported.

Battalions deployment to Iraq

Walzs unit received an "alert order" for mobilization to Iraq on July 14, 2005, Army Lt. Col. Ryan Rossman, the Minnesota National Guards director of operations, told PolitiFact in a statement.

The unit received the official Department of the Army mobilization order Aug. 14, 2005, and mobilized Oct. 12, 2005, Rossman said.

The unit deployed to Iraq in March 2006 and was deployed for 19 months, according to an October 2007 congressional resolution.

The two retired Minnesota National Guard command sergeant majors who wrote the 2018 letter said the battalion received a "warning order" in early 2005 "to prepare to be mobilized for active duty for a deployment to Iraq." They did not specify the warning letters date. Auge, of the Minnesota National Guard, told PolitiFact the agency doesnt have information about any unofficial orders that might have been sent to the battalion.

An archived March 20, 2005, press release from Walzs congressional campaign website said the National Guard Public Affairs Office announced March 17, 2005, "a possible partial mobilization of roughly 2,000 troops from the Minnesota National Guard." The announcement said a portion of Walzs battalion could be mobilized to serve in Iraq within the next two years.

Walz said in his campaigns press release, "As Command Sergeant Major I have a responsibility not only to ready my battalion for Iraq, but also to serve if called on. I am dedicated to serving my country to the best of my ability, whether that is in Washington, D.C., or in Iraq. I don't want to speculate on what shape my campaign will take if I am deployed, but I have no plans to drop out of the race."

Although Walz had been promoted in 2004 to command sergeant major, he retired in 2005 as a master sergeant, one rank below command sergeant major, "for benefit purposes because he did not complete additional coursework at the U.S. Army Sergeants Major Academy," Auge said.

Joseph Eustice, a 32-year military veteran who served in and led the same Guard unit as Walz, told The New York Times and NewsNation in interviews last week that when Walz decided to retire in May 2005, their unit had heard rumors of a potential deployment to Iraq but had not received official orders.

PolitiFact's ruling

Vance said, "When Tim Walz was asked by his country to go to Iraq, do you know what he did? He dropped out of the Army and allowed his unit to go without him."

Vances statement ignores that Walzs unit was not officially ordered to go to Iraq until July 2005, two months after Walz officially retired.

After 24 years of military service, Walz said he retired from the Minnesota National Guard in May 2005 to run for Congress. He had submitted retirement paperwork five to seven months beforehand. He filed candidacy paperwork in February 2005.

Theres an element of truth in Vances statement because in March 2005, before Walz officially retired, his battalion was notified of possible deployment to Iraq within two years. Walz was aware at the time of his retirement that deployment could be possible and one of his fellow guard members described Walzs retirement decision as "very heavy."

But the March 2005 notification gave a time frame of two years for a possible  not definite  deployment that would not occur immediately as Vances statement framed it.

At PolitiFact, the burden of proof is on the speaker, Vance, who did not provide details to support his statement. We rate it Mostly False.

PolitiFact researcher Caryn Baird contributed to this report.

Our sources

This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: JD Vance said Tim Walz dodged a deployment. Is his claim accurate?
Jelly Roll has inspired thousands with his story of rising from an incarcerated teen to becoming one of musics newest hitmakers and most beloved artists.

On Tuesday (Aug. 8), the Antioch, Tennessee, native took part in the groundbreaking ceremony for Nashvilles new Youth Campus for Empowerment, which will be located on Brick Church Pike in Nashville. A 14-acre site will include the serve as the new home of the Davidson County Juvenile Justice Center, and a pre-trial housing facility for justice-involved youth. The new campus will also include resources and agencies to aid families, as well as a 24-hour assessment center to support youth in crisis. The space will include meeting rooms and courtrooms to allow court staff, community partners, litigants and attorneys to hold private meetings and mediations to resolve family conflicts. A safe exchange facility will also provide a place for custodial visitation for families and children.

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The current Juvenile Justice Center, located at 100 Woodland Street, opened its doors in 1994. Construction on the Youth Campus for Empowerment is slated to be finished by 2027.

During the ceremony, four-time Billboard Country Airplay chart-topper, and former Billboard cover star Jelly Roll spoke about the importance of being present for the event, noting he spent his 14th, 15th and 16th birthdays in the Davidson County Juvenile Justice Center.

That thing hadnt changed nothing but the paint in 30 years, I personally know, because I was there, he said during the groundbreaking ceremony.

A lot of these kids are a victim of their circumstances and where they came from, so this is a really cool chance to change things, he told NewsChannel5.

Judge Sheila Calloway led the way in the vision for the new facility. Davidson County leaders including Mayor Freddie OConnell and Davidson County Attorney General Glenn Funk attended the groundbreaking ceremony.

Earlier this year, Jelly Roll opened a music studio inside the youth detention center where he was once incarcerated, and last month, he opened the Jelly Roll Music Studio at Genesee County Jail in Flint, Michigan.

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Joe Biden, Kamala Harris to visit Maryland for first joint trip since president dropped out of race

BALTIMORE  President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris are to hold an event in Maryland next week  their first joint trip since the president announced he would not be seeking a second term.

Were thrilled to have the president and vice president together in Maryland, Ken Ulman, the chair of Marylands Democratic Party, said Friday.

Biden and Harris, both Democrats, will visit Maryland on Aug. 15, four days ahead of the Democratic National Convention where Harris is expected to be named the official Democratic presidential nominee. Earlier this week, she named Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, a military veteran and former high school teacher, as her running mate.

The White House declined to release details regarding the event  including its location  in an email to The Baltimore Sun on Friday morning. According to The Associated Press, they are poised to discuss progress they are making to lower costs for the American people.

Ulman said in a phone interview that the visit is related to lowering prescription drug costs.

Maryland is always happy to receive our president and vice president, and the fact that they chose to be here together to announce an important policy initiative we understand is regarding drug pricing, were very excited to have them, he said.

Democrats in Maryland, including Gov. Wes Moore, rushed to support Harris in her surprise presidential bid. Additionally, Moores name was floated as a potential running mate ahead of Harris announcement last week.

During her 2020 presidential run, Harris settled her campaign headquarters in Baltimore.

Biden and Harris have made several recent trips to Maryland.

The president was on the ground days after the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge that killed six construction workers and crippled activity at the Port of Baltimore in March. And Harris appeared in Marylands Washington, D.C., suburbs in June to announce her endorsement of Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Angela Alsobrooks, who is running against former Gov. Larry Hogan to replace Ben Cardin, a Democrat, upon his retirement at the end of the term.

_____
Joe Biden relaxes on Rehoboth Beach with wife Jill and granddaughter Naomi on Saturday - Kevin Lamarque/Reuters

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Joe Biden has been photographed lounging on the beach with his family, as he continues his retreat from public view.

The US president arrived at his Delaware beach house on Thursday evening, waving at reporters and reclining on sun loungers with his wife Jill and their granddaughter Naomi.

Secret Service agents had cleared a large area for the family, though Mr Biden did speak to some children.

C-Span public TV broadcast footage of Mr Biden resting on a beach-chair in sunglasses and a short-sleeved shirt.

Biden  who held just one public event this week  is currently lounging on the beach in Delaware.



He has spent 40% of his entire presidency on vacation.



Who is running the country? pic.twitter.com/NAva2BLPMm  RNC Research (@RNCResearch) August 10, 2024

Mr Bidens beach day has been criticised on social media as it coincided with the White House National Security Council releasing a statement following an attack by the Israel Defense Force on a school compound in Gaza.

We are deeply concerned about reports of civilian casualties in Gaza following a strike by the Israel Defense Forces on a compound that included a school, the statement said. We are in touch with our Israeli counterparts, who have said they targeted senior Hamas officials, and we are asking for further details.

It added that the attack underscores the urgency of a ceasefire and hostage deal, which we continue to work tirelessly to achieve.

The president arrived at his Delaware beach house on Thursday evening - Kevin Lamarque

Social media users complained that Mr Biden has made few public appearances in recent weeks, with one saying meanwhile, were on the brink of WW3.

The US president has heavily curtailed his official schedule, which aides framed as an effort to cede the limelight to Kamala Harris.

However, some Democrats have suggested his withdrawal from the public eye may stem from a feeling of being unwanted.

Its clear the party did not want Biden as the nominee. Its very hard to see the Harris team wanting him out there on the trail, one source told Politico.

Anita Dunn, one of Mr Bidens most trusted advisers, did not dispute claims he remained very angry at Nancy Pelosi, Barack Obama and other senior Democrats who pressured him to withdraw.

Ms Dunn insisted it was not the presidents poor debate performance, but unremitting negative, horrible attacks on Joe Biden from his own party and from the press that altered the race.

But he is 1,000 percent all-in for Kamala Harris, Ms Dunn told Politico.

Schedule cut to briefings and phone calls

Mr Biden has made very few public appearances since he ended his re-election bid on July 21, spending less than a fortnight at the White House since the announcement.

His weekends have been spent at Camp David, the presidential retreat in Maryland, and at home in Delaware. He is understood to be planning an extended holiday away from Washington later this month.

Joe Biden disembarks from Air Force One in Delaware on Thursday, to spend a weekend at Rehoboth Beach - Brendan Smialowski

Aside from a handful of public appearances, Mr Bidens public schedule has included little beyond a few phone calls to world leaders and briefings from his staff.

Karine Jean-Pierre, Mr Bidens spokeswoman, acknowledged he was still trying to figure out what the next six months are going to look like as a confirmed one-term president. Just give us a beat, she said at a press briefing.

Some Harris aides believe the 81-year-old president should be deployed only sparingly on the campaign trail, for instance to court older voters in Pennsylvania and Michigan, critical swing states he carried in 2020.

Mr Biden has yet to campaign for Ms Harris but the pair are scheduled next week to make their first joint appearance since she replaced him at the top of the Democratic ticket.

Some Biden aides have suggested he can be most useful to Ms Harris by allowing her to distance herself from a president the overwhelming majority of Americans said they did not want to run in 2024.

She has focused her campaign message on issues such as abortion while avoiding the Biden administrations record on the economy or immigration. Were not going back, has become a frequent rallying cry.

Focus now more on policy goals, say insiders

Donald Trump mocked Mr Bidens low profile at a recent rally, saying: Whats he doing now? Whats he doing?

Mr Bidens team is now focused on recalibrating its plans to dedicate time that would have been spent on the campaign trail to securing more policy goals from the White House.

Insiders suggested Mr Biden would continue to appear less frequently and deliver fewer speeches, with a focus on solely substantive announcements intended to burnish his legacy.

They noted his major achievement last week in securing the release of Evan Gershkovich, the Wall Street Journal reporter, and several other Americans detained in Russia.

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Pete Giangreco, a veteran of Democratic presidential campaigns, said the prisoner exchange was a major coup for Mr Biden.

The strategist noted the deal had been long and complicated and Mr Biden is also focused on trying to kickstart the ceasefire negotiations in Gaza.

He really doesnt need to have a press conference every day, he told The Telegraph.

His highest and best use is being the best president he can be, he said, describing him as a walking contrast to Trump.

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Joe Rogan, speaking Thursday on his podcast, said he preferred RFK Jr. for president.

By Friday, facing intense criticism from Donald Trump and his allies, the podcaster walked it back.

"I'm not the guy to get political information from," Rogan said in a social media post.

Joe Rogan wants you to know that calling Robert Kennedy Jr. "the only" presidential candidate who "makes sense" wasn't an endorsement.

It sounded like Rogan was backing the long shot independent presidential candidate when, during a Thursday episode of his podcast "The Joe Rogan Experience," he called Kennedy Jr. a "legitimate" guy and described himself as "a fan."

When discussing a hypothetical debate between former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris with his guest, Bob Gymlan, Rogan said politicians "gaslight you, they manipulate you, they promote narratives," adding: "The only one who's not doing that is Robert F Kennedy Jr."

Kennedy Jr. embraced Rogan's praise in a post on X, writing: "From one 'legitimate' guy to another, thank you @JoeRogan for always putting substance first."

But by Friday, Rogan walked it back after facing a meltdown from MAGA stans and direct attacks from Donald Trump himself.

"For the record, this isn't an endorsement," Rogan said in a post on X over a clip of him praising Kennedy Jr. "This is me saying that I like RFKjr as a person, and I really appreciate the way he discusses things with civility and intelligence. I think we could use more of that in this world."

Rogan added: "I also think Trump raising his fist and saying 'fight!' after getting shot is one of the most American fucking things of all time. I'm not the guy to get political information from."

But his post was too little too late to appease Trump and his allies, who continued to attack the podcaster online.

"It will be interesting to see how loudly Joe Rogan gets BOOED the next time he enters the UFC Ring??? MAGA2024," Trump wrote in a post on Truth Social shortly after Rogan publicly hedged his support of Kennedy.

On Rogan's post, Trump allies continued to insult Rogan's intelligence and trustworthiness. Some suggested the only way Rogan could redeem himself would be to host Trump for an interview on his massively popular podcast.

"It sounds like you just realized that most of your listeners are Trump supporters," one user wrote in response to Rogan walking back his comments about Kennedy Jr. "Maybe you should support them as much as they support you."

Rogan and Trump's shared demographics

In a 2022 appearance on Lex Fridman's podcast, Rogan said he has repeatedly turned down Trump's requests to be on his show and indicated he is "not a Trump supporter in any way, shape or form," adding, "I'm not interested in helping him."

According to a YouGov poll, Rogan's audience is 81% male, with more than 56% of listeners under 35  a key demographic for Trump in the coming election. While Rogan has sometimes been painted as a conservative figure for his controversial statements about COVID-19 and his support of Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, he hasn't officially endorsed a candidate in the 2024 presidential election.

Mike Madrid, a Republican political consultant, told The New York Times that Rogan's support of Kennedy Jr "takes straight from the Trump base." While Kennedy Jr. has embraced his campaign as a "spoiler" for both Biden and Trump, political consultant James Carville has predicted his candidacy would harm Trump's campaign more than the Democratic ticket.

In July, it briefly appeared that Kennedy Jr. would drop out of the race and endorse Trump himself. However, a potential deal between the two  in which Kennedy Jr. would receive a cabinet position in exchange for his endorsement  fell through.

Attacks from Trump allies have recently caused other conservative figures to backtrack from criticizing the former president.

Kyle Rittenhouse, who became a darling among conservatives after he was acquitted of killing two men during civil unrest in Kenosha, Wisconsin, in 2021, last week said Trump "has bad advisers, making him bad on the Second Amendment," BBC reported.

"If you cannot be completely un-compromisable on the Second Amendment, I will not vote for you," BBC reported Rittenhouse said on X, the social platform formerly Twitter, adding: "I support my decision and I have no take-backs."

Within 12 hours, after a barrage of pointed attacks from Trump supporters, BBC reported Rittenhouse reversed course, writing in a separate post that he'd had "a series of productive conversations with members of the Trump's team and I am confident he will be the strong ally gun owners need to defend our Second Amendment rights."

Representatives for Kennedy, Trump, and Rogan did not immediately respond to requests for comment from Business Insider.

Read the original article on Business Insider
JOHNSTON, R.I. (WPRI)  Police say they are interviewing witnesses and trying to identify a suspect after an attempted child abduction at Johnston Memorial Park around 3:35 p.m. on Friday.

An 8-year-old camper was reportedly sitting on a bench when a man who was jogging by approached her pulling a small brown bottle and a cloth from a crossbody bag. Johnston Police Chief Mark Vieira says the suspect then wet the cloth with the substance in the bottle and said come here to the child.

ALSO READ: Inclusive playground opens in Johnston

The 8-year-old alerted her camp counselors by yelling for help, according to police, and the man ran away into a nearby mens bathroom. Vieira said the man later left the bathroom shirtless and fled toward Atwood Avenue.

Police were not able to locate the suspect in the area after arriving on scene.

Vieira says the suspect is about 6 feet tall and appears to be in his late 20s or early 30s. He has olive-toned skin and black hair and was wearing a white or gray tank top and black and red shorts. The suspect was carrying a large black water bottle and a crossbody bag.

The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information regarding the incident or suspect should contact Johnston police at 401-231-4210.

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Joining NATO binds countries to defend each other  but this commitment is not set in stone

The outcome of the upcoming U.S. presidential election is going to have major consequences for the relationship between the U.S. and its allies. While President Joe Biden is a firm believer in the value of the transatlantic alliance, Republican contender Donald Trump has for years railed against U.S. participation in the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, the military alliance commonly referred to as NATO.

In February 2024, for example, Trump said that if he were reelected president, he would tell Russia to do whatever the hell they want against NATO members that are delinquent in not having invested enough in their own military capabilities. Foreign policy commentators viewed that as an invitation for Russia to attack these NATO countries.

In September 2022, six months after Russias full-scale invasion, Ukraine applied to join NATO. Now, Ukraines potential membership is one of the top questions that representatives from NATOs 32 member countries in North America and Europe will consider when they meet in Washington in July 2024.

At the root of debates over policy toward alliances such as NATO is the assumption that NATO requires its members to step in and help with defense if another member of the alliance is attacked.

As political scientists who study the role of international organizations like NATO, we think it is important to understand that, in reality, alliance agreements are more flexible than people think.

In practice, it is possible for the U.S. and other Western countries to stay out of a conflict that involves a NATO country without having to break their alliance commitments. The NATO treatys language contains loopholes that let member countries remain out of other members wars in certain situations.

Donald Trump attends a NATO meeting with other NATO heads of government in England in 2019. Steve Parsons-WPA Pool/Getty Images

What does Article 5 really mean?

One key part of the NATO treaty that countries sign when they join the alliance is called Article 5. This says that an armed attack against one NATO member in Europe or North America shall be considered an attack against them all.

In the case of such an attack, NATO countries agree to assist the country that requires help, including through the use of armed force, to restore and maintain the security of the North Atlantic area.

But the treaty does not include a clear definition of a what an armed attack actually is.

This mattered in February 2020, when Turkey asked for a NATO meeting and requested that NATO intervene with military force in response to Russian and Syrian forces attacks on its territory, which had killed 33 Turkish soldiers, during the Syrian civil war. NATO allies chose not to defend Turkey with military force, arguing that the level of violence against Turkey wasnt enough to call it an armed attack.

Other exceptions to the rule

Even when NATO members decide that Article 5 should apply to a specific situation, each country can still individually decide how to act. That is, while NATO does have administrative staff based in Brussels, there is no central NATO authority that tells each country what it must do.

An F-15 Eagle flies a combat air patrol mission over New York City on Nov. 6, 2001. Lt. Col. Bill Ramsay/U.S. Air Force/Getty Images

Instead, each country tells NATO what it is  and is not  willing to do.

NATO members have only formally invoked Article 5 once  following the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon outside of Washington.

At that time, 13 NATO countries sent fighter aircraft to help the U.S. patrol its skies from mid-October 2001 to mid-May 2002.

But most NATO allies chose not to send troops to Afghanistan to support the U.S. in its fight against the Taliban. This lack of action on the part of some NATO allies was not seen as breaking the treaty and didnt prompt a major debate  and the countries that chose not to join the fight were not sanctioned by or ejected from the alliance.

The NATO treaty also provides some exceptions based on geography. When Argentina went to war with the United Kingdom (a NATO member) over the Falkland Islands in 1982, the U.S. and other NATO members were able to use the fact that the alliance only applies to the North Atlantic region as a reason to stay out of the conflict.

Would public opinion force the presidents hand?

Some political scientists argue that voters will demand their leaders take the country to war to defend an ally. This implies that what really binds the members of an alliance together is not the legal text of an international treaty itself, given that no international court is empowered to enforce the treaty, but rather the publics expectations of what it means to be an ally.

As part of our research into how the American public thinks about international legal obligations, we decided to construct an experiment to see if presidents could use alliance loophole language to justify keeping the U.S. out of a war involving an ally.

In 2022 and 2023, we conducted a pair of survey-based experiments that involved asking nearly 5,000 American adults to consider a hypothetical scenario in which a U.S. ally comes under attack from a powerful neighbor.

Some of the respondents were told that the text of the alliance treaty would allow the U.S. government to avoid having to send troops to defend the embattled ally, while others were not told that information. Though the survey did not mention a specific alliance, we described the terms of the alliance in a way that matches the language used in treaties like NATOs. We then asked the respondents to tell us their views on sending U.S. troops to defend the ally under attack.

Our results revealed a big difference between the people who were told about the flexibility in the alliance treaty and those who were not. While respondents from both groups were generally inclined to come to the defense of an ally, their willingness to do so was significantly lower when they were told that the alliance treaty did not necessarily require the U.S. to send troops.

This suggests that political leaders can, under certain circumstances, manage to convince a large segment of the public that its OK to abandon an ally in a time of need.

So, when it comes to debates about U.S. policy toward its alliance partners  and whether it should admit new members like Ukraine  it is important for both sides to appreciate that alliance commitments are not quite as binding, either legally or politically, as the conventional wisdom suggests.

This article is republished from The Conversation, a nonprofit, independent news organization bringing you facts and trustworthy analysis to help you make sense of our complex world. It was written by: Dan Reiter, Emory University and Brian Greenhill, University at Albany, State University of New York

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Dan Reiter receives funding from the Charles W. Koch Foundation

Brian Greenhill does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
Former Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez is running to become the first Native American from Arizona elected to Congress, and he's running as a Democrat in the heavily Republican Congressional District 2. But in a televised interview Thursday, he said he has a record of working across the political aisle.

"I grew up in a very conservative home, both my parents being Republican," Nez said on KAET-TV Channel 8. "And what was instilled into me was to help as much as you can in life. To help is not for one party, it's to help everybody. As president of the Navajo Nation I was able to reach out across the aisle and to get things done with the constituency I represent."

Nez was scheduled to debate incumbent Rep. Eli Crane, a Republican, but Crane did not accept the TV station's invitation, in what has become the norm for the incumbent.

Without a debate, Nez participated in a brief interview with host Ted Simons, and discussed a variety of issues facing District 2, his own political views and his background, which includes nearly 20 years in public service as a Navajo County Board supervisor, Navajo Nation Council delegate, vice president and president.

Simons asked right away about the obvious advantage Crane has in District 2, where there is a 30,000 Republican voter advantage. After the district was redrawn, Republicans gained the edge, clearing the way for Crane to win over three-term Democratic Rep. Tom O'Halleran.

Simons noted that Crane has been focusing on "pro-growth policies" like low taxes and less regulation in his campaign. He asked Nez what issues he has found that constituents want their candidate to address.

"I've been traveling to areas such as Kayenta to Prescott Valley, all the way to the city of Maricopa to Globe, a lot of things people are passionate about are water," said Nez, "bringing water into these communities for the future. I've had a history helping out with water rights ... for the district and the entire state of Arizona. We need to get our fair share of water from the Colorado River and save our precious groundwater."

Congress needs to hold large corporations accountable and to make sure families in rural areas are able to get ahead, he said. Simons asked what Nez's quote "putting the needs of rural Arizonans over D.C. politics" means.

"As I travel throughout the District people are wanting to be heard," said Nez. "All across the country, there's a big division between Republicans and Democrats...We need to come together and work together. I remember a time when Congress worked together bipartisan and I have a history of reaching across the aisle."

Nez said he worked alongside Jack Smith, a former Yavapai County Supervisor who challenged Crane for Congress but lost in the primary voting. Smith also found himself without an opponent during a debate hosted by The Arizona Republic in June after Crane again did not respond to an invitation.

"I remember my opponent's challenger, Jack Smith, being on the Yavapai County Board of Supervisors, we worked together during the same time I was on the board of supervisors to get things done for the people in our district," said Nez.

Nez noted that he selected Republican Myron Lizer as his vice president while leading the Navajo Nation. Lizer, a strong supporter of former President Donald Trump, had attempted to run against Crane in 2022 in District 2 but failed to make the ballot.

In an interview with The Republic after the segment on Thursday night, Nez emphasized his ability to bring people together regardless of political party and get things done.

"I had a Republican vice president and we were able to get things done," said Nez. "I know that was controversial but we understood that we needed to get into the doors of whoever's administration is in office, and Lizer did that for the first two years with the Trump Administration and I was able to do that with the Biden Administration and look at what we did. We brought in a historic amount of funding and resources to the Navajo people."

How networking helps candidates

Nez credited his nearly two decades of public service for helping him build a strong network, which has been instrumental in shaping his political career. He contrasted his ability to collaborate and rally support with his opponent, who he said entered office without a network. This lack of connections is why his opponent struggles to secure resources for constituents, Nez said, while deflecting blame for his shortcomings onto others.

"A network, or friends, along the way helps you get things done in the long run," Nez told The Republic. "My opponent did not have a network, he just jumped right in to running for office, got elected, but couldn't get things done because he didn't have a network. With our network, we are ready to work for the voters in the district and that means the ones who didn't vote for me too. We know people who can get things done for our constituency."

This marks the first time a Native American candidate from Arizona has advanced past the primaries in a congressional race. Nez sees his unopposed status as a sign of people's confidence in his viability as a candidate. Instead of resting on this, Nez said he used the opportunity to support other candidates, such as newly elected New Mexico Rep. Paulene Abeyta, by visiting with them as they campaigned for their own offices

"We were able to support some great candidates," said Nez. "Being a candidate who did not have an opponent, so rather than coast through I have the ability to help others move forward in the primary election. We were able to watch the results come in and the folks we supported won their elections. That was encouraging and inspiring for me because we need to continue to build the network we have had over the 18 years of public service."

Nez defends his record on COVID, other issues

Simons asked Nez why he believes he lost his bid for re-election as Navajo Nation President. Nez, who lost to current President Buu Nygren by 3,551 votes, attributed his loss to the strict COVID-19 mandates he had implemented during his term.

"I put some very strict protocols in place during the time of the pandemic and it was a great divide," Nez said. "My opponent at the time got so many endorsements from across the Navajo Nation and I kept my campaign grassroots. Today, there is a change of heart and I think they miss us."

Just over a year into his presidency, Nez and his administration had to shift focus as the tribe became one of the hardest-hit areas by the emerging and deadly COVID-19 pandemic. During this time, masks were mandated, 57-hour lockdowns were enforced, and businesses had to close.

Less than a month after Nez left office, the new administration rescinded the mask mandates, marking the beginning of dismantling the COVID-19 measures that Nez's administration had put in place.

"Your opponent is anti-mask mandates, anti-COVID vaccines mandates, running against everything you were involved with in the Nation," said Simons. "How do you square that? How do you represent voters in that district who thinks 'he's got the right idea.'"

Nez said he listened to experts who are in the field of health and science while he was president that is what he did.

"We were able to save lives," said Nez. "Bottom line, it wasn't about getting re-elected, it was about saving lives."

Uranium mine threatens Navajo people

The conversation turned to uranium mining and the Navajo Nation's recent stand against Energy Fuels Inc. for shipping uranium ore through tribal lands. Simons noted that Crane has opposed President Joe Biden's establishment of the Baaj Nwaavjo Itah Kukveni  Ancestral Footprints of the Grand Canyon National Monument. The monument aimed to not only preserve Native American cultural sites but also to protect the region from new uranium mining.

"Biden is shamelessly politicizing the Grand Canyon to appease the radical left. Uranium is critical to national security and this action makes us more reliant on foreign nations," Crane posted on X, formerly Twitter. Simons asked Nez how he responds to Crane's views on this topic.

Nez said he invited Crane to visit Northern Arizona, where abandoned uranium mines still pose health risks to many residents. Nez said his administration successfully established the first cancer treatment hospital on any tribal reservation, bringing it to the Navajo Nation.

"We need to hold the federal government accountable to clean up those uranium mines," said Nez.

Nez said he will gladly put his records as Navajo president up against Crane's record on getting anything done.

"It's not about Republican, independent or Democrats it's about the people," said Nez. "I have a history, I'll put my work against the work that Eli Crane has any day because we've seen results from what I've done. Eli Crane has been there for a year and a half and yet we don't have any results of him being in office."

Nez said everyone has to get out and vote.

"We want Congress, the U.S. House of Representatives to look just like America with diversity," said Nez. "Arizona has the opportunity to put the first Native American from Arizona in the House of Representatives. Our neighbors in New Mexico did that with Deb Haaland, and now she is the Secretary of the Interior. Diversity is good. Diversity is needed in governing this country."

Arlyssa D. Becenti covers Indigenous affairs for The Arizona Republic and azcentral.com. Send ideas and tips to arlyssa.becenti@arizonarepublic.com.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Jonathan Nez says he knows District 2 better than than Eli Crane
****TRIGGER WARNING****

MEMPHIS, Tenn.  A Jonesboro police officer was terminated from the department after he was caught on video physically assaulting a detainee, the Jonesboro Police Department announced.

On Friday, the Jonesboro Police Department Administration was informed of a complaint about an incident involving a JPD officer that occurred Thursday evening.

The serious nature of the complaint necessitated prompt action.

Jail employee fired, charged after alleged sexual assault of inmate

Following an internal review of the incident, it was determined that the officer involved, Joseph Harris, should be terminated effective immediately.

The JPD released the video of the incident in the interest of transparency.

The disturbing video can be found here.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WREG.com.
Jordan will not be a battlefield for Iran or Israel, foreign minister warns

CAIRO (Reuters) - Jordan's Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi said on Saturday that the kingdom would not be a battlefield for Iran or Israel, as the region braces for a possible new wave of attacks by Tehran and its allies following last week's killing of senior members of militant groups Hamas and Hezbollah.

"We will not be a battlefield for Iran or Israel. We informed the Iranians and the Israelis that we will not allow anyone to violate our airspace and risk the safety of our citizens," the Jordanian foreign minister said in an interview with Saudi-owned Al Arabiya TV.

"We will intercept anything that passes through our airspace or think that it constitutes a threat to us or our citizens."

In April, Jordan, which lies between Iran and Israel, said it intercepted flying objects that entered its airspace as Tehran launched explosive drones and fired missiles at Israel in the first direct retaliatory attack of its kind.

After that attack, which was launched in retaliation for a suspected Israeli strike on Iran's embassy compound in Syria, Jordanian, Iraqi and Turkish officials each said Iran had provided them with some early warning of its action.

Iran has repeatedly vowed to "punish" Israel since the assassination of Ismail Haniyeh, the political leader of Iran-backed Palestinian Islamist group Hamas, in Tehran on July 31. Iran and Hamas blamed Israel for the killing.

Israel has not claimed or denied responsibility for the killing, which has fuelled concerns that the war between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip could spill into a wider Middle East conflict.

Those concerns have also been stoked by the killing of Lebanese armed group Hezbollah's top military commander, Fuad Shukr, in an Israeli strike in Beirut's southern suburbs hours before the assassination of Haniyeh.

(Reporting by Jaidaa Taha and Enas al Ashry; Editing by Alex Richardson)
A judge Friday gave the city of Sacramento the OK to close a tight-knit North Sacramento homeless camp, but its future remains unclear.

About 50 homeless people have been living at Camp Resolution in city-issued trailers at a vacant lot at the corner of Colfax Street and Arden Way since 2022.

Safe Ground Sacramento, a nonprofit run by civil rights attorney Mark Merin, last month sent the city a letter stating the lease for the property will end Aug. 10 due to lack of electricity and other issues, meaning the city takes control of the property Aug. 30. However, that does not mean the city is required to evict the residents, Merin has said.

The Sacramento Homeless Union, which represents the residents, in May sued the city asking for a judge to order the city to let the camp stay open until all residents are moved into permanent housing, as it claims the lease promises, despite the lease ending Saturday.

Sacramento Superior Judge Jill H. Talley sided with the city Friday, denying without prejudice the homeless unions application for a preliminary injunction.

Per the terms of the Lease Agreement, the City does not take possession of the subject property until 15 days after the termination of the lease which is August 10, 2024, Talley wrote.

Additionally, Plaintiff has failed to demonstrate a reasonable probability of success on the merits as to the current operative complaint.

Residents of Camp Resolution homeless encampment wait by the gate for the Sacramento fire marshal to reinspect Camp Resolution on Friday. They said they had been working all night to address the fire departments concerns.

City spokesman Tim Swanson did not immediately respond to an email asking whether the city plans to close the camp and evict the residents.

The city has offered spaces at the Roseville Road shelter and motels for all residents, according to a court document, Talley said during the hearing.

The residents are waiting for permanent housing however, not shelter, Sacramento Homeless Union attorney Anthony Prince said. There is a woman who has been at the Roseville Road shelter for eight months and still doesnt have permanent housing, he said.

Theyre gonna be put in a situation now where getting permanent housing is gonna become almost impossible, Prince said. Ask any service provider. If they break up that camp and people are dispersed they wont be able to find people. Camp Resolution has been a success ... the city cannot deny that.

Twana James, left, hugs another resident of Camp Resolution as the Sacramento fire marshal arrives to reinspect the homeless encampment on Friday.

City Attorney Susana Alcala Wood explicitly denied Princes categorization of Camp Resolution as a success in a statement released after the judges ruling.

Unfortunately, Camp Resolution has proven to be a failed experiment, largely because of the counterproductive interventions from the Sacramento Homeless Union and its attorney Anthony Prince, Alcala Woods statement read, in part.

The statement did not explicitly mention evictions or describe a plan to close the camp.

Sean Richmond, an attorney for the city, said even though the lease says the camp wont close until the residents get permanent housing, that promise goes away if the lease is terminated.

As of tomorrow there is no lease, Richmond said.

Alcala Wood wrote that the city for months has provided every individual at Camp Resolution with shelter opportunities.

As with the relocation efforts for the camp itself, the offers to transition people to more stable shelter were rejected out of hand. Nevertheless, the City continues to make alternate shelter available to everyone staying at Camp Resolution.

The homeless union last week blocked city employees from entering the camp to do an inspection and sign up residents for affordable housing waitlists. The city then got a warrant and inspected the camp, finding an immediate potential for a large-scale fire, a city blog post stated.

The city then re-inspected Friday and some of the issues were alleviated, Prince said.

The city will take control of the property Aug. 30, according to the lease, Talley said.

The Bees Ishani Desai contributed to this story.

Sacramento Fire Marshal Jason Lee tells Sharon Jones, co-founder of Camp Resolution, on Friday, Aug. 9, 2024, that he is happy with the progress they have made since the inspection two weeks ago. Its a tremendous a lot of work being done here. The area has been cleared up a lot, said Lee.
The widow of Robert Miller, a man who died after being pepper-sprayed multiple times while incarcerated at the Tarrant County Jail, is appealing a district judges decision last month to dismiss her wrongful death lawsuit.

Shanelle Jenkins filed her appeal Thursday with the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit after U.S. District Judge Mark Pittman dismissed her claims, according to court records.

Miller died Aug. 1, 2019, after being pepper-sprayed at least three times at close range during his intake into the Tarrant County Jail. The 38-year-old didnt receive medical attention when he told a nurse he couldnt breathe, a Star-Telegram investigation reported in 2022.

A Tarrant County medical examiner originally ruled that Miller died of natural causes from a sickle cell crisis. Experts told the Star-Telegram that Miller couldnt have died from sickle cell crisis, which can only occur in people with sickle cell disease.

In January 2023, Tarrant County reclassified Millers manner of death to undetermined. The cause of death is still listed as sickle cell crisis on the medical examiners website.

Jenkins filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the Tarrant County Sheriffs Office on July 30, 2021. The county and the states Texas Rangers Division, which investigated Millers death, initially refused to release any records to Jenkins about what happened to her husband in jail. The Texas Rangers were later added as defendants to the lawsuit.

Jenkins filed her lawsuit within the two years required by law, but the original complaint lacked factual evidence and was dismissed by a judge. Jenkins attorneys eventually obtained the records giving more information about Millers death, but the courts didnt allow Jenkins to amend the lawsuit with the new evidence.

Several employees from the Tarrant County Sheriffs Office and two nurses who allegedly failed to provide treatment for Miller are mentioned by name in the most recent version of the lawsuit. They replaced the Sheriffs Office and the Texas Rangers as defendants.

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The district judge dismissed Jenkins lawsuit July 9 after reviewing motions from each of the nine current defendants to dismiss the suit due to the statute of limitations, qualified immunity or failure to state a claim against them.

According to the judges written opinion, the statute of limitations expired on the case two years after Millers 2019 death.

The Court concludes thatat the latestPlaintiffs cause of action accrued several days after Mr. Millers death on August 1, 2019. That is over four years and ten months agowell past the two-year statute of limitations, the document states.

According to court documents, Jenkins has argued that the statute of limitations should be equitably tolled. According to this legal principle the court can extend the statute of limitations in certain circumstances, such as if the injury isnt discovered until after the limit has expired in spite of due diligence on the part of the plaintiff.

Jenkins has alleged that Tarrant County and the states Texas Rangers Division concealed pertinent information about Millers death and the identity of the people who were responsible.

The judge states in his opinion that this argument makes no difference, because Tarrant County and the Texas Rangers are no longer defendants in the case. Fraudulent concealment also requires evidence that the defendant was intentionally trying to deceive the plaintiff.

Notably, however, Plaintiff does not contend that any present defendants were obliged to disclose anything, or even that any defendants fraudulently concealed information, the opinion states.

Jenkins and her attorneys were not immediately available when the Star-Telegram reached out to them by phone Friday.
A federal judge ruled Friday that the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has likely been breaking federal law by deleting former employees emails soon after they leave the agency.

The ruling was issued by District Judge Rudolph Contreras on a lawsuit filed by Trump-aligned conservative group America First Legal Foundation in April.

Contreras found that the CDC was following a records-retention policy that had not been approved by the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) and allowed former low-level employee emails to be deleted within about three months of them leaving the agency.

The court concludes that CDCs policy and practice of disposing of former employees emails ninety days after the end of their employment is likely unlawful, the 36-page-long opinion reads.

Contreras determined that the CDC and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) agreed to abide by the NARA protocol called Capstone, which requires senior officials emails to be kept permanently and low-level employee emails to be retained for three to seven years.

The CDC argued in the suit that it did not adopt the full protocol but rather chose to adopt it in part.

But Contreras found that the CDC committed to adopting the NARA policy in full noting that there is nothing in the record that suggests NARA ever approved of an alternate records-disposal schedule.

The available evidence suggests that CDC did indeed commit to manage and dispose of its employees emails pursuant to the schedule established by GRS 6.1, the opinion reads.

Under the ruling, the CDC has been ordered to stop deleting or otherwise destroying emails of lower-level employees for at least three years after they leave the agency for the time being.

Contreras also ordered the NARA to work with U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland to recover and properly preserve prematurely deleted emails of former CDC employees.

A CDC spokesperson did not have immediate comment on the ruling and the HHS did not respond to a request for comment from The Hill.

America First Legal Foundation filed the April lawsuit after it requested records from the CDC last year in regard to the agencys publication of a document called LGBTQ Inclusivity in Schools: A Self-Assessment Tool.

A CDC Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) analyst eventually identified three employees who had worked on publishing the document but that only one of those employees still worked at the agency, according to the opinion.

The FOIA analyst stressed that this was significant to America First Legal Foundations request because of the CDCs practice of deleting former lower-level employees emails and email accounts within as little as 30 days after their departure from the agency.

As a result, the analyst told America First Legal Foundation that potentially response emails belonging to the two former employees would have already been destroyed.

America First Legal Foundation sent a letter describing the predicament to the HHS office of inspector general out of concern that the agency was willfully disregarding its duties and obligations under the Federal Records Act eventually challenging their record-keeping practices.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
U.S. District Judge Tanya Chutkan approved a request Friday from special counsel Jack Smith to delay the next steps in the governments election interference case against former President Trump.

Smith cited deliberations over how to factor in the Supreme Courts immunity ruling between the government and Trumps representation. This comes after Chutkan asked both sides to prepare a joint status report, which was originally due Friday.

Although those consultations are well underway, the Government has not finalized its position on the most appropriate schedule for the parties to brief issues related to the decision, the special counsels office said. The Government therefore respectfully requests additional time to provide the Court with an informed proposal regarding the schedule for pretrial proceedings moving forward. The defense does not object to the Governments request for an extension.

With the judges approval, the report is now due in three weeks on Aug. 30. A status conference that was scheduled in court for Aug. 16 has also been delayed until Sept. 5.

The filing noted that Trumps team did not object to Smiths request for the extension.

The early July Supreme Court ruling found that Trump has presumptive immunity for pressuring then-Vice President Mike Pence to certify a slate of fake electors on Jan. 6 to flip the election in his favor.

Whether Trumps case deserves protection and whether his actions are considered part of his core duties are yet to be determined. The case was returned to Chutkans courtroom to decide.

Last week, Chutkan rejected a motion from Trumps lawyers to dismiss the indictment and has instead decided to proceed with the case after its eight-month hiatus.

The public will get its first look at how Smith will navigate the case going forward when the joint status report is released.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
A man fishes off a jetty in Alameda, California, as the sun sets over the San Francisco Bay on 1 July.

A man fishes off a jetty in Alameda, California, as the sun sets over the San Francisco Bay on 1 July. Photograph: Noah Berger/AP

California experienced its hottest month on record in July as grueling heat baked the American west for weeks on end.

The states average temperature for the month was 81.7F (27.6C), according to the National Centers for Environmental Information, but some areas endured days of temperatures greater than 100F (about 38C). Several cities broke temperature records during a heatwave in early July  Palm Springs hit 124F on 5 July, while Redding in the states far north saw a high of 119F on 6 July.

Death Valley, the hottest place on Earth, recorded its hottest month ever in July, according to the National Park Service (NPS). In Nevada, Las Vegas reached 120F on 7 July, its hottest day in history, and set a record for number of days over 115F.

The impacts of extreme heat are being felt across the US and the world as the climate crisis drives increasingly severe and dangerous weather conditions. Last month about one-third of the US population was under warnings for record heat. The Earth saw its hottest day in recorded history on 22 July, breaking a record set just one day earlier.

Extreme heat poses major health risks and is the mostly deadly type of weather-related disaster. It is particularly dangerous for unhoused people and seniors as well as those who dont have access to cooling spaces.

Californias high temperatures in July also helped dry out vegetation and fuel wildfires across the state. Late last month, the Park fire quickly exploded after an alleged arsonist sparked by the blaze in a city park by pushing a burning car into a ravine. The area had baked at temperatures 100F and above for days before and after the fire began. The Park fire has since become the fourth-largest blaze in state history.

Related: As wildfires rage, what is the smoke doing to our health and bodies?

The Pacific north-west has also endured intense heat and intense wildfires. Oregon has seen more land burned this year, more than 1.4m acres (567,000 hectares), than any year in the last 32 years, when the north-west interagency coordination centers record-keeping began.

The extreme heat leads to more intense fires, and makes for challenging conditions for the firefighters responding to the incidents. Firefighters battling the Thompson fire last month, not far from where the Park fire broke out, suffered heat-related injuries.

Heatwaves are increasing in intensity and frequency, as well as duration and range, and are the weather events most directly impacted by the climate crisis, Dr Alexander Gershunov, a research meteorologist with the Scripps Institution of Oceanography, told the Guardian last month. He described heatwaves as the weather extremes that are impacted by the steroids of climate change.

The trend is toward more frequent, more extreme, longer-lasting heatwaves all over the world, he said. California is certainly no exception.
July was 'deadliest month' for Ukrainian civilians since October 2022, UN says

At least 219 civilians were killed and 1,018 injured in Ukraine in July, making it "the deadliest month for civilians" since October 2022, the U.N. human rights office said in a report on Aug. 9.

"The high number of casualties in July continues a trend of increasing civilian casualties since March 2024," reads the report.

The vast majority of civilian casualties (90%) and damage to educational and healthcare facilities (86%) continued to occur in the Ukraine-controlled territory in July, according to the report.

Russia carried out a mass aerial attack against Ukraine on the morning of July 8, targeting Kyiv, Dnipro, and Kryvyi Rih, among other cities, killing over 40 people and injuring at least 147, including seven children.

Read also: Ground zero: How a Ukrainian boy battling cancer and his mother survived Russias missile strike on childrens hospital

Okhmatdyt, Ukraine's largest children's medical center, was hit during the Russian July 8 missile attack. Two people, including a doctor, were killed there while one hospital building was destroyed and four others damaged.

A boy who was evacuated from the Okhmatdyt children's hospital after the attack died at another Kyiv hospital on July 10.

Since the beginning of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine on Feb. 24, 2022, the U.N. estimates that at least 11,520 civilians have been killed and at least 23,640 injured.

The actual figure of civilian casualties is likely much higher.

The number of dead and injured in fighting immediately after the outbreak of the full-scale war has yet to be fully accounted for, and some of the places that saw the heaviest combat in early 2022 are still under Russian occupation, making it all but impossible for outside observers to investigate.

Read also: I want Russians to feel it on their own skin: Shock, fury at the site of childrens hospital attack

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
EL PASO, Texas (KTSM)  Just six months after its grand opening, Jungle Reef, also known as the Hands-On Touch Aquarium, located at the Shoppes at Solana mall, is under scrutiny.

Over a dozen people have taken to social media to share concerns about the conditions in which the animals are kept.

Visitors have posted on platforms like Google Reviews and Yelp, voicing concerns primarily about the well-being of the animals. One former employee made a post on Reddit, claiming to uncover some of the truths about the conditions at the facility.

It was just in there with a concrete floor, nowhere to climb, nowhere to jump, the former employee, who does not want to be identified said, describing the living conditions of Zabu, a ring-tailed lemur who used to live at the aquarium.

John Hepworth, one of four brothers who owns Jungle Reef, gave KTSM a tour of the facility and addressed the allegations. Hepworth says he has been involved with animals since he was 11 years old, and he and his brothers wanted to bring a unique concept to El Paso.

We brought Zabu in with plans to bring another one (lemur) because theyre social creatures, Hepworth said.

But by time the USDA came, they had so many notes on what we needed to do to fix the exhibit. It wasnt worth putting Zabu through that, Hepworth said.

According to documents posted on the USDAs website, a routine inspection revealed that the facilitys environmental enhancement plan was incomplete and did not address the needs of an animal exhibiting signs of stress. Hepworth confirmed that Zabu was rehomed, though Zabu was not the only animal mentioned in the USDA reports.

The rabbits are actually supposed to be separate from all the other animals, but they had them in the barn with two goats, a couple of tortoises, and a porcupine, the former employee said.

On one of my last days there, after I had put in my two-week notice, a visitor came up to me and told me that one of the rabbits seemed like it was dead, the former employee said.

Hepworth explained that the rabbits were among many animal donations the aquarium receives. The last rabbits, he said, were taken home by the former employee who resigned.

Another concern raised by both the former employee and Hepworth was with the aquariums sea life touch tanks. Despite having employees monitoring the station, Hepworth said things did not work out as planned.

Kids were pulling the animals out of the water, squeezing them too tight, Hepworth said. We had to switch gears. I think that speaks to my love and care for my animals. If I didnt care, I would just keep putting chocolate chip starfish in there, keep putting crustaceans in there, because thats what people are paying for, Hepworth said.

One of the main concerns raised in several Google reviews was the lack of experience among the employees handling the animals.

One review said: The employees dont have any experience in handling animals. The former employee we spoke to confirmed that this was her first job working with animals, and she had no prior experience.

There really wasnt any interview for me, the former employee said. I was given a recommendation, and all I had to do was fill in my bank information on the site they use and register for their messaging app.

When asked about employee training, Hepworth said: A lot of it is hands-on, to be honest with you. But they also have logs to fill out, and we have a husbandry captain whos here all the time.

The former employee not only questioned the care of the animals but also how employees are rotated between stations daily. She claimed the stress eventually led her to leave, and she said many other employees have also left, with some too scared to come forward because of non-disclosure agreements.

Hepworth addressed the issue of non-disclosure agreements. A non-disclosure agreement is a very common practice among most businesses. Especially in the animal world, because when you come into a business like this, there is a lot of like things of how we do things here and how we take care of our patients, stuff like that. So within my rights as my intellectual property, because I do own all these animals, I own all these exhibits. Its protection for us, Hepworth said.

As for the overall condition of Jungle Reef, Hepworth invited people to visit and judge for themselves.

Let people decide for themselves. If you have concerns about Jungle Reef and animal cruelty, come check it out for yourself, he said. Remember, who is the police of Jungle Reef? Ask yourself, who is getting these guys in trouble if they really are engaging in animal cruelty? Well, its the USDA and Animal Services.

Hepworth said that the aquarium is currently in compliance with USDA guidelines. While not claiming perfection, he said they have fixed everything Animal Services required.

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At a rally this week at the Detroit airport, Kamala Harris and Tim Walz were greeted with loud enthusiasm by an energized base in a packed aircraft hangar. But a moment of contention arose when pro-Palestine protesters interrupted the rally. Harris addressed them directly, saying, Im here because we believe in democracy. Everyones voice matters. But I am speaking now. When interrupted again, she responded, If you want Donald Trump to win, then say that. Otherwise, Im speaking.

The crowd roared. Later, some applauded the vice presidents firm handling of the protesters; others saw a high-handed dismissal. Either way, the incident highlighted ongoing divisions within the party on the war in Gaza, even after Joe Biden stepped aside. And all the press on the moment obscured other, more nuanced moments for Harris and disillusioned voters on Wednesday outside Detroit, right next to Dearborn, home of Americas greatest Arab diaspora.

One of those moments involved Layla Elabed, co-founder of the national uncommitted movement, which seeks to deny votes to any candidate who support Israels war in Gaza. Elabed, a Palestinian American political activist, helped divert more than 100,000 votes away from Biden in the Democratic primary in Michigan, a closely contested state in November. To Elabeds surprise, the Harris campaign reached out directly to her and the co-founder of the movement, Abbas Alawieh, to appear at the rally. In an interview, Elabed told me about the moment she met Harris thereand what it will take for voters like her to support the vice president. Our interview has been condensed and edited for clarity.

Aymann Ismail: How did you end up at the Harris rally on Wednesday?

Layla Elabed: I got the invitation just maybe an hour before we had to be there. It was to be part of the photo, so we were in this backstage area of the aircraft hangar. We were welcomed. Everyone was very friendly. There were a lot of folks there, including groups from unions. We saw people from the nurses union, for example. We had a chance to talk to Shawn Fain [president of the United Auto Workers]. He has shown support by demanding a cease-fire. I also saw Gretchen Whitmer, Debbie Stabenow, and Mike Duggan. Everyone we like, Its so important that you guys are here. Thank you for the work you guys are doing. This is really good, all of that. Abbas and I were talking to folks backstage about the need for a policy that is going to save lives in Gaza, and we need to deliver Michigan. But we know that we cant do that without the community having those guarantees that our family members in Palestine, in Gaza, in Lebanon, will be protected.

What happened when you actually met Kamala?

Abbas went first. Before taking a picture and moving on, he asked the VP Harris if she would meet with us to talk about an arms embargo. She indicated that she would. And when I shook hands with Tim Walz and VP Harris, I did get really emotional, and I told her my community is losing hundreds of family members in Gaza, and we need a policy shift that saves lives right now. I asked if she would meet with us to talk about an arms embargo, and she said, Yes, lets meet. I took that to be an indication that she was open to meeting about an arms embargo. Whether she will adopt an arms embargo, I dont know, but she did demonstrate a willingness to meet with us to discuss it.

After your meeting, did you see the public statement from Kamalas team, saying she does not support an arms embargo on Israel?

Yes. Which is fine! We already know that the Biden-Harris White House does not have an arms embargo policy toward Israel. Thats why we asked Vice President Kamala Harris to meet with us, so she can hear from uncommitted leaders who can help her to understand what it will take to deliver Michigan and secure the votes of uncommitted voters across the nation. It was a very confusing response to me, because we know the current administration doesnt support an arms embargothats why were trying to talk to her about it.

Do you worry you might be being played politically by the Harris team?

Well wait and see. I think it would be essential and strategic for her campaign to meet with us to discuss what our community needs to mobilize ahead of November. Not only because our communities are grieving and its the moral thing to do, but also to unite the Democratic Party, which is fractured by these unpopular and immoral policies. For us to have a fighting chance in November, she needs to win states like Michigan. Michigan voters, including 101,000 uncommitted Muslim Americans, Arab-Americans, and young people, cant support VP Harris without guarantees of policy shifts away from using our tax dollars to fund a war criminal.

Whats the general mood in Dearborn right now? How do uncommitted voters feel?

We are remaining uncommitted toward this administration and VP Harris because we havent heard how she will be different from Biden or guarantee the protection of our loved ones in our homelands. Folks are still really pissed, and frustrated, and grieving, and experiencing a lot of emotion, rightfully so.

How did you feel about Harris response to the protesters that disrupted her speech?

I wish that she handled that differently. These are protesters that are demanding human rights to be upheld. That was unfortunate, and people are really upset, rightfully so.

What would be the bare minimum you need to change your mind about Harris?

When I met her during that very, very brief engagement, I did feel that her empathy toward me and the plight of all Palestinians was genuine. But Palestinian children cant survive on empathy right now. Our community and voters of conscious are demanding a policy shift that will save lives and end the occupation of Palestinians. There are many things she can do as a Democratic presidential candidate to signal she will uphold international law and Democratic values. But a cease-fire cant be realized with unconditional weapons funding to Israel.

There were reports that Harris was going to snub Netanyahu but met with him privately. What do you make of that?

I realize she is the VP. And I dont know when she has her VP hat on or when she has her presidential candidate hat on. I can imagine that turning away from Bidens policy might affect her role as VP, but we need to save lives in Palestine. Funding a war is not a popular policy, and funding Netanyahu doesnt align with democratic values. If were serious about fighting fascism and authoritarianism in November, then we also need to be serious about it abroad. Netanyahus government is the most extreme far-right government Israel has ever had.

As the election gets closer, is there a point where you might give up on Kamala or decide to rally support for her despite everything?

Uncommitted isnt an option in November, so I wont be asking people to vote uncommitted. But neither will I personally advocate for voting for Kamala without our demands being met. We need a policy that guarantees Palestinian lives will be saved. We need her to differentiate herself from Trump, who has already promised his mega-donors that he will annex the West Bank to become part of Israel. His Project 2025 outlines plans to criminalize the work that I and many other uncommitted organizers, and student protesters, and people mobilizing in the street, are doing to advocate for human rights. We need her to make a clear policy shift away from Biden.
During this election year, Nalini Rau had been praying to the Hindu mother Goddess Devi for leaders who look out for everyone.

For women, for minorities, for everyone, said Rau, who moved from India in the 1980s and now teaches Indian classical dance in New York.

But even as she volunteered to register new voters, she wasn't feeling very optimistic about the presidential race until Kamala Harris, whose middle name is Devi, became a candidate.

Vice President Harris, the daughter of an Indian immigrant mother and a Jamaican immigrant father, has leaned into that heritage to help energize voters.

Harris will need to assemble a broad coalition to win in November, including a substantial percentage of independent and unaffiliated white voters in the suburbs of battleground states, said Laura Tamman, an assistant professor of Political Science at New York's Pace University.

After all, Harris will be facing off against former President Donald Trump, the Republican nominee. Trump received 55% of the white vote in 2020.

She doesnt have to win a majority of white voters, but she must come pretty close to President Joe Bidens success in winning 43% of white voters in 2020, Tamman said.

Harris is making strategic decisions to appeal to this broad group, including white voters, she said. "You see this in her choice of (Minnesota Gov.) Tim Walz as a running mate, but also in the issues she is focusing on and the places where she is traveling to hold campaign events," Tamman said.

With reproductive issues on the ballot in many states and abortion driving many women to the polls, Shekar Narasimhan, founder of the AAPI Victory Fund, thinks even more white women will vote this fall than in 2020.

He may be right.

More than 164,000 women met on Zoom to build support among white women for Harris campaign. There were so many participants that the platform crashed several times, according to published reports. The meeting, featuring singer P!nk and the actor Connie Britton, among others, raised $8.5 million.

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But people of color, and perhaps especially Asian Americans, will also be key, Narasimhan said.

Asian Americans have been the fastest-growing group of eligible voters in the United States over roughly the past two decades. Their number has grown by 15%, or about 2 million eligible voters in just the past four years. Thats faster than the 3% growth rate for all eligible voters during that timeframe, according to Pew Research.

Still, voter registration among Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders has been 10% below the national average.

In battleground states such as Arizona, Georgia, Nevada, North Carolina and Pennsylvania, the number of Asian Americans who cast their ballot in 2020 exceeded the presidential margin of victory, according to AAPI Data.

Turning them out this year could put Harris in the White House, Narasimhan said.

For Rau, Hindu symbolism is already on Harris' side.

Trump's running mate JD Vance has mocked Harris as a childless cat lady (though she actually has two stepchildren). In many of the stories about Hindu mythology, a Devi vanquishes an egotistical opponent. Often, shes riding a lion or a tiger  in other words, a big cat, Rau said, chuckling at the parallels.

Its tremendous justice that a powerful woman who's bright, who's intelligent, who's together, who's confident, who knows right from wrong and who is multicultural would be taking him on, Rau said.

Can she be both Black and Indian?

Although Trump, speaking to a group of Black journalists, recently questioned how Harris could be both Black and Asian, more than 10% of the U.S. population now identifies as multiracial.

MR Rangaswami is a father of two biracial children. Hes an Indian immigrant married to a Greek American. He says he was puzzled by Trumps comment, which implied that Harris was identifying as Black for votes.

Being biracial is a major strength, he said. You have to navigate two cultures and dual identities. When my children are with their Greek relatives, they relate to that side of it and when they are with my Indian relatives, they feel Indian. They are both. Its fluid and nuanced.

In fact, Harris has always embraced both sides of her heritage.

She grew up singing in a Black church choir and joined a Black sorority at her historically Black college, Howard University.

More than 44,000 Black women joined a call in support of Harris the night she announced her candidacy and helped raise more than $1.5 million.

A similar virtual call, South Asian Women for Harris, launched by actresses Mindy Kaling and Poorna Jagannathan, both of Indian descent, was attended by 9,000 women and raised $250,000.

Actress/writer Mindy Kaling

While a California senator and briefly a presidential candidate four years ago, Kaling invited Harris into her kitchen to make dosa, south Indian lentil and rice crepes. Harris talked about growing up eating yogurt rice, lots of idli, potato curry and dal  the ultimate South Indian comfort food staples.

When Harris married Doug Emhoff in 2014, she placed a flower garland around his neck and had a mangalasutra, a sacred thread worn by Hindu brides, around hers. Both were nods to her Indian heritage. The ceremony, at a courthouse in Santa Barbara, ended with the breaking of a glass, marking his Jewish roots. (Coincidently, Harris will be the featured keynote speaker and close out the Democratic National Convention in Chicago on Aug. 22, on their 10th wedding anniversary).

The most effective communicators and leaders fully embrace their own life story and connect it to a larger story, in this case, the story of America, said Terry Szuplat, a former Obama speechwriter and the author of "Say It Well," a forthcoming book on public speaking.

History  including Barack Obama's two elections  shows that voters want leaders who are proud of who they are, where they come from, and the life experiences that have made them who they are, he said.

In this sense, Harris heritage is part of what makes her such a compelling leader to so many Americans.

Daigre Thomas

Her familys story embodies America at our best  a unique place in the world that truly welcomes all people into a diverse, inclusive democracy, Szuplat said.

The more she shares her inspiring life story, the more people will see her journey as a reflection of their own.

The kind of deep, emotional connection that leads people to volunteer and donate and knock on doors, which, in a close election, can make all the difference, he said.

Daigre Thomas, who migrated from Jamaica 20 years, says she felt an instant connection to Harris.

I know she loves music because shes always dancing, always smiling, Thomas said. Jamaican people are happy people. No matter what we are going through, we probably laugh it off.

Harris intersectionality also appeals to Hermian Charles who moved to the U.S. from Grenada at age 21 to attend Baruch College in New York City.

Seeing the daughter of a fellow Caribbean islanders meteoric ascent has made her proud.

I am so excited for the history making possibility of the first female president and that the first woman of color as president could be of Caribbean heritage, she said.

Hermian Charles

As a Black mother of a 20-year-old daughter, she said representation was important to her.

Its going to make such a huge difference for people of color to have seen first Barack Obama and now have Kamala as president of the United States, Charles said. The ancestors are smiling.

Does party still matter?

A growing number of Asian Americans now identify as independent  31% compared to 25% in 2020  according to the 2024 Asian American Voter Survey, conducted in partnership with AAPI Data.

That presents an opportunity for outreach to communities that have typically not been courted, said Narasimhan.

Thomas said she was "undecided" on whether she'd vote this election until Harris was nominated. But now, "I'm ready to vote," she said.

She believes Harris is well equipped to understand what wealth disparity means and how it can affect a country.

"In Jamaica, we have the poor side and the wealthy side," she said. "So I think she's exposed to all of that. We don't have to explain it to her because she understands."

Rau, for her part, believes the fact that two Hindu festivals, one dedicated to the goddesses Lakshmi, Saraswati and Durga, called Navaratri, and other, Diwali, falling just before the election is another good sign.

They both mark the victory of good over evil, she said.

Swapna Venugopal Ramaswamy is a White House correspondent for USA TODAY. You can follow her on X, formerly Twitter, @SwapnaVenugopal

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Kamala Harris' dual heritage a story of America
By the time Vice President Kamala Harris concluded her remarks Friday, a significant chunk of the attendees inside Glendales Desert Diamond Arena had been there for over five hours. Some waited for hours outside before the doors opened, combatting the 107 degree Fahrenheit heat with Gatorade and popsicles, as lines snaked around the arena. Then, after Harris concluded her remarks, some chose to linger on the arena floor, dancing.

I was not this excited about Biden, Simonne Campos told me, bobbing to the music blasting overhead. He had a great career. But this  she lifted her hand and signaled around  this is crazy.

The craziness is the result of a newfound Democratic optimism, supercharged by President Joe Bidens exit from the ticket and Harris new role atop it. For perhaps the first time in eight years, its Democrats, not Republicans, whose rallies more closely resemble concerts than political events. Harris travels with a DJ who mixes Beyonce, Bad Bunny and Saweetie between speakers. An aesthetic accompanies the movement  instead of MAGA, its brat, a nod to the Gen Z voters pushing her online momentum and staffing her campaign.

The excitement among young people is palpable, said Jose Garcia, a college student from Tucson who recently started volunteering for the campaign. The Harris rally Friday was the first event he worked.

This was, not long ago, a campaign barreling toward the worst Democratic showing among young voters in decades. Young people were unenthused with Biden long before the June 27 debate sent Democrats into a spiral. They already thought he was too old and too unrelatable, and as young people were slowly trending to the right, the newfound angst among young progressives over Bidens position on Israel-Palestine hollowed out his base. The post-debate Democratic meltdown further stifled enthusiasm.

Then, when Biden ducked out of the race on July 22, he paved the way for Harris to rebrand the campaign  and pump new life into it. The result? Three weeks of Democratic excitement and optimism, a clear split screen between the aged Biden operation and the youthful Harris campaign. A bump in the polls followed: Harris now leads Trump by two percentage points nationally, a margin Biden hadnt enjoyed for the better part of the last year. Six of the seven swing states are now toss-ups, per Cook Political Report, even after Trump led in each one for months. And among young voters, Harris seems to be turning the tide that was breaking toward Trump.

There is such good energy, said Jon Brown, a 42-year-old Mesa resident. This is the type of thing that can carry on.

Vice President Kamala Harris waits for the audience to stop applauding as she arrives at a campaign event at Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale, Ariz., on Friday, Aug. 9, 2024. | Laura Seitz, Deseret News

Can Harris maintain her momentum?

But how long does that energy last? Harris is running a campaign fueled by vibes, but those vibes need to last until November. The path ahead post-honeymoon gets more difficult. She has seemed try to pivot to the center on a number of policy positions, but she hasnt had to answer for those changes: She has not done a sit-down interview since she became the presumptive nominee. She seems to be simultaneously running on the wins of the Biden-Harris administration, while attempting to distance herself from the malaise that sunk the Biden campaign.

The Trump campaign is banking on a return to reality before long. We are witnessing a kind of out-of-body experience where we have suspended reality for a couple of weeks, Tony Fabrizio, Trumps chief pollster, told Politico. And in that suspended reality, its almost like Kamala Harris never met Joe Biden, you know, they were passing acquaintances.

It seems the Harris campaign, at present, is doing the same dance Democrats have slammed Trump and Republicans for doing: running an issues-light campaign defined by what they are against. Our campaign is not just us versus Donald Trump: Our campaign is about two different visions for our country, Harris insisted.

What does Harris believe?

But on Friday, Harris failed to enunciate exactly what that vision includes. Aside from red-meat Democratic policy issues  like abortion, gun violence and voting rights  she spoke only in vague terms about her platform. She promised to build a broad-based economy and put middle-class and working families first. On immigration, she spoke about her record as a litigator and slammed Trump for blocking Februarys border bill. Many of her promises were repetitions of the Biden administrations chief initiatives: providing affordable health care, extending parental leave, lowering the costs of prescription drugs. But she was sparse in detail, and little more is available elsewhere. Her campaign website is still missing a policy page.

And what of the 2024 primary-that-wasnt, a missed opportunity to not only vet Harris ahead of November, but fully flesh out just who she is as a candidate? Attendees at Fridays rally seemed unbothered by the hypothetical. I wouldve enjoyed the competitiveness of a primary, said Joseph Fuentes, 37, of Phoenix. But Im not sad with how things went. Shes the right choice.

Coulda, woulda, shoulda, added Campos. What happened, happened.

Former Rep. Gabby Giffords and her husband, Arizona Sen. Mark Kelly, enter the arena at a campaign event for Vice President Kamala Harris and her running mate, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, at Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale, Ariz., on Friday, Aug. 9, 2024. | Laura Seitz, Deseret News

Why didnt Harris pick Sen. Mark Kelly as her running mate?

If any Arizonans are disappointed that Sen. Mark Kelly, D-Ariz., is not Harris running mate, too, they hid it well. Kelly was on Harris shortlist to be her vice president, and if selected, he wouldve become the first Arizonan ever on the Democratic presidential ticket.

At first, I was a little down, admitted Tim Rock, 67, of Scottsdale. But the more I learn about (Minnesota Gov. Tim) Walz, the more awesome he seems. Walz, who spoke before Harris, earned raucous applause, as did Kelly himself, who was one of the rallys opening speakers. Mark (Kelly) is an extraordinary leader, Harris said, perhaps in consolation, shortly after taking the stage. I am so grateful, Mark, for your friendship and your leadership.

Kelly or no Kelly, Arizona Democrats are firmly on board. The Harris calculation, it seems, is to ride this wave into the Democratic National Convention, which kicks off in ten days, and then hope the post-DNC boost lasts through Nov. 5. If the past month is any indication, though  where we saw an attempted assassination, a sitting president terminate his reelection bid, and a complete reshuffling of a major-party ticket  anything could happen over the next three months. Running on vibes may not last.

But for the moment, the vibes are good. Call them electric, said Brown. No  historic, said Rock. Or happy, per Toni s of Glendale. This is something special, said Grady Kimball, a college student from Gilbert. Were sick of seeing the same people running. Now we get someone younger.

That goes for the candidate and her supporters, it seems. Twenty minutes after Harris left the stage, Whitney Houston still blasted over the speakers, and the arena floor was still filled with clumps of young people, bobbing to the music. One group wore matching lime-green shirts, with vinyl letters spelling KAMALA ironed onto the front. We made them last night, Jennifer Aguirre told me, smiling. Her friend chimed in. We wanted to feel this new energy, Brandon Sosa added, smiling.

Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz points to Vice President Kamala Harris as they arrive at a campaign event at Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale, Ariz., on Friday, Aug. 9, 2024. | Laura Seitz, Deseret News
It is one of the most urgent political dilemmas facing Vice President Kamala Harris as a presidential candidate: How can she counter Republican attacks on her border security record?

The answer  or part of it  may lie in a 31-page report sitting online, camouflaged by a British URL and an academic-sounding title, and largely unnoticed by American eyes.

The paper, Migration in the Age of Insecurity, is a penetrating political document published early this year by Labour Together, a think tank closely aligned with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer. Its recommendations helped define Labours message in the recent U.K. election: a head-on attack on the Conservatives immigration record, joined with a broad vision for immigration reform and showy rhetoric about destroying criminal networks that smuggle people into the country.

That last point was delivered with vigor by Starmer himself, a career prosecutor before entering electoral politics. Smash the gangs became a signature campaign pledge.

This front-foot messaging was new for Labour. American Democrats have nothing like it. They do not really have a message on immigration at all.

That is a common mistake for parties on the center-left, the Labour Together report noted. Left-leaning coalitions have often tried to move the political conversation onto other topics rather than addressing the immigration issue directly, the authors said, calling this a grievous error.

The consequences of disengaging have been great, they warned. To the public, it looks like evasion. In the void, more extreme voices have dominated.

This assessment can apply without modification to the Biden administration.

Much of Harris vulnerability on immigration comes from the Biden administrations aversion to engaging the issue in full. For most of Joe Bidens presidency, he attempted to brush off Republican attacks as just so much nativist rhetoric, while taking enforcement measures quietly to avoid angering progressives. There was no sustained project to refute anti-immigrant arguments or to reassure voters about the border. Predictably, this approach was a failure.



Biden pushed off a reckoning again and again, eventually issuing strict new border control measures just weeks before his campaign unraveled. Harris, too, resisted taking ownership of immigration; when Biden charged her with managing the troubled Northern Triangle countries in Central America, Harris bristled at the implication that she had a direct role to play in fixing the border.

The result has been just what the Labour Together report described: Democrats have been losing a battle over immigration for years, in part because their leaders have declined to fight it with any creativity or stamina. A Marquette Law School poll this week that found Harris slightly leading former President Donald Trump also showed her trailing him on the issue of immigration by 18 percentage points.

Theyre so far behind on it and it could cost them the whole thing, observed Will Somerville, a senior fellow at the Migration Policy Institute and an author of the Labour Together document.

Im told Labour Party strategists closely followed Bidens struggles earlier in his presidency, viewing them as a cautionary tale about mismanaging immigration. Part of the purpose of designing a confident message on immigration was to avoid Bidens fate.

Labour consulted an American strategist who is an experienced immigration policy advocate, Frank Sharry, as it prepared for the election, according to two people who worked with him directly. Sharry, who is now advising the Harris campaign, declined to comment when I contacted him.

I dont know whether Sharry has directed any of his new colleagues to the Labour Together report. But Migration in the Age of Insecurity might be useful reading for the Harris campaign.

In the paper, Somerville and co-authors Christabel Cooper and Sarah Mulley proposed a three-part policy shift on immigration, aimed at discrediting the British right while establishing political support for center-left policies. They identified three characteristics of the British immigration system that make voters uncomfortable: dismay that it appears to be in a state of chaos; worry that migrants undermine economic opportunities; and fear that migrants do not integrate in their new home.

A responsible center-left policy, they argued, had to address all three concerns. That meant taking steps like clearing a massive backlog of asylum claims, cracking down on exploitation of migrant workers and investing in strained public services that voters fear cannot support growing immigrant communities.

The paper recommended additional policies to build public confidence in the immigration system, including a world-leading scheme for local and community sponsorship of refugees and other vulnerable groups. That could help new arrivals find a welcoming environment  and make voters less likely to see them as foreigners adrift in Britain.

Cooper, a political strategist for Labour Together, said her opinion research found room for center-left leaders to make the case for inclusive immigration policy. Most voters, she said, were open to viewing immigration as a helpful thing for the economy and responded warmly to the idea of foreign-born people becoming British citizens. (The Labour Together report held up American-style naturalization ceremonies as a proud ritual that British voters would likely embrace.)

Cooper stressed that openness depended on voters trusting that Labour was serious about bringing order to the system overall.

The center-left needs to project a message of something like control and compassion, Cooper said. The feeling that migration is out of control is a really strong one, and just kind of dismissing it is not a good thing to do.

In Britain, the smash the gangs message was easy to deliver. It has no tradeoff, Cooper said. If you smash the gangs, everybody is happy.

By the time British voters cast their ballots on July 4, Labour had effectively achieved a draw or even a modest advantage in the immigration debate, according to polls. They did not win the election on the popularity of their immigration policies, and violent civil unrest in Britain is already testing Starmers credibility on law and order. But Labour also did not suffer with swing voters because its candidates were perceived as indifferent to border enforcement.

That is the very threat that now confronts Harris as a presidential candidate.

Cooper and Somerville cautioned that immigration policy was tougher in the United States than in Britain, most significantly because of the sheer number of people entering the United States from Mexico. American voters are not exercised about people overstaying visas or slipping in on small boats; they are alarmed by uncontrolled mass migration across one of the worlds longest borders. There is no equivalent challenge in Britain.



Still, we have started to hear the Harris campaign play some Starmer-like notes, whether as a matter of coincidence or conscious mimicry.

In the first joint appearance of the Harris-Walz ticket, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz included in a litany of Harris achievements that she took down the transnational gangs as attorney general of California. A campaign ad released on Friday branded Harris as a border-state prosecutor who cracked down on organized crime.

The vice president has been a national political figure for most of a decade, and taking on people smugglers as a state attorney general has never been a regular feature of her stump speech. Voters hearing about it now might reasonably wonder where Harris interest in this problem has been since she left Sacramento.

But if Harris is going to overcome Trump, Somerville suggested Labours strategy might help  by recasting the Democratic agenda in more disciplined terms and drawing a contrast with Republicans raw hostility to migrants.

I dont see why Kamala Harris couldnt do something similar, he said. Say: My main goal is to smash the gangs, not to punish the migrants.

The point, he added, was not to win a border-control debate outright but to make the issue somewhat less damaging.

If youre on the center left, Somerville said, and you get even to parity, youre winning  big time.
Kamala Harris stayed at this Phoenix hotel. Here's what the suite is like

Over the years, presidents and presidential candidates have stayed overnight at a myriad of Phoenix hotels and resorts in their travels.

Arizona Biltmore hosted every U.S. president from Herbert Hoover to George W. Bush. One of the few things Barack Obama and Donald Trump have in common is that they bucked the tradition and instead stayed at the Omni Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Montelucia when they came to Phoenix. President Joe Biden's most recent visits to Arizona included overnight stays at the Renaissance Phoenix Downtown and the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess.

Where the presidents go: A history of hotels and resorts where presidents stayed in Arizona

When Vice President Kamala Harris, the Democratic candidate for president in the 2024 election, held her first rally in Arizona with her vice presidential nominee, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, they stayed at a downtown Phoenix hotel known as a hub for conventions.

Where did Kamala Harris stay in Phoenix?

Harris and Walz stayed at the Sheraton Phoenix Downtown, a convention hotel that has the most rooms of any Arizona hotel with a total of 1,003. Roads leading to the hotel were closed ahead of their stay.

The Sheraton has business amenities to cater to corporate travelers and locals who work remotely, such as private workspaces called studios that were designed to accommodate small meetings. Visitors can sample Sonoran-style cuisine made using local and Indigenous ingredients at Carcara restaurant or imbibe with a downtown view at the fourth-floor Breeze Bar & Grill.

The hotel's rooms include a 1,500-square-foot Governor Suite that includes one king bed, a sofa bed, a separate dining room and a separate living room.

Details: 340 N. Third St., Phoenix. 602-262-2500, marriott.com.

Michael Salerno is an award-winning journalist whos covered travel and tourism since 2014. His work as The Arizona Republics consumer travel reporter aims to help readers navigate the stresses of traveling and get the best value for their money on their vacations. He can be reached at Michael.Salerno@gannett.com. Follow him on X, formerly Twitter: @salerno_phx.

'Never been something like this': Kamala Harris and Tim Walz to rally in Arizona

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This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Kamala Harris skipped the Biltmore and stayed at this Phoenix hotel
Kamala Harris VP pick has a long history with China. But Beijing may not be happy about it

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Presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris running mate has a decades-long connection with China. But in the eyes of Beijing, that may not necessarily be good news.

Tim Walz moved to China fresh out of college in 1989 to teach high school for a year, and then frequently returned to the country during a decade of taking American students on summer cultural exchanges.

The 60-year-old Minnesota governor has spoken fondly of his time in China and the people he met there, and his familiarity with the country and empathy for its people bring a personal, nuanced perspective on the United States biggest strategic rival that is rare among his political peers.

Some Republican opponents have seized on that experience to accuse Walz of being pro-China, but the Democratic vice-presidential nominee has a long history of criticizing authoritarian Chinese leadership.

Walz moved to China at a tumultuous and politically charged time, shortly after the Tiananmen Square massacre, when the ruling Communist Party sent tanks in to violently quell peaceful student-led democracy protests in Beijing. Upon returning home to Nebraska in 1990, he told a local newspaper he felt the Chinese people had been mistreated by their government for years.

If they had the proper leadership, there are no limits on what they could accomplish. They are such kind, generous, capable people, he told the Star-Herald at the time.

During his time in Congress from 2007 to 2019, Walz rallied support for imprisoned Chinese activists. He met with the Dalai Lama, the exiled Tibetan spiritual leader loathed by Beijing, and Joshua Wong, the young Hong Kong democracy activist now jailed for his activism against Beijings tightening grip.

The more he understands China, the more he feels pity for the Chinese people, and the more critical he becomes of the rulers who govern them, said Shen Dingli, a foreign policy analyst in Shanghai.

He has some understanding of Chinese culture and respects it in his heart, but he definitely does not accept Chinas political (system), Shen added. Beijing is probably more fearful and uncomfortable with such a foreigner who understands China.

Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz attends a campaign rally in Philadelphia on August 6. - Matt Rourke/AP

It was more about the people

Walz was among the first groups of young Americans to teach in high schools in China under a Harvard University volunteer program, just a decade after the two countries established diplomatic relations.

As a fresh graduate, he spent a year teaching English and American history at the Foshan No. 1 High School, in the southern province of Guangdong.

There, he was met with industrious and welcoming students who applauded him each time he used a Chinese word correctly, and friendly strangers who offered to help whenever he stopped in the streets looking bewildered, he told the Star-Herald in 1990.

I was treated exceptionally well, he told the newspaper. There was no anti-American feeling whatsoever. American is It in the eyes of the Chinese. Many of the students want to come to America to study.

That was a different era in China. The impoverished country was curious about the world after emerging from decades of self-imposed isolation and tumultuous rule under Mao Zedong. Paramount leader Deng Xiaoping unleashed market reforms and, along with an economic opening, calls for political liberalization gathered pace in the 1980s.

Such calls coalesced into a student-led movement in the spring of 1989, which was brutally put down by the Chinese military weeks before Walzs trip.

I remember waking up and seeing the news on June 4 that the unthinkable had happened, Walz told Voice of America in an interview in 2014.

Many of my colleagues decided to go home and not to go on [to China]. I thought it was more important than ever to go, to make sure the story was told and to let the Chinese people know we were standing there, we were with them.

From Guangdong, Walz took a 40-hour cross-country train ride to the Chinese capital to see Tiananmen Square, the site of the democracy protests.

He made sure he would always commemorate the crackdown in a personal way  by getting married on June 4, 1994, the fifth anniversary of the massacre.

He wanted to have a date hell always remember, his wife and fellow high-school teacher, Gwen, told a local newspaper in Minnesota before their wedding.

The newlyweds spent their honeymoon taking students on two-week tours in China for sightseeing and classes on culture, education and history. These trips became a summer tradition for the couple through 2003.

I would go back in a heartbeat, said Cara Roemhildt, who went on such a trip in 1998. It was an educational trip with one of our favorite teachers. It was more about the people. It wasnt about the politics.

Roemhildt said she and her classmates still talk about the trip decades later.

It felt very, very comfortable. And we went all overTrain rides (to) a whole bunch of different places, she told CNN. Just seeing a different culture and having respect for it while seeing it. Knowing that its different, but knowing that its okay, too.

A young woman is caught between civilians and Chinese soldiers who were trying to remove her from an assembly near the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on June 3, 1989. - Jeff Widener/Associated Press

A nuanced critic

After entering politics in 2006, Walz continued to devote time and attention to China in Congress.

He served more than a decade on the Congressional-Executive Commission on China, which monitors human rights and the rule of law in the country  a role Beijing would not be happy about.

The Chinese government has always viewed that commission as anti-China, said Liu Dongshu, an assistant professor of public and international affairs at the City University of Hong Kong.

In Congress, Walz co-sponsored a series of resolutions calling on China to release its jailed rights activists, including Nobel Peace laureate Liu Xiaobo, who eventually died in custody of liver cancer.

In 2015, Walz joined a congressional delegation on a trip to China, which included a rare stop in Tibet, which he had also visited decades earlier during his time teaching at the Chinese high school.

The following year, Walz met the Dalai Lama in Washington for what he called a life-changing lunch. He also welcomed Lobsang Sangay, then leader of Tibets government in exile, into his congressional office to meet a group of Minnesota high-school students.

At a congressional meeting that year, he called on Beijing to ensure the preservation of traditional Tibetan culture and provide less regulated religious freedom to the Tibetans.

Tim Walz poses for a picture with the Dalai Lama in 2016. - Tim Walz/X (Twitter)

Walz has also been a vocal supporter of Hong Kongs pro-democracy movement.

In 2017, when Wong, the student protest leader, was jailed for his political activism, Walz posted a photo of himself and the young activist standing side by side to show solidarity with all advocating for democracy in Hong Kong.

Walz also threw his support behind the Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act, which sanctions officials responsible for human rights violations in the city, when the legislation appeared to be languishing in Congress.

We knocked on every door when the #HKHRDA lacked momentum. Only Walz answered his, Jeffrey Ngo, a Hong Kong democracy activist now based in Washington, said on X.

Walz is perhaps the most solid candidate when it comes to human rights and China on a major-party ticket in recent memory, Ngo said.

On the diplomatic front, Walz has criticized Chinas unfair trade practices and its growing assertiveness in the South China Sea.

In Chinese nationalist circles, which have an outsized voice on policy debates in China, there are no rosy illusions about Walz.

On human rights and ideological issues, he has basically crossed all the possible red lines out there, Shen Yi, an international relations scholar known for his fiercely nationalistic views, wrote on social media.

But unlike more hawkish politicians, Walz does not believe in decoupling, and instead holds a more nuanced view on the geostrategic rivalry between the US and China.

I dont fall into the category that China necessarily needs to be an adversarial relationship. I totally disagree, he said in an interview in 2016.

Were on the same sheet of music, two of the worlds great superpowers, theres many collaborative things we can do together.

Stephen Roach, former chief of Morgan Stanley Asia, said the Harris-Walz ticket may provide an important counterweight to the current venom of American Sinophobia.

Walzs empathy for the Chinese people and appreciation of Chinas non-political aspects make him a harder case for Beijing to villainize as an anti-China foil than politicians that are hawkish on all dimensions, Eric Fish, a former Beijing-based journalist and author of Chinas Millennials: The Want Generation, said on X.

Tim Walz poses for a photo with Hong Kong's now-jailed democracy activist Joshua Wang. - Tim Walz/X (Twitter)

A complex country

Walzs extensive experience with China makes him a rare figure in the race for the White House  at least since George H. W. Bush, who served as Americas unofficial ambassador to Beijing in the mid-1970s before running for vice president and later president.

Bushs stint in Beijing would go on to influence his foreign policy  and help steer US-China relations through the tumultuous fallout of the Tiananmen crackdown.

But US-China relations are at a very different place now from the honeymoon period of engagement. Being tough on China has become a rare point of bipartisan consensus in the US, and Beijing is unlikely to be counting on Walz to improve bilateral ties.

The direction of US policy towards China is very clear. As an individual, regardless of your attitude towards China, theres not much room for maneuver, said Liu, the expert at the City University of Hong Kong.

And vice presidents can have a varied level of say in foreign policy, depending on the president they serve, he added.

Walzs experience living and teaching in China could serve as a useful diplomatic ice breaker to warm up the room if thats what the two sides wish to do, Liu said. But even then, he added, the Chinese would need to dance around the awkwardness in the timing and avoid all mention of the Tiananmen crackdown  which remains a political taboo in China.

On Chinas tightly controlled social media, Walzs early ties to the country have raised eyebrows and generated considerable interest. The hashtag Harris VP pick once taught in China racked up 15 million views on microblogging site Weibo.

The year of Walzs arrival in China  1989  was not lost among those who understand the sensitivity of the date, despite decades of effort by the Chinese government to erase the brutal crackdown from public memory.

But, perhaps reflective of the different era China now finds itself in under leader Xi Jinping, who has fanned nationalist sentiment and suspicion against foreigners over national security, many questioned the real motive of Walzs first trip to China.

Heh, 1989-1990, Americans teaching in China during this period  its something worth pondering carefully, said a top comment on Weibo.

Must be a spy, said another.

Liu said that, given how drastically China has changed over the past decades, Walzs understanding of the country from his younger days may offer limited help on American policy toward China today.

Walz himself has conceded that hes by no means a China expert.

I lived in China, and as I said Ive been there about 30 times, he said in the 2016 interview. But if someone tells you theyre an expert on China, theyre probably not telling you the truth because its a complex country.

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Rep. Lance Neelly was ahead in the Kansas House District 42 primary race. He appeared at the Statehouse on Jan. 12, 2022. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)

The Republican primary race for Kansas House District 42 between incumbent Rep. Lance Neelly and Leavenworth County Commissioner Mike Stieben has been neck-and-neck, with Neelly leading Stieben by 40 votes as of Aug. 9. Despite the close numbers, Stieben has trust in the election system.

On Tuesday night, Kansas Reflector reported that Stieben held a 41-vote lead over Neelly. But by Wednesday morning, Neelly was ahead.

Whitney Tempel, spokeswoman for the secretary of state, said the overnight change was due to mail in ballots that were postmarked by Election Day and still being processed, ballots that were hand counted and any other legally cast ballots that were not included in Tuesdays unofficial count.

Close elections like this are why the secretary of states website features a pop-up window before viewing unofficial results that details a step by step election cycle. It stresses that election results are unofficial until the State Board of Canvassers certify the election results for the primary. Since the Neelly-Stieben race is within 1% of the total votes cast and reported on election night, there will be a close-race audit. Both candidates may request a recount.

In his role as a Leavenworth County Commissioner, Stieben sees how elections work.

I trust the election system in Leavenworth very much, Stieben said. Ive seen how elections work, the numbers are very accurate. It would have to be very, very close for me to call a recount.

With the current difference of 40 votes, Stieben hasnt given a recountserious consideration. The race is not officially called, but Stieben said he gave it a good run with the No. 1 issue, which was property tax caps.

Of course, Id rather be sitting on the other side of it, Stieben said. But no matter what happens, Ill continue to be county commissioner for two years and vote on what happens to property taxes in Kansas, and if the Legislature doesnt take action, Im sure a lot of people will be running for these seats in two years.

After former President Donald Trumps call to recount the 2020 presidential election and his subsequent denial of the results, several Kansas Republican lawmakers believed baseless election fraud theories.

One bill proposed was Senate Bill 209, which would have ended the three-day grace period for accepting ballots, was vetoed. Sen. Mike Thompson, R-Shawnee, said the bill was necessary to ease concerns about fraudulent ballots.

Stieben, who lost with the addition of mail-in ballots, said he believes in the legitimacy of Kansas elections.
Kern Valley State Prison inmate dies after attack by 2 other inmates: CDCR

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET)  Prison officials said an inmate was attacked and killed Friday allegedly by two other inmates at Kern Valley State Prison in Delano.

The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation said inmates Raymond Rojas, 25 and Tyler Ostertag, 29, are accused of attacking Johnny Victor, 66, with a makeshift weapon at around 10:43 a.m. Friday. Staff at the prison were able to stop the attack and restrained Rojas and Ostertag.

Victor was treated for injuries at a facility at the prison and was later pronounced dead.

Victors death is being investigated as a homicide by investigators at the prison and the Kern County District Attorneys Office.

The Kern County Coroner will determine an official cause and manner of death.

Bakersfield politicians respond to Gov. Newsoms threats to cut homelessness funding

Victor was serving a sentence of life with the possibility of parole for attempted second-degree murder. He had been incarcerated since 1987.

Rojas is serving a sentence of life with the possibility of parole since 2022 for multiple convictions including discharge of a weapon causing great bodily injury or death, weapons possession, second-degree robbery.

Ostertag is serving a life sentence with the possibility of parole for a conviction of second-degree murder since 2019.

Kern Valley State Prison is located in Delano  about 37 miles north of Bakersfield. The prison was built in 2005 and houses more than 3,300 inmates.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KGET 17.
Kids back to school safety expo kicks off this Saturday in Millcreek Township

A popular, informative family event is taking place in Millcreek Township on Saturday morning.

A kids back-to-school safety expo will be held from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Corner Grounds  located at the intersection of Peninsula Drive and 12th Street.

Philharmonic gifted new property in downtown Erie

This is a free event organized by Pennsylvania State Representative Ryan Bizzarros office that will feature a wide variety of safety demonstrations and presentations for children.

Activities include a Touch a Truck section, archery demonstrations, an 18-foot inflatable slide and much more.

Meet up with some furry friends as Corgi Fest returns this weekend

Parents will also have an opportunity to learn and gather information with medical teams from LECOM on-site.

Even if you forgot to take a look and educate your children in certain ways, being that this is back to school targeted, its something that. oh I really should be discussing this or oh great heres an opportunityEven if youve discussed it, you can be close to the equipment that youre talking about or you can meet the people that drive the equipment so you can get to know that theyre real people and not just the people behind the uniform, said Susan Prichard, organizer from state Rep. Bizzarros office.

Bags of school supplies and water bottles will be given away to the first 250 children.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJET/WFXP/YourErie.com.
Belton, Tx (FOX44)  A 22-year old Killeen man has been sentenced to 50 years in prison after entering into a plea deal in two murders.

John Ricardo Scott, Jr has been in the Bell County Jail being held without bond since his arrest. Court papers state that Scott appeared in 264th District Court and waived his rights and pled guilty to each indictment.

He had been charged in the January 17, 2022 shooting death of Ty Andre Gentle who as killed as he sat in his car stopped at a traffic light on the access road of Central Texas Expressway at Indian Trail in Harker Heights.

Witnesses told police another car pulled up behind the victim and and two men each fired several shots one from a handgun and one from a rifle. The victim was hit several times, and several bullet holes were put in the car.

Authorities arrested Scott in Warton County on February 11, 2022.

He was also charged in the November 15, 2021 death of Dominick Nicholson who was shot to death in a parking lot in the 600 block of Hallmark in Killeen during what police said was a robbery connected with a marijuana deal.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KWKT - FOX 44.
Composite of Macy's Day July 4th fireworks display near the Empire State Building, people viewing a drone light show in Florida, and people wearing masks while watching fireworks in New York City.

Theyre blowing up patriotism.

Drones should replace fireworks at the annual Macys Fourth of July show, according to a scientist and co-author of an explosive new study bashing the cherished holiday tradition as a public health concern.

In the ideal situation, if we wanted to protect our health as best as possible, lets replace fireworks with drones, said David Luglio, a postdoctoral fellow at Tulane University who co-authored a new pollution study, published this week in the Journal of Exposure Science & Environmental Epidemiology.

A scientist recommended replacing the Fourth of July fireworks display with drones over public health concerns. Getty Images

At the very least, those who gather in person to watch the displays should consider wearing COVID masks, according to the new paper, which found microscopic pollutant levels briefly rocketed 23,500% in Midtown after the 2023 Macys July 4th show on the East River.

Wearing an N95 or KN95 mask is a good way to avoid inhaling smoke when standing near a display, especially for children and for those with preexisting heart and lung problems, said co-author Antonio Saporito, a doctoral student at NYU Grossman School of Medicine.

Critics, however, were ablaze over the idea of replacing the beloved Independence Day fireworks shows with a banal drone display.

As usual, environmentalists reveal they are little more than killjoys, said City Council Minority Leader Joe Borelli (R-Staten Island).

Bay Ridge resident George Smith said he would be offended if he saw buzzing drones rather than awesome pyrotechnics.

Several New Yorkers were outraged over the idea of swapping the traditional pyrotechnics on July 4 with drones. Jonah Hinebaugh/Naples Daily News/USA Today Network-Florida / USA TODAY NETWORK

Its a tradition! A patriotic tradition! roared Smith, 49.

Last years Independence Day display set off roughly 60,000 shells over the East River, causing the concentration of airborne pollutants to jump to 3,528 micrograms per cubic meter at East 34th Street and 1st Avenue in Manhattan 30 minutes after the event ended. Fifteen micrograms per cubic meter is the daily average for the city, the experts said.

At three other sites near the East River, just north of Stuyvesant Town and in Long Island City, Queens, airborne pollution levels were more than double or even triple the June 2023 concentration of 460 micrograms per cubic meter recorded when smoke from Canadian wildfires turned the Big Apple skies post-apocalyptic orange. It was unclear when the concentrations returned to baseline levels at these sites.

Scientists suggested wearing COVID masks when viewing fireworks due to potential health concerns from the flares emissions. Christopher Sadowski

Exposure to high concentrations of such particles can aggravate asthma and emphysema, and increases the risk of respiratory infections, according to the recent study.

Inhaling the pollutants also is strongly correlated to heart disease, the researchers wrote.

A Macys spokesperson said the company works closely with government agencies to follow applicable laws and regulations when producing and executing its annual fireworks display.
Ukraine's Bureau of Economic Security reported on Aug. 9 that it changed the previously announced suspicion of oligarch Ihor Kolomoisky.

Kolomoisky, one of Ukraine's most infamous business tycoons, was arrested on Sept. 2, 2023, for alleged fraud, illegal acquisition of property, and money laundering related to his oil and gas holdings. He is the wealthiest businessman to have landed behind bars in Ukraine's independent history.

Kolomoisky's suspicion was amended to include another accusation of official forgery and specify "mechanisms of committing crimes," according to the bureau's press release.

The accusation concerns illegal actions with bank documents allegedly conducted by Kolomoisky to embezzle Hr 5.3 billion (around $129 million)

In the new text of the suspicion, the prosecutor elaborates that part of the money Kolomoisky allegedly embezzled and transferred to his account, some Hr 2 billion ($48 million), was formed at the expense of loans from PrivatBank, a Ukrainian bank formerly owned by Kolomoisky.

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The bureau also said its detectives proved that Kolomoisky had organized the illegal seizure of more than Hr 3.3 billion ($ 80 million) from Ukrnafta, Ukraine's largest oil producer previously affiliated with the oligarch.

"In particular, the bureau established that the suspect organized the seizure of the funds of the joint-stock company by concluding fictitious contracts for works that were not actually performed," added the report.

The Prosecutor General's Office announced on May 8 that Kolomoisky was also suspected of ordering the murder of the head of a law firm more than 20 years ago in Crimea.

Kolomoisky, together with five associates, was charged by the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) with embezzling Hr 9.2 billion ($223 million) from PrivatBank, the NABU announced on Sept. 7, 2024.

In 2016, the Ukrainian government nationalized PrivatBank, the country's largest bank - when Kolomoisky co-owned it, the bank's fraudulent activities left a $5.5 billion hole in its ledger.

Read also: Oligarch Kolomoisky is behind bars. How did he get there and can he find a way out?





Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
LA mayor promises car-free 2028 Games but needs 3,000 buses to do it

Mayor of Los Angeles Karen Bass attends an event during the 2024 Paris Olympic Games in France. Marcus Brandt/dpa

Los Angeles mayor Karen Bass is adamant that the vehicle-mad city can go car-free at the 2028 Summer Olympics.

LA organizers held a press conference on the penultimate day of the Paris Games on Saturday to further explain their concept four years' from now.

The Californian metropolis is famous for its raft of highways and few Americans choose to get around without a car. But Bass believes her goal is achievable, but only with a lot of buses thrown in.

We're already working to create jobs by expanding our public transportation system in order for us to have a no-car Games. That's a feat in Los Angeles - we've always been in love with our cars," she said.

"But we're already working to ensure we can build a greener Los Angeles. No-car Games means that you will have to take public transportation to get to all the venues.

"In order to do that, we have been building out our transportation system. That's not going to be enough. We're going to need 3,000 buses that we will borrow from all around the country."

She said the 1984 Games in the city surprised many residents by not causing traffic jams, while the coronavirus pandemic and working from home have also changed some habits. Staggering the start time of the city's workforce, which happened in 1984, is set to be repeated.

Battling homelessness and creating local opportunities are also key goals for LA 2028.
Los Angeles mayor Karen Bass is adamant that the vehicle-mad city can go car-free at the 2028 Summer Olympics.

LA organizers held a press conference on the penultimate day of the Paris Games on Saturday to further explain their concept four years' from now.

The Californian metropolis is famous for its raft of highways and few Americans choose to get around without a car. But Bass believes her goal is achievable, but only with a lot of buses thrown in.

We're already working to create jobs by expanding our public transportation system in order for us to have a no-car Games. That's a feat in Los Angeles - we've always been in love with our cars," she said.

"But we're already working to ensure we can build a greener Los Angeles. No-car Games means that you will have to take public transportation to get to all the venues.

"In order to do that, we have been building out our transportation system. That's not going to be enough. We're going to need 3,000 buses that we will borrow from all around the country."

She said the 1984 Games in the city surprised many residents by not causing traffic jams, while the coronavirus pandemic and working from home have also changed some habits. Staggering the start time of the city's workforce, which happened in 1984, is set to be repeated.

Girl power for host city mayors

Battling homelessness and creating local opportunities are also key goals for LA 2028.

"We are going to get Angelenos housed - that is what we have been doing and we're going to continue to do that," she said.

"We want to make sure that we're helping small local businesses that are creating local jobs and making lasting environmental and transportation improvements throughout Los Angeles."

Bass sees great symbolism in the handing over of the Olympic flag from Paris to LA in Sunday's closing ceremony.

"Mayor (Anne) Hidalgo is the first woman to serve as mayor of Paris. Being the first woman to serve as mayor of LA, we know that tomorrow we will be sharing a historic moment as I receive the flag from her," she said.

"When we do that exchange of the flag, we will be sending a message to girls all across the world that they can do anything. They can run for the gold, and they can run for office. Or hopefully they'll do both."
MANHATTAN (KSNT)  A local landlord is calling out the Mayor of Manhattan, accusing her of laying hands on his wife during a tenant dispute.

Roger Seymour is part of an LLC which owns several rental properties in the area. Last month, while he and his wife were conducting a move out inspection at one of their Manhattan properties, he says Mayor Susan Adamchak tried to wrestle some personal documents out of his wifes hands, physically attacking her.

Earlier this week he addressed the Manhattan City Commission, calling for Mayor Adamchaks resignation.

It shows we have a great disregard for law, and for personal property rights, and for respect of other individuals, Seymour said. Shes a leader. And as a leader, she failed.

Riley County Police confirm they responded to the call, but the mayor had left the scene by the time officers arrived. 

Manhattan Levee project costs exceed estimates by $21.4m

Its unclear why Mayor Adamchak was at the property. 27 News has reached out to the mayor for comment, but she declined.

For more local news, click here. Keep up with the latest breaking news in northeast Kansas by downloading our mobile app and by signing up for our news email alerts. Sign up for our Storm Track Weather app by clicking here.

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The Pride Parade in the east German town of Bautzen began amid a large police presence on Saturday following protests from right-wing extremists.

According to police, more than 1,000 people came to the town in the state of Saxony for the parade, significantly more than organizers initially expected. However, initial reports said the situation remained largely peaceful.

Simultaneously to the second Pride Parade to be held in Bautzen, a counter-demonstration was registered under the motto, "Against gender propaganda and identity confusion."

The small right-wing extremist party Freie Sachsen (Free Saxons) also called for a protest.

According to initial reports, about 680 counter-demonstrators came to Bautzen.

Major police operation following assessment

Pride celebrates the lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and wider queer community (LGBT+).

It is known as Christopher Street Day (CSD) in Germany, in honour of the 1969 protest against police discrimination that occurred at the Stonewall Inn on Christopher Street in New York and sparked the modern LGBT+ movement.

Ahead of the Pride parade in Bautzen, police were deployed in large numbers, but no major disturbances were recorded.

"When the CSD parade passed the counter-demonstrators, it was loud, but there were no significant incidents," said a police spokeswoman.

In addition to officers from the nearby city of Gorlitz on the Polish border and from Bautzen itself, officers from the federal police and riot police were also deployed, including with dogs.

The spokeswoman did not provide details on the number of officers deployed.

Earlier on Saturday, federal police prevented a confrontation between the two groups at Dresden's main railway station with a large operation. Police also checked counter-demonstrators at Bautzen station.

Investigations after hate comments about Pride in Gifhorn

The Pride Parade in the town of Gifhorn in the north-western state of Lower Saxony also continues to be a concern for the police.

Investigations were launched after several hate comments were made on an online article about the event.

Around 2,500 comments under a Facebook post were saved by an editorial team, the police reported, many of which reportedly contained insults and threats.

The editorial team eventually removed the article.

Closing party cancelled for safety reasons

In Bautzen, the Pride organizers cancelled a planned closing party the previous day, citing safety concerns.

"In the short amount of time, we did not have the necessary resources to secure the party and protect people," co-organizer Jonas Loschau told dpa.

He said he received mixed feedback after the cancellation: "There were some people who expressed their concern to us, but at the same time, many also showed solidarity with us. That was nice to see."

Organizers request that people stay in groups

Loschau, who sits on the city council and district council of Bautzen for the Greens, said it was sad that such events always needed to be secured by police and private security forces.

"This has become a permanent state and a terrible sign," he said.

However, after discussions with police, Loschau expressed confidence that the Pride participants would be safe.

"The police will also accompany people arriving and departing at the station," Loschau said.

Nevertheless, he recommended that people travel to and from the city only in groups.

Saxony's justice minister shocked

Saxony's Justice Minister Katja Meier said she could not believe that an event had to be cancelled due to the tense situation and strong mobilization by right-wing extremists.

"Hate and incitement against queer people are expressions of inhumane ideologies that have no place in our society," the Green politician said.

Police accompany right-wing demonstrators during the CSD Christopher Street Day parade. Sebastian Willnow/dpa

People take part in the CSD Christopher Street Day parade. Sebastian Willnow/dpa
The Pride Parade in the east German town of Bautzen began amid a large police presence on Saturday following protests from right-wing extremists.

According to police, more than 1,000 people came to the town in the state of Saxony for the parade, significantly more than organizers initially expected. However, initial reports said the situation remained largely peaceful.

Simultaneously to the second Pride Parade to be held in Bautzen, a counter-demonstration was registered under the motto, "Against gender propaganda and identity confusion."

The small right-wing extremist party Freie Sachsen (Free Saxons) also called for a protest.

According to initial reports, about 680 counter-demonstrators came to Bautzen.

Major police operation following assessment

Pride celebrates the lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and wider queer community (LGBT+).

It is known as Christopher Street Day (CSD) in Germany, in honour of the 1969 protest against police discrimination that occurred at the Stonewall Inn on Christopher Street in New York and sparked the modern LGBT+ movement.

Ahead of the Pride parade in Bautzen, police were deployed in large numbers, but no major disturbances were recorded.

"When the CSD parade passed the counter-demonstrators, it was loud, but there were no significant incidents," said a police spokeswoman.

In addition to officers from the nearby city of Gorlitz on the Polish border and from Bautzen itself, officers from the federal police and riot police were also deployed, including with dogs.

The spokeswoman did not provide details on the number of officers deployed.

Earlier on Saturday, federal police prevented a confrontation between the two groups at Dresden's main railway station with a large operation. Police also checked counter-demonstrators at Bautzen station.

Police accompany right-wing demonstrators during the CSD Christopher Street Day parade. Sebastian Willnow/dpa

Police accompany right-wing demonstrators during the CSD Christopher Street Day parade. Sebastian Willnow/dpa
The estate of a man who died in the Gaston County Jail in 2022 filed a lawsuit against the sheriff and county on Aug. 2, alleging negligence.

Dillon Raymond Teague, 29, who was being held on misdemeanor offenses and a probation violation, suffered a medical emergency on Aug. 3, 2022, just days after being placed in the Gaston County Jail.

Each of three claims in the case is seeking compensatory damages of over $75,000, in addition to other damages as allowed by North Carolina law, attorneys fees, and any other relief the court deems necessary. The lawsuit was filed in U.S. District Court in the Western District of North Carolina.

According to the complaint, Mr. Teague called for help from deputy jailers, but his calls for assistance were ignored.

Shortly after, he went into cardiac arrest and was transported to CaroMont Regional Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead.

The complaint alleges that the jail staff failed to conduct the required supervision rounds and neglected to provide the necessary medical care, contributing to Teagues death.

Defendants failure to keep continuous custodial supervision of Mr. Teague was a direct and proximate cause of Mr. Teagues death, the complaint states.

The North Carolina Division of Health Service Regulation investigated the incident and found that jail officers were not supervising inmates as required by the states administrative code, according to the complaint.

Specifically, officers missed two supervision rounds in Teagues block and left inmates alone for more than 40 minutes.

The lawsuit names Gaston County, former Sheriff Alan Cloninger, current Sheriff Chad Hawkins, and Deputy Sheriff Becky Cauthran as defendants.

Hawkins did not respond to an email from The Charlotte Observer offering a chance to comment on the lawsuit.

The complaint alleges that the defendants had a custom of failing to provide sufficient competency-based training for detention facility officers and other agents in recognizing when an inmate required immediate medical intervention.
At least 100 dead in strike on Gaza City school, sources say

People inspect damages following an Israeli strike that killed at least 100 people on a school sheltering displaced Palestinians in Gaza City. Khaled Daoud/APA Images via ZUMA Press Wire/dpa

At least 100 people were killed and dozens more were wounded in an Israeli airstrike on a school in Gaza City, according to statements by medical and security sources in the Palestinian territory on Saturday.

The media office of the Hamas-controlled government in Gaza said that Israel's army attacked the Al-Tabeen school, which was being used as a shelter for displaced persons, during the Islamic morning prayers.

Dozens of the victims were burned to death in the attack, according to the office.

Qatari-based broadcaster Al Jazeera also reported more than 100 dead, citing the Palestinian civil defence agency.

The information could not be independently verified.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said earlier that the country's air force "precisely struck Hamas terrorists operating within a Hamas command and control center embedded in the Al-Taba'een school and located adjacent to a mosque in Daraj Tuffah, which serves as a shelter for the residents of Gaza City."

The IDF said that the centre "served as a hideout for Hamas terrorists and commanders," adding that a number of attacks against Israel were "planned and advanced" from the location.

Militants were reportedly hit in the strike. The Israeli army did not provide any information on casualties in the statement it posted on Telegram.

The military said that "numerous steps were taken to mitigate the risk of harming civilians" as it accused Palestinian militant organization Hamas of "systematically [violating] international law and [operating] from within civilian shelters, brutally exploiting the civilian population and institutions as human shields for their terror activities."

The information could not be independently verified.

After the outbreak of the Gaza war on October 7, school operations in the sealed-off coastal area were suspended. Most schools now serve as emergency shelters for displaced persons.

Around 85% of the population of the Gaza Strip has been forced to leave their homes as a result of the conflict.

The war in Gaza was triggered by an unprecedented massacre in which more than 1,200 people in Israel were killed by Hamas and other militant groups on October 7 and 250 hostages were taken to the Gaza Strip.

In Israel's air and ground offensive in Gaza, more than 39,600 people have died, according to the Hamas-run Health Ministry.

Israel has come under international criticism given the high number of civilian casualties and dire humanitarian situation in Gaza

People sit following an Israeli strike that killed at least 100 people on a school sheltering displaced Palestinians in Gaza City. Khaled Daoud/APA Images via ZUMA Press Wire/dpa
At least a half dozen injured after car hits MBTA bus in Cambridge

Several people were injured after a vehicle crashed into an MBTA bus in Cambridge Friday afternoon.

Shortly before 5:00 p.m., a woman driving a Volkswagen attempted to turn left at the intersection of Mass Ave and Goldstar Road and hit the Route 77 bus, MBTA Transit Police said.

MBTA police say 8-10 of the passengers say they were injured in the crash. None of the injuries are considered life-threatening.

MBTA police are investigating the crash.

The front window of the bus was smashed in the collision.

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PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN)  As of Saturday afternoon, crews have managed to line the Lee Falls Fire burning near Hagg Lake, dropping some evacuation levels.

At around 9:30 p.m. Friday, the Gaston Fire District announced on social media that the fire was 100% lined, meaning a control line had been set up around the fires perimeter.

As a result, all evacuations from the town of Cherry Grove have been reduced to Level 2 Be Set.

Resources stretched thin amid ongoing wildfires across Oregon

For the most up-to-date evacuation zones, residents can visit the Oregon Department of Emergency Management Map.

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Nearby Henry Hagg Lake is also temporarily closed so aircraft can assist with firefighting efforts.

Officials say the wildfire started around 11 a.m. Thursday, prompting the evacuation notices that afternoon as it grew uphill and put several homes in jeopardy. The inferno has since grown to at least 280 acres with 75% containment as of Friday morning.

According to Derek Gasperini, a public affairs officer with the Oregon Department of Forestry, the fires location is not only amid a wildlife habitat and a watershed, but on a working forest, which the communities rely on for timber.

Its productive and production timber for private landowners. Theres a mill just south of Hagg Lake where timber is cut, milled and sold, he said. So the timber and surrounding area really provides a lot of natural resource benefit for the community and for the economy of Oregon.

So far, no reports have been made for any structures damaged or destroyed by the fire.

However, the Oregon State Fire Marshals Office said said at least four people have been injured in the fire so far, including two firefighters, one contractor and one civilian.

The cause of the fire is currently under investigation.

Stay with KOIN 6 News as we continue our wildfire coverage.

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Letters to the Editor: Do DNC protesters understand they could help reelect Donald Trump?

Hatem Abudayyeh, a lead organizer of a planned protest at the Democratic National Convention, stands outside the United Center in Chicago, where the DNC will be held, on July 19. (Alex Garcia / For The Times)

To the editor: Reading The Times' lengthy article on the upcoming protests planned for the Democratic National Convention in Chicago, I searched in vain for an explanation about why these "tens of thousands" of demonstrators didn't take their totally legitimate concerns about the Palestinians, reproductive and LGBTQ+ rights, police repression in minority communities, the treatment of immigrants and the state of our climate to the Republican convention in Milwaukee last month.

Do they honestly believe that their concerns are more threatened by Democrats? Don't the organizers know their way to Milwaukee?

How counterproductive to stage a spectacle of conflict at the gates of the very political party that might actually do something to ameliorate these injustices.

"I don't feel there's anything to lose," said Hatem Abudayyeh, a central organizer of the protest, in your article. How about the election in November? A GOP win would be one heck of a loss for everything these groups care about.

Elyce Wakerman, Sherman Oaks

..

To the editor: Reading this article filled me with despair. I remember the Democrats' 1968 convention all too clearly, and we seem to be headed in a similar misguided direction.

The pro-Palestinian demonstrators, with every good motive, are falling into a trap that may well lead to the reelection of former President Trump. He has threatened mass deportations, and his backers have even talked about camps for immigrants.

Be careful what you wish for.

Suzanne Schechter, Oxnard

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Letters to the Editor: Tim Walz is the 'white male ally' progressive women need

Vice President Kamala Harris and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz campaign at Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport in Michigan on Wednesday. (Adam J. Dewey / Anadolu via Getty Images)

To the editor: On Tuesday, America was introduced to Kamala Harris' vice presidential pick, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz. The Times also recently introduced its readers to 92-year-old reproductive rights activist, Bill Baird. As an 86-year-old, strongly feminist woman, I now see the need to update my thinking on who impedes progress.

Since the 1960s, Baird has plain-spokenly fought for reproductive rights. On Tuesday, when he and Vice President Harris appeared together in Philadelphia, Walz told us the story of his and his wife's use of in-vitro fertilization to have their daughter Hope. He called out Republicans' insistence on controlling women's medical choices, plainly stating, "Mind your own damn business!"

I was suddenly struck by the need to modify my belief that white men are thwarting progress. My bet is there are hundreds of thousands of them ready to disprove this assumption.

I will add "white male ally" to my vocabulary. Electing Harris and Walz will further prove that we can unify over racial and gender divides.

Phyllis Owens, Chatsworth

..

To the editor: Harris has chosen progressive governor Walz as her running mate. Who knows, maybe Harris will look like a moderate standing next to him (I don't think so).

There's another bump in the euphoric momentum for the Harris campaign. "Bump" is actually the correct term, and it may last a few weeks. The problem with momentum is this, it cannot be maintained without a constant input of force.

In the next few weeks, Harris' momentum is going to be eroded. What does Walz stand for? That's simple: He's a very progressive liberal. But he's such a "nice guy." Who cares?

What does Harris stand for? Well, right now that's anyone's guess. I believe Harris is even more of a progressive liberal than Walz, but she won't be able to hide that forever.

That's when the Harris-Walz ticket will start flying on fumes.

Arthur Saginian, Santa Clarita

..

To the editor: "What a normal guy," I thought when I watched Walz make his first appearance as Harris' running mate.

I'd read a few facts about him and was surprised to learn that he and his wife, Gwen, struggled with infertility for seven years before having a successful pregnancy through IVF. Although he checks many boxes that make him seem like a regular guy and an appealing choice for vice president, I was taken aback that he would share this private, now public, information.

One thing is sure: Dealing with infertility requires persistence, tenacity and optimism. I know this from personal experience. He's got my vote.

Susan Cross, Altadena

..

To the editor: Respectfully, I disagree with columnist Mark Z. Barabak that the choice of running mate doesn't really make a difference in whether a presidential ticket wins or loses.

I recall how I really wanted to vote for Republican John McCain in 2008, until he chose Sarah Palin for vice president. She brought down his campaign.

I think Barabak is very wrong about how damaging a bad choice for vice president can be. And, I believe Walz is the right choice for these times.

Laura Norris, San Diego

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Libertarian candidate for Iowa's 1st District Nicholas Gluba appealed to Iowans' opposition of eminent domain in speech at the Iowa State Fair. (Photo by Jack O'Connor/Iowa Capital Dispatch)

Libertarian candidate for Iowas 1st Congressional District Nicholas Gluba vowed to fight eminent domain and U.S. foreign interventions, speaking Saturday at the Des Moines Registers Political Soapbox at the Iowa State Fair.

Gluba, of Lone Tree, who served as a Marine during Operation Iraqi Freedom, said the money the nation has spent on global problems should be invested at home.

There was no purpose for us being [in Iraq], other than to benefit the multibillion-dollar war profiteering corporations, Gluba said. If we save those trillions upon trillions of dollars that we are currently spending enforcing our globalist policy, we could reinvest that into Iowans, into Americans, lift ourselves up and prosper.

Gluba is running against Democrat Christina Bohannan and incumbent Republican Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks. The race is rated as lean Republican by election forecaster Sabatos Crystal Ball.

While no Libertarian has ever won a congressional or presidential election in Iowa, Gluba could play an important role as a spoiler candidate. Some 1st District conservative Iowans unmotivated by Miller-Meeks may look toward the Libertarian on the ballot rather than the Republican.

Gluba works as both a chef at the City of Amanas Price Creek Event Center and a production lead at the City of North Libertys Whirlpool facility.

Gluba received his biggest applause with his attacks against eminent domain, which has become a hot topic following its potential use for a carbon pipeline in Iowa.

They dont need to use eminent domain to take privately held land, from our farmers, from our ranchers, from our citizens to put it in their pipelines, Gluba said.

If elected, Gluba promised to support a bill limiting the use of eminent domain.

Gluba is the first of four Libertarians speaking at the Soapbox. Libertarian candidates Marco Battaglia for the 3rd District, Charles Aldrich for the 4th District and Libertarian presidential candidate Chase Oliver are also scheduled to speak.

Gluba also attacked the Republican Partys recent legal efforts to challenge Libertarian candidates right to appear on the ballot for allegedly not holding party conventions. Gluba added it showed Republican Party officials were scared of the appeal of Libertarian candidates.

Theyre afraid that were going to take out their death grip that the Republicans hold in the state of Iowa, Gluba said.

Iowa Libertarians most consequential fight is likely on the presidential ballot rather than any of the U.S. House races. If Oliver receives 2% of the vote in Iowa, the party will retain its recognized party status.

With recognized party status, Libertarians can participate in primary elections and be included as a party option on voter registration forms. The fight for 2% is expected to be close with a Des Moines Register poll showing 2% of likely voters selecting Oliver for president.

Gluba dismissed concerns about fundraising disparities between himself and the other 1st District candidates.

All the money that Ive gotten was from my friends and family. I dont need hundreds of millions of dollars to drive around the state and talk to people, Gluba said.

Bohannan, the Democrat in Glubas race, will speak at 1:30 p.m. Saturday while Miller-Meeks is not scheduled to speak at the Iowa State Fair.

More soap box coverage:

U.S. Rep. Zach Nunn emphasizes bipartisan work, calls for border security at state fair

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A Sacramento Superior Court judge sentenced a man Thursday to life in prison after he embarked on a bloody stabbing spree at a Carmichael wellness center that killed two people, including a blind intern, and left another two people severely injured, prosecutors said.

Martin Lackey-Garcia, 44, was convicted last month of two counts of murder and two counts of attempted murder in the February 2020 attack at the Wellness and Recovery Center. A jury also found true special circumstances of multiple murders, prosecutors said.

Lackey-Garcia had arrived to the center to get help, urged by his family, after he told them he was being followed and his phone was hacked, according to Lackey-Garcias opening statements. He represented himself at trial.

The defendant made an unplanned trip to meet with Elizabeth Waits, a rehabilitation mentor, the day of the attack. But Lackey-Garcia became more aggressive through the meeting, prompting Waits to seek help from her co-workers, according to testimony.

A co-worker, Eileen Stanwick, came into the office to help. But Lackey-Garcia killed the 53-year-old by stabbing her at least six times and then turned his blade to receptionist Tracy Drake, who heard Stanwicks screams and ran over, prosecutors said.

Drake suffered multiple stab wounds, which fractured her ribs and collapsed her lung, as Lackey-Garcia mounted his attack. Another employee, 57-year-old Paul McIntyre, who is blind, rushed over using his cane to also help.

But Lackey-Garcia stabbed McIntyre. He died at scene, prosecutors said.

Lackey-Garcia chased the center director, Charles McLellan, outside before slashing his forearm deeply. McLellan lost some function of his hand, according to The Sacramento Bees previous reporting.

Lackey-Garcia was being held at the downtown jail on Friday as he awaits his transfer to state prison.
Life on the US-Mexico border is chaotic. An immigration scholar explains why  and its not for the reasons that some GOP lawmakers claim

As debate over U.S. immigration policy heats up during the 2024 presidential campaign, separating fact from fiction on the U.S.-Mexico border becomes increasingly difficult.

In May 2023, shortly after the end of a public health restriction that allowed U.S. officials to immediately expel asylum-seekers, a team of academic and humanitarian aide colleagues and I went to the Mexican city of Matamoros, just across the Rio Grande from the banks of Brownsville, Texas.

At the time, we didnt encounter the invasion at the border that conservative lawmakers such as Texas Gov. Greg Abbott predicted would happen once the COVID-19 restrictions  officially known as Title 42  expired.

From what we learned, the actual rush of thousands of people across the border occurred in the days before Title 42 was lifted on May 11, 2023. Many migrants told us they saw it as their last chance to cross the U.S. border.

Most people we talked to were waiting in overcrowded, temporary camps in Mexico. They feared that if they tried to cross into the U.S., they would lose their opportunity to seek asylum and would be deported under restrictive polices unveiled during the Biden administration.

The situation at the border has constantly changed ever since. In June 2024, for instance, President Joe Biden signed an executive order limiting the number of asylum seekers at the border to no more than a weekly average of 2,500 migrants. The new restrictions would be lifted once that weekly average dropped to 1,500.

The crackdown came shortly after the election of Mexicos first female president Claudia Sheinbaum whose policies on immigration remain largely unknown.

But the brief period when Title 42 ended is a perfect illustration of the differences between right-wing hysteria and the realities on the ground.

The evolution of US border policy

Since the fall of 2019, I have been working at the Mexican border cities of Reynosa and Matamoros  across from McAllen and Brownsville, Texas. That year, the Trump administration had started the Migrant Protection Protocols.

Known as Remain in Mexico, the restrictive policy ended the possibility of asylum for about 70,000 migrants, mostly from Central America. Instead, they were forced to wait in Mexico with little realistic chance of being able to legally enter and stay in the U.S. Anyone who entered the country illegally was deported immediately and barred from applying for asylum for five years.

The border became even more restrictive during the COVID-19 pandemic when Title 42 was implemented in March 2020. It limited entry into the U.S. at the border to U.S citizens and residents.

Traditional ports of entry at the U.S.-Mexico border were closed to asylum-seekers in order to prevent the spread of COVID. For example, those who came to the ports of entry at the international bridges in Reynosa or Matamoros would be turned back at the halfway point and not allowed to touch U.S. soil.

As a result, most of the people whom we talked to in 2023 were waiting in Mexico and fearful.

Inside the asylum camps

Throughout 2020 and 2021, my academic and nonprofit colleagues witnessed migrants toiling in squalid, makeshift camps.

One of the first asylum camps was formed during the last days of the Trump administration across from Brownsville, Texas, in Matamoros, Mexico. The Mexican government allowed faith-based organizations and nongovernment organizations such as Team Brownsville and Solidarity Engineering to bring in tents, food, water and other supplies.

Before long, thousands of individuals  primarily from Central America  were sleeping on the streets next to the international bridge that connected the town to Brownsville.

At one point, the camp had about 3,000 people living in it. There were only two portable toilets.

A migrant cooks dinner in a temporary encampment in Matamoros, Mexico, on May 12, 2023. Joe Raedle/Getty Images

A second, unofficial camp started around the same time in the city square of Reynosa, a town located across the border from Hidalgo, Texas. It also became overrun with people, making it difficult to even walk through the camp. Mothers told us stories of being unable to sleep at night because of the constant fear of sexual assault and violence.

Unlike many refugee camps around the world, these camps often have very little structure, almost no security and little organization. Though there are some portable toilets and, at times, makeshift showers, sanitation is a serious issue. Many people bathe in the nearby Rio Grande.

Food is scarce. Every so often, churches and nonprofit relief groups provide some aid. But it is never enough to meet the demand.

Migrants wait in line for clothes and supplies in a makeshift camp in the border town of Reynosa, Mexico, on July 10, 2021. Paul Ratje/AFP via Getty Images

The most serious issue for those staying at the camps is protection from organized crime and drug cartels. Families with young girls were especially concerned, as sexual assaults were reported in the camps.

Women were afraid to venture out at night. Out of desperation, some even sent their children across the U.S. border alone in the hope they would be allowed to stay in the U.S.

As dangerous as that journey was, they believed it was more dangerous for the children to remain in the cartel-filled camps.

Critical choices

Thus far in the 2024 U.S. presidential election, immigration has emerged as one of the top issues among voters.

In this polarized political environment, it would be easy for those across the political spectrum to conclude that the border is chaotic and needs to be closed.

In my view, closing the border permanently  as former President Donald Trump and other right-wing lawmakers have sought to do  would be a mistake and not in the best interests of national security, the U.S. economy and, ultimately, the lives of asylum-seekers.

As a researcher who has spent countless hours with asylum-seekers and other migrants, I believe that restrictive policies  from either Trump or Biden  are helpful only to organized crime, which is often controlling immigration on the ground along the U.S.-Mexico border.

This often puts asylum-seekers in great danger, both from direct violence from the cartels and from the harsh terrain they must traverse to avoid detection by immigration officials.

If Trump returns to the White House or U.S. President Joe Biden chooses to take a harsher stance, more restrictive border policies could force people who have already fled their homelands to either stay in cartel-controlled camps or risk dying trying to enter the U.S. illegally.

This article is republished from The Conversation, a nonprofit, independent news organization bringing you facts and trustworthy analysis to help you make sense of our complex world. It was written by: William McCorkle, College of Charleston

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William McCorkle does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
Limestone County Coroner identifies man found after fire in May

HUNTSVILLE, Ala. (WHNT)  The Limestone County Coroner has identified a man found after a fire on Highway 72 back in May.

Limestone County Coroner identified the man as 70-year-old Rohn E. Pruett. He said Pruett was identified by the Alabama Department of Forensics through DNA.

Alabama Ethics Commission says Decatur Mayor Bowling committed violation

According to the Huntsville Police Department (HPD), the remains later identified as Pruetts were originally found in the early morning hours of May 3 after a fire on Highway 72.

HPD told News 19 at the time that at around 2:30 a.m. on May 3 officers responded to a call of a dead person near 29900 Hwy 72.

The department said Limestone County originally had a fire call at that location before the Pruetts remains were found.

West said Pruetts cause of death is still pending at this time.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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Officers from the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department rushed to clear roads and secure the perimeter of a hospital that had been placed on standby to treat President Joe Biden for a medical issue last month, according to radio transmission recordings obtained by the Daily Beast.

It remains unclear what exactly the undisclosed medical issue was, though the White House announced later that day he had been diagnosed with COVID-19.

Meet at the Valley Hospital ER parking lot. Were going to meet behind the ER entrances, where the ambulances go, an officer says in one of the transmissions, which were sent to the Daily Beast in response to a public records request to the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department.

The radio transmissions were broadcast on July 17, after the president abruptly canceled a speaking engagement on a campaign trip in Las Vegas, Nevada, where he was set to address Hispanic voters at the UnidosUS event.

At 2:15 p.m. local time the same day, the University Medical Center (UMC) hospital was alerted of an unspecified medical emergency involving Biden, which was first reported by KSNV Las Vegas.

While details about the emergency were scant, Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department (LVMP) quickly mobilized outside the hospital, securing a perimeter around the facility.

Again, any available units, come down here to Valley Hospital right now, the officer who made the initial broadcast about the president said. When another officer tells him he has four units on route, he responds: I need more.

I need to get all the major interactions shut down, but lights shut down from Desert Inn all the way down to Russell start with the big ones, an officer said, citing the POTUS movement in one of his transmissions. All officers must be decked out in readily identifiable police gear, he adds.

Meanwhile, UMCs staff stood ready, hospital CEO Mason Van Houweling told KSNV at the time, setting up an incident command center in anticipation of the presidents arrival.

We knew we were dealing with more of a medical issuedefinitely trauma and any accidents were off the table. So again, we shifted gears to be able to address a medical need here at UMC, Van Houweling said.

In one of the radio transmissions shared with the Daily Beast, a police officer warns that we gotta take this one slow cause we dont have a lot of resources to make it work.

Everybody just keep in mind safety, safety, safety. If it doesnt look good, dont do it no one gets hurt.

Biden was never admitted to the hospital, however. Instead, the president was taken directly to the airport, where he boarded Air Force One and departed Las Vegas for Delaware.

In another set of police radio broadcastswhich appear to feature LVMPD officers assisting the Secret Service as Biden was being driven to the airportan officer asks: Do we know if the Secret Service has drones flying over the stratosphere right now?

Bidens Staff Wept in Shock and Learned He Was Dropping Out From Social Media

Towards the end of one recording, an officer thanks his units for how they handled the incident.

All my units at the airport, be advised that the motorcade is at Air Force One, he says. I just wanna let everybody know. Great work out there. You know we put that together ad hoc appreciate all the resources coming over. You guys did a fantastic job that looked like we had planned it for weeks, so great job everybody.

A week later, the LVMPD released a statement saying that they had been informed that the president was sick without further details, adding that they had proactively started clearing roads to the hospital.

Addressing Bidens sudden departure from Nevada, the White House released a statement on July 17 saying that the president had been diagnosed with COVID.

Earlier today following his first event in Las Vegas, President Biden tested positive for COVID-19. He is vaccinated and boosted and he is experiencing mild symptoms. He will be returning to Delaware where he will self-isolate and will continue to carry out all of his duties fully during that time, Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said in a statement released later that day.

Biden Gets COVID Hours After Suggesting Hed Quit for Medical Condition

The White House will provide regular updates on the Presidents status as he continues to carry out the full duties of the office while in isolation.

Just four days later, Bidenalready plagued with questions about his apparent frailness and cognitive capacities, made worse by his dismal performance in a debate against Trump on June 27dropped out of the 2024 U.S. presidential race.

While it has been my intention to seek reelection, I believe it is in the best interest of my party and the country for me to stand down and to focus solely on fulfilling my duties as President for the remainder of my term, the president wrote in a letter posted to X.

Biden endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris to run in his stead in a later post that same day. Harris formally secured the Democratic presidential nomination on Aug. 6, and has since selected Minnesota Governor Tim Walz as her running mate.

Harris is set to debate former president Donald Trump, the Republican nominee, for the first time on Sept. 10.

Read more at The Daily Beast.

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Local beekeeper pioneers ingenious conservation model to revive ravaged coastline with help from bees: 'We found that ... awareness is not enough'

Ban Nai Nang, a small coastal village in Thailand, has been "saved by bees," so to speak.

Mongabay reported on a conservation victory there, a place where mangrove forests are an essential way of life. These unique coastal ecosystems sustain local fish and shellfish harvesting, provide habitat for threatened species like sharks, and help to store planet-heating carbon.

Now, the village is helping to protect this vital habitat while earning residents supplemental income as part of a pioneering foray into beekeeping. Today, the village cares for about 1,200 beehives, with 32 families involved in beekeeping.

In 2020, they produced more than 47 gallons of honey  this collectively raised $8,250 from raw honey and processed products like shampoo and lotions, which they sell to hotels and tourists. Each family can make up to $82 per month, which is a significant supplement to their primary incomes, the publication noted.

Meanwhile, those bees  the group first focused on the Asian honey bee, but have now branched out to nearly a dozen native stingless bees  are helping to restore the nearby mangrove forests through pollination services, according to the article. Ten percent of the honey profits also go back into community conservation efforts to support mangrove protection.

This is vitally important, as mangrove coverage in Thailand dropped from about 869,811 acres in 1961 to less than around 395,369 acres by 1996  about 80% of Ban Nai Nang's mangroves had disappeared by the mid-1990s, Suthee Pankawan, president of the village's community enterprise group, told Mongabay.

The country launched mangrove conservation efforts around that time, and today total coverage has rebounded to about 613,810 acres. The publication asserted that community-led mangrove conservation efforts have proved the most effective in Thailand.

Mangroves are an important ecosystem featuring unique trees and shrubs, and they can be found across the world in intertidal zones.

According to The Nature Conservancy, these environments provide natural infrastructure that helps nearby communities by reducing erosion and absorbing storm surge impacts during extreme weather events like hurricanes. The complex root systems provided by mangrove trees and shrubs also help filter nitrates, improving water quality flowing from rivers and streams into the ocean.

They are also important carbon sinks, according to the organization, providing a nature-based solution to the overheating of our planet. Here's TCD's guide to taking local climate action for more information on how to help.

Ban Nai Nang isn't planning on stopping anytime soon. Now, the community is training local schools and other villages on how to follow its community conservation model with bees. So far, they've prepped 15 community groups and plan to expand to four more communities before the end of 2024.

Pankawan noted the importance of offering value to community members when designing conservation programs.

"We found that focusing on conservation work alone and building awareness is not enough," he told Mongabay. "We believe there is a need to have income as an incentive, then sustainability will follow."

Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
WARREN, Ohio (WKBN)  Hundreds of students are now better prepared to tackle the school year thanks to a backpack giveaway in Warren.

Children could take their pick from an assortment of colors and backpack designs at the Warren Family Mission Friday.

Zane Hatfield is glad he got what he wanted.

I chose this bookbag because I love the color red and it just came up to my mind, he said.

Over 500 backpacks were available for families along with school supplies to fill them up.

So its especially important to give our kids the tools that they need to be successful because they are the future of our community, said Dom Mararri, Warren Family Mission director.

The Warren Family Mission backpack giveaway has been happening for about ten years.

Virginia Ellison remembers bringing her five-year-old to one of the first events and now hes fifteen. This year again, it was still necessary.

We were just going to buy him one but tax-free week hit at a bad time between pays. So this is important, Ellison said.

Over 100 volunteers were helping from places like Ultium Cells, Novelis, church groups, the STEAM Academy, and the UAW.

The mission wants to make a difference one life at a time but it cant do that without help.

We had went out and bought over $12,000 worth of book bags in the areas that we lack, that didnt come in on donation, and thats only possible by the generosity of our community, Mararri said.

The backpacks were for children in grades K through 12. It was the second year the Warren Family Mission had over 500 backpacks to give away.

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NORTH JACKSON, Ohio (WKBN)  The Jackson Township Fire Department held a safety demonstration Saturday in North Jackson.

It was for kids in the departments Bluejay Fire Camp, with 12 taking part from fourth through sixth grade last weekend. The campers had the chance to learn about EMS firefighting and much more.

At the demonstration, kids were shown how to cut open a car to help people trapped inside. The departments goal is to get them interested in the firefighting field.

Tino DiCenso contributed to this report.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKBN.com.
Supporters of the DACA program rally outside the U.S. Supreme Court. (Robin Bravender/ States Newsroom Washington Bureau)

LINCOLN  A Latino caucus of Nebraska Democrats on Friday said it strongly condemns Nebraska Attorney General Mike Hilgers role in a lawsuit aimed at stopping the Biden administration from allowing DACA recipients access to health care via the Affordable Care Acts insurance marketplace.

The Latinx Caucus of the Nebraska Democratic Party issued a statement in response to the multi-state lawsuit filed Thursday and led by Kris Kobach, Hilgers counterpart in Kansas. Attorneys general representing 15 conservative-led states, including Nebraska, signed onto the suit.

Their legal action challenges the federal rule issued by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services that on Nov. 1 opens taxpayer-subsidized health plans under the ACA to the recipients of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, a federal program that offers temporary relief from deportation and work permission to eligible undocumented immigrants who came to the U.S. as children.

The Nebraska Democratic Partys Latinx Caucus said that with the Republican-led lawsuit, Hilgers and counterparts are fabricating a problem when you factor in Dreamers contributions.

DACA recipients, also called Dreamers, pay state and federal taxes, the caucus noted.

Dreamers

The Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program was established in 2012 by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. DACA provides temporary relief from deportation, along with work authorization, to eligible and vetted undocumented immigrants who came to the U.S. as children. Also referred to as Dreamers, DACA recipients do not have permanent legal status.

They contribute millions to local economies and represent all industries and walks of life, the groups statement said. For thousands in our state, Nebraska is the only home they have ever known.

About 2,450 active DACA recipients live in Nebraska, according to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service.

Kobach, a Republican, has built a political career focused often on legal issues tied to undocumented immigrants, including cases in Nebraska. He said DACA recipients shouldnt receive taxpayer benefits when they arrive, and the Biden-Harris administration shouldnt get a free pass to violate federal law. Thats why I am leading a multi-state lawsuit to stop this illegal regulation from going into effect.

Hilgers on Thursday said in a statement that hardworking Nebraska taxpayers shouldnt be forced to subsidize big-government health plans for those who are here illegally.

The Latinx caucus said Hilgers and others do not get a free pass on attacking our Latino community and their well-being. Health is a right that should be afforded to all those who contribute to our state and Dreamers are a significant part of the solution.

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MIDLAND, Texas (KMID/KPEJ)  The City of Midland announced Friday that a new Costco would be coming to the Tall City. Construction is expected to begin next June and conclude by August 2026. Local residents reacted positively to the news.

Ive been to Costco in Houston when I lived there, Tommie Haislip said. Lots of people from here go to Lubbock just to go to Costco, so I think its good to have a place like that thats convenient and another option for shopping.

Im very excited, Evelynn Valles said. I feel like they have more of a variety than Sams.

Im very dedicated to a Costco membership, said Rikki Lake. Ive never been able to actually have one because Ive never resided in a city where its been available.

The new store is expected to open between Highway 191 and a new section of Sinclair Avenue.

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Susan Wojcicki, Chief Executive Officer of YouTube, speaks at a discussion panel at the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting in Davos-Klosters. Long-time YouTube boss Susan Wojcicki dead at 56 from lung cancer. Mattias Nutt/World Economic Forum/dpa

Long-time YouTube boss Susan Wojcicki, who played a key role in Google's history on several occasions, died on Friday at the age of 56 from lung cancer.

She had been living with the disease for two years, Google chief executive Sundar Pichai wrote in an email to employees. Wojcicki had stepped down as head of the video platform last year in order to focus on her health.

The former Intel manager rented out her garage to Google's two founders, Larry Page and Sergey Brin in 1998. She was one of the company's first employees - and helped establish the way Google displays advertising, which is how the company makes money. She is also regarded as a driving force behind the purchase of DoubleClick, which cemented Google's leading position in the online advertising market in the United States.

Pichai recalled that as one of the first "Googlers" Wojcicki used her position to help others. She was the first to take maternity leave at the company. Her advocacy on the issue helped set a new parental leave standard for businesses everywhere, Google's chief wrote.

A few years after its foundation, Wojcicki oversaw Google's own video service - and recommended the company buy the start-up YouTube for $1.65 billion in 2006.

Under Google's ownership, YouTube became the world's largest video platform. Wojcicki then took over the management of YouTube in 2014.

In his email, Pichai acknowledged Wojcicki's kindness, recalling how she took him out for an ice cream and gave him a tour of the Google campus.
Loud thumping noise heard before Southwest planes emergency landing in Fresno

FRESNO, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE)  A Southwest Airlines flight headed from Santa Ana to Sacramento on Wednesday was diverted to Fresno after what the company described as a maintenance indication  but one of the passengers on board said it was a bit more than that.

Southwest Airlines Flight 3113 made an emergency landing Wednesday morning at Fresno Yosemite International Airport. A passenger on that flight told YourCentralValley.com everything was fine when the flight began, but soon began to hear a very loud thumping noise.

Southwest flight makes emergency landing at Fresnos airport

Mid-flight, I was sitting on the right-hand side of the plane directly over the right engine, just in front of it, so I could see the full engine. As we were flying we started hearing a very loud thumping noise.

The passenger then described looking forward at the flight attendant and described fear washing over her face.

She immediately stopped what she was doing and got on the phone.

According to the passenger, the captain said there was an engine failure and that they were going to land in Fresno.

After the captain made that statement, the flight attendant came back to where I was sitting and she asked the people behind me to open up their window shade and said the captain asked me to come see if we can see anything on the engine.

According to the passenger, when the plane landed there was a bit of applause. FlightAware.com describes the plane used that day as a Boeing 737-700 (twin jet).

A picture taken by the passenger after the plane landed in Fresno.

In a statement released by Southwest Airlines on the day of the emergency landing, officials said their pilots received a maintenance indication while en route to Sacramento. No injuries were reported and Southwest Airlines organized another aircraft to take the passengers to their destination.

YourCentralValley.com has requested a further statement from Southwest Airlines in response to the passengers description of what happened.

The incident took place less than two weeks after another Southwest Airlines flight was forced to make another emergency landing at Fresno Yosemite International Airport.

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New Louisiana state commander wants to young veterans to know VFW is here to help them

So many times when new state commander for the Veterans of Foreign Wars Department of Louisiana Debbie McElhannon talks to young veterans about joining the VFW, they think its an old mans drinking club.

I'm like, Do I look like an old man? 'Well, no. and I'm like, OK then, she said in an interview at the Hotel Bentley in downtown Alexandria where the VFW is hosting their statewide Council of Administration and School Instruction this weekend.

McElhannon of VFW Post 9854 in Vinton is the second female in Louisiana to hold the state commander office. What she wants to do is bring to light that the VFW is open to veterans of any age, race or gender who served in combat situations.

I'm trying to squash some of those myths, trying to get rid of some of those myths, that people have associated with the VFW, she said. Most of the VFWs today dont have lounges that most associate with the organization.

We're trying to get people to understand that we're here to help veterans and not just go hang out, said McElhannon.

Debbie McElhannon is the second female to be the state commander for the Veterans of Foreign Wars Department of Louisiana.. What she wants to do is let others know that the VFW is open to veterans of any age, race or gender who served in combat situations.

She and the president of the Auxiliary are involved in a joint program called Brothers and Sisters in Arms Service Dogs.

It's to help veterans and first responders and their dependents, she said. If a doctor says they need a service dog, the program will provide one and the training.

Our big thing is, we're trying to cut down on suicides so we're made on suicide awareness, said McElhannon. If somebody needs to talk, if they get to that point, yes, we will sit down and hang out with them and talk to them and get them the help that they need.

Suicide is an issue that the VFW wants shed light on because the number is much larger than those who have never been in the military.

There also some legislation that some of her counterparts are working on and trying to get passed.

We want to just continue with that, she said. Continue to get the VA to do what they need to do for the veterans here in Louisiana.

McElhannon is a lieutenant colonel in the Army Reserves since 1998. She was enlisted for 13 years and then later on became an officer.

Before joined the reserves, she was a diesel mechanic the Marine Corps for six years. After meeting her husband, he didnt want to move around so she joined the reserves, switched to finance then to logistics.

I signed up during Desert Storm, but we were not finished with training by the time it ended, she said.

Shes been deployed three times. Her first deployment was going back and forth between Kuwait and Iraq. Her second was only to Iraq and her third to Afghanistan.

For more information on VFW programs and assistance they provide, visit the Veterans of Foreign Wars Department of Louisiana website vfwdeptla.org.

This article originally appeared on Alexandria Town Talk: New Louisiana state commander: VFW's mission is to help veterans
Measles typically begins with high fever, cough, runny nose and red, watery eyes. Two or three days after symptoms begin, tiny white spots (might appear inside the mouth of a patient. Three to five days after symptoms begin, a rash breaks out that usually begins as flat red spots that appear on the face at the hairline and spread downward to the neck, torso, arms, legs and feet. (Canva)

An international visitor to New Orleans has been diagnosed with measles, the third such case of the vaccine-preventable virus in Louisiana this year, according to the state health department.

The patient was not fully vaccinated and was exposed to measles outside of the U.S., the Louisiana Department of Health reported Friday.

The states Office of Public Health is working to find those who came in contact with the infected person who was staying at the Ramada by Wyndham New Orleans hotel on Chef Menteur Highway.

Anyone who was at the hotel Wednesday, Aug. 7, might have been exposed to measles and are at risk for developing symptoms within 21 days of exposure, health officials said.

The patient is in isolation and has received treatment at a hospital in the New Orleans region, according to the health department.

All three measles cases in Louisiana in 2024 have been reported in the New Orleans area.

In February, two people who had recently traveled out of state were diagnosed with the highly infectious disease. Neither was vaccinated.

Measles can spread rapidly among who have not had the measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) vaccine, which has been in use since 1971 and proven highly effective at nearly eradicating the diseases.

The MMR vaccine is required for school children in all 50 states and Washington, D.C., although some allow exemptions for medical or other reasons. Misinformation about side effects from vaccines has led to a decline in acceptance rates.

For the 2022-23 school year, the MMR vaccination rate among students was 93.1% based on data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In Louisiana, the rate was 92.2%.

The federal health departments target rate for MMR vaccines, which require two rounds of the shot, is 95% in order to maintain immunity.

Since the COVID-19 pandemic, vaccination rates among school children have been trending downward after holding steady near 95% for the previous 10 years, based on federal data.

As of Aug. 1, 203 confirmed U.S. measles cases across 27 jurisdictions, including 13 outbreaks, have been reported to CDC. Nearly half have resulted in hospitalization.

The U.S. has already far exceeded last years measles case count  58 from 19 states and the District of Columbia.

In extreme cases, measles can lead to death. The virus can be particularly dangerous for babies and young children.
Belarusian strongman Alexander Lukashenko said on Saturday that his country's air defence had been put on full alert following the intrusion of what are believed to be 10 Ukrainian drones into Belarus.

He said Belarus reportedly shot down several of the Ukrainian objects, state media reported, but the ruler did not elaborate in this. The intrusion was said to have occurred on Friday.

"The Ukrainian armed forces violated all rules of behaviour and violated the airspace of the Republic of Belarus," Lukashenko was quoted as saying.

The objects reportedly entered Belarusian airspace in the eastern part of the country in the Kastsyukovichy area, he said.

"We suspect that it was combat drones," Lukashenko said. Aircraft and a helicopter were also deployed alongside the air defence on the ground.

The information could not be independently verified.

Lukashenko, regarded as Europe's last dictator, is one of Russia's most important supporters in its war against Ukraine. At the beginning of the war almost two and a half years ago, Lukashenko allowed Russian troops onto Belarus territory in the south. From there the troops invaded northern Ukraine.
A national delegation from the League of United Latin American Citizens, accompanied by local LULAC members, toured the Automotive Training Center on south campus of the Metropolitan Community College on Aug. 9. It was part of a rare two-day visit to Nebraska by a LULAC "presidential" delegation to meet with business, labor, elected and public safety officials to encourage partnerships. Metro President Randy Schmailzl, right, addresses part of the group, which also heard from Metro Vice President Maria Vazquez. (Cindy Gonzalez/Nebraska Examiner)

OMAHA  Top leaders of the nations oldest and largest Latino civil rights group made a rare visit to Nebraska this week to meet with business and civic officials as they seek to strengthen a local presence and forge new opportunities for Latinos and immigrants.

We see it as the new frontier and growth opportunity for LULAC and Nebraska and the Heartland, said David Cruz, senior advisor and national communications director for the Washington D.C.-based League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC).

Cruz said the trip marks the first to a state chapter for president Roman Palomares since he was elected to his post July 1, a sign he said recognizes Nebraskas strategic importance for the countrys fastest-growing economic and labor demographic.

The two were joined by Hector Flores, past president and senior advisor to the LULAC president.

Used like a pinata

State LULAC director Elsa Aranda of Lincoln said a key meeting was held with Bryan Slone, president of the Nebraska Chamber of Commerce & Industry. The hope, she said, is to develop a pilot program that better taps the immigrant workforce to address the states labor shortage, and perhaps spread that model nationally.

Immigration is being used like a pinata right now politically, said Flores. He said LULAC is interested in ensuring that rights of immigrant workers are respected and in demonstrating how their contributions can contribute to local economies.

The group on Friday toured Metropolitan Community Colleges 100,000-square-foot Automotive Training Center, which opened in late 2021 to prepare students for high-paying careers in the auto industry.

Palomares said he was impressed with the operation. He foresees LULAC working with Metro, whose student population is 18% Latino, to help build upon programming and perhaps bring successful models to other LULAC sites.

My big deal is growing the youth and opportunities for young adults, said Palomares.

While not a new presence in Nebraska, the LULAC advocacy organization, which has 535 councils and 145,000 members nationwide, has recently started to become more active locally.

It identifies as nonpartisan. But after their Omaha meetings, the LULAC team headed to Nevada, where members of the organizations PAC executive board and others planned Saturday to announce their endorsement of Kamala Harris for president.

The political arm of the nearly century-old LULAC, formed in 1929 to protect rights of Americans of Mexican descent, says it marks the organizations first endorsement of any president.

Attention to Nebraska

Within the last year, the national LULAC sent out media releases drawing attention to Nebraska events, including a fatal shooting of two Hispanic men by off-duty Omaha police officers and the Omaha City Councils decision to overlook three highly educated, successful Latino candidates to fill a vacant seat and instead appoint a white male to represent the council district with the highest concentration of Latinos.

The national group also called out the Nebraska Chamber for not inviting LULAC to an earlier event regarding the states immigrant workforce.

Palomares said it was the same general subjects that prompted the visit: underrepresentation of Latinos in elected positions, police relations and immigration.

He said much work is ahead, but that he felt well received by those he met, including Slone, a few Omaha City Council members, a deputy Omaha police chief, Douglas County Commissioner Roger Garcia, State Sen. Tony Vargas of Omaha.

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The village of Lisna Stinka in Kharkiv Oblast. Photo: Screenshot from DeepStateMap

A man was killed in a Russian attack on the village of Lisna Stinka in the Kupiansk district of Kharkiv Oblast on Saturday, 10 August.

Source: Kharkiv Oblast Prosecutor's Office

Quote: "The investigation has found that the enemy targeted the village of Lisna Stinka in the Kupiansk district at around 15:40 on 10 August. An 87-year-old man has been killed.

[The attack caused] damage and destruction to houses.

Early reports indicate that the Russian military hit the village with multiple-launch rocket systems."

Details: Under the procedural supervision of the Kupiansk District Prosecutor's Office of Kharkiv Oblast, a pre-trial investigation was launched into the violation of the laws and customs of war combined with premeditated murder (Article 438.2 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine).



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Man dead after attempted murder-suicide involving mother at El Camino College in Torrance

Man dead after attempted murder-suicide involving mother at El Camino College in Torrance

A man was found dead after an attempted murder-suicide involving his mother took place at El Camino College in Torrance Friday night.

Officers responded to reports of a stabbing at a parking structure near Redondo Beach Boulevard and Stadium Way at around 5:30 p.m., according to the Los Angeles County Fire Department.

Authorities found a woman with multiple stab wounds and a man who was pronounced dead at the scene.

Witnesses said the woman, who was bleeding profusely on the sidewalk, was screaming for help, saying her son had stabbed her. She was rushed to the hospital by paramedics with critical injuries.

Lying on the pavement outside the structure was the male suspects body. Witnesses said the man had reportedly stabbed his mother before running to the fifth floor of the parking structure and jumping to his death.

A man was found dead outside a parking structure at El Camino College after an attempted murder-suicide involving his mother on August 9, 2024. (KTLA)

A man was found dead outside a parking structure at El Camino College after an attempted murder-suicide involving his mother on August 9, 2024. (KTLA)

Paramedics rushed a woman with stab wounds to the hospital after she was allegedly stabbed by her son in an attempted murder-suicide at El Camino College in Torrance on August 9, 2024. (TNLA)

A man was found dead outside a parking structure at El Camino College after an attempted murder-suicide involving his mother on August 9, 2024. (KTLA)

Paramedics rushed a woman with stab wounds to the hospital after she was allegedly stabbed by her son in an attempted murder-suicide at El Camino College in Torrance on August 9, 2024. (TNLA)

A man was found dead outside a parking structure at El Camino College after an attempted murder-suicide involving his mother on August 9, 2024. (KTLA)

A jacket and a knife was spotted in a stairwell at the parking structure at El Camino College after an attempted murder-suicide involving a son and his mother on August 9, 2024. (KTLA)

A man was found dead outside a parking structure at El Camino College after an attempted murder-suicide involving his mother on August 9, 2024. (KTLA)

Police investigate the fifth story of the parking structure where the suspect reportedly jumped to his death from. (KTLA)

The deadly incident took place at Parking Lot H at El Camino College in Torrance on August 9, 2024. (KTLA)

El Camino College in Torrance, California. (KTLA)

There was lots of blood everywhere, a witness recalled.

Police shoot and kill man seen fatally stabbing his mother in Irvine

Details remain limited and the circumstances leading up to the deadly incident remain unclear.

Sky5 captured images of what appeared to be a jacket and a knife located in a stairwell at the parking structure.

Staff and students received a text message about the incident that read, An apparent suicide has occurred at Parking Lot H. El Camino College Police is working with the Los Angeles County Sheriffs Department to investigate the matter.

The campus remained closed on Friday night as authorities continued investigating the case.

Neither the suspects nor the victims identities were released.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA.
JACKSON, Miss. (WJTV)  A man was found guilty for trying to kill another man in Jackson.

Hinds County District Attorney Jody Owens announced on Friday that Travia Henderson was convicted of aggravated assault for his attempt to kill Rodriquez Byrd in 2017.

On May 27, 2017, Jackson police found two men had been shot near a home in the 3800 block of Gammill Street. After an argument, investigators said Henderson pulled out a gun and fired shots at Jamie Washington, shooting him multiple times, and shooting Byrd in the foot.

Three wanted in connection to Jackson homicide

Washington died at a location hospital, and Byrd was seriously injured. Henderson was later arrested by police.

Owens said Henderson faces up to 20 years in prison for aggravated assault.

Our office intends to continue to pursue justice for the Washington family by trying his (Travia Henderson) codefendant, Jaylan Henderson, for murder while still holding Travia Henderson accountable, said Owens.

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PRINCE GEORGES COUNTY, Md. (DC News Now)  Police in Prince Georges County were investigating a fatal shooting that happened Friday evening.

The Prince Georges County Police Department (PGPD) responded to a shooting in the 4700 block of Pard Rd. at about 6:30 p.m. Inside a home there, they found a man suffering from gunshot wounds.

Confirmed: 2 tornadoes touched down in DMV region

He died at the scene.

Anyone with information is asked to contact PGPD via Crime Solvers at 1-866-411 or submit a tip through the P3 Tips app.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | Washington, DC.
SALISBURY, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS)  One person is dead and a child has life-threatening injuries following a shooting early Saturday morning, according to the Salisbury Police Department.

Around 5:30 a.m., officers responded to 128 Rowan Mill Road for reports of shots fired. When they arrived, they found a man suffering from a gunshot wound who was later pronounced dead at the scene.

Four injured from southwest Charlotte shooting: Medic

While officers were securing the scene, a child reportedly arrived at a local hospital with gunshot wounds they got from the same incident, officials said. The child was then taken to another hospital where they are in stable condition with life-threatening injuries.

Police say no suspects have been arrested and believe this was not a random incident. Anyone with information should contact Lt. Casper at 704-638-5333.

This is a Developing Story . Check back for updates

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News.
Man seriously injured when car he was working fell on him in Fresno. People came to aid

A man had to be taken to a Fresno hospital Friday afternoon after a vehicle he was working on fell on top of him.

The Fresno Fire Department responded to the 2 p.m. accident in the 300 block of South Chestnut Avenue where they found the victim next to the vehicle under a carport.

Fresno Fire spokesman Joshua Sellers said people helped the man in his 30s by using a jack out to free from under the vehicle.

The victim was taken to the hospital with significant injuries, Sellers said.

Sellers said the man was under the lowered Mercedes working on it when it suddenly fell on him.

His latest condition is not known.
BLAIR COUNTY, Pa. (WTAJ)  A man is in the hospital with severe injuries after he was assaulted early Friday morning in the Blair County Prison.

Blair County District Attorney Pete Weeks confirmed that the assault happened at 3 a.m. on Aug. 9. The man who was assaulted is in the ICU at UPMC Altoona and his family members said he had broken bones in his face and had to be intubated.

Police: Blair County man bought heroin with stolen guns, jewelry

Weeks added that the man was arrested Thursday on a cost and fines warrant, but is questioning as to why the man was moved from Central Booking into the jail. He said that it is unlikely that the warrant would have led him to be jailed by a judge.

When asked about the situation Blair County Prison Warden Abbie Tate said, I dont have any comment, the investigation is ongoing.

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Weeks confirmed that his office is working with the Hollidaysburg Borough Police in the investigation of the assault.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WTAJ - www.wtaj.com.
A man was flown to a local hospital after he was shot in Brighton Township on Friday evening.

Emergency crews were called to Dutch Ridge Road just before 7:30 p.m., a Beaver County 911 supervisor confirms.

Dutch Ridge Road was closed in the area of the shooting on Friday night, but reopened by 7 a.m. Saturday.

Brighton Township police are handling the investigation.

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Manatee County shooting suspect turns self in on upgraded charge after victim dies

Manatee County shooting suspect turns self in on upgraded charge after victim dies

TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA)  A suspect in a fatal shooting last month in the parking lot of a Manatee County bar turned himself in on Friday on an upgraded charge, authorities said.

Jordan Glanz, 27, was initially taken into custody on a charge of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon after stating that he shot Deondrick Anderson, 49, in self defense, according to the Manatee County Sheriffs Office.

The shooting happened after the two men got into a fight July 10 after a crash in the parking lot of Oneco Rose Bar.

Anderson died on July 20, and a warrant was issued for Glanz on an updated charged of second-degree murder, deputies said. The new charge was approved on Thursday.

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Many dozens of Rohingya, including children, killed in drone attack while fleeing Myanmar, witnesses say

FILE PHOTO: People of Maungdaw township of Myanmar are seen from the Teknaf area of Bangladesh, at the Myanmar-Bangladesh border

FILE PHOTO: People of Maungdaw township of Myanmar are seen from the Teknaf area of Bangladesh, at the Myanmar-Bangladesh border

By Shoon Naing, Poppy McPherson and Devjyot Ghoshal

BANGKOK (Reuters) -A drone attack on Rohingya fleeing Myanmar killed many dozens of people, including families with children, several witnesses said, describing survivors wandering between piles of bodies to identify dead and injured relatives.

Four witnesses, activists and a diplomat described drone attacks on Monday that struck down families waiting to cross the border into neighbouring Bangladesh.

A heavily pregnant woman and her 2-year-old daughter were among the victims in the attack, the single deadliest known assault on civilians in Rakhine state during recent weeks of fighting between junta troops and rebels.

Three of the witnesses told Reuters on Friday that the Arakan Army was responsible, allegations the group denied. The militia and Myanmar's military blamed each another. Reuters could not verify how many people had died in the attack or independently determine responsibility.

Videos posted to social media showed piles of bodies strewn across muddy ground, their suitcases and backpacks scattered around them. Three survivors said more than 200 had died while a witness to the aftermath said he had seen at least 70 bodies.

Reuters verified the location of the videos as just outside the coastal Myanmar town of Maungdaw. Reuters was not able to independently confirm the date the videos were filmed.

One witness, 35-year-old Mohammed Eleyas, said his pregnant wife and 2-year-old daughter were wounded in the attack and later died. He was standing with them on the shoreline when drones began attacking the crowds, Eleyas told Reuters from a refugee camp in Bangladesh.

"I heard the deafening sound of shelling multiple times, he said. Eleyas said he lay on the ground to protect himself and when he got up, he saw his wife and daughter critically injured and many of his other relatives dead.

A second witness, Shamsuddin, 28, said he survived with his wife and newborn son. Also speaking from a refugee camp in Bangladesh, he said that after the attack many lay dead and some people were shouting out from the pain of their injuries.

Boats carrying fleeing Rohingya, members of a mostly Muslim minority who face extreme persecution in Myanmar, also sank in the Naf River that separates the two countries on Monday, killing dozens more, according to two witnesses and Bangladesh media.

Medecins Sans Frontieres said in a statement the aid organisation had treated 39 people who had crossed from Myanmar into Bangladesh since Saturday for violence-related injuries, including mortar shell injuries and gunshot wounds. Patients described seeing people bombed while trying to find boats to cross the river, the statement said.

A spokesperson for the United Nations High Commission for Refugees said the agency was aware of the deaths of refugees from the capsize of two boats in the Bay of Bengal and it had heard reports of civilian deaths in Maungdaw but that it could not confirm the numbers or circumstances.

FIGHTING IN THE REGION

The Rohingya have been long persecuted in Buddhist-majority Myanmar. More than 730,000 of them fled the country in 2017 after a military-led crackdown that the U.N. said was carried out with genocidal intent.

Myanmar has been in turmoil since the military seized power from a democratically elected government in 2021, and mass protests evolved into widespread armed struggle.

Rohingya have been leaving Rakhine for weeks as the Arakan Army, one of many armed groups fighting, has made sweeping gains in the north, home to a large population of Muslims.

Reuters has previously reported that the militia burned down the largest Rohingya town in May, leaving Maungdaw, which is under siege by the rebels, as the last major Rohingya settlement aside from grim displacement camps further south. The group denied the allegations.

Activist groups condemned this week's attacks. A senior Western diplomat said he had confirmed the reports.

These reports of hundreds of Rohingya killed at the Bangladesh/Myanmar border are, Im sorry to say, accurate, Bob Rae, Canadas ambassador to the United Nations and a previous special envoy to Myanmar, posted on X on Wednesday.

Myanmar's junta blamed the Arakan Army in a post on its Telegram channel.

The militia denied responsibility. According to our investigation, family members of terrorists tried to go to Bangladesh from Maungdaw and the junta dropped the bomb because they left without permission, Arakan Army spokesman Khine Thu Kha told Reuters, referring to Muslims who have joined Rohingya armed groups fighting against the Arakan Army.

TRYING TO GET TO SAFETY

Reuters was able to confirm the location of the videos seen on social media from the position and shape of the mountain and shoreline, which matched file and satellite imagery of the area.

The fencing featured in one of the videos also matched file imagery of the location. The location of the videos matched the area described by Shamsuddin.

Eleyas described how his wife and daughter died in the aftermath of the attack, and his desperate efforts to find a boat that would take them to Bangladesh.

Before his wife died, We apologised to each other for any wrongs we may have done in our lives, he said.

Around midnight, he said, he finally found a small boat and managed to cross the border with it.

(Reporting by Shoon Naing, Poppy McPherson and Devjyot Ghoshal; Additional reporting by Eleanor Whalley; Editing by Frances Kerry and William Mallard)
ANAHEIM, California  A man wanted in connection to a Marshalltown murder investigation was shot in California on Friday.

Victor Delgadilla, 18, was wanted in connection to a fatal shooting that happened in June in a bar in Marshalltown. According to police, first responders were called to the Center Street Station on a report of a shooting. When first responders arrived they found 41-year-old Ramon Alexis Feliciano Nieves suffering from gunshot wounds. Nieves was taken to a nearby hospital where he later died from his injuries.

Driver charged after injuring Des Moines Police officer in July crash

On Friday an officer-involved shooting involving law enforcement in Anaheim, California and Delgadilla. According to police, Delgadilla was shot and taken to a hospital. His condition is not known at this time.

An investigation into the shooting is ongoing and no other information has been released.

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Meet the 12th Assembly District candidates in the Democratic primary in Tuesday's election

Four candidates are running in the Democratic primary for the 12th Assembly District seat of the state Legislature in the Aug. 13 primary election.

Russell Antonio Goodwin Sr., Decorah Gordon, Katrina Blossom Morrison and Brandon Williford are running in the primary. The winner will take on independent Deanna Alexander in the Nov. 5 general election. There's no Republican candidate in the race.

Incumbent representative LaKeshia Myers is running for the 4th Senate District seat.

The 12th Assembly District includes the northwest corner of Milwaukee.







See the new state Assembly districts

This map shows Wisconsin state Assembly districts under the previous 2022 map on the left, and the new 2024 map on the right. Each district is colored according to whether itleans Democrat, leans Republican, or is acompetitive district (within 5%).

Old maps (2022)

New maps (2024)

Note: The partisan lean of districts is calculated based on voting data from national and local elections from 2016 to 2022. Districts with less than 5% difference in Republican and Democratic votes are considered competitive districts.

Map by Andrew Hahn and Eva Wen / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

The candidates share common views on advocating for more funding to public schools, particularly Milwaukee's public school district; closing the homeownership gap within marginalized communities; and supporting more affordable health care.

Here's what to know about them:

Russell Antonio Goodwin Sr.

Residence: Milwaukee

Political experience: Former Milwaukee County supervisor who served as chairman of the Transportation, Public Works, and Transit Committee.

Community involvement: Peer educator and mediator in Milwaukee schools as a former member of the Teen Health Crew, where he spearheaded initiatives to combat teen pregnancy and provide school supplies.

Occupation: Pastor

Policies: Goodwin's campaign website said he'll prioritize transparent policing to create safe neighborhoods and tackle reckless driving. He wants to address potholes and improve road safety infrastructure by enacting proactive measures to repair and prevent potholes. He also wants to revitalize the Northridge Mall area by creating a new outdoor mall. Bringing family- and wage-sustaining jobs to Milwaukee and more financial management and educational resources is also on his list of priorities. Goodwin advocated for fair property taxes and the implementation of strategies outlined in the Collective Affordable Housing Strategic Plan.

Decorah Gordon

Residence: Milwaukee

Political experience: None

Community involvement: International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 2150 union member and executive board member, secretary and chairwoman for Civil Rights at Milwaukee Area Labor Council, Wisconsin Regional Training Partnership Big Step member.

Occupation: Director at large with My Way Out, an organization that helps "justice-impacted" families get opportunities, support and structure.

Policies: According to her campaign website, housing should be affordable, no one should be without medical coverage, mental health needs to become a priority and retirees and veterans should be able to live with dignity and respect. If elected, "women would not be up for discussion" and "our vote would not be suppressed," according to her website. She's pro-union and an IBEW Local Union member.

Katrina Blossom Morrison

Residence: Milwaukee

Political experience: Staffer for former Assembly minority leader Gordon Hintz (D-Oshkosh).

Community involvement: Served as Wisconsin Alliance for Women's Health's health equity director and worked in policy and outreach at Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin.

Occupation: Full-time University of Wisconsin Law School student

Policies: On her campaign website, Morrison supports funding to improve resources for teachers and students, and better infrastructure within public schools. She wants to improve access to and affordability of health care and improve mental health care treatments by providing state funding to hospitals and mental health facilities. She supports criminal justice reform and the Justice Reinvestment Initiative and is against truth-in-sentencing laws. She wants to close the homeownership gap in marginalized communities by working with banks to ensure fair rates on home loans.

Brandon Williford

Residence: Milwaukee

Political experience: None

Community involvement: President and founder of Students of Color in Academic Life (S.O.C.I.A.L.)

Occupation: Statewide health care policy organizer for Citizen Action of Wisconsin

Policies: On his campaign website, Williford supports increasing access to affordable health care. He also aims to invest in the environment by supporting climate infrastructure and green jobs, and wants to improve our school system by properly funding education. He also want to increase access to jobs by investing in reliable public transportation.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Meet 12th Assembly District candidates in Democratic primary election
Meet the 18th Assembly District candidates in the Democratic primary in Tuesday's election

Two candidates are running in the Democratic primary for the 18th Assembly District seat of the state Legislature in the Aug. 13 primary election.

Margaret Arney and Angela Kennedy will face off in the primary, with the winner taking on Republican Kevin Anderson in the Nov. 5 election. Anderson is unopposed in the GOP primary.

The seat is open after Rep. Evan Goyke won his race to serve as Milwaukee city attorney in April.

The 18th Assembly District includes many portions of Milwaukee west of the 16th Assembly District, with Washington Park near the center.







See the new state Assembly districts

This map shows Wisconsin state Assembly districts under the previous 2022 map on the left, and the new 2024 map on the right. Each district is colored according to whether itleans Democrat, leans Republican, or is acompetitive district (within 5%).

Old maps (2022)

New maps (2024)

Note: The partisan lean of districts is calculated based on voting data from national and local elections from 2016 to 2022. Districts with less than 5% difference in Republican and Democratic votes are considered competitive districts.

Map by Andrew Hahn and Eva Wen / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

Here's what to know about the candidates:

Margaret Arney

Residence: Wauwatosa

Political experience: Wauwatosa District 2 alderperson

Community involvement: Wauwatosa Neighborhood Association Council, founding member of Tosa Together

Occupation : Consultant for the African American Leadership Alliance of Milwaukee

Policies: On her campaign website, Arney describes herself as "100 percent pro-choice" and "100 percent pro-union." Her priorities include supporting public schools and Wisconsin seniors.

Angela Kennedy

Residence: Milwaukee

Political experience: None, though she ran for lieutenant governor in 2022

Occupation : Entrepreneur

Policies: The Journal Sentinel couldn't locate an updated campaign website or Facebook page. In her 2022 run for lieutenant governor, Kennedy highlighted gun control and abortion rights as two of her priorities on Facebook.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Meet 18th Assembly District candidates in Democratic primary election
Meet the 61st Assembly District candidates in the Republican primary in Tuesday's election

Two candidates are running in the Republican primary for the 61st Assembly District seat of the state Legislature in the Aug. 13 primary election.

Bob Donovan faces Martin Tontoe Gomez in the primary, with the winner taking on Democrat LuAnn Bird in the Nov. 5 election. Bird is unopposed in the Democratic primary.

Donovan is the 84th Assembly District representative but is running in the 61st District after legislative map changes put him in that district.

The 61st District includes areas in the western part of Milwaukee County, like Greendale, Hales Corners and parts of Greenfield.







See the new state Assembly districts

This map shows Wisconsin state Assembly districts under the previous 2022 map on the left, and the new 2024 map on the right. Each district is colored according to whether itleans Democrat, leans Republican, or is acompetitive district (within 5%).

Old maps (2022)

New maps (2024)

Note: The partisan lean of districts is calculated based on voting data from national and local elections from 2016 to 2022. Districts with less than 5% difference in Republican and Democratic votes are considered competitive districts.

Map by Andrew Hahn and Eva Wen / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

Here's what to know about the candidates:

Bob Donovan

Residence: Greenfield

Political experience: Current 84th Assembly District representative, former Milwaukee alderman from 2000 to 2020, unsuccessfully ran for Milwaukee mayor in 2022

Occupation: State Assembly representative

Policies: On his campaign Facebook page, Donovan pitches himself as a candidate fighting for "common sense." He highlights his work in the Assembly addressing driver education and shared revenue. Donovan has staked previous mayoral runs on public safety issues, calling for more police and tougher criminal penalties.

Martin Tontoe Gomez

Residence: Greenfield

Political experience: None

Occupation: MMA instructor

Policies: On his campaign Facebook page, Gomez has pledged to increase tech and vocational educational programs and lower the tax rate. He says he "will fight for the preservation of girls sports" and vote against red flag laws, which are laws that permit a state court to order the temporary seizure of firearms from a person they deem dangerous.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Meet 61st Assembly District candidates in Republican primary election
Meet the 82nd Assembly District candidates in the Democratic primary in Tuesday's election

Two candidates are running in the Democratic primary for the 82nd Assembly District seat of the state Legislature in the Aug. 13 primary election.

Samuel N. D'Amico and Kevin Reilly are competing in the primary, with the winner facing Republican Scott Allen in the Nov. 5 general election.

Allen, who's unopposed in the GOP primary, is the current 97th Assembly District representative but is running in the 82nd after legislative map changes drew him into that district.

The 82nd Assembly District includes most of Waukesha and areas slightly south, including Carroll University.







See the new state Assembly districts

This map shows Wisconsin state Assembly districts under the previous 2022 map on the left, and the new 2024 map on the right. Each district is colored according to whether itleans Democrat, leans Republican, or is acompetitive district (within 5%).

Old maps (2022)

New maps (2024)

Note: The partisan lean of districts is calculated based on voting data from national and local elections from 2016 to 2022. Districts with less than 5% difference in Republican and Democratic votes are considered competitive districts.

Map by Andrew Hahn and Eva Wen / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

Here's what to know about the candidates:

Samuel N. D'Amico

Residence: Waukesha

Political experience: None

Occupation: Customer service representative

Policies: D'Amico lists his policy plan for eight issues on his campaign website: rebuilding the middle class, public safety, anti-corruption, public education, defending democracy, infrastructure, health care and increasing public participation in government. He aims to raise wages for workers, limit taxes on families and reform the public school funding system.

Kevin Reilly

Residence: Waukesha

Political experience: Citizen member of the Public Works Board, the Transit Committee and the Board of Zoning Appeals in Waukesha

Occupation: Retired psychiatric technician

Policies: On his campaign website, Reilly advocates for Medicaid expansion, the legalization and taxation of marijuana in Wisconsin and revenue sharing between the state and local municipalities. He also supports reproductive education for students and aims to "defend democracy by all legal means."

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Meet 82nd Assembly District candidates in Democratic primary election
Mexican drug lord 'El Mayo' Zambada says he was ambushed in new account of US arrest

FILE PHOTO: A plane believed to have carried Mexican drug lord Mexican drug lord Ismael "El Mayo" and Joaquin Guzman Lopez arrested in El Paso, is seen in Santa Teresa

By Lizbeth Diaz

MEXICO CITY (Reuters) - Mexican drug lord Ismael "El Mayo" Zambada was tricked by the son of Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman and forced to board a plane bound for the United States last month, he said in a statement on Saturday.

The statement distributed by Zambada's lawyer provides the drug lord's version of how U.S. authorities were able to capture both Zambada, co-founder of the Sinaloa Cartel, and Joaquin Guzman Lopez, who is believed to have headed another faction of the criminal group, outside El Paso, Texas.

Zambada said he was "ambushed" during what was supposed to be a meeting with Guzman Lopez and Sinaloa state officials including Governor Ruben Rocha and Hector Cuen, who had recently been elected as federal lawmaker for the upcoming congressional period.

The state government did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Zambada said he first saw Cuen at a ranch outside of state capital Culiacan, and then Guzman Lopez, "whom I have known since he was a young boy, and he gestured for me to follow him."

Zambada said he followed Guzman Lopez, "trusting the nature of the meeting and the people involved," and was led into a dark room.

Authorities say the two main factions of the Sinaloa Cartel, one headed by Zambada and the other headed by El Chapo's sons, have at times had a rocky relationship since El Chapo's 2016 capture.

Zambada said once he entered the room, he was knocked to the ground by a group of men, tied up and had a hood placed over his head. He was taken in the back of a pick-up truck to a nearby landing strip where a plane waited.

Guzman Lopez bound Zambada with zip ties to a seat and the plane left for the United States carrying just the two men and the pilot, Zambada said.

The Guzman family lawyer has repeatedly denied that Zambada was forcibly taken, and instead called it a voluntary surrender after extended negotiations between the drug traffickers and the U.S. government.

The U.S., through its embassy in Mexico, said on Friday that Guzman Lopez surrendered voluntarily, though it seemed Zambada had been taken against his will.

In the statement, Zambada also said Cuen was killed when the drug lord was taken, and that a state police officer and bodyguard accompanying Zambada had not been seen since.

Sinaloa authorities previously said that Cuen was believed to be killed in a carjacking at a gas station in Culiacan.

Both Zambada and Guzman Lopez have pleaded not guilty to drug-trafficking charges in U.S. court.

(Reporting by Lizbeth Diaz; Writing by Kylie Madry; Editing by Rod Nickel)
Mexico mega-chain Oxxo enters US market, to take over DK stores in Texas, New Mexico

The company that owns the Oxxo convenience store chain, with more than 22,000 locations in Mexico, including in Juarez, is buying the DK stores in El Paso and other parts of Texas and New Mexico.

The owner of Mexico's Oxxo convenience stores is crossing the border and expanding to parts of West Texas and New Mexico.

Fomento Economico Mexicano, or FEMSA, based in Monterrey, Mexico, has agreed to buy the 249 DK convenience stores from Tennessee-based oil refiner Delek US Holdings for $385 million in cash. About 90% of the 77 DK convenience stores operate in Texas, with some in New Mexico and a small presence in Arkansas.

The deal was announced on Aug. 1 and is expected to close by the end of 2024.

Delek stores sold to FEMSA

The pending sale comes only 18 months after Delek completed renaming its 7-Eleven-branded stores in El Paso to its new DK brand. The stores sell the companys Alon-branded gasoline.

Delek has owned the convenience stores for seven years.

A DK convenience store at 3101 N. Yarbrough in East El Paso, as seen Aug. 5.

Delek officials said in a statement that they expect to make a future deal with FEMSA to continue supplying gasoline to the stores. The El Paso stores currently get gasoline from Deleks oil refinery in Big Spring, Texas.

FEMSA to add US to company portfolio

FEMSA has long wanted to enter the U.S. convenience store market, and this transaction represents the ideal way for us to take our first step in this compelling market, Jose Antonio Fernandez Garza-Laguera, chief executive officer of FEMSA's retail operations, said in a statement.

Oxxo had 22,658 stores in Mexico, including in Juarez, and 1,022 stores in South America at the end of June, according to its latest financial report. FEMSA has operations in more than 17 countries.

FEMSA officials in February 2023 announced a long-range plan to focus on its three core businesses: retail stores, Coca-Cola products' bottling in Mexico and eight other Latin American countries, and digital platforms, anchored by its Spin by Oxxo electronic transactions system and credit card.

As part of the new plan, FEMSA in May 2023 sold its major stake in Heineken, the giant beer brewer.

This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Mexico's mega-chain Oxxo to take over DK stores in Texas, New Mexico
A newly surfaced video shows Michele Morrow encouraging then President Donald Trump to invoke a federal law that she said completely puts the Constitution to the side, and would allow him to use the military to stay in power.

Morrow, the Republican nominee for state superintendent of public instruction, made the comments in a video she recorded on the night of Jan. 6, 2021, according to CNN, which published the video Friday evening. Morrow protested outside the U.S. Capitol earlier that day, but has said she didnt enter the building.

In the video, Morrow said that Trump had the ability while he was president, in the final days of his term before it ended on Jan. 20, 2021, to take action to keep himself in power. Morrow said that Trump could have invoked an executive order against voter fraud, and says Trump also could have invoked the Insurrection Act, a law dating back more than two hundred years, to use the military to remain in office.

President Trump is still president, until the 20th. So, he can still invoke the executive order against voter fraud. And now, he has every player that participated in his sights, and they can all be arrested for treason, Morrow said in the video. And if the police wont do it, and the Department of Justice wont do it, then he will have to enact the Insurrection Act, in which case, the Insurrection Act completely puts the Constitution to the side, and says, now, the military rules all.

And let me tell you, President Trump has the military on his side, because the military, and many leaders in the military, who love this nation, and who love our Constitution, and who have put their life on the line to protect the freedoms of people in the United States that they will never meet, they chose President Trump to be their candidate, she continued. So, as long as he invokes the Insurrection Act before the inauguration, then, hes going to be re-inaugurated, hes going to be put back in.

NEW on CNN: Michele Morrow, the GOP nominee to run North Carolinas K-12 public schools and its $11 billion budget was at January 6 and posted a video on Facebook that night calling for pro-Trump military coup.https://t.co/LI1xs5t5CK pic.twitter.com/wcQfAjpIhL  Andy Kaczynski (@KFILE) August 9, 2024

In a statement to The News & Observer on Saturday, Morrows campaign said she was focused on the race to run North Carolinas public schools. The campaign didnt address the video, but slammed CNN for gaslighting the public about her.

CNN has a long history of lying about President Donald Trump and continually gaslighting the public about Michele Morrow, the campaign said. Morrow is a patriot and a watchdog against liberal attacks on our country. CNN, liberal extremists, and her opponent spend more time on character assassination than on securing the border, ensuring a fair and free election, or school reform. Morrow is focused on empowering parents and driving woke indoctrination out of the classroom and not on embracing liberal lies and bias.

Asked about Morrows video, NCGOP spokesman Matt Mercer declined to comment. The N&O also reached out to GOP leaders in the legislature, but their spokespeople did not immediately respond.

Morrow, a registered nurse, conservative activist, and homeschool parent, defeated incumbent Superintendent Catherine Truitt in the GOP primary in March. Morrows victory was a major upset, since managed to overcome Truitts major fundraising advantage and endorsements from several top Republican state lawmakers.

She is running against Democrat Mo Green, the former superintendent of Guilford County Schools, and former executive director of the Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation, a group that funds progressive causes.

The superintendents race has drawn national attention because of scrutiny of Morrows past social media posts, including those that talked about killing President Joe Biden, former President Barack Obama, North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper and other Democrats.

After CNN reported on those since-deleted posts in March, following her primary win, Morrow said that the network was trying to interfere in the 2024 election and said that CNN thinks they can choose who leads K-12 in NC by intimidating me and lying to you.

Top Republican donors and elected officials have thrown their support to Morrow since she became the GOP nominee. Two major North Carolina donors, developer John Kane and businessman Bob Luddy, held a fundraiser for Morrow in Raleigh in April.

House Speaker Tim Moore, who is currently running for Congress, also said he would support Morrows campaign, telling reporters in April that he didnt think the past comments he had seen from Morrow were appropriate at all, and that he wouldnt condone them, but that he was going to support all of the Republicans running for office.

One exception is U.S. Sen. Thom Tillis, who publicly said he wouldnt endorse Morrow after her social media posts about the killing of prominent Democrats came to light.
A newly surfaced video shows Michele Morrow encouraging then President Donald Trump to invoke a federal law that she said completely puts the Constitution to the side, and would allow him to use the military to stay in power.

Morrow, the Republican nominee for state superintendent of public instruction, made the comments in a video she recorded on the night of Jan. 6, 2021, according to CNN, which published the video Friday evening. Morrow protested outside the U.S. Capitol earlier that day, but has said she didnt enter the building.

In the video, Morrow said that Trump had the ability while he was president, in the final days of his term before it ended on Jan. 20, 2021, to take action to keep himself in power. Morrow said that Trump could have invoked an executive order against voter fraud, and says Trump also could have invoked the Insurrection Act, a law dating back more than two hundred years, to use the military to remain in office.

President Trump is still president, until the 20th. So, he can still invoke the executive order against voter fraud. And now, he has every player that participated in his sights, and they can all be arrested for treason, Morrow said in the video. And if the police wont do it, and the Department of Justice wont do it, then he will have to enact the Insurrection Act, in which case, the Insurrection Act completely puts the Constitution to the side, and says, now, the military rules all.

And let me tell you, President Trump has the military on his side, because the military, and many leaders in the military, who love this nation, and who love our Constitution, and who have put their life on the line to protect the freedoms of people in the United States that they will never meet, they chose President Trump to be their candidate, she continued. So, as long as he invokes the Insurrection Act before the inauguration, then, hes going to be re-inaugurated, hes going to be put back in.

NEW on CNN: Michele Morrow, the GOP nominee to run North Carolinas K-12 public schools and its $11 billion budget was at January 6 and posted a video on Facebook that night calling for pro-Trump military coup.https://t.co/LI1xs5t5CK pic.twitter.com/wcQfAjpIhL  Andy Kaczynski (@KFILE) August 9, 2024

In a statement to The News & Observer on Saturday, Morrows campaign said she was focused on the race to run North Carolinas public schools. The campaign didnt address the video, but slammed CNN for gaslighting the public about her.

CNN has a long history of lying about President Donald Trump and continually gaslighting the public about Michele Morrow, the campaign said. Morrow is a patriot and a watchdog against liberal attacks on our country. CNN, liberal extremists, and her opponent spend more time on character assassination than on securing the border, ensuring a fair and free election, or school reform. Morrow is focused on empowering parents and driving woke indoctrination out of the classroom and not on embracing liberal lies and bias.

Asked about Morrows video, NCGOP spokesman Matt Mercer declined to comment. The N&O also reached out to GOP leaders in the legislature, but their spokespeople did not immediately respond.

Morrow, a registered nurse, conservative activist, and homeschool parent, defeated incumbent Superintendent Catherine Truitt in the GOP primary in March. Morrows victory was a major upset, since managed to overcome Truitts major fundraising advantage and endorsements from several top Republican state lawmakers.

She is running against Democrat Mo Green.

The superintendents race has drawn national attention because of scrutiny of Morrows past social media posts, including those that talked about killing President Joe Biden, former President Barack Obama, North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper and other Democrats.

After CNN reported on those since-deleted posts in March, following her primary win, Morrow said that the network was trying to interfere in the 2024 election and said that CNN thinks they can choose who leads K-12 in NC by intimidating me and lying to you.

Top Republican donors and elected officials have thrown their support to Morrow since she became the GOP nominee. Two major North Carolina donors, developer John Kane and businessman Bob Luddy, held a fundraiser for Morrow in Raleigh in April.

House Speaker Tim Moore, who is currently running for Congress, also said he would support Morrows campaign, telling reporters in April that he didnt think the past comments he had seen from Morrow were appropriate at all, and that he wouldnt condone them, but that he was going to support all of the Republicans running for office.

One exception is U.S. Sen. Thom Tillis, who publicly said he wouldnt endorse Morrow after her social media posts about the killing of prominent Democrats came to light.
WASHINGTON, Ill. (WMBD)  A Michigan man died of compressional asphyxia after being trapped under an electrical control box at Caterpillars Peoria Proving Grounds.

Tazewell County Coroner Chuck Hanley said Justin Perry, 36, of Kingsford, Mich., was pronounced dead at 11:15 p.m. Wednesday. He was a subcontractor working at the rural Washington facility.

Caterpillar contractor from Michigan dies at Peoria Proving Ground facility

Kingsford is a small city of 5,000 people in Michigans Upper Peninsula near the Wisconsin border.

Officials were called to the proving grounds shortly after 9 p.m. Wednesday on a report of a fatal accident. No further details on what happened beyond Perry being trapped have been publicly released.

In a statement released by the company, Caterpillar said it was deeply saddened by the death of a contractor at our Peoria Proving Ground facility on Aug. 7 and are working with authorities as the incident is investigated. We will have counselors onsite for our facility employees, and our thoughts are with the affected family, friends and colleagues.

The cause of death was determined at an autopsy done Friday. The matter, Hanley said, remains under investigation by the U.S. Occupational Safety & Health Administration, the Tazewell County Sheriffs Office, and the coroners office.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to CIProud.com.
Waiting for jobs outside the Home Depot in Chatham is a game of patience. Each morning, day laborers arrive from all over the city to the shopping centers bustling parking lot to compete with one another for the scarce number of jobs offered by contractors who drive by seeking them out.



But Tuesday, at around 8:30 a.m., the job search took a violent turn when a parking lot security guard shot a migrant outside the store. The guard had been escorting several men from private property when he was punched in the head, a police report said. An off-duty police officer came over to help put the man in custody when a different man approached and pushed the guard to the ground. The guard shot back twice, hitting the 28-year-old man in the ankle and wrist.

Migrants told the Tribune it was a verbal and physical altercation that went too far.

The man shot was not a day laborer, migrants said. Rather, he was one of the various vendors who frequent the migrant gathering spot, in his case to cut migrants hair, according to several men who knew him. He was transferred to the University of Chicago Medical in serious condition, police said.

Sometimes it can be hard here, said Andres Hurtado, a 22-year-old from Caracas, Venezuela, who said he comes to the site in Chatham every morning to beg for work. People can act in crazy ways toward us.

The shooting underscores the growing tension between migrants and law enforcement officers outside Home Depot stores across the city. Indeed, the same morning the shooting occurred, a group of migrant day laborers filed a lawsuit against Home Depot, the Chicago Police Department and the city of Chicago in federal court, alleging ethnically motivated harassment by off-duty Chicago police officers working as security guards at a Home Depot store in the New City neighborhood.

In Chatham, the security guard who shot the migrant was not an off-duty CPD officer, according to Cassio Mendoza, a spokesman for Mayor Brandon Johnson. He was identified in a police report as an employee of a contract security firm and was later arrested and charged with aggravated battery with discharge of a deadly weapon. An email to the security company was not immediately returned Friday night.

But migrants at the shopping center where the shooting occurred, which includes Home Depot and other chain stores, said they are not unfamiliar with being corralled by security and told to leave the parking lot adjacent to 87th Street.

We have a non-solicitation policy, which prohibits anyone from selling goods or services of any kind on our private property, said Home Depot spokeswoman Beth Marlowe in a statement. Our priority is to provide a secure work and shopping environment thats safe for everyone.

Over 46,000 migrants, mostly Venezuelan, have passed through the city in the past two years, sent on buses by Texas Gov. Greg Abbott in an effort to wreak havoc on cities with liberal immigration policies. Many migrants cant work legally, so theyre forced into desperate situations where they have to find jobs under the table.

As migrants struggle to obtain legal work authorization  a process that takes months  many look for work in Home Depot parking lots. They come in the early morning and swarm around cars and trailers that drive by to pick them up. If theyre lucky, theyll be hired for a few hours to fix roofs or paint fences, but they often try and come home empty-handed.

Fleeing economic and political turmoil in their country of origin, migrants walk across several countries intending to work in the United States for a better life. But they say they face discrimination from security and police for just standing in a parking lot waiting to be picked up for a job.



And the situation is getting worse at the hands of off-duty officers who are now cracking down at higher rates than before, according to immigration lawyers.

Miguel Alvelo Rivera, executive director of Latino Union of Chicago, said the crackdown is caused by a convergence of increasingly anti-immigrant rhetoric and a lack of systems to support a large number of individuals with high need. He worries about what will happen when there are even fewer day jobs available in the winter.

It points to a structural failure, Rivera said.

Since migrants started arriving in the fall of 2022, the New City Home Depot at 4555 S. Western Blvd. ramped up its security efforts, five plaintiffs alleged in Tuesdays lawsuit. Home Depot hired CPD officers looking for secondary employment  or moonlighting  to enforce security efforts.



The plaintiffs claim to have been handcuffed by off-duty CPD officers and brought into a private back room inside the Home Depot. There, they allege the officers struck and choked them, and often berated them with ethnically motivated insults, saying things like this country was better without Venezuelans.

Lawyers involved in the case are demanding that the city end its practice of allowing officers to moonlight as security and use its force against community members.

On Wednesday, Home Depot released a statement that it is investigating the allegations.

We take allegations of violence very seriously and are investigating this issue, the statement said. We believe in respecting all people, and we dont tolerate violence or discrimination.

Meanwhile, arrests for trespassing in the block of the Chatham Home Depot jumped from none in the previous two years to 13 alone in 2024, according to police data.



Hurtado has a 2-year-old girl and he needs to pay for her food, he said. He needs enough money for the apartment his family is renting nearby. As he waits every day for a job, he says he receives pushback from Home Depot employees and police officers who say hes trespassing.

They tell us we cant be here, that we should go over there, Hurtado said, pointing to the other side of the lot.



Tension between migrants and security in the Home Depot parking lot was palpable Friday morning. Multiple security and CPD officers patrolled the area where migrants gathered on the sidewalk looking for day jobs, calling out Work! Work! to passing cars. Some of the migrant men smoked weed.



Across the parking lot, a tow truck was called to remove a migrants car. But as the driver started towing the car across the lot, dozens of migrants ran after it, yelling expletives. They pulled the car down off the towing block. A police officer separated the migrants from the tow truck driver. The migrant drove the car away, and a police officer separated the crowd of outraged migrants from the tow truck driver.

A worker for the towing company confirmed to the Tribune over the phone that someone had called for the tow, but declined to specify who.

Earlier, city officials had been at the site doing outreach to mitigate future altercations. They handed out informational packets to the group, explaining how federal laws affect migrant rights in Chicago.

Reynaldo Garcia, 28, who is staying at a shelter downtown, said he wakes up at 5 a.m. every day to go out to find a coveted job. He said he wont be deterred.

If youre threatening me, Im still going to work, Garcia said. Whether you give me permission or dont give me permission.



Rey Najera Wences, the citys first deputy mayor of immigrant, migrant and refugee rights, asked Garcia where he was in his work permit process. Garcia said he was still waiting for one.



What is your plan to find work when your permit arrives? Wences asked him. Will you come back here?

Garien Gatewood, Chicagos deputy mayor of community safety, said he has been focused on ensuring local businesses feel supported as migrants crowd the streets outside their stores.



We can see folks are being impacted not just here, but all around the city, Gatewood said.

Kimberly Blue, the store manager for AutoZone, which backs onto the corner where migrants stand, expressed concerns about increased violence and loitering in the area affecting her business. She said shes worked as a manager at the store in Chatham for 19 years and has never seen customers so scared to come inside.



They leave trash everywhere. They stand around harassing people, she said of the migrants.

Police officers bring food for day laborers at the Home Depot in Chatham to mitigate crime, several officers told the Tribune over the winter. When the migrants are less hungry, theyre less likely to cause trouble, they said.

Thursday afternoon, 76-year-old Doresa Reed pulled up to the Home Depot parking lot with her car trunk stuffed with boxes of apples and nonperishables. Migrant men swarmed the car, hungry and desperate. They eagerly took the goods she offered them.



Reed lives in Morgan Park and distributes food for the pantry associated with her church, she said.



We have to hope that we can live together, and respect one another, she said. Regardless of what color you are, how much education youve had, or how much money youve made.



nsalzman@chicagotribune.com
Military officials are rejecting demands from a state agency to better monitor and mitigate the effects of rocket launches and sonic booms from Vandenberg Space Force Base, frustrating local officials and increasing tensions between the U.S. Space Force and the state agency tasked with preserving the California coast.

SpaceX, a leading contractor with Space Force, wants to rapidly multiply the number of rockets launched from the military base in Santa Barbara County.

The company hasnt been seeking the California Coastal Commissions approval, however; instead, Space Force officials have been negotiating with the commission for months over a plan to allow 36 launches at the base this year  six times more than the previous agreement allowed.

As part of those talks, the commission asked Space Force to track and document more closely how the blasts affect wildlife and to consider ways to reduce the harm from sonic booms. The commission cant impose its will on the military  it can only ask for Space Force to cooperate.

At the commissions meeting Thursday, what is usually a mild-mannered monthly session turned tense after military officials rejected the additional monitoring and mitigation, and Space Force officials refused to take questions.

A Falcon 9 rocket heads into orbit early Monday, Oct. 9, 2023, from Vandenberg Space Force Base, carrying 21 Starlink satellites.

Commission members were visibly irked.

Im beyond pissed, said Commissioner Susan Lowenberg. I dont understand why our own government is thumbing their nose at another branch of our government.

Said Commissioner Kristina Kunkel, I hope this commission wont be bullied into ignoring environmental protections.

The discordant meeting came two months after Space Force officials admitted for the first time that sonic booms from rocket launches at the base were regularly rattling residents and wildlife along roughly 100 miles of coast across Santa Barbara, Ventura and Los Angeles counties. Recent changes in rocket trajectories have made the sonic booms more common for residents inland, and Space Force officials have said theyre looking to significantly increase the number of rocket blasts each year.

That steep increase is being fueled mainly by Elon Musks SpaceX. The company is currently headquartered in Hawthorne but, according to Musk, those offices are bound for Texas.

A spokesperson for Vandenberg Space Force Base told The Times that the headquarters shift has no effect on the number of rocket launches SpaceX plans to do from the California base. By 2026, SpaceX still plans to launch more than 90 rockets there.

On Thursday, the state commission approved the increase in launches with new requirements for Space Force to increase monitoring of wildlife inside and outside the base and to analyze the effects that sonic booms have on wildlife, such as southern sea otters, California red-legged frogs, western snowy plover and California least tern.

Clear skies meant a SpaceX Falcon rockets stage separation could be seen from Goleta en route to delivering 15 Starlink satellites to orbit Wednesday night, July 19, 2023.

The seven conditions the commission sought to impose included requiring a written plan to minimize the impact and reach of sonic booms, a light management plan for night launches that would limit the reach of lights facing beach areas, and steps to provide more information about the launches and their effects to beach visitors and the fishing industry.

Space Force is already responsible for monitoring the effects of launches on base land, but commission officials insist the significantly higher number of rocket launches and the effects of sonic booms that reach across more than 100 miles of California coast are a significant change from the bases previous activities and demand broader protections.

Several of the commissioners said their intent was not to deter rockets from being launched, but to track the effects they could have on the coast.

We dont want to stop the rockets, we dont want to stop their satellites, and we certainly dont want to enable any kind of defense problem, said Commissioner Dayna Bochco, visibly upset. But this is ridiculous.

On Thursday, Vandenberg officials said they already take steps to safeguard the coast.

Our goal is to strike a balance between our mission requirements and state regulators, said Col. Dorian C. Hatcher, vice commander for operations at the base. Were safeguarding the environment at Vandenberg. We do so and continually do so because were committed stewards, responsible members of the community and recognize its not only our responsibility, but duty.

A Falcon 9 rocket heads to space on Thursday, Oct. 27, 2022, carrying 53 Starlink satellites into orbit.

As they had at previous meetings, though, Space Force officials rejected the demands for additional monitoring and mitigation. That rejection, along with their refusal to answer questions Thursday, seemed to place the state agency in a collision course with the Defense Department.

Space Force came here and intentionally disrespected us, Bochco said. Thats OK. Sometimes I disrespect you, too.

But what that will mean going forward, and whether base officials intend to comply with the monitoring despite their previous objections, is still unclear. Space Force has the authority to move forward with the rocket launches without reaching an agreement with the coastal commission.

As part of its duty to protect the states coastal resources, the commission issues or denies permits for development. But the commission cant deny a plan by the Defense Department or other federal agency to use federal property near the coast. Instead, the commission is tasked to reach an agreement with the feds to mitigate issues like access to beaches and potential harm to marine life.

According to a report by commission staff, the Air Forces position is that base officials already monitor wildlife and environmental effects in accordance with U.S. Fish and Wildlife and Marine Mammal Protection requirements. But citing equipment failures and other errors, the commission staff argued that previous monitoring efforts by Space Force have resulted in significant gaps of data, and the forces reports lack analysis on the launches effects on wildlife inside and outside the base.

Staff have also pointed to the militarys recent admission that sonic booms from the rocket launches are more frequent and affect a much wider area of the coast than previously acknowledged.

Cassidy Teuffel, deputy director of the commission, said Thursday that staff at Vandenberg have pushed back at efforts to increase wildlife monitoring, mainly over concerns about the cost.

Whats more expensive than destroying the environment and then trying to fix it? Bochco said, before shutting off the audio to her microphone Thursday. Im disgusted.

The relationship between Space Force and the state commission appeared to have been already strained when Space Force officials first approached the commission in May 2023 about increasing the number of rocket launches to 36 from the previously agreed limit of six.

Long before the request was submitted, SpaceX had already exceeded the number of rocket launches allowed. In 2022, the company had done 13 launches from Vandenberg.

Commission staff are also looking at the possibility of requiring SpaceX to seek permits for its commercial, non-military launches at Vandenberg, instead of Space Force seeking an agreement for all launches on the grounds that the company is a government contractor.

According to commission staff, only about 13% to 20% of SpaceX launches have involved Department of Defense activity. The vast majority has instead been for commercial purposes, mainly for Musks Starlink satellite-based broadband provider.

Vandenberg officials have argued all SpaceX launches benefit the Department Defense, not just because the Department of Defense uses Starlink systems, but because SpaceXs ability to quickly launch more rockets into space benefits the Department of Defenses goals.

During previous commission hearings, Space Force officials also brushed off questions about sonic booms, telling commissioners that their models had sonic booms occurring mostly over the Channel Islands. It was during the commission hearings that residents began to report they were experiencing sonic booms as far away as Los Angeles County.

Base officials later said recent changes to rocket trajectories had shifted some sonic booms over the mainland, making it possible to hear and feel them across about 100 miles of coast.

Bochco said Space Force had been misleading about the sonic booms and was unwilling to work with the state agency.

They dont want to monitor, they dont want to find out the impacts, I assume because theyre not going to do it, she said.
Ministry of Defence faces sexual assault and bullying legal claims from three former soldiers

Summer Wright was one of the three former soldiers to have come forward

Three former soldiers claim they suffered a vicious campaign of bullying and sexist behaviour at the hands of male colleagues that drove them out of the military.

The three women are now suing the Ministry of Defence (MoD) for thousands of pounds in compensation, claiming that vile abuse and misogyny led them to suffer severe psychological trauma and distress.

Summer Wright, Julia Hourihane and Shannon Holmes claim a toxic environment exists at certain Army bases which appears to condone sexist behaviour.

Their claims come after another former soldier, who had played a prominent role in an Army recruitment campaign, received an apology after suffering years of racist and sexist abuse.

Former Cpl Kerry-Ann Knight, 33, accepted a substantial financial settlement from the MoD earlier this month after detailing how colleagues directed slurs about slavery towards her, including references to lynching or tarring and feathering her.

Former corporal Kerry-Ann Knight won a payout from the MoD after suffering racist and sexist abuse throughout her 12 years of service - KERRY-ANN WRIGHT

In this latest case, Ms Wright, who served six years in the Army, said she was repeatedly called the C-word and endured degrading and crude references to her private parts while she was serving with 132 Battery of the 39th Regiment Royal Artillery, at Albermarle Barracks, near Newcastle.

Legal documents lodged with the High Court by Ms Wrights lawyers at Simpson Millar state: There was a culture of misogyny at Albermarle Barracks during the period when [Ms Wright] was serving there. She was subjected to a toxic working environment which caused her distress, anxiety, fear and humiliation and which rendered it impossible for her to progress her military career.

Ms Wright also accuses one manager in particular of treating her in a degrading and sexist manner.

The 28-year-old, from Coulsnaughton, Scotland, claims that he stated that women had no place in the Army, should be making weapons rather than firing them, and should only take kitchen-based roles.

She claims he encouraged others to join a slow hand clap when she walked into a room and at one point refused to allow her to get sanitary protection when her period started, leaving her having to carry out an exercise with tissues stuffed into her underwear.

Ms Hourihane claims that on her first day at Albemarle Barracks, several male soldiers sprayed a fire extinguisher at them, causing property damage, for which she was fined.

Summer Wright served six years in the Army

The High Court will hear that in 2014, Ms Wright and fellow gunner Ms Holmes found two sergeants inspecting their kits.

The men accused them of having f****** dirty knickers and of failing to unpack their bags.

Ms Wright claims she was reported for misconduct, and is now seeking damages for her injuries from assaults, bullying and harassment.

She claims she was frequently propositioned by male soldiers and was subjected to comments such as will you shag me? and who are you going to shag this weekend? and names two men she accuses of showing her their penises.

Albermarle Barracks has been accused of housing a "culture of misogyny" - MARK PINDER

In October 2014, Ms Wright posted several messages on Facebook in response to concerns expressed by her friends, which appeared to refer to the behaviour of some of her male colleagues, including silly wee boys, go f*** yourself and just a few wee a***holes.

Ms Wright says the harassment and bullying only stopped when she was transferred to 35 Battery, away from the manager and his clique.

She complained to senior personnel about her mistreatment, which she claims left her increasingly distressed at work.

In April 2016, she was diagnosed with anxiety and depression and given a medical discharge, eventually leaving the Army in December of that year.

She told the Army board she had been bullied by her chain of command and faced false accusations.

Ministry of Defence has been under fire for legal claims of sexual misconduct and abuse in the Army - TIME IRELAND/PA

Ms Wright is hoping to join her claims with those already lodged against the MoD by Ms Holmes and Ms Hourihane.

She says that although she complained to her superiors, the MoD appeared to have taken no steps to investigate the mistreatment and negligently failed to take steps to protect her.

The ordeal has also allegedly left her with significant psychiatric injuries including cleaning until her hands were red and raw and cutting her wrists in a suicide bid.

Her legal team says her symptoms include self-harm, suicidal thoughts, panic attacks, avoidance of military environments, nightmares and obsessive cleaning.

Ms Wright, who says she struggled to cope with the birth of her first baby in 2018, after she left the Army, is asking the court to allow her claim to go ahead despite being out of time.

In legal documents, she tells the court that she did not want to escalate her complaints into a formal complaint during her service as she did not want to be thought of as a grass and feared she would not be believed.

It was only when she discovered that Ms Holmes was bringing her own claim against the MoD that she felt confident enough to follow suit.

The MoD is contesting her claim, saying it has been submitted too late and that it cannot investigate the claims due to the passage of time.

The MoD claims Ms Wright was undisciplined and aggressive, had an alcohol problem, was a difficult soldier to manage, behaved inappropriately and in breach of the armys values and standards of behaviour and antagonised her fellow gunners.

The MoD is also contesting the claims of Ms Hourihane and Ms Holmes.

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Minsk summoned Ukraines Charge dAffaires to Belarus Olha Tymush after claiming Ukrainian drones entered Belarus, Belarus state media Belta reported on Aug. 10.



Belarus Foreign Affairs Ministry issued a "strong warning" to Tymush and threatened to end diplomatic relations after what Minsk claims was a Ukrainian provocation. Minsk claims drones launched from Ukraine were detected over the Kastsyukovichy area, close to the Russian border, and shot down on Aug. 9.



If the diplomatic mission of Ukraine in Belarus is unable to influence the prevention of such provocations, the Belarusian side will question the necessity of its continued diplomatic presence in Minsk," the ministry said, according to Belta.



While some of the drones were shot down, several went on to Russia where they were intercepted, according to Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko.



Lukashenko ordered reinforcements to be sent to border regions with Ukraine, including special operation forces, ground forces, and missile forces. The General Staff of Belarus has been ordered to take measures to ensure the security of our state, Lukashenko said.



Russian drones have crossed into Belarusian airspace several times over the summer on their way to attack Ukraine, the Belarusian Hajun monitoring group has reported.



The monitoring group said that "despite the massive and regular flights of drones into the airspace of Belarus," Minsk made "practically no comments" on the situation.



Belarus did, however, start sending Su-30 fighter jets to fly to the south of the country during Russian attacks on Ukraine, the group reported.

Read also: UK imposes sanctions against Lukashenkos regime on anniversary of rigged vote

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (WDAF)  Metropolitan Community College (MCC) in Kansas City, Missouri is helping students prepare for a career in the cannabis industry, a lucrative one with nearly $2.8 billion in cumulative sales since 2020 according to state data. Not only that, but the industry also added roughly 4,000 jobs in the last year with more than 19,500 people currently working in the field.

The college started offering the following cannabis certificate courses in 2023:

Cannabis Cultivation Specialist Certificate

Cannabis Retail Specialist Certificate

Cannabis Extraction & Product Development Specialist Certificate

Where can I buy weed in NYC? Full list

In the year since the courses started being offered, roughly 100 students have successfully obtained a certificate, which is made possible through MCCs Workforce and Economic Development Division and Green Flower, a marijuana education provider.

The cannabis industry is very competitive. Its not a requirement to have this, but all of our students find it helps differentiate them, said Green Flower founder and CEO, Max Simon. He adds that those who complete the program typically get higher-level positions and quicker promotions.

As of now, MCC is the only higher education institution in the Kansas City metropolitan area offering cannabis certificates.

These programs were built to be industry standards for what someone needs to know and understand to enter the cannabis industry, said Simon.

James Colbert, a 62-year-old Marine veteran, successfully completed two of the online courses after seeing Nexstars FOX4s original story from July 2023.

Age did factor into this in a good way. As the old cliche says, If I can do it, anybody can do it, said Colbert.

While he doesnt actively work in the industry due to health issues, hes hopeful to soon land a job at a local dispensary.

Tuition for each course is $750. Each program lasts nine weeks and can be completed fully online. Prospective students can enroll and begin courses at any time.

MCCs cannabis programs are not eligible for federal student aid, but a payment plan is available. You can find more information about MCCs cannabis programs here.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11.
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (WDAF)  Metropolitan Community College (MCC) in Kansas City, Missouri is helping students prepare for a career in the cannabis industry, a lucrative one with nearly $2.8 billion in cumulative sales since 2020 according to state data. Not only that, but the industry also added roughly 4,000 jobs in the last year with more than 19,500 people currently working in the field.

The college started offering the following cannabis certificate courses in 2023:

Cannabis Cultivation Specialist Certificate

Cannabis Retail Specialist Certificate

Cannabis Extraction & Product Development Specialist Certificate

In the year since the courses started being offered, roughly 100 students have successfully obtained a certificate, which is made possible through MCCs Workforce and Economic Development Division and Green Flower, a marijuana education provider.

The cannabis industry is very competitive. Its not a requirement to have this, but all of our students find it helps differentiate them, said Green Flower founder and CEO, Max Simon. He adds that those who complete the program typically get higher-level positions and quicker promotions.

Questions abound in Bennettsvilles hiring of $150-an-hour financial consultant

As of now, MCC is the only higher education institution in the Kansas City metropolitan area offering cannabis certificates.

These programs were built to be industry standards for what someone needs to know and understand to enter the cannabis industry, said Simon.

James Colbert, a 62-year-old Marine veteran, successfully completed two of the online courses after seeing Nexstars FOX4s original story from July 2023.

Age did factor into this in a good way. As the old cliche says, If I can do it, anybody can do it, said Colbert.

While he doesnt actively work in the industry due to health issues, hes hopeful to soon land a job at a local dispensary.

Tuition for each course is $750. Each program lasts nine weeks and can be completed fully online. Prospective students can enroll and begin courses at any time.

MCCs cannabis programs are not eligible for federal student aid, but a payment plan is available. You can find more information about MCCs cannabis programs here.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News.
Missouri head of corrections held in contempt, wrongfully convicted man still in prison

The Missouri Department of Corrections has been held in contempt for refusing to release an 82-year-old man whose conviction was vacated in June.

The Missouri Attorney Generals Office has stopped the release of Howard Roberts from South Central Correctional Center, about four hours southeast of Kansas City.

This is the third time this summer that Attorney General Andrew Baileys office has intervened to keep a wrongfully convicted person in prison.

I think its politics, said Roberts attorney, Jonathan Sternberg.

Sternberg went on to say that he believes Bailey wants to be seen as a crime fighter, and keeping the wrongfully convicted behind bars is one way he has tried to build that image.

But Bailey, a Republican, has lost those cases in recent weeks and was even threatened with being held in contempt himself last month.

Sandra Sandy Hemme was declared innocent in June after spending over 43 years in prison. Livingston County Circuit Judge Ryan Horsman ordered her release on July 9. Baileys office called the warden and instructed him to continue holding Hemme. Though there wasnt a stay in place, she remained behind bars an additional 10 days while the AGs took the case to the Western District Court of Appeals and the Missouri Supreme Court. Both courts struck down their efforts to keep her in prison.

On July 19, Horsman threatened to hold officials with the AGs office in contempt, including Bailey, if Hemme was not freed.

I would suggest, counsel, you never do that again, Horsman told Assistant Attorney General Andrew Clarke regarding their calls to the warden, adding that it was wrong, absolutely wrong.

Hemme walked out of prison a couple hours later.

Three days later, a judge overturned Chris Dunns conviction in the City of St. Louis. Again, the AGs office stopped his release. The judge threatened to hold the prison warden in contempt. Arguments again reached the Missouri Supreme Court, which cleared the way for Dunns release.

Dunn, who spent 34 years in prison for a murder he did not commit, was freed July 30.

Roberts was charged in 2016 with financial exploitation of an older or disabled person. The offense was a felony because the property value was $50,000 or more.

During an evidentiary hearing in November, Sternberg argued that Roberts received ineffective counsel during his 2018 trial that led to a 20-year sentence.

A judge in Geene County agreed in a June judgment. Senior Circuit Judge David C. Jones wrote that Roberts original attorney failed to get records and testimony introduced that could have convinced the jury that he was operating a legitimate business with the funds he had received and that he was innocent. Jones ordered Roberts to be immediately released from the Department of Corrections.

But Roberts is still in a cell.

On Wednesday, Jones issued an order of contempt against the Department of Corrections acting director Trevor Foley. He has a week to comply or will face a $1,000 daily fine.

Bailey won the Aug. 6 primary and will face Democrat Elad Gross in the November general election.

The AGs office and the Department of Corrections did not respond to requests for comment.
MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Md. (DC News Now)  Police in Montgomery County picked up a street level dealer who was selling crack cocaine in its 4th District on Friday, officials said.

The Montgomery County Department of Police (MCPD)s 4th District said in a post around 6:05 p.m. that officers had apprehended the accused dealer in the 4100 block of Randolph Rd.

DC man charged with 28 counts for armed carjackings, robberies

MCPD shared an image of around $100 in cash as well as some bags containing a white substance.

(Image courtesy of The Montgomery County Police Departments 4th District/@4DCommander via X)

The 4th District Community Action Team continues to address community challenges, such as drug sales, the post said.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | Washington, DC.
Former state Sen. Ray Holmberg, center, arrives at the Quentin N. Burdick U.S. Courthouse in Fargo for a plea hearing in North Dakota U.S. District Court on Aug. 8, 2024. (Dan Koeck/For the North Dakota Monitor)

FARGO  Former North Dakota legislator Ray Holmberg chose to avoid a criminal trial by pleading guilty to child sex charges, but his case is far from over.

Much more will be coming out in the written submissions that the parties provide to the courts and at the time of his sentencing hearing, Mark Friese, Holmbergs attorney said Thursday, after Holmbergs guilty plea was accepted in federal court.

U.S. District Court Judge Daniel Hovland said during Thursdays hearing that he had not seen the evidence or discovery  relevant information and facts about the case that prosecutors and defense attorneys share with each other.

The amount of discovery in the case is vast, more than 36,000 pages. More information will be filed before the sentencing hearing, such as background information on Holmbergs employment history and health. Holmberg will be interviewed as part of the presentence investigation.

Holmberg, 80, a father and grandfather, also can have people write letters of support that Hovland said he would consider in determining a sentence.

Holmberg, a Republican, represented a Grand Forks Senate district for more than 45 years and served as chair of the powerful Senate Appropriations Committee.

He resigned from the Legislature in April 2022, months after a search warrant was executed at Holmbergs Grand Forks home on Nov. 17, 2021.

Some of the discovery in the Holmberg case is related to Nicholas Morgan-Derosier. Morgan-Derosier is a Grand Forks man who was sentenced in May to 40 years in prison on child pornography charges, a much longer sentence than Holmberg likely faces.

Prosecutors in the Holmberg case said Holmberg and Morgan-Derosier watched child pornography together. A child pornography charge against Holmberg was dropped as part of his agreement to plead guilty to a charge of travel with intent to engage in illicit sexual activity.

Holmberg admitted in court Thursday to taking multiple trips to Prague in the Czech Republic to pay for sex with boys.

Because of the large amount of discovery and fact-finding, Hovland said the presentence investigation would likely take five to six months, about twice as long as a typical case. The time between Morgan-Derosiers guilty plea and his sentencing was even longer, about eight months.

Morgan-Derosier awaited his sentencing in the Cass County jail.

The charge against Holmberg would usually require that he await sentencing in custody, too.

The North Dakota Republican Party called for him to be jailed in a statement released late Thursday.

But prosecutors said there should be an exception in Holmbergs case, in large part because of his numerous health issues and medical appointments.

Holmberg will remain on supervised release. He is under electronic monitoring and needs court permission to leave home. Violating the conditions of that release could affect his sentence. Holmberg previously violated conditions of his release, including visiting the adult novelty store Romantix and accessing the internet for unauthorized purposes, court records show.

How you live your life is important, Hovland told Holmberg.

Holmberg must surrender his cellphone and iPad and will have to register as a sex offender. Hovland noted that whether Holmberg is determined to be a low-, moderate of high-risk offender is determined by the state Attorney Generals Office.

Hovland said sentencing guidelines suggest a sentence of three to four years for Holmberg, though the charge carries a maximum sentence of 30 years.

Holmberg benefits from a lack of criminal history, which helps shorten the suggested sentence.

Hovland noted that there is no mandatory minimum sentence for the charge that Holmberg pleaded to.

It looks like Congress needs to address that weakness in that charge, Hovland said.
NEW MEXICO (KRQE)  Select New Mexico landowners can ask for help removing trees from properties impacted by the Hermits Peak-Calf Canyon Fire.

The New Mexico Forestry Division is working alongside the USDA Forest Service to remove hazardous trees that might damage roads or structures.

Our priority is to ensure the safety of residents and infrastructure by mitigating the risks posed by hazard trees within the Hermits Peak Calf Canyon fire area, said State Forester Laura McCarthy. We encourage landowners to take advantage of this assistance to ensure the safety and resilience of their properties.

Missing service dog discovered to be dead after water main break

Officials said many trees still stand after the massive fire in 2022, even though they could be dead or damaged. This poses a risk for falling trees.

To qualify, the property has to be within the burn scar in Mora County or San Miguel County. Additionally, the trees must be two tree heights of roads, powerlines, or structures.

Applicants can read about qualifying conditions by clicking on this press release link.

To apply, click here. Otherwise, you can contact the Forestry Divisions Las Vegas District Office at 505-425-7472.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRQE NEWS 13 - Breaking News, Albuquerque News, New Mexico News, Weather, and Videos.
Family members hold up images of loved ones during a 2022 ceremony at the White House where President Joe Biden signed the PACT Act. Since its enactment, more than 1.1 million claims have been granted, worth about $6.8 billion. Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images

WASHINGTON  President Joe Biden on Friday celebrated the number of veterans enrolled in VA health care and benefits as part of a law he signed nearly two years ago, though he said more work must be done for troops who were stationed at a base in Uzbekistan in the early 2000s.

Two years ago, I signed the bipartisan Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson Honoring Our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxins (PACT) Act enacting the most significant expansion of benefits and health care for toxic exposed veterans and their survivors in over thirty years, Biden wrote in a statement.

The law, which took years gaining the support it needed in Congress, expanded health care coverage and benefits for veterans exposed to toxic substances like Agent Orange and open-air burn pits.

To date, more than 1 million veterans and 10,000 survivors of veterans who died have begun to receive disability benefits stemming from the law, accounting for approximately $6.8 billion in earned benefits, according to data from the Department of Veterans Affairs. Of those, 22,174 claims have been approved in Maryland, the VA data said, worth just under $123.2 million in benefits during that period.

Biden said in his statement that his administration would continue studying veterans other illnesses for a presumptive status, which could ensure them access to health care and benefits without having to prove to the VA that their conditions are directly linked to their military service.

The VA is also planning to close loopholes for certain veterans exposed to harmful toxins during their military service, Biden wrote, without elaborating.

A White House fact sheet says the VA is looking into providing benefits for 16,000 veterans who served at Karshi-Khanabad in Uzbekistan, also known as K2, between 2001 and 2005, since there were several contaminants  in either the air, water, soil, or soil gas.

VA plans to take steps to consider veterans who served in Uzbekistan as Persian Gulf Veterans so that any veteran who served at K2 and who experience undiagnosed illness and medically unexplained chronic multi-symptom illnesses can get the benefits they deserve, the fact sheet states. VA will also create new training materials for claims processors and examiners on the hazards identified at K2.

Since the law  known as the Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act or the PACT Act  took effect nearly two years ago, the VA says that 739,421 veterans have enrolled in its health care programs.

Of that total, 333,767 veterans are covered under the new law, including those who served in the Vietnam War, the Gulf War and the wars that followed the Sept. 11 attacks.

In Maryland, 14,765 veterans have signed up for VA care since the PACT Act took effect, bringing the total number of VA-covered veterans in the state to 150,288.

The numbers released Friday are significantly higher than they were when Biden gave a speech on the laws one-year anniversary. The VA said then that 408,581 veterans had filed their claims and that 348,469 of those had been approved.

But Fridays announcement is somewhat similar to one Biden made in May when he cheered the VA granting 1 million claims under the law. Veterans Affairs Secretary Denis McDonough said on a call with reporters at the time that the law had led to more than $5.7 billion in earned benefits for veterans.

The exact number of veterans nationwide with approved PACT Act claims as of Friday stood at 1,005,341 while the number of survivors approved had reached 10,777. A total of 1,251,720 veterans so far have completed filing Pact Act claims, as have 21,416 survivors, according to the VA.

The agency has an interactive dashboard that provides veterans with information about how to apply for health care and benefits under the PACT Act as well as how many claims have been submitted.

The VA has a calendar of in-person events that can be found here. Veterans or their family members can also call the VA at 800-698-2411 to inquire about PACT Act benefits.
More than half of Finns believe that Ukraine could be accepted into the European Union in the future.

Source: Finnish news agency STT with reference to a study by Eva

Details: Over half of Finns (55%) "somewhat agree" or "completely agree" with the statement that Ukraine could become a "good" member of the EU in the future. Of these, 18% "completely agree," and 37% "somewhat agree".

These figures have slightly decreased since 2022, when the survey showed the highest willingness to accept Ukraine into the EU in the future, with nearly 60% support.

Meanwhile, 18% of respondents think that Ukraine will not be ready for EU membership (a combination of "somewhat disagree" and "definitely disagree"), while 27% of respondents were undecided.

Approximately 59% of respondents believe that Ukraine's accession would lead to significantly higher contributions to the EU budget from Finland and other wealthy countries. Additionally, around 60% think that Ukraine's EU membership would result in a more mobile workforce, including in Finland.

The data collection was conducted in the spring of 2024, based on responses from 2,087 participants, with a possible margin of error of 2-3 percentage points.

Another major survey across various countries has revealed mixed opinions among Europeans on whether accepting Ukraine into the EU is a "good idea". A recent survey in Ukraine showed that 70% of Ukrainians hope for Ukraines accession to the EU and NATO by 2030.

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Hundreds of Maryland parents will likely opt their children out of required vaccinations this year through the nonmedical religious exemption. Getty Images.

With schools set to start in a couple weeks, most parents of kindergartners are working to make sure to get required vaccinations for their children before sending them off to school.

But not all parents. Over the last decade, more parents have opted their children out of vaccination requirements through the use of nonmedical religious exemption  especially in recent years following the COVID-19 pandemic.

The number rarely rises above a percent or two of an incoming kindergarten class, typically accounting for no more than a couple hundred children per year. But that means that in the years since 2002, a total of more than 10,000 kindergartners have attended public and private schools without vaccination records, according to historical data from the Maryland Department of Health.

The rising percent of religious exemptions in recent years may point to increasing rates of vaccine hesitancy among families, said Daniel Salmon, a professor and director of the Institute for Vaccine Safety at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health.

Weve seen a post-COVID increase, Salmon said. With COVID  things got really polarized with more misinformation and disinformation. Vaccinations became a very political topic. And thats not helpful.

Maryland law requires that children have a handful of vaccinations when they enter kindergarten, in order to protect themselves and their classmates from transmissible diseases, such as measles, polio and chickenpox, among others. Children can be exempted if there is a medical reason they cannot receive a vaccine or a religious restriction against it.

The process to invoke the religious exemption in Maryland is simple. Parents can just sign a form that says: Because of my bona fide religious beliefs and practices, I object to any vaccine(s) being given to my child.

Elizabeth Elliott, president of the Maryland Association of School Health Nurses, said she understands the need for exemptions, but she said it is also important that as many children as possible be vaccinated.

Herd immunity is really important for those of us  kids, staff members, families  in a school community that, for medical reasons, cant be vaccinated, Elliott said. Its incumbent upon the rest of use to vaccinate ourselves and our children to protect those of use who cant have the vaccine because its unsafe.

But tracking vaccine hesitancy is a tricky task, according to Salmon, and there are many factors that contribute to why some families dont get their kids vaccinated.

Its really hard to answer that question based on data, based on how you measure vaccine hesitancy, he said. So the best measure we have is the proportion of children entering school who have a nonmedical exemption.

The earliest data readily available from the state is from the 2002-2003 school year, in which 0.2% of kindergartners got a religious exemption, or about 126 kids out of roughly 63,000 entering kindergarten that year.

The rate increased steadily over the years: Ten years later, for example, about 0.6% of kids had religious exemptions, resulting in about 419 kids not receiving vaccinations in 2012-2013.

Religious exemptions spiked in 2019-2020 when 2.7% of kindergartners, or 1,641 kids, opted out of vaccination requirements. The COVID-19 pandemic went into full swing in the spring of 2020, so those families would have opted out prior to the the rise in cases in the United States.

Since the 2021-2022 school year, at least 1 percent of kindergartners in Maryland had a medical exemption  a couple hundred a year.

While the percent and numbers have increased, Salmon believes the numbers are not rising high enough for major concern.

Its a pretty small number, he said. I guess its a big increase by percentage, its a fair number of kids, but the absolute numbers are fairly small.

He also noted that a state average does not tell the entire story of vaccine hesitancy.

Its also misleading because the exemptions tend to cluster geographically, socially, and the state average can cant capture that social, geographical cluster issues, he said.

In the last school year, there were higher concentrations of religious exemptions in some of Marylands more rural counties. The highest rate of religious exemptions were in Worcester (4.21%) and Cecil (3.75%). But Baltimore City also ranked high for religious exemptions, at 2.05% of kindergartners.

Maryland tends to fall behind the national average of religious exemptions, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In 2022-2023, the national average for nonmedical exemption was 2.8% of kindergartners, compared to Marylands 1.4% for that year.

Salmon notes that there are many factors since the pandemic that have led to more parents seeking out exemptions from vaccination requirements.

Theres not a simple answer. Its a mixture of people not being aware of the diseases  people worried about the safety of vaccines, often full of misinformation and disinformation, he said. We need to do a better job of communicating to parents more broadly, listen to peoples concerns and be empathetic and address them with the best available science.

Elliott added that there are other underlying reasons why some families seek a religious waiver.

What I often see now is families signing the religious objection because its too difficult to get to their children their vaccines  Its not surprising to hear, Well, I just couldnt get to the clinic. So they just signed the religious waiver, she said, noting that this issue gets more common in middle school.

Elliott agreed with Salmon that the best way to reach families who are hesitant about vaccinating their kids is to be is to be understanding and respectful. She said that as a school nurse, it is part of her responsibility to help families understand why vaccines are important for health and safety in a school setting.

We are the ones that will view the records and ensure compliance and reach out to families, she said. It is a state requirement that students are immunized. And we spend lots and lots and lots of time picking up the phone and having those conversations, politely and respectfully, informing those parents.
Killeen, TX (FOX 44)  The cyber security breach impacted different services in Killeen, including municipal court and transfer station.

Since then, only those services have since been restored.

Utility collections department is still seeing issues.

Services are being taken by hand since computers are down causing services to take longer.

Its kind of going back to old school. If you have new residents or someone is transferring their services, their reconnection or restoration of services, all of that has to be done manually, says director of communications and marketing, Janell Ford.

Out of 160,000 residents, an estimate of less than 300 were impacted by the attack, city officials say was mostly internal.

Those trying to make payments through the utility collections had to make those in person. It was by cash, check, money order only, says Ford.

Most of the residents didnt know about the cyber security breach until going to the utility collections to pay the bills.

I only knew when I called a friend, because I was checking on him. I told him I was going to go downtown and pay a bill. He said, well, you may need to take cash. I said, what do you mean. He said, because they had a cyber attack. I was like get out of here, says Killeen resident, Ray Etchison.

Thanks to a friend, Ray Etchison knew about the cyber attack going in to pay his bills.

I hope they get it together and get it fixed, because a lot of people didnt have cash. They brought debit cards. So, hopefully itll be something that gets through by this weekend and maybe by Monday be a fresh start, says Etchison.

Janell Ford with the city of Killeen says theyve been taking this incident very seriously and are committed to safeguarding the information and services relied so heavily upon by residents.

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Mother, 19, Charged with Murder After Baby Allegedly Wrapped in Wet Blanket and Placed in Front of Air Conditioner Found Dead: Per Multiple Reports

Three adults have been arrested and charged with cruelty to a child in the second degree and murder in the second degree, a case report states

Richmond County Sheriffs Office September DeAsia Seright mugshot

Police in Georgia have charged a mother and two individuals with murder after a 3-month-old baby died from allegedly being wrapped in a wet blanket and placed in front of an air conditioner.

A case report reviewed by PEOPLE shows that on Tuesday, Aug. 6, the Richmond County Sheriff's Office responded to a call at a Budget Inn hotel located at 1616 Gordon Highway about "an unknown situation" shortly after 2:00 a.m.

Upon their arrival, police state that infant Josiah Noel Seright was found wrapped in a wet blanket inside a car seat next to an air conditioning unit at the hotel, reports WJBF, WSAZ-TV, and The Augusta Chronicle.



Richmond County Sheriffs Office September Deasia Seright mugshot

Related: Mom Did Nothing as Boyfriend Beat Her Son to Death Because She Was 'Too Eager to Be in a Relationship with a Man'

According to the outlets, the unit was allegedly set to 61 degrees for an unknown amount of time while the baby's mother, September Deasia Seright, 19, and two other adults, Lamisha Diane Seright, 42, and Bennie Antonio Nash, 39, remained in the room and lounged on a couch and bed.

The baby was transported to Wellstar MCG Health for treatment, where he was pronounced dead at 2:37 a.m., the case report shows.

Richmond County Sheriffs Office Lamish Diane Seright and Bennie Antonio Nash mugshots

Related: Mom of Ga. Woman Got Texts that Did 'Not Sound Like Her Daughter.' She Was Found Dead in Lot Days Later

While the case remains under investigation, authorities state the baby died from hypothermia and respiratory failure, reports WJBF, The Augusta Chronicle, and The Augusta Press.

Hypothermia occurs after a body is exposed to "cold, wet, or windy conditions," the Cleveland Clinic states on its website.

"Eventually, with continued exposure to cold temperatures, your body uses up its stored energy and your body temperature begins to fall. Hypothermia is a medical emergency and needs immediate treatment," the Cleveland Clinic adds, noting that "babies have the highest surface area for their weight and lose heat the most rapidly."

Getty stock image of police siren

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The three adults have been arrested and charged with cruelty to a child in the second degree and murder in the second degree, the case report shows. PEOPLE has reached out to the Richmond County Sheriff's Office for comment.



If you suspect child abuse, call the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-4-A-Child or 1-800-422-4453, or go to www.childhelp.org. All calls are toll-free and confidential. The hotline is available 24/7 in more than 170 languages.

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MEMPHIS, Tenn.  A man held up at gunpoint at his East Memphis home told police one of the robbers had been welcomed into his house many times before.

Police said the robber, identified as Tyler Bell, 21, and two others ambushed the victim at his home on Leatherwood on June 26. The victim said Bell, who went to school with his son, forced him inside, put a gun to his head, and went through his pockets.

The victim said the robbers took a $24,000 Cartier watch, a $15,000 diamond necklace, a $6,000 designer ring, nearly $1,400 in cash, and the keys to his vehicles.

The homeowner said he ran after the robbers, and one of them turned around and fired two shots at him. It does not appear he was hit.

The victim picked Bell out of a photo line-up, and he was arrested and booked in the Shelby County Jail on Thursday.

Bell was charged with aggravated robbery, aggravated burglary, aggravated assault, aggravated assault-act in concert, possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, and theft of property of up to $60,000.

Bell is being held on a $180,000 bond. He is scheduled to be arraigned on Monday.

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At the July meeting of the Oklahoma State Board of Education, the board approved  as an item on the consent agenda  granting emergency teaching certificates to 1,089 adults without education degrees to serve as classroom teachers in the state during the 2024-25 school year.

None of the board members, nor state schools Superintendent Ryan Walters, acknowledged the enormity of that vote, which increased to 1,728 the number of adults with emergency certification for the school year. It seems inevitable that by the end of the school year, Oklahoma will surpass the 5,014 emergency certifications awarded for 2023-24.

Such numbers seemed unthinkable in the recent past  in the 2011-12 school year, the board awarded only 32 emergency certifications for all of Oklahoma. But for any number of reasons  the lure of higher-paying professions, growing issues with classroom discipline, higher salaries for educators in other states, a state superintendent whos referred to teachers unions as a terrorist organization  Oklahoma teachers are leaving the classroom in droves.

Jena Nelson, who lost to Walters in the 2022 election for the state superintendents position, said in a recent post on social media platform X that there are about 30,000 people in Oklahoma who have teaching certificates who are not in the classroom. She said that number comes from a study done by the Oklahoma State Department of Education under previous state schools Superintendent Joy Hofmeister.

"The state continues to ignore the real issues that face public education, and our kids are the ones who suffer, Nelson said.

State Rep. Mark McBride of Moore was an author of the "Inspired to Teach" law that's shown promise in its first year of implementation, with increased enrollment in the state's higher education teaching degree programs.

As the start of the school year arrives, many districts still are desperately trying to fill out their teaching and administrative staffs. Brad Herzer, the assistant superintendent of talent management for Oklahoma City Public Schools, said the states second-largest district, as of Friday, had about 86 openings for certified teachers, four days before classes began. Thats 20 fewer openings than at the same time last year, he said.

New district Superintendent Jamie Polk said that equated to about 97% staffing. Given the teacher shortage, Polk said, I am not happy with that number  Im ecstatic.

The states largest district, Tulsa Public Schools, faces similar staffing issues. At that districts board meeting on Aug. 5, the districts chief of staff, Tasha Johnson, said as of July 22, the district had 140 vacancies for certified teachers, many of those in two hard-to-fill areas, special education and English language development.

In an effort to address the shortage, Tulsa Superintendent Ebony Johnson convinced the board to pass a measure allowing for the use of so-called adjunct teachers  who lack even emergency certification and dont have a college degree  to fill some vacant positions. The goal, the superintendent said, is to put the adjuncts on a course toward earning a teaching degree.

We value and honor our irreplaceable teachers that have worked so hard to earn their credentials, and we also welcome, applaud and support those within our Tulsa team who hope to join our esteemed teachers through the pathway that works best for them, Johnson said. Aspiring teachers and grow-your-own is not a replacement for certified teachers. It is an effort to grow our professionals during a time when vacancies are at an all-time high.

Tulsa Public Schools Superintendent Ebony Johnson pushed through a measure that would allow her district to use adjunct teachers, who don't have a teaching certificate or a college degree, to try and address a shortage of certified teachers in classrooms.

The Tulsa program would be similar to a program already being used in the Oklahoma City district, through which the district pays for paraprofessionals already connected with the district to earn a college degree and become a certified teacher.

'Inspired to Teach' program showing promise, chancellor says

To address the teacher shortage, theres been a push in recent years, in both Oklahoma higher education circles and the state Legislature, to produce more teachers with education degrees.

One program thats showing promise toward that end is called Inspired to Teach. Developed as part of a bill signed into law in 2022, the program provides $5,500 in scholarships spread over the course of a four-year degree program at an Oklahoma college or university. It then provides a $4,000 stipend for each of the first five years one of those graduates teaches at an Oklahoma public school.

State higher education Chancellor Allison Garrett said in the programs first year, there was a 10% increase in the number of students enrolled in one of the states teacher education programs, which bodes well: Think about how it plays out as youve got the sophomores, the juniors and the seniors in there. The scholarship is making a real difference.

Once graduated, those students tend to stay close to home. According to the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education, 88% of teacher education graduates from the state system are employed in the state one year after graduation.

Rep. Mark McBride, R-Moore, was an author of the Inspired to Teach bill and said he had three primary goals  to increase the number of students going into the teaching profession, increasing teacher pay and providing a stipend for veteran teachers. The pay raise didnt happen until the 2023 legislative session, and the stipend didnt come to fruition, but McBride said the final bill contained a lot of good.

I knew we needed to do something to thank teachers and make them feel appreciated, McBride said. There was a lot of thought and planning that went into that.  I didnt want any kind of program where there was a clawback to it. We wanted it to make it appeal to students.

You can basically recoup what it cost you to go to college. I thought it would be successful, but its been way more successful than I thought. It was probably one of the best scholarship programs in the country.

Besides growing more teachers through traditional methods, there are efforts to lure licensed teachers from out of state or from off the sidelines. Walters has championed a program that pays teachers who meet the qualifications a one-time bonus of up to $50,000. But the program has been beset with implementation issues, with Walters agency mistakenly paying bonuses to at least nine teachers, then trying to claw back the money when the agency later determined it had been paid in error.

Walters first blamed the teachers, and later the media's reporting of the story, for the issues with the program. He has yet to publicly accept responsibility for any errors that might have been made by him or his agency. Two of the teachers sued Walters for defamation, and their attorney has said the case remains in settlement talks.

McBride led a legislative push this year to make changes to the bonus program that would have eliminated clawbacks, but the bill died in a state Senate committee.

Legislature has provided boost to teacher salaries in recent years

Outside of the bonuses, higher teacher salaries also help keep active teachers in the profession. Shawn Hime, the executive director of the Oklahoma State School Boards Association, said over the past decade, the state Legislature has boosted funding for common education by close to $1.5 billion, with the lions share of that amount going to increase teacher salaries. At $60,600 a year, Oklahomas average teacher salary is higher than the regional average, he said.

Thats not going to make you rich, but its not a horrible salary for a professional, Hime said. We want it to continue to go up. Were thankful to legislature for allocating that money. We need to continue to invest in our people.

Even with the higher salaries, theres also a growing recognition that  unlike in the past  there must be an emphasis on recruiting people now working in other professions and convincing them to become teachers. Hime said its become necessary for schools to adapt to a culture of work thats changed dramatically in the past decade.

One of things schools are really doing is looking for and working on ways to ensure that when they get emergency certified teachers or adjunct teachers, how can they prepare them to be successful teachers? Hime said.

In todays world, a lot of people change professions. Other professions love to steal hard-working, good teachers. School leaders have to look at other professionals with a college degree who would make good teachers and train them and work them through the process, he said.

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Oklahoma districts continue to battle shortage of certified teachers
CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCBD)  The Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) and Medical University Hospital Authority (MUHA) Board of Trustees convened for their regular committee sessions and board meeting on August 9 and 10.

During the meeting, the board elected Charles W. Schulze as the new chairman and W. Melvin Brown III, M.D., as vice chairman. Schulze, a member since 2002 and former chairman, represents the 3rd Congressional District, while Brown, who joined in 2018, represents the 6th Congressional District.

The board approved the university and health system budgets for fiscal year 2025, with a total operating revenue budget of approximately $7.1 billion.

Our growth as an academic health system has been remarkable, and last year was no exception, said Patrick J. Cawley, M.D., MBA, FACHE. We are grateful for the boards approval of the budget this year because we know it will enable us to continue to provide access to outstanding health care across South Carolina as we continue to grow.

The board also unanimously supported a Purchase and Sale Agreement for the Roper St. Francis Healthcare property in downtown Charleston. The sale includes the 900,000-square-foot hospital building, the medical office building parcel with adjacent parking, and parking garages on Doughty and Jonathan Lucas streets. The transaction will be completed once Roper St. Francis Healthcare relocates its main downtown campus to North Charleston.

Roper St. Francis Healthcare to sell Roper Hospital property by 2029

David J. Cole, M.D., FACS, MUSC President, emphasized the strategic importance of the property purchase: This property purchase is strategically important to MUSC, and further enables our ability to create state-of-the-art health care, research, and innovation facilities within the heart of our campus  ensuring our growth and innovation for the next 200 years and beyond. We are excited about our future and how we will continue to change whats possible for South Carolina as we reshape the future workforce, empower healthy communities, and drive innovation and transformation,

Dr. Cole also presented a year-in-review report detailing notable accomplishments, including U.S. News & World Report rankings and the National Cancer Institute designation for Hollings Cancer Center.

As MUSC celebrates its bicentennial, the focus remains on advancing health care through innovation and expanding graduate medical education and new residency programs.

MUSC is a key driver of the knowledge-based economy in South Carolina. Our growth in education and the opportunities we provide to our students are central to our mission, Cole added.

The MUSC/MUHA Board of Trustees, which governs the university and hospital separately, typically meets for two days of committee and board sessions six times a year. For more information, visit the Board of Trustees web page.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WCBD News 2.
Will Myrtle Beach, SC need replacement sand after Tropical Storm Debby? Heres what we know

Tropical Storm Debby passed through the Grand Strand this week, bringing heavy rainfall, rough currents and strong winds. But despite the inclement weather, the storm didnt impact the coast in Myrtle Beach enough to require renourishment, the process of replacing sand lost by erosion.

Sand on the shore and dunes of a beach is vital in protecting coastal communities from flooding. The beach acts as a buffer between ocean and neighborhoods and dunes can mitigate wave damage.

Our beach did not receive any significant impacts from Tropical Storm Debby. We typically receive the most water inundation on the south end of the beach and the water stopped before the base of the dune line, Myrtle Beach parks maintenance superintendent JC Blackhurst said in an email.

We did have a fair amount of erosion at the water line, which is to be expected from an event like this, said Blackhurst. This will naturally balance itself out with a few tide cycles.

Tropical Storm Debby also didnt significantly impact the shoreline in unincorporated Horry County or North Myrtle Beach. A representative for the county said post-storm evaluations concluded that the amount of sand on beaches didnt change much and a representative for the city of North Myrtle Beach said erosion from the storm was minimal.

While there are situations when [the Office of Ocean and Coastal Resource Management] will grant emergency permits to move sand, its our position that sand dunes are significantly stronger when allowed to build naturally, Blackhurst said.

Although no immediate renourishment is required, last year the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Charleston District announced plans for emergency renourishment to South Carolina beaches to address beach and dune erosion caused by storms like Hurricanes Ian and Nicole.

No dates have been announced for the renourishment, but projects are typically repeated every eight to 10 years, and the last cycle for Myrtle Beach was in 2018. For the next renourishment project, Myrtle Beach is currently set to receive 800,000 cubic yards  about 80 dump trucks  of sand.
Native Hawaiian Walk to the Box events aim to boost voter participation

HONOLULU (KHON2)  In an effort to boost voter turnout among the Native Hawaiian community, the initiative Our Kaiaulu Votes held Walk to the Box events Friday.

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The days activities began at 11 a.m. with a sign-waving demonstration along King Street near Iolani Palace.

Participants then walked to Honolulu Hale to drop off their ballots.

Star Woo, a senior at Kamehameha High School, highlighted the significance of these events.

It is our kuleana to have and voice our opinions inside politics and I think that hasnt been the most common practice as of lately and we really want that to increase and change, Woo said.

Similar Walk to the Box events took place on Maui and the Big Island.

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The initiative aims to inspire greater civic engagement among Native Hawaiians in the lead-up to the Hawaii primary election on August 10.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KHON2.
A NATO flag flies in the wind during the "National Guardian 2024" exercise as part of the "Quadriga" series of Bundeswehr exercises at the Oberlausitz military training area. Robert Michael/dpa

A Russian reconnaissance aircraft flying over the Baltic Sea region has prompted fighter jets from several NATO countries to be deployed.

Interceptors from northern Germany, Sweden and the NATO Baltic Air Policing mission took off to secure the alliance's airspace and escort the Russian IL-20M maritime reconnaissance aircraft out of the area, the German Air Force announced on Saturday on the platform X.

"The aircraft was flying without a flight plan and contact with civilian air traffic control," it added.

Russia uses international airspace for military flights in accordance with applicable aviation law.

However, the German Armed Forces have said that Russian military aircraft almost always fly without an identification signal from their transponders, which makes them invisible to civilian air traffic control.

The flights bring Russian aircraft close to NATO airspace without actually violating it. It is presumed that Moscow uses the flights to test the alliance's reactions.
The recent geopolitical landscape, marked by the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and return of great power competition, necessitates a reevaluation of NATOs stance on cluster munitions.

Under the leadership of Jens Stoltenberg, NATO embraced the Convention on Cluster Munitions, or CMC, in 2008, which barred 124 member nations from stockpiling, using or manufacturing these weapons due to their indiscriminate nature and long-term humanitarian impact.

But the grinding continuation of the Russo-Ukrainian War, the largest European conflict since WWII, and the looming threat from a Russian and Chinese friendship without limits demands a strategic shift.

As such, NATOs future effectiveness in deterring Russian aggression hinges on withdrawing from the treaty and resuming the production and deployment of cluster munitions.

The defense of Europe in the face of Russian aggression requires a pragmatic approach that balances moral obligations with strategic necessities. The CMC, while noble in intent, has proven to be a strategic liability.

It is incumbent upon NATOs new leadership to correct this course, ensuring that the alliance remains capable of defending its member states against present and future threats. Withdrawing from the CMC and reinstating the use of cluster munitions is a difficult but necessary decision to strengthen NATOs defense posture and secure peace in Europe.

Why the US is willing to send Ukraine cluster munitions now

It also makes little sense to remain part of a convention on arms control when future arms control deals are unlikely.

The CMC limits NATO capabilities while giving Russia time to build and maintain a defense industrial base that is already well ahead of Europe. The European defense industry has already struggled to produce conventional munitions and re-orienting toward cluster munition production too late could prove disastrous.

NATO under Stoltenberg has had two-and-a-half years of war in Ukraine to lead NATO out of the CMC debacle and suggest that all members withdraw.

However, Stoltenbergs leading role in the inception of the CMC highlights the inherent contradiction between arms control and deterrence. Weakening NATOs deterrence capabilities through adherence to the CMC potentially emboldens Russia by making Europe more vulnerable, risking greater loss of life in the event of conflict.

Stoltenbergs tenure as NATOs secretary general is marked by a significant contradiction. His role in founding the CMC was driven by humanitarian concerns, but as the leader of NATO, he is responsible for deterring Russian aggression.

At the 2008 CMC, Stoltenberg was quoted saying that the treaty places moral obligations on all states not to use cluster munitions. and banning cluster bombs took too long. Too many people lost arms and legs.

Despite the CMCs push for other NATO members to join, European states under more direct threat from Russia  like Finland, Poland, Estonia, and Latvia  have refused to join the convention, leading to a bifurcated NATO.

Stoltenberg, despite his opposition to cluster munitions, has repeatedly suggested that Russia will not stop at Ukraine.

I think theres no doubt that President Putin is trying to re-establish a sphere of influence to ensure that Russia has control over neighbor countries, he said at the Wilson Center in June.

The CMC, while morally driven, has inadvertently weakened NATO, and arguing for a limitation of defensive capabilities despite highlighting the Russia threat to neighboring NATO is contradictory.

The moral inconsistency of Stoltenbergs role in the CMC and as NATO general secretary is palpable. An organization created to avoid war through deterrence has abdicated its responsibility to provide the best possible defense. Stoltenbergs inability to reconcile these opposing roles has left NATO in a precarious position, with some member states, like Lithuania, taking independent action to withdraw from the CMC and bolster their defenses.

Putin says Russia has sufficient stockpile of cluster bombs

Lithuanias recent decision to withdraw from the CMC with a decisive parliamentary vote highlights the growing divide within NATO. Eastern European countries, acutely aware of the Russian threat, see the need for cluster munitions as a critical component of their defense strategy. In contrast, Western European nations remain bound by the CMC, creating a rift that undermines NATOs unity and operational effectiveness. Stoltenbergs departure and the ascension of Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte to lead the alliance offers a crucial opportunity for new leadership to address this divide and establish a cohesive policy.

So far, Rutte has offered no statements on cluster munitions, but to solve the scattered NATO policy on their use, he should take seriously the opinion of NATO nations on Russias border.

The Tactical Importance of Cluster Munitions

The practical application of cluster munitions in Ukraine has demonstrated their strategic value. Turkeys provision of Dual Purpose Improved Conventional Munitions (DPICM) to Ukraine proved pivotal in the Battle of Bakhmut, showcasing the lethal effectiveness of these weapons in multiple pivotal areas.

Cluster munitions can effectively cover large areas, making them ideal for targeting dispersed or moving troops and vehicles. Their dual-purpose nature allows them to be effective against a variety of targets, from light armor to personnel.

The United States approving cluster munitions transfers to Ukraine further underscores their necessity in modern warfare. The delay in providing these munitions due to political debates rooted in the CMC has cost lives and weakened Ukraines defense.

NATO members withdrawing from the CMC would not only unify the alliances stance but also send a clear signal to Russia regarding NATOs resolve. The recent support for cluster munitions by Eastern European nations and the practical success observed in Ukraine provides a compelling case for this strategic shift.

Additionally, NATO must take a stand on cluster munitions as an organization, rather than Stoltenberg calling for governments to decide, and not NATO as an alliance. The mark of a great leader is the willingness to change positions at inflection points. The defense of Europe requires cluster munitions now, and in the future. This is not 2008.

The Role of China in the Geopolitical Landscape

Moreover, the evolving geopolitical landscape demands that NATO consider the broader implications of its defense strategies, particularly concerning Chinas increasing relevance.

Chinas strategic partnership with Russia, often described as a friendship without limits, has significant implications for NATO. This partnership extends beyond diplomatic support to tangible contributions to Russias war effort in Ukraine. China has been accused of providing technology and economic aid that indirectly supports Russias military operations, thereby complicating the strategic calculations for NATO.

Chinas stance on cluster munitions further underscores the need for NATO to reassess its position. China has refused to join the CMC, prioritizing its military capabilities over humanitarian concerns. This refusal allows China to maintain a robust arsenal that includes cluster munitions, which could potentially be used in future conflicts.

NATO must recognize that adhering to the CMC puts it at a strategic disadvantage not only against Russia but also against a rising China.

John Nagl is professor of Warfighting Studies at the U.S. Army War College.

Dan Rice is president of the American University of Kyiv and the co-president of Thayer Leadership at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point.

John and Dan are both Iraq War combat veterans. This article expresses their views and not those of the United States Army, the Army War College or the Department of Defense. The authors would like to thank Army War College senior intern David Heiner of the University of Denver for his help in the research and editing of this article.
Newburgh man charged with murder in fatal shooting on Hasbrouck Street in May

CITY OF NEWBURGH - A Newburgh man has been charged with murder in connection with a fatal shooting on Hasbrouck Street in May.

City police said officers responded to a 911 report of shots fired on Hasbrouck Street after 11 p.m. on May 13.

Responding officers found two gunshot victims. One man, a 25-year-old resident of Rock Tavern, was pronounced dead at the scene.

The other, a 30-year-old resident of New Windsor, was in critical condition. He was taken to a local hospital for treatment of life-threatening injuries.

Neither victim was further identified by police.

City police detectives immediately began an investigation, assisted by the Orange County District Attorney's office.

On Tuesday of this week, city police arrested Eric Z. Walker, 28, of Newburgh, and charged him with second-degree murder and first-degree assault, both felonies.

Fugitives found: Irish couple, wanted for fraud charges in UK, arrested with stolen truck in Ulster County

He was processed and held pending arraignment in Orange County Court. Further court information, including bail information, was not immediately available.

Police did not say what motivated the shooting.

Walker's attorney, Joseph J. Artrip, could not immediately be reached for comment.

U.S. Federal Probation, state police, the Hudson Valley Crime Analysis Center, the U.S. Marshalls Service and the Orange County Sheriff's office also assisted city police in their investigation.

Mike Randall covers breaking news for the Times Herald-Record and the Poughkeepsie Journal. Reach him at mrandall@th-record.com

This article originally appeared on Times Herald-Record: Fatal shooting in Newburgh in May leads to murder charge
Executive Director of It Takes a Village

HENDERSON, Ky. (WEHT)  Eyewitness News sits down with Tangila Smith to learn about her dedication to the It Takes a Village no kill shelter (ITV).

It Takes a Villages website says Smith first became involved with ITV by fostering dogs in 2011. It goes on to say she didnt stop at fostering and decided to work full time at the shelter.

Its very rewarding to see the amount of animals we can help, says Smith.

Smith says that her duties as executive director leads her to work all over the shelter.

Its anywhere from helping to clean kennels, going out and picking up dogs from shelters, answering phones or filling out applications. You have to do a little bit of everything, says Smith.

Smith tells Eyewitness News she first got involved with It Takes a Village after seeing a dog that could use a helping hand.

It started when I saw a plea on Facebook about a dog that was set to be euthanized. I couldnt get that dog out of my head, so I set up to foster it, says Smith. I was then asked to be on the board and the position just came to me. Ive been here ever since.

It Takes a Villages website says Tangila has welcomed her home to four rescue dogs and has fostered lots of animals.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Eyewitness News (WEHT/WTVW).
NEWTON FALLS, Ohio (WKBN)  Newton Falls Police Chief Gene Fixler says hes officially back on the village payroll.

Fixler says the village council recently passed legislation to bring him back. Hell be doing some fact-finding to see what it would take to put the department back together. He says the village still has the necessary equipment such as cruisers, computers, radios and weapons.

At this point, he doesnt know if the money is there to restore a full-service police department.

The police department disbanded in 2023 after a police levy failed. Now, the Trumbull County Sheriffs Office patrols the village.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKBN.com.
CHICAGO  Red Line trains are running with residual delays after fire department activity near the area of 95th.

The CTA said all Red Line Trains between 95th/Dan Ryan and 63rd/Dan Ryan stopped running for a few hours Friday evening due to fire department activity.

Read more: Latest Chicago news and headlines

Officials said at the time, trains had only been operating between Howard and 63rd/Dan Ryan. As of 9 p.m. Friday, all trains are running and normal service has been restored.

Shuttle buses were available between 95th/Dan Ryan and 63rd/Dan Ryan to provide connecting service in both directions during the temporary suspension of service.

No other information was released.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WGN-TV.
SEOUL (Reuters) - North Korean leader Kim Jong Un revisited a flooded area near the country's border with China this week to address plans to support those affected by recent heavy rainfall and floods, including bringing about 15,400 people to the country's capital until new homes are built, state media KCNA said on Saturday.

Kim made a two-day trip on Thursday and Friday to Uiju County, one of the affected areas, to offer additional support for those affected, KCNA reported.

Thousands of homes in North Korea's city of Sinuiju and Uiju County were flooded due to heavy rainfall, North Korea said last week.

In late July Kim visited flooded areas and inspected rescue works where the military organised around 10 planes to make roughly 20 trips each to rescue 4,200 people within about a half-day after the region had been hit by heavy rainfall from Tropical Storm Gaemi.

KCNA said Kim addressed plans to provide state support for elderly people, soldiers, children and mothers in the country's capital Pyongyang until their new homes are built, adding about 15,400 people could be brought to Pyongyang.

Kim said it would take at least two to three months for flood victims to stabilize their lives after construction of houses and repair work is done due to the large scale of the damage.

Kim also thanked those countries and international organizations that have reached out to North Korea and showed intention to provide humanitarian support, but said the country will "forge its own path with its own strength and effort," KCNA quoted Kim as saying.

On Sunday, North Korea said Russian President Vladimir Putin has offered humanitarian aid to North Korea. Kim gave thanks for the offer but said since his government has already taken measures to conduct recovery work, he would ask for help "if aid is necessary," KCNA reported.

Last week, South Korea's Red Cross said the South was ready to provide the North with relief supplies for damage caused by recent heavy rainfalls.

(Reporting by Heekyong Yang; Editing by Chris Reese)
North Korean leader says thousands of flood victims will be brought to capital for temporary care

FILE - This undated photo provided on July 29, 2024 by the North Korean government, shows a flood-hit area in North Phyongan province, North Korea. Independent journalists were not given access to cover the event depicted in this image distributed by the North Korean government. The content of this image is as provided and cannot be independently verified. Korean language watermark on image as provided by source reads: "KCNA" which is the abbreviation for Korean Central News Agency. (Korean Central News Agency/Korea News Service via AP, File)

SEOUL, South Korea (AP)  North Korea will not seek outside help to recover from floods that devastated areas near the countrys border with China, leader Kim Jong Un said as he ordered officials to bring thousands of displaced residents to the capital to provide them better care.

Kim said it would take about two to three months to rebuild homes and stabilize the areas affected by floods. Until then, his government plans to accommodate some 15,400 people  a group that includes mothers, children, older adults and disabled soldiers  at facilities in Pyongyang, North Koreas official Korean Central News Agency said Saturday.

KCNA said Kim made the comments during a two-day trip to northwestern town of Uiju through Friday to meet flood victims and discuss recovery efforts. The agency gave Kim its typical effusive praise, saying the visit showed his sacred leadership and warm love and ennobling spirit of making devoted service for the people.

State media reports said heavy rains in late July left 4,100 houses, 7,410 acres of agricultural fields, and numerous other public buildings, structures, roads and railways flooded in the northwestern city of Sinuiju and the neighboring town of Uiju.

The North has not provided information on deaths, but Kim was quoted blaming public officials who had neglected disaster prevention for causing the casualty that cannot be allowed.

Traditional allies Russia and China, as well as international aid groups, have offered to provide North Korea with relief supplies, but the North hasnt publicly expressed a desire to receive them.

Expressing thanks to various foreign countries and international organizations for their offer of humanitarian support, (Kim) said what we regard as the best in all realms and processes of state affairs is the firm trust in the people and the way of tackling problems thoroughly based on self-reliance, KCNA said.

Kim made similar comments earlier in the week after Russian President Vladimir Putin offered help, expressing his gratitude but saying that the North has established its own rehabilitation plans and will only ask for Moscows assistance if later needed.

While rival South Korea has also offered to send aid supplies, its highly unlikely that the North would accept its offer. Tensions between the Koreas are at their highest in years over the Norths growing nuclear ambitions and the Souths expansion of combined military exercises with the United States and Japan.

The North had also rejected South Koreas offers for help while battling a COVID-19 outbreak in 2022.

During his recent visit to Uiju, Kim repeated an accusation that South Korea exaggerated the Norths flood damages and casualties, which he decried as a smear campaign and a grave provocation against his government. Some South Korean media reports claim that the Norths flood damages are likely worse than what state media have acknowledged, and that the number of deaths could exceed 1,000.
(FOX40.COM)  A Northern California man was arrested on Thursday after police identified him as the man responsible for a fatal hit-and-run crash that occurred in late April.

The Fairfield Police Department said on April 23, around 1 a.m., that its officers found a woman lying in the roadway after responding to a fatal crash at Air Base Parkway and Wiley Lane.

It was determined the victim had been struck by a car, but no vehicles were in the area, police said.

Northern California sideshow involving about 100 vehicles leads to arrests, tows

An investigation into the matter began, and on April 24, officers found a vehicle belonging to the suspect at a residence in Vacaville. Over the next several months, police said they collected enough evidence to receive a warrant for the driver.

On Thursday, Vacaville resident Jaered Diago, 21, was arrested and taken to the Solano County Jail, police said.

We appreciate the hard work expended to bring the culprit to justice in this case. Great work, all! the Fairfield Police Department concluded.

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The number of children arrested for terror-related offences has surged - heres why

The number of minors arrested for terror-related offences has quadrupled in less than two decades

The number of minors arrested for terror-related offences has quadrupled in less than two decades to a record high.

A total of 42 under-18s were arrested for terrorism-related activities in 2023 under the Terrorism Act 2000.

This is a fivefold increase from the average of 7.3 a year when the legislation was first introduced, official data show.

Schools are now referring more pupils to counter-terrorism agencies than the police or local authorities  increasingly in relation to extreme Right-wing ideology.

More than a quarter of those charged by police for rioting over the past fortnight have been under 21, with children as young as 14 convicted. Here, as in terror referrals, the vast majority are boys.

Experts say vulnerable boys who feel left behind are being caught out by what appears to be a worsening spread of misinformation in the online world to which they have grown so attached.

Hannah Rose, a hate and extremism analyst at the Institute for Strategic Dialogue (ISD), a global non-profit dedicated to combating polarisation and disinformation, said: Over the past seven or eight years, weve seen younger and younger people get involved in far-Right extremism and terrorism.

Asked about the cause of the increase, Ms Rose pointed before all else to the effective decentralisation of extremism made possible by the internet, and social media in particular.

Because so much is now organised online, it means that anyone can just pick up a device, log on, find really harmful material, make their own material  which children are increasingly doing  and engage with far-Right ideas, she explained.

Children increasingly have that agency and capacity to engage with a dangerous far-Right movement from the grass roots.

According to Ofcom, 99 per cent of children in the UK regularly spend time online, and nine in 10 have a mobile phone by the age of 11.

The communications regulator also recently noted a blurred boundary between the lives children lead online and the real world.

Extremist networks exploit vulnerabilities

Ms Rose added: Young people who feel isolated are increasingly able to go online and find community, which conceptually is a good thing, people can feel like they are a part of something.

However, we know that extremist networks exploit those vulnerabilities, particularly among young people, who are at a time of identity formation, thrill-seeking, counterculture and rebellion.

These sentiments are exploited by the far-Right, in order to bring them into their own in-group. So it makes them feel like they are a part of something, and that they have a specific enemy they can blame, and only serves to further isolate them from any potential support or off-ramps.

The Southport Wake Up Telegram channel was set up within hours of the fatal stabbing of three young girls at a Taylor Swift-themed dance event on the morning of July 29.

The feed went on to broadcast details of local protests and threatening specific people by name for almost a week before it went private, by which point it had gathered almost 15,000 members.

Monthly downloads of Telegram, a Russian-founded messaging app, have crept up in the UK over the past few years, even as other platforms slipped into decline. Research has found more than a quarter of its worldwide user base to be under 25.

Tommy Robinson News, the eponymous channel operated by the Right-wing activist whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, currently has some 107,000 members on Telegram.

Banned from X, then Twitter, in March 2018, Robinson was reinstated last November following Elon Musks takeover of the company. His following there, where the majority of discussions happen out in the open, now verges on a million.

Tommy Robinson exploited X to spread division

His posts were viewed more than 434 million times over the week since far-Right riots targeting Muslims and migrants first broke out, according to analysis by the Centre for Countering Digital Hate (CCDH). The platform had fact-checked just one of Robinsons posts during that time.

Axel Rudakubana, an 18-year-old born in Cardiff to Rwandan parents, has been charged with murder.

But because he was only 17 at the time of his arrest, initial reports refrained from naming him. Robinson was quick to promote claims the suspect was Muslim, and was an asylum seeker who had crossed the Channel by small boat last year.

According to the CCDH, his posts received an average of 54.3 million views a day on X between July 29 and Aug 5. The non-profit said Robinson successfully exploited X to spread his divisive messages more widely and more frequently at a time of crisis.

Girls are not immune to such misinformation, but the vast majority of young people being radicalised online are boys.

Over the year to March 2023, the latest for which data is available, a record two-fifths of referrals to Prevent  a portal for schools and other institutions to report concerns over radicalisation  came from the education sector.

Under-15s were the second most represented age group, at 31 per cent of the total, with those aged 15 to 20 at 32 per cent.

Children aged 14 and under accounted for the largest proportion of referrals for extreme Right-wing radicalisation in 2022/23 for the second year in a row (35 per cent). This is up from just 20.8 per cent in 2016/17.

Richard Collard, the associate head of child safety online policy at the NSPCC, told The Telegraph: Boys are being targeted with misogynistic and often racist hate on social media because companies have not got their algorithms in check.

There is often a crossover between the accounts sharing racist and sexist material with the aim of amplifying their harmful content.

Society has left boys behind

Claudia Wallner, research fellow and associate in the Royal United Services Institutes (RUSI) terrorism and conflict research group, believes the societal shifts of recent years have left young boys behind, and as such vulnerable.

Young boys especially have witnessed many efforts to empower the young girls and women around them, all absolutely necessary to redress historical wrongs, she said.

But in doing this we have failed to come up with a better idea of what positive masculinity might look like, to find positive role models for boys. Too often, it is people who present themselves as having the answer, like Andrew Tate, who come in and fill this void.

Influencer Andrew Tate has made a name for himself online advocating anti-feminist positions - DANIEL MIHAILESCU/AFP via Getty Images

Governments could and should be doing a lot more to work out what is actually happening on these platforms, according to Imran Ahmed, executive director of the CCDH.

The Online Safety Act  which will impose a range of duties on social media companies destined to make the UK the safest place in the world to be a child online  passed Parliament last year, but is not expected to be fully implemented until 2025.

While recognising its benefits, Mr Ahmed emphasised that the Acts biggest weakness was its lack of statutory data access pathways, that would empower researchers to understand and expose the mechanisms behind online radicalisation.

We need to talk openly to our children

This is the first change that must happen if the UK is to tackle the problem, in his view, and he is calling on the Government to make it.

The second thing that we need to do is start a serious conversation between schools and parents about the use of smartphones in school settings, he added.

And the third thing is making sure parents are having symmetrical conversations with their kids.

We, as adults, dont know the platforms as well as the kids, because we dont use them as much, and so we need to be having shame-free conversations in which they talk openly about what they are seeing frequently, and were able to then teach them about what the context is, and how to understand it.

Mr Collard of the NSPCC urged tech firms not to wait for Ofcom to take enforcement measures to act. Platforms must take decisive action now to ensure children are protected from vile racism, misogyny and misinformation online, he said.

Mr Ahmed stressed the radicalisation of young people is not the fault of the children themselves. Kids are less resilient to disinformation narratives, and less resilient to lies, simply because they dont know as much truth, they havent got as much life experience, he said.

Its bonkers to blame them for not being able to parse through stuff, when most adults cant sort their way through disinformation either.

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NYC Algebra teachers are dreading the next school year  when nearly all of them will have to use a commercial math curriculum being blasted as a complete disaster.

Last year, teachers at 265 schools piloted the Illustrative Mathematics curriculum, which Chancellor David Banks is betting on to improve the citys lagging math scores.

Illustrative Math overhauls how teens learn math. Teachers must stick to scripted lessons on a rigid schedule. Students work in groups to tackle problems and are expected to discover the answers with little instruction. Gifted students can handle it, but those below grade level without the prerequisite skills become frustrated, teachers said.

Chancellor David Banks has mandated that all but six of NYCs 420 high schools adopt the Illustrative Math curriculum. Michael Nigro

Its the worst, a teacher wrote recently in a Facebook chat group shared with The Post.

No one was happy with it. The kids didnt know wtf was happening when we used the lessons. Not to mention you get reprimanded by the superintendents office if you go off script and dont use verbatim the words in the curriculum.

Its been a complete disaster, a colleague agreed.

Another wrote simply, SUCKS!!!

Critics say Illustrative Math doesnt address several topics tested on the Regents exam. Imagine Learning

The city Department of Education refuses to say how students at the 265 schools scored on the Algebra 1 Regents exam given on June 4.

We do not yet have the results, a DOE spokeswoman claimed.

But DOE teachers finished scoring all the exams within a few days, insiders said. Individual schools and students have received their own results. This month, NYC must submit scores to the state, which will release citywide and borough results in the fall.

Teachers chimed in on a chat group after one asked about the Illustrative Math curriculum. Obtained by The New York Post

But some data leaked to The Post already suggests troubling outcomes.

Students from more than 25 schools in three Bronx districts, including some that used Illustrative Math, scored an average failing 56.5 on the exam. That fell below last years Bronx borough average of 61.

In one Queens district that used Illustrative Math, Regents scores dropped from last year in all but two of 25 schools, an insider told The Post.

Comments posted by NYC teachers who used Illustrative Math.

A passing grade is 65, which requires that students answer 35% of questions correctly.

At Forest Hills High School, 660 kids took the exam, but just 44% passed, documents show.

The schools average score dropped from 65 last year to 62.

Being forced to use illustrative Math for Algebra 1 brought down my students average score from 69 to 64, a teacher told The Post.

The passing rate of the teachers English language learners  kids who struggled the most with Illustrative Math  dropped by nearly 20%

Among the hurdles of Illustrative Math, teachers must stick to a rigid pacing calendar, or schedule of lessons, which are tightly scripted.

If my students didnt get something, we had to move on, the teacher said. There was no time allotted to pull kids aside and help them catch up. They were frustrated.

Whats worse, several skills tested on the Regents exam  rationalizing denominators, unit conversions, polynomials and sequences  are not sufficiently covered by Illustrative Math, according to a DOE instructional guide. That forced teachers to squeeze in those topics.

Bobson Wong, a teacher at Bayside HS in Queens and co-author of Practical Algebra: A Self-Teaching Guide, said the curriculum offers a lot of interesting problems and activities.

But Wong, who did not take part in the pilot, recoils at the required uniformity: There seems to be little leeway for teachers to adjust the curriculum based on our students needs. Everyones got to be teaching the same lesson on the same day in the same way.

Teacher Bobson Wong said Illustrative Math doesnt give educators enough freedom to meet different student needs. X @bobsonwong

Gary Rubenstein, a math teacher at elite Stuyvesant High School, which is exempt from the Illustrative Math mandate, says in his blog the curriculum is destined to flop, largely because it assumes  wrongly  that students have already mastered the basic skills required to solve equations.

Illustrative Math is a key component of NYC Solves, a DOE math initiative expected to cost $34 million over five years, including professional training.

Mayor Adams and Banks announced on June 24 that all 420 NYC high schools  except six top-tier specialized schools  must adopt the curriculum this fall.

Illustrative Math expects students to discover the process and solve equations with little teacher instruction. Obtained by The New York Post

The DOE initially claimed on its website that Illustrative Math had the endorsement of a respected think tank, EdReports, which is funded by multiple philanthropies, including the Gates Foundation.

But EdReports disputed the DOE statement. It is inaccurate and was not provided by or approved by EdReports, spokeswoman Janna Chan told The Post. The group does not endorse or recommend any curricula, she said.

Chan then contacted the DOE, which deleted the word endorsement, citing only a review.

The DOE also said the curriculum has undergone a formal review by a committee of NYC educators and math specialists, but a spokeswoman would not name those on the committee or release its findings.
KANSAS CITY, Mo.  Minimum-custody offender Ricardo Marin-Valadez was apprehended, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections, two days after being placed under an escape status when he didnt return to a Johnson County work release facility on Friday, Aug. 9.

KDOC reported that Marin-Valadez, 24, was arrested by the Kansas City Police Department Sunday night without incident under an escape warrant.

KDOC released a statement saying that Marin-Valdez had not arrived at the Johnson County Adult Residential Center (ARC) and was considered dangerous.

Waldo business owners fed up with car break-ins, thefts and threats

The KDOC claimed that the walkway did not impact the security or operations of the minimum secure compound.

Marin-Valadez was convicted in Johnson County for drug-related convictions. He was serving a 15-month sentence at the ARC when he walked away. Under an agreement with the KDOC and the JCDOC, residents with release plans appropriate to Johnson County are housed at the ARC.

As of right now, KDOC said that the investigation is ongoing and no further details will be released until it is completed.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports.
Two law enforcement officers were injured and the suspect killed in a shooting at a North Texas gas station early Saturday, officials said.

Officers with the Crandall Police Department and the Kaufman County Sheriffs Office responded to a panic alarm at an Exxon gas station on FM 741 around 3:10 a.m., Star-Telegram media partner WFAA-TV reported.

The officers were fired upon when they made contact with the suspect. A Crandall police officer and a Kaufman County deputy were both struck in the leg, according to WFAA.

The officers returned fire, hitting the suspect. Life-saving measures were performed on the man, but he didnt survive, WFAA reported. The injured officers were transported to Baylor University Medical Center in Dallas with non-life-threatening injuries.

The Texas Municipal Police Association posted about the shooting on X, calling it a harrowing incident.

This incident is yet another grim reminder of the escalating violence against our law enforcement, the association posted.

OFFICER DOWN

TMPA Regional Attorney Zach Horn and Field Representative Curtis Billings are on the ground in Kaufman County, responding to a horrific officer-involved shooting. Officers from the Kaufman County Sheriffs Office, Crandall Police, and the Talty Police pic.twitter.com/DpSI1V04oB  TMPA (@TMPALegislative) August 10, 2024

Earlier this week a Tarrant County sheriffs deputy was shot by a child sexual assault suspect while trying to execute three felony arrest warrants, authorities said.

 More top stories from our newsroom:

 Driver in custody after live-streaming police standoff

 Why open-water swimming is risky, even for CrossFit athletes

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Ohio man sentenced to 16 years in prison for possession, distribution of child sexual abuse materials

AKRON, Ohio (WKBN)  An Akron man has been sentenced to 16 years in prison for possession and distribution of child sexual abuse materials (CSAM).

David Walker, 39, pled guilty to the charges and was sentenced on Friday.

According to court documents, Walker received and distributed nearly 400 video files known to

contain CSAM and exploitation of children. A computer tablet with CSAM files was recovered

during the execution of a federal search warrant of his residence. Files were described to include

male and female children of various ages under 17 including infants and toddlers.

According to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, some of the victims were identified on the video files found in Walkers seized computer tablet.

Walker was an active participant on BitTorrent, an internet service that allows users to download

content such as images and videos easily. It utilizes each users computer as a mini-server to

facilitate computer-to-computer file sharing among users throughout the world. The technology

allows thousands of people to download the same files without crashing the system which has

made BitTorrent a commonly used protocol to share illegal files such as CSAM.

Walker will also serve 15 years of supervised release after serving his prison sentence.

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A man is in custody after he stabbed his parents, killing one and seriously injuring the other, during an argument.

Just after 4 p.m. Friday, officers and medics were dispatched to the 3300 block of Palmhill Lane in Green Township on reports of a stabbing, our news partners WCPO-9 TV reported.

Upon arrival, crews found 75-year-old Barbara Mortimer dead and a 75-year-old man seriously injured.

>> 13-year-old Ohio boy dies after shooting

The man was taken to the University of Cincinnati Medical Center, according to a release obtained by WCPO-9 TV.

A police investigation determined that 40-year-old Kenneth Mortimer stabbed his parents at their home during an argument.

Mortimer had left the scene before Police arrived but he was located and arrested in Cincinnati.

He is being charged with murder, attempted murder, and felonious assault.
XENIA, Ohio (WDTN)  The Ohio National Guard is on a special mission in Greene county this weekend providing free health exams at the Greene County Career Center.

The Ohio National Guard hosts GuardCare in a different part of the state each year as a training exercise and to give back to the community.

Its a little bit of everything, so thats why we love it and thats why were doing it, GuardCare Mission Officer In Charge Andew Pepin said.

Miami Valley villages have connection to Paris name

Back for the first time since the pandemic, the Guard partnered with Greene County Public Health.

More than 200 Guard members, alongside other volunteers are offering physical exams, dental cleanings, eye exams, lab testing and more Saturday and Sunday. No appointments are needed and no insurance is required.

Lots of people are uninsured or underinsured, and this gives an opportunity for folks to get that care that they might put off because of the co-pays are too high or they just dont have the coverage, Cheryl Wynn, director of planning, preparedness and promotion at Greene County Public Health, said.

Dayton Police sergeant terminated after investigations by BCI, department

The event also trains Guard members for deployment to a disaster or emergency.

We learn planning, activation, assigning roles, delegating and being familiar with this mobile equipment, Pepin said.

Those who came out say with everything so expensive nowadays, theyre grateful this service can be offered for free.

Health care is so expensive, and so, you know, if you have high deductibles and things, its just, you know, its something thats needed actually, Bobbie Murray from Fairborn said.

GuardCare will continue on Sunday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WDTN.com.
OKCPS Supt. updates on a range of topics ahead of new school year

OKCPS Supt. updates on a range of topics ahead of new school year

OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR)  Students for Oklahoma City Public Schools (OKCPS) head back to the classroom next week. Ahead of the new year, their superintendent Dr. Jamie Polk updated metro news outlets on a range of topics.

Whats going to be so special about the upcoming year? Polk asked. That we will be student outcomes focused.

LOCAL NEWS: Upcoming OK homeschooling extracurricular activities study sees mixed reaction

OKCPS Supt. Jamie Polk updates on a range of topics ahead of new school year

Its a new year and new superintendent for the district in Polk. She said Friday that they are 97 percent enrolled and 97 percent staffed, but they do have a need for special education teachers and support staff.

I think I need about ten more bus drivers, she said.

Polk is asking parents this year to have their kids remember their phone numbers, names and addresses and to go over building rallying points in case of emergency.

If something were to take place, they know exactly where their child would be, she said.

Theyre planning on continuing to use their weapons detection system from last year as well. Its used only to detect weapons and nothing else.

Its not as intrusive, Lt. Wayland Cubit, director of district security said. Its much easier to come into our school.

Something new this year will be their writing to learn initiative.

LOCAL NEWS: OCSO: Be mindful of personal info when posting 1st day of school photos

As students begin to write, they begin to utilize those skills that we teach in reading and in short, when students can comprehend what theyre reading, they could write about it, Shaun Ross, OKCPS executive director, secondary principal supervisor said.

About 17 schools will use it this year with hopes to incorporate the writing initiative in more instruction across all 31 elementary schools in the future. As for the state mandate to teach the bible in those same classrooms, Polk kept her answer simple.

I will follow the law and policy, she said. Those are my guides.

Classes for the district start Tuesday, August 13.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KFOR.com Oklahoma City.
This article was originally published in Oklahoma Voice.

OKLAHOMA CITY  New guidance from Oklahoma City Public Schools regarding a state mandate to teach the Bible requires teachers to reference the texts historical and literary aspects only in the specific instances that state academic standards allow.

In issuing the guidance on Wednesday, Superintendent Jamie Polk also advised teachers to document detailed lesson plans and not to stray from district-approved curriculum materials.

The Bible must not be used for preaching or indoctrination, and Oklahoma City schools, the states second largest district, must maintain absolute neutrality and objectivity when referencing it, Polk said.

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Our goal is to provide a balanced, objective approach that respects diverse beliefs by adhering to both state requirements and federal laws and regulations, she said in a memo to teachers, who returned to work this week.

Last month, state Superintendent Ryan Walters ordered all Oklahoma districts to teach about the Bibles historic and literary value starting in the 2024-25 school year.

His mandate also includes a provision that all classrooms keep a copy of the Bible, the Ten Commandments, the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution.

Related

Ryan Walters: How a Beloved Teacher Became Oklahomas Top Culture Warrior

Walters order aims to add extra guidelines to the state academic standards, which are a lengthy list of topics and concepts that Oklahoma public schools must teach.

The Bible is not mentioned in the existing standards for social studies, English language arts, fine arts or music  the subject areas Walters identified for Bible instruction. However, the social studies standards require schools to teach about major world religions and the role of religion in the establishment of some American colonial governments.

Walters guidelines seek a much deeper exploration of the Bible, including analysis of biblical passages, instruction on its influence in Western civilization and American history, and references to it in literature and fine arts.

To ensure our students are equipped to understand and contextualize our nation, its culture, and its founding, every student in Oklahoma will be taught the Bible in its historical, cultural, and literary context, Walters said in a statement on the mandate.

The order quickly became controversial over concerns for church-state separation and local control of school curriculum. Leaders of multiple school districts have since said their districts wont implement more instruction on the Bible outside of what state standards already require.

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Oklahoma Supreme Court Knocks Down Bid for Virtual Catholic Charter School

Polk said her guidance is meant to give legal cover to teachers in case one of them faces a complaint.

We have to protect teachers, and when this came out, one of the first things we did was we rallied together as a team, and I had the curriculum department at the table and I had the legal department at the table, Polk said in an interview with Oklahoma Voice. I asked the legal team, If one of our teachers got in trouble because of the Bible, what would you need to defend them?

Documenting lesson plans, including the way teachers present the information to students, will be essential, she said.

The Center for Education Law, an Oklahoma City law firm that provides legal counsel to OKCPS, raised doubts over the viability of Walters Bible mandate. Any attempt by the state to direct how Oklahoma schools teach academic standards would infringe on local district authority and is invalid under Oklahoma law, the law firm wrote in a letter to schools.

Polks statement to teachers on Wednesday also referenced another, similarly polarizing announcement from Walters asking schools to provide a cost analysis of educating undocumented students. Walters said his administration would release guidance on the matter in the coming weeks.

Families dont have to provide information on their immigration status to enroll their children in public schools. The Oklahoma City district doesnt ask for these details, and Polk said it doesnt plan to start doing so.

Related

Up in the Air: Oklahoma Families in Limbo as Courts Decide on Religious Charter

The recent orders created a tricky start this summer to Polks tenure as Oklahoma Citys superintendent, but after 36 years in education, she said she knows theres always something that will stir debate.

She said she still aims to maintain a working relationship with the state Education Department to ensure students receive what they need in order for them to have a diploma in one hand and a plan in the other as they walk across the stage.

The topics change, but theres always conflict, Polk said while looking back on the national controversies that erupted over past decades. But as Americans, how do we navigate problems?

How do we come to the table then and let me hear your voice so I can accept your viewpoint, but you too then get to hear my voice?

Oklahoma Voice is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Oklahoma Voice maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Janelle Stecklein for questions: info@oklahomavoice.com. Follow Oklahoma Voice on Facebook and X.
Older pilots with unmatchable experience are key to the US aerial firefighting fleet

HELENA, Mont. (AP)  Pilot Jim Maxwell logged nearly 25,000 flight hours over five decades flying small planes in dangerous situations, from spraying to kill illegal drug crops in Central America to navigating smoky skies to drop fire retardant as wildfires scorch the Western United States.

Once in the 1980s, his plane went down when his engine failed during a drug eradication mission and he suffered burns that left him scarred, but he never wavered in his desire to keep flying high-risk missions even as he advanced beyond retirement age.

The 73-year-old from Clarkston, Washington, answered the call again last month to help firefighters contain a lightning-caused blaze in Malheur National Forest in Oregon. It turned out to be his last mission: He was killed when his plane crashed in steep, forested terrain on July 25.

Its not yet known what caused the crash  it usually takes about two weeks for the National Transportation Safety Board to issue a preliminary report  but fellow pilots believe poor visibility was a factor.

Maxwells age would have precluded him from flying for a commercial airline, those pilots must retire at 65, but there are no age limits for firefighting pilots. With unmatchable experience and savvy, it is not uncommon for these aerial firefighters to keep working into their 60s and 70s. Some even fly after turning 80, said Ken Pimlott, former chief of the California Board of Forestry and Protection, or Cal Fire.

Andy Taylor, the 60-year-old owner of New Frontier Aviation in Montana, said he prefers the pilots he hires to have as much experience as possible. Newer pilots start by spraying pesticide to get practice flying at low altitudes and dropping loads, Taylor said, but they also need experience flying in mountainous terrain.

Agricultural spraying usually happens when the air is cool, the ground is flat and there is no wind.

But switching over to the fire side of it, most of the time were flying when its 80 to 100 degrees (26 to 37 Celsius) out with the wind blowing in very steep, difficult terrain, in addition to the smoke.

The job the pilots do is in huge demand during wildfire season and on-scene fire commanders sometimes express desperation for air support when blazes are raging.

Its also expensive: The main federal agencies that oversee firefighting efforts in the West  the U.S. Forest Service and Bureau of Land Managements parent agency, the Interior Department  spent more than $700 million on aerial firefighting contracts in 2023, according to agency officials.

Being an aerial firefighter requires years of training and experience, and its a tough line of work to get into, so pilots and fire officials say its not surprising they continue working after most people are retired, as long as they can pass an annual physical that includes an electrocardiogram to test heart function. They also must maintain a commercial pilots license and participate in training.

Taylor estimates there are about 120 single engine air tanker, or SEAT, pilots working in the U.S. this summer.

Paul Yedinak, who is 73 like his longtime friend Maxwell, flies a SEAT, mostly in the Pacific Northwest. He estimates the average age of aerial firefighters, including tanker pilots, is about 60 because of the experience required, and because they love flying.

Yedinak, Taylor and Maxwells son, Jason Maxwell, also an aerial firefighter, believe low visibility due to heavy smoke contributed to the crash, which shook the tight-knit aerial firefighting family.

Jim was the last person we would ever thought that would have a problem like this, ever, Yedinak said.

Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek ordered state flags to be flown at half staff on July 31 and Aug. 1 to honor Maxwell. His ashes were flown to Lewiston, Idaho, on Aug. 2, where where about 200 people gathered at the airport, Jason Maxwell said.

My dad deserved something like that, he said.

A memorial service will be held after the fire season is over.

Maxwell was flying an Air Tractor 802A, which enables pilots to drop about 700 gallons (2,650 liters) of retardant on fires from heights as low as 100 feet (30 meters) above the ground, or 60 feet (18 meters) above the highest trees. SEATs are typically used in initial attacks on small fires, but also can be used to fill in areas between retardant drops made by larger tankers.

We can normally get into tighter places and terrain that the bigger airplanes cant get to, Taylor said.

SEATs also can land and refill at smaller airstrips closer to fires, rather than at the tanker bases required for larger planes, giving them quicker turn-around times.

A similar aircraft, an Air Tractor 802F, crashed on July 10, killing pilot Juliana Turchetti, 45, as she scooped up reservoir water to drop on the Horse Gulch Fire near Helena, Montana, officials said.

Maxwell got his private pilots license when he was 19 and in the 1980s worked for the federal government spraying herbicide to kill opium poppies and marijuana in Guatemala. He was shot at multiple times and his plane caught fire after crashing due to engine failure on one flight, Jason Maxwell said.

Maxwell was badly burned, requiring numerous skin grafts, Yedinak said.

Jim Maxwell and Yedinak had worked for the same BLM contractor for about seven years. They were fighting different fires on the day of Maxwells fatal crash, in conditions where the visibility was about 3 miles (5 kilometers), compared to 10 miles (16 kilometers) on clear days, Yedinak said.

After the crash, Yedinak and other pilots decided that without at least 5 miles (8 kilometers) of visibility, were not going. Theres no sense in it.

The crash brought us back to reality as far as all were doing is trying to keep grass and trees from burning, he said.

Still, Yedinak said he isnt quite ready to retire from firefighting. He keeps in shape by riding his bike, running, hiking and hunting.

I still enjoy doing it. Its still very challenging, he said. As long as I can stay fit and I enjoy the job, Ill probably continue for a little while longer.

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I was one of Britains top lawyers  but I was terrified my husband would kill me

I was one of Britain's top lawyers but I was still terrified my husband would kill me

High-powered lawyer Lara appeared to have it all. The first female corporate partner in her law firms history, she was an archetypal strong business woman who had made a name for herself in the cut-throat world of dealmaking.

But behind the scenes she was starting to realise that she was in an abusive relationship with her husband  an outwardly charming, high-powered finance executive who had her living in terror.

I was scared he would kill us, she says.

Years earlier, she had set up a domestic abuse policy at her firm which dozens of staff went on to use. She never thought she would one day need it herself.

I remember sending an email to my boss and the first line was I feel like a bit of a lemon, she says.

Id introduced this amazing programme and never thought Id be affected.

Lara is among a number of senior women in the City who spoke to The Telegraph about their experience of domestic abuse, explaining that they are eager to bust some myths about who is impacted and who the perpetrators can be.

Domestic abuse, say these victims, is too often dismissed as a problem that mostly affects working-class women.

But it happens in the Square Mile too  and there is the same stifling pressure to remain silent.

Theres a great taboo about it, and the higher you are in an organisation the harder it is. Youve got to be bloody tough to be a partner at a big four accounting firm, a law firm, or to be high up at a bank, Lara says.

I never thought Id be the person reaching out for help, I was as surprised as anyone.

The controlling behaviour crept up on her slowly. From the outside she appeared to have a happy marriage with a jet-setting financier who was the life and soul of the party.

He would drink a lot, but in her industry this was part and parcel of a successful career and didnt raise any alarm bells.

However, after he stopped working in the early years of their marriage, he became increasingly resentful of her success and became more and more controlling.

I couldnt dance in the kitchen with my kids, because if I was seen to be relaxing or having fun then Id pay the price, she says.

I had to be seen to be busy. If he saw me playing solitaire on an iPad while I was waiting for some pasta to cook, he would suggest I was being idle.

A few years later, he became physically very intimidating by throwing things and slamming doors.

Lara is far from alone. Amy, who was a managing director at one of the biggest investment banks in the world, spent years hiding bruises and broken bones from her bosses.

She met her abusive partner online, and believes she was targeted because she was financially attractive.

The relationship moved fast, and when friends raised eyebrows about a wedding so soon after meeting her partner she said it was a no brainer because she had just landed a 200,000 bonus.

In the years that followed he took control of her finances, isolated her from her children and became physically abusive, breaking her nose, her back and two ribs.

This is rife in our society and nobody talks about it. Its the hidden horror of our society, Amy says.

Im an educated woman who was very successful and able to retire early. The external me was formidable. Theres an attitude in banking that this wouldnt happen to our people, theyre way too smart.

Were taught to be strong, articulate ambassadors to the company. Its almost unthinkable that someone like me who was that ambassador was hiding bruises. Ive got a big message to give to these companies: dont think this isnt happening to your people and your executives, because it is.

Amy believes that high-paying companies such as banks deliberately search out these alpha individuals who sweep into companies and look the part, which can leave staff feeling pressure to appear a certain way  no matter the reality.

Someone walking in with their face all beaten up, its not going to happen is it, she said.

The companys image is almost encouraging a paper over the cracks attitude.

Amys abuse was so bad that the only way she could hide was by working from home and turning her camera off.

After her nose and facial bones were broken, a surgeon told her that hed only seen these injuries before on a dead person.

She called in sick and then conducted all her meetings remotely.

I was in a global role, so it was easy to work from home and easy to hide, she says.

It is not just banking and law where senior staff are struggling. Leaders in other industries who have been in abusive relationships talk of feeling pressure to put on a brave face at work.

Oil giant BP has just introduced a policy to help staff escape abusive relationships by offering free accommodation and legal advice.

More than 2m people experience domestic abuse each year across England and Wales, with official statistics showing that around 25pc of women and almost 15pc of men are likely to be affected in their lifetimes.

If you think Covid was an epidemic, look at this, warns a senior leader in the rail industry who grew up in an abusive household and faced domestic abuse in her 20s.

It took her years to find her voice at work, unsure how her ordeals would be perceived in a male-dominated environment with ego and testosterone.

My survival mechanism was not to speak, and that held me back for so long in my career, she says.

Once she did feel able to talk about her struggles in the workplace, she told a director whose shouting made her uncomfortable that when he raised his voice in a meeting room it felt like I was being strangled.

She was surprised by how well he took it.

Once I did that, everything got unblocked. He could have said its not my problem, but he listened.

Susan Bright, the chief executive of the Employers Initiative on Domestic Abuse (EIDA), believes that raising awareness is crucial.

Companies dont need to spend huge amounts of money on flee funds  they can just put posters on the back of toilet doors or give affected staff the flexibility to come and leave work at different times or from another location.

A myth is that this only happens to certain people, certain communities, women  none of that is true, she says.

In a workplace its important for businesses to understand that it can happen to the most junior person and it can happen to the most senior person. You would be staggered.

The number of people whove said to me, I just wish someone asked me if I was OK, I wish someone just asked.

Names have been changed

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One person is dead after a fire in Clinton Friday night, according to a news release from the Clinton Fire Department.

The department was called to a structure fire in the 500 block of Ninth Avenue South on Friday, August 9 at about 5:58 p.m. Their response included two ladder trucks, an engine, two ambulances and a command vehicle. Camanche Fire responded with an engine for a rapid intervention team. Crews found a two-story home with smoke showing from the rear when they arrived. Witnesses told them that there was still at least one and possibly two people still inside the building. First responders made an aggressive interior search without the protection of a hose line. The other companies began fire attack once they arrived on scene.

A rapid search of the building found a deceased victim near the fire area in the first-floor apartment. There were no other victims located within the building. Three cats were successfully rescued from the second-floor apartment. Crews made a rapid knock down of the fire in addition to the search. Salvage and overhaul operations continued to confirm the fire was fully extinguished. The Salvation Army was called to help displaced residents and the Iowa State Fire Marshals Office was contacted to assist in the investigation of the fire.

The Clinton Police Department, the Camanche Fire Department, Iowa State Fire Marshals Office, Alliant Energy, the Salvation Army and Clinton County Communications provided assistance. No other information is available at this time.

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OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR)  OKCPD responded to a fatal shooting at 5405 N Lincoln Blvd early Saturday morning.

Officials received a call of shots fired at Lincoln Inn Express Hotel and Suites.

OKCPD arrived at the scene and saw a person lying in the hallway with gunshot wounds.

OKCPD PIO confirmed the victim was pronounced dead at the scene.

When they arrived, they went inside and found the subject lying in the hallway, that had been shot. That subject was pronounced dead here at the scene, said Lt. Jeff Cooper with Oklahoma City Police Department. At this time we dont have any witnesses, no.

Information and location of the suspect is unknown at the time.

The scene of the shooting is under further investigation.

KFOR will update as more information arrives.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KFOR.com Oklahoma City.
Two officers among 3 injured in 2-alarm fire at Charlotte Airport parking deck: CFD

Two officers among 3 injured in 2-alarm fire at Charlotte Airport parking deck: CFD

CHARLOTTE (QUEEN CITY NEWS)  Two police officers are among three people hurt from a two-alarm fire at a parking deck at Charlotte-Douglas International Airport, according to the Charlotte Fire Department.

Around 9:30 a.m. on Saturday, a second alarm was struck for a fire at 5488 Josh Birmingham Parkway. When crews arrived, they saw smoke and fire coming from the hourly parking deck.

First responders looking for potential drowning victim in Lake Norman

Queen City News learned four cars were damaged on the 4th floor of the parking deck.

Of the officers injured, one was taken to a local hospital with minor injuries; The other officer and one civilian were treated and released at the scene.

Credit: Charlotte Fire Department

Credit: Charlotte Fire Department

Queen City News

As of 10:17 a.m., the Charlotte Airport said all parking operations and roadways have reopened except for the 4th floor of the Hourly Deck. As a precaution, the area above the impacted area on the 5th floor is also closed to passengers.

Officials determined the cause of the fire was accidental, starting in the engine compartment of one of the vehicles.

In total, four vehicles were damaged, causing an estimated $105k in damages.

This is a Developing Story . Check back for updates

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News.
Will the Trump campaign say youre fired to this sign designer?

Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump headlined a rally in Bozeman, Montana, on Friday, aiming to bolster support for ousting the states Democratic senator, Jon Tester.

During the event, people situated behind Trump held up signs reading, in all capital letters, Lyin Kamala, Youre Fired!  referring to his presidential opponent, Democratic nominee Kamala Harris. (Youre fired! was, of course, Trumps catchphrase while hosting reality show The Apprentice.)

However, the words Lyin Kamala were significantly smaller than Youre Fired, and barely visible in some videos and images from the rally. The resulting visual made it look more like the crowd was using Trumps own slogan against him.

If you squint, you can see the words "Lyin' Kamala" printed above the thicker "You're Fired!" text. AP Photo/Janie Osborne

Having people hold youre fired signs behind you is poor planning pic.twitter.com/XmD71G3zZV  MeidasTouch (@MeidasTouch) August 10, 2024

Attendees of the rally are pictured with more signs. Brendan Gutenschwager/Anadolu via Getty Images

The signs made an earlier appearance, with the same issue, at Trumps Atlanta rally last week.

And in another sign-related blunder for the GOP, Sen. JD Vance (R-Ohio) appeared onstage Tuesday in Philadelphia in front of a large sign proclaiming KAMALA CHAOS. But Trumps running mate and his supporters largely obscured the second word, giving the impression that his campaign event was in support of Harris.

Related...
JASONVILLE, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV)  Greene County Health Inc. in Jasonville gave the public an opportunity to see the facility in its entirety.

The center has been operating in Jasonville since 2015. Last month, they moved into a new building, which is more than double the size of their old facility. CEO and physician assistant Corianne Vanderkolk says that it creates new opportunities.

We want to try our best to bring healthcare to the community, Vanderkolk said. By having a larger building, we now have the opportunity to bring in more specialty. Were looking for physicians out of Vincennes, Terre Haute, Bloomington, those areas where we can bring a larger service of healthcare to our patients without having to send them outside the county.

It is important for the facility to have room for several patients at a time. Family nurse practitioner Billie Jo Fritch says the new building will allow for fast care without worry of overflow.

We see patients of all ages whether they can pay or not, Fritch said. We see newborns up to elderly people. We try to take care of everyone in the community.

The facility is a sign of growth in Greene County. Community health worker and insurance navigator Wendy Bailey says it allows the staff to work efficiently.

We have our own space, Bailey said. Our therapist has her office, I have my own office, and the providers have a big space to be able to expand into specialty if thats something we would do. The patients get that feeling that weve worked really hard to bring them this new home, that we have for growth as well.

It is located on Main St. in Jasonville and is open Monday-Friday from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.

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RNC co-chair Lara Trump recently attacked Vice President Kamala Harris in a screed that only an alien who had just landed on Earth and was unaware of concepts like nepotism, misogynoir, and decency, could watch without rolling their three eyes.

Posted by Ron Filipkowski, editor-in-chief of liberal news website MeidasTouch Network, the Trump video is worth watching for its bold lack of self-awareness. If you cant watch, heres the thankfully short transcript:

To be honest, [Harris] has failed upward her entire career. Somehowwe know whyJoe Biden chose her to be president, uh vice president with him. He saidthese arent my words, these are hisWe want to choose someone not based on merit. Not based on their skill set. Not based on the fact that they might be the best person for the job of vice president. [BUT] Based on how she looks. Based on the fact that shes a woman. Based on the fact that she was a minority woman. Thats really gross as far as Im concerned. Do me a favordont ever give me a position based on the fact that Im a woman. Either I earned it or I didnt. And thats it. Thats all I need.

So lets dissect Trumps drivel, line by line.

Lara Trump: To be honest, she has failed upward her entire career.

To be honest, this is a lie. Harris steadily built a stellar career in public service over decades.

Plus, failing upward is not something typically associated with women of color. The concept is most likely to be applied to mediocre white men.

Which is not to say that a woman couldnt fail upward. Maybe you can think of a woman in a position of authority who would fit that description, Lara. Anyone come to mind? Hmm? Well, consider some possibilities and well return to this later.

Somehowwe know whyJoe Biden chose her to be president, uh vice president with him.

Obviously, being a Trump means that subtlety is not on brand. But if you start with a sarcastic comment like Somehow then you shouldnt immediately undercut the bit by adding we know why. This shifts a dog whistle into a dog bark.

He saidthese arent my words, these are his: We want to choose someone not based on merit. Not based on their skill set. Not based on the fact that they might be the best person for the job of vice president.

So when you said 'these arent my words', the thing that you said after was, in fact, your words. You made it sound like you were going to quote the president, but instead offered the verbal equivalent of eating too much stuffing on Thanksgiving and then sneaking off to the weird bathroom in the basement to vomit it all out.

[BUT] Based on how she looks.

Yes, Lara. Everything about you screams Judge me by my kindness and my integrity and not my looks!

Based on the fact that shes a woman. Based on the fact that she was a minority woman.

U.S. history time! There have been 49 vice presidents and this is gonna blow your mind, Lara, but until 2020, every single one had been a white male. The Democrats tried running Geraldine Ferraro in 1984. The Republicans tried running Sarah Palin in 2008. The selection of a woman VP had never been a winning strategy.

Thats really gross as far as Im concerned.

Wait, are you saying that its gross that a qualified woman was selected to be vice president and for the first time, the ticket won? Im afraid if thats how you feel, Lara, were going to have to revoke your Woman Card.

Im a woman.

Sorry, but we just revoked your card, remember?

Do me a favordont ever give me a position based on the fact that Im a woman.

Okay, but how about getting a position based on the fact that youre a woman who married a Trump? Or do you believe you were given your current job on merit? If so, lets compare your resume with that of Michael Whatley, who is your (white male) co-chair of the RNC.

MICHAEL WHATLEY

BA, MA,JD

Worked on Florida recount for George W. Bush

Deputy Assistant Secretary of Energy

Chief of Staff, Senator Elizabeth Dole

Partner, HBW Resource

Chair, North Carolina GOP

RNC, General Counsel

Co-Chair RNC

LARA TRUMP

B.A., Culinary school

Pastry chef

Personal trainer

Inside Edition, story coordinator/producer

Board member, Eric Trump charity*

Senior Advisor to Donald J. Trump, Inc.

FOXNews contributor

Co-Chair RNC

*The Eric Trump Foundation has since shut down after charges of self-dealing which allowed donations to flow back into Trump Organization properties.

Either I earned it or I didnt.

You didnt.

And thats it. Thats all I need.

Actually, you need to do one more thing. Remember when I asked if the term failing upward reminded you of anyone else? Did you come up with a name?

I was talking about you, silly! While you lost your Woman Card, you still have your Trump card. Thats how you earned your leadership positionby marrying Eric back in 2014. You are clearly lacking in qualifications to be co-chairthese arent my words, theyre the words of West Virginia GOP committeewoman Beth Bloch, who nominated you and, according to the Washington Post warned her fellow RNC members against overvaluing titles and experience. God does not call the qualified. He qualifies the called Lara Trump is the embodiment of this truth.

Nell Scovell is the author of the memoir Just the Funny Parts: And a Few Hard Truths About Sneaking Into the Hollywood Boys Club.

Read more at The Daily Beast.

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Reporter Evan Gershkovich hugs his mother, Ella Milman, as President Joe Biden, right, looks on at Andrews Air Force Base, Md., following their release as part of a 24-person prisoner swap between Russia and the United States, Thursday, Aug. 1, 2024. Gershkovich was the first U.S. journalist arrested in Russia since the Cold War ended. | Manuel Balce Ceneta

The release of targeted journalist Evan Gershkovich of The Wall Street Journal and 15 others politically imprisoned in Russia is cause for relief and rejoicing. Eight prisoners held in the West, including a murderer, were also released in the largest such exchange since the Cold War.

Gershkovich represents a highly respected, influential news organization. He also personifies Russian dictator Vladimir Putins long-term repression of free political expression.

Evan Gershkovich was the first U.S. journalist arrested in Russia since the Cold War ended, but only one distinctive example of ruthless state repression.

Alexei Navalny, a prominent Russian opposition leader, was arrested following his brave return to Russia in 2021. He had been evacuated to Germany for emergency medical treatment after being poisoned. He later died in a far-northern camp.

Before Navalny returned, Kremlin authorities tried to intimidate journalists and restrict protests supporting him. State media regulator Roskomnadzor demanded social media not post information related to protests.

In Britain in March 2018, a police officer found Sergei Skripal and his daughter Yulia unconscious on a park bench in Salisbury, a city near London. Authorities immediately hospitalized them in intensive care. The nerve agent responsible also sickened the officer, who was likewise hospitalized.

Skripal worked for the GRU, the military intelligence arm of Russia. He was also a double agent for British intelligence from 1995 onward.

In September 2018, opposition activist Peter Verzilov became severely ill after a court hearing related to a protest and his subsequent arrest. He was flown to Berlin for specialized medical treatment, where poisoning was diagnosed as the likely cause.

Vladimir Kara-Murza, an opposition leader and journalist, suffered two severe health attacks in 2015 and 2017. The diagnosis in each case was probable poisoning. He is the vice chairman of Open Russia, an organization founded by successful business entrepreneur Mikhail Khodorkovsky, a strong Putin opponent who has been persecuted and imprisoned.

A particularly prominent victim is Alexander Litvinenko, who died in London in November 2006 from acute radiation poisoning. Litvinenko was a former colleague of Putin in the KGB, the principal arms of state security in the Soviet Union, an agency rightly feared for ruthless methods and effective results.

Putin is a product of distinctive KGB culture.

Litvinenko defected to Britain, where he was a prominent and influential public critic of Putin and the government of Russia before he was silenced. After a meticulous, thorough investigation, representatives of Scotland Yard testified in a public inquiry that the Russian government was involved in Litvinenkos death.

Earlier critics of Russias regime sometimes died violently, gangland style and in public. In early 2009, near the Kremlin on a sunny day on a public street, a gunman murdered activist attorney Stanislav Markelov. Journalist Anastasia Baburova tried to help him and was also killed. The hit man was a pro, his pistol equipped with a silencer.

Markelov had denounced the prison release of Colonel Yuri Budanov, who was convicted of strangling a woman during the Chechnya war.

In 2021, courageous journalist Dmitry Muratov received the Nobel Peace Prize. The Kremlin shut down his news organization, Novaya Gazeta.

Today, Russian military aggression, related espionage and sabotage and other outrages are constant. The invasion of Ukraine is only the most extreme example. Military involvement beyond Ukraine is extensive. Attempted interference in U.S. elections is notorious. Harassment of Americans and others is a part of this picture.

Winston Churchill observed that the key to Russia is national interest. The U.S. government appealed to just that factor to achieve success in the prisoner exchange.

Arthur I. Cyr is the author of After the Cold War. Contact acyr@carthage.edu.
The Eau Palm Beach Resort & Spa in Manalapan near Palm Beach has been purchased for at least $277.39 million by Oracle software billionaire Larry Ellison. Ellison owns the largest residential estate in Manalapan.

Oracle software billionaire Larry Ellison has bought the beachfront Eau Palm Beach Resort & Spa in Manalapan south of Palm Beach, the luxury resort announced Thursday.

Ellison owns the largest residential estate in Manalapan, the wealthy enclave south of Palm Beach. He also owns other luxury hospitality properties.

The purchase price and terms of the Eau Palm Beach sale were not disclosed. But the price paid almost certainly hit $300 million and likely was even higher, people familiar with the transaction told the Palm Beach Daily News.

Ellison bought the Mediterranean-style, 300-plus room resort from the Lewis Trust Group, which had owned the property since 2003.

Our family feels privileged to have been a successful part of the Eau Palm Beach story, Simon Lewis, principal of the London-based Lewis Trust Group, said in a statement released by the resort.

Though we are sorry to bring our tenure to a close, we are gratified in knowing that Larry Ellison will treasure the resort and guide its hoteliers to even greater heights. Though we leave behind countless memories and friends, we will always look back on our long association with Manalapan with gratitude and pride.

In addition to co-founding Oracle, Ellison has been involved in a variety of luxury hospitality ventures. His portfolio includes the Four Seasons Resort Lanai and Sensei Lanai in Hawaii; Nobu Ryokan Malibu, Nobu Hotel Palo Alto and Sensei Porcupine Creek in California; and the Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe in Nevada.

We are excited about the acquisition by the Ellison family, Tim Nardi, general manager of Eau Palm Beach Resort & Spa, said in the announcement about the sale.

Ellisons extensive experience in luxury hospitality brings a new level of innovation to the resort and we are confident that this transition will not only enhance the unique experiences we offer but also introduce new amenities and services, ensuring Eau Palm Beach remains a premier destination for our valued guests, Nardi said.

The resort underwent a yearlong, multimillion-dollar improvement project that was completed in 2022. That remodeling project followed other renovations at the resort, including the redesign of ballrooms and meeting spaces in 2018.

In 2019, the Lewis family floated the idea of selling the resort, according to reporting by The Palm Beach Post. But no suitable buyer emerged, the Post reported. Real estate sources told the Post at the time that the Lewis family had been seeking about $1 million per room. With 309 rooms, that would put the asking price well above $300 million.

In the just-announced sale, global real estate investment bank Eastdil Secureds lodging team served as adviser to Lewis Trust Group in the sale, according to the resorts statement. The same company had marketed the resort when it was for sale in 2019.

Stay up to date on South Florida's sizzling real estate market and sign up for The Dirt weekly newsletter, delivered every Tuesday! Exclusively for Palm Beach Post subscribers.

Broker Lawrence Moens of Lawrence A. Moens Associates also was involved in Ellisons purchase of the resort, according to people familiar with the property. He and Ellison had been spotted together touring the resort, sources said.

Ellison, Moens, Lewis and Nardi could not be reached for comment by the Palm Beach Daily News.

Moens represented both sides in 2022 when Ellison bought his Manalapan estate at 2000 S. Ocean Blvd. for a recorded $173 million. That transaction set a Florida residential sales record. Ellisons ownership entity bought the ocean-to-lake estate  and part of nearby Bird Island in the Intracoastal Waterway  from a trust controlled by a fellow software billionaire, Jim Clark. In all, the estate and its island measure more than 22 acres.

The Manalapan estate is about 2 miles south of the resort property. Ellisons primary home is in Hawaii.

His real estate holdings also include an estate one of his entities bought in 2021 for a recorded $80 million at 12210 Banyan Road in Seminole Landing near North Palm Beach. Forbes estimates Ellison's net worth at $159.7 billion.

The new owner plans to make improvements at the resort property, the announcement said, but it did not provide specific details. Importantly, the current team of hoteliers will remain on staff, ensuring a smooth transition and continuity in operations, the announcement said.

The 8-acre resort and hotel features seaside swimming pools, a 42,000-square-foot spa, 32,000 square feet of meeting space and several restaurants. Eau Palm Beach has consistently earned high ratings from travel magazines and hospitality organizations.

The resort was a Ritz-Carlton branded property when it changed hands in 2003. After the Lewis family bought the resort for $67.5 million, they put more than $100 million into the property.

In 2013, the hotel was rebranded Eau, which means "water" in French and is the name of the hotel's award-winning spa. The Eau also joined the Preferred Hotels Group reservation system, a group of boutique upscale hotels around the world.

The property traces its roots to La Coquille Club, a popular beach club and playground for the society set. By the late 1970s, the late shopping-center magnate Melvin Simon and his wife, Bren, took possession of the property, razed the club and built The Ritz-Carlton Palm Beach, which opened in the early 1990s.

Previous reporting by Palm Beach Post writer Alexandra Clough contributed to this story.

This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Oracle billionaire Larry Ellison buys Eau Palm Beach Resort in Florida
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN)  A Central Oregon man has been arrested for drunkenly firing gunshots into the ground before crashing his bike, according to the Deschutes County Sheriffs Office.

Around 12:20 a.m. on Friday, the law enforcement agency responded to multiple shooting reports in the West Felicity Lane area of Sisters. The Sheriffs Office found 23-year-old Christopher Reese near a Pacific Pride gas station, where it seemed as though he had a bicycle accident.

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DCSO said the resident sustained minor injuries, and authorities found a black hoodie and a semi-automatic pistol on the sidewalk near where the crash happened. According to authorities, Reese told a deputy he owned the firearm.

The agency reported investigators later determined the man was intoxicated, and he also confessed to repeatedly shooting his gun after leaving a nearby bar.

Evidence on scene and witness statements support the firearm was discharged into the ground and not towards any individual or building, the Sheriffs Office said.

Reese was charged with unlawful use of a weapon, unlawful possession of a firearm, reckless endangering and driving under the influence of intoxicants.

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PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN)  An Oregon scientist contributed to a study that determined lonely people are more likely to experience bad dreams.

The research  published in the Journal of Psychology in July  connected loneliness with how often an individual faces nightmares, and how intense the nightmares are. Researchers additionally found that stress, rumination and hyperarousal play a major role in both factors.

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Oregon State Universitys School of Communications Director Colin Hesse joined professors from the University of Arizona, University of Tampa and Whitworth University in contributing to the study.

The scientists pointed out that nightmares stem from evolution. Humans once felt anxiety or wary primarily due to environmental factors, but they have since evolved to experiencing those feelings when they are lonely.

According to the researchers, the findings support the evolutionary theory of loneliness  which asserts that social isolation affects humans everyday life and prompts them to form connections.

Interpersonal relationships are very much a core human need, Hesse said in a release. When peoples need for strong relationships goes unmet, they suffer physically, mentally and socially. Just like hunger or fatigue means you havent gotten enough calories or sleep, loneliness has evolved to alert individuals when their needs for interpersonal connection are going unfulfilled.

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He also said loneliness and sleep disorders are serious public health issues that can be linked to higher risks of heart disease, stroke and premature death. For older adults, isolation increases the risk of developing dementia by 50%. But while loneliness may correlate with bad dreams, Hesse noted that is different from directly causing them.

Researchers conducted this study by surveying more than 1,600 adults between 18 and 81 years old.

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Maggie Simpkins, a registered nurse at Oregon State Hospital, talks about her job on Friday, Aug. 9, 2024. Nurses are concerned about excessive mandatory overtime and burnout. (Ben Botkin/Oregon Capital Chronicle)

Maggie Simpkins, a registered nurse at Oregon State Hospital, talks about her job on Friday, Aug. 9, 2024. Nurses are concerned about excessive mandatory overtime and burnout. (Ben Botkin/Oregon Capital Chronicle)

Maggie Simpkins starts her workweek at 6:30 a.m. Sundays at Oregon State Hospital, where the registered nurse dispenses medication to patients, goes over their treatment plans and maps out the days schedule, including appointments, meals and care.

Her shift is supposed to end at 5 p.m. But most Sundays, Simpkins has to work mandatory overtime, which can stretch until about 10 p.m.

For Simpkins and her colleagues, mandatory overtime has caused a wave of fear and concern about the exhaustion compromising safety for staff and more than 500 patients at the state-run psychiatric hospital in Salem. Oregons American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, which represents about 300 registered nurses at the hospital, has filed 225 grievances on their behalf in the last four weeks, alleging the mandatory overtime violates their labor agreement and the states nurse staffing law.

Toward the end of the shift, Im more exhausted, and my worry is that the more tired I am, the risk of making an error increases, Simpkins said. Its very scary when you deal with the mentally ill and making poor judgment calls or medication errors. Fortunately, that has not yet happened, but part of that is because I have a great crew who look out for me.

Registered nurses and licensed practical nurses worked more than 2,500 hours of mandatory overtime between June 3 and Aug. 4, hospital data show. Grievances are up as nurses have racked up mandatory overtime. Most months, the union usually files only two to four grievances on any matter.

Amber Shoebridge, a spokesperson for Oregon State Hospital, said a combination of factors are driving the mandatory overtime. Those include staff turnover, the national nurse shortage and increased needs of patients, Shoebridge said. Additionally, the hospital needs more nursing staff to implement changes after federal inspectors flagged violations.

The hospital is looking for ways to recruit more nurses.

Yet nurses and their union are unsatisfied amid lingering fears.

People are calling me and they're crying. Theyre scared to death that they or their coworker or their patient will be killed.

 David Lynch, president of Oregon AFSCME Local 3295

Scared to death

David Lynch, president of Oregon AFSCME Local 3295, which represents about 300 nurses at the state hospital, said the increase in grievances and mandatory overtime is a jarring change for nurses.

People are calling me and theyre crying, said Lynch, also a nurse at the state hospital. Theyre scared to death that they or their coworker or their patient will be killed.

The union says the hospital is violating the state nurse staffing law and contract provisions that limit mandatory overtime. Under its contract, the state hospital cannot require a registered nurse to work more than 48 hours in a workweek or more than 12 hours during a 24-hour period.

Lynch said the hospital needs more accountability.

Once people know this is what happened, they will just be in disbelief, he said. I feel like whoever made that decision, they need to apologize to all the staff, all the patients and all their families, and then give us a detailed plan as to how this is never going to happen again.

Waiting for a solution

Shoebridge, with the hospital, declined to comment on whether the hospitals actions violate the contract and state law.

In response to 35 grievances filed in July, Angie Johnson, the hospitals director of nursing and staffing wrote to the union: We do acknowledge a violation. The hospital, however, denied the grievances, which sought an extra hour of paid leave for every mandated hour.

Johnson said the hospital is making changes but may not be able to avoid future violations to account for patient and staff safety.

Shoebridge said the hospitals goal is to bring relief to overworked nurses.

They cannot be expected to continue at this pace, she said.

About one-fifth of nearly 500 budgeted licensed practical nurse and registered nurse positions at the hospital are vacant, hospital data show. Efforts to recruit include job fairs, relationships with nursing schools and a mentorship program, Shoebridge said.

Twelve temporary agency nurses are currently going through orientation and another 19 start work next week, Shoebridge said.

But the hospital has not granted the unions request to end the excessive mandatory overtime and give each nurse an extra hour of paid leave for every hour of mandatory overtime.

Toward the end of the shift, I'm more exhausted, and my worry is that the more tired I am, the risk of making an error increases.

 Maggie Simpkins, registered nurse at Oregon State Hospital

Stressful yet rewarding

As for Simpkins, the long Sundays leave her tired for much of the remaining workweek, making it difficult to keep up.

On Saturday night  before her workweek starts  her anxiety level is high as she anticipates a long day ahead.

I know Im going to get mandated on Sunday, and my anxiety level before I go to bed has shot up, she said. But when I get up in the morning on Sunday morning to get ready for work, I know Im frustrated, Im anxious, and that ruins my whole week.

Yet the job has its rewards.

Simpkins, 53, started her nursing career in 2016 at the state hospital after changing her career from the banking industry. And nursing is fulfilling work that allows her to help people learn skills, return to their communities and lead productive lives, she said.

I was really excited about that, she said. Once I started at the hospital, I continued to enjoy the work. Thats why I stay.

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PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN)  A transitional housing provider was accused in an anonymous complaint of not providing proper accommodations for workers during high heat.

The non-profit Do Good Multnomah was the subject of the complaint, specifically regarding their transitional housing site located at a former Greyhound bus station in downtown Portland. The Oregon Occupational Safety and Health complaint was filed on July 17.

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According to the complaint, Approximately 16 employees are exposed to high heat with no training or symptoms or a program in place. Temperatures exceed 90 to 100 degrees throughout the housing. The break area provided does not allow for cooling off if employees experience symptoms.

A copy of the complaint, as originally reported by Willamette Week, was shared with KOIN 6 News by the Oregon Department of Consumer and Business Services. A spokesperson from DCBS said an investigation into the complaint began on July 22, remains ongoing and must be completed by law within 180 days. However, these are usually completed within three or four months.

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The transitional housing site is located at 550 NW 6th Ave. and has a 91-person capacity. The Joint Office of Homeless Services said on its website it is funding the shelter.

In response to a KOIN 6 News inquiry, a spokesperson for Do Good Multnomah issued the following statement:

As the temperatures increased, the shelter staff received gallons of drinking water, 15 additional electric fans, iced neck wraps, and frozen popsicles. There is an ice machine on site. Staff had access to a shaded, open-air break area and were encouraged to take additional breaks and reduce their workload. There is an OSHA-approved emergency binder with a disaster preparedness plan on site at all Do Good locations.

Do Good is committed to working closely with our partners at OSHA to meet and exceed standards of workplace safety in care of our staff and participants.

The date the complaint was filed happened during a weeks-long heat wave that helped push the entire month to be the hottest July on record for Portland.

KOIN 6 also reached out to Multnomah County for comment on Friday afternoon but we havent received a reply yet.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com.
Venango County (WJET/WFXP)  Police are investigating after funds were stolen from a business account for a Pennsylvania township.

According to an Aug. 10 report, state police in Franklin were called to the 2000 block of Jackson Center Polk Road in Mineral Township for the theft that took place between 12:44 p.m. on May 14 and 7 p.m. on May 15.

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It was reported multiple, unauthorized transactions totaling $1,040 were taken from the Mineral General Fund Business Account.

No other details were given. State police continue to investigate the incident.

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Russia has evacuated over 76,000 citizens from the Russian-Ukrainian border in Kursk Oblast as Ukraine continues its incursion in the region, Russian-state-controlled media Tass reported on Aug. 10.



Evacuated civilians have been moved to temporary residence centers that have opened across western Russia, including Moscow Oblast. So far, 60 centers, including 26 in Kursk Oblast, are accommodating 4,400 people, according to the head of Russias Emergency Ministry Artem Sharov.



The Ukrainian military launched the incursion across the border on Aug. 6. Kyiv has so far maintained a policy of silence on the incursion, despite the ongoing fighting and Ukraine advancing deeper into Russian territory.



Anti-Kremlin Russian armed groups fighting for Ukraine and Ukrainian military intelligence have previously raided Kursk and Belgorod oblasts, although without holding territory for long. This is the first time regular Ukrainian forces have entered Russia.



Without directly mentioning the incursion into Kursk Oblast, President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Aug. 8 that "Russia brought war to our land, and it should feel what it has done.



Russian authorities on Aug. 9 introduced a so-called "counter-terrorism operation" in Kursk, Bryansk, and Belgorod oblasts.



Russia's Emergency Situations Ministry also said on Aug. 9 that the situation in Kursk Oblast had been declared a "federal emergency," and began sending additional military equipment into the region.



Ukrainian media on Aug. 10 reported that Ukrainian troops had apparently entered the village of Poroz, in Russias Belgorod Oblast, three kilometers away from the Ukrainian border.

Read also: IAEA chief calls for restraint as fighting remains ongoing in the vicinity of Kursk Nuclear Power Plant

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SAN FRANCISCO (KRON)  San Francisco hotel workers have voted overwhelmingly, with 94% in favor, to authorize a strike at eight major hotels, including Hyatt, Hilton, and Marriott properties, among others.

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The vote affects 3,000 workers represented by UNITE HERE Local 2, a union demanding better wages, manageable workloads, and stronger job protections after months of alleged unsuccessful negotiations.

Bill Fung, a housekeeping attendant at Hilton Union Square for 43 years, expressed his frustration, saying, I work in pain. There used to be three of us shampooing carpets, but now its just me. By the time I get to each room, theres so much buildup, and I have to work extra hard to clean it. I come home sore. It shouldnt be this way; the hotel should respect us.

The vote impacts housekeepers, cooks, dishwashers, servers, bartenders, bellmen, and more at the following hotels: Grand Hyatt Union Square, Hilton Union Square, Hyatt Regency at Embarcadero, Marriott Marquis, Marriott Union Square, Palace Hotel, Parc 55, and Westin St. Francis. The workers current contracts are set to expire on Aug. 14, 2024.

This overwhelming vote shows hotel workers strong resolve to get the respect they deserve, said Lizzy Tapia, President of UNITE HERE Local 2. We want wages that actually cover the cost of living, manageable workloads, and affordable healthcare. If the hotels wont meet our needs, were ready to strike.

This vote is part of a larger movement, with over 40,000 hotel workers across the U.S. and Canada renegotiating contracts this year. Strikes have already been authorized in several cities, including Baltimore, Boston, and Honolulu, with more votes to come in San Diego, San Jose, and Seattle. Last year, UNITE HERE members secured record contracts after a series of strikes in Los Angeles.

KRON4 has reached out to Hyatt, Hilton, Marriott, Palace Hotel and Parc 55, and have not heard back as of the publishing of this report.

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BAY COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB)  Panama City Police are providing schools with mobile rescue units in case an emergency injury occurs.

This system is designed to assist the untrained. With that being said, it is color-coded for every item that is within it. It also comes with an iPad monitor so that you can just follow the prompts, Panama City Police Captain Billy Carstarphen said

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The kits monitor provides instructions to treat a variety of injuries. Almost anyone can administer care.

It will actually walk you step by step through how to apply that tourniquet. Then it will assess what youve done by saying, hey, has the patient stopped bleeding, which is the idea of what we would apply a tourniquet for, Carstarphen said.

Carstarphen said the kit can help treat several types of injuries.

Some of the things that you could actually do with this kit are severe bleeding, you can address that. You can address cardiac arrest. You can address burns anywhere from intermediate to a more difficult burn, Carstarphen added.

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University Academy Dean of Safety and Discipline Daniel Davidson said the kit will bring peace of mind in an emergency situation.

By having this kit and having the ability for it to walk you through step by step, help you calm down, could ultimately mean life or death for one of our students. If we can save a students life by using that immediately or until EMT gets here, thats a blessing for our school and for our students, Davidson said.

Police are providing the kits to 5 schools, University Academy, Central High School, Palm Bay Prep, Holy Nativity, and Ami Kids Maritime Academy. They cost $2,300 each.

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Parts of Mars are named after our nearby National Parks

FRESNO, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE)  The people at NASA appear to have an affinity for naming areas on Mars after Californias National Parks.

Earths Kings Canyon National Park welcomes thousands of visitors each year; Kings Canyon on Mars is a desolate area within the large Gediz Vallis and has had only one visitor (that we know of) and that was the Curiosity Rover.

Earths Milestone Peak is in Sequoia National Park  but there is also a Milestone Peak on Mars. The Martian peak stands out from its neighbors, rife with gray rocks aligned in a slightly different direction from the rest of the Gediz Vallis Ridge.

NASAs Curiosity Mars rover captured this 360-degree panorama while parked below Gediz Vallis Ridge

In Yosemites backcountry is the reservoir Lake Eleanor  but Lake Eleanor is also the name of a curious rock that was crushed by Curiositys wheel. Scientists say the light-toned material stood out from the rest of the rocks in the area.

Also in Yosemite is Lyell Glacier, but Lyell Glacier is the name of another Martian rock that piqued NASA scientists interest because of its unusual different colored coatings.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to YourCentralValley.com | KSEE24 and CBS47.
BAY COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB)  The Panama City Beach Chamber of Commerces Womens Work-Life Symposium was held at Florida State University in Panama City on Friday. This is their 14th annual symposium.

The event features 3 keynote speakers, workshops, pop-up boutiques, and a cocktail hour. Women of all different backgrounds and stages of life were welcomed to attend.

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Panama City Beach Chamber of Commerce Director of Marketing and Events Carley Morgan said the symposium is meant to help women with their professional and personal development.

Its important to get away for the day and focus on yourself. We have personal and professional opportunities available. So just really focusing on yourself for the day, Morgan said.

For more information on the womens work-life symposium, click here.

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DENVER (KDVR)  The Perfect Landing restaurant that overlooks the Centennial Airport is open again after a months-long closure from a kitchen fire.

Jim Carter, an experienced business owner, and his son Sean Carter, a graduate of Johnson and Wales Universitys College of Culinary Arts, co-own the restaurant, which has been family-owned and operated since 1992.

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Sean told FOX31 that kitchen fires are a restaurant owners nightmare, but it could have been worse. He said the fire was caused when a gas line valve was bumped and gas leaked out.

Nothing burned as far as it was all stainless steel equipment. So a little bit of it got charred, the electrical in the ceiling, you know, it melted some wires that we had to repair, he said.

A fire at The Perfect Landing restaurant at Centennial Airport caused significant damage to the kitchen and closed the restaurant, according to South Metro Fire Rescue. (South Metro Fire Rescue)

A fire at The Perfect Landing restaurant at Centennial Airport caused significant damage to the kitchen and closed the restaurant, according to South Metro Fire Rescue. (South Metro Fire Rescue)

Though he said the fire caused minimal damage, it was costly. Prefect Landing was closed for much of June and July, both of which are among the restaurants busiest months of the year. Sean said it was a long process to get up and running again not because of the repairs, but because of the steps post-repair.

Unfortunately, we had several situations where we thought we were going to be able to open up, but we either didnt have the right inspection, or on our side where we didnt have the right stuff completed for that inspection, or I couldnt find the right engineer. It just was very difficult, he said.

On Wednesday, they finally got the inspection cleared. Sean said they opened immediately and had a good turnout that same day thanks to their loyal employees and clientele.

Im just grateful that my staff, you know, the people that I work with day in, day out, that they stuck with me to come back because it could have been an ugly, ugly situation where I am able to open up, but I dont have anybody to work, he said.

Airport restaurants uniqueness brings customers back

He believes part of the reason their customers and employees are so loyal is because of the unique experience Perfect Landing offers.

The Carters have lived in coastal areas like Seattle and Vancouver, where Sean told FOX31 they developed a love for seafood. They bring that love of seafood to the Perfect Landing menu, and though there isnt a coast nearby, their connections help them to have the freshest seafood possible.

Did you know Denver is one of the freshest non-coastal places you can get fish?

I buy from an oyster farm in Rhode Island, he said. They cost a little bit more, but I place the order by 12 noon and I have the oysters the next day by 10 a.m. They were harvested that day, so they are just amazingly fresh.

While dining, customers get a view of the mountains plus an ever-changing view of the tarmac, where a variety of aircraft come in and out all day.

He said they are very fortunate and thankful to have such loyal guests and employees, and the restaurant is counting on them to help recover from two months of lost business.

They were able to do some deep cleaning and other miscellaneous upgrades while they were closed. On top of that and seasonal menu changes, he said customers have something special to look forward to.

Well announce something special that well do as we head into late summer, early fall, he said.

The Perfect Landing is located at the Centennial Airport at 7625 S. Peoria St. Customers do not need to go through the airport or any security to get in. It is open Sunday and Monday: 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., and Tuesday through Saturday 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Reservations can be made online or by calling 303-649-4478.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX31 Denver.
By Neil Jerome Morales

MANILA (Reuters) -The Philippines and China traded accusations on Saturday following an encounter between their aircraft over a contested area of the South China Sea.

The Philippine military strongly condemned "dangerous and provocative actions" by China's air force, while the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) said it acted in a professional and legal manner.

It is the first time the Philippines has complained of dangerous actions by Chinese aircraft, as opposed to navy or coast guard vessels, since President Ferdinand Marcos Jr took office in 2022.

Two Chinese Air Force aircraft executed a dangerous manoeuvre and dropped flares in the path of a Philippine air force aircraft conducting a routine patrol over the Scarborough Shoal on Thursday morning, the military said in a statement.

It "endangered the lives of our personnel undertaking maritime security operations recently within Philippine maritime zones", said Philippines armed forces chief Romeo Brawner, adding that the Chinese aircraft interfered with lawful flight operations and violated international law on aviation safety.

The Philippine aircraft, "despite repeated warnings from China, insisted on illegally intruding into the airspace of Huangyan Island", disrupting training activities, the Southern Theater Command of the Chinese PLA said on Saturday.

China's naval and air forces carried out identification, tracking, warning, and expulsion in accordance with the law, it added.

"The on-site operation was professional, abided by norms, legitimate and legal," the PLA said, urging the Philippines to stop what it called infringement and provocation.

Filipino fishermen frequent the Scarborough Shoal, one of two flashpoints in a longstanding maritime rivalry with China. Beijing on Wednesday organised a combat patrol near the shoal, which Manila calls Bajo de Masinloc and China seized in 2012 and refers to as Huangyan island.

Beijing claims almost all of the South China Sea, a conduit for more than $3 trillion of annual shipborne commerce, including parts claimed by the Philippines, Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia and Brunei.

China rejects a 2016 ruling by the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague that Beijing's expansive claims had no basis under international law.

The Philippines in May accused Chinese fishermen of destroying the environment at Scarborough by cyanide fishing, harvesting giant clams and other protected creatures, and scarring coral reefs, which China denied.

(Reporting by Neil Jerome Morales; Additional Reporting by Ryan Woo; Editing by William Mallard and Giles Elgood)
(Bloomberg) -- The Philippine Coast Guard said it is planning to send one of its ships to Vietnam later this year to boost maritime cooperation after the two countries held joint exercises this week amid sea disputes with China.

Most Read from Bloomberg

In a Facebook statement on Friday night, the PCG said it will reciprocate Vietnam for its gesture of goodwill in sending a Coast Guard ship to Manila for an inaugural port visit. The two nations coast guards conducted maritime exercises on search-and-rescue operations, according to the statement.

Vietnam and the Philippines have been locked in disputes with China over parts of the South China Sea. The two Southeast Asian nations have recently submitted separate information to the United Nations, asserting exclusive rights to resources in the disputed sea.

In June, Vietnam offered to hold talks with the Philippines about overlapping maritime claims.

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

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ROBESON COUNTY, N.C. (WBTW)  Tropical Storm Debbys path across the Carolinas has left widespread flooding in many areas, including Robeson County.

Sheriff Burnis Wilkins on Saturday posted several photos to his Facebook page showing impassable roads and still-inundated yards scattered around the rural North Carolina region.

Deputies spoke with a few residents, and none were in danger and no one wanted to leave. Animals were also checked and were all found to be safe with food and water, Wilkins said.

Photo courtesy of Sheriff Burnis Wilkins

Photo courtesy of Sheriff Burnis Wilkins

Photo courtesy of Sheriff Burnis Wilkins

Photo courtesy of Sheriff Burnis Wilkins

Photo courtesy of Sheriff Burnis Wilkins

Photo courtesy of Sheriff Burnis Wilkins

Photo courtesy of Sheriff Burnis Wilkins

Photo courtesy of Sheriff Burnis Wilkins

Photo courtesy of Sheriff Burnis Wilkins

Photo courtesy of Sheriff Burnis Wilkins

Photo courtesy of Sheriff Burnis Wilkins

As of Friday night, river levels surpassed 20 feet and are expected to ebb over the weekend.

Some of the hardest hit locations were on Hestertown Road, the intersection of Carthage and Mcmillians Beach roads and State Line Road, where a large sinkhole has developed.

* * *

Adam Benson joined the News13 digital team in January 2024. He is a veteran South Carolina reporter with previous stops at the Greenwood Index-Journal, Post & Courier and The Sun News in Myrtle Beach. Adam is a Boston native and University of Utah graduate. Follow Adam on X, formerly Twitter, at @AdamNewshound12. See more of his work here.

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Credit: bonchan and DrPixel via Getty Images; collage by Marilyn Perkins

Nuclear fusion technology could get a breakthrough from an unexpected place: mayonnaise.

In a new study, published in May in the journal Physical Review E , scientists plopped the creamy condiment into a churning wheel machine and set it whirling to see what conditions made it flow.

"We use mayonnaise because it behaves like a solid, but when subjected to a pressure gradient, it starts to flow," study lead author Arindam Banerjee , a mechanical engineer at Lehigh University in Pennsylvania, said in a statement .

This process could help elucidate the physics that occur at ultrahigh temperatures and pressures inside nuclear fusion reactors  without having to create those extreme conditions.

Related: World's largest nuclear fusion reactor is finally completed. But it won't run for another 15 years.

Nuclear fusion forges helium from hydrogen at the hearts of stars. In theory, it could be the source of nearly limitless clean energy on Earth  if the reaction could produce more energy than it requires to run.

That's a tall order; star-powered fusion occurs at 27 million degrees Fahrenheit (15 million degrees Celsius), according to NASA . And a star's massive gravity forces hydrogen atoms together, overcoming their natural repulsion. On Earth, however, we don't have those crushing pressures, so human-made fusion reactors must run 10 times hotter than the sun .

To reach these mind-melting temperatures, scientists use multiple approaches, including one called inertial confinement.

In this process, physicists freeze pea-sized pellets of gas  typically a mix of heavy isotopes, or versions, of hydrogen  into metal capsules. Then, they blast the pellets with lasers, which heats the gas to 400 million F (222 million C) in a flash  and, ideally, turns it into a plasma where fusion can occur, according to the statement.

Unfortunately, the hydrogen gas wants to expand, causing the molten metal to explode before hydrogen has time to fuse . This explosion occurs when the metal capsule enters an unstable phase and starts to flow.

Banerjee's team realized that molten metal behaves a lot like mayonnaise at lower temperatures: It can be elastic, meaning it bounces back when you push on it, or plastic, meaning it doesn't bounce back, or flowing.

"If you put a stress on mayonnaise, it will start to deform, but if you remove the stress, it goes back to its original shape," he said. "So there's an elastic phase followed by a stable plastic phase. The next phase is when it starts flowing, and that's where the instability kicks in."

In the new study, the researchers placed mayonnaise in a machine that accelerated the egg-and-oil emulsion until it started to flow. Then, they characterized the conditions at which the condiment transitioned between plastic, elastic and unstable states.

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"We found the conditions under which the elastic recovery was possible, and how it could be maximized to delay or completely suppress the instability," Banerjee said.

The study also found which conditions allowed for more energy yield.

Of course, mayonnaise and ultrahot metal capsules are different in many ways. So it remains to be seen whether the team's findings can be translated to a pellet of plasma many times hotter than the sun.
Plane crash in Brazil kills 62: Here's what we know about the investigation

Investigators worked Saturday to determine what caused a passenger plane carrying 62 people to crash in Brazil on Friday, killing all on board.

Regional airline Voepass, based in Sao Paulo state, said Flight 2283 was headed to Sao Paulo's main international airport, in Guarulhos. The flight departed from Cascavel, a Brazilian city near the countrys southern border with Paraguay and Argentina.

The carrier on Friday said the plane, an ATR-72 twin-engine turboprop, carried 57 passengers and four crew, but on Saturday confirmed another unaccounted for passenger was on the flight, increasing the number of casualties to 62.

Emergency crews and investigators converged Friday on a residential neighborhood in Vinhedo, a city northwest of Sao Paulo, where the airplane crashed.

A drone view shows people working at the site of a plane crash in Vinhedo, Sao Paulo, Brazil, August 10, 2024.

Debby's path of destruction: Photos show damage caused by storm from Florida to Vermont

Why did the plane crash in Brazil?

Investigators haven't given an explanation so far, saying it is too early to determine the cause of the crash. However, some experts have speculated that the plane's unusual final circling motion as it fell from the sky suggested ice had built up on the plane or it had experienced engine failure.

"Today ice was predicted (at the altitudes the plane was flying at), but within the acceptable range," Voepass Chief Operations Officer Marcel Moura said during a news conference.

"But the plane is sensitive to ice, that could be a starting point," Moura said, adding the plane's de-icing system, along with all other systems, had been deemed operational before takeoff.

Brazilian aviation engineer and crash investigator Celso Faria de Souza told Reuters that a buildup of ice could have caused the plane to stall and spiral in the way that it did.

However, the aircraft's pilots did not report an emergency or adverse weather conditions, Brazil's air force said in a statement. The aircraft was flying normally until 1:21 p.m., when it stopped responding to calls, and radar contact was lost at 1:22 p.m., the agency said.

The crash occurred about 1:30 p.m. local time in Vinhedo, about 50 miles northwest of Sao Paulo.

Did the plane crash in Brazil kill any residents?

One home in the condominium complex had been damaged after the plane crashed into its backyard, but no residents were hurt, city officials at Valinhos, near Vinhedo, said.

Nearby resident Daniel de Lima said he heard a loud noise before he looked outside his condominium in Vinhedo to see the plane spiraling horizontally. "It was rotating, but it wasn't moving forward," he told Reuters. "Soon after it fell out of the sky and exploded."

"I almost believe the pilot tried to avoid a nearby neighborhood, which is densely populated," de Lima said.

Dark smoke rises from the site of a plane crash in Vinhedo, Sao Paulo, Brazil, August 9, 2024 in this screengrab obtained from a social media video.

Victims mourned amid recovery effort

At least 31 bodies had been recovered and those of the pilot and co-pilot identified by 1 p.m. local time on Saturday, Sao Paulo state officials said. A Venezuelan man and Portuguese woman are among the dead, state civil defense official Roberto Farina said.

Relatives of the victims have been brought to Sao Paulo to provide DNA samples to help investigators identify the remains, state civil defense coordinator Henguel Pereira said.

The plane's "black box" with flight data and audio is being analyzed, Marcelo Moreno, the head of Brazil's Center for Investigation and Prevention of Aeronautical Accidents (CENIPA), said at a news conference in Vinhedo.

Debris is pictured as emergency personnel work at the site of a turboprop plane crash, in Vinhedo, Brazil August 9, 2024 in this picture obtained from social media.

Franco-Italian aircraft maker ATR, which is jointly owned by Airbus and Leonardo, told Reuters on Friday that its specialists were "fully engaged" with crash investigators into the incident.

Tarcisio Gomes de Freitas, the governor of the state of Sao Paulo, declared three days of mourning for the victims.Contributing: Minnah Arshad, Will Carless, Eduardo Cuevas and Jonathan Limehouse, USA TODAY, and Reuters.

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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Brazil plane crash kills 62: Investigation updates
BOURNE, Mass. (WWLP)  The Massachusetts State Police is investigating a deadly crash that occurred at the base of the Sagamore Bridge on Friday night.

Massachusetts fugitive arrested after L.A. police pursuit

According to the Massachusetts State Police, troopers were called to a multiple-car, deadly crash at the base of the Sagamore Bridge on Route 6 West just before 7:00 p.m. on Friday. After a preliminary investigation, it was revealed that 19-year-old Paul Myers of Plymouth was traveling in the left lane when he attempted to pass a car in front of him illegally by shifting into the right lane.

While he was attempting to change lanes, Myerss car didnt have enough clearance and crashed into a Toyota Corolla that was already in the right lane. Due to this crash, the Toyota Corolla hit the curb, spun across the median, and crashed into a car going the opposite direction. The head-on crash resulted in the death of a 79-year-old woman, Martha Sheldon, who was the passenger of the Toyota Corolla as well as injuries to the 83-year-old man who was the operator of the same vehicle.

Myers was taken into custody for being suspected of operating under the influence of drugs. Both lanes of travel to the Cape (Route 6 east) and the left lane of travel off the Cape (Route 6 west) were closed for several hours.

The crash is still being investigated.

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Nearly four months ago, a 31-year-old man was shot and killed and a second man was shot. This week, police have arrested two men and charged them with murder.

On Monday, Georgia State Patrol arrested Jaylen Patterson, 23. On Friday, Dentavius Roberson, 23, turned himself in to Atlanta police in connection to the same shooting.

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Both are currently being held in the Fulton County Jail on charges of murder, two counts of aggravated assault and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony.

Police say they were called to a home on Continental Colonial Pkwy. on April 19 where they found the victim, whose identity has not been released, suffering from a gunshot wound. He died at the scene.

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A second man had been shot several times and was taken to the hospital in critical condition. There is no word on his current status.

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IN OTHER NEWS:
Protesters dismantle and remove a portion of a newly-installed gate outside the Ferguson, Mo., police station on Friday, Aug. 9, 2024, before their actions prompted arrests late on the 10th anniversary of Michael Brown's death at a gathering of several of the original protesters. (Christian Gooden//St. Louis Post-Dispatch via AP)

A Ferguson, Missouri, police officer was critically injured outside the city's police station during protests on the 10th anniversary of the fatal shooting of Michael Brown, a pivotal moment in the national Black Lives Matter movement, police said Saturday.

Ferguson police chief Troy Doyle said Officer Travis Brown suffered a severe brain injury Friday after being knocked to the ground.

He is in an area hospital right now fighting for his life, Doyle said.

Two other officers also were hurt, one sustaining an ankle injury and another an abrasion. Both were treated at the scene.

The team of officers went out to make arrests Friday for destruction of property at the police station, where protesters gathered to remember Michael Brown, the unarmed Black 18-year-old who was killed by Darren Wilson, a white police officer in 2014.

One of the suspects was charged Saturday with assault of a special victim, resisting arrest and property damage. He was ordered held on $500,000 cash only bond. No information was immediately listed in online court records, so it wasnt known if he had an attorney yet.

Doyle said that for the majority of the night, the protesters were peaceful. He said police allowed them to block the street outside the station, posting a squad car on each end, so they wouldn't be hit by vehicles.

Police also didn't intervene when the protesters began shaking the fence outside the station. But he said that when they broke a section of fencing, he sent out the arrest team. The suspect who charged at Travis Brown knocked him backward with his shoulder, and the officer hit his head as he tumbled to the ground, Doyle said.

Court records said the suspect then kept running and kicked two officers who tried to arrest him, leaving them with scratches and bruises.

Doyle said Travis Brown, who is Black, started with the department in January and previously worked for the St. Louis County Police Department.

He is part of a wave of Black officers hired into the department since 2014. Back then, there were just three Black officers in the department, but Black officers now make up more than half of the police force, Doyle said.

He wanted to be part of the change, Doyle said. He wanted to make an impact in our community. Hes the type of officer that we want in our community. And what happens? He gets assaulted. I had to look his mother in the eye and tell her what happened to her son. Im never going to do that again, I promise you that.

St. Louis County prosecutor Wesley Bell, who had stopped by the hospital beforehand to meet with the officers family, said others also would be charged.

I always talk about you know the toughest part of this job is when we have a family thats lost a loved one that we cant bring justice to. And Ive got to tweak that. The toughest thing Ive had to do is talk and console with a mother who doesnt know if her child is doing to make it. And for what?

The Rev. Darryl Gray, a leading civil rights activist, urged the police chief to move with caution and not to create an us versus them mentality."

Right now, Gray added, all of our efforts and energy need to be positive towards the recovery of the police officer. And then second to that, to do an investigation, a fair and unbiased investigation to determine what the evidence is.

The arrests came as the St. Louis Fire Department placed a member of the department on leave after he made a social media post that the department described as insensitive.

We take this matter seriously and do not condone such behavior, the department wrote.

The department didnt disclose the contents of the post, but several news outlets in the area reported that it read: Happy ALIVE day to Darren Wilson!

Michael Browns death turned Ferguson into a focal point of the national reckoning with the historically tense relationship between U.S. law enforcement and Black people.

In 2015, an investigation by the U.S. Department of Justice also found no grounds to prosecute Wilson. But the report gave a scathing indictment of the police department  raising significant concerns about how officers treated Black people and about a court system that created a cycle of debt for many.
TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA)  Police are investigating a deadly shooting Friday evening at Copeland Park in Tampa, authorities said.

The shooting happened at about 7:15 p.m. after an argument between two people, police said.

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A man, who was described as being in his early 20s, was found with a gunshot wound and was taken to a hospital where he died, according to police.

The suspected shooter left the area on a bicycle. Police are working to identify and locate him.

Anyone with information is asked to call 813-231-6130 or contact Crime Stoppers of Tampa Bay.

This is a developing story. Stay up to date on the latest from News Channel 8 on-air and on the go with the free WFLA News Channel 8 mobile app.

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COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH)  The City of Columbus is now facing a class-action lawsuit Friday over its handling of the Rhysida ransomware attack.

Prepared by law firms Cooper Elliott and Meyer Wilson, it invites every employee with the city, as well as the Franklin County Municipal Court judges and clerks offices, to participate. But at the forefront are two Columbus police officers only referred to as John Does #1 and #2.

In his most recent comments about the ransomware attack, Mayor Andrew Ginther challenged the danger of the stolen data. He said the fact no buyers have surfaced for it shows it lacks value to those who would seek to do harm or profit from it. But attorneys for the two officers wrote that the former has already suffered damage, while the latter  an undercover cop  now risks having his cover blown.

Plaintiff John Doe #1 has received two notifications, one from his bank and one from his credit card provider, that his social security number has been compromised and was found on the dark web, attorneys wrote in a complaint. (John Doe #2) has a well-founded fear that, should his identity as a police officer come to light, not only will ongoing criminal investigations be jeopardized, but his life is in clear and present danger.

Intel shareholder lawsuit: How Ohio plants parent division is at the center

The lawsuit also criticizes the citys handling of the ransomware attack, and accused it of keeping employees in the dark since it was first detected on July 18. Ginther has said that his IT staff pointed to a downloaded .zip file as the source. While he said they were able to stop hackers from encrypting the citys systems and locking employees out, he admitted attackers may have taken personal data.

Rhysida restarted an auction for stolen City of Columbus data on the groups dark web onion site. (Courtesy Photo/Daniel Maldet)

Rhysida begins leaking stolen data from the City of Columbus on the groups dark web onion site. (Courtesy Photo/Daniel Maldet)

At the end of July, Rhysida claimed responsibility for the attack and advertised 6.5 terabytes of the citys data on an onion site. After two auctions asking for 30 bitcoin  or just under $2 million  failed to secure a bidder, they dumped more than three terabytes of city data on the dark web.

In its (ultimately premature) press release congratulating itself on thwarting the

cyberattack, defendant represented that it has been engaged in a methodical process to ensure that its technology systems are hardened against further breach before bringing them back online. But this is too little too late, attorneys wrote. Simply put, these measureswhich defendant now recognizes as necessaryshould have been implemented before the data breach.

Unsolved Ohio: Columbus father missing for five years

A spokesperson for the mayors office told NBC4 the city is unable to comment on pending litigation.

The lawsuit does not name Rhysida as being behind the ransomware attack, nor has Ginther besides acknowledging a threat actor claimed to have leaked data online. However, the lawsuit complaint includes a screenshot taken directly from the groups onion site.

The attorneys are seeking a jury trial, and accused the City of Columbus of six causes of action:

Negligence or recklessness

Negligence per se

Breach of implied contract

Invasion of privacy

Breach of fiduciary duty

For John Doe #2, violation of the Fourteenth Amended Due Process Rights

Cooper Elliot and Meyer Wilson also requested restitution and damages on behalf of their clients, as well as other relief visible in the full lawsuit complaint document below:

CPD-LAWSUIT-COMPLAINTDownload

Another cyberattack: Breach knocks Ohio School Boards Association offline

A class-action brewing against Columbus comes the same day the Ohio School Boards Association became the latest victim of a cyberattack.

OSBA CEO Kathy McFarland confirmed in a message to the associations members that her team immediately made a decision that knocked the OSBA website offline.

Yesterday, the OSBA computer network was attacked. This network breach quickly affected our normal operations, McFarland wrote. As soon as we became aware of the incident, we immediately severed our networks connection to the internet to limit further damage. At the same time, we retained outside cyber counsel and forensic IT specialists to investigate the scope and cause of the incident and assist with our remedial efforts.

A screenshot taken Aug. 9, 2024, of the Ohio School Boards Association website displays a message citing technical difficulties.

McFarland said the association does not regularly store any sensitive data, like Social Security numbers or financial information. With membership including officials from 700 school boards in Ohio, she does not believe any of their important data was compromised as of Friday.

The CEO told NBC4 that because OSBA is in the early stages of its investigation, it does not know if a hacking group like Rhysida was behind the attack.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NBC4 WCMH-TV.
UPDATE: Ebensburg Borough Police Department confirmed that the missing man was found safe.

CAMBRIA COUNTY, Pa. (WTAJ)  Ebensburg Police are asking the public for help in finding a missing and endangered man who was last seen near Manor Drive.

John Bortmyik, 85, was last seen at 7 a.m. on Friday, Aug. 9 near Maple Heights. He was last seen wearing dark blue pants, a white t-shirt and a dark blue crewneck sweatshirt. Hes believed to be traveling on foot and police noted that he has dementia.

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Anyone who has information or locates him is asked to contact 911.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WTAJ - www.wtaj.com.
HONOLULU (KHON2)  The Polynesian Cultural Center (PCC) invites visitors to rediscover island life as it relaunches its acclaimed show, HUKI: A Canoe Celebration, beginning Friday, August 9.

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The performance is set to start at 12:40 p.m. daily in the freshwater lagoon before the Islands of Polynesia, is included with the purchase of general admission.

President and CEO of the Polynesian Cultural Center, P. Alfred Grace, expressed enthusiasm about the shows return.

We are excited to bring back our beloved canoe celebration show at the PCC, Grace said. Our team has been working hard to relaunch HUKI, which introduces our guests to the unique history and folklore of Polynesia and ensures an elevated experience for all of our guests.

Bishop Museum to host music, fun

The lagoon event features a range of canoes with top performers from across the Pacific, offering a family-friendly experience filled with original music and choreographed performances by PCCs musicians and cultural specialists.

I love this trail because Im more of a walker than a hiker: Hawaii hikes

HUKI highlights Polynesian unity through the vast Pacific Ocean with authentic drumming, chants, traditional island folk songs, and costumes.

The term huki, meaning to pull in Hawaiian, reflects the shows depiction of pulling a giant net to gather fish.

The canoe performance was suspended in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

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After a four-year hiatus, the show aims to continue educating audiences about the vibrant cultures of Polynesia, representing the six island nations of Hawaii, Aotearoa (New Zealand), Fiji, Tahiti, Tonga, and Samoa.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KHON2.
If I were California Gov. Gavin Newsom right now, Id fire my comms staff for giving me the stupidest PR advice possible.

What bizarro world are Newsoms advisors living in to so willingly promote the image of a governor  a man with a personal fortune estimated at around $20 million  actively moving poor peoples belongings on the streets of Los Angeles County?

Opinion

Because thats where dear ol Gavie was on Thursday morning, at a homeless camp in the San Fernando Valley, for the benefit of television cameras invited to document the governors ill-advised sojourn.

He took his frustrations out on a homeless camp where the governors grabby hands and toothy smile delivered a politicians promise to strip state funding from counties that dont do more to alleviate homelessness.

I want to see results, Newsom told reporters at a news conference, after issuing an edict to state agencies last month to start removing homeless encampments on state land.

I dont want to read about them. I dont want to see the data, he said, I want to see it.

Newsom is not wrong for going after county governments like the one in Sacramento. For years, the Sacramento County Supervisors and the bureaucrats they oversee have been shamefully slow to react as the homeless crisis has gotten worse.

Newsom could be using the force of his office to pressure county governments like Sacramentos to do more to house homeless people or connect them with services. But simply moving homeless people around when they have no place to go solves nothing.

The state has a crisis that has only grown worse for everyone under Newsoms watch. Posing for pictures with a black trash bag helps no one and could harm the very people who most deserve the governors support if the governments Newsom is targeting follow his lead, roust some homeless camps and do little else.

.Never mind that sweeps kill, especially in extreme weather conditions such as Californias summer heat and wintertime floods. A study published earlier this year in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that encampment sweeps, bans, move-along-orders and cleanups that forcibly relocate individuals away from essential services (leads to) substantial increases in overdose deaths, life-threatening infections and hospitalizations.

And never mind that  once swept  where are homeless people going to go?

Gavie. Baby. Do you think homeless people can be made to disappear like your credibility did after that party at the French Laundry? Thats not how this works. Thats not how any of this works.

Why cant Newsom go harass the wealthy neighborhoods that refuse to build their fair share of affordable housing, like San Franciscos Portola Valley, LAs La Canada Flintridge, or the cities of Redondo Beach, Carson, Torrance, Whittier and Del Mar? Those latter five successfully challenged Senate Bill 9 earlier this year, a landmark state law designed to ensure access to affordable housing by ending single-family zoning. It was struck down by a Los Angeles Superior Court judge in April.

Instead, Newsoms PR team would have us believe that his blatant posturing on Thursday was about compassion, but I see little compassion in having the governor use the only belongings some people have in this world for a photo op.

Thankfully, this stunt was met by the public on social media with the same level of seriousness Newsom put into the effort: One person wrote online that it was appalling to see the governor personally harassing homeless people who have nothing. I think God is making sure he is going straight to Hell.

Another speculated that it was likely more manual labor than (Newsoms) ever done before. We can only pray his manicure wasnt damaged.

In truth, the only thing Newsoms posturing in Mission Hills accomplished was to set an egregious example of how not to frame Californias long overdue homeless response.

It was still somehow less egregious than the 181,000 homeless people living in desperate poverty  and then publicly shamed for it by their gormless leaders.
As part of their Churn Out the Vote initiative, popular ice cream company Ben & Jerrys is investing in efforts to engage Georgia voters ahead of the 2024 presidential election.

The initiative is more than just an investment effort.

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Scoop by scoop, the ice cream company is bringing a limited batch flavor to Americans along with a voter registration push.

There is no denying the energy surrounding the upcoming presidential election suddenly jumped off the charts which is why Ben & Jerrys is doing what it does best: launching a new ice cream, the company said in a statement. The Limited Batch flavor is packed with pretzel swirls, fudge chips, and ripples of chocolate mousse in a creamy vanilla ice cream and is proudly presented in partnership with the companys longtime friends at Black Voters Matter Capacity Building Institute (BVM).

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Ben & Jerrys said they were partnering with non-profit Black Voters Matter for the fourth year in a row for the campaign. The limited batch ice cream flavor will be available at prices between $5.99 to $6.49 across the U.S.

This year, the company said it will join BVM on the ground in Georgia supporting their non-partisan work to engage voters in every corner of the state. Black Voters Matter will bring the strategy and the energy, and Ben & Jerrys will churn out the vote by bringing the ice cream.

We couldnt be more pleased to once again join Black Voters Matter in support of their work to ensure that those who will be most impacted by the policies of the next administration vote and that their vote is counted, said Palika Makam, Ben & Jerrys U.S. Activism Manager. When young people and people of color are voters, we all win.

Until Nov. 5, the Ben & Jerrys website will be a one-stop shop to help fans all become voters, the company said. Online, voters and customers will be able to check their voter registration statuses, find their polling locations, and learn more about early voting and vote by mail in their states.

Ben & Jerrys is also setting up Scoop Shops to sell the Churn Out the Vote ice cream, with a portion of the proceeds being donated to the Black Voters Matter organization.

When young voters and voters of color Churn Out the Vote, everyone wins, the company said.

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IN OTHER NEWS:
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN)  An organized car theft ring running from Seattle to Portland to Sacramento just hit a big wall.

The Multnomah County Auto Theft task force just arrested Aric Wade Adams of Central Point, Ore., who they suspect is the ring leader.

The work of volunteer group PDX Stolen Cars helped to get Adams arrested and charged with at least 16 counts of armed robbery, theft and possession of stolen vehicles.

WashCo. DA videotaped 2 alleged retail thefts he witnessed in past 10 months

Investigators say the car theft ring allegedly stole newer model American muscle cars  Corvettes, Chevy Camaros, Dodge Chargers and Challengers  selling them though online platforms.

After finding some of the cars  like a $70,000 Corvette stolen from a Troutdale dealership parked on a Portland street  this prompted PDX Stolen Cars leader Titan Crawford to step in.

In March we recovered a very expensive Corvette and a very expensive Hellcat, Crawford recalled. And through our detective work on social media, we were able to quickly identify the perpetrator and the suspect that was performing these thefts. Realizing that the thefts spanned from Sacramento to Seattle we reached out to the Multnomah County Auto Theft task force and gave them the information we had discovered.

Portland police announce one of the largest single-day drug busts in its history

Some of the cars were even allegedly stolen outside the owners homes and at gunpoint.

According to court documents the suspect bragged on social media about stealing cars and offering them for sale.

Law officials say they expect to arrest more people involved in the suspected series of thefts.

Although they were targeting certain types of higher end cars, Crawford offered some words of advice on how to deter car thieves in general.

Prolific car thieves getting held accountable that are stealing 50 cars a month, he said. But its also people being proactive in the security of their vehicles. If people are just taking one simple security step, thats better than no security steps. If people take multiple security steps, thats even better. No car is theft-proof.

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(PUEBLO, Colo.)  The Pueblo Police Department (PPD) announced on Friday, Aug. 9 it received two new additions to its Bike Patrol Program.

PPD announced on social media that it had obtained two brand new Trek Service-Electric peddle bicycles from the 2023 Justice Assistance Grant (JAG). The bikes will be used throughout the Colorado State Fair.

According to the police department, the bikes will be used in the fair for quicker responses and active patrols around the fairgrounds.

These bicycles will better serve our Bicycle Patrol Unit for special events within our community, said the Pueblo Police Department.

PPD also thanked local bike shop, Great Divide for their support and assistance with the program.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX21 News Colorado.
Yahoo Finance

After China announced broad measures to rescue its economy, Chinese stocks surged, our Chart of the Week shows. It's not the first time the country has attempted to get out of the recent doldrums, but the market's reaction says this time might be different.
Dame Priti, who is running in the Tory leadership race, said the government 'should be held to account' - Paul Grover

The perception of two-tier policing undermines public trust, Dame Priti Patel has said.

The former home secretary said that police have been absent in some areas during the riots and said the Government should be held to account over it.

There does seem to be a perception of two-tier policing. Thats why we have to be asking important questions to the Government and on the operational side, she told The Times.

But there is something else, which is, and I think this is a worry, that of course notions of that and perceptions of that basically lead to a degree of undermining public trust and confidence in policing. That bothers me a lot, it really does.

Accusations of two-tier policing  the idea that right-wing protesters are treated more harshly than those on the left  have rained in since the outbreak of violence in the wake of the Southport killings.

The Prime Minister has responded to 'two-tier policing' accusations as a 'non-issue' - JOE GIDDENS/PA

Sir Keir Starmer has dismissed the suggestion of two-tier policing as a non-issue, despite coming under repeated attacks from tech billionaire Elon Musk, who branded him two-tier Keir, in response to rioters hurling missiles at a pub in Birmingham.

Sir Mark Rowley, the Metropolitan Police Commissioner, has labelled claims of police bias as absolute nonsense.

Dame Priti, who is running for the Tory leadership, said: I think it was possibly either on Monday or Tuesday night, we saw scenes in Birmingham where an individual was being assaulted and attacked and effectively beaten up.

We dont know the facts as to what went on in Birmingham. I simply dont know the operational decisions that were made around that time. I think its important that we ask those questions.

Sir Mark Rowley, the Met Police commissioner hits back at the 'nonsense' two-tier policing claims - AARON CHOWN/PA

Dame Pritis comments were slammed by Neil Basu, the former head of UK counter-terrorism, who claimed that her divisive rhetoric was putting officers at risk.

Speaking on the BBC Radio 4 Today programme, Mr Basu said: That is a very divisive comment.

Ill echo what my friend Commissioner Mark Rowley said earlier on in the week  two-tier policing is absolute nonsense.

He continued: If you look like me, if you happen to be black or Asian in this country, the idea that theres some form of two-tier policing where if youre white working class you get a raw deal from the police, its quite frankly a little bit laughable after 200 years of being over-policed and under-protected.

But you want to start putting that message out, you are putting every one of my former colleagues at risk.

Some 741 people have now been arrested over rioting according to the National Police Chiefs Council, of which 304 have been charged.

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Ill. (WTVO)  Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker officially signed a bill into law on Friday that starts the expungement process immediately after a juvenile is released from detention.

The Juvenile Court Act has been amended by a bill that mandates state courts to expunge the records of individuals charged as juveniles, two years after they have completed their sentences.

The bill also speeds up the expungement process by scheduling expungement hearings when they are released.

Pritzker said the law could create more opportunities for young people who have made mistakes.

It is no secret that the procedures of our court system can be difficult to navigate. People deserve to know what resources and rights are available to them, said Governor JB Pritzker. By cutting red tape and creating a process where expungement is more accessible, we can create more opportunities for more people who perhaps made a mistake when they were young, as we all have. This is a step in the right direction and I am proud to sign this legislation.

Illinois becomes the 23rd state to pass a law like this. The law is going to be in effect on January 1, 2025.

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"Probably going to sue: Trump threatens New York Times over bizarre helicopter story

Former President Donald Trump is threatening to sue the New York Times for a helicopter-related fact-check and doubling down on his bizarre and disprovable claim at a Thursday press conference that he had almost died in a near-crash with former San Francisco Mayor Willie Brown.

The tall tale, first told in the rambling press conference when a reporter asked Trump a question implying Vice President Kamala Harris career was boosted by a relationship with Brown, was immediately disproven by a New York Times analysis, which concluded that Trump was talking about Jerry Brown, the former Governor of California, not Willie Brown.

Moreso, the trip Trump was seemingly referencing went without a hitch, California Governor Gavin Newsom, who was also a passenger, said.

But this set of events seemingly isnt sitting right with the presidential candidate. Per the New York Times, Trump phoned in to express his grievances with the expose.

We have the flight records of the helicopter, Trump told the Times, claiming that he and Willie Brown had landed in a field.

Trump also shouted that he is probably going to sue over the Times article.

Asked to produce the records, the 78-year-old reportedly responded mockingly, repeating the request in a sing-song voice.

Trump, who survived a much more extensively documented brush with aeronautics issues on Friday evening ahead of a Montana rally, was dismissed directly by Brown, who told the Times on Thursday that he didnt recall such an incident.

You know me well enough to know that if I almost went down in a helicopter with anybody, you would have heard about it! the former mayor said.
One need not be a conspiracy theorist to recognize that the Heritage Foundation together with its Project 2025 is as dangerous to American democracy as any foreign terrorist group.

Indeed Project 2025 was created specifically to serve a Republican president, most particularly the Trump Administration, as a 900-page roadmap for staging a non-violent political coup, resulting in the creation of a totalitarian regime modeled after that of Trumps idol, Vladimir Putin.

It should be noted that among Project 2025s ultra-right board members are three militant hate groups identified as such by the Southern Poverty Law Center (ISPLC).

Make no mistake, Project 2025 is a detailed blueprint for overthrowing our existing government. The first step will be to dismantle and/or reorganize critical governmental agencies. Headed up by slavish devotees to an autocratic dictator who, thanks to the Supreme Courts immunity ruling, has been given unlimited executive powers.

SCOTUS has declared that any criminal acts committed officially by a president may now be deemed lawful, thereby providing immunity to candidate Trump for those past and criminal acts deemed to have been presidential, which may well include his attempts to overturn the results of the 2020 election.

Heritage Foundation is the backbone of GOP and MAGA

For many years the Heritage Foundation, comprised of a network of ultra-rich, ultra-conservative, far-right Republicans, has been quietly amassing political power, money and influence over the Republican Party.

A person gestures in front of a sign referencing "Project 2025" as demonstrators and members of the The Coalition to March on the RNC hold a rally, on the first day of the Republican National Convention (RNC) in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, U.S. July 15, 2024. REUTERS/Shannon Stapleton

In so doing it has become the unofficial power broker not only to todays GOP, but also to MAGA-Republican lawmakers and officials whose subservience can be seen by their passage of those bills and laws crafted by the Heritage Foundation and the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC), its conservative legislative ally.

Certainly, the Heritage Foundation can be held directly responsible for the corruption of SCOTUS. Aided by then President Trump and his lackeys, it played a major role in the appointments of those Justices who have since proven themselves to be of questionable ethics, integrity, and morality.

Inside Project 2025's connections to Tennessee lawmakers, legislation

The end result has been the politicization of our judicial system and its judges across the nation. Although created by our founders to serve as a non-political judicial branch of government to assure equal justice and rights for all, the Supreme Court has now devolved into one whose majority is committed to aiding and abetting an ultra-conservative MAGA agenda.

Vote against Trump to save democracy

Emboldened by its successes and the potential election of a candidate whose unbridled hunger for wealth and power they can manipulate, the Heritage Foundation has emerged from the shadows as a malevolent threat to the principles of democracy and our constitutional republic. Despite denials to the contrary, the publication of Project 2025 serves as their official mandate and how to manual for a Trump presidency in his efforts to make America his personal fascist fiefdom.

On Nov. 5, we can repudiate those who wish to deny us our democratic heritage and the rights and privileges which our Constitution provides. Although the Heritage Foundation, Project 2025, and Donald Trump have declared war on democracy, this is a war which we the voters can and must win. Vote for Democracy  Vote for Democrats.

Chloe Cerutti

Chloe Cerutti is a civic activist and resident of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Project 2025: Heritage Foundation props up Trump, threatens democracy
Provincial documentation highlights outrageous acts committed by cattle company: 'None of this work had ... authorizations'

A cattle company has received a series of fines after a six-year investigation found that it repeatedly engaged in serious violations that resulted in significant habitat destruction along the Chilcotin and Kleena Kleene rivers.

Fisheries and Oceans Canada, a governmental agency responsible for protecting Canada's water and fishing resources, announced on June 27 that Altherr & Schellenberg Cattle Co. LTD and one of its contractors would pay 545,000 Canadian dollars (around $396,000) in fines associated with three court cases.

According to the news release, as the cattle company cleared land for its agricultural endeavors, it destroyed vegetation, obstructed the passage of fish (which can hinder their ability to spawn), and altered the natural flow of water, all while flouting the proper regulatory procedures.

"None of this work had Fisheries Act or provincial authorizations," Fisheries and Oceans Canada wrote, detailing the three guilty pleas in October 2022, February 2023, and May 2024.

Bayliff Enterprises Ltd, which Altherr & Schellenberg hired to clear land along the Kleena Kleene River, was handed a CA$90,000 fine ($65,000) after pleading guilty as part of the third court case.

Now, the Environmental Damages Fund will hold CA$440,000 ($319,000) worth of fines to use toward the protection and restoration of salmon in British Columbia's Chilcotin region.

In 2022, the BC Wildlife Federation warned that unsustainable fishing practices and habitat destruction were among the threats salmon faced as some species (including the chinook and sockeye) inched toward extinction.

Chinook salmon aren't just an essential part of river biodiversity. Tsilhqot'in Chief Joe Alphonse told CBC that they also support the livelihoods of multiple First Nations communities.

"The rivers in our territories are our lifeline. We're very dependent on them," he said, noting the importance of responsibly co-existing with surrounding ecosystems and the planet.

In addition to the fines, the court ordered the cattle company to make CA$1.25 million ($907,500) in bonds available for the restoration of impacted areas along the rivers within two years, per the release. Furthermore, it had to provide detailed reports over the next decade regarding its progress.

While the environmental destruction was heartbreaking (and sadly, not out of the ordinary in other parts of the world), there are plenty of reasons to be hopeful for the future of the rivers and fish in the region.

For example, dam removal projects across the United States have had great success in helping fish populations rebound.

Elsewhere, in Brazil, one couple planted more than 2 million trees over 20 years to restore a part of the Amazon rainforest that had been decimated for cattle ranching.

These cases highlight how taking small steps today  whether through volunteering or even swapping one meat-based meal per week for a plant-based alternative  can create a meaningful difference over time.

One reader of the Vancouver Sun pointed to how responsible farming practices and land management can safeguard the future of our ecosystems and our supply chains.

"Definitely deserved!!" they wrote in the comments section of Sun's writeup of the violation fines. "I grew up farming, and that is just wrong."

Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
PLEASANTON (KRON)  The Pleasanton Police Department are urgently asking for the publics help in getting any new leads in an unsolved fatal stabbing from 2023.

Edevion White, 32, originally of Tennessee, was killed on May 1, 2023 inside his residence on the 5700 block of Owens Drive, said police.

Driver who intentionally ran over Burlingame children sentenced

Police believe that White knew the assailants, and said that this was an isolated incident, with no further threat to the community. Pleasanton detectives said a recent slew of anonymous tips reinvigorated the case, but theyre still seeking additional evidence from the public to support the investigation.

We urge anyone with relevant information to come forward, said Lt. Erik Silacci of PPD. Your cooperation is crucial in helping us piece together the details needed to bring this case to a resolution and ensure justice for the victim and family.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Pleasanton Police tip line at 925-931-5107.

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On August 8, First Lady Olena Zelenska met with U.S. congressmen in Kyiv to tell them about the All-Ukrainian Mental Health Program. For the business meeting, the first lady chose a white shirt and a navy blue blazer. The shade, also called "sapphire," is Zelenska's favorite, as it has been her favorite color lately.

ADVERTISIMENT

The first lady shared the new photos on her official Telegram channel. She complemented her look with her signature hairstyle, making a side parting. The Ukrainian added a silver pendant as an accessory.

In early August, Zelenska held a video call with the wife of the President of Guatemala, Lucrecia Peinado. At the time , the Ukrainian first lady wore a sapphire-colored blouse.

ADVERTISIMENT

Stylists call navy blue a great alternative to black, and this color never goes out of style, writes Instyle. Professionals emphasize that the fact that these two classic shades cannot be combined is an outdated myth.

The only thing you need to know when wearing sapphire clothing is that this color is versatile and looks great with everything. Street style stars from all over the world adore the timeless color and combine it with complementary and accent shades from red and pink to beige and black.

ADVERTISIMENT

Only verified information is available in our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
Editors note: An initial press release for this incident stated the event was held in a different municipality. The error has been corrected.

DENVER (KDVR)  A puppy that was at an adoption event in Sheridan last month tested positive for rabies, and now health officials are asking attendees to take action.

The rabies-positive puppy came to Colorado from Texas and was at a July 20 puppy adoption event at Moms and Mutts Colorado, a rescue for pregnant and nursing dogs in Sheridan.

Not natural bear behavior: Repeat bear burglar prompts warning to Coloradans

The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment is now trying to connect with those who attended the event, encouraging them to contact the health department. CDPHE said the department must screen attendees.

Anyone who attended the event and interacted with the July Shepherd Mix litter (may also be referred to as The Celebrity Kids litter) of puppies should contact public health officials to determine if they need to receive prophylaxis, CDPHE said in a release on Friday.

Attendees can call the hotline at 303-692-2700 during business hours or 303-370-9395 after hours or email cdphe_zoonoses@state.co.us.

The puppy was one of 11 in the litter. None of the puppies were vaccinated at the time of exposure, there are no licensed products for post-exposure prophylaxis of unvaccinated domestic animals and evidence shows that a vaccine will not prevent the disease in these animals, CDPHE said.

In these situations, the exposed animals should be euthanized immediately or placed on a strict 120-day quarantine in a facility that can secure them away from humans and other animals. Because strict quarantine is not feasible, the National Association of State Public Health Veterinarians guidance recommends euthanasia of exposed, unvaccinated animals, the release stated.

Animals must be euthanized in order to test for the rabies virus as it primarily attacks the brain, and specimens must be submitted to a rabies laboratory for testing, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. CDPHE said public health officials are trying to contact people who are fostering the puppies about surrendering them to animal control.

Denver Zoo welcomes new baby sloth Sloan

The department conducted a risk assessment and is recommending post-exposure prophylaxis, which includes a series of rabies shots for humans, for 17 people who came in close contact with the puppy, including foster families, veterinary staff and shelter staff. CDPHE said it will continue to screen those who attended the event and offer post-exposure prophylaxis as needed.

As for other animals, CDPHE said vaccinated animals are generally not at risk but may need a booster.

The health department is working with local public health agencies to continue identifying other possible contacts.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX31 Denver.
The mayor of Kurchatov, a Russian town near the border with Ukraine, said that Ukrainian forces had launched a stunning incursion into the country and were advancing toward a nuclear power plant Friday, according to the Washington Post.

The news comes as civilians continue to evacuate the border province of Kursk amid fears that the conflict will continue to creep onto Russian soil. Military commanders have also scrambled to send reinforcements from across the country to the region, where the fighting has been concentrated.

On Monday, Ukrainian forces began the offensive operation in Kursk, an Oblast on Ukraines northeastern border with Russia, capturing over 20 Russian villages and parts of the city of Sudja, the Washington Post reported. The Azerbaijani outlet Vesti.az reported on Friday evening that the mayor of Kurchatov, Igor Korpunkov, said in a statement on Telegram that fighting is several dozen kilometers from the nuclear plant.

The situation is tense, a state of emergency is in effect. However, all services and enterprises, including the city administration, are operating normally. I am personally in the city, at my workplace, monitoring the situation, Korpunkov added.

The International Atomic Energy Agency wrote in a statement to Russian state media organ TASS, on Friday that the IAEA, is following reports about recent developments and has channels of communication open to both sides of the conflict. At this point there is no reason for concern with regard to nuclear safety and security.

IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi reiterates that all nuclear power plants, regardless of where they are situated, should never be a target of an armed attack, the agency added.

The Institute for the Study of War reported Thursday that Ukrainian forces had penetrated as deep as 35 kilometers (22 miles) into Russian territory. Russian authorities declared a federal emergency in Kursk on Friday night as Ukrainian forces continued to advance, knocking out an entire Russian reinforcement convoy on the E38 highway, according to the Guardian.

Unconfirmed reports from later in the day, Friday, from the Ukrainian outlet OBOZ.UA claim that a Ukrainian drone hit the substation of the plant, knocking out power in Kurchatov.

Pentagon spokesperson Sabrina Singh told reporters during a Thursday press conference that Ukraines advance into Russia were within the U.S. policy, referring to Ukraines use of U.S. supplied weaponry in Russian territory.

As the advance continues, Russian army chief Valery Gerasimov was missing from an emergency session of the Russian Security Council convened by Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday, according to Newsweek.

Read more at The Daily Beast.

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A quick-thinking employee at a Tri-City credit union saved a mother after she was targeted in a virtual kidnapping scam.

The distraught woman came into the Tri-City Credit Union on 19th Avenue Thursday and gave the teller a handwritten note, asking them to call her husband because their daughter had been kidnapped.

The Spanish-speaking fraudsters called the woman Thursday to tell her that they had kidnapped her daughter.

The scammers were able to track the location of her and her daughters phones and knew where they lived, according to a press release from Tri-CU Credit Union.

They wouldnt let her hang up, and told her that if she texted anyone they would know. They would periodically hang up and call back from a different number.

The fraudsters also let the woman hear what they claimed was the daughters voice to prove that she had been kidnapped (which was likely either somebody elses voice, or an AI voice reconstruction,) Tri-CU President Doug Wadsworth said in the release.

It appears the womans information got out after a family location sharing phone application named Life360 was hacked about two months ago. She was one hundreds of thousands of people whose information had ended up in the hands of scam artists.

It seems likely this is how the fraudsters were able to track the location of these victims in real time, and knew their personal information, Wadsworth said.

The scam artists convinced her to send $1,000 to Mexico electronically before sending her into the Kennewick credit union to get more money.

Employees at the credit union immediately recognized this as the same kind of scam that had affected a Gesa Credit Union member a couple weeks earlier.

The employees began stalling while they called police. They also comforted the woman by telling her that it was a scam.

The credit union employees got the daughters phone number and started a video call to prove that she hadnt been kidnapped.

She then drove to the credit union to meet her mother.

Once they were reunited, the mother hung up and disabled her phone location services.

Although this woman lost $1,000 initially prior to arriving, Tri-CU is proud of their employees for helping detect and prevent this scam from going any further! Wadsworth said in the release.

This is the second mom to be a target of the same scam. The last one targeted a woman in Pasco, where police officials said it was a known scam had targeted a lot of people, some who lost thousands.

It seemed the scammers are targeting Spanish-speaking people who may have recently immigrated to the United States, Wadsworth said in the release. The scammers seem to prey on victims who may not be comfortable speaking English, may not recognize financial scams or be familiar with the financial system. Theyre also not comfortable calling police.

The FBI shared some ways to spot a virtual kidnapping scam:

 The calls dont come from the kidnapped persons phone.

 The callers go to great lengths to keep their target on the phone.

 The scam artist are usually not able to answer simple questions about the person they claim to have kidnapped, such as what they look like.

 The ransom money is only accepted through a wire service.
PARIS (Reuters) - Grammy-nominated American hip hop star Travis Scott has been released from police custody in Paris and will not face any charges, said a representative for Scott on Saturday.

Scott, 33, had been arrested on Friday at Paris' luxury Georges V hotel after a scuffle with a security guard.

"Travis Scott has been released with no charges," said Scott's representative in an email sent to Reuters.

The Paris prosecutor's office also confirmed via email that Scott has been released without charge.

In June, Scott had been arrested in the United States on disorderly intoxication and trespassing charges after a disturbance on a yacht in Miami Beach, Florida.

Scott, whose hits include the single "Sicko Mode", has been nominated for 10 Grammys.

(Reporting by Sudip Kar-Gupta and Leigh Thomas; Editing by Alex Richardson)
An aerial view shows debris lying at the site of a plane crash in the Brazilian state of Sao Paulo. Allison Sales/dpa

A day after a passenger plane crashed in a residential area in the greater metropolitan region of the Brazilian city of Sao Paulo, the bodies were being recovered and identified on Saturday.

"We assume that all bodies will be removed by the end of the day," Carlos Palhares, director of the National Institute of Criminology, told the media.

So far, 31 bodies have been recovered, the news website G1 reported, citing the civil protection department.

The accident claimed the lives of 62 people. The airline VoePass initially reported this number, then corrected it to 61 hours later, and on Saturday morning increased it back up to 62. One passenger's name initially could not be found on the boarding list due to a technical problem, G1 reported.

Among the victims, according to the report, were a father and his 3-year-old daughter who wanted to spend Father's Day - celebrated on Sunday in Brazil - together. There were also assistant doctors, businessmen and professors, G1 reported.

Both the flight data recorder and the voice recorder - the so-called black box - were found by the Brazilian Air Force (FAB), said Marcelo Moreno, head of the Centre for Investigation and Prevention of Aviation Accidents (CENIPA).

Whether the devices could provide information about the cause of the crash depended on the degree of their damage, he said.

No one on board survived the crash, which occurred early Friday afternoon.

The ATR 72 aircraft operated by Brazilian airline VoePass was en route from Cascavel in the state of Parana to Sao Paulo when it crashed into the residential area in the city of Vinhedo just to the north-west of Sao Paulo of shortly before reaching its destination.

Data from the platform Flightradar 24 suggested that the plane descended almost 4,000 metres in less than a minute.

There had been no statement of an emergency of any kind before the crash, Moreno said.

Some experts believe that ice may have formed on the wings, which could turn an aircraft into a "rock without lift," Brazilian news website Uol wrote.

A warning over possible ice formation had been in place for the location of the crash, according to the report.

Other experts did not rule out the possibility that several causes were behind the crash.

An aerial view shows debris lying at the site of a plane crash in the Brazilian state of Sao Paulo. Allison Sales/dpa
REEDLEY, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE)  Reedley Colleges flight school program has a new location, allowing students to use brand-new technology to become commercial pilots.

Reedley College is making students dreams come true, with their flight school operating independently for the first time at the Reedley Municipal Airport.

Fresno Assemblyman and private pilot, Jim Patterson, has been flying planes since he was 17.

Patterson is also a big advocate for Reedley College flight school receiving its funds and grants for the airplanes.

I have a really a warm spot in my heart for kids who maybe never had the chance that I do. And they look up in the sky and they see a plane flying over and they say, would I ever be able to do that? Yeah, they will. And they can do it right here, Patterson said.

Jhonathan Flores, former Reedley College student, says the flight schools new resources will open doors for aspiring pilots.

Theres a lot more opportunities for people to join the flight school, become airline pilots, and hopefully see them actually flying the careers they love to do, whether it be like airlines or fly instructor in or in firefighting. Its just a lot of opportunities opened up for people, Flores said.

Flores says the aviation industry needs more pilots, and he hopes students with the flight school will fill that gap.

65 is the retirement age for all airline pilots. So the one of the you know, when all the baby boomers are retiring now, theres a hole in the industry that people need to fill in, Flores said.

The new location includes five briefing stations used to track weather conditions and conduct multiple pre- and post-flight requirements.

Im just delighted and happy for the institution, for their forward look and their forward-thinking, but also for all of the young people that are going to come through here and dream a dream like I did, Patterson said.

City, County, Federal, and State Officials say that students part of the Reedley College flight school will be able to make a difference in the future of aviation.

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Labours raid on pensioners threatens to plunge Britain into a health crisis this winter, the Government has been warned.

Campaign groups, charities and Conservatives fear that thousands more elderly retirees now risk becoming ill due to Rachel Reevess decision to strip winter fuel payments from around 10 million pensioners. Only those who receive pension credits will be eligible for the extra support.

The Chancellor withdrew the annual allowance, worth up to 300, after claiming Labour had inherited a 22bn black hole in the Treasurys budget. The move will save the Government 1.4bn a year.

Currently, 11.4 million pensioners receive 200 every winter to help heat their homes, with those over the age of 80 receiving 300. Those who lose the allowance, which was introduced by Gordon Brown in 1997, could see an average increase of 228 to their bills.

The shadow health secretary Victoria Atkins said: Labours decision to remove it is cruel to the many vulnerable pensioners who depend on it, will end up putting more pressure on our NHS and costing the taxpayer more. Rachel Reeves and Wes Streeting must reverse this dreadful cut immediately.

Critics warned that the NHS, which experienced an acute winter crisis last year as a result of strikes and missed targets, could be overwhelmed by pensioners made ill by the cold.

Former pensions minister Baroness Ros Altmann said that pensioners did not have time to prepare ahead of the cut this winter, adding: Theyre at risk of becoming ill, theyre at risk of extra calls on a GP, or ending up in A&E, ending up in hospital beds.

She added: Theres no warning, or chance to do anything about it or prepare. Just because you want to take it away from the wealthy ones doesnt mean you should take it away from the poor ones, its so illogical.

Simon Francis, from the End Fuel Poverty Coalition, said: Staff on the front line of the NHS know all too well the horrors that come from vulnerable groups living in cold damp homes.

Without this financial assistance we will see more older people living in fuel poverty and - as a result - potentially turning to the doors of the NHS.

Caroline Abrahams, charity director at Age UK, said: The NHS was already anticipating a challenging winter but means-testing the winter fuel payment is certain to make it noticeably worse, as it will drive additional demands on GP services and hospitals too.

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Jonathan Bean, a spokesman for Fuel Poverty Action, said his uncle had been rushed to hospital with hypothermia after turning off his central heating to save money. His house had been just 12 degrees, and he spent a month in hospital and two more in respite care.

He said: This dangerous combination will cause immense suffering for millions of low income pensioners, damage their health and overload the NHS.

The warnings come after the health secretary Wes Streeting said in July that the NHS was broken and going through the biggest crisis in its history.

The NHS typically experiences increased demand in the winter, as more patients are admitted with respiratory illnesses, including flu and pneumonia. But the crises have been worsening, as targets for treatments are missed.

The number of patients who went to an emergency department in January 2024 was 2.23 million, an increase of 13pc year-on-year. Admissions were up 9.3pc from January 2023, to 556,000.

A record 94.7pc of beds in England were occupied in November 2023, higher than any month before the beginning of the pandemic.

A Government spokesman said: This Government is committed to pensioners: protecting the triple lock, keeping energy bills low through our Warm Homes Plan, and cutting NHS waiting lists  bringing real stability to peoples lives.

We said we would be honest with the public and, given the dire state of the public finances we have inherited, this Government must take difficult decisions to fix the foundations of the economy.

In these circumstances it is right that winter fuel payments are targeted at those in most need, and we will work with local authorities to boost the uptake of pension credit, reaching the many pensioners who could still benefit from this years winter fuel payments.

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Charles Mansons followers killed seven people in two days in the Los Angeles area in 1969

Silver Screen Collection/Getty Sharon Tate.

It has been 55 years since the Tate-Labianca murders took place on Aug. 9 and 10 in 1969 at the hands of Charles Manson and his followers. Over the span of two days, seven people were brutally killed at two different homes in the Los Angeles area.

Manson, who had been in and out of jail during his early years for petty crimes, reinvented himself in the 60s as the leader of a group of young followers. He often targeted teenage girls who ran away from home or were otherwise on their own to join his group which became known as the Manson Family.

According to court documents, he convinced his followers that these murders were needed to create "an impending bloody, civilization-ending, worldwide race war between Blacks and Whites.

On August 9, 1969, he ordered three of his female followers  Susan Atkins, Patricia Krenwinkel and Leslie Van Houten  to go to the home of actress Sharon Tate and her husband director Roman Polanski and kill everyone there. The three murdered Tate and four of her friends  Wojciech Frykowski, Abigail Folger, Steven Parent and Jay Sebring.



Related: Cult Leader Charles Manson, Whose 1969 Murders Horrified the Nation, Dead at 83

Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Charles Manson.

Tate, who was eight and a half months pregnant at the time, begged Mansons followers to spare her and her unborn child. She was stabbed 16 times and had an X carved into her stomach.

Mansons followers struck again the following day at the Los Feliz home of Leno and Rosemary LaBianca. The couple owned a chain of local grocery stores and were not connected to Tate or her friends. When police found their bodies, the word war was carved into Lenos stomach and Helter Skelter, a song by the Beatles, was scrawled on their refrigerator in blood.

Manson was arrested and found hiding in a bathroom cabinet in a run-down house in Death Valley, Calif., two months later. During that time, the Manson Family killed another man named Donald Shorty Shea in late August 1969. Shea was a horse wrangler and per The Los Angeles Times, it is believed that the group thought he was a police informant. His body was found eight years later.



Related: Where Is the Manson Family Now? All About Charles Manson's Former Cult Members

Getty (L to R) Susan Atkins, Patricia Krenwinkle, and Leslie van Houton.

Here's everything to know about the Manson Family members:

Who Were The Members?

While the murders terrified residents in Los Angeles and many flocked to gun stores to purchase firearms for their protection, people across the nation became equally fascinated and disturbed as more details about the murders were released. But what shocked most was that the murderers were all young women.

Atkins met Manson in 1967 after running away from home as a teen and working as a topless dancer in San Francisco. Houten was a former high school cheerleader and homecoming queen and met Manson on the outskirts of Los Angeles. Krenwinkel met Manson at a party when she was a 19-year-old secretary and left her life behind just three days later to follow him. Atkins and Krenwinkel were 21 at the time of the murders while Van Houten was only 19.

The Prison Sentences

Manson was found legally responsible for the murders since they were carried out on his instruction. After a nine-month trial, he and his followers were all sentenced to death for their role in the Tate-Labianca murders and other killings, according to CNN. One year later, their sentence was reduced to life in prison after California abolished the death penalty. In 2017, Manson died at the age of 83 after spending nearly 50 years in prison.

Atkins was convicted for her involvement in the Tate-Labianca murders and the murder of musician Gary Hinman in July 1969. She served life in prison and died of cancer in 2009 at the age of 61, according to NBC San Diego.

During the trial, she testified that she was stoned on acid during the murders. "I don't know how many times I stabbed [Tate] and I don't know why I stabbed her," she said according to The New York Times. "She said, Please don't kill me, and I told her to shut up, and I threw her down on the couch."

Van Houten, 74, served 53 years in prison before she was released on parole in 2023 after being denied more than 20 times, according to NPR. While in prison, she earned a bachelors and masters degree. She is the only one involved in the murders to be granted parole.

Krenwinkel, 76, was sentenced to life in prison with the possibility of parole. In October 2022, California Gov. Gavin Newsom blocked her 15th request for parole claiming she "still poses an unreasonable danger to society if paroled at this time," the Los Angeles Times reported.

She is the longest-serving female inmate in California.

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Read the original article on People.
American actress Lindsay Lohan 's signature look is long red hair. But just because she tends to stick to a certain look doesn't mean the star can't have a little fun with slight variations, and her latest look is nothing short of delicious.

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Several photos she posted on Instagram showcase her interesting look. She's incredibly radiant with makeup that consists of warm neutral shades and noticeably cute freckles, but the most beautiful thing here is her hair, which the actress' hairstylist calls "churo waves," writes Allure.

What are churro waves

"Churro waves are a combination of flat waves and mermaid waves. They are more viscous and stylized in different directions. Sweet and messy, like churros (Spanish sweet fried choux pastry)," explains hairstylist Lindsay Dimitris Giannetos.

The hairdresser said that in order to achieve this stunning look, he started with a spray, then used a curling iron to create some waves. After that, he sprayed varnish, and on the top of the head he used wax applied to a toothbrush to avoid all the flyaways.

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The hair color is also close to the color of this pastry. Although Lohan has been favoring strawberry blonde more lately, the light highlights that appear really emphasize the cinnamon vibe - perfect for the churros-inspired texture.

The comments section of Lohan's post is overflowing with fans who are thrilled with how stunning she looks.

Only verified information is available in our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber. Don't fall for fakes!

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A Republican wants to start impeachment proceedings against Ryan Walters, could others follow?

OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR)  For the first time on Thursday, a Republican state lawmaker called for impeachment proceedings to begin against State Superintendent Ryan Walters, saying it was information News 4 uncovered that pushed him to that point. Others say theyre also beyond fed up.

On Thursday, News 4 reported the Oklahoma State Department of Education (OSDE) took away funds OSDE once-promised school districts they would have to make security improvements  to protect students lives following the shooting at a school in Uvalde, TX.

OSDE attempts to deprive schools of rollover funds for safety, security enhancements despite previously promising them

News 4 found OSDE did so despite the fact legislators who wrote the bill which provided for the funding said only they, not OSDE, had authority to dictate how the funds are distributed.

On Friday, that news prompted Oklahoma House Democrats to issue their fifth call for State Superintendent Ryan Walters to be impeached.

But for the very first time, a Republican is also now calling for it.

State Rep. Mark McBride (R-Moore) has had plenty to say about Walters in the past. But theres one, very powerful word the Republican has never said, until Thursday.

Former OSDE staff say Walters, not them, to blame for missed federal grant funds

I hate to use the word impeachment, McBride told News 4 on Thursday. But I think were getting to that point.

For McBride, News 4s report about OSDE taking away school security funds he and his fellow legislators voted to give schools  was the final straw.

It makes it totally different, McBride said. I think its time.

Time, he says, to impeach a fellow republican, Ryan Walters.

Thats the first time Ive said that on the news or publicly, McBride said.

He says he is not alone either.

Stitt: Walters, OSDE need to be held accountable in U.S. News rankings fiasco

Ive had members of the legislature that have asked me recently how to deal with this, he said.

While hes not quite ready to use the I word, Rep. Eddy Dempsey (R-Valliant)who represents deeply-conservative McCurtain Countysays he and the people he serves are tired of Walters too.

It hurts me, Demspey told News 4. My superintendents weekly I get text messages about things they get slapped with, that they dont have a clue about.

If Walters were to be impeached, it would have to start with the House of Representatives.

The governor, or house speaker could call for a special sessionwhere representatives could hold hearings and investigations, then take a vote on whether to impeach him.

State lawmaker calls on legislative leaders to start impeachment process against State Superintendent Ryan Walters

If they vote to impeach, that wouldnt be the end of things.

Walters would next have to be put on trial before members of the senate, whod act as jurors.

If enough senators vote to convict him, then hed be removed from office.

Sen. Adam Pugh (R-Edmond) told News 4 hes at his wits end with OSDE.

So this seems to be a pattern of, just frankly, not being able to do the basic blocking and tackling of running the State Department of Education, Pugh told News 4. Im still hearing about Title I funding issues. Im still hearing about the off the formula schools and the money we gave them now almost two years ago that they havent received yet. Im still hearing schools havent got maternity leave. I passed maternity leave two years ago and here we are still, the schools arent receiving maternity leave dollars.

Being a potential juror, Pugh said he wouldnt want to comment on whether or not hed like to see the house impeach Walters.

She couldnt wait to work for Ryan Walters administration. Now shes worried public schools wont survive the rest of his term

I take the responsibility as a potential juror, very serious and dont want to bias myself, Pugh said. If they do that, the Senate will be ready to do our responsibility, which is serve as a jury.

But he does want to see something done.

I dont want to make this a personality battle, I dont want to make this a political battle, Pugh said. This is just basic, you know, doing the daily functions for school districts, teachers, parents and students from the State Department of Education. And it seems its a real struggle for legislators to get information to help school districts be successful, for school districts to get answers to questions and have resources available to them.

Pugh said he would be willing to use his authority as a Senator to cut Walters off financially.

Republican lawmakers seek AG investigation of OSDE advisor Langston

Weve got our own legal opinions from the finance attorneys, Pugh said. Ive engaged House leadership. So, both the appropriations chair in the Senate, the appropriations chair in the House of Representatives are engaged. Ive also been working with Secretary of Education Nelly Sanders, whos now engaged in this. And is very aware of the situation. And she has also communicated directly with the State Department, wanting guidance, wanting to know why legal counsel is making these different interpretations of law. She has not received an answer yet. If were going to talk about funding, right? Ive felt like the only authority I have as a senator is making statutes and funding. And if they dont have a functioning organization that is willing to be in partnership with the legislature, then were going to talk about withholding resources. Thats really the only way I feel like we can get the attention of the State Department of Education.

Records: Walters, advisors continue billing taxpayers thousands for travel to partisan events, retreats, media appearances

As for McBride, hes ready for other Republicans to join him.

Like I said, Ive taken a neutral position and not wanting to say anything, McBride said. But enoughs enough. Its time. He cant run that department as a tyrant.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KFOR.com Oklahoma City.
Tears of a Cat

In a new study, researchers found that cats seem to experience grief when other pets they live with die  and those feelings can even extend to their frenemies, dogs.

As NPR reports, researchers from Michigan's Oakland University found that after another cat or dog in their household passed away, cats ate and played less than normal. With those behaviors being associated with grief in humans, these findings could suggest that cats experience something akin to mourning after the animals around them die.

Published in the journal Applied Animal Behaviour Science, this study conducted by psychologists is one of the only known papers dealing with the emotional states of domesticated cats. Jennifer Vonk, an OU psychology professor who co-authored the paper, told NPR she only knew of one other that dealt with grief in housecats.

For their study, Vonk and coauthor Brittany Greene spoke to 412 cat caregivers and asked them how their pet behaved after either another cat or a dog in their household had died. On average, the caregivers said that regardless of the species of their fellow pets, the cats wanted both more attention and time alone, ate less, slept more, and  perhaps most heartbreakingly  would look around for the animal that had passed.

Essentially, the cats behaved akin to the way we humans do when we grieve  which runs counter to the increasingly challenged notion that cats don't have deep feelings.

Not Like Us

While the cats didn't exhibit "huge changes" to their personalities, Vonk said that the findings were in line with studies that had looked into grief in dogs, which are both believed to be more social and have generally been studied more regularly.

"For me, the most compelling finding is that when cats were reported to change their behavior in ways that would be consistent with what we would expect for grief," Vonk told NPR. "Its predicted by things like the length of time that the animals lived together or the amount of time that they had spent together engaged in various activities or the quality of their relationships."

As the psychologist notes, there could be some confounding factors at play in the study's design  not least that pet owners may have been projecting their own grief onto their feline companions or that the cats may have been trying to console their humans (which is probably the sweetest thing we've heard all week).

A cat person herself, Vonk said that her research has also uncovered some new personal ideas and feelings about the animals.

"Maybe its more likely than I thought before that cats do have those feelings," she told NPR.

More on cats: Mutation Has Led to a New Type of Cat, Scientists Say
Three years after a wildfire burned 97% of California's Big Basin Redwoods State Park, the forest  or at least several parts of it  is making a remarkable resurgence.

The Santa Cruz Sentinel reported on the new developments in the park, citing researchers who spoke at a scientific symposium hosted by environmental nonprofit Santa Cruz Mountains Bioregional Council.

"Coast redwoods are just supremely fire-adapted, and were well-prepared for this fire event, and they seem to be recovering, at least so far," the Sentinel quoted biologist Drew Peltier, an assistant professor at the University of Nevada Las Vegas. After the wildfire, Peltier and his team installed cameras throughout the old-growth forest, which they have been using to document the changes.

"What we saw was pretty remarkable," he said.

Showing the photos immediately after the fire, Peltier said: "All these trees are brown; they have no green foliage. And two years later, they are fully leafed out. I pulled the image from today and I almost didn't recognize it. The trees are so bushy now."

A certain amount of burning is beneficial for forests like this. The Western Fire Chiefs Association describes wildfires as "nature's way of regenerating the earth, allowing important nutrients to re-enter the soil, and creating new habitats for plants and animals to thrive."

However, the WFCA clarifies that when there are too many fires in one season, or when those fires burn too long, the real damage is done.

In Big Basin, the bird and fish populations are struggling to bounce back as quickly as the trees  but researchers are optimistic that the ecosystem will return to a healthy state, especially given the tree growth. And considering that many of these redwoods are over 1,500 years old, according to the Sentinel, that's something to be grateful for.

"Ecologically the park is doing just fine," said Jon Keeley, a senior scientist at the U.S. Geological Survey and biology professor at UCLA, per the Sentinel. "The forest is coming back the way it is adapted to. About 90% of the redwood trees are resprouting."

Rising global temperatures are making the conditions for wildfires even more favorable, and events are increasingly occurring in areas not typically known for them. While this is troubling because of the reduction in air quality, threat to life, and economic damage wildfires cause, it is at least heartening to see one affected area rebound so quickly.

Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
MOANALUA, Hawaii (KHON2)  The Hawaii Department of Education said over 1,000 students will get their bus routes back on Monday, Aug. 12.

Download the free KHON2 app for iOS or Android to stay informed on the latest news

Nearly 150 routes were suspended due to staff shortages on Friday, Aug. 2  34 have been restored and officials are working to fix the issue.

A new contract with Roberts Hawaii will service about 1,200 students on Oahu, Hawaii and Maui, but there is still a ways to go before every student who signed up before the school year will get a ride.

2,400 students still without, without service after the restoration of service by Roberts next Monday, said HIDOE Operations deputy superintendent Randy Moore.

Thousands of Hawaii students out of school bus service

Officials added that driver staffing will improve week by week and they still need about 67 more vehicles and 50 more operators. They have even considered calling in the National Guard for help.

We have definitely have had communications with with the Guard. We are in the process of submitting our request for assistance, and well go from there to see what what options are possible, HIDOE superintendent Keith Hayashi said.

One parent at Moanalua High School  where service is not yet restored  said some parents can make time to drop off and pick up their children.

HIDOE: Bus services restored to 34 of 147 bus routes

But I know, especially in Hawaii, you, a lot of times both parents need to work, she said. And so how are these kids going to get to school?

Refunds are available for affected families who paid for the first week of service, HIDOE officials said the temporary fix is starting to chip away at the problem.

Itd be great if it didnt have to be chipped away at and were all 100% satisfied today, but we are where we are, Moore said.

Click here for more information about schools with restored service.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KHON2.
Return of the ash tree as scientists work to make saplings immune to dieback blight

Dieback can cause serious consequences for the more than 1,000 species that rely on the ash tree for food and shelter - Andrew Fox

British ash trees are poised to finally make a comeback with scientists working on gene-edited saplings that are immune to ash dieback.

Dieback, a pathogen originally from Asia, has blighted British ash trees since it arrived in the UK a decade ago and estimates suggest it could kill up to 80 per cent of the UK population.

The disease causes little damage to the ash species of other continents, but the predominant British species, Fraxinus excelsior, is far more vulnerable.

Experts worry that the disease, which causes blackened leaves, stunted growth and shrivelled roots, could wipe out the ash tree in the UK and cause serious consequences for the more than 1,000 species that rely on it for food and shelter.

Government scientists have been gathering data and conducting studies on dieback for the last decade and the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs is now funding a project to deploy disease resistant ash trees to the UK.

The James Hutton Institute in Scotland has won almost 80,000 of taxpayer money to develop a so-called roadmap on how to revive Britains ash trees.

It is understood that gene editing and selective breeding will be at the centre of the approach.

Unlike elm trees that were ravaged by Dutch elm disease in the late 20th century, ash trees have a naturally large genetic diversity - FLPA/Allen Lloyd/Corbis

Prof Nicola Spence, the UKs chief plant health officer, told The Telegraph that the Government has spent more than 8 million on studying dieback since the crisis began in 2012.

When we first found it everyone was looking around for a quick solution and it became obvious quite quickly that ash dieback was across the UK already and there wasnt a silver bullet, she said.

Were now in a position with this new project to build and plan towards a future for ash in our landscapes.

We are now understanding the resistance mechanism in the ash population and the different ways in which we can develop resistant ash  through a combination of traditional breeding and enhanced breeding as well as natural selection for resistance.

Unlike elm trees that were ravaged by Dutch elm disease in the late 20th century, ash trees have a naturally large genetic diversity which scientists are trying to exploit to make the species more robust.

People drew parallels with Dutch elm disease in the sense that everythings going to die, but it is actually very different, Prof Spence added.

We know that we do have a genetic tolerance which is heritable and thats a really significant element to this which makes it really valuable.

With ash, weve got the opportunity to work with our native populations, breeding techniques, genetic techniques, as well as regeneration.

The one-year project from the James Hutton Institute will lay out how the UK Government should use the theoretical lab work of the last 12 years and begin applying it in the field for the first time.

Flowering in the lab

Prof Spence said: I think that the project will look at all the potential routes to delivering resistant ash trees.

Gene editing is a possibility. Well be interested to see what the evidence is around that and what the knowledge is around that.

One area where gene editing could be really useful is in the early stages of a breeding programme.

With ash, it would be helpful to have a population where we could accelerate the flowering in the lab, so that we could then begin the selection. So certainly, gene-editing tools could be useful in the research element. I think thats something that we can already imagine will be really useful.

The ash dieback crisis of the early 2010s led to national headlines, Cobra meetings and public outrage and since then there has been a nationwide overhaul of the approach to plant diseases, with a robust system now in place to monitor, study and tackle emerging threats.

For example, Prof Spence says learnings from the battle with the fungal scourge of ash are now being applied to the nations most iconic tree species  oak.

The iconic oak is an absolutely key species for biodiversity. It is a tree that a lot more people recognise. Were really ahead of the curve with oak, she added.

All the things we talked about in relation to ash which are a bit retrospective, for oak were on the front foot.

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RFK Jr. claims he will be on the ballot in all 50 states

Independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. asserted Friday that he will be on the ballot in all 50 states.

Right now we have enough signatures to be on all 50 states, so weve handed most of them in, some of the states are not yet certified, but were gonna be on the ballot in all 50 states, for sure, Kennedy told Fox News anchor Neil Cavuto on his show Your World with Neil Cavuto.

According to a ballot access tracker from The Hill/Decision Desk HQ, Kennedy is confirmed to have ballot access in 15 states, including the key swing states of Michigan, Nevada and North Carolina.

A lotta the states, Neil, dont certify until mid-August. So weve turned in our signatures, the signatures have been accepted and theyre gonna be certified, Kennedy said.

In an average of national polls from The Hill/Decision Desk HQ, Kennedy is far behind Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Harris and Republican vice presidential nominee former President Trump. The average finds Harris currently at 46.7 percent support, Trump at 43.5 percent support and Kennedy at 3.4 percent support.

Trump took a swing at popular podcaster Joe Rogan on Friday following his praise of Kennedy.

It will be interesting to see how loudly Joe Rogan gets BOOED the next time he enters the UFC Ring??? MAGA2024, Trump said on Truth Social.

Rogan said on his podcast Thursday that he is a fan of Kennedy.

Hes the only one that makes sense to me, Rogan said. Hes the only one  he doesnt attack people, he attacks actions and ideas, but hes much more reasonable and intelligent. I mean, the guy was an environmental lawyer and he cleaned up the East River. Hes a legitimate guy.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Signs are emerging in recent polling that independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and other third-party candidates could pose trouble for Donald Trump now that President Biden isnt at the top of the ticket.

For months, polling predicting a three-way race with Trump, Biden and Kennedy showed mixed signs in terms of which of the major-party candidates was hurt more by the independents presence. But often the Democratic candidate was the one losing more support.

But that has notably shifted since Vice President Harris replaced Biden at the top of the ticket, with many polls showing her performing better when other candidates are included in the race.

With the head-to-head of Biden-Trump, that head-to-head seemed to be pretty baked in, but the third party was a problem for the Democrats, said Democratic strategist Jon Reinish. That no longer  if the data is to be believed, and it looks credible  seems to be the case.

Kennedy added an additional layer of uncertainty to the presidential race when he launched his independent bid for president last October after having briefly run for the Democratic nomination against Biden.

A scion of the most famous family in American politics, Kennedys relative prominence distinguishes him from typical third-party candidates, such as those running on the Libertarian and Green tickets, who typically only receive no more than a couple percentage points in a normal election.

Even though Kennedy had for months been receiving no higher than low double digits in the polls at best, he was still performing considerably better than any other third-party candidate and spurring fears on both sides that he could act as a spoiler for either Trump or Biden.

Polls were split from survey to survey and state to state as to which candidate was hurt more with Kennedy in the race, but overall, Biden appeared to be at least slightly worse off.

The national average from Decision Desk HQ/The Hill showed Trump in a slightly better position in a three-way race compared to just a race between him and Biden. As of July 21, the day Biden dropped out, Trump led by 3.3 points in a head-to-head race but by 4 points with Kennedy in consideration.

That dynamic has changed since Harris entered the race and has seen a surge in momentum in the polls. She has significantly narrowed the gap with Trump and in some cases taken a lead.

In the national average from DDHQ and The Hill, Trump is ahead by 0.2 points as of Friday, making the two of them basically tied. But Harris leads by about 3 points in the three-way contest, in which Kennedy averages just above 3 percent.

That is also the case for averages of most of the key battleground states.

Kennedy had been a bit of an unknown variable, as his political views have spanned the political spectrum. He has gained attention over his questioning of the efficacy of vaccines and has run on railing against censorship online, ideals that could speak to conservatives.

But he could also appeal to some disenchanted liberals because of his name and the fact that hes environmental lawyer, though he has shifted rightward on the issue of climate change.

Strategists from both sides of the aisle said Kennedy, who is increasingly achieving ballot access in various states, may not ultimately factor much in determining the outcome despite the numbers. But they said the polls showing Trump performing worse with Kennedy may be more about Bidens absence from the race than anything else.

Republican strategist Zachary Moyle said some of Kennedys support had come from Democrats who were upset with Biden being the nominee and wanted another candidate to be the choice. Now that someone else is in, some have come back to vote Democrat in November.

The moment Democrats or Republicans appease that side, that third-party candidate then becomes a thorn in the other partys side, and thats exactly what youre seeing in the polls now, he said.

Multiple pollsters and states have shown Harris improving when more than two candidates are included.

Even some early polls taken soon after Biden dropped out and Harris became the likely Democratic nominee showed a change. One of the first national polls taken entirely after Biden dropped out had Harris up 2 points directly against Trump, but up 4 with Kennedy taking 8 percent.

An Emerson College/WHDH poll of New Hampshire, a state Republicans began to hope would be in play as Biden faltered, showed Harris only up 4 points late last month, still an improvement compared to Biden. But that lead grew to a more comfortable 7 points with third parties included.

An NPR/PBS News/Marist poll released Tuesday showed Harris leading among independents by 9 points just facing Trump, but the lead grows to 11 points in a six-way race.

A Marquette University Law School poll of Wisconsin released Wednesday showed Trump leading Harris by 1 point, 50 percent to 49 percent, but Harris taking the lead by 2 points in a multi-person race with Kennedy, Libertarian Chase Oliver, Green Party candidate Jill Stein and others. Kennedy received 8 percent, while the other third parties received 1 percent or less.

I think this race has changed from an anti-Trump race to a pro-Kamala race, and thats a very important transition because the energy gap that existed before is largely erased, said Democratic strategist Basil Smikle.

Polling has also shown an increase in Democratic engagement in the race, with greater numbers saying they plan to vote in November and expressing confidence that the Democratic ticket can win.

Still, some polls have indicated that Harris may perform worse in at least some cases with other candidates in the mix.

An AARP poll of Georgia found Trump and Harris tied in a head-to-head but the former president taking a 2-point lead with other candidates included. An Arizona poll taken right after Biden dropped out showed Trumps lead expanding in the state with other candidates included.

Trump himself has shown some concern about the effect of Kennedy on the race. The two of them spoke by phone just as the GOP convention got underway last month in a call that was later leaked.

The former president appeared to hint at asking Kennedy to drop out and endorse him, saying: I would love you to do so. And I think itll be so good for you and so big for you. And were going to win.

And Trump blasted podcaster Joe Rogan on Friday after the host praised Kennedy. Rogan later clarified he was not endorsing Kennedy but just voicing admiration for him.

Strategists said Biden stepping aside has given hesitant Democrats an alternative they were looking for, so they dont need to look elsewhere in November.

The power of Harris, that as bad as we perceived her to be as a vice president, as a candidate, she is far more acceptable to a lot of voters than Joe Biden, said Republican strategist Jason Cabel Roe.

Roe noted that Harris may still be susceptible to third-party protest votes going to a candidate like independent Cornel West, who is running to the Democrats left. He said voters who are particularly upset with Harriss position on the Israel-Hamas war could turn to a candidate like West, but she may be able to bring them in by showing more openness to their position.

But some questioned how much Kennedy will factor into the race in November. Roe said Kennedy might shave off a couple points in a state or two but not affect the big picture of the race.

I think people like Ralph Nader and Jill Stein posed more of a risk than he does today, he said.

Smikle said he believed Kennedy had more potential to hurt Trump than Biden, but he doubts if Kennedy will be able to pull away possible Trump voters, given recent stories about him, including his admittance of leaving a dead bear in Central Park a decade ago.

I dont think [he] will make any significant impact on Trumps vote anymore because of this troubling story, and I certainly dont think its going to be an issue for Kamala Harris, he said.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Richland School District 1 is taking steps to restart construction on its early learning center in Lower Richland after a state investigation into the project said the district broke state law when it started construction last year.

The Richland 1 school board held a special board meeting on Friday to discuss recommendations from the state Inspector Generals Office that were released July 25.

The district re-emphasizes its intention to build (the) Vince Ford Early Learning Center in a fully compliant, efficient and expedited fashion, and will utilize the SIGs report as guidance to advance the project with appropriate approvals and in cooperation with all stakeholders, the district said in a statement.

The board voted to ratify a contract with construction services in a 4-2 vote, with board members Barbara Weston and Robert Lominack voting against.

Back in December, the South Carolina Department of Education refused to issue a permit for the Vince Ford Early Learning Center, a facility planned for Caughman Road. Because the center was initially intended to serve children as young as infants, it could not be considered a school, the Education Department said.

Richland 1 had already begun construction by then, and when Richland County officials caught on, they issued a stop work order. State Superintendent Ellen Weaver then asked the state Inspector General to investigate the project.

The department denied the district a permit again in February when the district attempted to shift the age range to preschoolers through second grade, citing the ongoing investigation.

Eight months later, without the necessary permits or approval to resume construction, the site lies in wait. In the last month, Richland 1 has been hit with two separate lawsuits from neighbors, who say that the districts negligence in maintaining the property has caused stormwater to damage to their homes.

Richland 1 is beginning to restart the permitting process with the state Department of Educations Office of School Facilities, Superintendent Craig Witherspoon said. But the district wants to make sure it has their ducks in a row. As it stands, Witherspoon said the building will be meant for 3-year-old preschool through second grade, though he said that might change.

What we dont want to do is confuse programming with the facility, Witherspoon said. Our intention is to build a building.

The Inspector Generals report noted that the districts public 3K and 4K programs, and similar programs statewide, are noncompliant if they are operating without oversight from the Department of Social Services.

But the districts director of early child education, Rhonda Wiley, said that certain 4K programs designated for at-risk students have been determined as exempt from DSS oversight. The district will otherwise continue to ensure those classrooms comply with the Department of Education, and work with the state legislature to determine which programs need DSS supervision.

The district addressed other issues presented by the Inspector General. Bob Grant, Richland 1s chief operations officer, said that while the the Inspector General said some $300,000 was wasted because the project was halted, that money would have been spent on it anyway. The district previously told The State in May that $813,000 was spent on the construction site since Richland County issued a stop work order in January.

The board also discussed its recent fiscal caution designation from the state Department of Education. They have not yet decided whether to appeal.
MOAB, Utah (ABC4)  Old City Park Road in Moab is closed due to flooding, according to the Grand County Sheriffs Office.

Old City Park Road is closed at the low water crossing due to increased flows in Pack Creek, the sheriffs office stated.

You can use East Spanish Trail Road as an alternate route.

Woman charged with kidnapping Utah child, hiding at religious compound for over a year

The low water crossing is indicated by the red X on the map below:

Courtesy of Utah County Sheriffs Office

No further information is available at this time.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC4 Utah.
ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC)  More than 150 folks proved age is just a number Friday.

The Rochester Housing Authority hosted its annual Senior Picnic for the residents of public housing. It included a barbeque lunch from Jamaica Soul, music, dancing, bingo, and more.

Thanks to transportation provided by RHA, the seniors gathered at the Roger Robach Community Center, where they can socialize with friends they cant always visit, play games, and generally enjoy the summer.

But it isnt just about fun and games. RHA partners with multiple organizations so that the picnic can be an informative event too.

Many of our seniors dont have families or transportation so this is an opportunity to bring these resources to them so that they will be able to get the resources that they need, RHA Resident Commissioner Florine Cummings said. Mental health is a big thing. Healthcare is a biggie for us, Medicaid and Medicare, so those resources are here for them to learn about and to use if they need it.

RHA will hold a similar event again in December for their Senior Holiday Party.

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ROCK HILL, S.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS)  A major concern ahead of Storm Debby was its impact on local blood supplies.

The Red Cross says it was already in a critical shortage and declared a national blood emergency ahead of the storm.

More than 60,000 gallons of wastewater spill in Morganton from Debby rainfall

To help, it held a blood drive today inside the Piedmont Medical Center Womens Tower in Rock Hill.

Doctors say donating is one of the easiest ways you can have a real impact on your local community.

It is truly the one thing that any person in society can do that can actually save a life, says Dr. Melissa Fenner, an emergency medicine physician. You take CPR classes, and you may never even use those skills, but, when you donate blood, a 100% of your unit of blood is gonna somebodys life.

According to the Red Cross, every two seconds, someone in the U.S. needs blood.

Approximately 29,000 units of red blood cells are needed every day in the U.S.

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Russia does not want to redeploy forces to Kursk to avoid disrupting their offensive  ISW

The Russian military command may currently be resisting the redeployment of forces from other operational fronts to prevent events in Russias Kursk Oblast from disrupting Russian offensive operations in Ukraines east.

Source: Institute for the Study of War (ISW)

Quote: "The Russian military command appears to be relying on existing units deployed to the international border area and readily available forces in the rear, most of which are units staffed with conscripts and irregular forces, to address the ongoing Ukrainian incursion into Kursk Oblast.

These units would likely be the first to respond even if the Russian military command has decided to transfer additional, more experienced units from elsewhere in the theatre."

Details: The Russian military command has reportedly redeployed forces from unspecified operational reserves, including additional units composed of conscripts, special forces (the Main Directorate of the General Staff of Russia, GRU), special operations forces (SOF), additional Chechen special forces unit Akhmat operating under the aegis of the Russian Ministry of Defence, as well as the 1st Army Corps of the "Donetsk People's Republic" [self-proclaimed and non-recognised quasi-state formation in Donetsk Oblast  ed.] and former servicemen of the Wagner Group to areas in Kursk Oblast.

Quote: "The Russian military command may currently be transferring more experienced and better-provisioned frontline units from eastern or southern Ukraine to Kursk Oblast, but it would likely take additional time for such units to arrive in Kursk Oblast."

More details: A Russian military blogger reported that units from the 44th Army Corps (Leningrad Military District) of Russia's Northern Group of Forces are currently operating near Rylsk, Kursk Oblast. He speculated, however, that the Russian military command might be redeploying forces initially gathered for an offensive in Ukraines northern Kharkiv Oblast.

If accurate, this suggests that the Russian military leadership may have determined that abandoning the northern Kharkiv offensive is a necessary compromise to avoid drawing forces away from higher-priority sections of the front.

A broader redeployment of Russian forces from the front lines is expected to be more gradual, with more capable frontline units likely to arrive in Kursk Oblast over the next few days.

To quote the ISWs Key Takeaways on 9 August:

Russian sources claimed on 9 August that Ukrainian forces advanced further east in Kursk Oblast but are likely no longer operating as far north or as far west as Russian sources previously claimed on 8 August.

Ukrainian forces reportedly struck a Russian military convoy east of Rylsk near Oktyabrskoye, Kursk Oblast.

The Russian military command appears to be relying on existing units deployed to the international border area and readily available forces in the rear, most of which are units staffed with conscripts and irregular forces, to address the ongoing Ukrainian incursion into Kursk Oblast.

These units would likely be the first to respond even if the Russian military command has decided to transfer additional, more experienced units from elsewhere in the theatre.

The Russian military command may currently be resisting operational pressures to redeploy forces from other operational directions to prevent the Ukrainian incursion from disrupting Russian offensive operations in eastern Ukraine.

The Russian military command may currently be transferring more experienced and better-provisioned frontline units from eastern or southern Ukraine to Kursk Oblast, but it would likely take additional time for such units to arrive in Kursk Oblast.

Ukrainian forces conducted strikes against a Russian military airfield in Lipetsk Oblast and other Russian military targets in occupied Crimea and Donetsk Oblast on 9 August.

Russian forces recently made confirmed advances near Chasiv Yar, Toretsk, and Pokrovsk.

The Russian Ministry of Defence (MoD) continues to posture itself as providing sufficient medical care to Russian servicemembers.

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Editor's note: The latest articles on Ukraine's incursion into Kursk Oblast can be found here.

Russian authorities have introduced a so-called "counter-terrorism operation" in bordering Kursk, Bryansk, and Belgorod oblasts in response to Ukraine's incursion into the Kursk region, Russian state-media outlet RIA Novosti reported on Aug. 10.

Following a surprise incursion by Ukrainian forces across the border days earlier, fighting has continued in the oblast, with Ukraine reportedly making gains deeper into Russian territory.

Russia's Defense Ministry acknowledged on Aug. 9 that its forces were fighting the Ukrainian army on the outskirts of the town of Sudzha in Kursk Oblast.

Russia's National Anti-Terrorism Committee introduced new restrictive measures in the three oblasts including monitoring residents' phone conversations and restricting the movement of vehicles and pedestrians, New Voice reported.

Other measures include the temporary relocation of residents as well as loosely defined "public order protection."

Earlier in the day, Russia's Defense Ministry said it was sending additional military equipment to Kursk Oblast's Sudzha district - a town located 10 kilometers (6 miles) east of the border with Ukraine.

Battles are also ongoing "a few dozen kilometers" from Kurchatov in Kursk Oblast, the town's mayor, Igor Korpunkov, claimed. The town is located some 150 kilometers (93 miles) from Ukraine's Sumy Oblast and hosts the Kursk Nuclear Power Plant.

Russia's Emergency Situations Ministry also said on Aug. 9 that the situation in Kursk Oblast had been declared a "federal emergency."

Kyiv has so far maintained a policy of silence on the incursion, but President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Aug. 8 that "Russia brought war to our land, and it should feel what it has done." He did not directly mention the incursion into Kursk Oblast.

Since the start of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Russian officials have regularly referred to Kyiv's democratically-elected government as a "terrorist regime" in an effort to justify its invasion.

In the last known instance, Russia instituted a counterterrorism operation on June 23 after militants allegedly fired on a synagogue, two churches, and a police post in Russia's Dagestan Republic.

Read also: Ukrainian troops publish video from Sudzhas outskirts in Kursk Oblast, media say

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Russia is preparing to defend the Kursk Nuclear Power Plant as Ukrainian troops are approaching it, the independent Russian news outlet IStories reported on Aug. 9.

The Kursk Nuclear Power Plant is located nearly 80 kilometers (49 miles) from the town of Sudzha in Kursk Oblast.

Earlier in the day, the Russian Defense Ministry said that Russian forces were fighting Ukrainian soldiers on the western outskirts of the town of Sudzha as Kyiv's incursion continues into the fourth day.

The entrances to the Kursk Nuclear Power Plant were blocked as of the afternoon of Aug. 9, the pro-government regional newspaper network Bloknot claimed, citing its undisclosed sources.

Everything at the nuclear power plant's units under construction has been de-energized, and construction workers have left the site, according to Bloknot.

Read also: Russia says it sent more equipment to Kursk Oblast to repel Ukrainian offensive

Earlier, all male security personnel were withdrawn from the plant, leaving only female officers of the Russian National Guard, known as Rosgvardia. Following this move, Rosgvardia said it was "strengthening security at the plant," IStories said.

Male officers of the Rosgvardia later returned to duty, an employee of the Kursk Nuclear Power Plant told IStories on Aug. 9 on condition of anonymity.

The management recommended that the plant's employees take vacations at their own expense and evacuate their children, the source told IStories.

According to the Russian media outlet, workers who live in the neighboring town of Kurchatov have been leaving the plant's construction site since Aug. 7.

Rosatom, the Russian state nuclear energy company, also confirmed that it had reduced the number of construction workers at the power plant.

The management does not provide the personnel with any instructions on the plan of action in case of a strike on the plant, while employees work in bunkers with thick walls, IStories reported, citing one of the plant's workers.

Fighting is taking place "a few dozen kilometers" from Kurchatov in Kursk Oblast, the town's mayor, Igor Korpunkov, has claimed. The town is located some 150 kilometers (93 miles) from Ukraine's Sumy Oblast and hosts the Kursk Nuclear Power Plant.

The Kyiv Independent could not verify these claims.

Kursk Oblast lies on the border with Ukraine's Sumy Oblast, which has been experiencing daily attacks since Russian troops were pushed out of the oblast and back across the border in April 2022.

Kyiv has so far maintained a policy of silence, but President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Aug. 8 that "Russia brought war to our land, and it should feel what it has done." He did not directly mention the incursion into Kursk Oblast.

Read also: Ukraines unprecedented attack on Kursk Oblast brings war back to Russian soil

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Russia is rushing columns of troops and equipment to Kursk Oblast to fend off a Ukrainian invasion it originally claimed four days ago it successfully repelled.

Video has emerged on social media, some of it provided by official Russian news outlets, showing armored vehicles, multiple launch rocket systems (MLRS) and trucks full of soldiers racing to reinforce the region. For Moscow, the situation in Kursk has deteriorated to the point where the Russian Ministry of Emergency Situations declared a federal emergency on Friday, the official Russian RIA Novosti news outlet reported on Telegram. Such emergencies are declared by Russia when there are more than 500 victims or damage exceeds 500 million rubles (about $6 million), according to The Associated Press.

JUST IN: The Russian Defense Ministry has published footage of huge columns moving to the Sudzhansky district of #Kursk region



The ministry also reported about the transfer of reserves to Kursk Region  MLRS, artillery systems, tanks and vehicles. pic.twitter.com/i94ZBei3ze  NEXTA (@nexta_tv) August 9, 2024

Thanks to the concerned residents of the #Kursk region for promptly transmitting information about the movement of the Russian Armed Forces. This is an important and noble cause pic.twitter.com/wRulxWFmQg  Christian (@Christi24438485) August 9, 2024

Despite the federal emergency, the Russian Defense Ministry (MoD) continued to paint an optimistic picture of the situation.

The Sever Group of Forces continue to repel attempts of the Armed Forces of Ukraine to invade the territory of the Russian Federation in Kursk direction, the Russian MoD proclaimed Friday on Telegram. Army aviation strikes and artillery fire are foiling raid operations of the enemy targeting the depth of the Russian Federation.

In contrast to Russias frequent claims of being near victory, Ukrainian officials continue to avoid providing any direct comment about the situation, though one unit on Friday posted video from inside Kursk (more on that later). President Volodymyr Zelensky also hinted at it in his address to the nation Thursday night.

Russia brought the war to our land, and it should feel what it has done, Zelensky said, without mentioning the Kursk invasion. We strive to achieve our goals as soon as possible in peacetime  under just peace conditions. And it will happen.

Zelenskyy: "It was Russia that brought the war to our land and it should feel what it has done"



The President of Ukraine said that today he listened to three reports of the AFU Commander-in-Chief Syrsky:



"The reports are productive. Exactly the kind that our state needs pic.twitter.com/RkHdkpXPdH  NEXTA (@nexta_tv) August 8, 2024

As has been the case ever since Ukraine launched this attack, solid information remains hard to come by.

The column of Russian forces was reportedly headed to Sudzha. That town, about six miles from the border, was one of the first targets of a mechanized invasion Ukraine launched with thousands of troops backed by tanks and other armor pouring over the border. Ukrainian troops captured the Sudzha gas metering station, through which gas is transited to Europe through the territory of the so-called Ukraine, the Russian Turned On Z War Telegram channel stated Aug. 7

The status of that city is unclear and even more so after Russian reinforcements began to arrive, according to Russian Telegram channels.

At no point in the offensive since August 6 did the enemy fully control Sudzha, Boris Rozin, who writes under the influential Colonelcassad Telegram channel said on Friday. The city was operationally surrounded by midday on August 7, due to the fact that mobile enemy groups that had slipped past the city began firing at cars on the highway, establishing local fire control over the roads.

After the entry of the Aida group and other units of the Russian Armed Forces (which are still working there) into the city, Sudzha is completely uncontrolled by anyone, there are some floating zones of control due to the limited forces in this area on both sides. In the city itself, meanwhile, since August 6, the presence of our military has remained, who for one reason or another did not withdraw from the city until the appearance of mobile enemy groups in the area of the roads leaving the city.

Today, the situation in the Sudzha area remains difficult, as well as in the city itself, ColonelCassad continued. Our specialists are working, this is not an easy job, but there are already successes, the enemy continues to suffer painful losses in the Sudzha area. It is necessary to increase the destruction of identified enemy targets, reducing the time from receiving target designation to the strike by the Aerospace Forces or UAV operators.

Ukraines 61st Brigade, however, claimed the city is under the control of Ukrainian forces and posted a video they says shows them in the districts center.

The Ukrainian blackout on the invasion of Russia is gone. Here are soldiers of the 61st Brigade recording a video at the Gazprom offices in Sudzha, a district center of the Kursk region of Russia. The city is under the control of armed forces of Ukraine and quiet. pic.twitter.com/xNfrI4Ur54  Yaroslav Trofimov (@yarotrof) August 9, 2024

Russias efforts to bulk up its forces in the region have come under fire both literally and figuratively.

On Thursday, we told you that a large column of Russian troops was apparently struck by U.S.-donated M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems, or HIMARS on a Russian military column in the Ryslk District of Kursk. Thats about 20 miles due east of Ukraines Sumy Oblast.

The initial video, as we noted, showed the column engulfed in flames. Today, video emerged showing its aftermath. More than a dozen vehicles, many burned, some filled with apparently dead and possibly injured troops, lined the roadway.

By at least one estimate, more than two dozen troops of the 2nd motorized rifle battalion of 22nd Motorized Rifle Regiment were killed and 100 more were injured. The War Zone cannot independently verify those figures.

HIMARSed column, that was meant to reinforce Kursk. Turns out UAF was ready for that too. August and Kursk are turning into really bad omens for Putin pic.twitter.com/FKAGUs2YQW  Maria Avdeeva (@maria_avdv) August 9, 2024

I created an interactive Google Map showing all 15 vehicles (14 trucks and 1 rescue 'Bukhanka') from the Russian military convoy destroyed by Ukraine last night near Rylsk, Kursk Oblast. Multiple dead bodies can be seen inside the trucks. https://t.co/rRVAXh0s03https://t.co/XDb6TG1bBFpic.twitter.com/4Dj7ufg1EY  Mark Krutov (@kromark) August 9, 2024

The issue of how Russia moves troops became a lightning rod for criticism Friday after a crew from the official Russian TV Zvedva recorded a column on the move not far from where the other one was hit.

There's no better ally than an idiot enemy



A Russian TV channel presenter literally showed live the exact location of the movement of Russian convoys of equipment and personnel into the Kursk region.



Now all we have to do is wait. pic.twitter.com/gpDQ9icMHD  NEXTA (@nexta_tv) August 9, 2024

In the morning in the same Kursk region, there were shots of the aftermath of a convoy being hit, the Kremlin-connected Rybar Telegram channel wrote on Friday. And literally a couple of hours later another convoy in the same region was filmed not by an enemy informant, but by an ordinary Russian correspondent. Is it worth saying that this does not contribute to public trust in the Ministry of Defense?

The person who filmed the column in flames was arrested by Russian authorities and accused of spying.

The influential Russian Thirteenth Telegram channel called for the reporter to receive the same fate.

And why wasnt the journalist arrested for filming a military column? Thirteenth wrote. There were some civilians arrested in the Kursk region.

Beyond the issue of recording the convoys, some raised the question of how they are being operated. One Ukrainian Telegram channel noted that the video was reminiscent of scenes from the beginning of the war when Russia operated long convoys that got bottled-necked and became turkey shoots for Ukraine.

Most importantly, as we approach the front, it is better to split the columns (including during stops, avoiding crowding of equipment and personnel), so as not to lose too much equipment and people at once in the event of missiles landing, Colonelcassad explained. The enemy will certainly try to inflict additional damage on us when moving reserves, which he of course tracks (including with the help of NATO satellites) and it is worth remembering that strikes can be without video.

Another prominent Russian milblogger suggested that one method Ukraine may be using to track Russian troop movements is hacking into roadway camera systems.

An important problem that needs to be solved urgently, Yuri Podolyaka, a popular Ukrainian-born pro-Russian military blogger, wrote Friday on Telegram. I just drove along the highway from Rylsk to Kursk via Lgov, the road is in working order, there is traffic on it, although the enemy is trying to bypass Korenevo in order to cut off this artery.

Podolyaka said he noticed cameras working all along the highway.

I personally am not sure that the enemy does not have access to these cameras and does not track the movement of our equipment through road cameras and surveillance cameras, he wondered. I wouldnt be surprised if the column was broken up by them and spottedWe need to cut everything down if it doesnt exist already.

There are also claims that Russians have gained access to cameras in houses in Kursk being used to track the movement of military equipment.

The russians write that the Ukrainian Armed Forces have gained access to cameras in houses and can track columns of their military equipment in the Kursk region. pic.twitter.com/QgjeE0jAbQ   Albina Fella  (@albafella1) August 9, 2024

In addition to taking losses on the ground, Russia reportedly lost another helicopter to a Ukrainian drone over Kursk.

A first-person-view (FPV) drone operated by the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) hit another Russian military helicopter in mid-air in Kursk Oblast, a source in the agency told the Kyiv Independent on Aug. 9.

SECOND RUSSIAN HELICOPTER DOWN



Ukraine managed to shoot down a second Russian helicopter, over Kursk, Russia, using a drone.



Just two days ago, Ukraine achieved this for the first time in history. pic.twitter.com/Yn9jrarwp4  Jason Jay Smart (@officejjsmart) August 9, 2024

Ukraine is also taking significant losses.

9/ Thus, in particular, Russian servicemen destroyed at least two Ukrainian Kozak armored vehicles, two Buk surface-to-air missile systems and several armored vehicles during the breakthrough. pic.twitter.com/fg69etMJ9b  Yauhen Lehalau (@legal0ve) August 9, 2024

This image shows a destroyed U.S.-donated M1132 Stryker ESV (Engineer Support Vehicle) armored vehicle with a Ukrainian Armed Forces LWMR light roller trawl on it.

A destroyed U.S.-donated Stryker Armored vehicle. (Via Twitter)

By Friday morning, Ukraine had reportedly seized about 430 square kilometers of territory from Russia. Ukrainian troops are said to be fighting near the town of Kornevo, some 15 miles north of the border and less than 40 miles from the Kursk Nuclear Power Plant.

Ukraine has expanded the combat zone in the Kursk region to 430 square kilometers. They also managed to destroy a Russian column near the city of Rylsk, which was most likely moving to reinforce. The Telegram channel agentstvonews published videos of the aftermath of the

1/12 pic.twitter.com/aD67hVJQI0  Artur Rehi (@ArturRehi) August 9, 2024

30/ At the same time, the AFU advanced 25 kilometers deep into Russia, breaking through to the village of Korenevo. By the evening of August 7, the Russian army had lost control over an area of up to 350 square kilometers. pic.twitter.com/7gYPOsx2Jt  Yauhen Lehalau (@legal0ve) August 9, 2024

The mayor of Kurchatov, home to that nuclear plant, on Friday urged his citizens to remain calm even though fighting was getting closer.

There are military actions several dozen kilometers from the borders of our city, Igor Korpukkov wrote on Telegram. The situation is tense, a state of emergency is in effect. However, all services, enterprises, including the city administration are working as usual.

Depending on the pace of the advance, a source with direct knowledge of the operation told The War Zone that Ukrainian troops might try to take over the plant, akin to what Russia did with the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, which Russia captured in March 2022.

Ukrainian troops are getting closer, to the Kursk Nuclear Power Plant, said the source, speaking anonymously to discuss operational details. Taking it over would make it harder for Russian forces to dislodge them, the source said.

Whether that happens though depends on the pace of the advance. One big danger Ukrainian forces face is being too dispersed and having Russia cut off its line of supply.

At this point, we still dont know exactly where Ukrainian forces are or how long they can hold out as Russia pours more troops and combat equipment into the fight.

Update: 9:40 PM Eastern 

In the wake of Ukraines surprise invasion, Russias National Anti-Terrorism Committee (NAC) issued a sweeping Counter-Terrorism Operations (CTO) order in Belgorod, Bryansk and Kursk oblsts.

The CTO was enacted due to casualties among the civilian population, the destruction of residential buildings and other civilian objects, NAC said, according to the Meduzza news outlet.

The decision was made by FSB Alexander Bortnikov, who chairs the NAC.

The goal is to ensure the safety of Russians and suppress the threat of terrorist acts committed by enemy sabotage and reconnaissance units, Meduzza reported.

According to Russias On Counter-Terrorism law, a counter-terrorism operation is a set of special, operational-combat, military and other measures using military equipment, weapons and special means to suppress terrorist attacks, neutralize terrorists and ensure the safety of the population and organizations, Meduzza noted.

During counter-terrorist operations, local authorities are empowered to evacuate citizens and vehicles from specific areas, disconnect communication services, and monitor telephone conversations, according to Meduzza. Police officers executing anti-terrorism measures are granted the right to enter all premises without a search warrant.

Since launching the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, officials have declared counter-terrorist operations twice before, according to Meduzza.

The first time was in the Belgorod region in May 2023 when the far-right paramilitary Russian Volunteer Corps raided several towns. The second time was in the Moscow and Voronezh regions in June 2023 when Wagner Private Military Company leader Yevgeny Prigozhin launched his putative putsch against the Russian Defense Ministry.

Contact the author: howard@thewarzone.com
Russia to receive hundreds of ballistic missiles from Iran in near future, Reuters reports

Russia will receive hundreds of Fath-360 and other ballistic missiles from Iran in the near future following an agreement signed in December 2023 between Moscow and Tehran, intelligence sources revealed to Reuters on Aug. 9.

The unnamed intelligence sources told Reuters that dozens of Russian military personnel are currently training on the Fath-360 close-range ballistic missile system in Iran.

Iran is one of Russia's closest allies on the international stage. The two countries have only deepened their military and political cooperation since the start of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

Notably, Iran has provided Russia with thousands of Shahed kamikaze drones since the start of the all-out war. In February, Reuters also reported that Tehran sent "a large number of powerful surface-to-surface ballistic missiles" to aid Moscow's invasion.

Undisclosed Iranian sources told the New York Times on Aug. 5 that Iran has requested modern air defense systems from Russia as it prepares for a possible war with Israel, with deliveries already underway.

The Fath-360 missiles reportedly have a range of 120 kilometers (75 miles), as well as a warhead of 150 kilograms.

Although intelligence sources did not provide a direct timeline as to when to expect the transfer of weapons, sources indicated that it will happen imminently.

In response to the potential missiles transfer, a spokesperson for the U.S. National Security Council told Reuters that Western allies "are prepared to deliver a swift and severe response if Iran were to move forward with such transfers."

The transfers "would represent a dramatic escalation in Iran's support for Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine," the spokesman added. "The White House has repeatedly warned of the deepening security partnership between Russia and Iran since the outset of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine."

Iran's permanent mission to the United Nations in New York in a statement to Reuters denied the country will transfer the missiles.

"From an ethical standpoint, Iran refrains from transferring any weapons, including missiles, that could potentially be used in the conflict with Ukraine until it is over," the statement read, despite mounting evidence of Iranian-made weapons in Ukraine.

Read also: Iran asks Russia for air defenses to prepare for potential war with Israel, NYT reports









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Russian attack destroys house in Donetsk Oblast where Ukrainian documentary The Earth is Blue as an Orange was filmed

A house where the documentary The Earth is Blue as an Orange had been filmed was destroyed in Donetsk Oblast. Photo: Screenshot from the film's official trailer

The house belonging to a large family, who became the protagonists of the documentary The Earth Is Blue as an Orange by Ukrainian filmmaker Iryna Tsilyk, has been destroyed in the settlement of Krasnohorivka in Donetsk Oblast.

The film portrays the lives of 36-year-old Hanna and her four children, who live in Donbas amid ongoing military operations and bombardments. Despite the hardships, the family remains optimistic, striving to live their lives and document their experiences during the war.

"The home of my friends from Krasnohorivka is gone. This is the family and the house I made my film about. Their neighbour, who lived under fire until the end, made it out, walked 10 kilometres and told them: 'Our houses are gone'.

In my mind, I'm going through all the other items, walking around the house I know so well  the one I used to know," Iryna Tsilyk posted on her Facebook page.

Iryna says the family last visited their house a few days before the full-scale invasion. At present, Hanna and her children have been living in the Lithuanian capital of Vilnius for over two years.

Background:

The documentary premiered in 2020 and received many accolades and awards. In particular, the same year, Ukrainian filmmaker Iryna Tsilyk won the Best Director award at the Sundance Film Festival in the US.

In 2021, the film won the Cinema Eye award, and in 2023, it received the Shevchenko Prize in Cinematography, Ukraine's highest official creative accolade.

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The missile that struck Okhmatdyt, Ukraines largest childrens hospital, on July 8 was manufactured in Russia only weeks, and possibly days, before the attack, the Conflict Armament Research (CAR) investigative outlet reported.

CAR investigators documented the remains of the missile on July 30 and confirmed earlier reports identifying it as a Kh-101 air-to-surface guided weapon  the most modern Russian missile. It managed to penetrate Kyiv's air defenses during the hospital attack following a programmed route.

"CARs analysis, based on physical examinations of marks on the remnants, shows that the missile that struck Okhmatdyt hospital was produced at most three months before the attackand potentially as recently as eight days prior."  the report said.

CAR also said that researchers have observed the same trend of Russia using highly valuable cruise missiles within two months of production since December 2022.

The findings also show that despite international sanctions and export controls, Western parts continue to find their way into Russia which buys them by inflated prices through intermediaries in various countries.

While Russian officials claim the Kh-101 is made entirely of Russian components, research by the Independent Anti-Corruption Commission (NAKO) and its partners reveals that many critical foreign components are present in Russian missiles.

Despite the U.K. Defense Ministry's intelligence report on April 9 saying Russia may face difficulties producing the Kh-101 as a result of international sanctions, the Kh-101 that struck Okhmatdyt likely contained over 50 parts of Western origin, according to the Financial Times.

Except the attack on the Okhmatdyt hospital that killed 2 and injured 32 people, Russia used K-101 missiles in mass attacks on Ukrainian infrastructure over the past months, alongside other weapons like Kalibr, Kh-555, Kh-59 cruise missiles, as well as ballistic missiles of various types and Shahed-type drones.

Read also: Ukraine scrambles to reboot reconstruction tender for childrens hospital hit by Russian missile

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Russians bombard Kharkiv Oblast overnight, killing two people and wounding three

An 80-year-old woman and a 24-year-old man were killed as a result of overnight Russian attacks on the village of Pershotravneve in Kharkiv Oblast.

Source: Kharkiv Oblast Military Administration

Details: A 58-year-old man was injured in the same village.

At the same time, Russia attacked Ivashky with artillery, damaging the roof of a two-storey apartment building and injuring a 32-year-old man.

Around midnight, Zolochiv also came under fire. The Russians used Uragan multiple-launch rocket systems and damaged eight private residential buildings and the facade of hospital. A 35-year-old man was injured.

Background: A critical infrastructure worker was killed in the Russian attack on Kramatorsk, Donetsk Oblast, on the morning of 10 August.

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Russia's Emergency Ministry says 76,000 civilians evacuated from areas near Ukrainian border in Kursk Oblast

Residents of Kursk Oblast in a bus in an evacuation centre in Rylsk. Photo: Profimedia

More than 76,000 civilians have been evacuated from areas near the Russian-Ukrainian border in Kursk Oblast, according to the Russian Ministry of Emergency Situations.

Source: Artem Sharov, representative of the Ministry of Emergency Situations of the Russian Federation, as reported by TASS

Quote from Sharov: "An Interagency Operational Headquarters has been set up and continues to operate in the city of Kursk to help the residents of areas near the border in Kursk Oblast. The headquarters priority is evacuating the residents of this area to safer areas.

More than 76,000 people have been taken to safer areas since the beginning of this campaign."

Details: Sharov also said that 60 temporary residence centres  including 26 in Kursk Oblast  have been set up and have so far accommodated over 4,400 people. Similar centres have opened in Oryol, Moscow, Tula, Voronezh, Lipetsk, Kaluga and Tver oblasts.

Background:

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San Diego Unified left students 'vulnerable' to sex abuse, federal officials say, but that ends now

Over a year-three span, 253 allegations of sexual harassment or assault were levied by students of the San Diego Unified School District, with almost 40% of reports coming from the elementary school level. (Bing Guan / Bloomberg via Getty Images)

San Diego Unified School District officials mishandled multiple student complaints about sexual harassment and sexual assault, in violation of their obligations under federal law, the U.S. Department of Education's Office of Civil Rights announced Friday.

The office found that over a year-three span, 253 reports and complaints of sexual harassment and assault were leveled by students in the district, with almost 40% of those allegations coming from the elementary school level.

The accusations included student-to-student and employee-to-student misconduct that potentially violated federal statutes including Title IX, according to the Office of Civil Rights, which said the district more often than not did not fulfill its Title IX regulatory requirement to equitably respond to allegations of sexual harassment of its students.

The office also announced a resolution, saying Friday morning that the school district had entered an agreement with federal officials to remedy the violations.

Such abuses had led to serial perpetration of harassment with insufficient district response, leaving district students vulnerable to the sex discrimination in school, the office said in a news release.

Through todays resolution, San Diego Unified commits to overhaul its response to allegations of sexual harassment to ensure all its students learn safely and without sex or disability discrimination, Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights Catherine E. Lhamon said in a statement.

San Diego Unified said in a separate statement Friday evening that the district "remains committed to the safety and wellbeing of all students, and continuously works to assess and improve Title IX compliance."

The statement continued: "The district holds itself to the highest standards to ensure that students are never harmed, and has a responsibility to acknowledge when harm does occur to maintain transparency and accountability.

San Diego Unified Board President Shana Hazan said "it is disappointing and disheartening" to learn about the district's shortcomings" but was "committed to addressing the harm caused."

San Diego Unified serves 121,000 students in traditional, special education, adult, alternative and charter schools , making it Californias second-largest school district, behind Los Angeles Unified.

Read more: Superintendent fired after allegedly investigating students for not applauding her daughter enough

The Office of Civil Rights reported that 98 of the 253 allegations of sexual harassment or assault of students took place at the elementary school level, and said that nine involved employees.

One such elementary school incident involved a student accused of forcing another student to place their hands on a third student's clothes over their genitals multiple times. District police investigated the incident and the district filed a report with Child Protective Services.

But according to the Office of Civil Rights, the district did not do any further investigation into whether the accused student had sexually harassed fellow students, and didn't interview anyone involved in the incident.

There were an additional 15 reports involving schools with kindergarteners through eighth-graders; as well as 79 from middle schools; 68 from high schools; and three involving special education. A total of five allegations of employee-to-student incidents came from middle schools and high schools combined, according to the report.

The number of incidents reported in each category add up to more than the total of 253 cited by the Office of Civil Rights; it offered no explanation for the discrepancy.

The district was in litigation over seven cases of alleged sexual assault at the time of the reports release.

Read more: San Diego County says it's nearly stamped out illegal cannabis dispensaries. Why cant L.A. County?

The agreement signed by San Diego Unified calls for the district to make several changes, including:



Reviewing previous incidents of student-to-student and employee-to-student sexual harassment to determine whether further action is needed for an equitable resolution.

Giving annual age-appropriate training to third- through 12-graders on how to recognize and report sexual harassment and where to seek support and remedies.

Surveying parents, students and district employees annually about sexual harassment in schools.

Reviewing district policies against sex discrimination, including sexual harassment, and its Title IX grievance procedures to ensure they comply with the law.

Giving annual training to district employees on their obligations to respond to such allegations, including those involving students with disabilities.

Implementing a system and policy for maintaining data and records on reports, complaints and investigations of sexual harassment, to be approved by the Office of Civil Rights.

Ensuring the district fulfills its obligations under Title IX even when law enforcement responds to reports of sexual harassment of students.

"As a district parent, I trust that my own children will be protected from harm because the district has taken decisive action to protect our students from sexual harassment," Hazan said.

She added the district has since established a new office of investigations, compliance and accountability and is in the process of enhancing procedures for documenting and addressing complaints.

The Education Department's Office of Civil Rights looks forward to working with the district to redress serial perpetration, protect students with disabilities from being preyed upon, and ensure that district students can expect to focus on learning without unlawful sexual harassment, said Lhamon, the office's assistant secretary.

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
San Gabriel Valley man tried to ship a literal ton of meth to Australia, feds say

A San Gabriel Valley man has been arrested on suspicion of attempting to ship more than 2,000 pounds of methamphetamine to Australia. (U.S. attorney's office)

A man has been arrested in the San Gabriel Valley and accused of attempting to ship more than a metric ton of methamphetamine to Australia, according to federal authorities.

Jing Tang Li, 32, of El Monte faces federal charges of distribution of and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute controlled substances, exportation of controlled substances, and attempt and conspiracy to export controlled substances, the U.S. attorney's office said Friday.

U.S. customs officers inspected seven shipments last year that were set to be sent to Australia, authorities said. The shipping containers were falsely listed as containing carpets and textiles, furniture, wheel hub testing equipment and a casting machine, according to the U.S. attorneys office. The shipping companies listed for the products were also determined to be fake.

Read more: Nearly 3,000 pounds of methamphetamine found in carrot shipment at U.S.-Mexico border

All told, authorities seized more than 1,000 kilograms  the equivalent of more than 2,200 pounds  of meth embedded in these shipping containers.

"Dangerous drugs such as methamphetamine devastate our community. We see the misery brought by highly addictive drugs on our streets every day," U.S. Atty. Martin Estrada said in a statement. "The massive amount of methamphetamine seized in this case shows how brazen drug traffickers have become and why it is imperative that we use our resources to hold these criminals responsible."

Authorities said they eventually traced these shipments back to Li, who was arrested Thursday when he was spotted driving near a South El Monte warehouse where the Los Angeles County Sheriffs Department had responded to a reported robbery earlier in the day.

Inside that warehouse, authorities said, were shipping labels, scales and also a package containing meth.

Read more: Customs officials seize 1,300 pounds of meth disguised as onions

If convicted as charged, Li would face a minimum sentence of 10 years, with a maximum possible sentence of life in federal prison.

Homeland Security Investigations, U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the Australian Federal Police have all been investigating the case.

"Being a mere three hours north of the busiest land border crossing in the Western Hemisphere has made Los Angeles a critical cog in the transnational narcotics trafficking trade," Eddy Wang, Homeland Security Investigations' Los Angeles special agent in charge, said in a statement. "HSI Los Angeles and our partners ... are committed to dismantling these organizations on both sides of the Pacific."

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
South Carolina teenagers on a four-wheeler and a motorcycle terrorized a turkey house and damaged crops, the Sumter County Sheriffs Office said. Now more than 200 birds are dead.

Deputies were called to a residence in east Sumter County on Monday for a civil dispute, to investigate a complaint of the property owner.

An investigation found that the owner asked the teenagers to leave the property Sunday after he discovered the doors to their turkey houses were open and tracks from an ATV and a motorcycle were inside.

When the owner entered the turkey houses, he found more than 200 birds dead, that appeared to have trampled one another, Sumter sheriffs office said.

Deputies also found that the juvenile joy riders also damaged crops.

Three teenagers admitted to driving the vehicles on the property and inside the turkey house, the sheriffs office said. The case will be handled in family court.
School programs to be cut in Centerville if levy fails to pass

School programs to be cut in Centerville if levy fails to pass

CENTERVILLE, Ohio (WDTN)  Another levy will be on the ballot in Centerville this November, as the school district once again asks voters for support.

Some residents say they simply cant afford any more tax increases, so theyll vote against the upcoming levy. School leaders say another failure will create serious problems for the district.

Centerville Schools teachers get no raise under new CBA with district

They just dont want the cost of anything to go up anymore. And theyre pretty adamant about it, said Jessica Bray, a community member.

Bray says her neighbors are struggling to pay their bills, and this is why many residents have rejected previously proposed tax levies to fund local schools.

And a lot of people are just struggling to make it. And you also have the elderly who dont have children in school and they dont feel like they should pay school tax on kids that they dont have in school as well, said Bray.

This November, voters in Centerville will see a 3.9 mil operating levy on the ballot. It would generate nearly $11 million annually for the district if passed.

Centerville Schools schedule additional meetings to discuss finances

The district has already cut 48 jobs, but Superintendent John Wesney says more cuts and reductions are likely if the levy fails.

You know, at some point as a community, we got to take a closer look and create a stronger vision about our school community, said Wesney.

The city will hold meetings to discuss finances with dates set for Sept. 10, Sept. 24 and Oct. 10.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WDTN.com.
As bat populations decline across the globe, scientists are concerned about a new decor trend targeting one species, Phys.org reported.

What's happening?

Researchers at the University of California, Davis, and City University of New York-Queens College conducted a study examining online sales of the bat species Kerivoula picta, also known as the painted wooly bat. In the three-month span of the study, they found 284 of these bats on Etsy, eBay, and Amazon. The animals were being sold as jewelry, Halloween decorations, and jarred curios.

"These bats are not from the United States, but they're being sourced from across Asia and then brought here and used as decor," said co-lead author Nistara Randhawa, a UC Davis data scientist and epidemiologist, per Phys.org. "With this study, we hope to raise awareness and propel the conservation of this species."

Why is this trend concerning?

The International Union for Conservation of Nature already categorizes the painted wooly bat as a near-threatened species, and its conservation status is expected to worsen with the rise and ease of global e-commerce, Phys.org explained. This species is especially vulnerable to trade because of its slow life history, as the bats only live for 10 years and have one offspring during that time.

Meanwhile, bats provide many important ecosystem functions that benefit us, according to the U.S. Bureau of Land Management. For one thing, they're pollinators, just like bees and butterflies  some foods that rely on bat pollination include bananas, mangoes, cashews, dates, avocadoes, peaches, cloves, and figs. Tropical bats are also essential in maintaining rainforests, as they disperse seeds through their droppings.

Plus, bats eat large numbers of mosquitoes, thereby helping to control diseases like the West Nile virus. But mosquitoes aren't the only insects bats eat  in fact, they're so good at chomping on insects that they can serve as an effective alternative to pesticides.

What's being done about the bat trade?

According to Phys.org, the authors of the study recommend enacting formal legal protections for the painted wooly bat by including it in the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) Appendix I, which would prohibit international trade. They also support a legal petition to list the species under the Endangered Species Act and more field studies to understand population trends and challenges.

You can help by staying away from these types of listings online  the researchers warn that sellers often used misleading language that described bats as "sustainably sourced," but these were false claims likely aimed at easing consumer worries.

Locally, you can support native bat populations by buying or building your own bat houses. You can also make your yard friendlier for all pollinators by following a few easy steps, like eliminating pesticides and removing invasive plants when possible.

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Digging Deep

A team of researchers has recovered the deepest sample ever taken of the Earth's mantle from a section of seafloor in the Atlantic Ocean.

At more than three-quarters of a mile in continuous length, the cylindrical sample is also the largest of its kind. The drilling was carried out last year, but the findings have now been published as a study in the journal Science.

Researchers hope that the bevy of rare rocks within will reveal secrets about how the mantle facilitated underwater chemical interactions that may have given rise to life billions of years ago.

"We did it," study coauthor Frieder Klein, a member of the drilling expedition at the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution in Massachusetts, told The New York Times. "We now have a treasure trove of rocks that will let us systematically study the processes that people believe are relevant to the emergence of life on the planet."

City of Secrets

The sample was extracted from an underwater hot spring called "Lost City," a field of spire-like hydrothermal vents that spew hydrogen and organic compounds like methane into water, making it an ideal site for the emergence of life.

Its location is key: the "City" sits alongside an underwater mountain range known as the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, which straddles the boundary between tectonic plates that are spreading apart. This process spews up molten magma that eventually cools to form mountains.

Scientists are interested in how mantle rocks could have created the chemical interactions that led to life, but recovering samples has proved challenging. They struck pay dirt this time, though, by drilling into a "tectonic window" in the seafloor where the mantle is much more exposed.

"When we recovered the rocks last year, it was a major achievement in the history of the Earth sciences," study lead author Johan Lissenberg from Cardiff University, said in a statement about the work. "But, more than that, its value is in what the cores of mantle rocks could tell us about the makeup and evolution of our planet."

Wearing the Mantle

Analyses of the rocks are ongoing, but so far they're already proving to be exactly the kind of time capsules of ancient geology that the researchers needed.

"The rocks that were present on early Earth bear a closer resemblance to those we retrieved during this expedition than the more common rocks that make up our continents today," said coauthor Susan Q Lang, an associate scientist in Geology and Geophysics at the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, in the statement.

"Analyzing them gives us a critical view into the chemical and physical environments that would have been present early in Earth's history," she added, "and that could have provided a consistent source of fuel and favorable conditions over geologically long timeframes to have hosted the earliest forms of life."

More on the origins of life: Scientists Say They've Detected a Strange Source of Electricity at the Bottom of the Ocean
Lifty Heavy

It's no secret that the ancient Eygptians were fairly technologically advanced for their day, but new research suggests that at least one pyramid was built using surprisingly sophisticated tech: hydraulic lifts.

As detailed in a new study published in the journal PLOS One, researchers say they've found evidence that the builders of the Pyramid of Djoser, also known as the Step Pyramid, used a system of trenches, tunnels, and a dam to channel water to the construction site, where they'd use it to raise and lower a floating platform that could carry heavy stones.

"Many theories on pyramid construction suggest that pure human strength, possibly aided by basic mechanical devices like levers and ramps, was utilized," study lead author Xavier Landreau, CEO of the Paris-based research institute Paleotechnic, told Ars Technica. "Our analysis led us to the utilization of water as a means of raising stones. We are skeptical that the largest pyramids were built using only known ramp and lever methods."

Tunnel Vision

Considered the oldest pyramid in Egypt, the Step Pyramid was built around 2680 BCE, roughly a century before the Great Pyramid of Giza. Historians believe it was designed by the legendary architect Imhotep, who was commissioned by the Pharaoh Djoser to build his eventual burial site.

After years of poring over ancient climate and archaeological data, the researchers found evidence that there was more water available in the pyramid's region than once believed. This cast several structures in and around the complex in a new light, including a vertical shaft in the center of the Step Pyramid, where the researchers now believe the hydraulic lifts would've been located.

The shaft could have once received water from a connecting tunnel underneath the pyramid that's over 650 feet long, which linked up with a network of other tunnels, and possibly an enormous trench that still surrounds the pyramid complex.

This theory could also explain the origins of a nearby stone structure known as the Gisr el-Mudir enclosure, whose purpose has long been a mystery. The researchers speculate that it would have served as a "check dam," storing water during heavy floods and filtering it for sediments, which would prevent the tunnels from getting clogged.

Wet Reception

The findings have proved controversial among experts in the field, with detractors arguing that there wouldn't have been enough steady rainfall to fill the tunnels with adequate amounts of water.

"These rains, even filling the wadis (a dry valley except in rainy seasons) with water, would not have been able to fill the dry moat even to a small extent," Fabian Welc, director of the Institute of Archaeology at the Cardinal Stefan Wyszynski University in Warsaw, Poland, told CNN. "These waters would have been immediately drained by gravity deep into the rock massif, about which there is no doubt (unless it was a biblical flood)."

And Zahi Hawass, the former Egyptian Minister of State for Antiquities Affairs, more or less called the research a bunch of hogwash.

"I've been excavating in Gisr El-Mudir for the last 12 years," Hawass told IFLScience. "There is not one single piece of evidence that I saw in my excavation to prove [that it was a dam]."

There's a lot riding against the theory, and the study's authors admit that more research is needed to prove their hunch. But credit to them, at least, for floating the idea.

More on archaeology: Scientists Detect "Anomaly" Underground Near Great Pyramid
Scientists identify promising system to eliminate threat responsible for countless squid deaths: 'Young squids would often die within 1-3 days'

A new scientific discovery offers a promising method for saving squid eggs from a harmful parasite, according to an article published in Phys.org.

Researchers at the Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) developed a new way to raise aquaculture squid and treat a fatal parasite. OIST researchers identified a species of parasitic copepod, a type of crustacean that was feeding on the eggs and killing off squid in the aquaculture tanks.

The exciting news: The researchers also discovered an eco-friendly way to treat the parasites and save the squid eggs.

"Only about 70% of the squid eggs hatched, and the young squids would often die within 1-3 days from damage and infection," Dr. Zdenek Lajbner told Phys.org. "And I'm glad to see that we have managed to eliminate a serious threat to the health of squids."

After testing numerous solutions, the researchers found that peracetic acid (PAA) killed the parasites within two minutes. One of the benefits of using PAA is that it's biodegradable, unlike other parasite treatments used in Japan that cause more damage to the environment.

According to another report posted in Phys.org, the new aquaculture method is the cheapest and most efficient aquaculture system to date. The researchers at OIST have been able to produce 10 successive generations of squid, which is a major breakthrough and achievement in the field.

A variety of factors, including overfishing and rising global temperatures, have decreased the squid population, according to reports by Phys.org. However, thanks to the researchers at OIST, scientists can help regrow the population without harming the environment.

The researchers published their findings in the journal Scientific Reports and hope that the new study will help cephalopod aquaculture systems around the world.

"Aquaculture will never be perfected, as there will always be new diseases or other complications to research and treat," Dr. Lajbner told Phys.org. "But with advances in disease management like these, we're happy to improve the health of squids in aquaculture."

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Scientists warn of troubling trend in typhoons and other tropical storms: 'Will make adaptation more difficult'

Typhoon Gaemi's winds reached 141 mph just before hitting Taiwan in late July, making it the strongest to hit the island in eight years, as Reuters reported. Scientists say our warming world likely means more intense storms.

What's happening?

At its peak, Gaemi was the equivalent of a Category 4 hurricane. The devastating storm claimed at least 30 lives in southern China since its landfall on July 25, as CNN reported. Torrential rainfall totaled more than 50 inches in five townships of Taiwan, causing massive flooding.

A new study led by researchers from the China Academy of Sciences found that 75% of the world is experiencing a rise in precipitation variability. This byproduct of a warming world means bigger extremes on either end of the hydrological spectrum, more intense droughts on one end, and ferocious flooding on the other.

"[Variability] has increased in most places, including Australia, which means rainier rain periods and drier dry periods," said Steven Sherwood, a professor at the University of New South Wales, per Reuters. "This is going to increase as global warming continues, enhancing the chances of droughts and/or floods."

Why is an intense storm like Gaemi important?

Storms can produce more precipitation because a warming atmosphere is able to hold more water vapor. According to NASA, our warming climate will likely make typhoons and hurricanes stronger (though it is not expected to increase their number).

A study from a scientist at the National Hurricane Center found that 27% of all tropical cyclone deaths from 1963 to 2012 were caused by freshwater floods and mudslides, and "rainfall-induced flood deaths occurred in more tropical cyclones than any other hazard."

"I believe higher water vapor in the atmosphere is the ultimate cause of all of these tendencies toward more extreme hydrologic phenomena," Professor Sherwood told Reuters.

The journal editor's summary of the recent study from China said the research indicated the precipitation variability was most prominent over Europe, Australia, and eastern North America and "will make adaptation more difficult for societies and ecosystems."

What's being done about hurricanes and typhoons becoming more intense?

Reducing the amount of heat-trapping gases being released into the atmosphere by choosing renewable energy sources instead of dirty energy sources is one way to cool the planet to help stop supercharging tropical cyclones in the future.

Supporting companies that are finding innovative ways to create clean energy, such as the India-based startup using cold fusion technology, can also have an impact.

The Department of Energy's Oak Ridge National Laboratory is working on fortifying renewable energy production in hurricane-prone regions such as the Caribbean, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. They are proposing a "super grid" to reassure residents that they will still have access to reliable power during storms.

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PLANKINTON, S.D (KELO)  To some, Plankinton, South Dakota is just another dot on the map, but if you do enough digging, you will find that the town and the surrounding area have a remarkable story to tell.

The Aurora County Museum tells the story of Plankinton and the surrounding area. There are five different buildings on the property, including a one-room school house, the old Farmers Union building, and this claim shanty. It was common for the pioneers that settled here in the late 1800s to live in a building like this.

People can see how tiny it is and just how difficult it was to live in something like that, Aurora County Historical Museum vice president Louis Matzner said.

Plankinton is located just west of Mitchell, and when you think of Mitchell, you probably think of the Corn Palace, but believe it or not, Plankinton built a grain palace before them.

We had it starting in 1891, and it basically was a building that they would decorate just as they do the Corn Palace, Aurora County Historical Museum treasurer Laura Mayclin said.

The public would gather there to celebrate the harvest, but Plankintons grain palace quickly gained some competition.

When Mitchell began doing the Corn Palace, which they started the year after the grain palace here in Plankinton, well, that just put up so much competition that the Plankinton Grain Palace only lasted for two years, Mayclin said.

Structure fire in Mitchell sends 1 to hospital

But it wasnt surprising that Plankinton built a grain palace considering that agriculture has historically been the main driving force behind Plankintons economy.

Agriculture is what Aurora Countys about. There arent any major industries, so everything revolves around agriculture and farmers, Matzner said.

On East River, it is everything. Every city you see is based on the income from the grains that are produced, Mayclin said.

The agricultural boom might not have been possible without the railroad that runs through town.

The railroad coming through here made it where they could transport their goods, so they couldnt just transport them from one neighbor to the next or one city to the next any more. Now, they could go all the way across the country, Mayclin said.

As agriculture took off, other industries started to pop up. A company called Aurora Industries was based in Plankinton and manufactured a miniature ferris wheel.

They were quite dangerous. I dont think theyd be approved today, Matzner said.

Another unique event in the area was when a stratosphere balloon that was studying weather patterns landed southwest of Plankinton.

The stratosphere balloon took off south of Rapid City on November 11th, 1935. Early in the morning at 4:14, it landed 14 miles south of White Lake, made a long trip, attained a new record highs for a balloon of 72,000 feet, Matzner said.

New South Dakota group pushes against ballot measures

A more recent event that has left a lasting impact on the small South Dakota town: in 2001, a propane leak caused an explosion at the school.

It kind of changed everybody. Everyone knew people who had gone through that school as students, and then, there were also people who were actually killed, Mayclin said.

But the town found a way to move forward.

They rebuilt a school, started fresh, but they still do a lot to just go back and dedicate things to the old school and to the people who passed away during that, Mayclin said.

Which is a testament to the towns tight-knit culture.

Im obviously a transplant from somewhere else, and I came in here and everybody welcomed me with open arms. I have formed friendships and the people are just wonderful. Its a good place to be, Mayclin said.

Another interesting fact about Plankinton is that it was named after a Milwakee meatpacker named John Plankinton, but it is unknown why early settlers chose him as the towns namesake.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KELOLAND.com.
Search is on for new water well sites to quench thirsty East Pasco

Earlier this month, county commissioners heard a pitch for developing 40 single-family homes on a 30-acre parcel just east of Old Lakeland Highway near Dade City.

But that wasnt what the developer really wanted.

The project, known as Crossways, was originally proposed with 176 homes, both attached and detached, a dense development in a rural area that could not be built without water and sewer lines. Those were things neither the county nor the city had available.

Commissioners were divided on what belonged there, voting to delay action.

Much of eastern Pasco, both inside and outside the city limits of Dade City and Zephyrhills, has seen keen interest by developers but is facing the same utility constraints. There arent enough pipes in the ground, and even if there were, the county needs new sources of drinking water.

Last month, Zephyrhills had to extend its yearlong moratorium on new projects and annexations for another 12 months. Dade City, which has been annexing and approving new construction, has had to slow down because it cant yet provide water and sewer service to all of the property it has added within its city limits.

While the city of Zephyrhills is working with the Southwest Florida Water Management District to resolve its water needs, the regional water supply wholesaler is looking to new water sources.

On July 26, Tampa Bay Water sent out notices to some east Pasco residents seeking their input on a plan to develop a new east Pasco well site.

The utility is mandated to meet the current and future drinking water needs of Hillsborough, Pasco and Pinellas counties and the cities of New Port Richey, St. Petersburg and Tampa, the letter said. Tampa Bay Water estimates that the region will need an additional 25 million gallons per day of drinking water by 2043, with 10-20 million gallons per day needed as early as 2033.

For Pasco alone, water demand from Tampa Bay Water is approximately 38 million gallons a day and is expected to increase by 5.6 million gallons daily, or nearly 14%, in the next decade and 11 million gallons a day, or 29% from current usage, in the next two decades. The proposed well field would have an estimated annual yield of 9 million gallons per day from brackish groundwater, fresh groundwater or a blend of both.

Some east Pasco residents have been vocal opponents to what they consider too much development on the east side of the county, fearing encroachment on a designated rural protection zone. Plans to add industrial and commercial elements into the Lacoochee area and continuing applications for residential projects near the rural zone have brought fears that the area will not stay protected.

Last year a corner of the designated protected area, land that had among its owners Florida State Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson, was lifted out of the rural zone so that a residential community of 117 homes could be built on 39 acres.

Beyond the fears of rural land disappearing if more water and sewer capacity is added, east Pasco residents who got the notice from Tampa Bay Water also are worried about another aspect of the wholesalers plan: the part about using brackish water.

A social media post by Lisa Moretti, a county commission candidate running without party affiliation who has been an advocate for protecting the rural area, raised concerns about what she believes could be afoot. She worries that it might be a first step toward the practice used elsewhere in which treated wastewater is refined to a level allowing it to be used as drinking water, something critics have labeled toilet to tap.

Brandon Moore, public communications manager for Tampa Bay Water, said that is not the plan for the east Pasco well field. Brackish water, or salty water underground, is what is being considered for use. Tampa Bay Water has no connection with any use of or disposal of wastewater.

Once a potential well site is identified, the plan would be to install test wells and study how the underground water supply would respond to pumping.

Discussion of the balance between growth and protection is likely to ramp up in the coming months as Pasco officials work to write their new comprehensive plan, which will take the county growth blueprint through 2050.
Dissident Iranian auteur Mohammad Rasoulof in May escaped to Europe after receiving a jail and flogging sentence from the countrys authorities for making his latest film The Seed of the Sacred Fig that won the Special Jury prize at Cannes.

He is now traveling to Locarno to screen his powerful drama  about an investigating judge in the Revolutionary Court in Tehran who grapples with mistrust and paranoia as anti-government protests intensify and his family life is devastated  on the Swiss fests 8,000-seat Piazza Grande.

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Rasoulof took questions from Variety about adjusting to life in Europe and how he currently sees his country from the outside.

You recently left Iran with a heavy heart. How have you adjusted to living in Europe (I believe in Germany)?

For many years, my focus was on living in Iran. I wanted to tell stories in my films that were necessary to tell from the heart of Iran. Tolerating being banned from work, being banned from leaving the country, the interrogations, the difficult conditions of making films underground, and going to prison all these pressures were part of a long journey. Prison provided an opportunity to reflect on all of this. After my release, I knew that I would soon receive a new sentence from the court and have to return to prison. However, before the verdict, in a bold decision, I started filming The Seed of the Sacred Fig. Midway through filming the movie, the verdict was announced, and just a few days after we finished filming, I learned about the final decision  an eight-year prison sentence from the Court of Appeal. As a filmmaker, I had to choose between continuing to make my films or seeing myself as a victim and returning to prison. This decision gave me the strength to leave Iran. I knew it might be a long journey. Now, I feel like I am on a long business trip with unfinished tasks demanding my attention. Outside Iran, I have many good friends and great hopes that motivate me to put in more effort.

Can you describe the small editing tweaks I believe you have made to The Seed of the Sacred Fig? since it screened in Cannes?

There are no significant changes. Only compression and a few technical improvements were necessary.

Are you excited to screen the film on the Piazza Grande, which is Europes largest open-air venue?

After premiering at the Cannes Film Festival, the movie was screened at the Sydney Film Festival, where it received the Audience Award for Best International Feature. Im thrilled about the opportunity to watch the film in Piazza Grande. In 2002, I participated in the Locarno Festival with my debut film, and I had the chance to see a movie by Fellini on the Piazza Grande screen. Ill never forget the joy of watching that film there. After 22 years, Im going back. Im really excited to see my film on that big screen with an audience of over 8,000. I hope it doesnt rain on the night of the screening!

Are you pleased that the film has been sold around the world, including to Neon in the U.S.? Will you be traveling to the U.S. to promote it?

Film distributors in Europe, especially Films Boutique and Parallel 45, have a deep and precise understanding of this type of cinema. On the other hand, working with a distributor like Neon, a thoroughly professional team with a complete understanding of a films path ahead, is very exciting. It is a pleasure to work with them.

I plan to travel to the United States for film screenings. However, since I still dont have a passport and have to travel with the documents provided with the help of the city of Hamburg, I wonder if Ill be able to travel outside of Europe.

Whats your take on the recent election in Iran of reformist politician Masoud Pezeshkian? Do you think anything will change as a result?

At the core of its power, The Islamic Republic is vulnerable and unstable, lacking legitimacy and popularity among the majority of people. For decades, they have been ruling Iran through brutal repression, which relies on fomenting crises for its survival. However, these crises accumulate over time. Unforeseen events such as the Woman Life Freedom movement and the brave pursuit of women demanding their rights have disrupted the analyses of those in power. Following the collapse of Raisis government  which was the concrete embodiment of the ignorance and inefficiency of the Islamic system  they needed an option to find enough time to recuperate. Pezeshkians government is a tool to overcome these crises. They know the president of Iran doesnt have a weighty role in determining domestic and international macro policies; if it did, other governments before the Pezeshkian government also wanted to change the path ahead of Iran.

Last time we spoke you said you did not think the Iranian regime is in a condition or in a situation that will allow them to last long, and that the international community should stop being so mild with them and not allow them to go on holding their people hostage. Do you continue to think that the current regime wont last long? Also, do you think/hope your film will help put more pressure on Iran?

Above all, I hope for changes within Iranian society and to raise questions for those who, knowingly or unknowingly, serve the ruling power. Experience has shown me that my films ultimately reach their Iranian audience. On the other hand, my films reflect my commitment to portraying a realistic image of the era in which I live despite the extensive censorship and repression in Iran.

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People with symptoms of long COVID attend a Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions hearing on long COVID in January. A group of senators is now urging the Social Security Administration to grant greater access to disability payments for people with long COVID symptoms. (Drew Angerer/Getty Images)

Several U.S. senators have called on the Social Security Administration to take steps to make it easier for people with long COVID to access disability benefits, actions that disability rights advocates and patients say are desperately needed.

Senators Tim Kaine, D-Virginia; Ed Markey, D-Massachusetts; Tammy Duckworth, D-Illinois; Bernie Sanders, I-Vermont; Tina Smith, D-Minnesota; Angus King, I-Maine and Richard Blumenthal, D-Connecticut signed the letter released on Monday. They said the agency should make the process more transparent, track and publish data on long COVID applications, and consider expanding the listing of impairments the SSA considers in applications for benefits.

In some situations, these symptoms can be debilitating and prevent an individual from being able to work, take care of their family, manage their household, or participate in social activities, the senators wrote to SSA Commissioner Martin OMalley.

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Long COVID is a chronic health condition, which often includes fatigue, brain fog, and shortness of breath, following a COVID-19 infection. About three in 10 American adults have had long COVID at some point according to KFFs April analysis of long COVID data. About 17 million people had it in March 2024. In 2021, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services released guidance on long COVID as a disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Kaine has been outspoken about his own experience with long COVID and Sanders introduced legislation this month to provide $1 billion in funding each year for 10 years to support long COVID research by the National Institutes of Health.

Lisa McCorkell, co-founder of the Patient Led Research Collaborative, a group of long COVID patients and patients with associated illnesses, told States Newsroom, Creating a ruling or listing would be a huge improvement  having that specific guidance for how to document long COVID, its related diagnoses, and its associated impairment would assist physicians who may not be as knowledgeable about long COVID.

The SSA administers disability benefits through Social Security Disability Insurance and Supplemental Security Income programs. The former program requires past employment payment into Social Security. The latter one does not have those restrictions and is based on financial need but to receive benefits, applicants have to prove they qualify as having a disability. The average monthly disability benefit for Social Security Disability Insurance is $1,538.

Long COVIDs economic cost

Researchers and economists are still trying to understand the full impact of COVID-19 infections and long COVID on the workforce. A 2023 study estimated that COVID-19 brought down the labor force by 500,000 people and that the average loss of labor is equivalent to $9,000 in earnings. More than 25% of people with long COVID said their condition had an impact on their employment or work hours, according to a 2022 Minneapolis Fed paper.

Long COVID is not going to go away, particularly as government protections on the federal, state, and local level to reduce the spread of COVID are severely lacking, said Marissa Ditkowsky, who serves as the disability economic justice counsel at the National Partnership for Women & Families, an organization focused on health, economic justice, and reproductive rights for women and families.

While COVID continues to be a reality, we know that COVID disproportionately impacts women, disabled folks, and people of color, and the folks who are most impacted already have issues with access to appropriate health care, access to employment, and access to equitable wages, said Ditkowsky, who has long COVID herself. A lot of folks might be working in low-wage jobs where theyre in the service industry and constantly out there and more likely to contract COVID. It starts not just with the programs for how to deal with folks with long COVID, but how to prevent people from getting long COVID.

In the meantime, she said people with long COVID, as well as other people with disabilities, would benefit from the changes senators are advocating, such as restoring the treating physician rule, which was repealed in 2017. The rule allowed the agency to give greater weight to medical evidence from a physician who treated a patient for years compared to, say, a doctor who examines a patient once.

Giving your own doctor the weight [they] deserve is huge, Ditkowsky said.

Mia Ives-Rublee, senior director of the disability justice initiative at the Center for American Progress, a liberal think tank, said there is an opportunity for the Biden administration or the next administration to revamp how the agency administers disability benefits. She said that given the aging population, there is more reason than ever for the agency to make significant improvements to the application process. Advocates for people with disabilities say its also imperative to boost funding for the agency.

Not only are we seeing an increase in disability in younger folks, but were also looking at the big boomer generation getting older  Were going to see a huge pressure on the [SSA] and we need to see real changes and funding and think of ways to manage the wide variety of experiences that people have in order to deal with differences in applying for these benefits, she said.

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A woman who robbed a Pierce County coffee stand on Thursday left the owner and her staff rattled.

Pierce County deputies were dispatched at 6:34 a.m. to an armed robbery at Revive Coffee in the 10000 block of Sales Road South , according to sheriffs spokesman Sgt. Darren Moss.

Payton Jones, who has been the owner of Revive Coffee for about 10 years, said she and her employee were inside the coffee stand helping a customer. A vehicle pulled behind the customer, and then backed out to park by a tree.

There was a man and woman inside the vehicle who looked like they were waiting for the customer to leave, Jones said. Once he left, the woman, who had a hoodie on her head and was wearing a mask, approached the stand. She was carrying something that looked heavy and was covered by a blanket or jacket.

Jones said she immediately slammed the window shut, and the woman tried breaking in with the gun. The woman eventually got through the window.

My adrenaline was pumping, and I was in that moment trying to think of what to do. It was very scary, Jones said. I really thought I was not going home.

Security footage from the coffee stand showed the woman saying she was going to blow this [explicit] up, Moss said. The woman told Jones and the barista to hurry up.

The woman was heard saying in the video, I dont want to kill you, I dont wanna kill none of you.

Jones said the woman stole about $100, and the robbery lasted less than a minute. Jones immediately called 911 and told her employee to take the rest of the day off.

I just am so grateful that the outcome was what it was. Its the best outcome that could have happened, Jones said.

Jones employee was very shaken up from the robbery and put in her two weeks notice. She had been working as a barista at Revive for about two and a half years and will now be taking a break from the coffee industry.

Shes been one of my best employees that Ive had, Jones said. She shows up to work, she does her job. Shes very sweet.

Jones said business continued as usual, and she had to power through the rest of the day.

Its part of being a business owner and a small business owner at that. I work for $0 an hour, so all the hard work and sacrifice I have to put into the place to make it succeed, she said.

Jones said that following the robbery, Revive Coffee will not be taking cash any longer. Customers will have to use credit or debit cards. She is also going to get more security cameras.

If anybody knows anything or recognizes the woman or the car or, you know, maybe they recognize her voice or the clothes that she was wearing, please come forward and contact the Pierce County Sheriffs Department so we can get justice, she said.

Moss said the man and woman were driving a white Chrysler sedan with no plates. The driver is suspected to be an African American man in his 30s and 6-foot-2. He is about 230 pounds with a larger build. The man was wearing a black hoodie and black mask.

The woman was about 5-foot-7 and about 180 pounds. She was wearing a black mask with a wrap over her face.

Anyone with information that could help the investigation can contact the Sheriffs Department or leave a tip at Crime Stoppers.
ATHENS, Tenn. (WATE)  Law enforcement seized more than 40 firearms, thousands of dollars as well as three improvised explosive devices during a drug bust in Athens on Wednesday, according to Monroe County Sheriff Tommy Jones.

Friday evening, Jones shared a post on Facebook, explaining that on August 7, a search warrant was served at a residence in the 200 block of Kenneth Street in Athens and on a storage unit.

Gay Street Bridge to remain closed for further studies

During the search, authorities found approximately 540 grams of methamphetamine, 41 firearms of which four were reported stolen, three improvised explosive devices, more than $40,000 and drug paraphernalia, Jones explained.

A photo showing firearms seized by the Monroe County Sheriffs Office during an August 7, 2024 drug bust in Athens. (Monroe County Sheriffs Office)

The post states that Daniel Lance Buis was arrested on charges of possession of methamphetamine for resale greater than 300 grams, possession of a firearm during the commission of a dangerous felony, possession of an improvised explosive device, and other drug and gun related charges.

LCSO: Armed suspect in custody, school lockdown lifted

The search was a result of a joint investigation by the 10th Judicial Drug Task Force, Athens Police Department, McMinn County Sheriffs Office, Monroe County Sheriffs Office, Sweetwater Police Department, and the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives also assisted with the explosive devices.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WATE 6 On Your Side.
Sangamon County Sheriff Jack Campbell has announced his resignation weeks after one of his deputies was charged in the fatal shooting of Sonya Massey. On Friday (Aug. 9), he made the announcement that he planned to retire by the end of the month amid an outcry that he step down.

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Some in our community want me to pay the price for that persons actions, even threatening that I pay that price with my life, my familys lives, or the lives of my Deputies, he said in a released statement. We will only persevere together as a community if we turn down the temperature and resolve to do better, he added.

On Monday (Aug. 5), Illinois Governor JB Pritzker and Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton joined in on the public's demands that Campbell relieve himself of his duties after six years as county sheriff. In a joint statement, the elected officials said, We join the Massey family in calling for Sheriff Campbells resignation immediately so the Springfield and Sangamon County community can begin to rebuild and restore trust between citizens and the sheriffs department.

The agency has been steeped in backlash in the wake of disgraced deputy Sean Grayson being indicted for his involvement in the July 6 death of Massey. The 36-year-old mother of two called authorities to her Springfield, Illinois, home when she grew concerned about a possible prowler being inside the residence. Grayson and his partner arrived at the home after midnight.

At some point, he and the woman were engaged in an exchange of words in the kitchen area. Massey, who had a history of mental health struggles, was removing a pot of heated water from her stove, per Grayson's orders, when she uttered, I rebuke you in the name of Jesus. Grayson allegedly threatened to shoot her in the face and did so shortly after as she ducked behind the counter.

He alleged that he thought he was in danger. On July 17, he was indicted by a grand jury on first-degree murder, aggravated battery with a firearm, and official misconduct charges. The 30-year-old was also fired when it was determined that his use of force was not justified.

A week prior to announcing his plans to resign, Campbell asked the community for forgiveness, saying that his department failed Massey. He also made it known that he had no intention to resign. I cannot step down, he said at a July 29 community gathering. I will not abandon the sheriff's office at its most critical moment. That will solve nothing. The incident will remain, he added, doubling down on his stance.

When he spoke with ABC News on Aug. 1, Campbell said he was horrified by Grayons actions and that they were not representative of other law enforcement agents. The disgraced sheriff was hired by Campbell in May 2023. Within a year, a complaint had been filed alleging that he inappropriately handled a run-in with a 17-year-old while searching for a stabbing suspect.

He is accused of threatening to handcuff the teenage girl if she did not allow him into her home, though the department later declared his actions were warranted based on bodycam footage. While working for a previous sheriffs office, concerns about Grayson violating policy and writing inaccurate reports were also raised. In total, he worked for five agencies in a six-year span before being hired in Sangamon. Before that, he had been discharged from the U.S. Army after 14 months.

There was nothing reported to us that would concern us. There was no use of force complaints and things like that. That would be something that we would be very concerned about, said Campbell when he explained how Grayson still managed to get hired.

Grayson is being held without bond as he awaits trial. He is expected to appear before a judge later this month. Masseys family hired Attorney Ben Crump as they pursue justice.

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Police in L.A.s Brentwood neighborhood arrested a shirtless man attempting to rob a CVS pharmacy early Saturday morning.

Preliminary reports indicate that Los Angeles Police Department officers were called to the CVS located at 11941 San Vicente Boulevard around 2:45 a.m. on reports of a robbery in progress.

Police in L.A.s Brentwood neighborhood arrested a shirtless man attempting to rob a CVS pharmacy. (ANG)

Police in L.A.s Brentwood neighborhood arrested a shirtless man attempting to rob a CVS pharmacy. (ANG)

Police in L.A.s Brentwood neighborhood arrested a shirtless man attempting to rob a CVS pharmacy. (ANG)

Police in L.A.s Brentwood neighborhood arrested a shirtless man attempting to rob a CVS pharmacy. (ANG)

Video from the scene shows officers arriving at the store with riot shields up and weapons drawn.

The suspect was taken into custody without incident, according to initial information. No injuries were reported.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA.
WEST SPRINGFIELD, Mass (WWLP)  During the state sales tax holiday, shoppers can look forward to avoiding the 6.25% state tax on certain purchases they make from Saturday through Sunday at 11:59 PM.

When will the rain end on Saturday in western Massachusetts?

Its always nice to save a little bit of money, said Tony Simanelli.

Shoppers can save a little bit of cash on purchases of personal use only, with a max of $2,500 per item.

We dont necessarily wait until this weekend to purchase things if we need something as time goes on, but I think a wise shopper would wait down the road, and if you can hold off on something, then do it, said Simanelli.

While many purchases are included, there are some exceptions, including meals, motor vehicles and boats, gas, alcohol, and other single items more than $2,500.

While shoppers are browsing and preparing for the discount, many stores are also getting prepared for the weekend. At Pieroways Furniture in West Springfield, owner Michael Ouimett has a message for shoppers coming in this weekend.

Have a little bit of patience because it is going to be overly busy, said Ouimett.

At Pieroways, they have pre-sale opportunities for customers to come in and make their purchases to avoid the hustle and bustle of the weekend.

Come in today and take your time, pick something out, pick a nice fabric you like, even order something that is going to be delivered months from now, said Mark Frodema, salesman at Pieroways.

Pieroways told 22News they are staffing more people than usual for the weekend to ensure they can put purchases through and help each customer one by one.

If you are hoping to save some money on new clothes for back to school  you dont need to wait for the tax-free holiday. There is no sales tax on clothing in Massachusetts for items under $175.

Latest Local News Headlines

WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WWLP.
By Umaru Fofana

FREETOWN (Reuters) - A military court in Sierra Leone has sentenced 24 soldiers to lengthy prison terms for their roles in a failed attempt to overthrow the government of President Julius Maada Bio last November.

The sentences were read out in court late on Friday with the judge handing out prison terms ranging from 50 and 120 years on those convicted.

They were among 27 men court-martialled for participating in the attempted coup on Nov. 26 that saw gunmen attack military barracks, two prisons and other locations, freeing about 2,200 inmates and killing more than 20 people

The sentencing follows the jailing in July of 11 civilians, and police and prison officers for their role in the insurrection.

A seven-member military jury found most of the court-martialled soldiers guilty by unanimous verdict after hours of deliberations. The men faced a total of 88 charges including mutiny, murder, aiding the enemy and stealing public or service property.

All but one of those arraigned were rank and file soldiers. A lieutenant colonel was found guilty and received the longest prison term of 120 years.

Before handing out the sentences, Judge Advocate Mark Ngegba  himself a former military officer  said "when we reach this conclusion for sentences it is to send a message of zero tolerance for such an act in the military".

Of the remaining three, one was found not guilty, another sentenced earlier due to pleading guilty, and the third's trial will conclude at a later date.

Family members of the convicts wailed inside the court as the sentences were read out.

The failed attempt followed an election which President Bio narrowly won to secure a second term. His victory was disputed by the main opposition APC party, while some local and international observers also questioned the transparency of the vote.

(Editing by Alessandra Prentice and Clelia Oziel)
Sinaloa drug cartel leader Ismael "El Mayo" Zambada  in a letter written from prison and released by his lawyer  details what he says led to his arrest in the United States.

"El Mayo" and Joaquin Guzman Lopez, one of the notorious kingpin El Chapo's 12 children, were arrested near El Paso, Texas on July 25 without incident, federal authorities said. The arrest of Zambada, a U.S. fugitive for many years, "strikes at the heart of the cartel that is responsible for the majority of drugs, including fentanyl and methamphetamine, killing Americans from coast to coast," said DEA Administrator Anne Milgram at the time.

Guzman Lopez, 38, allegedly duped Zambada,76, into boarding a plane the day of their arrests, a person familiar with the investigation confirmed to CBS News, telling "El Mayo" they were going to look at property in Mexico. Guzman Lopez was said to have cut a deal with U.S. authorities on behalf of himself and his brother Ovidio Guzman Lopez.

Sinaloa cartel leader

"El Mayo" disputes this account in the letter obtained by CBS News on Saturday. He wrote there were "many inaccurate reports" and he will provide the "true facts" from that day. He said he wanted everyone to know from the outset he did not turn himself in, have an agreement, or come voluntarily.

"To the contrary, I was kidnapped and brought to the U.S. forcibly and against my will," he wrote.

Zambada wrote he was asked to attend a meeting by Guzman Lopez, to help resolve differences among the political leaders in the state of Sinaloa. On the morning of July 25, Zambada wrote, he arrived early for their meeting at Huertos del Pedregal just outside of Culiacan. He saw a large number of armed men wearing green military uniforms but trusting the meeting and the attendees he was led into a dark room, where he said he was ambushed. A hood was placed over his head and he was placed onto a plane for a flight that took 2.5 to 3 hours, he wrote.

He arrived in the U.S. and was taken into custody by federal officials. "El Mayo" pleaded not guilty in court in El Paso, and waived his arraignment and detention hearings, according to court records.

The cartel leader wrote in the letter that he did not kill Hector Cuen, the former Federal congressman and mayor of Culiacan, who was at the meeting. He also said he had nothing to do with the disappearance of Jose Rosario Heras Lopez, a commander in the State Judicial Police of Sinaloa, and security detail Rodolfo Chaidez who were also at the meeting.

He said any reports to the contrary were false. He ended the letter calling on the governments of the United States and Mexico to be "transparent" about his abduction, subsequent disappearances, and death.

"I also call on the people of Sinaloa to use restraint and maintain peace in our State," Zambada wrote. "Nothing can be solved by violence. We have been down that road before, and everyone loses."

Robert Legare contributed to this report.

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Sioux Falls advances to Little League World Series

WHITESTOWN, IN (KELO)  The Sioux Falls Little League team leaves Saturday for Williamsport, Pennsylvania to play in the World Series.

Sioux Falls advanced to the Series with a 6-1 win over Webb City, Missouri Friday.

Sioux Falls will play their first game in Williamsport Wednesday night.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KELOLAND.com.
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO)  A fire in the 200 block of South Prairie Avenue caused significant damage to a structure.

According to the City of Sioux Falls news release, Sioux Falls Fire Rescue (SFFR) was dispatched to the scene at 12:45 p.m. on Friday. It was reported all occupants were out of the structure.

When crews arrived the south side of the building was on fire and the flames spread to the attic, causing significant damage.

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SFFR extinguished the fire in 20 minutes with no firefighter or civilian injuries.

SFFR responded with five fire trucks, three support vehicles, and 21 personnel and other responding entities.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KELOLAND.com.
As a crowd gathered outside Real Life Christian Church stood beneath the blazing Saturday sun, the crack of a radio cut through a moment of silence.

Lake 2036, a voice began referring to Lake County Master Deputy Bradley Links call sign, as it began the final transmission signing him off from duty.

May the sun shine upon his house. May the wind always be at his back. May the Lord hold him in the palm of his hand, until we meet again, it continued. On Aug. 10, at 1251 hours, Lake 2836 is 10-7.

A giant flag hanging from a firetruck greeted the hundreds who attended Links celebration of life a week after he was killed responding to a suspected burglary of a Brookside Drive home in Eustis.

During the ceremony, Sheriff Peyton Grinnell recounted Links actions the day of the shooting and posthumously awarded him the Medal of Honor and Purple Heart.

Master Deputy Link exemplified the highest ideals of duty, honor and sacrifice, Grinnell said. He faced danger without hesitation, stood firm in the face of adversity and selflessly placed the safety of others above his own.

Show Caption1 of 19

Lake County Deputy Sheriff Bradley Michael Links badge on display during the Celebration of Life Ceremony at Real Life Church in Clermont, Fla., Saturday, Aug. 10, 2024. (Willie J. Allen Jr./Orlando Sentinel)

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Link, 28, responded to the scene on his way home from his shift. He and other deputies were ambushed by the family living there. The family is alleged to have been waiting as Julie Ann Sulpizio, its matriarch, attempted to lure neighbors to the house to kill them, saying they were acting on Gods behalf.

Though he was shot, Link shot back, laying suppressing gunfire to allow fellow deputies to escape. Two other deputies, Harold Howell and Stefano Gargano, were shot in an effort to rescue Link as he was trapped in the home.

Both survived, though Gargano, who was shot multiple times and has undergone several surgeries, remains hospitalized in stable condition.

Cheyenne and Savannah Sulpizio  22 and 23, respectively  were found dead inside the house along with their stepfather, 49-year-old Michael Sulpizio, after shooting themselves in the head. Julie Ann Sulpizio, 48, faces murder and attempted murder charges.

Brad died doing what he loved to do, Grinnell said. He was a hero.

Link, survived by his wife Brittany Link, long dreamed of being a cop. As a teen he was involved with the Sheriffs Office Explorers Program and later served in the Army Reserves before becoming a deputy sheriff in Polk County in 2017.

Two years later he joined the Lake County Sheriffs Office as a master deputy.

Links coworkers  Deputies Stephanie Early, Matt Layman and Preston Leonard  remembered him as a kind and courageous man who thoroughly enjoyed his work. Early said Link was her field training officer before the two and their spouses became close friends.

He was a role model, Early said. His ability to navigate life and treat others with kindness inspired people.

Personally, he made me want to change the way I live my life and motivated me to become the best person I aspire to be.

Layman, who said he and Link were jokingly referred to as work wives, remembered him as a kind man even when we argued like a married couple at times. Leonard, who affectionately called Link Baby Boy, further referred to him as truly fearless in all his endeavors.

His love for being a law enforcement officer comes from his truly selfless desire to serve others, Leonard said.

Beyond the job, the three said Link was a man undeniably in love with his wife. His familys pastor, Justin Miller, recalled his first time meeting the couple  at first noticing his trademark mustache.

I know behind every massive mustache is a very tolerant woman, so I saw that and said, Man, she must really love you to let you have a mustache that big,' Miller said. She just grabbed his arm and she says, I do, and he just kind of glowed. It was a beautiful moment.

Dressed in white, Brittany Link stood poised before the audience, thanking them and the community for their support. She described her husband as funny, gentle and sweet, calling him her teddy bear. He was a lover of bright lights of all kinds, she said, and enjoyed peanut butter-and-jelly sandwiches and going to Magic Kingdom.

He carried himself with a quiet confidence  slow to speak, slow to anger and quick to understand, Brittany Link said of her husband and high school sweetheart, who she added was truly a living, breathing angel.

A GoFundMe page created in Links honor has raised more than $155,000 for his family as of Saturday afternoon.

Brittany Link further called on the community to carry on the fallen deputys legacy of kindness and courage: Have Bradleys heart for the needy, the broken, the rejects and the lonely.

I truly believe hes still taking care of me from heaven by sending me all of you, she said in closing.
SMITH COUNTY, Tenn. (WKRN)  The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) announced one mothers arrest in the shooting death of her son.

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The TBI had been requested to investigate the January 30 shooting death of 21-year-old Theodore Taylor at a home on Rawls Creek Road in Gordonsville.

During the course of the investigation, agents developed information that Trena Roberts caused Taylor, her son, to commit an assault against two men by use or display of a deadly weapon, and caused one of those men to recklessly kill Taylor, a press release from the TBI read.

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On August 5, Smith County grand jury returned indictments that charged Roberts, 49, with one count of reckless homicide and two counts of aggravated assault; she was arrested two days later.

Roberts was booked into the Smith County jail on a $40,000 bond.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRN News 2.
Smoke got you down, Boise? Youre not alone. Experts say wildfires are bad for our brains

Bradley Kindall paused from his work on the top floor of the Eighth & Main building on Thursday and took his phone out to capture the thick gray smoke shrouding the other high-rises downtown.

Kindall is no stranger to the smoke  hes lived in Idaho for some 40 years, after all  but every summer when it inevitability moves in, so do the scratchy throats, headaches and sore eyes. At least with the Treasure Valleys wintertime inversions, one can head up to Bogus Basin for some respite. Not with the smoke, he said.

Its painful and depressing, Kindall told the Idaho Statesman by phone. It makes you feel claustrophobic.

Breathing in the tiny particles in wildfire smoke is hard on the respiratory system. But its also hard on our brains.

Jamie Derrick, a psychology professor at the University of Idaho, says a growing body of research shows short-term and long-term health impacts on people exposed to wildfire smoke, including anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder.

Theres also the existential piece of it, Derrick told the Idaho Statesman by phone. The smoke raises questions about climate change and the future of humanity, not to mention the loss of land, wildlife and ecosystems. Its a multifaceted hit on our psychological systems.

Disrupted sleep, altered moods

Derrick said wildfire smoke has been shown to disrupt our natural sleep cycles, too.

Dr. David Pate, the former CEO of St. Lukes Health System, said that when smoke darkens the skies and forces us to shelter indoors, it also disrupts our circadian rhythms  physical, mental and behavioral changes that follow a 24-hour cycle.

Pate said the smoke can alter our moods. He knows that on a bright, sunny day with good air quality, hes going to be a bit more cheerful.

The first thing you notice when you go outside these last few weeks is that its not as bright as it normally is, Pate told the Statesman by phone. But more than that, it feels suffocating.

Les Colin, senior forecaster for the National Weather Service in Boise, told the Statesman on Thursday not to expect relief anytime soon. Boise is slated to see varying amounts of smoke as long as long as nearby wildfires continue burning, which could be a while.

The Idaho Department of Environmental Quality on Friday extended its air quality advisory for Ada, Canyon and other nearby counties, forecasting unhealthy air quality through Saturday and unhealthy for sensitive groups air quality on Sunday and Monday.

Of course, you dont need to head online to know the air quality in the Treasure Valley is poor.

Whats so great about Boise now?

Colby Spath, a 55-year-old former teacher who lives downtown, said the dense smoke curbs some of the best parts about living in Boise.

All the things that make summer so great  like going camping, riding your bike on the Greenbelt or eating out on patios  I really dont want to do any of those things right now, Spath said by phone. This weekend, I was taking care of my friends dogs and I was questioning whether I should even be walking them or not.

Spath recently took a break from the smoke for a few days to visit some friends west of Seattle on the Olympic Peninsula. When he came back, it was horrific, he said. I just thought, What am I going back to?

Dr. Ethan Sims, an emergency room physician at St. Lukes, video called the Statesman on Thursday from Redfish Lake in Stanley, Idaho. He was there with family to celebrate his parents 50th anniversary, but instead of their fond memories of the clear, reflective lake, he said the smoke was so bad they couldnt even see the Sawtooth Mountains.

No one is in the water, and everyone wanted to leave as soon as we got here, Sims said. Instead of having this joyful day that weve been looking forward to all week, were having Oh my god, why did we drive up here? Can we go home?

Sims added that the smoke can cause cascading mental health effects on children. When it pours in, kids lose out on summer camp experiences, teenagers spend more time on social media, and outdoor sporting practices or games might get canceled.

More stress, less social support

Laura Treat, a behavioral health program manager at the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare, said that when the smokes spurs people inside to seek better air quality, it can cause stress and isolation from social support and outdoor recreational activities that people might typically engage in.

The air pollutants affect our brains, she said, and children are at a much higher risk of exposure, since their brains are still developing.

Treat said people should try to maintain routines and find activities they enjoy to help cope with the stress. And, of course, avoid the smoke as much as possible.

Kindall, 43, has been trying to heed that advice. He said he likes to go fishing and geocaching, but thats on pause for now. On weekdays, he often takes his electric scooter to grab lunch at the downtown Whole Foods. These days, he avoids it, lest he come back to his desk at Holland and Hart, a Boise law firm, smelling like a campfire.

He and his colleagues miss the clear view of the Foothills and the rest of the Valley, he added.

His family vacationed in Hawaii a week or so ago, and landing back in Boise was depressing, Kindall said. Ash had piled up on his truck.

Im happy the Olympics are going on right now, because at least thats something to pay attention to, he said.

Boises air is not just bad  its dangerous. How to protect yourself and others

The smoke is firmly in Boises eyes. When can the city expect to see fresh air again?

Heres how to keep up with air quality in Boise. Spoiler alert: The reading will stink
CAPITAN, N.M. (KRQE)  One of New Mexicos most iconic residents is celebrating a big milestone. Friday is Smokey Bears 80th birthday and his legacy lives on decades after he died.

WW2 veteran laid to rest in Clovis decades after his death

A wildfire broke out in 1950 setting ablaze the Capitan Mountains of New Mexico. Among the flames was a lonesome Black bear cub who was badly injured. The bear was rescued by firefighters who had battled the flames and soon became a prominent figure teaching families across America about wildfire prevention for generations.

The manager at the Smokey Bear Historic Museum in Capitan said Smokeys message of wildfire prevention is especially important with the recent fires that ravaged Ruidoso. Smokeys message is more relevant today than ever before because the situation has changed. Wildfire behavior, weve seen cases where its gotten really extreme, said Manager Mary Lavin, Smokey Bear Historic Park.

Smokey Bear is buried at his park in Capitan, New Mexico.

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The ex-Illinois deputy who shot Sonya Massey dead last month has been denied a pre-trial release from jail to treat colon cancer, according to The Independent.

A Sangamon County judge reportedly ruled that a real and present threat still remains if Sean Grayson is granted pre-trial release before standing trial for Masseys murder. Grayson asked to be released from Menard County Jail because he claimed the facility would not adequately treat a number of his medical conditions, including colon cancer.

Graysons attorneys argued that he no longer posed a threat to the public because he no longer has access to firearms.

The judges decision comes after Sangamon County Sheriff Jack Campbell announced that he would retire at the end of the month, after initially resisting public calls from civil rights leaders to step down.

In response to the July 6 incident, Campbell said his department had failed Sonya. Massey had called the police to report a prowler, but was shot three times by Grayson.

In a statement on Friday, Campbell said the current political climate has made it nearly impossible for him to do his job, reported local station WAND.

Read more at The Daily Beast.

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Not again

The headline says, Amtrak finally gets approved. Whats next? Ill tell you exactly whats next, because, unlike politicians who didnt learn from history, I remember that taxpayers dollars were wasted and the program went belly up because not enough people would ride it.

What is a vote?

A vote is not a valentine. You arent professing your love for the candidate. Its a chess move for the world you want to live in.

Its one or the other

Either President Biden was removed from the Democratic ticket because he is mentally unfit to run,which means he is unfit to be president, or Barack Obama, Vice President Harris and others performed a coup to remove a candidate who received 14 million votes for a person who received 0 votes.

Running scared

It should come as no surprise that Donald Trump does not want to debate under previous established rules and scheduled date on ABC. He now says he wants to debate only on FOX with a live audience of his fans. If you recall, FOX News was forced to pay over $700 Million in fines to settle a lawsuit from promoting Trumps voter machine lies. He doesnt want a serious debate, as he is outclassed. He wants a joke TV reality show.

Billionaire buddies

What happened when Vice President Harris announced that Gov. Tim Walz was her pick for vice president and that they would be campaigning in the rust belt states, seeking middle class support? Donald Trump immediately announced that he would be doing an interview with Elton Musk. One multi billionaire interviewing another multi billionaire  how weird is that?

Leave the Court alone

It is completely wrong and overtly political for President Biden and Vice President Harris to spin up Democrats and try to influence Americans to reform or otherwise jiggle with the U.S. Supreme Court, regardless of the euphemistic adjectives they try to hide behind. The Court is an equal and separate branch of government, and other than nominating replacement justices at appropriate times, the other two branches should have no oversight or interference whatsoever.

If its so easy ...

Why hasnt Donald Trump made the phone calls to end two wars with his magic touch? It would surely show up his mortal enemy President Biden, and almost assure his victory in November. Could it be that hes not so concerned that people are dying but more concerned with what will make Donald Trump look the best? The most plausible explanation is that hes just full of it.

Tough choice

This will be the third consecutive presidential election cycle Ive had to hold my nose to vote. Where are the statesmen? Where are the diplomats?

Now its a problem?

Donald Trumps campaign is hoping to get traction on Vice President Harris husbands cheating on his first wife. Are they forgetting Trump did the same thing twice? Go sit down somewhere.

Ride the rails

So, we are getting Amtrak train service. As someone whose love of train travel extends back almost to my birth, Im very, very happy. Indeed, after three of my airplanes nearly crashed after being shot up, and having voluntarily searched for downed pilots while flying low over the jungle, I only travel by train. Sure, its a bit slow, but the adventure. Seeing America roll by while sitting at a white tablecloth dining car table, sipping coffee and nibbling on warm apple pie and ice cream is priceless. Now, they only need to add Orlando and Anaheim to the schedule and itd be perfect.

Nothing is free

Do you think free lunch is free? Do you think post high school

education is free or college education loans forgiven free? Is child care free? Do you think Welfare and illegal immigration with free medical care is free? Its the taxpayers paying for free. Its not free.

A question

U.S. Sen. Kennedy from Louisiana aptly posed this question in Senate hearings revolving around electric vehicles. If electric cars are so swell, how come the government has to pay to get people to buy them?

Send your Sound Offs to soundoff@sunherald.com.
South Dakota drug conviction is among the baggage RFK Jr. brings to the ballot

Independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. takes questions from the media after his campaign rally at Legends Event Center on Dec. 20, 2023, in Phoenix. (Rebecca Noble/Getty Images)

Independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. takes questions from the media after his campaign rally at Legends Event Center on Dec. 20, 2023, in Phoenix. (Rebecca Noble/Getty Images)

Bill Walsh picked up a ringing phone in Deadwood during the fall of 1983 and heard Robert F. Kennedy Jr.s voice.

Bill, Im off the wagon, Kennedy said, according to Walsh. Ive got a flight coming in tomorrow.

The two had become friends in 1980. Kennedy campaigned in South Dakota that year for his uncle, U.S. Sen. Ted Kennedy, who ran unsuccessfully for the Democratic presidential nomination.

Walsh and RFK Jr. were fellow Irish-Catholic Democrats, and Walsh was a former priest with experience counseling addicted people. He knew about Kennedys struggles and had offered to quietly help him seek treatment.

Things didnt go according to plan.

Drugs in his luggage

Passengers on Kennedys flight to Rapid City saw that he was high. The flight crew radioed ahead to authorities, who let Kennedy go but obtained a search warrant and found heroin in his luggage.

Scott McGregor was a deputy prosecutor in the local states attorneys office. He said it wasnt difficult to find Kennedy, given the widespread knowledge of Walshs political connections.

I got the notion that, well, why would a Kennedy be coming out here anyway? McGregor recalled. And it crossed my mind it had to be to go see Bill Walsh.

Kennedy was charged with felony drug possession, and the story made national news.

Rod Lefholz was the local states attorney at the time. As a Democrat  the last one elected to a Pennington County office, as far as he knows  he faced the task of prosecuting a member of the nations most famous Democratic family.

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Lefholz approached the case like any other and said it proceeded normally, other than the presence of national media such as People magazine in the courtroom and letters that arrived by the dozens from people with opinions on the case.

Some of them wanted me to hang him from a lamppost, Lefholz recalled, and others said, Why do you keep picking on the Kennedy family?'

In the end, Kennedy pleaded guilty and avoided prison based on a number of conditions, including two years of probation and the completion of addiction treatment.

He honored the conditions, earned his release from probation a year early and left South Dakota behind  until this week, when his long and strange trip through life brought him back to the state (in name, at least) as a presidential candidate.

His campaign said it turned in 8,000 petition signatures, more than the 3,502 needed from registered South Dakota voters to make the ballot as an independent. The Secretary of States Office is reviewing the signatures for authenticity.

A brain worm, a dog (or goat) and a bear

Walsh, now 84, said he stayed in touch with Kennedy for a long time, though not as much lately. Still, Walsh said he accepted an invitation to the launch of Kennedys presidential campaign last year, when Kennedy was seeking the Democratic nomination before switching to run as an independent.

Walsh has always felt sympathy for the trauma Kennedy endured during and after the assassinations of his father, U.S. Sen. Robert F. Kennedy, and his uncle, President John F. Kennedy. Walsh also respects RFK Jr.s work as an environmental lawyer and agrees with some of his political views.

But, Walsh added, Every time I think he makes sense, the next day hes got a worm in his head, or hes eating a dog or putting a dead bear in Central Park.

Those are all references to news stories about Kennedy from the past several months.

In May, The New York Times obtained a copy of a deposition Kennedy gave in 2012, when he said earlier bouts of memory loss and mental fog were diagnosed as a worm that got into my brain and ate a portion of it and then died. He has since learned that the parasite was not the issue with his brain, he said, and that it was actually related to metal toxicity from mercury.

The dog-eating accusation was in a July 2 story in Vanity Fair. Kennedy said the animal in the photo obtained by the magazine was a goat he ate during a river trip in Patagonia.

Last Sunday, Kennedy was forced to admit ahead of reporting by The New Yorker that he left a dead bear cub in Manhattans Central Park in 2014 because he thought it would be amusing. He picked up the roadkill while driving through the Hudson Valley and intended to eat it, he said, but got busy and left it in the park instead. When the bear was found that year, it sparked a media sensation and a mystery that wasnt solved until Kennedys admission this week.

Still more baggage

Thats a small sample of Kennedys alternately tragic, inspiring, bizarre and troubling life and times. The more concerning incidents include his rampant spreading of vaccine misinformation  such as his false statement that theres no vaccine that is safe and effective  and an allegation that he forcibly groped a woman in her 20s who was working for the Kennedy family as a babysitter during the 1990s. Kennedy has since apologized for anything he may have done to the woman but said he has no memory of the incident.

Four decades after his drug conviction in Rapid City, Kennedy says he remains in recovery from addiction. He deserves credit for that. But his other personal baggage weighs heavily on some voters who might otherwise be strongly inclined to support a Kennedy for president.

Just ask Bill Walsh, whos still very Irish, Catholic and Democratic, and still fond of RFK Jr. and the broader Kennedy legacy.

None of those loyalties will convince Walsh to support Kennedy if his name is on the ballot Nov. 5.

Im not going to vote for him, Walsh said.

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The older sister of a six-year-old girl who was killed in the Southport stabbings saw the attack and escaped, her parents have revealed.

Bebe King died alongside nine-year-old Alice Dasilva Aguiar and Elsie Dot Stancombe, aged seven, after the stabbing at a Taylor Swift-themed dance workshop in the Merseyside town on July 29.

In a statement, Bebes parents, Lauren and Ben King, said she was full of joy, light, and love, and she will always remain in our hearts as the sweet, kind, and spirited girl we adore.



For the first time, they revealed their older daughter, Genie, had witnessed the attack and paid tribute to her incredible strength and courage.

Bebe King, six, was killed in the attack

In a statement released through Merseyside Police, they said: Our beloved Bebe, only six years old, was full of joy, light, and love, and she will always remain in our hearts as the sweet, kind, and spirited girl we adore.

The outpouring of love and support from our community and beyond has been a source of incredible comfort during this unimaginably difficult time.



From the pink lights illuminating Sefton and Liverpool, to the pink bows, flowers, balloons, cards, and candles left in her memory, we have been overwhelmed by the kindness and compassion shown to our family.



The response from Southport, the whole of Liverpool, and even further afield has deeply touched our hearts, and we are so grateful to everyone who has reached out to us.

Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven and Alice Dasilva Aguiar, nine, were also killed - Merseyside Police

They added: We want to acknowledge our older daughter, Genie, who witnessed the attack and managed to escape.

She has shown such incredible strength and courage, and we are so proud of her.



Her resilience is a testament to the love and bond she shared with her little sister, and we will continue to support her as we navigate this painful journey together as a family.

Following the stabbings, a 17 year old was arrested on suspicion of three counts of murder.

The suspect, who could not initially be identified due to his age, was named as Axel Rudakubana after a judge lifted reporting restrictions at Liverpool Crown Court.

He has also been charged with 10 counts of attempted murder after eight other children and two adults were seriously injured.

Cardiff-born Rudakubana has been remanded in youth detention until his next court appearance.

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SpaceX launches 21 Starlinks in first flight of weekend triple header

SpaceX launches 21 Starlinks in first flight of weekend triple header

In the first launch of a planned weekend triple header, a Falcon 9 rocket carrying 21 Starlink satellites, 13 with direct-to-cell capability, blasted off from Cape Canaveral early Saturday and successfully delivered its payload to orbit.

It was the 187th launch of the company's Starlink internet relay satellites.

A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket climbs away from pad 40 at the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station carrying 21 Starlink satellites. / Credit: William Harwood/CBS News

The satellites are designed to provide communications services across high-latitude regions not served by traditional geosynchronous satellites.

The total number of Starlinks launched to date now stands at 6,854, of which 6,239 were presumed to be functional going into Saturday's flight, according to space statistician Jonathan McDowell.

SpaceX will attempt two more launches Sunday, one from the Kennedy Space Center to put 23 more Starlinks into orbit and another from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California to carry Norway Space's twin Arctic Satellite Broadband Mission relay stations into a highly elliptical orbit.

The Falcon 9 compresses the air ahead of it as the booster powers its way out of the dense lower atmosphere. / Credit: William Harwood/CBS News

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SpaceX's Falcon 9 launches 21 satellites from Florida; another one set for Sunday

Aug. 10 (UPI) -- SpaceX launched 21 Starlink satellites into orbit from a Falcon 9 rocket Saturday morning in clear skies from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, one day after the mission was scrubbed because of poor booster recovery conditions.

The 230-foot rocket lifted off at 8:50 a.m. from pad 40. It was Space X's 52nd launch this year from Florida.

Liftoff of Falcon 9! pic.twitter.com/Z9QcRbngHO SpaceX (@SpaceX) August 10, 2024

Eight minutes later, the booster landed on Read the Instructions offshore in the Atlantic Ocean. That was the 21st time the booster landed on the drone ship and the 88th overall on the droneship.

Tracking footage of Falcon 9's first stage booster landing and sonic boom pic.twitter.com/HNohw3oCCp SpaceX (@SpaceX) August 5, 2024

About an hour after liftoff, the satellites went into a low Earth orbit.

Initially, SpaceX planned two launches from Florida on Saturday. But the 9:03 a.m. scheduled launch from Pad 39A with 23 satellites on Friday was rescheduled to 7:21 a.m. Sunday.

The Space Force's 45th Weather Squadron listed the "go for launch" weather at 90% during the launch window Saturday.

Conditions were poor Friday because of the remnants of Tropical Storm Debby.

Of the satellites, 13 have direct-to-cell capabilities with access to texting, calling and browsing on land, lakes, coastal waters.

Falcon 9 launched the Crew-3 and Crew-4 astronaut missions to the International Space Station as well as two cargo missions

On Tuesday, NASA announced that the Crew-9 mission would be delayed from no earlier than Aug. 18 to no earlier than Sep. 24.

SpaceX Crew Dragon may launch only two people on board instead of four. Instead of flying on their troubled Boeing craft, they would be brought home on the Dragon.

The Boeing craft would return to Earth without astronauts.

Wilmore and Williams arrived at the ISS on June 6 on the first crewed test flight of Boeing's Starliner capsule. They were supposed to be there for only 10 days.

SpaceX launched the NG-21 resupply mission for NASA on Sunday.

On Sunday, the private company also plans to launch satellites aboard a Falcon 9 from Vandenberg Space Force Base at 7:02 p.m. PDT. The rocket will launch the Arctic Satellite Broadband Mission, consisting of two satellites owned by Space Norway.
The St. Johns County Sheriffs Office is asking the public for help finding three burglary suspects responsible for burglarizing a St. Augustine business and causing thousands of dollars in damage.

According to a social media post, deputies responded to a burglary at ABC Supply Company on Dobbs Road on July 28.

Surveillance video shows three people trying to pry open the gate, then jumping it after failing. Once inside, the suspects rummaged through merchandise.

They made holes in the walls and cut into the safe, taking about $500 in cash and credit cards. The cuts into the wall broke a waterline causing the floor to flood, estimating about $30,000 worth of damage.

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Deputies found a black Ford F150 truck when they arrived.

Deputies learned the suspects drove from Miami to St. Johns County to commit the crime.

If you have any information, contact the authorities.

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ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, N.Y. (WWTI)  According to the St. Lawrence County Sheriffs Offices Facebook Page, the travel ban has been lifted and changed to a travel advisory.



The post was made a little after 7:30 a.m. on Saturday, August 10 and notes that there are many roads in the county that are still unpassable. However, most roads with flooding or traffic hazards have been marked with signs or cones.

The Sheriffs Office advises that if you need to travel, allow extra time and use caution and if you come across a traffic hazard, you are asked to report it.



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NEW PARIS, Ohio (WDTN)  More information has been released on the police chief who was arrested at the Champaign County Fair on Sunday.

Saint Paris Police Chief Eric Smith allegedly refused to put away his firearm, resulting in his arrest. He is now on administrative leave and is facing two charges.

Fuming gases from hydrogen peroxide container prompts Abbott hazmat response

Smith will make his first court appearance on Aug. 20 for obstructing official business and criminal trespassing.

2 NEWS spoke with a gun law expert who says processors are likely to focus on the location of the incident if the case goes to trial.

I dont think its clear cut, but this is certainly a difficult situation. Theres going to be a ton of fact-specific information that may- you know, that may resolve the issue in the end, said Kirk Evans, president of U.S. Lawshield.

The Champaign County sheriff says Smith was openly carrying his gu with his badge displayed. Deputies repeatedly told Smith to stow the firearm in his vehicle. After failing to adhere to the requests, deputies took him into custody.

Evans says there are two key aspects of the case: Where the crime was committed and Smiths status as an off-duty officer.

The Champaign County Fair, while labeled as a county event, is sponsored and held on land owned by a private entity, the Champaign County Agricultural Society.

The fair has signs at every entrance, stating that firearms are prohibited on the premises. With exceptions for on-duty police officers.

The issue appears to be that he was not on duty at the particular time. That again, is probably going to be a sticky issue that will have to be litigated, said Evans.

School programs to be cut in Centerville if Levy fails to pass

This is not the first time Smith has faced scrutiny. 2 NEWSs sister station in Wheeling, West Virginia reported Smith was the former chief of the Bethesda Police Department. He resigned after the Ohio Attorney Generals Office investigated allegations that he was using police department technology to obtain information on the public for his own purposes.

2 NEWS reached out to the Mayor of St. Paris for comment. She said Smith remains on administrative leave and the investigation is ongoing.

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ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (WFLA)  A neighborhood was devastated Friday following the deadly shooting of an 11-year-old boy in a home in the area of on 11th Avenue and 34th Street in St. Petersburg.

Police identified the suspect as Gavin Santos-Brown, 14 , who detectives believe may have gunned down his friend during an argument.

Police are searching for Gavin Santos-Brown in connection to a deadly shooting.

Our victim and a suspect were visiting this home, or visiting a friend when an argument had ensued, said Ashley Limardo, spokesperson for St. Petersburg Police Department.

Neighbor Marcella Friedman said she cant believe the victim, Veondre Hargrove, was found dead inside of a home.

Why will flags be flown at half-staff Saturday in Florida?

I feel bad, Friedman said. He was a good kid. I am shaking my head when I realized that was him when he didnt come back and get the bike.

Detectives said Santos-Brown knew the victim, and neighbors told us they hung out all the time, a tragic connection neighbors are struggling to comprehend.

He is a good kid too, Friedman said. He is in my house all the time. I dont know what provoked it.

She said she wondered if something could have been done to prevent Veondres death.

He wanted me to take him to Gulfport to fish, and I feel like maybe if I took him, he would be alive, Friedman said. It is just sad, a waste of a life. He was a good kid too.

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Greater Cincinnati marijuana dispensaries say a hefty chunk of their earliest recreational customers are coming from out of state  with some estimates reaching between 40 and 50%.

Recreational marijuana went on sale legally for the first time in Ohio on Tuesday, and while Ohio officials won't track out-of-state customers, individual dispensaries are required to check state IDs of every customer. Workers contacted by The Enquirer say that while most customers hail from Ohio, residents from Kentucky and Indiana aren't far behind.

"Some places thought it was about 50/50, or at least 40%" of out-of-state customers, said Jason Littman, co-founder of Brown County-based Hundred Percent Labs, a licensed processor that creates products like gummies and vape cartridges for Ohio dispensaries. Littman said he's visited several of the stores he supplies this week and has heard stories of people coming from neighboring states and beyond.

Marijuana products are on display at Zen Leaf Cincinnati in Hartwell on the first day of recreational marijuana sales in Ohio. Some dispensaries said as many as 40-50% of early customers came from other states.

"Obviously, there's Kentucky. I heard Indiana," Littman said. Other states included Tennessee, Alabama, Texas and Minnesota  though he suspects people hailing from the farthest states just happened to be in the area anyway.

This jibes with details provided to The Enquirer by Nectar, a Westwood dispensary. Nectar made about 400 sales on Tuesday alone, according to Justin Mack, zone manager for their Ohio stores. Of those Tuesday sales in Westwood, 40% of buyers were from out of state, Mack said, and most of those were from Kentucky and Indiana.

This doesn't surprise Melissa Merse, a Cincinnati resident who serves as regional manager of the cannabis company PharmaCann. Merse oversees three Verilife retail shops in Ohio, including one in Cincinnati.

Her shops, among the 116 now approved to sell both medical and recreational cannabis statewide, previously sold only medical. She and other dispensary runners said that people from out of state regularly swung by the shops to try to glean when Ohio would OK the recreational sales after voters gave their approval in November 2023.

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James Crawford, spokesman with the Ohio Department of Commerce's Division of Cannabis Control, said the division won't maintain a database to determine buyers' residency because it doesn't have the technology to do so.

"Moreover, the initiated statute passed by Ohio voters last November does not include any requirement to determine residency of non-medical customers," Crawford said in an email.

Illegal to take marijuana products across state lines

To be clear: It's illegal for out-of-staters to take recreational cannabis they buy in Ohio across state lines, no matter what the legal status is of marijuana in the buyer's destination state.

In Kentucky, medical marijuana is legal, but recreational isn't. In Indiana, it's illegal to sell, possess or cultivate marijuana for either medical or recreational use. Some counties in Indiana have decriminalized marijuana, but police have been warning residents it's still illegal overall.

"Keep in mind the Indiana State law has not changed," Sgt. John Perrine with Indiana State Police told Fox59 this week. "Regardless of what county youre in, the Indiana State Police will follow that state law and will enforce it as such."

Dispensaries contacted Thursday by The Enquirer acknowledged that legalities aside, some out-of-staters surely will cross state lines to buy product to illegally transport back to their home states. That's a concern in Michigan already, where cannabis shops have proliferated in cities bordering the state line.

Prices lower in Michigan, but problems are surfacing

Michigan legalized recreational cannabis in 2018. Since then, it's been considered a cannabis tourist destination. Metro Detroit dispensaries drew plenty of customers from Ohio before Tuesday's first sales.

And some might still travel that way because Michigan's prices are lower than Ohio's, though there's been some controversy surrounding that.

Oct 18, 2023; Monroe, Michigan, USA; Billboards attract drivers to Glass Jar Cannabis, now known as NAR, along I-75, just north of the Ohio border. Since Michigan voted to legalize recreational marijuana in 2018, many Ohioans travel across state lines to make purchases.

Dispensaries in Ohio are hoping they'll draw customers away from Michigan by offering better quality product, even if the prices here are higher.

"I have a feeling it's going to become a booming industry that has a sustainable and large impact on our economy in a positive way," Mack said. "I'm just really excited to be a part of this movement that's helping not only the economy, but med patients as well as the community overall."

Could Cincinnati become a cannabis destination?

Courtney Pavlak, regional operations manager for Uplift Milford, said sales have been strong all week, with the highlight being Tuesday, with 789. On a typical day before legal recreational marijuana, the location was likely to make around 250 sales of medical cannabis.

About 30% of sales in these first days have been to out-of-state customers mainly from Kentucky. She expects Cincinnati could become a Detroit-like cannabis tourist destination.

"Cincinnati already has so much to offer. This will definitely add to that potential," she said.

Littman agreed, but added that those who buy here should consume it here, too.

"It's a great location for people to come travel, pick up cannabis, enjoy the city and enjoy the products before they head back," he said.

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Cincinnati marijuana dispensaries drawing out-of-state buyers to Ohio
NORWALK, Conn. (WTNH)  The state has closed a liquor store that the founder of a violent Mexican gang was selling cocaine out of, the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection announced on Friday.

Mexican gang founder accused of selling cocaine out of Norwalk liquor store

The state has also suspended the package store permit and lottery sales license for Cocchias Liquor Store, located in Norwalk.

It is clear this establishment is a danger to public health and safety, CTDCP Commissioner Bryan Cafferelli said in a written statement. In addition to this action today, our team will be investigating all other establishments associated with the ownership of Cocchias to ensure there is no further risk to the community. Thank you to the Norwalk Police Department for collaborating in this effort.

Felix Galindo-Castilla, 48, also known as Cocchie, founded the Los Vagos gang. He had an active federal arrest warrant out at the time for illegal re-entry into the U.S. The bond for that charge has been set at $1 million.

His new charges include sale of a narcotic, conspiracy to commit the sale of a narcotic, possession of a narcotic and conspiracy to commit/possession of a narcotic. Hes been assigned an additional $55,000 bond.

Norwalk officers executed a search warrant Wednesday at Cocchias Liquor Store, where they found several bags of cocaine in the walk-in beer cooler, thousands of dollars hidden in liquor bottles, two fake guns and seven full-size gambling machines, according to police.

Police also arrested 44-year-old Jose Gerado Fuentes-Lima, and charged him with possession of a controlled substance, conspiracy to commit/possession of a controlled substance, illegal gambling, sale of a controlled substance and conspiracy to commit sale of a narcotic substance. His bond has been set at $55,000.

There have been at least 10 calls for service at the business this year, according to the state. That includes unconscious patrons outside of the store, and fights inside of it.

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Stories of the Week: August 4 through August 10

CLARKSBURG, W.Va.  Here are some of the top stories this week on the WBOY 12News Facebook page.

A Fairmont man was killed in a coal mining accident in Taylor County.

West Virginias first astronaut, Jon McBride, died Wednesday at the age of 80.

An officer who was involved in an arrest captured on video in Monongah is no longer employed by the town.

Some students and faculty members have left Liberty High School ahead of the merger with Robert C. Byrd High School in 2025.

West Virginias ongoing drought this summer has become a concern for local farmers.

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Engineering studies commissioned by the state of Maryland in the early 2000s contemplated vulnerabilities to the areas critical bridges, including the possibility of a ship impact at the Francis Scott Key Bridge.

Shortly after the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001 and threats to Californias Golden Gate Bridge in November 2001, consultants studied potential threats to five bridges in the state of Maryland. Two Key Bridge-focused reports from 2002 and 2004 recommended countermeasures to mitigate the [bridges] intentional destruction and prompted a feasibility study for pier protection at the bridge, according to two studies and one slideshow from the time, obtained Friday evening by The Baltimore Sun in a Maryland Public Information Act request filed in May.

Pier protection is any structural fortification at or around a bridge support designed to prevent or mitigate a collision.

These studies  although heavily redacted  shed light on what state officials knew about the bridges potential susceptibility decades before it was decimated on March 26 by a 984-foot container ship named the Dali. The collapse killed six construction workers who had been fixing potholes on Interstate 695 and sent 50,000 tons of debris into the Patapsco River, blocking the shipping channel for months.

Small-scale pier protection at five bridges  the Chesapeake Bay Bridge, the Thomas J. Hatem Bridge, the Millard Tydings Bridge, the Harry W. Nice Bridge and the Key Bridge  was evaluated in 2001 and 2002, according to the slideshow.

The reports and slideshow were completed by engineering consultants Ammann & Whitney Consulting Engineers, which performed a site visit at the Key Bridge in April 2002, and Wallace Montgomery & Associates. They provided the documents to the Maryland Transportation Authority, which owns the five spans, including the Key Bridge.

The vast majority of the slideshow and reports 160 pages were redacted before the transportation authority provided the documents to The Sun, but remaining words offer hints into the studies. Subsections of the 2002 analysis into the Key Bridge include: identification of possible threats, feasible security measures for ship impact, and feasible security measures for explosive threats.

The documents were redacted, in part, the transportation authority said, because releasing the information could jeopardize the security of transportation facilities and/or structures, aid in the planning of a terrorist attack, or endanger the safety of MDTA employees and the public.

Former Maryland transportation officials have said that, after 9/11, there were concerns about terrorists targeting the Key or Bay Bridge, and the early 2000s reports seem to focus on an intentional act, rather than an accident. The 2004 study includes a page from a 1946 analysis  written by multiple federal defense agencies created during World War II  entitled Effects of Impact and Explosion.

The Dali, which was guided by two Maryland harbor pilots, did not intend to crash into the Key Bridge, but lost power as it departed Baltimore. The National Transportation Safety Board, which is investigating the incident, is focused upon the electrical power distribution system of the vessel.

One unredacted phrase from the 2004 report reads, feasibility study for stand-off pier protection at the Francis Scott Key Bridge. An example of stand-off pier protection, City College of New York civil engineering professor Anil Agrawal told The Sun Friday, is a dolphin, which is an artificial island built to deflect wayward ships.

Roughly 4,000 vessels transited under the Key Bridge annually, the 2002 study noted, and the Key Bridge did have four dolphins, meant to protect the spans piers. However, they were built, like the bridge, in 1977, and were small and inadequate by modern standards, given the exponential increase in ship sizes in recent decades.

It appears that the price of additional pier protection was studied, too. The slideshow notes a cost/benefit evaluation, with unredacted bullet points including, available detours, user costs and replacement costs.

At the time of the first report, Democrat Parris Glendening was the governor of Maryland. In 2003, Republican Bob Ehrlich took office, serving until 2007.

These reports were not the last time that agencies in Maryland considered stronger pier protection at the Key Bridge.

The Port of Baltimore Harbor Coordination and Safety Committee  a cross section of government agencies and maritime groups that does not have decision-making authority, but serves as a forum for quarterly discussions  has discussed the possibility of a ship hitting either the Key Bridge or Bay Bridge several times in the last two decades.

During a 2007 meeting, attendees discussed the potential of non-physical pier protection at three Maryland bridges, based on a 2003 feasibility study for Bridge pier protection, according to meeting minutes. At that time, one Maryland harbor pilot, Joe Smith, reiterated his concern that the bridges should be retrofitted with enhanced bridge protection systems to prevent damage resulting from a potential ship strike.

Cost is inherent with any transportation project, though, and the price of protection was discussed in a 2014 meeting, during which attendees noted Maryland is one of the few states that does not protect its bridges from ship strikes, per the minutes. Pilots suggested any protection would have an economic value, while a Coast Guard official, John Walters, said that protecting bridges from ship strikes would cost Maryland a substantial amount of money. A Maryland Port Administration official suggested at the time he would look into a FEMA grant as a potential funding source.

Adding pier protection to an existing bridge is not inexpensive and it took decades for local officials to identify funds for a $95 million project to build dolphins for the Delaware Memorial Bridge near Wilmington. Calamity is costly, too, as the new Key Bridges price tag is roughly $1.7 billion, a figure that does not compute the disasters impact on the regions economy, nor the six men who died in the collapse.

The replacement Key Bridge is expected to have a wider main span  placing the piers farther from the shipping channel, thus lowering the risk of vessel collision  and likely some sort of physical barriers, such as islands, protecting the piers. By Labor Day, the transportation authority plans to identify the contracted builder of the new bridge.

The authority is considering adding pier protection at the Bay Bridge, too, by the 2027-28 winter. The initial budget for the project is $145 million.

Back when the Key Bridge was studied in 2002, the consultant analysis noted the potential consequences of a bridge closure. Two decades later, those ramifications became an all-too-horrible, and ongoing, reality.

The detour length for the bridge, in the event of a bridge closing[,] is approximately 25 miles, the 2002 report stated. The bridge is a vital link in the Maryland highway system and its importance to the economy of the region is critical.
With less than 90 days until the general election, the showdown between Vice President Harris and former President Trump and their campaigns is likely going to be a focus of this weeks Sunday shows.

Sen. JD Vance (R-Ohio), who was chosen last month as Trumps running mate, is set to appear on several shows. He will join ABCs This Week, CBS Face the Nation and CNNs State of the Union, where he will likely talk about the race.

He has criticized Harriss running mate, Gov. Tim Walz (D-Minn.), over this military record. Vance has accused Walz of stolen valor amid Republican attacks that he allegedly inflated his rank in retirement and claimed he carried a weapon in war, when he hasnt served in combat.

Vance is also likely going to speak about the upcoming debates. Walz said this week that he looks forward to debating the Ohio senator and Trump announced he would participate in several debates with Harris next month.

Republican National Committee Chair Michael Whatley is set to join Fox News Sunday Morning Futures, where he is likely going to talk about the GOPs convention last month and the countdown to election day.

Whatley previously said it doesnt matter which Democratic candidate Trump faces because any Democratic pick would embrace the same policies of the Biden administration. He will likely speak on the recent enthusiasm for Harriss campaign, seen through donations, rally attendances and polls.

Two previous Democratic presidential candidates are set to join the shows this week.

Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) will join ABCs This Week, where she will likely discuss Harriss choice of running mate with her fellow Minnesota lawmaker, Walz.

Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, who was rumored to join Harris on the ticket, is set to appear on CNNs State of the Union, where he will likely continue to defend Harriss ability to beat Trump and her choice of Walz.

Harris is leading Trump by 4 points in three battleground states, new polling showed. Her campaign has broken donation records and voters have expressed enthusiasm for her and Walz to take on the former president this fall.

Pollster Whit Ayres is set to join NewsNations The Hill Sunday, where he is expected to break down the latest polling since President Biden bowed out of the race making way for Harris.

Heres the full list of Sunday show appearances:

ABCs This Week  Sens. JD Vance (R-Ohio) and Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.).

CBS Face the Nation  Vance; Gov. Laura Kelly (D-Kan.); Bank of America CEO Brian Moynihan; former commander of U.S. Central Command Gen. Frank McKenzie.

CNNs State of the Union  Vance; Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.); Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg.

Fox News Sunday  Sen. Tom Cotton (R-Ark.); Rep. Jason Crow (D-Colo.).

NewsNations The Hill Sunday  Sen. Markwayne Millin (R-Okla.); Rep. Jake Auchincloss (D-Mass.); Squared Communications CEO Michael Meehan; pollster Whit Ayres; The Dispatch national correspondent Kevin D. Williamson.

Fox Newss Sunday Morning Futures  Republican National Committee chair Michael Whatley; Reps. Michael Waltz (R-Fla.) and Jeff Van Drew (R-N.J.); United Kingdom Reform party leader Nigel Farage; Pennsylvania GOP Senate candidate David McCormick.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Editors note: This story is available as a result of a content partnership between WFTV and the Orlando Business Journal.

John Tyler believes SunRails new DeLand station will be the backbone for future expansion of the commuter rail system.

Local leaders on Aug. 9 celebrated the completion of the 12-mile, $42.8 million station in DeLand, which will start full service for commuters on Aug. 12. The station  which is the 17th for the decade-old service  is the final in the 61.5-mile configuration as originally envisioned, but is not expected to be the last.

Read: Last chance to save: Floridas back-to-school tax holiday ends Sunday

Tyler, the Florida Department of Transportation District 5 Secretary, told Orlando Business Journal the focus can be fully on expansion now that the DeLand station and negotiations for the local government partners  including Volusia, Orange, Osceola and Seminole counties, along with the city of Orlando  to take over the funding and operation of the system from FDOT, are both complete.

Click here to read the full story on the Orlando Business Journals website.

Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.




US Navy F/A-18E Super Hornets have arrived in Jordan, The War Zone reported.

It comes as part of a US military build-up in the region ahead of potential Iranian attacks on Israel.

Iran has vowed to hit back after the assassination of a top Hamas leader last week.

US Navy F/A-18E Super Hornets have arrived in Jordan ahead of potential Iranian attacks on Israel, The War Zone reported.

Images of the jets, which are from Strike Fighter Squadron 25 (VFA-25), were released earlier this week after their arrival at Muwaffaq Salti Air Base on August 3, the report said.

The photos showed the jets were primed for air-to-air operations, with each one equipped with at least four AIM-120 Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missiles and four AIM-9X Sidewinders, it added.

The Squadron of F/A-18E Super Hornet Multirole Fighters that were Relocated from the USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN-71) to a Unnamed Partner-Airbase in the Middle East is now Confirmed to have been Strike Fighter Squadron 25 (VFA-25) also known as the Fist of the Fleet from pic.twitter.com/RT2PXm16r6  OSINTdefender (@sentdefender) August 8, 2024

AIM-120 missiles, also known as AMRAAMs, are supersonic missiles with a launch weight of 335 pounds, according to the US Air Force (USAF).

They have a range of more than 20 miles and use a blast fragmentation warhead.

Sidewinders are "supersonic, heat-seeking, air-to-air" missiles, the USAF says.

They have a launch weight of 190 pounds and an annular blast fragmentation warhead.

F-22 fighter jets have also touched down in the CENTCOM area of responsibility

The Super Hornet jets' arrival in the Middle East comes as part of a US military build-up in the region ahead of potential attacks by Iran and its proxies against Israel.

Iran has vowed to hit back following the assassination of Ismail Haniyeh, one of Hamas' top leaders, in Tehran last week. Iran said Israel was behind the assassination.

Haniyeh was the leader of the political wing of Hamas, the armed group that controls Gaza and which has been at war with Israel since the October 7 attacks.

US Central Command said in a post on X on Thursday that some F-22 Raptors had also landed its area of responsibility.

USAF F-15E Strike Eagle fighter jets flying out of Jordan were key to Israel's defense against Iran's large-scale attack in April, when Tehran launched some 300 drones and missiles toward Israel.

Read the original article on Business Insider
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WIAT)  According to self-reported data from Alabama school districts, 1,832 third graders will be retained statewide.

Alabama State Superintendent of Education Eric Mackey said the later students are retained, the worse the social outcomes.

It really made me wonder, Was I making the right decisions for him academically? Was I pushing him too hard? Was this test truly an indicator of was he really prepared for the fourth grade?' said Lorie Minton, whose son just started fourth grade in Hoover City Schools.

She said getting him there didnt come without the stress of one test.

But it was very stressful knowing that, especially our child having ADHD, Minton said. Test taking is probably not his strong suit, as it never was mine.

Minton said her sons third-grade teacher did a great job preparing him. But it didnt matter how well he did. She said if he failed his reading test at the end of the year, hed be held back.

Birmingham comedian Roy Wood Jr. hosting American version of BBC panel show Have I Got News for You

The Alabama Literacy Act requires third graders to show sufficient reading skills before they go on to the fourth grade. Chilton County Schools Superintendent Corey Clements said out of 550 third graders, the school system had no retentions.

We had 34 students that did not make the cut score, but they all either had a good cause exemption or completed portfolio or made a passing score on the secondary test, Clements said. So we were thrilled about that.

Shelby County Schools Superintendent Lewis Brooks said out of 1,500 third graders, only three were retained.

To have our kids reading at a sufficient level is extremely important because when youre at that point, youre moving toward a level of proficiency being above that grade level, Brooks said.

State Sen. Rodger Smitherman (D-Birmingham) said that lawmakers have been meeting to discuss how to better fund school needs.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to CBS 42.
Susan Wojcicki, the former longtime CEO of YouTube and a longtime leading Google executive intimately connected to the founding of the company, died Friday following a two-year battle with cancer. She was 56 years old.

It is with profound sadness that I share the news of Susan Wojcicki passing, her husband, Dennis Troper, wrote in a statement. My beloved wife of 26 years and mother to our five children left us today after 2 years of living with non-small cell lung cancer. Susan was not just my best friend and partner in life, but a brilliant mind, a loving mother, and a dear friend to many. Her impact on our family and the world was immeasurable. We are heartbroken, but grateful for the time we had with her. Please keep our family in your thoughts as we navigate this difficult time.

Unbelievably saddened by the loss of my dear friend @SusanWojcicki after two years of living with cancer, Google CEO Sundar Pichai wrote Friday. She is as core to the history of Google as anyone, and its hard to imagine the world without her. She was an incredible person, leader and friend who had a tremendous impact on the world and Im one of countless Googlers who is better for knowing her. We will miss her dearly. Our thoughts with her family. RIP Susan.

The native Californian was born in 1968 in Santa Clara County. She was the daughter of Esther Wojcicki, a prominent journalist closely connected to tech-related media, and Stanley Wojcicki, a prominent physicist who taught at Stanford.

Raised on the Stanford campus, Wojcicki originally intended to pursue an academic career  but after graduating with a humanities degree from Harvard in 1990, she pivoted to a focus on economics and technology. She ultimately received her MBA from UCLA in 1998.

That same year, she rented her Menlo Park garage to Google cofounders Larry Page and Sergey Brin, who used it as their original office. She quickly joined the company and among her earliest achievements was helping to develop Google image search, which launched in 2001.

By 2003, she was project manager for AdSense and was tapped to oversee Google Video; in this capacity, she became aware of the then-emerging YouTube, which was outcompeting Googles service. She recommended that Google purchase the platform, a deal completed in 2006 for $1.6 billion. She has since been celebrated as one of the most important hires Google ever made.

She was appointed CEO of YouTube in 2014, a role she held until 2023, when she stepped down. She attributed the decision at the time to a desire to focus on her family.

In February 2024, she was struck by tragedy when her son Marco, a student at the University of California Berkeley, died from an accidental overdose.

The post Susan Wojcicki, Former YouTube CEO and Leading Google Exec, Dies at 56 appeared first on TheWrap.
Susan Wojcicki, the former CEO of YouTube and one of the first employees at Google after it was founded in 1998, has died. She was 56.

Her husband, Dennis Troper, announced on Facebook Friday night that Wojcicki died after a two-year battle with non-small cell lung cancer. It is with profound sadness that I share the news of Susan Wojcicki passing, he wrote. My beloved wife of 26 years and mother to our five children left us today after 2 years of living with non-small cell lung cancer.

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Troper continued in his post, Susan was not just my best friend and partner in life, but a brilliant mind, a loving mother, and a dear friend to many. Her impact on our family and the world was immeasurable. We are heartbroken, but grateful for the time we had with her. Please keep our family in your thoughts as we navigate this difficult time.

Wojcicki revealed in February 2023 that she was stepping down from her role at YouTube after nine years leading the Google-owned company. At the time, she shared in a note to staff that she was leaving to start a new chapter focused on my family, health, and personal projects Im passionate about.

The former executive was the 16th person to be hired at Google, initially joining the company in 1999  after it was co-founded by Larry Page and Sergey Brin the year prior  to build out its ad business and analytics products. She then transitioned into the YouTube CEO role after Google acquired the video platform in 2014.

Under Wojcickis leadership, YouTube grew into one of the leading social and video platforms for digital creators, allowing them to monetize their content through the companys YouTube Partner Program. YouTube also launched its own short-form video offering, Shorts, to compete with TikTok.

Sundar Pichai, CEO of Google and Alphabet, paid tribute to Wojcicki on X (formerly Twitter), writing, Unbelievably saddened by the loss of my dear friend @SusanWojcicki after two years of living with cancer. She is as core to the history of Google as anyone, and its hard to imagine the world without her. She was an incredible person, leader and friend who had a tremendous impact on the world and Im one of countless Googlers who is better for knowing her. We will miss her dearly. Our thoughts with her family. RIP Susan.

Born on July 5, 1968, in Santa Clara, California, Wojcicki was raised by her father, Stanley Wojcicki (died in May 2023), who worked as a physics professor at Stanford University, and her mother, Esther Wojcicki, who was a teacher and journalist.

She later spent the majority of the 90s continuing her education, studying history and literature at Harvard University (A.B., 1990), economics at the University of California, Santa Cruz (M.S., 1993) and business at the University of California, Los Angeles (M.B.A., 1998).

Before joining the team at Google, she had previously been employed by Intel Corporation, Bain & Co., and R.B. Webber & Co.

Wojcickis death comes after her son, Marco Troper, 19, died of a drug overdose at UC Berkeley in February.

In addition to Troper and Esther, Wojcicki is survived by four of her children.

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Former YouTube CEO Susan Wojcicki has died. The technology and business executive was 56 years old.

In a Facebook post Wojcicki's husband, Dennis Troper, broke the news. Wojcicki lost her battle with lung cancer.

"It is with profound sadness that I share the news of Susan Wojcicki passing," he wrote. "My beloved wife of 26 years and mother to our five children left us today after 2 years of living with non small cell lung cancer."

Wojcicki leaves behind her husband and four children. One son, Marco Troper, died earlier this year.

"Susan was not just my best friend and partner in life, but a brilliant mind, a loving mother, and a dear friend to many. Her impact on our family and the world was immeasurable," Troper wrote. "We are heartbroken, but grateful for the time we had with her. Please keep our family in your thoughts as we navigate this difficult time."

Current YouTube CEO: Ex-YouTube CEO Susan Wojcicki dies a year after stepping down. Who is the current CEO?

Susan Wojcicki's career in tech

YouTube CEO Susan Wojcicki speaks on stage during the annual Google I/O developers conference in San Jose, California, U.S., May 17, 2017.

According to Susan Wojcicki's LinkedIn page, she graduated from Harvard University in 1990 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in History and Literature. In 1993, she earned her Master of Science degree in Economics from the University of California, Santa Cruz. Finally, in 1998, she earned her Master of Business Administration in Economics from the University of California, Los Angeles.

Wojcicki joined Google in 1999 to become one of its first few employees, years before it acquired YouTube.

Google bought YouTube in 2006 for $1.65 billion.

Before becoming CEO of YouTube in 2014, Wojcicki was senior vice president for ad products at Google.

After nine years at the helm, Wojcicki stepped down from her role at YouTube in 2023 to focus on "family, health, and personal projects." She was replaced by her deputy, Neal Mohan, a senior advertising and product executive who joined Google in 2008. At that time, Wojcicki planned to take on an advisory role at Alphabet, Google's parent company.

"Twenty-five years ago I made the decision to join a couple of Stanford graduate students who were building a new search engine. Their names were Larry and Sergey .... It would be one of the best decisions of my life," Wojcicki wrote in a blog post, on the day she left YouTube, referring to Google co-founders Larry Page and Sergey Brin.

Susan Wojcicki's son Marco Troper died just months ago

In February, Susan Wojcicki and Dennis Troper lost their son Marco, 19, after an accidental overdose, according to the Alameda County Sheriffs Office.

Marco Troper was found dead around 4 p.m. in his dorm room at the University of California, Berkeley (UC Berkeley), on Feb. 13, the Alameda County Sheriff's Office said. Esther Wojcicki, Susan Wojcicki's mother, is an American journalist and educator, further confirmed her grandson's death in a Facebook post, saying, "Tragedy hit my family yesterday. My beloved grandson Marco Troper, age 19 passed away yesterday. Our family is devastated beyond comprehension."

Troper's autopsy found high concentrations of cocaine, amphetamine, alprazolam (Xanax), a medication prescribed to manage panic and anxiety disorders, and hydroxyzine, an antihistamine used to treat allergies and anxiety, in his system, according to the Alameda County Sheriff's Office's Coroner Bureau's investigator's report.

The levels of alprazolam and cocaine in Troper's blood were high enough to cause death, according to the coroner's report. Low levels of delta-9, a more abundant form of THC, were found in the college student's blood, the report shows.

Troper suffered from "chronic substance abuse," and he had a fractured right wrist from a scooter incident that occurred two weeks before his death, the report says.

In Esther Wojcicki's Facebook post, she described her grandson as the "most kind, loving, smart, fun and beautiful human being."

Contributing: Reuters, Jonathan Limehouse, USA TODAY.

Ahjane Forbes is a reporter on the National Trending Team at USA TODAY. Ahjane covers breaking news, car recalls, crime, health, lottery and public policy stories. Email her at aforbes@gannett.com . Follow her on Instagram, Threads and X (Twitter) @forbesfineest.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Susan Wojcicki death: Former YouTube CEO dies at 56
Suspect arrested in murder of man at Glendale apartment

SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4)  A suspect has been arrested in the homicide case of a 41-year-old man who was shot and killed in a Glendale apartment on Monday, Aug. 5, according to Salt Lake City Police.

The victim in this case has been identified as Andrew Mozart Maka, 41.

The suspect  Jima Gat, 31  has been arrested and booked into Salt Lake County Jail on charges of murder and obstruction of justice.

Woman charged with kidnapping Utah child, hiding at religious compound for over a year

The investigation started shortly before midnight on Aug. 5, when police received a call about an unresponsive man on the ground inside of an apartment at 1600 West Snow Queen Place. Officers responded to the scene and found Maka with life-threatening gunshot wounds.

Paramedics and officers reportedly performed lifesaving aid, but Maka died on scene.

Based on the initial investigation, detectives believe Maka, Gat, and several others went to the apartment and started drinking alcohol. While there, police believe Maka accidentally fired a handgun, injuring Gats brother.

In response, Gat allegedly took the gun and shot Maka multiple times.

Gat, his brother, and the others then left the apartment, police said. Detectives believe Gat threw the handgun into a nearby body of water.

Anyone with information on this case, including having photos or video, is asked to call 801-799-3000 or submit an anonymous tip using the City Protect App and reference case number 24-178422, a press release from SLCPD states.

This is the seventh homicide in Salt Lake City for 2024.

No further information is available at this time.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC4 Utah.
Suspect charged with sexually assaulting mother walking with newborn in Brentwood

A man accused of sexually assaulting a mother who was walking her 4-week-old baby in Brentwood was charged for the attack Friday.

Abraham Shily, 26, is accused of sexually and physically assaulting Carmina Lu as she was walking in the 900 block of South Gretna Green Way on July 16.

Lu had been speaking to a friend in the neighborhood at around 5 p.m. Moments after saying goodbye, a shirtless attacker suddenly approached her from behind.

He grabbed me by the hips with both of his hands and started sexually assaulting me, Lu said.

As Lu fought back and tried to defend herself, the suspect repeatedly punched her in the face. Neighbors heard Lu screaming and came running to her rescue, scaring off the attacker.

The violent assault left the mother with multiple injuries including a split lip, cuts under her eyes, notable bruises and a scalp injury that required staples.

Abraham Shily, 26, was arrested and charged on Aug. 8, 2024 with sexually and physically assaulting a mother who was walking her 4-week-old baby in Brentwood. (KTLA)

The victim, Carmina Lu, suffered cuts, scrapes and bruising to her face and head in the July 16, 2024, attack. (KTLA)

The victim, Carmina Lu, suffered cuts, scrapes and bruising to her face and head in the July 16, 2024, attack. (KTLA)

A man believed to be responsible for attacking a woman with her newborn in Brentwood on July 16, 2024. (KTLA)

A man believed to be responsible for attacking a woman with her newborn in Brentwood on July 16, 2024. (KTLA)

A man believed to be responsible for attacking a woman with her newborn in Brentwood on July 16, 2024. (KTLA)

The baby, thank goodness, was not touched, Lu said of the confrontation. Honestly, what scared me the most is that right before he ran away, he glanced at my stroller for a split second. If something had happened to the baby, I wouldve been devastated.

Two days later on July 18, the suspect, Shily, was arrested. He posted bond and was later released. Some residents told KTLA he had returned to his mothers home which was located in the same neighborhood where the attack occurred.

Lu and her neighbors were shaken by the ordeal, with many feeling their sense of security in an otherwise safe neighborhood had been taken away.

I just want to walk in my neighborhood and feel safe about it, Lu said. I dont think Im going to feel that for a while.

Police shoot and kill man seen fatally stabbing his mother in Irvine

On Aug. 8, Shily was charged with:

One felony count of assault with a deadly weapon

One misdemeanor count of sexual battery

One misdemeanor count of child abuse under circumstances or conditions other than great bodily injury or death

One misdemeanor count of false imprisonment

One misdemeanor count of false imprisonment

Shily pleaded not guilty to all charges at an arraignment on Aug. 8.

A preliminary court hearing is scheduled for Oct. 1. If convicted on all charges, he faces up to nine years in state prison.

The case remains under investigation by the Los Angeles Police Department.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA.
Suspect in custody after I-5 standoff in Downtown Seattle

The Northbound I-5 offramp to Olive Way was shut down due to a standoff with a suspect who assaulted a Washington State Trooper.

The incident began around 6 p.m. WSP let us know the suspect was in custody just after 9 p.m.

A man was throwing objects onto the freeway, including a lime bike. Two vehicles were struck. When a trooper approached the suspect, he struck the trooper with a metal object.

WSP and Seattle police spent hours negotiating with the suspect.

KIRO 7 has a crew on the scene, and we will have updates on our newscast at 11 p.m.

Seattle Police Patrol, HNT, SWAT, and King County Sheriffs Deputies assisted Washington State Patrol in apprehending a suspect that was throwing items onto the Northbound lanes of the I-5 freeway and assaulted a Trooper. Suspect is now in WSP custody.  Seattle Police Department (@SeattlePD) August 10, 2024












EDITORS NOTE: A previous version of this story stated that Beaird shot at police. The error has now been corrected.

ARCHER CITY (KFDX/KJTL)  Police have identified the man was involved in an officer-involved shooting on Thursday night, just before a four-hour standoff in the same county.

Michael Beaird, 46, is being treated for his injuries at United Regional after shooting at an Archer City police officer on Thursday night, August 8.

Pastor accused of sex crimes seeks lower bonds

According to DPS Sergeant Juan Gutierrez, the officer first went by the residence of North Mulberry and West Elm for a civil standby.

Gutierrez said that upon arrival, Beaird instructed his dog to attack the officer before grabbing an improvised-edged weapon and running toward that officer.

The officer then reportedly fired his pistol, striking Beaird.

Beaird, who has previous convictions for theft, burglary, evading and more, was transported to United Regional and is in critical but stable condition.

The Texas Rangers are assisting with the ongoing investigation.

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LAS VEGAS (KLAS)  The man accused of stabbing another man in a seemingly random attack at at a Las Vegas convenience store went back to the crime scene three days later, police documents said.

On Saturday, August 3 at around 4:30 p.m., officers with the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department were called to a convenience store in the 5000 block of East Tropicana Avenue near South Nellis Boulevard for reports of a stabbing.

The victim left the scene before officers arrived, but officers found him sitting on a power box down the street. The victim was bleeding from his head and neck, according to an arrest report.

Medical staff at a hospital determined the victim sustained non-life threatening injuries consisting of three stab wounds and two lacerations in his shoulder, neck and head, documents said.

The victim told police he was walking out of the convenience store when a man walked up behind him and started stabbing him. The victim fell to the ground where the man continued to stab him before he ran away, the report stated.

The victim told police he believed the attack was random and said he did not recognize the man who stabbed him, according to the report.

Three days after the stabbing, a man matching the suspect from the convenience stores surveillance video crossed under crime scene tape at the business.

An officer there told the man the store was closed because it was a crime scene. The man ignored the officer and told him he was going to make a purchase, the report stated.

Because the man, later identified as Florencio Grolon, 36, matched the description of the stabbing suspect, police detained him. While searching his person, police found a nail filer with a pointy tip in his pocket, according to the report.

Florencio Grolon, 36, is accused of stabbing another man in a seemingly random attack at at a Las Vegas convenience store, police said. (LVMPD)

Grolon told an officer that he did not have a job and he had done some bad things recently, the report stated. Once police took Grolon to a police station, he refused to answer any questions.

Police booked Grolon in the Clark County Detention Center for a charge of attempted murder with the use of a deadly weapon. Court records indicate he also faces an additional charge of attempted murder with the use of a deadly weapon and robbery with the use of a deadly weapon.

Grolon is held without bail. His next court appearance is scheduled for Monday, Aug. 12.

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FLORENCE, S.C. (WBTW)  A jury trial for suspended Marlboro County Sheriff Charles Lemon is set to take place next week, according to the U.S. Attorneys Office.

Lemon was indicted in January in an excessive use of force incident stemming from May 2020 at the countys detention center. His trial is set to start Tuesday in federal court in Florence. Judge Joseph Dawson III will preside over the trial.

Footage of the incident showed Lemon telling his deputy to take off the victims handcuffs and use a Taser on his head when he turns around. That deputy, David Andrew Cook, pleaded guilty in late February.

State authorities initially charged both men with assault and battery of a high and aggravated nature and misconduct in office in December 2021, and Lemon was suspended by Gov. Henry McMaster. News13 reported in November that Lemon was scheduled to stand trial in a state court in March.

Lemon, a Democrat, was reelected sheriff in November 2020, beating out his Republican challenger, Henry Love.

Count on News13 for updates.

* * *

Caleb is a digital producer at News13. Caleb joined the team in January 2023 after graduating from Liberty University. He is from Northern Virginia. Follow Caleb on X, formerly Twitter, and read more of his work here.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WBTW.
A Russian reconnaissance plane entered international airspace over the Baltic Sea without communicating with air traffic controllers, prompting the German and Swedish air forces to scramble fighter jets for interception.

Source: European Pravda, citing the press service of the German Air Force

Details: German and Swedish warplanes took off to escort the Russian Il-20M aircraft.

The aircraft was in the airspace near the German island of Rugen "without a flight plan or contact with civilian air traffic control".

Alarmstart im Ostseeraum! Zur Luftraumsicherung des #NATO Bundnissgebietes stiegen nacheinander die #QRA aus Laage, Schweden und der @NATO

Mission #VAPB auf und begleiteten einen russischen Seeaufklarer IL-20M. Die Maschine flog ohne Flugplan und Kontakt zur zivilen pic.twitter.com/iUQlrhC2nH  Team Luftwaffe (@Team_Luftwaffe) August 10, 2024

Background:

Last week, the German Air Force, in conjunction with the Swedish Air Force, scrambled aircraft in response to Russian fighter jets flying near the Latvian border.

Earlier, it was reported that two US Air Force B-52H strategic bombers had arrived in Romania and would be conducting sorties from the country for the first time.

In July, Finnish and Swedish pilots intercepted Russian fighter jets over the Baltic Sea.

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UPDATE (Aug. 9): A judge has dismissed the sexual assault lawsuit filed against T.I. and his wife Tiny Harris after the pairs Jane Doe accuser failed to respond to the couples motion to dismiss the case in a timely manner, according to documents filed in Los Angeles court Thursday (Aug. 8).

In her order, Judge Sherilyn Peace Garnett writes that after the lawsuit was filed, T.I. and Tiny put forth two challenges to the womans complaint: that it was barred by the statute of limitations; and that the woman failed to provide any factual allegations to back up her claim that the couple drugged and sexually assaulted her at a nightclub in 2005. However, the judge left the door open for the woman to file an amended complaint within 21 days.

More from Billboard

PREVIOUSLY (Jan. 3): T.I. and his wife Tiny Harris are facing a new civil lawsuit that claims they drugged and sexually assaulted a woman they met in a Los Angeles nightclub in 2005.

In a complaint filed Tuesday in Los Angeles court, lawyers for a Jane Doe accuser say T.I. (Clifford Harris) and Tiny (Tameka Harris) gave her a spiked drink after she was introduced to them in the VIP section of a club, then brought her back to their hotel room where they forced her to get naked and assaulted her.

Plaintiff did not consent to any of the sexual assault or misconduct and did not have the capacity to consent after being drugged by defendants, lawyers for the alleged victim write in the lawsuit, which was obtained by Billboard.

Attorneys for accuser, who they say was in her early twenties and serving in the U.S. Air Force at the time, claim she was introduced to the couple by an associate named Caviar, who she says she met the previous night at the house of the rapper Coolio. Midway through the alleged incident, after she allegedly drank a beverage offered her by Tiny, she began to feel extremely dizzy and lightheaded and later passed out.

In a statement to Billboard on Wednesday, T.I. and Tiny emphatically and categorically denied the allegations and vowed to fight back against a lawsuit that they said the plaintiff had been threatening to file for years.

For THREE years we have maintained our innocence and refused to pay these extortionate demands for things we didnt do, the couple wrote. For THREE years, weve 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.

Tuesdays lawsuit shares similarities with previously-reported accusations. In 2021, the New York Times reported a police investigation over an alleged 2005 incident in which a military veteran claimed the famous couple had raped her in a hotel room after she had become incapacitated while drinking with them in the VIP section at a Los Angeles club.

At the time, the couple strongly denied any wrongdoing, saying the accusations were part of a sordid shakedown campaign. Prosecutors later declined to bring charges over the allegations, citing the expiration of a 10-year statute of limitations.

The new case is filed under Californias Sexual Abuse and Cover Up Accountability Act, which created a four-year window through 2026 for alleged victims to bring cases that would otherwise be barred by the statute of limitations. The law is similar to New Yorks Adult Survivors Act, which recently led to a wave of sexual abuse cases in that state before the statute expired in November.

Representatives for the Harrises and their label, Grand Hustle Records, did not immediately return requests for comment on the lawsuits allegations. The attorney who represented the couple during the earlier police investigation also did return a request for comment.

The new lawsuit against the Harrises contains explicit details of the alleged sexual assault.

After meeting T.I. and Tiny at the nightclub, the accusers lawyers claim Tiny handed plaintiff a drink and watched her take a drink. A short time later, the trio allegedly returned to a nearby hotel, where Tiny took off all of plaintiffs clothing, got undressed herself, and they were joined by a nude T.I.

Plaintiff was then directed to get in the shower and T.I. and Tiny entered the shower with her, her lawyers write. Plaintiff was extremely shocked and uncomfortable. After the shower, the accuser claims she began to feel extremely dizzy and lightheaded and was visibly drugged as T.I. told her to get into bed.

Plaintiff could tell she was experiencing something serious and debilitating that was not a symptom of a typical drink or a few drinks, her lawyers say.

After T.I. allegedly forced her to watch pornographic movies, he then demanded she begin rubbing oil on his back and naked body, while Tiny proceeded to get on plaintiffs back, while she was still naked, and grind back and forth on top of her. Then, while Tiny was straddled on plaintiffs back and pinning her down, the accuser claims that T.I. proceeded to slide his toes into plaintiffs vagina.

Plaintiff grew increasingly sicker and felt extremely ill by the assault and battery she was experiencing, the Does attorneys write. Eventually, she forced herself up and went into the bathroom where she proceeded to vomit. She later emerged from the bathroom naked, dazed, sickened, and weak and passed out on a couch.

When she was awoken by a security guard the next morning, the accuser claims she immediately noticed her vagina was in serious pain. As she was crying, she says the security guard then escorted her out of the room.

The lawsuit is the latest in a recent flood of lawsuits alleging sexual assault and sexual harassment by men in the music industry. Over the past year, such cases have been filed against hip hop mogul Sean Diddy Combs, Aerosmith star Steven Tyler, Interscope Records co-founder Jimmy Iovine and former Recording Academy president Neil Portnow, among many others.

Read the entire complaint against TI and Tiny here:

Best of Billboard
Tacoma man was shot to death at gas station in a setup robbery. Now 2 are sentenced

A man who shot and killed a 39-year-old man in Tacoma during an attempted robbery at a gas station, and the woman who prosecutors say was instrumental in setting it up, were sentenced Friday to 18 years and 10 years in prison.

Malik Dashun Patterson, 27, and Taushelle Devani Ellis-Dorsey, 26, each pleaded guilty to second-degree murder May 30 in Pierce County Superior Court for the July 30, 2022 killing of Ronnal Jovan Hines. According to court records, Patterson approached Hines at a gas station in South Tacoma early that morning, pointed a gun at him and demanded everything he had.

A photo of Ronnal Hines is displayed in a pew after the sentencing of Malik Patterson, 27, and Taushelle Ellis-Dorsey, 26, for second-degree murder in the July 30, 2022 fatal shooting of Hines, at Pierce County Superior Court on Friday, Aug. 9, 2024, in Tacoma, Wash.

Hines, who was seated in a Ford Mustang, drew his own gun, and Patterson shot the man multiple times. During the defendants sentencing hearings Friday, deputy prosecuting attorney Robert Yu told the court that Hines ended up face down on the ground after the first gunshots, and then Patterson essentially executed him with a final gunshot through the back of his neck.

I dont think theres any murder thats not tragic, but Ronnal Hines was, he wasnt seeking anything out, he was sitting in his car, Yu said.

Yu said there was mixed information about what Patterson and Ellis-Dorsey were after, but that prosecutors believe they were trying to rob Hines of a firearm.

According to charging documents, Ellis-Dorsey, then 24, went with Patterson to a motel on South Hosmer Street the night before the shooting, and it was there where another man asked her to assist in robbing Hines. Prosecutors said Friday that they were never able to substantiate whether a third person was truly the mastermind of the robbery as Pattersons defense attorney described in court filings.

Surveillance video from the Econo Lodge motel  now shuttered and replaced with apartments  showed Ellis-Dorsey and Hines talking with one another at about 3 a.m., according to the probable cause document. The two drove out of the lot shortly after 4 a.m.

From there, Ellis-Dorsey texted Patterson their whereabouts until they ended up at a gas station on the corner of South Orchard Street and 56th Street South. The shooting occurred about 5:20 a.m.

Before Judge Timothy Ashcraft handed down Ellis-Dorseys sentence Friday in a courtroom packed with enough onlookers that there was only standing room, he heard from Hines mother and father, Bertha and Ronald.

The parents both wore T-shirts with a photo of Hines, who was a father to two children. Bertha Hines told the court that the defendants had robbed their son of his life, but that they had also robbed her and Hines children of their futures with Hines, leaving them with nothing but memories.

I no longer get to see my son, my baby, Bertha Hines said. I cannot touch him. I cannot hug him. I cannot see his beautiful, infectious smile. They robbed us of all that is and was Ronnal Jovan.

Bertha Hines said her son was not a saint, and he had made unwise decisions, but he was a good son and father. And after his death, she said she learned that Ronnal Hines had done good for strangers on the street, helping people get back to school, guiding people to find God, helping people find jobs and medical assistance or a roof over their head.

He was still a good man, she said. They had no right to take his life, and they took Ronnals life over some cheap, materialistic possessions.

Bertha Hines told the judge she was blessed to receive justice for her sons death, but that she knew no amount of time the defendants serve and none of their remorse would bring him back.

Ronnal Hines father, Ronald, addressed the judge next.

I just wish it never would have happened, and I wish it never happen to anybody else again, he said. If you can, I dont want these people to see outside no more. Thats just my opinion.

Ellis-Dorseys defense attorney, Dana Ryan, told the court that his client was extremely remorseful, and he believed she had done the right thing in the case by agreeing to cooperate with police and to testify in the case.

Yu said Ellis-Dorseys willingness to testify and statements to detectives were part of the reason she had gotten a deal to plead guilty to second-degree murder with the recommendation from prosecutors and the defense that she be sentenced to 123 months in custody, 23-plus months of which she has already served. She has no prior criminal convictions.

Taushelle Ellis-Dorsey, 26, is sentenced for her part in the July 30, 2022 fatal shooting of Ronnal Hines, 39, on Friday, Aug. 9, 2024, in Tacoma, Wash.

When it was Ellis-Dorseys chance to speak, she said among all the things that have afflicted her these past few years, the most difficult to deal with has been her remorse. She said she lost her father at a young age, and her grief for him is still strong. Regardless of how she felt about the size of her role in this case, she said, she was disappointed that she contributed to anyone else experiencing the same sorrow and pain that she has.

She said she still wasnt sure how she got herself caught up in the incident, but was remorseful.

I know that theres nothing I can say to ease the pain I know that Ronnals family feels, but I do sincerely apologize for not only the immediate grief but also the grief that will exist for the rest of your lives, Ellis-Dorsey said.

After Judge Ashcraft imposed the womans sentence of 123 months, the low end of the standard sentencing range, deputies led Ellis-Dorsey out of the courtroom.

Then, Patterson rose from the gallery and walked to the defense table. He has been out of custody on $200,000 bail since September 2022, and he appeared in court Friday in a blue dress shirt.

Yu said the prosecution and defense had agreed to recommend Patterson receive a midrange sentence of 220 months in prison.

Pattersons defense attorney, Dawn Farina, then addressed the court, telling the judge that her client was the caregiver to a 2-year-old girl and was someone who was regarded by family and friends as a respectful, kind and good-hearted person.

He has repeatedly, in my presence, shown remorse for the family of Mr. Hines and for the senseless murder of Mr. Hines, Farina said.

The attorney said there was no excuse for Pattersons actions, but that at the age of 25 and with no prior criminal history, he was an easy target for criminally minded individuals who orchestrated the robbery.

Judge Ashcraft then heard from Pattersons mother, Monique Patterson. She said she wanted to tell the court of the efforts her son had made toward rehabilitating himself and serving the community. She said he successfully attended counseling services, helped families move from emergency shelter to permanent housing and worked with various Tacoma artists painting buildings including a public library.

Patterson had also helped care for ailing family members. His grandfather died in 2022 and his grandmother this year, both of whom were pivotal in Pattersons upbringing, she said. The mother said she believed these losses were the reason she was there Friday speaking to the court. She had Patterson at 15 years old, she said, and his grandfather was like a father to him.

Your honor, Malik is not the person you have read about, Monique Patterson said. He is kind, loyal, funny, loving and caring. This young man made a mistake and will have to answer to what happened that night.

Malik Patterson, 27, is taken into custody after being sentenced for second-degree murder in the July 30, 2022 fatal shooting of Ronnal Hines, 39, on Friday, Aug. 9, 2024, in Tacoma, Wash.

Patterson then stood to speak. Reading from a piece of paper, he said he wanted to apologize to both Hines family and his own.

I am truly sorry for Mr. Hines life I have taken and the pain I have inflicted, and I will strive to atone for my behavior for the rest of my days, he said.

After court adjourned, relatives of Hines told The News Tribune they didnt feel Pattersons sentence was lengthy enough for his actions. Bertha Hines said she didnt feel that Pattersons last words to the judge were his own or that his apology was genuine.

Of Ellis-Dorsey, Bertha Hines said she reached out to their family from the very beginning, and her apology seemed sincere.

She took responsibility from the very jumpstart, Bertha Hines said.
CHICAGO  A teen was shot Saturday afternoon in Bronzeville near the Bud Billiken Parade route, and Chicago police have announced charges against a suspect in custody.

Police said the shooting happened just after 1 p.m. in the 4400 block of South King Drive.

A 16-year-old boy and the male suspect reportedly got into an argument that soon turned physical. Thats when the suspect pulled out a gun and shot at the teen, who sustained a graze wound to the head, according to investigators.

2 teens hospitalized after being shot in Pilsen, Chicago police say

Police said a person of interest was taken into custody, and two guns were found at the scene.

On Sunday morning, police announced that a 16-year-old male was charged with one felony count of unlawful use of a weapon and one misdemeanor count of reckless conduct.

Witnesses WGN spoke with said the shooting happened as spectators were enjoying the annual Bud Billiken Parade.

Everybody started ducking down. Everybody started grabbing children  everybody started running, Jatika Stewart said.

Pedestrian hit, killed by vehicle on Lake Shore Drive, driver issued citations

The teen victim was taken to the University of Chicago Hospital in good condition.

Those who were nearby when gunfire broke out said they are relieved to know the victim is OK. They also applauded the police officers quick actions.

CPD just came in like a force, Stewart said. They immediately deescalated the situation.

Others said what happened doesnt reflect the spirit of the parade.

As the gunshot rang out, everybody turned toward the direction of the shot. We noticed that there were a lot of people running and there was a guy on the ground, Dr. Stephen Stewart said. Everybody was wondering if he was OK. The police immediately opened the gates so that they can investigate the situation.

 I just hope that is doesnt ruin anything for the future generation, because again, this is a great parade.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WGN-TV.
Participants attend the annual Prague Pride Parade where thousands march through the city center in support of LGBTQ rights. Krumphanzl Michal/CTK/dpa

Tens of thousands of people marched through the Czech capital on Saturday to mark the Prague Pride Festival.

The organizers estimated the number of participants at the largest event of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transsexual, intersex and queer (LGBTIQ) scene in the Czech Republic to be 60,000, according to news agency CTK.

Several Czech politicians and foreign diplomats were also said to have participated.

A police spokesman reported that, for security reasons, more police officers than in previous years monitored the parade this time, after a terrorist warning in July at a similar parade in Bratislava in neighbouring Slovakia.

However, as in Bratislava, there were no major incidents in Prague apart from minor disturbances caused by jeers from some people along the roadside.

The week-long festival, which began on Monday, continues in the evening with a concert programme at Letna, situated on a hill above the city centre, and concludes with smaller cultural events on Sunday.

The entire festival is under the motto "Family." According to the organizers, the aim is to show that alongside traditional heterosexual relationships, other forms of coexistence can also be families.

Participants attend the annual Prague Pride Parade where thousands march through the city center in support of LGBTQ rights. Krumphanzl Michal/CTK/dpa

Participants attend the annual Prague Pride Parade where thousands march through the city center in support of LGBTQ rights. Krumphanzl Michal/CTK/dpa
Texarkana school phone-free policy, what you need to know

TEXARKANA, Ark. (KTAL/KMSS)The Texarkana Arkansas School District recently approved a phone-free policy at Arkansas middle and Arkansas high schools beginning this fall.

The board of directors approved the new policy. The school will store phones and other devices, such as smartwatches and earbuds, in a Yondr pouch.

Texarkana Arkansas School District states, Cell phones can be incredibly useful tools, providing access to information and connectivity. However, they also pose significant challenges, particularly when it comes to the well-being of our students.

Excessive phone use, or phone addiction, is a real concern, affecting concentration, social interactions, and overall academic performance. Recognizing these challenges, Texarkana Arkansas School District has been exploring various methods to mitigate cellphone use among students during school hours. Despite our efforts, we understand that overcoming addiction-like behaviors associated with phones is complex. Simply instructing students to refrain from using their devices isnt always effective when the temptation is ever-present.

Arkansas senator wants to ban cell phones in schools

When students arrive at school, they are required to put their phones in personally assigned pouches (turned off or on airplane mode). The pouches will be unlocked at the end of the school day.

TASD details that students are responsible for bringing their pouches to and from school.

Additionally, students will maintain possession of their phones and will not use them until they are in their pouches at the end of each school day.

Parents  police say think before you share back-to-school social media posts

TASD underscores If there is a school emergency, will use the schools public address (PA) system to communicate with staff and students during emergencies. TASD will keep families updated through ThrillShare.

According to the school district, Use of wireless communication devices during certain emergencies can make situations more dangerous, and students must carefully follow the directives of school personnel.

If the Yondr Pouch is lost or damaged, a replacement must be purchased for $35.

Classes begin on August 19th.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTALnews.com.
Texas abortion ban has left doctors with their hands tied. New Mexicos governor is inviting them to her state

Dr. R. Todd Ivey, a practicing OBGYN in Houston, Texas, opened his Sunday paper last weekend to find a letter from New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham  directed at him.

It must be distressing that a draconian abortion ban has restricted your right to practice and turned it into a political weapon, Lujan Grisham wrote.

I certainly respect those of you who remain committed to caring for patients in Texas, but I also invite those of you who can no longer tolerate these restrictions to consider practicing next door in New Mexico, she added. Were fiercely committed to protecting medical freedoms here and were taking steps to ensure that what happened in Texas never happens in New Mexico.

The letter, addressed to health care providers in Texas, appeared in five full-page ads in major newspapers across Texas.

Its part of New Mexicos $400,000 campaign dubbed Free to Provide, aimed at recruiting doctors from neighboring Texas who feel restricted by their states strict abortion ban. Ahead of the letters publishing, the campaign strategically placed six Free to Provide billboards around the Houston Medical Center.

Why specifically target doctors from Texas?

We have to start somewhere, Dr. Miranda Durham, chief medical officer for New Mexicos health department, told CNN. We are looking to improve the health care of New Mexicans and recruiting providers, wherever they want to move from, is part of that strategy.

Like many states across the US, New Mexico is facing a health care provider shortage, across specialties, Durham said. As states in the region have implemented restrictive abortion policies, out-of-state patients are increasingly seeking abortion care in New Mexico, she noted.

Its bringing more patients to a state thats already somewhat stressed by a provider shortage, Durham said.

Abortion is legal without restrictions on pregnancy length in New Mexico, and the state has a shield law that protects its abortion providers caring for out-of-state residents.

Texas, on the other hand, adopted a near-total abortion ban in 2022, without exceptions for rape or incest.

Texas law does allow for exceptions in medical emergencies that threaten the life of the pregnant person, but the law does not outline exactly what constitutes a medical emergency. Doctors who violate the law risk up to $100,000 in penalties  not to mention the loss of their medical licenses and prison time.

Its gut-wrenching to look at a patient who you know is going to lose her pregnancy, and then say, Oh, Im sorry. We have to wait until something more severe happens, Ivey said. Its gut-wrenching, its  its not right.

Ivey said he personally knows several doctors who made the decision to retire or practice in another state, in part because of the restrictions placed on them by Texas abortion law.

Rather than leaving, Ivey has encouraged his peers to stay and fight for a change in policy.

We should be able to practice medicine  good, evidence-based, quality care  without fear of going to jail or losing our license, he said. Relocation is never going to be an answer for me.

New Mexico paid for several billboards throughout Texas recruiting doctors. - From Clear Channel

Texas Gov. Greg Abbotts office called New Mexicos campaign a stunt.

People and businesses vote with their feet, and continually they are choosing to move to Texas more than any other state in the country. Governor Lujan Grisham should focus on her states rapidly declining population instead of political stunts, Abbotts press secretary Andrew Mahaleris told CNN in a statement.

About 116 health centers, hospitals and other providers have posted open jobs to the campaigns webpage where interested applicants can apply, according to New Mexicos health department.

Democratic Texas state Rep. Vikki Goodwin, who voted against her states abortion ban, told CNN that the law has left some doctors in Texas concerned for their livelihood.

Hopefully we can retain good OBGYNs here in the state, because we do have a growing population, but I want our state leaders to be aware of whats happening and the fact that we may lose good doctors to nearby states who do allow their doctors to practice as they see appropriate, Goodwin said.

Doctors are leaving states with abortion bans

Researchers with the Association of American Medical Colleges examined applications from the 2023-2024 residency cycle and found that states with abortion bans, including Texas, had larger decreases in residency applications than states where abortion remained legal. That trend is likely to continue, the researchers noted.

New Mexico has two medical schools, while Texas has more than a dozen  granted, the Lone Star state has a much larger population.

In New Mexico, 33.3% of counties are considered maternity care deserts, where access to services is limited or absent, compared to 46.5% in Texas, according to a March of Dimes report.

Texas medical emergency exception was tested in a high-profile case last December, when a woman who was told her life and future fertility could be at risk without an abortion was denied one by the state supreme court. Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton publicly named the patients doctor in an open letter threatening first-degree felony prosecutions and civil penalties of $100,000.

Ivey and other physicians in the state took notice.

As a physician, when youre in that position, you want to make a reasonable medical judgment, but youve got the looming fear of these really severe penalties, Ivey said. If the law is unclear and physicians dont have protection, how can they feel comfortable moving forward?

Dr. Kimberly Pilkinton, president of the Texas Association of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, told CNN Wednesday that she was saddened by Lujan Grishams letter.

The thought of losing current and/or future physicians to another state primarily based on politicized medical issues is unfortunate, Pilkinton said in a statement.

The Texas Association of Obstetricians and Gynecologists says it opposes policies that interfere with the patient-physician relationship, especially under the threat of felony, and has called for state policymakers to revise and create new laws related to the care of women and their families.

The majority of physicians are servant leaders who want to concentrate on caring for their patients, and all states need to offer support in doing so and stop interfering with the ability to counsel and care for patients to the best of our ability to do so, Pilkinton added. Hopefully, our Texas governing body will offer a response and encourage current and future physicians to remain in our great state of Texas.

Ivey is a member of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, and he and his peers have called on state leaders to work towards revising abortion policy in Texas.

He said he hopes doctors join them in pushing back on restrictive abortion bans, as opposed to relocating.

My heart is in Texas, and I want to stay here, Ivey said. I cant speak for everyone, but I certainly hope that people realize that the women of Texas need us. They need good care.

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HENDERSONVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN)  Thousands gathered in Hendersonville on Friday for a beloved Sumner County sheriffs funeral and procession.

Long Hollow Church, with a capacity of just over 2,000, was filled to the brim with community members honoring the life and legacy of Roy Sonny Weatherford. Weatherford died suddenly last week. Hundreds had attended Weatherfords visitation the day prior.

Thats Sonnys legacy: Visitation brings community together to remember Sumner County sheriff

During Fridays service, Metro Nashvilles honor squad performed, assistant chief of Gallatin Police Bill Sorrels preached and the Tennessee Highway Patrol performed a flyover with several other agencies.

People wanted to follow himIf you were his friend, he had an ability to show you how much he cared about you, Sorrels said. Thats something a lot of people dont have.

The procession following the funeral made its way about 15 miles through Gallatin before coming to Weatherfords final resting place at Crestview Cemetery.

Were sad, but today is also remembering his legacy, Commissioner of the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security Jeff Long told News 2 before the service. What a legacy he had. I mean, you couldnt ask for one any better. He fully understood the role of sheriff. He understood how he needed to make things right with the citizens of Sumner County.

Community mourns loss of Sumner County Sheriff Roy Sonny Weatherford

Police agencies from across the state were represented at the service.

He was one of those guys that, if something was going south, if we knew we were going to have to fight, Sonny was going to go, director of Sumner County Emergency Management Agency Ken Weidner said. Thats a strong point he had. Sonny did things with passion. He expected things to be done right. His legacy precedes him. The evidence of that is sitting in this sanctuary.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRN News 2.
BELGRADE (Reuters) - Tens of thousands of people gathered in central Belgrade on Saturday demanding a halt to Rio Tinto's lithium project in Western Serbia over fears it could pollute nearby land and water.

Protesters packed the streets leading to Terazije square, waving Serbian flags and chanting "You will not dig," and "Rio Tinto leave Serbia!"

Government officials said the protests were politically motivated and designed to bring down President Aleksandar Vucic and his government.

Zlatko Kokanovic, a protest leader and farmer from the Jadar region where the mine is planned, urged protesters to block two major train stations in Belgrade.

Last month, Serbia reinstated Rio's licence to develop what would be Europe's biggest lithium mine, two years after the previous government halted the process due to concerns by environmental groups.

The decision triggered nationwide protests in towns across Serbia. Protesters gave the government a deadline to ban the exploration and exploitation of lithium which expired on Saturday.

"We are not going to give up. The mine cannot be built on agricultural land," said Mica Miliovanovic, a 63-year old worker. "This does not have anything to do with politics."

On Friday, Vucic said authorities had received information from Russia that a coup was being planned in Serbia.

"We have reason to be cautious," vice premier Aleksandar Vulin told Tanjug news agency on Saturday.

If implemented, the $2.4 billion Jadar lithium project could cover 90% of Europe's current lithium needs and make Rio Tinto one of the world's leading lithium producers.

Lithium is a key component in batteries for electric vehicles and mobile devices.

Government officials say the lithium mine would boost Serbia's economy, but environmentalists say the price for it would be too high.

On July 19, Vucic, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and EU energy commissioner Maros Sefcovic signed a deal that would grant producers from EU member states access to raw materials mined in Serbia, which would include lithium.

The deal is meant to reduce the EU's dependency on imports from America and Asia.

(Reporting by Ivana Sekularac; Editing by Christina Fincher)
A man waves a flag combined of Russian and Serbian colours as he attends a protest against pollution and the exploitation of a lithium mine in the country, in Belgrade, Serbia, Saturday, Aug. 10, 2024. Thousands were gathering Saturday at a rally against lithium mining in Serbia despite government warnings of alleged planned unrest designed to topple the government of populist President Aleksandar Vucic. (AP Photo/Darko Vojinovic)

BELGRADE, Serbia (AP)  Tens of thousands of protesters rallied on Saturday against lithium mining in Serbia, despite officials' warnings of their alleged plot to topple populist President Aleksandar Vucic and his government.

Vucic said earlier he had been tipped off by Russian intelligence services that a mass unrest and a coup were being prepared in Serbia by unspecified Western powers that wish to oust him from power.

The crowd chanted: There will be no mining and Treason, treason.

After one of the biggest protests in downtown Belgrade in years ended, some people in the crowd marched toward the capital's two main railway stations, pledging to block train traffic until their demands that lithium mining be officially banned are met.

Government officials and state-controlled media have launched a major campaign against the rally, comparing it to the Maidan uprising in Ukraine's capital, Kiev, that led to the toppling of the country's then pro-Russia President Viktor Yanukovych in 2013. Organizers of the Belgrade protest have said the protest would be peaceful.

Our rally today is ecological and has no political ambitions, but the government has accused us of seeking to stage a coup, actor Svetlana Bojkovic said.

We came here today to raise our voice against something that is beyond politics, she said.

The demonstration came after weeks of protests in dozens of cities throughout Serbia against a government plan to allow lithium mining in a lush farming valley in the west of the country.

This plan had been scrapped in 2022 after large demonstrations were held that included the blocking of key bridges and roads. But it was revived last month and received a boost in a tentative deal on critical raw materials signed by Vucic's government with the European Union.

The Balkan nation is formally seeking EU membership while maintaining very close ties with both Russia and China. The EU memorandum on the mining of lithium and other key materials needed for green transition would bring Serbia closer to the bloc, and would reduce Europe's lithium battery and electric car imports from China.

While the government insists that the mine is an opportunity for economic development, critics say it would inflict irreparable pollution on the Jadar valley, along with its crucial underground water reserves and farming land.

Locals in the valley are strongly opposed to the mine, which would be operated by multinational Rio Tinto mining company. Both the government and the company have pledged the highest environmental standards in the mining process, but opponents haven't been convinced.

Tens of thousands have turned out for environment protection rallies held throughout Serbia in the past several weeks, posing a major challenge to Vucic and his increasingly autocratic rule. Opponents want the government to formally outlaw any lithium and boron mining in Serbia.

The government has set up a medical team to monitor any potential health hazards and a call center for citizens to voice their concerns, an apparent bid to soften some of the opposition.

Serbian Mining and Energy Minister Dubravka edovic Handanovic told The Associated Press earlier this week in an interview that Serbia wouldn't only export raw materials, but would develop a value chain in the country linked to producing batteries and electric vehicles to help develop new technologies.

Residents of the Jadar valley, however, said that nothing could persuade them to agree to the mine. They said they were ready to do everything to prevent the mine from opening.

___

Dusan Stojanovic contributed to this story.
When it comes to state government, the Missouri Constitution tells us whos in charge right out of the gates. Article 1, Section 1 reminds us that all political power is vested in and derived from the people. Subsequent articles lay out the branches of government, their duties and responsibilities. But the prominence of the people sits above all.

The people express this power in several ways. We elect our governor, Senate and House members. We utilize the petition process to enact legislation or constitutional amendments. We speak our minds individually to those we elect. We can also organize and speak as a group through leaders or, gasp, paid lobbyists! This is all good.

The U.S. Eight Circuit Court of appeals agrees. It just struck down a Missouri measure, adopted by petition in 2018, that restricted the ability of legislators and employees of the General Assembly to serve as paid lobbyists. The court ruled, however, that it violated the individual right to political speech and petition government. The court also found that, despite claims, proponents were unable to demonstrate the corruption the measure was meant to address.

Lobbyists have always been looked down upon. Like lawyers (and many lobbyists are both), one can easily imagine that everyone hates them until they need one. But lobbyists are indispensable because government has become so large, so opaque and so unwieldy that the romantic scene depicted in Normal Rockwells painting Freedom of Speech has become grossly naive.

Intermediaries speaking to legislators isnt new. Versions of the term lobbyist date back to 1640, when they would gather in the lobby of the British Houses of Parliament to speak to members. The word first appears in print in the United States as early as the 1830s.

Lobbying is intrinsic to democracy. And it was defended by one of the Founding Fathers.

James Madison considered the role of special interests, or factions, in The Federalist No. 10. He defined factions as united and actuated by some common impulse of passion, or of interest, adverse to the rights of other citizens, or to the permanent and aggregate interests of the community. Everyone reading this has had some interest in legislation before Congress or the Missouri General Assembly. Madison argued that a chief role of government is to foster and protect factionalism, because it was exactly this trading between parties with different interests that keep government accountable.

An irony is that a previous court case seeking to limit a persons ability to lobby was promulgated by legislators. In 2014, several urged the professional association of lobbyists to file a complaint with the Missouri Ethics Commission because one person, Ron Calzone of Dixon, was not registered as a lobbyist. However, Calzone was just an activist for the causes he cared about. He was, and is, a constant presence in Jefferson City during the legislative session, but he neither collected nor spent any fees as part of his advocacy. He was merely a citizen taking advantage of his First Amendment rights.

It took five years before the Eighth Circuit ruled in Calzones favor. David Roland, co-founder of the Freedom Center of Missouri represented Calzone, noted the majority found interactive communication concerning political change is speech at the very core of the First Amendments concern, and that it also amounts to petitioning the government for redress of grievances.

Missouris initiative petitions are another way people can seek redress from government. Pundits complain about the money behind these efforts, but theyre expensive precisely because government regulation of such things, paired with complicated court rulings and conflicts of interest among elected leaders who oversee the process, require the use of professional signature-gatherers, campaign strategists, consultants and armies of lawyers.

If you want to change government, its going to cost you. A lot.

So raise a glass to the beleaguered lobbyists. They may not be loved, but they are necessary. If you want fewer of them, with less power and earnings, then remove from those whom they seek to influence power over so much of our lives.

Patrick Tuohey is co-founder of Better Cities Project, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit focused on municipal policy solutions, and a senior fellow at the Show-Me Institute, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to Missouri state policy work.
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH)  Three people were injured or killed from gunshot wounds Saturday morning in seemingly unconnected incidents.

Police said they responded to reports of gunshots fired near Interstate 270 and W. Broad Street early Saturday morning. Police said they contacted the caller, who was traveling on I-270 North when they said they witnessed a black car whose driver brandished a firearm.

Police said the caller, who was traveling in a blue 2022 Chrysler, witnessed gunshots fired and then drove to meet police at a gas station. At approximately 6:12 a.m., police were dispatched to a local hospital to speak with a gunshot victim who transported herself to get medical care. The victim confirmed with police she had been in the same area the caller had described, had heard gunshots and then realized she had been struck.

Police said they have all parties involved, and the incident is still under investigation. Anyone with information is asked to contact Felony Assault Unit Detective Adam Federer at (614)-645-4011.

Suspect arrested after snowplow crash injures four

Around 6:42 a.m., Columbus police responded to the 400 block of East Welch Avenue in the Vassor Village neighborhood after reports of a shooting. One person was pronounced dead at 6:51 a.m., police said. They have not offered further information.

A third shooting occurred around 11:17 a.m., according to police, who responded to a call of a gunshot wound near E. Whittier Street and Rhoads Avenue. Police said the victim was taken to a nearby hospital and is expected to survive the injury. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Detective Dave Mancini at (614)-645-4141.

Anyone with information about any of these three incidents is encouraged to contact police or Central Ohio Crime Stoppers to leave tips anonymously at (614)-461-TIPS (8477). Police have not indicated these incidents are connected.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NBC4 WCMH-TV.
Kamala Harris and Tim Walzs campaign has walked back a statement that the Minnesota governor made in 2018, in which he claimed to have carried guns in war during a speech in support of gun control measures.

We can make sure that those weapons of war, that I carried in war, is the only place where those weapons are at, Walz said in the recently unearthed clip, according to NBC.

The clean-up comes after Republicans have launched several attacks on Walz this week for the way he has portrayed his service record and his decision to run for congress in the months before his Army National Guard unit was tapped to deploy to Iraq.

In 2003, Walz deployed to Italy in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, the official name for the war in Afghanistanbut never saw combat or set foot in the Middle East.

In making the case for why weapons of war should never be on our streets or in our classrooms, the Governor misspoke, Harris spokesperson Ammar Moussa told the Washington Post in a statement Friday. He did handle weapons of war and believes strongly that only military members trained to carry those deadly weapons should have access to them, unlike Donald Trump and JD Vance, who prioritize the gun lobby over our children.

Why Tim Walz Cant Shake Off Questions About Military Record

Governor Walz would never insult or undermine any Americans service to this countryin fact, he thanks Senator Vance for putting his life on the line for our country. Its the American way, Moussa added.

Donald Trumps running mate, Sen. JD Vance (R-OH), who served as a public affairs officer in Iraq, blasted Walz at a Michigan campaign rally on Wednesday over the comment, asking, I wonder, Tim Walz, when were you ever in war?

Vance went so far as to allege Walz had committed stolen valor.

Trump campaign co-chair Chris LaCivita added in a post on X, IVE SEEN THIS ACT BEFORE  AND IT DOESNT END WELL  replying to a video of Tom Behrends, a man who served in Walzs unit, telling right-wing media outlet Alpha News that Walz abandoned us.

LaCivita, notably, was an architect of the Swift Boat Veterans for Truth campaign, which cast doubt on Sen. John Kerrys military service during his 2004 run for president.

The Harris campaign earlier this week also quietly edited Walzs rank on the campaign websitefrom retired command sergeant major to retired sergeant major, according to the Washington Post.

Read more at The Daily Beast.

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Tim Walz is dressing the part  and it's exactly what Harris needs

In work boots or a rumpled suit, Tim Walz has won some fans with his folksy fashion sense.

Experts told BI his authenticity targets the very voters Harris needs.

The Trump-Vance ticket is telegraphing more traditional power aesthetics, they said.

In his video introduction to the world as Kamala Harris' running mate, Tim Walz wore white sneakers, khaki pants, a black T-shirt, and, of course, a signature camo cap.

The now-viral video cuts between Walz, holding his phone on a chair, and Harris, sitting in an office. Immediately, their sartorial differences were stark, with a polished Harris wearing in a muted blouse and navy blazer.

In the days since, Walz's style has graced headlines for achieving what is so often elusive in politics: a real sense of authenticity. Moreover, it's an aesthetic that could squarely appeal to the very voters Harris needs, experts told Business Insider.

The Minnesota governor's closet consists of Carhartt jackets, LL Bean barn coats, well-worn Red Wing boots, and hunting camo  all clothing that connotes his blue-collar, rural background, says Derek Guy, a menswear writer known for his popular X account.

Walz in a Minnesota high school auditorium ahead of his State of the State address in March. Star Tribune via Getty Images

But the VP candidate has a rare ability, Guy said.

"Tim Walz is one of the few politicians who looks good in casual wear and also looks natural in it," Guy told Business Insider.

When other politicians try to craft a working-class image  like when Donald Trump Jr. wore un-creased hiking boots  they can risk looking phony, but Walz doesn't face the same dilemma given his background.

And even when he's dressed up in a suit, Walz is dressed down, said Anne Higonnet, an art history professor at Barnard College who teaches a class on clothing and political power.

She called Walz "more rumply" than the average politician.

Walz prepared to board a bus for a House Democrats retreat in 2015. Tom Williams

"When he does the folksy thing, he's actually at the upper bound of folksy, and when he's in a suit he's in the lower bound of suit," Higonnet said. "So he's got two registers that are very close together. Being so close to each other, they legitimate each other, because they're not so divergent."

The Harris-Walz campaign did not immediately respond to Business Insider's request for comment.

A perfect foil to Harris' polish

The Harris campaign is counting on Walz to court voters associated with the clothing he wears, particularly those hailing from the Blue Wall states of Michigan, Wisconsin, and Pennsylvania.

In a wrinkled suit or T-shirt, Higonnet said Walz appears to straddle class boundaries and could appeal to the blue-collar voters that Harris, with her San Francisco upbringing, risks alienating.

"Clothing-wise, what they're doing is a perfect expression of the tactical thinking behind the choice of Walz," she said.

That said, Guy noted Harris likely wouldn't be universally applauded for the same casual aesthetic, given a "gender imbalance" that necessitates female politicians dress more formally in order to command respect.

Walz attended The Multicultural Fiesta in Minnesota in 2018 while running for governor. Tom Williams

In addition to potentially resonating with swing state constituents who wore Carhartt before it became trendy, Walz's clothing has also proven popular with the Gen Z crowd that Harris' campaign is targeting, Guy said.

"It's not that he wears it in the way the guy in New York or San Francisco wears it, but he wears it in a more authentic way," Guy said. "He is the reference point for the looks that those guys in San Francisco and New York are copying."

Case in point: Campaign merch fashioned after a campaign camo cap sold out in 24 hours, Time reported.

Two distinct tickets, two distinct styles

While the Harris-Walz ticket is challenging traditional images of power in terms of both gender and class, Donald Trump and JD Vance are doing "the absolute traditional version," Higonnet said  in the MAGA vein of a 1980s power silhouette and red tie.

"The first two people who are in [the presidential race] are dressing in a more conservative image of authority and then the people who have suddenly come into the race are actually dressing 'change,' 'the possibility of change,'" she added.

Walz and his wife, Gwen, walked a signed budget law to the office of the Secretary of State in 2021. Star Tribune via Getty Images

While both Walz and Vance hail from rural middle America, Vance has also relied on a beard and careful tailoring to make himself look more authoritative, Guy said.

Accordingly, Walz has already started knocking his opponent for his perceived elitism, including jabs at Vance for attending Yale Law School and working as a venture capitalist.

Walz's class messages are as straightforward as his clothing  and now, that folksy appeal has been stitched into the presidential race.

Read the original article on Business Insider
Sherronna Bishop answers questions from the witness stand during a criminal trial of former Mesa County Clerk Tina Peters, at Mesa County District Court on Aug. 9, 2024. (Screenshot from KREX News 5 livestream, pool/Courtesy KREX News 5)

Former Mesa County Clerk and Recorder Tina Peters declined to testify in her own defense Friday before defense attorneys concluded their case after eight days of testimony from prosecution and defense witnesses.

In 2022, a Mesa County grand jury brought charges against Peters, a Republican, including seven felonies and three misdemeanors for her alleged role in a 2021 security breach of the countys election department, which she oversaw at the time.

Before the trial kicked off Friday, Mesa County District Attorney Dan Rubinstein asked District Court Judge Matthew Barrett to consider a contempt of court charge against the defense for continuously broaching topics previously determined by the court to be inadmissible.

If the prosecution was doing this there would have been a mistrial days ago, Rubinstein said.

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Barrett expressed frustration that defense lawyers have continuously attempted to bring up topics already decided to be off limits, knowing that the prosecution will object.

Peters friend Sherronna Bishop, an unindicted co-conspirator, testified for the defense Thursday and Friday. Bishop is a prominent election denier who believes the 2020 U.S. presidential election was stolen from former President Donald Trump, a conspiracy theory that has repeatedly been debunked.

According to testimony, Bishop figures prominently in a plan involving Peters to allow an unauthorized person to enter Mesa Countys elections department to make copies of election system software and capture images of passwords and other sensitive data in May 2021, during the time of an election equipment software update, also known as a trusted build. Images of sensitive data later turned up on a conspiracy theory website, which prompted local, state and federal investigations in August 2021.

Bishop testified that she invited Ohio mathematician Douglas Frank  who is on the payroll of My Pillow CEO Mike Lindell, a staunch supporter of Donald Trump  to help with the scheme to try and prove that Mesa Countys Dominion Voting Systems equipment is somehow faulty.

Robert Shapiro, first assistant Colorado attorney general for special prosecutions, during cross examination clarified that Bishop lived in Garfield County when this planning around Mesa Countys trusted build was taking place, and had never been an election worker, or an employee of Mesa County. Nor had Bishop ever received elections training from the Colorado secretary of state. She had never been given key card access to Mesa Countys secured elections office.

Gerald Wood answers questions from the witness stand during a criminal trial of former Mesa County Clerk Tina Peters, at Mesa County District Court on Aug. 2, 2024. (Screenshot from KREX News 5 livestream, pool/Courtesy KREX News 5)

Shapiro asked Bishop about a call she purportedly made while attending a cyber security symposium in August 2021 in South Dakota led by Lindell. Peters former chief deputy, Belinda Knisley, testified earlier that Bishop called her from the symposium, asking her to go to the elections office in Grand Junction and remove a computer server. By that point, a secretary of state investigation into the alleged security breach was underway and Bishop and Peters believed the state would seize the equipment. Knisley testified earlier that she refused Bishops directive because she didnt work for Bishop.

You were not a supervisor of Belinda Knisley, Shapiro said during his cross examination of Bishop, which Bishop confirmed was correct. She testified she didnt recall making the phone call to Knisley.

A juror asked a question about why Bishop attended meetings held at the Mesa County elections office when she didnt work for Mesa County.

Bishop responded that she was very concerned about elections and that she works for campaigns  she was a campaign manager for U.S. Rep. Lauren Boebert  and that when the 2020 Presidential election was over it didnt seem right.

Bishop and her family moved to Texas after the Mesa County district attorneys office executed a search warrant at her Garfield County home in November 2021. She testified that her family now spends time in both Colorado and Texas.

Among the charges Peters faces is one that alleges she stole the identity of Fruita resident Gerald Wood, who she hired as a temporary tech consultant. Wood was required to pass a background check before receiving a security badge to allow access to Mesa Countys election machines. That security clearance was then given to a man named Conan Hayes  a former professional surfer aligned with Donald Trump  who came into the elections tabulation room to copy data from equipment before and during the trusted build.

Shapiro stated that by April 30, a plan was in place to bring in Hayes, not Wood, to collect data during the trusted build, to which Bishop responded, I dont know.

Prosecutors established that Frank attended an April 23 planning meeting in Peters office, which was also attended by various election staff. Wood was not present for that meeting. Bishop reached out to Wood after Frank came to Grand Junction.

As a witness for the prosecution, Wood testified earlier in the week that his identity was stolen and that he never gave permission for it to be used by a third party.

Defense attorneys have sought various times to cast doubt on Woods account of his role in the elections breach. Defense attorney John Case asked Bishop if Wood was OK with allowing Hayes to use his identity, so that Hayes could remain anonymous  a condition of his involvement.

We were very much aligned, and he was happy to be a part of it, Bishop testified, contradicting Woods prior testimony.

The trial resumes Monday with closing statements from both sides.

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GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. (KREX)  Former Mesa County Clerk and Recorder Tina Peters will not testify in her trial as the defense and prosecution rested their cases Friday.

Peters is charged with attempting to influence a public servant, criminal impersonation, identity theft, and conspiracy to commit criminal impersonation in connection to finding irregularities with Mesa County election equipment. She is also charged with election violations, official misconduct and failure to comply with the Colorado Secretary of States office.

Judge Matthew Barrett asked Peters if she consulted with her lawyers about the decision to which she said, My council has advised me of the courts ruling and the DAs position regarding the scope of the examination.

I have reviewed the case, and the purpose of my testimony would be to offer evidence. The court has excluded (it) and therefore I decline, Peters said.

Barrett said although her attorneys told her that, it is ultimately her decision on whether or not to testify. She responded she was aware of that.

I do, your honor. I just feel like Ive been prevented from providing a defense for myself, Peters said.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WesternSlopeNow.com.
On Aug. 9, 1945, the United States dropped a second atomic bomb on Japan at the city of Nagasaki. Three days earlier, the U.S. struck the Japanese city of Hiroshima with the first tactical use of an atom bomb in military history. Yet Japan continued to fight.

The city of Kokura was the original target but a layer of clouds concealed the area that morning, causing the B-29 Superfortress Bockscar to divert to its secondary target, Nagasaki, a major shipbuilding city with a large military port.

At 11:02 a.m., from 28,900 feet, Bockscar released the bomb, called Fat Man, destroying an area about 2.3 by 1.9 miles wide and causing massive damage.

Suddenly, the light of a thousand suns illuminated the cockpit, remembered Bockscar co-pilot Fred Olivi. Even with my dark welders goggles, I winced and shut my eyes for a couple of seconds. I guessed we were about seven miles from ground zero and headed directly away from the target, yet the light blinded me for an instant.

Somewhere between 70,000 and 80,000 people were killed, with tens of thousands more wounded.

Battered religious figures stand watch on a hill above a tattered valley. Nagasaki, Japan. September 24, 1945, 6 weeks after the city was destroyed by the worlds second atomic bomb attack. Photo by Cpl. Lynn P. Walker, Jr. (Marine Corps)

Finally, Emperor Hirohito gave his permission for unconditional surrender.

One man, Tsutomu Yamaguchi has the dubious distinction of having been within two miles of both blasts.

Yamaguchi designed tankers for Mitsubishi Heavy Industries. He was in Hiroshima on Aug. 6, 1945, finishing up a three-month business trip to the shipyards there when he was blown over by the blast and knocked unconscious. He woke up in time to see a pillar of fire over the city that eventually bloomed into the darkly iconic mushroom cloud shape of a nuclear explosion. He was less than two miles from the epicenter of the explosion.

He rushed to an air raid shelter where he found two of his colleagues who were on the trip with him. They rushed to grab their belongings and flee back to their hometown of Nagasaki.

He made it to the hospital in Nagasaki and was treated for the burns that covered much of his body. Despite his injuries, he reported Aug. 9 for work at Mitsubishi.

Again, Yamaguchi was less than two miles from the bomb when it detonated. The second blast blew off his bandages and severely injured the man hed been talking to.

This time, the hospital that had treated Yamaguchi was destroyed so he simply ran home. He sheltered there, dazed by a bad fever until Aug. 15 when he heard that Japan had surrendered.

Yamaguchi went on to become an advocate against nuclear proliferation. In 2010 he died of cancer.

Featured Image: The nuclear cloud spreading over Nagasaki on Aug. 9, 1945. (Photo: Hiromichi Matsuda via Public Domain)
Editors Note: News 5 Now streams live at 5:30 p.m. Watch the video above.

MOBILE, Ala. (WKRG)  Welcome to WKRG.coms new streaming show, News 5 Now, where we discuss the days 5 big stories and interact with you, our viewers.

Top 5 Stories

Its time to count down the Big Stories were following for you.

(Getty Images)

5. Traffic light improvements

Stoplights in Mobile are getting an upgrade, News 5 has learned.

According to county officials, some are being repaired, while others are being reprogrammed to change their timing.

The changes, officials say, will help improve traffic flow and make roads safer.

(AP Photo/Lynne Sladky, File)

4. Everglades snake hunt

Snake hunters are in the Florida Everglades with two goals: winning a cash prize and killing invasive serpents.

The hunters are there as a 10-day Florida Python Challenge commences. The goal is to kill as many Burmese Pythons as possible.

According to officials, the pythons, which are not native to Florida, have been multiplying like crazy, and 600 snake hunters are coming to combat the problem and win a cash prize.

The person or team that wins the most pythons wins $2,500, and whoever kills the longest wins $1,000.

Photo Courtesy: Jake Markris

3. Point Clear jubilee

A natural phenomenon that happens only two places in the world was spotted in Point Clear. That natural phenomenon: a jubilee.

A News 5 viewer sent in a video, saying the jubilee happened on Monday. He said no matter how often he sees one, it is always amazing to witness.

2. Clotilda preservation

Officials tasked with keeping an important artifact safe are leaving it at the bottom of a river.

The most famous slave ship in U.S. history, the Clotilda, sunk to the bottom of the Mobile River Delta years ago. According to officials, the best way to keep the artifact safe and protect its legacy is to leave it where it is.

Anthony Beverly (Mobile Jail log)

1. Murphy High School imposter

Parents are questioning school security after a local rapper reportedly got a backpack and uniform and snuck onto the campus at Murphy High School.

The rapper says he did it to shoot a music video, and the school system says they are working to address the incident.

But parents are asking, Wheres the security? if someone can just walk on campus and do that.

Question of the Day

Former President Donald Trump chose Senator J.D. Vance to be his vice president pick.

After asking who you want to see play Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz on Saturday Night Live?, WKRG News 5 is asking: Who should play J.D. Vance on Saturday Night Live?'

Here are your responses:

They couldnt find anyone that smart, young, and good-looking, Karen Kline Dean said.

Put a beard on Colin Jost and it would be perfect, Richard Shields said.

Kidd Rock, Judy Gulley said.

JD Vance should Hes a character anyway, Patrick Pettaway said.

Will Ferrell, Joshua Jones said.

To read more responses, visit the WKRG News 5 Facebook page.

Poll of the Day

Polling suggests confidence in higher education is declining. Is college worth it? Or should folks go into skilled trades? News 5 asked, Is college worth it?

Here are the responses.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRG News 5.
SMYTH COUNTY, Va. (WJHL)  One deputy was killed and another was injured in a shooting Friday evening in Smyth County, Virginia.

In a press conference late Friday, officials confirmed that Smyth County Sheriffs Office deputy Hunter Reedy, 27, was killed.

A second deputy named Michael Fedorchuk was also shot, and he was released from an area hospital on Saturday afternoon, according to an update from Virginia State Police (VSP).

Smyth County Commonwealths Attorney Phillip Blevins said on Saturday morning that several charges have been filed against Timothy Wayne Goodman, 65, of North Carolina.

Details: Braves, Reds to play at Bristol Motor Speedway in 2025

Goodman is charged with one count of aggravated murder, four counts of attempted aggravated murder and using a firearm in the commission of a felony.

Marion Police Chief John Clair said a Marion officer attempted to make a routine traffic stop on a vehicle for a moving violation around 5 p.m., but the driver, Goodman, did not immediately stop.

Sheriffs deputies became involved when the suspect drove about a mile and a half into the county, according to Sheriff Chip Shuler.

Virginia State Police said Goodman pulled over near the intersection of Route 16 and Hatchery Drive.

Goodman was issued a citation before becoming agitated, according to Clair. A deputy then approached the suspect and was shot. Gunfire was then exchanged. A firearm was recovered from the vehicle Goodman was driving, according to the VSP.

Goodman is recovering in the hospital after being shot, and the VSP said he will be served arrest warrants upon his release.

After charges were filed last night, my office and I visited Deputy Michael Fedorchuk in the hospital. Deputy Fedorchuk was airlifted and had emergency surgery  but is expected to fully recover. The heartbreaking death of Deputy Reedy is profound. We are mourning the loss of a father, husband, son, friend, and community hero. I will not rest until the murderer is held accountable for his actions. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of Deputy Reedy, Deputy Fedorchuk and the other officers who were targeted in this senseless act of violence. We extend our deepest gratitude to the law enforcement partners who responded to this critical situation and to the community for their support during this difficult time. Commonwealths Attorney Phillip Blevins

This is not the kind of thing that happens in this region, Clair said. This person came from outside our community and brought this violence here.

Sheriff Shuler called Reedy an absolute hero. He was a husband and father of three and had been in law enforcement for seven years.

This was a good, decent man who had a family, a young family, and hes going to be missed by all of us, Shuler said.

While these charges have not been placed yet, I will not go to sleep tonight until they are, Blevins had said Friday night before charges were filed.

State Sen. Travis Hackworth and Del. Jed Arnold also spoke at the press conference.

I want to thank everyone who pins that badge on and goes out and does their public service to keep us safe, Hackworth said. Its very unfortunate that one of our heroes didnt make it home.

I knew both of these deputies, Arnold said. And I knew them both to be honest, decent men who went about their job with the utmost pride and care for their fellow citizens.

In a social media post, state Sen. Todd Pillion offered prayers to the Smyth County Sheriffs Office for what he called a tragic double officer-involved shooting.

(Photo: WJHL)

Del. Terry Kilgore also posted on social media, calling the incident a tragic officer-involved shooting.

These actions were senseless and they have no place in any of our communities, Kilgore wrote.

Gov. Glenn Youngkin said his administration is monitoring the situation involving Smyth County deputies.

Suzanne and I are praying for them and their families, and for all those law enforcement heroes who keep Virginians safe, Youngkin said on X.

Virginia State Police is investigating the shooting at the request of the Marion Police Department and Smyth County Sheriffs Office.

The death of Smyth County Deputy Hunter Reedy in the line of duty is a great loss to the Smyth County police force and the people of Smyth County. This tragedy illustrates the level of danger law enforcement faces on a daily basis. My thoughts are with his family, colleagues, and the Smyth community. Deputy Fedorchuk also sustained injuries from the incident. Praying for his recovery. Congressman Morgan Griffith

Deputy Hunter Reedy; photo courtesy of the Smyth County Sheriffs Office

The Smyth County Sheriffs Office said in a social media post on Saturday that Deputy Reedy was an asset to his team.

Today we mourn the loss of Deputy Hunter Reedy. Hunter was a seven year veteran officer. He began his career at the Chilhowie Police Department in 2017, then came to the Smyth County Sheriffs Office in 2021. Hunter was tragically killed in the line of duty on 8/9/2024. Hunter leaves behind a wife and 3 small children. Everyone please remember the Reedy family in your prayers over the coming days. Smyth County Sheriffs Office

There will be a community prayer vigil at the Smyth County Sheriffs Office on Sunday at 5 p.m. The office is at 819 Matson Drive in Marion.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJHL | Tri-Cities News & Weather.
Wes Samuelson, who moved to Minnesota to benefit from Tim Walz's policies, with his partner Beram Campo, also a trans man - Pete Kiehart

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Wes Samuelson had been thinking about leaving Wyoming for years before he finally loaded his pet tarantula into a car and headed off for good.

He had found the state difficult and unwelcoming as a transgender man, and friends had recommended moving to Minnesota, which was led by a sympathetic Democratic governor by the name of Tim Walz.

Mr Samuelson has now lived in Minnesota for four years, and began a gender transition procedure within months of arriving. In Wyoming you couldnt even talk to doctors about it, he said. Ive just been so much happier.

Beram Compo, Mr Samuelsons partner, was delighted when Kamala Harris, the Democratic presidential candidate, selected Mr Walz  someone so loudly supportive of trans rights  as her running mate this month.

But his positions are seen as a political weakness by Donald Trumps campaign, which has painted him as a radical Democrat who poses a threat to womens safety.

The 'dad-like' image of Tim Walz, a former teacher and football coach, has been hailed as an asset to the Harris campaign - Rebecca Noble/Bloomberg

Some Republican operatives claim Mr Walzs folksy demeanour conceals a hard-Left radicalism that has intensified over the last few years. One says he is trying to turn Minnesota into the San Francisco of the Midwest.

Under Mr Walz, Minnesota has become known as a sanctuary state for trans people. While more than two dozen states have acted to curb access to gender transitions, he has done the opposite.

In 2023, he put his name to trans refuge legislation that barred Minnesota from cooperating with states prosecuting parents who allowed their child to receive puberty-blocking drugs or surgery.

A threat to womens health

He also signed an executive order guaranteeing access to these procedures in Minnesota, where they are legal for under-18s who have consent from a guardian and health professionals.

The same year, he green-lit laws that provided all school students  including boys  with free menstrual products, and supported a ban on conversion therapy for children and vulnerable adults.

As a woman, I think there is no greater threat to our health than leaders who support gender-transition surgeries for young minors, who support putting tampons in mens bathrooms in public schools, Karoline Leavitt, a Trump campaign spokeswoman, said this week.

Those are radical policies that Tim Walz supports. He actually signed a bill to do that.

Wes Samuelson fears the Trump campaign's attacks on Tim Walz's policies could resonate with Republican voters - Pete Kiehart

Mr Walz was a surprise pick as Ms Harriss running mate and even his neighbours in an upmarket area in the city of Saint Paul seemed to have been taken unawares. One still had a Biden-Harris campaign sign stuck proudly in their well-kempt lawn, more than a week after it became the Harris-Walz campaign.

A sociable Midwesterner equally comfortable chatting about politics or corn dogs, Mr Walz was seen as someone who can keep the Democratic base onside without isolating mainstream voters.

However, Gregg Peppin, a Minnesota-based Republican strategist, claimed his seed cap and blue jeans act concealed a Left-wing radical who had divided the state.

I think reasonable people, independent swing voters, can look at transgender rights and have some degree of support or understanding for that, Mr Peppin, a former consultant for one of Mr Walzs defeated congressional opponents, said.

But he added that the governor had gone further and implemented an extreme progressive agenda, referring to his trans policies on school-age children.

Hes vying to be the San Francisco of the Midwest, Mr Peppin added. Hes more liberal than [California governor] Gavin Newsom with less hair.

Mother will never stop being grateful to governor

Childrens Minnesota, a paediatric service, says it has seen a 30 per cent increase in demand as people flocked to the state seeking gender transition surgeries and drugs while other governors clamped down on the practice.

Heather Crawford, mother of transgender teenager Cass, said she would never stop being grateful to Mr Walz for guaranteeing access to those procedures.

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Two years ago, the Texas-born paralegal left her home state when its governor, Greg Abbott, announced child abuse investigations would be carried out into families whose children were receiving puberty-blocking treatments.

She headed for Minnesota after researching each states legal position on transgender issues, and said Mr Walz was one of the main reasons for Minnesotas appeal. If the family had stayed in Texas, she believes Cass, now 17, would have turned to suicide.

Mr Walz is broadly popular in Minnesota, though locals say he has drifted to the Left since his days as a congressman representing a conservative district as a card-carrying member of the National Rifle Association.

Amy Koch, a former Republican leader of Minnesotas senate, noted that while he did not win more conservative areas any more  such as the blue collar mining communities in the states Iron Range  he outperformed other Democrats and appealed beyond the partys base.

She expressed doubt that the Trump campaigns criticisms of his pro-trans policies would pay off and urged it to focus on issues like his handling of Covid fraud and the Black Lives Matter protests.

I dont know how much it moves the needle, Ms Koch said. From my perspective, those are harder hits on Walz than some of the other stuff.

But Mr Samuelson, who lived in several Republican states before moving to Minnesota, suggested the attacks on Mr Walzs trans stance could cut through, at least in the short term, with conservative-leaning voters.

Based on having known a lot of Republicans, I think it will initially resonate with them, he said. But I dont think it will pay off long-term.

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 Flash

Pan Fenglan (C) talks with German tourists at her homestay at Dazhai Village of Longsheng County, south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, June 26, 2024. (Xinhua/Zhao Zishuo)



"It is always a pleasure to greet a friend from afar." This old Chinese saying perfectly exemplifies the cultural openness deeply rooted in the Chinese people who are always ready to welcome friends from around the world with open arms.

The current "China Travel" boom is a prime example of this.

In the first half of this year, China received nearly 15 million foreign travelers, up 152.7 percent year on year. Many travelers shared their experiences through videos on social media, showing how attractive the country is and how hospitable its people are to visitors. It's no surprise that "China Travel" has become a top trending search on multiple global social media platforms.

The travel boom reflects the country's steadfast commitment to openness. As the third plenary session of the 20th Communist Party of China Central Committee held in mid-July emphasized: "Opening up is a defining feature of Chinese modernization. We must remain committed to the basic state policy of opening to the outside world and continue to promote reform through opening up."

In fact, the travel fervor is fueled by a range of facilitation measures rolled out by the Chinese government to let more foreign visitors set foot in China and have pleasant stays.

As of July, China has rolled out a 15-day visa-free entry policy for 15 countries on a trial basis and expanded the coverage of its 144-hour visa-free transit policy to 37 ports of entry, allowing citizens of 54 countries the opportunity for short-term travel and business visits.

Over half of the total entering foreign visitors in H1, or 8.5 million, entered China visa-free, an increase of 190 percent year on year.

The country has also enhanced services for inbound tourists by facilitating mobile payments for foreigners, implementing reservation-free entry at scenic spots, and offering multilingual support and various payment methods to simplify ticket purchases for international travelers.

To see is to believe. Foreign visitors experience a genuine China through firsthand encounters, which helps them develop objective and comprehensive perspectives on the country. As they cultivate a deeper understanding of China during their stay, they come to realize how misleading and limited Western media reports about the country can be.

Moreover, against the backdrop of a sluggish global economic recovery and rising uncertainty, the "China Travel" boom has provided a valuable boost, helping strengthen economic, cultural, and people-to-people exchanges.

With the continuous introduction of facilitation measures, the "China Travel" boom is expected to last, allowing more foreigners to feel China in person. Openness, inclusiveness, and mutual understanding will further transcend seclusion, narrow-mindedness and prejudice.
Former President Donald Trump ripped into Tim Walz as "freakish" and excessively liberal on Friday, using his first rally since the Minnesota governor joined the Democratic ticket to road test a barrage of attacks against him.

Hes very freakish, Trump said during a meandering speech in Montana. If Comrade Walz and Comrade [Kamala] Harris win this November, the people cheering will be the pink-haired Marxists, the looters, the perverts, the flag burners, Hamas supporters, drug dealers, gun grabbers and human traffickers.

Trump accused Walz of promoting socialism, of being too liberal on immigration and transgender issues and of letting rioters and looters burn down Minneapolis after George Floyds murder in 2020. He yoked the vice president to her new running mates policies, saying: This is her ideology. Thats why she picked him. He warned that Harris and Walz would turn America into a full-blown communist country.

And he again hit back at Walzs signature characterization of the GOP.

Were not weird, Trump said. Were the opposite of weird. Theyre weird.

Trump also continued to smear Harris, who is out-fundraising him and is rising in recent polls. The former president, who frequently mispronounces Harris first name, said he doesnt care if I get it right and that nobody really knows her last name. He called her dumb for not yet doing a sit-down interview since ascending to the top of the ticket. (Harris has said she would like to do so by the end of the month.) And he played a video featuring clips of Harris from her last presidential campaign saying that she supported gun buybacks and banning fracking  a position she has since moved away from  in an attempt to portray her as dangerously liberal.

If she wins in November, Trump said, were not going to have a country anymore.



Trumps remarks came hours after Harris and Walz appeared at a rally in Arizona, where the vice president spoke on immigration, a major issue in the campaign. At that event, Harris pledged to fight for strong border security and blamed Trump for the failure of a bipartisan border deal in Congress earlier this year.

He talks a big game about border security but he does not walk the walk, she said.

Trump, in turn, accused Harris of allowing an invasion at the southern border.

The former president traveled to Montana  a safely red state he won by 16 percentage points in 2020  to promote Republican U.S. Senate candidate Tim Sheehy in his bid to unseat Sen. Jon Tester, one of the chambers most vulnerable Democrats. Its a bit of unfinished business for Trump, who campaigned for Testers last Republican opponent after the senator opposed his pick to run the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Hes terrible, hes terrible, Trump said of Tester on Friday, later insulting his weight.

Trump was forced to take a detour on his way to Bozeman, when his plane was diverted to Billings because of a mechanical issue. Trumps plane landed safely and he continued on to Bozeman on a different aircraft. He is also fundraising in Wyoming and Colorado during his Rocky Mountain swing.
The campaign of Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump confirmed Saturday that internal communications had been obtained by hackers and supplied to the Washington publication Politico. File Photo by David Jensen/EPA-EFE

Aug. 10 (UPI) -- Donald Trump's presidential campaign has confirmed some of its internal communication have fallen into the hands of hackers, the Washington publication Politico reported Saturday.

The publication said its editorial staff had been sent apparently hacked Trump campaign communications from a source known as only as "Robert" and that campaign officials have confirmed their authenticity.

The Trump campaign blamed the hack on "foreign sources hostile to the United States," Politico reported.

In so doing, they cited a warning issued by Microsoft on Friday in which the tech giant said a hacker group run by Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps known as Mint Sandstorm had sent a "spear-phishing" email to a "high-ranking official of a presidential campaign from a compromised email account of a former senior advisor."

The phishing e-mail contained a fake forward with a hyperlink directing traffic through an "actor-controlled domain" before redirecting to the listed domain, Microsoft said.

"These documents were obtained illegally from foreign sources hostile to the United States, intended to interfere with the 2024 election and sow chaos throughout our Democratic process," Trump campaign spokesman Steven Cheung told Politico, adding, "The Iranians know that President Trump will stop their reign of terror just like he did in his first four years in the White House."

Cheung declined to say, however, if the campaign had any specific knowledge linking Iran to the stolen communications.

The publication said it began receiving emails from an anonymous account on July 22, and that in recent weeks the sender, identified only as "Robert," included what appeared to be a background dossier compiled earlier this year on Trump's eventual choice for vice presidential running mate, Sen. JD Vance, R-Ohio.

Two people familiar with the process confirmed the documents' authenticity, Politico reported.
We received internal Trump documents from Robert. Then the campaign confirmed it was hacked.

Former President Donald Trumps campaign said Saturday that some of its internal communications had been hacked.

The acknowledgment came after POLITICO began receiving emails from an anonymous account with documents from inside Trumps operation.

The campaign blamed foreign sources hostile to the United States, citing a Microsoft report on Friday that Iranian hackers sent a spear phishing email in June to a high-ranking official on a presidential campaign. Microsoft did not identify the campaign targeted by the email and declined to comment Saturday. POLITICO has not independently verified the identity of the hacker or their motivation, and a Trump campaign spokesperson, Steven Cheung, declined to say if they had further information substantiating the campaign's suggestion that it was targeted by Iran.

These documents were obtained illegally from foreign sources hostile to the United States, intended to interfere with the 2024 election and sow chaos throughout our Democratic process, Cheung said. On Friday, a new report from Microsoft found that Iranian hackers broke into the account of a high ranking official on the U.S. presidential campaign in June 2024, which coincides with the close timing of President Trumps selection of a vice presidential nominee.

Cheung declined to say whether the campaign had been in contact with Microsoft or law enforcement about the breach, saying it would not discuss such conversations.

On July 22, POLITICO began receiving emails from an anonymous account. Over the course of the past few weeks, the person  who used an AOL email account and identified themselves only as Robert  relayed what appeared to be internal communications from a senior Trump campaign official. A research dossier the campaign had apparently done on Trumps running mate, Ohio Sen. JD Vance, which was dated Feb. 23, was included in the documents. The documents are authentic, according to two people familiar with them and granted anonymity to describe internal communications. One of the people described the dossier as a preliminary version of Vances vetting file.



The research dossier was a 271-page document based on publicly available information about Vances past record and statements, with some  such as his past criticisms of Trump  identified in the document as POTENTIAL VULNERABILITIES. The person also sent part of a research document about Florida Sen. Marco Rubio, who was also a finalist for the vice presidential nomination.

The person said they had a variety of documents from [Trumps] legal and court documents to internal campaign discussions.

Asked how they obtained the documents, the person responded: I suggest you don't be curious about where I got them from. Any answer to this question, will compromise me and also legally restricts you from publishing them.

The scope of the information obtained by the hacker is unclear. But it represents a major security breach for Trumps campaign.

Last month, reports emerged of the U.S. intelligence community receiving increasing evidence suggesting Iran was working on plots to kill Trump in retaliation for his decision to order the assassination of Iranian military officer Qassem Soleimani in 2020. There is no indication that the shooter who targeted Trump at a rally last month was connected to the plot.

In his statement Saturday, Cheung pointed to those reports, saying, The Iranians know that President Trump will stop their reign of terror just like he did in his first four years in the White House.

Iranian government officials could not immediately be reached for comment.

In 2016, top Democratic Party officials were hacked ahead of the presidential election. The breach resulted in the leak of embarrassing emails documenting the inner workings of the party and former Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clintons campaign. National security officials later blamed Russia for orchestrating the hacking effort. Many of those emails were later disseminated to WikiLeaks, a website that publishes leaked documents, and were published in the run-up to Election Day with an eye toward embarrassing Clintons political operation.

In 2017, the Justice Department launched an investigation into Russian interference in the election and what role Trump associates played in the hacking effort. Special counsel Robert Mueller ultimately concluded he lacked sufficient evidence to seek criminal charges against Trump or his campaign for allegedly conspiring with the Russians. However, he described a Trump campaign that encouraged the hack and was eager to capitalize on the materials, and he described significant efforts by Trump and some allies that hampered investigators ability to obtain key communications and testimony that might have shed more light on the matter.

Kyle Cheney contributed to this report.
The News

Donald Trumps campaign says it has been hacked, with some internal communications stolen and leaked to Politico over the last month.

The Trump campaign blamed Iran for the hack, and referred to a Microsoft report published Friday that hackers tied to the Iranian government had tried to break into the account of a high-level presidential campaign official.

These documents were obtained illegally from foreign sources hostile to the United States, intended to interfere with the 2024 election and sow chaos throughout our Democratic process, Trump spokesperson Steven Cheung said in a statement to Semafor, noting recent reports of an Iranian plot to assassinate the former president. The Iranians know that President Trump will stop their reign of terror, just like he did in his first four years in the White House. Any media or news outlet reprinting documents or internal communications are doing the bidding of Americas enemies and doing exactly what they want.

The extent of the hacked material remains unclear, and the person responsible for sending out the information used an anonymous AOL account. Politico characterized one document as a research dossier the campaign apparently conducted on JD Vance, Trumps-now running mate. Others were described as internal communications from a top campaign official.

Irans deep enmity to Trump is rooted in two of his administrations actions: Withdrawing in 2018 from a deal aimed at containing its nuclear program in exchange for looser sanctions; and assassinating Qasem Soleimani, a central figure in Irans security apparatus, in Iraq in 2020.

The Harris campaign declined to respond on the record to an inquiry about how they believed the hacked material should be handled.

But US officials have been bracing for foreign interference. An intelligence committee assessment listed a range of countries, including Iran, as likely attackers.

Past is prologue, and our foreign adversaries are more motivated than ever to try and interfere in our elections, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, Trumps 2016 rival and the most famous victim of such an attack, told Semafor this March.

Know More

The apparent state-sponsored hack is a repeat of 2016, when Russian operatives obtained nearly 20,000 emails from the Democratic National Committee and released them to the public through WikiLeaks, according to Robert Muellers investigation of the incident. Then, Trump welcomed the revelations  which ranged from claims of bias against Bernie Sanders campaign to fundraising details  and called publicly for more.

Russia, if youre listening, I hope youre able to find the 30,000 emails that are missing, I think you will probably be rewarded mightily by our press, he said after the first wave of hacks. I love WikiLeaks, he said on October 10, after a larger wave of leaks.

Some in Trumps party also warned at the time that this set a dangerous precedent.

Today it is the Democrats. Tomorrow, it could be us, Senator Marco Rubio said at the time. The latest hack reportedly included information related to Rubios vetting as a potential running mate for Trump.

The View From the Trump Campaign

The campaigns exposure could be more limited than they might have been in the past: The Trump campaign has long preached to staffers to be careful of what is put into email, with the knowledge that bad actors could target the campaign, a person familiar with its internal workings said. Many political professionals have used encrypted messaging apps for much of their communications since 2016. The Trump campaign also has an in-house cybersecurity team, the person said.

The View From Democrats

While Harriss campaign wouldnt comment on the leak, many Democrats believe that Trump has sacrificed whatever special consideration other candidates might get over a hack.

What I struggle w/ is how much the Trump team goaded reporters into writing on Hillary teams emails, wrote Caitlin Legacki, a Democratic strategist and former Biden administration official. Trump literally asked Russia to leak more and refused to agree to not use leaked materials in subsequent elections. Its a tough call, but what goes around comes around.

There SHOULD be a lot of lessons learned from 2016, but I just dont think these people have earned the right to benefit from them, she wrote.

One of the hacks worst victims, former Clinton aide Neera Tanden who is director of the Domestic Policy Council, merely tweeted Oh. My. God. in response to this editors reservations about the new hack.



Bens view

Norms in politics and traditional media have shifted after the last eight years, and hacked information is treated more gingerly, less breathlessly, than it was when the hack helped derail Clintons campaign.

And the biggest immediate story here is the apparent, intensifying Iranian effort to defeat Trump, a bigger story than the latest inflammatory JD Vance blog items.

But the hacked material wont, and shouldnt be, off limits to journalists. Organizations regularly publish information leaked by sources with questionable motives, including hackers. Last year, in fact, Semafor published detailed revelations about an Iranian government effort to influence American politics, based on apparently hacked documents.

Well approach the Trump documents, if theyre publicly available, in a similar way: Not as hot scoops  Politico, notoriously, live-blogged the WikiLeaks revelations  but as information that, if verified, can shed light on important subjects of public interest, but without ignoring their source.

And, of course, news organizations exercise even less control over the public sphere than they did in 2016.

The platform now known as X, controlled by Trump ally Elon Musk, ended its attempts to filter hacked or leaked political material after being widely criticized for attempting to limit access to the contents of Hunter Bidens laptop, which included both questions of public interest and sex tapes.

Whatever institutional players do, however, consumers may be more accustomed to hacks and leaks, and more sophisticated about what they mean, than they were in 2016.

Notable

The Mueller Report describes the Russian hacking and Wikleaks distribution on pages 36 to 62.

CNN warned journalists not to download hacked material for fear of malware, but news organizations have otherwise been silent, Max Tani reported.

In 2017, Russian hackers targeted French President Emmanuel Macron, with little effect; the French resistance to that incident is now treated as a case study.

Small world: The company that first attributed the DNC hack to Russia is the same one, CrowdStrike, that was to blame for a massive computer outage last month.
Republican presidential nominee and former U.S. President Donald Trump and his running mate JD Vance hold a campaign rally in Atlanta, Georgia

Republican presidential nominee and former U.S. President Donald Trump and his running mate JD Vance hold a campaign rally in Atlanta, Georgia

By Kanishka Singh and Nathan Layne

WASHINGTON (Reuters) -Donald Trump's U.S. presidential campaign said on Saturday some of its internal communications were hacked and blamed the Iranian government, citing past hostilities between Trump and Iran without providing direct evidence.

The Republican's campaign statement came shortly after news website Politico reported it had begun receiving emails in July from an anonymous source offering authentic documents from inside Trump's operation, including a report about running mate JD Vance's "potential vulnerabilities."

"These documents were obtained illegally from foreign sources hostile to the United States, intended to interfere with the 2024 election and sow chaos throughout our Democratic process," Trump campaign spokesperson Steven Cheung said in a statement.

Late on Saturday, Trump posted on his Truth Social app that Microsoft had just informed the campaign that Iran had hacked one of its websites. He cast blame on Iran, adding they were "only able to get publicly available information." He did not elaborate further on the hack.

Reuters has not independently verified the identity of the alleged hackers or their motivation.

The Trump campaign referred to a Friday report from Microsoft researchers that said Iranian government-tied hackers tried breaking into the account of a "high-ranking official" on a U.S. presidential campaign in June. The hackers had taken over an account belonging to a former political advisor and then used it to target the official, the report said. That report did not provide further details on the targets' identities.

A Microsoft spokesperson declined to name the targeted officials or provide additional details after the report was published.

Iran's permanent mission to the United Nations in New York said in an email that "the Iranian government neither possesses nor harbors any intent or motive to interfere in the United States presidential election."

"We do not accord any credence to such reports," it added in response to the Trump campaign's allegations.

On Friday, in response to Microsoft's findings, Iran's U.N. mission told Reuters its cyber capabilities were "defensive and proportionate to the threats it faces," and that it had no plans to launch cyberattacks.

The former president had tense relations with Iran while in office. Under Trump, the United States killed Iranian military commander Qassem Soleimani in 2020 and withdrew from a multilateral Iran nuclear deal.

"The Iranians know that President Trump will stop their reign of terror just like he did in his first four years in the White House," Cheung said.

Trump survived an assassination attempt in July. While there have been no suggestions that the suspect was linked to Iran, CNN reported last month that the U.S. had intelligence about an Iranian plot against Trump. Iran has denied such charges.

Late last month, a senior intelligence official told reporters in a briefing that Tehran and Moscow maintain their same presidential preferences as in past cycles, where Iranian operatives will attempt to tear down the Republican ticket while Russia has made efforts to smear Democrats, according to prior intelligence community assessments.

(Reporting by Kanishka Singh, Nathan Layne and Christopher Bing; Editing by Rod Nickel and William Mallard)
Trump campaign says it was hacked and had documents stolen as leaders point the finger at Iran

Donald Trumps campaign said on Saturday that some of its internal communications had been hacked after Politico began receiving emails from an anonymous account that included internal campaign documents.

Citing a Microsoft report published on Friday that Iranian hackers sent a spear phishing email in June to a high-ranking official on a presidential campaign, the campaign blamed foreign sources hostile to the United States.

In the report, Microsoft did not identify the campaign targeted by the email and declined to comment when approached by Politico.

There has been no independent verification of the identity of the hacker by the outlet, nor of their motivation.

Trump campaign spokesperson Steven Cheung would not say if they were privy to any further information about the culprit being Iran.

These documents were obtained illegally from foreign sources hostile to the United States, intended to interfere with the 2024 election and sow chaos throughout our democratic process, Cheung said.

Donald Trumps campaign says it has been hacked and internal documents were stolen. (AFP via Getty Images)

On Friday, a new report from Microsoft found that Iranian hackers broke into the account of a high ranking official on the US presidential campaign in June 2024, which coincides with the close timing of President Trumps selection of a vice presidential nominee.

Cheung declined to state if the campaign had been in contact with Microsoft or law enforcement about the hack.

Late on Saturday, Trump wrote on Truth Social: We were just informed by Microsoft Corporation that one of our many websites was hacked by the Iranian Government - Never a nice thing to do! They were only able to get publicly available information but, nevertheless, they shouldnt be doing anything of this nature.

He continued: Iran and others will stop at nothing, because our Government is Weak and Ineffective, but it wont be for long. What Iran doesnt realize is that I will make the World a better and safer place, and thats good for them, also!

Politico began receiving emails from an anonymous AOL account from a person identifying themself as Robert on July 22.

The emails included what appeared to be internal communications from a senior campaign official as well as a research dossier prepared for the campaign on Trumps running mate, Ohio Senator JD Vance, dated from February 23.

Two people familiar with the documents verified their authenticity after being granted anonymity and one described the 271-page dossier of Vances publicly available record and statements as a preliminary version of his vetting file. It included potential vulnerabilities such as his past criticism of Trump.

Another document was a partial research dossier on Florida Senator Marco Rubio, whose name was also floated as a possible running mate for Trump.

The emails sent to the media stolen from the campaign included what appeared to be internal communications from a senior campaign official as well as a research dossier prepared for the campaign on Trumps running mate, Ohio Senator JD Vance, dated from February 23. (AP)

Robert told Politico that they had a variety of documents from [Trumps] legal and court documents to internal campaign discussions.

When asked how they were able to obtain the documents, Robert responded: I suggest you dont be curious about where I got them from. Any answer to this question, will compromise me and also legally restricts you from publishing them.

If it is a genuine hack of the Trump campaign rather than the work of a disgruntled staffer it represents a serious security breach.

The report from the Microsoft Threat Analysis Center claims that groups connected to the Iranian government are ramping up their efforts to interfere with voters decision-making in the 2024 presidential election by targeting far-left and far-right individuals with fake news websites.

A separate effort, connected to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, sent a presidential campaign official a phishing email from the compromised email of a former senior adviser. That group also attempted to log into an account belonging to a former presidential candidate.

Microsoft says these hacking attempts may be part of a larger goal to gain intelligence on political campaigns to influence future elections.

As November draws closer, groups such as the Microsoft Threat Analysis Center are monitoring influence operations from specific groups around the world and are keeping a closer eye on the tactics they implore to attempt to influence the outcome of the election.

Iranian cyber-enabled influence operations have been a consistent feature of at least the last three US election cycles, the report says.
(Bloomberg) -- Republican nominee Donald Trump said he was informed by Microsoft Corp. that one of his campaign websites was hacked by the Iranian government, but said the hackers were only able to access publicly available information in the breach.

Most Read from Bloomberg

Nevertheless, they shouldnt be doing anything of this nature, Trump said in a post on his Truth Social network on Saturday. Iran and others will stop at nothing, because our Government is Weak and Ineffective, but it wont be for long.

The hack was first reported by Politico, which said it had begun receiving emails in July containing internal Trump campaign documents from an anonymous account. Those files, released over the course of a few weeks, included a dossier on Senator JD Vance, Trumps vice presidential pick, according to the report.

Microsoft directed a request for comment to its report and a blog post discussing its findings.

Trumps campaign acknowledged the hack earlier Saturday, casting it as an effort to interfere in Novembers presidential election against Vice President Kamala Harris, the Democratic nominee, and warning media outlets not to publish any materials they received from the breach.

These documents were obtained illegally from foreign sources hostile to the United States, intended to interfere with the 2024 election and sow chaos throughout our Democratic process, Trump campaign spokesman Steven Cheung said in a statement.

Any media or news outlet reprinting documents or internal communications are doing the bidding of Americas enemies and doing exactly what they want, Cheung added.

A report from Microsoft detailed increasing efforts by Iran to target the US election, including fake news sites to influence voter opinion and hacks to obtain intelligence on political campaigns.

Among the actions in the report was a so-called spear phishing email in June to a high-ranking official on a presidential campaign from the compromised email account of a former senior advisor. Microsoft, which didnt identify the campaign in its report, had said that attempt was from an Iranian group connected to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. The company had said it notified those targeted.

We do not accord any credence to such reports. The Iranian Government neither possesses nor harbors any intent or motive to interfere in the United States presidential election, Irans mission to the UN said in a statement about the Trump campaigns hack claims earlier Saturday, before the Republican nominees post.

Trumps spokesman Cheung had earlier said the hack coincided with the close timing of President Trumps selection of a Vice Presidential nominee. Trump announced his vice presidential choice in mid-July. Cheung also pointed to recent reports of an Iranian plot to assassinate the former president separate from the attempt on his life by a gunman at a Pennsylvania rally on July 13.

That Iranian threat appeared to be linked to a broader pattern of threats against former Trump administration officials stemming from the killing of Qassem Soleimani, the head of Irans Revolutionary Guard Corps, in January 2020  an attack ordered by then-President Trump.

--With assistance from Arsalan Shahla.

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

2024 Bloomberg L.P.
Former President Donald Trumps campaign said on Saturday that it had been hacked, blaming foreign sources to the United States, per a report from Politico. The campaign cited a Microsoft report from Friday that Iranian hackers sent a spear phishing email in June to a high-ranking official on a presidential campaign.

Trump campaign spokesperson Steven Cheung did not immediately respond to Rolling Stones request for comment. A spokesperson for Microsoft declined to comment, citing whats available in the aforementioned companys report and accompanying blog. According to Politicos report, it has not independently verified the identity of the hacker or the motivation.

These documents were obtained illegally from foreign sources hostile to the United States, intended to interfere with the 2024 election and sow chaos throughout our Democratic process, Cheung told Politico. On Friday, a new report from Microsoft found that Iranian hackers broke into the account of a high ranking official on the U.S. presidential campaign in June 2024, which coincides with the close timing of [former] President Trumps selection of a vice presidential nominee. Cheung declined to confirm with the outlet whether the campaign had communicated with Microsoft or law enforcement regarding the breach.

The campaign acknowledged on Saturday that it had been hacked following Politicos reporting that it had been receiving emails from an anonymous account containing documents from Trumps campaign beginning on July 22. A person named Robert shared what seemed to be internal communications from a senior Trump campaign person, including research on Trumps VP running mate, Sen. J.D. Vance, from Feb. 23. One source told Politico the dossier was an early document pertaining to vetting Vance.

The 271-page document included information of Vances prior statements and record, which also comprised his criticisms of Trump that were marked as potential vulnerabilities, per the publications report. Per Politico, the same person also sent partial research on Sen. Marco Rubio (R-FL), one of the candidates in consideration as a nominee for Trumps VP running mate at the time.

I suggest you dont be curious about where I got them from. Any answer to this question, will compromise me and also legally restricts you from publishing them, the person known as Robert allegedly behind the hack told Politico when asked how the information was procured.

It is unclear how much information the alleged hacker has obtained.

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WASHINGTON  Former President Donald Trumps campaign said Saturday that some internal documents and communications had been hacked and leaked to a news organization  and blamed it on foreign sources hostile to the United States intent on interfering with the presidential election.

The acknowledgment by the campaign came after Politico reported it had received emails from an anonymous account with documents that purported to be from inside the Trump campaign operation.

"These documents were obtained illegally from foreign sources hostile to the United States, intended to interfere with the 2024 election and sow chaos throughout our Democratic process, campaign spokesman Steven Cheung said in a statement to USA TODAY.

Cheung did not say why the campaign believed the hack came from hostile foreign operatives, or whether it had been briefed on any intrusions by U.S. intelligence or law enforcement agencies or private cybersecurity firms. But he cited a new report issued by Microsoft on Friday that said Iran is ramping up its digital election-meddling activity to try and influence the election, including by targeting one presidential campaign with a malicious email phishing attack.

More: Iran increasingly cyber-meddling in upcoming US election, Microsoft says in new warning

Cheung suggested Iran was responsible, saying, The Iranians know that President Trump will stop their reign of terror just like he did in his first four years in the White House. Any media or news outlet reprinting documents or internal communications are doing the bidding of Americas enemies and doing exactly what they want."

Microsoft had no comment on which campaign had been targeted by Iran. But it said an Iranian group connected with Tehrans Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, or IRGC, sent whats known as a spear phishing email in June to a high-ranking official on a presidential campaign from the compromised email account of a former senior advisor.

The Office of the Director of National Intelligence, which recently issued warnings about Iran's efforts to meddle in the U.S. presidential election, did not return requests seeking comment Saturday.

Spear phishing is a common method of cyberattack that hackers use to steal sensitive information or install malware on the devices of specific victims. They are considered very effective and difficult to prevent. Russian cyber operatives used the technique in 2016 to obtain and leak internal emails from a top campaign official for Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton.

Microsoft also said the same Iranian hacking group that targeted one of the current presidential campaigns also unsuccessfully attempted to log into an account belonging to a former presidential candidate. It did not specify which current presidential campaign or former presidential candidate was targeted. Weve since notified those targeted, it said in a statement accompanying its new report.

Cheung said the effort reported by Microsoft to target an unspecified campaign official coincides with the close timing of President Trumps selection of a Vice Presidential nominee. Trump announced his selection of Republican Senator JD Vance of Ohio on July 15.

POLITICO, which first reported the campaigns claim of a foreign intrusion, said it had not independently verified the identity of the hacker or their motivation. USA TODAY also could not corroborate the POLITICO report. USA TODAY has not received or examined copies of any documents.

A POLITICO spokesperson declined to comment.

In its report, POLITICO, said it began receiving emails July 22 from an anonymous account.

Over the course of the past few weeks, the person  who used an AOL email account and identified themselves only as Robert  relayed what appeared to be internal communications from a senior Trump campaign official, POLITICO said.

A research dossier the campaign had apparently done on Vance, dated Feb. 23, was included in the documents, said POLITICO, which said two people familiar with the documents verified that they were authentic.

One of the people described the dossier as a preliminary version of Vances vetting file, POLITICO said. The person emailing POLITICO also said they had a variety of documents from (Trumps) legal and court documents to internal campaign discussions, POLITICO reported.

'Russia, if you're listening'

Despite Cheungs call for any hacked documents not to be used, Trump all but invited Russia to hack his Democratic rival Hillary Clinton in 2016, saying he would "love to see" private emails from the former secretary of State. Trump welcomed such a scenario after Wikileaks published emails of Clinton campaign and Democratic National Committee officials that were hacked by Russia.

"Russia, if you're listening, I hope you're able to find the 30,000 emails that are missing," Trump told reporters at a news conference near Miami. "I think you will probably be rewarded mightily by our press."

Christropher Krebs, a top former cybersecurity in the Trump administration, said all Americans should be concerned about the reports of a new campaign hack from a foreign nation state.

"Buckle up," Krebs said in a series of posts on X, formerly known as Twitter. As the government's election security chief, Krebs was fired by Trump after describing the 2020 presidential election that Trump lost as the most secure in history.

"Someone is running the 2016 playbook, expect continued efforts to stoke fires in society and go after election systems. ... Im taking this seriously & have it on good authority its the real deal. You should too."

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Trump campaign blames 'hostile' foreign hackers for internal document leak
Former President Trumps campaign said some of its internal communications were recently hacked by foreign sources.

The breach was first reported by Politico after the outlet received emails from an anonymous account with documents from the Trump campaign.

The campaign said the leak came from foreign sources hostile to the United States. His campaign pointed to a report released Friday from Microsoft that said Iran is targeting the 2024 election.

These documents were obtained illegally from foreign sources hostile to the United States, intended to interfere with the 2024 election and sow chaos throughout our Democratic process, Trump campaign spokesperson Steven Cheung said in a statement to The Hill.

Cheung said the report from Microsoft found Iranian hackers broke into the account of a high ranking official on the presidential campaign in June 2024.

After Trumps assassination attempt last month at a Pennsylvania rally, the Biden administration claimed that Iran made threats to kill the former president. Irans Foreign Ministry denied the reports, calling them malicious.

Cheung noted the timing of the campaign hack and the Iranian plot to assassinate President Trump around the same time as the Butler, PA tragedy.

The Iranians know that President Trump will stop their reign of terror just like he did in his first four years in the White House, Cheung said. Any media or news outlet reprinting documents or internal communications are doing the bidding of Americas enemies and doing exactly what they want.

Politico said it began receiving emails from an AOL email account from someone identified as Robert on July 22.

In the documents shared with the outlet was a research dossier from February on Trumps running mate Sen. JD Vance (R-Ohio). A similar document was sent about Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), who was also on Trumps VP shortlist.

Robert told Politico that they had a variety of documents from Trumps legal battles and internal campaign discussions.

When asked how they obtained the documents, the person told the outlet, I suggest you dont be curious about where I got them from. Any answer to this question, will compromise me and also legally restricts you from publishing them.

Its not known how much information the hacker was able to obtain, but it shows the Trump campaign experienced a large security breach, the outlet reported.

In a post on Truth Social late Saturday night, Trump claimed Microsoft confirmed to his campaign that one of their websites was hacked by Iran.

We were just informed by Microsoft Corporation that one of our many websites was hacked by the Iranian Government  Never a nice thing to do! he wrote. They were only able to get publicly available information but, nevertheless, they shouldnt be doing anything of this nature. Iran and others will stop at nothing, because our Government is Weak and Ineffective, but it wont be for long. What Iran doesnt realize is that I will make the World a better and safer place, and thats good for them, also!

Updated at 11:26 p.m. EST.

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(Bloomberg) -- Donald Trump hit back at Democratic attacks that have mocked him and his running mate, Senator JD Vance of Ohio, as weird and called his opponents freakish in a bid to reset a presidential race that has seen his campaign lose ground.

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Were very solid people, Trump said rejecting the weird moniker first deployed by Vice President Kamala Harris running mate, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, to describe the GOP ticket and its policies  a jab that was embraced by Democrats. Its not a word thats really used too much in politics, but its a terrible thing that they could do this. Its just a sound bite.

Trump defended Vance, who has faced criticism since his selection for the GOP ticket and spurred concerns among Republicans about his candidacy.

Hes really stepped up. I said, you got your sea legs, you know, because the first day they were hitting him with a lot of nonsense, Trump said.

The former president also issued a barb of his own, calling Walz a man whos very freakish.

Trump, at a rally in Bozeman, Montana on Friday  his first in nearly a week and the first since Harris clinched the Democratic nomination  tested out new insults for his opponents, calling Harris dumb and a bumbling, communist lunatic.

The rally in Big Sky country came just hours after Harris and Walz held a campaign event in Arizona  their latest stop on a multi-day swing-state blitz.

Harris at the rally sought to address one of her biggest political liabilities  voter discontent with President Joe Bidens handling of the economy  pledging to combat corporations who are increasing costs for consumers, including pharmaceutical companies, landlords and companies that engage in illegal price gouging.

Unlike Donald Trump, I will always put the middle class and working families first, Harris said.

Trump has been under pressure to shake up the race with national polls now showing Harris ahead and the Democratic nominee looking to gain an advantage in battleground states, including some that were a reach for her party when Biden was atop their ticket.

While Harris has been barnstorming the country this week, Trump by contrast has relied on media interviews and an hour-long press conference Thursday from his Mar-a-Lago resort to steal back the spotlight. At the press event, he proposed three debates with Harris  one of which, a Sept. 10 forum hosted by ABC News  she accepted.

Senior campaign advisers also briefed reporters on strategy and the state of the race Thursday, seeking to undercut the perception that Trump is on the backfoot and insisting Harris rise in polling will be short-lived.

Still, the Republican nominee has shown signs of frustration that a campaign geared toward removing Biden from office now has a new opponent with just three months until Election Day, even as he has said during his press conference that he was not complaining.

Trump initially struggled to settle on a line of attack, taking on Harris with language laden with racist and sexist overtones, and questioning the racial identity of a candidate seeking to become the first Black woman and first Asian-American president in US history. That approach threatened to undercut a months-long effort to reach out to Black voters and appeal to suburban women.

The former president has kept up the torrent of criticism, focusing now on casting Harris and Walz as too far to the left for American voters  an approach echoed by other Republicans.

Trump and Vance have also assailed Harris for not sitting for an interview with media since accepting her partys nomination. On Wednesday, Vance shadowed Harris during visits to Michigan and Wisconsin, two battleground states  including an awkward exchange where he approached reporters near her plane.

Trumps return to the trail on Friday comes in a state that is solidly in the GOP presidential column. Montana, however, boasts a critical-down ballot Senate race that is one of the most competitive  and expensive  of the cycle. Republicans are seeking to unseat incumbent Democrat Jon Tester, who faces a tough challenge from Trump-backed former Navy SEAL and aerospace company founder Tim Sheehy.

Harris campaign tour will take her on Saturday to Las Vegas, where turning out Democratic voters will be critical to winning swing-state Nevada. Shell also attend a fundraiser in San Francisco on Sunday.

--With assistance from Akayla Gardner.

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Former President Trump went after Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz (D) during his Friday evening rally in Montana, calling the Democratic vice-presidential nominee freakish.

Tim Walz is the man whos very freakish, hes very freakish, Trump said during the event in Bozeman, Mont., just hours after his plane was diverted due to a mechanical issue.

If Comrade Walz and Comrade [Vice President] Harris win this November, the people cheering will be the pink-haired Marxists, the looters, the perverts, the flag-burners, Hamas supporters, drug dealers, gun grabbers and human traffickers, he added, drawing cheers and laughs from the crowd.

His latest rebuke of the Minnesota governor comes after Harris announced Walz as her running mate earlier this week, following intense speculation as to whom she would choose. The vice president has been garnering enthusiasm and support from key Democratic allies since she stepped into the race late last month, following President Bidens decision to withdraw his candidacy.

The Harris-Walz campaign has leaned heavily on painting Trump and his own running mate, Sen. JD Vance (R-Ohio), as weird. The former president has wasted no time denouncing the insult and throwing the phrase back toward his Democratic rivals.

Then he said, You know, I think JD Vance is weird, Trump said, referring to Walz, the originator of the comment. You know, its a word that they use. I think he calls me that too. No, were not weird, were very solid people.

At a rally in Philadelphia earlier this week, Walz said that he had to say it.

You know it. You feel it. These guys are creepy and, yes, just weird as hell, the Democratic governor said. Thats what you see.

If Trump gets a chance to return, hes going to pick up exactly where he left off four years ago. Only this time, it will be much, much worse, he added.

Democrats across the partys ideological spectrum have largely applauded the choice of Walz as Harris VP, from Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) to Sen. Michael Bennet (D-Colo.).

Governor Tim Walz has been a longtime champion for ending child poverty, Bennet said Tuesday in a post on the social platform X. Together, we can send him and VP Harris to the White House and build an economy that when it grows, grows for everyone, not just the people at the top.

The Hill has reached out to the Harris campaign.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Trump persists in questioning Harriss race as his campaign flounders since shooting: I think I was right

Donald Trump doubled down on his questions about Kamala Harriss race - which have drawn a strong rebuke - saying I think I was right.

The revelation comes in a sprawling New York Times report detailing the Trump campaigns missteps and difficulties in the last three weeks. Trump had seemingly everything in his favor after the attempt on his life and the start of the Republican National Convention.

But, President Joe Biden dropped out of the race paving the way for Vice President Harris to ascend to the top of the Democratic ticket. It was a move that has put the Trump campaign on its heels as Harris has surged in polls and momentum.

The Trump campaign denied the Times report that the Republican nominee has seen struggles in his campaign. Still, several examples show the potential pitfalls Trump has encountered in recent weeks.

Donald Trump doubled down on questioning Kamala Harriss race during a recent fundraiser telling attendees he thought he was right, according to a report. (AP)

Trump faced widespread criticism after questioning Harriss background during a panel interview with Black journalists in Chicago. There, Trump said I didnt know she was Black until a number of years ago when she happened to turn Black and now she wants to be known as Black. So, I dont know, is she Indian or is she Black?

That comment drew outrage from both sides of the political aisle.

However, during an August 2 Hamptons, New York, fundraising dinner, Trump didnt change his tune, according to the Times.

I think I was right, the former president told those in attendance.

Trump was also asked how he planned to take the election narrative back from the Democrats and what his positive vision was for the country.

Instead of answering, Trump criticized Harris and then added: I am who I am.

During the dinner, Trump continued his assault on the media - this time complaining that he had a meltdown since the attempt on his life during a July 13 rally in Pennsylvania. One attendee said Trump was angry because they - assumed to be Democrats - tried to have him killed and bankrupt him.

Those close to Trump reported he has been in a bad mood for weeks, according to the Times. That includes calling Harris nasty during an appearance on Fox & Friends. He also called her a bitch in private.

The Trump campaign strongly denied that claim to the Times saying it was not language the Republican nominee would use to describe his rival.

Trump has also fielded calls from donors who are upset about his running mate, JD Vance, and the Ohio senators previous comments including referring to Harris as a childless cat lady.

Trump dismissed calls for Vance to be replaced on the ticket, but he also asked advisers if they were aware of the comments before Vance was selected.

At the Hamptons dinner, Trump also downplayed the Democrats strategy of painting the GOP as weird.

Not about me. Theyre saying that about JD, Trump said, according to the Times.

Publicly, Trump has supported Vance as the vice president nominee hits the campaign trail as Trump remains mostly absent from campaign stops. Vance has seen his approval ratings dip, as the Trump campaign has fallen behind in polls since Harris took the nomination.

Trumps team denied a report that his campaign has struggled in recent weeks and that the former president has been angry in private. (AP)

Trump has questioned those close to him about whether Harris can keep her momentum in the race. Pollster Tony Fabrizio told campaign staff that polls would get worse before they got better, but stressed the race had not fundamentally changed.

Fabrizio said voters will saddle Harris with Bidens policies and her backing of a liberal approach to criminal justice. That will cause a dip in her polls, but not for three weeks, according to the Times.

The Trump campaign denied the Times report telling the outlet that Trump continues to run a winning campaign and has built a movement focused on making our nation great again.

Spokesman Steven Cheung, also said that Trump has put forward a positive vision for the country, in contrast to the liberal policies of the Democrats.
A mechanical issue caused the pilots flying Donald Trumps private plane (pictured 2016) to make an emergency landing in Billings, Mont., with the former president aboard. File Photo by Dennis Van Tine/UPI

Aug. 10 (UPI) -- A mechanical issue caused the pilots flying Donald Trump's private plane to make an emergency landing in Billings, Mont., with the former president aboard.

The Boeing 757 touched down in Billings at 2:29 p.m. MDT Friday.

Officials did not comment on the nature of the mechanical issues but Secret Service agents did a sweep of the entire airport before Trump was able to leave the jet.

Trump then took a smaller private jet to West Yellowstone Airport to attend a planned rally on the campus of Montana State University in Bozeman.

Following the emergency landing, Donald Trump then took a smaller private jet to West Yellowstone Airport to attend a planned rally on the campus of Montana State University in Bozeman. File Photo by Tannen Maury/UPI

The former president was there supporting former Navy SEAL Tim Sheehy, the Republican candidate for one of the state's Senate seats. Sheehy is running against Democrat Sen. Jon Tester, who announced in February he would seek a fourth term in the tightly-contested district.

The race between Tester and Sheehy has also been one of the most expensive of the election cycle.

Donald Trump was in Bozeman, Mont., supporting former Navy SEAL Tim Sheehy, the Republican candidate for one of the states Senate seats. Photo by Tannen Maury/UPI

"We need the Senate," Trump told the crowd at the Brick Breeden Fieldhouse multiple times Friday evening, stressing the importance of the current slim Democratic majority in the upper chamber.

He then shifted his focus, attacking his opponents on the Democratic presidential ticket, Vice President Kamala Harris and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz.

Republican Senate candidate Tim Sheehy is running against incumbent Sen. Jon Tester, D-Mont. (pictured), who announced in February he would seek a fourth term in the tightly-contested district. File Photo by Jemal Countess/UPI

"The people cheering will be the pink-haired Marxists, the looters, the perverts, the flag burners, Hamas supporters, drug dealers, gun-grabbers and human traffickers," Trump told the crowd, painting a picture of a Harris-Walz win Nov. 5.

Trump is planning campaign fundraisers Saturday in Jackson Hole, Wyo., and Aspen, Colo. He then will return to his home at Mar-a-Lago in Palm Beach, Fla.
BOZEMAN, Mont. (AP)  Donald Trumps plane was diverted on its way to Bozeman, Montana, due to a mechanical issue but landed safely in nearby Billings, according to a staff member at the Billings airport.

The former president was heading to Bozeman for a Friday night rally in support of Republican Senate candidate Tim Sheehy, who is challenging Democratic Sen. Jon Tester.

Trumps campaign posted a video of him upon landing in which he said he was glad to be in Montana but did not mention anything about the landing.

THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. APs earlier story follows below.

BOZEMAN, Mont. (AP)  With control of the Senate potentially at stake, Donald Trump is visiting Montana on Friday hoping to remedy some unfinished business from 2018, when he campaigned repeatedly in Big Sky Country in a failed bid to oust incumbent Democratic Sen. Jon Tester.

Tester has tried to convince voters hes aligned with Trump on many issues, mirroring his successful strategy from six years ago. While that worked in a non-presidential election year, it faces a more critical test this fall with Testers opponent, former Navy SEAL Tim Sheehy, trying to link the three-term incumbent to Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris.

Harris has benefitted nationally from a burst of enthusiasm among core Democratic constituencies, who coalesced quickly around her after President Joe Biden withdrew from the campaign last month. Shes drawn big crowds in swing states, touring this week with Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, her choice to be her vice presidential nominee.

Trumps only rally this week, meanwhile, will be in a state he won by 16 percentage points four years ago rather than a November battleground. Facing new pressure in the race from a candidate with surging enthusiasm, Trump on Thursday called questions about his lack of swing state stops stupid.

I dont have to go there because Im leading those states, he said. Im going because I want to help senators and congressmen get elected.

He will add on fundraising stops in Wyoming and Colorado.

Trump could be decisive in Montanas Senate race

Fridays rally at Montana State University, which starts at 8 p.m. Mountain time, is expected to draw thousands of GOP supporters. Yet the former presidents bigger impact could be simply having his name above Sheehys on the ballot in November, said University of Montana political analyst Rob Saldin.

There is a segment of the electorate that will turn out when Trump is on the ticket, Saldin said. And that could benefit Sheehy, a Trump supporter and newcomer to politics who made a fortune off an aerial firefighting business.

Republicans have been on a roll in Montana for more than a decade and now hold every statewide office except for Testers.

Tester won each of his previous Senate contests by a narrow margin, casting himself as a plainspoken farmer who builds personal connections with people in Montana and is willing to break with his party on issues that matter to them. Hes also become a prolific fundraiser.

The race has drawn national attention with Democrats clinging to a razor-thin majority in the Senate and defending far more seats than the GOP this year. Tester is considered among the most vulnerable Democratic incumbents.

For him to win, large numbers of Trump supporters would have to vote a split ticket and get behind the Democratic senator.

Trumps drive to oust Tester traces back to the lawmakers work in 2018 as chairman of the Senate Committee on Veterans Affairs. Tester revealed past misconduct by Trumps personal physician, Ronny Jackson, that sank Jacksons nomination to lead the Veterans Affairs Department

Then-President Trump took the matter personally and came to Montana four times to campaign for Republican Matt Rosendale, who was then the state auditor. Rosendale lost by 3 percentage points.

Tester has positioned himself apart from national Democrats

Before Trumps latest visit, Tester has sought to insulate himself against charges that hes part of the Democratic establishment by rolling out the names of Republicans who support him, including former Montana Gov. Marc Racicot. His campaign highlighted more than 20 pieces of legislation, many dealing with veterans issues, that Tester sponsored and Trump signed.

Tester also was the sole Democratic delegate from Montana to withhold a vote backing Harris as the partys presidential candidate in the wake of Bidens withdrawal. And when the Democratic National Convention takes place later this month in Chicago, Tester will be back in Montana farming and meeting face to face with Montanans, campaign spokesperson Harry Child said.

The last time Tester attended the Democratic National Convention was in 2008. Thats also the last time a Democratic presidential candidate came anywhere near winning Montana, with President Barack Obama losing by just over 2 percentage points.

A similar situation is developing in Ohio, where three-term Democratic Sen. Sherrod Brown faces a tough race in a state expected to vote for Trump.

Harris visited Ohio when the two were Senate colleagues to raise money for Browns 2018 campaign, but Brown has said he has no plans to campaign with her this year. Like Tester, Brown has highlighted legislation he worked on that Trump signed into law.

Fridays rally takes place in Gallatin County, which Tester has become increasingly reliant on over the course of his political career.

He lost the county in his first Senate race, in 2006, but his support has since grown. A substantial margin of victory in Gallatin in 2018 helped push him ahead of Rosendale.

Republican Don Seifert, a former Gallatin County commissioner, said he voted for Tester that year and plans to do so again this year.

Seifert backed Trump in 2016 and said he has continued to support other Republicans, including Montana Gov. Greg Gianforte and Sen. Steve Daines.

Montanans tend to vote for the person over the party, Seifert said. For the state of Montana, Jon is the one that can do what we need.

But Sheehy says Tester has lost touch with his home state and fallen into step with Democrats in Washington. The Republican said in a message this week to supporters that Tester was responsible for the rise of Kamala Harris because he served as chairman of the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee from 2015 to 2017, when she was elected to the Senate from California.

Tester has outraised Sheehy by more than three-to-one in campaign donations reported to the Federal Election Commission. However, outside groups supporting Sheehy have helped the Republican make up much of that gap. Spending in the race is on track to exceed $200 million as advertisements from the two sides saturate Montanas airwaves.

__

Associated Press reporter Julie Smyth contributed from Columbus, Ohio.

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Former President Trumps plane, dubbed Trump Force One, was diverted Friday on its way to his rally in Montana due to a mechanical problem.

The plane, heading to Bozeman, Mt., touched down safely instead at Billings Logan International Airport, the staff confirmed to The Associated Press.

Jenny Mockel, an administrative assistant at the airport in Billings, Mt., told the news wire that the former president would use a private jet to continue to his campaign event in Bozeman  a little over two hours away.

Trump is holding a campaign rally in the Treasure State Friday evening. The event is largely seen as a platform for the former president to target Montana Sen. Jon Tester, the last-standing Democrat elected statewide. Polling shows Tester is locked in a tight race against GOP businessman Tim Sheehy, who was backed by the GOP presidential nominee.

An Emerson College Polling/The Hill survey, released earlier this week, shows Sheehy with a 2-point lead over Tester, 48 percent to 46 percent. Another 5 percent were undecided.

In a video posted to social media platform X by Trump aide Margo Martin, the former president said he just landed in a really beautiful place, Montana.

So beautiful flying over you just look down, and thats the way its supposed to be, he added in the video.

Trumps Montana rally is the only campaign event he has this week. Vice President Harris has outpaced him in terms of campaign rallies this week, in which she will hold five alone.

Harris has garnered large amounts of enthusiasm and fundraising as she has ascended to the top of the Democratic ticket. Her campaign said that 14,000 people attended her rally in Philadelphia on Tuesday and 15,000 attended another in Detroit on Wednesday night.

Trump boasts a 15-point lead over the vice president, the poll from Emerson/The Hill found. But Harriss 40 percent support is a notable 5-point improvement from the 35 percent President Biden garnered back in March.

The Hill has reached out to Billings Logan International Airport and the Trump campaign.

The Associated Press contributed reporting.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Donald Trump speaks during a press conference at the Mar-a-Lago estate on Aug. 8, 2024, in Palm Beach, Florida. Credit - Joe RaedleGetty Images

Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump responded to the Democratic partys apparent new strategy against him and his running mate Ohio Sen. J.D. Vance: calling them weird.

At a rally in Montana on Friday, the former President reacted to Democratic vice presidential nominee Tim Walz using the term to describe them. No, we're not weird. We're very solid people. We want to have strong borders. We want to have good elections...  Trump said. I think we're the opposite of weird. Theyre weird.

Trump went on to claim that Kamala Harris' campaign team is work[ing] with the press to come up with soundbites of he and Vance being called weird.

Its unbelievable. You know its not a word thats really used too much in politics, Trump said. No, J.D. Vance is a great patriot.

Trump shared a video of his comments on his Truth Social account in the early hours of Saturday morning.

At a Pennsylvania rally on Aug. 6, during Minnesota Gov. Tim Walzs first speech as official running mate to Vice President Harris, he debuted by calling Trump and Vance weird, remarking that they are creepy and weird as hell.

Read More: 'Just Plain Weird: Harris Embraces a New Label for Trump

In his Friday speech, Trump listed multiple policies Walz signed into law while Governor, including his support for a 2024 state law that requires all Minnesota public schools to provide menstrual products in bathrooms.

Think of the things I just said, and he says J.D. Vance is weird, Trump said.

Vice President Kamala Harris, the Democratic presidential candidate, and Democratic vice presidential nominee Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz at a campaign event on Aug. 6, 2024. Andrew HarnikGetty Images

Walz used the weird label when addressing the Republican candidates in July.

These guys are just weird. Theyre running for He-Man women-haters club or something. Thats what they go at. Thats not what people are interested in, Walz said on MSNBC on July 23.

Walz had previously used the term to describe some Republicans, but his appearance on MSNBC seemingly set the Democrats on a track to embracing the term party-wide.

Read More: How Weird Became a Main Campaign Attackfor Democrats and Republicans

J.D. Vance speaks at a campaign rally at Radford University in Virginia on July 22, 2024. Alex WongGetty Images

Vance also responded to the weird charge in an interview with Dana Bash on CNNs State of the Union on Aug. 11, calling it fundamentally school yard bully stuff.

Theyre name-calling instead of actually telling the American people how theyre going to make their lives better, he said. I think thats weird, Dana, but look, they can call me whatever they want to. Vance chalked up the use of weird to be less about him and Trump, and more about his opponents not being comfortable in their own skin, because theyre uncomfortable with their policy positions for the American people.

Interestingly, Trump has also used the term weird to describe Harris in the past, but the word is now being used repeatedly about himself and his running mate, Vance.

Contact us at letters@time.com.
Vice President Harris is up 4 points on former President Trump in three battleground states with less than three months left until the election, according to new polling from The New York Times/Siena College.

The survey, published Saturday morning, found that Harris has taken the lead over the former president in Michigan, Wisconsin and Pennsylvania, garnering 50 percent support to Trumps 46 percent in the hypothetical matchup.

Harriss numbers mark a significant improvement to former President Bidens in the same swing states.

In two separate NYT/Siena surveys earlier this year, Biden garnered 45 percent support to Trumps 48 percent in Pennsylvania. Polls from April and early May, however, showed the president leading his GOP rival in Michigan (47 percent to 46 percent) but trailing Trump in Wisconsin (46 percent to 47 percent).

Harris has garnered large amounts of enthusiasm and support from Democrats since she began her presidential campaign last month after President Biden stepped out of the 2024 race for the White House. She announced her running mate, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz (D), earlier this week.

This week, Harris has made multiple campaign stops in key battleground states like Michigan and Wisconsin. Her campaign has said that 14,000 people attended her rally in Philadelphia on Tuesday and 15,000 attended another in Detroit on Wednesday night.

Asked how satisfied voters were with their partys nominee, most respondents in the survey gave a positive answer.

Broken down by party, Democrats were more likely than Republicans to say they were satisfied with their nominee  87 percent to 79 percent, respectively. Roughly 12 percent of Democrats and 19 percent of Republican respondents said they were unsatisfied, per the poll.

About 60 percent of independent voters said they were satisfied, compared to 37 percent who said the opposite, the survey found.

The Times/Siena polls were conducted between Aug. 5-8 with 619 registered voters in Michigan and 661 in Wisconsin. The Pennsylvania survey was conducted between Aug. 6-9 with 693 registered voters.

The margin of error for each survey was plus or minus 4.8 percentage points in Michigan, plus or minus 4.3 percentage points in Wisconsin and plus or minus 4.2 percentage points in Pennsylvania.

The Hill/Decision Desk HQs national polling index shows Trump leading Harris nationally by 0.2 percent  47.4 percent to 47.2 percent  based on over 100 surveys.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
(The Hill)  Vice President Harris is up 4 points on former President Trump in three battleground states with less than three months left until the election, according to new polling from The New York Times/Siena College.

The survey, published Saturday morning, found that Harris has taken the lead over the former president in Michigan, Wisconsin and Pennsylvania, garnering 50 percent support to Trumps 46 percent in the hypothetical matchup.

Harriss numbers mark a significant improvement to former President Bidens in the same swing states.

In two separate NYT/Siena surveys earlier this year, Biden garnered 45 percent support to Trumps 48 percent in Pennsylvania. The poll from April and early May, however, showed the president leading his GOP rival in Michigan and Wisconsin (47 percent to 46 percent).

Harris has garnered large amounts of enthusiasm and support from Democrats since she began her presidential campaign last month after President Biden stepped out of the 2024 race for the White House. She announced her running mate, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz (D), earlier this week.

This week, Harris has made multiple campaign stops in key battleground states like Michigan and Wisconsin. Her campaign has said that 14,000 people attended her rally in Philadelphia on Tuesday and 15,000 attended another in Detroit on Wednesday night.

Asked how satisfied voters were with their partys nominee, most respondents in the survey gave a positive answer.

Broken down by party, Democrats were more likely than Republicans to say they were satisfied with their nominee  87 percent to 79 percent, respectively. Roughly 12 percent of Democrats and 19 percent of Republican respondents said they were unsatisfied, per the poll.

About 60 percent of independent voters said they were satisfied, compared to 37 percent who said the opposite, the survey found.

The Times/Siena polls were conducted between Aug. 5-8 with 619 registered voters in Michigan and 661 in Wisconsin. The Pennsylvania survey was conducted between Aug. 6-9 with 693 registered voters.

The margin of error for each survey was plus or minus 4.8 percentage points in Michigan, plus or minus 4.3 percentage points in Wisconsin and plus or minus 4.2 percentage points in Pennsylvania.

The Hill/Decision Desk HQs national polling index shows Trump leading Harris nationally by 0.02 percent  47.4 percent to 47.2 percent  based on over 100 surveys.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11.
Former President Donald Trump wasnt completely lying about his near-death helicopter experience after all, but the 2024 Republican presidential nominee did get a few details mixed-up.

For one, the Black man Trump mistook for former San Francisco Mayor Willie Brown was actually former Los Angeles city councilman and state senator, Nate Holden.

I guess we all look alike, said Holden in an interview with Politico. He added, Willie is the short Black guy living in San Francisco. Im a tall Black guy living in Los Angeles.

Even though it was Trumps own mistake, The New York Times reporter Maggie Haberman told CNN that Trump has threatened to sue the newspaper for reporting that Brown denied the incident.

Trump claimed to have records to prove the incident, and made fun of Haberman when she asked to see them.

He made fun of me asking that in a sort of child sing-song voice, said Haberman. But she said what she found most interesting about her talk with Trump was that he chose to focus on proving the incident over his presidential campaign.

He was focusing on this because that is what we have seen him do historically when he is in times of stress, said Haberman.

The embarrassing racial mix-up comes as a new poll by The New York Times/Siena College shows that Trumps Black opponent, Kamala Harris, is now leading him in three battleground states.

The poll showed Harris has now moved ahead of Trump by four points in Michigan, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin. In all of those states, 50 percent of those polled said they would likely vote for Harris while 46 percent favored Trump.

The issue of race continues to be a problem for Trump, and mistaking one Black man for another on that infamous helicopter ride will not help him.

Now 95 years old, Holden explained to Politico that Trump was looking to develop the site of a historic Los Angeles hotel around 1999, andas the senator representing the districtHolden had approved the project to go ahead.

Meeting at Trump Tower in Manhattan, Holden and Trump planned to pop over to Atlantic City, New Jersey, in a helicopter to tour Trumps new Taj Mahal casino. But things, as Trump correctly recounted, took a harrowing turn on the way.

Donald Trump in his office in Trump Tower in 1999. Michael Brennan

In the helicopter were Holden, Trump, Trumps late brother Robert, attorney Harvey Freedman, and Barbara Res, Trumps former executive vice president of construction and development.

As Res wrote in her book, All Alone on the 68th Floor (2013), Very shortly thereafter the pilot let us know he had lost some instruments and we would need to make an emergency landing, she wrote. By now, the helicopter was shaking like crazy.

Res told Politico on Friday that Trump liked to say that Holden turned white. But Holden said it was Trump who was really afraid.

He was white as snow, said Holden. And he was scared s---less.

And the way Holden remembers it, the topic of Vice President Kamala Harris did not come up, as Trump claimed.

Former senator Nate Holden and developer Erika Alexis. Tommaso Boddi/Getty Images for Heart of Los Angeles

He either mixed it up, Holden said. Or, he made it up.

He added, This was just too big to overlook. This is a big one. Conflating Willie Brown and me? The press is searching for the real story and they didnt get it. You did.

Read more at The Daily Beast.

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Donald Trump has made the odd decision to renew his feud with Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp.

Kemp, a popular Republican, has tried to move on from 2020.

But twice in the last week, Trump has teed off on Kemp and even attacked his wife.

Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp has shown Republicans how they win in the increasingly purple swing state. So naturally, former President Donald Trump is renewing his feud with the popular leader.

Trump's decision to blast Kemp and his wife, Georgia First Lady Marty Kemp, during a rally in Atlanta, is indicative of a campaign that has lost its footing since President Joe Biden dropped out of the 2024 race.

"I don't want her endorsement. I don't want his endorsement. I just want them to do their job for Georgia," Trump said of the Kemps during an August 3rd rally in Atlanta. "In my opinion, they want us to lose."

Trump also called Kemp a "bad guy" and a "very average governor." Neither Kemp supported Trump during the GOP presidential primary. Marty Kemp said in April she would write her husband's name in instead of Trump this November. Gov. Kemp has endorsed Trump and has moved to turn the page.

Republicans had a fairly conventional playbook to beat Vice President Kamala Harris, who has jettisoned most of the progressive views that defined her 2020 primary campaign. Instead of questioning Harris' policy, Trump told a room of Black journalists that Harris wasn't really Black. He's gone after Jewish Americans who happen to support Harris, questioning their faith in a way that harkens back to the worst impulses of antisemitism. And now, Trump is back to attacking his fellow Republicans.

Influential Republicans and even Trump's allies are begging him to get back on message.

"If we lose Georgia, it could be a very long night. So let's win this election," Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina, a noted Trump ally, told "Fox News Sunday" when asked about the feud. "How about that? Let's win an election we can't afford to lose."

But Trump's renewed feud with Kemp illustrates how, at any moment, the former president can harm his own standing. It's a return to the form that cost Trump the White House and Republicans both houses of Congress.

"If you want to understand the problem Trump created for himself in Georgia, today on the radio, 9 out of 10 callers are women, and they're all mad at him for attacking Brian Kemp's wife," conservative radio host Erick Erickson, who lives in Georgia, wrote on earlier this week.

Trump can retake the White House without winning Georgia. But flipping the Peach State back to Republicans would preserve what once seemed to be a very expansive Electoral College map.

Harris can also win the White House without Georgia. If she holds the state and its 16 Electoral College votes, she could sustain a potential setback in one of the so-called "Blue Wall" states in the upper Midwest.

There hasn't been much polling of the state since Harris rose to the nomination, but a recent AARP poll found a race that is too close to call. Cook Political Report, which had previously moved more states closer to Trump, put Georgia, Nevada, and Arizona all back into their "toss up" category.

Trump needs Kemp's organization.

Kemp is more than just a popular governor. He is the leader of an expansive ground game that powered his nearly 8-point reelection victory in a rematch against former Georgia House Minority Leader Stacey Abrams, who he beat by less than 55,000 votes just four years prior.

Trump's team, according to Erickson, needs Kemp's organization because it hasn't stood up one of its own. Unlike Harris, Trump is relying far more on outside groups to push the type of canvassing and get the out efforts expected of a presidential campaign. His campaign leaders have said that traditional organizations aren't all they are cracked up to be, but Republicans across the country are nervous about the strategy.

Kemp didn't even have to moderate his stances to win so convincingly. In a state with two Democratic US senators, the Republican governor championed the passage of one of the nation's toughest abortion bans, weakened gun laws, and restricted how teachers can discuss race in the classroom. By any measure, he's shown the blueprint of how Republicans can win without compromising conservative principles.

Even after the Trump rally, Kemp tried again to press on. But the former president couldn't resist taking another swipe at Georgia's governor during his meandering Thursday news conference.

"Without me, he wouldn't be governor. I got him elected," Trump, who endorsed Kemp in 2018, told reporters at Mar-a-Lago.

Trump also added that he hoped his relationship with Kemp could be repaired. On Friday, Kemp offered another olive branch while jokingly comparing Trump to Tropical Storm Debby, which slammed the state.

"A lot of noise out there, as you can imagine, a lot of distractions, which in my opinion, is not what we need to be doing right now in the presidential campaign or in any of the campaigns we're running in the state of Georgia to keep our majorities in the House and Senate," Kemp told Erickson during an onstage interview at a conservative conference Erickson is hosting.

Left unsaid is that biggest distraction of all has been Trump. The man Kemp is desperately trying to put back in the White House, if only he will let him.

Read the original article on Business Insider
Former President Donald Trumps plane made an emergency landing in Billings, Montana on Friday evening, more than 140 miles away from a planned rally in Bozeman, Montana.

Trump, scheduled to speak in Bozeman for his only rally of the week, in support of Senate candidate Tim Sheehy, posted a video to Truth Social sharing that hed touched down, not acknowledging the emergency landing, which the Secret Service attributed to a mechanical failure.

"I just landed in a really beautiful place, Montana, so beautiful flying over, and you just look down, and thats the way its supposed to be," Trump said in the video, over the drone of an engine.

The aviation issue was confirmed by the Secret Service, though no details on the specific mechanical failure were made available.

The rally, in the state which Trump carried by more than 16 points in 2020, is still set to continue as planned, with Trump taking another jet to his final destination.

It marks Trumps second public appearance of the week, after a troubling press conference on Thursday in which he acknowledged a massive momentum swing towards Harris and said he didnt plan to change his strategy, despite a massive polling swing.

In Arizona, Vice President Kamala Harris is set to headline her own rally, in a venue with nearly triple the capacity of the Brick Breeden Fieldhouse at Montana State University, where Trump is set to speak.
The Instagram logo is seen on an Apple iPhone 6. Rolf Vennenbernd/dpa

Turkey restored access to popular social media platform Instagram after more than a week on Saturday, saying its US-based parent company Meta accepted Ankaras terms on content removal.

"The access ban on Instagram has been lifted," Turkish Transport and Infrastructure Minister Abdulkadir Uraloglu wrote on social media platform X.

Meta agreed to Turkish government rules on removal of content which Ankara deems criminal, Uraloglu wrote on X in a previous message.

There was no immediate reaction from Meta.

Meta also now shares the Turkish government's "sensitivity" regarding removing content related to groups whom Ankara considers "terrorist" such as the banned Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), Uraloglu added.

Uraloglu last week said Meta failed to meet rules on removing content that constitute a crime in Turkey such as sexual abuse, encouraging gambling or insulting the republic's founding father Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, according to state news agency Anadolu.

Users in Turkey have for the past week only been able to access the popular platform by using a protected network connection, known as a virtual private network (VPN).

The ban came after Turkey's communications director, Fahrettin Altun, accused Instagram of blocking condolence messages for Ismail Haniyeh, the leader of the Palestinian Islamist Hamas group who was killed in Iran. Altun accused the platform of censorship.

Turkey had declared a day of national mourning for Haniyeh's death.

Turkey maintains good relations with Hamas, and Presdient Recep Tayyip Erdogan met Haniyeh in Istanbul in April.
A lot of people, particularly my fellow Millenials, are angry and disillusioned that another Black progressive member of Congress was defeated at the polls after an unfair election. The latest, Cori Bush, is the second unseated member of The Squad, a group of younger progressives and people of color who swept into Washington D. C starting in 2018 with the hope of changing the politics as usual. There were 10 squad members at one point, the most famous member being Alexandra Ocasio-Cortez of New York.

But now Bush, of St. Louis, is gone on the heels of fellow squad member Jamaal Bowman of New York.

Opinion

There needs to be a convening among progressives from different organizations, different leaders, to talk about the challenge, because what happened to Jamaal Bowman and what happened to Cori Bush is going to continue to happen, Joseph Geevarghese, the head of Our Revolution, a progressive group., said to ABC News.

Here is what I think happened: Bush and Bowman lost because have extreme views. They traffic in divisive rhetoric. As members of Congress, they put issues like the war in Gaza over the concerns of their constituents.

A lot of is being made about $8 million spent against Bush by AIPAC, the pro-Israel lobby. They spent even more against Bowman.

The money given to defeat candidates was excessive and it is important to trace where all of this money came from. However, it doesnt matter if it was 8 million or 8 cents spent. Voters decide elections.

Bowman and Bush are self-righteous. They seemed to spend their time in office within ideological bubbles, surrounded by people who agreed they should misspend political capital given to them by voters on the conflict between Hamas and Israel.

Progressives and leftists should take a lesson out of this election cycle and learn that the party doesnt revolve around their thinking.

Elections are not won by alienating

Bush maintained that she was a candidate for the people, but her actions didnt prove that she was willing to represent every voice.

To her credit, she did take down a longtime incumbent to secure the seat back in 2020 and had an easy victory in 2022. But in the past two years, Bush fell down a political rabbit hole that placed her in a fringe mindset.

Bush decided to be publicly and staunchly pro-Palestine and anti-Israel, willingly throwing herself into a political dumpster fire. And boy did she throw herself in. In an extremist action, she declined to call Hamas a terrorist organization.

We were called terrorists during Ferguson, she said of herself and other Black activists who took to the streets after the killing of Michael Brown, an unarmed Black teenager, by a white police officer. Have they hurt people? Absolutely. Has the Israeli military hurt people? Absolutely.

In January, Bush was one of two Democrats to vote against a resolution to bar members of Hamas and anyone who participated in the attacks against Israel on Oct. 7 from the United States. She was also one of the six Democrats to vote against Bidens expansive infrastructure plan, a deal that saw $3 billion go to her state of Missouri. Millions are now being spent on infrastructure in St. Louis.

I just dont get this obsession progressives have with this Mideast conflict to the point of refusing to recognize terrorists. Why is this such an important issue that theyd be willing to sacrifice an office they earned from voters?

Bush even admitted that this issue wasnt a top concern of her constituents, so why put so much effort into it? The posturing only gave her a target on her back and cost her district a leader who would speak up for them.

Politicians cant forget their main function

The grand takeaway of the progressives political cycle so far is this: extremism doesnt win elections.

It is true that Palestinians deserve better and should have an established state. A politician trying to rip the generations-long allegiance to Israel, however, will go nowhere, as weve seen in past months. There is plenty of room to criticize its leadership while supporting the countrys right to exist.

Bush and Brown prove that extremism in any party will undo the work of improving the lives of voters who elect politicians to office. Leftists and progressives should read the room and back off.
Two shot in downtown Salt Lake City, one in critical condition

SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4)  Salt Lake City Police are investigating a shooting in downtown overnight that sent two people to the hospital, one of whom is in critical condition.

Just before 1 a.m. on Aug. 10, police were on an unrelated call when they heard multiple gunshots fired to south of their location, a press release from SLCPD states. The officers were initially investigating a fight near 320 South State Street.

The officers responded to the south and encountered several people running toward them, the release states. They determined the shooting took place near State Street and Exchange Place.

Utah Treasure Hunt found by father-and-son duo

Through further investigation, officers learned that two people were shot  a man of unknown age and a 24-year-old woman. Officers reportedly found the man in a nearby parking lot, while they found the woman in a nearby business.

Police performed lifesaving aid on both individuals, and paramedics took them to the hospital. The woman is considered to be in stable condition, police said. The man, however, is in critical condition.

Several small fights reportedly broke out while officers were still on scene.

SLCPDs Gang Unit is leading the investigation into this shooting, though no arrests have been made at this time. Additionally, no information on a possible suspect or suspects has been released at this time.

Anyone with information on this case, including those with photos or video, is asked to call 801-799-3000 or submit an anonymous tip using the CityProtect App and reference case number 24-182377, SLCPD stated.

No further information is currently available.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC4 Utah.
Our annual Open Season Awards accepts entries in:

poetry

short fiction

creative nonfiction





The contest is open to Canadian and international writers anywhere in the world.

Deadline: 11:59pm (PST) on November 1, 2024

The winner in each genre will receive a prize of CAD$2,000 and be published in the magazine's spring 2025 issue #230.

Entries accepted via Submittable only. (See below for instructions.)

Contest Judges

Corinna Chong (fiction)

(fiction) Sadiqa de Meijer (creative nonfiction)

(creative nonfiction) Matthew Hollett (poetry)

Read their bios here.

Look for interviews with them in our September newsletter.

Book Prizes

In addition to the three $2,000 prizes, we're giving away book prizes to three lucky contest entrants! All you have to do is submit your work to the contest, and you'll be automatically entered to win. After the deadline, we'll pull three names from the list of entrants.

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: 1 piece per entry, 2,500 words max, word count must be given at the top of the first page. All entries are judged anonymously. No identifying information is to be included on any poem, story, or nonfiction piece submitted.





Multiple entries are allowed (at a reduced fee, if paid for at the same time as the initial entry: see Entry Fees and How to Submit below).





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To receive the reduced entry fee(s) of CAD$10, any additional entries must be paid for at the same time as the first entry; such additional entries should be submitted on Submittable within 24 hours of the initial entry.





Additional entries may be submitted in any genre (e.g., an initial entry in poetry may be accompanied by an additional entry or entries in poetry, fiction, or creative nonfiction).

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No work simultaneously submitted elsewhere, already published, or already accepted for publication is eligible for consideration (even if only excerpted, or even if revised since original publication). We consider any appearance in print or online to be a publication, including newspapers, newsletters, magazines, anthologies, chapbooks, books, websites, blogs, social media, etc. This restriction applies regardless of the size of the print run or the extent of the circulation of previously published work.





Failure to comply with these criteria for eligibility will immediately disqualify any entry, regardless of when the ineligiblity is discovered in the process of adjudication (submission, processing, screening, shortlisting, final judging).





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CANTON, Ill. (WMBD)  Two people, including a U.S. Army instructor pilot from Canton, were killed Wednesday afternoon in a helicopter crash on an Alabama military base.

According to a report from the Associated Press Wednesday night, Dale County Coroner John Cawley identified the instructor as Daniel Munger, 46, of Canton.

According to a GoFundMe established to help the Munger family, the community of Canton is devastated by the sudden loss of the devoted husband, father, veteran and instructor pilot.

We ask everyone to keep Daniels family, friends, and the aviation community in your thoughts and prayers. Please consider offering a donation to help the Munger family offset funeral expenses and navigate the challenges that lie ahead, the fundraiser organizer said in a statement on GoFundMe.

An AH-64 Apache helicopter crashed during routine flight training on Fort Novosel Army base, about 94 miles (151 kilometers) south of Montgomery, according to a statement from the U.S. Army Aviation Center of Excellence and Fort Novosel.

The crash killed the flight instructor, while a US. Army student pilot was airlifted to a hospital for additional evaluation, according to the statement.

Military authorities did not immediately provide any information about the circumstances of the crash. The statement said the accident is under investigation.

Our primary concern is the welfare and health of the student pilot and care and concern for the family of the deceased, Maj. Gen. Clair A. Gill, U.S. Army Aviation Center of Excellence and Fort Novosel commanding general said in a statement emailed to The Associated Press.

The AH-64 Apache is a two-crew-member aircraft.

Fort Novosel was previously known as Fort Rucker. It is the Armys primary training facility for helicopter pilots.

The Munger family GoFundMe has surpassed $49,000, as of Friday. To donate to the Munger family via GoFundMe, click here.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to CIProud.com.
Getty Images

U.S. Rep. Elissa Slotkin (D-Holly) and former U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers (R-White Lake) were each targeted in swatting attempts days after winning their partys nomination for U.S. Senate.

During a campaign event on Friday, Slotkin confirmed there had been an incident of swatting  falsely calling emergency services to and deceiving them into sending armed police to another persons address  at her home in Holly.

I wasnt there. It, you know, pulled out a bunch of law enforcement who should have been doing other things and should have been working on real security threats, Slotkin told reporters Weve turned it over to the [U.S.] Capitol Police, theyre doing an investigation and we want to hold people accountable.

Rogers spoke out against the incident prior to a notice from his own campaign reporting a swatting attempt against Rogers family.

The reports that Rep. Slotkins home was swatted last night are horrific and I am glad to hear that she was not harmed, Rogers said in a post on X.

As a former FBI agent I can tell you that diverting law enforcement toward fake crimes is dangerous and can lead to very bad outcomes. I know this because I was a victim of a similar incident in 2013. Its my sincere hope that the perpetrators are found and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law, Rogers said.

Former U.S. Rep. Peter Meijer (R-Grand Rapids) also weighed in, calling the attempt disgusting.

Unfortunately in Michigan, candidates for office have to publicly list the address of their home residence in order to qualify for the ballot, Meijer said in a post. Its important to confirm candidate residency requirements, but given threats to public officials there has to be a better way to balance this need with privacy and security concerns.

On Friday, Rogers spokesperson Chris Gustafson released a statement reporting Rogers family had also been targeted in a swatting incident.

Today, family members of Mike Rogers were the target of a swatting attempt at their home in Livingston County. Michigan State Police responded to the false threat and thankfully no one at the home was harmed. Mike and his family are beyond grateful for the professionalism and swift response of law enforcement, Gustafson said.

This is the second time that Mike has been the target of a swatting, first in 2013 as a member of congress, and reports that Rep. Slotkin was also the target yesterday are a clear example of the deeply concerning trend of political violence that has quickly become the norm, Gustafson said. This kind of violence cannot be tolerated and it is our hope that those responsible will be quickly prosecuted and held accountable..

Michigan State Police Lt. Rene Gonzalez confirmed state police told the Advance in an email that an MSP sergeant responded to an address in Genoa Township for a report of a domestic situation who later determined it was a false report after making contact with the female homeowner.

While state police could not confirm if the home was connected to Rogers, Gustafson previously confirmed that Rogers was living with his sister-in-law in Genoa Township near Brighton while awaiting construction of his home in White Lake Township.

Slotkin later responded to the incident on X, calling the news deeply troubling.

I am glad to hear both he and his family were not harmed. This type of behavior is not acceptable in public life. I thank Michigan State Police for their swift and professional response and I hope those responsible are investigated and held accountable by law enforcement, Slotkin said.

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DEQUEEN, Ar. (KTAL/KMSS)  Students in the UA Cossatot agriculture program attended a Future Farmers of America (FFA) Alumni and Supporters Development conference in Alaska over the summer.

Agriculture instructor and FFA Advisor Kelli Harris and program assistant Hadley Philamlee led the trip to Palmer, Alaska with students April Klitz, Gynder Benson, and Hannah Jackson.

The conference, which took place from June 20th to 24th, provided information on topics such as agriculture program development, student retention, and production agriculture in Alaska.

More: Arkansas News and Events

This was an amazing experience for our students at UA Cossatot and we were all excited to learn more about agriculture beyond our region of the United States. Attending these conferences helps us expand our knowledge about agriculture and bring new ideas back to our college, says Kelli Harris.

The agriculture program looks forward to planning more educational travel experiences for students this fall.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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Remember Claude Rains Captain Renault in Casablanca protesting he was shocked, shocked! by the gambling going on under his nose?

Such was the reaction of UNRWA higher-ups to the finding that nine Palestinian employees were among the perpetrators of the October 7 massacre. Keeping up this facade is essential for the few non-Palestinians who work at UNRWA, their purpose to maintain the appearance of a respectable organisation paid for by international taxpayers  including the UK after its recent decision to restore funding.

The problem is, the facade is just that. UNRWA maintains the Palestinians as a people in waiting until they finally realise their vision of return. Anyone imagining that equates to innocent nostalgia for a great-grandmothers long-lost home should look to the horrors of October 7 as a reality check. Since the 1950s, texts in UNRWA schools have portrayed return as bloody triumph over the Jewish body.

UNRWAs few donor-facing Western managers will claim they are merely providing social services such as education and healthcare until the conflict is resolved. Palestinians are more straightforward, making it clear as far as theyre concerned they are owed those services until return is realised. A sign as you enter an area under Palestinian Authority control near Bethlehem, mis-labelled a refugee camp, reads: UNRWA Services are our Right until Return. The final purpose couldnt be clearer.

Since its earliest days, UNRWA has been hijacked to become a purely Palestinian organisation devoted to return, nurturing violent groups determined to erase Israel. Almost all the terrorists who murdered Israeli athletes in the 1972 Munich Olympics were graduates of UNRWA schools. From Black September, Fatah and the PFLP to Hamas and Islamic Jihad, UNRWA provided the ideological infrastructure of the forever war against Israels existence. UNRWAs connection with violence against Jews is not a bug, but its defining feature.

A fuller investigation could have addressed how many October 7 perpetrators were educated in UNRWA schools by UNRWA-paid teachers. It could have asked how many are registered by UNRWA as refugees, though none would be considered such by international norms, given were now into a fifth generation of descendants from those originally displaced. The outcome would have shown almost all participants in the massacre are UNRWA graduates and carriers of the lethal ideology of return.

In an interview after the massacre, a senior Hamas official, Abu-Marzouk, explained the terror group built tunnels in Gaza for militant purposes, not to shelter residents, because responsibility for civilians lies with the UN (that is, UNRWA). In his view, the international community should bear the financial burden so Hamas can devote all to butchering Jews.

UNRWA argues its organisation is essential to Gaza now and for any future rebuilding effort. Yet as long as UNRWA fuels the destructive vision of return, Western taxpayers funds will be used only to prepare for war.

If the UK had stuck to its decision to stop funding and other states had followed suit, Gazas leaders might have been forced to use taxes to care for its people. Hamas does raise taxes  levying duties on the thriving trade through the border with Egypt  but released by the West from their responsibilities, they use the funds to build tunnels and buy weapons.

Without UNRWA perpetuating this destructive cycle, Palestinians could have used their considerable skills and Western donations to recreate Gaza as the Singapore of the Middle East, the Dubai of the Levant. Instead, the landscape has been weaponised for the purpose of liberating Palestine from the River to the Sea. By providing taxpayer cash to fund this ideology, the UK is telling Palestinians that they need never build a constructive future for themselves. It is a message that puts peace ever further out of reach.

Einat Wilf is a former Labor Party member of the Israeli Knesset

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'Ukraine has the right to self-defense,' German Foreign Ministry says on incursion into Kursk Oblast

In a statement issued to Politico on Aug. 9, Germany's Foreign Ministry said that "Ukraine has the right to self-defense enshrined in international law," adding that the principle of self-defense "is not limited to its own territory," in reference to the ongoing battles in Russia's Kursk Oblast.

The country's leader, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, has not yet publicly commented on Ukraine's incursion into Kursk Oblast, Politico reported.

Ukrainian forces crossed the border into Kursk Oblast on Aug. 6, resulting in clashes on Russian soil that were described by Russian President Vladimir Putin as "a large-scale provocation."

Russia's Defense Ministry acknowledged on Aug. 9 that its forces were fighting the Ukrainian army on the outskirts of the town of Sudzha in Kursk Oblast.

Earlier in the day, Russia's Defense Ministry said it was sending additional military equipment to Kursk Oblast's Sudzha district - a town located 10 kilometers (6 miles) east of the border with Ukraine.

The Foreign Ministry's comments fall in line with those of European Commission spokesperson Peter Stano who said on Aug. 7 that "Ukraine has the legal right to defend itself, including striking an aggressor on its territory."

U.S. Defense Department Deputy Press Secretary Sabrina Singh also told reporters on Aug. 8 that Ukraine's incursion into Russia's Kursk region is "consistent with (U.S.) policy," and that Ukraine is taking action "to protect themselves from attacks."

Russia's Emergency Situations Ministry also said on Aug. 9 that the situation in Kursk Oblast had been declared a "federal emergency."

Overnight on Aug. 10, Russian authorities introduced restrictive measures under a so-called "counter-terrorism operation" in bordering Kursk, Bryansk, and Belgorod oblasts in response to Ukraine's incursion.

Kyiv has so far maintained a policy of silence on the incursion, but President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Aug. 8 that "Russia brought war to our land, and it should feel what it has done." He did not directly mention the incursion into Kursk Oblast.

Germany allowed Ukraine to use German-supplied weapons to strike legitimate military targets inside Russia at the end of May 2024 following months of opposition to the idea.

Read also: Russia prepares to defend Kursk nuclear plant as Ukrainian troops approach, IStories reports









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Ukrainian forces pushed into Russia this week to attack a border region in a stunning counteroffensive that comes after Kyiv has been largely on the defensive for the past year and a half.

The Ukrainian attack, the first from a foreign nation on Russias European soil since World War II, has set off an emergency in the Kursk region bordering Ukraines northeastern Sumy province.

Ukrainian troops and armored vehicles have advanced at least 20 miles and are continuing to press deeper into Kursk on the fourth day of battle, capturing dozens of Russian border guards, taking several towns and surrounding the city of Sudzha, where fighting continues.

The surprise attack has infuriated Russian President Vladimir Putin, who called the incursion a major provocation, sparking fears of a potential Kremlin escalation not only in the war against Ukraine, but also with the U.S., the primary supporter of Kyiv.

Although its unclear how the offensive will proceed, Ukraine has successfully changed the narrative of the war by breaking into Russia, said Alena Kudzko, vice president for policy and programming at the think tank GLOBSEC.

Ukrainians are trying hard to change the narrative of the war. Before [Kursk], there was a feeling that the war has become rather predictable, and on many sides, the war was already perceived as frozen, she said. By doing this attack, Ukraine actually has managed to demonstrate that theres really space for making this war unpredictable, that theres space for surprising Russia.

The Kursk offensive is reminiscent of the 2022 Kharkiv and Kherson counteroffensives, in which high-speed Ukrainian maneuvers caught Russia by surprise.

U.S. officials have supported Ukraines attack. Pentagon deputy press secretary Sabrina Singh on Thursday told reporters Kursk was consistent with Washingtons policy to defend against Russian border attacks and not an escalation in the war.

We dont feel like this is escalatory, she said. Ukraine is doing what it needs to do to be successful on the battlefield.

Kyiv has struggled to fend off Russian attacks for months across the 600-mile front line, in a grinding war of attrition that has favored a larger Russia.

Even with the Kursk offensive, Russian forces are continuing to attack their primary targets, in the northeastern Kharkiv region that neighbors Sumy and in the eastern Donetsk province.

Russian troops have made slow and incremental gains, but are still pushing toward key objectives, including the key Donetsk city of Chasiv Yar. Seizing that city could give Moscow the high ground and allow for a push toward the twin cities of Sloviansk and Kramatorsk, which have long been in Russias sights in the goal to capture all of Donetsk.

Russias Kharkiv offensive is also continuing, though its troops have yet to capture the town of Vovchansk that would open the way to the city of Kharkiv and appear to be slowing down in the offensive.

Ukraines incursion has put pressure on Russia to divert troops and defend its borders, said Federico Borsari, a fellow with the transatlantic defense and security program at the Center for European Policy Analysis.

Its now up to the Russians what they want to do with this offensive in Kursk, he said. I think the Russians will try to beat the pressure, even though this means [possibly] giving Ukraine some options elsewhere.

Still, he added it wasnt clear yet at this stage whether the attack would have any dramatic effect on the front lines, where Ukraine remains on its back foot, trying to fend off Russian attacks with depleting manpower.

While months of delays of U.S. aid damaged Ukraines defenses, billions of dollars of American weapons and equipment are now pouring onto the battlefield.

New weapons include F-16s, a small batch of which arrived in Ukraine this week to help defend the skies. Air superiority is crucial to high-speed maneuver warfare, but its not clear if F-16s have been used or were part of the calculation in Kursk.

The aid has not addressed all of Ukraines defensive problems. And while Ukraine has lowered its draft age from 27 to 25  which allows it to call up more troops  it wont solve a severe manpower shortage for months or longer.

The Kursk offensive is likely an effort to offset those difficulties, said Rafael Loss, a policy fellow at the European Council on Foreign Relations.

The most significant problem for Ukraine at this moment is manpower, he said. Maybe news about a daring maneuver could motivate some more Ukrainian volunteers to sign up. Im not sure its going to be fundamentally changing individuals risk calculus, but it might start to change the tone of the discussions around volunteering.

High-ranking Ukrainian officials have not acknowledged any attack in Kursk, though Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and his advisers have made cryptic messages all but confirming it.

War is war, with its own rules, where the aggressor inevitably reaps corresponding outcomes, wrote Mykhailo Podolyak, a top adviser to Zelensky, on the social platform X.

Ukraine appears to be attacking in two main directions: toward Sudzha and another district just west, Korenevsky. But troops appear to be buzzing around several parts of the region and forcing Russia to respond in multiple arenas.

Ukraine will now have to face what it does with the territory it holds in Russia and whether that distracts from defensive efforts on the front lines.

Tomasz Blusiewicz, a research fellow at Stanford Universitys Hoover Institution, said Ukraine is likely to withdraw from Kursk, but only after forcing Russia to move multiple brigades, which would exploit positions on the frontline.

Now they have to move. And the Russians are bad at this. They are bad at logistics, he said. It was a brilliant move by Ukraine.  They have already achieved a huge success by forcing Russia to move its troops, by demonstrating that Russia is defenseless in other areas. Its a huge prestige blow to Putin.

Russia has sent reinforcements to Kursk and is vowing it will succeed in repelling Ukrainian forces.

Maj. Gen. Apty Alaudinov, Russias deputy head of the main military-political directorate, told state-run news agency TASS that the situation is hard, but it is not critical in Kursk and that Ukraine could not avoid an inevitable collapse on the front lines.

The enemy can be stopped and destroyed, he said. As soon as we destroy these resources, I am more than sure that the enemy will have nothing to counter us with.

Rather than hold territory, Ukraines plan may be to attack strategic resources in Russia, including equipment and areas used to mount attacks. Capturing prisoners and territory can also be used in negotiations and prisoner swaps.

Ukrainian forces also seized a gas metering station in Kursk and have threatened a nearby Russian nuclear power plant.

Brock Bierman, visiting senior fellow at the German Marshall Fund, said the offensive was strategic in targeting a region of Russia with important assets that Ukraine can destroy and remove as a threat.

Its also a way to disperse the front lines and force Russia to reallocate resources to protect its assets, he added.

Now theyre going to have to think about how that allocation is, not only in that particular region, but along a very, very long border, he said.

The Kursk offensive has forced Russian citizens to face the direct consequences of the war. Before the attack, Ukraines strikes into Russia were limited to the occasional drone attack on oil depots or strategic assets. They have in the past few months begun using American-made weapons, including long-range artillery, to hit targets near the border.

But now, Russians in Kursk have been forced to evacuate their homes and several people have been killed.

The war has already been costly for Russian forces, with more than 1,000 casualties in May and June, according to the U.K. Ministry of Defense.

Some Russians have blamed the government and military for failing to anticipate the Kursk attack or adequately defending against the incursion.

Russian military blogger Rybar, who closely supports the Russias military goals and is a retired press officer in the Kremlin, faulted Moscow because Ukraine had been accumulating forces for months.

For two months, all the information was sent to useless higher headquarters. There was enough time to make an appropriate decision, Rybar said in a Telegram post. The price of this is the forces of the Ukrainian formations that entered Sudzha and Korenevo.

Putin retains a tight grip on his country and dissent is generally crushed. But the Kursk attacks threaten to unravel his narrative that the war is under control.

Kudzko, from the GLOBSEC think tank, said she didnt expect any big domestic changes in Russia but also stressed it would add more pressure on the Kremlin.

There will be more dissatisfaction among the population against the Kremlin and against the government, she said. Even the people who, in principle, say we support the war, would not be happy about the consequences of this war on their lives.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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Local residents from a village near the Russian border during an evacuation to Sumy

Local residents from a village near the Russian border during an evacuation to Sumy

By Vitalii Hnidyi

SUMY REGION, Ukraine (Reuters) - Ukrainian volunteers evacuated dozens of residents, and their pets, from northern Sumy region in anticipation of more Russian attacks in response to Ukraine's cross-border military incursion into the Kursk region.

The residents trundled toward the pick-up point, their overflowing carrier bags loaded onto carts, as Russian forces intensified aerial guided bomb attacks.

Svitlana Linova, pushing her bicycle with her cat Murchik in its carrier, was in no doubt it was time to go.

"There was such heavy shelling yesterday from the other side of the border," she said. "The lamp and ceiling started to fall."

She said she had untied her neighbours' dogs and let them go free when it became apparent they would not be returning anytime soon.

Sumy Governor Volodymyr Artiukh ordered 28 villages evacuated from a 10-km (six-mile) zone hugging the border. National police said on Friday that 20,000 would have to leave.

Evacuee Serhiy Kozak said residents of the eight houses making up his village of Basivka had seen enough of war, launched when the Kremlin sent tens of thousands of troops into Ukraine in February 2022.

"Some houses have been hit twice, others three times," he said. "There was another hit around this in the morning and I jumped out. And just before four, another hit. Panes of glass shattered. What else is there to say?"

Kozak said the latest attacks involved planes flying in over the border from Kursk region. "They dropped a load of ammunition at Basivka, diverted and left. The same with helicopters, they fly over the border and start shelling."

The evacuees, many relying on canes for support, were helped into mini-vans by volunteers in bullet proof vests and taken to reception centres outside the danger zone. Pets were hoisted in alongside them, one dog stuffed into a small carrier bag.

Ukrainian officials have remained largely silent about the incursion into Kursk region, but unofficial reports from both sides note that four days into the operation they are advancing.

Volunteer Vlad Polyansky from the group SOS East, said 24 people were picked up and transported throughout the day on Friday.

"With the operation going on in Kursk region, hardly anyone would think that Moscow is going to like this," he said. "We expect the shelling of border areas to get worse."

(Reporting by Vitalii Hnidyi, Writing by Ron Popeski; Editing by Miral Fahmy)
Ukrainian troops have apparently entered Russia's Belgorod Oblast during the ongoing incursion into Kursk oblast, Ukrainian media reported based on a video published on the morning of Aug. 10.

In the video, posted by Ukrainian media, five uniformed men with blue tape armbands are standing outside the building as one of them says: "I wish you health, the 252nd battalion is in the village of Poroz, Belgorod Oblast. Glory to Ukraine!"

The soldiers in the video held the battalion's flag and a Georgian flag, and the sign on the building behind them reads "Porozovsky Village Club."

According to the Ukrainian media outlet Suspilne, the Ukrainian-based fact-checking project VoxCheck confirmed the video as filmed in Poroz, three kilometers away from the Ukrainian border.

The date of the video's filming is unknown. It is also unknown whether it was a raid or an expansion of the ongoing cross-border incursion into Russia, Suspilne said.

While Ukrainian officials and military command have so far not officially commented on the operation in Kursk Oblast, media are forced to rely on limited and questionable information circulated by Russian Telegram channels and videos of Ukrainian forces that often surface anonymously.

Russian authorities on Aug. 9 introduced a so-called "counter-terrorism operation" in bordering Kursk, Bryansk, and Belgorod oblasts in response to Ukraine's incursion.

Earlier on Aug. 9, Russia's Defense Ministry said it was sending additional military equipment to Kursk Oblast's Sudzha district, 10 kilometers (6 miles) east of the Ukrainian border.

However, Russia may be resisting the pressure to redeploy troops from the other frontline directions to Kursk, as it could disrupt Russian offensive operations in Ukraines east, according to the report by the Institute for the Study of War on Aug. 9.

Belgorod Oblast Governor Viacheslav Gladkov announced on Aug. 10 that the entry to the village of Poroz is closed due to a counter-terrorism operation regime.

He also claimed that residents who have just left say they have not seen the enemy and have not heard any shooting.

About 10 people still remain in the village, Gladkov added.

Read also: Ukraines unprecedented attack on Kursk Oblast brings war back to Russian soil

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Ukrainian soldiers have likely entered the village of Poroz in Russia's Belgorod Oblast and the oblast governor has stated that the entrance to the settlement is closed.

Source: Ukrainian public broadcaster Suspilne in cooperation with VoxCheck analysts; Vyacheslav Gladkov, Governor of Belgorod Oblast, on Telegram

Details: On Saturday, 10 August, a video was shared on social media showing Ukrainian soldiers claiming to be in the Russian village of Poroz. In the video, one soldier identifies himself as a member of the 252nd Battalion.

Analysts from VoxCheck and Suspilne have confirmed that the video was indeed filmed in front of a community arts centre in Poroz.

The distance from this arts centre to the nearest point of the border with Ukraine in a straight line is up to 3 km. The exact date of filming is unknown.

At the same time, Vyacheslav Gladkov, the governor of Belgorod Oblast, noted that the situation in Poroz would be investigated by law enforcement officials. However, in the meantime, the entrance to the village is closed as part of the "counter-terrorism operation (CTO) regime" imposed in the region.

Quote from Gladkov: "I met with Anatoly Blyashenko, Deputy Head of the Graivoron City District, and village head Valentina Koreneva to discuss the current situation in the village of Poroz: early reports suggest that about 10 people are still in the village.

There is contradictory information: on the one hand, we all saw the video shot in front of the village community arts centre, but on the other hand, residents who had just left say they did not see the enemy or hear any gunfire.

To accurately understand the situation, it's essential for representatives from our law enforcement agencies to investigate. Access to Poroz village is currently restricted due to the CTO regime in the region. I hope the situation in Poroz will be resolved by the end of the day."

Previously: On the night of 9-10 August, a counter-terrorism operation regime was imposed in Russia's Bryansk, Kursk and Belgorod oblasts.

Before that, on the second day after the border breach, a state of emergency was introduced in Kursk Oblast.

Background:

On the morning of 6 August, the Russians claimed that Ukrainian forces had mounted an attempt to infiltrate Kursk Oblast, Russia. Russian propagandists and military bloggers are claiming that Ukrainian forces have secured a foothold in the border area. Russian ruler Vladimir Putin called the situation a "provocation".

On 8 August, Russia's Defence Ministry confirmed the advance of supposedly Ukrainian forces in two districts of Kursk Oblast and noted that it had moved reserves to the border and was "attacking Ukrainian troops from the air".

On 9 August, Russias Ministry of Defence issued a statement on the situation in Kursk Oblast, acknowledging that Ukrainian forces were on the outskirts of the town of Sudzha.

Igor Korpunkov, mayor of the Russian town of Kurchatov, where the Kursk Nuclear Power Plant (Kursk NPP) is located, reported that fighting is now taking place a few dozen kilometres away from the town borders, but urged residents not to panic.

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LONDON (Reuters) - British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has cancelled a planned holiday to focus on his government's response to a series of racist riots that targeted Muslims and migrants, a Downing Street source said.

Thousands of police officers remained on duty over the weekend in case violence flared again although for a fourth day in a row on Saturday counter-protesters far outnumbered anti-migration demonstrators in several towns and cities.

The source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said Starmer would no longer be going on holiday next week.

His government has moved quickly to speed up the processing of people arrested and charged in relation to the riots.

On Friday, officials said 741 arrests had been made since the unrest broke out and 302 people had been charged.

Police have said arrests are likely to continue for months.

On Saturday, the National Police Chiefs' Council, representing police leaders, said specialist officers had been ordered to pursue online offenders and influencers responsible for spreading hate and inciting violence on a large scale.

"Online crimes have real world consequences and you will be dealt with in the same way as those physically present and inflicting the violence," Chris Haward, the NPCC's lead for serious and organised crime, said.

At least two people were jailed in recent days for stirring up racial hatred in messages on social media.

The riots erupted after online posts falsely identified the suspected killer of three young girls in a knife attack on July 29 in Southport, northwest England, as an Islamist migrant.

King Charles on Friday made an appeal for mutual respect and understanding and welcomed the way that community groups had countered "the aggression and criminality from a few," a spokesperson for Buckingham Palace said.

(Reporting by Alistair Smout; Writing by William Schomberg; Editing by Giles Elgood)
KUALA LUMPUR, MalaysiaBuilding on the theme of Connected and Resilient Community, delegates from the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) gathered here Thursday to celebrate 57 years of partnership and unity, as AirAsia announced more flights in the future.

The Malaysian multinational low-cost airline said it is expanding its commercial operations to elevate tourism and economic growth across the region. This is expected to facilitate closer people-to-people linkages and a more active business environment.

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As a group, we will operate a total of 3,281 flights weekly across the 10 ASEAN countries, AirAsia Malaysia Managing Director Captain Fareh Mazputra told guests and media delegates present during a ceremony held at the AirAsia RedQ in Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) Terminal 2.

ASEAN delegates do the traditional handshake at the end of the 57th ASEAN Day celebration.

AirAsia Malaysia aims to operate 45 percent of its total flights weekly to ASEAN countries with 78 routes by the end of 2024. The company anticipates to accommodate 75 million guests onboard its 239 aircraft by yearend from the 61 million travelers it served in 2023.

In the first half of 2024, AirAsia launched new routes from Kuala Lumpur to various destinations in Thailand (Pattaya, Chiang Rai), Laos (Vientiane), and Indonesia (Labuan Bajo; Manado via Kota Kinabalu). It will also resume its Kuala Lumpur to Da Lat, Vietnam route this November 1, 2024.

These route launches are part of our broader strategy to reinforce our network and provide more affordable travel options within ASEAN. The increased frequencies and resumed routes are expected to significantly boost tourism by offering more travel options and flexibility, Mazputra said.

This, in turn, will lead to higher tourist arrivals, increased spending in local businesses, and the creation of jobs in the tourism sector We will continue to strengthen our presence in this dynamic region, which is home to over 700 million people, the AirAsia official added.

In the Philippines, the airline aims to push its operations from 16 to 19 aircraft by the end of 2024, according to AirAsia Deputy CEO of Operations Captain Chester Voo. This is to support its load factor, which is currently at 95 percent.

It makes perfect sense to add more capacity because there is more room to grow. Because at 95 percent your aircraft is almost full, so you add a bit more. But, of course, this depends on actually obtaining the slots in Manila, which we are working on, Voo told Manila-based reporters.

As a group, Voo said AirAsia anticipates to be at full swing pre-Covid capacity boosted by its year-on-year growth. He noted they are looking forward to add almost 30 new routes across ASEAN, not just the Philippines, despite some challenges.

Voo said they continue to bank on their companys resiliency in managing risks and addressing operational concerns, including rising fuel costs and the recent global IT outage that affected some of its flights in Malaysia and the Philippines.

Resilient ASEAN Community

Malaysia Deputy Foreign Minister Mohamad bin Haji Alamin commended AirAsia for taking this direction, acknowledging the crucial role it plays in enhancing connectivity by making traveling within the region more accessible and affordable.

This facilitates business travels and contributes to our efforts to enhance regional economic integration and intra-ASEAN trade, Alamin said. Tourism promotes people-to-people linkages. This, in turn, helps to deepen awareness and greater understanding amongst the peoples of ASEAN.

Alamin also thanked the airline for extending its services to help evacuate Malaysians in Dhaka, Bangladesh, which is currently embroiled in an intense political crisis.

Meanwhile, the event also saw the promotion of the recently improved AirAsia MOVE (formerly Superapp), the all-in-one travel mobile app of the airline. It signed a collaboration agreement with the ASEAN Tourism Association (ASEANTA), represented by its president Eddy Krismeidi Soemawilaga.

Our expanding operational footprint, with major hubs in Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Cambodia, is a reflection of our unwavering belief in the power and potential of ASEAN unity and strength as an economic bloc, AirAsia Aviation Group CEO Bo Lingam said in a statement.

We take great pride in championing the ASEAN Economic Communitys vision of creating a single market and production base. This will help reduce our costs by having common standards: one air-traffic-control system, one engineering system, open skies policy and common ownership, he added.

ASEAN Day is celebrated every August 8th to commemorate the founding of the regional intergovernmental organization that fosters cooperation and integration among its 10 member states.

The occasion serves as a platform to emphasize the significance of regional collaboration in addressing shared challenges, fostering economic growth and cultural understanding between ASEAN neighbors.
To help you fill out your primary election 2024 ballot, the Naples Daily News has questioned dozens of candidates about their qualifications and stances on issues for state and local races in Collier County.

Here's your voters' guide to knowing those candidates, plus other key info before you cast your ballot. Click on the candidate links to read how they answered our questions.

Important primary election dates

Saturday, Aug. 10: Early voting starts. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily

Saturday, Aug. 17: Last day of early voting

Tuesday, Aug. 20: Primary Election Day. Polls are open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

What to do with mail ballots for Collier County, Florida primary election

The Vote-by-Mail ballot may be returned by mail, express mail, at any secure ballot intake station during early voting or in person to the Supervisor of Elections office.

Voted ballots cannot be accepted at a polling place on Election Day.

Here are the races and links to stories about the candidates:

U.S. Congress District 26 Republican Primary

The incumbent for this seat, which includes Hialeah west through the Everglades, Everglades City, Lely Resort, Gold Gate, Immokalee and Ave Maria, is running for his 12th term against two other Republicans. The primary winner will face Democrat Joey Atkins in the November general election

THE PRIMARY CANDIDATES

Collier County Commission District 3 Republican Primary

Four Republicans are battling it out for the seat currently held by candidate Burt Saunders. The winner of the primary will face no-party candidate Richard Conover in the fall.

THE PRIMARY CANDIDATES

Collier County Commission District 5 primary election

The incumbent Bill McDaniel, is challenged  by another Republican  in this Collier commission race. There is not a challenger from another party, so this election will be decided in the Aug. 20 primary and is open to all Collier voters to cast a ballot.

THE CANDIDATES

Collier County Property Appraiser primary election

Collier County gets a new property appraiser after the general election. The incumbent, who has been in the office since 1991, decided not to see reelection. Four Republican candidates, including a 30-year veteran of the appraiser's office, are running in the primary. A write-in candidate qualified, meaning that the Aug. 20 election is closed to only Republicans.

THE PRIMARY CANDIDATES

Collier County Supervisor of Elections Republican primary

Three Republicans are vying for opportunity to move on to the general election and ultimately take job of Collier County Supervisor of Elections. Only Republicans will be able to vote in the primary because a "ghost" candidate qualified as a write-in, closing the primary. This race has been a contentious one. Read about it here:

 Will incumbent have the advantage?

 Questionable "ghost candidate enters the mix

 Deferred retirement a political hot potato in elections supervisor race

THE PRIMARY CANDIDATES

Florida House of Representative District 81 Republican Primary

Republicans who live in District 81 can vote in this race for Florida state rep, which pits two Marco Island residents against each other. The district stretches from from Naples Park east of Golden Gate south through Marco and including Goodland and Isles of Capri. It is bordered on the East by Collier Boulevard/County Road 951. The winner of the seat won't be decide until the general election, when the Republican winner faces Democrat Charles Work.

THE PRIMARY CANDIDATES

Collier County School Board District 2 non-partisan primary

Two of the five seats on the Collier school board are up for election this year: districts 2 and 4. They represent districts but are elected at large. District 2 includes Aubrey Rodgers and Barron Collier high school, plus three elementary schools and two middle school. The District 2 race features the incumbent facing a challenger. The winner of the primary takes the seat. All Collier voters can cast a ballot in these non-partisan school board contests.

THE CANDIDATES

Collier School Board District 4 non-partisan primary

The primary election between these two candidate will determine who take the seat in this non-partisan race between the incumbent and a challenger. This district includes Naples High School, Lorenzo Walker technical high school and college and multiple elementary and middle schools. The seat is elected at large, so all Collier voters can cast a ballot in this election.

Greater Naples Fire District seeks tax increase

Greater Naples Fire District voters will decide on a whether to bump up their property taxes by up to 0.5 mills to pay for capital costs. If approved, the increase could raise more than $16 million a year.

Other races on Collier voters' ballots

Depending on where you live or your party affiliation, you may see races for judgeships, party committeemen or the U.S. Senate on your ballot:

For circuit judge seats, incumbent Erik Erik Leontiev faces Tracey Redd and Michael Colombo is running against incumbent Elizabeth Krier. These are nonpartisan, so all Collier voters can make a choice. Winners will be decided Tuesday.

For the U.S. Senate, incumbent Rick Scott is challenged by two other Republicans in the primary. The winner will face the winner of the Democrat primary, with Stanley Campbell, Rod Joseph, Debbie Mucarsell-Powell, and Brian Rush competing. The GOP winner and the Democrat winner face a Libertarian, two No Party candidates and a write-in in November.

Peter Braunston and Andrea Kale are competing in the U.S. House District 18 Democrat primary. The winner will face incumbent Scott Franklin. The central Florida district includes a bit of Collier County, including Immokalee.

Contributing: Laura Layden, Liz Freeman, J. Kyle Foster, Kendall Little

This article originally appeared on Fort Myers News-Press: Voter guide primary election 2024 Collier County, Florida
(FOX40.COM)  Several Northern California men were recently arrested in connection to soliciting sexual activity from children.

The Stanislaus County Sheriffs Office Special Victims Unit said it conducted Operation Safe House from Aug. 2-3. During that time, detectives posed as minors whose ages ranged from 13 to 15 on various social media and dating platforms. Detectives said they were contacted by several men, who thought they were talking to children, to meet up for illicit acts.

Months-long narcotics investigation leads to several arrests in Lodi

The men were residents of Modesto, Ceres, Salida, Lodi, Lathrop, Atwater, Sacramento, and Chowchilla, according to the sheriffs office.

Detectives said they scheduled a meetup with the suspects and on their arrival, they were arrested and booked into the Stanislaus County Sheriffs Public Safety Center. Each suspect was jailed in connection to various child-related sex crimes, including contacting a minor with the intent to commit a sex act, attempted production of child pornography, attempted oral copulation, and attempted sexual contact with a minor.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX40.
Union work helps Arizona firefighters serve you better. It's a mistake to nix it

In 2023, Phoenix firefighters responded to about 200,000 emergency incidents.

Homes engulfed by fire, a toddler floating in a backyard pool, mangled vehicles, multiple shootings; whenever the call comes, we race to the scene.

Thats the job  a job that got even more difficult last week thanks to the Arizona Supreme Court, Justice Clint Bolick and his former employer, the Goldwater Institute.

With Bolick writing the opinion, the court ruled illegal whats known as release time, a decades-old labor practice that exists to give firefighters, police officers and other public employees a more effective say in their workplace.

Many donate vacation time to pay our hours

Release time allows three of Phoenix's nearly 1,800 firefighters to represent their fellow employees while on the clock.

Release time allows three of Phoenixs nearly 1,800 firefighters to represent their fellow employees while on the clock, instead of running 911 calls. Important to note is that many of the Phoenix release time hours come from vacation time donated by our members.

Bolick parroted his Goldwater lawyer buddies in his opinion, writing that release time violates the gift clause of the Arizona Constitution because the costs and benefits here are so one-sided that it is difficult to envision how such expansive release time provisions could ever survive (legality).

I disagree  vehemently.

My stance isnt political, though some of you might call me a union stooge, no matter what I say.

Ive been a Phoenix firefighter for 24 years. Ive run tens of thousands of calls alongside some of the finest men and women to ever put on the uniform.

We can solve issues without lawsuits, lost work

Our association has spent decades advocating for safer working conditions, more sophisticated training and better equipment and resources.

The work has also included fighting for comprehensive health care for firefighters and paramedics, who suffer from cancer and mental and emotional trauma from the work we do.

The better workplace the United Phoenix Fire Fighters have helped create  and the labor issues weve helped solve without the cost of lawsuits and work stoppages  is in part a direct result of release time.

Supreme Court shows its bias: With anti-union ruling

Release time also allows the union the time to build better training programs and professional development opportunities, and the bandwidth to solve workplace grievances without resorting to costly litigation.

In sum, the practice has made our department more efficient, and it has created a more cohesive workplace culture that accrues to residents benefit each time you dial 911  even if Bolick and the Goldwater Institute refuse to see it.

Ruling sends message that we should just shut up

Right now, Phoenix has too few firefighters for the call volume that exists in our city, too few fire stations for our population and a massive epidemic of various job-related cancers and post-traumatic stress disorder.

Consistently, the union that represents your firefighters has fought to solve this crisis for one major reason: We take seriously the responsibility to protect and serve our neighbors.

Not one word in Bolicks opinion or Goldwaters reams of legal briefs will make a resident of Phoenix demonstrably safer. Instead, theyve sent a strong message that firefighters, cops and other unionized city workers should shut up and quit demanding a say in workplace policies and working conditions.

My question in response is a simple one.

When your job is a matter of life and death for the people you serve and for the workers riding the truck, would you simply shut up? Or would you fight to make sure your fellow employees have what they need for success?

Release time isnt about a few workers getting what Bolick would argue is a cush position. Its about serving the residents of every city who need public safety protection and getting you and your family the help you need as quickly as possible and as professionally as possible.

Firefighters come no matter when you call. And no matter what the Arizona Supreme Court says about the benefits we provide.

Bryan Willingham, a Phoenix fire captain, is president of United Phoenix Fire Fighters. Reach him at bwillingham@local493.org.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Arizona got it wrong: Union officials should be paid to help workers
At the University of Idahos fire lab in Moscow students stood back as glowing embers were pumped out of a small machine, setting ablaze the model of a neighborhood  birdhouses perched on a replica hillside.

The students were part of the U of I engineering capstone program, which partners them with companies and labs looking to solve a problem. The problem they were assigned: studying the spread of wildfires and finding ways to reduce their damage, by simulating fires started by embers.

The researchers used a compact ember generator, known as the Dragon 2.0, which has a propane torch to ignite small wood chips and create embers that are blown out by a fan.

The model improves on the Dragon 1.0, built by students in 2021, which had problems with leaking embers and a fuel source catching on fire, said Douglas Hardman, one of the project advisers and a graduate student in earth and spatial sciences.

With the Dragon 1.0, basically, you would stick a lighter in there, turn on the propane light, and hope you dont lose any eyebrows, Hardman told the Idaho Statesman.

Peter Wieber, who recently graduated from the U of Is engineering program, worked with other engineering students to use computational modeling and find the best design for a new prototype. The Dragon 2.0 can spit out embers for 15 minutes before refueling to create an ember storm, an important design for studying wildfires and understanding sustained burns, Wieber told the Statesman.

We were really happy to see that the design change worked as well as they did and make something that can characterize how these embers fly and burn buildings, Wieber said.

The Dragon 2.0 was made through the University capstone program, which matches students with an engineering problem.

While larger ember generators exist, theyre difficult to move around and require large, expensive buildings for test burns, Hardman said. With a small generator, university labs can conduct more experiments to study how fires spread.

Idaho homes susceptible to fire

Wildfires in Idaho and Eastern Oregon this summer have caused weeks of smoky air in the Treasure Valley and extensive damage. The Durkee Fire near the Idaho-Oregon border has burned nearly 300,000 acres, while the Gwen Fire in northern Idaho has destroyed 25 residences, according to the Idaho fire map. Conditions have prompted fire restrictions across the state as little rain and extreme heat continue.

The vast majority of homes damaged by fires in the U.S. started with embers, according to the Insurance Institute for Business Home and Safety, a South Carolina-based research institute.

Students tested the ember generator in a fire lab to understand how fires can start and spread.

The Dragon 2.0 could help developers build fire-resistant structures, Hardman said. Embers can catch on door and window screens or get stuck in deck grooves, and understanding exactly how this happens could inform people on how to change designs and prevent damage, he added.





A lot of people are moving to Idaho, and where do they go? Out into the woods, Hardman told the Statesman. So now we have a lot of houses in the woods that are susceptible to fire.

Generator could be used for experimental forests

Hardman hopes that, with some improvements, the generator can be tested in experimental forests, which are areas of land designated for land management research, to see how embers can cause fires in a real-world setting.

The project has gained some interest from the U of Is Experimental Forest, a research and teaching forest, to use the generator and learn about embers during scheduled prescribed burns, which the university conducts to study fire behavior and teach students about management practices, Hardman said.

Prescribed burns typically refer to fires intentionally set to reduce hazardous fuels, such as dry foliage and dense vegetation. Last year the Payette National Forest near Boise, which had the most acres for a prescribed burn in Idaho, planned up to 23,000 acres for burns, according to the U.S. Forest Service.

Hardman plans to continue refining the Dragon 2.0 with help from U of I engineering students enrolled in the capstone program.

As we make a better generator, we are increasing education, increasing research, and understanding more about fires, Hardman said.

Researchers hope the tool can be used to help developers build fire-resistant houses.
UNRWA: 'Another day of horror' in Gaza as Israel strikes school

People mourn near the bodies of Palestinians who were killed in Israeli attack on the Al-Tabeen school which sheltering displaced Palestinians in Gaza City, at the al-Maamadani hospital. At least 100 people were killed and dozens more were wounded. Hadi Daoud/APA Images via ZUMA Press Wire/dpa

The leader of the United Nations' agency for Palestinian refugees on Saturday condemned the Israeli strike on a school in Gaza, which Palestinian authorities said left up to 100 people dead.

Philippe Lazzarini, the head of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), said the incident represented "another day of horror in [Gaza]."

"The unbearable cannot become the norm," he added.

Lazzarini said all parties to the conflict in Gaza "must protect civilians and civilian infrastructure at all times" and refrain from using "schools and other civilian facilities for military or fighting purposes."

The UNRWA chief added: "Its time for these horrors unfolding under our watch to end."

Israel said the building it hit in Gaza City "served as a hideout for Hamas terrorists and commanders."

People mourn near the bodies of Palestinians who were killed in Israeli attack on the Al-Tabeen school which sheltering displaced Palestinians in Gaza City, at the al-Maamadani hospital. At least 100 people were killed and dozens more were wounded. Hadi Daoud/APA Images via ZUMA Press Wire/dpa
Jaime Herrera Beutler, left, is leading in the Washington lands commissioner primary race. Sue Kuehl Pederson, center, and Dave Upthegrove, right, are in a close battle for the second spot. The top two finishers will advance to the November general election. (Photos courtesy of campaigns)

Democratic lands commissioner candidate Dave Upthegrove inched into second place in the race on Friday night, supplanting Republican Sue Kuehl Pederson who had held the spot since election night.

Upthegrove led Pederson by 4,446 votes in Friday nights tally around 6 p.m. He had 20.9% of the vote, just three-tenths of a percent more than her. His share of the vote was up from around 19.9% on Tuesday when the first ballot counts posted.

Former Republican congresswoman Jaime Herrera Beutler remained out front, with about 22% of the vote.

Upthegrove is the top vote-getter in heavily populated King County, where he chairs the county council. Hed vacuumed up nearly 35% of the vote there, compared to Herrera Beutlers 14% and Pedersons 11%.

In contrast, Pederson is performing strongly in southwest Washingtons Clark County, where Vancouver is located. There, she had nearly 29% of the vote and Upthegrove 12%.

By Friday night, there were an estimated 1,500 ballots left to count in Clark County and 41,000 in King County.

With those ballots in King County, Upthegrove could cement his lead over Pederson. If he fails and she moves back in front of him, it would mean two Republicans would advance to the general election. Four other Democrats competed in the race, fracturing the partys vote.

Vote counting is scheduled to continue next week. Aug. 23 is the deadline for the secretary of state to certify the results for this months primary.

A mandatory recount would be required in this race if the difference between the second- and third-place finishers is less than half a percent of the total votes cast for both candidates and also less than 2,000 votes.
By Kanishka Singh

WASHINGTON (Reuters) -The White House said it was "deeply concerned" about an Israeli airstrike on a Gaza City school compound on Saturday that local civil defence officials say killed around 100 people, adding to condemnation of the attack from several Arab states, Turkey, Britain and the European Union's foreign policy chief.

The school compound in Gaza City housed displaced Palestinian families. The Gaza Civil Emergency Service, which has a credible record stating casualty numbers, said about 100 people were killed in Saturday's strike. Israel said around 20 militants had been operating at the compound.

Video from the site showed body parts scattered among rubble and more bodies being carried away and covered in blankets.

"Yet again, far too many civilians have been killed," Vice President and Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris told reporters separately on Saturday while also reiterating calls for a Gaza ceasefire.

"We are deeply concerned about reports of civilian casualties in Gaza following a strike by the Israel Defense Forces on a compound that included a school," the White House said in a statement, adding Washington was in touch with Israel to seek more information.

Washington has faced mounting domestic and international criticism, including from human rights groups, for its military support for Israel. Saturday's airstrike came a day after a State Department spokesperson said the U.S. will provide Israel $3.5 billion to spend on U.S. weapons and military equipment after Congress appropriated the funds in April.

"We know Hamas has been using schools as locations to gather and operate out of, but we have also said repeatedly and consistently that Israel must take measures to minimize civilian harm," the White House added.

The U.S. comments followed condemnation of the attack from Egypt, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and Turkey. EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said he was horrified by the images from the school, while British foreign minister David Lammy said he was "appalled" by the strike.

Tens of thousands of displaced Palestinians have sought shelter in Gaza's schools, most of which have been closed since the war began 10 months ago.

The strike marked the latest deadly attack in Israel's assault on Gaza which the health ministry in the Hamas-governed enclave says has killed nearly 40,000 Palestinians while also displacing nearly the entire population of 2.3 million, causing a hunger crisis and leading to genocide allegations at the World Court that Israel denies.

The latest bloodshed in the decades-old Israeli-Palestinian conflict was triggered on Oct. 7 when Hamas attacked Israel, killing 1,200 and taking about 250 hostages, according to Israeli tallies.

President Joe Biden laid out a three-phase ceasefire proposal in an address on May 31. Washington and regional mediators have since tried arranging the Gaza ceasefire-for-hostages deal but have run into repeated obstacles.

There has separately been an increased risk of a broader Middle East war after recent killings of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Iran and Hezbollah military commander Fuad Shukr in Beirut drew threats of retaliation against Israel.

(Reporting by Kanishka Singh and Matt Spetalnick in Washington, and Jeff Mason in Phoenix; Editing by Josie Kao and Daniel Wallis)
President Marcos vowed to lower the countrys poverty rate to nine percent in 2028 by investing in job-generating infrastructure and social protection programs.

This as the Philippines posted its highest-ever employment and historic low unemployment rates in June.

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Mr. Marcos said the goal of reducing the poverty rate is already within its reach given that in 2023, the countrys poverty significantly dropped to 15.5 percent from 18.1 percent in 2021, translating to a decrease of 2.45 million Filipinos living in poverty.

[That] means we have lifted two and a half million Filipinos out of poverty and only 10.9 percent of Filipino families remain poor. Our goal is to further reduce this rate to nine percent by 2028 and improve the lives of eight million Filipinos, he said.

More and more of our compatriots have decent and formal jobs and have become part of the middle class. All of this is towards our goal of lifting every Filipino out of poverty and it is within our reach, the President added.

Mr. Marcos also touted the 6.3-percent economic growth in the second quarter, higher than the 4.3 percent during the same period last year and the 5.8 percent in the first quarter of this year.

He said the government is doing everything to give Filipinos decent and formal jobs to elevate them to middle class.

While these numbers are rosy, these mean nothing if our countrymen will not feel its effects. We will not rest on our laurels but use them to propel us forward into social and economic transformation, he said.
Some US lawmakers urge sanctions on Bangladeshi officials over rights abuses

By Kanishka Singh and David Brunnstrom

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Some lawmakers in the U.S. Congress have urged sanctions on Bangladeshi officials under Sheikh Hasina who recently quit as prime minister and fled, while the U.S. government has formally welcomed the appointment of a new caretaker government there.

An interim government, led by Nobel Peace laureate Muhammad Yunus, was sworn in on Thursday with the aim of holding elections in the Asian nation.

Bangladesh was engulfed by demonstrations and violence after student protests last month against quotas that reserved a high portion of government jobs for certain groups. The demonstrations escalated into a campaign to oust Hasina, who won a fourth straight term in January in an election which the opposition boycotted and which the U.S. State Department said was not free and fair.

Hasina's exit came after at least 300 people, many of them students, were killed in a crackdown on demonstrations.

"The Bangladeshi leaders who orchestrated this brutal crackdown must be held accountable, which is why we're calling upon the administration to sanction General Secretary Quader and Home Affairs Minister Khan, as we continue working to support a peaceful and democratic Bangladesh," said U.S. Senator Van Hollen, a Democratic member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.

The lawmaker referred to Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, who was Hasina's home minister, and Obaidul Quader, who was the general secretary of Hasina's Awami League party.

A letter by Hollen and five other congressional Democrats was sent to U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen, urging sanctions on those officials. The State Department said it did not preview sanction-related actions.

"I welcome the swearing in of Dr. Muhammad Yunus to lead the interim government in Bangladesh. The United States supports his call for calm and peace," Blinken said separately on social media.

Human rights groups had accused Hasina of using excessive force against protesters, a charge she denied.

Since her departure, the student protests have widened to demand the exit of more officials appointed from her time in office.

Hasina went to New Delhi after leaving Bangladesh, ending her uninterrupted rule of 15 years in the nation of 170 million people.

Hasina's fall triggered both jubilation and violence. Her official residence was attacked, her father's statues were brought down and attacks were reported against minorities.

(Reporting by Kanishka Singh and David Brunnstrom in Washington; Editing by Josie Kao)
US releases $3.5 billion to Israel to spend on US weapons, military equipment

IDF handout image shows the ongoing ground operation against Palestinian Islamist group Hamas, in a location given as Gaza

By Kanishka Singh

WASHINGTON (Reuters) -Washington will provide Israel $3.5 billion to spend on U.S. weapons and military equipment, the State Department said on Friday, with the release of the money coming months after the U.S. Congress appropriated it during Israel's war in Gaza.

A State Department spokesperson said on Friday that the department notified Congress on Thursday that the government intended to release the billions of dollars worth of foreign military financing to Israel.

CNN reported earlier on the release of this amount which comes from a $14 billion supplemental funding bill for Israel passed by the Congress in April.

Tensions in the Middle East have been mounting and many fear a widening of Israel's war in Gaza that has already killed tens of thousands and caused a humanitarian crisis.

There has been an increased risk of escalation into a broader Middle East war after recent killings of Palestinian Islamist group Hamas' leader Ismail Haniyeh in Iran and of Hezbollah military commander Fuad Shukr in Beirut drew threats of retaliation against Israel.

The latest bloodshed in the decades-old Israeli-Palestinian conflict was triggered on Oct. 7 when Hamas attacked Israel, killing 1,200 and taking about 250 hostages, according to Israeli tallies.

The Gaza health ministry says that since then Israel's military assault on the Hamas-governed enclave has killed nearly 40,000 Palestinians while also displacing nearly the entire population of 2.3 million, causing a hunger crisis and leading to genocide accusations that Israel denies.

(Reporting by Kanishka Singh and Jasper Ward in Washington; Editing by Leslie Adler and David Gregorio)
US says El Chapo's son surrendered but 'El Mayo' may have been taken against his will

MEXICO CITY  The son of the infamous cartel kingpin "El Chapo" had surrendered voluntarily while his father's former partner Ismael "El Mayo" Zambada seemed to have been taken against his will, the U.S. embassy in Mexico said.

Zambada and Joaquin Guzman Lopez have pleaded not guilty to drug trafficking charges in the United States in respective federal courts in El Paso and Chicago. Their attorneys offered contrasting versions of the arrests.

Ismael Zambada, right, the reputed leader of the Sinaloa Cartel, appeared in a federal courtroom in El Paso, Texas, on Thursday, Aug. 1, accompanied by his attorney, Frank Perez of Dallas.

Zambada's lawyer said Guzman Lopez and six men in military uniforms "forcibly kidnapped" his client near the Sinaloa state capital of Culiacan and flew him to the United States against his will. The Guzman family attorney denied a kidnapping and called it a voluntary surrender after extended negotiations.

In a statement released Friday, Ambassador Ken Salazar issued a brief statement that provided key points related to the arrest of the Sinaloa Cartel members' U.S. arrest in July.

"No U.S. resources were used in the surrender. It was not our plane, nor our pilot, nor our people," Salazar said in a statement.

It added that no flight plan had been shared with U.S. authorities and the pilot was neither a U.S. citizen and nor had he been hired by the U.S. government.

U.S. Ambassador to Mexico Ken Salazar released a statement Friday, Aug. 9, 2024, claiming reputed Sinaloa drug cartel leader Ismael "El Mayo" Zambada was taken against his will when he was flown to the U.S. and arrested by federal law enforcement agents.

"This represents a great victory for both countries," Salazar said in the statement. "It is the result of a very precise work based on the principles of respect for our respective sovereignties and we do this work as partners."

'El Mayo" case likely being transferred from El Paso

Frank Perez, lead counsel for Ismael "El Mayo" Zambada, exits the Albert Armendariz Sr. Federal Courthouse in El Paso, Texas after a status conference for his client on Aug. 1, 2024.

The attorney for reputed Sinaloa drug cartel leader Ismael "El Mayo" Zambada filed a motion in New York federal court asking to be assigned as an attorney in the case against his client, the latest legal maneuver that could see the accused drug kingpins trial moved out of El Paso.

Frank A. Perez, a Dallas attorney, filed a motion Thursday, Aug. 8, to appear pro hac vice to represent Zambada in a drug trafficking and money laundering case in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York in Brooklyn.

The motion was approved Friday, Aug .9, New York federal court records show.

Perez could not immediately be reached for comment.

The motion comes after The New York Times reported Zambadas federal case in El Paso is in the process of moving to New York. The New York Times reported four people familiar with the situation told the outlet about the transfer of the case.

US officials take custody of Sinaloa cartel leader near El Paso

Zambada, the co-founder of the dangers Sinaloa drug cartel, was taken in U.S. custody in late July. He briefly appeared in federal court in Downtown El Paso during two hearings. He looked old and tired.

Zambada founded the Sinaloa Cartel along with now-jailed drug lord Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman, and he faces a litany of indictments for crimes relating to drug trafficking and organized crime in the United States.

A plane believed to have carried Zambada was seen on the tarmac of the Dona Ana County private airport July 26 in Santa Teresa, New Mexico. The small community borders El Paso.

Ismael El Mayo Zambada faces 7 federal counts

Here are the federal charges Zambada is facing:

Ismael "El Mayo" Zambada

Ismael "El Mayo" Zambada

Continuing criminal enterprise - murder

Two counts of continuing criminal enterprise

Conspiracy to possess narcotics

Attempt/conspiracy - narcotics - importation/exportation

Laundering of monetary instruments

Conspiracy to possess firearm/drug traffickers and aid and abet

Aaron Martinez may be reached at amartinez1@elpasotimes.com or on Twitter @AMartinezEPT. Reuters contributed to this report.

This article originally appeared on El Paso Times: US says El Chapo's son surrendered but 'El Mayo' taken against his will
US says 'far too many civilians' killed in Gaza after latest strike

People mourn near the bodies of Palestinians who were killed in Israeli attack on the Al-Tabeen school which sheltering displaced Palestinians in Gaza City, at the al-Maamadani hospital. At least 100 people were killed and dozens more were wounded. Hadi Daoud/APA Images via ZUMA Press Wire/dpa

The US government is "deeply concerned" about the Israeli strike on a Gaza City school on Saturday which Palestinian authorities said killed up to 100 people, a National Security Council spokesman has said.

"We are in touch with our Israeli counterparts, who have said they targeted senior Hamas officials, and we are asking for further details," the spokesman said.

Israel earlier said the building it hit in Gaza City "served as a hideout for Hamas terrorists and commanders."

The US spokesman said the Palestinian militant group Hamas was known to be "using schools as locations to gather and operate out of" but stated that the US has "said repeatedly and consistently that Israel must take measures to minimize civilian harm."

"We mourn every Palestinian civilian lost in this conflict, including children, and far too many civilians continue to be killed and wounded. This underscores the urgency of a ceasefire and hostage deal, which we continue to work tirelessly to achieve," the spokesman added.

People inspect damages following an Israeli strike that killed at least 100 people on a school sheltering displaced Palestinians in Gaza City. Khaled Daoud/APA Images via ZUMA Press Wire/dpa

People inspect damages following an Israeli strike that killed at least 100 people on a school sheltering displaced Palestinians in Gaza City. Khaled Daoud/APA Images via ZUMA Press Wire/dpa
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE)  University of Tennessee swimmer and Olympic medalist Mona McSharry is representing her county by carrying the Irish flag during the 2024 Olympics closing ceremony.

McSharry, a two-time Olympian, took home the bronze medal in the Womens 100 Meter Breaststroke on July 29. She also competed in the Womens 200 Meter Breaststroke as well as the Womens 4100 Meter Medley Relay.

Romanian gymnast could replace Jordan Chiles as bronze medalist in floor exercise after court ruling

Saturday morning, Team Ireland shared on social media platform X that McSharry and swimmer Daniel Wiffen would be the countrys closing ceremony flag bearers.

Mona McSharry and Daniel Wiffen will carry the [Irish] flag through the iconic Stade de France and close out a historic Olympic Games in Paris! The team wrote.

University of Tennessee Swimming and Diving described McSharry on the 2023-2024 roster as one of the best breaststrokers in the world.

Water quality was acceptable when Olympians swam in Seine River

The Paris Olympics was McSharrys second Olympics. During the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan, McSharry competed in the Womens 100 Meter and 200 Meter Breaststroke competitions.

This year, 17 University of Tennessee swimmers, a program-record, headed to the Olympics.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WATE 6 On Your Side.
SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4)  A Farmington man who attempted to steal a car from a parking lot and reportedly threw the driver into a tree has been sentenced to federal prison, according to the U.S. Attorneys Office for the District of Utah.

Kay Elder, 36, pleaded guilty in May to carjacking and was sentenced to 63 months in prison and an additional three years of supervised release.

PREVIOUS STORY: Farmington man charged in federal court with violent attempted carjacking

According to the attorneys office, Elder went up to the 57-year-old victim in the parking lot of a Salt Lake City Home Depot on Jan. 3, 2024, and began yelling at the victim. Elder told the victim to get out of the car and give him the key.

The victim exited the car and Elder attempted to strike and kick him but missed, the attorneys office said. Elder then grabbed the victim and threw him into a tree.

When Elder got into the car in an attempt to drive away, he was unable to do so because the key fob was still in the victims pocket. Elder attempted to flee from police on foot, but was later arrested.

According to a prior press release from the attorneys office, Elder was seen running into oncoming traffic after fleeing the car. While running, he reportedly ignored officers commands to stop, and grabbed a metal sign from a gas station and threw it at officers while running.

An FBI Task Force Officer with the Salt Lake City Police Department investigated the case. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Carlos A. Esqueda.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC4 Utah.
The uncle of the 18-year-old gunman who killed 19 fourth graders and two teachers in the 2022 mass shooting at Uvalde's Robb Elementary School emotionally pleaded with a 911 dispatcher to let him speak with his nephew while the terror inside the classrooms was still palpable.

Maybe he could listen to me because he does listen to me," pleaded the man, who identified himself as Armando Ramos. "Everything I tell him, he does listen to me."

Ramos' voice early in the afternoon of May 24, 2022, cracked with heartbreak and fear. But his call was too late. Law enforcement officers, who had waited more than an hour before confronting the gunman, had already shot and killed his nephew.

People grieve outside Uvalde's Robb Elementary School on May 25, 2022, the day after the deadliest school shooting in the state's history. The uncle of the 18-year-old gunman had pleaded with a 911 dispatcher to let him speak with his nephew amid the chaos of shooting, but the teen was already dead by that point.

The 911 call, logged at 57 minutes and two seconds past noon on that Tuesday, was part of Saturday's release of documents, audio recordings and chilling body-camera footage by the city of Uvalde in an agreement with media outlets, including the American-Statesman, that had gone to court to compel its release.

The dispatcher who took the call from Ramos asked for his name and address. He provided both and was instructed to remain on the line.

More: 'He's inside the school!' Devastating 911 calls, video from Uvalde school shooting released

"Oh my God," Ramos cries with emotion as the dispatcher tells him to "stay on the line with me" and keeps him on hold as several seconds tick by.

The dispatcher asked Ramos if his nephew was with him that morning. He said no, "he was at his grandma's house," but he had been with him the night before.

The dispatcher asked about Ramos and whether his nephew's behavior had changed in recent days. Ramos answered no, but said his nephew had complained that his grandmother, with whom he had been staying, had been "bugging" him.

"I said, 'She has every right to bug you,'" Ramos said.

The call taker and Ramos were on the line for 6 minutes and 13 seconds. At one point during one of several pauses, as if talking to his nephew Ramos said, "Oh my God, please don't do nothing stupid."

Finally, the dispatcher tells him, "OK, Armando, I'm going to have an officer get in touch with you in just a couple minutes."

He replied, "Yeah, I'm here, man."

This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Uvalde shooter's uncle begs to talk to gunman in frantic 911 call
The closure of branch campuses in Washington County this spring and Waukesha County next year prompted a UW-Milwaukee administration proposal to lay off 35 tenured faculty, which the university's faculty senate rejected this week. (UW-Milwaukee photo)

University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee rejected this week a proposal to lay off 35 tenured faculty after the closing of two suburban branch campuses.

The universitys faculty senate voted 24-11 Wednesday in opposition to the plan that had been advanced by UWM Chancellor Mark Mone earlier this year.

The next step for the controversial is not clear. The plan must be approved by the Universities of Wisconsin Board of Regents. In a statement reported by the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, a UWM spokesperson said that the process was still underway.

The Wisconsin conference of the American Association of University Professors (AAUP) on Friday called on Mone and the UWM administration to change course.

We call on the chancellor to slow the process down and reconsider his proposal in light of the serious reservations that led the Faculty Senate to reject it, AAUP-Wisconsin President Nick Fleisher, who teaches at UWM, wrote in a statement posted on the groups website. Under no circumstances should the current proposal be submitted to the Board of Regents at its August meeting.

The boards next scheduled meeting is August 22. Meeting materials have not yet been posted.

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PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN)  Vancouver leaders have selected the person who will begin the role of city manager later this fall.

The city revealed on Thursday that Lon Pluckhahn will take over the position on Oct. 11 at 5:01 p.m., replacing Eric Holmes  who has served Vancouver for 17 years and worked as city manager for 14 years.

PHOTOS: Lee Falls Fire near Henry Hagg Lake threatens local homes

Vancouver is a growing city with immense promise and potential, and I am deeply honored to serve as its next City Manager, Pluckhahn said in a release. I look forward to collaborating with the community, City Council, and our talented staff to help build on our current momentum with a focus on sustainability and community resiliency.

He was named as one of three finalists for the position in July, months after the city announced Holmes retirement. Pluckhahn, who currently works as deputy city manager, was chosen over Vancouver City Attorney Jonathan Young and Springfield City Manager Nancy Newton.

Officials narrowed down the finalists following a national search, preliminary interviews and input from the community.

City leaders reported that Pluckhahn boasts three decades of experience in local government. He holds two masters degrees in community and regional planning, and public administration. He also previously worked as Marion, Iowas city manager for about 15 years.

Vancouver Mayor Anne McEnerny-Ogle said his extensive experience in city administration and a proven track record of leadership qualifies him for the new role.

Deadly jet ski collision on Lacamas Lake prompts investigation

His understanding of the community and his commitment to transparency, community engagement, and innovation will be invaluable as we continue to address the needs and aspirations of our residents, McEnerny-Ogle added in a release.

Vancouver City Council will vote to officially appoint Pluckhahn on Monday. Leaders will spend the next several months helping ease his transition.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com.
This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility:

Low neighborhood socioeconomic status (SES) is associated with premature mortality, according to a study published online Aug. 8 in JAMA Network Open.

Wayne R. Lawrence, Dr.P.H., from the National Institutes of Health in Rockville, Maryland, and colleagues examined the association of life-course neighborhood SES and premature mortality in a cohort study including 12,610 Black and White participants (25.2 and 74.8 percent, respectively) of the multicenter Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities Study. Participants were followed for a mean of 18.8 years from 1996 to 2020.

The researchers observed an association for the lowest versus the highest tertile of neighborhood SES score in middle adulthood with a higher risk for premature mortality (hazard ratio, 1.28; 95 percent confidence interval, 1.07 to 1.54). Similar associations were seen for neighborhood SES in young adulthood among women and for neighborhood SES in childhood for White participants (hazard ratios [95 percent confidence intervals], 1.25 [1.00 to 1.56] and 1.25 [1.01 to 1.56], respectively). An increased risk for premature mortality was seen for participants whose neighborhood SES remained low from young to middle adulthood compared with those whose neighborhood SES remained high (hazard ratio, 1.25; 95 percent confidence interval, 1.05 to 1.49).

"Future studies aimed at identifying place-based interventions that target neighborhood social determinants of health should be designed from a life course perspective that accounts for early-life socioeconomic inequality, as this is a critical route to alleviating premature death," the authors write.

One author disclosed ties to the Bristol Myers Squibb Foundation; a second author received grants from the Krueger v. Wyeth class action lawsuit.

More information: Wayne R. Lawrence et al, Neighborhood Socioeconomic Disadvantage Across the Life Course and Premature Mortality, JAMA Network Open (2024). DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.26243 Journal information: JAMA Network Open

Copyright  2024 HealthDay. All rights reserved.
By Mayela Armas

CARACAS (Reuters) - Venezuela's supreme court on Saturday said that it had not received evidence from the opposition coalition in the disputed July 28 presidential elections and warned that its decision in determining the winner would be final.

The South American nation's elections authority, which the opposition claims is loyal to President Nicolas Maduro, declared the leader had won re-election, while the opposition argues its candidate, Edmundo Gonzalez, won.

The electoral authority has not released a detailed vote count from the elections and its website has been down since the early hours of July 29.

The opposition has posted its ballot count online, which shows Gonzalez receiving double the number of votes as Maduro.

In Venezuela, voting machines print out three copies of voting records for the electoral authority, the ruling party and its challenger.

Maduro appealed to the supreme court last week to verify the electoral results, leading the court to summon all candidates who had run.

Gonzalez did not attend, saying he would be at risk of arrest if he went. Members of the opposition who did go pressured the electoral authority to release its ballots, and the coalition has previously said it has its ballots locked up for safekeeping.

"The members of the Unitary Platform (opposition coalition) did not submit any electoral material" to the court, Chief Justice Caryslia Rodriguez told journalists and diplomats on Saturday.

The court did receive Maduro and the electoral body's vote counts, Rodriguez said.

The justice said that once the election investigation was concluded, the court's ruling would be "unappealable and compliance will be mandatory."

Brazil, Colombia and Mexico published a joint statement on Thursday urging the electoral body to publicly present a detailed vote count and said that the supreme court was not a solution to the matter.

Other Latin American nations, as well as the United States, have rejected Maduro's win. Ally nations Russia and China have congratulated him.

(Reporting by Mayela Armas; Writing by Kylie Madry; Editing by Sandra Maler)
On the same evening that Vice President Kamala Harris and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz led a campaign rally in Glendale, Arizona, speaking to a crowd of 20,000 supporters while still humbly referring to their campaign as the underdog in the race," Trump spoke to a smaller assembly in Bozeman  referred to as being in the "thousands" by Montana Public Radio  where he used the event intended to show his support of Republican U.S. Senate candidate Tim Sheehy to call Walz a "freak" who "orders tampons to be put in boys bathrooms."

And in delivering that last bit about the tampons, it should be noted that Trump instructed the crowd to have any children in the room cover their ears, as to not be exposed to the word "tampon."

"Tim Walz is the man who is very freakish."



Former President Donald Trump responds to Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz calling him and J.D. Vance weird. pic.twitter.com/DHkSnKWyX4  NEWSMAX (@NEWSMAX) August 10, 2024

Still very much taking issue with all the "weird" chatter surrounding his campaign and his newly tapped VP pick, JD Vance, Trump provided further proof that the effective strategy is getting to him by taking the low road, lashing out at his opponents with a tirade of insults and even referring to Harris supporters as "perverts."

Tim Walz is the man whos very freakish. Hes very freakish, Trump said at the event on Friday. "If Comrade Walz and Comrade Harris win this November, the people cheering will be the pink-haired Marxists, the looters, the perverts, the flag-burners, Hamas supporters, drug dealers, gun grabbers and human traffickers."

Tying a bow on this rant by referring to himself and Vance as "very solid people" and "the opposite of weird," Trump then continued down a path that would serve to prove otherwise, randomly dragging Montana Senator Jon Tester into the mess, making a whole production out of him having "the biggest stomach" he's ever seen.

Trump: His name is Jon Tester, and I don't speak badly about somebodys physical disability. But he's got the biggest stomach I have ever seen. I said, I swear that's the biggest stomach. I have never seen a stomach like that pic.twitter.com/Ky6M9ZjjvU  Acyn (@Acyn) August 10, 2024
Native Vote 2024. Vice President Kamala Harris, the Democratic Party 2024 presidential nominee, made an appeal for the Native vote on Friday evening. She made her comments during a rally at the Desert Diamond Arena in Phoenix before a crowd of over 15,000, according to the Harris for President campaign.

I will always honor tribal sovereignty and respect tribal self-determination and fight for a future where every Native person can realize their aspirations, and every Native community is a place of opportunity, Harris said.

It was the vice president's biggest appeal to garner the Native vote in the upcoming election to date since she announced her candidacy for president. Harris entered the presidential race almost three weeks ago, soon after President Joe Biden surprised Americans by saying he was withdrawing from the presidential race.

Harris appeal to Native voters was intentional on Friday because Arizona is home to 22 federally recognized, including a great swath of the Navajo Nation in the northeast corner of the state.

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The Harris for President campaign acknowledges it needs the Native vote in the upcoming election. Arizonas Native vote is particularly important because in 2020 President Biden won the state by three-tenths of a percentor 10,457 votes. Many political analysts cite the Native vote, which on some reservations voted nearly 90% for Biden, as helping to put him over the top in Arizona.

Gila River Indian Community Gov. Stephen Roe Lewis opened the rally.

"I enthusiastically support President Bidens choice of Vice President Harris as his replacement on the Democratic ticket. I have personally witnessed her grit, drive and commitment to our country, @gilariver and to Indian country. She will be a tireless advocate supporting tribal sovereignty including the treaty and trust responsibility. She is the right person at the right time to be our Countrys 47th President! Skoden." Lewis said.

Minnesota Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan (White Earth Ojibwe), who if the Harris-Walz ticket is elected in November will become the first Native American female governor in history, was interviewed on MSNBC's "The Saturday Show with Jonathan Capehart" on Saturday. When asked by host Jonathan Capehart what Harris' comments meant to her.

"It means everything. I think the power of the moment of just being seen and heard and valued. The Biden-Harris administration has done more for Indian Country than any other administration prior," Flanagan said. "I am over the moon. We take her leadership incredibly seriously and value her as a leader...her comments just speak to her connection with all people and with Native folks."

Harris appeal to the Native vote in her Friday speech to honor tribal sovereignty and tribal self-determination is a continuation of how the Biden-Harris administration has demonstrated a government-to-government stance towards tribal nations since taking office in January 2021.

Tribal sovereignty remains one of the main issues for Native American when they are polled, including in polls conducted by Native News Online.

Harris and Walz were in Phoenix Friday evening as part of a multiple-state blitz to swing states. Since choosing Walz on as her running mate on Tuesday morning, the Harris-Walz ticket has visited Philadelphia, Penn., Eau Claire, Wisc., Detroit, Mich., and Phoenix, Ariz. At all stops, the rallies have drawn large enthusiastic crowds.

Tonight, the ticket will rally in Las Vegas.

About the Author: "Levi \"Calm Before the Storm\" Rickert (Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation) is the founder, publisher and editor of Native News Online. Rickert was awarded Best Column 2021 Native Media Award for the print\/online category by the Native American Journalists Association. He serves on the advisory board of the Multicultural Media Correspondents Association. He can be reached at levi@nativenewsonline.net."

Contact: levi@nativenewsonline.net
A legislative task force has convened to study transparency deficiencies at publicly funded facilities that conduct animal experiments.

I felt like it started a conversation, Sen. Jennifer Boysko, D-Fairfax, said Thursday. Typically during the legislative session, everything is so compressed and quick. This actually brought the people who have a real stake in (this issue) to the table, and I think we will come out with a reasonable and thoughtful result.

Boysko is among several legislators who carried bipartisan legislation this year that would have made it easier to obtain information about animal testing at state-funded facilities. Several public universities in Virginia experiment on animals as part of their scientific research, including Eastern Virginia Medical School in Norfolk.

After universities pushed back, arguing it would overburden their institutions, the legislation was amended to form a task force to study the issue. The group includes representatives for universities, animal rights groups and open government advocacy organizations. Four legislators serve on the panel: Boysko, Sen. Bill Stanley and Dels. Shelly Simonds and Hillary Pugh Kent.

Solutions were not explored during the first meeting July 26 in Richmond, but members identified their goals and concerns with the help of professional mediators.

I would like the access to understand exactly which animals are there, Boysko said at the meeting. How many die and what the circumstances are of their death  for transparencys sake, I think its reasonable to request that.

Simonds, a Newport News Democrat, said she wanted to ensure information about the number and type of animals being used in experiments was easily accessible to the public without red tape.

I think that barriers to information when its a publicly funded university are inappropriate, and I want to make sure that we have the information without having to do constant FOIA requests, she said.

Raphael Malbrue, an attending veterinarian and director for the Center for Comparative Medicine at the University of Virginia, questioned how knowing the numbers would help improve animal welfare. He added that researchers were often busy working on publications.

They are doing so much paperwork, to be perfectly honest that prevents them from doing some of those outreach things to really talk to taxpayers about this is where your money is going and this is the new discoveries we have made, he said.

Josh Cohen, research assistant professor at Virginia Commonwealth University, said schools provide oversight for animal research and arent trying to hide their work. But he said researchers are wary about releasing information regarding experiments.

If you havent filed an invention disclosure, then you lose your right to that intellectual property, he said. I think that is part of the reason why universities and institutions of higher education are cautious about what is put forward.

Megan Rhyne, executive director for the Virginia Coalition for Open Government, argued public entities dont get to determine their own transparency policies or decide what would be of value to the public.

The public gets to decide what they are interested in, she said. They get to say I would like to see this information  and the data, the information, is their right to obtain unless a (FOIA) exemption applies.

The task force will convene again Aug. 30 and Sept. 20. Meetings are open to the public and can be viewed on the website for the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.

The group will issue a report of its findings later this year for the legislature to review.

Legislators have zeroed in on animal testing in recent years after the U.S. Department of Agriculture issued a string of warnings and animal welfare citations to several universities, including EVMS and Virginia Tech. Doug Gardner, a spokesperson for EVMS, declined to comment on the task force this week, explaining the school wants to wait until the group has concluded its work.

The university further declined a request by The Virginian-Pilot to tour the institutions animal-holding facilities.

To ensure the safety and well-being of the animals in our facility, we do not permit individuals not involved in the care, facilities maintenance, accreditation, inspection, training, and university administration and regulation, Gardner wrote in an email.

Katie King, katie.king@virginiamedia.com
Temple of Justice the Washington Supreme Court building in Olympia, Washington. (Getty Images)

Legal wrangling ended in the states high court Friday over the four initiatives that Washington voters will decide this November.

Washingtons Supreme Court ruled that information about how three of them could affect the state budget will appear alongside the measures on the ballot.

In a two-page ruling, justices affirmed a lower courts decision to deny an effort by Republican Party leaders to nix those public investment impact disclosures.

Also Friday, justices rebuffed a bid by an alliance of unions and progressive groups to force the secretary of state to redo its certification of the measures by reconfirming that the hundreds of thousands of people who signed petitions were legal voters.

The court rejected two related challenges that could have kept citizen initiatives off the ballot to repeal the states capital gains tax, end its cap-and-trade program, make participation in a state-run, long-term care program optional and bar restrictions on natural gas in new construction.

Defend Washington and Washington Conservation Action Education Fund, which filed the suits, oppose all four measures.

In each case, the court issued a two-page order and said an opinion fully explaining its decision would be issued at a later date.

A 2022 law requires disclosure statements of 15 words or less be placed on ballots if a measure repeals, levies or modifies a tax or fee, and if it would cause a net change in state revenue.

State attorneys crafted this wording for the three measures focused on the cap-and-trade law, the capital gains tax and the long-term care program.

State Republican Party Chair Jim Walsh and Mainstream Republicans of Washington Chair Deanna Martinez, who refer to the statements as warning labels, sued in June to block their publication, arguing the measures dont fit the laws criteria.

A Thurston County Superior Court judge rejected their arguments. Walsh and Martinez petitioned the state Supreme Court to take the case up directly because the secretary of states office had said it needed to know by Aug. 23 if those statements would be on ballots.

This is a major win for the voters of Washington State, said Aaron Ostrom, executive director of Fuse Washington, a statewide progressive political organization. When voters have information about the destructive impacts of their initiatives they go down in flames.

Certification questions

Defend Washington launched its suit early this year against the same three initiatives, which Walsh authored. Lets Go Washington conducted the signature-gathering for the three largely funded with money from its founder, Brian Heywood.

Attorneys for Defend Washington contended the process followed by the secretary of state failed to determine each signer was a legal voter at the time they signed the petition. The suit also argued the state failed to verify the residence address listed by a petitioners signature matched the one on their voter registration card. The group wanted the court to require a do-over of certification.

In April, Thurston County Superior Court Judge Allyson Zipp acknowledged the suit raised a number of questions about the process that gave the court pause. But she dismissed it nonetheless.

This court concludes that neither the Washington Constitution nor Washington statutes mandate the process that plaintiffs assert is required, she wrote. She also said their approach would disenfranchise potential signers who would be fully able to cast ballots if the measure they signed reached the ballot.

The suit filed by Washington Conservation Action Education Fund challenged the certification of signatures for Initiative 2066 concerning restrictions on natural gas. That measure qualified last month.

In a statement, Defend Washington called the decision disappointing.

While we continue to have concerns, we accept the courts decision today that the Secretary of States processes conform to current Washington law, the statement reads. Still, we urge elected leaders in Olympia to consider the issues we brought to light in our suit, and revise validation procedures accordingly.

Greg Lane, executive vice president of the Building Industry Association of Washington, blasted the legal attempt to derail Initiative 2066, which the association is the chief sponsor.

These frivolous attempts to keep the voters from having a voice when it comes to energy choice are undemocratic and nothing short of voter suppression, he said in a statement. Were pleased that the over half a million people who signed our petition to stop gas bans in Washington will have the opportunity to vote on this in November.
HONOLULU (KHON2)  A 25-year-old man was charged with Murder in the Second Degree and firearms charges for a shooting on Tuesday at the Waianae Boat Harbor.

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Court records state that two men were involved in a verbal argument at the harbor around 10:30 a.m. that apparently stemmed from a prior incident.

The record goes on to state that the incident escalated when the suspect, Rastan Brown-Castro, allegedly shot the other man multiple times.

Mug shot of Rastan Brown-Castro. (Courtesy HPD)

Man dead after being shot multiple times at Waianae Boat Harbor

Witnesses told KHON2, at the scene, that the victim ran toward the wash rack before collapsing. He was pronounced dead at 11:10 a.m.

Pop, pop, pop, pop, said one witness, was maybe about five or six shots is all I know. The shooter, yeah, he jumped in his truck and dug out.

Other witnesses said the driver did not take his time as he fled the scene.

Burning rubber, screeching the tires and stuff like that and almost losing control on the way out, another witness said. Went out towards the harbor entrance and then turned right and was headed towards Nanakuli side.

An HPD officer spotted Brown-Castros vehicle and attempted to stop him but he sped away.

The officer declared a pursuit that ended after the suspect collided and came to a stop.

Another HPD officer saw Brown-Castro get out of the vehicle and run toward a nearby beach park, where he was ultimately detained.

Two witnesses confirmed the detained man was the person who shot the victim.

Brown-Castros bail was set at $1,000,000.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KHON2.
Walzs campaign tries to walk back 2018 comments about using weapons in war after Republican criticism

Tim Walz misspoke in a 2018 video where the Minnesota governor linked his stance on gun regulations to handling weapons in war, according to the Harris campaign, as Republicans continue to allege Walz has been exaggerating his military record.

Earlier this week, the Kamala Harris campaign shared a video of Walz talking about why he supports background checks, public health research and other Democratic priorities around gun legislation.

In the clip, the Walz described his nearly quarter century serving in the Army National Guard and said, We can make sure those weapons of war, that I carried in war, is the only place where those weapons are at.

Democratic vice presidential nominee Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz speaks at a campaign rally in Arizona. His campaign is trying to walk back his previous comments about using weapons in war. (AP)

"In making the case for why weapons of war should never be on our streets or in our classrooms, the Governor misspoke, the Harris campaign told NBC News. He did handle weapons of war and believes strongly that only military members trained to carry those deadly weapons should have access to them, unlike Donald Trump and JD Vance who prioritize the gun lobby over our children.

Republicans have been attacking Walz with accusations of stolen valor.

Do not pretend to be something that youre not, GOP VP pick JD Vance, who also served in the military, said at a recent event. Id be ashamed if I was saying that I lied about my military service like you did.

The US senator from Ohio has also accused Walz of dropping out of his unit on the eve of a deployment to Iraq.

In 2003, Walz deployed for nine months during the war in Afghanistan, providing security at US bases across Europe amid Operation Enduring Freedom, but did not fight on the frontlines himself.

Walz retired from the Guard in 2005 as he pursued a run for Congress. His last day with the service was in May of that year. His unit had been warned it might have to deploy to Iraq, but did not receive formal orders to do so until March of 2006, according to The Washington Post.

Democrats have accused Republicans of resorting to unfounded Swift Boat attacks on Walz, a reference to the notorious false 2004 campaign to discredit the military service of Democratic presidential candidate John Kerry.

Its a tired, old strategy and the American people are too smart to fall for that, especially from anyone allied with a draft dodger like Donald Trump, a person close to the Harris-Walz campaign recently told The Independent.
Walz misspoke in saying he served in war, Harris campaign says

Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz misspoke in a newly resurfaced video from 2018 in which he said he handled assault weapons in war, a Harris campaign spokesperson told CNN on Saturday.

Walzs military record has been heavily scrutinized by Republicans, including GOP vice presidential nominee JD Vance, after Walz was tapped as Vice President Kamala Harris running mate on Monday. Vance has accused the Minnesota governor of stolen valor, pointing to a video from 2018 circulated by the Harris campaign this week of Walz referring to weapons that I carried in war while explaining his support for an assault weapons ban.

We can make sure those weapons of war, that I carried in war, are only carried in war, Walz said in the video.

Lauren Hitt, a Harris campaign spokesperson, said in a statement the governor misspoke in the clip.

Governor Walz would never insult or undermine any Americans service to this country  in fact, he thanks Senator Vance for putting his life on the line for our country. Its the American way, Hitt said in the statement.

In making the case for why weapons of war should never be on our streets or in our classrooms, the Governor misspoke, Hitt continued. He did handle weapons of war and believes strongly that only military members trained to carry those deadly weapons should have access to them, unlike Donald Trump and JD Vance who prioritize the gun lobby over our children.

Walz served in the Army National Guard for 24 years before retiring to run for Congress in 2005. He deployed with his unit to Italy in 2003 in support of the US war effort in Afghanistan but did not deploy to a combat zone as part of his service.

The clarification from the Harris campaign comes as the Trump campaign has sought to discredit Walzs military service in the days since he joined the Democratic ticket. At a Michigan campaign event on Wednesday, Vance, a Marine Corps veteran, accused Walz of being dishonest about his record as part of a series of attacks on the governors military record.

What bothers me about Tim Walz is the stolen valor garbage, Vance said. Id be ashamed if I were him and lied about my military service like he did.

At a campaign rally in Bozeman, Montana, on Friday, Trump made a brief reference to the attacks on Walz from Vance and other Republicans while praising Montana GOP Senate candidate Tim Sheehy, a former Navy SEAL.

His really is valor, its valor for heroism award. You know, the other one talks about valor, he has a different kind of a valor, its the opposite, Trump said.

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Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is seeking public comment on a draft plan for the Canyon Ferry Wildlife Management Area.

FWP manages Montanas wildlife management areas to benefit wildlife and their habitats on behalf of the public and to provide public access for fish- and wildlife-related recreation.

The new draft plan outlines the goals and issues associated with how FWP manages it. The plan also has information on potential future management actions.

The plan will also serve as a reference for FWP's long-term management agreement with the Bureau of Reclamation for establishing annual work plans for the WMA. Some actions may require more analysis and public comment, as required by the Montana Environmental Policy Act.

To view the plan, go to: https://fwp.mt.gov/binaries/content/assets/fwp/news/public-notices/2024/region-3/cfwmamgmtplandraft_2024.pdf.

The public can comment on the plan until Aug. 15. Comments can be sent via email to adgrove@mt.gov or mailed to:

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks

Attn: Canyon Ferry WMA Plan

P.O. Box 998

Townsend, MT 59644

Canyon Ferry WMA is about 5,920 acres and is on the south end of Canyon Ferry Reservoir just north of Townsend in Broadwater County, where the Missouri River flows into Canyon Ferry Reservoir.

"The WMA is somewhat unique in that it was created in 1957 by a Memorandum of Understanding between the Bureau of Reclamation and what was then the Montana Department of Fish & Game," the report states.

Goals in the 46-page report, which has 54 pages of supplemental documents, include maintaining or improving overall waterfowl habitat quality for both seasonal migrants (primary emphasis) and resident Canada geese and ducks.

It seeks the same for pheasants and other upland game birds, providing productive yearlong habitat for big game species that use the area, including white-tailed deer, moose and nongame species and furbearing animal.

The report notes that predator or predatory nongame species such as coyotes, skunks, and racoons will be managed taking into consideration the WMAs primary objectives of managing for waterfowl and upland game bird species.

The WMA also calls for continuing to allow a multitude of recreational uses including hunting, permitted trapping, wildlife watching, and various forms of non-wildlife related recreation.

While recreation use of the WMA is important, particularly hunting-related recreation, the primary function of the WMA is to provide quality wildlife habitat for the species that make use of the WMA, the report states.

As such, recreation will be managed to minimize its impacts to the WMAs wildlife and wildlife habitat.

The report notes there are four major ponds on Canyon Ferry WMA formed by the dike systems and were built in the early to mid-1970s primarily for dust abatement, an issue that resulted from construction of Canyon Ferry Reservoir, but their importance for providing habitat for waterfowl, wading birds, and other wildlife has evolved over time.
Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz (D) on Friday mocked former President Trump as he and Vice President Harris drew yet another significant crowd during a campaign stop in Arizona.

Walz, addressing a crowd of roughly 15,000 people in Phoenix, admired the audience and noted the campaign drew a similar crowd in Detroit a day earlier.

But Arizona  just couldnt leave it alone, could you? Walz said. Its not as if anybody cares about crowd sizes or anything.

The Harris campaign has throughout the week drawn larger crowds than Democrats had managed at any point previously in the election cycle, a sign of the enthusiasm behind the vice presidents White House bid after President Biden ended his candidacy.

The size of Harriss crowds and resulting media coverage appeared to irk Trump, who typically draws thousands of people to his campaign rallies.

Oh, give me a break, Trump said during a Thursday press conference when asked if he was worried about the size of Harriss crowds.

Listen, I had 107,000 people in New Jersey, you didnt report it. Im so glad you asked. What did she have yesterday, 2,000 people? Trump continued. If I ever had 2,000 people, youd say my campaign is finished.

Friday marked Harriss first trip to Arizona and the Sun Belt since she launched her presidential campaign following President Bidens decision not to seek reelection. She was joined by Rep. Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.), who is running for Senate, and Sen. Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), who was a finalist to serve as Harriss running mate.

Kelly, a veteran, swiped at Trump over attacks some Republicans have launched against Walz regarding his military service. Walz served in the National Guard for 24 years but left the service to run for office months before his unit deployed overseas.

Trump calls those who served suckers and losers. And he has zero respect for any of us who have worn the uniform, Kelly said. Folks here in Arizona, we do not attack people for their service to our country.

Trump won Arizona in 2016 by roughly 3 percentage points, but he lost the state to Biden in 2020 by roughly 11,000 votes.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Walzing on sunshine: How Tim Walz's upbeat demeanor got him on the Kamala Harris ticket

MINNEAPOLIS  When Vice President Kamala Harris took the Democratic baton and had just two weeks to pick her running mate, there was no shortage of qualified contenders. Lining up for consideration were an astronaut senator from Arizona, a dynamic swing state governor from Pennsylvania, and an election-winning red-state national newcomer from Kentucky.

Instead, Harris chose a smiling political pugilist from the upper Midwest.

Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz's grounded character and amiability won over the newly minted Democratic nominee and he made a triumphant debut as Harris' vice presidential pick in Philadelphia on Tuesday. Beyond his record of progressive policy wins and leadership experience, Walz's enthusiastic nature and rapport with Harris set him apart from the crowd of VP contenders, a person familiar with his selection told USA TODAY.

He's the kind of person who makes people feel like they belong, and then inspires them to dream big, Harris said. And that's the kind of vice president he will be, and that's the kind of vice president America deserves.

Sign up for Your Vote: Text USA TODAY reporters and the elections team by joining our SMS service.

At a joint campaign rally in Eau Claire, Wisc., Harris touted the new pair as "joyful warriors" in an energized campaign that stands apart from both President Joe Biden's compartively lackluster operation before he dropped out of the race, and what critics say is the rambling, pessimistic tone of Republican nominee Donald Trump.

That's partly thanks to Walz, say those who know him, describing a perpetually upbeat communicator who's not afraid to get his hands dirty.

In the few days since he was named Harris' pick, jokes about the former school teacher's Minnesota niceties have ricocheted around the internet.

Tim Walz will help you move.



Tim Walz grills a mean bratwurst.



Tim Walz knows which hot water heater is the most reliable and energy efficient.



Tim Walz found your lost cat.  serenity now  (@MissesDread) August 6, 2024

The governor  now the Democratic ticket's chief attack dog against Donald Trump  lives up to the nice guy accusations, colleagues and former students say.

More: Can vice president candidate Tim Walzs 'Normal Joe vibe' appeal to Arizona men?

Stubborn roots in the classroom

Walz's introduction to politics didn't come from law school or a seat on a small city council. It started with being denied entry to a campaign rally.

In 2004, Walz took two children of other teachers to see a rally by President George W. Bush in Mankato, Minn., where they were turned away. Reasons for their denial vary.

Walz said in 2020 the students were denied entry because they had volunteered for the Democratic party, though it's unclear how that was discovered. Local reporting from local Minnesota news station Fox 9 claims that one of the children was identified as a Democrat because they were wearing a sticker for Bush's opponent, John Kerry.

Thread - The last sitting President to visit my hometown of Mankato, Minnesota was George W. Bush in 2004. As a high school teacher and football coach, I brought two fellow teachers' children to the speech as an educational experience. We were denied entry...  Tim Walz (@Tim_Walz) August 17, 2020

Walz said he pushed back on their dismissal but was ultimately rejected. Two years later, he ran on bipartisan cooperation for Congress in a district that hadn't voted Democratic since the 19th century.

Angie Brunner, 40, remembers her junior year geography teacher, "Mr. Walz," as passionate and kind, but also blissfully stubborn, she told USA TODAY. Brunner has a clear memory of a minutes-long standoff Walz had with another student.

The student "had his hands in his pocket, very much like, 'I'm done with this man'" she said, "And I just remember the smile on his face," she said of Walz. "He was like 'We're gonna connect here son, whether you like it or not.'"

The brush lasted past the class bell, Brunner said, but Walz was determined to reach all of his pupils. "He would do that with students until they were forced to care," she said. "He would do it with a laugh."

More: 'Get off the couch': Walz's JD Vance joke throws dirt. Some say it's about time

Michael Sipe taught with Walz in the social studies department at Mankato West High School and said disagreeing with his fellow educator's politics didn't mean despising him.

"If you know Tim, you like Tim, you don't always agree with him, but you like the guy," he told USA TODAY.

Walz is known in his home state for not using a teleprompter during addresses, one example, Sipe said, of his real guy bona fides.

Walz had the politician's gift of making everyone he encountered feel special. "When he talked to you, even if you were in a crowded setting, you were the only person in the room he was talking to," Sipe said. "Everyone felt valued with Tim."

'What a gift'

Vice presidential candidate and Minnesota Democratic Gov. Tim Walz (left) poses for a photo with writer and disability activist Justin Smith (right) at the DFL state convention in 2018.

Justin Smith only had to tell Walz his name once  he hasn't forgotten it since.

The 26-year-old disability activist and writer has cerebral palsy and uses a communication device to speak. He told USA TODAY that every time he attends an event featuring the governor, Walz makes an effort to greet him.

"Can you image how that makes someone feel when they get noticed like this?" Smith said. "He never talks down to me and he treats me with respect."

More: GOP critics say Tim Walz 'let Minnesota burn' in 2020 protests. Here's what happened

The two met when Smith was a state delegate for Walz's 2018 gubernatorial campaign and they often discuss accessibility issues. "He makes me feel that I have a seat at the table," Smith said. "I can make my voice heard about issues that matter to people with disabilities... What a gift."

Jason Bauman and Jared Stene were Winona State University students when they volunteered for Walz's first congressional campaign in 2006. Right off the bat, Bauman told USA TODAY, Walz came across as charismatic, giving off "friendly dad" and "good vibes," that even Republicans responded to.

In 2007 during Walz's freshman year in the House, 22-year-old Stene unexpectedly passed away. To Bauman's surprise, the then-congressman attended the funeral, unannounced, nearly 100 miles away from his district.

A year later, Walz took to the House floor to remember Stene and his work advocating for transparency in textbook pricing.

Now Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz (left) and campaign volunteer Jason Bauman (right) pose for a picture in 2006 in Winona, Minn.

"For Walz to show up at the funeral and then even mention his name to Congress just shows how much of a genuine, down-to-earth guy he is," Bauman said.

Political teeth, with a smile

Ken Martin was running then-U.S. Sen. John Kerry's presidential campaign in Minnesota when he got a call from a disgruntled teacher. He had been denied entry to a Bush rally and wanted to make his first steps into politics.

Martin, now chairman of the state Democratic-Farmer-Labor party, made Walz the chair of the Veterans for Kerry campaign, "and the rest is history" he said.

Now serving his second term, Walz enjoys a Democratic trifecta with his party in control of both the state house and senate. Despite a successful run passing a historic progressive agenda that included codifying reproductive rights into law and universal school meals, his time in office has also been marked by state and nationwide distress.

In managing the uprising following the murder of George Floyd by a Minneapolis police officer, in addition to the coronavirus pandemic, Martin said in 2020, Walz worked to lead "difficult conversations with joy and optimism." From the White House, even Donald Trump praised his handling of the George Floyd unrest, though Republicans now say he allowed the violence to flourish.

More: Another Minnesota veep, dontcha know? Tim Walz seeks to follow Humphrey and Mondale

Walz isn't the first soldier of good vibes for a VP ticket  he isn't even the first from Minnesota.

Hubert Humphrey, who served as veep under President Lyndon Johnson in the 1960s, was called the "Happy Warrior" for a similarly upbeat demeanor. Martin said bringing joy back to politics, like Humphrey did, is a staple of how Walz conducts business.

Despite his positive brand, Walz hasn't always taken the high road. On Tuesday, he mocked his opponent, Sen. JD Vance, R-Ohio, over an obscene internet meme at his first campaign rally with Harris. And he hasn't shied away from taking the fight to former President Trump in a race that pollsters say is tied nationally.

Whether Walz's positive demeanor will hold up in the remaining weeks of the newly energized Democratic campaign is yet to be seen.

"I do think it helps you win elections, but I also think it helps you govern," Martin said. "I think it's one of the great reasons he was put on the ticket."

 Sam Woodward is the Minnesota elections reporting fellow for USA Today. You can reach her at swoodward@gannett.com, on X @woodyreports, or on Threads @samjowoody

This article originally appeared on St. Cloud Times: Tim Walz: How the 'joyful warrior' teamed up with Kamala Harris
Following an investigation into a Washington County day care that began last month, local authorities have arrested an employee for alleged child abuse and are also requesting charges against the day care's owner.

The Kewaskum Police Department Friday arrested a 20-year-old female employee of the Forever Friends Learning Center, according to a news release from Kewaskum Police Chief Thomas Bishop posted to Facebook Friday.

Police requested the following charges for the employee: two counts of physical abuse of a child/reckless causation and two counts of failure to report abuse/neglect as required.

Police also requested that the owner be charged with one count of failure to report abuse/neglect as required.

On July 23, Kewaskum police received reports of possible physical abuse to a child at the center at 1623 Fond du Lac Ave., according to the release.

An initial investigation by Kewaskum police, with the assistance of Washington County Child Protective Services and the Department of Children and Families, led to the owner agreeing to a voluntary closure of the facility while the full investigation took place, police said.

Authorities continued to investigate and interview children and adults at the facility prior to the arrest and filing charge requests on Aug. 9.

YoungStar is the states Department of Children and Families quality rating and improvement system for child care.

The systems database shows the Forever Friends Learning Center is licensed and rated three out of five stars, meaning it meets proficient levels of quality standards, according to the systems website.

The centers profile with YoungStar also lists five different violations over the last two years for issues related to staff-to-child ratios, hygiene and uncertified staff supervising children.

This incident affects many families in and around the Village of Kewaskum, and I appreciate the communitys patience through this process, Bishop said in the release.

Confidentiality was important in this case due to the nature of the investigation, and I ask for continued respect for those families affected and allow them the privacy they deserve in this case."

Contact Claudia Levens at clevens@gannett.com. Follow her on X at @levensc13.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Police request child abuse charges against day care worker, owner
JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (WJHL)  The Washington County, Tennessee Democratic Party (WCDP) held a caucus on Saturday to nominate a county commission candidate for District Nine and endorse three campaigns running for Johnson City commission in November.

We are excited to organize this caucus, which will mark the launch of our Democratic campaigns toward November, said WCDP Chair Sylvain Bruni. A caucus is a formidable event to engage with voters directly and foster community and conversation across the county.

Woman missing in Columbus, Georgia has ties to Greeneville, Tenn.

Nearly 50 people gathered in Carver Park to nominate a commissioner who will represent the Democratic party in November. Commissioner Suzy Williams passed away in June, leaving the vacant seat. Because of the timing of commissioner Williams passing, there couldnt be a primary. Instead, each party will caucus to select its candidate for the November election.

Raven Olson was selected to represent the WCDP in the race for Williams District Nine seat.

The party also endorsed three other Democrats running for Johnson City commission in Nov., and those candidates are John Baker, Jay Emerton and Jacob Luallen.

Caucusing to nominate candidates is an occasion to connect with fellow voters, discuss critical local issues and participate in the democratic process.

Visit the Washington County Democratic Party website to learn more.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJHL | Tri-Cities News & Weather.
As the state enters what is historically its toughest month of the year for wildfires, large blazes continue to burn in central and eastern Washington and smoke could be on the horizon on the west side of the state.

But state officials arent too worried  yet.

Washingtons wildfires have burned more acres than the last two fire seasons, but the number of overall ignitions remains low, resources arent severely stretched, and large fires are being contained.

Weve made it through July, weve made it through the first week of August. Getting through the rest of the month will determine what sort of season this ends up being, said Thomas Kyle-Milward, a Department of Natural Resources spokesperson.

Smoke and haze obscures the horizon as salmon fishing boats congregate just north of the ferry lanes off of Kingston on Friday, July 26, 2024.

More than 265,000 acres have burned so far this year in Washington on both state and federal lands. Thats compared to last years total of 165,000 acres and the 10-year average of roughly 470,000 acres.

Although more acres have burned compared to last year, the number of overall ignitions remains well below previous years, Kyle-Milward said. On Department of Natural Resources lands alone, there were 585 ignitions so far this year. Last year, there were 806.

As of Thursday, the states biggest fires include the Pioneer fire east of Lake Chelan, threatening the remote town of Stehekin, the Retreat fire along Highway 12 outside of Yakima, and the Cougar Creek fire in the southeast corner of the state.

Some of the regions big fires, especially those near the Cascades, could burn until significant rain or snow hits the region this fall, according to the U.S. Forest Service. Heavily-treed forests provide fuel to sustain fires for extended periods, and remote locations can be difficult for fire crews to access.

More: How long will smoke affect air quality in Kitsap, western Washington?

As widespread lightning could strike this month, fire managers are determining how to handle these long-duration fires. Strategies will likely include preparing containment lines to stop fires from reaching structures, power lines or water systems.

Our planners are taking a realistic look at current wildfires, expected new fires, and the resources we have to help us safeguard human lives and property while enhancing our ability to respond to wildfires in high-risk areas, Jacque Buchanan, Pacific Northwest regional forester at the Forest Service, said in a statement.

Meanwhile, the Northwest Interagency Coordination Centers seven-day outlook for wildfire shows the potential for large fires in some regions of the Pacific Northwest is above normal.

Currently, Kyle-Milward said the state has adequate resources to deal with the fires on Washingtons lands. Commissioner of Public Lands Hilary Franz asked Gov. Jay Inslee to call in the Washington National Guard last month to help. Since then, two Guard helicopters have helped drop water on fires throughout eastern Washington.

Kyle-Milward said the state also has some out-of-state resources assisting with larger fires, but as the rest of the West Coast burns, federal and out-of-state crews and equipment could become stretched.

Oregon is on track to set a new record for the amount of land burned in a wildfire season. The state has already seen 1.3 million acres burn this year and now has 34 large fires, with five over 100,000 acres each.

Kyle-Milward urged the public to be fire-conscious. Yard equipment, loose chains dragging behind vehicles and cigarettes can all be enough to spark a fire in dry summer conditions. And even small fires can strain local and state resources to fight larger fires elsewhere, Kyle-Milward said.

A statewide burn ban remains in effect on all state lands.

Weve still got a lot of potential on the landscape for fire, Kyle-Milward said. Weve still got a lot of fire weather in the forecast. Its going to continue for at least another three weeks.

This story was initially published by Washington State Standard, a nonprofit news organization and part of the States Newsroom network. Read more at www.washingtonstatestandard.com.

This article originally appeared on Kitsap Sun: Washington prepares for more fires in August as dry season peaks
Watch Live: Harris, Walz speak at campaign rally in Arizona

Vice President Harris and her running mate, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz (D), are holding a campaign rally in Phoenix Friday  as momentum builds for the Democratic duo.

The event comes as polls show Harris closing the gap with former President Trump in the Grand Canyon State. The Hill/Decision Desk HQ polling index shows Harris trailing Trump by less than 3 percentage points  45.7 percent to 47.9 percent respectively.

It also comes a day after the election handicapper Cook Political Report shifted its ratings for Arizona, Georgia and Nevada toward the Democratic nominee.

Before selecting Walz to join her ticket, Sen. Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.) was a strong contender on the veepstakes shortlist.

The rally, part of the Harris-Walz tour of electoral battlegrounds, is scheduled to begin at 8 p.m. EDT.

Watch the live video above.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Watch how NASA's Artemis astronauts could escape their rocket in an emergency (photos, video)

When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission.

The escape system for Artemis moon astronauts launching aboard NASA's Space Launch System. | Credit: NASA/Isaac Watson

The next moon astronauts have a rapid escape route, in case of emergency.

Should something go awry with the Space Launch System rocket supporting the Artemis 2 mission, an emergency exit via baskets will be at the ready at NASA's Kennedy Space Center to ferry the four astronauts to safety.

The system "will use a track cable which connects the mobile launcher to the perimeter area of the launch pad where four baskets, similar to gondolas at ski lifts," NASA officials wrote in a recent statement. "Once down at the ground level, armored emergency response vehicles are stationed to take personnel safely away from the launch pad to one of the triage site locations."

In September 2025 or so, Artemis 2 is expected to launch to the moon. On board will be NASA commander Reid Wiseman, NASA pilot Victor Glover (who will become the first Black person to leave low Earth orbit, or LEO), NASA mission specialist Christina Koch (the first woman to go beyond LEO) and Canadian Space Agency astronaut Jeremy Hansen (the first non-American).

Related: 'That's part of space exploration': Artemis 2 astronauts unfazed by moon mission delays (exclusive)

a rocket lifting off in the background with a bird standing in front

It's unlikely that an SLS launch will go awry, but NASA always has scenarios in place for backups. "We have four baskets that sit on the side of the mobile launcher tower at the same level as the crew access arm, the location where the crew enters the spacecraft," Amanda Arrieta, mobile launcher senior element engineer for NASA's exploration ground systems program.

a basket to carry people above the landscape

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Each basket in the system is SUV-sized and can carry five people, or 1,500 pounds (680 kg). "Each of these baskets will go down a wire," Arrietta said, with the release noting they will slide from 375 feet (114 meters) high down to ground level. "It's a wire rope system that connects to the pad terminus, an area near the pad perimeter where the baskets will land after leaving the mobile launcher tower."

Artemis 2 is part of the larger Artemis program with aims to land astronauts near the moon's south pole to take advantage of apparent water ice in the region, for human and machinery needs.

NASA isn't going it alone, as it has dozens of nations supporting under the Artemis Accords. While only a subset of those nations are directly contributing hardware for moon missions, others are on board to agree to a NASA-led vision of international and peaceful space exploration norms.
Legal battles began in 1991 about whether the small populations of fluvial Arctic grayling in the Big Hole River and upper Madison River Basin deserve protections under the federal Endangered Species Act.

A boxed set of related court filings, appeals and rulings, of biological studies and findings, of op-ed laments and more would give Atlas a run for his muscles.

Now, a 53-page ruling from a federal district court judge in Missoula has sent the weighty decision back to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for yet another look.

Judge Dana Christensens order, dated Aug. 6, vacated a 2020 finding by the Fish and Wildlife Service that the fluvial, or river-dwelling, Arctic grayling in the upper Missouri River Basin did not warrant listing under the Endangered Species Act.

His ruling directed the service to make a new finding as to the status of the upper Missouri River Basin distinct population segment of Arctic grayling within 12 months of the date of this order.

Under the Endangered Species Act, a distinct population segment is a population or group of populations discrete from other populations of the species and significant in relation to the entire species.

Christensens order does not mean, of course, that the Fish and Wildlife Service will return within 12 months with a finding that the grayling warrants listing.

Joe Szuszwalak, a spokesman for the service, said the agency is reviewing the decision and declines to comment on litigation.

Native populations of Arctic grayling can be found in a short stretch of the Big Hole River, the Ennis Reservoir, the Ruby River and lakes in the Centennial Valley.

Patrick Kelly is a director for the Idaho-based Western Watersheds Project, one of three plaintiffs in the case. He responded Wednesday to Christensens order.

This decision is welcome news for Montanas Arctic grayling, a uniquely beautiful fish whose last native population in the Lower 48 states barely hangs on in a small part of our state, Kelly said.

After decades of baffling resistance to listing the Arctic grayling  including multiple legal settlements and prior court losses  the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service must now adhere to the law and base their determination on the best available science, free from economic and political pressures.

Yet the judges rulings on specific merits of a lawsuit  filed in January 2023 by the Center for Biological Diversity, the Western Watersheds Project and Pat Munday of Butte  was not a slam dunk for the plaintiffs. Lawyers for Earthjustice, an organization based in San Francisco, argued the plaintiffs case.

The judge often ruled in favor of the defendants, which included the Fish and Wildlife Service and Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks, among others.

Christensens order differed with plaintiffs allegations that the 2020 finding by Fish and Wildlife did not adequately consider data about the size of the fluvial Arctic grayling population and the effects of low flows, potentially lethal warm temperatures and climate change.

The fluvial graylings historic range has shrunk dramatically due to habitat loss, fragmentation, over-harvest, competition with nonnative species and climate change.

Yet Christensen agreed with the plaintiffs that the Fish and Wildlife Services 2020 decision failed to adequately consider what might happen if the Big Hole River Candidate Conservation Agreement with Assurances expired in 2026.

The judge found that it was arbitrary and capricious for the Fish and Wildlife Service to rely on the benefits of the CCAA without considering the very real possibility that the CCAA, and at least some of its existing benefits, may cease to exist in the foreseeable future or that site-specific plans may not be renewed.

Christensen also ruled that the Fish and Wildlife Services 2020 determination that the population of Arctic grayling in the Ruby River was viable and a potential source of species redundancy was arbitrary and capricious.

Noah Greenwald, endangered species director at the Arizona-based Center for Biological Diversity, said Montana has failed to establish five stable, viable populations of grayling in other rivers.

Promises to restore grayling to more rivers than the Big Hole, where theyre on the brink of extinction, havent panned out, so this ruling is an important win, Greenwald said. Its long past time for the Fish and Wildlife Service to protect these beautiful, precious fish under the Endangered Species Act.

Under the CCAAs cited by Christensen, non-federal property owners who voluntarily agree to manage their lands or water to remove threats to species at risk of becoming threatened or endangered receive assurances against additional regulatory requirements should that species be subsequently listed under the Endangered Species Act.

The Big Hole Watershed Committee emerged in 1995, following a 1994 notice by the Fish and Wildlife Service that listing the fluvial Arctic grayling was warranted but precluded by other, higher-priority listings. The agricultural community, among others, feared a listing would cast the long shadow of government agencies over their operations.

The Big Hole Watershed Committee has shepherded a host of voluntary actions among ranchers and other property owners to improve riparian habitat and flows.

Pedro Marques is the executive director for the committee, which provides support for the CCAA.

He said Wednesday he fully believes the CCAA will be renewed in 2026 based on discussions with the Fish and Wildlife Service, FWP, the Department of Natural Resources and Conservation, the Natural Resources Conservation Service and Trout Unlimited.

I continue to believe that with all the buy-in from the state and the feds and the successes of the CCAA program that it would be silly not to renew, Marques said.

He said participants have shifted their processes and how they operate to benefit the grayling in the Big Hole.

Marques said Christensens ruling confirmed that the Fish and Wildlife Service is relying on the best science available when assessing the impacts on grayling of low flows, access to cooler waters, known as thermal refugia, water temperatures and climate change.

Data show clearly that the work being done by the CCAA is making a difference, he said.

If the plaintiffs attempt to describe [Christensens ruling] as a victory, I think theyd be spinning, Marques said.

Nearly everyone agrees that low flows in the river and related increases in water temperature are threats to the fluvial Arctic grayling and other coldwater fish species during the irrigation season  realities compounded by drought and climate change.

Ranchers in the Big Hole Valley withdraw water in summer to grow the hay their livestock needs during the high-elevation valleys long, harsh winters.

Marques said CCAA participants agreed months ago, facing the near certainty of a low water summer, to adjust irrigation practices.

Jim Magee, a biologist with the Fish and Wildlife Service, has long worked with landowners in the Big Hole Valley to improve conditions for grayling.

Magee has stressed the importance of keeping intact ranches on the landscape, an outcome he says benefits numerous species of wildlife and helps inhibit developments habitat fragmentation.

Ranchers participating in the CCAA program have received help with protecting riparian areas from cattle, locating off-stream water tanks for livestock, reducing fish entrainment in irrigation ditches and more.

Meanwhile, plaintiff Munday, a longtime watchdog of conditions on the Big Hole River, has said he believes listing for the Arctic grayling under the Endangered Species Act will yield additional resources to help the fluvial grayling survive.
I went viral for dancing at a Kamala Harris rally. It's given me a platform to inform people about issues I'm passionate about, like Social Security.

I went viral for dancing at a Kamala Harris rally. It's given me a platform to inform people about issues I'm passionate about, like Social Security.

Parker Short went viral for dancing to a song at a rally for Vice President Kamala Harris.

Short is passionate about politics since he's benefited from policies like Social Security.

He wants to use his virality to spotlight the changes he'd like to see in his home state of Georgia.

This as-told-to essay is based on an interview with Parker Short, an incoming graduate student at the Sanford School of Public Policy at Duke University and president of the Young Democrats of Georgia, a youth organization that's part of the Democratic Party of Georgia and the Young Democrats of America. Short, who is 22 and lives in Dunwoody, Georgia  a northern suburb of Atlanta  went viral on July 30 when he was filmed dancing to a Kendrick Lamar song at a rally for Vice President Kamala Harris. The following has been edited for length and clarity.

When "Not Like Us" came on, one of my best friends, Royce  he's right next to me in the viral video  looked at me because he knew how much I loved this song and how well I knew every word.

I just started to do what I would have done in the car alone. I sang every word, and I got real excited. I had so much energy that day.

We all went out to a bar after, and my friends said, "Parker, you're all over the internet." I went home and slept, and when I woke up, I had 10,000 more Instagram followers.

I've been organizing for the Young Democrats of Georgia since I was 15. And when I went viral, I said, "Okay, I need to do the most with this. I need to tell people to vote and keep doing the work that I've been doing for years."

Your vote is the most powerful non-violent tool you have, as the late Rep. John Lewis said.

Parker Short, left, with the late Rep. John Lewis, at a Jon Ossoff rally in 2017. Courtesy of Parker Short

We live with that responsibility of being in Georgia, the birthplace of the Civil Rights Movement, the birthplace of Jimmy Carter  and we need to continue to live those values.

I got involved in politics at 15 years old. Right after Trump got elected, I went to the Women's March with my mom. Growing up with a single mom, it really matters how you're raised, and my mama raised me right.

'I will always invest in America'

I lost my dad when I was a little kid. I was four years old, and he died of lung cancer. The doctors told him he had three months to live  he lived for 18 months.

It was really tough on my family. I didn't really get to know my dad too well because I was just a little kid. My dad was an artist. He was the art director for "Remember the Titans," and a set consultant for "O Brother, Where Art Thou?" which is my favorite movie of all time.

When my family lost him, it was me, my mom, and my little brother. I had to grow up, and I had to get tough real quick. Paying bills is tough. I understood the stress that my mom was under.

Social Security is what made a huge impact on my life. There's something called survivor Social Security, and when you lose a parent, you're able to receive that benefit. That kept my family afloat.

Social Security allowed me to have a roof over my head, allowed me to go to school, allowed me to invest in myself, and give back to my community. I view this as America investing in me, and I will always invest in America.

When Jon Ossoff ran for Congress in my congressional district in 2017, I was 15 years old. And that was my first job as an intern.

Parker Short, second from right, with Sen. Jon Ossoff during his failed 2017 bid for Congress. Courtesy of Parker Short

Since then, I've been working in politics and public policy. I've worked for the state, local, and federal government, and a variety of different elected officials, nonprofit organizations, and lobbying organizations.

I'm lucky to be a Pell Grant recipient and graduate from the University of Michigan's Ford School of Public Policy, debt-free. I've felt and seen the benefits of positive, progressive public policy.

'We are stronger when we help each other'

After I went viral, my congressman, Rep. Hank Johnson, came to my town. My state senator also came over to my house and affirmed her support for the Young Democrats of Georgia. It's been great to talk about these issues and the work I've been doing for years and to have a larger platform.

Looking to the future, I'm going to spend my life in Georgia policy-making, trying to fix this state. The truth is, there's so much work to be done.

I don't have any immediate plans to run for office. Honestly, I just want to be an asset to progress in Georgia, and I know my impact could be more profound if I continue to educate myself.

Growing up in red Dunwoody, Georgia, people would be like, 'Oh, you're the Democrat kid, aren't you?'

And I would tell them why, and tell them my story and how Social Security impacted me, and what Medicaid was, what Medicare was, and why we needed to elect Democrats.

I think we have a country that, in many ways, has forgotten the working class. I think work is so valuable. There's so much dignity in going to work, whatever your job is, because it's hard, and everyone who works deserves the ability to make a living.

Sometimes things don't always go right. Sometimes, your dad dies when you're a four-year-old kid, and your mom is left with two toddlers that she's got to deal with. And that's when those social safety net programs, like Social Security, that neighborliness of our country, that joy, that communal care, comes in because we should help each other. We are stronger when we help each other, not when we tear each other down.

Let me level with you because I like to say the quiet part out loud. I'm not a bullshitter. Everybody who knows me knows one thing about me: I am blunt, I try to be real, and I don't have time to mess around.

We have work to do. And I have a platform, so I'm going to use it. I'm not going to be quiet.

Read the original article on Business Insider
They were in cars, homes and Acme. Residents describe Thursday tornado in Delaware

EDITOR'S NOTE: This story has been updated with the National Weather Service's preliminary report released Saturday.

Julie Hendrix had errands to run Thursday evening.

She had taken her dog to the vet and needed specific grocery items. Initially, she planned to head to Wegmans but instead decided to pop into the Acme Markets on Kirkwood Highway near her Limestone Acres neighborhood.

Thinking little of the weather, she left her pup in the car.

As she neared the end of her shopping trip, she headed to the back of the store to grab one more thing. Thats when Mother Nature temporarily upended her tasks.

An EF1 tornado, spawned by the remnants of Hurricane Debby, touched down in Marshallton at 7:11 p.m., the National Weather Service said Saturday. It first hit south of Acme, then continued north for 1.13 miles, the weather service said in its preliminary report. The estimated peak winds were 95 mph.

Its the first tornado to touch Delaware this year. While no injuries were reported, buildings and homes suffered damage.

An EF1 tornado, with estimated peak winds of 95 mph, touched down Thursday, Aug. 8, 2024, at 7:11 p.m. in Mashallton. The tornado traveled north for 1.13 miles in two minutes. Its maximum width was 150 yards.

"It sounded like a truck hit the front of the building," Hendrix said, recounting that ceiling tiles began falling inside the store as the twister came through.

MORE: He wasn't afraid of 'a little bit of wind.' Then, he learned it was a tornado: Live updates

DELAWARE FORECAST: Will the weekend offer relief?

She quickly thought of her dog, who was in her car.

"I ran out to the parking lot to see if he was OK," she said. "He was sitting in the car like nothing happened."

Hendrix said shes experienced a tornado somewhat close-up in the past and her work in health care has taught her to calmly look at what's going on and not panic. Several other nearby residents echoed her Friday morning.

I'm not afraid of a little bit of wind

Just up the street from the Acme, at Hammond Place and Farrand Drive, Edward Gardner stood outside and watched as the twister came through. The storm knocked down two trees but did not damage his house.

I was outside looking, 65-year-old Gardner said. I'm not afraid of a little bit of wind, but I didn't realize that it was actually a tornado. I just thought it was the wind blowing.

His neighbor, Charles McKiernan, said the tornado sounded like a train. A tree next to his house was knocked over and some overhead wires were downed, but his house was not damaged. His power was also out overnight but was turned on around 5 a.m. Friday.

I can't say that I was really afraid because I didn't know what was going on at the time, McKiernan said. I just heard all this racket, and then it's like all hell broke loose outside.

Both McKiernan and Gardner and the people they were with were uninjured. Crews were in the process of cleaning up their properties as of Friday morning.

A little bit of craziness

About a half-mile north, the backyards of homes between Sherwood and West Robino drives were littered with downed trees, wires and pieces of backyard decorations Friday morning. Most houses had woodchippers outside of their driveways.

For Philip Braselton, a tornado is nothing he hasn't experienced before. He moved to Delaware from Kansas over a decade ago. He knew what to do to protect his family as one ripped through his backyard. When the warning came through his phone around 7 p.m., he told his wife, Mandy, and his children to go into a closet under a stairwell.

Trees and large branches are scattered on a lawn by a storm that included a tornado in Sherwood Park, Thursday evening, August 8, 2024.

Braselton said he heard the trees snap around the house. After the storm had passed, his kids watched as trees continued to fall.

I heard a big, huge stud, and I knew immediately, Braselton said. I was like, We lost a tree.

More than eight trees were knocked over on their property, along with wires and toys from their backyard.

The fact that no branches came in and did damage, it's really just a miracle, Mandy said.

John Solomon's parents house was among the worst of the damage in the neighborhood. A tree landed on the home and their back porch. In addition, all of the cars parked on the property were flattened by fallen trees.

Solomon said he was in the house with his parents when the lights went out and he saw trees flying. Once he saw glass begin to break on their back porch, Solomon said it was time to go to the basement.

And, you know, a little bit of craziness, and then it calmed down, he said. We started looking out and seeing what was going on, and it was quite the storm.

A mother's warning to her children

Megan ODonnell Clements was far from the tornado on Thursday evening, busy safeguarding their family's boat in Perryville, Maryland, during the storm.

Then her phone rang.

It was 7:10 p.m., and Clements twin teen daughters called from the car. Both work at the same restaurant, Cafe Napoli in Kirkwood Plaza.

It was getting a bit windy, they told their mother as they began to head home from work. One sister thought she saw the clouds beginning to swirl and gather, the pair later told their mom. The other thought it must just be heavy wind, a trick of the light.

Get home fast, Clements told her daughters. Get home safe.

The next time the girls called Clements, they were in tears. Less than a minute after the call, as they drove down Farrand Drive toward home, a tree branch snapped in the wind and hit the hood of their car, snapping a power line along the way.

Shaken, theyd turned the car around to go back to their work. Thats when they saw a chunk of the roof come off the Acme. Clements told them to get inside the restaurant for safety.

But they stayed frozen to their seats in the car as the tornado touched down  right where they would have been driving if theyd kept heading home, Clements said. The tornado then came raging across the Kirkwood Plaza parking lot where the teens sat in the car.

Fortunately, the twister passed just to the east. Her daughters were safe. Their grandfather, who ate at Cafe Napoli that night, was also safe.

'A sweet moment' as community rallies

Moments after the brief but intense storm, neighbors in Milltown checked on each others health in the drenching rain before even assessing their own damage.

Dawn Warrick, who lives near the Solomon house, said she alerted one of the owners to a downed tree. Soon after, neighbors quickly got to work calling tree service crews.

We got inside and just started with the major cleanup ... and made sure that the neighbors were OK, she said. But it was crazy. Unbelievable. And all in the span of like, not even five minutes.

Mandy Braselton, too, said the community came together. She met some of her neighbors for the first time while checking on their well-being.

Residents returned blown debris back to the houses where they came. And while the damage is hard financially, everyone has been helping each other.

It really was a sweet moment, she said. "The first thing they did was check on each other and like, Are you OK? Are you OK? It wasn't even about the house damage or anything like that.

This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: Delaware tornado's Thursday leaves residents with clean up, stories
What's next for former OKCPS Superintendent McDaniel? A possible new business, and reflection

For 39 years, Sean McDaniel spent the month of August waking in the early hours of the morning and preparing for the start of school.

This year, what would have been his 40th working in education, teachers will ready their classrooms, schools will open, buses will roar to a start and students will arrive, but McDaniel will be elsewhere, preparing for what comes next after leaving Oklahoma City Public Schools.

Its weird, yeah, he said. Im going to have to get used to this, I guess.

McDaniel shocked the Oklahoma City community when he announced in February he would resign as the superintendent of OKCPS after the end of the school year, citing differences with the districts school board. His six years at the helm of the district made him its longest-tenured superintendent in three decades.

The transition away from OKCPS has been a period of reflection and reset, he said, as well as an opportunity to spend extra time with his wife and family.

Former Oklahoma City Superintendent Sean McDaniel is pictured Aug. 7, 2023.

Now, McDaniel hopes to leverage his experience in school leadership to launch a consulting business to help school districts and other entities to improve their organizational structure or iron out operational challenges, like financial accounting, curriculum auditing and leadership development.

The business concept isnt new, he said, but theres never enough support for the more than 500 school districts in Oklahoma.

Working as a superintendent again not off the table for Sean McDaniel

While optimistic the venture could succeed, McDaniel, 61, said he would be open to working as a superintendent again. Nor did he rule out running for public office, though he said the idea of campaign politics does not appeal to me sitting here today.

Im in a place in my life right now where Im just going to listen, McDaniel said. Im not going to take anything off the table.

In his next chapter, McDaniel said he aims to focus more on service with the daily grind of administrative work out of the way. The concept of servant leadership  which he described as solving problems without caring who gets the credit  was fundamental for his team at OKCPS, he said, and their buy-in to that core value carried them through the turbulence of the past six years.

More: What led to Sean McDaniel's resignation as OKCPS superintendent? Emails shine a light.

In McDaniels first year on the job, OKCPS rolled out a massive consolidation plan to close 15 schools and reconfigure 17 others.

The plan, called Pathway to Greatness, at times faced contentious pushback over school closures. OKCPS leaders said the goal was to right-size the districts budget by shedding low-occupancy buildings, leasing them out and consolidating more resources in the remaining schools.

Everything changed the following school year with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Teachers and families began to navigate a new reality of distance learning while district leaders fast-tracked the purchase of individual devices for every student and air filtration systems in schools.

The pandemic delayed by two years the districts plan to ask voters for a new bond issue. OKCPS finally launched its bond campaign in 2022 and passed a $955 million package, the largest in district history.

When you see a bunch of people who are committed to servant leadership  a lot of cool things can happen, McDaniel said. You can pass a billion-dollar bond. You can navigate COVID pretty effectively. You can close 15 schools and then reopen them in different capacities. That was our foundational building block was just that servant attitude.

The consolidation plan and bond issue tackled a generational challenge of matching the districts infrastructure to the modern size and needs of its student population, Oklahoma City Mayor David Holt wrote in a social media message at the time McDaniel announced his impending resignation.

I just cant exaggerate how challenging that could have been, Holt wrote of the Pathway to Greatness effort. Theres a reason it hadnt been done before. Sean led our community through that incredibly complex journey.

But near the end of McDaniels six years, his relationship with the OKCPS school board began to decline, he said. His resignation letter referenced differences of opinion over the proper level of board involvement in day-to-day operations.

Six months after writing that letter, McDaniel said there wasnt any single issue that caused the rift between himself and the board, but rather it was a deterioration of the relationship over time. Both he and the board tried to work things out, he said, but we just couldnt get there.

Sometimes you get to a point in a relationship where the best thing to do is to shake hands, hug a neck and say, Weve done the best we could do for as long as we could do. Lets move in a different direction, McDaniel said. Thats where I got. I just got to a place where I thought there was a better solution than the path that we were on. I saw things a little bit differently than the board did on some issues. Not right or wrong, just different.

Chairperson Paula Lewis, who has led the board since 2017, said the bond between both sides was positive, as evidenced by the length of time McDaniel stayed. She thanked the former superintendent for his strong leadership of OKCPS while noting the decision to resign was his alone.

It was really a successful relationship between the board and Dr. McDaniel, Lewis said. Were proud of the relationship. It was a solid run.

The new Oklahoma City Public Schools superintendent, Jamie Polk, speaks Wednesday during the Greater Oklahoma City Chamber's State of the Schools luncheon in Oklahoma City.

OKCPS in good hands with new Superintendent Jamie Polk, McDaniel says

Despite reaching what his resignation letter called an irreconcilable point with the board, McDaniel expressed enthusiasm for the board members choice of his successor. They promoted Jamie Polk, the districts head of elementary schools, into the superintendent role.

Polk joined McDaniels leadership Cabinet in 2019, coming from a 25-year career in Lawton Public Schools. She said she plans to emulate McDaniels ability to build strong partnerships with local businesses, higher education institutions, organizations and community leaders.

Over the past five years, I have learned how Dr. McDaniel utilizes community partnerships to give students additional resources and opportunities, Polk said.

More: OKCPS Superintendent Jamie Polk shares what drives her to serve schoolchildren in Oklahoma

McDaniel described Polk as having an unbelievable resume and a reputation as a respected leader. She knows how to leverage data to improve a schools performance, he said.

Although its her first superintendent job, theres no question shes ready to lead the district and take it to another level, McDaniel said.

Thats why his departure  and this new chapter outside of a school building  is not the end of the world, he said. District leaders will carry on in a new direction, and OKCPS classrooms will continue to have the best teachers anywhere.

The six years was fantastic, McDaniel said. Yeah, I could have stayed longer. That was my plan. But, Im a believer. I believe theres a greater plan. My time was up, and thats good. We passed the torch, and I think good things are in store for Oklahoma City with Dr. Polk.

Oklahoma Voice is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Oklahoma Voice maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Janelle Stecklein for questions:info@oklahomavoice.com. Follow Oklahoma Voice onFacebook andTwitter.

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Former OKCPS Superintendent Sean McDaniel considers business, education
Where's the Lake Erie alligator? What officials are doing to locate it

As the search for the alleged Lake Erie alligator stretched into a fifth day on Friday, local officials said the reptile remains elusive.

The alligator, reported to be 4 to 6 feet long, hasnt been seen since it was reportedly spotted by citizens in the waters off the foot of East Avenue on Sunday.

So as the weekend approaches, city of Erie officials, the Erie-Western Pennsylvania Port Authority and others have yet to secure additional answers or hard evidence about a reported incident that has become a viral phenomenon.

The search continues

Jayson Olsen, 38, from Sirens Nests of Exotic Rescues searches Lake Erie on Aug. 7 for the alleged alligator spotted on Aug. 4, 2024. Officials have hired another wildlife removal company, Best Wildlife Services, to help locate the alligator.

We have seen no tracks, no trace of it, nothing, said Julie Slomski, the Port Authoritys executive director. If its out there, we hope its safe and we find it. But we havent had any confirmed sightings of it. We havent seen it on any (surveillance) camera footage. We dont have any facts yet to confirm this. But were taking it seriously.

Some officials searching for the alligator have said it could be a pet who was released into the lake. The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission has contacted animal trapper Paul Kaiser from Best Wildlife Services, a wildlife removal business, to help search for the alligator.

Further, the Port Authority has posted swim warning signs along the waterfront near the former Erie Coke Plant at 925 East Bay Drive, where the alleged sighting took place.

Alligator hasn't been seen since Sunday

Slomski said she is surprised that no trace of the alligator has been discovered since Sunday.

But again, if its legitimate there are a lot of areas along the water that alligators can hide, Slomski said. It could be scared and hiding.

Erie resident Stina Roach said that she was at the foot of East Avenue Sunday when she was approached by a man yelling for the kids to get out of the water.

The man then pointed out something about 20 to 30 yards out on the lake; Roach pulled out her phone to zoom in. She saw what seemed to be an alligator in the water.

Roach's original Facebook post about the alligator, and the accompanying video, has been shared more than 1,700 times.

Erie's mayor: 'People like stories like this'

Erie Port Authority has now posted gator sighting warnings around the beach area of the foot of East Avenue.

Erie Mayor Joe Schember has been busy with various city government tasks, including mid-year financial reports and final preparations for the Celebrate Erie festival later this month.

Schember, though, said he has paid some attention to the alligator search.

People like stories like this. Theyre curious, Schember said. I honestly dont understand a lot about what might have happened, but I hope the alligator is found and transferred to a safe place where someone can take care of it.

Alligator search, Day 5: What we know

A Pennsylvania Waterways Conservation officer is part of the search for the alleged gator.

The alligator's location is unknown, but it was possibly seen near the East Avenue boat launch and former Erie Coke Plant area.

Initial sighting was Sunday, but other witnesses claim to have seen signs of it on Tuesday.

Erie Zoo Director of Development Scott Mitchell has said that gators can swim up to 20 miles per hour, so it could be anywhere along Lake Erie shoreline.

Multiple residents have claimed to have seen the gator in rocks, but there is no hard evidence to support the claims.

Contact Kevin Flowers at kflowers@timesnews.com. Follow him on Twitter at @ETNflowers.

This article originally appeared on Erie Times-News: Lake Erie alligator: No new sightings, officials still searching
The White House is deeply concerned about reports of civilian deaths in Gaza related to Israel striking a school in Gaza City that killed at least 80 people, saying the strike underscores the urgency of a ceasefire.

We are deeply concerned about reports of civilian casualties in Gaza following a strike by the Israel Defense Forces on a compound that included a school, NSC spokesperson Sean Savett wrote in a statement to The Hill. We are in touch with our Israeli counterparts, who have said they targeted senior Hamas officials, and we are asking for further details.

This underscores the urgency of a ceasefire and hostage deal, which we continue to work tirelessly to achieve, Savett added.

Israel has claimed that the school was a command center for Hamas and that the strike killed Hamas and Islamic Jihad senior militants.

Based on Israeli intelligence, approx. 20 Hamas and Islamic Jihad militants, including senior commanders, were operating from the compound struck at the Al-Tabaeen school, using it to carry out terrorist attacks, Nadav Shoshani, a spokesperson for the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) wrote.

The U.S. is aware that Hamas has used schools in the past, but Israel must still work to minimize civilian harm, Savett added.

We know Hamas has been using schools as locations to gather and operate out of, but we have also said repeatedly and consistently that Israel must take measures to minimize civilian harm, he wrote.

At least 11 women and children are among those killed by Israels strike on the school, according to a statement provided by the Gaza Civil Defense Force to the Washington Post.

A spokesperson for the Civil Defense first responders, who operate under the Hamas-run government, told the AP that three missiles hit the school and mosque in the early hours of Saturday morning.

The school is also holding about 6,000 displaced people seeking shelter.

Israel struck the school days after agreeing to a push by the U.S., Egypt and Qatar for Israel and Hamas to continue negotiations to secure a cease-fire and the release of hostages. The U.S. insists that the deal is as close as its ever been.

There is a good proposal before both sides, and they need to both accept that proposal so we can get this in place, White House national security spokesperson John Kirby told reporters. We are as close as we think we have ever been.

Both Egypt and Qatar, the two other mediators, also condemned the Israeli strike, with Egypt saying the strike was clear evidence of the Israelis sides lack of political will to end this brutal war.

The Arab Republic of Egypt condemned in the strongest terms the bombing by Israel of the Al-Tabiin School, which was sheltering displaced persons in the Al-Daraj neighborhood in eastern Gaza City, resulting in the killing of more than 100 Palestinian citizens and injured dozens more, the Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement.

Egypt considered the continued perpetration of these large-scale crimes, and the deliberate killing of such large numbers of unarmed civilians whenever mediators intensify efforts to reach a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, as clear evidence of the Israeli sides lack of political will to end this brutal war, the ministry continued.

Qatar called the strike a horrific massacre and a flagrant infringement of the fundamental precepts of international humanitarian law.

The State of Qatar reiterates its call for conducting an urgent international investigation by dispatching independent UN investigators to probe the ongoing targeting by Israeli occupation forces of schools and shelters for displaced people, the statement continues.

On Friday, Kirby also forcefully denounced Israels polarizing finance minister, Bezalel Smotrich, for a lengthy statement calling the new calls for negotiations a surrender to Hamas.

Kirbys statement reflects a growing frustration with Israel as President Biden seeks to broker a cease-fire. The administration has said significant concessions are required from Hamas and Israel.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
White House says US is finding out about Ukraine's goals and strategy in Kursk Oblast

The White House has said that the US is communicating with the Ukrainian government in an effort to find out what goals and strategies the operation in Russias Kursk Oblast likely undertaken by Ukrainian defence forces might have.

Source: John Kirby, White House National Security Communications Advisor, as reported by Voice of America and European Pravda

Details: Ukraine has not issued official comments about the involvement of its Armed Forces in the operation in Russias Kursk Oblast.

Kirby, meanwhile, said that it is Ukraine that should speak about its military operations.

"Were in touch with our Ukrainian counterparts and we are working to gain a better understanding of what theyre doing, what their goals are, what their strategy is," Kirby said.

When asked about the situation in Kursk Oblast, Kirby said: "Were in touch with our Ukrainian counterparts and Im gonna refrain from characterising whats going on until those conversations are completed and we feel weve got a better idea of what theyre doing."

According to Kirby, the Ukrainian Armed Forces have not violated the restrictions the US has previously imposed on attacks inside Russia.

Background:On 9 August, the Pentagon said that Ukraine's advance in Kursk Oblast is consistent with US policy and that it is not concerned about a possible increase in tensions with Russia.

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Why Japan issued its first-ever 'megaquake advisory'  and what that means

Why Japan issued its first-ever 'megaquake advisory'  and what that means

The Summary

Japans meteorological agency on Thursday issued its first-ever megaquake advisory.

The warning followed a 7.1-magnitude earthquake off the countrys southern coast.

That raises the risk of an even larger quake on the Nankai Trough, an underwater subduction zone that scientists believe is capable of producing temblors up to magnitude 9.1.

After a 7.1-magnitude earthquake shook southern islands in Japan on Thursday, the countrys meteorological agency sent out an ominous warning: Another, larger earthquake could be coming, and the risk will be especially high over the next week. In the first megaquake advisory it has ever issued, the agency said that the risk of strong shaking and a tsunami are greater than usual on the Nankai Trough, a subduction zone with the potential to produce magnitude 8 or 9 temblors. Area residents, it said, should prepare.

The message was not a prediction, but a forecast of enhanced risk  and it shows how far seismologists have come in understanding the dynamics of subduction zone earthquakes.

Heres what to know about the situation.

A dangerous subduction zone

The Nankai Trough is an underwater subduction zone where the Eurasian Plate collides with the Philippine Sea Plate, forcing the latter under the former and into the Earths mantle.

Subduction zone faults build stress, and a so-called megathrust earthquake takes place when a locked fault slips and releases that stress. Megaquake is a shortened version of the name. These zones have produced the most powerful earthquakes in Earths history.

The Pacific Ring of Fire is a collection of subduction zones. In the U.S., the Cascadia subduction zone off the West Coast runs from Vancouver Island, Canada, to Cape Mendocino, California.

The Nankai Trough fault has several segments, but if the entire margin of the fault were to slip at once, Japanese scientists believe the trough is capable of producing an earthquake of up to magnitude 9.1.

A beach is closed in Nichinan in southwestern Japan on Friday, after the country's issued its first warning about a possible megaquake.

If a megaquake were to happen near Japan, the Philippine Sea Plate would lurch, perhaps as much as 30 to 100 feet, near the countrys southeast coast, producing intense shaking. The vertical displacement of the seafloor would cause a tsunami and push waves toward the coast of Japan. Those waves could reach nearly 100 feet in height, according to estimates from Japanese scientists published in 2020.

A history of big quakes

The Nankai Trough has produced large earthquakes roughly every 100 to 150 years, a study indicated last year. Japans Earthquake Research Committee said in January 2022 said there was a 70% to 80% chance of a megathrust earthquake in the subsequent 30 years.

Large Nankai Trough earthquakes tend to come in pairs, with the second often rupturing in the subsequent two years. The most recent examples were twin earthquakes on the Nankai Trough in 1944 and 1946.

The phenomenon is due to the segmented nature of the fault; when one segment slips, it can stress another.

Thursdays magnitude-7.1 earthquake took place on or near the subduction zone, according to the United States Geological Survey.

People stand outside after leaving a building following an earthquake in Miyazaki on Thursday.

Harold Tobin, a University of Washington professor who has studied the Nankai Trough, said the magnitude-7.1 quake took place in a segment that shakes more frequently than others. Regular earthquakes can relieve stress, so the possibility that the segment itself produces a big earthquake is less of a concern. The worry is the earthquakes proximity to a segment thats been building stress since the 1940s. Its adjacent to the western Nankai region and thats clearly locked up. Thats the reason for alert and concern, Tobin said.

A forecast, not a prediction

Scientists cant predict earthquakes, but they are developing the ability to forecast times of heightened risk, particularly in areas with frequent shaking and good monitoring equipment, like Japan.

Firefighters walk near a fallen building in Wajima, in Japan's Ishikawa prefecture, after a New Year's Day earthquake.

Japanese authorities are asking residents to prepare, review evacuation routes and pay attention to potential future warnings. While the risk of a large quake is higher than usual, that doesnt mean it will happen anytime soon. Japanese government warning guidelines suggest that the chance a large earthquake follows a magnitude-7 within a week is roughly once per a few hundred times, according to the study last year.

The most likely outcome is that the recent shaking wont trigger anything, even though the probability of a large earthquake is higher.

We might wait decades before Nankai has another earthquake, Tobin said.

A known danger

In 2011, an area of the seafloor roughly the size of Connecticut lurched all at once, producing a magnitude-9.1 earthquake  the third biggest recorded worldwide since 1900. That megathrust earthquake caused a tsunami off Japans eastern coast. More than 18,000 people died in the tsunami and earthquake, according to the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

The following year, the Japanese government revised its natural disaster scenarios and found that some 323,000 people could die in a worst-case scenario earthquake on the Nankai Trough, mostly from tsunami effects.

The Cascadia Subduction Zone poses a similar risk for the U.S. West Coast, though megathrust earthquakes are expected there less often  every 300 to 500 years. This fault has the capability of producing a magnitude-9.1 earthquake and tsunami waves 80 feet in height. Researchers recently mapped the fault in detail and found it was divided into four segments.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW)  A Wichita woman was sentenced by a judge to life in prison for a shooting in Old Town in May 2023 that killed Lationna Johnson.

The Sedgwick County District Attorneys office said LaNiha Banks, 20, was sentenced to life in prison with parole eligibility after 25 years. If the parole board grants parole, she must serve an additional 65 months before she can be released.

The judge gave her the life sentence for first-degree murder, and 13 months each for five additional crimes: one count of criminal discharge of a firearm and four counts of aggravated assault. Those five will run consecutive to the life sentence.

The DAs office said the judge also sentenced Banks to 165 months for attempted first-degree murder and 13 months for a second charge of criminal discharge of a firearm. Those two charges are to run concurrently with the life sentence.

These Kansas counties have the most timber rattlesnake sightings

A jury found Banks guilty of those crimes on March 1.

The shooting happened in May 2023. Johnson had just broken up a fight in the parking lot between Banks and another person. When she started to drive away, Banks shot at her car and hit her.

Johnson died several days later, leaving behind a 6-month-old daughter.

Banks remained out of custody for over two weeks before police found her. After she was charged, she posted her $500,000 bond through Wichita Bond Company.

Banks jury selection started on Feb. 26. The jury returned a guilty verdict just four days later on March 1.

In addition to the sentence, the judge ordered Banks to pay $7,500 to the Kansas Crime Victims Compensation Board and $14,773.26 to Johnsons family.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KSN-TV.
LONDON, Ky. (FOX 56)  A jury has delivered a verdict in the case of the 2022 death of London police officer Logan Medlock.

Casey Byrd, the drunk driver who killed Officer Medlock has been found guilty of murder of a police officer, DUI, and two counts of third-degree criminal mischief.

Nearly two years later, Officer Medlocks family is fighting to move forward each day, but some wounds will never heal.

Lexington councilmember files restraining order on another councilmember

Every day is October 30th, 2022, and that will never change. Every day is a battle. You have to wake up and choose to fight, says Officer Medlocks widow, Courtney Medlock.

As time passes, his widow Courtney finds herself repeatedly reliving that fateful night, when shes standing at her front door, heart pounding in the silence, as her father-in-law, a major in the department, delivers the devastating news no one ever wants to hear.

When he told me that Logan is dead, I just collapsed, says the widow. It was a mix of disbelief that this could happen and just in pure shock and just heartbroken, and especially to learn that it was from a drunk driver.

A man who made a difference in so many lives, always serving others, was gone in a moment.

Now, his family is finally finding the closure theyve been waiting for.

No matter what, were serving a life sentence, nothing will bring Logan back. But to be able to get justice for him, that brings our entire family joy and happiness, said Courtney.

One of the hardest hit by this loss is Brantley, Logan, and Courtneys young son.

Courtney said, I was really happy to be able to come home and tell our 7-year-old that The Bad Wolf, and thats what Logan would always call people he would arrest, is now doing 20 years in prison.

That 7-year-old is still dealing with the trauma of losing his father.

He has a fear that somethings going to happen to me now, since something happened to daddy, said Medlock.

Despite the grief and tough days, Courtney said she remains positive, finding comfort in knowing that the man she met when she was 15 is still with her in spirit.

She reflects on a time she felt his presence after he passed, saying We came home, the smell of his cologne just filled the house. And we hadnt sprayed it; we hadnt before. Its in the same spot where he left it.

LATEST KENTUCKY NEWS:

Officer Medlocks department responded to the verdict today, issuing a statement, saying it Marked a major milestone in the long fought battle to bring justice for the events that took our brother and friend, Sgt. Logan Medlock, too soon.

Byrds sentencing is set for Aug. 26, which would have been Logans 28th birthday.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 56 News.
Ever since Donald Trump said Thursday that Willie Brown had bashed Vice President Kamala Harris years ago during a scary helicopter ride together, the former president has insisted that the story is true. This despite the fact that Brown, the former California speaker, said he had never done business with Trump, let alone been on a flight with him.

But it turns out that another California official had.

In an interview Saturday, Nate Holden, the former longtime Los Angeles city councilman and state senator, recalled vividly what happened one day in 1990 when he had been invited by Trump to fly from Manhattan to Atlantic City on his chopper.

It was midday, Holden said, and he had just been served a drink when all of a sudden the hydraulic system failed, forcing the pilot to make an emergency landing in New Jersey.

On Thursday, Trump said in impromptu remarks to the press that he and Brown were in a helicopter going to a certain location together, and there was an emergency landing. Trump said: This was not a pleasant landing, and Willie, he was  he was a little concerned. So I know him pretty well. I mean, I havent seen him in years. But he told me terrible things about [Harris].

Holden, 95, was incredulous that Trump could confuse the two men  the short Black guy from Northern California and the tall Black guy from Southern California. But as they say, we all look the same, he said with a laugh.

The Trump campaign hasnt commented about what seems at best a mistaken identity, and worse, a fabricated story meant to discredit Harris, the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee.

After Brown denied that he had never gotten on a helicopter with Trump, the national and international media have been all over the story. And Trump has not only stuck by his statements but posted on social media that he had evidence in logs, maintenance records, and witnesses to back up his account.

But another person on that helicopter ride was Barbara Res, once a top executive in charge of construction and development at the Trump Organization. In her 2013 book, All Alone on the 68th Floor, Res essentially corroborates Holden's account of what happened.

"As we pulled out over the Hudson, the helicopter began to shake," she wrote. "Very shortly thereafter the pilot let us know he had lost some instruments and we would need to make an emergency landing. By now, the helicopter was shaking like crazy. Donald loves to tell the story that Nate, an African American, turned white, but as I recall Donald was pretty white himself."

Holden said Saturday that he called Brown shortly after seeing Trumps comments about the helicopter incident on television. I just thought Donald Trumps got a problem. He had almost two fatal accidents, one with Willie Brown and one with me, Holden said. So he asked Brown: Willie, were you in a helicopter with Trump which almost crashed?

Holden was in the copter with Trump to discuss the Manhattan developers desire to build on the site of the historic Ambassador Hotel on Wilshire Boulevard in the Los Angeles Mid-Wilshire District. Holden represented the district at the time.

Trump "wanted to meet with Nate because Nate was very, very influential," Res said in an interview, noting that she brought Holden to New York. "And when we were going for the meeting, Donald said, 'I can't, I have to go to Atlantic City. Let's have our meeting on the helicopter." (Trumps project on that Wilshire site got entangled in litigation and never came together.)

Holden said that he knew Trump was trying to impress him. On board, Holden recalled, Trump said, Look at the skyline. Its the best in the world. 

But Holden wasnt impressed, and said he was livid when the aircraft had mechanical problems. I couldnt believe they didnt maintain their helicopter. I was raising hell because they put my life in jeopardy. Only a year earlier, in 1989, three executives of Trumps casinos were killed, along with two others when a chopper crashed over Fork River in New Jersey.

As for Trump, Holden said, He was speechless. He turned white as snow, glued to his seat.

"There was no hint of any real danger that I perceived," Res said. "Trump was terrified. He was scared sless," Res said. "He just lost three executives on the flight that he said he was scheduled to be on, which of course he was never scheduled to be on that flight. But, you know, why not make use of three dead good employees."

In a similar way, both Res and Holden said Trump told his own version of what happened on the helicopter with Holden.

"Trump knew Willie Brown was the speaker of the Assembly and Nate Holden was a councilman, and so he wanted to make it more important," Res said. "Also, he wanted to include a comment about Harris and I don't think you could make a connection between Harris and Holden."

Said Holden: "It makes the story more juicy."

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Wisconsin man wanted for sexual assault arrested for child molesting charge in Evansville

HENDERSON, Ky. (WEHT)  A Wisconsin man is facing charges of child molesting after being arrested in Evansville.

Authorities say the victim was brought to Hollys House to speak with detectives in regards to allegedly being molested several times by Darrell Kelly.

According to a police affidavit, the victim recalled specific times Kelly allegedly touched her inappropriately.

Kelly also allegedly threatened to kill her mother if the victim told anyone.

Officers say Kelly had an active felony warrant out of Wisconsin for sexual assault of a child, child sexual exploitation and possession of child pornography.

Kelly was arrested and booked in the Vanderburgh County Jail.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Eyewitness News (WEHT/WTVW).
NEW YORK, N.Y. (PIX11)  A Brooklyn woman is facing multiple charges in connection with allegedly punching a 90-year-old comedian, police say.

Brittney Bullock, 30, faces charges of assault and criminal possession of stolen property in the fourth degree. Authorities say they arrested Bullock in connection with punching comedian Dyan Forest in the West Village on July 10.

Forest is known as the worlds oldest comedian and had been preparing for a show at Joes Pub to commemorate her 90th birthday. Bullock randomly punched Forest in her right eye as she was on her way to a gym near Bank Street, according to authorities.

The force of the blow caused Forest to fall to the ground and lead to hemorrhaging in her eye. Despite the incident, the birthday show still went on for the New York icon.

Submit tips to police by calling Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477), visiting crimestoppers.nypdonline.org, downloading the NYPD Crime Stoppers mobile app, or texting 274637 (CRIMES) then entering TIP577. Spanish-speaking callers are asked to dial 1-888-57-PISTA (74782).

Dominique Jack is a digital content producer from Brooklyn with more than five years of experience covering news. She joined PIX11 in 2024. More of her work can be found here.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11.
A Northern California woman died this week in what authorities called a domestic dog mauling attack, as a group of Great Danes was found roaming the area where she was found dead.

A resident hiking in the Feather Falls area stumbled across a dead person just before 2 a.m. Thursday, according to a Butte County Sheriffs Office news release.

A woman was found in front of a home along the Blackhawk Trail, a heavily wooded area where deputies said they found 25 Great Danes running loose as they executed a search warrant of the home. Deputies, along with the Butte County Animal Services officials, captured all 25 dogs  23 on Thursday and two on Friday, the Sheriffs Office said in a Friday evening update.

The woman was identified as Davina Corbin, 56, of Feather Falls. An autopsy revealed she had numerous dog bites and other injuries on her body, deputies said. A forensic pathologist said the cause of death was a domestic dog attack.

Corbins clothing was covered in DNA consistent with at least one domestic dog, according to a DNA test run by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, though more testing is underway to determine which dog killed her, deputies said.

The investigation is ongoing, but deputies said Corbin was walking in the area prior to the mauling.

Anyone with information about this case is asked to call Detective Mike Worch or Detective Casey Whitney at 530-538-7671.
Woman killed by person backing out of driveway in Cranston

CRANSTON, R.I. (WPRI)  Cranston police say a woman is dead after she was hit by someone backing out of a driveway on Strathmore Road in Cranston Friday night.

Police say the driver did not see the victim who was walking behind her. The victim was taken to Rhode Island Hospital but died of her injuries.

The operator of the vehicle remained on scene and fully cooperated with police. Speed and impairment do not seem to be factors in this incident.

Cranston Police Major Todd Patalano told 12 News, this appears to be a terrible accident. The victim has not been identified.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.

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FRANKFORT, Ky. (FOX 56)  A former Cabinet for Health and Family Services employee in Kentucky has pleaded guilty to stealing hundreds of thousands of dollars using clients names to make wire transfers.

According to the Department of Justice, 35-year-old Brittany May worked at the Cabinet for Health and Family Services, where she used the identities of 45 clients to write checks to herself.

Lexington councilmember files restraining order on another councilmember

Her plea agreement said that between July 2021 and May 2023, May was employed as an administrative specialist at the cabinet. As part of her duties, she managed provider payments for certain adoption and foster programs.

When some providers did not submit the required paperwork or stopped receiving payments because their services had expired, May directed funds that would have been paid to them to four bank accounts that she owned and controlled, according to the Department of Justice.

To conceal these actions, May would submit false invoices, to make it appear as if the provider had requested payment. And knowing the system would automatically send notifications to the providers listed address, indicating a payment had been made, May would change the provider addresses, to forward the notices elsewhere, reads a release from the department.

3rd person sentenced in email scam that nearly cost Lexington $3.9M

The department said May misappropriated $444,663.77 in funds and initiated more than 540 fraudulent wire transfers to bank accounts she owned and controlled.

May is scheduled to be sentenced on November 5, 2024. She faces a maximum of 20 years in prison for the wire fraud charge, as well as a mandatory, consecutive two-year sentence for aggravated identity theft.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 56 News.
Hello its the weekend, this is The Weekender 

As the team and I were covering Donald Trumps quest for attention disguised as a press conference at Mar-a-Lago this week, I had a moment of deja vu. Here I was sitting at the same desk I sat at four years ago when we first began working remote during COVID, listening to the same dude with the same brain worms talk about the same stuff: his crowd sizes, how he could put Hillary Clinton in jail, how hes not going to cut Social Security, how he has a new idea for a policy that would, in fact, do just that.

Even my roommates, who were unemployed and entertained by my daily void screaming during COVID, reacted to the Thursday press conference as they did in 2020  laughing over my shoulder at the mans various Trumpisms and new monikers (Gavin Newscum is genuinely inspired, Ill give him that).

The thing that was different about this week  as opposed to 2020  is that Trumps various oddities, racisms and downright lies didnt put me in the doom spiral it used to; the bad place we in the biz often find ourselves when theres no bright spot in the news cycle for months and years on end. The new, different energy that the Democratic ticket generated this week was enough to keep me out of the Trump-inspired what-if-we-have-to-do-this-for-another-four-years void that I, my colleagues and, Im sure, you, fell into after that disastrous debate a few weeks back.

Obviously, my job is to talk to you about what is happening and why it matters right now, not what will happen or what will matter in the future. All I know is that the internet has been a more fun place to coexist the last few weeks than it has been in five-plus years.

But whether Harris becomes our first woman president or Trump pulls off a victory in the fall, TPM will be here to help you navigate the moment, as we navigate it ourselves. And I can promise this: TPM will bring you the news you need to know with a level of awareness and sanity that I dont really see at other outlets. Part of that is because of what I described above  a big chunk of the TPM team has been around here, doing this, for a while. If we somehow find ourselves facing another Trump White House, it wont be the first time many of us have reported through that. Ive been working with many of my colleagues for seven-plus years. Thats because TPM has been a great place to work for a really long time.

Memberships and the TPM Journalism Fund are what makes that kind of longevity and career fulfillment and job security possible. Investing in our team means investing in journalism and journalists who talk about whats happening from an informed perspective and who wont feed you Trump attacks or Republican talking points unfiltered. And donating to the fund means we can continue to grow our team and ensure TPM veterans, like me, can stick around and help out for a few more years.

I hope youll consider making a contribution.

Heres what else TPM has on tap this weekend:

Kate Riga digs in on the Trump campaigns failure to recalibrate in the face of a new, younger opponent.

Josh Kovensky writes on the Bronze Age Pervert and the weirdness of the new right.

Khaya Himmelman reports on the right-wing media and Republicans laying the ground work for the myth of non-citizen voting to be their election denialism shiny object in the fall.

Emine Yucel reacts to Trump comparing his crowd on Jan. 6 to the crowd that gather for Martin Luther King Jr.s I have a dream speech.

Lets dig in.

 Nicole Lafond

Trump Responds To Harris Candidacy With Prolonged Temper Tantrum

For much of this election cycle, the Trump camp  particularly Chris LaCivita and Susie Wiles  has been eager to discuss its own brilliance, that this campaign is a grown-up, cleaned-up iteration of previous Trump efforts.

While the smugness was annoying, they werent wrong. The 24 campaign against Joe Biden was leagues more disciplined than any Trump had run before. Over a period of years, he pounded the Biden is old and senile message unrelentingly, and guess what? It worked. After one major stumble, the incumbent president dropped out of the race. Its still almost unfathomable.

But the Trump campaign did its job too well. Biden dropped out early enough to give his VP a fighting chance. And while that outcome was never beyond the realm of possibility, it caught Trump and co. completely flat-footed. Trump spent the first few days of Harris candidacy grousing that hed wasted so much time campaigning against Biden. Even now, hes on Truth Social writing fanfiction about Biden storming his way back into the nomination.

Their attacks on Harris are all over the map  shes not really Black, shes not really an American citizen, shes soft on crime, shes soft on immigrants, she laughs too much  and the campaign has whiplashed from hes too liberal to denigrating Tim Walzs military service (an old LaCivita standby).

Meanwhile, Trump is raging. His attempts to wrest back attention from the exuberant Harris campaign have been disastrous.

The Republican nominee seems too stuck on the unfairness of it all to recalibrate his attacks against his new opponents. Its the problem with being so constantly aggrieved  when youre always looking backwards, its hard to charge ahead.

 Kate Riga

What Does Bronze Age Pervert Want to Conserve?

I wrote this week about a set of authoritarian, right-wing social media influencers, thinkers, and activists who have become popular in recent years. What they epitomize is often called the new right, referring to conservatives who reject small government in favor of solutions aimed at changing the structure of government to advantage themselves, and at using heavy-handed means to reverse social changes that they dislike.

My editor and I spent some time discussing what to call these people. New right is ambiguous, and adding authoritarian to it only captures part of what makes them so special. The issue isnt only that they are often explicitly anti-democratic, or that they do mark a break with previous iterations of conservatism. Its that theyre also very strange, and often intentionally so. One of the main online influencers runs an account called Bronze Age Pervert, offering Nietzsche-inspired advice on politics, masculinity, and culture in barely grammatical koans. Another, similar influencer is named Raw Egg Nationalist  hes virulently anti-immigrant, and runs a magazine called Mans World. The current issue features a piece by Noor bin Ladin, a member of a family not known for its wokeness.

Its true that theyre consciously affecting weirdness, but the more interesting question here is why theyre doing it. If youre trying to affect oddness, in some sense thats part of an argument against the status quo. Weirdness differs, by its nature, from the status quo. For these influencers, demonstrating that theyre not ordinary is also a symbol of their opposition to features of our society with which they disagree. In the case of Bronze Age Pervert, thats our political system and the continual evening out of the gender hierarchy; hence Bronze Age; hence Pervert.

 Josh Kovensky

MAGA Universe Gives Trump Election Denying Datapoints

In preparation for a possible Trump loss in the fall, the MAGA universe is working overtime to create election denial fodder around the false myth of non-citizen voting. In recent months, Republicans  both the right wing media and lawmakers alike  have perpetuated the baseless narrative that non-citizens have been and will continue to illegally vote in federal elections on behalf of Democrats.

It is illegal for non-citizens to vote in federal elections, and perhaps more importantly, there is no evidence at all to suggest that this is a problem, or that it has ever even happened en masse in the first place.

The biggest single reason not to vote when youre a non-citizen is that not only is there a serious criminal penalty attached, and not only is there potential for a serious fine attached, but you can be removed from the country, Justin Levitt, professor of law at Loyola Law School, previously told TPM.

On Wednesday, Breitbart published a story detailing a singular alleged instance of a non-citizen in Minnesota, legally residing in the U.S., receiving a primary ballot in the mail, which according to Breitbart, showcases the failures of Minnesotas citizenship verification procedures, or apparent lack thereof.

Republican National Committee Chairman Michael Whatley, responding to the story in a press release, said: We will take every step necessary to ensure that the failures in the system are brought to light and immediately resolved. Non-citizen voting is illegal across America, and that must be enforced at every turn.

Earlier this month, Donald Trump Jr., in an opinion piece for Fox News, wrote about how Democrats have a clear plan to allow non-citizen voting and (the) Trump campaign is fighting it. Democrats, he added, are embracing non citizen voting.

Across the country, Democrats have passed laws to allow non-citizen voting. Leftist groups have filed lawsuits to remove commonsense election safeguards and open the system to chaos and fraud, he said.

Ohios Republican Secretary of State Frank LaRose has also recently contributed to this effort, albeit less directly. He recently announced that county boards of elections have been told to remove 499 alleged non-citizen from the voter rolls. Ohio has around 8 million registered voters, which means that 499 possible ineligible voters is only 0.006% of the registered voting population.

And even though this is part of normal voter roll maintenance, experts told TPM, that this will likely only serve as fodder for election deniers to claim that the non-citizen voting issue is a real one.

 Khaya Himmelman

Words Of Wisdom

Nobody has spoken to crowds bigger than me. If you look at Martin Luther King when he did his speech, his great speech, and you look at ours  same real estate, same everything, same number of people, if not, we had more.

Thats former President Donald Trump during a Thursday press conference comparing the crowd gathered for the speech he gave on Jan. 6, 2020 to the masses that attended MLKs I Have a Dream speech.

The hour-plus long presser  seemingly organized to try and shift the news cycle back to the Trump campaign amid the positive media coverage the Harris-Walz campaign has been getting  was a gold mine for Words of Wisdom lovers. But this was by far one of the worst moments of the afternoon.

Reminiscent of 2016, Trumps obsession with crowd sizes reemerged in the most cringe way. Does Trump measure up? Well, the crowd size debate can be solved with a quick Google search and basic knowledge of D.C. landmarks.

But forget about Trumps attempt to claim that his crowd size was bigger than MLKs. The impertinence of the former president comparing one of the defining moments of the civil rights movement and one of the most iconic speeches in American history to a speech he gave to a crowd of insurrectionists who later stormed the Capitol to stop the certification of an election is well delusional at best.

 Emine Yucel
A World War II veteran made his appearance in style at the Rock Island Arsenal to celebrate the 106th birthday of the First Army.

Im 99-years-old and by gum this army is older than I am, said veteran Dennis Boldt. Its just great to be here, I cannot express my gratitude that has been bestowed on me for this occasion.

This gratitude is shared by the First Army as Dennis Boldt spoke about his experiences during the war.

I think its something that had a huge impact on the soldiers and civilians who were listening to this, because as its been said, were standing on the shoulders of giants, said First Army Command Historian Kevin Braafladt. Getting that experience, getting that knowledge of what these soldiers saw firsthand, has an impact on the current day soldiers of the First Army and just where we came from.

The First Army does not want to lose these stories to time.

Our connection with history gets so distant that it seems like, it seems so foreign to us, but here having somebody who actually survived these things and lived through these events, getting him to tell his story so clearly with these soldiers makes history come to life, said Braafladt. You actually had your personal connection with that history. And you know were losing World War II veterans very quickly, so whatever we can to preserve those stories and be able to hear them ourselves, we get to pass that oral tradition on.

Boldt is grateful to be celebrating with the First Army again.

This is really good. In 1945 I rode my last Jeep, said Boldt. I was assigned to a jeep ordinance company and I took many different officers to different places in Germany and France and Belgium. And I enjoyed that immensely, it was like being back home driving my own little car. Its like a homecoming, a true homecoming. I do not have the words to properly thank you, all of the kindness that you have shown me, thank you.

Boldt got the honor of cutting the First Armys birthday cake after sharing his story.

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The right to write freely is the best defence against disinformation

Fake news can have consequences. Disinformation from malevolent actors spread via social media has been blamed, with justification, for fomenting the riots that have scarred our cities and towns this month.

Inevitably, this has led to calls for the tighter regulation of online speech. The Prime Minister stated yesterday that the Government will need to look more broadly at social media and the laws governing it.

But as Sir Keir Starmer acknowledged, the online world is not a law-free zone. Indeed, it never has been. Incitement that would be illegal if made in a town square or street corner is also illegal when it is done on X (formerly Twitter) or Telegram. Prosecutions are under way.

The Online Safety Act, passed last year by the then Tory government, has created new, specifically online offences including the sending of false information intended to cause non-trivial harm. When the Act is fully implemented Ofcom will enjoy far greater regulatory powers over social media.

During the passage of the legislation through Parliament, measures to require online platforms to flag up legal but harmful content were dropped. Now Labour is considering whether this provision should after all make it onto the statute books. This would be an unnecessary and retrograde step, stifling free expression.

The problem with vague terms such as legal but harmful is who will decide what is, and is not, harmful. Views as to what fits the category will indubitably differ.

The move would likely affect traditional media, much of which is increasingly consumed digitally rather than in print form. Newspapers are heavily regulated. This extra legal encumbrance would have a chilling effect on free speech. Existing laws, if properly enforced, are adequate to combat incitement and deliberate falsehoods.

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French President Emmanuel Macron has reaffirmed France's support for a ceasefire in Gaza aimed at freeing all hostages, protecting Gazans, and delivering large-scale humanitarian aid, the Elysee Palace said on Friday.

Macron made these remarks during telephone conversations on Thursday and Friday with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, and United Kingdom Prime Minister Keir Starmer.

During the phone discussions, Macron and the two Arab leaders agreed to continue working towards a lasting and credible solution to the crisis, based on the two-state solution.

The French leader reiterated France's commitment to collaborating with its partners in the Arab League, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, and the international community to define a political framework that would restore peace and security to the region.
WSAV News 3 and Parkers Kitchen to host donation drive for victims of Tropical Storm Debby

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WSAV)  WSAV News 3 will team up with Parkers Kitchen on Thursday, August 15, for a donation drive benefitting disaster relief efforts in the wake of Tropical Storm Debby in the Coastal Empire and South Carolina Lowcountry.

From 9 a.m. until 6:40 p.m., volunteers will staff tents and man buckets accepting cash and check donations at the Parkers Kitchen stores located at 21 E. DeRenne Avenue in Savannah and 3462 Trask Parkway in Beaufort, SC.

Gov. Kemp updates Debby response

Parkers Kitchen will match 25% of all the money donated at both stores that day.

Money raised will support disaster relief efforts by the American Red Cross as well as special funds established by the United Way of the Coastal Empire and the United Way of the Lowcountry, which serves Beaufort and Jasper counties.

Checks can be made out to any of the three organizations:

American Red Cross

United Way of the Coastal Empire

United Way of the Lowcountry

Write Debby Disaster Relief in the For section.

For more information on the funds and to give online  go to www.wsav.com/rapidresponse.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WSAV-TV.
YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (WKBN)  DNA Detailing hosted its third annual DNA Car and Bike Show from noon to 8 p.m. on Saturday.

All types of cars, bikes, trucks and antiques were lined up on Front Street, and about 20 trophies were handed out in different categories.

Along with having food trucks and local vendors, the event gave out school supplies and even offered a place to register to vote.

We just came out to have a good time and try to bring some life back to downtown, said event coordinator Anthony Young.

The event also released 13 butterflies to honor 13-year-old Janiyah Janey who died last year. She always attended the car show with her bake sale.

Tino DiCenso contributed to this report.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKBN.com.
(Reuters) - President Volodymyr Zelenskiy acknowledged for the first time on Saturday that Ukrainian forces were fighting in Russia's Kursk region and said the operation was part of Kyiv's drive to restore justice after Russia's 2022 invasion.

Russia said Ukrainian forces pushed into Kursk region last Tuesday and Russian military bloggers have acknowledged they made some headway, while saying the situation had since stabilised.

Zelenskiy had previously stayed silent about the operation.

In his nightly video address, the president said he had discussed the operation with top Ukrainian commander Oleksandr Syrskyi, while not forgetting the battles troops face on the difficult eastern front.

"Today, I received several reports from commander-in-chief Syrskyi regarding the front lines and our actions to push the war onto the aggressor's territory," he said.

"I am grateful to every unit of the defence forces for ensuring that. Ukraine is proving that it can indeed restore justice and ensure the necessary pressure on the aggressor."

Zelenskiy had previously alluded to the operation, praising the military's ability "to surprise" and thanking them for taking Russian soldiers prisoner to be used in future negotiations, specifically referring to the past week.

In paying tribute to Ukrainian forces along the 1,000-km (600-mile) front line, Zelenskiy made special mention of actions in northern Sumy region, across the border from Russia's Kursk region.

Russia has stepped up its attacks of guided bombs and other aerial strikes in Sumy, prompting mass evacuations.

(Reporting by Ron Popeski; Editing by Rod Nickel)
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky (L) inspecting the construction of fortifications at an undisclosed location in Volyn region. -/Ukraine Presidency/dpa

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Saturday addressed his forces' incursion into the southern Russian region of Kursk for the first time, five days after the offensive was reported to have begun.

Zelensky said in his evening video address that the commander-in-chief of the Ukrainian armed forces, Oleksandr Syrskyi, updated him on the "advance of the war into the aggressor's territory."

Ukraine is proving that it is "capable of ensuring justice" and putting "pressure on the aggressor," he added.

Neither Zelensky nor the military in Kiev provided any further details on the current status of the Ukrainian troops' advance into Russian territory.

The Ukrainian president had only indirectly hinted at the attack in the direction of Kursk in recent days, saying in his evening address on Thursday, "Russia brought the war to our land, and it should feel what it has done."
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky (L) inspecting the construction of fortifications at an undisclosed location in Volyn region. -/Ukraine Presidency/dpa

Russian authorities on Saturday continued to evacuate tens of thousands of civilians from the southern region of Kursk, as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky addressed his forces' offensive for the first time after five days of heavy fighting.

Russian civil defence forces said that some 76,000 civilians have been evacuated from the border region and accommodated in other parts of Russia, the state news agency TASS reported on Saturday.

As Kiev's incursion continued into a fifth day, Russian military bloggers described attempts by the Ukrainian armed forces to continue what they called "a blitzkrieg."

Amid limited information on the situation on the front line, the Russian Defence Ministry published videos showing tanks taking up combat positions in order to hit Ukrainian troops.

The ministry also said Russian forces repelled numerous Ukrainian drone attacks in the Kursk region.

Meanwhile, a missile alarm was triggered throughout the region, with acting Governor Alexei Smirnov urged residents to seek shelter if possible.

Bloggers say situation stabilizing

"At the moment, the situation has stabilized," military blogger Alexander Kharchenko wrote in a situation report published by the Telegram channel Rybar. Russian units are making progress, he said.

"Sudzha is standing, the command is making every effort to clear the town of the enemy," wrote Kharchenko, referring to a location in the Kursk region near the Ukrainian border.

"If the enemy does not deploy significant forces unexpectedly in one place, then we can say that the peak of the crisis has passed," he added.

According to the US Institute for the Study of War (ISW) in Washington, the Russian Defence Ministry is still trying to refrain from withdrawing troops from the front lines in Ukraine to reinforce units in Kursk.

However, Ukrainian intelligence on Saturday announced that Russia has begun relocating a brigade of marines from the occupied Crimean peninsula to the Kursk region. Part of the vehicle convoy was destroyed on the way, it said.

Zelensky addresses incursion

Ukraine's Zelensky finally addressed the incursion into Kursk directly on Saturday, after previously only hinting at the attack in recent days.

In his evening video address, he said that the commander-in-chief of the Ukrainian armed forces, Oleksandr Syrskyi, updated him on the "advance of the war into the aggressor's territory."

Ukraine is proving that it is "capable of ensuring justice" and putting "pressure on the aggressor," he added.

Neither Zelensky nor the military in Kiev provided any further details on the current status of the Ukrainian troops' advance.

On Thursday, Zelensky had said: "Russia brought the war to our land, and it should feel what it has done."

Russia designates three zones for tougher action

Overnight, the Russian leadership declared the Kursk, Bryansk and Belgorod regions to be special zones for anti-terrorist operations.

The move extends the powers of the Defence Ministry and other parts of the security apparatus to take tougher action.

Military bloggers had already called for the step after the start of the full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

One unverified video circulating on social networks showed men in uniform with Ukrainian flags in the village of Poroz in the Russian region of Belgorod, just a few kilometres from the border with Ukraine.

Russia has also recently extended the protection of the Kursk nuclear power plant.

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) warned of potential dangers, with its chief Rafael Grossi calling on both sides to adhere to the rules for nuclear safety in conflict zones.

Belarus warns Kiev after downing drones

Elsewhere on Saturday, Belarus warned Kiev to avoid "criminal acts," hours after it said Ukrainian combat drones were reportedly downed in Belarusian airspace.

The Belarusian Foreign Ministry said the incident was a "dangerous attempt to expand the current conflict zone" in the region, according to the state-run BelTA news agency.

Minsk warned it would use its right to self-defence and respond appropriately to any provocation or hostile actions.

Defence Minister Viktor Khrenin said President Alexander Lukashenko had ordered Belarusian troops to reinforce the country's borders with Ukraine. He also ordered the deployment of Iskander ballistic missiles and Polonez launchers to the region.

The authoritarian Lukashenko earlier said the country's air defence was on full alert following the incursion of up to 10 Ukrainian drones on Friday.

Belarus is Moscow's closest ally and allowed Russian troops to invade Ukraine from its territory at the beginning of the current war. However, it is yet to intervene directly in the conflict.

Some 40 Russian troops killed on Black Sea gas rig

In another incident reported on Saturday, Ukrainian naval forces are said to have killed dozens of Russian soldiers in an attack on a Black Sea gas rig.

Ukrainian media said the country's navy and intelligence forces killed around 40 Russian troops at the site.

The Russian forces had reportedly gathered equipment and personnel at the offshore platform, aiming to jam satellite navigation signals to jeopardize civilian shipping.

"We cannot allow such a thing," navy spokesman Dmytro Pletenchuk told the Ukrainska Pravda news site. There were no civilians at the site, which is out of operation, he said.

The naval forces' missile and artillery units carried out the strike.

A heavy explosion could be seen on a video, although the authenticity of the footage could not be independently verified.

Pletenchuk said it was not the first such operation. Russian forces had already used the rig to disrupt the navigation of grain ships.

The spokesman said the decision to attack was made for the safety of civilian shipping.

Ukraine has been defending itself against Russia's full-scale invasion for almost two and a half years. The country's navy has repeatedly sunk Russian ships in the Black Sea and destroyed other enemy targets.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said that measures have been put in place to strengthen Ukraines religious independence.

Source: President Zelenskyys video address on 10 August

Quote from Zelensky: "Ive just held a meeting, a preliminary meeting, regarding a decision that will reinforce Ukraines religious independence.

We have to strip Moscow of every possibility to limit the freedom of Ukrainian people. In order to achieve this, we have to take measures that are 100% effective and to work, indeed. We will take those measures."

Previously: On 24 July, Speaker of the Verkhovna Rada (Ukrainian Parliament) Ruslan Stefanchuk said that the parliament would not break for recess as its members had to carry on with work, including working on a bill to terminate the activities of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate (UOC-MP) in Ukraine.

Background:

A source in the Sluha Narodu (Servant of the People) party, the majority party in the Ukrainian parliament, told Ukrainska Pravda that MPs agreed on 23 July that the next plenary session would be held on the week of 19-25 August.

Prior to that, some of the MPs blocked the rostrum of the Verkhovna Rada at a meeting on 23 July, demanding to adopt a bill to terminate the activities of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate (UOC-MP) in Ukraine.

In a commentary to Ukrainska Pravda, Speaker of the Verkhovna Rada Ruslan Stefanchuk said that the MPs said that they would block the rostrum until the draft bill was put to a vote.

On 19 October 2023, the Verkhovna Rada voted in favour of a bill that would ban Russian-linked religious organisations in Ukraine in its first reading; the bill could see the UOC-MP banned in Ukraine.

On 5 March 2024, the Verkhovna Rada Committee on Humanitarian and Information Policy recommended that the parliament adopt this draft bill in the second reading.

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Zelenskyy says he spoke to Ukraine's Commander-in-Chief about bringing war to aggressor state

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said that he has heard reports from Oleksandr Syrskyi, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, some of which concerned the operations whose goal it is to bring the war to the territory of Russia, the aggressor state.

Source: President Zelenskyys video address on 10 August

Quote from Zelensky: "Commander-in-Chief Syrskyi has made several reports today, both regarding the front and regarding bringing the war to the aggressor state.

I am grateful to every unit of our defence forces that is involved. Ukraine is proving that it knows how to bring justice and will maintain the pressure on the aggressor, the necessary kind of pressure."

Details: Zelenskyy also thanked Ukraines partners that have made this week "productive" in terms of sanctions against Russia and against individuals with ties to it. He announced that more decisions that will "curtail the Russian state" are currently in the works.

"We are eagerly awaiting decisions about [Ukraines ability to deploy] long-range [weapons against Russian military targets in Russia] from the US, the UK and France. We expect strong decisions that will bring a just peace closer," Zelenskyy said.

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How the Episcopal Church aims to use Cathy, a new church-focused AI bot

People attend All Saints Episcopal Church during an interfaith vigil in Salt Lake City on Sunday, Dec. 9, 2018. AskCathy, an Episcopalian artificial intelligence program developed by the Innovative Ministry Center in Toronto and the TryTank Research Institute at the Virginia Theological Seminary, is the latest in an emerging field of religious AI programs. | Scott G Winterton

The Episcopal Church has launched a new AI bot designed to help people further their religious journeys. Its name is Cathy, according to Religion News Service.

The AskCathy program, developed in tandem by the Innovative Ministry Center in Toronto and the TryTank Research Institute at the Virginia Theological Seminary, is the latest in an emerging field of religious artificial intelligence programs.

What can Cathy do?

The Rev. Lorenzo Lebrija, executive director at the TryTank Research Institute, told Religion News Service that AskCathy was designed to follow the lead of the Holy Spirit.

The AI chatbot is aimed at connecting spiritual seekers with religion-related resources and research.

The goal is not that they will end up at their nearby Episcopal church on Sunday. The goal is that it will spark in them this knowledge that God is always with us, that God never leaves us, said the Rev. Lebrija. This can be a tool that gives us a glimpse and little direction that we can then follow on our own.

The Rev. Tay Moss from the Innovative Ministry Center offered a similar assessment.

This is not a substitute for a priest, the Rev. Moss said. (Cathy) is not the end-all be-all of authority. She cant tell you how to believe or what to believe.

Per Religion News Service, Cathy draws from the Episcopal Churchs website, the Book of Common Prayer and other select Episcopalian publications. Shes trained to cite her sources when answering questions. She can serve church members seeking to understand church law, nonreligious people seeking to learn more about Episcopalian beliefs, and priests or members searching for advice on their sermons or parishes.

The history of religious AI

The world of faith-related artificial intelligence got its start with Xianer, a robotic Buddhist monk developed in 2015, according to Religion News Service.

The cute little monk is 2 feet tall, wears a touch screen on his chest, participates in simple conversations and recites Buddhist mantras while wheeling around his monastery in Beijing.

Science and Buddhism are not opposing nor contradicting, and can be combined and mutually compatible, said Master Xianfan, the Buddhist creator of Xianer, to Religion News Service in 2016.

Many religious leaders agree with Xianfan.

Since Xianer, weve seen BlessU-2, a German ATM-like machine which can spit out helpful Biblical blessings, according to Religion News Service, and Pepper, a Japanese robot who can offer funeral rites, per The Guardian.

But religious AI has resulted in some mishaps for the communities theyre designed to serve.

Earlier this year, the Catholic Answers website had to formally defrock their AI, Father Justin, after he began to hallucinate and told users that he was an ordained priest who could hear their confessions and marry them, per Religion News Service.
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Editors note: Calendar items must be submitted at least five days before an event. Email all items to news@morganton.com.

TODAY

Meet the candidates cookout

The Burke County Democratic Party will host a cookout from 12:30-2 p.m. at the partys headquarters, 310 S. Sterling St., Morganton. Secretary of State Elaine Marshall and other candidates will be present. Everyone is welcome.

SUNDAY, AUG. 11

School supply drive

The local unit of Retired School Personnel is requesting help from the community to collect classroom supplies for new, beginning teachers for the 2024-25 school year. These supplies can be dropped off in the east parking lot of Morganton First Baptist Church, 502 W. Union St., from 1-3 p.m. Monetary donations also will be collected and given to the beginning teachers to purchase items they may not receive. Checks should be made to BCRSP. Suggested supplies includes copy paper, bandages, notebook paper, tissues, composition books, sanitizing wipes, No. 2 pencils, magic markers, colored pencils, dry erase markers, dry erase erasers, pens, paper clips, poster board, safety pins, construction paper, rubber bands, hole punchers, Tylenol, pencil sharpeners, Post-It notes, stapler removers, staplers, White-Out, staples and scissors.

American Legion

Auxiliary meeting

American Legion Auxiliary Unit 322 will meet at 4 p.m. at Legion Headquarters, 204 Roper St., Morganton. All are welcome. Anyone interested in more information should attend the meeting.

Bush family reunion

The descendants of John and Mary Ripetoe Bush will convene at 1 p.m. in Cajahs Mountain at the Orchard Drive site known locally as the Old Bush School House for the familys 95th reunion. The reunion begins with a potluck Sunday lunch. The Bush family invites any relatives, no matter how close or distant, to join them at the reunion. Email bobbywbush@charter.net for more information.

WEDNESDAY, AUG. 14

Veteran, military

democratic caucus

The Veteran and Military Family Democratic Caucus of Burke County will meet at 1 p.m. at AJs Steakhouse, 101 Bost Road, Morganton. The caucus sits toward the back of the restaurant. All veteran and military family members that are democrats or unaffiliated registered voters are welcome to attend.

THURSDAY, AUG. 15

NC Pre-K Committee meeting

The NC Pre-K Committee of Burke County Smart Start, Inc., will meet at 8:30 a.m. in person at the Partnership office located at 304 W. Union St., Morganton. NC Pre-K Meetings are open to the public and are held in handicapped accessible facilities. COVID, flu and other health restrictions will be observed for in-person attendance. For anyone with a hearing impairment who may require the assistance of an interpreter or have other special needs, please call the Partnership at 828-439-2326 or use the NC Relay System at 1-800-735-8262.

New Dimensions board meeting

New Dimensions Charter School will hold its monthly board meeting at 4 p.m. in person on campus as well as on Zoom. Contact ckinard@ndschool.org for link information.

SATURDAY, AUG. 17

Annual meeting

Jonas Ridge Volunteer Fire Department will hold its annual meeting at 4 p.m. at the station, giving an update on new fire department work and budget information for the upcoming fiscal year. Light refreshments will be served. The meeting is open to the public.

Pickin Session

A free Local Pickin concert will be held in downtown Glen Alpine at 6 p.m. Bring a lawn chair and enjoy music, fellowship and food available for purchase along Linville Street. The event is hosted by the volunteer organization Glen Alpine in the Street. Musicians can sign up in advance at Glenalpineinthestreet@gmail.com or in person at the start of the event.

Day trip

Unifour Christian Ministries invites the public on a day trip to Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. Transportation to Russel Stover Candy Store, Buc-ees and outlets, with lunch at Applebarn Restaurant. The cost is $75 each. Call Annette Guffey at 828-396-1906 or at 828-493-1723 for more information.

SUNDAY, AUG. 18

American Legion meeting

American Legion Post 322 will meet at 5 p.m. at Legion Headquarters, 204 Roper St., Morganton. If you are a veteran and you would like to learn more, please attend the meeting.

MONDAY, AUG. 19

Meeting

The Valdese ABC Board plans to hold a meeting at the Valdese ABC Store located at 1018 Main St. W., Valdese, at 3:30 p.m.

Waldensian Heritage meeting

The Burke County Genealogical Society will hold a meeting at 6 p.m. at the Waldensian Heritage Museum, 208 Rodoret St. S., Valdese, that will be free and open to the public. Attendees will get a tour of the museum and receive an introduction to its genealogical records.

TUESDAY, AUG. 20

Meeting

The Friendly Tuesday Club will meet at 10 a.m. at the Burke County Senior Center, . The meeting will be a potluck meal, please bring a dish to share.

SATURDAY, AUG. 31

Fish fry

The Shiloh Communitys Relay for Life Team will sponsor a fish fry in the Shiloh Church Fellowship Hall at 11 a.m. A $10 donation will get you a fish sandwich, drink and dessert, and an $8 donation will get you a hot dog, drink and dessert. Meals are available for eat-in or to-go.

WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 4

AARP meeting

Burke County AARP Chapter 3262 will meet on Sept. 4 at 9:30 a.m. in the lower level of the Collett Street Recreation Center in Morganton. After a time of refreshments and fellowship, the meeting begins at 10 a.m. During the meeting, Danielle Gordon, volunteer coordinator for Burke United Christian Ministries, will share the latest agency news as well as how AARP can assist in serving our community.

SATURDAY, SEPT. 7

Day trip

Unifour Christian Ministries invites the public on a day trip to Tiger World and Rockwell Aquarium in Concord, NC. The cost is $55 each. Call Annette Guffey at 828-396-1906 or at 828-493-1723 for more information.

MONDAY, SEPT. 16

Meeting

The Valdese ABC Board plans to hold a meeting at the Valdese ABC Store located at 1018 Main St. W., Valdese, at 3:30 p.m.

SATURDAY, SEPT. 21

Fish fry

Shiloh AME Churchs Mens Day Committee will sponsor a fish fry in the Shiloh Church Fellowship Hall at 11 a.m. Plates and sandwiches will be available for purchase.

MONDAY, OCT. 21

Meeting

The Valdese ABC Board plans to hold a meeting at the Valdese ABC Store located at 1018 Main St. W., Valdese, at 3:30 p.m.

MONDAY, NOV. 18

Meeting

The Valdese ABC Board plans to hold a meeting at the Valdese ABC Store located at 1018 Main St. W., Valdese, at 3:30 p.m.

MONDAY, DEC. 16

Meeting

The Valdese ABC Board plans to hold a meeting at the Valdese ABC Store located at 1018 Main St. W., Valdese, at 3:30 p.m.
The dawn of affective computing in government: Get ready for whats coming

As the sun rises in her city, Lisa strolls through the local park that hosts a series of interactive kiosks, like the one she first encountered at the government service center. As she passes by one, it greets her warmly: Good morning, Lisa. Later in the day, at city hall, government officials review the sentiment analysis from social media and direct feedback from the parks kiosks. Theyve already seen significant improvement in public sentiment toward the park. Its redesigned features, such as the closure of the main thoroughfare to cars at select hours and the addition of mood-driven lighting, have fostered a sense of safety and enjoyment. The park, once underutilized, now buzzes with community activity from dawn to dusk.

With advances in affective computing, its possible to imagine this scenario playing out sooner rather than later. OpenAI released ChatGPT in November 2022, and it received one million visitors in its first five days. In less than a year, it hit 100 million weekly users with over two million developers working on its application programming interface.12 Its a testament to the rapid advancement of AI that there is now a shift from purely transactional interactions with machines to more conversational, and even relationship-based, exchanges.13

In the next three to five years, model interaction design is expected to be a pivotal field of study and an essential organizational capability. Why? Because it seems likely that just as modern organizations have distinct-yet-collaborative units, such as human resources or finance, the organizations of the future could have specialized, distinct-yet-collaborative AI models to help them achieve their missions. Of course, its possible that organizations completely restructure given the rise of AI, but in the medium term, it may be more likely that the deployment of AI capabilities across an organization (which is already taking place) is informed by familiar organizational structures, ones that made sense prior to AI but that will likely require redesign now.

In this future, affective computing could be embedded in specialized AI models across organizations to create more comprehensive, predictive, and personalized outcomes. For example, in a future military application, this approach could enhance training and operational readiness. Real-time emotional data from soldiers in the field could be analyzed to manage stress and optimize performance, triggering immediate interventions like mission adjustments or support resources if certain thresholds are met. This affective data could also inform the organizations AI model responsible for generating training scenarios. The model could tailor training simulations to replicate and address field stressors more effectively, creating a feedback loop that can continually refine training programs. This interconnected AI system could not only enhance soldier welfare but also help ensure continuous improvement in mission preparedness and execution.

To embrace this affective computingenabled future and effectively integrate this technology into public services, government leaders can consider taking these steps.

Initiate small-scale pilot programs to test and gather data on affective computing applications.

Provide training for employees on these technologies and their ethical considerations.

Collaborate with tech companies and academic institutions to stay updated on advancements and best practices.

Create robust ethical guidelines focusing on privacy, consent, and bias mitigation.

Incorporate affective computing capabilities into existing digital platforms and services.

Affective computing has the power to be more than a tool; it can be a partner, helping us create a world that is not only more empathetic, responsive, and inclusive, but also safer and more enjoyable for all.
New Delhi: Susan Wojcicki, the former CEO of YouTube has sadly passed away at the age of 54 on Saturday, August 20, 2024. After a courageous two-year battle with lung cancer, Wojcickis husband Dennis Troper shared the news of her passing in a heartfelt Facebook post.

Who was Susan Wojcicki?

Susan Wojcicki was a prominent figure in Silicon Valley and one of the highest-profile women in tech. She joined Google early on and became one of the company's longest-serving employees. Born on July 5, 1968, in Santa Clara, California, Susan was the daughter of Stanley, a physics professor at Stanford University, and Esther, a journalist and teacher at Palo Alto High School.

Susan Wojcicki studies history at Harvard University before spending time as a photojournalist in India. Upon returning to the US, she earned a degree in Economics from the University of California, Santa Cruz, and later completed an MBA at UCLA.

Her Time at Google

Susan Wojcickis journey in tech began with a marketing role at Intel, but her pivotal moment came when a mutual friend introduced her to Googles founders, Sergey Brin and Larry Page. At that time, Google was just starting out and Wojcicki offered them space in her garage in Menlo ParkGoogles very first office. Reflecting on this, she later described it as one of the best decisions of my life.

Joining Google as its 16th employee, Wojcicki took on the role of marketing manager. She played a key role in spreading Googles presence on college campuses and even redesigned the Google logo, famously removing the exclamation mark. Among her most significant achievements was spearheading the development of AdSense.

Susan Wojcicki Becomes YouTube CEO

After nearly nine years at the helm, Wojcicki announced her decision to step down as YouTubes CEO in February 2023. Her tenure was marked by both tremendous growth and significant challenges. YouTube grappled with controversies involving conspiracies, propaganda, and violent content, turning it into a major battleground for debates on free speech and internet regulation.

In response, Wojcicki implemented numerous safeguards to address concerns from sponsors, creators, and regulators, striving to balance the platform's rapid expansion with the need for responsible oversight.

Wojcicki played a key role in the $1.65 billion dollar purchase of YouTube in 2006 , a move that significantly shaped the platforms future. As CEO, she was instrumental in growing YouTubes user base to 2.5 billion monthly users.

Susan Wojcickis career has been nothing short of remarkable. From offering her garage as Googles first office to leading the companys advertising business and then steering YouTube through a decade of growth, her journey has been extraordinary.

Wojcicki married Dennis Troper, a fellow Google veteran, in 1998. Together, they built a life and a family. Tragically, earlier this year, they faced an unimaginable loss when their son, Marco, passed away at the age of 19 due to an accidental drug overdose. Despite her many professional achievements this personal tragedy has profoundly marked her journey.
New Delhi: Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge expressed concern on Saturday over the increase in the number of terrorist incidents in Jammu and Kashmir and said the national security policy of the Narendra Modi government should be to "take concrete steps instead of indulging in self-praise".

Kharge's remarks came after two Army personnel were killed and six others, including two civilians, injured in a gunfight with terrorists in a forest area of Jammu and Kashmir's Anantnag district at an altitude of 10,000 feet on Saturday.

The operation to hunt down the ultras continued despite the challenging topography.

In a post in Hindi on X, Kharge said, "Two Army soldiers sacrificed their lives and demonstrated their bravery in a joint operation against terrorists in Anantnag, Jammu and Kashmir. Salute to the martyrdom of our brave soldiers. Our deepest condolences to their bereaved families." He also wished for a speedy recovery of the injured.

"The increase in the number of terrorist incidents in Jammu and Kashmir is a matter of concern. The national security policy of the Modi government should be to take concrete steps instead of indulging in self-praise," Kharge said.

Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra said the news of martyrdom of two brave soldiers while facing terrorists in Anantnag is extremely saddening.

"May God grant peace to the departed souls. My deepest condolences to the bereaved families. I wish for the speedy recovery of the injured," she said.
A 31-year-old junior doctor was discovered dead on Friday morning at Kolkata's state-run R.G. Kar Medical College & Hospital. The deceased, a postgraduate student, was found in the hospital's seminar hall.

The victim's family have alleged that the doctor was both raped and murdered. These claims were backed by the presence of scratch marks on the body, which police sources suggest indicate a struggle. The woman's father expressed his disbelief, stating, "I spoke to my daughter yesterday at 11 pm. She sounded very normal. I am shocked. She was found partially clothed. We suspect she has been murdered and raped."

Police and Forensic Investigation

According to media reports, Kolkata Police Commissioner Vineet Goyal and Additional Commissioner Murlidhar Sharma personally inspected the scene, while a forensic team conducted a preliminary examination of the body. Five hospital staff members, who were on duty with the doctor the previous night, are currently being interrogated. The police have also begun interviewing other doctors and nurses who were present at the hospital during the incident.

The autopsy report of the deceased revealed signs of sexual assault, adding to the growing list of shocking discoveries during the investigation. Evidence of a struggle was found, with the victim's body showing multiple injuries.

One Accused Arrested

one arrest has been made in connection with the murder of a medical student. The arrested individual, identified as Sanjay Roy, is not an employee of the hospital, according to police sources. However, Roy had unrestricted access to the hospital for regular tasks. His arrest was based on CCTV footage from the chest department, though the motive behind the murder remains unclear. The police are currently interrogating the accused to determine the reason for the crime.

Following the discovery of the body yesterday, the police compiled a list of all hospital staff and nurses who were on night duty, as well as information on individuals entering and leaving the chest department. Sanjay Roy's name emerged as a suspect during this process. Despite not being a hospital employee, Roy was a frequent visitor to the hospital. He was subjected to extensive questioning, during which evidence of his involvement in the incident surfaced. Consequently, the police arrested Sanjay Roy, who is a civic volunteer, for his role in the murder of the female medical student.

Government and Hospital Response

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has expressed her condolences to the victim's family and assured them of full support. Trinamool Congress (TMC) Rajya Sabha MP Santanu Sen has promised a thorough and impartial investigation, stating, "If anyone is found involved, strict action will be taken."

In response to the incident, the hospital has formed two investigative panels: an 11-member internal enquiry committee and a separate three-member team tasked with conducting the postmortem. However, resident doctors have demanded an external investigation led by a judicial magistrate, expressing dissatisfaction with the internal probe.

Political Reactions

The incident has ignited a political firestorm, with BJP leader Amit Malviya accusing the state government of attempting to cover up the crime. In a post on X, Malviya alleged, "Her body was found in the duty room. Mamata Banerjee's government is trying to hide the crime. Kolkata Police has been asked to cover up and show it as suicide. Media is not being allowed in. No woman is safe in West Bengal."

With Inputs from Piyali Mitra
Congress MP Jairam Ramesh launched a sharp attack against the government following the release of new findings by Hindenburg Research. Ramesh alleged that although Parliament was initially scheduled to continue its session until the evening of August 12, it was abruptly adjourned. He claimed that this sudden schedule change was due to the government's anticipation of the Hindenburg's report.

Taking a jibe at the central government, he remarked that now we know why the parliamentary proceedings were suddenly suspended.

In a post on his social media platform X, he wrote, Parliament was notified to sit till the evening of Aug 12th. Suddenly it got adjourned sine die on the afternoon of Aug 9th itself. Now we know why.

Parliament was notified to sit till the evening of Aug 12th. Suddenly it got adjourned sine die on the afternoon of Aug 9th itself. Now we know why. https://t.co/wVvsG4jove  Jairam Ramesh (@Jairam_Ramesh) August 10, 2024

The Hindenburg research cited a whistleblower document and alleged Madhabi Buch, The Current Chairperson of SEBI, And Her Husband Had Stakes In Both Obscure Offshore Funds Used In The Adani Money Siphoning Scandal.

It has been nearly 18 months since our original report on the Adani Group presented overwhelming evidence that the Indian conglomerate was operating the largest con in corporate history. Our report exposed a web of offshore, primarily Mauritius-based shell entities used for suspected billions of dollars of undisclosed related party transactions, undisclosed investment and stock manipulation, Hindenburg in its report published on its website on Saturday.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday visited the Landslide affected area in Wayanad in Kerala. The tragic incident claimed over 300 lives and uprooted hundreds of homes. Modi conducted an on-foot inspection and an aerial survey to assess the scale of the damage.

After concluding the survey, PM Modi said that this Disaster is not normal, it shattered the dreams of thousands of families.

Speaking at a meeting to assess the ongoing rescue and rehabilitation efforts, Modi told ANI, "I have been closely monitoring the situation since I first learned about the landslide. All relevant central government agencies were promptly mobilised to assist in the disaster."

After concluding the survey, PM Modi chaired a review meeting where he assured the families of the deceased that they are not alone in this difficult time. He commended the team efforts of NDRF, SDRF, Army, Police and Doctors. Modi said, "When everyone works together, great results follow."

He added, "We are all standing with them... The Central Government stands with the Kerala Government, and we will ensure that no work is hindered due to a lack of funds."

#WATCH | Kerala | Wayanad landslide: Prime Minister Narendra Modi says "I had a conversation with CM Pinarayi Vijayan the morning when the incident took place and assured him that we will provide assistance and try to reach the spot as soon as possible. NDRF, SDRF, Army, Police, pic.twitter.com/CaLZnnDbhO  ANI (@ANI) August 10, 2024

PM visited the landslide-affected areas in Chooralmala, Mundakkai, and Punchirimattam hamlets using an Indian Air Force helicopter. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan was also present alongside the Prime Minister during the inspection.

In a footage shared by DD News, Modi can be seen walking through the affected regions with Kerala Governor Arif Mohammed Khan, CM Vijayan, and Union Minister Suresh Gopi. Officials briefed the Prime Minister on the Wayanad landslide, presenting a map and updating him on the ongoing evacuation efforts.

#WATCH | Kerala: Prime Minister Narendra Modi visits the landslide-affected area in Wayanad. He is being briefed about the evacuation efforts.



Governor Arif Mohammed Khan and Union Minister Suresh Gopi are also present.



(Source: DD News) pic.twitter.com/rANSwzCcVz  ANI (@ANI) August 10, 2024

Congress Natural Disaster Tag Demand

Rahul Gandhi in his address in Lok Sabha on Wednesday asked the Central government to to classify the landslides in Kerala's Wayanad as a "national disaster," provide a comprehensive rehabilitation package for those impacted, and increase the compensation for the victims.

However, there is no executive or legal framework to officially designate a natural disaster as a national calamity.


Thirty-nine university students, some minors, were detained after police raided a "rave party" at a flat here in Uttar Pradesh, an official said on Saturday. Information about the "rave party" at the Supernova residential society in Noida Sector-39 was received on Friday night, the police spokesperson said.

The official said a team reached the spot and detained 39 students of a well-known university. The age of the detained students is between 16 and 20 years, police said.

The official said a large number of Haryana-labelled alcohol bottles and hookahs among other things were recovered from the party. "During interrogation, it was found that students were invited for the party on WhatsApp. The entry fee was Rs 500 per person and Rs 800 per couple," the spokesperson said and added that a case has been registered.
New Delhi: President Droupadi Murmu was conferred with the Grand-Collar of the Order of Timor-Leste, the country's highest civilian award on Saturday.

Sharing a post on X, along with pictures, the official account of Rashtrapati Bhavan, run by President's Secretariat wrote, "President Jose Ramos-Horta of Timor-Leste conferred the Grand-Collar of the Order of Timor-Leste, the country's highest civilian award, upon President Droupadi Murmu."

"The award is in recognition of her achievements in public service and dedication to education, social welfare and empowerment of women," the post read.

After receiving the award, President Murmu said that the "honour is a reflection of the ties of friendship between India and Timor-Leste."

President Murmu arrived in Timor Leste earlier today, after concluding her visits to Fiji and New Zealand.

In a special gesture, she was warmly received by President Jose Ramos-Horta at the airport.

Moreover, cheerful children also greeted her on the way from the airport.

She also held a bilateral meeting with her Timor Leste counterpart today in Dili, underlining the strong connect between the two nations.

The two leaders also discussed the opportunities to enhance the bilateral cooperation between India and Timor Leste. President Murmu's visit is the first-ever Head of State

level visit from India to the South East Asian country.

President Murmu, in Dili the capital city of Timor Leste, also paid floral tributes to V.V. Giri, former President of India, on his birth anniversary.

She also addressed the Indian Community Reception in Dili.

President Murmu was accorded ceremonial reception and guard of honour at the Presidential Palace in Dili. The President's visit to Timor Leste comes at the invitation of the President of Timor Leste, Jose Ramos-Horta.

The Timor Leste President, and President Murmu also made press statements.

Prior to Timor Leste, President Murmu visited New Zealand and Fiji. In Fiji, she was conferred with Fiji's highest civilian award, 'Companion of the Order of Fiji'.

President Murmu termed it an honour that reflects the deep ties of friendship between the two nations.

President Murmu had departed from New Delhi on August 4 for a six-day visit to Fiji, New Zealand, and Timor-Leste.
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi is all set to visit Kerala's Wayanad district on Saturday. The aim is to assess the devastation caused by recent landslides, which have claimed at least 226 lives. Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, praised Modi's decision to visit the disaster-stricken area and expressed hope that the prime minister would declare it a national disaster after witnessing the extent of the damage firsthand. "Thank you, Modi ji, for visiting Wayanad to personally take stock of the terrible tragedy. This is a good decision," Gandhi said in a post on X.

"I am confident that once the Prime Minister sees the extent of the devastation firsthand, he will declare it a national disaster," the former Congress chief said. Modi's visit will include an aerial survey of the affected areas, meetings with rescue teams, and interactions with survivors in relief camps and hospitals.

Modi will visit Kerala's Wayanad district on Saturday to review the relief-and-rehabilitation efforts and interact with survivors. Officials said Modi will reach Kannur around 11 am and then undertake an aerial survey of the landslides-affected areas in Wayanad.

During Modi's visit, teams involved in the rescue operations will brief him about the evacuation efforts. The prime minister will also visit relief camps and hospitals to interact with the survivors of the landslides, the officials said.

Modi will then chair a review meeting during which he will be briefed in detail about the incidents and the ongoing relief efforts. At least 226 people died and many remain unaccounted for after landslides hit the region on July 30, in what was likely one of the biggest natural disasters to have hit Kerala.

Gandhi, the member of Parliament from Rae Bareli in Uttar Pradesh, represented Wayanad in the previous Lok Sabha.
It seems like a tale straight out from the pages of a crime novel. In Bareilly, a woman-hating 35-year-old man went on a killing spree to murder 9 middle-aged women before he was arrested by police.

After 14 months of terror that gripped Bareilly, the police have finally apprehended Kuldeep Gangwar. The dangerous man is responsible for a string of brutal murders that has claimed the lives of nine middle-aged women. The murderer has been dubbed as a 'woman hater with a traumatized past'.

Consistent Modus Operandi

Kuldeep Gangwar, a resident of Nawabganj, had been preying on women in the Shahi-Sheeshgarh area. Gangwar had been following a chillingly consistent modus operandi. He would strangle his victims and discard their bodies in sugarcane fields. The police have confirmed his involvement in six of the murders and suspect him in the remaining three.

Why Kuldeep Targeted Women?

Kuldeep harbored deep-seated hatred toward women, stemming from his troubled past. Witnessing his mother being abused by his father, and later being abandoned by his wife, fueled his rage. This anger drove him to target women who were alone, often attempting to assault them before killing them in a fit of rage.

Gangwars hatred was specifically directed at women in the 45-55 age group, reflecting his resentment toward his stepmother, who is also around 50 years old. He avoided detection by abandoning any target if he felt noticed and carried out his crimes with a precision that baffled investigators for months.

Operation Talaash

SSP Anurag Arya, who led the extensive manhunt named Operation Talaash, revealed the details of Gangwars capture. The investigation was launched after multiple reports of women being strangled with their sarees surfaced. Their bodies were discovered in secluded fields. Locals had noticed a lone stranger wandering from farm to farm, which eventually led the police to Gangwar.

The polices operation was extensive, involving 22 teams, the installation of 600 additional CCTV cameras, and the analysis of footage from 1,500 cameras. The breakthrough came when sketches of the suspect were released, and Gangwar was identified. To avoid suspicion, officers dressed as villagers and observed his routine before making the arrest.

Now in custody, Kuldeep Gangwar faces charges under multiple sections of the IPC, including murder and attempted rape. The arrest brings some relief to the residents of Bareilly, who had been living in fear of the unknown killer. The investigation continues as police work to link him to other unsolved cases and bring closure to the families of the victims.
New Delhi: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Saturday criticised the Congress party and Priyanka Gandhi for showing concern over Gaza but maintaining silence on violence on Hindu minorities in Bangladesh.

While addressing the Bangladesh situation, Assam CM expressed that he believes the Prime Minister will work regarding this, through diplomatic channels and the situation will be better slowly.

BJP leader criticised Congress over violence on the Hindu community in Bangladesh and said, "Congress family and Priyanka Gandhi have tweeted a lot about Gaza. What happened in Gaza was a terrorist activity and what is happening now is an anti-terrorist act. But, for Bangladeshi Hindus, how many times have they tweeted or protested?"

#WATCH | Ranchi, Jharkhand | Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma says, "...The situation there (in Bangladesh) is worrying. I believe that the PM will work regarding this, through diplomatic channels and the situation will better slowly."



"Congress family and Priyanka Gandhi have pic.twitter.com/AaguCwVQx0 August 10, 2024

Himanta further highlighted that the Congress party take stands for Muslims but not for Hindus. "Congress has proved that if there is any problem for Muslims anywhere in the world, they are there for them but if Hindus are in problem, they will not be there," he said.

He further added that Congress what to divide Hindus on caste lines and nothing else.

"Govt of India hasn't allowed accepting anyone from the other side of the borders, you can't allow 1-2 crore people. The possible solution is to work through diplomatic channels and provide them (Bangladeshi Hindus) security in Bangladesh. Whatever the central govt decides, we, the state will have to follow," Himanta said.
Terrorists responsible for the July 24 terror incidents in the Doda region were tracked after sneaking across the Kishtwar range into the Kapran Garol area in South Kashmir, according to security sources.

Rashtriya Rifles and J&K Police had been monitoring these terrorists, launching operations in the mountains east of Kapran on the night of August 9 and 10, 2024, where the terrorists were reportedly holed up.

Around 2 p.m. today, August 10, suspicious movement was observed in the area. When challenged by security forces, the terrorists opened indiscriminate fire, injuring two Army personnel and two civilians nearby. Authorities are currently verifying the terror-related backgrounds of the injured civilians.

The operation area, located at over 10,000 feet in altitude, is characterized by dense undergrowth, large boulders, and complex terrain, posing significant challenges to the security forces. Operations are expected to continue through the night as security forces work to neutralize the threat.
Two Indian Army soldiers were killed in an encounter with terrorists in Anantnag district of Jammu and Kashmir on Saturday, according to Defense officials. The soldiers sustained injuries during a clash with militants in the Kokernag region.

During the exchange of fire, five army personnel were injured and promptly evacuated to a nearby hospital for treatment. Both the army personnel succumbed to their injuries during the treatment.

Two civilians have also been reported injured due to reckless firing by terrorists in the ongoing operation; the injured have been provided immediate medical aid and evacuated further, said Army officials.

Earlier in the day encounter broke out in the Ahlan Gadole area of Jammu and Kashmir's Anantnag district this afternoon. The gunfight led to a heavy exchange of fire between the security forces and the militants.

The two soldiers were injured when terrorists targeted their patrol during an anti-terror operation in the forested area of Kokernag subdivision. Special forces and army paratroopers have been deployed in the ongoing operation to flush out the terrorists, who are believed to be foreign nationals.

In a post on social media platform 'X', the Indian army's Chinar corps said, "Based on specific intelligence input, a Joint Operation was launched by #IndianArmy, @JmuKmrPolice & @crpf_srinagar today in general area Kokernag, Anantnag. Contact was established and firefight ensued. Two personnel have been injured and evacuated from the area. Operations are in progress."

OP GAGARMANDU, #Anantnag



Based on specific intelligence input, a Joint Operation was launched by #IndianArmy, @JmuKmrPolice & @crpf_srinagar today in general area Kokernag, Anantnag. Contact was established and firefight ensued. Two personnel have been injured and evacuated from pic.twitter.com/24DEESGtGZ  Chinar Corps - Indian Army (@ChinarcorpsIA) August 10, 2024

Today's encounter marks the second major encounter in Kokernag within the past year. In September 2023, a Commanding Officer, a Major, and a Deputy Superintendent of Police were killed during a clash with terrorists in the Kokernag forest. Reinforcements have been dispatched to the area to flush out the terrorists, who are believed to be hiding in the Ahlan Gadole forests.
Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar on Saturday expressed deep concern over remarks made by certain Congress leaders, condemning their comments that events occurring in Bangladesh could also happen in India. He exclaimed, Be on watch out! Although Dhankhar did not directly name individuals, his attack was directed at senior Congress leaders Salman Khurshid and Mani Shankar Aiyar.

Vice President was attending the platinum jubilee celebrations of the Rajasthan high court when he condemned the statements by sying, Efforts by some to infuse a narrative that what happened in our neighbourhood is bound to happen in our Bharat, is deeply concerning.

He further questioned how a citizen of the country, one who has served as a Member of Parliament and another with extensive experience in the Foreign Service, could so quickly claim that what happened in a neighboring country could occur in India.

Be on watch out!!



Efforts by some to infuse a narrative that what happened in our neighbourhood is bound to happen in our Bharat, is deeply concerning.



How can a citizen of this country having been a Member of Parliament, and the other who has seen enough of Foreign Service pic.twitter.com/MWEoz1Ao1C  Vice-President of India (@VPIndia) August 10, 2024

Earlier, Sajjan Singh Verma from the Congress party's Madhya Pradesh unit, gave similar sentiments, suggesting that, much like protestors in Bangladesh who occupied the official residence of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and ousted her from the country, people in India would one day 'storm' the residence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Sheikh Hasina was ousted as Bangladesh's prime minister on August 5 and flew directly to Delhi from Dhaka within hours of her departure; she has been residing in Delhi ever since.
New Delhi: The Indian Medical Association (IMA) on Saturday issued a 48-hour ultimatum to authorities to complete the investigation into the rape and murder of a doctor at a state-run medical college and hospital in Kolkata.

IMA also warned a nationalwide protest if the culprits are not arrested within the period.

The doctors' association called for an impartial and time-bound thorough investigation. They also demanded a detailed inquiry into the conditions that "enabled the crime" and urged for urgent measures to enhance the safety of doctors, particularly women, in the workplace.

If safety and security cannot be ensured in the citadels of learning, it only indicates the incompetency of the administration, the IMA stated, PTI reported.

The body of the postgraduate trainee doctor was discovered in the seminar hall on Friday.

"We demand that the authorities act with precision and in time of 48 hours failing which IMA will be constrained to initiate nationwide action.

"A fair, transparent and time-sensitive criminal investigation is in order. An ultimatum of two days is given to arrest culprits otherwise IMA will undertake nationwide protests," the IMA said in a statement, PTI reported.

It stated that the entire medical fraternity of India was shocked beyond words at the brutal murder.

"There are reasons to believe that she was raped before the murder. This crime is an index of the anarchy and insecurity prevailing on the campus," the statement said.

"IMA HQs mourns the death of this precious daughter of India and condemns the existing situations that enabled this crime to be committed with impunity inside the campus...'

"The entire medical fraternity of India stands with the bereaved family and her colleagues," the statement added.

On Saturday, West Bengal Police arrested one person in the case, a senior officer said.
Paris: Members of the Indian film fraternity joined the nation in congratulating Aman Sehrawat for securing the bronze medal in wrestling at the ongoing Paris Olympics on Friday. Extending his best wishes to Aman, actor Randeep Hooda took to X and wrote, "Finally Pehlwan #AmanSehrawat !! Kasuta game first and only medal in #wrestling #Bronze youngest individual medalist #Paris2024 #Olympics."

Actor Riteish Deshmukh shared a picture of Aman from the match and congratulated him for bringing bronze home. "Congratulations #AmanSehrawat !!! Another Bronze Medal for India," he posted on X.

Actor Pulkit Samrat, too, lauded Aman. Taking to his Instagram Story, he wrote "Congratulation @amansehrawat057."

On Saturday morning, actor Deepika Padukone expressed happiness over Aman's bronze win. Take a look at her Instagram post.

Aman Sehrawat, making his Olympic debut, secured the medal with a 13-5 victory over Puerto Rico's Darian Cruz on Friday, marking India's first wrestling medal at the Paris 2024 Games.

After the victory, Aman spoke with ANI and said that he still couldn't believe that he won a medal for his country.

"I am very happy and I still can't believe that I have won a medal for the country at the Olympics... I was hoping for the gold but I am happy with bronze as well...," Aman said.

The 21-year-old wrestler added that it was a 'speechless' moment after standing on the Olympic podium. The youngster further added that his next target will to prepare for the 2026 Asian Games and 2028 Olympics."

It was a speechless moment when I stood on the podium... from today, my next target will be to prepare for the 2028 Olympics and 2026 Asian Games," he added.

During the match, the Puerto Rican grappler initially gained the lead by securing a point with a single-leg hold. However, Aman came back strong, scoring points by targeting Darian Cruz's shoulders.

After Darian Cruz took the lead with a two-point move, Aman regained control.With 37 seconds left, Aman secured additional points and won the bout with technical superiority as Darian Cruz attempted a desperate move and conceded another point.
Bank Holidays In August 2024: In the busy corporate life, many individuals reserve their bank-related work for Saturdays. However, all super-busy individuals should note that banks are open only on the first, third, and fifth Saturdays of the month (if applicable). Banks are closed on the second and fourth Saturdays.

Hence, today all banks are closed as it is the second Saturday of the month.

As per the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), banks will remain closed for regional and national holidays but depending on the state of residence. Notably, customers should note that bank holidays vary across different states in India. It's advisable to check with your local bank branch for the holiday schedule before planning a visit.

Festivals In August 2024

August 3 - Ker Puja, a festival in Tripura weeks after Kharchi Puja.

August 8 -Tendong Lho Rum Faat, a festival of the Lepcha people of Sikkim.

August 13 - Patriots Day, is an official holiday in Manipur

August 15 - Independence Day, India became independent from the British Empire after the Independence Movement by national leaders.

August 19 - Raksha Bandhan, A Hindu festival that honours the bond between brothers and sisters.

August 20 - Sree Narayana Guru Jayanthi, A state festival in Kerala commemorating the birth anniversary of Narayana Guru, a revered saint and social reformer who challenged the caste system in India.

August 26 - Janmashtami, this annual Hindu festival celebrates the birth of Krishna, the eighth avatar of Vishnu.
New Delhi: The Indian government introduced the National Pension System (NPS), a pension cum investment plan to give people security for their old age. The Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) oversees the scheme. After turning sixty years old, the NPS members start receiving their pension. Nevertheless, before turning 60 or upon attaining superannuation, some members desire to withdraw their accumulated wealth in NPS. Let's go into more detail on early pension withdrawal and the requirements.

Before retiring, is it possible to take partial NPS withdrawals?

Without compromising their monthly stipend upon retirement or terminating their retirement account, NPS members can take partial withdrawals from their savings to fulfill specific requirements.

Conditions for NPS partial withdrawal

A circular defining the procedures for a partial withdrawal from the NPS was released by PFRDA on January 12, 2024, and became operative on February 1, 2024. According to the circular, partial withdrawal is allowed under the following conditions:

* You can withdraw funds for your children's higher education.

* Funds can be withdrawn for your children's marriage.

* Withdrawal is allowed when buying a house or repaying a home loan. However, neither you nor your spouse should already own a home.

* Withdrawals could be made to pay for medical expenses and hospitalization.

* Withdraw is allowed to start a business, or pursue a startup.

* Withdrawals could be made for skill development or self-development activities.

Eligibility requirements for NPS partial withdrawal

To be eligible for partial withdrawal from your NPS account, you need to fulfill the following conditions:

* You have been an NPS subscriber for at least 3 years from the date of your joining the scheme.

* During your entire subscription period, you are permitted to make a maximum of three partial withdrawals, with a minimum gap of five years between each withdrawal.

* You can withdraw only 25% of the contribution in NPS. However, withdrawals are not permitted from the employer's portion of the contribution or from the returns generated on contributions.

Tax benefits on partial withdrawal from the NPS account

If you are taking partial pension withdrawals, you may be eligible for tax exemption on the amount withdrawn up to 25% of the self-contribution, on such terms and conditions as may be specified by PFRDA under section 10(12B).

What is the process for partially withdrawing from NPS?

You must apply to any government nodal agency connected to the NPS and provide a self-declaration outlining the reason for the withdrawal to make a partial withdrawal. After that, the application will be sent to the Central Record-keeping Agency (CRA) for verification and processing.
New Delhi: India and the Maldives have just agreed to introduce UPI (Unified Payments Interface) across the Maldives. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar announced on Friday that this will make it easier for tourists to pay for things, boosting travel to the islands and helping the local economy.

During a recent meeting with Maldivian Minister Moosa Zameer, Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar finalised a key agreement. They signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to introduce the digital payment system which is facilitated by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) and the Maldives economic development and trade ministry.

The MoU signed between the Ministry of Economic Development & the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) aims for a more inclusive & efficient financial ecosystem that benefits all Maldiviansa significant step in economic collaboration between Maldives & India pic.twitter.com/jJefjAnuiT  Ministry of Foreign Affairs (@MoFAmv) August 10, 2024

On Friday, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar began a three-day visit to the Maldives, his first since President Mohamed Muizzu took office in November 2023. This trip is seen as part of efforts to strengthen ties between the two countries, especially after recent moves by Muizzu to reduce Maldives' dependence on India and build closer relations with China.

During the visit, India and the Maldives also signed a second Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), adding 1,000 training slots for Maldivian civil servants at Indias National Centre for Good Governance.

With the recent partnership between NPCI International Payments Limited and Network International, UPI payments are now available in the UAE which brings the total number of UPI-enabled countries to seven. This expansion follows the successful introduction of UPI in Nepal, Mauritius, Bhutan, France, Singapore, and Sri Lanka.
Dhaka: Bangladesh's interim leader Muhammad Yunus on Saturday condemned attacks on the minority communities in the violence-hit nation, terming them as "heinous", and urged the youth to protect all Hindu, Christian, and Buddhist families from harm.

Members of minority communities in Bangladesh faced at least 205 incidents of attacks in 52 districts since the fall of the Sheikh Hasina-led government on August 5, according to two Hindu organisations -- Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council and the Bangladesh Puja Udjapan Parishad -- in the country.

Thousands of Bangladeshi Hindus have been trying to flee to neighbouring India to escape the violence.

Reaching out to students who are at the forefront of the protests, Yunus, a Nobel laureate, cautioned them not to let their efforts be sabotaged by those seeking to undermine their progress, the Dhaka Tribune newspaper reported.

"There are many standing by to make your efforts futile. Dont fail this time," he said while addressing the students at the Begum Rokeya University in Rangpur city.

Yunus unequivocally condemned the attacks on minority communities in the country, calling the acts "heinous".

He urged the students to protect all Hindu, Christian, and Buddhist families from harm.

Are they not the people of this country? You have been able to save the country; can't you save some families?...You must say  no one can harm them. They are my brothers; we fought together, and we will stay together, he asserted, underscoring the need for national unity.

Stressing the importance of youth leadership, Yunus said, "This Bangladesh, is now in your hands. You have the power to take it wherever you want. This isn't a matter of research  it's a power within you.

He also urged the people of Bangladesh to emulate the way student activist Abu Sayed stood valiantly during the anti-government demonstrations that led to the toppling of the Sheikh Hasina government.

Sayed, 25, of Rangpurs Begum Rokeya University, was among the first protesters to be killed in police firing on July 16 during the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement.

Yunus, who was sworn in on Thursday as the head of the interim government, met with Sayeds family members in Rangpurs Pirganj upazila, The Daily Star newspaper reported.

We have to stand the way Abu Sayed stood...Abu Sayeeds mother is everyones mother. We have to protect her, protect her sisters, protect her brothers. Everyone has to do it together, he told reporters after meeting Sayeds family.

Yunus said that the responsibility of building a new Bangladesh is for every Bangladeshi.

We will remember him (Abu Sayed) through this. Therefore, we should ensure that we do the work (needed), he said.

Abu Sayed is no longer a member of just one family. He is the child of all families in Bangladesh. The children who will grow up and attend school and college will know about Abu Sayed and will say to themselves, I too will fight for justice. Abu Sayed is now in every home, Yunus said.

Meanwhile, thousands of Hindu agitators, including students, blocked the Shahbagh intersection for the second consecutive day on Saturday, protesting attacks on their homes, shops, and temples in various parts of the country, The Daily Star newspaper reported.

They shouted slogans such as "Save the Hindus," "Why are my temples and homes being looted? We want answers," "Hindu persecution in independent Bangladesh, it will not continue," "Religion is for individuals, the state is for everyone," and "Ensure the safety of Hindus".

A number of Hindu temples, households and businesses were vandalised, women assaulted and at least two Hindu leaders affiliated with the Awami League party headed by Hasina were killed in the violence in Bangladesh after she fled the country, according to community leaders in Dhaka.

The protesters warned that if immediate measures are not taken to stop the persecution of Hindus, they will go for continuous protest programmes.

They also demanded the formation of a ministry for minorities, the establishment of a minority protection commission, the enactment and implementation of strict laws to prevent all forms of attacks on minorities, and the allocation of 10 per cent of parliamentary seats for minorities.

In another major development, Bangladeshs Chief Justice Obaidul Hassan and five other top judges on Saturday tendered their resignations, five days after the fall of the Hasina regime amid massive street protests and students marching towards the apex court demanding a revamp of the judiciary.

The 65-year-old top judge revealed his decision around 1 pm after protesters of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement gathered at the apex court premises. The students had issued an ultimatum to him and the judges of the Appellate Division to resign by 1 pm

I feel it is necessary to share a special news with you. Our chief justice resigned a few minutes back. His resignation letter has already reached the law ministry, law adviser, equivalent to the minister of the newly-installed interim government, Prof Asif Nazrul said in a Facebook video message.

Appellate Division Justice Md Ashfaqul Islam has been appointed as the acting chief justice following Hassan's resignation, Supreme Court's Public Relations Officer Md Shafiqul Islam told the media.

Several other top officials, including Dhaka University Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr Maksud Kamal and Bangla Academy Director General Professor Dr Md Harun-Ur-Rashid Askari, resigned from their posts in the wake of new protests by students and other demonstrators.
Addis Ababa: Ethiopian Airlines, the flag carrier of Ethiopia, and Dar Al-Handasah, an international consulting firm, signed an agreement on Friday for the design and supervision of a new mega airport to be built near Bishoftu town, about 42 km east of the Ethiopian capital of Addis Ababa.

The new airport will have the capacity to handle 100 million passengers a year and provide parking for 270 aircraft, Mesfin Tasew, chief executive officer (CEO) of Ethiopian Airlines Group, said in a briefing, Xinhua news agency reported.

"The new four-runway airport will be Africa's biggest when the construction is completed in 2029," Tasew told reporters, highlighting that by undertaking a mega airport project, the airline is writing a new chapter in its aviation history.

The CEO said Addis Ababa Bole International Airport, currently the main hub for Africa's largest airline, will soon reach its capacity of serving 25 million passengers per year.

"The new mega airport is a five-year project that will be finalised in 2029. It will have two phases, and upon completion of the first phase with two runways, the airport will have the capacity to handle 60 million passengers a year," Tasew said.

According to him, phase one alone will cost the airline at least $6 billion, and the money will come from loans from companies that have already shown interest.

Ethiopian Airlines carried 17.1 million passengers in the 2023/2024 financial year and expects to carry 20 million passengers in the new financial year that starts on July 8, 2024.

The new airport, to be built on a total area of 35 square km, will include shopping and hotel facilities. Once the project design is completed, the construction of the mega airport will be put out to tender.
Former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's son, Sajeeb Wazed Joy, on Saturday dismissed rumours that his mother has applied for asylum, stating that she has no such intentions and plans to retire to her village home in Bangladesh, regardless of her political status.

In an exclusive interview with ANI, Sajeeb Wazed Joy emphasized that neither he nor his family harbors a greed for power, and their primary motivation is to work for the betterment of Bangladesh."These are all rumors, my mother has not applied for asylum anywhere. She has spent most of her life there (in Bangladesh) and does not want to live outside the country. Her plan at the end of this term was to retire and go live in her village home, whether she is in politics or not. She wants to go back home," he said.

When asked about Sheikh Hasina's plans of return to politics, Wazed refrained from making definitive comments, saying that the question should be directed to her. He pointed out that despite having the option to live abroad, his mother has chosen to stay in Bangladesh due to her deep love for the country.

"That (if Hasina would make a comeback to politics) I cannot answer, that you will have to ask her. In my family, none of us have ever had a greed for power or politics, other than my mother. The rest of my family has been settled abroad. I have been settled in the US for almost 30 years. But we want to work for our country," he added.

Sajeeb also expressed his family's commitment to restoring democracy and law and order in Bangladesh. "We cannot sit and watch this happen to our country. To restore democracy, to restore law and order, to keep the people of our country safe--whatever is required, we will do," he said.

Commenting on the current situation in Bangladesh, Sajeeb described it as chaotic, with a complete breakdown of law and order. He highlighted the plight of minorities and the absence of law enforcement.

"There is no law and order. Minorities are being attacked. It's the citizens themselves that are now taken over to try to ensure law and order and provide security. We have asked our Awami League members, especially the youth, to guard our own leaders, and to try to guard the minorities. But of course, throughout the country, it's not possible. Throughout the country, the law enforcement agencies have quit; there are no police in Bangladesh right now," he said.
China files appeal to WTO over EU electric vehicle tariffs

Xinhua) 09:17, August 10, 2024

BEIJING, Aug. 9 (Xinhua) -- China filed an appeal with the World Trade Organization (WTO) on Friday, challenging the European Union's imposition of provisional additional tariffs on imports of Chinese electric vehicles (EVs).

To safeguard the development rights and interests of the EV industry and global green transformation cooperation, China appealed to the WTO dispute settlement mechanism over the EU's provisional countervailing measures on EVs, the Ministry of Commerce said.

The EU's preliminary ruling lacks a factual and legal basis, seriously violates WTO rules and undermines global cooperation on climate change, the ministry said.

China has urged the EU to immediately correct its wrong practices and work together to protect the stability of China-EU economic and trade cooperation as well as the EV industrial chain and supply chain, it said.

In early July, the European Commission imposed provisional additional tariffs on Chinese battery electric vehicle (BEV) makers of up to 37.6 percent. The Commission claimed that the decision was based on an investigation concluding that subsidies benefit the Chinese BEV value chain, posing an economic risk to EU producers.

(Web editor: Cai Hairuo, Sheng Chuyi)
 Flash

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic commended the commitment made by the China Road and Bridge Corporation during his visit to the construction site of the Iriski Venac tunnel on Friday.

He praised China's contribution to Serbia's development.

The 3.5-km tunnel is a key segment of the Fruska Gora Corridor in the northern province of Vojvodina. "We are very pleased with the progress and the quality of workmanship. The advancements made since our last visit seven to eight months ago are remarkable," Vucic said.

The Serbian president also underscored the environmental considerations of the Fruska Gora Corridor project, and highlighted that the 47.7-km route will link key centers such as Novi Sad, Serbia's second-largest city, and Ruma, enhancing regional connectivity.
Little did the Napa Sierra Club Group know that when its members decided to do a group bike ride recently, it would literally come to the rescue of a California King snake, while witnessing first-hand the dangers to wildlife of discarded plastics in our environment.

It all started on a beautiful Sunday morning in May when the group of bicyclists gathered at Kennedy Park to ride to American Canyon and back as part of the annual Vine Trail LocoMotion fundraising event. The ride highlighted this section of the SF Bay Trail and future Vine Trail, and reinforced the importance of bicycles as a way of travel that reduces our carbon footprint, a laudatory goal in this time of climate change.

Riders included Vine Trail board member Ellen Udoff; Napa Sierra Club Group Chair, Nick Cheranich; Napa Climate NOW! cofounder Linda Brown; longtime Napa Valley winemaker David Mahaffey; me (the Treasurer of the Napa Sierra Club Executive Committee); and others.

Our annual LocoMotion event raises awareness and money regarding the Vine Trail, which will eventually stretch 47 miles, all the way from Calistoga to the Vallejo Ferry Terminal, said Udoff. The trail caters to cyclists and pedestrians, creating healthy recreation and transportation options for our community.

As we snaked along (no pun intended) the very busy Devlin Road on our way to American Canyons Wetlands, I was riding at the rear, while Cheranich was leading our entourage. Before reaching the Amazon Distribution Center, I saw our group stopped on the shoulder, and Mahaffey was standing by the side of the road holding a large piece of plastic netting commonly used in vineyards.

When I dismounted to see what was going on, I saw that the piece of plastic was moving  writhing to be exact  and that a beautiful California King snake was hopelessly entangled in the plastic. It was clear that the only way the snake could be saved would require cutting the plastic and peeling it off it, layer by layer.

I nearly ran over the poor snake, which was stretched across the bike lane, said Cheranich. Everyone on the scene immediately jumped into action.

Unfortunately, none of us had a knife, so we started cutting the plastic as best we could with the only tool we had  a key. Part way through extricating our newfound friend from its dire straits, a passing motorist slowed down to see what was going on. When we asked if he had a knife, he replied, No, but I have a box cutter.

This good Samaritan, who was on his way to work, kindly left the box cutter with us so we could continue our task. We immediately started to remove the remaining plastic, albeit as carefully as possible without harming the snake. It took nearly 30 minutes to finish cutting the plastic and freeing the entombed reptile from certain death.

In the end, we were able to save its life and return it to a safe spot in the surrounding forest away from the human-created plastic danger it had fallen victim to. Another snake was not so lucky. Cheranich and Brown found it under a pile of plastic netting debris as they worked to clear the area.

When we finished, all of us could see firsthand the dangers of discarding plastics in our environment, the hazards these nonbiodegradable materials present to our fragile ecosystems, and the importance of keeping them out of reach and off all creatures that live around us.

Saving this one snake from such a horrible fate cheered us all, said Mahaffey. We are all indebted to the California King snake and other snakes that help maintain a healthy ecosystem. It is our responsibility to make sure they do not have to navigate our wastes.

11 snake facts in honor of World Snake Day July 16 is World Snake Day Where will you find snakes? Snake eyes Ophidiophobia Did you know .... Are all snakes venomous? Rattlesnakes in California Snakes to watch out for Be careful Snake scales Shedding Hands-off parenting
Two Indian soldiers killed in Kashmir clashes

Muslim-majority Kashmir has been divided between India and Pakistan since their independence from British rule in 1947, and each side claims it in full. Photo: AFP

Two Indian soldiers were killed in clashes in Kashmir, the military said early on Sunday, after security forces exchanged fire with militants in the disputed territory.



Kashmir, particularly its southern Hindu-majority region Jammu, has seen a string of battles with insurgents in recent months.



India's army wrote on social media that two soldiers had "laid down their lives in the line of duty" in Anantnag district.



The army and police had clashed with militants after launching an operation in the area, according to a social media post by the local military unit.



The Chinar Corps said on X that two civilians were also injured "due to indiscriminate, desperate and reckless firing by terrorists."



Muslim-majority Kashmir has been divided between India and Pakistan since their independence from British rule in 1947, and each side claims it in full.



Rebel groups have waged an insurgency since 1989, demanding independence or merger with Pakistan, in fighting that has killed tens of thousands of civilians, soldiers and rebels.



New Delhi and Islamabad accuse each other of stoking militancy and espionage to undermine each other, and the nuclear-armed rivals have fought multiple conflicts for control of the region.



In July, at least 11 Indian soldiers were killed in Kashmir following a spate of militant attacks. (AFP)
The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved the modified Pradhan Mantri JI-VAN Yojana to attract more investment in the field of biofuels. According to the Cabinet's decision on Friday, the approved scheme will also help in keeping pace with the latest developments in the biofuel sector. "To keep pace with the latest developments in the field of biofuels and to attract more investment, the Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, today approved the modified Pradhan Mantri JI-VAN Yojana," stated an official release from the Central government. The Cabinet also informed that the modified scheme extends the implementation timeline by five years, i.e., until 2028-29, and now includes advanced biofuels produced from lignocellulosic feedstocks--such as agricultural and forestry residues, industrial waste, synthesis (syn) gas, algae, etc.--within its scope. "Bolt-on" plants and "Brownfield projects" would also now be eligible to leverage their experience and enhance their viability. The government added that to promote multiple technologies and feedstocks, preference will now be given to project proposals featuring new technologies and innovations in the sector. The scheme aims to provide remunerative income to farmers for their agricultural residue, address environmental pollution, create local employment opportunities, and contribute to India's energy security and self-reliance. It also supports the development of advanced biofuel technologies and promotes the Make in India Mission, helping India achieve its ambitious target of net-zero GHG emissions by 2070. The government has been promoting the blending of ethanol with petrol under the Ethanol Blended Petrol (EBP) Programme, wherein Public Sector Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) sell petrol blended with ethanol. Under the EBP Programme, ethanol blending with petrol increased from 38 crore liters in the Ethanol Supply Year (ESY) 2013-14 to over 500 crore liters in ESY 2022-23, with a corresponding increase in the blending percentage from 1.53% to 12.06%. The blending percentage reached 15.83% in July 2024, and the cumulative blending percentage has surpassed 13% in the ongoing ESY 2023-24. According to the government, OMCs are on course to achieve the 20% blending target by the end of ESY 2025-26. It is estimated that over 1,100 crore liters of ethanol will be required during ESY 2025-26 to achieve 20% blending, necessitating the installation of 1,750 crore liters of ethanol distillation capacity to meet the blending requirement and other uses (potable, chemical, pharmaceutical, etc.). The government also emphasized its focus on alternative sources, like 2nd Generation (2G) Ethanol (Advanced Biofuels), to meet ethanol blending targets. Surplus biomass/agricultural waste, which contains cellulosic and lignocellulosic content, as well as industrial waste, can be converted into ethanol using advanced biofuel technology. To encourage 2G ethanol capacity in the country and attract investment in this sector, the "Pradhan Mantri JI-VAN (Jaiv Indhan- Vatavaran Anukool Fasal Awashesh Nivaran) Yojana" was notified on March 7, 2019, to provide financial assistance to 2G bio-ethanol projects. Under the scheme, the first 2G Ethanol Project, set up by Indian Oil Corporation Limited at Panipat, Haryana, was dedicated to the nation by the Hon'ble Prime Minister on August 10, 2022. Other 2G commercial projects being set up by BPCL, HPCL, and NRL at Bargarh (Odisha), Bathinda (Punjab), and Numaligarh (Assam), respectively, are also nearing completion. (ANI)
VMPL Indore (Madhya Pradesh) [India], August 10: As we navigate the aisles of life, we often overlook the unsung heroes who make our daily experiences a little brighter. The local grocery store retailer, with their warm smile and generous spirit, is one such unsung hero. This Raksha Bandhan, Kriti Nutrients celebrates the beautiful, unnamed relationships between retailers and their customers - bonds that transcend transactions and touch hearts. Remember the joy of accompanying our mothers to the local grocery store? The retailer's gesture of offering a free chocolate as mom paid the bill was more than just a small expense for him; it was an investment in a lifelong connection. As we savoured the sweetness, a silent understanding was forged - a relationship built on trust, kindness, and warmth. These retailers, often the pillars of our communities, have a way of making us feel seen and valued. They remember our preferences, offer personalised recommendations, and sometimes, even provide a listening ear. Over time, their stores become more than just places to buy essentials; they become havens of comfort and familiarity. Kriti Nutrients' new campaign, "Kuch rishton ka naam nahi hota, lekin wo kalai par bande dhago ki tarah hi mazboot hote hai" (Some relationships don't need a name; they're stronger like a thread), honours these retailers who have cultivated relationships that span years, even generations. Their selfless dedication to their customers is a testament to the power of human connection. This Raksha Bandhan, let us celebrate the retailers who have become an integral part of our lives. Let us acknowledge the unnamed bonds that bring us joy, comfort, and a sense of belonging. As we tie the sacred thread of protection and love, let us also recognize the threads of kindness, empathy, and warmth that our retailers have woven into our lives. In a world where relationships are often defined by labels and expectations, the retailer-customer bond stands out for its purity and simplicity. It reminds us that sometimes, the most profound connections are the ones we don't need to name or explain - they just are. So, let us cherish these unsung heroes, who make our lives a little sweeter, one gesture at a time. For in their kindness, we find a love that knows no bounds, a love that is as warm and comforting as a free chocolate on a childhood visit to the local grocery store. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ko0gv_BsHFg About Kriti Cooking Oil: 30 Years of Pyaar Sa Pure Trust and Commitments, Kriti Nutrients Ltd. (established in 1992) is a leading manufacturer of premium soya bean oil in India. We source high-quality, non-GMO soybeans and utilise safe, responsible practices to deliver a product rich in nutrients. Our facilities adhere to international standards of hygiene, production, and packaging (ISO certified). (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by VMPL. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same)
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Twelve people were in critical condition following a large-scale Ukrainian assault on Russia's Kursk region that began on Tuesday, local media on Friday cited Russian Health Minister Mikhail Murashko.

"55 people, including 8 children, are receiving inpatient treatment following shelling by Ukraine in the Kursk region," Murashko told journalists, adding that 12 people were in serious condition.

He said that 20 victims, including 2 children received outpatient care, adding that medical teams continued to work in the region and all victims were receiving the necessary medical assistance.

Russia declared a state of emergency in the Kursk region due to the tense situation there, Russia's Ministry of Emergencies said on Friday.

Meanwhile, Russia's defense ministry said that a military operation to defeat the Ukrainian forces in Kursk was ongoing. The Ukrainian side lost 945 troops and 102 military vehicles since the start of the incursion.
According to a statement by Prime Minister's Office (PMO), the PM will also interact with farmers and scientists during the event.

The release will encompass 109 varieties spanning 61 crops, including 34 field crops and 27 horticultural crops.

Among the field crops, seeds of various cereals, including millets, forage crops, oilseeds, pulses, sugarcane, cotton, fiber crops, and other potential crops, will be introduced, the statement added.

For horticultural crops, the varieties will include fruits, vegetables, plantation crops, tuber crops, spices, flowers, and medicinal crops.

PM Modi has consistently advocated for sustainable farming practices and the adoption of climate-resilient methodologies.

He has also emphasized the promotion of biofortified crop varieties by integrating them with government initiatives such as the Mid-Day Meal scheme and Anganwadi programs to combat malnutrition across the country.

According to PMO's statement, these efforts not only aim to improve nutrition but also to secure better income for farmers and create new entrepreneurial opportunities.

The release of these 109 high-yielding crop varieties is seen as a significant step towards achieving these goals and reinforcing India's commitment to sustainable agriculture.

Government of India is already promoting green agriculture by way of green and sustainable agricultural and good agriculture practices with environment concern.

It is implementing National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA) which is one of the National Missions under National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC). NMSA aims to evolve and implement strategies to make Indian agriculture more resilient to the changing climate.

In addition, the government has also announced "PM Programme for Restoration, Awareness, Nourishment and Amelioration of Mother Earth" (PM-PRANAM) scheme in Budget 2023-24 with the objective to incentivise the States and UTs to promote usage of alternative fertilizers and balanced use of chemical fertilisers. (ANI)
Aiming to enhance logistics efficiency, reduce congestion, and improve connectivity nationwide, India took a significant leap by introducing 8 national high-speed road corridors spanning 936 km! With an investment of Rs 50,655 crore, these corridors are set to revolutionise connectivity and boost economic growth across India, posted MyGovIndia on X, the citizen engagement platform of Government of India. These corridors will not only streamline transportation but also spur economic growth, making them a critical step forward in connecting India like never before. The Agra-Gwalior corridor is designed to transform the journey to some of India's most iconic tourist destinations. Enhancing connectivity to the Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, and Gwalior Fort, this corridor will double the traffic capacity and cut travel time by 50 per cent. Tourists and locals alike will now enjoy faster, more efficient travel to these cultural landmarks, significantly boosting tourism in the region. A vital link between West Bengal, Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, and the North-East, the Kharagpur-Moregram corridor is set to play a crucial role in regional development. By increasing traffic capacity by over five times, this project will greatly improve travel efficiency, making the North-East more accessible and fostering economic growth across these states. This corridor is strategically important for linking industrial regions in Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan to major ports in Maharashtra. By enhancing logistics efficiency, it will boost industrial growth and support the seamless movement of goods across these critical industrial hubs, cementing India's position as a global manufacturing powerhouse. The Ayodhya Ring Road project is set to transform the pilgrimage experience for millions of devotees visiting the sacred Ram Mandir. By facilitating quicker and smoother travel, this project will not only enhance the spiritual journey but also support regional tourism and infrastructure development, making Ayodhya more accessible to pilgrims from across the country. The development of the Pathalgaon and Gumla sections of the Raipur-Ranchi corridor will provide a critical link between the mining areas of Gumla, Lohardaga, Raigarh, Korba, and Dhanbad with industrial zones in Raipur, Durg, Bilaspur, and Bokaro. This corridor will facilitate faster and more efficient transportation, promoting industrial growth and economic development in these regions. The completion of the 6-lane National Highway Ring around Kanpur, through the Kanpur Ring Road project, is expected to reduce congestion and enhance traffic flow within the city. This project will not only improve travel within Kanpur but also ensure smoother and faster connectivity to other regions, transforming the city's urban landscape. The Northern Guwahati Bypass project, which includes upgrading the existing bypass and constructing a major bridge over the Brahmaputra, will be a game-changer for connectivity in Assam. This project will greatly improve travel efficiency, reduce travel time, and support regional development, making Guwahati a more accessible and economically vibrant city. The Nashik Phata - Khed corridor will significantly enhance travel between Pune and Nashik along NH-60. By reducing congestion around the bustling industrial area of Pimpri-Chinchwad, this corridor will foster industrial growth and ensure smoother transportation, reinforcing the region's industrial backbone. These high-speed road corridors represent a stride towards realizing India's vision of seamless connectivity and robust infrastructure. As these projects progress, they are expected to not only transform travel but also catalyse economic growth, regional development, and industrial expansion across the nation. With these initiatives, India is poised to take a giant leap forward in its journey towards becoming a global economic powerhouse. (ANI)
PNN Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], August 10: Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd., India's leading SUV manufacturer, today announced the brand name of its newest SUV; called the Mahindra 'Thar ROXX'. Known for setting new standards in the automotive industry and as the manufacturer of authentic SUVs, Mahindra's latest offering is - 'THE' SUV - a vehicle designed and engineered to offer an unmatched blend of sophistication, performance, presence, safety, and technology. The 'Thar ROXX' expands the Thar portfolio. *'THE' SUV: Designed and engineered to offer an unmatched blend of sophistication, performance, presence, safety, and technology, making the Mahindra 'Thar ROXX' - 'THE' SUV. * 'THE' Icon: Solid as a rock, the 'Thar ROXX' embodies the personality of a rockstar, with the 'X' factors of sophistication and performance. * 'THE' Premium Quotient: Offering cutting-edge innovations, superior design, exceptional ride quality and comfort, the 'Thar ROXX' will deliver 'THE' premium quotient. * Expanding the Portfolio: The Mahindra 'Thar ROXX' will further strengthen the already strong Thar brand, empowering customers to 'Explore The Impossible' with luxury and be a part of the Thar lifestyle. Veejay Nakra, President, Automotive Sector, M&M Ltd., said, "The 'Thar ROXX' with its distinctive design, premium quotient, advanced technology, enhanced performance, sophistication, and safety is 'THE' SUV. While retaining the core attributes of the iconic Thar the 'Thar ROXX' represents the larger-than-life personality of a rockstar and will disrupt the SUV category." 'THE' SUV Film: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BcF1JirdY5wSocial Media Addresses for 'Thar ROXX':* Brand website: https://auto.mahindra.com/suv/thar-roxx/TH5D.html * Instagram: @mahindrathar* Facebook: @mahindrathar* Twitter: @Mahindra_Thar* YouTube: @TharMahindra* Hashtags: #TharROXX #THESUV #ExploreTheImpossible About Mahindra Founded in 1945, the Mahindra Group is one of the largest and most admired multinational federation of companies with 260000 employees in over 100 countries. It enjoys a leadership position in farm equipment, utility vehicles, information technology and financial services in India and is the world's largest tractor company by volume. It has a strong presence in renewable energy, agriculture, logistics, hospitality, and real estate. The Mahindra Group has a clear focus on leading ESG globally, enabling rural prosperity and enhancing urban living, with a goal to drive positive change in the lives of communities and stakeholders to enable them to Rise. Learn more about Mahindra on www.mahindra.com Twitter and Facebook: @MahindraRise/ For updates subscribe to https://www.mahindra.com/news-room. (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by PNN. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same)
VMPL Kanpur (Uttar Pradesh) [India], August 10: In the heart of Kanpur, at the Dada Nagar Pul orphanage, Par Upkari Seva Samiti, the International Youth Development Foundation (IYDF) in collaboration with local business Home Kreations, organized a heartfelt aid event. The initiative, spearheaded by Akash Agrawal, saw active participation from volunteers Satvik Agrawal, Gaurav Ram, Sonal Agrawal, and Veeru Mishra. The event commenced at 5:30 PM with a warm welcome that set a tone of warmth and anticipation. Volunteers began by introducing the children to the mission and background of IYDF, emphasizing the organization's dedication to supporting underprivileged youth globally. Following this, the team distributed essential educational supplies, including crayons and pencil boxes, to the children. Each item symbolized the deep care and hope that the volunteers wished to impart, aiming to add a bright spark to the children's futures. Adding to the joy, the event featured a special tea party where the children enjoyed snacks while using the cradle (jhoola) donated by IYDF. This unique gathering fostered a relaxed and joyful atmosphere, allowing the children to experience a day of light-hearted celebration. Manmohan Singh, the head of the orphanage, expressed his heartfelt gratitude, commending the volunteers for their selfless contributions. As the event drew to a close, the children's faces were alight with happiness, their excitement palpable as they received their gifts. The genuine joy that filled the room not only touched every volunteer present but also underscored the profound impact of IYDF and Home Kreations' efforts. IYDF has long been committed to providing care and support to disadvantaged children worldwide. This collaboration with Home Kreations is yet another testament to IYDF's unwavering belief in the power of collective action to make a difference in the lives of children. Looking ahead, IYDF plans to continue forging partnerships with more organizations, working tirelessly to light up the lives of children everywhere. (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by VMPL. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same)
VMPL New Delhi [India], August 10: The Government of India, through the Publications Division of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, has recently published Navina Jafa's pioneering book, 'Exhibiting India: Art of Heritage Walks.' The book, reasonably priced at 500 rupees, was launched at the Delhi Book Fair, Bharat Mandapam, in New Delhi on 9th August. Published by the Government of India, Jafa's book legitimises her groundbreaking work in advancing heritage tourism and conserving living cultures, taking these fields to unprecedented levels. Dubbed the 'Gatekeeper of the Spectacular' by the Financial Times, Jafa seeks to enlighten travellers, tourist guides, travel agents, hoteliers, transport providers, communities, and other stakeholders involved in tourism, art, and culture about new ways to enhance tourism experiences, both for travellers and for those curating experiential tourism. The launch, organised by the Publications Division, was attended by more than 200 schoolchildren and others at the book fair, organised by agencies under the Government of India, including the Ministry of Education and the Indian Trade Promotion Organisation (ITPO). The book, divided into six chapters, begins with seminal concepts on heritage tourism and heritage walks, which Navina Jafa defines as 'living exhibits'. The chapter examines how India has been 'exhibited', beginning with the 19th-century 'Great Exhibition' in London and continuing through to the 'Festivals of India' in the 1980s, along with Apna Utsav, the Surajkund Mela and, more recently, the 'Dekho Apna Desh' campaign. Offering new terminology and critical observations, the book introduces terms such as 'Heritage-scapes' in the third chapter, which defines the entire environment surrounding historical and natural landscapes. Skill Building With thousands of young people striving to forge careers in culture and tourism, Navina Jafa offers unique examples of heritage walks and tourism experiences from various parts of India, encompassing a variety of geographical locations. In the fourth chapter, titled' Art of Heritage Walks,' Jafa shares ideas on communities (whom Jafa calls tradition-bearers) in different regions that are repositories of cultural practices and integral to built and natural heritage landscapes. Traveller's Delight Filled with pictures and fascinating examples of heritage walks such as pastoral tourism involving yaks and cheese in Arunachal to the swimming camels and Fakirani Jats of Kutch, the Godwar camel culture of Rajasthan, the Ajanta caves, the Taj Mahal, the riverfront in Varanasi, or the education heritage at the Anglo-Arabic school in Delhi, the water conservation heritage in Dholavira and the holistic approach to experiencing heritage landscapes and cultural traditions in Ahmedabad, Amritsar, Delhi, Bhopal, Sikkim, Ladakh, and the natural heritage of Bhitarkanika in Odisha, the book is a treasure trove for travel enthusiasts. Skill and Capacity Building In the fifth chapter, 'In the Footsteps of Study Leaders,' Navina Jafa addresses the need to upgrade the perception and stature of tour guides, heritage experience curators, interpreters, cultural enthusiasts, and organisations engaged in cultural heritage conservation. This publication by the Government of India offers practical ways to address skill-building in cultural heritage experiential tourism and cultural conservation. In the final chapter, 'Engaging Debates on Heritage Walks,' Navina Jafa critically examines 10 examples of immersive heritage walks across India conducted by different studies or walk leaders. Indo-US Cultural Diplomacy Dr Richard Kurin, Ambassador-at-Large of the Smithsonian Institution, wrote the foreword. He was Jafa's advisor during her Fulbright Scholarship at the Smithsonian Museum in Washington, DC. The foreword highlights the vibrant cultural diplomacy partnership between India and the United States. A Must-Have for Tourism and Culture Enthusiasts Navina Jafa's book, 'Exhibiting India: Art of Heritage Walks,' is an essential read for Indian tourism offices and tourism studies institutes worldwide, as well as for various libraries and networks, including the Raja Ram Mohan Library. Priced at a reasonable 500 rupees, this book serves as a guide for enhancing heritage tourism experiences and a significant contribution to cultural heritage conservation. In an era where cultural heritage and tourism are increasingly intertwined, Jafa's work stands out as a beacon for those who wish to explore the depth and richness of India's heritage landscapes. It is a call to action for all stakeholders to engage in preserving and promoting cultural heritage, ensuring that it continues to thrive for generations to come. (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by VMPL. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same)
NewsVoir Pune (Maharashtra) [India], August 10: In a significant advancement for professional education in India, Chitkara University has launched a pioneering Online MBA course in Wealth Management, developed in collaboration with Invest Yadnya. The event, held in Pune, which marked a pivotal moment in the university's commitment to delivering cutting-edge educational programs that align with industry demands. This program, mentored by investment expert Parimal Ade, aims to offer students and working professionals' comprehensive insights into Wealth Management. The course will feature expert faculty members, including renowned investment expert Parimal Ade, co-founder of Invest Yadnya, who brings over 15 years of experience in wealth management, mutual funds, and stock analysis. Ade's involvement ensures that the curriculum is both comprehensive and reflective of the latest industry trends and best practices. Dr. Madhu Chitkara, Pro-Chancellor, Chitkara University, expressed her enthusiasm about the collaboration, stating, "We are delighted to partner with Invest Yadnya to offer this unique program. Students enrolling in this course will gain invaluable insights from industry veterans and seasoned professionals like Parimal Ade. This initiative is a testament to our commitment to providing high-quality education that prepares our students for the ever-evolving financial sector." Gaurav Jain, CEO and Founder of Invest Yadnya, stated, "This collaboration is a landmark in wealth management education, reflecting our vision of fostering practical and impactful learning experiences. By combining Chitkara University's academic excellence with Invest Yadnya's industry expertise, we are creating a platform that imparts both theoretical knowledge and practical skills. We are confident this program will set a new benchmark for excellence, preparing students to become leaders in the financial sector." The online MBA course in Wealth Management offers flexibility, catering to both students and working professionals who need to balance their studies with other commitments. This accessibility ensures that learners from around the globe can benefit from the program, transcending geographical barriers and democratising access to top-tier education. Graduates of this program will be poised for success in various high-demand roles within the financial sector, including positions as financial advisors, wealth managers, investment bankers, portfolio managers, and financial analysts. The course aims to enhance career prospects and equip students with the leadership skills necessary to excel in the competitive inancial landscape. The curriculum is designed to provide an interactive learning experience, incorporating webinars, virtual simulations, and case studies that offer practical, hands-on knowledge. Additionally, students will have opportunities to network with peers, alumni, and industry professionals, further enriching their educational experience and career readiness. The program also covers critical areas such as international finance and global economic issues, ensuring that students are well-prepared to navigate the complexities of a global financial environment. Approved by the University Grants Commission (UGC), the course guarantees high educational standards and professional recognition. Enrolled students will also receive complimentary access to LinkedIn Learning, Coursera, EY, and HBPR, providing a wealth of resources to support their studies. Parimal Ade, Co-founder of Invest Yadnya, shared his thoughts on the partnership, stating, "Our collaboration with Chitkara University represents a significant step forward in wealth management education. We are committed to providing students with the practical skills and knowledge required to excel in the financial industry. This program is designed to set a new benchmark for excellence in wealth management education." At the event's conclusion, a panel discussion explored collaboration between academia and industry to create meaningful job opportunities. The session focused on aligning educational outcomes with industry demands, emphasizing the need for graduates to be workforce-ready. Panelists discussed practical strategies for curriculum alignment, continuous learning, and partnerships to foster innovation. A lively Q&A followed, enhancing the dialogue and highlighting the importance of collaboration in addressing workforce challenges. Chitkara University's new Online MBA in Wealth Management, which garnered significant interest, reflecting the demand for specialized education in this evolving sector. Chitkara University's collaboration with Invest Yadnya underscores its dedication to offering innovative and industry-relevant education. This new Online MBA in Wealth Management is set to empower the next generation of financial leaders, driving success through comprehensive and flexible learning solutions. The university continues to lead by example, fostering an environment where academic excellence and practical industry knowledge converge to create future-ready professionals. About Chitkara University Chitkara University, situated near Chandigarh, has emerged as the most vibrant and high-ranking University in North India. It is ranked among the top 5% of higher education institutions in India. The University is awarded NAAC A+ accreditation and ranked by NIRF (National Institute Ranking Framework). The University offers courses in Engineering and Technology, Business Management, Planning, Architecture, Art & Design, Mass Communication, Sales and Marketing, Hospitality Management, Pharmacy, Health Sciences, Nursing, Law, Psychology, and Education. Students studying at Chitkara University get the best start-up support, world-class research excellence, and many internationally renowned opportunities. For more information, please visit www.chitkara.edu.in. (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by NewsVoir. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same)
Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday highlighted the substantial growth in sugarcane cultivation and production and ethanol production, which are critical milestones in the nation's agricultural and energy sectors. Shah was addressing the Sugar Conclave and National Efficiency Award 2022-23 ceremony in New Delhi on Saturday. He lauded the achievements in the sugar industry over the past decade. Shah said, "In 2013-14, the area under sugarcane cultivation was 5 million hectares, and today, in the tenth year, we have successfully expanded it to 6 million hectares, marking an 18 percent increase. Sugarcane production, which was 352 million tonnes, has now reached 491 million tonnes, reflecting a 40 percent increase. Yield has also seen a 19 percent growth, and gross sugar production has recorded a 58 percent increase." He added, "Ethanol production and the diversion of sugar into ethanol were at 0 million tonnes, but today, due to policy measures, we are able to produce 4.5 million tonnes of sugar for ethanol diversion. The ethanol derived from the sugar industry was initially 380 million liters, with limited use, but today it has increased to 3.7 billion liters, produced solely by our sugar factories." https://x.com/AmitShah/status/1822215810762276918?t=z49NeG_Ch2_8kwQtWZKT4w&s=08 This expansion highlights the concerted efforts by the government and the industry to enhance agricultural output and support the livelihoods of millions of farmers across the country. Amit Shah also pointed out the remarkable rise in sugarcane production, which has surged from 352 million tonnes in 2013-14 to an astounding 491 million tonnes today, reflecting a 40 per cent increase. This growth in production is complemented by a 19 per cent improvement in yield, showcasing the effectiveness of modern farming techniques and government interventions aimed at increasing productivity. Gross sugar production, a key indicator of the industry's output, has also seen a substantial 58 percent rise over the same period. This growth underscores the resilience and capacity of India's sugar industry, which continues to meet the rising domestic demand and contribute to exports. The shift towards ethanol has not only helped in reducing the sugar surplus but has also contributed significantly to India's energy security. Amit Shah further elaborated that the ethanol derived from the sugar industry, which was a mere 380 million liters with limited use a decade ago, has now skyrocketed to 3.7 billion liters. This massive increase is attributed to the focused policies and incentives introduced by the government to promote ethanol production, which is now a vital part of the country's push towards renewable energy. (ANI)
Zoetis Inc, the global leader in animal health, has announced an expansion of its Zoetis India Capability Center in Hyderabad. This expansion is set to create hundreds of new jobs and will play a pivotal role in bolstering the company's innovative technology portfolio, according to a Telangana CMO press release. The announcement was made during a high-profile meeting with the Chief Minister of Telangana, A Revanth Reddy, and the Minister for Industries and Commerce, D Sridhar Babu, in the presence of other senior government officials during their ongoing tour in the USA. The expansion underscores the strategic importance of Hyderabad as a hub for innovation and talent, further cementing Zoetis' footprint in India. Expressing his enthusiasm for the project, Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy remarked, "We are delighted with Zoetis' decision to expand their Zoetis India Capability Center in Hyderabad. This is a testament to the thriving ecosystem we have cultivated in Telangana, where businesses can grow and innovate. Zoetis' investment in futuristic technologies aligns with our vision of making Hyderabad a global hub for advanced technologies and life sciences." D Sridhar Babu, Minister for Industries and Commerce, emphasized the significance of Zoetis' investment in the region. He said, "Zoetis' commitment to creating new jobs over the coming years reflects the confidence global companies have in Telangana's business-friendly environment. I urge the talented workforce of Telangana to join Zoetis and create the future of animal healthcare. We look forward to supporting Zoetis in their journey of innovation and growth in Hyderabad." Keith Sarbaugh, Chief Information Officer at Zoetis, highlighted the strategic reasons for choosing Hyderabad as the site for their expanded operations. He said, "Hyderabad is the ideal location for our Zoetis India Capability Center, offering a wealth of talent and an incredible Life Sciences innovation ecosystem. Our decision to expand here underscores our commitment to investing in the future of animal health and technology innovation. We are excited to continue our partnership with the Government of Telangana and contribute to the region's development." Anil Raghav, Vice President and Head of Zoetis India Capability Center, added, "By leveraging the world-class talent available in Hyderabad, our centre will drive innovation and pioneer transformative advancements, ensuring sustainable growth and a competitive edge for Zoetis worldwide, while contributing to the development of the region." (ANI)
US-based firm Hindenburg Research on August 10 alleged that SEBI's Chairperson Madhabi Buch and her husband had a stake in "both the obscure offshore entities used in the Adani money siphoning scandal." After putting out a teaser this morning, hinting at a significant disclosure involving India, Hindenburg by the end of the day published a new report that stated, "We had previously noted Adani's total confidence in continuing to operate without the risk of serious regulatory intervention, suggesting that this may be explained through Adani's relationship with SEBI Chairperson, Madhabi Buch." "What we hadn't realized: the current SEBI Chairperson and her husband, Dhaval Buch, had hidden stakes in the exact same obscure offshore Bermuda and Mauritius funds, found in the same complex nested structure, used by Vinod Adani," the report by the US hedge firm said. The link to the entire report was posted on the 'X' account of Hindenburg Research. "New from us," read the tweet adding "Whistleblower Documents Reveal SEBI's Chairperson Had Stake In Obscure Offshore Entities Used In Adani Money Siphoning Scandal" Hindenburg Research said it has made the new allegations based on documents provided by a whistleblower and investigations carried out by other entities. "Madhabi Buch and her husband Dhaval Buch first appear to have opened their account with IPE Plus Fund 1 on June 5, 2015, in Singapore, per whistleblower documents. A declaration of funds, signed by a principal at IIFL states that the source of the investment is "salary" and the couple's net worth is estimated at USD 10 million," the report stated. In January 2023, Hindenburg published a report accusing the Adani Group of financial irregularities, leading to a significant drop in the company's stock price. The group at the time had rubbished these claims. The Hindenburg report alleged stock manipulation and fraud by the conglomerate. The case is related to the allegations (part of a report by Hindenburg Research) that Adani had inflated its share prices. After these allegations were published, there was a sharp fall in the shares of various Adani group companies stocks, reportedly to the tune of over USD 100 billion. The US short seller's 2023 January report was published two days before a USD 2.5 billion follow-up public offering was issued by Adani Enterprises. The Adani group has repeatedly denied all the accusations in the Hindenburg Research report. (ANI)
Members of the Indian film fraternity joined the nation in congratulating Aman Sehrawat for securing the bronze medal in wrestling at the ongoing Paris Olympics on Friday. Extending his best wishes to Aman, actor Randeep Hooda took to X and wrote, "Finally Pehlwan #AmanSehrawat !! Kasuta game first and only medal in #wrestling #Bronze youngest individual medalist #Paris2024 #Olympics." Actor Riteish Deshmukh shared a picture of Aman from the match and congratulated him for bringing bronze home. "Congratulations #AmanSehrawat !!! Another Bronze Medal for India," he posted on X. Actor Pulkit Samrat, too, lauded Aman. Taking to his Instagram Story, he wrote "Congratulation @amansehrawat057." On Saturday morning, actor Deepika Padukone expressed happiness over Aman's bronze win. Take a look at her Instagram post. Aman Sehrawat, making his Olympic debut, secured the medal with a 13-5 victory over Puerto Rico's Darian Cruz on Friday, marking India's first wrestling medal at the Paris 2024 Games. After the victory, Aman spoke with ANI and said that he still couldn't believe that he won a medal for his country. "I am very happy and I still can't believe that I have won a medal for the country at the Olympics... I was hoping for the gold but I am happy with bronze as well...," Aman said. The 21-year-old wrestler added that it was a 'speechless' moment after standing on the Olympic podium. The youngster further added that his next target will to prepare for the 2026 Asian Games and 2028 Olympics."It was a speechless moment when I stood on the podium... from today, my next target will be to prepare for the 2028 Olympics and 2026 Asian Games," he added. During the match, the Puerto Rican grappler initially gained the lead by securing a point with a single-leg hold. However, Aman came back strong, scoring points by targeting Darian Cruz's shoulders. After Darian Cruz took the lead with a two-point move, Aman regained control.With 37 seconds left, Aman secured additional points and won the bout with technical superiority as Darian Cruz attempted a desperate move and conceded another point. (ANI)
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A Hamas leader and his companion were killed on Friday in an Israeli airstrike on their car in southern Lebanon, said Lebanese military sources.

The military sources, who spoke anonymously, said that an Israeli drone fired two air-to-ground missiles at a Chevrolet four-wheel-drive vehicle at the eastern entrance of Sidon, deep in southern Lebanon, killing Samer al-Hajj, a leader of Hamas, and another individual whose identity remains unknown.

Tensions are high in Lebanon following Israel's killing of a Hezbollah senior military commander Fouad Shokor last week. Hezbollah Secretary-General Hassan Nasrallah has threatened retaliation.
Taking to Instagram, she wrote, "Excited and nervous for my little ones as they start school. Cannot believe it's time already and my mom schedule is jam packed. A bitter sweet moment for me as I'm happily lost in my own world, but there is so much turbulence & suffering in the world around us. One can only hope and pray for more love, tolerance & peace around us, so we can all co exist happily & leave a better & safer world for our children. #newmilestones #mommythoughts #ting."

https://www.instagram.com/p/C-ewzTGu2w2/?hl=en

She also dropped an adorable picture in which her kids can be seen holding the paintbrush in their hands.

On November 11, 2021, Preity and her husband Gene Goodenough welcomed their twins, a baby boy named Jai and a baby girl named Gia, via surrogacy.

On the work front, Preity is all set to make her comeback in the industry with Rajkumar Santoshi's directorial 'Lahore 1947'. This project marks an important milestone for Preity as she returns to the silver screen after a hiatus.

'Lahore 1947', produced under Aamir Khan's banner, marks a significant collaboration between Sunny Deol and Aamir Khan's Productions.The film was officially announced last October, garnering attention for its star-studded cast and promising storyline.

Veteran actor Shabana Azmi and Ali Fazal have also joined the cast of 'Lahore 1947' in a pivotal role. The movie will also feature Sunny Deol sharing screen space with his elder son Karan Deol. (ANI)
New Delhi [India], August 10: Bollywood actor Sidharth Malhotra turned heads on Friday as he walked the ramp for designers Shantnu & Nikhil in Delhi. The actor took on the role of showstopper for the duo's latest couture collection, which draws inspiration from the iconic 1970s--a decade known for its disco, bold prints, and timeless fashion. Speaking with ANI, Sidharth reflected on his evolving fashion sense. "It's gone a long way from when I was here in Delhi in my hometown during college days. We didn't have so many options like what we have today and then over the years performing in different films, I think fashion has changed over the years, so you have to update yourself today. I think the silhouettes are a little more muscular. Maybe in a casual way, I would like fabrics that are more comfortable and worn out and informal. I like a fun tuxedo or a jacket for any event. So it depends on the day in the event." "Well, it feels really great to be back in Delhi and to walk for Shantnu and Nikhil for the new Studio Mix line which is retro 70s. They brought back bell bottoms for men which is really cool. I love the material they've used with it and some really cool accessories to be masculine chic ready for a party but then yet not trying so hard," he added. The 'Shershaah' actor strutted down the runway in a striking velvet blazer layered over a vintage ruffle shirt. Sidharth also surprised the audience with an impromptu dance on stage, adding his unique touch to the night. Shantnu and Nikhil spoke about their inspiration, explaining that the 70s were a time of great enthusiasm in music, fashion and more. "When we look back at the 70s, that's the decade of great enthusiasm, when it came to music, to dressing, to styling, a great time for men wear. And we have taken influences from that era and brought it back. Needless to say, we were both born in that decade, so we are quite happy to be extending about how we feel about the seventies today," the duo said. The show was a trip down memory lane with models showcasing a range of retro outfits. Men rocked bell bottoms and ruffled shirts, while women shimmered in glittery gowns, retro sunglasses, disco dresses, and more--all inspired by the iconic fashion of the 70s. Veteran actress Zeenat Aman opened the show in a stunning printed high-neck blouse and black trousers. The collection also featured a live performance by Saba Azad and Imaad Shah, who serenaded the audience with 70s hits. Saba, who later danced with Sidharth during the show, looked radiant in a printed pink cropped blouse and flared black pants. (ANI)
The film, inspired by a true incident of cyber fraud, aims to shed light on the growing threat of cybercrime in today's digital age.

In a recent conversation with ANI, Hussain shared some insights about the movie and his personal experience with cybercrime.

Hussain revealed that he had a close encounter with cyber scammers just last month.

"I usually don't answer spam calls, but something similar happened to me last month. I got a call, and they kept talking for a while. Eventually, they recognized who I was. After that, they quickly changed the topic and ended the call themselves," he said.

Discussing the film's background, Hussain explained that 'Cyberman' focuses on cybercrime and is based on a real-life incident.

Speaking about the script, Hussain shared, "The film is about cybercrime. Our co-producer and writer, who has been involved in tackling this crime for the past 6-7 years and has even been given the title of "Cyber Man," helped guide the preparation of the script."

The story of 'Cyberman' is inspired by Manish Goyal's personal battle against cybercriminals.

Years ago, Goyal's bank account was hacked, but instead of becoming a victim, he fought back, eventually bringing the criminals to justice. His relentless efforts earned him the nickname 'Cyberman,' and since then, he has been helping others navigate the complexities of cybercrime.

The film will begin shooting in February 2025, with locations set in Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Bengaluru.

Produced by Wellgrade Studios Private Limited, the movie will feature Miss Global 2023 winner, Ashley Melendez, in a leading role alongside Zakir Hussain and other actors yet to be announced.

The film is directed and written by Rakesh Srivastava, with Khalid Kidwai and Manish Goel as producers. (ANI)
In the meeting, PM Modi, along with Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, were seen exchanging greetings with Rahul Gandhi and other opposition leaders.

During the informal gathering in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi asked Defence Minister Rajnath Singh about the prevailing situation in Ukraine and Gaza. The Defence Minister replied, "India is monitoring the situation closely."

The current session of Parliament was scheduled to end on August 12, but Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla adjourned the House sine die (for an indefinite period). The Rajya Sabha was also adjourned.

Traditionally, after both Houses are adjourned sine die, the Lok Sabha Speaker invites the floor leaders of all political parties for a customary tea meeting.

Union Ministers Kiren Rijiju, Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu, Chirag Paswan, Piyush Goyal, as well as MPs Sudip Bandyopadhyay and Kanimozhi, were also seen attending the tea meeting.

Earlier, Om Birla provided a detailed account of the session's proceedings, highlighting that 15 sittings were held, spanning a total of 115 hours.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented the Union Budget for 2024-25 on July 23, which was deliberated for 27 hours and 19 minutes.

Birla also noted that 12 government bills were introduced during the session, with four being passed by the Lok Sabha. He lauded the session's productivity, which stood at an impressive 136 percent. (ANI)
The accused is an assistant engineer in irrigation and command area development department in Chennur, they said.

According to officials, the accused assistant engineer, identified as Jadi Chethan (27) allegedly demanded a bribe of Rs 5,000 from a contractor as a reward in respect of discharging his official duty.

"For having submitted MB pertaining to Ernest Money Deposit (EMD) & Fixed Security Deposit (FSD) for total amount of Rs.79,123/- in connection with work of restoration of Salekunta near Dugnepalli(v), Chennur(M), Mancherial Dist executed by the complainant under the Mission Kakateeya Programme(Phase-IV)during the year 2016-17," the ACB said in a release.

The contractor, identified as Bomma Chandra Shekar Reddy, approached the ACB and lodged a complaint against the assistant engineer. The complaint was verified and accordingly, a trap was laid, and assistant engineer was caught red-handed accepting the brief of Rs 5000 from the contractor.

The tainted bribe amount was recovered from the possession of the engineer at his instance and the fingers of both his hands yielded positive results in the chemical test, the ACB said.

The accused officer was arrested and produced before a court on Friday. The case is under investigation, officials said. (ANI)
The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Manish Sisodia walked out of the Tihar jail after he was granted bail on Friday evening after spending 17 months in the prison. The former Deputy CM was arrested by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in February 2023 in connection with the alleged irregularities in the framing and implementation of the now-scrapped Delhi excise policy. On this occasion, Sisodia took to social media X on Saturday morning and shared a photo with his wife Seema Sisodia on his first morning tea after 17 months of independence. The post read "First morning tea of independence.....after 17 months! The freedom that the Constitution has given to all of us Indians as a guarantee of the right to live. The freedom that God has given us to breathe in the open air with everyone." Earlier, on August 9, Delhi Assembly Speaker Ram Niwas Goel thanked the Supreme Court after Sisodia was granted bail. While speaking to the reporters on Friday after arriving at the CM's residence, speaker Goel dubbed Sisodia's release from jail a "victory of justice.". This is the victory of justice. We are very thankful to the Supreme Court," Goel said. AAP leaders Atishi and Sanjay Singh, among others, accompanied the former Deputy CM as he walked out of jail. Members of the RWA wing of the AAP and party workers were pictured outside Tihar Jail celebrating as Sisodia was released. Sisodia credited the Constitution written by Babasaheb Ambedkar for his release and exuded confidence that Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal will also walk out of jail soon. "I have come out of jail due to your love, God's blessings and power of truth, and biggest of all, the dream of Babasaheb that if any dictatorial government comes to power and puts Opposition leaders behind bars by forming dictatorial laws, then this country's Constitution will protect them," Sisodia said as he addressed the party workers soon after coming out of jail." I assure you that with this power of the Constitution, Arvind Kejriwal will come out of jail as well," he added. (ANI)
The second-year medical student was found dead at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata on Friday morning.

His death sparked a political storm in West Bengal, with BJP MLA Agnimitra Paul demanding a CBI investigation and a re-postmortem by a Central Government hospital.

"The condition in which her body was found, completely naked with bruises all over it, suggests she was raped and then murdered. We demand a CBI investigation. You can't conduct a postmortem after the evening, but they did it here. If the postmortem is done under the state system, the truth will be buried," Paul said.

She further insisted on a re-postmortem by a central government hospital, saying, "We want a re-postmortem by a central government hospital. This is all we demand so that she gets justice."

The body of the medical student was later taken from RG Kar Medical College and Hospital to her residence. (ANI)
Karnataka Medical Education Minister Sharan Prakash Patil on Friday accused opposition parties of corruption during their tenure in the state, highlighting numerous allegations against top leaders of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Janata Dal (Secular) (JDS). Patil stated, "The BJP should reflect on their own record. What was their reputation when they were in power? From 2008 to 2013, Karnataka had one of the most corrupt governments under the BJP, and their last tenure from 2019 to 2023 further tarnished the state's image, branding them as the '40% government'." He also pointed to corruption allegations against former Chief Minister B. S. Yediyurappa, his son B. Y. Vijayendra, and JDS leader H. D. Kumaraswamy. Earlier, Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D. K. Shivakumar claimed he was informed by officials about de-notification cases against Union Minister and JDS leader H. D. Kumaraswamy. Speaking at the Janandolana event in Mysuru on Friday, Shivakumar said, "Kumaraswamy calls himself 'Clean Swamy,' but officials have told me he has 50 cases of de-notification against him. I will expose his corruption." The Deputy Chief Minister also mentioned that the Lokayukta has written to the Governor regarding the matter, alleging that Kumaraswamy "has taken refuge in the BJP" because of these allegations. "Kumaraswamy initially accused me of releasing Prajwal Revanna's pen drive and later blamed Preetham Gowda. He doesn't allow anyone else to grow in JDS. He even stifled Siddaramaiah's growth," Shivakumar added. "None of the 17 MPs from JD-S during Deve Gowda's tenure as Prime Minister are with the party today. Kumaraswamy backstabbed Yediyurappa by not transferring power as agreed. He didn't even spare his own brother's son for the sake of his son's political future, so how will he spare me and Siddaramaiah? He cannot digest that an OBC leader has become CM for the second term," Shivakumar said. He also accused the BJP of trying to destabilise governments through 'Operation Lotus', but asserted, "The British couldn't destabilise Congress for 200 years; how can you dethrone Congress today? Congress will rule for 10 years." Further emphasising the results of the 2023 state assembly elections, Shivakumar said, "The people of Karnataka gave us 43% of the votes in 2023 and 45% in 2024. If Kumaraswamy thinks he can destabilize the government, he's under an illusion. Not just for 10 months, Congress will rule Karnataka for another 10 years." Shivakumar dismissed allegations of irregularity in the MUDA case involving the CM's wife, stating, "The CM's wife received compensation from MUDA for the land she lost. It was MUDA's mistake for encroaching on her land. Why are BJP and JDS trying to label it a scam? Moreover, the sites were allotted during the BJP's tenure. BJP and JDS have 25 scams under their belt but are unsuccessfully trying to manufacture a scam in MUDA." He further added, "In 2010, we led a Padayatra against the Bellary mining scams, and now we are fighting against the anti-constitutional BJP. The BJP and JDS are on a 'Papapayatra,' not a Padayatra. This is a fight between good and evil, and good will eventually triumph. The Congress party, under the leadership of Mallikarjun Kharge, is fully behind CM Siddaramaiah. The opposition can't do anything to him." Shivakumar concluded by saying, "The Congress party is the strength and history of this country. It protects the interests of all sections of society. The BJP and JDS are trying to dethrone this government, which is safeguarding the lives of the poor." Earlier this month, Congress launched the 'Jan Andolan Yatra' to counter the BJP's Padayatra, which highlights the alleged MUDA "scam" involving Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah's wife, B. M. Parvathi. A complaint was filed by social activist Snehamayi Krishna against the Karnataka CM and nine others, accusing them of forging documents to claim compensation from the Mysuru Urban Development Authority. The complaint alleges wrongdoing by Siddaramaiah, his wife Parvathi, his brother-in-law Malikarjuna Swamy Devaraj, and his family, claiming that MUDA created fake documents to obtain plots worth crores of rupees. Snehamayi Krishna has raised several questions in his complaint. The BJP has demanded that the land given to the CM's family be returned, accusing Siddaramaiah of usurping lands that belonged to the Dalit community. (ANI)
The Delhi Police received a complaint on Thursday about the incident, where two police personnel pretending to be income tax officers visited the house of a businessman living in Preet Vihar.

The alleged impersonators asked for documents and mobile phones and demanded a hefty bribe from the businessman. The family grew suspicious and confronted the impersonators, which led them to flee from the scene, police said.

Upon investigation, it was revealed that the alleged impersonators were police personnel - one a head constable in the Preet Vihar police station and the other a head constable in the traffic police. The investigation of the case by the Delhi Police Special Cell is underway. (ANI)
The Border Security Force (BSF) is on high alert along the Indo-Bangladesh border in Assam in response to the ongoing crisis in Bangladesh. District Commissioner Mridul Yadav said that the Integrated Check Post (ICP) has been closed since Monday and not just import-export, even the movement of people is closed. "We are on high alert and are ensuring that no incident of violence takes place. The BSF is on high alert. The Integrated Check Post (ICP) has been closed since Monday and not just import-export, even the movement of people is closed. An army company has come, they are camping with the BSF to provide additional security... Since last week, no Indian student or Indian citizen has come to this side," Yadav told ANI. In Assam, four districts - Cachar, Karimganj, Dhubri, and South Salmara, share their border with Bangladesh. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Home Affairs has formed a committee, led by the Additional Director General (ADG) of the BSF Eastern Command, to monitor the situation at the Indo-Bangladesh Border (IBB). The Additional Director General of BSF, Eastern Command, is the chairman of the five-member Committee. In a letter dated August 9, Under Secretary to the Govt of India Smitha Viju said, "It has been decided to constitute a Committee consisting of the following members for the above-mentioned subject a. ADG, BSF, Eastern Command as the Chairman, b. IG, BSF Frontier HQ South Bengal, c. IG, BSF Frontier HQ Tripura, d. Member (Planning and Development), LPAI and e. Secretary, LPAI." The office memorandum further stated that the above committee will maintain communication channels with their counterpart authorities in Bangladesh to ensure the safety of Indian citizens and people belonging to minority communities in Bangladesh. Bangladesh is facing a fluid political situation with Sheikh Hasina, tendering her resignation from the position of Prime Minister on August 5 in the wake of mounting protests. The protests erupted in early July due to demands for reforming the quota system that reserves civil service jobs for specific groups, including descendants of 1971 war veterans. The unrest intensified after students opposed a new policy allocating government jobs to descendants of freedom fighters, leading to violence, including attacks on state television headquarters and police booths in Dhaka. (ANI)
CM Pushkar Singh Dhami discussed various issues, including the development of the state, after the damage caused by heavy rains, and relief work, with the Garhwal MP.

Last week, many pilgrims and tourists were left stranded on the Sonprayag-Kedarnath road in the Garhwal region as heavy rain lashed the state, taking 17 lives and putting a halt to the Kedarnath Dham Yatra.

Earlier, after reviewing the relief and rescue operations and reconstruction work in the rain-affected areas of the Rudraprayag district, the CM directed the authorities to start the Kedarnath Dham Yatra by foot soon.

Dhami conducted an aerial survey of the affected areas, after which he also reviewed all the departments related to the Chardham Yatra route and enquired about the damage caused by heavy rains.

Dhami directed the officials to take necessary steps to normalize life in the affected areas. He directed that the damaged routes, drinking water, and power lines should be restored as soon as possible.

As per the Rudraprayag district administration on Tuesday, about 150 local people have been sent from Kedarnath to Bhimbali under the supervision of NDRF and SDRF. NDRF is also bringing 161 people from Jangalchatti to Chirbasa.

At the same time, the completion of the construction of the footbridge built by the army on the Mandakini River in Sonprayag also provided great relief in rescue and relief operations, as per the Rudraprayag district administration.

On Monday, the Indian Air Force airlifted 201 people to safe areas including 17 National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) personnel from the Kedarnath Valley.

Approximately 2000 kg of relied material were also supplied to critical areas of the state till Monday. (ANI)
AAP leader and former Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia arrived at Hanuman Mandir in Connaught Place on Saturday morning where he offered prayers, a day after he was released from Tihar Jail after the Supreme Court granted him bail in connection with the Delhi excise policy case. "Lord Bajrang Bali has blessed me. Arvind Kejriwal also has blessings of Lord Bajrang Bali and you will see that Kejriwal ji will also be blessed in the same way," said Sisodia. Delhi Minister and AAP leader Saurabh Bharadwaj said, "Whenever any crisis has come upon the Aam Aadmi Party, Hanumanji has removed it. That is why we have come here to seek the blessings of Hanumanji." AAP MP Sanjay Singh stated, "The fight that has started under the leadership of Arvind Kejriwal for education, health, electricity, water and to provide facilities to the common man, we will take a pledge to take that forward. After this, we will go to Rajghat and then we will address the party workers at the party office. The country will not gain anything from the politics of hatred, this country will not gain anything from the politics of revenge. The people in power should think about this...Aam Aadmi Party is a family, a strong family, we will not break and will fight together strongly. Soon Arvind Kejriwal will also come out." Earlier on Friday, Former Delhi Deputy CM and AAP leader Manish Sisodia walked out of Tihar jail after the Supreme Court granted him bail in connection with the Delhi excise policy case. He remained in jail for almost 18 months without trial. Manish Sisodia also greeted party leaders and workers who had gathered outside Tihar Jail to welcome him."Bharat mata ji jai! Inquilab Zindabad!" cheered Manish Sisodia upon his release."Ever since this order came in the morning, every inch of my skin has been feeling indebted to Babasaheb. I don't understand how will pay off this debt to Babasaheb," Sisodia said. The Supreme Court on Friday granted bail to Sisodia. The order was delivered by a bench of justices B R Gavai and K V Viswanathan. The court also imposed various conditions including surrendering the passport and not influencing witnesses. AAP leaders and workers arrived outside Tihar jail to welcome Manish Sisodia. Punjab Minister Bram Shanker Sharma-Jimpa said, "He was lodged in Tihar Jail and he faced it all very bravely. All workers across India are happy. I have come from Punjab...Everyone was waiting for this. It is a matter of great joy. During the hearing, Additional Solicitor General SV Raju, appearing for the probe agencies, had raised apprehension that witnesses may be influenced. ASG Raju said that some important witnesses can be examined. He further added that these witnesses could be influenced. He also said that there is evidence that he has destroyed phone records. ASG had blamed Sisodia for filing various miscellaneous applications related to the supply of unrelated documents. He also said that the trial could have proceeded irrespective of further investigation. On June 4, the top court also gave him the liberty to revive his prayer afresh after filing the final charge sheet. In February 2023, Sisodia was arrested by the CBI for alleged irregularities in the framing and implementation of now-scrapped Delhi's new excise policy. The policy was withdrawn amid allegations of foul play by the opposition. (ANI)
The radioactive substance is typically utilized in nuclear reactors for power production and in the treatment of severe diseases, including brain cancer.

The arrests were made in Kuchaikote, Gopalganj district of Bihar, police reported on Friday.

According to police sources, the operation was carried out by teams from the Special Task Force (STF), Special Operations Group (SOG), and District Intelligence Unit (DIU) after receiving a tip-off regarding the trafficking of the highly valuable radioactive material californium.

The arrested individuals have been identified as Chhotelal Prasad, a resident of Tamkuhiraj in Uttar Pradesh's Kushinagar district, along with Chandan Kumar Gupta and Chandan Ram, both residents of Gopalganj.

In addition to the radioactive substance, police also confiscated four mobile phones and a motorcycle from the arrested individuals.

Superintendent of Police (SP) Swarn Prabhat stated that a special Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) team will handle the suspected radioactive material and that further investigation is underway. The Department of Atomic Energy has also been notified about the seizure.

SP Prabhat added that the authenticity of the substance, which is suspected to be californium, is still under investigation. (ANI)
Congress member Pramod Tiwari responded to the Supreme Court's decision to grant bail to Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Manish Sisodia in the money laundering case related to Delhi's excise policy scam. Speaking to ANI on Saturday, Tiwari stated, "It has been established that Chief Ministers, Union Ministers, and Ministers should not be arrested unless absolutely necessary. The Supreme Court has reiterated that bail is the rule, and jail is the exception." He added, "The government should only arrest ministers after filing a charge sheet and having substantial proof. It is concerning that the government is now misusing central agencies against the opposition, which is wrong." Earlier today, AAP member Gurmeet Singh Meet Hayer congratulated Manish Sisodia after the Supreme Court granted him bail. Hayer expressed happiness over Sisodia's release, emphasising that it came after a prolonged period of time. He praised Sisodia for his relentless efforts in improving education for Delhi's children, elevating the issue to national prominence. Speaking to ANI, Hayer said, "This is a very happy moment for AAP as Manish Sisodia has been granted bail after 17 months. He has worked tirelessly to provide education to children and has made it a national issue." He continued, "Today, his truth has prevailed. The entire country, along with AAP supporters who know his reality, are celebrating. We are hopeful that in the coming days, Arvind Kejriwal will also return from jail, and AAP will continue serving the people as before." (ANI)
The Jammu and Kashmir Police on Saturday released sketches of four terrorists who were last seen in Dhoks of Malhar, Bani and Seojdhar of Kathua district. The police also announced Rupees 5 lakh reward for information about them. In a post on social media platform X, Police said "Kathua Police releases sketches of 04 terrorists who were last seen in Dhoks of Malhar, Bani & Seojdhar. A reward of 05lakhs on each terrorist for an actionable information. Anyone with credible information of terrorists will also be suitably rewarded". This comes against the backdrop of the recent terror attacks in the Jammu region, including the terror attack at the army convoy in Kathua and encounters in Doda and Udhampur, which are in the Jammu region. Earlier on August 7, after an exchange of fire with terrorists on the evening of August 6, a search operation was launched by security forces in the Khaneed Area of Basantgarh in the Udhampur district of Jammu and Kashmir. After receiving input regarding suspicious movement in the area, a SADO (search and destroy operation) was launched on August 6. Contact has been established with a group of terrorists in the Khaned area of Police Station Basantgarh in Udhampur District. DIG Udhampur Reasi Range Rayees Mohammad Bhat said, "For the last three to four days, we have been tracking the movement of terrorists in the Khaneed area of Basantgarh of Udhampur district. Yesterday, after specific input was gleaned regarding the movement of terrorists in the area, a SADO was launched in the wee hours by our parties." "After around 4:30 pm, our contact was established with a group of terrorists yesterday and within two hours, the contact was established twice. A group of terrorists is present under our cordon and that is the reason we are conducting the second day of the search operation today. Our CRPF, police and Army are consistently present here. The group consists of three to four terrorists whom we are trying to neutralise as soon as possible," the DIG Udhampur Reasi Range stated further. Elaborating on the geographical conditions of the area, he said, "This area has hilly terrain and dense coniferous forests. The weather these days is also cloudy and rainy. The conditions are foggy, which is why our visibility is limited." Meanwhile, on August 6, Minister of State (MoS) for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai said that there have been two terrorist attacks on pilgrims and 14 casualties were reported during the past five years in the country. In a reply to the question raised by Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP Abhishek Banerjee in Lok Sabha, MoS Rai said that the central government framed Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and also implemented them, in particular, for the safety/security of pilgrims in Jammu and Kashmir. He added that adequate security arrangements in coordination with all security agencies have been put in place for the safety of pilgrims. (ANI)
Nurses in Kolkata held a rally on Saturday demanding justice after a female post-graduate trainee (PGT) doctor was found dead inside the seminar hall of the government-run R G Kar Medical College and Hospital on August 9. Earlier on Friday, Dr. Sandip Ghosh, Principal of R G Kar Medical College and Hospital, commented on the incident, saying, "This is a tragic event. We will only know the cause of death after the postmortem. As the Principal and Head of Administration, I am ensuring that all necessary steps are being taken in the inquiry. Everything is being done properly. Such an incident has never happened before at R G Kar Medical College and Hospital." On Friday, the Leader of the Opposition in the West Bengal Legislative Assembly and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader, Suvendu Adhikari, demanded a CBI inquiry into the death of the 31-year-old postgraduate trainee doctor. He also called on student communities to protest against what he described as the state government's lackadaisical response. Taking to the social media platform X, Suvendu Adhikari stated, "The body of the second-year postgraduate student at R G Kar Medical College, found dead inside the Seminar Hall on the 3rd floor of the emergency building under mysterious circumstances, reportedly had injury marks." "Unconfirmed reports suggest signs of strangulation and traces of seminal fluid. This appears to be a clear case of murder, possibly involving rape. The case should be immediately transferred to the CBI," he added. He further criticized the state government, saying, "Instead of addressing the issue seriously, the State Government has formed an 11-member inquiry committee, which bizarrely includes some interns. It seems the government is either trying to cover up its negligence or is not taking this matter seriously." "I urge the student community, especially medical students, to protest vigorously against the State Government's complacent attitude. I will provide all the support necessary to ensure justice for the deceased student," the BJP leader declared. Earlier on Friday, Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP Sougata Roy also commented on the incident, stating, "I learned that this student is from our constituency. I have reviewed all the documents and investigated the matter. We hope the accused will be arrested and punished soon." On Friday evening, a group of students organized a candlelight march in the city following the discovery of the postgraduate trainee doctor's body. The death of the second-year medical student has sparked a political storm in West Bengal. (ANI)
Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Saturday handed over an appointment letter to the wife of the bus driver killed in the Reasi terror attack. Renu Verma, the wife of Vijay Kumar, received the appointment letter at Raj Bhawan. Vijay Kumar, a resident of Reasi, was driving the bus carrying pilgrims when it was attacked by terrorists on June 9. The Lt. Governor assured the family of the martyred civilian that the J&K administration would provide all possible assistance and support. Vishesh Paul Mahajan, Deputy Commissioner of Reasi, and Vijay Kumar's family members were also present at Raj Bhawan. The bus, en route from the Shivkhori shrine to Katra on June 9, came under attack when terrorists opened fire, causing the driver to lose control and the bus to plunge into a gorge. The attack resulted in the deaths of at least nine people and left over 30 others injured. The Jammu and Kashmir police reported that at least two terrorists were involved in the attack. Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha condemned the attack and assured that those responsible would be brought to justice. "I strongly condemn the cowardly terror attack on a bus in Reasi. My condolences go out to the families of the martyred civilians. Our security forces and the JKP have launched a joint operation to hunt down the terrorists," the LG stated in a post on X. Following the Reasi attack, security forces have heightened measures across Kashmir. Last week, they conducted a search operation in Jammu's Reasi district, jointly carried out by the Army and police personnel in Dadooa Village. Earlier, a group of two to three armed personnel from Pakistan crossed the Line of Control and fired on a forward Army post in the Machhal Sector of Jammu and Kashmir's Kupwara district, taking advantage of bad weather and poor visibility. One intruder was killed in the exchange of fire, while an Indian Army soldier injured in the encounter later succumbed to his injuries. (ANI)
Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, on Saturday wrote a letter to Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann over alleged attacks on engineers and contractors in Jalandhar and Ludhiana. Gadkari wrote in his letter, "I have been informed about two untoward incidents that occurred recently on the Delhi-Katra expressway projects. In one incident in Jalandhar District, the Engineer of the Contractor was brutally assaulted. Although FIR has been registered in this regard, strong action is required to be taken against the perpetrators. In another incident in Ludhiana District, the Project camp of the Contractor of the Delhi-Katra Expressway was attacked by miscreants who also threatened the Engineers to burn the project camp and their staff alive. However, an FIR has still not been filed and the miscreants have not been arrested despite written requests by NHAI officers." He further requested that the state government should take corrective measures immediately. File FIRs and take strong action against the perpetrators in order to prevent such incidents in the future and to restore the confidence of NHAI officers and staff of the concessionaires. "It is pertinent to note that due to pending issues related to land acquisition and the prevailing law and order conditions, concessionaires have requested to foreclose contracts and have raised claims against NHAI. If the situation does not improve, NHAI will have no other option but to cancel/ terminate eight other severely affected projects with a total length of 293 km costing 14,288 crore," Gadkari added in his letter to CM Mann. Reacting to this, Punjab Inspector General of Police, Sukhchain Singh Gill said that the case is under CM review and they have constituted an SIT on it and FIR has been registered. "The law and order situation is under control. There were two such incidents and we will look for security if needed by NHAI," Gill added. (ANI)
Amid the ongoing unrest in Bangladesh, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has expressed concern about the declining Hindu population in Assam and Bangladesh. He also mentioned that a similar situation is expected in West Bengal and Jharkhand. He mentioned that official census data up to 2011 from both Assam and Bangladesh show a demographic shift. He added that the census report said that in Assam, the Hindu population declined by 9.23 per cent from 1951 to 2011, and in Bangladesh, it declined by 13.5 per cent. "Official census data up to 2011 of both places (Assam and Bangladesh) demonstrate a demographic shift. The situation in West Bengal and Jharkhand is expected to be similar. The census report said that, in Assam, from 1951 to 2011 Hindu population has declined 9.23 per cent and in Bangladesh, it declined by 13.5 per cent," CM Sarma said. The Dailystar reported that a group of local Madrasa students removed the nameplate of the "Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Expressway", commonly known as the Dhaka-Mawa Expressway in Bangladesh's Munshiganj, with a banner reading "Father of the Nation Hazrat Ibrahim (AS) Expressway." Bangladesh is facing a fluid political situation with Sheikh Hasina, 5, tendering her resignation from her post on August 5 in the wake of mounting protests. The protests, led majorly by students demanding an end to a quota system for government jobs, took the shape of anti-government protests. Muhammad Yunus was sworn in as the head of Bangladesh's interim government on August 8 night, three days after Sheikh Hasina resigned from the position of Prime Minister and left the country amid widespread unrest. Seventeen members of Bangladesh's interim government took their oath at a ceremony in Dhaka on Thursday. Nobel laureate economist Muhammad Yunus, 84, was sworn in as the country's chief advisor. Bangladesh's President Mohammed Shahabuddin administered the oath to Yunus for his role as chief advisor, which is the equivalent to a Prime Minister. (ANI)
After a delegation of the Election Commission visited Jammu and Kashmir over poll preparedness, Tanvir Sadiq, Chief Spokesman of the National Conference, said on Saturday that the follow-up is essential and ECI should announce the date at the earliest so people can prepare accordingly. Sadiq said, "The conclusion of the discussion in CEC is positive. The follow-up is essential. The Election Commission officials will announce the dates for the election after visiting Delhi. The announcement should be made as soon as possible, so our people will gear up for the election process. All the political parties and candidates should get equal security and similar facilities." Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar on Friday said that the Election Commission is "committed" to conducting polls in Jammu and Kashmir at the earliest, adding that the people of J-K will give a befitting response to "disruptive forces." CEC further said that all parties in Jammu and Kashmir are "batting strongly" for holding assembly elections. "We met the state's national and recognised parties. All of them praised the public and Election Commission for the successful Lok Sabha polls in Jammu and Kashmir. They all said it was a historic achievement, it had good participation, and no incident (of violence) took place, which has boosted people's confidence. All the parties demanded that the Assembly polls be held at the earliest. All the parties demanded that there be public elected representatives in J-K, who could better connect with locals. More or less all the political parties, except one or two, also wanted that a level playing field be established," he added. There are a total of 90 assembly constituencies, of which 74 are General, nine are ST and seven are SC. In Jammu and Kashmir, there are 87.09 lakh total electors. Of which 44.46 lakh are male, 42.62 female, 169 are Transgender, 82,590 PwDs, 73943 very senior citizens, 2660 centenarians, 76092 service electors, and 3.71 lakh are first-time voters. In December of last year, the Supreme Court directed the Centre to conclude the election process by September 30, 2024. Jammu and Kashmir will witness elections after a gap of ten years, as the last assembly election was held in 2014. The PDP-BJP coalition government fell in June 2018 when the latter withdrew support to the then-Chief Minister, Mehbooba Mufti. (ANI)
Janata Dal-United (JDU) working president, Sanjay Kumar Jha welcomed the Supreme Court's verdict on the subcategorisation of SCs and STs and highlighted that Chief Minister Nitish Kumar had implemented subcategorisation in Bihar back in 2007, adding that affirmative measures were introduced to support specific groups through the establishment of the Bihar State Mahadalit Commission. Speaking to ANI on the apex court's verdict on the subcategorisation of SCs and STs, Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Kumar Jha said, "Bihar CM Nitish Kumar did subcategorisation in 2007. When the Bihar State Mahadalit Commission was formed, affirmative actions were taken for the upliftment of certain sections. It is the right decision." Notably, in 2007, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar established the Mahadalit Commission to identify Scheduled Castes (SCs) that were left behind. The commission's purpose was to reach out to Dalits beyond the Dusadhs, who were seen as supporters of the Lok Janshakti Party. The Mahadalit category initially excluded some SCs, such as Chamars and Paswans, but was expanded in 2015. The Justice P Ramachandra Raju Commission recommended in 1997 that SCs be divided into four groups and that reservations be allocated separately for each. The commission also recommended that the creamy layer of SCs be excluded from receiving reservation benefits for public appointments and educational institutions. The JDU MP was replying to Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw's statement, saying that there is no provision for creamy layer in SCs and STs reservations in the Constitution. Vaishnaw said on Friday that there is no provision for creamy layer in SCs and STs reservation in the Constitution drafted by BR Ambedkar, and the NDA government is bound to follow that Constitution. The Union Minister's remarks came days after the Supreme Court ruled that states have the power to sub-classify Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs). The top court had also observed that states can evolve a policy for identifying the creamy layer, even from the SCs and STs to exclude them from the benefit of affirmative action. Prior to this, the Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, held a detailed discussion on the Supreme Court judgment regarding the sub-categorisation of reservations for SCs and STs as outlined in the Constitution. In a landmark judgement, the Supreme Court on August 1 ruled that states have the power to sub-classify Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (SCs and STs) and said that the authority concerned, while deciding if the class is adequately represented, must calculate adequacy based on effective and not quantitative representation. The Supreme Court ruled by a majority judgement of 6:1 that sub-classification within the Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribes (SCs and STs) reservation is permissible. As many as six separate opinions were delivered in the case. The judgement was delivered by the seven-judge bench led by Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud, which overruled earlier judgement in the EV Chinnaiah matter, which had held that sub-classification was not permissible because SC/STs form homogenous classes. The JDU working president also reacted to the bail order of AAP leader Manish Sisodia and said that it is a sub judice matter. After the Supreme Court granted bail to AAP leader Manish Sisodia, Jha said, "The matter is still in the court. It is sub-judice matter. He (Manish Sisodia has not been acquitted from the case. He has only got the bail from the court." AAP leader and Delhi's former Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia was released on bail from Tihar Jail on August 9 after 17 months in the Delhi Excise Policy case. Early this morning, Sisodia took to social media to share a photograph of him having his morning tea with his wife. Sisodia captioned it the "first tea of an independent morning.. after 17 months!" "The freedom that the Constitution has given to all of us Indians as a guarantee of the right to live... The freedom that God has given us to breathe in the open air with everyone," he said on X in Hindi. The former Deputy CM was arrested by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in February 2023 in connection with the alleged irregularities in the framing and implementation of the now-scrapped Delhi excise policy. (ANI)
Former Mumbai Police Commissioner Param Bir Singh said on Saturday that dismissed police inspector Sachin Waze used to report directly to Uddhav Thackeray, and Anil Deshmukh used to call him to his bungalow. Param Bir singh said that not only Waze, but other officers were also called by political leaders to their places. "Sachin Waze's reinstatement happened on the orders of Anil Deshmukh and Uddhav Thackeray. I have mentioned this in my statements to the agencies as well. Before this, I never worked with Sachin Waze. He used to report directly to Uddhav Thackeray. Anil Deshmukh also used to call him to his bungalow. Such practices completely disrupted the department's line of command-- calling officers to bungalows and directly demanding extortion from them. So, blaming me regarding Sachin Waze is completely wrong," he said. "Not only Waze but other officers were also called by political leaders," he added. The former Mumbai Police Commissioner further said that he doubts whether Anil Deshmukh is in proper medical condition. "For three years, Anil Deshmukh did not say anything like this. I seriously doubt whether he is in proper medical condition. Probably, he needs psychiatric treatment and certainly, out of the blue, he started making allegations against me. I completely stayed away from indulging in this. Since he took my name, I defended myself that these all were bogus allegations," Param Bir Singh said. Deshmukh alleged on Sunday that the corruption charges against him were made by dismissed police inspector Sachin Waze and former Mumbai Police Commissioner Singh three years ago, claiming it was done on the instruction of Devendra Fadnavis, now Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister. Anil Deshmukh, a senior NCP (SCP) leader, claimed earlier this month that Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis had told Param Bir Singh to make allegations against Deshmukh in a bid to topple the government led by Uddhav Thackeray. Anil Deshmukh resigned in April 2021 following Param Bir Singh's allegations of corruption against him when MVA government was in power in the state. Param Bir Singh had accused Deshmukh of setting a monthly target to collect Rs 100 crore from bars and restaurants in Mumbai. Maharashtra will face assembly polls later this year and both the ruling alliance and opposition parties have started making preparations. (ANI)
Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel marked World Lion Day with a special event in Junagad, unveiling an exhibition of photographs that showcase Gir Forest's diverse biodiversity, natural beauty, and cultural heritage. The exhibition, aimed at raising awareness about the unique ecosystem of Gir Forest, features images of the Asiatic lions and other wildlife that inhabit the region. "On the occasion of World Lion Day, an exhibition of photographs highlighting Gir's biodiversity, natural beauty, and cultural heritage was unveiled," Patel shared on X. "Gir Forest is a sanctuary for numerous species, including Asiatic lions, leopards, chitals, copper-spotted cats, vultures, royal vultures, and chilotros. The forest boasts a rich ecosystem with 41 species of mammals, 47 species of reptiles, 338 species of birds, and 635 species of plants," he added. During the program, Patel emphasized the importance of environmental conservation. "It is our duty to preserve our heritage. Live and let live. Our efforts are to ensure that not only do we live well, but also that all living beings here live well," he said. Patel also highlighted ongoing environmental initiatives, noting, "Plastic usage has gradually decreased. PM Modi started the campaign titled Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam for planting saplings. The trees we plant will grow, and we will take care of them." Addressing the issue of climate change, Patel added, "We are facing global warming. The increasing heat, which lasts for 4-5 days or even 15-20 days, can only be addressed by nurturing the environment and planting more trees." "To develop a developed India by 2047, it is essential to advance with a developed Gujarat and preserve our heritage," he said. Earlier today, Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised the efforts of all those involved in the conservation and protection work of lions. The Prime Minister also took to his X handle on the occasion of World Lion Day celebrated on August 10, to share a few stunning images of the big cats. PM Modi highlighted that in February this year, the Union Cabinet approved the setting up of the International Big Cat Alliance, to bring together all the nations of the world where big cats reside. It seeks to build a holistic approach to boost sustainable development and also support community efforts in this regard. This endeavour, he said received an encouraging response globally. (ANI)
Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday praised Prime Minister Modi's establishment of the Global Biofuels Alliance during the G20 summit and called it a 'matter of good fortune' for sugarcane farmers. He said that the alliance, with its headquarters in Gurugram, offers a global platform for exporting sugarcane products for our sugarcane farmers, cooperatives and other sugar mills. "PM Modi just held a meeting of G20 and formed the Global Biofuels Alliance and we all know that by setting up the alliance's headquarters in Gurugram...Whatever you make, whatever sugarcane you produce, Modi Ji has put a platform to export all of it to the world in G20 and it is a matter of good fortune for our farmers...I am sure that our sugarcane farmers, our cooperatives and other sugar mills will benefit the most from it," Shah said. As per the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Global Biofuels Alliance (GBA) is a multi-stakeholder alliance of governments, International Organizations and Industries, an initiative by India as the G20 Chair, bringing together the biggest consumers and producers of biofuels to drive development and deployment of biofuels. The initiative aims to position biofuels as a key to energy transition and contribute to jobs and economic growth, as per the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Global Biofuels Alliance. Shah also said that over the past decade, there has been progress in every sector of the country, including the sugar industry, since Narendra Modi became Prime Minister. "In the past 10 years, since Narendra Modi became Prime Minister, there has been progress in every sector of the country, including the sugar industry. In 2013-14, the area under sugarcane cultivation was 5 million hectares, and today, in 10 years, we have successfully expanded it to 6 million hectares, marking an 18 per cent increase. Sugarcane production was 352 million tonnes and now stands at 491 million tonnes, which is a 40 per cent increase. Gross sugar production has also seen a 58 per cent rise," Shah said. Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Amit Shah said this while attending the 'Sugar Conclave and National Efficiency Award 2022-23' ceremony as chief guest in the national capital on Saturday. The award ceremony was organised by the National Federation of Cooperative Sugar Factories (NFCSF) Limited. As per the Ministry of Cooperation, the National Federation of Cooperative Sugar Factories (NFCSF) is an apex body comprising all 260 cooperative sugar factories and nine state sugar federations across the country. (ANI)
Shiv Sena Parliamentary Party Leader, Shrikant Eknath Shinde has demanded a ban on online gaming in India, which he said posed significant dangers, especially in terms of their impact on players' mental health with escalation of this addiction even driving some individuals to suicide due to mounting debts. Speaking in the recently concluded Budget Session of Parliament, Shinde cited 'Junglee Rummy' and urged for a potential ban on it and other similar platforms. "In today's Lok Sabha session, I raised concerns about online gaming platforms and urged a thorough investigation into the potential ban of Junglee Rummy and similar platforms," Shinde said on X on Friday. The Shiv Sena leader listed rising addiction to the onling games that involve financial stakes as well as emphasised the urgent need for a ban and a need to educate students in schools and colleges on the dangerous effects of the addiction. "The growing addiction to online gaming in India, particularly to games like Jungle Rummy, necessitates a thorough examination. These games pose significant dangers, especially in terms of their impact on players' mental health," the Shiv Sena MP said. "Online gaming is not only affecting the youth but also various other sections of society," he said. To buttress his point, Shinde cited statistics to claim that the online gaming market in India is projected to reach 30 billion dollars by 2025, with a substantial portion attributed to games like Junglee Rummy. "These games involve financial stakes, and their addictive nature is having serious repercussions on many lives," he added. Further, he said that according to a 2023 report by the National Council, 30 per cent of youth are experiencing mental health issues due to online gaming. Additionally, 3.5 per cent of adults are also suffering from gaming disorders, and 40 per cent of people have fallen prey to the allure of winning money. "In many instances, these games have led to personal and family financial crises. The escalation of this addiction has even driven some individuals to suicide due to mounting debt," Shinde said. He also pointed out that players often try to recoup their losses by investing more money, exacerbating their financial situation. "There is an urgent need to educate students in schools and colleges, as well as the broader society, about the dangers of online gaming addiction. Furthermore, strict regulations should be implemented to bring discipline and control to this sector, helping to protect the younger generation from falling into this harmful addiction," the Shiv Sena MP added. (ANI)
Vice-President, Jagdeep Dhankhar on Saturday lauded the judiciary's steadfast commitment to the rule of law, while also reflecting on the Emergency period imposed in June 1975 by then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. While describing the era of Emergency as "the draconian darkest period" since independence, Dhankhar expressed concern that during this time, even the highest levels of the judiciary, typically a "formidable citadel of basic rights," yielded to the "brazen dictatorial regime." "The highest court ruled that no one could move any court for enforcement of rights as long as the emergency lasted," the Vice President remarked, pointing out the severe implications of this ruling on the liberties of countless citizens. "Liberty was held to ransom by an individual, and thousands across the country were arrested without any fault except that they believed in Bharat Maa and nationalism at heart," he added. Jagdeep Dhankhar praised the courage of nine High Courts during this dark chapter, particularly the High Court of Rajasthan. "The High Court of Judicature for Rajasthan holds a place of pride, being amongst the nine High Courts in the country that held, despite the imposition of Emergency, that a person could demonstrate that his or her detention or arrest was not in compliance with the Rule of Law." Reflecting on the long-term impact of the Emergency, the Vice President emphasised the detrimental effect it had on India's development trajectory. "Imagine for a moment, if the judiciary at the highest level had not caved in, had not capitulated to unconstitutional mechanisms, and had not yielded to the dictatorship of Smt. Indira Gandhi, there would have been no Emergency. Our nation would have attained greater development much sooner. We would not have had to wait for decades," he said. The Vice President praised the government for observing June 25 as "Samvidhaan Hatya Diwas," as a solemn reminder of the day when the Constitution of India was recklessly trampled upon by an individual. He underscored the presence of forces that harbour a "pernicious agenda and sinister designs" aimed at weakening the nation from within, often in ways that are not easy to instantly discern. The Vice President cautioned that these forces might infiltrate the three institutions meant to protect democracy, with their true intentions unknown to us. He further expressed deep concern over attempts to infuse a narrative suggesting that what transpired in a neighbouring country could soon unfold in India. Questioning certain individuals who have made such assertions, he requested the citizens be vigilant against such narratives. The Vice President warned against anti-national forces exploiting our fundamental constitutional institutions to legitimise their actions. He emphasised that these forces aim to derail our democracy and urged citizens to prioritise national interests above all else. (ANI)
Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, said on Saturday that the Indian Council of Agricultural Research has developed 109 seed varieties that are adaptable to the changing climate and can yield well even in increasing temperatures and the aim of the government is to ensure benefits of science and research directly reach farmers. Addressing a press conference, Chouhan said that if production has to be increased and costs are to be reduced, the most important thing is good-quality seeds. "Under the leadership of PM Modi, they are working on the six parameters. In this era of climate change, where the temperature of the Earth's surface is continuously rising, we need seeds that are adaptable to the changing climate and can yield well even at increasing temperatures. There is a need to reduce the use of pesticides. I am pleased to say that the Indian Council of Agricultural Research is continuously working on this, and has recently developed 109 seed varieties," he said. He also pointed out that Indian scientists have researched and developed high-yielding varieties, including rice varieties that require 30 per cent less water. "Efforts have been made to increase production while reducing the use of pesticides. On Sunday, at 11 AM, PM Modi will release these 109 seed varieties. The PM has decided that they will be released in the field after interacting with farmers. The aim is to ensure that the benefits of science and research directly reach the farmers," Shivraj added. The release will encompass 109 varieties spanning 61 crops, including 34 field crops and 27 horticultural crops. Among the field crops, seeds of various cereals, including millets, forage crops, oilseeds, pulses, sugarcane, cotton, fibre crops, and other potential crops, will be introduced, the statement added. According to PMO's statement, these efforts not only aim to improve nutrition but also to secure better income for farmers and create new entrepreneurial opportunities. (ANI)
Union Minister Sukanta Majumdar and West Bengal BJP MLA Agnimitra Paul visited the residence of the female post-graduate trainee (PGT) doctor who was found dead inside the seminar hall of the government-run R G Kar Medical College and Hospital. Majumdar said that the government should take responsibility for the incident. Sukanta Majumdar said, "A very shameful and horrific incident has happened. This is a repeat of the Nirbhaya case in Delhi. The kind of incident we are seeing shows that law and order is not good in West Bengal. It is not at all safe for the women. The government should take responsibility for the same. The CBI should investigate it." He further said that the police tried to conceal the facts. "Police tried their best so that the family does not speak much. The police tried to suppress all the evidence. If you ask for resignation from CM Mamata Banerjee, then it is like hurting own's dignity. Earlier in Hanskhali, a girl was raped and CM said that she was pregnant," he added. Earlier, Agnimitra Paul demanded a CBI investigation and a re-postmortem by a Central Government hospital after a second-year medical student was found dead at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata on Friday. Agnimitra Paul said, "The condition in which her body was found, completely naked with bruises all over it, makes it look like she was raped and then murdered. We demand a CBI investigation. You can't conduct a postmortem after evening, but they did it here. If postmortem is done under the state system, truth will be buried." She further demanded a re-postmortem by a central government hospital. "We want a re-postmortem by a central government hospital. This is all we demand so that she gets justice," she added. (ANI)
The Indian Medical Association (IMA) has expressed deep shock and outrage following the brutal murder of a second-year postgraduate student at R.G. Kar Medical College, Kolkata. The heinous crime, which reportedly involved sexual assault before the murder, occurred in the seminar hall on the third floor of the campus, said IMA in an official press release. The IMA condemned the crime as a stark indicator of the prevailing anarchy and insecurity within academic institutions. The association highlighted the seriousness of the situation, asserting that the safety and security of students and medical professionals should be a priority within educational institutions. The IMA's condemnation comes on the heels of another tragic incident involving a young resident doctor in Kerala, who was fatally attacked in a hospital casualty ward. These incidents reveal a disturbing pattern of increasing violence against medical professionals, particularly women. "Doctors especially women are vulnerable to violence because of the nature of the profession. It isfor theauthorities to provide for the safety of doctors inside hospitals and campuses," the IMA said in an official release. The IMA has called for a thorough and impartial investigation into Ms. Debnath's murder and the apprehension of the culprits, detailed inquiry into the circumstances that allowed this crime to occur. In a strongly worded statement, the IMA has demanded that the authorities act within 48 hours. Failure to address these issues promptly will compel the IMA to initiate nationwide protests. "We demand that the authorities act with precision and in time of 48 hoursFailingwhich IMA will be constrained to initiate nation wide action. A fair, transparent and time sensitive criminal investigation is in order. An ultimatum of two days is giventoarrest culprits otherwise IMA will take Nation wide Protests," the IMA said. (ANI)
Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar expressed concern on Saturday that some people in the country are promoting the narrative that recent developments in a neighbouring country (Bangladesh) could also occur in India. He urged caution against such individuals, stating that these people have held high positions in their lives, have been members of Parliament, served as ministers, and one among them has extensive experience in foreign service. He questioned how such responsible individuals could spread false propaganda that events similar to those in the neighbouring country could be repeated in India. Addressing judges and lawyers at an event organized on the occasion of the Platinum Jubilee of the Rajasthan High Court in Jodhpur, the Vice President warned that such anti-national forces are using constitutional institutions as platforms to gain legitimacy. "These forces are eager to disrupt the nation and derail its development and democracy by creating fabricated narratives. National interest is paramount and cannot be compromised," he said. On this occasion, the Vice President appreciated the role of the judiciary in strengthening the roots of democracy in India and mentioned that there was only one time in the history of independent India when the judiciary bowed to the dictatorship of one individual during the Emergency. He further noted that the new generation has very little knowledge about the dark period of the Emergency. He called upon the country's youth to be informed about that dark chapter in India's history. In this context, the Vice President praised the Government of India's decision to observe June 25 as Constitution Murder Day, stating that this day would remind the citizens of the attack on the Constitution in 1975 and how its fundamental essence was crushed. (ANI)
Congress MP Shashi Tharoor expressed hope that the central government would declare landslides in Kerala's Wayanad that claimed over 300 lives as a national disaster after Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited and inspected the affected sites on Saturday. Speaking to ANI as he arrived to attend an event in Chennai, Tamil Nadu on Saturday, Tharoor said that it would have been better if the Prime Minister pre-poned his visit and took stock of the situation. "It would have been better if he had gone earlier and seen the conditions on the ground as some of us have done. I hope that with PM Modi's visit, the government will now make it a point to go ahead and declare this a national disaster so that the appropriate level of assistance can follow," the Congress MP said. Earlier, PM Modi assured all assistance to aid the relief and rehabilitation after he visited and inspected the landslide-hit areas in Wayanad, Kerala. The Prime Minister conducted an aerial survey and also physically visited the affected areas during which he was accompanied by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, Governor Arif Mohammed Khan, Union Minister Suresh Gopi and Kerala ADGP (law and order) MR Ajith Kumar. PM Modi also met those who were injured and interacted with the survivors housed in relief camps. In a review meeting, PM Modi reassured that the Central Government and the country are with the disaster-affected victims in the hour of grief. He said detailed memorandum will be sent by the Chief Minister. The state has requested the central government to declare this as a national disaster and a severe calamity. (ANI)
CPI (M) workers held a rally on Saturday demanding justice after a woman post-graduate trainee (PGT) doctor was found dead at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital on Friday. CPI (M) West Bengal State Secretary Md Salim demanded a judicial inquiry into this matter. Md Salim said, "The city that we used to call 'City of Joy' has now become 'City of Bhay' (City of Fear). Here, even a doctor is not safe. The principal of RG Kar Medical College and Hospital is close to CM Mamata Banerjee. The Police Commissioner of Kolkata was suppressing the case so the people are on the streets. We demand a judicial inquiry into this matter." Earlier Union Minister Sukanta Majumdar and West Bengal BJP MLA Agnimitra Paul visited the residence of the female post-graduate trainee (PGT) doctor who was found dead inside the seminar hall of the government-run R G Kar Medical College and Hospital. Majumdar said that the government should take responsibility for the incident. Sukanta Majumdar said, "A very shameful and horrific incident has happened. This is a repeat of the Nirbhaya case in Delhi. The kind of incident we are seeing shows that law and order is not good in West Bengal. It is not at all safe for the women. The government should take responsibility for the same. The CBI should investigate it." He further said that the police tried to conceal the facts. "Police tried their best so that the family does not speak much. The police tried to suppress all the evidence. If you ask for resignation from CM Mamata Banerjee, then it is like hurting own's dignity. Earlier in Hanskhali, a girl was raped and CM said that she was pregnant," he added. (ANI)
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has requested financial support for the rehabilitation of those who lost everything in the Wayanad landslide, as well as assistance to address the challenges posed by climate change. The Chief Minister gave a memorandum to the Prime Minister on Saturday during his visit to the disaster-affected region in Wayanad. CM Vijayan briefed PM Modi regarding the scale of the disaster and handed over a detailed note to the Prime Minister, a CM's office release said. CM Vijayan said that a thorough assessment of the damages is currently underway, with preliminary estimates suggesting losses amounting to thousands of crores. A detailed report on the disaster will be submitted to the Central Government later. The Chief Minister in the memorandum mentioned that the state has been significantly impacted by global warming and climate change, leading to frequent and unpredictable natural disasters. This year's heatwave was the most intense in Kerala's history. The sudden and severe landslide is also a consequence of climate change. Kerala requires adequate infrastructure to deal with such unexpected natural calamities triggered by climate change. The Chief Minister urged the Prime Minister to establish special centres and regional offices with advanced research facilities in Kerala, associated with institutions like the Geological Survey of India, the India Meteorological Department, the National Seismic Center, and the Indian National Center for Ocean Information Services. Modern systems for climate monitoring need to be implemented, including high-resolution hazard assessment tools, land use planning maps, and LiDAR-based digital elevation models. The release mentioned that the state government established the Institute of Climate Change Studies in Kottayam in 2015 to study climate change. To enhance the research capabilities of this institute and address the local challenges posed by climate change, substantial financial support from the Central Government is essential. Additionally, the Kerala Climate Change Adaptation Mission is working on long-term projects to help the state cope with climate change. Both institutions require generous financial support and technical assistance to ensure the state's safety and progress in the face of climate change. The Chief Minister expressed gratitude for the Prime Minister's visit to Wayanad and requested that he instruct the relevant Central Government departments to cooperate with the state government in assessing the extent of the disaster. Adequate financial support is essential for the state's rapid reconstruction efforts and long-term climate change mitigation initiatives. Considering the severity and impact of the disaster, the Chief Minister urged that the landslide in Wayanad be declared a "severe disaster" and a "national disaster" as soon as possible. Over 300 people lost their lives as massive landslides hit Chooralmala and Mundakkai of Wayanad on July 30 following incessant rainfall. (ANI)
Doctors at the Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital in Delhi held a protest on Saturday in support of the female post-graduate trainee (PGT) doctor who was found dead inside the seminar hall of the government-run RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in West Bengal. The protesting doctors were seen carrying posters and were heard sloganeering, "We want a CBI inquiry." DR Gautam, a protesting doctor at the site, said that it is important that such incidents no longer happen in the country. "Women are not safe even inside the campus where we talk about women's empowerment across the country. To ensure that such incidents do not occur in the future, the government should think about it. Whoever is guilty should be caught quickly. The provisional postmortem report also stated that she was sexually assaulted and that it was a murder," he told ANI. Another female protestor said that almost 48 hours have passed and nothing has happened. "As a female doctor, my only question is who will be next?" she said. Dr Ritik Ghosh, another protestor said these incidents have occurred multiple times in West Bengal, and they are not satisfied with the assurances given by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. "This is not the first incident in West Bengal and all over India. These kinds of assurances have been given to us a lot of times by the Bengal CM also. We are not satisfied with any of them. In the last 3-4 years, heinous crimes have been committed against doctors for which there has been no punishment adequately dealt out for culprits. It is a matter of shame for the Bengal government and the entire India," he said. Congress workers also held a rally demanding justice in Kolkata on Saturday. Earlier on Friday evening, a group of students organized a candlelight march in the city following the discovery of the postgraduate trainee doctor's body. The death of the second-year medical student at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital on Friday morning has sparked a political storm in West Bengal. BJP MLA Agnimitra Paul has also demanded a CBI investigation and a re-postmortem from a central government hospital. Leader of the Opposition in the West Bengal Legislative Assembly and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader, Suvendu Adhikari, has also demanded a CBI inquiry into the incident. Union Minister Sukanta Majumdar and West Bengal BJP MLA Agnimitra Paul visited the residence of the female post-graduate trainee (PGT) doctor. He attacked the TMC government over the law and order situation in West Bengal and termed the incident "shameful and horrific." Sukanta Majumdar said, "A very shameful and horrific incident has happened. This is a repeat of the Nirbhaya case in Delhi. The kind of incident we are seeing shows that law and order is not good in West Bengal. It is not at all safe for the women. The government should take responsibility for the same. The CBI should investigate it." (ANI)
Chief Justice of India (CJI) DY Chandrachud paid obeisance at the revered Golden Temple on Saturday and said that it is a great privilege and blessing to be able to pray at the Harmandir Sahib. Speaking to the media here, CJI Chandrachud said, "It is a great privilege and blessing to be able to pray at Harmandir Sahib. I pray that all of humanity in our nation and beyond be happy, peaceful and prosperous. I was a student when I last visited the Golden Temple with my father in 1975." "It is a very divine and peaceful place and to come here and sit there and meditate is a whole other experience. It is for everyone to imbibe that experience and understand it," said the CJI. Earlier in the day, while speaking at the inauguration event of the National Conference on the Landscape of Technology in Courts, CJI Chandrachud said that technology should be a means of ensuring justice for everyone. Talking to the media, DY Chandrachud called the conference "unique" which was organised by the Punjab and Haryana High Court to discuss various aspects of technology including artificial intelligence. The CJI further informed that the central government has given approximately Rs 7,000 crores to all the state governments to regenerate the information infrastructure. "Phase 3 of e-courts is starting now, the central govt has given approximately Rs 7,000 crores to all the state governments, which I think will re-generate the information infrastructure," Chandrachud said. When asked about the three new criminal laws, Chandrachud said that it wouldn't be appropriate for him to comment on them as the challenge is pending in the Supreme Court. "Challenges against these laws are pending in Supreme Court, so it won't be appropriate for me to say anything about it," he said. (ANI)
As per a Defence Ministry release, the joint air exercise was conducted in collaboration with the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) from 05 to 09 August 2024 at Kuantan, Malaysia. The IAF participated with Su-30MKI fighter jets.

During the exercise, IAF's Su-30MKI fighter jets engaged in air combat missions alongside the RMAF's Su-30MKM fighters, enabling the crew of both air forces to familiarize themselves with each other's operational protocols, thereby enhancing interoperability, commonality and overall effectiveness in Su-30 aircraft operations.

Aimed at bolstering operational efficiency, technical experts of both Air Forces engaged in exchange for their maintenance practices.

Earlier in July this year, an Indian Air Force contingent participated in Exercise Pitch Black 2024 at Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Base Darwin in Australia.

The exercise was conducted from July 12 to August 2 and was a biennial, multi-national exercise hosted by the RAAF. The name 'Pitch Black' was derived from the emphasis on nighttime flying over large unpopulated areas.

This edition was the largest in the 43-year-long history of Ex Pitch Black, which includes participation by 20 countries, with over 140 aircraft and 4400 military personnel of various air forces.

The exercise focused on Large Force Employment warfare aimed at strengthening international cooperation and facilitated experience enhancement with the IAF Su-30 MKI operating alongside the F-35, F-22, F-18, F-15, Gripen and Typhoon fighter aircraft.

The IAF contingent comprised of over 150 highly skilled Air Warriors including pilots, engineers, technicians, controllers and other subject matter experts, who will be operating the formidable Su-30 MKI multirole fighters, with the C -17 Globemaster and the IL-78 Air-to-Air Refuelling aircraft in combat enabling roles. (ANI)
Three young men, identified as Srinivas Godje, Rohit Bende, and Nimish Abhnave, have been arrested in connection with the case.

According to a press statement, "Acting on the tip-off from sources, the anti-narcotics unit of the Crime Branch conducted a raid at the Vighnaharta apartment complex in Lohegaon, resulting in the seizure of 471 grams of mephedrone. A case has been filed at the Vishrantwadi Police Station under relevant sections of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act."

Preliminary investigations suggest a potential link to international drug trafficking, indicating a larger network at play.

The arrest of these three individuals has dealt a significant blow to the drug racket, and further investigation is underway to uncover the extent of the operation, the press statement added. (ANI)
Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader Kunal Ghosh said that one person has been arrested in connection with the murder of a second-year postgraduate student at R.G. Kar Medical College and alleged that the BJP and CPI-M were doing politics over it. Kunal Ghosh said, "The incident is very dangerous and we all condemn it. CM Mamata Banerjee has made it very clear that the police are doing their best. One man has been arrested, and the investigation is underway. The CM has also made it clear that if the family of the deceased wants any other agency to conduct the probe, there will be no objection from the state government. The BJP and CPI-M are making politics." He further said that the CPI-M should explain the incidents of Bantala, Singur, Nandigram and many more such cases in the past. "The CPI-M should explain the incidents of Bantala, Nandigram. The BJP should remember Unnao, Hathras, Prayagraj, Manipur etc. The CM is acting like a good guardian and already said that the police will demand for death sentence for the accused. She has taken the strongest stand," he added. TMC leader Dr Santanu Sen said that CM Mamata Banerjee has spoken to the family members of the deceased. Dr Santanu Sen said, "This incident has been condemned by every section of society and medical fraternity. CM Mamata Banerjee has spoken to the family members (of the deceased). She instructed the police to take strong actions. The investigation is underway, and one person has been arrested. She has said that the demands, protests and agitation of the junior doctors are legitimate. But at the same time, she requested the doctors to ensure that the patient service system is not hampered. The BJP has started doing vulture politics." Union Minister Sukanta Majumdar and West Bengal BJP MLA Agnimitra Paul visited the residence of the victim. Majumdar said that the government should take responsibility for the incident. Sukanta Majumdar said, "A very shameful and horrific incident has happened. This is a repeat of the Nirbhaya case in Delhi. The kind of incident we are seeing shows that law and order is not good in West Bengal. It is not at all safe for the women. The government should take responsibility for the same. The CBI should investigate it." (ANI)
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin wrote to External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Saturday urging action to secure the release and repatriation of all the fishermen and their fishing boats apprehended by the Sri Lankan Navy. In his letter, the Chief Minister highlighted the meeting of EAM with a delegation from Tamil Nadu recently over the death of two fishermen and said that despite this there has been no relief or respite. "I am writing this to you with a deep sense of anguish and concern as 35 of our fishermen from Ramanathapuram district, along with their four motorized country boats were apprehended by the Sri Lankan Navy yesterday. I wish to recall that just recently a delegation from Tamil Nadu that included the MPs and fishermen representatives met you after we had lost two fishermen. It is distressing to note that despite this, there has been no significant relief or respite in this regard," CM Stalin stated in the letter. The letter further mentioned that the ongoing detentions of fishermen are not only causing immense hardship to the affected families but also creating a pervasive sense of fear and uncertainty in the coastal communities. The psychological and financial toll on these families is devastating, and it is becoming increasingly difficult for them to continue their traditional way of life, he added. The Chief Minister said that stronger diplomatic measures must be pursued to ensure the immediate release of our fishermen and to establish a more permanent solution to prevent such incidents from recurring. "The safety and security of our coastal communities must be a priority, and I hope that the Government of India will take decisive action to secure the release and repatriation of all the apprehended fishermen and their fishing boats," the letter mentioned. (ANI)
The Muslim Rashtriya Manch (MRM) has expressed deep concern over the escalating attacks on Hindus, Buddhists, and other minority communities in Bangladesh and claims that these assaults are part of a calculated conspiracy by Islamic fundamentalists aimed at decimating the Hindu population and seizing their properties under the guise of reservation. Speaking on the issue, MRM national convenor Shahid Sayeed highlighted that the lives, properties, and dignity of approximately 13 million Hindus in Bangladesh are in grave danger. He noted that at the time of Bangladesh's independence, Hindus constituted 29 per cent of the population, but this number has now dwindled to less than 9 per cent. Sayeed warned that Bangladesh risks following Pakistan's path unless strict measures are taken to curb these attacks. He stressed that the ongoing movement against reservation in Bangladesh seems to have been a mere pretext, as violence against Hindus continues unabated, with their homes, shops, and temples being systematically targeted--indicating a well-orchestrated campaign against the Hindu community. Sayeed specifically pointed to the formation of a new interim government, in which Nobel laureate Mohammad Yunus plays a pivotal role. He urged Yunus' government to take decisive action to address these attacks and ensure the safety of the Hindu community. Saeed cautioned that without stability, Bangladesh risks descending into chaos, jeopardizing the peace and security of the entire region. At an emergency meeting held in New Delhi on Friday, National Convenor Mohammad Afzal emphasized the significance of the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA). Members in attendance unanimously agreed that had the CAA been enacted, the Indian government would have a more effective mechanism to address crises like the one in Bangladesh. Afzal argued that those opposing the CAA have committed unconstitutional, inhumane, and unjust acts. He stated that with the CAA in place, India would have been better equipped to protect minorities in Bangladesh. He strongly criticized the opponents of the CAA, accusing them of endangering the safety of vulnerable communities. Professor Shahid Akhtar, another National Convenor of MRM, suggested that a deep conspiracy lies behind the anti-reservation movement in Bangladesh, particularly following the removal of Sheikh Hasina's government. He asserted that fundamentalists from Pakistan, China, and Bangladesh are exploiting the situation to oppress Hindus. Professor Akhtar praised Hasina's efforts to maintain good relations with India and her crackdown on extremist hideouts. However, with Hasina out of power, the situation has rapidly deteriorated, leading to an increase in atrocities against Hindus. National Convenor Syed Raza Hussain Rizvi of the Muslim Rashtriya Manch strongly condemned the ongoing violence in Bangladesh. Rizvi emphasized that Islam is a religion of peace, harmony, and brotherhood and that such incidents tarnish its image. He condemned the attacks on religious sites, murders, and heinous acts like rape, stating that they wrongly portray Islam as a violent religion. Rizvi made it clear that the Muslim Rashtriya Manch unequivocally condemns these actions and will not tolerate violence committed in the name of Islam. MRM National Convenor Abu Bakar Naqvi expressed concern over the rapidly deteriorating situation in Bangladesh. He pointed out that Hindus are being forcibly displaced, with their homes and lands being occupied. Naqvi criticized the Bangladesh government for its failure to prevent these attacks and urged India to adopt a strategic diplomatic approach to restore peace in Bangladesh. MRM National Convenor Dr Shalini Ali mentioned that while the Indian government is in constant contact with Bangladeshi officials, the law and order situation there is dire. She emphasized the need for strong diplomatic and administrative measures to restore peace in Bangladesh and bring the perpetrators to justice. The meeting was attended by 60 individuals, including Mohammad Afzal, Professor Shahid Akhtar, Abu Bakar Naqvi, S.K. Muddin, Syed Raza Hussain Rizvi, Girish Juyal, Virag Pachpor, Dr Tahir Hussain, Islam Abbas, Mohammad Irfan Ahmed Pirzada, Mazahir Khan, Reshma Hussain, Dr Shalini Ali, Mohammad Ilyas, Shahid Sayeed, Dr Rajiv Srivastava among others. (ANI)
The Delhi High Court has recently sought a response from the Delhi Government and the National Investigation Agency (NIA) on a plea moved by Masasasong AO against the denial of telephone facility and E Mulakat in Tihar Jail. Masasasong is an accused in an alleged terror funding case lodged by the NIA under UAPA. He has been in custody since 2020. He has challenged a circular of NIA requesting the jail authorities not to grant telephone and E Mulakat facilities to prisoners lodged in cases against the State, terror activities etc. without the NOC from the investigation agency. Justice Sanjeev Narula directed the city government and NIA to file a response on Thursday in three weeks. "In light of the above, the Respondents are directed to file their counter affidavit(s), if any, within a period of three weeks from today. Rejoinder(s) thereto, if any, be filed within a period of two weeks thereafter," Justice Narula ordered on August 8. Advocate MS Khan, counsel for Masasasong submitted that the grievance of the petitioner is that his request for grant of E-Mulakat (meeting) and telephone communication facility has not been granted. It was submitted that an FIR was registered on December 17, 2019, against Alemla Jamir, for offences under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, of 1967. On December 20, 2019, respondent National Investigation Agency (NIA), took up the case and re-lodgedthe said FIR. During the course of the investigation, the petitioner was arrested and is presently lodged in Tihar Jail. The counsel for the petitioner informed the bench that the NIA, through communication dated June 12, 2024, has requested the Superintendent, of Tihar Jail, to decline therequest of the Petitioner for availing the E-Mulakat (meeting) and Inmate phone call facility. The reason cited for denial is that since the criminal case is at the trial stage, there is a possibility that the Petitioner may influence witnesses and tamper with the evidence, thereby interfering with the due process of law, counsel submitted. The plea moved through advocates Kahorngan Zimik and Yashvir Kumar further stated that NIA issued an Addendum to the Circular of April 22, with further clarifications, inter alia clarifying that E-Mulakat and Telephone facility on or after April 22, should be allowed only after receipt of NOC from the Investigating Agency and the prisoners already availing the facility, the same will remain in force till NOC is obtained. Petitioner's mother is 84 years and her father is 89 years old, at the fag end of their lives they are struggling to cope with their own old age-related diseases. The petitioner is deeply concerned about the welfare of his minor sons and daughters and the communication facilities is the only solace available to the petitioner while in custody. Petitioner's application seeking permission to make telephone call to his daughter and son for five minutes daily was rejected by the trial court. (ANI)
Of the 28 Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA), 22 aircraft crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait and entered Taiwan's southeastern and southwestern Air Defence Identification Zone (ADIZ). Taiwan's MND said that it has monitored the situation and responded accordingly.

In response to China's military action, Taiwan sent aircraft and naval ships and deployed coastal-based missile systems to monitor PLA activity.

Taking to X, Taiwan's MND stated, "28 PLA aircraft and 10 PLAN vessels operating around Taiwan were detected up until 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today. 22 of the aircraft crossed the median line and entered Taiwan's southeastern and southwestern ADIZ. We have monitored the situation and responded accordingly."

https://x.com/MoNDefense/status/1822075397753987531

This latest incident adds to a series of similar provocations by China in recent months. China has increased its military activities around Taiwan, including regular air and naval incursions into Taiwan's ADIZ and military exercises near the island.

On Friday, Taiwanese MND said that 18 Chinese military aircraft and nine naval vessels were operating from 6 am (local time) on Thursday to 6 am (local time) on Friday.

Of the 18 Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA), 12 aircraft crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait and entered Taiwan's southeastern and southwestern Air Defence Identification Zone (ADIZ).

According to Taiwan News report, grey zone tactics are "an effort or series of efforts beyond steady-state deterrence and assurance that attempts to achieve one's security objectives without resort to direct and sizable use of force."

Taiwan has been governed independently since 1949. However, China considers Taiwan part of its territory and insists on eventual reunification, by force if necessary. (ANI)
A large crowd gathered outside the United Nations headquarters on Saturday, demanding protection for Hindus and other minorities in Bangladesh. HinduACTion, a Washington-based NGO, said that people from all walks of life showed up spontaneously. In a post on X, HinduACTion said, "Protests outside the @UN ongoing- calling for saving the Hindus and the minorities in #Bangladesh. Very impressive to see people from all walks of life show up spontaneously on a work day. @DcWalaDesi @nytimes @nypost #All_Eyes_On_Bangladesh #SaveBangladeshiHindus" https://x.com/HinduACT/status/1822014893895106876 The protests also took place at other places in New York, HinduACTion said. https://x.com/HinduACT/status/1822040459948032383 The NGO praised several US Representatives for speaking out against the violence targeting Hindus in Bangladesh. The NGO said, "Thank you @repfallon. Thanks for leading from the front. You are truly a leader for ages," referring to Fallon's post on X. https://x.com/HinduACT/status/1822011165477892431 Fallon had said, "I strongly condemn the ongoing political violence and religious persecution that we are witnessing in Bangladesh. I implore the interim government to act in the shared interest of the Bangladeshi people and put an end to this violence at once. The targeting of Hindus, Buddhists, Christians and any other religious minority is reprehensible. Those who have instigated and participated in these acts of violence must be held responsible," https://x.com/RepPatFallon/status/1821990123053121861 Several other leaders spoke up against the violence in Bangladesh. The NGO said, "Within the first 100 hours of events unfolding, @CongressmanRaja, @RepMcCormick @RepShriThanedar, @RepRoKhanna and @RepTomSuozzi have called on the @WhiteHouse and @StateDept to take responsibility for the security of the Hindus and other religious minorities in #Bangladesh. We urge @HouseGOP and @HouseDemocrats to join in and make this a priority. We must ensure that the pogroms of 2001 targeting Hindus, and the genocide of 1971 are not repeated. Same is expected from @SenatorCardin and @SenateForeign" https://x.com/HinduACT/status/1821975353444741425 Earlier, US Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi had written to US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, asking for assistance in helping the Bangladeshi government end violence against Hindus in the country. (ANI)
Blinken expressed the US' support for Yunus's call for calm and peace, emphasizing their commitment to working with Bangladesh as it pursues a democratic and prosperous future for its people.

"I welcome the swearing in of Dr. Muhammad Yunus to lead the interim government in Bangladesh. The United States supports his call for calm and peace and remains committed to working with Bangladesh as it charts a democratic and prosperous future the people in Bangladesh," Blinken said in a post on X.

https://x.com/SecBlinken/status/1822016251243458675

Earlier on Friday, people who have come from Bangladesh to India expressed optimism about the interim government's ability to stabilize the country, though concerns about minority safety persisted.

Shazia Sultana, who traveled from Nilphamari, Bangladesh, to Fulbari Land Customs Station in Jalpaiguri, said she believed the situation would improve with the interim government in place.

"Interim Government has been formed in Bangladesh. So, I feel that everything will be fine," she said.

Another traveler, Mohd Shaheen Sarkar, noted that they had come to India after witnessing significant turmoil in Bangladesh.

The ongoing political crisis and violence in Bangladesh have drawn international condemnation.

The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), through its Akhil Bharatiya Prachar Pramukh, Sunil Ambekar, on Friday condemned the recent violence targeting minority communities, including Hindus and Buddhists.

Sunil Ambekar said that the RSS condemned the recent violence against minority communities, including Hindus and Buddhists in Bangladesh. He further stated that the violence has included targeted killings, looting, arson, and attacks on temples and religious places.

On Friday, approximately 1,000 individuals, reportedly Bangladeshi nationals, approached the India-Bangladesh border in Coochbehar District, West Bengal, seeking refuge.

The Border Security Force (BSF) quickly coordinated with the Border Guards Bangladesh (BGB) to manage the situation, ensuring that the Bangladeshi nationals were taken back without escalating tensions. (ANI)
Indian-American Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi on Thursday wrote to US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, urging him to assist the Bangladeshi government in ending the violence against Hindus in the country. Krishnamoorthi requested Blinken to engage with Muhammad Yunus, the head of Bangladesh's interim government on August 8, and bring violence to an end and perpetrators to justice. In a letter to Blinken, Krishnamoorthi said, "I am writing to you regarding the fluid situation in Bangladesh and the rise of coordinated anti-Hindu violence in the wake of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's resignation. Now that Muhammad Yunus is sworn in as Prime Minister for the interim government, it is of utmost urgency that the United States engage with his government for the purposes of both bringing the violence to an end and the perpetrators to justice." Referring to media reports of the anti-Hindu attacks in Bangladesh, Krishnamoorthi said, "Sadly this is not the first time that anti-government protests in Bangladesh have metastasized into anti-Hindu violence. The anti-Hindu riots in October 2021 left 9 people dead amidst the destruction of hundreds of homes, businesses and temples. In 2017, more than 107 Hindus were killed and 37 "disappeared" according to Bangladesh Jatiya Hindu Mohajote' The anti-Hindu riots of 2013, following the International Crimes Tribunal conviction of Jamaat-e-Islami leader Delwar Sayeedi for war crimes, were especially destructive." "Instability in this region, fueled by religious intolerance and violence, is clearly not in the interest of the United States or its allies. I urge you engage directly with Prime Minister Yunus' government and exert the influence of US to help his government end the violence and bring those responsible to justice," he added. Bangladesh is facing a fluid political situation with Sheikh Hasina, tendering her resignation from her post on August 5 in the wake of mounting protests. The protests, led majorly by students demanding an end to a quota system for government jobs, took the shape of anti-government protests. (ANI)
The two leaders also discussed the opportunities to enhance the bilateral cooperation between India and Timor Leste. President Murmu's visit is the first-ever Head of State level visit from India to the South East Asian country.

"President Droupadi Murmu held bilateral meeting with President Jose Ramos-Horta of Timor-Leste. Underlining the strong connect between the two democratic nations, both leaders discussed opportunities for enhancing the bilateral cooperation," the official account of Rashtrapati Bhavan, run by President's Secretariat wrote on X.

President Murmu had arrived in Timor Leste earlier today on the third and last leg of her three-nation visit.

In a special gesture, she was warmly received by President Jose Ramos-Horta at the airport.

Moreover, cheerful children also greeted her on the way from the airport.

President Murmu was accorded ceremonial reception and guard of honour at the Presidential Palace in Dili. The President's visit to Timor Leste comes at the invitation of the President of Timor Leste, Jose Ramos-Horta.

The two Presidents also made press statements.

Prior to Timor Leste, President Murmu visited New Zealand and Fiji. In Fiji, she was conferred with Fiji's highest civilian award, 'Companion of the Order of Fiji'. President Murmu termed it an honour that reflects the deep ties of friendship between the two nations.

President Murmu had departed from New Delhi on August 4 for a six-day visit to Fiji, New Zealand, and Timor-Leste. (ANI)
In a troubling act of repression, Pakistani forces reportedly targeted and demolished the "Symbol of Baloch Genocide" at the sit-in protest outside Balochistan University. The incident took place during the late hours of Friday night. Taking to social media platform 'X', Baloch Yakjehti Committee stated, "In a disheartening act of repression, the "Symbol of Baloch Genocide" placed at the sit-in protest in front of Balochistan University was deliberately broken by state institutions during the late hours of the night. This memorial, which honoured the thousands of Baloch lives lost to genocide and the ongoing suffering of the Baloch Nation, was destroyed in an attempt to erase the painful history it represents." https://x.com/BalochYakjehtiC/status/1822047816497160532?t=dLiRJlvc4L_RZlBqEyQjZA&s=08 BYC observed that the demolition of the symbol was not just an attack on a memorial but a direct assault on the collective memory of the Baloch Nation. The organization emphasized that, despite this cowardly effort to erase their history, they remained resolute in their quest for justice. They also noted that the Baloch Nation's resilience remained unshaken by such actions. Recently, the Baloch Yakjehti Committee reiterated to continue sit-in protests and seminars against Pakistani security forces until justice is served, release of detained activists and an end to the violence. The Baloch people are protesting against Pakistani forces due to longstanding grievances related to human rights abuses, political repression, and economic exploitation in Balochistan, a region rich in natural resources but facing severe socio-economic challenges. Recent protests and sit-ins, including those in front of Balochistan University, are part of a broader campaign to raise international awareness about their plight and to press the Pakistani government for accountability. Numerous reports have highlighted cases of extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearances, and torture by Pakistani security forces, targeting many Baloch activists and political leaders. This has generated widespread fear and resentment among the Baloch people. Politically, the Baloch have long accused the Pakistani government of stifling their political movements and excluding them from national discourse. Baloch nationalist leaders have faced arrests or exile, and their political parties often encounter restrictions. (ANI)
At least 93 people were killed in an Israeli air strike on a school and mosque in Gaza, that sheltered displaced Palestinians, CNN reported citing local officials. Gaza Civil Defence said people were performing dawn prayers at the Al-Tabi'in compound in the Al-Daraj neighborhood in the eastern part of Gaza City when it was hit overnight into Saturday. "We recovered at least 90 people who had been killed," spokesperson Mahmoud Basal told CNN, adding that "many of them are torn apart, many are still unidentified." In a confirmation to CNN, the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) said that it hit the school. They added that its air force "precisely struck Hamas terrorists operating within a Hamas command and control center embedded" in the building. The IDF, according to CNN stated that it took "numerous steps" before conducting the airstrike "to mitigate the risk of harming civilians, including the use of precise munitions, aerial surveillance, and intelligence information." Saturday's strike is the fifth on a school in Gaza by the Israeli military since last Sunday. In a statement released on August 5, the UN Human Rights Office stated that it was "horrified by the unfolding pattern" of strikes on Gazan schools and that "such attacks are escalating." According to Gaza's Ministry of Health, Israeli military activity in the region has resulted in about 40,000 Palestinian deaths and over 90,000 injuries, reported CNN. According to UN estimates, as of the beginning of July, about 2 million people--nearly the entire population--had been forced to leave the Gaza strip amid the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas. The conflict in Gaza escalated after the October 7 attack by Hamas, where about 2,500 terrorists breached the border into Israel from the Gaza Strip, leading to casualties and the seizure of hostages. Israel has characterised its Gaza offensive as targeting Hamas' infrastructure with the goal of eliminating the entire terror group while making efforts to minimize civilian casualties. (ANI)
Sharing a post on X, along with pictures, the official account of Rashtrapati Bhavan, run by President's Secretariat wrote, "President Jose Ramos-Horta of Timor-Leste conferred the Grand-Collar of the Order of Timor-Leste, the country's highest civilian award, upon President Droupadi Murmu."

"The award is in recognition of her achievements in public service and dedication to education, social welfare and empowerment of women," the post read.

https://x.com/rashtrapatibhvn/status/1822137496563601600

After receiving the award, President Murmu said that the "honour is a reflection of the ties of friendship between India and Timor-Leste."

President Murmu arrived in Timor Leste earlier today, after concluding her visits to Fiji and New Zealand.

In a special gesture, she was warmly received by President Jose Ramos-Horta at the airport.Moreover, cheerful children also greeted her on the way from the airport.

She also held a bilateral meeting with her Timor Leste counterpart today in Dili, underlining the strong connect between the two nations.

The two leaders also discussed the opportunities to enhance the bilateral cooperation between India and Timor Leste. President Murmu's visit is the first-ever Head of State level visit from India to the South East Asian country.

President Murmu, in Dili the capital city of Timor Leste, also paid floral tributes to V.V. Giri, former President of India, on his birth anniversary.

She also addressed the Indian Community Reception in Dili.

President Murmu was accorded ceremonial reception and guard of honour at the Presidential Palace in Dili. The President's visit to Timor Leste comes at the invitation of the President of Timor Leste, Jose Ramos-Horta.

The Timor Leste President, and President Murmu also made press statements.

Prior to Timor Leste, President Murmu visited New Zealand and Fiji. In Fiji, she was conferred with Fiji's highest civilian award, 'Companion of the Order of Fiji'. President Murmu termed it an honour that reflects the deep ties of friendship between the two nations.

President Murmu had departed from New Delhi on August 4 for a six-day visit to Fiji, New Zealand, and Timor-Leste. (ANI)
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met with Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu on Saturday to strengthen bilateral ties between India and the Maldives. He emphasised New Delhi's commitment to deepening India-Maldives ties for the benefit of the people in both countries and the region. https://x.com/DrSJaishankar/status/1822175035995378079?t=aMmC6z6Cn5oQBJ4y1YgNYg&s=08 "Privileged to call on President Dr Mohamed Muizzu. Conveyed greetings of PM @NarendraModi. Committed to deepen India-Maldives ties for the benefit of our people and the region," Jaishankar said in a post on X. This meeting is part of Jaishankar's three-day official visit to the Maldives, which marks the first high-level trip from India after President Muizzu assumed office last year. https://x.com/DrSJaishankar/status/1822174207565853110?t=xVlbomyOhy0o1O2X3--K9g&s=08 Following this, Jaishankar also met with Maldivian officials, including Economic Development and Trade Minister Mohamed Saeed, Finance Minister Shafeeq, and Maldives Monetary Authority Governor Ahmed Munawar. The meeting focused on enhancing economic and trade partnerships between India and the Maldives, as well as development cooperation. "A useful meeting with Economic Development and Trade Minister @em_saeed , Minister of Finance @mshafeeqmv and Ahmed Munawar, Governor of the Maldives Monetary Authority. Exchanged views on enhancing our economic and trade partnership as well as development cooperation," Jaishankar said on X. https://x.com/DrSJaishankar/status/1822150975420813483?t=eR-zvaAu6knNK8N7j1ek2w&s=08 Jaishankar, Maldivian Foreign Minister Moosa Zameer, and Climate Change, Environment and Energy Minister Thoriq Ibrahim jointly planted a carambola (star fruit) sapling in Lonuziyaaraiy Park, Male, on Saturday. The sapling represents the commitment of both nations to a sustainable future and symbolizes the enduring ties between India and the Maldives. "Pleased to jointly plant a Carambola (Star Fruit - kmrkh) sapling along with Foreign Minister @MoosaZameer and Climate Change, Environment and Energy Minister @Thoriqibrahimin Lonuziyaaraiy Park, Male today. The sapling symbolises our commitment to a sustainable future and enduring ties," said Jaishankar. During his visit he also met with Maldives Defence Minister Mohamed Ghassan Maumoon on Friday and discussed defence and security cooperation, as well as joint initiatives for maritime security. Sharing a post on X of the meeting, Jaishankar posted pictures, and wrote, "A very good meeting with Defence Minister @mgmaumoon" Jaishankar is in Maldives for an official three-day visit from August 9 to 11. He arrived in Male on Friday. The visit aims to strengthen the partnership between the two countries and explore avenues to enhance the bilateral relationship further. In response to Jaishankar's arrival, Moosa Zameer expressed pleasure and stated that he looked forward to meaningful discussions. Moosa Zameer said in a post on X, "Delighted to welcome Minister of External Affairs of India H.E. @DrSJaishankar on his official visit to the Maldives. Looking forward to having meaningful discussions to further solidify the historic ties between #Maldives and #India!" EAM Jaishankar's visit marks his first visit to the island nation after his re-appointment for the second term. His visit follows the recent visit of Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu, to India for the swearing ceremony of the new Cabinet and Council of Ministers. (ANI)
The Russian Embassy in India on Saturday denied that Russia had engaged in any "public or obscure campaigns" in "fraudulent schemes" to recruit Indian citizens for military service in the country. The Russian Embassy in Delhi in a statement said, "Since April this year, the Ministry of Defence of the Russian Federation has stopped the admission of citizens of a number of foreign countries, including India, to military service in the Russian Armed Forces." "The Embassy outlines that the Russian Government has at no point of time been engaged in any public or obscure campaigns, more so in fraudulent schemes to recruit Indian nationals for military service in Russia," the statement read. The Russian Embassy in India also condoled the deaths of Indian nationals while serving in the Russian Army in the war against Ukraine. It said, "The Embassy expresses deep condolences to the Government of India and the families of the deceased." "The agencies concerned in both countries work in close coordination for early identification and discharge of Indian nationals who voluntarily contracted for military service in Russia. All contractual obligations and due compensation payments will be fulfilled in full measure," the Russian embassy statement read. The Russian mission said it has received multiple requests from the media to comment on the issue. "The Russian Embassy in New Delhi has been in receipt of numerous requests from the media to comment on the issue on Indian citizens in service in the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation as there have been unfortunate instances of casualties among them in the course of the Special military operation in Ukraine," the Russian Embassy said. Notably, several Indians were allegedly duped into fighting in Russia's war with Ukraine on the pretext of lucrative jobs. In July, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during his meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow, took a strong stance on the issue of Indian nationals being recruited into the Russian army and the Russian government has assured an "early discharge" of these Indians from the army service. Just recently, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, responding to questions on Indian nationals in the Russian Army informed Parliament that 91 Indian nationals were recruited of whom 14 have been discharged and 69 are awaiting release. Speaking in Parliament, Jaishankar said that eight indian nationals serving in the Russian forces had unfortunately, passed away. In April, Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), had busted a major human trafficking network running across the country targeting Indian nationals on the promise of offering lucrative jobs abroad but allegedly sending them to the Russia-Ukraine war zone. The CBI stated that these traffickers have been operating as an organised network and were luring Indian nationals through social media channels like YouTube, etc., and also through their local contacts and agents for highly paid jobs in Russia. (ANI)
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar called on Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu on Saturday, reaffirming New Delhi's commitment to strengthening India-Maldives relations for the benefit of both nations and the wider region. Maldives President Muizzu thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the government of India for always supporting the island nation. He further said that the "enduring partnership" between New Delhi and Male continues to bring the two nations closer through cooperation in security, development, and cultural exchange. "It was a pleasure to meet @DrSJaishankar today and join him in the official handover of water and sewerage projects in 28 islands of the Maldives. I thank the Government of India, especially Prime Minister @narendramodi for always supporting the Maldives. Our enduring partnership continues to strengthen, bringing our nations closer through cooperation in security, development, and cultural exchange. Together, we build a brighter, more prosperous future for the region," Muizzu said in a post on X. EAM Jaishankar emphasised New Delhi's commitment to deepening India-Maldives ties for the benefit of people in both countries and the region. This meeting is part of Jaishankar's three-day official visit to the Maldives, which marks the first high-level trip from India after President Muizzu assumed office last year. "Privileged to call on President Dr Mohamed Muizzu. Conveyed greetings of PM @NarendraModi. Committed to deepen India-Maldives ties for the benefit of our people and the region," Jaishankar said in a post on X. Earlier, Jaishankar also met with Maldivian officials, including Economic Development and Trade Minister Mohamed Saeed, Finance Minister Shafeeq, and Maldives Monetary Authority Governor Ahmed Munawar. The meeting focused on enhancing economic and trade partnerships between India and the Maldives, as well as development cooperation. Jaishankar, Maldivian Foreign Minister Moosa Zameer, and Climate Change, Environment and Energy Minister Thoriq Ibrahim jointly planted a carambola (star fruit) sapling in Lonuziyaaraiy Park, Male, on Saturday. The sapling represents the commitment of both nations to a sustainable future and symbolizes the enduring ties between India and the Maldives. EAM Jaishankar's visit marks his first visit to the island nation after his re-appointment for the second term. His visit follows the recent visit of Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu, to India for the swearing ceremony of the new Cabinet and Council of Ministers. (ANI)
Amid escalating tensions in the South China Sea, the coast guards of the Philippines and Vietnamese conducted their first joint drills in firefighting, rescue, and medical response in Manila Bay, off the west coast of Luzon, the Philippines' main island, leading into the South China Sea, Voice of America reported. The exercise on Friday is the first such joint activity between the coast guards of the two countries amid ongoing territorial disputes with each other and, more significantly, with China, which claims almost the entire South China Sea as its own. The drills featured a simulated search and rescue operation and the use of water cannons to repel a mock threat. Jay L Batongbacal, a professor at the University of the Philippines College of Law, said the strengthened relations and security cooperation between Vietnam and the Philippines serve as a significant counter to Beijing's increasingly expansionist and assertive actions in the South China Sea. "Since both [countries] carry these activities out fully under international law, it should be seen as a stabilising factor and deterrent to Chinese aggression, and at the same time stand for asserting and maintaining international law," Batongbacal said. Although the Philippines and Vietnam face overlapping sovereignty disputes with China in the South China Sea, Batongbacal views this first-ever Philippines-Vietnam exercise as a key demonstration of how claimant countries should interact. "It is a demonstration of what is possible between claimants who are sincere in their declarations to cooperate and improve relations, temporarily setting aside the disputes and maintaining the status quo," Batongbacal said. "So even if they do not have active and direct cooperation, their activities contribute to maintaining the regional balance of power because of their common goals and converging interests," he added. Vietnam said in late June that it was open to discussing overlapping claims with the Philippines in the South China Sea. Since Ferdinand Marcos Jr took office in 2022, the Philippine government has adopted a more assertive stance on the South China Sea, differing from his predecessor, Rodrigo Duterte, according to VOA. This shift has heightened maritime tensions with China as Beijing has sought to assert its claims to the region. In mid-June 2024, the Philippines accused Chinese coast guards of boarding a Philippine navy vessel near Second Thomas Shoal, confiscating equipment, and causing a severe injury to a Philippine sailor. Just ahead of the joint exercise with Vietnam, the Philippines conducted multilateral maritime exercises with the US, Australia, and Canada on August 7-8. According to a joint statement, the exercises aimed at "safeguarding the right to freedom of navigation and overflight in the South China Sea." Additionally, the Philippines and Japan held their first joint exercises in the South China Sea on August 2, despite Beijing's repeated warnings to "extraterritorial states" against interfering in the region. Notably, China's Foreign Ministry has not yet commented on the Philippines-Vietnam joint drills but Beijing's spokesperson, Mao Ning repeated Beijing's claim, "It is the Philippines, not China, that is creating problems in the South China Sea." The Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) announced on August 7 that its Southern Theater Command had conducted air and sea combat patrols near Scarborough Shoal-- an area with a long-standing sovereignty dispute between China and the Philippines. Ding Duo, deputy director of the Institute of Marine Law and Policy at the China Institute of South China Sea Studies, said that Beijing is likely to respond with measured concern to the Vietnam-Philippines joint exercise despite the ongoing disputes over territorial sovereignty and maritime boundaries. "The venue for the Vietnam-Philippines joint exercise is Manila Bay, and the scale of the exercise is relatively small," Ding said. "Its defensive nature suggests that China will probably view it as a routine instance of bilateral security and military cooperation among regional nations." Ding said China aims to prevent Vietnam-Philippines cooperation from growing into a broader alliance that could challenge its interests. "I believe China may use diplomatic or party-to-party channels to address military security concerns and mitigate the risk of potential miscalculations," Ding said. Beijing has been stepping up its friendly military engagements and exercises with Hanoi, as the two sides have sought to reduce historic tensions in the South China Sea, VOA reported. China's state-run Xinhua news agency reported that on August 7, the Vietnam people's navy's guided-missile frigate 015 Tran Hung Dao arrived at Zhanjiang, a naval port in southeast Guangdong province for a visit. The PLA stated that the visit would include "ship tours, deck receptions, cultural exchanges, joint exercises, and other activities" aimed at "improving mutual understanding and trust between the Chinese and Vietnamese navies and further strengthening the friendship between the two naval forces." In June, four ships from the Chinese and Vietnamese navies held a two-day joint patrol exercise in the Gulf of Tonkin between Vietnam and China, which Chinese state media said was their 36th such drill. Meanwhile, China and the Philippines have tried to improve their relations since the June clash. Chinese and Filipino officials, in a July 2 meeting in Manila, agreed to reduce tensions and even consider cooperation between their coast guards. VOA reported, citing analysts, that this first joint exercise between Hanoi and Manila is likely to carry significance beyond its immediate scope. Nguyen Khac Giang is a visiting scholar at the Vietnam Studies Program at the ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute. "I think that is important because although this is only a search and rescue exercise and not a military drill, I think it will signal further collaboration between the two countries in the future, including military exercises and other activities in the region. So I think it's very important for both countries going forward," Nguyen told VOA. Nguyen highlighted that Vietnam and Indonesia successfully concluded negotiations on their exclusive economic zone (EEZ) in the South China Sea at the end of 2022. He suggested that if Vietnam and the Philippines can use this joint exercise to address their overlapping border issues, it could represent the potential for Association of Southeast Asian Nation (ASEAN) claimants in the South China Sea to enhance cooperation and collectively address challenges posed by China. "Because China always wants to divide and conquer, they want to negotiate with each country individually because it will give them better leverage," Nguyen said. However, Nguyen noted that if ASEAN countries like Vietnam and the Philippines can work together, it would strengthen their ability to counter Chinese influence not only in terms of military presence in the South China Sea but also on diplomatic and economic fronts, as reported by VOA. (ANI)
The EU has imposed provisional tariffs on EVs made in China, in the range of 17.4 per cent to 37.6 per cent which is on top of a 10 per cent duty already imposed on Chinese auto imports, reported NHK World.

The move came after the EU concluded that Chinese automakers received large government subsidies that unfairly undermined their European rivals.

The move further escalates global tension over protectionist policies related to EVs. The US and the EU have accused China of unfairly subsidising its EV market.

The Chinese Ministry of Commerce stated that the complaint aims to protect the development rights and interests of the electric vehicle industry and global green transformation cooperation.

China filed an appeal with the World Trade Organization Friday, saying the EU tariffs violate WTO rules and hurt the global fight against climate change, state media reported.

The EU recently announced plans to impose a 37.6 pc levy on Chinese EVs, which are flooding into the market and posing a competitive threat to European automakers.

The Ministry further commented that the EU's preliminary ruling lacks a factual and legal basis, seriously violates WTO rules, and undermines global cooperation on climate change, as per China Daily.

To safeguard the development rights and interests of the EV industry and global green transformation cooperation, China appealed to the WTO dispute settlement mechanism over the EU's provisional countervailing measures on EVs, the Ministry of Commerce said.

China has urged the EU to immediately correct its actions and collaborate to protect the stability of China-EU economic and trade cooperation as well as the electric vehicle industry and supply chains.

In early July, the European Commission imposed provisional additional tariffs on Chinese battery electric vehicle (BEV) makers of up to 37.6 per cent, citing an investigation concluding that subsidies benefit the Chinese BEV value chain, posing an economic risk to EU producers.

(ANI)
President Droupadi Murmu, during her interaction with Timor-Leste counterpart Jose Ramos-Horta, emphasised that India considers the whole world as one family and that Indians are accepted by the whole world because of their hard work and trustworthiness. She said that the Indian diaspora participates in every sector and is accepted everywhere because of their learnings from their ancestors. "We believe the whole world is a family. We believe in 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam'... The people of India are very affectionate and they gel in easily everywhere. They want to visit other places. The people of other countries also love them because they are hard-working, affectionate, humble and trustworthy... 'Hum duniya ko apnana nahi chahte, duniya hum logo ko apnati hai' (the world accepts us)." "Indian diaspora are participating in every sector, whether it is business, education or politics...They are accepted because our ancestors have taught them how to meet people, how to live, and how to speak to people...We believe that the world is a family," she added. Emphasising the importance of women's progress for the overall progress of society and the world, President Murmu highlighted women's progress today, adding how self-help groups are working to make women financially independent. "There are around 50 per cent women in the world. For the progress of the family, society nation or the world, progress of the women is necessary. Everyone's situation is indeed different. Society is modern now. There was a time when women used to stay inside their homes, but now everyone has understood and they want to move forward and take their family, society and country ahead," Murmu said. "In India, we have created self-help groups to make women financially independent... I go to many places and I see that businesspeople, politicians and officials are women. Women are considered as 'Matru Shakti' in India. They have a lot of power and we have to take that power out and show it to the world," she added. When asked about how India remains united, despite being so diverse, the President said the country believes in 'Unity in Diversity' and people respect our "strong Constitution" as well as the elected representatives. "India is a big nation where 1.4 billion people live. Their language, culture, dress, customs everything is different. But we are one because we believe in unity in diversity. This is not new, we have been living together despite different sections and religions since very old times. Our Constitution is very strong...People respect those who are elected or are given positions of MP, MLA, Governor or President...This has been our culture since the beginning and I think that is the reason that even though being different, all of us believe in unity," she further said. Earlier in the day, President Droupadi Murmu was conferred with the Grand-Collar of the Order of Timor-Leste, the country's highest civilian award, on Saturday. Sharing a post on X, along with pictures, the official account of Rashtrapati Bhavan, run by President's Secretariat wrote, "President Jose Ramos-Horta of Timor-Leste conferred the Grand-Collar of the Order of Timor-Leste, the country's highest civilian award, upon President Droupadi Murmu." "The award is in recognition of her achievements in public service and dedication to education, social welfare and the empowerment of women," the post read. After receiving the award, President Murmu said that the "honour is a reflection of the ties of friendship between India and Timor-Leste." This was the second time a country conferred her with the highest civilian honour after being conferred with 'Companion of the Order of Fiji'' by Fiji. President Murmu arrived in Timor-Leste earlier today, after concluding her visits to Fiji and New Zealand. (ANI)
The organization highlighted recent reports of media suppression and limitations on free speech affecting the ethnic Baloch community.

Various groups and organizations have been sounding alarm about increasing restrictions on free expression and the violent repression of protests in the south-western province in Pakistan.

It cited an incident from July 28, when a peaceful protest in Gwadar demanded protection of human rights and an end to abuses against the Baloch people.

PEN International observed that the response to this protest included a violent crackdown and attempts to censor media coverage. Authorities reportedly pressured local newspapers to remove reports of the demonstrations.

Anwar Sajidi, editor-in-chief of the Daily Intikhab, faced consequences for continuing to cover the protests, including the withdrawal of government advertising from his newspaper.

https://x.com/pen_int/status/1821907404461633931

PEN International further stated that media outlets were subjected to significant economic pressure to avoid reporting on Balochistan due to government manipulation of advertising revenue. This coercion created a "chilling effect," deterring critical reporting on sensitive topics.

The report further cited how on July 27, internet access in Gwadar was shut down, obstructing information flow during mass arrests of protesters.

By August 6, internet access remained restricted, worsening the information vacuum and complicating efforts to document and verify human rights abuses, according to PEN International's findings.

Balochistan has consistently encountered problems concerning free speech and media regulation. Numerous sources detail the challenges and constraints affecting media freedom and expression in the region.

According to Reporters without Borders, Pakistani authorities frequently use economic incentives, such as controlling advertising revenue, to manipulate media coverage. This practice has led to a chilling effect on critical reporting, particularly in politically sensitive areas like Balochistan.

Human Rights Watch has documented the use of internet shutdowns in Balochistan as a method to restrict information flow, especially during mass protests and government crackdowns. (ANI)
The American Institute in Taiwan (AIT) denounced China's new regulations targeting Taiwan's independence advocates as "escalatory and destabilising" and urged China to engage in constructive dialogue with Taiwan and maintain the existing status quo that has upheld regional peace for years. According to Taiwan's Central News Agency (CNA), the American Institute in Taiwan (AIT), "the de facto embassy of the United States of America, has also strongly criticised China's newly introduced regulations targeting prominent advocates of Taiwan's independence." AIT denounced these rules, asserting that they are unlikely to resolve the ongoing tensions between Taiwan and China. This response from AIT follows China's Taiwan Affairs Office (TAO) launching a new section on its website identifying individuals it deems staunch supporters of Taiwan's independence, including Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim and Defence Minister Wellington Koo. The guidelines, effective from June 21, grant China the authority to prosecute Taiwan independence advocates in absentia and impose severe penalties, including the death penalty for serious offences related to secession. Taipei has condemned Beijing's intensified pressure tactics, particularly criticising the severe punishments proposed, such as the death penalty for key separatist figures. According to Xinhua, Beijing's new directives target individuals advocating for "Taiwan independence," with the death penalty reserved for those causing significant harm to the state, and long prison terms for others involved. Taiwan rejected these Chinese regulations, asserting that Beijing lacks legal jurisdiction over Taiwan and dismissing the guidelines as non-binding on Taiwanese citizens. The Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) has described the measures as provocative and detrimental to cross-strait relations, advising Taiwanese nationals in China to exercise caution. China's increased pressure reflects its longstanding claim that Taiwan is an inseparable part of its territory, despite Taiwan's effective self-governance since 1949. The tensions have been exacerbated by Taiwan's international diplomatic efforts and Beijing's attempts to isolate Taiwan. The US has frequently expressed concerns about China's aggressive stance towards Taiwan. American officials and lawmakers have condemned China's military threats and assertive actions in the Taiwan Strait. The US supports Taiwan's democratic government and has expressed concerns about China's attempts to isolate Taiwan diplomatically. The US has also criticised China's new laws and punitive measures against Taiwan's independence advocates. Moreover, the EU has criticised China's approach towards Taiwan from a human rights and rule-of-law perspective, emphasising the need for peaceful resolution and respect for Taiwan's democratic processes. (ANI)
Residents of Pakistan-occupied Gilgit-Baltistan (PoGB) took to the streets, voicing their anger over unannounced power outages that have left them struggling over the past few weeks, sparking widespread frustration. The protesters, fed up with the government's inaction, blocked roads in parts of Gilgit City, demanding immediate and effective solutions to the persistent electricity crisis, as reported by local media outlet Markhor Times. One resident of Gilgit City expressed his anger, stating, "People are suffering in this scorching heat, and the authorities are only providing 16 to 18 megawatts of electricity. Corruption among consultants, institutions, politicians, and engineers has led to this inadequate supply. Our consumption is rising, but the input is decreasing," He further criticised the government for failing to address the worsening situation and called for urgent accountability measures. "The government should summon the Chief Engineer and Secretary of the relevant institutions and ask them how much grant they need. If they say 10 or 15 crores, then they should be asked how much electricity they can provide with that grant. We also urge the government to install turbines in our rivers, which could generate the needed electricity. In Kashmir, every neighbourhood has its own turbine," he added. Another resident highlighted the impact of the erratic power supply on daily life, especially over the past 10-15 days. "We understand that there's a power shortfall in Gilgit-Baltistan, but when the government provides a schedule, people plan their day accordingly. The inconsistent supply disrupts our routines and makes it difficult to cope." The protest is the latest in a series of demonstrations in recent months, as residents continue to suffer from chronic energy shortages. Despite repeated appeals and protests, the local administration has taken no significant steps to resolve the issue, leaving the population in a state of frustration and despair. This ongoing crisis raises serious concerns about the government's commitment to ensuring the well-being of its remote populations, highlighting the urgent need for sustainable solutions to Gilgit-Baltistan's energy problems. (ANI)
The United Arab Emirates has been steadfast in its humanitarian assistance to Gaza, which is facing the wrath of attack amid the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas, a release by UAE's Strategic Communication Department stated. So far, the UAE has sent 40,000 tonnes of urgent supplies via eight aid ships, 1,271 trucks, and 414 flights, including 104 airdrops. 2,176 tonnes of food supplies have been delivered in cooperation with United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and international partners. Additionally, 300 tonnes of food relief have also been distributed in northern Gaza through a Maritime Corridor initiative The UAE has also established 6 desalination plants, pumping 1.2 million gallons daily, benefiting over 6,00,000 people in the Strip. On July 28, the fourth aid ship to depart from the UAE arrived in Al-Arish port, carrying 5,340 tonnes of humanitarian supplies, the largest shipment since the launch of the UAE relief operations, as part of the country's commitment to secure the urgent needs of Palestinians in Gaza, the release stated. The Gulf nation has sent 5 automatic bakeries, serving 72,000 people daily and has extended support for 8 existing bakeries, meeting the needs of 17,140 people daily. The UAE has established two hospitals: a 200-bed field hospital and a 100-bed floating hospital. 794 patients and 850 family members have been evacuated to UAE hospitals for treatment It has also implemented a Comprehensive National System (R100) to facilitate treatment for 1,000 cancer patients and 1,000 sick children UAE has sent five automatic bakeries to meet the daily needs of over 72,000 people. It is also providing flour to 8 existing bakeries in Gaza, to meet the daily needs of 17,140 people. The Comprehensive National System for Emergency, Crisis and Disaster Management (R100) has been implemented, and enhanced by the latest technology, including AI and the processing of big data. This system is part of humanitarian initiatives such as 'Gallant Knight 3'. This aims to provide medical treatment for 1,000 Palestinian cancer patients and 1,000 sick Palestinian children from the Gaza Strip. According to the release, so far, UAE has allocated USD 20 million to UNRWA, USD 15 million to the Amalthea Fund for the Maritime Corridor initiative, donated USD 10 million to support the health sector through the World Health Organisation (WHO), and provided USD 11.7 million for food relief through the World Food Programme (WFP). Additionally, UAE through the campaign 'Tarahum for Gaza', collected over 71,000 relief packages, and through the 'Birds of Goodness' campaign, completed 104 airdrops, delivering 3,450 tonnes of aid to Gaza. It also introduced Starlink satellite broadband for urgent medical consultations. It also announced an urgent initiative to evacuate 85 sick and severely injured Palestinians, including cancer patients in need of extensive treatment, accompanied by 63 family members, to Abu Dhabi from Ramon airport in Israel. Notably, in December 2023, the UN Security Council adopted Resolution 2720, penned by the UAE, which demands substantive, concrete steps to increase the flow of life-saving humanitarian aid to Palestinians in the Gaza Strip while protecting UN and humanitarian staff on the ground. The adopted resolution includes a request for the UN Secretary-General to appoint a Senior Humanitarian and Reconstruction Coordinator. "The UAE remains committed to supporting the people of Gaza and calls for increased international efforts to address the humanitarian crisis," the release added. The Hamas launched a massive terror attack on Israel on October 7, killing over 1200 people and injuring thousands more. Over 250 people, including foreign nationals, were also held captive, out of which over 100 are still in captivity. Israel launched a strong counter-offensive, aiming to "completely eliminate" Hamas. However, the military operation has resulted in the deaths of over 40,000 Palestinians, which has led to an outcry by many countries and rights groups. (ANI)
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Omar Ayub has asked Pakistan's institutions to "stay within their limits", asserting that they are accountable to the state, The News International reported. "Politicians are also bound to do their politics within the constitutional parameters," Ayub said to the media in Lahore on Saturday. Ayub's comments come at a time when the Imran Khan-founded party has been facing challenges since May 9, 2023, the day former premier Imran Khan got arrested, when mobs attacked state installations, including the Corps Commander House in Lahore, as reported by The News International. Khan, who has been behind bars for more than a year, had recently said that he was open to talks but only within the "ambit provisioned by the Constitution" and also promised to apologise if PTI workers were found responsible for the May 9 riots. "Am I insane to ask our people to attack the army," said Khan, adding that the PTI workers were not involved in the May 9 riots and they were wrongfully declared "terrorists" for staging peaceful protests. Further, Ayub added that the PTI founder would move to court seeking CCTV footage of the May 9 riots. The top leader of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party has categorically denied that any deal has been made with any party or institution. He further stated that PTI founder Imran Khan has accused the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) of attempting to create divisions between the nation and the army, The News International reported. Meanwhile, speaking to reporters at Lahore's Kot Lakhpat jail, senior PTI leader Shah Mahmood Qureshi expressed concerns over the sudden surge in cases registered against him. PTI leader Shah Mahmood Qureshi said that he had been in politics for 40 years and no case had been lodged against him for 39 years -- pointing towards the plethora of cases registered following May 9. "Dozens of cases were lodged against me in a year. Now, whether anyone likes it or not, the PTI founder is a reality. There's not going to be stability if they do not accept this reality," Qureshi added. Calling for cooling the political heat, the former foreign minister said that the nation's leaders should stop calling their rivals "traitors". For 75 years, he said, "we've been distributing traitor certificates." (ANI)
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During the press conference, CTD - DSP Syed Asghar Shah disclosed that the operation, carried out on Larkana's Naudero Road, resulted in the arrest of two wanted terrorists, Jameel Ahmed Sheikh and Salahuddin Jatoi, resident of Baqrani.

The arrested terrorists had received specialised training in Afghanistan for making and operating explosives. He also disclosed that the duo was involved in a cracker attack at the ASP office in Larkana on May 29, according to DSP Syed Asghar Shah, as per ARY News.

The terrorists were allegedly planning to execute multiple bomb blasts in Larkana on August 14 and were conducting surveillance on several important personalities.

Law enforcement recovered half a kilo of explosives, detonators, hand grenades, and other explosion-related items from their possession.

Both terrorists were already wanted in connection with various terrorist activities, and a case has been registered against them under the Anti-Terrorism and Explosive Act.

Earlier in the day, a blast rocked Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's Hangu city, in which two people were critically injured.

The blast took place on the Main GT Road in front of the Vocational College in Hangu.

According to District Police Officer (DPO) Muhammad Khalid, both injured people were immediately rushed to a nearby hospital for treatment, where their condition remains critical.

The authorities are investigating the cause of the blast and have intensified security measures in the area.

Street crimes, blasts, and robberies have become the new normal in Pakistan as the law and order situation in the country continues to deteriorate. (ANI)
Cairo [Egypt], August 10 (ANI/WAM): Ahmed Aboul Gheit, Secretary General of the Arab League, strongly condemned the massacre committed by Israeli occupation forces at dawn today at the Al-Tabin school in the Al-Daraj neighbourhood of Gaza City. The school, which housed displaced people, was attacked, resulting in the death of over 100 Palestinians and injuries to hundreds more. In a statement today, Aboul Gheit described the massacre as "a cowardly act that stains the reputation of the Israeli occupation army." He emphasised that killing displaced civilians during dawn prayers is a crime that surpasses even the usual brutality of the Israeli army, showcasing a profound lack of conscience. He further condemned the ongoing genocidal war against Palestinians. Aboul Gheit warned that the continuation of this war of extermination against Palestinians in Gaza essentially grants Israel a license to kill with impunity. He called on the international community to apply real pressure on Israel to engage in serious negotiations, mediated for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, in exchange for a prisoner swap deal. (ANI/WAM)
Raising concerns about the violence against minorities in Bangladesh, particularly Hindus, Michael Kugelman, Director of the South Asia Institute at The Wilson Center, said that it would be very difficult for the country to make "meaningful progress" until the attacks stop and the law and order situation is addressed. He also refuted allegations of foreign interference behind the mass uprising that led to Sheikh Hasina's ouster, stating he had not seen any "plausible evidence" to support these claims. In an interview with ANI, Kugelman said, "A few stories are playing out in Bangladesh that deserve more scrutiny, investigation...the issue of attacks and threats on minorities, particularly the minority Hindu communities. We know the documented cases of members of the Hindu society being attacked...On Friday there was a large protest in Dhaka in which people were calling for more protection of the Hindu community." The US-based foreign policy expert also highlighted the issue of misinformation regarding the situation in Bangladesh, emphasizing that media outlets should address this aspect. "But there has been a lot of misinformation as well. Many of these reports are actually not true. The problem with misinformation is it can distract from the fact that bad things are happening...so I really hope that the Bangladesh media and other foreign media on the ground will continue to look into this," Kugelman added. "I underscore something that I said earlier, I think it would be very difficult for Bangladesh to make meaningful progress and peaceful political transition, so long as attacks on the law and order situation, which includes attacks, threats on religious minorities, particularly Hindus, are not addressed," he said. Kugelman dismissed allegations from Sheikh Hasina's son, Sajeeb Wazed Joy, who claimed foreign interference behind the protests, saying that the unrest was driven by "internal factors." He noted that the Hasina government's harsh crackdown on protesters escalated the movement. "My view has been very simple. I see this as a crisis that was driven by purely internal factors, by students who were unhappy about a particular issue, job quotas that they didn't like and they were worried about the government. Sheikh Hasina's government cracked down very hard on the students and that then turned the movement into something much bigger. And this was simply driven by internal factors," Kugelman said. "Now, you know, when there is a conspiracy theory that is rooted in issues of foreign influence, one cannot disprove such type of allegation. Also, at the same time, one cannot conclusively prove it. I think the onus, is the responsibility to provide a plausible explanation for how it can be true. I am yet to hear that from Sheikh Hasina's son, from anyone," he added. He said that the political instability in Bangladesh is a "troubling situation," adding that it is going to be a very difficult task to bring into effect a "peaceful political transition." Kugelman noted, "Well, it certainly is a very troubling situation. Whenever I'm asked what I think the top priority of the interim government should be, I say and continue to believe that it's restoring law and order. It's clear that there's significant amounts of instability right now, and I think it's still unclear what the scale of that violence is. But I think that it's going to be very difficult to make meaningful efforts to affect a peaceful political transition until the violence and the unrest subsides. And I think that there needs to be a lot more work, a lot more investigation as to exactly what is going on, particularly in terms of the scale, but I and so many others are of course very concerned about this current level of violence and unrest." "With the police not having a major presence on the ground and with the army seemingly reluctant to play that role of trying to impose law and order, there's a vacuum, there's a security vacuum that I think that violent actors will and have taken advantage of, and this is certainly very concerning," he added. Bangladesh is experiencing a fluid political situation, with Sheikh Hasina resigning from the post of Prime Minister on August 5 amid mounting protests. The protests, led mainly by students demanding an end to a quota system for government jobs, evolved into anti-government demonstrations. Indian-American Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi wrote to US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Thursday, urging him to assist the Bangladeshi government in ending the violence against Hindus. Krishnamoorthi requested Blinken to engage with Muhammad Yunus, the head of Bangladesh's interim government on August 8, and bring violence to an end and perpetrators to justice. In a letter to Blinken, Krishnamoorthi said, "I am writing to you regarding the fluid situation in Bangladesh and the rise of coordinated anti-Hindu violence in the wake of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's resignation. Now that Muhammad Yunus is sworn in as Prime Minister for the interim government, it is of utmost urgency that the United States engage with his government for the purposes of both bringing the violence to an end and the perpetrators to justice." Muhammad Yunus was sworn in as the head of Bangladesh's interim government on August 8, three days after Sheikh Hasina resigned and left the country amid widespread unrest. Seventeen members of Bangladesh's interim government took their oaths at a ceremony in Dhaka on Thursday. Nobel laureate economist Muhammad Yunus, 84, was sworn in as the country's chief advisor, equivalent to a Prime Minister, by President Mohammed Shahabuddin. (ANI)
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Saturday handed over a major water and sanitation project worth USD 110 million to the Maldives, funded by India. The project spans 28 islands. Jaishankar, who is in Male on a three-day official visit from August 9-11, virtually inaugurated the projects during the event. While addressing the virtual inauguration, Jaishankar stated that the development partnership between India and the Maldives is focused on meeting the needs and priorities of the Maldivian people and government. "Our development partnership is driven by the needs and priorities of the people and the Government of Maldives and is a judicious mix of grants, loans, budgetary support, capacity building and training assistance. We are now entering a phase where many of these projects are getting realized on the ground, delivering tangible benefits to the common people," said Jaishankar. Further, Jaishankar highlighted the challenges posed by climate change, particularly for small island developing states like the Maldives adding emphasized the importance of addressing freshwater resource availability and access. He also noted that this initiative aligns with India's own programs, "Har Ghar Jal" (Water to Every Home) and "Swachha Bharat" (Clean India). "In our efforts to expand the scope and benefits of development cooperation, we are mindful of the challenges posed by climate change, especially, for small island developing states such as the Maldives, which are even more vulnerable to the vagaries of rising sea levels. One of the immediate concerns is the availability and access of freshwater resources," said Jaishankar. "It has been our objective to provide ecologically sustainable low-cost solutions to our development partners so that they are not only able to access potable water but also have the capability to treat sewage, thereby, protecting the delicate ecology of these islands and atolls. This finds resonance in our own initiatives in India of 'Har Ghar Jal' and 'Swachha Bharat' i.e 'Water to Every Home' and 'Clean India," he added. This project has brought safe drinking water to so many islands, to 32 islands and introduced a sewerage system in 17 islands. "I am happy to note that this has directly impacted the lives of 28,000 Maldivians I believe. Under this project, the latest technologies have been used to provide clean drinking water and safe sewerage disposal. In addition, the buildings are also equipped with solar energy providing support to the island grids. With a total funding of USD 110 million, this is the largest climate adaptation implemented in Maldives with international collaboration," the EAM said. He also expressed optimism that this project will improve the lives of women on the islands, who are primarily responsible for fetching clean water. "It is also significant to note that the completion of this project has supplemented the Government of Maldive's endeavours in reaching its Sustainable Development Goals by establishing climate-resilient and cost-effective water and sewerage systems. I am sure that this will go a long way in improving the lives of the women on these islands who bear the primary burden of fetching clean water," Jaishankar said. "India-Maldives development cooperation embodies the motto of our partnership - 'Imagined by Maldives, Delivered by India'. It will be our endeavour to harness this defining feature of our relationship and scale greater heights. And I hope President with your guidance and encouragement, our joint efforts, our joint activities and our shared vision will form an important milestone in the journey of our two nations together," he added. Earlier in the day, Jaishankar called on Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu on Saturday, reaffirming New Delhi's commitment to strengthening India-Maldives relations for the benefit of both nations and the wider region. Maldives President Muizzu thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the government of India for always supporting the island nation. He further said that the "enduring partnership" between New Delhi and Male continues to bring the two nations closer through cooperation in security, development, and cultural exchange. EAM Jaishankar's visit marks his first visit to the island nation after his re-appointment for the second term. His visit follows the recent visit of Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu, to India for the swearing ceremony of the new Cabinet and Council of Ministers. (ANI)
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and NewSpace India Limited (NSIL) signed an MoU on Saturday for grant assistance for the launch of the Munal satellite, a statement from the Ministry of External Affairs said. Randhir Jaiswal, the spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs said that the satellite was developed in Nepal, under the aegis of Nepal Academy of Science and Technology (NAST) and it will be launched on NSIL's Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle on a gratis basis. In a post on X, Jaiswal said, "An important milestone in India-Nepal Space cooperation. Today, @MEAIndia and @NSIL_India signed an MoU for grant assistance for the launch of the Munal satellite. The satellite developed in Nepal, under the aegis of Nepal Academy of Science and Technology (NAST), will be launched on NSIL's Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle on a gratis basis." https://x.com/MEAIndia/status/1822229211546784062 Charge D' Affaires, Embassy of Nepal, Surendra Thapa, who was among the attendees of the event, praised the India- Nepal ties. "Thanks to the MEA for inviting me to this event and witnessing this historic event. India and Nepal have engaged in every field. Now this engagement has gone to outer space. We used to say that Nepal-India relations are as high as the Himalayas and as deep as the India Ocean. Now we can say that it is as high as our Munal Satellite," he said. Launch Service Agreement for the launch of Munal Satellite between NSIL and NAST was signed on January 4 in Nepal when External Affairs Minister, S Jaishankar visited Nepal to co-chair the 7th JCM meeting, the statement said. Munal Satellite is an indigenous satellite developed in Nepal, under the aegis of NAST. APN, a Nepali space startup, has assisted Nepali students in the design and fabrication of this satellite. The satellite aims to build a vegetation density database of the Earth's surface. This satellite is expected to be launched soon on NSIL's Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle, the statement said. (ANI)
President Droupadi Murmu announced during her address in Timor-Leste on Saturday that India will soon open an embassy in the country as part of the growing India-Timor-Leste friendship. President Murmu arrived in Timor Leste on Saturday, after concluding her visits to Fiji and New Zealand, in the third leg of her three-nation tour. President Murmu said that this new embassy will facilitate consular services for Indians living in Timor-Leste and enhance communication between the two governments. "As a part of our friendship, we will soon open an embassy in Timor-Leste. This will help in streamlining of consular and other services for Indians living in the country. This will also help in improving communication between the governments of both countries," Murmu said while speaking at a State Banquet hosted by President Jose Ramos-Horta of Timor-Leste at Palacio Nobre De Lohane. President emphasised upon enhancing India and Timor-Leste ties, and giving the 'Delhi - Dili' connection a boost. She added that India remains committed to partnering with Timor-Leste in its journey towards progress and development. https://x.com/rashtrapatibhvn/status/1822264200799940954 "India and Timor-Leste's friendship is based on the same views on pluralism and sovereignty. Timor-Leste achieved independence recently. It is demographically young. The challenges faced by this nation are similar to India's," she said. She added that Timor-Leste is one of the most vibrant democracies of India. "Today, Timor-Leste is carving out its own destiny. It is considered one of the most vibrant democracies of Southeast Asia, and this is a testimony to the courage, resilience and bravery of the Timorese people who have achieved this," Murmu said. She highlighted that India was one of the first countries to recognize Timor-Leste's independence in 2002 and establish political ties with the young nation. "India was one of the earliest countries to recognize Timor Leste as an independent country in 2002, and in these 22 years, Timor-Leste has stood out as a shining beacon of democracy and pluralism. Sisters and brothers, India was among the first to establish political ties with Timor-Leste," she said. Murmu expressed gratitude to Timor-Leste President Jose Ramos-Horta for conferring the Grand Collar of the Order of Timor-Leste, the country's highest civilian award. "I am grateful to Timor-Leste President Jose Ramos-Horta for his candid talks with me. His dedication shows how close he holds India to his heart, and this love for India is of utmost importance to us. His act of conferring the Grand-Collar of the Order of Timor-Leste, the country's highest civilian award on Saturday shows his feelings of friendship towards the nation," Murmu said. She reiterated India's intention to advance this partnership and expressed a desire to continue building strong relationships with Timor-Leste's government and people. (ANI)
Here are some of The Providence Journal's most-read stories for the week of Aug. 4, supported by your subscriptions.

Here are the week's top reads on providencejournal.com:

Gov. Dan McKee tells the media about his plan to include a ban on "assault weapons" in next year's state budget.

Just endorsing a ban on military-style rifles hasn't been enough to make one a reality, so Gov. Dan McKee on Tuesday said he plans to propose such a ban in his state budget for next year.

Speaking to reporters about Democratic vice presidential nominee and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz after a State House news conference, McKee said he wants to show that an "assault weapon" ban is a priority and raise the level of attention it gets from lawmakers.

"We're all in on the ... gun issues to make sure that I'm putting it in front of the General Assembly next year, that I get an assault weapon ban. I'm going to roll it right into my budget next year," McKee said

Politics: McKee says he will include an 'assault weapon' ban in next year's budget

State Sen. Gordon Rogers, who is also the director of public works in Foster, speaks to a crowd at the State House during an October 2021 protest against COVID-19 vaccine mandates.

FOSTER  Four employees have filed suit against the Town of Foster, claiming that Department of Public Works Director Gordon E. Rogers has been verbally abusive and that the Town Council has done nothing to address his alleged bullying of them at Town Hall.

Rogers is also a Republican state senator representing Foster, Coventry, Scituate and West Greenwich. First elected in 2018, he is the Senate minority whip.

The lawsuit, filed Monday in Superior Court, paints the picture of a hostile work environment where employees were targeted and/or harassed by Rogers. It also says the employees complained to Human Resources and Town Council members, but that nothing was done.

In an interview with The Hummel Report, Rogers denied the allegations in the lawsuit, calling them "hogwash" and "politics at its highest level," orchestrated by a faction of people in town trying to have him removed as DPW director.

Courts: Lawsuit accuses Foster DPW director, state senator, of abusive, bullying behavior

Sister Ann McKenna shows a note and photo sent to her by Simone Biles' mother, Nellie Cayetano Biles, whom Sister Ann taught in seventh and eighth grade at a public school in Belize in the late 1960s.

In the late 1960s, Sister Ann McKenna taught school in Belize. For two of those years, one of her students was Nellie Cayetano, who years later would become the mother of gymnast Simone Biles, one of the greatest Olympians of all time.

Journal columnist Mark Patinkin talks with Sister Ann, now retired and living in Warwick, about her memories of young Nellie, who grew up in poverty. She speaks to how Nellie's faith and grit amid her own early challenges likely helped her raise Simone, whose early childhood was spent in foster care.

What happened when Sister Ann reached out to Nellie a year ago to congratulate her on her daughter's success? Read the column to get the full story.

Mark Patinkin: Watching from RI, a retired nun recalls the small part she played in Simone Biles' life

Mariah Kennedy-Cuomo had to climb a ladder to cut her wedding cake when she married Tellef Lundevall on July 20 in Hyannisport.

In the town of Rehoboth, Massachusetts, chef Mark Soliday of Confectionery Designs is making wedding cakes that are gracing the pages of national magazines.

When Mariah Kennedy-Cuomo married Tellef Lundevall on July 20 in Hyannisport, their dramatic eight-layer wedding cake was inspired by one served at Eunice Kennedy's wedding to Sargent Shriver back in 1953. Mariah's cake was made by Confectionery Designs, said the spread in People.

Olivia Culpo married Christian McCaffrey in Watch Hill in June, and there's the photo in Vogue of their six-tier wedding cake with alternating tiers of vanilla sponge and red velvet cake made by Confectionery Designs.

Non-disclosure agreements prevent Soliday from discussing those cakes, but this 38-year veteran baker can dish about wedding cakes all day long in the most entertaining of ways. Food editor Gail Ciampa has the delicious details.

Food: Meet the baker behind Olivia Culpo and Mariah Kennedy-Cuomo wedding cakes

The iconic sign of the Wein-O-Rama. The diner has closed as the owners have retired.

Cranston is losing two of its food institutions.

Wein-O-Rama has closed its doors at 1009 Oaklawn Ave. The diner had a 62-year run, opening in 1962.

Solitro's Bakery has announced Aug. 18 is its last day as the family sells the building at 1594 Cranston St. The bakery opened in the 1950s in Knightsville.

Journal food editor Gail Ciampa talks with the owners about why they decided to retire, and whether the bakery might have a second act.

Food and dining: Two longtime Cranston food institutions are closing. What's behind the decisions

To read the full stories, go to providencejournal.com. Find out how to subscribe here.

This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: RI 'assault weapon' ban; Foster DPW lawsuit; Culpo cake: Top stories
The remnants of Tropical Depression Debby could bring flooding and power outages to parts of Vermont this afternoon and evening, forecasters say.

Debby continues to move through the region, bringing rainfall to parts of Vermont overnight. Rainy conditions are expected to continue Friday, with several inches of rainfall possible.

The storm, which has killed at least seven people since making landfall in Florida Monday, weakened to a post-tropical cyclone Friday as it made its way through the Northeast.

How much rain fell in Vermont?

Despite concerns about more mass flooding, Vermont accumulated significantly less rain than during the July 10-11 storms.

Most cities and towns throughout the Green Mountain State received less than 2 inches of rainfall on Friday, with few accumulating above 1.5 inches, according to a seven-day report from the National Weather Service in South Burlington.

Read the complete story here:

Debby leaves thousands without power in Vermont

Green Mountain Power reported that Tropical Storm Debby left nearly 46,000 customers without power Friday into Saturday. As of Saturday morning, Vermont's largest utility said they had restored power to 36,000 customers, while 9,900 remained in the dark.

"go. There is widespread damage statewide, with the most severe damage in the Champlain Valley along the western slopes of the Green Mountains, with massive trees torn down from where the winds hit the hardest," GMP wrote in a news release.

"Forecasters predicted wind gusts up to 50 MPH, and the actual winds were measured at over 60 MPH in several locations."

Wind advisory in effect for western Vermont counties

A wind advisory remains in effect until 2 a.m. Saturday for several counties including Chittdenden, Grand Isle, Franklin and Addison.

The advisory warns of south winds of 20 to 30 mph with possible gusts of up to 50 mph. The strongest winds are expected between 5 p.m. and 9 p.m. Friday.

"Gusty winds will blow around unsecured objects," according to the National Weather Service Burlington. "Due to saturated soils trees could be more susceptible to be blown down and may result in isolated to scattered power outages."

Tornado Watch issued for parts of Vermont

A tornado watch has been issued for parts of Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania and Vermont until 10 PM EDT pic.twitter.com/PFLF85YoLj  NWS Burlington (@NWSBurlington) August 9, 2024

A tornado watch is in effect for Addison, Bennington, Rutland, Windham and Windsor Vermont through 10 p.m. tonight Aug. 9.

A tornado watch is issued when conditions are favorable for tornado development.

Flood warning expanded in Vermont

[Aug 9 1215 PM] Flood Warning for Chittenden VT, Clinton NY, Franklin VT, Grand Isle VT through 315 PM. pic.twitter.com/byD9NHbU19  NWS Burlington (@NWSBurlington) August 9, 2024

The National Weather Service has issued a flood warning for Chittenden VT, Clinton NY, Franklin VT, Grand Isle VT through 3:15 p.m. today.

Flood warning issued by NWS for parts of Vermont

[8/9 1040 AM] Flood Warning is in effect for Essex [NY] and Addison, Chittenden [VT] till Aug 9, 1:30 PM EDT #NYwx #VTwx pic.twitter.com/TfhSpyWMGq  NWS Burlington (@NWSBurlington) August 9, 2024

The National Weather Service issued a flood warning for Essex, New York and Addison, Chittenden Vermont till Aug. 9, 1:30 p.m. Flood warnings are issued when flooding is imminent or occurring.

How much rain will Vermont get?

The National Weather Service's rainfall forecast for Debby on Aug. 9

The National Hurricane Center is forecasting 1 to 3 inches of rain in Vermont.

"The heavy round of rain that's kind of mostly associated with the center of Debby is going to come through late this afternoon into this evening," said Eric Myskowski, a forecaster with NWS Burlington.

The National Weather Service Burlington is predicting that just over 2 inches of rain will fall in Burlington.

In Burlington, the forecast calls for 2.34 inches of rain.

Tropical Storm Debby tracker

This forecast track shows the most likely path of the center of the storm. It does not illustrate the full width of the storm or its impacts, and the center of the storm is likely to travel outside the cone up to 33% of the time.

Tropical Storm Debby spaghetti models

Illustrations include an array of forecast tools and models, and not all are created equal. The hurricane center uses only the top four or five highest-performing models to help make its forecasts.

How long does hurricane season last?

Hurricane season runs from June 1 to Nov. 30 in New England.

This article originally appeared on Burlington Free Press: Debby Live Coverage Vermont: Flood warnings, tornado watch issued
Delaware tornado delivered peak wind at 95 mph, damage in its 1-mile path. How big was it?

It touched down just after 7 p.m. The whole of New Castle County, and Delaware, already braced for continued remnants of then-Tropical Storm Debby barreling up the East Coast on Thursday.

The EF1 tornado knotted into shape over Marshallton, atwist with peak winds estimated at 95 mph, according to the preliminary report released Saturday morning by the National Weather Service. After initially hitting just south of Acme, the cyclone dragged a path of damage northward for another 1.13 miles  breaking windows, downing fences and dropping trees in its wake.

The wind funnel reached a max width of about 150 yards on its trek, according to the weather service. No injuries were reported, and preliminary reports aided by spotters noted debris "lofted into the air." Damage to buildings and homes was reported.

An EF1 tornado, with estimated peak winds of 95 mph, touched down Thursday, Aug. 8, 2024, at 7:11 p.m. in Mashallton. The tornado traveled north for 1.13 miles in two minutes. Its maximum width was 150 yards.

Its ultimate EF1 rating corresponds to "moderate" impact, per forecasters, whereas a maximum EF5 would have meant "incredible" damage for communities, or winds over 260 mph.

Thursday's tornado was the first to touch down on state soil this year.

But Delaware has been no stranger to such whirlwinds. Most have been rated EF0 or EF1.

Hear from residents: They were in cars, homes and Acme. Residents describe Thursday tornado in Delaware

21-mile path? Looking back at tornadoes in Delaware

The First State has faced about 78 tornadoes since 1950, according to a Delaware Online/The News Journal database aggregating reporting data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

Just two of those twisters have led to direct fatalities, per the database. A 78-year-old man was killed last year in his Greenwood home in Sussex County, and two people were killed near Hartly in Kent County in 1983. Property damage totals nearly $13.4 million across the state as of April. That figure does not include damages incurred in the past five years.

The year 2020 stands out with six tornadoes, tied with 1992 for the most in one year. All those formations came in the same four-day span that August.

That was when Tropical Storm Isaias brought high winds, heavy rain, several tornadoes and coastal flooding to the entire Mid-Atlantic  becoming the most impactful tropical cyclone to hit the region since Sandy in 2012, per the database.

One EF2 tornado alone, delivering "significant" damage, posted a path nearly 21 miles in length. It reached 500 feet at its max width, with peak winds at 115 mph.

That cyclone tore through New Castle County after 8 a.m., continuing nearly parallel to Routes 1 and 13 on the east sides of Townsend and Middletown. Trees were snapped. Roofs were damaged. Several garage doors were blown out; another garage was destroyed on Blackbird Landing Road. Homes in Middletown sustained damage, with ripped-out walls or tree impact.

A history of twisters: Tornadoes in Delaware since 1950

A stronger tornado came just last year.

It touched down in the evening near Bridgeville, on April 1, 2023, before killing the 78-year-old Greenwood man. The twister delivered severe damage on its 14-mile path, barreling with peak winds clocked at 98-mph wind gusts about 10 feet off the ground. Utility poles were snapped, siding and roofs ripped away, parked semi-trailers blown over a driveway, among much more damage reported in Sussex County.

This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: What was rating of New Castle County tornado in Debby remnants?
Kristin Harrison, 38 of Killeen pleaded guilty Wednesday in U.S. District Court in San Antonio for her role in an alleged scheme to defraud a Small Business Administration program. Shown is the federal courthouse in San Antonio. Jessica Phelps, Staff photographer / Jessica Phelps

About 10 months after seven people were indicted by a San Antonio federal grand jury for their roles in an alleged scheme to defraud a Small Business Administration program, one of them has pleaded guilty.

Kristin Harrison, 38, of Killeen on Wednesday pleaded guilty to conspiracy to defraud the United States and faces up to five years in federal prison and a fine of up to $250,000 when she is sentenced Nov. 7. She also could serve up to three years of supervised release.

Harrison also had been charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud  which carries a penalty of up to 20 years in prison  but prosecutors will move to dismiss that charge as part of her plea agreement. And she will not have to pay any restitution, even though the indictment alleges that she she received about $142,256 from the fraudulent activity.

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Harrison has been free on a $30,000 unsecured bond.

The grand jury indicted all seven defendants on identical charges in September for their involvement in the alleged scheme that took place from 2017 until March 2023.

The other defendants are Harrisons brother and San Antonio businessman Aaron Sams; his wife Beverly Smith; San Antonio residents Jesus Rodriguez, Uchennaya Ogba and Barbara Sanders; and Jonathan Adams of Lawrenceville, Ga. They have each pleaded not guilty.

Altogether, Harrison and other defendants allegedly pocketed more than $2.5 million.

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Court records show the six have until Sept. 12 to enter a plea. Otherwise, they are scheduled to go to trial Sept. 23 in U.S. District Judge Orlando Garcias courtroom. Plea deadlines and trial dates often get reset, however.

The plea agreement doesnt specify whether Harrison will testify against her co-defendants if any go to trial.

The alleged scheme involved the SBAs HUBZone program, which is intended to support small business growth in historically underutilized business zones by awarding them federal contracts. To qualify for the program, a business must maintain its principal office in a HUBZone and have at least 35% of its employees living there.

Sams marketed his company  Sams Contracting Consulting and Training LLC  as a government contracting company that could assist businesses in meeting the requirement that 35% of their employees live in a HUBZone so they could seek government contracts, the indictment said.

Sams and Rodriguez identified a group of friends and family members  including Harrison  who would serve as fake employees, the indictment alleged. Their co-defendants are alleged to have known that Sams would send their information to companies to be placed on a particular companys payroll, the document added.

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The defendants allegedly paid a kickback to Sams and/or Rodriguez of about 20% of each payroll deposit that they received, it added.

According to Harrisons plea agreement, the defendants who were added to a company payroll had little to no contact with the company and performed no actual work for any company.

The agreement said that around spring 2022, Sams learned that the SBA was investigating him and his alleged scheme after it sent letters to various HUBZone companies asking them to provide information about him and the employees provided by his companies.

Sams, Harrison and others then performed obstructive acts in order to try to hide and continue the scheme, the plea agreement said.

The FBI intercepted cellphone communications between Sams and Harrison. When she said an SBA agent was being real aggressive by calling her twice a day, she and her brother discussed what she should say to the agency official, the agreement said.

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Sams tells Harrison not to be the weak link,  the document said. Harrison and other defendants provided the SBA false information as they had been instructed to do by Sams, it added.
After what government officials have described as "an early and violent start" to the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has revised its forecast, calling for an "extremely active" remainder, which will continue for several more months

The updated seasonal outlook now calls for 17 to 24 named storms to form, of which eight to 13 will spin up into hurricanes, according to USA TODAY. An average year sees 14 named storms, of which seven are hurricanes.

NOAA updated its 2024 Atlantic hurricane season forecast on Aug. 8, 2024.

The new forecast comes after two deadly storms made landfall on coastal states this year, including the deadly Hurricane Beryl and Hurricane Debby, which made landfall in Florida earlier this week and continues to pass over the East Coast.

Overall, NOAA predicts a 90% chance of an above-average hurricane season, one of the highest probabilities ever issued by the agency, lead seasonal hurricane forecaster Matthew Rosencrans told USA TODAY. He noted there's only a 10% chance of a near-normal season and a negligible chance of a below-normal season.

If these predictions hold, 2024 would mark a record ninth consecutive year of above-normal activity.

Weather alerts via text: Sign-up to get updates about current storms and weather events by location.

How many tropical storms has the U.S. seen this year?

Since the 2024 Atlantic season began on June 1, the U.S. has already experienced four storms. Tropical Storm Alberto made landfall in northern Mexico, and Hurricane Beryl made landfall in Texas. In early July, Tropical Storm Chris brought heavy rainfall and flooding to parts of Mexico. Tropical Storm Debby is still raging across the East Coast.

"The hurricane season got off to an early and violent start with Hurricane Beryl, the earliest category-5 Atlantic hurricane on record, said National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration head Rick Spinrad, in a statement. NOAAs update to the hurricane seasonal outlook is an important reminder that the peak of hurricane season is right around the corner, when historically the most significant impacts from hurricanes and tropical storms tend to occur.

La Nina leading a more active hurricane season

Experts say it's likely that oceans will fully transition into La Nina by fall, bringing with her an 'above-normal' hurricane season in Texas.

La Nina  "little girl" in Spanish  is the climate phenomenon that describes projected when the surface temperatures of the Pacific Ocean near the equator are lower than the long-term average. El Nino  "little boy" in Spanish, her brother  is a climate phenomenon that results from those waters being warmer than usual.

The lower surface temperatures could mean warmer, drier weather throughout the southern region of the U.S. and the potential for a "hyperactive" hurricane season in the Atlantic basin this year.

NHC monitoring yet another tropical disturbance

The National Hurricane Center is monitoring a new disturbance with a split chance of development over the next seven days, according to the latest advisory.

Since Hurricane Debby formed, two tropical waves have emerged over the tropical Atlantic; the first has already dissipated.

The new disturbance, located several hundred miles west-southwest of the Cabo Verde Islands  the same area where Hurricane Beryl originated  has the potential to develop as it approaches the Lesser Antilles early next week.

More: NHC tracking yet another tropical disturbance, where Beryl originated before path to Texas

Hurricane storm tracker: See active storms in the Atlantic

Texas weather watches and warnings

A warning means that conditions are expected somewhere within the warning area.

A watch means that conditions are possible within the watch area. A watch is typically issued 48 hours before the anticipated first occurrence of tropical-storm-force winds, conditions that make outside preparations difficult or dangerous.

This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: NOAA hurricane season forecast now calls for 17 to 24 named storms
Eastern Europe's armies struggle to enlist young people with war not far away

By Michael Kahn

VALEC, Czech Republic (Reuters) - As instructors shout commands, dozens of students taking part in a pilot Czech army programme aimed at boosting flagging enlistment numbers crawl through forest scrub carrying combat rifles and learning proper shooting positions.

Like most former Soviet-satellite states now in NATO, the Czech Republic has missed recruitment targets for years and struggled to maintain troop levels. This has left army units understaffed and unable to reach combat readiness, with Russia's invasion of Ukraine, on eastern Europe's fringes, a stark reminder of Moscow's potential threat to the region.

Around 80 Czech high school students chose to spend part of their summer learning about army life at the four-week training programme being conducted in a closed military zone 94 km (58 miles) west of the capital Prague.

But General Karel Rehka, the Czech armed forces chief, has called the current system unsustainable.

He told Reuters the programme run by the 4th Rapid Deployment Brigade - an army unit operating at just 50 percent of capacity due to a dearth of soldiers - gives students an early taste of army life.

"We want to deter any potential adversary in the future," Rehka said. "If we don't do anything about the lack of human resources in the military..., it may mean that we won't be able to preserve our peace and to deter any potential enemy."

In 2021 the Czechs reached 56 percent of their recruiting goal, rising to 85 percent in 2022, according to the most recent army data.

The Czechs are not alone. Countries across eastern Europe have struggled to sign up new soldiers and keep experienced ones in a region where Poland, Hungary, Romania and Slovakia all share a border with Ukraine.

"We cannot do anything without people - if we modernise equipment and don't have enough competent people and motivated people, that is all wasted money," Rehka said.

EUROPEAN-WIDE PROBLEM

Western European nations in NATO face similar challenges. In July Reuters reported that NATO will need between 35 and 50 extra brigades to fully realise its new plans to defend against any attack on alliance territory from Russia.

But the issue hits closer to home for the eastern European countries that spent four decades under Soviet domination and have long warned about the threat from a more assertive Russia under President Vladimir Putin.

"We also see the probability of Russian aggression against us as not impossible...within a few years," Czech former deputy defence minister Tomas Kopecny, Prague's envoy on Ukraine reconstruction issues, told Reuters.

"So in case Russia attacks, we need to know we can count on a certain amount of soldiers and capabilities."

Governments have turned to digital marketing campaigns, raised enlistment bonuses and considered options include a Czech defence ministry decree, effective Sept. 1, lowering the medical requirements for career soldiers, reservists and new recruits.

But with unemployment rates low across eastern Europe, a major challenge is convincing young people to enlist for less money than they can earn in the private sector.

"We have challenges. They are related to the fact that the labour market here is very competitive, Major General Karol Dymanowski, First Deputy Chief of the General Staff of Poland's armed forces, told Reuters.

NEW GENERATION OF SOLDIERS NEEDED

In Poland, government and military officials say they are hitting recruiting targets, planning to increase the recruitments limits, but critics question whether the goal to build an army comprising 300,000 soldiers is realistic.

Eastern Europe's biggest country is also seeking to boost defence spending to near 5% of GDP and recently launched a recruitment campaign dubbed Holidays With the Army, which provides basic military training for citizens aged 18 to 35 over 28 days.

But defence ministry data show while the number of recruits rose in the latest available figures, a record 9,000 professional soldiers left the service in 2023.

While Dymanowski said it is a "natural process", Colonel Bogdan Sowa, head of the Organization and Recruitment Directorate in Poland's General Staff, explained there is a considerable group who leave the army just a few years after starting service. We are trying to prepare more attractive offers for them, creating new financial incentives, said Sowa.

Hungary's military - which has not published updated recruitment numbers - has launched a media campaign using billboards, advertisements and a military-themed TV series to be aired by the end of 2024 to find new soldiers.

In Romania, the government began enlistment drives after recent defence ministry data showed 43 percent of officers positions were unfilled, along with the positions of 23 percent of soldiers and other professional ranks.

Romania has four Patriot missile defence batteries but only two are operational, while the government has bought a number of F-16 fighter jets but lacks enough trained pilots to fly them.

"One must look at what laws need to be changed, not only in Romania but in other countries, to incentivise these people (serving soldiers) to stay, a defence source told Reuters.

Romania and other countries place their hopes on a new generation of soldiers like Czech high school student John Dunka who is taking part in the army's summer camp near Prague and plans to enlist when he finishes school.

"Wearing this uniform includes a sense of pride," Dunka said, holding an unloaded Bren 2 combat rifle while on a break from military drills. "With all that has happened in the world, I'm glad I can participate in a camp like this."

(Additional reporting by Barbara Erling in Warsaw, Boldizsar Gyori in Budapest and Luiza Ilie in Bucharest; editing by Mark Heinrich)
Ex-North Dakota lawmaker pleads guilty to traveling to Europe to pay for sex with a minor

Ray Holmberg has pleaded guilty to travelling to Europe to pay to have sex with a minor (The Bismarck Tribune)

A former North Dakota Republican lawmaker  who used to be one of the most powerful legislators in the state  has pleaded guilty to travelling to Europe with the intent of paying for sex with a minor.

Ray Holmberg, 80, of Grand Forks, appeared in federal court on Thursday where he admitted that he had engaged in sexual contact with young male masseuses on multiple trips to the Czech Republic during his time as a state senator  from around June 2011 to November 2016.

In court on Thursday, Assistant US Attorney Jennifer Puhl revealed that Holmberg had made 14 trips to Prague between 2011 to 2021 where he visited a hotel called Villa Mansland.

One of his travel companions described the villa as a brothel filled with teenage male masseuses, while another claimed he had paid for the nights at the villa because Holmberg did not want his name on records, prosecutors said.

Holmberg claimed he may have become aware of the villa online and admitted that he had sexual contact with some of the masseuses.

But he claimed he was not aware of the masseuses ages and also pointed out that the age of consent in the Czech Republic is 15, lower than in the US.

Travel records from the North Dakota School Boards Association show Holmberg had used public funding to pay for some trips to Amsterdam, Berlin and Prague in 2011, 2018 and 2019.

Ray Holmberg has pleaded guilty to travelling to Europe to pay to have sex with a minor (The Bismarck Tribune)

It is unclear if he had sex with minors on those specific trips.

The disgraced Republican was initially indicted in October 2023 on charges of traveling with intent to engage in illicit sexual activity and receipt and attempted receipt of child sexual abuse material.

In June, he reached a plea deal with prosecutors to plead guilty to the first charge in exchange for the second charge being dropped.

He faces up to 30 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and a lifetime of supervised release.

However the judge said federal sentencing guidelines provide a range between three and four years in prison for a case such as this.

Holmberg will also be required to register as a sex offender.

No sentencing date has been set.

Holmberg spent nearly 50 years in the state Senate where he was a longtime, powerful figure in North Dakota politics.

He retired in 2022 following a report from The Forum of Fargo-Moorhead which exposed dozens of text messages sent between him and Nicholas James Morgan-Derosier, who is now serving a 40-year prison sentence for possessing child porn.

Holmberg is also a former teacher and school counselor, having working for Grand Forks Public Schools between 1967 and 2002.

In November, a state panel voted unanimously to suspend his lifetime teaching license with the intention of revoking it immediately upon conviction or a guilty plea.
HONOLULU (KHON2)  Kilauea Volcano continues to show signs of unrest within the Hawaii National Park, the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory (HVO) reports Friday.

Download the free KHON2 app for iOS or Android to stay informed on the latest news

The volcanos alert status remains to ADVISORY, indicating that while volcanic activity has decreased, there is a possibility it could increase again.

According to HVO, these conditions indicate that magma has moved into the Middle East Rift Zone. The current volcanic activity does not pose danger to neighboring residential communities.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KHON2.
Vice President Kamala Harris visited Arizona on Thursday and Friday along with her running mate, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, as part of a tour of swing states by the Democratic ticket.

The Friday evening event at the Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale was one of Harris and Walz's first appearances together on the campaign trail since the vice president picked Walz from a short list of contenders that also included Sen. Mark Kelly, D-Ariz.

Their visit was part of a tour of the nation's battleground states. The pair made their debut on Tuesday in Philadelphia, with later stops in Wisconsin, Michigan and Arizona. A rally in Nevada was set for Saturday.

Follow our coverage from Republic reporters of Vice President Kamala Harris and her running mate, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, as they campaign in metro Phoenix.

Harris departs Phoenix for Las Vegas

Vice President Kamala Harris departed the Valley on a Saturday afternoon flight aboard Air Force 2, heading to Las Vegas.

About 3 p.m., a motorcade carrying Harris arrived at the Lincoln J. Ragsdale Executive Terminal at Sky Harbor International Airport in Phoenix, and by 3:12 p.m., Air Force 2 had lifted off.

Harris ascended the stairs of Air Force 2 alone, as Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz had already departed from Phoenix before Harris, according to campaign staffers.

 Rey Covarrubias Jr.

Campaign reports surge of volunteer sign-ups

People attending Fridays Harris-Walz campaign rally didnt just show up, cheer and go home.

The campaign reported that 3,000 volunteer shifts were filled by attendees as they left Desert Diamond Arena, a sign of momentum, said Jacques Petit, communications director for the Harris campaign in Arizona.

This rate of sign-ups is higher than wed expect for attendees at a rally, as opposed to a canvass kickoff or a local organizing event, Petit said.

More than 30,000 volunteers have signed up in Arizona since July 21, when President Biden announced he would not seek reelection, Petit said.

 Mary Jo Pitzl

What is the next campaign stop for Harris and Walz?

Friday night's rally in Glendale marked the beginning of a busy political weekend after a busy week of campaigning for Vice President Kamala Harris.

She was scheduled to leave Phoenix Saturday afternoon and fly to Las Vegas for a campaign event with running mate Tim Walz.

Nevada, like Arizona, is a swing state in the 2024 presidential election.

Another campaign event was planned Sunday in San Francisco before a flight back to Washington, D.C.

 Laura Gersony

San Carlos Apache Tribal Council endorses Harris

The San Carlos Apache Tribe's governing council approved a resolution Tuesday to formally endorse Vice President Kamala Harris for president in the Nov. 3 election.

The 11-member council endorsed Harris and her newly selected running mate, Tim Walz, two days before the presumptive Democratic candidates visited Phoenix. The endorsement focused on key issues like the economy, the environment and border control.

"We are proud to be among the first Tribes in the country to formally endorse the Harris-Walz ticket," wrote Terry Rambler, chairman of the San Carlos Apache Tribe Council.

 Rey Covarrubias Jr.

Harris syncs new ad campaign with Phoenix visit

The Harris-Walz campaign released a new ad Friday centered around border security ahead of her visit to Phoenix.

The ad, called Tougher is being aired in several swing states, including Arizona.

The 30-second ad highlights Harris past as a prosecutor in a state bordering Mexico and lays out her plans to hire thousands of more border agents and crack down on fentanyl and human trafficking.

Since Harris became the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee, former President Donald Trump has called her a failed border czar, blaming her for faults in the countrys border security.

President Joe Biden assigned Harris to focus on addressing the root causes of migration in Central America as vice president.

 Sabine Martin

Arizona residents find hope, joy in Harris' message

Hope was on several Valley residents minds as they exited Vice President Harris campaign rally in Glendale on Friday evening. There was renewed hope for Democrats chances of retaining the White House.

Harris has brought a new energy to this (race), especially for those who felt that it was hopeless, said Steve Koenigseder, a 33-year-old Gilbert teacher. This definitely brought hope back to us.

For so many of the women voters who attended, there was hope for the protection of reproductive health care rights, like access to abortion and in vitro fertilization, or IVF.

The hope was already in the room, said state Rep. Quanta Crews, noting Walzs retelling of how his daughter, Hope, was conceived with the help of fertility treatments. I don't know if you felt that energy when he told that story, and you heard that chant, Hope, hope, hope. It was almost like we were feeling it.

Walzs story resonated with Koenigseder, whos going through a similar process with his partner.

It meant a lot, he said of Harris and Walzs commitment to protect womens reproductive rights. They're both willing to protect and fight for that for us.

For JT Schmitt, a 44-year-old hair stylist in Chandler, abortion rights were at the top of mind after Arizonas Supreme Court voted in April to restore a pre-Civil War era law that banned most abortions.

It's scary for us, Schmitt said.

Patricia Ezerskis biggest takeaway from the rally was the sense that Harris wasnt relying on fear to drum up support.

These are the people that I want to see going forward into the future, people who are not fearful, they're not afraid. They're not trying to instill fear in people, says the 69-year-old church administrator. They want to find joy in trying to find solutions for the things that are bothering this country.

"And that is such a fantastic and positive message.

 Shawn Raymundo

Harris, Walz stop for Mexican food in downtown Phoenix

On the heels of their Glendale rally, Harris and Walz engaged in a time-honored tradition for presidents and presidential hopefuls visiting Arizona: getting Mexican food.

Harris and Walz went to Cocina Adamex in Phoenix, accompanied by Rep. Ruben Gallego.

As they decided what to order, the group joked about Walzs spice tolerance. The most he can handle is black pepper, Harris said.

Both parties are making efforts to appeal to Latino voters, a bloc that has appeared to drift toward the GOP in recent years.

In March, President Joe Biden announced his campaigns nationwide Latino outreach effort from El Portal Mexican restaurant in Phoenix.

 Laura Gersony

Harris tackles border security in speech to Arizona crowd

Harris addressed border security, one of the biggest issues in Arizona, and invoked the failed bipartisan border-security bill that U.S. Sen. Kyrsten Sinema, I-Ariz., helped broker.

She pointedly noted her support for that bill, which failed earlier this year after former President Donald Trump urged Republicans not to give President Joe Biden a legislative victory.

In Glendale, Harris joined border security with immigration reforms to make the case for what she wants on the issues.

We know our immigration system is broken, and we know what it takes to fix it: comprehensive reform that includes strong border security and an earned pathway to citizenship, she said.

But Donald Trump does not want to fix this problem. Lets be clear about that. He has no interest or desire to actually fix the problem. He talks a big game about border security, but he doesnt walk the walk.

Earlier this year, we had a chance to pass the toughest bipartisan border security bill in decades. But Donald Trump tanked the deal because he thought by doing that it would help win an election. But when I am president, I will sign the bill.

It extended a message that her campaign formalized earlier in the day with a new ad taking on border security, an issue where Trump has found broad appeal.

The Harris ad notes her years as a California prosecutor who took on drug cartels and jailed gang members for smuggling weapons and drugs. It casts her as the right person to tackle a tough problem.

 Ronald J. Hansen

U.S. Vice President and Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris smiles during a campaign rally held along with Democratic vice presidential candidate, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, in Glendale on Aug. 9, 2024.

Harris to pro-Palestinian protesters: 'I respect your voices'

Several minutes into Harris remarks, a handful of protesters interrupted her.

They shouted a slogan in support of the Palestinian cause in Gaza: Free, free, free Palestine.

At a rally earlier this week in Detroit, met with a similar protest, Harris gave a dismissive response.

Im speaking, Harris told the Detroit protesters.

You know what? If you want Donald Trump to win, then say that, she continued.

Harris struck a more conciliatory tone at the rally in Arizona on Friday, expressing sympathy for their demands.

I have been clear: Now is the time to get a ceasefire deal, and get the hostages home, she said.

Harris said she and Biden were working around the clock on both fronts.

I respect your voices, but we are here to now talk about this race in 2024, she said.

The Democrats 2024 presidential campaign has dodged protests on the topic since the latest wave of hostilities between Israel and Hamas began in October of last year.

For a time the campaign began holding smaller campaign events, or withholding the time and location of events from the public, to avoid protests on the topic, NBC News has reported.

Harris has pushed the White House to show more concern for the humanitarian situation in Gaza.

 Laura Gersony

Democrats fresh energy ripples though arena

The atmosphere inside Desert Diamond Arena was electric ahead of Walz and Harris remarks. The crowd standing in front of the stage danced as One More Time by Daft Punk thumped over the speaker.

Attendees filled the stadium to capacity. There were over 15,000 people in the crowd, according to the Harris campaign.

People stayed on their feet in between speakers and roared as images of Harris flashed across screens inside the arena.

The mood was unrecognizable compared to the campaign events that the Democrats held while President Joe Biden was still the nominee. Biden tended to hold intimate gatherings when visiting Arizona, often delivering prepared remarks.

Harris placement at the top of the ticket, and her pick of Walz as her running mate, has freshly energized the Democratic base.

 Laura Gersony

Giffords, Kelly take the stage

U.S. Sen. Mark Kelly, D-Ariz, took the stage with his wife, former U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords, D-Ariz.

Giffords suffered a near-fatal gunshot wound in 2011. She has recovered her ability to speak and walk. She retold the story at Glendales rally.

We are living in challenging times, Giffords said. Were up to the challenge.

Kelly, who was on the short list for Harris running mate, reiterated his support for the Harris-Walz ticket.

 Laura Gersony

What happened to Gabby Giffords? Here's what to know about 2011 Tucson shooting

Pro-Palestinian groups march outside rally

Dozens of pro-Palestinian protesters marched with signs and flags at 4 p.m. on Friday outside the event.

Kamala Harris, your hands are red, 40,000 children dead, the group chanted as they walked near the entrance of Desert Diamond Arena. Nearly 15,000 children have been killed in Gaza as of April 22, according to the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights.

It is unclear if they will be able to get inside as the event is at capacity.

The Arizona chapter of the Party for Socialism and Liberation posted on Instagram that the group had been relocated multiple times by event security.

 Shawn Raymundo and Helen Rummel

Desert Diamond Arena reaches full capacity

Those looking to enter Desert Diamond Arena for Vice President Harris rally were turned away just before 4 p.m. as the event reached maximum capacity.

An event staff member confirmed the fire marshal is not letting any more people inside the arena.

Wes Hooker, a 62-year-old rideshare driver from Phoenix, looked to get into the rally by 3:30 p.m. when doors were scheduled to close. He left after being told he couldnt enter.

 Shawn Raymundo

Supporters attend a campaign rally held by U.S. Vice President and Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris and Democratic vice presidential candidate, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz in Glendale on Aug. 9, 2024.

'Were obsessed with coconut': Harris, Walz stop at campaign office

Harris and Walz's motorcade made a stop at a campaign office in north Phoenix on their way to the rally in Glendale.

A group of volunteers greeted them. They were making signs for this evening's rally.

The mood was exuberant as Harris and Walz thanked the volunteers one by one.

What is that? Harris asked, pointing to a large black dot on one poster.

Its a coconut, a volunteer replied, a reference to Harris viral remark.

Harris laughed.

Were obsessed with coconut, another told the vice president. And were obsessed with you, too.

Addressing the group, Harris described how, during her first-ever campaign, volunteers sat at one table together to stuff envelopes.

This reminds me of that, she said. Thats part of what is powering our campaign, nationally and here in Arizona.

Field presence has been a strength of the Biden-Harris campaign in must-win Arizona. Democrats began opening campaign offices late last year. Trump's ground operation was slower to take shape, trailing behind the pace it set in 2020.

The GOP has built out its ground game since then, though it continues to rely on outside support from the conservative group Turning Point USA.

 Laura Gersony

Vice President and 2024 Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris and Minnesota Gov. and 2024 Democratic vice presidential candidate Tim Walz visit a local campaign office in Phoenix on Aug. 9, 2024.

Harris motorcade departs downtown Phoenix hotel

Vice President Kamala Harris' motorcade left the Sheraton Downtown Phoenix hotel at about 2:50 p.m.

 Dan Nowicki

Rally protest expected from pro-Palestinian groups

The Arizona chapter of the Party of Socialism and Liberation and other activist groups announced plans for a protest at Harris rally in Glendale.

On Wednesday, pro-Palestinian groups in Detroit protested at her rally chanting, Kamala, Kamala, you cant hide. We wont vote for genocide. After the vice presidents first attempt at quieting the crowd failed, she followed with a more direct response.

You know what? If you want Donald Trump to win, then say that, Harris said to the group. Otherwise, Im speaking.

Some of the protesters also align with a bloc of Democratic voters who submitted uncommitted ballots in primary elections across the country as a show of discontent with President Joe Biden.

Both Harris and her running mate, Tim Walz, have faced criticism from some pro-Palestinian groups about their position on the war in Gaza. A similar protest could take place in Arizona as activist groups mobilize.

Palestinians cant wait for us to vote the 'lesser of two evils' into power for this genocide to end, a post from multiple advocacy groups reads. 300 days of endless suffering, protests, and brutality  all under the watch of the Democrats.

 Helen Rummel

Scheduling conflict keeps Hobbs from attending rally

Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs wont attend Fridays rally with Vice President Kamala Harris and her running mate, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz.

It is unclear exactly why the Democratic governor will skip the high-profile event, which comes three days after Hobbs gushed that Walz was America and she was absolutely thrilled he had been tapped to be the vice presidential nominee.

Hobbs spokesperson, Christian Slater, said the governor had a scheduling conflict on Friday but wouldnt say what that conflict was.

On Thursday, Hobbs was also missing from the lineup of Democratic lawmakers who snapped pictures as Harris plane arrived in Phoenix.

Hobbs was in Clarkdale on Thursday afternoon for a rural policy forum focusing on infrastructure, workforce development and broadband. She also announced a new microbusiness loan program.

 Stacey Barchenger

Which Arizona politicians will be at Fridays rally?

Some of Arizonas top Democrats will attend the rally, including state Attorney General Kris Mayes and Reps. Greg Stanton and Ruben Gallego.

Sen. Mark Kelly and Arizona Democratic Party chair Yolanda Bejarano also are expected to attend. Gov. Katie Hobbs, meanwhile, will not be there.

Both Hobbs and Mayes skipped Harris' visit to Arizona in March, before she became the Democrats' presumptive presidential nominee, citing scheduling conflicts.

RSVPs for the event have reached capacity, according to an invitation sent by the campaign.

 Laura Gersony

Doors open, lines moving smoothly

Doors have opened for this afternoon's Harris-Walz rally in Glendale. Lines to pass security were long but moving smoothly just after 1 p.m.

Attendees were given hand fans, ice pops and water bottles to help fight the high temperatures, which hovered around 102 degrees.

As of Friday afternoon, the precise timeline of the Harris-Walz rally remained unclear. The campaign has not publicly announced when the event will begin, though attendees have been told to arrive no later than 3:30 p.m.

Attendees of the Harris-Walz rally check in at Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale on Aug. 9, 2024.

The campaign wrote that for security reasons, only confirmed RSVPs would be granted access to the rally and an invitation for the event says RSVPs are at capacity.

Harris and Walz had initially planned to make a campaign stop in North Carolina on Thursday evening, and another in Georgia on Friday afternoon. The campaign canceled both stops due to extreme weather from Tropical Storm Debby. The vice president and her entourage spent the night in Phoenix instead.

 Laura Gersony and Fernando Cervantes Jr.

Directions released for rallygoers

Police have designated routes to the parking areas to ensure smooth traffic flow for those attending the rally for Vice President Kamala Harris and her running mate Tim Walz in Glendale.

The rally, where Harris and Walz will be kicking off their brand-new battleground campaign, is planned for Friday afternoon at Desert Diamond Arena.

Glendale police suggested on their social media page:

For those coming from the north, exit onto Glendale Avenue, head east to 91st Avenue then south to parking lots Grey and Yellow.

For those coming from the south, exit on Cardinals Way, head east to 91st Avenue, then north on 91st Avenue to parking lots Grey and Yellow.

Let's make sure everyone arrives without any hassle! Thank you for your cooperation, police officials said in the social media post.

Harris and Walz are on a sprint to the White House, rising to the top of the presidential ticket after President Joe Biden stepped aside last month. They are facing a contentious race against Donald Trump.

 Michelle Cruz and Stephanie Murray

Road closures continue in downtown Phoenix

Several roads will be closed for a second day in parts of downtown Phoenix on Friday, due to Harris visit.

Roque Espinoza, a Phoenix street transportation worker, said the following road closures were in effect:

Second Street was closed from Van Buren Street to between Fillmore and Taylor streets

Taylor Street was closed from First to Third streets

Polk Street was closed from First to Second streets

Third Street was closed from Taylor to Van Buren streets

The roadways are blocked by law enforcement vehicles, traffic barricades and large steel trash bins. Local traffic is still allowed access in some areas after passing security checkpoints.

Harris and her vice presidential pick, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, will campaign in Arizona on Friday as part of a cross-country battleground state tour, according to a Harris campaign official. The vice president has been a frequent visitor to Arizona, coming here six times during her tenure in the Biden administration.

The visit to the Phoenix area on Friday will mark her first time visiting as the candidate at the top of the presidential ticket.

Arizona is a crucial battleground state on the electoral map. President Joe Biden won by fewer than 11,000 votes here in 2020, his smallest margin of any state.

 David Ulloa Jr. and Michelle Cruz

A tent and roadblocks are set up at North Third Street and East Taylor Street on Aug. 8, 2024, in Phoenix.

Where does the race between Trump and Harris stand in Arizona?

Since Kamala Harris took over the top of the ticket last month, she has made up much of the ground that President Joe Biden had lost to former President Donald Trump in the years since the 2020 election. The race has narrowed, public polling shows, and the Cook Political Report, a nonpartisan group that forecasts elections, this week moved Arizona from lean Republican to toss-up."

A new survey from the Arizona polling firm HighGround found Harris narrowly leading Trump in Arizona 44% to 42% among likely voters. She has a 15 percentage point lead among female voters, but Trump has a 10 percentage point lead with men. The survey was conducted July 30-Aug. 5 and has a margin of error of plus or minus 4.38 percentage points.

 Stephanie Murray

Can vice president candidate Tim Walzs 'Normal Joe vibe' appeal to Arizona men?

Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz knocks Republicans for being weird. Can he win over Arizona men by being normal?

Vice President Kamala Harris brand new running mate is coming to Arizona, and political watchers here say he could draw independent male voters into her coalition if he can follow the playbook of another Democrat Harris considered for the post: Sen. Mark Kelly.

The 60-year-old Walz was relatively unknown outside of his home state of Minnesota until this week. Now, he has three months to introduce himself on the biggest stage in politics  and avoid being shoved into a political box.

What has underwritten the success of Mark Kelly in Arizona, it's the same basic thing that I think is going to underwrite the success of Walz in Arizona, said David Waid, former executive director of the Arizona Democratic Party. He is a Democrat who breaks the mold, who breaks the expectations and can't be put neatly into a box.

If Walz can play up his working class and pro-union bona fides, his background as a teacher and his perspective as a hunter who understands gun rights, he could tap into what helped Kelly win back-to-back races in 2020 and 2022, Waid said.

 Stephanie Murray

VP Kamala Harris' past visits to Arizona

Vice President Kamala Harris stop in Arizona this week marks her and Tim Walzs first appearance in the state since becoming the presumptive Democratic ticket after President Joe Biden withdrew from the race on July 21.

But Harris visit isnt her first time in the Valley. She has visited Arizona half a dozen times over the last four years as vice president.

She most recently returned to Arizona on June 24  the anniversary of U.S. Supreme Courts decision to overturn Roe vs. Wade.

Second gentleman Doug Emhoff also visited Phoenix in late July to affirm support for President Joe Biden and Harris, who were the Democratic presidential and vice presidential nominees at the time.

Harris visited the state in the last four years to advocate for issues from solar energy to immigration and gun violence. But the topic of abortion rights has dominated the discussions during her most recent visits.

 Sabine Martin

Kari Lake hurls broadsides at Kamala Harris ahead of Arizona speech

Kari Lake assailed Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris ahead of her Friday rally in Phoenix while several dozen Arizonans described as independents and Democrats said they backed Lakes U.S. Senate bid.

At a news conference in Gilbert, Lake, two Republican members of Congress and the states GOP chair took turns hitting Harris, her running mate, Lakes opponent, and President Joe Biden.

It came not long after former President Donald Trump held a rambling news conference from his Florida resort similarly ripping Harris as her campaign has tapped a cash gusher and favorable recent polling in a race that not long ago appeared headed to Trump.

The splintered messages seemed intended to hold back Democratic momentum and often zeroed in on a theme that helped give Trump a sizable lead over Biden in the first place: border security.

 Ronald J. Hansen

A 'forward-looking speech' to come from Harris

Rep. Greg Stanton, D-Ariz., and Mesa Mayor John Giles, a notable Republican who expressed his support for Harris in a late-July op-ed published in The Arizona Republic, greeted the vice president at the airport.

At the terminal, Giles said he knew the vice president was aware of his cross-party support, but was surprised to hear her thank him in person upon her arrival.

She expressed her appreciation for my support, and that was more than I expected, he told The Republic.

Watching this airplane come in. ... Its very inspiring to be reminded what the strength of the U.S. (is) and (the) power of the presidents office and vice presidents office.

Stanton, who is seeking a fourth term representing Arizonas 4th Congressional District, expressed his appreciation for her ability to consolidate support in the short time since her candidacy announcement.

Its really been an amazing thing to watch, its a huge accomplishment. Shes been able to bring together the diverse interest not only of the Democratic Party but independent and moderate Republicans, he said.

Tomorrow youre going to see her provide a very uplifting speech, a very forward-looking speech, in direct contrast to what the American people saw from the former president in his press conference that was based on grievance and crowd size and backward-looking. The VP and Governor Walz are going to have a very forward campaign.

 Rey Covarrubias Jr.

Walz follows Harris' arrival in Phoenix

Walz arrived at Sky Harbor around 7:10 p.m., about 40 minutes after the vice president landed in Phoenix.

The Minnesota governor arrived in an unmarked white aircraft, taxiing about a quarter of a mile west of Air Force 2.

 Rey Covarrubias Jr.

Harris arrives at Phoenix Sky Harbor

Harris arrived in Phoenix via Air Force Two on Thursday evening just before 6:30 p.m. at Sky Harbor International Airport's Lincoln J. Ragsdale Executive Terminal.

Wind gusts neared 20 mph as the plane landed, just as a monsoon storm appeared on the outskirts of the Phoenix metro area.

The aircraft arrived from the west, flying over Phoenix metro before taxing in front of the executive terminal. Among local dignitaries receiving her were Secretary of State Adrian Fontes, Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego and Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes.

Harris was expected to make her way into downtown Phoenix, where a barricade was set near Van Buren and 2nd streets early Thursday.

She is set to kick off campaign events alongside Walz on Friday.

 Rey Covarrubias Jr.

Who is Tim Walz, Harris running mate?

Walz was elected Minnesota's 41st governor and his tenure began in 2019.

Walz, 60, brings political acuity, suburban-and-rural appeal and progressive patriotism to a competition where all three criteria are seen as helpful for Democrats to clinch a 2024 win against the Republican ticket of former President Donald Trump and Sen. JD Vance, R-Ohio.

A military veteran, former public-school teacher and six-term member of Congress, Walz is serving the sixth year of his eight-year stint as governor of the North Star State.

He was born in West Point, Nebraska, and grew up in Valentine, Nebraska. He joined the National Guard at 17 and served for 24 years. He earned a social science degree at Chadron State College in 1989 and a master of science in educational leadership from Minnesota State University, Mankato in 2001.

He went on as a U.S. representative for Minnesota's 1st Congressional District, serving six terms in the House from 2007 to 2019.

As Harris was mulling a vice presidential pick, Walz gained attention for his plain-speaking style and his takedown of Republicans as weird, a message that resonated with much of the Democratic base.

 Laura Gersony

Harris, Walz campaign at UAW hall near Ford plant

Vice President Kamala Harris and her running mate, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, began their day in Michigan before traveling to Arizona.

A day after firing up a boisterous crowd at a Detroit Metro Airport hangar, Harris and Walz rallied UAW members at a Michigan union hall described as ground zero for last years auto strike against the Detroit Three and the subsequent contract ratification.

They preached a message of unity and highlighted their connections to union members and the union movement.

The rally Thursday afternoon at UAW Local 900 in Wayne allowed the pair to focus their message on a union crowd made up of UAW members who had walked the picket line.

Michigan is a key battleground state in this years presidential race between Harris, the Democratic nominee, and her Republican challenger, former President Donald Trump. The union vote, powered by a recent UAW endorsement of Harris, could prove significant for the outcome.

Harris said the true measure of a leaders strength isnt by who you beat down, but by who you bring up.Its about the collective, she said, No one should ever be made to fight alone.

 Eric D. Lawrence, Detroit Free Press

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Kamala Harris and Tim Walz in Arizona: Campaign hits battleground
As Attorney General Dan Cameron sought to get the employment records of two University of Louisville physicians who performed abortions at the EMW Women's Surgical Center in Louisville. (Kentucky Lantern photo by Deborah Yetter)

FRANKFORT  The Kentucky Court of Appeals has rejected efforts by the office of the state Attorney General to use a Franklin County grand jury subpoena to get employment records in a case that appears to involve two University of Louisville physicians who performed abortions at EMW Womens Surgical Center and trained residents at the clinic.

Because the case is sealed, the appeals court decision does not identify the parties by name, using pseudonyms Jane Doe 1 and 2 and the employer, Roe, as those seeking to quash the subpoena.

But the details closely track a dispute that arose in 2022 when Republican lawmakers sought an investigation of whether the public salaries of physicians at U of L overlapped with their work at EMW, which paid them separately.

Sources with knowledge of the case told The Lantern the appeals decision involved the attorney generals efforts to obtain the physicians employment records including personnel files, job descriptions and payroll records from EMW.

The appeals court, in an order issued Friday, rejected those efforts as a fishing expedition and said further, that the subpoena filed by former Attorney General Daniel Cameron, is outside the scope of the Franklin County grand jury because the information and records the attorney general sought are from another county.

The matter should be left to prosecutors in the county where the records and activities occurred, the order said.

While we do not wish to overuse the hackneyed phrase of a fishing expedition, we reiterate that the (attorney general) was fishing in the wrong pond, the order said.

The appeals court upheld the decision of Franklin Circuit Judge Phillip Shepherd to quash the subpoena but ordered the case to remain sealed pending his further review.

Since leaving office at the beginning of this year Cameron has been working as chief executive of 1792 Exchange, a nonprofit that says it aims to steer public companies back to neutral on divisive, idealogical issues. He did not respond to requests for comment about the case that Kentucky Lantern sent to that organization on Friday and in a phone message.

Kevin Grout, the spokesman for Attorney General Russell Coleman, who is now handling the case, said We have received the opinion. We are reviewing it to decide next steps. Grout declined to respond to questions seeking details about the case.

William Brammell Jr., identified in the opinion as an attorney representing Jane Doe 1, said, We appreciate and agree with the courts thoughtful opinion.

But because the case remains under seal, Brammell said he could make no further comment. Other lawyers representing parties in the case did not respond to requests for comment.

Abortions largely ended in Kentucky after the June 2022 Supreme Court ruling overturning the landmark, 1973 Roe v. Wade decision returned control to the states. Kentucky already had laws on the books banning all or most abortions except in life-threatening circumstances.

GOP lawmakers called for investigation

But some Republican lawmakers had questioned the role of U of L physicians at EMW, citing U of Ls public funding, and called for an investigation.

If university funds are used for abortion, said Rep. Jason Nemes, R-Louisville at a legislative hearing in 2022, the taxpayers ought to know, and the legislature should take that into account when were talking about funding the university and other things.

Nemes and other lawmakers said further investigation was warranted.

Cameron filed a grand jury subpoena in June 2023 seeking payroll and personnel information of the two Jane Does, the appeals opinion said. At the time, Cameron, a Republican, was running for governor against incumbent Gov. Andy Beshear, a Democrat, who won a second term.

Through the subpoena, the attorney general sought to compare the employees records for evidence that unspecified and indirect state funds may have been related to some malfeasance connected with their work, the opinion said.

In July 2023, the Jane Does and Roe asked the Franklin circuit judge to quash the subpoena and in September, the judge did so, the appeals opinion said

But the judge also unsealed a portion of the record, it said.

The attorney general appealed the decision and asked that the case remain sealed, which the appeals court agreed to do, it said.

Fridays 23-page opinion is the first public record in the case filed more than a year ago, and said it tries to strike a balance between the necessary secrecy of grand jury proceedings and the right of the public to know what its government is doing.

We conclude that the public issuance of this opinion with appropriate pseudonyms for most participants will achieve the proper balance, it said.

But in its description of the case, the appeals court leaves clues that indicate the conflict pits the Attorney Generals Office against EMW and its doctors. For instance, it states that the doctors have two employers, and the second employer gets a small percentage of its funding from the state.

U of L gets some, though not the majority, of its funding from the state. EMW, a private clinic, received no public funds.

The attorney general had argued it should have access to the information it sought through subpoena because state funds may be involved.

The appeals court rejected that argument, saying of the Jane Does, They are employees, and their employers, not the Commonwealth, are responsible for their paychecks.

The Appeals court order is written by Judge Kelly Mark Easton with Judges Glenn Acree and Pamela R. Goodwine concurring in the decision.

It vacates the order by Shepherd, the trial judge, to unseal some of the records in the case and sends the case back to him for further proceedings on the sealing of the record.

All of this courts record, except for this opinion, will remain sealed recognizing the authority of the circuit court to first decide what, if any, further information should be made public, the order said.

Abortion ban factors into governors race

EMW was one of two Louisville clinics that provided abortions in Kentucky until the U.S. Supreme Court struck down Roe v. Wade and a pair of laws passed by the states Republican-controlled General Assembly took effect, banning almost all abortions in Kentucky.

The two laws, one the trigger law banning abortion and the other, banning abortions after six weeks  before many women realize they are pregnant  took effect after the high court ruling.

They permit abortions only to save the life of or prevent disabling injury to a patient, with no exceptions for rape or incest  which became a heated issue in Camerons unsuccessful run last year for governor against Beshear.

Cameron, an anti-abortion Republican who defended the laws in court, was criticized in a Beshear campaign ad by a young woman who had been raped and impregnated at age 12 by her stepfather and said laws Cameron defended would have forced her to bear the child.

Hadley Duvall, an Owensboro native who is now in her early 20s, told the Kentucky Lantern last year that she began sharing her story about the sexual abuse she experienced as a child after the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in 2022.

She recently went national with her story through a campaign ad supporting President Joe Biden on the same issue. Biden dropped his bid for re-election July 21 and his vice-president and abortion rights advocate Kamala Harris is now seeking the Democratic nomination for president.

In 2020, the conservative Family Foundation of Kentucky questioned U of Ls arrangement with EMW, suggesting public money might be going to fund abortions services.

They called on Cameron to investigate and a spokeswoman for Cameron said at the time he would consider doing so.

The spokeswoman said Cameron was committed to enforcing the states laws, which prohibit the use of public funds for abortions. We will review any information provided to determine whether a further inquiry is warranted.

At the time, then-U of L President U of L President Neeli Bendapudi firmly rejected such allegations, saying we comply, not just in this program, but in every program with all federal and state laws.
LSU President William Tate can nearly double his salary through new incentives

LSU President William Tate

LSU President William F. Tate. Courtesy of LSU.

LSU President William Tates new contract includes incentives that can nearly double his $750,000 base salary if he meets certain goals.

Tates contract includes eight objectives that, if met, could add up to $650,000 to his compensation annually. The LSU Board of Supervisors approved his contract in June, and it was finalized Friday. Read the full contract below.

The offering of such incentives comes as higher education in Louisiana braces for budget cuts ahead of a major tax revenue loss next year. The Board of Regents, which oversees the states public universities and colleges, has been advised by the Landry administration to prepare for $250 million in reductions.

If schools in the LSU System get at least 776 new research or grant awards, Tate will be awarded $75,000. If those new awards exceed $150 million, the president will be awarded $75,000. If they exceed $200 million, Tate will be given another $100,000.

If total research spending at LSUs Baton Rouge campuses exceeds $125 million, and its system research expenditures surpass $300 million, Tate will be given another $100,000.

When calculating research dollars for LSU in Baton Rouge, the university typically combines its main campus, the Ag Center and the Pennington Biomedical Research Center.

The LSU Systems total research activity totaled $428 million annually from 2022-2024, according to a graphic the university posted to social media in June. System-wide spending includes LSUs Baton Rouge schools, campuses in Alexandria, Eunice and Shreveport and medical schools in Shreveport and New Orleans.

Tate will be awarded $75,000 if philanthropic fundraising exceeds $50 million for the system and an additional $100,000 if giving exceeds $75 million.

If LSU Baton Rouge keeps 83% of its first-year students for a second year, Tate will be awarded $75,000. The universitys retention rate for 2022, the most recent year for which data is available, was 84%.

Finally, Tate will be awarded $50,000 each fiscal year the difference in system revenues exceeds total operating expenses 1.5%.

He will also receive a one-time $500,000 payment for completion of the fourth year of his new agreement, which spans from July 1, 2024 to June 30, 2029.

The Tate contract also includes a $15,000 annual vehicle allowance, use of a residence and payment of up to two private club memberships.

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Paul Whelan and Evan Gershkovich's release won't mean much for Russia, US relations

The United States and Russia exchanged 24 prisoners Thursday at a moment of terrible tension between the two rivals. After months of ongoing talks, with more than six countries involved in the negotiations, three American citizens and one American green-card holder have been freed in Turkey in the largest prisoner swap since the end of the Cold War.

Freeing the four residents, including cause celebres such as Pulitzer Prize winner Vladimir Kara-Murza, Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich and former U.S. Marine Paul Whelan will add heft to Joe Bidens record of foreign policy accomplishments as president.

But why now?

Russian President Vladimir Putin wanted Vadim Krasikov, a convicted Russian assassin who had been held in a German prison, freed. Krasikov shot a Chechen dissident in a park in 2019, at the behest of Russias intelligence agency. For months, Putin has expressed his willingness to cut a deal.

A previous deal this year was in the works to free Alexei Navalny, the now-deceased leader of the Russian opposition, but it failed before Navalny was killed in a Russian prison.

Timing is everything, and now that President Biden is no longer seeking reelection, hes willing to take more risks and intent on shoring up his legacy. One hour before he announced on July 21 that he's dropping his campaign and backed Vice President Kamala Harris, Biden greenlighted the complex deal, The Wall Street Journal revealed.

What makes a martyr? Alexei Navalny shines a light on Vladimir Putin's evil tyranny.

Who are Gershkovich, Whelan and other prisoners freed in the swap with Russia?

From left, Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich, Russian American journalist Alsu Kurmasheva and former U.S. Marine Paul Whelan after being freed from Russia to Ankara, Turkey, on Aug. 1, 2024.

Alsu Kurmasheva, not a household name, was the last innocent to be captured and released by Moscow on Thursday. After a secret trial, the 47-year-old Russian American journalist at the Washington-funded Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL) was sentenced to 6 1/2 years in prison on charges of spreading false information about the Russian army.

Before her arrest last October, Kurmasheva lived in Prague with with her husband and two daughters. She traveled from the Czech Republic to Russia to care for her elderly mother.

Opinion alerts: Get columns from your favorite columnists + expert analysis on top issues, delivered straight to your device through the USA TODAY app. Don't have the app? Download it for free from your app store.

In February, Russia named RFE/RL as an undesirable organization. Kurmashevas crime? She failed to register her U.S. passport with the Russian authorities. In reality, Kurmasheva helped edit a book about the war in Ukraine that likely triggered the Kremlin.

US-Russia prisoner swap: Russia prisoner swap brings Whelan, Gershkovich home. US should have done more, sooner.

In a written statement, Biden called the deal a feat of diplomacy and pledged to free every unlawfully detained American abroad.

Today we celebrate the return of Paul, Evan, Alsu, and Vladimir and rejoice with their families, it said.

President Joe Biden, standing at the White House with family members of the Americans freed from Russia, speaks about the prisoner exchange on Aug. 1, 2024.

But does the swap signal a potential thaw in relations between Moscow and Washington? Absolutely not.

The swap was nothing more than a temporary moment of convenience when Putin and Bidens narrow political interests overlapped. There will be no thaw or reset in the final days of Bidens term. Until Moscow removes its troops from Ukraine, Washington will not relent. Nor should it.

And rejoice we should.

Melinda Haring is a nonresident senior fellow at the Atlantic Councils Eurasia Center.

You can read diverse opinions from our USA TODAY columnists and other writers on the Opinion front page, on X, formerly Twitter, @usatodayopinion and in our Opinion newsletter.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Russia prisoner swap won't change much for US. Celebrate it anyway
Reputed Sinaloa drug cartel leader Ismael "El Mayo" Zambada claims he was kidnapped by the criminal organization's other co-founder's son, Joaquin Guzman Lopez, and brought to the U.S. against his will.

Zambada, who is facing federal drug and money laundering charges in the U.S., released a statement through his attorney, Frank A. Perez, accusing Guzman Lopez of forcing him on a small plane that led to his arrest by U.S. Marshals on July 25 at a Dona Ana County private airport in Santa Teresa, New Mexico, a small town bordering El Paso.

Ismael Zambada, right, the reputed leader of the Sinaloa Cartel, appeared in a federal courtroom in El Paso, Texas, on Thursday, Aug. 1, accompanied by his attorney, Frank Perez of Dallas.

"The idea that I gave myself up or cooperated voluntarily is completely and unequivocally false," Zambada said in the statement. "They brought me to this country by force and under coercion, without my consent and against my will."

More: Sinaloa cartel leader 'El Mayo' Zambada's case may be transferred, documents reveal

Guzman Lopez is facing federal charges in connection with his role in the notorious, violent Sinaloa drug cartel in federal court in Chicago. His attorney has a conflicting account of how Zambada landed in U.S custody, a key Justice Department objective.

The federal trial against Zambada is expected to move from El Paso to New York.

Ismael 'El Mayo' Zambada: 'it's important to know the truth'

Here is the full statement from Zambada released by his attorney. The statement has been translated from Spanish into English. The statement includes allegations of violent crimes that the El Paso Times could not confirm.

"Since I was brought by plane to the United States from Mexico on July 25, 2024, there have been many inaccurate reports in the media of both countries. In this statement I will provide the true facts of what happened that day. I want to say from the beginning that I didn't give myself up and that I didn't come voluntarily to the United States. Nor did he have any agreement with either of the two governments. On the contrary, I was kidnapped and brought to the United States by force and against my will.

Below is a detail of how it happened.

Joaquin Guzman Lopez asked me to attend a meeting to help resolve the differences between the political leaders of our state. He was aware of an ongoing dispute between Ruben Rocha Moya, Governor of Sinaloa, and Hector Melesio Cuen Ojeda, former federal deputy, mayor of Culiacan and rector of the Autonomous University of Sinaloa (UAS), about who should direct that institution. I was informed that in addition to Hector Cuen and Governor Rocha Moya, Ivan Guzman Salazar would also be present at the meeting.

On July 25, I went to the ranch and event center called Huertos del Pedregal, on the outskirts of Culiacan, where the meeting was going to take place. The meeting was scheduled for 11:00 a.m. and I arrived a little earlier. I saw a large number of armed men in green military uniforms who I assumed were gunmen of Joaquin Guzman and his brothers. I was accompanied by four members of the security personnel, two of whom stayed outside the perimeter. The two who entered with me were Jose Rosario Heras Lopez, commander of the Judicial Police of the State of Sinaloa, and Rodolfo Chaidez, a member of my security team for a long time.

As I walked to the meeting area, I saw Hector Cuen and one of his assistants. I greeted them briefly before entering a room where there was a table full of fruit. I saw Joaquin Guzman Lopez, whom I have known since I was a child, and he gestured to me to follow him. Trusting in the nature of the meeting and the people involved, I followed him without hesitation. They took me to another room that was in the dark.

As soon as I set foot inside that room, they ambushed me. A group of men assaulted me, threw me to the ground and put a dark hood on my head. They tied me up and handcuffed me, and then forced me to get into the box of a truck. Throughout this ordeal, I was subjected to physical abuse, which caused significant injuries to my back, knee and wrists. Then they took me to a runway about 20 or 25 minutes away, where I was forced to board a private plane.

Joaquin removed the hood from my head and tied me to the seat with flanges. There was no one on the plane but Joaquin, the pilot and I.

The flight lasted between 2 12 (to) 3 hours, non-stop, until we arrived in El Paso, Texas. It was there, on the track, where U.S. federal agents arrested me. The idea that I gave myself up or cooperated voluntarily is completely and unequivocally false. They brought me to this country by force and under coercion, without my consent and against my will.

I know that the official version given by the authorities of the state of Sinaloa is that Hector Cuen was shot on the night of July 25 at a gas station by two men on motorcycles who wanted to steal his truck. That's not what happened. He was killed at the same time and in the same place where I was kidnapped.

Hector Cuen had been a friend of mine for a long time, and I deeply regret his death, as well as the disappearance of Jose Rosario Heras Lopez and Rodolfo Chaidez, whom no one has seen or heard about again.

I think it's important to know the truth. This is what happened and not the false stories that are circulating. I call on the governments of Mexico and the United States to be transparent and provide the truth about my kidnapping in the United States and about the deaths of Hector Cuen, Rosario Heras, Rodolfo Chaidez and anyone else who lost their life that day.

I also call on the people of Sinaloa to be measured and to maintain peace in our state. Nothing is resolved with violence. We have already traveled that path and we all lose."

- Ismael Mayo Zambada

Ismael El Mayo Zambada faces 7 federal counts

Here are the federal charges Zambada is facing:

Continuing criminal enterprise - murder

Two counts of continuing criminal enterprise

Conspiracy to possess narcotics

Attempt/conspiracy - narcotics - importation/exportation

Laundering of monetary instruments

Conspiracy to possess firearm/drug traffickers and aid and abet

Aaron Martinez may be reached at amartinez1@elpasotimes.com or on Twitter @AMartinezEPT.

This article originally appeared on El Paso Times: Sinaloa leader Ismael 'El Mayo' Zambada releases details of his capture
And cleanup continued.

Delaware was slammed Thursday with severe weather  heavy rain, flooding and a confirmed tornado in Marshallton later in the evening. The cyclone, with estimated peak winds at 95 mph, shuffled an Acme parking lot, dropped trees in neighborhoods, downed telephone poles and tossed debris across the area.

Parts of New Castle County, particularly around Marshallton and Pike Creek, had woken up without power. Glasgow saw 2.47 inches of rain Thursday, Newark over 3, as the remnants of Debby  later downgraded to a post-tropical storm  swept the state.

The northern end of the state continued to bear the brunt. In a preliminary storm damage report Saturday morning, the National Weather Service reported "numerous" vehicles were stuck in floodwaters between Kirkwood and Red Lion on Thursday, along with some water rescues in the same area, and flooding of streams and roads near Hockessin. Some 10 other "flash floods" hit the region.

An EF1 tornado, with estimated peak winds of 95 mph, touched down Thursday, Aug. 8, 2024, at 7:11 p.m. in Mashallton. The tornado traveled north for 1.13 miles in two minutes. Its maximum width was 150 yards.

As cleanup began in the morning, Friday delivered only more wind and rain. Peak winds were reported at 47 mph in Dewey Beach, while each county saw the highest winds in the 40s Friday. The rain relented for many Friday, compared with Thursday, with high totals at 0.66 inches recorded in areas of Newark and 0.57 near Greenville.

Looking north, Debby's tentacles barreled farther up the Mid-Atlantic as the day continued, overflowing streams and rivers, triggering flash flood emergencies in multiple counties and towns near the New York-Pennsylvania borders. Now, the scattered system is moving north of the U.S.

But back in Delaware, the National Weather Service has offered some optimism for the weekend.

"Conditions will improve tonight and a tranquil weekend is expected," the Mount Holly, New Jersey, office posted to X on Friday. "In the meantime, stay weather aware today, and have multiple ways to receive warnings!"

What could tranquil look like for Delaware?

Post-Debby: He wasn't afraid of 'a little bit of wind.' Then, he learned it was a tornado

Delaware weather forecast as Debby clears the area

Saturday should still bear the sun again.

The daytime Aug. 10 promises a high of 87 degrees and mostly sunny skies for the Wilmington area, according to the National Weather Service. Expect high humidity. That's paired with a much more mild wind, at 5 to 10 miles per hour, as well as a cool evening with a low of 66 degrees.

Then, Sunday should offer a similar outlook. Mostly sunny skies and 83 degrees will meet a calm wind from the west around 5 miles per hour in the afternoon, per forecasters. Another mostly clear night is expected to follow, with a low around 64 degrees.

Down on the beaches, the sun should be out all day Saturday. It's expected to be mostly sunny with a high near 80 degrees, joined by a light northwest wind becoming northeast by the afternoon. A slight chance of showers or thunderstorms joins the forecast around 3 a.m., with a low around 70 degrees, though the chance of precipitation is about 20%.

Sunday at the beach will be a touch cooler, with a high of 80 degrees under still mostly sunny skies. Wind will remain around 5 miles per hour. That night in Sussex County should deliver a clear sky and 68 degrees.

Areas of Kent County might have an even warmer weekend.

The Dover area can expect a sunny day Saturday, with a high near 88 degrees. Calm winds will carry into the evening, which should cool to a low of about 68 degrees with a 20% chance of showers.

Then, the brightness returns Sunday with a high of 84 and mostly sunny skies. That night should cool to about 64 degrees, according to the weather service.

Another one? Hurricane forecasters eye new system in the Atlantic

Got a story? Contact Kelly Powers at kepowers@gannett.com or follow her on X @kpowers01.

This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: Debby's remnants slammed Delaware. Will the weekend offer relief?
Passenger plane crashes in Brazil's Sao Paulo state, all 61 aboard killed

Xinhua) 09:34, August 10, 2024

SAO PAULO, Aug. 9 (Xinhua) -- A passenger plane crashed in the interior of the Brazilian state of Sao Paulo on Friday, killing all 61 aboard, the airline company Voepass confirmed.

The airline said the number of death was 61, not 62 as initially reported.

In a statement, Voepass said the plane that crashed in the city of Vinhedo was carrying 57 passengers and four crew members, and none of them survived the accident.

The plane of the Brazilian regional airline was traveling from the city of Cascavel in the southern state of Parana to Guarulhos International Airport in Sao Paulo.

The aircraft, which has a capacity to carry 68 passengers, fell on houses in the neighborhood of Capela de Vinhedo.

Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva called for a minute of silence before starting his participation in an event in the port of Itajai in the southern state of Santa Catarina.

The president expressed "total solidarity with families and friends of the victims" on the social platform X.

(Web editor: Cai Hairuo, Sheng Chuyi)
Rhyma Castillo is a trending reporter for the Express-News and a member of its Digital Go Team. She can be reached at rhyma.castillo@express-news.net.

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

In her free time, she enjoys painting, drawing, cooking, hiking, climbing, gardening, playing video games, cuddling with her cats, and making music with her band.
Bedford County was awarded $1.5 million and the counties of Amherst and Campbell each received more than $100,000 as part of $126 million in Virginia Business Ready Sites Program (VBRSP) development grants issued to 23 sites across the state, Gov. Glenn Youngkin announced Thursday.

The Bedford County Office of Economic Development announced the $1.5 million, which requires a match, will be used to further site development in the New London Business and Technology Center on U.S. 460. The plans involve clearing two sites and continuing the Meade Road gravel extension, along with implementing stormwater, sewer and underground utilities as funding permits, according to a news release from the countys economic development office.

This project will further develop the Phase 2 section of the New London Tech Center and advance the site from a Tier 3 to a Tier 4 level, Pam Armstrong, the countys economic development director, said in a news release. The VBRSP evaluates land in a tiered system, with Tier 1 defined as an identified site thats raw land and Tier 5 defined as a pad-ready site with infrastructure improvements either complete or close to completion. This top tier is the most attractive to companies and developers who want to build, but dont want to wait the additional time it takes to get a site pad-ready, which can add several months to a building project.

In 2023, the county was awarded $63,750 for the required engineering studies and reports to advance the site from a Tier 2 to a Tier 3.

Businesses in the current climate are looking to move quickly and its imperative that we are competitive in attracting companies to Bedford County, Wyatt Walton, chairman of the Bedford County Economic Development Authority, said in the release. When companies are looking for a site, its more of an elimination process than a selection process. If you dont have inventory, companies go elsewhere. This funding will further our mission and strategy of attracting new economic opportunity to Bedford County in our primary focus areas of manufacturing, new business, and technology-based projects.

Charla Bansley, District 3 member of the Bedford County Board of Supervisors who represents of the district where the New London business center is located, emphasized the importance of attracting business to the county.

Bedford County and the New London area of Forest is a desirable destination for businesses with direct access to U.S. 460, Bansley said in the release. Over the past 20 years, significant investments have been made in developing this property and the County is grateful to the Virginia Economic Development Partnership in helping us further our mission of more jobs and less taxes.

The contingency in using the awarded money lies in another grant that Bedford County officials hope to receive from the Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission, which is under consideration and if awarded would be used as a partial match for the project, according to the county.

Other funding sources to make up the match balance include funds as set aside from the countys capital improvement plans budget, as well as from the county economic development authority. Additionally, the county received a Virginia Department of Transportation grant for engineering work for Meade Road improvements and the extension project.

The 500-acre New London center, which the authority owns, is home to Simplimatic Automation, RA Tools, Vagus LLC, Damage Prevention Solutions, Belvac Production Machinery and Liberty Universitys 28-acre Tech campus.

In Amherst County, VBRSP awarded $112,267 toward a county-owned property on the Virginia 210 corridor in Madison Heights. In March, the countys board of supervisors rezoned an area of just more than 90 acres from a public lands, P-1, zoning district to Industrial, M-1, at the request of the Economic Development Authority (EDA) of Amherst County.

Tyler Creasy, the countys director of community development, told supervisors in March the property is vacant and the grant will allow the EDA to investigate potential uses for the the property and also pay for the due diligence needed to mitigate any risk for a potential developer.

Part of the economic development goals, objectives and strategies is to continue business growth and investment on Route 210, Creasy told the board in March.

The property is in a stretch near the Amherst Adult Detention Center and the former Central Virginia Training Center, a state-owned campus of more than 300 acres that county officials and the Lynchburg Regional Business Alliance are marketing for future redevelopment opportunities.

Victoria Hanson, the countys EDA director, said the authority works diligently to prepares sites for expanding and prospective businesses.

There is limited M-1 industrial land available in the County so we need to explore and prepare the sites that make sense and are likely to deliver quality jobs and new capital investment, Hanson said in an email to The News & Advance. The Rt. 210 site is located next to the US 29 bypass interchange with quick access to the region and state and across from downtown Lynchburg. It is gratifying that the value of the Rt. 210 site was recognized and funded through the grant.

Campbell County also received $125,000 from VBRSP that will go to the third phase of the Dearing Ford Business and Manufacturing Center in Altavista.

The Town of Altavista in 2019 purchased the 50-acre business park from Campbell County for $1 million after approving a boundary adjustment that allowed the town to draw in the center and its undeveloped property. The center is made up of 28 acres adjacent to Walmart and an additional 21.75 acres on Dearing Ford Road off U.S. 29.

VBRSP identifies, assesses and improves industrial sites with at least 100 contiguous, developable acres, or 50 acres in the western part of the commonwealth and in areas with other qualifying conditions, according to a news release from Youngkins office. He said in a state-issued news release a growing inventory of project-ready sites is a huge competitive advantage and the states investments in the VBRSP were a big factor in Virginia recently being named Americas top state for business.

Business-ready sites drive and accelerate economic growth, and our continued investments in site development position the Commonwealth to compete to win transformative projects that will bring hundreds and thousands of jobs to Virginia, Youngkin said in the release. Before we took office, Virginia was significantly behind our competitor states. We must continue the concerted effort weve made to invest in sites over the course of my administration and were looking forward to Virginians seeing the benefits of this work in the future.
Dont fall for what U.S. politicians may say. Besides, you could waste even more time fact-checking their falsehoods. The truth is Americans love visiting Mexico. Surely, youve heard of popular hotspots like Acapulco, Cancun, and Cabo San Lucas. This years estimates are that roughly 40 million Americans will go south of the border. However, upwards of 3 million of them will instead hit the beach in Rocky Point Mexico for some more affordable fun in the sun.

Rocky Point is the popular nickname for Puerto Penasco. Both names are widely used for this small seaside resort town at the top of the Gulf of California, also called the Sea of Cortez. The location is the Mexican state of Sonora just below The Grand Canyon state of Arizona in the United States.

Rocky Point Mexico is Arizonas Beach

Because it sits so far north near the United States, Rocky Point Mexico has embraced becoming Arizonas Beach. Overall, the distance between Puerto Penasco and Arizonas large metropolitan areas of Phoenix and Tucson is only about 200 miles. However, from the border crossing in Lukeville, Arizona, you can be sitting with a margarita on the beach for about an hour.

Meanwhile, the proximity and lack of commercial flight service make Rocky Point Mexico a year-round driving destination for Americans. Every day, proof of this is that you will commonly see license plates around town from the surrounding states of California, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, Texas, and Utah. In the fall and winter months, you will see plenty of visiting Canadians escaping the cold at home.

Puerto Penasco  Tourism Treasure Discovered

200 years ago, the Rocky Point name was spread by Robert William Hale Hardy, a retired British Royal Fleet officer. Hardy was sailing in search of pearls and precious metals. The explorer used the name, Rocky Point, because of the view from his ship, and got it placed on maritime maps as such.

Today, that same rocky terrain and hill is now the center of the town of Rocky Point Mexico. The former tiny fishing village is now firmly on the map as a popular tourism destination.

The certified-clean Sandy Beach is the most popular part of Puerto Penasco. It stretches just a couple miles but is home to beachfront condominium complexes such as the classic Sonoran Sun Resort. Many owners use and rent their condos for vacationers who want priceless views of the beach and sea at very affordable prices.

Enjoying Mexican Culture

Most employment for the 75,000 Rocky Point Mexico residents supports tourism. Jobs range from hospitality at beach resorts to activities such as boating and fishing tours, parasailing, and riding ATVs. Puerto Penasco also offers retail options from large Walmart-owned stores to countless Mom & Pop-type businesses.

However, it is through serving food and drink that many locals proudly share their Mexican culture. From tacos to tequila, and burritos to cold beer, you will enjoy getting a taste of Mexico.

Restaurants range from corporate touristy spots to hidden gems family-owned and operated. Adding to the local flavor are street vendors who quickly prepare deliciousness. And to quench your thirst there is an array of beachfront bars and swim-up pool bars.

A bonus is English speaking Americans find many locals speak English as well as Spanish. Its all part of the special embrace of tourism which helps make Rocky Point Mexico a safer, easier, and more affordable travel option.
By Rachel Okporu Fadoju

The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has clarified that the raid at the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) secretariat had nothing to do with the NLC, its secretariat, staff, or leadership.

Naija News reports that Police Force spokesman, Muyiwa Adejobi, made this known in a statement on Friday.

Adejobi said the operation was targeted at a suspected criminal traced to a shop in the Centre Business District of Abuja, which coincidentally was the NLC building.

The police boss also sought the cooperation and support of NLC leadership in the investigation of the raid at its secretariat.

The statement read, Detectives, armed with the appropriate legal authority, conducted an operation at the location, which turned out to be the NLC building.

This well-coordinated, lawful operation was solely aimed at apprehending the prime suspecta foreign national implicated in numerous criminal activities across Nigeria and other African countries.

The NLC Secretariat was not the focus of the operation, which was targeted at a rented shop within the building used by the suspect as a front for his criminal activities in Nigeria.

The Nigeria Police Force seeks the cooperation and support of the NLC leadership as we continue this investigation, which is vital to safeguarding our nation. The high-profile nature of the suspect poses a significant security threat to Nigeria and other African nations, making this investigation crucial for the safety of all involved, including the NLC.

The Nigeria Police Force remains committed to upholding the rule of law, maintaining professionalism, and respecting human rights in the discharge of our statutory duties. We also urge Nigerians to remain vigilant and to conduct security profiling of individuals seeking to rent space within their premises.
By Udeze Ekene

The Chairman of Heir Holdings, Tony Elumelu, has said the federal government knows those behind crude oil theft in Nigeria.

Tony Elumelu said oil theft is a coordinated crime. He argued that crude oil thieves operate using vessels and cannot carry out successful operations without the knowledge of security agencies.

Elumelu, in an interview with Financial Times, said his first attempt to invest in the oil and gas industry was thwarted by former president, Muhammadu Buhari and his former chief of staff, late Abba Kyari, in 2017.

He said his company lost about 95 percent of its crude to oil theft in 2022. This is oil theft, were not talking about stealing a bottle of Coke you can put in your pocket. The government should know, they should tell us.

Look at America  Donald Trump was shot at and quickly they knew the background of who shot him. Our security agencies should tell us who is stealing our oil. You bring vessels to our territorial waters and we dont know? Elumelu told the Financial Times.

Elumelu, a member of President Bola Tinubus Economic Advisory Council, explained that there was nothing wrong with the migration of Nigerian citizens to Western nations.

He explained that unemployment and the need for young Nigerians to achieve their dreams after graduating from high institutions were responsible for the brain drain.
The village head of the Gefe community of Kufana chiefdom in the Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna State has been killed by bandits along with two other people.

Although police authorities in Kaduna State are yet to confirm the attack, a community leader Silas Musa told Channels television that the bandits invaded Gefe village at about midnight on Thursday.

He said they went straight to the residence of the village head Emmanuel Idan and another local and shot them to death. During the operation, fourteen locals were abducted by the bandits and taken to an unknown destination.

The community leader also said that the bandits attacked the Maro community in Kajuru local government where they shot a middle-aged man on both legs, who later died while being taken to the hospital for treatment.

In a similar vein, a journalists wife and three children were abducted by bandits at the keke community of Millennium City in the Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

The incident occurred on Thursday night when the bandits invaded the community and started going to some houses to take some people away.

The husband of the victims Bashir Mohammed who is based in Kogi State told Channels Television that the family members were in Kaduna for a holiday and had just arrived on Thursday night before they were abducted a few hours later.

They were abducted from their relatives house at Millennium City alongside eight other members of the same family.
By Bidemi Bello

The Ogun State governor Dapo Abiodun said 100 hectares of land have been allocated to the Nigerian Navy to build a Forward Operating Base in the state.

He stated this during a courtesy visit to the Chief of Naval Staff Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla in his office in Abuja on Friday.

The Federal Operating Base, according to the governor, would be established in the Ogun Waterside Local Government Area of the state.

He said that the naval facility would protect some strategic investments and safeguard the sovereignty of Nigeria at Tongeji Island.

Ogun State has always had a long and fruitful relationship with the security apparatus of the nation and has been adjudged to be one of the most secure and peaceful states in Nigeria, he said

As part of ongoing efforts towards deepening that relationship with members of the armed forces, I am happy to announce that Ogun State has allocated 100 hectares of land to the Nigerian Navy to build a Forward Operating Base in Ogun Waterside Local Government that will consist of a naval dockyard and a naval base.

This base and dockyard will provide security for the investments coming into that area, including the proposed OK LNG project being spearheaded by NNPC Limited, the proposed Olokola Deep Sea Port, and will safeguard the sovereignty of Nigeria at Tongeji Island, part of Ipokia LG, Ogun State and activities by NNPC Limited towards oil exploration, given the states frontier status as conferred by the Federal Ministry of Petroleum Resources.

Responding, the Chief of Naval Staff said that although he inherited the project from his predecessor, he embraced it upon assuming office because of its importance and the value inherent in it.

Vice Admiral Ogalla expressed gratitude to the governor for the gesture, promising that construction will start immediately as it is provided for in the 2024 budget.
District 8 Councilman Manny Pelaez seen addressing members of San Antonio City Council during a special session on June 18, 2024, in San Antonio, Texas. Christopher Lee/Christopher Lee/Staff Photographer

Can City Council members park wherever the hell they want to, as District 8 Council Member Manny Pelaez asserted during Thursdays City Council meeting?

He made the comment as he described the perks enjoyed by council members  positions he facetiously described as the closest thing to royalty in San Antonio that you can get.

City staffs answer  when the San Antonio Express-News asked whether elected officials could park wherever whenever  was that the privilege has limits. Council members can park for free at city-owned parking garages. The San Antonio Police Department also issues them parking permits to facilitate official City business, but they must abide by state law, said city spokesperson Brian Chasnoff.

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Still, to the many non-council members among us, that sounds like a pretty good deal. A spot in a downtown garage or lot can cost up to $25, though city-owned parking garages are capped at $10.

Pelaez appeared to make his comments out of frustration as the City Council debated whether to ask voters to amend the city charter to raise City Council pay from $45,722 annually to $70,200, with raises tied to annual increases in the regions median income.

Free parking and other freebies were part of a bigger fight that day.

Class clash on dais

Pelaez, who is running for mayor in the May 2025 election, found himself on the losing side of an 8-3 vote.

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Pelaez, District 6 Council Member Melissa Cabello Havrda (who is a likely mayoral contender) and District 10 Council Member Marc Whyte opposed any pay increase. All three are lawyers and have continued to practice law since taking office.

The council would be doing a disservice to members of the working class, whose voices deserve to be represented, if we chose to go with lower pay rates, District 7 Councilwoman Marina Alderete Gavito said.

Councils pay rate hasnt changed since 2015.

If we keep the salary lower, we might just become a council with only members who are attorneys, Alderete Gavito said as she turned toward Whyte and Pelaez with a smile. I prefer to see a diverse council of community-minded folks, nonprofit leaders, health care specialists and teachers. These are folks who know what its like to sit at the kitchen table at night making tough financial decisions for their families.

Cabello Havrda and Pelaez didnt find her apparently lighthearted remark about their occupation funny. That, and other members comments, led Pelaez to take aim at his colleagues who favor a raise.

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I cant not comment that one should never underestimate the eager alacrity of politicians to come up with reasons to get paid more, he said. And that eagerness is only eclipsed by the speed with which politicians come up with fallacies to bolster the arguments for getting paid more.

In other words, the North Side council member doesnt believe his colleagues are scraping by, especially in light of the perks that come with serving on council.

I will tell you that City Council  with all this talk of service and humility and all that  is the closest thing to royalty in San Antonio that you can get, he said. We all get great parking spaces, folks. We get to park wherever the hell we want to. All of us get invited to every Spurs game and all the high-ticket concerts.

And by the way, those of us up here who talk about regular-ass people and regular folks and being poverty pimps and all that stuff  youll see them all in the suites  at the luxury suites  and at luxury events and galas, right, he said. Its all cute what were hearing up here. Capital c cute, right? Its a lot of dishonesty.

Poverty pimp is a derogatory term that refers to someone who benefits politically or financially from advocating for minority or disadvantaged communities.

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It wasnt clear who Pelaez was referring to, but District 2 Council Member Jalen McKee-Rodriguez took to social media to say he felt the comment was directed at him.

WOAH! I didnt realize @MannyforSA called me a poverty pimp today lmao, McKee-Rodriguez, who represents the East Side, posted on X.

McKee-Rodriguez was one of the most vocal supporters of raising council pay to broaden the field of candidates running for office  to include people who have to earn enough to make ends meet.

McKee-Rodriguez was a high school math teacher before he was first elected to council in 2021. He briefly returned to the classroom last year as a second source of income, but said he gave up the part-time job because of the time demands of his council job.

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The 29-year-old, who is the youngest member of council, said Thursday he cannot comfortably raise children with his current pay.

How many other regular working-class people who want to start a family will not run for office because they know that it wont be attainable or sustainable for them? McKee-Rodriguez said.

Until we make it so that a teacher, a health care worker, a community health worker, a hospitality worker is able to be on this dais without sacrificing their quality of life, the role is inaccessible still, he later added.

McKee-Rodriguez and District 5 Council Member Teri Castillo took aim at Pelaezs remarks about sitting in suites at Spurs games.

The last Spurs game I attended, I was up in the nosebleeds close enough to take pics of this water damage, Castillo, who represents the West Side, wrote on X.

High-rolling?

And what about those Spurs and concert tickets and luxury suites Pelaez referred to?

The citys code of ethics states that city officials shouldnt accept any gift or benefit that reasonably tends to influence or reward official conduct or that is being offered with that explicit intent. Officials also shouldnt accept gifts from entities or people that do, or are trying to do, business with the city, or from registered lobbyists or public relations firms.

Pelaez didnt specify who was inviting him and council members to Spurs games and concerts.

Recognizing he was on the losing side of the impending vote, he wrapped up his remarks by urging voters to weigh in.

Go vote, he said. If you dont want to pay City Council members more, if you think that we dont deserve to get paid more because were still one of the poorest cities in the United States, dont pay us more. If you think that we are martyrs that deserve to be paid more, then pay us more.
Somalia and Ethiopia will resume negotiations in Ankara on a port in Somaliland, a breakaway region where Addis Ababa offered recognition in return for using the Red Sea port.

Relations worsened when Ethiopia and Somaliland signed a memorandum of understanding to use 20 km of coastal land for a port purpose.

Somalia opposed the deal and denounced it as a violation of its sovereignty and an act of aggression by Ethiopia. Kenya has previously offered to mediate in the conflict between the two neighbors.

At a news conference in Istanbul, Turkish foreign minister Hakan Fidan said a second round of talks between Somalia and Ethiopia will take place in Ankara next week.

Turkey has been building a strong presence in Somalia investing massively in the war-ravaged country.

In 2017, Turkey established its largest overseas military base in Mogadishu, where it has been training Somali soldiers.

In February, Somalias Cabinet approved a ten-year defense and economic pact with Turkey, which includes providing training and equipment for the Somali Navy to help it protect the African countrys marine resources and shield it of threats such as terrorism and piracy.
Local authorities in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) have reported that dozens of Rwandan families are being resettled in areas that are controlled by Rwanda-backed M23 rebels, expressing fears that this could spark ethnic clashes and conflicts over land.

Rwandan families were crossing the DRCs border in trucks and taking over villages vacated by violence-displaced Congolese, Kaurwa Bazungu Romain, a provincial member of parliament, told Deutsche Welle. This is happening in the eastern DRC that is under the control of the Rwanda-backed M23 rebel group that has been since 2021 seizing more and more territories in the region.

The M23 issued threats to the Congolese that the people brought from Rwanda to these two territories would be settled in the plots of the displaced Congolese. The fear is that this situation risks plunging us into perpetual conflicts over land, he said. Neighboring Rwanda has not reacted to the allegations.

It comes as, in a separate but related development, the UN Security Council on Tuesday (6 August) authorized its peacekeepers in the eastern DRC to provide technical and logistical support to the fight against rebel groups, most notably the M23. The unanimous UN resolution allows the UN peacekeeping mission to the DRC to support the Southern African Development Community Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (SAMIDRC) through enhanced coordination, information-sharing and technical assistance.

The SAMIDRC has been assisting the DRC armed forces in its fight against the M23. The UN Security Council also welcomed a ceasefire agreement signed on 30 July between the DRC and Rwanda, calling for a lasting peace between the parties.
Sorry! ONTD doesn't read!!



Most excited for Andor.



Am contractually obligated to be excited for the Baby Yoda movie. 



Edited at 2024-08-10 04:29 am (UTC)

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Cassian my rebel scum king  he'd rather die trying to take them down than die giving them what they want  Best Star Wars since Empire, best drama on TV, etc etc etc omg just inject it into my veins please.

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Yessss to Ben Mendelsohn and Forest Whitaker returning! And to my beloved floating senate discs, underrated stars that they are

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unrelated to the post but the star wars part happened like an hour in to the panel, it took me a bit to throw this post together, it went up a little while after that, and the panel is STILL going on now?



(but the person who posted the teasers definitely got told off by disney since those are all gone now)

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Zeb is gonna appear but meanwhile his boyfriend Kallus is probably found dead in a ditch somewhere.



Free my boy you cowards.

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Excited for my BABYYY with his Anzellans crew and more kicking ass. I miss the feel of season 1 of Mando when everything was a beautiful wonder, and I think it will be back in this movie.



The amount of cuteness in this Skeleton Crew trailer is choking me, I need it now. Kerry Condon sighting!



Couldn't be less excited about Andor and its pompous xenophobic ass showrunner who thinks he can shout at his director in front of everyone, the only woman in that team (no wonder she and a bunch of other people never came back for s2), and its dumbass cast who is unable to produce a single comprehensive sentence instead of a word salad on top of praises for their boss. Keep retconning my previously favorite character enforcing all kinds of toxic stereotypes on him and praying for that Emmy lmao. Hope it's shown sooner so that its annoying condescending fanbase finally shuts up and stops shitting on every other star wars content, being busy obsessing over every detail of this mediocre show.



Edited at 2024-08-10 05:45 am (UTC)

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Posting a LQ SPOILERY Baby Yoda movie clip: https://www.tumblr.com/star-wars-trash/758397171382026240/mandalorian-and-grogu-movie-teaser

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My baby!!! I've missed him.

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Same!



I love him so much! 



Honestly I don't even care if the movie is good - I'm so excited to see The Baby (tm) on the big screen!

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But as for Skeleton Crew, people have pointed out the similarities to Captain EO characters!



Is Skeleton Crew a Captain EO origins story?!  pic.twitter.com/0zbdcYq5Mr  Nick Cucerzan (@NCucerzan) August 10, 2024



Is it reaching? A bit, but the Fuzzball is definitely being carbon copied in this show. Excited for Andor season 2! Andor was excellent.But as for Skeleton Crew, people have pointed out the similarities to Captain EO characters!Is it reaching? A bit, but the Fuzzball is definitely being carbon copied in this show.

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Yay for Andor and Dieguito!!!



I came in late to the show (I was tired of Disney's SW by then) but my brother convinced me to watch it and I looved it. It feels like it doesn't belong in the same universe that the rest of the mediocre stuff Disney keeps producing.

I'm very excited for season 2!







Edited at 2024-08-10 06:31 am (UTC)

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Skeleton Crew could be cute, but the very Earth-like design at the beginning really took me out of it.



Im tentatively looking forward to the Mando film, but I dont have much hope, tbh.

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I hope we see Brierly Ronan and his half Cape, too. And even a hint, a mention of Eli. Idc how just do it.

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What about Acolyte s2 tho

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They didn't seriously draw me in with Jude Law's face, only to have him appear in the last five seconds of the trailer.

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Can't wait for Andor!!! Ty Mr. Michael Clayton for getting that Disney money and giving us an actually good SW show.

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Only interested in The Mandalorian movie.

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skeleton crew is giving very 80's sci fi kids movie vibes and I am SO here for it

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Cannot wait for Andor!! I love that Ben Mendelsohn is coming back

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I agree that the trailer for Skeleton Crew has the vibe of The Goonies, could be cute. I'll watch.

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Interested in lots here but man have I missed our tiny green son 

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I have said (irl) that I can't wait to see a close-up of his impossibly cute face with his ears taking up the width of the big screen. 

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Heres Our Dream Cast for Britney Spears Biopic https://t.co/5ae96BaHqM  billboard (@billboard) August 9, 2024

With rumors of a Britney Spears biopic circulating, Billboard chimes in and releases their dream casting.According to Variety, Universal Pictures landed the rights to the pop princess best-selling memoir The Woman in Me. Wicked director Jon M. Chu and Marc Platt are reportedly leading the films development. Spears also took to X earlier this month to reveal that shes been working on a secret project with Platt. Excited to share with my fans that Ive been working on a secret project with Marc Platt. Hes always made my favorite movies  stay tuned.played byBesides their obvious physical resemblance, Sweeney knows the struggle of how someone is portrayed to the media can be completely different to who she actually is. Shed be the perfect candidate to portray Britney from the lens of empathy and kindness, which is all the pop star asks for.played byThe Summer I Turned Pretty star already has JTs signature curls. Taking on the difficult experiences with Timberlake that Spears highlights in her book will take Casalegno from rising actor to full-blown movie star.played byDove Cameron is no stranger to the Disney machine herself, and knows the struggle of getting compared to other pop stars. Her musical ability combined with her acting talent makes her the perfect candidate to portray Xtina.played byWhile Millie Bobby Brown has expressed that playing Britney in a biopic would be her dream role, she has the acting chops to take on Jamie Lynn and bring the depth to the sisters tumultuous relationship.played byFellow Iranian star Shervin Alenabi looks a lot like Spears ex-husband, and the beloved actor will have no issues capturing the relationship between Asghari and Spears.played byAs much as this is an unfortunate casting for any actor, you cant deny the resemblance between Baldwin and Spears estranged father.played bySimilar to Brown, Bullock is an acting pro. The star can easily channel the nuances in Spears relationship with her mother  and probably win an Oscar for it.played byOK, we know that Aguilera is a character in the film. However, instead of playing herself, it would be interesting to see Xtina take on a different relationship with Spears by portraying her mentor and collaborator, Madonna. She certainly has the musical chops for it!More delusional casting at the source
Azerbaijan is well known for its strong link to the oil industry, having produced black gold for well over a century. It was a pioneer in fossil fuel production and continues to rely heavily on crude to this day. Now, as host of the COP29 climate summit, Azerbaijan is looking to clean up its act by investing in clean energy projects and helping developing countries to do the same. However, it is important to understand the significant role that oil has played in the former Soviet state and its ongoing commitment to fossil fuels.

Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan, was the worlds first oil town, with wells being drilled as early as the 1840s. It was once known as Black City having long been covered in soot from oil industry operations. Refineries were developed starting in 1959, and its oil industry went from strength to strength from there. Azerbaijan remains a major oil power, with fossil fuels contributing 90 percent of the countrys exports. It continues to be in the top 10 most oil- and gas-dependent economies worldwide.

In the 1800s, the explorer Marco Polo is reported to have been describing Baku when he wrote, Near the Georgian border there is a spring from which gushes a stream of oil in such abundance that a hundred ships may load there at once. This oil is not good to eat, but it is good for burning and as a salve for men and camels affected with itch or scab. Russia and other foreign entrepreneurs invested heavily in the development of Azerbaijans oil industry from the mid to late 1800s through the establishment of oil production operations and the construction of pipelines for exportation, which led to a century-long boom.

Despite its longstanding history with crude, over the last two decades, the government has invested heavily in transforming Baku. It funded the renovation of many of the citys buildings to create bright, beige facades in a bid to transform Baku into a White City. Now, the government is hoping to continue its clean-up act on the energy industry. President Ilham Aliyev recently stated that Azerbaijan is in the active phase of green transition. Azerbaijan is making no pretense about its strong link with oil and natural gas and plans to continue producing fossil fuels. However, Aliyev has been vocal about his plans for a green transition, particularly going into COP29. The aim is to produce around 30 percent of the countrys electricity from green sources by the end of the decade, which would be a major increase from just 7 percent at present. This will be achieved through the development of several large-scale solar farms around Baku. As well as developing its domestic renewable energy sector, the government hopes to export some of this clean energy to Georgia via an interconnector, as well as to Romania and Hungary under the Black Sea.

Azerbaijan has largely substituted oil for gas when it comes to exports, which it views as a cleaner fossil fuel. The government says that its increase in gas exports in recent years helped Europe shift its reliance away from Russia, following the invasion of Ukraine and subsequent sanctions on Russian energy. There was a sharp rise in demand from several Western states in response to the Russia-Ukraine war, which helped boost Azerbaijans export levels and revenue.

While Azerbaijan continues to rely heavily on oil and gas, the government has emphasized its commitment to international climate goals, such as striving to limit global temperatures to 1.5oC above pre-industrial levels. The government is committed to producing fossil fuels while demand remains high, with a focus on the countrys natural gas output, but aims to also decarbonize the economy by investing in renewable energy and clean tech to support an eventual global green transition.

However, many environmentalists believe that Azerbaijans energy strategy is at odds with its climate pledges. It is attracting much of the same criticism as the COP28 host country The UAE, with many suggesting that to give major oil states such a strong role in international climate policy is detrimental to a green transition unless they are willing to bring about real change at home. There are no plans to end oil and gas production any time soon in the UAE, Azerbaijan, or Brazil  the host of the following COP30 summit, which environmentalists believe greatly undermines many of the aims of the conference.

In June, the government announced plans to invest $2 billion in green projects. The Minister of Energy, Parviz Shahbazov, stated, By 2027, in the first phase of partnership with energy companies, we are planning to realize close to 2 GW of new renewable volumes, which will increase the share of renewables in installed capacity to 33 percent. While this demonstrates the aim to diversify Azerbaijans energy mix, Shahbazov emphasized the governments ongoing commitment to oil and gas, which will likely draw criticism from many international actors going into COP29.

By Felicity Bradstock for Oilprice.com

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As the demand for critical minerals increases, so too does the amount of illegal mining activities taking place. There is a mining boom like we have not seen in decades, as governments and energy companies pursue new mining projects to extract the critical minerals needed to support the global green transition. Companies are looking to mine a wide array of metals and minerals, such as lithium, cobalt, and zinc, for the manufacturing of lithium-ion batteries, renewable energy equipment and other clean technologies. The increase in mining worldwide is also attracting unwanted attention from criminals looking to get their piece of the critical minerals pie by conducting illegal mining.

Brazil has long suffered from illegal mining, and it is becoming even more prevalent as the demand for valuable metals and minerals rises. One of the recent crackdowns caught criminals extracting large quantities of cassiterite, which is the main ore of tin. Although it is less talked about than other critical minerals, tin is a key component for the coating of solar panels, lithium-ion batteries, and solder for a wide range of electronics. The price of tin rose by 29 percent in the first six months of this year and Brazil is one of its biggest exporters.

Illegal mining activities in Brazils Amazon region have increased, as more companies have invested in conventional mining activities in the area. As well as cassiterite, criminal gangs are also looking to extract manganese and copper. The number of mining projects has risen following the recent introduction of initiatives to attract critical mining investment by the Brazilian government.

The government has long tried to quash Illegal gold mining activities across Brazil, but criminal gangs continue to search for gold as well as other critical minerals now. While the price of cassiterite is significantly lower than gold, at around $14 to $21 a kilo, it is much more abundant. Gangs can extract up to 300kg of cassiterite a day on the land of the Indigenous Yanomami people, compared to just 4kg or so of gold a month. The mining of cassiterite can help finance illegal gold mining, making it a vital activity for criminal gangs. These gangs pay truck drivers to illegally smuggle the cassiterite across Brazils state borders, hidden among other products, such as fruit and fish. In 2022, 60 tonnes of cassiterite en route to China were seized in one single operation at Manaus port.

The police continue to seize huge quantities of illegally mined critical minerals hidden in trucks on Brazils highways every day. In June this year, the police seized 23,000 tonnes of manganese that was in the process of being exported to China. This led federal police to close an illegal mining site in Para state. Authorities in the state also raided several copper and gold sites, where they reported that workers were operating under slave-like conditions.

Caio Luchini, the federal police chief in Roraima, the northernmost state of Brazil, emphasized the difficulties in cracking down on new illegal mining activities. Luchini said it is easier to hide the illegal origins of cassiterite and similar minerals than of gold, which has more rigid controls. He added, With this boom of cassiterite and other minerals, it is worth re-analysing our legislation.

Brazil is not the only country in Latin America battling illegal mining. In the Lithium Triangle, a region of abundant lithium reserves located across Argentina, Bolivia and Chile, there are fears of a rise in illegal mining activities as gangs look to profit from the extraction of one of the most sought-after critical minerals. Meanwhile, in Panama this month, the government warned of an increased risk of illegal mining following the closure of operations at the Cobre Panama copper mine in November last year. Panama's security minister, Frank Abrego, stated Inappropriate methods and highly dangerous chemicals such as cyanide are used for these practices. There is information that organized criminal groups are involved in this illegal business.

The market for these critical minerals is huge, as countries worldwide work on strengthening their supply chains to ensure they have enough steady enough supply of metals and minerals to meet the growing demand. Criminal leaders have found innovative ways to use legitimate trade routes to export illegal minerals, making it harder to track their activities. For example, recent reports suggest that freeports, originally aimed at providing tax-free storage and transit of goods, have been used by criminal leaders to sell illegally acquired critical minerals worldwide.

In April this year, the UN led a panel that aimed to support over 100 countries to establish guidelines to prevent some of the environmental degradation and human rights abuses linked with the mining of critical minerals. The guidelines would address the increase in instances of illegal labor and human rights violations linked with the industry. However, significantly more still needs to be done to tackle the rise of illegal mining activities in key mining regions worldwide. While governments attempt to quash illegal mining within their borders, the introduction of more rigorous international mineral exportation standards could help reduce the problem by encouraging greater supply chain transparency to track minerals from extraction to export.

By Felicity Bradstock for Oilprice.com

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Project 2025, a self-described broad coalition of conservative organizations that have come together to ensure a successful administration begins in January 2025, was assembled by the Heritage Foundation, a conservative think tank. Andrew Harnik/Getty Images

With the frequency of weather-related disasters rising, many climate-focused groups are worried about the potential ramifications of a controversial plan that could dramatically change the way people rely on weather data.

Project 2025, a blueprint for a conservative presidential agenda, calls for dismantling the agency that oversees the National Weather Service and privatizing its weather data for the sake of ending the climate change alarm industry, and commercializing its forecasting operations.

In Texas, often the epicenter for severe and extreme weather, the proposal to privatize the nations largest public source of real-time meteorological data could create barriers for financially strapped local government agencies that need the data for disaster preparedness.

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Matthew Malecha, a Texas A&M faculty fellow at the Hazard Reduction and Recovery Center, said the weather services mission involves connecting communities at the local and regional level to produce tools that would help with local decision-making.

A tornado is seen near Cedar Rapids, Iowa on Tuesday, June 25, 2024. More severe weather was forecast to move into the region Tuesday, potentially bringing large hail, damaging winds and even a brief tornado or two in parts of western Iowa and eastern Nebraska, according to the National Weather Service. (Nick Rohlman/The Gazette via AP) Nick Rohlman/Associated Press FILE - Kevin Roberts, president of The Heritage Foundation, speaks in Washington, April 12, 2023. Former President Donald Trump is seeking to distance himself from a plan for a massive overhaul of the federal government drafted by some of his administration officials. Some of these men are expected to take high-level roles if Trump is elected back into the White House. Roberts said that Republicans are in the process of taking this country back when he spoke Tuesday, July 2, 2024, on Steve Bannon's War Room podcast. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite) J. Scott Applewhite/Associated Press

If the weather service wasnt available, Malecha said it would make the jobs of local planners and administrators harder and, it would either make it cost more or they would have to rely on less high-quality data sets, less high-quality data tools or outdated data.

What is Project 2025?

Project 2025, a self-described broad coalition of conservative organizations that have come together to ensure a successful administration begins in January 2025, was assembled by the Heritage Foundation, a conservative think tank.

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The goals of Project 2025 are outlined in a document, more than 900 pages long, called Mandate For Leadership, which, according to the group, has been an influential roadmap for presidential administrations since the 1980s. The document is essentially a playbook for actions a president should take within the first 180 days in office.

Some of Project 2025s Mandate For Leadership priorities include dramatically overhauling the federal government by dismantling entire departments and agencies, including a proposal to dismantle the governments climate and weather research agency, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Project 2025 calls for having its functions either eliminated, sent to other agencies, privatized or placed under the control of states and territories.

Neither anyone from the Heritage Foundation nor Project 2025 responded to requests for comment on this report.

What does Project 2025 say about NOAA?

NOAA, the single-largest agency under the U.S. Department of Commerce, is the umbrella for the National Weather Service, the National Hurricane Center and several other research agencies.

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Thomas Gilman, whom then-President Trump nominated to be chief financial officer and assistant secretary for administration at the Commerce Department in 2019, wrote the section in Project 2025's Mandate For Leadership that lays out what a conservative government should do with the department.

Gilman says in the document that NOAA needs to be dismantled because of its outsized bureaucracy that garners $6.5 billion of the departments $13 billion annual budget and accounts for half of the departments personnel.

Together, these form a colossal operation that has become one of the main drivers of the climate change alarm industry and, as such, is harmful to future prosperity, Gilman wrote.

He says each of NOAAs functions could be provided commercially at a lower cost and with a higher quality, and specifically mentioned AccuWeather as an example of a private company whose services are more reliable than those provided by the NWS.

Other arguments Gilman makes include:

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Reviewing the work of the National Hurricane Center and the National Environmental Satellite Service to ensure their data is presented neutrally without supporting any one side of the climate debate

Transferring the National Ocean Services survey functions to the U.S. Coast Guard and the U.S. Geological Survey to reduce spending

Streamlining the National Marine Fisheries Service and simplifying their work to focus on saltwater species, while the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service focuses on freshwater species

Downsizing the Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research, saying the office is the source of much of NOAAs climate alarmism

Elevating the Office of Space Commerce, saying its going to be one of the most crucial industries of the future.

Responses to Project 2025

AccuWeather CEO Steven Smith said the company does not agree with Project 2025 and has not suggested that the National Weather Service should fully commercialize its operations.

The authors of Project 2025 used us as an example of forecasts and warning provided by private sector companies without the knowledge or permission of AccuWeather, Smith wrote.

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Critics also have highlighted NOAAs importance in tracking how humans change the climate.
First responders launched high-water and helicopter rescues of people trapped in cars and homes in rural New York and Pennsylvania as heavy rain from the remnants of Debby slammed the Northeast with intense flooding.

Debby was downgraded to a tropical depression late Thursday afternoon, and was a post-tropical cyclone on Friday, the National Hurricane Center said. It made landfall early Monday on the Gulf Coast of Florida as a Category 1 hurricane. Then, Debby made a second landfall early Thursday in South Carolina as a tropical storm.

At least eight people died so far due to Debby, most in vehicle accidents or from fallen trees.

The worst of the flash flooding so far in New York occurred in villages and hamlets in a largely rural area south of the Finger Lakes, not far from the Pennsylvania border.

In Steuben County, which borders Pennsylvania, officials ordered the evacuation of the towns of Jasper, Woodhull and part of Addison, and said people were trapped as floodwaters made multiple roads impassable. By mid-evening, some of those orders were lifted as threat of severe flooding passed.

In the hamlet of Woodhull, a rain-swollen creek ran so ferociously that water overtopped a bridge. Area resident Stephanie Waters said parts of sheds, branches and uprooted trees were among the debris that slammed into the span.

"Hearing the trees hit the bridge was scary," she said.

Fire Chief Timothy Martin said everybody was safe in Woodhull, but "every business in Woodhull is damaged."

John Anderson said he watched the floodwaters come up quickly, overwhelming some vehicles in Canisteo, in Steuben County, and nearby in Andover, in Allegany County.

"It's not a slow rise. It's been very fierce," said Anderson, who provided dispatches to The Wellsville Sun. He said he watched people's belongings get carried away by the raging water.

In Canisteo, farm owners Cliff and Deb Moss suffered heavy damage to their dairy farm, which has been there for more than five decades. A neighbor's double-wide trailer floated down a field to a river during the flooding, said their daughter, Stacey Urban.

Urban said the catastrophic damage to the community was still coming into focus, and was hard to fathom.

"They have lost a lot. Beyond heartbreaking," said Urban.

Steuben County manager Jack Wheeler said the storm hit some of the same areas that Tropical Storm Fred battered three years earlier, and a half-dozen swift water rescue steams retrieved people trapped in vehicles and homes.

About 20 evacuees arrived at a shelter set up at a high school, Red Cross spokesman Michael Tedesco said. A second shelter was being set up at another high school in Steuben County.

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul and Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro declared states of emergency.

Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency Director Randy Padfield said a National Guard helicopter with aquatic rescue capability was sent to Tioga County because flooding conditions had become severe in the region that runs along the New York state line.

Padfield said Tioga officials asked for help with eight to 10 rescue locations, and there are also multiple boat-based rescues being conducted.

In Potter County, also on the border with New York, the storm took out bridges and did severe damage to Route 49, Commissioner Bob Rossman said.

"My understanding is the roadway is pretty much well gone," Rossman said. "That'll be a very costly replacement. And one of the main thoroughfares in the county."

He said one firefighter suffered water-related injuries but Rossman did not know the extent.

More than 150,000 customers were without power across New York and Pennsylvania, according to PowerOutage.us.

In Vermont, where more than 47,000 customers were without power, Gov. Phil Scott warned that Debby's remnants could cause serious damage, including in already drenched places that were hit by flash flooding twice last month.

However, a flood watch was called off by mid-evening.

Flooding that slammed the northeastern part of the state on July 30 knocked out bridges, destroyed and damaged homes, and washed away roads in the rural town of Lyndon. It came three weeks after deadly flooding from the remnants of Hurricane Beryl. President Joe Biden approved Vermont's emergency declaration.

Rick Dente, who owns Dente's Market in Barre, Vermont, worked to protect his business with plastic and sandbags as the rain poured down on Friday.

"There isn't a whole lot else you can do," he said.

Jaqi Kincaid, hit by flooding last month in Lyndon, Vermont, said the previous storm knocked out her garage and well, so they have no water, and felled a 120-foot tree and took down fencing.

"We're doing a lot of this," she told a reporter, holding her hands together as if in prayer.

Stormwater swamped parts of downtown Annapolis, Maryland, including at the U.S. Naval Academy campus Friday.

Flash flooding hit the South Carolina town of Moncks Corner, where one of Debby's early bands unleashed a tornado Tuesday. Across the surrounding Berkeley County, emergency crews made 33 high-water rescues.

In Georgia, there were eight dam breaches with half of them occurring in Bulloch County, a rural region northwest of Savannah, Gov. Brian Kemp said. At one point, 140 people were in shelters, he said.

Also in the state, some poultry facilities were flooded and some cattle were lost in flooded pastures, officials said.

Extreme heat drives up food prices. Just how bad will it get? Extreme heat drives up food prices. Just how bad will it get? Extreme heat drives up food prices. Just how bad will it get?
The remains of Gideon Okedayo, a professor at the Department of Mathematics in the Ondo State University of Science and Technology, Okitipupa, have been committed to mother earth on Saturday at his residence, in Idepe, Okitipupa in Okitipupa Local Government Area of the state, Punch Metro reports.

The don, who was a pastor in the Redeemed Christian Church of God, was allegedly killed by some bandits after kidnapping him in Edo State, on his way to Igira in Kogi State last week.

The funeral service for the late lecturer was attended by family, friends and members of staff of the OSUSTECH as well as members of the RCCG.

In his sermon, at the service, a pastor in charge of Ondo Province 5 of the RCCG, Pastor Johnson Umoren, said death was no respecter of anyone, describing the late don as a committed man of God who had made his impact in the academics and the church.

He said, Therefore as we mourn, we should not mourn as those without hope. We are very sure he is resting with the Lord. You must summon the courage to forge ahead and continue where he has stopped. This I know will gladden his heart.

To the wife and children. Dont forget you are not alone, the Good Shepherd has promised  he will not leave nor forsake you. We pray the Lord to continue to protect, keep you, raise help for you in time of need and satisfy you with long life.

He urged the government to do more in improving security in the country and prayed that the holy spirit should fish out those involved in the ugly act.

In her words at the event, the wife of the late professor, Mrs. Marrietta Okedayo, said her husband was embedded with relentless capacity to speak the truth at all times and act fearlessly because, you have Gods backing. Without ambiguity, you are a man of great finesse, industry and a lover of people.

You were a devout Christian and a pastor indeed who lived an exemplary life which I am still emulating till this very moment. You were a great disciplinarian, academic, a father and a mentor. You were a genius with no match, but Nigeria did not protect you.

In his remarks, the Vice-Chancellor, of the OSUSTECH, Professor Sunday Ogunduyile called for an urgent and more proactive approach to tackle insecurity in Nigeria.

The VC described death as inevitable that would come at the appointed time but said Okedayos death came as a rude shock to the university community.
Gov. Greg Abbott has signed an executive order requiring public hospitals in Texas to collect information on the immigration status of patients so that they can track costs incurred for the care of undocumented migrants. Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

Gov. Greg Abbott has signed an executive order that requires public hospitals in Texas to collect information on the immigration status of patients so that the hospitals can then track costs incurred for the care of undocumented migrants.

Previous guidance for public hospitals did not include questions about immigration status. The executive order would mandate the Texas Health and Human Services Commission to collect this information so that the state of Texas could then bill the federal government.

Due to President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris open border policies, Texas has had to foot the bill for medical costs for individuals illegally in the state, Abbott said in a statement Thursday. Texans should not have to shoulder the burden of financially supporting medical care for illegal immigrants.

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The order requires that public hospitals in Texas collect information regarding the costs of medical care provided to undocumented immigrants starting Nov 1. Directly covered hospitals would have to report data to the state health commission quarterly, beginning in March 2025.

This would be a new requirement, and we are reviewing it as quickly as possible, said Carrie Williams, spokesperson for the Texas Hospital Association. Right now, hospitals dont ask about patient immigration status as a condition of treatment. Hospitals are required by law to provide life-saving treatment to anyone, regardless of ability to pay or status.

The association will be in a better position to answer additional questions once it has had more time to analyze the order, Williams said.
Mr Hilary Abii Asiah, the Director of Holy Family Educational Foundation, has advocated learner centred and activity based approach to Ghana education system to produce the required human resources to solve contemporary societal problems.



According to him, it was time for Ghana to make a paradigm shift in its approach to teaching and learning by innovating materials that allowed the children right from the basic school level to engage more in practical exercises rather than theories.



The reality of developing countries like Ghana is that the very approach that our forefathers used to teach us created the challenges we have today and if we are going to continue like this we will be piling up the problems, he said.



Speaking at the graduation ceremony of 19 basic three pupils of the Holy Family Educational Foundation, a private school in Bolgatanga, Mr Asiah commended the government for introducing and encouraging the study of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) courses and programmes.



The Director explained that the Holy Family Educational Foundation, established in 2022, was determined to be a leading institution of academic excellence and preferred basic school that produced problem-solving citizens.



To this end, he said, the school had prioritised the provision of quality tuition that ensured disciplined and hard work as well as moral values that help children to fit well into society and contribute significantly to its development.



He said the school had prioritised the welfare and practical understanding of the pupils that allowed them to think outside the box to resolve challenges.



We believe in an activity-based learning approach. This means that the children are not just listeners or recipients but they are the centre of teaching and learning and we involve them in a lot of activities, he said.



Mr Asiah noted that model used to transform the pupils were aligned with those employed in developed countries such as China and Japan, among others, to build the foundation of the children for sustainable development.



Apart from academics, the Director noted that the school had been committed to the training of students to be nationalistic and patriotic to ensure they contributed to the growth of their communities and country.



He said the school was also inclusive with special attention paid to children with special needs, adding that the payment mode of the school fees was flexible, stressing that the school absorbed part of the fees of children from vulnerable homes.



He encouraged the public to enroll their children in the school for better academic performance and holistic transformation.



Mr Charles Atakibire Ateem, Bolgatanga Municipal Chairman of the Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT), commended the school for prioritising character development of the pupils and added that it would empower them to become good and responsible citizens in future.



Ms Lamisi Agou, a parent, noted that her childs academic performance since her admission into the school had improved, adding the teachers have time for the children and that has helped my child a lot.

Source: GNA









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The Public Utility Workers Union (PUWU) has condemned what it describes as the surge in political interference in state institutions.



The PUWU posits that the constant interference of politics in the day to day activities of state institutions undermines the progress of these state institutions thereby hindering the needed conducive environment.



During the 13th delegates Conference of the PUWU in the Central region on August 9, on the theme, Building a resilient union through aggressive organising and active grassroot participation, Mr. Micheal Adum Atta Nyantakyi, the General Secretary of the PUWU, stated that the various state institutions who have not been able to live up to expectation is due to the incessant political interference.



He said, Most of the companies we are working in are state companies and there are always political interference in the running of those companies. This affects both the progress and the sanity that needs to prevail at the workplace.



And this time, workers will also want to see that if they are contributing their quota, then they should also get fair opportunities at the workplace. But sometimes, these opportunities are also blocked because of some of these political interferences.



He further cautioned against the illegalities that take place at some public institutions.



He explained, We also have some members who will not want to do things the right way. Those are always the challenges we need to constantly address and see how we navigate through them, he noted.



In the same meeting, the Minister for Works and Labour relations, Ignatius Baffour Awuah admonished workers to eschew laziness and continue the hard work. He, continued to assure them of governments preparedness to improve the working conditions of public sector workers.



As a sector minister, my work is to continuously improve the working conditions of workers to contribute meaningfully to the development of this countr

Source: Kobina Darlington/peacefmonline.com









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In fulfilment of their vow to come out for a one million man march as part of the end bad governance protest, the protesters turned up in their numbers on Saturday, August 10, 2024, at two venues, Apo district and Lokogoma district, both in Abuja.



The protesters who strategically skipped the MKO Abiola National Stadium after the City Gate and the Eagle Square, following heavy Police and Military Presence at both venues, streamed to Apo and Lokogoma as early as 7 am.



The protesters who displayed several placards were chanting End hunger and Reverse fuel subsidy removal, among others.



Recall that the protest which kickstarted on August 1, turned ugly as hoodlums hijacked the process and embarked on massive looting, destruction of critical infrastructure and attack on motorists among others.



In many Northern states including Kano, Zamfara, Kaduna, Bauchi and Kaduna, many of the violent demonstrators resorted to carrying and flying foreign nations flags and calling for a regime change, a call that has been roundly condemned by Nigerians, the armed forces of Nigeria and other security agencies, as well as the organizers of the end governance protest themselves.

Source: vanguardngr









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A former Canadian Minister of Industry (in charge of digitalization, Science and Technology) and President of the Treasury Board, Canada, Hon. Tony Peter Clement has advised developing nations to adopt Ghana's ambitious digitalization agenda.



According to him, the Government of Ghana has succeeded in using the digital revolution, ensuring accountability and transparency in all sectors of the local economy.



Hon. Peter Clement was addressing the Democrat Union of Africa (DUA Forum 2024), held in Accra, where he spoke on the Topic "Leveraging AI as a tool to build stronger campaign coalitions."



He referenced the Mobile Money Interoperability and the biometric national identification systems as some of the prudent measures that have strengthened Ghana's economic growth.



He underscored the need for developing nations to go the extra mile and bridge the rural and urban digital divide and also enhance cyber security



Tony Peter Clement PC further pushed for effective public-private partnerships in accelerating Ghana's digital revolution.



Mobile Money Interoperability



Vice President Alhaji Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia in May 2018 officially launched the Mobile Money Interoperability system through the Ghana Interbank Payment and Settlement Systems Limited (GhlPSS).



The system deepens financial inclusion and promotes cashless transactions in Ghana., which serves as a viable vehicle for financial intermediation, through which businesses and individuals can accept mobile money from other network users seamlessly.



The system is eliminating the complexities and inconveniences associated with transfers across the various mobile money networks operating in the country.



These challenges include difficulties in opening bank accounts, high costs in maintaining a bank account relative to customers' income levels, and financial literacy.



The system creates convenience and ropes mobile money users into the financial ecosystem and further enables customers to transfer funds from one mobile money wallet to another across all networks.



The system reduces the cost of initiating transactions across networks as customers no longer need the services of a third-party payment provider.



Customers can send and receive money directly from each other irrespective of the network they are on; allowing them more convenience and security.

Source: Abdul Karim Naatogmah /Peacefmonline com









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Deputy Health Minister, Alexander Akwasi Acquah has punched former President John Dramani Mahama over the report by the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) exonerating him from corruption in connection to the infamous Airbus saga.



The Special Prosecutor, in his investigative report, established that Mr. Mahama did not receive bribe nor engage in any corrupt practice in relation to the purchase of three military aircraft from aerospace giants, Airbus.



The OSP found no evidentiary basis that suggests that former President John Dramani Mahama or any other public official was induced to improperly favour or did improperly favour Airbus in respect of the purchase by the Government of Ghana of military transport aircraft from Airbus, the OSP stated.



The OSP therefore cleared the former President and leader of the National Democratic Congress, saying the Special Prosecutor has directed the closure of the OSP investigation into alleged bribery of high-ranking Ghanaian officials by Airbus SE, through intermediaries, in respect of the sale of military transport aircraft by Airbus SE to the Republic of Ghana between 2009 and 2015.



But Alexander Akwasi Acquah finds the OSP's report inconclusive, stating the Special Prosecutor, Kissi Agyebeng is not a Judge.



"OSP is a prosecutor, special prosecutor. He is not a Judge, therefore cannot clear any person of wrongdoing", he replied.



He explained on Peace FM's "Kokrokoo" show that the duty of Mr. Agyebeng is to investigate a matter and prosecute a person for a wrongdoing, hence he has no power to acquit anyone.



"It is only a court of competent jurisdiction", he stressed, that can tell whether or not Mahama is guilty of the accusations leveled against him in the Airbus brouhaha.



He added that the issue is not over because, to him, what Ghanaians wanted to know was who the "Governor Official 1" cited in the Airbus scandal was, so Mahama being identified as "Governor Official 1" doesn't conclude the investigations but rather the matter is yet to begin as it will take a court to establish the truth.





Airbus, the European aircraft manufacturer, was alleged to have paid bribes in Ghana when it sold three military aircraft to the country.The allegations, resulting from a series of investigations and prosecutions of Airbus by the US, the UK and France authorities, led President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo to refer the case to the Office of the Special Prosecutor for investigations in February 2020.After nearly four years of investigations by authorities in the USA, the UK and France into the operations of Airbus ended in the company being fined $3.9 billion for its corrupt practices in Ghana, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Indonesia and Taiwan.

Source: Ameyaw Adu Gyamfi/Peacefmonline.com/Ghana









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Professor Smart Sarpong has advised the Special Prosecutor, Kissi Agyebeng, not to turn himself into a Judge over cases in his office.



The Senior Researcher, discussing the Special Prosecutor's report on the Airbus scandal, wondered how Kissi Agyebeng came to his conclusions that exonerate former John Dramani Mahama whose name dropped in investigations into the scandal.



The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has established that Mahama is the "Governor Official 1" as cited in the UK, US investigations but says he didn't engage in any act of corruption.



The OSP found no evidentiary basis that suggests that former President John Dramani Mahama or any other public official was induced to improperly favour or did improperly favour Airbus in respect of the purchase by the Government of Ghana of military transport aircraft from Airbus, the OSP stated.



It cleared the former President, saying the Special Prosecutor has directed the closure of the OSP investigation into alleged bribery of high-ranking Ghanaian officials by Airbus SE, through intermediaries, in respect of the sale of military transport aircraft by Airbus SE to the Republic of Ghana between 2009 and 2015.



But Prof. Smart Sarpong has cautioned the Special Prosecutor stressing he should "stay within your boundary. Establish whether there was a case or no case but draw conclusions".



He reminded the OSP of its remit to prosecute matters, not to give verdicts.



"Watch the law carefully. If you don't have authority to pronounce (judgement), don't pronounce it. Present your findings and leave the conclusions to court", he said in his submissions on Peace FM's "Kokrokoo" show.





Source: Ameyaw Adu Gyamfi/Peacefmonline.com/Ghana









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The establishment of a Women Development Bank dedicated to economic empowerment of women as promised by the Flag-bearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) appears to be gathering momentum in the Asante-Akim South Constituency.



The parliamentary candidate, Maame Sarfoah Appiah, and her campaign team have been selling the message to market women across the constituency, explaining how the initiative could be a game-changer to their trading activities.



The enthusiasm among the market women seems to suggest they are embracing the policy as the electioneering campaigns of various political parties take shape.



At one of such campaigns at the Obogu Market, a National Campaign Team member of the party, Obuobia Darko-Opoku joined the campaign trail to preach the gospel of the NDC.



Together with the parliamentary candidate, they moved from one shop to the other engaging the women on the need to vote for change in the face of high cost of doing business.



According to them, the NDC with a female running mate was best placed to promote women's interest in this election and charged them to endorse the ticket of the NDC overwhelmingly.



They argued that the partys choice of a female running mate demonstrated its commitment to introducing deliberate policies for women empowerment.



Women mean a lot to President John Dramani Mahama and that is why he is bringing the Women Development Bank to empower women to grow their businesses, Madam Darko Opoku, assured.



She said women would enjoy interest-free loans to expand their businesses with the establishment of the Women Development Bank under the presidency of Mr. Mahama.



Voting for the NDC as women, according to her, meant they were determined to improve their lives, and urged them not to reject a perfect opportunity to revive their businesses.



Maame Sarfoah Appiah said the ticket of the NDC represented hope for Ghanaians having endured severe economic hardship in the last seven years despite being promised an improved standard of living by the New Patriotic Party (NPP).



She entreated the women to be part of the wind for change, which had become so crucial in putting the country on the path of growth and prosperity.

Source: GNA









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Former President John Dramani Mahama has described the Airbus scandal as a baseless attempt by the Akufo-Addo government to brand him as a corrupt person.



Airbus Scandal



Airbus, an European aircraft manufacturer, was alleged to have paid bribes in Ghana in the sale of three military aircraft to the country.



The allegations which came to light after a series of investigations and prosecutions of Airbus by the US, the UK and France authorities, led President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo to refer the case to the Office of the Special Prosecutor for investigations in February 2020.



Airbus, following nearly 4 years of investigations by authorities in the USA, the UK and France, was fined $3.9 billion for its corrupt practices in Ghana, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Indonesia and Taiwan.



Mahama's name dropped in this scandal with someone being referred to as "Governor Official 1" who was initially said to be the former President but it was denied.



A recent report by the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has found Mahama to be "Governor Official 1", however, he is cleared of the corruption allegations.



Mahama's response



Mahama in reaction said the report by the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) that found no evidence of wrongdoing on his part is a pleasant vindication for him.



He continued that no allegation of corruption including the Airbus scandal has been proven against him for more than seven years after leaving office.



We in the NDC do not place ourselves above society, we are humble and honest enough to submit ourselves to investigative bodies if a basis for it arises. Relatedly, I have been out of office for more than 7 years and several months, and no allegation of wrongdoing has been proven against me including the baseless Airbus brouhaha that this government attempted to clothe me with.



Once again today I say it is a pleasant feeling to stand vindicated, the flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) said when he delivered a lecture at the 10th anniversary of the death of PV Obeng in Kumasi on Friday, August 9.







Source: Salaamat Kuukua Paintsil/Peacefmonline.com









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Author Cormac McCarthy died last year at age 89. The Texas State University Board of Regents has approved spending $1 million to purchase a trove of items from the Cormac McCarthy Literary Trust. The collection includes manuscripts, drafts, typescripts, notebooks, journals, personal and professional correspondence and family photos. Evan Agostini/Associated Press

The late author Cormac McCarthy wasn't born in Texas, but he lived in El Paso for part of his life and some of his novels  including "Blood Meridian" and "No Country for Old Men"  are set in the Lone Star State.

For the past 17 years, Texas State University in San Marcos has been home to a collection of his personal papers  and that collection is set to grow significantly after the university's board of regents voted Friday to buy a trove of items from the Cormac McCarthy Literary Trust. The collection includes 36 banker's boxes of manuscripts, drafts, typescripts, notebooks, journals, personal and professional correspondence and family photos. The price tag: $1 million.

READ MORE: Texas State University board OKs plan for satellite campus in Mexico

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The university's Wittliff Collections research center already has a McCarthy archive, having purchased the first papers in 2007. Up to now, the documents have largely consisted of manuscript papers, whereas the new purchase includes more revealing correspondence, said David Coleman, the center's director.

"It would be a great, great thing for Texas State to get these materials," Coleman told the Express-News in an interview before Friday's board meeting. "We have a huge amount of material already. This is even bigger than that, and more personal and more revealing, I'd say."

McCarthy, who died last year at age 89, is known for novels such as "The Road" and "All the Pretty Horses." He grew up in Tennessee and spent parts of his life in Texas and New Mexico.

He liked to shun the spotlight, seldom speaking to the media  making his personal papers all the more valuable, Coleman said.

"It's kind of a fuller picture, everything around his life and career," Coleman said. "He had lots of personal friends, but he did not like talking about his writing."

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The board approved the purchase Friday morning without comment.

Coleman noted that the latest purchase of McCarthy's papers will add to Texas State's reputation for specializing in "southwestern" archive materials. The research center also has the papers of author Sandra Cisneros and the playwright Sam Shepard.

The Wittliff's current archive has attracted more than 800 researchers from all 50 U.S. states and more than 20 countries, according to the agenda for the board of trustees meeting. The researchers have been "fascinated" by documentary evidence of how McCarthy crafted his prose and the research he did for his novels  but the new papers will reveal more, Coleman said.

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The vice-presidential candidate of the New Patriotic Party, Dr. Matthew, urged the public not to judge the party solely based on recent challenges, emphasizing that the party can enhance the national economy.



Speaking at a gathering of chiefs and residents of Benyin in Jomoro district, Western Region, he highlighted the numerous opportunities created by the party that could propel the country's growth.



Dr. Matthew stressed the importance of educating and training Ghanaians with essential skills to generate employment prospects. He mentioned the upcoming establishment of a petroleum hub, for which the President is scheduled to inaugurate operations on August 19th in Jomoro.



This initial phase, involving a $12 million investment, is anticipated to not only create jobs but also revitalize the economy of the Nzema area.



Encouraging voters to renew the NPP's mandate, Dr. Prempeh pointed out the significance of supporting the party's developmental initiatives.



Awulae Annor Adjei, the Omanhene of Western Nzema, commended Dr. Prempeh for his substantial contributions toward the impending petroleum hub project. He also appealed to the former Energy Minister to keep the project in mind even as he transitions to a broader role within the government.

Source: Peacefmonline.com









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This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility:

Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain

With the first launch of Blue Origin's massive New Glenn rocket still in the works before the end of the year, Jeff Bezos' company got to work testing out its recovery operations with the huge crane parked at Port Canaveral on August 8.

"Port Canaveral spectators got a sneak peek of our recovery operations today as we demonstrated the process of transitioning New Glenn's first stage from vertical to horizontal using our 200-foot-tall simulator," the company posted on X. "The operation validated our tooling and procedures for recovering our first stage from the landing vessel, bringing us another step closer to our first launch."

The 375-foot-tall crane arrived to the port from Germany last October and will be used when New Glenn's booster returns to the port on its "sea-based landing platform," similar to how SpaceX lands its Falcon 9 boosters on droneships.

Since it's a taller rocket, Blue Origin needed a taller crane, and it's the highest point in Port Canaveral, sitting adjacent to SpaceX recovery operations, which use mobile cranes owned and operated by the port nearby. Blue Origin operates its own crane.

Launches for New Glenn will take place from nearby Cape Canaveral Space Force Station's Launch Complex 36, and pieces have been moving to get to that first liftoff before the end of the year.

Blue Origin CEO Dave Limp said a full recovery rehearsal with the landing vessel would be coming soon.

The New Glenn first-stage boosters will be 189 feet tall compared to the SpaceX boosters at about 135 feet.

The entirety of the New Glenn rocket will rise to 322 feet when it launches using seven of Blue Origin's BE-4 engines to give it nearly 3.9 million pounds of thrust at liftoff.

Blue Origin this summer switched over its engine production to support New Glenn after pumping out enough BE-4 engines to its customer United Launch Alliance to support the remaining Vulcan Centaur launches ULA has on its 2024 manifest. Vulcan rockets only use two BE-4 engines.

When it does finally fly, and if it can stick the landing, New Glenn boosters are designed for at least 25 reflights.

The first mission could be to fly two Mars-bound satellites for NASA for its Escape and Plasma Acceleration and Dynamics Explorers (ESCAPADE) mission. The satellites have been constructed over the last three years for UC Berkely by Rocket Lab, and will measure plasma and magnetic fields around Mars.

NASA is also relying on New Glenn to get Blue Origin's Blue Moon lunar lander to the moon to support future Artemis missions.

And Blue Origin also has a heavy manifest for commercial customers, including several flights for Bezos' Amazon and its Project Kuiper satellites.

Construction on the rockets continues at the Blue Origin factory next door to Kennedy Space Center Visitor's Complex on Merritt Island.

The company has large enough facilities at Cape Canaveral to process three New Glenn rockets at once. Blue Origin took over the lease for LC-36 in 2015, investing about $1 billion in the pad site alone. It was previously used for government launches from 19622005, including lunar lander Surveyor 1 in 1967 and some of the Mariner probes.

When launches finally do occur, the first-stage booster will land about 620 miles downrange in the Atlantic on a landing platform, after which it will make its way back to Port Canaveral where Blue Origin's new crane will be waiting to start the launch process all over again.

2024 Orlando Sentinel. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility:

Exactly how the pint-sized human cousins dubbed "hobbits" has been a heated debate among scientists.

The discovery of a tiny arm bone suggests that an ancient human dubbed "hobbits" only shrank down to their diminutive size after they arrived on an Indonesian island a million years ago, scientists said on Tuesday.

Much about the pint-sized Homo floresiensis has been shrouded in mystery since the first fossils suggesting their existence were found on the island of Flores in 2003.

These tool-using hominins are believed to have been living on the island as recently as 50,000 years ago, when our own species homo sapiens was already walking the Earth, including in nearby Australia.

From some 60,000-year-old teeth and a jawbone found in an island cave, scientists had previously estimated the hobbits were around 1.06 meters (3.5 feet) tall.

But the discovery of part of an upper arm bone as well as some teeth at an open-air island site on the island suggests some hobbits stood just one meter tall around 700,000 years ago, according to a study in the journal Nature Communications.

The bone was so small, that at first the international team of researchers thought it must have been from a child.

Study co-author Adam Brumm, an archaeologist at Australia's Griffith University, told AFP that it was the smallest humerus fossil of an adult hominin ever found.

'Truly epic'

The discovery could tip the scales in a heated debate among scientists about how H.floresiensis became so small.

One side argues that the hobbitsnicknamed after the little heroes in JRR Tolkien's fantasy novelsdescended from an already small earlier hominin which arrived on Flores around a million years ago.

Others believe that it was our ancestor Homo erectus, which were roughly our size and had spread throughout Asia, that became trapped on the island, only to then evolve into the smaller H.floresiensis over the next 300,000 years.

The researchers behind the latest discovery believe it strongly supports the latter theory.

These ancient humans "reduced drastically in body size according to a well known evolutionary phenomenon known as island dwarfism," Brumm said.

Under this process, larger animals tend to shrink over time to adapt to their limited surroundings.

The tropical island was home to other smaller-than-normal mammals, including a cow-sized relative of the elephant.

The newly discovered teeth also look like smaller versions of those from Homo erectus, the researchers said.

"If we are correct, it seems that Homo erectus was somehow able to cross formidable deep-sea barriers to reach isolated islands like Flores," Brumm said.

"We don't know how they were doing this," he said, adding that "accidental 'rafting' on tsunami debris" was one possibility.

Once these ancient humans were trapped on the island, they managed to survive for hundreds of thousands of years, evolving into "strange new forms," Brumm said.

Mark Moore, an archaeologist at Australia's University of New England not involved in the study, said the discovery means "we can now confidently say" that the Homo erectus theory is the more likely scenario.

Moore, who has studied the stone tools used by the hobbits, told AFP that this "technology did not shield our cousin species from the forces of biological evolution".

That the hobbits changed so much over just 300,000 years was "a reminder of the power of natural selection," he added.

"The evolutionary story of this group of hominins is truly epic."

More information: Yousuke Kaifu, Early evolution of small body size in Homo floresiensis, Nature Communications (2024). DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-50649-7. www.nature.com/articles/s41467-024-50649-7 Journal information: Nature Communications

 2024 AFP
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Local farmers say decades of incompetent water management has led to a situation in which they can't use rainwater from reservoirs.

Sicilian lemon producer Rosario Cognata is furious: his fruit is withering due to the drought, while just a few kilometers away rainwater is being dumped into the sea.

The Trinita dam, built in 1959 in the town of Castelvetrano in the west of the Mediterranean island, has not been tested and therefore has never been officially approved for use.

So as soon as the reservoir fills up with winter rains, the authorities open the floodgates and the blue gold pours into a canal ending in the sea.

"Okay, the drought is due to lack of rain. But we don't know how to manage the water we haveand it's not the farmers' responsibility," said Cognata, as he looked into the dam, the low water level revealing rusting steel tubes.

The dam was intended to supply local irrigation networks, so farmers' wells were closed by authorities.

But the infrastructure not only never got the green light, it was also subsequently neglected.

The pipes are now dilapidated, leaving some desperate farmers to dig illegal wells to compensate.

Cognata blames decades of incompetent local and government water management.

"They were never interested," he said.

It is an accusation repeated often by Italy's main agricultural organization Coldiretti, to which Cognata belongs.

Farmer Rosario Cognata estimates his losses at between 30 percent and 40 percent so far this year.

Outdated network

Sicilians have always known drought, but global warming is accentuating its frequency and intensity.

This year "rainfall is down by about 350 mm compared to an average annual rainfall of 750 mm", said hydrology professor Leonardo Valerio Noto.

In his office at the University of Palermo, he analyses satellite images of the island's 46 artificial reservoirs.

"Many of these reservoirs are already in a near-critical situation. Some are practically empty while others, particularly those serving large cities, are experiencing a significant decrease in resources," he told AFP.

The summer of 2025 could be even worse, with withdrawals expected to be greater than rainfall.

Some provinces, especially in the south, are seriously lacking in drinking water and cuts are recurrent.

Like Cognata, Noto deplores the lack of public investment in maintaining the distribution network.

Italy is the leading EU country in terms of absolute volumes of fresh water drawn from the surface or underground.

According to the National Institute of Statistics (Istat), each year Sardinia and Sicily lose 52.8 percent and 51.6 percent of water, respectively.

But "out of 100 liters injected into the distribution network, 42 are lost along the way" due to the poor condition of the pipes, Noto said.

According to the National Institute of Statistics (Istat), the wasted water would meet the annual needs of 43 million peopleor three out of four Italians.

Sardinia and Sicily are the worst performers, losing 52.8 percent and 51.6 percent of water, respectively.

According to the Fondo Ambiente foundation, 60 percent of the national network is over 30 years old, while 25 percent is over 50 years old.

At the current rate of pipeline renewalbarely four meters per kilometer a yearit would take 250 years to replace them.

Young people are leaving

The Sicily Region told AFP it was responding to the drought "with the greatest determination, both for agriculture and for the population".

It signed an action plan with the government in July worth 1.6 billion euros, which includes the aim to "reduce water losses".

But local water management issues have exasperated the crisis.

The reservoir's infrastructure not only never got the green light, but was also subsequently neglected, so its water can't be used.

Agrigento in southern Italy missed out on nearly 50 million euros in funding by failing to respond in time to a call for tenders, sparking protests earlier this month.

On his estate in Campobello di Mazara, which he runs with his father, Cognata watches helplessly as his lemons rot and drop off "stressed" trees.

The fruit is yellow on the outside, brown on the inside: burned by the sun, when at this time of year it should still be green.

Cognata estimates his losses at between 30 percent and 40 percent.

"Without water, there is no life. It is very serious. Families risk their livelihood, young people prefer to leave and the countryside is emptying," he said.

Despite having one of the highest birth rates in Italyan aging countrySicily has been one of the most rapidly depopulating regions in the last 10 years.

 2024 AFP
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Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain

Air pollution caused by "ultrafine particles," emitted by automobiles and industrial activity, has been linked to 1,100 deaths a year in Montreal and Toronto, according to new Canadian research.

So-called UFPs1,000 times thinner than a strand of hairhave been found to cause cardiovascular disease and have been linked to cancer in adults, while exposure can increase the rate of low birth weight babies.

The research, published earlier this week in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, was the first of its kind in Canada.

"Ultrafine particles are incredibly small, allowing them to penetrate deep into the lungs and enter the bloodstream," Scott Weichenthal, the study's lead investigator and a professor at McGill University, told AFP.

Researchers measured air pollution levels in Toronto and Montreal in neighborhoods home to a total of 1.5 million adult residents, between 2001 and 2016.

The study found long-term exposure to UFPs correlated with a seven percent increase in the risk of non-accidental deaths.

Areas situated close to major roadways, airports and rail yards in particular had high concentrations of UFPs, the study found, lining up with findings reached by researchers in Europe.

"Our research shows a clear link between long-term UFP exposures and increased mortality risk, underscoring the urgent need for regulatory actions targeting these particles," Weichenthal said.

UFP emissions are unregulated by air pollution rules, unlike larger "particulate matter," whose dangerous effects on health are better understood.

More information: Marshall Lloyd et al, Airborne Nanoparticle Concentrations Are Associated with Increased Mortality Risk in Canada's Two Largest Cities, American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine (2024). DOI: 10.1164/rccm.202311-2013OC Journal information: American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine

 2024 AFP
This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility:

Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain

Announcing the directive to work "primarily in an approved office," NSW Premier Chris Minns said overseas studies showed people were less productive when working from home.

"There is a drop in mentorship. There is less of a sense of joint mission," he said. "This is about building up a culture in the public service."

Having examined the impacts of working from home since the pandemic started, I am not convinced.

With colleagues from the Institute of Transport and Logistics Studies at The University of Sydney Business School, I have been monitoring the changing incidence of working from home and its relationship to performance since the start of the pandemic.

Working from home means working more

We have found that workers who take up working from home devote about one third of the time they save by not commuting to extra unpaid work.

When we asked workers who took up working from home what the new arrangement had done to their productivity, more said it had improved it than made it worse.

About one in five said it had made them "a lot more productive." Only one in 30 said it had made them "a lot less productive."

Interestingly, when employers were asked the same question about whether their workers who took up working from home had become more or less productive, the answers were about the same.

Credit: The Conversation

About one in five said the change had made their workers "a lot more productive." About one in 20 said it had made them "a lot less productive."

Our findings accord with international evidence.

A Stanford University study found that, in the United States, working from home during the pandemic had delivered a 5% increase in productivity.

It found much of the gain didn't show up in conventional measures of productivity because they didn't take account of the savings in commuting time.

Another study assessed the productivity of both remote and on-site call centers at Fortune 500 firms. It found working from home lifted productivity by 8%.

Another, which email metadata from North America, Europe and the Middle East, found increases in the number of meetings per person but decreases in the average length of meetings, resulting in less time spent in meetings per day.

Our own work has found some face-to-face contact is important, but two to three days per week is all that's needed to facilitate social interaction, mentoring and sharing of ideas.

In Australia, the Productivity Commission found control over working arrangements was important to productivity.

It observed:

Credit: The Conversation

"[] workers may be more productive at home because they have better control over their time and enjoy better work-life balance."

And it identified better matching of workers to jobs as important.

"Firms will be able to tap into a larger pool of (more productive) labor. While not strictly a productivity impact, workers have been shown to work longer hours when working from home during the pandemic."

Our research offers new evidence on what workers do with the time saved by not commuting.

According to the workers who took part in our surveys, the biggest use of that time (almost one-third of that time) was extra unpaid work for their employer.

Extra paid work took up another substantial chunk of time (whether for the main employer or not) and household tasks took up about one-quarter of the time.

The average commuting time saved by working from home in the Greater Sydney metropolitan area in September 2022 was 9.4 hours per week. This suggests the extra time devoted to extra paid and unpaid work has been substantial.

It's important to consider this in assessments of productivity.

It would be unfortunate if the biggest effect of the return-to-the-office mandate was to make workers less generous with their time.

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
In one of my first columns here, I wrote that WNYT-TV (Channel 13) news anchor Rachel Tiede was one of the best new talents in the Albany market in a long time.

Many others agreed with me.

And late last month, we received confirmation of sorts when Rachel was the only non-New York City anchor to be nominated for a coveted New York Emmy Award.

No other anchor in the market was nominated. Not Mark Mulholland, Not John Gray. Not Greg Floyd. Not Liz Bishop. Not Subrina Dhammi.

Not only is Tiede very good, shes also very versatile. She just earned her meteorology degree, and pulls a shift on the weather desk.

Shes been here for a little more than two years now. I wouldnt be surprised to see her move to a bigger market or even nationally by the end of 2025.

Having said that, I do think she is much better as a news anchor than she is as a meteorologist. As a news anchor, though, shes special. A generational talent. Congratulations to her.

While were at it, here are a few more thoughts on local TV. For hard news and breaking news, I go to WNYT. No anchor is more connected in this area than the aforementioned Mulholland. It was fun when we went head to head back in the day. He broke a few stories that I had ready to roll, and I broke a few before he could get them.

When it comes to weather, I prefer tuning in to watch Steve LaPointe on CBS-6. Hes a seasoned broadcaster and does a great job putting complex weather systems into terms even I can understand. I loved Bob Kovachick at WNYT and I also appreciate Paul Caiano and Steve Caporizzo, But my preference is LaPointe.

Other meteorologists I think are excellent include Reid Kisselback and Craig Gold on WNYT, Rob Lindenmuth on News10 ABC, Alyssa Caropese on CBS-6, and newcomer Kevin Appleby on News10 ABC.

On the news side, I really like Tessa Bentulan at WNYT. Briana Supardi is excellent at CBS6. Giuliana Bruno at News10 ABC is solid in the field and dependable on the anchor desk.

A notable news side newcomer at CBS6 is Ashley Cusicanqui, who did admirable work earlier this year during the high-profile Washington County murder trial.

Anchor John Gray at Fox23 is reliable and well-versed and is probably the most popular local TV figure if you go by social media. Its insane how much reaction his Facebook posts get.

Anchor Faith King on WNYT has improved a lot since her nervous start a few years ago Shes great. And I love Chris Onorato, who along with his wife Ashley Miller has a very popular podcast. Good people.

CBS6 has the best bench of anchors with JT Fetch and Tom Eschen. Both are professional, smart and smooth. They work with the legendary Liz Bishop who continues to anchor the Channel 6 news and does it without hype.

For sports, Rodger Wyland is the king of the hill. He gets many of the big scoops, but News10s Griffin Haas is the heir apparent. And Rodger can get a little crazy, like when Antonio Brown bought the Albany Firebirds. Rodger did a live shot and hugged AB like he was a long-lost friend, giggling but failing to note Browns sketchy track record. It was not a good look. And it didnt age well.

Please note that I didnt include Spectrum News in my analysis, largely because I rarely watch the channel. Actually, I dont even get it! I live in the woods and have DirecTV, which doesnt carry Spectrum News.

Remembering Harrison Freer

Like many, I was stunned and saddened by the death of Harrison Freer. I got to know Harrison at Rotary. He clearly was a man of substance committed to doing his best to help his adopted hometown of Queensbury.

Last year before he won re-election to the Town Board, he called me out of the blue. He wanted to chat about the upcoming election. More specifically, he asked for my advice on several issues. We met for tea at SPOT Coffee. I was honored he thought of me, and I was happy to share my thoughts.

He will be missed, but Queensbury and this region are better because Harrison Freer decided to retire here. Fly high.

LGAs rhetoric

Is the Lake George Association toning down the rhetoric?

Now that the Lake George Park Commission has completed its use of ProcellaCOR to try to rid the lake of the invasive Eurasian Milfoil, it looks like the Lake George Association has toned down the aggressive, confrontational rhetoric. In a lengthy piece in the Lake George Mirror, LGA chairman Dr. John Kelly said that while they are disappointed the herbicide was used, they are making the most of the situation by testing its use with the cutting-edge Jefferson Project.

Im no scientist, but thats exactly what they should be doing! Lake George is the smartest lake in the world because of the groundbreaking work of the Jefferson Project. I applaud the LGA for their reasonable, measured response.

Dr. Kelly is quoted in the Mirror, We intend to sit down with all stakeholders  the public, the municipalities, the Lake George Park Commission, the APA and the DEC and share and explain this data. My hope is that we, collectively, can come to some preliminary conclusions as to the results of this experiment, and these conclusions will inform the next experiment, should there be one.
Is there life after Jury Duty?

For Emmy-nominated writer and performer Mekki Leeper, there is.

The 30-year-old plays a freshly minted nurse in St. Denis Medical, a fall comedy that looks at the struggles health care workers face.

Shot in a mockumentary style, the series  which also stars David Alan Grier and Wendy McLendon Covey  covers all aspects of the business, from administration to support staff. St. Denis has more than its share of its problems and, on his first day of work, Leepers character isnt solving many of them.

Matt has a hunger to learn, Leeper says. At first glance you might just think hes comic fodder, that hes like the dumb guy, but hes not. He wants to be a nurse and he wants to grow. Thats whats so admirable about the character  and its a little scary. Its given me tremendous respect for all healthcare workers every day.

Before St. Denis landed on his resume, Leeper was a writer and performer on Jury Duty, the Amazon series that took a similar approach to serving on a jury. The difference? One member of the jury was not an actor and had no idea what was transpiring. The surprise element made a star out of Ronald Gladden, a solar contractor from San Diego, who bought into the courtroom shenanigans.

Leeper played a fellow juror, Noah Price, a rideshare driver whos upset hes missing his vacation because hes on jury duty.

Inside view

Because Leeper was also a writer on the series, he could inform producers about conversations in the courtroom. His character asked Ronald if he had any suggestions to get out of jury duty and he said, Peter Griffin from Family Guy tells you to sound racist.

Leeper shared the aside and said they should use it.

If I hadnt been a writer, I might not have felt as empowered, he says. That speaks to the that show  they gave the actors a lot of agency to do something.

The Emmy-nominated Jury Duty offered viewers another side of reality television.

You forget that the cameras are on you, Leeper says. There were like 35 hidden cameras on us all the time. With that show, I was just kind of living it.

Although the entire premise could have been blown if Gladden had discovered the shows secret, Leeper and the other cast members (including James Marsden playing himself) knew they had to keep it as believable as possible.

Every morning and every night you were wracked with anxiety that you were going to blow Amazons money, he says.

On the first day, Gladden looked at an encyclopedia in a bookshelf and remarked that it was totally blank inside.

It was like a heart attack through the whole building, Leeper says. He just thought it was a weird blank book and, quickly, (set decorators) replaced it with a real book.

Early start

At age 12, Leeper started making sketches and posting them on YouTube. Shows like Jury Duty and St. Denis Medical, he says, feel like Im playing around with my friends making a video.

Because actors dont know which shots will make it into an episode, youve always got to make sure what youre doing is worthwhile, Leeper says.

While St. Denis will carry on the tradition that The Office, Parks & Recreation and other NBC series fostered, the jurys still out on a second season of Jury Duty.

Something in that space can be done again, Leeper insists. Sacha Baron Cohen has been doing it for decades. I think its a new genre thats hopefully going to emerge.

Until that happens, hes eager to learn more about the nursing business. The set for St. Denis, he says, makes you feel like youre in a hospital. You totally forget youre on the Universal lot.

Once viewers see what Matts all about, Leeper hopes theyll regard him as an asset to the profession.

Id like to think if the show works out and anything terrible ever happened to me, (real healthcare workers) would say, Youve really got to take care of him. Hes that guy from the show," he says.
Nineteen fourth-graders and two teachers were killed in the May 24, 2022, massacre at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde. Kin Man Hui/Staff photographer Bodycam video shows law enforcement officers lined up outside the classroom where a rifle-wielding teenager was holed up with a roomful of fourth graders. Police did not breach the room and killed the attacker until 77 minutes after he began his rampage. Courtesy of the State of Texas Former Uvalde school police officer Adrian Gonzales, center, and his lawyers walk into the Uvalde County Courthouse for his arraignment on Thursday, July 25, 2024. Gonzales and former school district police Chief Pedro "Pete" Arredondo are charged with child endangerment in the Robb Elementary shooting for failing to storm the classroom and stop the attacker. Sam Owens/San Antonio Express-News

Minutes after a rifle-wielding teenager began shooting up Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, a girl who identified herself as a fourth-grader called 911 to report, There is somebody dying at my school," newly released records show.

The girl was whispering and barely audible as she told a 911 dispatcher she was hiding in a closet, adding, "I'm so scared."

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The dispatcher replied: Stay barricaded inside the closet. She asked the girl her name, then repeated it back to her, and urged her to just stay quiet.

More than 20 minutes later, the girl was still in the closet, unnerved and whispering as she told the dispatcher: Theyre knocking on my door saying its the police  Is it the police?

It was.

The 911 call is part of a storehouse of previously unreleased information about the shooting that was made public on Saturday by the city of Uvalde. The material includes police body camera video, radio communications and text messages. Journalists for the San Antonio Express-News, the Houston Chronicle and ABC News collaborated in reviewing the records.

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Based on a partial review, the newly released information does not alter the basic understanding of what happened on the morning of May 24, 2022, when an 18-year-old armed with an AR-15-style semiautomatic rifle walked into a pair of interconnected fourth-grade classrooms at Robb Elementary and began shooting.

At least 380 officers from local, state and federal law enforcement agencies responded to the scene, but they failed to confront and kill the shooter until 77 minutes after he began his rampage. By then, 19 children and two teachers were dead or dying.

Police have been widely condemned for not intervening earlier, and two have been criminally charged: Pedro "Pete" Arredondo, then chief of the Uvalde school district police, and Adrian Gonzales, then a school police officer. In June, a Uvalde County grand jury indicted them on charges of child abandonment or endangerment, a state jail felony punishable by up to two years behind bars. Both have pleaded not guilty.

The newly released material underscores the sluggish and disorganized police response.

At 11:54 a.m., 21 minutes after the shooter began firing, Sgt. Daniel Coronado of the Uvalde Police Department is heard on body camera video saying he believes Arredondo has made contact with the attacker.

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"No, no one's made contact with him," another officer replies.

At 12:34 p.m., just over an hour after the incident began, an officer is heard saying, We don't know if he has anyone in the room.

Yes, we do... casualties, Coronado responded.

The newly disclosed records underscore the horror and disbelief that gripped Uvalde that morning. "Please hurry" was a constant refrain of witnesses who called 911 as the tragedy unfolded.

The attacker began his frenzy of violence at his grandmother's home, where he was living at the time. He shot his grandmother in the face, seriously injuring her. Then he stole her pickup and drove toward Robb Elementary. He crashed the truck into a drainage channel near the school at 11:28 a.m. Two employees of a funeral home across the street walked over to assist him. He shot at them and missed, then walked to the Robb campus, climbed over a fence and made his way into the fourth-grade building through an unlocked exit door.

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One of the funeral home employees called 911 to beg for a rapid police response.

"There's kids out there. Please!" the man told a dispatcher as the shooter approached the school. "Oh my God, these kids. Oh my goodness ... Father, please, in the name of Jesus. Please, protect the children."

The dispatcher replied that police were on the way. They arrived within minutes.

On bodycam video, then-Uvalde school police chief Pedro Pete Arredondo is heard saying: Just so you understand, theres some injuries in there. Nineteen students and two teachers died in the May 24, 2022, massacre at Robb Elementary School. Courtesy City of Uvalde

'It's my nephew'

In another of the newly released calls, the shooters uncle called 911 and said he might be able to talk the 18-year-old into surrendering. The uncle, Armando Ramos, appeared not to realize that his nephew had been shot dead by Border Patrol agents minutes earlier.

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"This thing that's happening at Robb ... it's my nephew," the uncle told a 911 dispatcher. I think he might listen to me. He does listen to me.

When the dispatcher put him on hold briefly, Ramos could be heard telling an unidentified person: Patience  patience. I think hes shooting kids. He has the classroom hostage.

The dispatcher got back on the line and asked whether the teenager had exhibited any sudden change in behavior recently. The uncle replied: No, no, no, no. Nothing.

He then said that the teen was mad that his grandma was bugging him too much  I said, well, thats her job."

To no one in particular, the uncle can be heard saying: Oh, my god, please. Dont do nothing stupid.

The dispatcher told Ramos someone would be in touch with him shortly, then ended the call.

'Hurry, hurry, hurry'

The 911 calls include one from an unidentified teacher at Robb Elementary, who told the dispatcher in a hushed voice that "an active shooter" was loose in the school. The woman said she couldn't see what was happening but could hear gunshots and had received a text saying someone was injured in a classroom nearby.

The dispatcher asked which classroom.

I dont know, the teacher replied in a frantic tone. Ive got to go. I cant let him hear me.

Hurry, hurry, hurry!" she pleaded before hanging up.

Relatives of the shooter called 911 to express concern that he might come after them, too. "The active shooter, hes my cousin, and I dont want him to come to my house," a family member told a dispatcher.

The shooter's uncle was also worried about what the teenager might do. He called back at least twice after his initial 911 call to ask police to pick him up or allow him to go to police headquarters.

Please, maam, I dont want him to do anything more stupid," the uncle said in a call at 1:20 p.m. He appeared still unaware that his nephew was dead.

Outside the school, chaos reigned, the records show. There were rumors of a second shooter at Uvalde High School. One officer sent to the civic center was directed back to Robb Elementary to keep families behind the police tape. A Uvalde police sergeant gave the magazines from his AR-15 rifle to his corporal, who was in SWAT gear but had no ammunition for his own weapon.

Some officers hurried to the middle school to supervise pickup. Others headed to the shooters home.

The 911 calls and other records were released at noon Saturday in response to a lawsuit by the San Antonio Express-News, the Houston Chronicle, ABC News and numerous other news organizations. The suit sought to compel the city, the Uvalde Consolidated Independent School District and the Uvalde County Sheriff's Office to disclose records and documents related to the massacre.

In a July 8 ruling, Judge Sid Harle ordered the school district and the sheriff's office to release the records. Both are appealing the ruling.

The city of Uvalde, however, reached a settlement with the plaintiffs to disclose the requested information.

The newly released records show that in the hours and days after the shooting, then-Uvalde Mayor Don McLaughlins email box was flooded with messages from around the world. Missives came from people in cities that had suffered mass shootings, such as Parkland, Fla., Newtown, Conn., and Aurora, Colo. Horrified onlookers offered condolences and asked for ways to help.

Mental health professionals volunteered their services. Mayors across the country provided information on how to handle the aftermath of the shooting.

Robb Elementary School became a magnet for flowers and other memorials to the victims. Sam Owens/San Antonio Express-News

But the emails quickly became more aggressive. The shift in tone began May 25, the morning after the massacre, when gubernatorial candidate Beto ORourke attacked Texas Gov. Greg Abbott during a news conference about the shooting.

ORourke accused the governor of not doing enough to prevent gun violence. McLaughlin, who was at the event, called ORourke a sick son of a bitch for politicizing the news conference.

McLaughlin was deluged with angry emails from those decrying his language, his attack on the candidate and his own lack of public fury over gun control. In the coming days, as details emerged about the slow police response, people emailed to berate the mayor about that.

A VERY sensitive subject'

Uvalde City Council member Ernest W. "Chip" King III was already thinking about how to handle the memorials that had begun popping up. The town square and the Robb Elementary campus had become magnets for piles of flowers, stuffed animals and other mementos.

"We need to consider how we handle the dismantling of the memorials," King wrote the mayor and other city officials on Sunday, May 29, 2022. It will be a VERY sensitive subject and needs to be handled correctly Let's make sure the trash guys just don't go start loading this stuff up and that there is a plan.

Soon, the lawsuits were rolling in. On June 1, the city was notified by letter that the Thomas J. Henry law firm was representing two children injured in the attack. The firm demanded that the city immediately preserve or hand over evidence related to the shooting. The same day, a second law firm notified the city that it was representing an injured child, the records show.

The Texas Department of Public Safety possesses a much larger volume of information about the shooting than what the city released Saturday. Last year, a state district court judge ordered the department to release pertinent material to the same news organizations that sued the school district, the sheriff's office and the city. DPS is appealing the ruling.
A crime, not a political act

In their August opinion piece, writers Thomas Jipping and Hans Spakovsky totally fail to prove their point that impeachment has become a political weapon since Nixons resignation. Donald Trump was impeached twice, first for trying to strong-arm President Zelenskyy of Ukraine and again for fomenting violence on Jan. 6, 2021, while spreading lies and false information concerning the integrity of the election results.

The Jan. 6 incident was the starkest and most visible incident. Trumps words and actions put his vice president and Congress at mortal risk from right-wing militias present in D.C. on that day (militias that Trump had requested for no other reason than to violently stop the legal and lawful transfer of power).

There was also a call to Brad Raffensperger, Georgia secretary of state, in which Trump requested Raffensperger find just enough votes for Trump to be declared the winner.

Trump was attacking the bedrock of our democracy: the right to vote, to have that vote counted and to accept the certified results as has been done since the dawn of our nation.

To this day, he and his followers claim the system is rigged, casting doubt about the integrity of the voting system.

Bill Barr, Trumps attorney general, sent teams of investigators to the states to look for election fraud. They came back empty, having found none. Barr passed this tidbit of information on to Trump.

I am baffled, given the evidence, that Jipping and Spakovsky can argue that either of these impeachment proceedings were politically motivated. Presidential misdeeds were obvious and required a high level of investigation. But then I see that these gentlemen are sponsored by the Heritage Foundation and it becomes somewhat clearer.

Stephen Spahn

Hammonton

Help NJ seniors

Many older adults have to think twice about turning on their air conditioner this summer, which is marked by intense heat waves. We worry about affording high utility bills while still paying for rent, food or medicine. This year, we have seen a significant rise in utility rates, which are not much lower than property taxes.

Through property tax and prescription drug cost reform, Gov. Murphy and legislators have made our state more affordable. Next, we must lower the price of utilities.

Marion Ingram

Strathmere

Harris on script

I want to know why Kamala Harris has not held one press conference since she was given the nomination for president. She only speaks at pre-scripted events when all she does is read from a teleprompter; never taking any questions from the press. Its like the Democrats are purposely keeping her under wraps like they did with Biden in 2020 because they are afraid since they cant control what she may say (more word salads with no meaning).

This is just wrong. We citizens need to hear her answer questions from the press just like every other candidate has always done. This only goes to show that she is afraid to answer questions regarding her policies because she must not be able to defend them. Not a good look for a presidential candidate.

Kathryn Joyce

Galloway Township

Margate parking solution all wrong

This is small potatoes compared to the city, but Margate is a community beset with nepotism and small-town corruption.

The new mayor is the son of the owner of the hardware store. Previous to his election, his uncle (or godfather) was the mayor. He also worked in the hardware store. I could go on, but you get my drift.

Some of the city commissioners want to purchase an old gas station for $2.8 million. Supposedly, our taxes would not be raised, as they were this year without the purchase (and there are many more new, large summer houses for an increased tax base). The city would need to environmentally renew the property, another expense.

Then, they will build a parking lot  and maybe a park  and maybe add some electric charging stations. This lot is about a block from the hardware store.

There was quite a bit of debate about this, mostly in opposition, at the last Zoning Board meeting. It was suggested that the proposal be tabled and voted on in November. That was rejected, but the subject is supposed to be addressed again at the 5 p.m. Aug. 15 Board of Commissioners meeting.

It could be worth the drive.

Jacqui Delario

Margate
A recent photo shows the Wall of Hands intact to the right of the entrance to the currently unused Womans Pavilion at Hemisfair. Courtesy Christopher Medina

First of two columns

My husband jogs through downtown every Saturday (a weekly tradition since the 1970s when we were Trinity students) and often runs by the Wall of Hands on the side of the Womans Pavilion in Hemisfair.

I have a personal connection, since one of those ceramic impressions is the hand of my grandmother, Eloise Matthews Gerhardt (identified on the wall as Mrs. Manfred J. Gerhardt), a member of the organizing team for this pavilion. I also believe she played a supportive role in the overall Hemisfair, which opened on my 13th birthday. I recall my sister and I visited that summer, and because of Eloises involvement, we were able to get in free and wander around at will for several weeks. What an amazing time!

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That said, we feel its both sad and a bit comical to see so many prominent women identified by their husbands names, including a future mayor (Mrs. S.E. Cockrell Jr.) who is, ironically, also the namesake of the nearby Lila Cockrell Theatre.

So we were wondering what else you could tell us about this small, seemingly abandoned building in the shadow of the Tower of Americas  especially the story of the ceramic handprints of so many women who did so much for this community? Also, do we know of any plans for the buildings future?

 Betsy Gerhardt Pasley

The late 1960s through the early 70s were the last gasp of women being identified as Mrs. (Husbands Name) in local daily newspapers, which dropped the practice gradually, first in news stories and then in social coverage.

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So Eloise Gerhardt, a prominent civic leader who served on City Council, on the city zoning commission and as president of the San Antonio Council of Churches, was identified publicly through all these roles by the name of her husband, equally prominent construction engineer Manfred J. Gerhardt.

Many of the names on the Wall of Hands  a tile inset in the brick exterior wall of the Womans Pavilion  connote wealth and influence, which would be needed to find room for female accomplishments on the 92-acre grounds of HemisFair 68, the worlds fair held April 6-Oct. 6, 1968, in San Antonio.

An inscription at the base of Hemisfairs Wall of Hands says in part, These are the handprints of women responsible for the creation of the Womans Pavilion for HemisFair 1968. The creativity of woman is everywhere, molding each of us and shaping our world. Courtesy Betsy Gerhardt Pasley

Although previous fairs had included spaces to acknowledge womens contributions as far back as 1893 at Chicagos Worlds Columbian Exposition, there was no provision for one during the planning period for HemisFair, starting in the late 1950s. A group of clubwomen  perhaps including Gerhardt, who was involved in several organizations that supported womens education  first proposed the idea of a Womans Pavilion in 1966, to a resounding lack of interest from city, state and HemisFair officials. But that didnt stop them.

The Womans Pavilion shared some organizers with the fairs Project Y youth environment, and each was assigned one of two parcels (of fairgrounds land), which had yet to be allocated for anything, said Christopher Medina, curator of HemisFair 68 Online at www.worldsfair68.info.

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Unlike most of the fair attractions that were sponsored by governments, corporations or religious denominations, the Womans Pavilion had no obvious source of funding and received none from HemisFair 68. Instead, a growing number of organizers reached out to womens clubs and people they knew for small-dollar donations.

A Womans Pavilion Speakers Board sent members of this organizing group to womens clubs and conventions to make the case for building a pavilion focused on female accomplishments. They spoke to sororities and study clubs, the Womens International Bowling Congress, Bexar County Republican Womens Club, San Antonio Chapter of Womens Association of Allied Beverage Industries, the Federation of Grandmothers, the Federation of Texas A&M Mothers, the San Antonio Section of National Council of Jewish Women and the Zonta businesswomens club.

Wherever the Womans Pavilion organizers went, they offered charter memberships for $5 and junior memberships for $1, the latter sold to peers by high-school girls who wore pink and pumpkin (orange) buttons with the pavilions flower logo.

Following the July 29, 1968, unveiling and dedication of the Wall of Hands at the entrance to the Womans Pavilion at HemisFair '68, Mayor Walter W. McAllister speaks with Ethel Wilson Harris, who directed the work of fabricating the tiles, as Lila Cockrell, left, Mamie Sandoval and Lucille Carmona look on. The women's handprints and names represent some of those whose efforts were instrumental in getting the pavilion built. UTSA Special Collections

The San Antonio Symphony gave a pops concert, and Joskes department store put on a style show, both for the pavilions benefit. Womens organizations held bake sales, luncheons and casino nights toward the cause, but as the deadline approached, it became clear the pavilion organizers werent going to make their stated $2 million goal.

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So instead of working with a female architect, modernist Cloethiel Woodard Smith of Washington, D.C., the Womans Pavilions 70-member board went with a local architect, Cyrus Cy Wagner (1926-2016), then best known for his work on the Paseo del Rio downtown portion of the San Antonio River Walk and already working as a design consultant for HemisFair 68.

Although about 12,500 women had bought memberships, representing most U.S. states and several foreign countries, the budget for the pavilion had to be scaled down to $400,000. Through the run of the fair, it was one of the few that charged an additional $1 admission fee beyond fair entrance.

A groundbreaking ceremony was held Oct. 3, 1967. Members of the Womans Pavilion board wielded miniature shovels and pink, orange and green buckets decorated with the pavilion logo, while HemisFair officials and architect Wagner assisted with man-size shovels, as noted in the San Antonio Express, Oct. 3, 1967.

Taken from the Tower of the Americas observation deck in 1968, this photo shows the Wall of Hands near the entrance to the Womans Pavilion. Courtesy Christopher Medina The 13,500-square-foot pavilions design on four levels used many large windows to take advantage of natural light for the art that would be exhibited there. It was inspired by the aesthetic of midcentury modern home architecture. William Luther/San Antonio Express-News A model of the Womans Pavilion is shown in this aerial view, taken in 1968. This structure was not sponsored by a government, corporation or religious denomination. An ad-hoc organization brought about 12,500 women together to raise funds and plan for its inclusion at HemisFair 68. Portal to Texas History The reverse of this postcard depicting a model of the Womans Pavilion at HemisFair 68  the worlds fair held April 6-Oct. 6, 1968 in San Antonio  says the pavilion would celebrate Woman, her accomplishments and her contributions. Portal to Texas History The Womans Pavilion of HemisFair 68 is shown in this 2017 photo. William Luther/San Antonio Express-News

The 13,500-square-foot pavilions design on four levels used many large windows to take advantage of natural light for the art that would be exhibited there. It was inspired by the aesthetic of midcentury modern home architecture, a concept that fit into the soft-focus, traditional view of feminine qualities that characterized the Womans Pavilion, its marketing and content.

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According to the official guidebook, the slogan of the pavilion was Man might have conquered the world, but it was women who civilized it, Medina said. The pavilions main themes were declared to be beauty, the mind, heart, emotion and work, as a tribute to the contributions women had made to culture and civilization in the Western Hemisphere.

Besides a standing film-and-exhibit program on Womens Changing Role in a Changing World, that translated into exhibits of works by female artists, there were demonstrations of arts and crafts such as the making of cloisonne jewelry, lectures and slideshows by women, a wig display and collections of miniatures, dolls and dollhouses. There also were fashion shows by stores from Montgomery Ward to Neiman Marcus.

Visitors included members of womens organizations, who were given special tours, often on a day designated in their honor or when a group such as the Daughters of 1812 or the Santa Rosa (nursing school) Alumnae met in the pavilion.
Each week Hot off the Wire looks at a variety of stories in business, science, health and more. This week's headlines include:

Host Terry Lipshetz is managing editor of the national newsroom for Lee Enterprises. Besides producing the daily Hot off the Wire news podcast, Terry conducts periodic interviews for this Behind the Headlines program, co-hosts the Streamed & Screened movies and television program and is the former producer of Across the Sky, a podcast dedicated to weather and climate.
Arrest made after two killed, four injured in Playa del Carmen barbershop shooting

Playa del Carmen, Q.R.  A suspect has been arrested in the deadly Friday shooting inside a central Playa del Carmen barbershop. At around 1:00 p.m. a lone male entered the shop and began shooting, leaving two adults dead.

A third adult was injured along with three minors. All four of the injured shooting victims were taken to hospital. Three have been discharged. One person continues to be hospitalized. The shooting happened inside a barbershop located in the Gonzalo Guerrero area of central Playa del Carmen.

Local authorities have reported on the arrest of Jonathan N for his probable participation in the crimes of qualified homicide of two male persons, as well as injuries to four people.

According to authorities, the four injured include a barbershop employee and three underage clients. They also say that at the time of his arrest, Jonathan N was found in possession of marijuana and a 0.9 mm caliber firearm with live rounds.

In a Saturday morning statement, the State Attorney General (FGE) said that their initial investigations indicate that two hitmen, who arrived at the establishment on a motorcycle, headed towards Bruno Eden N identified as a member of the criminal group Los Zuri, who was in the company of another male whose identity has been withheld, and shot them, killing them.

Two adult males were killed while four others were injured in the Friday afternoon shooting. Photo: August 9, 2024.

Four other people, collateral victims, were also injured and were transferred to different hospitals in the city from where three of them have already been discharged, while another remains hospitalized.

The motorcycle the hitmen used during the murders was found abandoned on Calle 6 bis in the Centro neighborhood of Playa del Carmen. That motorcycle has been seized.

Police have not provided a motive into the shooting or made any comment on the whereabouts of the second person believed involved in the Friday shooting.
Firemen called after failed attempt to smoke out wild wasp nest

Lazaro Cardenas, Q.R.  A group of residents in the town of Kantunilkin needed help from the fire department after a small tree smoke turned into flames. The intentionally set smoke was made inside a crook of a dry tree to get rid of wild wasps.

Firemen responded to their request for assistance in the residential neighborhood of Terencio Tah Friday morning when the smoke turned to flames and the fire began to grow. Residents were trying to get rid of a nest of wild wasps known locally as ek by creating smoke in a branch crook of the tree.

Alex Eroza Betancuort, head of the Kantunilkin Fire Department, said residents set a small fire in a flamboyant tree that was home to a swarm of dangerous wasps. It did not take long for the small fire to grow and threaten to catch the entire tree and spread to nearby palapa-roofed homes, which is when they called the fire department.

A smoke meant to get rid of a wild wasp nest quickly turned to flames. Photo: August 9, 2024.

Large wild wasp nests are common in the jungle regions of Quintana Roo, often found constructed on vegetation such as trees and the underside of large palm leaves. Smoke is commonly used to force insects such as bees and wasps from their nests.
Investigation started into U.S. college students allegations of drugged water at Isla Mujeres hotel pool bar

Isla Mujeres, Q.R.  UPDATED: Local authorities have begun an investigation into the allegations of two college students being drugged while on Cancun vacation. One of the girls remains hospitalized in Dallas after being flown there from Cancun due to the seriousness of her condition.

The group arrived in Cancun August 1 and checked into their hotel, which according to local authorities working the investigation, was in Isla Mujeres. The group were staying at a resort in Costa Mujeres, a white sandy beach area on the mainland of Isla Mujeres located north of Cancun.

The day after they arrived, students Zara Hull and Kaylie Pitzer had a pool day. After swimming up to a pool bar, the pair ordered a glass of water at which time they lost consciousness.

We just had a pool day, Zara told U.S. media from her hospital bed. We both got water and within two minutes () we both hit the bar, heads down at the same time, Hull said.

Both girls believe the water was drugged. One of the two girls was taken to a private hospital in Cancun where her condition deteriorated. On Saturday, she was flow in a private plane to a Dallas hospital where she remains.

Hotel surveillance cameras of the friends at their pool day.

According to U.S. media, she has had 18 stomach convulsions, but doctors have not found anything wrong. Doctors attending to the young student say it is possible she was drugged.

Since their story, the State Attorney General (FGE) of Quintana Roo has begun an investigation into the alleged poisoning of the two students after learning of the events through news media.

According to the Fiscalia General del Estado (FGE), the girls were staying at an Isla Mujeres hotel in the continental zone known as Costa Mujeres, not at a Cancun hotel. They have said an investigation has been started even though an official complaint has not been filed.

Upon learning of the event in the media, since there is no official complaint, we immediately began, through the Specialized Prosecutors Office for Combating Drug Dealing Crimes, the investigations to clarify the alleged poisoning of two women.

At the moment it is specified that the location of the possible hotel where the events would have been recorded is in Costa Mujeres, in the continental zone of the municipality of Isla Mujeres.

The State Attorney Generals Office is working to clarify this event and bring to justice the person or persons responsible for this event, the FGE said in an official statement Friday.

The friends were staying in an Isla Mujeres hotel, not a Cancun hotel. Photo: Costa Mujeres 2024.

UPDATED: (August 14, 2024): After an investigation into the allegations of drugged water, the State Attorney General (FGE) has reported a clean toxicology test. According to FGE head Raciel Lopez Salazar, an investigation has determined neither of the students had drugs in their system.

Lopez Salazar said the toxicology tests on the girls yielded clean results with no trace of fentanyl or any other drug. It is ruled out that they consumed fentanyl in their drink, he said. According to the head of the FGE, their case was due to simple drunken intoxication, calling the case exaggerated.

The State Secretary of Tourism, Bernardo Cueto said in an interview this week that attempts to reach the families for more information through the U.S. Consulate went ignored, stressing that no formal complaint has ever been filed.

Through the consulate we requested more information from the relatives, but there was no response, there was no interest or intention from the relatives to give us more details of what happened.

I have to tell you in no uncertain terms it seems very strange to me, a very strange situation because if someones health is affected in some establishment, the first thing you do is report the establishment where you were possibly or supposedly poisoned, he said.

Cueto went on to say it seems to me very irresponsible of the media to broadcast or replicate a story without doing investigative journalism. If you are going to replicate a story where a poisoning is being reported in a tourist destination, lets investigate where it was, he said.

That is all we have on the matter. We have nothing more. Unfortunately it is a story that was used to affect the image of a destination.

Since the allegations, the surveillance video from the Isla Mujeres hotel pool where the girls were staying has been released. Their surveillance cameras show the group of friends allegedly drinking tequila shots and tropical cocktails for several hours before they leave the pool.

The pool area cameras show one of the friends stagger out of the water toward an open door to a bathroom before a wheelchair is brought by a hotel staff member for her to sit in as shes returned to her room. The hotel surveillance also shows the group of friends staggering in the water, and at one point, hugging a concrete post to stay upright.

Local authorities have said drug tests administered at the Cancun hospital came back clean for both, not only for fentanyl, but for any drugs. According to the FGE, their allegations of being drugged are an exaggerated case of alcohol intoxication.
Ella Antu, 5, and her dad Xavier Antu load up her cube with supplies during a meet-the-teacher event at Silos Elementary School on Thursday. Josie Norris/San Antonio Express-News

Ready to start kindergarten, 5-year-old Ella Antu showed up with a smile on her face and a gift bag of pens, snacks and energy drinks for her teacher, Gabriela Chapa.

Her classroom has that new-school smell.

Carrying school supplies, families enter Silos Elementary School on Thursday for a meet-the-teacher event. The newest school in the fast-growing Medina Valley ISD will start classes Tuesday. Josie Norris/San Antonio Express-News The Acree family, with school supplies in hand, walk towards the end of the line for a meet-the-teacher event at the new Silos Elementary School on Thursday. Josie Norris/San Antonio Express-News Tori Tibbs, 5, reacts to finding her seat in her new kindergarten classroom during a meet-the-teacher event at Silos Elementary School on Thursday. Josie Norris/San Antonio Express-News Tiffany Allum and daughter Cora Allum, 5, bring school supplies to Coras kindergarten classroom during a meet-the-teacher event at the new Silos Elementary School on Thursday. Classes in the fast-growing Medina Valley ISD start Tuesday. Josie Norris/San Antonio Express-News Parents look over the drop-off and dismissal instructions during a meet-the-teacher event at Silos Elementary School on Thursday. The newest campus in the fast-growing Medina Valley ISD will start classes Tuesday. Josie Norris/San Antonio Express-News Second grade teacher Christen De Los Santos listens to a parents question Thursday at Silos Elementary School, the newest campus in the fast-growing Medina Valley ISD. Josie Norris/San Antonio Express-News Pre-K classroom aide Crystal Torres smiles as she is introduced to one of her students during a meet-the-teacher event at Silos Elementary School on Thursday. The newest school in the fast-growing Medina Valley ISD will start classes Tuesday. Josie Norris/San Antonio Express-News Jameson Huff, 4, looks over paperwork being filled out by his dad. Joshua Huff, at the new Silos Elementary School on Thursday. The newest school in the fast-growing Medina Valley ISD will start classes Tuesday. Josie Norris/San Antonio Express-News The skyline seen from the Silos neighborhood places it in the sea of subdivisions on San Antonio's western suburban edge. It has a new neighborhood school, Silos Elementary, in the fast-growing Medina Valley ISD. Josie Norris/San Antonio Express-News A banner reading Silos Elementary School, a brand new adventure hangs in the window of the school's main hall. The newest campus in the fast-growing Medina Valley ISD will start classes Tuesday. Josie Norris/San Antonio Express-News

Ill see you Tuesday! Ella announced to Chapa after dropping off her school supplies with her dad during a recent meet the staff night.

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School starts up for many area school systems next week  on Tuesday for the rapidly growing Medina Valley Independent School District, when its new Silos Elementary School will hold its first day of classes, ever.

The district covers much of Medina County, but a chunk of it sticks into western Bexar County, where Silos will be the new neighborhood school in the Silos subdivision, a planned community with about 1,400 home sites that has sprung up in the past five years.

Teachers there will welcome about 850 students. Costing $43 million, the campus, about 3 miles outside Loop 1604 just west of San Antonios city limits, is only Medina Valley ISDs sixth elementary school. But therell be others  its the fifth-fastest-growing school district in Texas among those with enrollments of more than 2,000 students.

Even as schools in San Antonios urban core have been forced to close in the past two years to consolidate shrinking enrollments, the relentless growth on the citys suburban periphery has other districts in a perpetual race to build new ones.

Derek Perez, 7, leaps to the bar in the crosswalk while leaving a meet-the-teacher event with mother Bianca Perez at Silos Elementary School on Thursday. Josie Norris/San Antonio Express-News

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Families explore the halls of Silos Elementary School looking for their classroom on Thursday at a meet-the-teacher event. The new campus is the sixth elementary school in the fast-growing Medina Valley ISD. Josie Norris/San Antonio Express-News

Ella has been counting down the days for school to start, said her father, Xavier Antu, who was enthused about the possibilities that will greet Silos students.

Im happy that the kids are now going to have this brand-new establishment and hopefully the mindset to continue to grow, go further and do what they need to do, he said.

San Antonio, Edgewood, South San Antonio and Harlandale ISDs will start the school year with fewer operating campuses and decisions to make about how to use newly empty buildings.

Its the opposite problem at East Central ISD, the first major school district in Bexar County to resume fall classes. It opened Honor Elementary School on Wednesday on the south side of Converse. The district has about 10,000 students but expects enrollment to grow to more than 13,000 by the end of 2025 and nearly 20,000 by 2032.

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Kindergarten teacher Gabriela Chapa meets a parent Thursday at Silos Elementary School, a new campus at Medina Valley ISD which will open on Tuesday. Josie Norris/San Antonio Express-News

Boerne ISD will open its newest school, Viola Wilson Elementary, on Monday. The school, built to relieve burgeoning student populations at Van Raub, Fabra and Kendall elementary schools, is named for a longtime teacher in Boerne who died in 2006.

Northside ISD, the areas largest district, with more than 100,000 students, will debut its newest campus, Chumbley Elementary, on Aug. 19. Its named for former trustee MLissa M. Chumbley and will alleviate crowding at Cole and Galm elementary schools on the far West Side.

In Comal ISD, Bulverde Middle School and a new campus for Hill Country College Preparatory High School are set to open Aug. 20. The middle school will provide enrollment relief for Pieper Ranch and Smithson Valley middle schools. The new high school campus will offer room to grow enrollment for its technology, advanced academics and project-based learning programs.

Medina Valley ISD, which had about 8,700 students last fall, has seen annual enrollment growth varying from 3% to 9% from 2011 to 2021. But it has grown 11% to 15% per year since 2021.

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Construction equipment is still visible at the newly-built Silos Elementary School, where classes will start Tuesday in the fast-growing Medina Valley ISD. Josie Norris/San Antonio Express-News

It really has picked up over those last three years, and it doesnt seem to be slowing down anytime soon, said Selena Viera, Medina Valleys director of communications. We have doubled in the last 10 years, and were anticipating to double again in the next 10.

Silos will relieve pressure on LaCoste, Ladera and Luckey Ranch elementary schools in the eastern part of the district. Its the last school built with bonds approved by voters in 2019. But the district has subsequent bonds in place to fund a third middle school, two more elementary schools and a second high school thats set to open in fall 2026.

This process of opening a new school is something were familiar with, Viera said.

Brenda Estrella-Pagan, who previously served as vice principal at Potranco Elementary School and more recently as academic dean at Medina Valley High School, was tapped to serve as the first principal at Silos. Shes made hundreds of calls to families in the schools new service boundaries, helped guide creation of a parent-teacher organization, and spent recent days briefing and drilling the new faculty and staff on how the school day will flow.

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Pre-K teacher Felissa Sheehan smiles as she embraces former student Keanu Cantu, 6, at a meet-the-teacher event at Silos Elementary School on Thursday. The new campus at Medina Valley ISD will start classes Tuesday. Josie Norris/San Antonio Express-News

Having raised three boys with different personalities and different needs, she felt prepared for some intangibles: defining a mission, vision and campus culture and hiring teachers who have the right mindset to create a sense of belonging, Estrella-Pagan said.

Being in both roles has allowed me the opportunity to work with our teachers so we can build a bridge that helps us not only do whats best for the children, but also understand where the parents are coming from, she said. Our parents also understand that with a brand-new campus, brand-new procedures, brand-new staff, theres going to be an adjustment.

The new principal said she has asked the parents for patience and flexibility and has been delighted with their response.

Were committed to giving them the best customer service that we can, Estrella-Pagan said. The amount of positivity, the amount of love and support and patience that Ive been met with is unprecedented.

The library at Silos Elementary School, a new campus at the fast-growing Medina Valley ISD west of San Antonio. Classes start there on Tuesday. Josie Norris/San Antonio Express-News

READ MORE: SAISD working to improve standardized test scores

Zion Mason Smith, 5, whispers to his sister Iizanah Smith, 1, during a meet-the-teacher event at Silos Elementary School on Thursday. The new campus at Medina Valley ISD will start classes on Tuesday. Josie Norris/San Antonio Express-News

The new families at Silos include Air Force Capt. Trevor Jackson, his wife, Mary Kate, and their three children. Cassandra, 7, will start second grade; James, 5, will attend kindergarten; and Elizabeth, 4, will begin prekindergarten, possibly becoming one of the first Silos students to go through all the grades if she graduates there as a fifth-grader.

Theyre all excited about being in school together, their father said.

Cassandra was a first-grader at Ladera, and the younger two children were in a privately run Christian learning center. Mary Kate Jackson said the family has been anxious to switch to Silos, driving by the site regularly to watch its construction.
MARION  As the Smyth County community mourns the line-of-duty death of a 27-year-old sheriffs deputy and the wounding of another, Commonwealths Attorney Phillip Blevins filed charged against the suspect in the early morning hours of Saturday.

The tragedy began with what local and state law enforcement officials said was a routine traffic stop on Highway 16 in Marion around 5 p.m. Friday. Marion police attempted to stop a vehicle in town but the driver did not pull over and stop until a spot near the state fish hatchery.

The Smyth County deputies responded to assist the Marion officers.

As a citation was being issued, Marion Police Chief John Clair said, the vehicles driver became agitated, and a deputy went to check on him. The suspect then fired at the officers and deputies, striking both deputies. Officers returned fire wounding the 65-year-old man.

Deputy Hunter D. Reedy died at the scene. Deputy Michael Fedorchuk was airlifted to an area hospital where he underwent emergency surgery.

Saturday morning, Blevins said he and his staff visited Fedorchuk at the hospital last night, and he is expected to fully recover.

Friday night, Smyth County Sheriff Chip Shuler said the family members of the slain deputy as well as his department are devastated and heartbroken.

He was a good, decent man. He is going to be missed by all of us, he said of the deputy. Its just senseless. No sense whatsoever.

Shuler said it is the first time an officer has been killed in the line of duty during his long tenure with the department.

Reedy leaves behind his wife, Bettina, and three young children and numerous family members and friends, many of whom described their profound loss and heartbreak on social media.

Blevins said Timothy Wayne Goodman, of North Carolina, will face one count of aggravated murder, four counts of attempted aggravated murder and using a firearm in the commission of a felony.

Goodman was also flown to an area hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries.

The heartbreaking death of Deputy Reedy is profound. We are mourning the loss of a father, husband, son, friend, and community hero. I will not rest until the murderer is held accountable for his actions, said Blevins Saturday.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of Deputy Reedy, Deputy Fedorchuk and the other officers who were targeted in this senseless act of violence. We extend our deepest gratitude to the law enforcement partners who responded to this critical situation and to the community for their support during this difficult time, said Blevins.

Washington County and Wythe County sheriffs deputies were on hand to cover calls and help their peers with the Smyth County Sheriffs Office Friday night.

Clair also shared his gratitude for the outpouring of support. We so much appreciate all the support weve received, and we just ask you keep us in your prayers, the chief said during a Friday night press conference.

This is not the kind of thing that happens in this region. This person came from outside our community and brought this violence here, Clair said.

The chief reflected, I think its indicative of the kind of instability that weve got in American society when you have police officers out doing very good work trying to keep communities safe and after the event is over you see an act of absolutely senseless violence that took the life of one of our heroes whos a father and husband and a pillar of the community.

At the request of Clair and Shuler, the Virginia State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigations Wytheville Field Office is investing the fatal shooting.

Also speaking at the press conference were state Sen. Travis Hackworth and state Del. Jed Arnold.

There is no words you can say in this senseless murder, said Hackworth. As the chief said this is not a place that this happens so were very heartbroken and our prayers are definitely with the law enforcement community.

This is the type of violence that just does not occur here, said Arnold, a lifelong resident of the county. He said he knows both deputies and both are honest, decent men who went about their jobs with the utmost pride and care for their fellow citizens.
125 Years Ago

Sioux City May Secure It: Within 30 days of the terminus of the Storm Lake extension of the New Ulm division of the Minneapolis and St. Louis railway will be decided. It is not a fact that the board of directors already decided that the terminus shall be Omaha. W. P. Manley, president of Security National bank and chairman of the railroad committee of the Sioux City Commercial association, returned from New York yesterday where he had a talk with Edwin Hawley, president of the Minneapolis road, and believes Sioux City will be the terminus. Hawley did not say the road was to be Sioux City, but Manley inferred that Sioux City was most favorably considered.

H. J. Marr Skips Abruptly: Without bidding his fiancee, Miss Daisy Bergen of Morningside, goodbye, H. J. Marr, formerly acting membership secretary of the Y.M.C.A., departed Saturday evening from Sioux City, taking with him a $50 diamond ring secured on credit at a jewelry store, and left behind an unfilled wedding engagement and a lot of very uneasy creditors. Last Saturday night after telling Abe Davidson he was going to marry a girl from Morningside, Marr drew his pay and has not been seen since. Miss Bergen knew nothing of his departure and never wore the $50 ring in question. She says she is not inconsolable over his departure.

100 Years Ago

Tearing Down Building Where Poor Man Accumulated Enormous Fortune: The last chapter in the story of a comparatively untutored mans stubborn fight against adverse conditions to a position of wealth and affluence is being written in the Sioux City Stock Yard district. Workmen of the Stock Yard company are tearing down the old plant of the famous Hurni Packing Company. Rudolph Hurni arrived in Sioux City with no capital, saved up enough for one hog, reinvesting the money to buy another. Gradually he built up capital, and in 1895 he purchased a lot from the Stock Yards on Chambers street. There he built his first packing plant with no machinery valued no more $10,000. His business grew, and in June 1917 the property was resold to the stock yards. Hurni died about a year later, leaving property valued at nearly $1 million.

Hot Discussion Over Franchise: Attacks on the proposed 25-year franchise which the Sioux City Service company is asking of the voters of Sioux City caused a lengthy session of the council Saturday morning and resulted in the postponement of passing the ordinance by the council for another week. People of all vocations interested in the franchise were present at the meeting and crowded the council chamber to capacity. The general request of those who addressed the council was to give voters enough time to fully realize what the 25-year franchise means to Sioux City before offering the vote. Shortly after the meeting opened, Mayor Stewart Gilman announced the service company had agreed to two amendments, which were agreed to by the company and passed.

50 Years Ago

Ford 38th President: Gerald Ford took office as 38th President of the United States Friday. In swift succession me met with congressional leaders, senior aides to the resigned Richard M. Nixon, economic advisers, diplomats, and a group of personal associates who will counsel him on selecting a White House staff. Ford concluded his oath of office at 12:03 p.m. EDT. He promised a government of openness, of candor, and a continuing quest for peace. Ford acknowledged he was not elected President and asked the American people to confirm him as President with their prayers.

Sioux City Guru Lives at Library: Sioux City television watchers have become acquainted with a colorful personage known as The Mystic on the Mountain who has a secret source of information. The source, however, is available to everyone and without charge. Just this year, federal funds through the State Library Commission were made available for a Business Information Service (BIS) project, which the Sioux City Public Library applied for and received a grant for its own program. Now a person with a question simply calls the service with his inquiry, and library researchers will find the answer and return the call as soon as possible.

25 Years Ago

Jefferson School Cleans Up After Vandalism Leaves Mess: Since last week, parents and some students of St. Peters Elementary School in Jefferson, S.D., have been cleaning a portable building that was damaged by vandals the weekend of July 31-Aug. 1. The vandals took ketchup and mustard, paint and soap and ground it into the carpet, destroying it. They poured the stuff on the walls, chalkboards, and the teachers desk, and they scribbled offensive language on the walls. The vandalism was discovered Monday, Aug. 2, when a roofing contractor went to the grade school by mistake. Since there is no insurance to cover the damage, the parents decided to pitch in and do much of the cleanup and painting themselves.

City Moves to Put End Dates On TIFs: The City Council Monday gave first reading to an ordinance that would amend the citys Tax Increment Finance (TIF) districts to establish end dates. The agenda item brought out representatives of the Woodbury County Board of Supervisors who have long criticized the citys lack of ending dates on TIF districts. Larry Clausen acknowledged the citys motives in setting the ending dates, but said it wasnt quite enough. Years ago, the dates were set for 2007, 2008 and 2011, and now they have advanced to 2015 and even 2020. The council passed the first reading 3-0.

1 Year Ago

Missing a Star: The only sibling of Sharon Farrell still doesnt know 100% when, where or how the Sioux City-born actress died. Dale Candice Forsmoe would talk on the phone with her sister about once a week. A few months back, Forsmoes calls with Farrell stopped coming in. Forsmoe and her daughter started researching to see what might have happened to Farrell. They got in touch with a friend who visited Farrell at a Los Angeles-area nursing home where the 82-year-old Sioux City native had been staying. The friend found the room empty and posted on Facebook saying she thought Farrell passed away and didnt know anything. Forsmoe has been calling hospitals and care facilities and still hasnt been able to find for sure the date.

Actress Sharon Farrell Hollywood actress and Sioux City native Sharon Farrell, left, poses with her sister Dale Lambly, middle, and mother, Hazel Forsmoe during an i

There Goes the Dress And the Tux: Many brides and grooms were shocked by the permanent closure of the Sioux City locations for Tip Top Tux and Dress Dream Express on Floyd Blvd on Monday. Mikayla Mitchell of Moville was slated to be married to Ben Dreessen on Aug. 19 and was alerted to the stores imminent closure when an employee called on Aug. 5. Dapper and Dashing, the parent company of Tip Top Tux and Dream Dress Express, reportedly informed employees of the stores closures via email. The doors of the 500 Floyd Blvd. store were locked on Tuesday and phones were left unanswered.

tip top tux sign A sign was posted in the door at Tip Top Tux. The 500 Floyd Blvd. store closed suddenly on Monday.
At a rally this week at the Detroit airport, Kamala Harris and Tim Walz were greeted with loud enthusiasm by an energized base in a packed aircraft hangar. But a moment of contention arose when pro-Palestine protesters interrupted the rally. Harris addressed them directly, saying, Im here because we believe in democracy. Everyones voice matters. But I am speaking now. When interrupted again, she responded, If you want Donald Trump to win, then say that. Otherwise, Im speaking.

The crowd roared. Later, some applauded the vice presidents firm handling of the protesters; others saw a high-handed dismissal. Either way, the incident highlighted ongoing divisions within the party on the war in Gaza, even after Joe Biden stepped aside. And all the press on the moment obscured other, more nuanced moments for Harris and disillusioned voters on Wednesday outside Detroit, right next to Dearborn, home of Americas greatest Arab diaspora.

One of those moments involved Layla Elabed, co-founder of the national uncommitted movement, which seeks to deny votes to any candidate who support Israels war in Gaza. Elabed, a Palestinian American political activist, helped divert more than 100,000 votes away from Biden in the Democratic primary in Michigan, a closely contested state in November. To Elabeds surprise, the Harris campaign reached out directly to her and the co-founder of the movement, Abbas Alawieh, to appear at the rally. In an interview, Elabed told me about the moment she met Harris thereand what it will take for voters like her to support the vice president. Our interview has been condensed and edited for clarity.

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Aymann Ismail: How did you end up at the Harris rally on Wednesday?

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Layla Elabed: I got the invitation just maybe an hour before we had to be there. It was to be part of the photo, so we were in this backstage area of the aircraft hangar. We were welcomed. Everyone was very friendly. There were a lot of folks there, including groups from unions. We saw people from the nurses union, for example. We had a chance to talk to Shawn Fain [president of the United Auto Workers]. He has shown support by demanding a cease-fire. I also saw Gretchen Whitmer, Debbie Stabenow, and Mike Duggan. Everyone we like, Its so important that you guys are here. Thank you for the work you guys are doing. This is really good, all of that. Abbas and I were talking to folks backstage about the need for a policy that is going to save lives in Gaza, and we need to deliver Michigan. But we know that we cant do that without the community having those guarantees that our family members in Palestine, in Gaza, in Lebanon, will be protected.

What happened when you actually met Kamala?

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Abbas went first. Before taking a picture and moving on, he asked the VP Harris if she would meet with us to talk about an arms embargo. She indicated that she would. And when I shook hands with Tim Walz and VP Harris, I did get really emotional, and I told her my community is losing hundreds of family members in Gaza, and we need a policy shift that saves lives right now. I asked if she would meet with us to talk about an arms embargo, and she said, Yes, lets meet. I took that to be an indication that she was open to meeting about an arms embargo. Whether she will adopt an arms embargo, I dont know, but she did demonstrate a willingness to meet with us to discuss it.

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After your meeting, did you see the public statement from Kamalas team, saying she does not support an arms embargo on Israel?

Yes. Which is fine! We already know that the Biden-Harris White House does not have an arms embargo policy toward Israel. Thats why we asked Vice President Kamala Harris to meet with us, so she can hear from uncommitted leaders who can help her to understand what it will take to deliver Michigan and secure the votes of uncommitted voters across the nation. It was a very confusing response to me, because we know the current administration doesnt support an arms embargothats why were trying to talk to her about it.

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Do you worry you might be being played politically by the Harris team?

Well wait and see. I think it would be essential and strategic for her campaign to meet with us to discuss what our community needs to mobilize ahead of November. Not only because our communities are grieving and its the moral thing to do, but also to unite the Democratic Party, which is fractured by these unpopular and immoral policies. For us to have a fighting chance in November, she needs to win states like Michigan. Michigan voters, including 101,000 uncommitted Muslim Americans, Arab-Americans, and young people, cant support VP Harris without guarantees of policy shifts away from using our tax dollars to fund a war criminal.

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Whats the general mood in Dearborn right now? How do uncommitted voters feel?

We are remaining uncommitted toward this administration and VP Harris because we havent heard how she will be different from Biden or guarantee the protection of our loved ones in our homelands. Folks are still really pissed, and frustrated, and grieving, and experiencing a lot of emotion, rightfully so.

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How did you feel about Harris response to the protesters that disrupted her speech?

I wish that she handled that differently. These are protesters that are demanding human rights to be upheld. That was unfortunate, and people are really upset, rightfully so.

What would be the bare minimum you need to change your mind about Harris?

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When I met her during that very, very brief engagement, I did feel that her empathy toward me and the plight of all Palestinians was genuine. But Palestinian children cant survive on empathy right now. Our community and voters of conscious are demanding a policy shift that will save lives and end the occupation of Palestinians. There are many things she can do as a Democratic presidential candidate to signal she will uphold international law and Democratic values. But a cease-fire cant be realized with unconditional weapons funding to Israel.

There were reports that Harris was going to snub Netanyahu but met with him privately. What do you make of that?

I realize she is the VP. And I dont know when she has her VP hat on or when she has her presidential candidate hat on. I can imagine that turning away from Bidens policy might affect her role as VP, but we need to save lives in Palestine. Funding a war is not a popular policy, and funding Netanyahu doesnt align with democratic values. If were serious about fighting fascism and authoritarianism in November, then we also need to be serious about it abroad. Netanyahus government is the most extreme far-right government Israel has ever had.

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As the election gets closer, is there a point where you might give up on Kamala or decide to rally support for her despite everything?

Uncommitted isnt an option in November, so I wont be asking people to vote uncommitted. But neither will I personally advocate for voting for Kamala without our demands being met. We need a policy that guarantees Palestinian lives will be saved. We need her to differentiate herself from Trump, who has already promised his mega-donors that he will annex the West Bank to become part of Israel. His Project 2025 outlines plans to criminalize the work that I and many other uncommitted organizers, and student protesters, and people mobilizing in the street, are doing to advocate for human rights. We need her to make a clear policy shift away from Biden.
The terrorist plot to kill hundreds or maybe thousands of people at a Taylor Swift concert in Vienna has surprised many, not least the tens of thousands who had bought tickets for the event. But it shouldnt be a shock at all.

Groups like al-Qaida and ISIS, which inspired the teenage planners of this murderous attempt, are still around, even thriving. And pop concertsattended by many young people, especially young women freely wearing what they want and having too much fun to notice suspicious things around themare among their favorite targets.

In 2017, an ISIS suicide bomber attacked an arena in Manchester where Ariana Grande was performing, killing 22 people and injuring more than 1,000. This past March, ISIS terrorists carried out a mass shooting and knife-slashing at a huge concert hall in Moscow, killing more than 145 people and injuring more than 550.

Then, of course, there was Hamas rampage at Israels Nova music festival, killing 364 and kidnapping 40the first act of the terrorist groups Oct. 7 assault across the Gazan border, killing about 1,200 Israelis and taking more than 200 hostages in all. It was the deadliest concert attack in history.

Hamas has no formal relationship with either ISIS or al-Qaida. But Bruce Hoffman, a counterterrorism expert at the Council on Foreign Relations, noted in an email that there are ties among them. Al-Qaida has always had an alliance of sorts with Iran, which supports Hamas and other Islamist militias throughout the Middle Eastincluding Hezbollah, which trained al-Qaida in the 1990s. Without their tutelage, Hoffman says, it is questionable that al-Qaida could have become so threatening and competent.

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All four groupsal-Qaida, ISIS, Hamas, and Hezbollahdemonize the Western decadence that, to their eyes, crowded raucous rock concerts symbolize. Targeting young people, Hoffman says, heightens terrorists main goalsinstilling fear and anxiety, and ultimately undermining trust and confidence in the ability of the authorities to protect societys most vulnerable and cherished group: its children.

This is what the pro-Palestinian protesters in the West who wave Hamas and Hezbollah flags and chant their slogans dont grasp: This brand of terrorism isnt just for going after Zionists. Its for anyone who dares to exercise freedoms associated with the West.

The young Jews killed in the early hours of Oct. 7 at the Nova festival were attending a music festival celebrating unity. The Israelis in the kibbutzim across the Gazan border, where most of the subsequent killing took place, were among the countrys most left-wing peace activists. Nor were these Israelis on occupied land, like the settlers in the West Bank; many of them, or their families, had lived on the kibbutzim since before the founding of Israel as a state in 1948.

On Oct. 7, none of that mattered.

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This is not to absolve Israel of its excesses in this war (and other wars); its insensitivity to Palestinian civilian casualties (abetted by the failure of most Israeli news media to show whats going on in Gaza); and its government, which refuses to clamp down on murderous settlers in the West Bank and which has two cabinet ministersItamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrichwho indulge in rhetoric as murderous toward Palestinians as Hamas rhetoric is toward Jews. (Even Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu regards them as too right-wing; he keeps them out of meetings on war policy, but he tolerates them in his ruling coalition because without them, he would lose his majority in Parliament.)

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But this week, a group called Columbia University Apartheid Divest, which claims to consist of more than 100 campus organizations, stated in an Instagram post: We are Westerners fighting for the total eradication of Western civilization.

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Related From Slate Theres a Big Reason Things Havent Escalated Between Iran and Israel Yet Read More

Some student activists have taken to social media to dissociate themselves from this rubbish, but not very many, perhaps because those who signed up for the initial marches and petitions out of anti-war sentiment arent organizedand those who hijacked the movement for ideological aims, as usual, are.

Meanwhile, terrorists and their backersthe ones who applaud or at least tolerate attacks on Jews and on rock-concert audienceshave noticed the flag-waving protesters, and they are grateful. This is a statement by the al-Qaida Central Leadership in May:

As we support the assassination and beheading of Zionist unbelievers, so also we value and appreciate the movement of Western protesters and occupiers from among the students of Western universities.

This, from Hamas spokesman Bassem Naim:

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We in the Hamas movement believe that any popular movement demanding an end to the aggression and genocide against our people are useful and supportive activities for our cause.

And this, from Irans Ayatollah Ali Khameini:

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Dear University students in the USA, this message is an expression of our empathy and solidarity with you. As the page of history is turning, you are standing on the right side of it You have now formed a branch of the Resistance Front.

Hoffman infers from these expressions of thanks that, in the eyes of the terrorist leaders, the Western flag-wavers are supporting not only the Palestinians fight against Israel but providing cover for what Hamas and Hezbollah are doing and saying. And that impression, he says, encourages terrorism and legitimizes it.

I seriously doubt that most of the protesters intend to have that effect. But protesting for peace and justice doesnt have to mean supporting terroristsespecially terrorists who view those attending a Taylor Swift concert as abominations worth marking for death.
Daryel Simmons reaches up to touch the names of Sandra Bland and Breonna Taylor as she came to a George Floyd memorial mural near the intersection of Ennis and Elgin as she joins others as people react after learning of the guilty verdict on all counts in the murder trial of former Minneapolis Officer Derek Chauvin in the death of George Floyd on Tuesday, April 20, 2021, in Houston. "It's a joyous day," Simmons said as she celebrated the verdict. Brett Coomer, Houston Chronicle / Staff photographer U.S. Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee addresses marchers on Tuesday, June 2, 2020 at City Hall in downtown Houston. Elizabeth Conley, Houston Chronicle / Staff photographer

The image of George Floyd dying with a police officers knee on his neck haunts me to this day, wrote Durbin on X, formerly Twitter. The killing of Sonya Massey has once again drawn attention to the need for action by Congress. Were pushing reform.

Durbin along with Senators Tammy Duckworth, D-Ill.; Cory Booker, D-N.J.; Raphael Warnock, D-Ga.; Laphonza Butler, D-Calif.; Ed Markey, D-Mass.; Mazie Hirono, D-Hawaii; Alex Padilla, D-Calif.; and Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., encouraged their Republican colleagues to support the legislation aimed at ending police brutality and changing the culture of law enforcement departments. Although the House passed the act in 2020, it stalled in the Senate.

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The George Floyd Justice in Policing Act was reintroduced in the Senate today, nearly a month after Sonya Massey, a Black woman, was murdered in her home by a white police officer, wrote the ACLU on X. The Senate has neglected to hold a vote on this bill for years despite bipartisan passage in the House. Were calling on Congress to strengthen and improve the bill to more comprehensively address police misconduct and brutality and pass this legislation once and for all.

Floyd died on May 25, 2020, after then Minneapolis Police Department officer Derek Chauvin kneeled on him for nine minutes and 29 seconds. Video captured of the incident showed Floyd repeatedly saying, I cant breathe"  his last words. The display of police brutality set off protests nationwide calling attention to police reform.

The sad reality is that many Black Americans both before and after the tragic death of George Floyd have lost their lives due to an inherently racist system of policing that is long overdue for change, said Derrick Johnson, President and CEO of the NAACP, in a statement. We applaud the leaders who continue to push to pass the accountability measures to champion community policing and ensure that all Americans are truly protected and served. Any who stand in opposition of this legislation are sending a clear message to Black voters that they do not value our lives.

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Ultimately, a jury convicted Chauvin in 2022 of violating Floyds civil rights and a judge sentenced him to 21 years in prison. A jury convicted three other former officers involved in the incident  Tou Thao, J. Alexander Kueng and Thomas Lane  on state and federal charges for their role in Floyds death.

Far too many lives have been lost or forever changed due to unacceptable incidents of police brutality throughout our nation, Jackson Lee said when she hosted a news conference calling for the reintroduction of the act back in May. We cannot allow another American to be deprived of his or her humanity, dignity and constitutional right without taking action.

On what wouldve been Floyds 50th birthday, President Joe Biden called on Congress to pass meaningful legislation. Last year, Biden issued a statement describing Georges death as one that sparked one of the largest civil rights movements in our nation's history and inspired the world. In 2022, he signed an executive order banning chokeholds, restricted no-knock warrants and the establishment of a database to track police misconduct.

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Australia's Rachael Gunn, known as B-Girl Raygun, competes during the Round Robin Battle at the breaking competition at La Concorde Urban Park at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Friday, Aug. 9, 2024, in Paris, France. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin)

PARIS (AP)  From the Australian b-girl with the meme-worthy kangaroo dance move to the silver-medal winning Lithuanian in a durag, breaking's Olympic debut had a few moments that raised questions from viewers about whether the essence of the hip-hop art form was captured at the Paris Games.

Rachael Gunn, or b-girl Raygun," a 36-year-old professor from Sydney, Australia, quickly achieved internet fame, but not necessarily for Olympic-level skill. Competing against some b-girls half her age, she was swept out of the round-robin stage without earning a single point, and her unconventional moves landed flat while failing to match the skill level of her foes.

At one point, Gunn raised one leg while standing and leaned back with her arms bent toward her ears. At another, while laying on her side, she reached for her toes, flipped over and did it again in a move dubbed the kangaroo.

Gunn has a Ph.D. in cultural studies, and her LinkedIn page notes she is interested in the cultural politics of breaking."

I was never going to beat these girls on what they do best  their power moves, said Gunn. What I bring is creativity.

Clips of her routine have gone viral on TikTok and elsewhere, and many cringed at her moves platformed on the Olympic stage as a representation of hip-hop and breaking culture.

It's almost like they are mocking the genre, wrote one user on X.

Some of it was weird to see

Many Black viewers, in particular, called out Lithuanias silver medalist b-girl Nicka, (legally named Dominika Banevic) for donning a durag during each of her battles. Durags, once worn by enslaved Africans to tie up their hair for work, are still worn by Black people to protect and style their hair. They became a fashionable symbol of Black pride in the 1960s and 1970s and, in the 1990s and early 2000s, also became a popular element of hip-hop style. But when worn by those who arent Black, durags can be seen as cultural appropriation. Banevic is white.

Actor Kevin Fredericks responded on Instagram to Banevic donning the headwear by saying it looked weird to see somebody who dont need it for protective style or waves to be rocking the durag.

The 17-year-old breaker ultimately won the silver medal after losing in the final to Japan's b-girl Ami (Ami Yuasa).

For her part, Banevic has credited the breakers from the 1970s in the Bronx  the OGs  or original gangsters in hip-hop who created the dance  for her own success and breaking style.

Its a huge responsibility to represent and raise the bar every time for breaking because they did an amazing job. Big respect for the OGs and the pioneers that invented all those moves. Without them, it wouldnt be possible," she said. Without them, breaking wouldn't be where it is today. So I'm grateful for them.

Concerns over losing breaking's roots

Friday nights slips may have alienated too many new viewers to garner the anticipated response from our Olympic premiere, said Zack Slusser, vice president of Breaking for Gold USA and USA Dance, in a text message to the Associated Press.

We need to change the narrative from yesterdays first impression of breaking as Olympic sport. There were significant organizational and governance shortcomings that could have been easily reconciled but, unfortunately, negatively impacted Breakings first touching point to a new global audience.

The challenge for Olympic organizers was to bring breaking and hip-hop culture to a mass audience, including many viewers who were skeptical about the dance forms addition to the Olympic roster. Others feared the subculture being co-opted by officials, commercialized and put through a rigid judging structure, when the spirit of breaking has been rooted in local communities, centered around street battles, cyphers and block parties. Hip-hop was born as a youth culture within Black and brown communities in the Bronx as a way to escape strife and socio-economic struggles and make a statement of empowerment at a time when they were labeled as lost, lawless kids by New York politicians.

Refugee breaker Manizha Talash, or b-girl Talash, channeled that rebellious vibe by donning a Free Afghan Women cape during her pre-qualifier battle  a defiant and personal statement for a 21-year-old who fled her native Afghanistan to escape Taliban rule. Talash was quickly disqualified for violating the Olympics' ban on political statements on the field of play.

Both American b-girls were eliminated in Fridays round-robin phase, a blow to the country representing the birthplace of hip-hop in what could be the disciplines only Games appearance. B-girl Logistx (legal name Logan Edra) and b-girl Sunny (Sunny Choi) both ranked in the top 12 internationally but came up short of the quarterfinals.

Breaking for the Olympics has changed the way that some people are dancing, said Choi, referring to some of the flashier moves and jam-packed routines. "Breaking changes over time. And maybe Im just old-school and I dont want to change. ... I think a lot of people in our community were a little bit afraid of that happening.

The b-boys take the stage on Saturday to give Olympic breaking another chance at representing the culture.

___

Associated Press Race & Ethnicity Editor Aaron Morrison contributed to this report from New York.

___

AP Olympics: https://apnews.com/hub/2024-paris-olympic-games
https://sputnikglobe.com/20240810/at-least-100-killed-dozens-injured-in-israeli-strike-on-gaza-city-school---reports-1119702578.html

At Least 100 Killed, Dozens Injured in Israeli Strike on Gaza City School - Reports

At Least 100 Killed, Dozens Injured in Israeli Strike on Gaza City School - Reports

Sputnik International

At least 100 people were killed and dozens others wounded in Israel's bombing of a school in Gaza City, Press TV reported on Telegram.

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The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) earlier on Saturday said it carried out an airstrike on a school in Gaza City, claiming it housed fighters from the Palestinian movement Hamas."A short while ago, directed by IDF and ISA intelligence, the IAF precisely struck Hamas terrorists operating within a Hamas command and control center embedded in the Al-Tabaeen school and located adjacent to a mosque in Daraj Tuffah, which serves as a shelter for the residents of Gaza City. The command and control center served as a hideout for Hamas terrorists and commanders, from which various attacks were planned and advanced against IDF troops and the State of Israel," it said.The IDF said that prior to the strike, "numerous steps were taken to mitigate the risk of harming civilians, including the use of precise munitions, aerial surveillance, and intelligence information."Media later reported that the Israeli army attacked the school during the morning prayers of displaced Gazans sheltering there.On October 7, 2023, Israel was subjected to an unprecedented rocket attack from the Gaza Strip. In addition, Hamas fighters infiltrated the border areas, opened fire on the military and civilians and took more than 200 hostages. Israeli authorities say that about 1,200 people were killed during the raid. In retaliation, the IDF launched Operation Iron Swords in the Gaza Strip. The death toll from Israeli strikes on the Gaza Strip since October 7 has exceeded 39,700, according to the enclave's health ministry.

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20240810/belarus-intercepts-alleged-ukrainian-combat-drones-in-its-airspace---lukashenko-1119706175.html

Belarus Intercepts Alleged Ukrainian Combat Drones In Its Airspace - Lukashenko

Belarus Intercepts Alleged Ukrainian Combat Drones In Its Airspace - Lukashenko

Sputnik International

Belarus intercepted several alleged Ukrainian combat drones over its territory, while some of them were destroyed by Russian forces in the Russian airspace, Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko said on Saturday.

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"At 18:10 yesterday the Belarusian Air Forces were put on high alert. We call it number one readiness. These are air defense forces on duty. The fact is that (we suspect that this is not the first time) the Armed Forces of Ukraine have violated all rules of behavior and have incurred into Belarus airspace. It happened in the eastern direction, quite to us, near Kostyukovichi District," the president was quoted by Belarusian news agency BelTA as saying. The country's air defense forces were put on "full alert" to intercept the targets, he added.

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20240810/belarus-lodges-protest-with-ukrainian-envoy-over-trespassing-drones-1119711969.html

Belarus Lodges Protest With Ukrainian Envoy Over Trespassing Drones

Belarus Lodges Protest With Ukrainian Envoy Over Trespassing Drones

Sputnik International

The Ukrainian charge d'affaires in Belarus was summoned to the Belarusian Foreign Ministry on Saturday and handed a note of protest over this week's border violation by Ukrainian drones, the ministry said.

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"On August 10, 2024 the Charge d'Affaires of Ukraine in the Republic of Belarus was summoned to the Foreign Ministry. The Belarusian side lodged a strong protest and handed the Note to the Ukrainian diplomat in connection with the violation of the border of the Republic of Belarus by a group of unmanned aerial vehicles launched from the territory of Ukraine," the ministry said in a statement.Belarus demanded that comprehensive measures be taken to avoid similar incidents in the future, which could lead to further escalation of the situation in the region, the statement read.The Ukrainian diplomat was warned that "in the event of a repetition of such provocations, the Belarusian side reserved the right to take retaliatory steps to protect its territory.""It was particularly pointed out that if the Ukrainian diplomatic mission in Belarus was unable to influence the prevention of such provocations, the Belarusian side would question the necessity of its continued presence in Minsk," the ministry said.Earlier in the day, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko has ordered the Defense Ministry to bolster military presence in the southern regions bordering Ukraine. Special operations units, and missile complexes have been sent to the Gomel and Mozyr tactical directions, Belarusian Defense Minister Viktor Khrenin was quoted as saying by state news agency Belta. The defense minister said the decision was taken following reports of fighting in the western Russian region of Kursk. The Belarusian military is closely watching the situation unfolding in Kursk and in Ukraine and is ready to react, he said. The flight of Ukrainian drones over Belarus toward Russia could have been aimed at involving Minsk in the conflict, Chief of the International Military Cooperation Department, Assistant to the Belarusian Defense Minister for Foreign Military Policy Maj. Gen. Valery Revenko, said. Additionally, Khrenin said that the unmanned aerial vehicles were destroyed at 16:04 GMT. The drones that flew beyond the Belarusian airspace were escorted by the Russian air defense units and destroyed as well, the defense minister added. Minsk views the move as a provocation against Belarus, he said.

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20240810/explosions-rock-us-occupation-base-in-syria-as-pentagon-ramps-up-illegal-troop-deployments-1119710653.html

Explosions Rock US Occupation Base in Syria as Pentagon Ramps Up Illegal Troop Deployments

Explosions Rock US Occupation Base in Syria as Pentagon Ramps Up Illegal Troop Deployments

Sputnik International

The US operates about a dozen military bases in strategic energy and food-rich areas of northeastern Syria. Washington has used the occupation in combination with crushing sanctions as part of a strategy aimed at suffocating Damascus economically after failing to oust its internationally-recognized government in a CIA-backed dirty war.

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US occupation forces went on high alert early Saturday morning after a kamikaze drone attacked the Kharab al-Jir Air Base in Syrias Hasakah province.Regional media citing local sources reported multiple explosions inside the base, with no information given on the extent of possible damage to the facility or possible casualties. No group or faction has claimed responsibility.Media reported earlier that a US military cargo aircraft had arrived at the base on Friday, carrying military and logistical equipment and about two dozen troops.An anonymous US defense official confirmed to US media that the base had been targeted. Initial reports do not indicate any injuries, however medical evaluations are ongoing. We are currently conduction a damage assessment, the official said.The escalating violence follows efforts by the US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces militia this week to enforce a blockade targeting the Syrian government-controlled eastern cities of al-Hasakah and Qamishli, including by blocking deliveries of food and fuel, after accusing them of facilitating an attack in Deir ez-Zor region on Wednesday by local nomadic Arab tribesmen restless over the SDFs ongoing occupation. Syrian media reported Friday that nine members of one family were injured, three of them gravely, in a shelling attack in Deir ez-Zor by SDF fighters targeting their home.A Syrian military source told Sputnik last week that the US occupation forces have ramped up their presence in Hasakah province with 15 Apache helicopter gunships amid escalating regional violence.The US illegally maintains at least 900 troops in Syria, and 2,500 more in neighboring Iraq. An Iraqi militia leader recently vowed to draw up a timetable for the USs expulsion from the country. On Monday, five US personnel and two contractors were injured in a rocket attack at the Al Asad Airbase in western Iraq. The Pentagon blamed Iran-aligned groups for the dangerous escalation.US forces in Syria and Iraq have faced a spate of attacks since the start of the Israel-Hamas war last fall, with close to 170 attacks targeting both bases and military sites built on top of the occupied Omar Oil Field and Conoco Gas Plant. Attacks dropped off radically in February in an uneasy truce, but ramped back up again in July.US defense chief Lloyd Austin told reporters this week that the Pentagon has put measures in place to protect our troops and also make sure were in a good position to aid in the defense of Israel if called upon to do that.So youve seen us do a number of things to strengthen our force posture, Austin said.The Intercept reported this week that the US maintains some 63 bases, garrisons and shared facilities in countries across the Middle East, and that at least 145 US military personnel and contractors have been killed or wounded in the region since October.The fate of US forces in Iraq and Syria has been under debate since the US assassination of Iranian general Qasem Soleimani in Baghdad in January 2020. Donald Trump, who had admitted repeatedly in 2018 and 2019 that the US had troops in Syria only for the oil, vowed in 2020 to wind down the US presence in Syria and Iraq before the end of his first term, but was met with stalling and obfuscation by his subordinates, who stonewalled a potential Syrian withdrawal until Trump was out of office. Trumps plans to draw down forces in Iraq were similarly scuppered, with his successors in the Biden administration formally ending the US combat mission in Iraq in late 2021, but keeping the troops stationed there in a training and advisory role, despite demands by the Iraqi parliament that the forces be completely withdrawn.

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20240810/houthi-missile-launcher-destroyed-in-yemen---centcom-1119704869.html

US CENTCOM Claims to Have Destroyed Houthi Missile Launcher and Drones in Yemen

US CENTCOM Claims to Have Destroyed Houthi Missile Launcher and Drones in Yemen

Sputnik International

The US Central Command (CENTCOM) said in a statement it had destroyed a missile launcher, an uncrewed surface vessel (USV) of the Ansar Allah (Houthi) movement, which rules in northern Yemen, in Yemen, and two drones over the Red Sea.

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"In the past 24 hours, U.S. Central Command (USCENTCOM) forces successfully destroyed one Iranian-backed Houthi missile launcher and one uncrewed surface vessel in Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen. Additionally, USCENTCOM forces successfully destroyed two Houthi uncrewed aerial vehicles over the Red Sea," according to the statement. It said the weapons presented a clear and imminent threat to US and coalition forces, and merchant vessels in the region. The Houthis have increased their attacks following the Gaza conflict. The Houthis vowed in November 2023 to attack any ships associated with Israel until it halts military actions in the Gaza Strip. Amid the Houthi attacks, some companies suspended shipments through the Red Sea. The attacks prompted the US to form a multinational coalition, which includes the UK among others, to protect shipping in the area of the Red Sea, as well as to strike Houthi targets on the ground.

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20240810/idf-claims-islamic-jihad-commander-may-have-been-in-gaza-school-bombed-by-israel-1119714217.html

IDF Claims Islamic Jihad Commander May Have Been In Gaza School Bombed by Israel

IDF Claims Islamic Jihad Commander May Have Been In Gaza School Bombed by Israel

Sputnik International

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) claimed that a brigade commander of the Islamic Jihad may have been in the school it bombed, which killed more than 100 people.

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hamas

un human rights office (ohchr)

algeria

middle east

israel-gaza conflict

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Earlier, Palestinian emergency services reported that an Israeli plane had fired three missiles at the Al-Tabaeen School in Gaza, where refugees had gathered for morning prayers. According to preliminary data, 100 people were killed. The IDF announced an attack on a school in the Gaza Strip, claiming that fighters from Palestinian movement Hamas had set up a military headquarters there. The IDF clarified that it was not yet clear whether Juda had been hit. Algeria has requested a UN Security Council meeting in connection with the incident. The UN Human Rights Office condemned the attack, noting that it was one of 21 schools targeted by the IDF since July 4. In addition, the IDF claimed that in recent months, Hamas had allegedly increasingly used school buildings, which often serve as shelters for civilians, "as military facilities, command and control centers, for storing weapons, and to execute terrorist attacks." Israel has justified attacks on hospitals, schools and refugee camps by claiming that militant leaders were among the population. The UN Human Rights Office contended that does not allow Israel to act with impunity.Earlier, the Israeli army said that at least 19 Hamas and Islamic Jihad militants had been killed in the Israeli strike on the Al-Tabaeen School.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20240807/israel-targets-gaza-humanitarian-facility-claiming-hidden-arms-factory---statement-1119667229.html

gaza strip

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20240810/kalashnikovs-rpl-20-machine-gun-ready-for-military-testing---chief-designer-1119709202.html

Kalashnikov Unveils New RPL-20 Machine Gun With First Batch Ready for Military Testing

Kalashnikov Unveils New RPL-20 Machine Gun With First Batch Ready for Military Testing

Sputnik International

Kalashnikov's 5.45-caliber RPL-20 machine gun is about to hit the market in Russia, the arms maker's chief designer, Sergey Urzhumtsev, said on Saturday.

2024-08-10T13:03+0000

2024-08-10T13:03+0000

2024-08-10T14:56+0000

military

moscow

russia

kalashnikov

machine gun

patriot park

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"The first batch was manufactured for transfer to the customer for military testing," Urzhumtsev told reporters in Patriot Park, near Moscow. The machine gun is available in two versions, 590 and 415 millimeters in length. It uses an ammunition belt of 100-200 rounds that allows it to generate high-density bursts of fire. The gun is effective against manpower, vehicles and artillery. It is expected to improve and expand combat capabilities of army and airborne forces, marines and special forces. Urzhumtsev spoke to the press ahead of the annual Army Forum, which will take place in Patriot Park in the town of Kubinka on Moscow's outskirts from August 12-14.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20240110/why-is-kalashnikovs-zala-kub-drone-a-nightmare-for-ukrainian-military-1116102515.html

moscow

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20240810/kievs-kursk-gas-hub-gambit-brainchild-of-same-people-who-blew-up-nord-stream---slovak-politician-1119707732.html

Kiev's Kursk Gas Hub Gambit Brainchild of 'Same People' Who Blew Up Nord Stream - Slovak Politician

Kiev's Kursk Gas Hub Gambit Brainchild of 'Same People' Who Blew Up Nord Stream - Slovak Politician

Sputnik International

European gas prices hit their highest level to date in 2024 this week on news of Ukraines shelling of the town of Sudzha in Russias Kursk region. Home to the Sudzha gas metering station, the town is the only currently operational route for the transit of Russian gas to Europe via Ukraine. Sputnik asked a Slovak observer what's behind the provocation.

2024-08-10T11:19+0000

2024-08-10T11:19+0000

2024-08-10T16:02+0000

analysis

europe

kursk

ukraine

russia

kursk

nord stream

https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e6/09/0d/1100716249_0:160:3073:1888_1920x0_80_0_0_f73ce96a181ff8bce12e64da846e9f9d.jpg

There are two keyreasons behind the Kiev regimes brazen incursion into Russias Kursk region and attempts to shell and capture the Sudzha gas metering station, Slovakian MEP Milan Uhrik has told Sputnik.The first reason is the proximity of the region and the Ukrainian regimes need to show its Western sponsors some successes on the battlefield, Uhrik, leader of the Republika Movement, explained.Russia's Gazprom pumped nearly 15 billion cubic meters of natural gas via the pipeline running through Sudzha in Kursk region west through Ukraine in 2023, accounting for roughly 4.5% of the EUs total gas consumption. The route serves Slovakia, Hungary, Austria and Italy, with three former nations landlocked and finding it impossible to meet the European Union's directives for weaning themselves off Russian energy supplies.The attack on Kursk region is Kiev's second energy-related provocation targeting Slovakia and Hungary in recent weeks.In July, Bratislava and Budapest got into a diplomatic flap with Kiev after the latter blocked the transit of oil supplies via Ukraine being delivered by Russian oil giant Lukoil. Slovakia and Hungary appealed to Brussels for support, but didn't get it, prompting Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto to accuse the European Union of "coordinating" Kiev's actions. A Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson charged the US "deep state" with trying to drive the EU into "total dependence on US energy resources" by cutting off access to Russian supplies.The Ukrainian military began a large-scale surprise incursion into Russia's Kursk region on August 6, sending as many as 10,000 troops and 600 armored vehicles into the area, sparking off fierce battles with Russian forces. Russia redeployed large-scale reserves in the area to fend off and contain the attacks, evacuating civilians and engaging in the large-scale bombing and shelling of Ukrainian positions using aircraft and artillery.

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

https://sputnikglobe.com/20240810/why-is-sudzha-gas-metering-station-in-kursk-region-a-crucial-valve-for-europe---1119703571.html

https://sputnikglobe.com/20240809/russia-notifies-iaea-on-situation-at-kursk-nuclear-power-plant-amid-ukrainian-attack-on-region-1119701742.html

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why did ukraine attack kursk, who's behind kursk attack, is nato behind kursk gas hub attack
Another Black California politician is convinced he's the person Donald Trump was referring to when he told a tale of a near helicopter crash with former San Francisco mayor Willie Brown, who is also Black.

"I guess we all look alike," former California state Sen. Nate Holden of Los Angeles scoffed to Politico.

Willie Brown has said he was never on any flight with Trump after the former president told his tale at his Thursday press conference. He said that Brown was bad-mouthing Vice President Kamala Harris on the hair-raising (also absolutely not true, according to Brown). Brown and Harris dated in the 1990s.

Holden, 95, told Politico Friday that he clearly remembers the death-defying flight with Trump that occurred sometime in 1990.

"Willie Brown is the short Black guy living in San Francisco. I'm the tall Black guy living in Los Angeles," said Holden, 95. "I guess we all look alike."

He said he flew with Trump on a helicopter to his since-bankrupted casino the Taj Mahal in Atlantic City as the developer was wooing Holden in a bid for a building project in Los Angeles.

As they neared the destination, the chopper began "shaking like crazy" and the pilot made an emergency landing, according to a book by Trump Organization executive Barbara Res, who was also on the flight. She confirmed that it was Holden, not Brown, on the aircraft.

The New York Times reported Friday that Trump must have been referring to a 2018 flight with another Brown  former California Governor Jerry Brown  and governor-elect at the time, Gavin Newsom. The men were surveying the damage of a California wildfire from the air.

Newsom said there was no aircraft emergency, as Trump claimed, but that Trump was nevertheless afraid the helicopter would crash.

Trump insisted on Truth Social after the Times story that his flight story was accurate, but reffering to it as his "little helicopter ride" with Brown.

He told the Times he has the flight records to prove it, though hadn't provided them as of late Friday. He also threatened to sue the newspaper.

Holden has since confirmed his flight experience with Trump with the Times.

He said he was stunned as he watched Trump's press conference.

'What the hell is this?'" Holden said he wondered. "'Was he in two near-fatal helicopter crashes??'"

Trump "either mixed it up, or he made it up" when he told his story, Holden told Politico.

"This was just too big to overlook, this is a big one: conflating Willie Brown and me," he added.
https://sputnikglobe.com/20240810/philippines-china-trade-blame-for-dangerous-air-maneuvers-over-south-china-sea-1119712411.html

Philippines, China Trade Blame for 'Dangerous' Air Maneuvers Over South China Sea

Philippines, China Trade Blame for 'Dangerous' Air Maneuvers Over South China Sea

Sputnik International

The Philippine armed forces' chief of staff accused Chinese warplanes on Saturday of maneuvering dangerously when flying by a Philippine jet patrolling the South China Sea earlier this week.

2024-08-10T18:06+0000

2024-08-10T18:06+0000

2024-08-10T18:06+0000

military

china

south china sea

philippines

philippine air force

plaaf

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"On 8 August 2024, a Philippine Air Force (PAF) NC-212i aircraft was conducting a routine maritime patrol over Bajo de Masinloc when two aircraft from the PLAAF executed a dangerous maneuver at around 9:00AM [01:00 GMT] and dropped flares in the path of our NC-212i. The incident posed a threat to Philippine Air Force aircraft and its crew," Romeo Brawner Jr. said in a statement. The incident "interfered with lawful flight operations" in airspace within Philippine sovereignty and jurisdiction, and "contravened international law" and regulations governing safety of aviation. The crew of the NC-212i safely returned to Clark Air Base. Chinese army's Southern Theater Command defended the move and accused the Philippine jet of invading Chinese airspace. China has indisputable sovereignty over the islands of Huangyan Island and the adjacent waters, the statement added. The territorial affiliation of a number of islands and reefs in the South China Sea has been the subject of disputes between China, the Philippines and several other Asia-Pacific countries for decades. Significant oil and gas reserves have been discovered on the continental shelf of those islands, including the Paracel Islands, Thitu Island, Scarborough Shoal and the Spratly Islands, with the Whitson Reef being part. In July 2016, the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague ruled that China had no grounds for territorial claims in the South China Sea. The court ruled that the islands were not a disputed territory and did not constitute an exclusive economic zone, but Beijing refused to accept the ruling.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20240722/philippines-china-agree-on-principles-for-de-escalation-in-south-china-sea---ministry-1119454227.html

china

south china sea

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20240810/russian-forces-take-control-of-martynovka-village-in-kursk-region---akhmat-special-forces-commander-1119705405.html

Russian Forces Take Control of Martynovka Village in Kursk Region - Akhmat Special Forces' Commander

Russian Forces Take Control of Martynovka Village in Kursk Region - Akhmat Special Forces' Commander

Sputnik International

Russian units backed by Akhmat special forces have taken control of the village of Martynovka near the city of Sudzha in the Russian region of Kursk, Akhmat special forces regiment commander Apti Alaudinov told Sputnik.

2024-08-10T08:46+0000

2024-08-10T08:46+0000

2024-08-10T08:46+0000

russia

russia

kursk

russian armed forces

kursk

ukraine

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"Our [Russian] units, supported by Akhmat special forces, cleared the village of Martynovka this morning. We took it under full control," Alaudinov said. Martynovka is located northeast of Sudzha, where Russian forces have been fighting to oust Ukrainian troops from the border area.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20240810/watch-russian-aircraft-destroy-ukrainian-manpower-and-equipment-in-kursk-region--1119704354.html

russia

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russian forces, akhmat special forces, russian region of kursk
https://sputnikglobe.com/20240810/ukraine-losing-battle-to-recruit-new-cannon-fodder-for-nato-proxy-war-1119705232.html

Ukraine Losing Battle to Recruit New Cannon Fodder' For NATO Proxy War

Ukraine Losing Battle to Recruit New Cannon Fodder' For NATO Proxy War

Sputnik International

The Kiev regime is facing a losing battle to recruit new cannon fodder amid huge manpower losses in the NATO proxy conflict with Russia.

2024-08-10T12:33+0000

2024-08-10T12:33+0000

2024-08-10T12:33+0000

ukraine

draft law

military draft

conscription

nato

proxy war

world

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The Kiev regimes huge combat losses go hand in hand with its losing battle to recruit new "cannon fodder."Conscription is becoming increasingly tough, despite assurances to the contrary spouted by official spokesmen for Ukraines military, The Wall Street Journal admitted.While troops at the front in eastern Ukraine are reportedly desperately short of men, draft dodgers are tirelessly devising strategies to avoid enlistment. Amid reports of commanders sending new recruits into the trenches without proper training, and with the only way to leave the military being injury, death, or the end of the conflagration, the outlet noted that men would rather be:It should be noted that the postgrad loophole has effectively been shut down so that postgraduate study does not turn into a corrupt tool to avoid mobilization, per Ukraines Ministry of Education.Draft officers are described as having fanned out across the country in a race to dole out the dreaded summonses that require one to show up at a recruitment office within days or face an arrest warrant.A law tightening Ukraine's mobilization rules went into effect on May 18 and aims at replenishing Ukrainian forces, depleted by more than two years of NATOs proxy conflict. Ukraine is now facing not only a drastic shortage of men to fill battle ranks, but an unprecedented demographic crisis of its own making amid efforts to forcibly mobilize men aged 18-60 and even snatching mentally and physically handicapped draft-age men off the streets.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20240731/ukraine-army-drafting-30000-new-recruits-monthly-since-may---reports-1119575123.html

https://sputnikglobe.com/20240726/only-brute-force-can-force-draft-age-ukrainians-in-europe-to-go-home-to-face-near-certain-death-1119521472.html

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Svetlana Ekimenko

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drastic shortage of manpower in the ukrainian army, how are ukraine's men dodging the draft, russia's special military operation, ukraine crisis, mobilization ukraine, ukraine draft, ukraine draconian laws, zelensky tyranny, nato proxy conflict with russia.
https://sputnikglobe.com/20240810/us-navyoks-220mln-boost-to-lockheed-for-launch-pads-in-missile-program---pentagon-1119703045.html

US Navy OKs $220Mln Boost to Lockheed For Launch Pads in Missile Program - Pentagon

US Navy OKs $220Mln Boost to Lockheed For Launch Pads in Missile Program - Pentagon

Sputnik International

WASHINGTON (Sputnik) - The US Navy has approved a $220 million contract extension to Lockheed Martin Space to continue its work to support missile and... 10.08.2024, Sputnik International

2024-08-10T04:40+0000

2024-08-10T04:40+0000

2024-08-10T04:40+0000

military

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f-35

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"Lockheed Martin Space [of] Littleton, Colorado is awarded a ...contract modification ...$220 million ...[to] support program management, engineering development, systems integration, long lead material, and special tooling," the release said on Friday. The work will be carried out to support missile and launching platform production for the Conventional Prompt Strike, the Defense Department explained. Most of the work on the project will be carried out in Denver, Colorado (52%) and Huntsville, Alabama (36%); Sunnyvale as well as at other locations across the continental United States, it said. Work on the project is scheduled to take four years and is expected to be completed on July 31, 2028, the Defense Department said.The US Navy has given Lockheed Martin a more than $611 million contract extension on its work to develop Multi-Ship Infrared Search and Track Radar Warning Receiver F-35 hardware for Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom, Norway, Italy, Denmark and the Netherlands the Department of Defense announced in a press release.The project is being carried out to support laboratory development on the technology for Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom, Norway, Italy, Denmark and the Netherlands, for their F-35A/B/C aircraft, the Defense Department said.Work will be performed in Fort Worth, Texas (60%); Nashua, New Hampshire (16%) and other locations across the continental United States over the next two years and is expected to be completed in June 2026, the Defense Department said.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20240723/lockheed-martin-plans-hypersonic-missile-development-in-uk-for-aukus-collaboration-1119474897.html

canada

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20240810/venezuela-discussing-sanctions-free-economic-zone-with-group-of-allies---deputy-un-envoy-1119701967.html

Venezuela Discussing Sanctions Free Economic Zone With Group of Allies - Deputy UN Envoy

Venezuela Discussing Sanctions Free Economic Zone With Group of Allies - Deputy UN Envoy

Sputnik International

Venezuela would like to implement a sanctions-free zone among allied members to ease the lives of citizens, Deputy Permanent Representative to the United Nations Joaquin Perez Ayestaran told Sputnik.

2024-08-10T01:26+0000

2024-08-10T01:26+0000

2024-08-10T04:36+0000

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venezuela

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Venezuela's Deputy Ambassador to the UN Joaquin Perez told Sputnik that Caracas is discussing with allies the establishment of a sanctions-free zone, expressing confidence that it will not take long. Venezuelan Foreign Minister Yvan Gil first introduced the initiative in September 2023. According to Perez, "discussions are ongoing" on this initiative. Now, Venezuela is considering options on gaining support for the idea in order to make it a reality. The Group of Friends in Defense of the United Nations Charter was established on July 6, 2021, in New York. It currently includes 18 member states, such as Russia, Syria, Iran, and China.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20240626/dedollarization-now-underway-because-of-us-policies-says-senate-hopeful-1119141516.html

https://sputnikglobe.com/20230924/venezuela-proposes-un-to-create-sanctions-free-zone-1113624275.html

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20240810/waiting-game-on-irans-response-to-israeli-aggression-hints-big-strike-may-be-imminent-1119700430.html

Waiting Game on Iran's Response to Israeli Aggression Hints 'Big Strike' May Be Imminent

Waiting Game on Iran's Response to Israeli Aggression Hints 'Big Strike' May Be Imminent

Sputnik International

As the world awaits Iran's response to the killing of Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh, the waiting itself suggests the retaliation will come in the form of a "big strike," independent journalist Jim Kavanagh told Sputnik.

2024-08-10T01:53+0000

2024-08-10T01:53+0000

2024-08-10T01:53+0000

analysis

middle east

jim kavanagh

ismail haniyeh

ayatollah ali khamenei

israel

iran

hezbollah

hamas

houthis

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As the world awaits Iran's response to the killing of Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh, the waiting itself suggests the retaliation will come in the form of a "big strike," independent journalist Jim Kavanagh told Sputnik.Since the Haniyeh killing, as well as that of Hezbollah commander Fuad Shukr, both Iranian supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah have vowed to response. As Khamenei issued an order for a direct strike during an emergency meeting in the aftermath of the assassination, Nasrallah has promised a "impactful and effective response." Reports have indicated that the waiting game is part of the response."The longer they take, it seems to me - again, we're all guessing, we're all speculating, I don't know what's happening ... but it seems to me the longer they take that just means they're more seriously preparing," Kavanagh told Radio Sputnik's Critical Hour on Friday. "They're getting ready for what they're going to do offensively and they're getting ready for what they can do defensively." "The end of this, however long it takes, whatever starts, it's going to be a situation in which either Israel is going to continue killing anybody it wants, any number of people it wants, anywhere it wants, anyhow it wants, or - in which case Israel will have won a strategic victory - or there'll be a situation, which would be a first, in which Israel will have been hurt so badly that it's forced to back off from killing anybody it wants, whenever it wants, etc.," Kavanagh said."It's hard for me to see how either side will accept one of those outcomes but it's also hard for me how either side would stop fighting until it's forced to accept one of those outcomes. So we're in a very, very, dangerous situation," Kavanagh noted.Asked of the US' complicity in the matter, fellow guest Steve Poikonen, who serves as the host of AM WakeUp and SlowNewsDay, remarked there was no doubt the US is a party to the conflict. "Absolutely they are," he said.The US recently announced it would deploy aircraft carriers USS Gerald Ford and USS Eisenhower to the Middle East in defense of Israel, along with support ships and some 2,000 US Marines. This, on top of the months' worth of aid packages and intelligence assistance already provided."So, Iran has the ability, Hezbollah has the ability and the Houthis have the ability to make this very expensive for the US and Israel very, very, quickly."Kavanagh stated "it's important that everyone recognizes this is to protect the zionist project."Kavanagh emphasized that the conflict needs to be settled in a manner in which it "sets a new paradigm and sets something that can be stable and secure for at least another 10 years," but that in order to get there, "it's going to take a decisive battle to do that."

https://sputnikglobe.com/20240809/gaza-ceasefire-talks-why-does-israel-want-to-sit-down-despite-looming-iran-attack-1119693695.html

https://sputnikglobe.com/20240808/us-centcom-informs-f-22-raptor-jets-arrived-in-middle-east-to-counter-iran-threat-1119681263.html

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20240810/watch-russian-aircraft-destroy-ukrainian-manpower-and-equipment-in-kursk-region--1119704354.html

Watch: Russian Aircraft Destroy Ukrainian Manpower and Equipment in Kursk Region

Watch: Russian Aircraft Destroy Ukrainian Manpower and Equipment in Kursk Region

Sputnik International

The Russian Ministry of Defense has released footage showing Russian Mi-28NM helicopters carrying out strikes with S-13 air-launched missiles on Ukrainian troops and armored vehicles in the border area of the Kursk region.

2024-08-10T07:15+0000

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The Russian Ministry of Defense has released footage showing Russian Mi-28NM helicopters carrying out strikes with S-13 air-launched missiles on Ukrainian troops and armored vehicles in the border area of the Russian Kursk region. In addition, a Russian Su-34 jet struck Ukrainian forces in the area with ODAB-500 bombs overnight, Russias Defense Ministry said. On August 6, the Russian Defense Ministry said Ukrainian forces had launched an offensive to seize territory in Russias Kursk region. The next day, Russian General Staff chief Valery Gerasimov said the advance deep into Russian territory had been halted. Commenting on the attack in the Kursk region, Russian President Vladimir Putin accused Ukraine of launching a large-scale provocation. He also said Ukrainian troops had shelled Russian regions indiscriminately, firing at civilian infrastructure and ambulances.

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Russian Aircraft Destroy Ukrainian Manpower and Equipment in Kursk Region Sputnik International Russian Aircraft Destroy Ukrainian Manpower and Equipment in Kursk Region 2024-08-10T07:15+0000 true PT1M01S

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20240810/watch-russian-armed-forces-destroy-ukrainian-us-made-maxxpro-armored-vehicle-with-a-drone---1119704733.html

Watch Russian Armed Forces Destroy Ukrainian US-made MaxxPro Armored Vehicle With a Drone

Watch Russian Armed Forces Destroy Ukrainian US-made MaxxPro Armored Vehicle With a Drone

Sputnik International

Russian servicemen actively use FPV drones to attack shelters, personnel, and various Ukrainian military equipment.

2024-08-10T09:00+0000

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The Russian Ministry of Defense has released footage showing drone crews of the Russian Armed Forces destroying a US MaxxPro armored personnel carrier in the border area of Russias Kursk region, where Ukraine attempted to carry out an incursion earlier this week, the Russian Defense Ministry said. "After analyzing received intelligence data, a decision was made to carry out a precision attack on an armored vehicle of the Ukrainian Armed Forces. As a result of the precise strike carried out by an FPV drone operator, a MaxxPro armored vehicle of the Ukrainian Armed Forces was destroyed," the Defense Ministry said.

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Russian Armed Forces destroy Ukrainian US-made MaxxPro armored vehicle with a drone Sputnik International Russian Armed Forces destroy Ukrainian US-made MaxxPro armored vehicle with a drone 2024-08-10T09:00+0000 true PT0M06S

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20240810/watch-russian-iskander-m-missile-demolish-ukrainian-armed-forces-brigade-in-russias-kursk-region-1119708829.html

Watch Russian Iskander-M Missile Demolish Ukrainian Armed Forces Brigade in Russia's Kursk Region

Watch Russian Iskander-M Missile Demolish Ukrainian Armed Forces Brigade in Russia's Kursk Region

Sputnik International

The Russian Defense Ministry has released footage showing the destruction of the command post of a Ukrainian Armed Forces brigade in the Kursk region with a missile strike, the Defense Ministry said.

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The Russian Ministry of Defense (Mod) has released footage showing the destruction of the command post of a Ukrainian Armed Forces brigade in the Kursk region with a missile strike."The missile hit the reconnaissance site where the command post of the unit of the 22nd separate mechanized brigade of the Ukrainian Armed Forces in the border area of the Kursk region was located," it added.The command staff of the brigade, number 15 personnel, were killed.

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Russian Iskander-M Missile Demolishes Ukrainian Armed Forces Brigade in Russia's Kursk Region Sputnik International Russian Iskander-M Missile Demolishes Ukrainian Armed Forces Brigade in Russia's Kursk Region 2024-08-10T17:05+0000 true PT0M27S

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20240810/why-is-sudzha-gas-metering-station-in-kursk-region-a-crucial-valve-for-europe---1119703571.html

Why is Sudzha Gas Metering Station in Kursk Region a Crucial Valve for Europe?

Why is Sudzha Gas Metering Station in Kursk Region a Crucial Valve for Europe?

Sputnik International

What is the Sudzha Gas Metering Station in Kursk Region and why is it a crucial valve for Europe?

2024-08-10T07:01+0000

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2024-08-10T07:16+0000

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Ukraine's attempted cross-border attack into Russias Kursk region indirectly targets not only countries such as Hungary, Slovakia, and Austria, which have continued to maintain energy transactions with Russia despite Western sanctions and depend on the Sudzha gas valve. Austria has remained a gateway for Russian gas going to Italy, Germany, and the Czech Republic. The Sudzha gas metering station (GMS) is an operational shipping hub for gas that runs via a pipeline from Russias Siberian Urengoy gas field to Uzhgorod in Western Ukraine, on the border with Slovakia. It is in Slovakia that the gas pipeline branches off to the Czech Republic and Austria. Gazprom continues to supply gas for transit via the Sudzha station, according to a statement from the company's official spokesperson. The volume on August 10 was 39.6 million cubic meters, which is slightly higher than that of the previous day. Hungarian energy company MVM CEEnergy told Sputnik on Thursday that it receives gas from Russia uninterruptedly along several routes despite the current developments near the gas metering station in the Russian border town of Sudzha.On Tuesday, the Russian Defense Ministry said Ukrainian forces had launched an offensive to seize territory in the Kursk Region. The next day, Russian Chief of the General Staff Valery Gerasimov said the advance deep into Russian territory had been halted.Commenting on the Kursk Region attack, Russian President Vladimir Putin accused Kiev of launching a large-scale provocation. He also said that Ukrainian troops had shelled Russian regions indiscriminately, firing at civilian infrastructure and ambulances.The operation to destroy Ukrainian forces that attempted to invade Russias Kursk region continues, with Russian forces thwarting attempts by Ukrainian troops to move deeper into the territory, Russia's Ministry of Defense said on Friday.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20240809/ukraines-incursion-into-russias-kursk-region-puts-eu-energy-stability-at-risk--activist-1119694742.html

https://sputnikglobe.com/20240809/russian-rights-council-to-ask-intl-organizations-to-recognize-kursk-attacks-as-terrorism-1119694619.html

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China's Xinjiang to host first folk art season

Xinhua) 09:56, August 10, 2024

Children dance by the melody of accordions at a square in Tacheng City, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, July 24, 2024. (Xinhua/Ding Lei)

BEIJING, Aug. 9 (Xinhua) -- Northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region will host its first folk art season from Aug. 20, the organizers said on Friday.

The event will be jointly held by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, the region's government and the Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps, said Zhang Jinning, a senior official of the ministry, at a press conference held in Beijing.

The folk art season will be a regular art event in Xinjiang, held every two years. It aims to enrich local cultural life and boost tourism, Zhang said.

Local artists and folk art troupes will present their best productions and leading folk art troupes from other parts of the country will be invited to take part. The performances will be given in the regional capital, Urumqi, and several other cities in the region, Zhang said.

There will be supporting activities such as exhibitions of intangible cultural heritage and related creative products, tourism promotion and food fairs, he added.

The event will also include online art events, such as online shows and exhibitions.

(Web editor: Cai Hairuo, Sheng Chuyi)
The U.S. Coast Guard spotted a Russian naval vessel off Alaska's Aleutian Islands and followed until it left waters within America's "exclusive economic zone."



The incident involving the American Coast Guard cutter Alex Haley took place about 30 miles southeast of the Amutka Pass between Seguam and Amutka Islands, the Coast Guard said Friday.

"As a proud Alaska-homeported cutter, we patrol to uphold maritime governance and a rules-based international order," Cmdr. Steven Baldovsky, commanding officer of the Alex Haley, said in a statement.

"We met presence with presence to ensure there were no disruptions to U.S. interests in the maritime environment around Alaska."



The Alex Haley's crew didn't communicate with the Russian ship, but followed as it traveled east out of the exclusive economic zone that extends 200 miles from the U.S. shoreline on Monday, the Coast Guard said.

A Coast Guard HC-130 intelligence aircraft crew also reportedly observed the Russian ship, which was identified as a Vishnya-class vessel.

The ships were built for the Soviet navy in the 1980s to gather intelligence and are outfitted with extensive arrays of electronic sensors and antennas for transmitting data via satellites, according to the U.S. Army.



Russia reportedly maintains a fleet of seven Vishnya-class vessels, which are armed with two automatic, 30 mm rotary cannons and SA-N-8 surface-to-air missile launchers.



The Coast Guard said Monday's incident, first reported by the Associated Press, unfolded as part of Operation Frontier Sentinel, a program to monitor and address "strategic competitors" that travel in and around U.S. waters.

It also said the activity wasn't unusual, citing two incidents in July when Coast Guard crews encountered a total of four Chinese military ships in the Bering Sea, within the 200-mile zone north of the Aleutian Islands.
Alimony Mike kicked off the third leg of the Ontario Sires Stakes Grassroots for two-year-old trotting colts and geldings on Friday, Aug. 9 at Kawartha Downs, winning the fastest of three $20,000 divisions in 1:58.2 for trainer/driver Dustin Jones.

Despire breakers on both sides leaving the gate, the 4-5 favourite Alimony Mike ($3.90) landed in the pocket unfazed and looped the leading Gaslight Hall in front of the grandstand the first time then held off that rival when the field came back around to win by half a length. The Bear A Cuda finished third after challenging first-over on the backstretch.

After testing Gold competition in leg two of the provincial program, Alimony Mike returned to the Grassroots Series where he had debuted a 1:57.1 winner in the July 12 first leg at Woodbine Mohawk Park. A gelded son of Royalty For Life and Color Me Pretty, the Dustin Jones Stables homebred is co-owned by Golden Bear Racing and Gestion C Levesque 2005inc.

Wendell Blue Chip ($7.70) also earned his second victory in the Grassroots Series, prevailing by a head over Stonebridge Praise in 1:59.2. Colin Kelly had the winning catch-drive on the Green Manalishi S-Aurova Hanover gelding for trainer Jared Bako.

The other division was won by Armstead Fireball ($3.40) and driver Samuel Fillion in 2:00.4. Chantal Mitchell trains the Muscle Mass-Magical Anna colt, who broke his maiden in his second start.

Fillion also drove trainer Scott McEneny's freshman trotter Bank On Lucas ($6.20) to a Prospect Series win, taking the lone $8,000 division in 2:01.2.

To view Friday's harness racing results, click the following link: Friday Results - Kawartha Downs.

(Standardbred Canada)
Driver James MacDonald and trainer Anthony Beaton combined for one of their many wins on Friday, Aug. 9 at Woodbine Mohawk Park with two-year-old pacing filly Au Jus Hanover spoiling the favourite's chances at a series sweep of the Whenuwishuponastar.

In the $68,000 series final carded as the second race of the evening, MacDonald and Au Jus Hanover looped early longshot leader Spoiled Beauty (Doug McNair) down the backstretch after a :27.2 opening quarter and hit the half in :55.1. As Au Jus Hanover continued to lead the field of five freshman fillies to three-quarters in 1:23.4, the undefeated 1-9 favourite Cant See Me (Bob McClure) went on the attack from third but couldn't catch the Beaton trainee, who won by three-quarters of a length in 1:53 flat. Charlotte Station (Louis-Philippe Roy) closed well off cover for third.

Au Jus Hanover won at first asking on June 29 before hitting the board in the opening legs of the series. Going for her second career victory in the final, she was sent off as the 9-2 second choice and returned $11.40 to win.

The Stay Hungry-Always True filly was a $50,000 yearling purchase from last year's Standardbred Horse Sale for owners Casie Coleman of Wellington, Florida, Dumain Haven Farm of Pine Bush, New York, Mac Nichol of Burlington, Ont., and Kevin McKinlay of Holland Landing, Ont.

The win was the first of five on Friday's 10-race card for MacDonald and one of three for Beaton. They also teamed up in the very next race with the career-debuting Sweet Lou filly Nice Buns ($3.50) winning in 1:54.2. Beaton completed a training triple with the McWicked colt McWinner ($22.90) also successful in his first start with a 1:54.4 mile in rein to Jonathan Drury. Both freshmen are owned by Coleman and Dumain Haven Farm.

MacDonald and Beaton were looking for another series success story with 1-9 favourite Lite Up The World in the Dream Maker for two-year-old pacing colts, but the first leg winner broke stride at the start of the $81,500 final.

Trainer Garry Merner sent out the top two finishers with Ayeaye Captain Deo leading the way over Nova Blu, with newly inducted Hall of Famer Sylvain Filion steering the 1:53 winner.

Ayeaye Captain Deo fronted the field of six through fractions of :27.2, :57 and 1:25.1 before sealing the deal with a :27.4 final frame, while his stablemate Nova Blu, driven by Louis-Philippe Roy, rallied into second and finished 2-3/4 lengths behind. Take Out Hanover (Doug McNair) was third off a pocket trip.

Gino Toscani of Mount Hope, Ont. owns the top two finishers.

A winner of the second leg of the series, Ayeaye Captain Deo was sent postward as the 7-2 second choice and paid $9 to win.

Ayeaye Captain Deo, who was $57,000 yearling from the Lexington Selected Sale, has earned back-to-back wins after hitting the board in his first two starts. The Grand Circuit stakes-bound colt by Captaintreacherous out of Oceania has the Nassagaweya and Metro Pace on his radar.

Merner and MacDonald combined for a 1:50.1 victory with Tyga Hanover ($2.70) in a $12,000 division of a Pop-Up Series for non-winners of $18,000 in 2024. MacDonald also drove Pop-Up starter Thrilling Times ($4.60) to a 1:52 series triumph in the first round for the Rene Bourassa stable. MacDonald made another winner's circle appearance during Friday's action with the maiden-breaking three-year-old trotting filly Seven Summers ($4.50), who was making her Canadian debut from the Matt Bax stable.

The other Pop-Up Series split was won by Brett MacDonald, who pulled off a 55-1 upset with the Mitch Tierney trainee Wall Street Bell up in time for the 1:52 victroy, rewarding his backers with a $113.10 win payout.

Friday's eighth race for Prospect Series starters was marred when the Meg Crone-trained Control The Fire broke stride and was pulled up in the stretch. Woodbine reported that the three-year-old pacing filly sustained a catastrophic injury and was humanely euthanized.

Please join Standardbred Canada in offering condolences to the connections of Control The Fire.

To view Friday's harness racing results, click the following link: Friday Results - Woodbine Mohawk Park.

(Standardbred Canada)
Driver Gilles Barrieau followed up his six-win performance at Connell Park's Woodstock Raceway a week ago with another six wins on Friday, Aug. 9, including a sweep of the first leg of the New Brunswick Breeders Stakes for two-year-old pacers.

Barrieau was victorious with the Don Milligan-trained colt Like A King ($4.80) and the Ron Matheson stable's undefeated filly My Happy Place ($3.30) in the pair of $15,000 stakes featured on the eight-race program.

The first division for the colts turned into a two-horse race as Barrieau sent Like A King first-up from third at the three-eighths marker and battled on the front with the favoured Here On Earth (Adam Merner) the rest of the way. With a final surge in deep stretch, Like A King opened up four lengths to win in 2:04.4 over a sloppy track. Here On Earth settled for second and Moonfall (Brodie MacPhee) finishing a dozen lengths behind in third and a pair of breakers completing the field.

A homebred by Arthur Blue Chip out of Twin B Cuzisaidso for owner Jennifer Ritchie of Kingston, N.B., Like A King has earned two (consecutive) wins from three starts.

Barrieau worked out a winning trip from the outside post in the filly division for the favoured My Happy Place (pictured above), stalking from third in a strung-out field of seven before engaging the leading Pandemonic (Myles Heffernan Sr.) in the final turn and drawing off for the 2:06.2 triumph. Home Team Hanover (Merner) chased the winner home, finishing 1-3/4 lengths behind, with Handle On You (Brodie MacPhee) third over Pandemonic.

Bred by Charlotte Ranch and Seawind Amg Stbs 2005 Inc. of Mount Hebron, N.B., My Happy Place was a $31,000 yearling purchase from the Atlantic Classic Sale by Patrick Morris of Charlottetown, P.E.I. The Shadow Play-Smilesplace filly is now two-for-two to start her career.

Barrieau kicked off the Friday card with repeat winner P J Spudland ($2.30) for trainer Weldon Briggs. He also drove Bay Bries ($7.50) and Ninoscredit ($7.20) for the Nathalie Migneault stable. The New Brunswick native also won with Windemereimalright ($2.30) dominating the finale by a dozen lengths for trainer Stefan DeCourcey. From seven drives, Barrieau's only loss was a fourth-place finish.

To view Friday's harness racing results, click the following link: Friday Results - Woodstock Raceway NB.

(Standardbred Canada)
Interviews for three open nonelected positions on the Cowlitz County Board of Health were scheduled to take place in public meetings Monday, with the next round at 10 a.m. Aug. 20.

The board received 17 applications. Three applicants were scheduled to be interviewed Monday, while the remainder will be interviewed Aug. 20, board member and County Commissioner Dennis Weber said.

The applicants include current Chairman Kelly Lane and board member Mary Jane Melink. Their terms expired in June along with Lindy Campbell, who is not seeking reappointment, but all three remain on the board after an earlier round of appointments was voided because the recruitment process didnt follow state law.

Also applying are Bill Youngren and Lorna Stuart, two of the members whose appointments were voided.

Washington state administrative code says the board must provide advance public notice of applications, actively recruit applicants and conduct interviews. During the previous round of applications, the board did not advertise the openings, although the term expiration dates were posted on the board website.

For the current round, the openings were advertised in a number of places including Facebook and the board website.

The board will interview the applicants and make a final recommendation to the Cowlitz County Board of Commissioners, which will make the official appointment. All three members of the board of commissioners also serve on the board of health, along with four nonelected members.

What positions are open?

The positions representing public health providers, public health consumers and other community stakeholders are open after the current members terms expired in June. Campbell represents public health providers, Lane represents public health consumers and Melink represents other stakeholders.

In the first round of appointments, the board selected Youngren as a public health provider and Stuart as a community stakeholder, and reelected Lane.

Lane, Stuart and Youngren were the only applicants at the time. The larger applicant pool for this round can likely be attributed to better advertising about the openings, Weber said.

Weve got quite a few well-qualified applicants, he said.

Cowlitz Indian Tribe representative Alyssa Fine is also a nonelected member, but her term will not expire until 2025.

Who else is applying? Public health consumers

Dian Cooper, former CEO of the Cowlitz Family Health Center, applied as a public health consumer, citing her experience as a cancer survivor in her application. Cooper currently serves as a board member for Lower Columbia CAP, the Childrens Justice and Advocacy Center and the Longview Homeless and Housing Task Force.

For the past number of years the Board of Health has lacked focus and been embroiled in divisiveness and following the lure of false science, to the detriment of the health and safety of everyone in our community, she writes in her application. If I am appointed to the Board of Health I plan to work collaboratively with fellow Board members and to consistently speak out in favor of science-based public health programs and practices.

Claire Pang, a member of the city of Longviews parks and recreation and library boards, and Michael Phillips, a retired firefighter paramedic, also spoke about the boards need to focus on evidence-based science.

Lane and Youngren both applied as public health consumers.

Youngren is a recurring public supporter of using ivermectin to cure COVID-19, which the FDA has only approved to treat some parasitic worm infections in humans.

Lane has supported such measures as Decembers medical freedom resolution, which says the county shall not force people to accept medical intervention or to put something onto or into (their) body without informed consent.

Public health providers

Two board applicants currently work as healthcare providers: Michael Grubbs, a semi-retired physician who volunteers at the Cowlitz Free Clinic and sometimes fills in at PeaceHealth St. John Medical Center, and Timothy Randall, a physician working for PeaceHealth.

County bylaws restrict anyone with a financial obligation to a health agency from holding a nonelected position on the board of health, including employed doctors.

State law allows employed doctors to join county health boards, and only makes this financial restriction for the public health consumer position. The state lists practicing public health employees as a category included under public health providers.

The other public health provider applicants are Karen Joiner, a retired nurse practitioner and former executive dean of instruction in Lower Columbia Colleges nursing department; Patricia Peterson, a retired physician who also volunteers at the Cowlitz Free Clinic; and Robert Buchman, a former Cowlitz-Wahkiakum Health District employee.

Community stakeholders

Stuart and Melink are reapplying as community stakeholders. Cooper and Buchman also submitted applications to the position. According to state law, applicants can apply for multiple positions at once.

Melink said she feels good about her chances of reappointment, but added that even if she is not appointed, shes happy to see other applicants with a lot of relevant experience.

I think I did a good job my first term, she said. I would anticipate that I will be coming in with some experience.

Melink is director of The Health Care Foundation, a Longview-based charity that distributes grants to support physical and mental health care in Longview, as well as a former Longview City Council member.

Stuart  who replaced Melink in the now voided appointments  is a former physical therapist who has worked for PeaceHealth St. John Medical Center and Community Home Health and Hospice, according to her application. She has volunteered at New Horizons Ministries helping homeless youth and women involved in prostitution, and has a son with chronic illness.

The remaining applicants come from a wide range of backgrounds.

Margaret Lapic is a former director of The Arc, a national nonprofit organization supporting people with disabilities, and serves on the board of Life Works, which helps find employment for Cowlitz County residents with disabilities.

Jennifer Leach is an associate professor at Washington State University Extension who works in youth and family development and oversees the countys 4-H outreach. She is also a member of the Longview School Board.

Theodore Grammount runs a program to feed the homeless, which is not named in his application. He cites his experience being homeless himself and working with organizations supporting people who are homeless as qualifications for the position.

Editor's note: The headline for this story has been updated to reflect the correct number of applicants.
This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility:

Hovannes Kulhandjian, an associate professor in electrical and computer engineering at Cal State Fresno, who also works with the Mineta Transportation Institute in San Jose, has developed a robot that could be used as a crossing guard. Credit: : Hovannes Kulhandjian

It looks a bit like a small lawnmower, but instead of dual handles, a single black pole with a tablet-sized screen attached rises from the machine.

This robot isn't wildly talkative like the gold-clad C-3PO from "Star Wars," but it does have the ability to speak. This simple prototype called CrossBot doesn't sing or play guitar like Robot from "Lost in Space," but its human creator says it does possess powerful toolsthe ability to protect kids in crosswalksand the potential to reduce a Bay Area crossing guard shortage.

"It has a 360-degree view of the environment," said creator Hovannes Kulhandjian, an associate professor in electrical and computer engineering at Fresno State. "This is a very serious device; you have to have a very low probability of error because you are dealing with kids."

Kulhandjian, who also works with the Mineta Transportation Institute in San Jose, is working on a patent for his CrossBot.

It's equipped with sensors, including Lidar, a microphone, radar, video camera capabilities, a speaker system and advanced algorithms. In a video demonstration, CrossBot squats at the curb, then rolls out into the crosswalk when traffic is clear.

The robot rolls onto the crosswalk with its screen light red. When an approaching vehicle stops, the screen turns green, signaling to kids waiting at the curb that it's safe to cross. The robot can also tell a visually impaired person that it's safe to cross.

Kulhandjian said he came up with the idea for a robotic crossing guard while taking his two young daughters to school in Fresno and seeing teachers filling in as crossing guards when they had work to do preparing for class.

Kulhandjian said he trusts his robot to assist all children, including his own, and that the device has been tested on city streets with a more than 90% accuracy rate for detecting vehicles, cyclists and pedestrians.

But not every parent is sold on the idea.

"I would be livid if a robot replaced our crossing guards," said parent Kelly Lathrop of Lafayette in an email. "Crossing guards know our kids and keep an eye out in general, they are a highlight of the morning and afternoon. I wouldn't trust a robot to not malfunction or not get hacked. We need real eyes on these major and minor intersections."

Angela Roberts, the mother of two young daughters who attend Laurelwood Elementary School in Santa Clara, said she too would be concerned about the reliability of the robot, but she's also seen a lot of turnover with school crossing guards over the last three years.

Over the last few years, school districts in San Jose, Oakland, Los Altos, San Francisco and Pleasant Hill have all reported a shortage of crossing guards. Many crossing guards were displaced because of distance learning during the pandemic, and some never returned to their jobs, reports show.

"On average, it seems like there is a differently staffed crossing guard every couple months if not weeks. And it's not uncommon for there to be days where there is no crossing guard at all," Roberts said. "From my perspective, the challenge of hiring and retaining crossing guards has been ongoing due to its hours and pay. And while the students and families have always been gracious and appreciative of the crossing guards who have been there, the demand for robotic crossing guards may be a good solution."

While accidents, including pedestrian-related car crashes, are the second-leading cause of death for children under 14, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, people on foot of all ages face danger on the street.

The Governors Highway Safety Association, which tracks pedestrian deaths in the United States, found that more than 7,500 pedestrians were killed by drivers in 2022, the latest year that data was available. That was the highest number since 1981, the report said.

These days, robots are used in a variety of ways for many different reasons. They transport goods in storage facilities, load and unload trucks, carry parts to production lines and even deliver packages and make coffee. Robots have been deployed to inspect railways and in airports to handle luggage, help clean facilities and assist with security inspections.

In fact, according to the Robotics Industry Size & Share Analysis Report by Mordor Intelligence, the global robotics market size is projected to reach $95.93 billion by 2029.

Kulhandjian said his robot isn't meant to take away jobs from humans, but a years-long crossing guard shortage in the Bay Area shows that may not be an issue. While Kulhandjian said he may add additional components to the robot, such as a large red stop sign, he said he believes the device could last a decade and cost a school district about $15,000 to $17,000 to buy.

"CrossBot is designed to complement and enhance human efforts rather than replace them," Kulhandjian said.

"In many areas, there may not be enough human crossing guards available, especially in regions lacking traffic lights or during times when staffing is limited. CrossBot can fill these gaps, providing additional safety measures during critical times and in high-demand areas."

2024 MediaNews Group, Inc. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
Donald Trump has repeatedly called Vice President Kamala Harris a "b--ch" in private conversations as the former president seethes over the shift in the race during the past few weeks with the entrance of his new Democratic foe, the New York Times is reporting.

Trump, 78, has told supporters that he is "angry," and blames Democrats for scheming to bankrupt him and then kill him, friends told the Times, according to an article Saturday.

Described as being in a "foul mood" by the newspaper, the Republican presidential nominee has referred to Harris as "nasty" in an interview on "Fox & Friends," and "b--tch" repeatedly in private.

Trump's campaign denied the report.

"That is not language President Trump has used to describe Kamala, and it's not how the campaign would characterize her," Trump spokesperson Steven Cheung told the Times.

The report said Trump had grown comfortable campaigning against President Joe Biden, and was riding high after the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee.

But then Biden, 81, upset the apple cart, exited the campaign July 21 and endorsed Harris as president.

Trump claimed Friday night at a rally in Montana that Biden was forced out of office and might try to make a comeback.

"And now he's seeing what the competition is. I hear he's going to make a comeback at the Democrat convention," Trump said. "He's going to walk into the room, and he's going to say, I want my presidency back. I want another chance to debate Trump. I want another chance."
Authorities in Japan are urging people to avoid hoarding as anxiety over a possible megaquake triggered a spike Saturday in demand for disaster kits and daily necessities.

In its first such advisory, the weather agency said a huge earthquake was more likely in the aftermath of a magnitude 7.1 jolt in the south on Thursday which left 14 people injured.

At a Tokyo supermarket on Saturday, a sign apologized to customers for shortages of certain products it attributed to "quake-related media reports."

"Potential sales restrictions are on the way," the sign said, adding that bottled water was already being rationed due to "unstable" procurement.

On Saturday morning the website of Japanese e-commerce giant Rakuten showed portable toilets, preserved food and bottled water topping the list of the most sought-after items.

In Tokyo, some residents were ramping up their disaster preparedness.

Bar employee Kokoro Takeuchi said she had ordered bottled water online following Thursday's tremor.

"I'm very worried," the 27-year-old told AFP.

"The bar I work at is underground so if a quake happens all of a sudden, there's a good chance we might not be able to escape. So I've been trying to figure out how best to evacuate," she said.

But others were more resigned to the inevitability of the megaquake.

"I am worried of course, but overthinking about it will get you nowhere," company worker Mika Nakagawa, 34, told AFP.

"If it happens, then that's that," she said.

Some retailers along the Pacific coastline also reported similar disaster-related supplies in high demand, according to local media reports.

The advisory concerns the Nankai Trough "subduction zone" between two tectonic plates in the Pacific Ocean, where massive earthquakes have hit in the past.

It has been the site of destructive quakes of magnitude 8 or 9 every century or two, with the central government previously estimating the next big one would strike over the next 30 years roughly with a 70% probability.

Experts, however, emphasize the risk, while elevated, is still low, and the agriculture and fisheries ministry urged people "to refrain from excessively hoarding goods."

A magnitude 5.3 tremor rocked the Kanagawa region near Tokyo Friday, triggering emergency alarms on mobile phones and briefly suspending bullet train operations.

Most seismologists believe the Friday jolt had no direct link to the Nankai Trough megaquake, citing distance.
The United States, the European Union, Britain and Canada are demanding the immediate release of nearly 1,400 political prisoners in Belarus, and threatening new moves to reverse the "suppression of democracy" there.



In a joint statement Friday, the Western allies marked the fourth anniversary of what they called the country's "fraudulent" 2020 election by saying they "stand in solidarity with the people of Belarus."

The widely disputed vote, which gave President Alexander Lukashenko a sixth term, sparked the country's largest protests and government crackdown since Belarus declared its independence from the former Soviet Union in 1991.



"We call on Belarusian authorities to immediately and unconditionally release the almost 1,400 political prisoners being held in Belarusian prisons," the allies said. "We will continue to consider our options, including additional sanctions, to hold accountable those who enable the...suppression of democracy in Belarus."



The Western governments also said they would "continue to take meaningful steps to expose and cut off the flow of crucial support and components through Belarus that fuel Russia's unprovoked war against Ukraine, while maintaining our support for the Belarusian people."



Also on Friday, the U.S. Treasury Department announced new sanctions against 19 Belarusian individuals and 14 entities for "supporting Russia's war in Ukraine."



Other sanctions were imposed this week by the EU, Britain and Canada, the Associated Press reported, and Friday's statement said the actions represented a "coordinated, multilateral effort to advance accountability" for Lukashenko's regime.



Lukashenko, who this year marked 30 years in power, has maintained his grip with the help of Moscow, which he let use Belarussian territory as a staging ground to invade Ukraine in February 2022.



Last year, Lukashenko also allowed Russia to station tactical nuclear weapons in Belarus, which borders NATO members Poland, Latvia and Lithuania.
White body bags littered the floor and mourning filled the air after a school that was housing displaced Palestinians was struck with Israeli missiles Saturday in a a horrific and increasingly common sight in the Gaza war.

Dawn prayers were shattered by the early morning triple air strike from Israeli warplanes, which gutted Al-Tabieen religious school and mosque in Gaza City.

In the hellish aftermath, body parts were strewn around the rubble, and charred, bloodied bodies slumped in the wreckage of the two-storey complex.

Grim-faced volunteers piled corpses in blood-stained blankets into an ambulance, as seriously wounded men lay groaning on the ground.

Gaza's civil defense agency said at least 93 people were killed, 17 of them women and children, making it one of the war's deadliest strikes.

Israel's military disputed the death toll, saying the school was targeted with "precision munitions" because it "served as an active Hamas and Islamic Jihad military facility."

Such incidents have become a pattern in recent weeks. According to an Agence France Presse tally, at least 14 schools sheltering Gaza's displaced have been hit since July 6, killing more than 280 people.

"Peaceful people - women, children, and youths  were performing the Fajr prayer as usual when suddenly a missile hit them," said Abu Wassim, who lives nearby and came to survey the scene.

"They were reduced to remains. Children were torn apart, and women were burned. What can we say or do? What is in our power?"

As the sun climbed and mourners gathered, one man stroked the face of a dead child shrouded in a plastic body bag.

"They dropped a missile on them while they were just praying. Fear God, people! Fear God, Arabs!" a woman wailed over the body.

Another man looked lost as he held a small corpse wrapped in a blanket. Nearby, six body bags lay on the ground, three of them children. Tattered Korans were piled on a window ledge.

"We woke up before dawn to the sound of a strike," said Sakr, a resident from the neighbourhood who gave just one name.

"We headed to the site and found body remains of civilians who were peacefully performing prayers. We found bodies of children scattered in the street."

Another man said: "You can't even recognize the bodies, there were scattered remains.

"The ones who were struck are displaced people taking shelter in a school. What's their fault? What have they done wrong?"

Mohammad Al-Mughayyir, director of the supply and equipment department of Gaza's civil defense service, told AFP that six schools in Gaza City had been targeted in the past week alone.

Israeli military spokesperson Lieutenant-Colonel Nadav Shoshani said that about 20 Hamas and Islamic militants were operating from the Al-Tabieen complex.

"The compound, and the mosque that was struck within it, served as an active Hamas and Islamic Jihad military facility," he posted on X.

Later on Saturday, Gaza civil defense agency spokesman Mahmud Bassal told journalists that the strike "directly targeted" two floors of the school.

The strike hit "the upper floor housing women and children and the ground floor that was used for prayers by the displaced people," he said.

The Gaza war was triggered by Hamas's Oct. 7 attack that resulted in the deaths of 1,198 people, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally based on Israeli official figures.

Palestinian militants seized 251 hostages, 111 of whom are still held in Gaza, including 39 the Israeli military says are dead.

Israel's retaliatory military campaign in Gaza has killed at least 39,790 people, according to the health ministry in Hamas-run Gaza, which does not give details of civilian and militant deaths.
Alexandria Real Estate Equities (NYSE:ARE  Get Free Report) and Macerich (NYSE:MAC  Get Free Report) are both finance companies, but which is the superior stock? We will compare the two companies based on the strength of their valuation, dividends, profitability, earnings, risk, analyst recommendations and institutional ownership.

Dividends

Alexandria Real Estate Equities pays an annual dividend of $5.20 per share and has a dividend yield of 4.6%. Macerich pays an annual dividend of $0.68 per share and has a dividend yield of 4.5%. Alexandria Real Estate Equities pays out 486.0% of its earnings in the form of a dividend, suggesting it may not have sufficient earnings to cover its dividend payment in the future. Macerich pays out -43.6% of its earnings in the form of a dividend. Alexandria Real Estate Equities has increased its dividend for 15 consecutive years and Macerich has increased its dividend for 3 consecutive years. Alexandria Real Estate Equities is clearly the better dividend stock, given its higher yield and longer track record of dividend growth.

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Valuation & Earnings

This table compares Alexandria Real Estate Equities and Macerichs gross revenue, earnings per share (EPS) and valuation.

Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio Alexandria Real Estate Equities $3.01 billion 6.61 $103.64 million $1.07 106.21 Macerich $881.14 million 3.67 -$274.07 million ($1.56) -9.62

Analyst Ratings

Alexandria Real Estate Equities has higher revenue and earnings than Macerich. Macerich is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than Alexandria Real Estate Equities, indicating that it is currently the more affordable of the two stocks.

This is a breakdown of recent ratings and recommmendations for Alexandria Real Estate Equities and Macerich, as provided by MarketBeat.com.

Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Alexandria Real Estate Equities 0 4 4 0 2.50 Macerich 4 2 1 0 1.57

Alexandria Real Estate Equities currently has a consensus price target of $131.22, suggesting a potential upside of 15.46%. Macerich has a consensus price target of $14.64, suggesting a potential downside of 2.45%. Given Alexandria Real Estate Equities stronger consensus rating and higher probable upside, equities analysts plainly believe Alexandria Real Estate Equities is more favorable than Macerich.

Institutional and Insider Ownership

96.5% of Alexandria Real Estate Equities shares are owned by institutional investors. Comparatively, 87.4% of Macerich shares are owned by institutional investors. 1.2% of Alexandria Real Estate Equities shares are owned by company insiders. Comparatively, 0.5% of Macerich shares are owned by company insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that large money managers, endowments and hedge funds believe a stock is poised for long-term growth.

Risk and Volatility

Alexandria Real Estate Equities has a beta of 1.15, indicating that its stock price is 15% more volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, Macerich has a beta of 2.51, indicating that its stock price is 151% more volatile than the S&P 500.

Profitability

This table compares Alexandria Real Estate Equities and Macerichs net margins, return on equity and return on assets.

Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Alexandria Real Estate Equities 5.09% 0.68% 0.41% Macerich -8.52% -3.01% -0.99%

Summary

Alexandria Real Estate Equities beats Macerich on 15 of the 17 factors compared between the two stocks.

About Alexandria Real Estate Equities

(Get Free Report)

Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc. (NYSE: ARE), an S&P 500 company, is a best-in-class, mission-driven life science REIT making a positive and lasting impact on the world. As the pioneer of the life science real estate niche since our founding in 1994, Alexandria is the preeminent and longest-tenured owner, operator, and developer of collaborative life science, agtech, and advanced technology mega campuses in AAA innovation cluster locations, including Greater Boston, the San Francisco Bay Area, New York City, San Diego, Seattle, Maryland, and Research Triangle. Alexandria has a total market capitalization of $33.1 billion and an asset base in North America of 73.5 million SF as of December 31, 2023, which includes 42.0 million RSF of operating properties, 5.5 million RSF of Class A/A+ properties undergoing construction and one near-term project expected to commence construction in the next two years, 2.1 million RSF of priority anticipated development and redevelopment projects, and 23.9 million SF of future development projects. Alexandria has a longstanding and proven track record of developing Class A/A+ properties clustered in life science, agtech, and advanced technology mega campuses that provide our innovative tenants with highly dynamic and collaborative environments that enhance their ability to successfully recruit and retain world-class talent and inspire productivity, efficiency, creativity, and success. Alexandria also provides strategic capital to transformative life science, agrifoodtech, climate innovation, and technology companies through our venture capital platform. We believe our unique business model and diligent underwriting ensure a high-quality and diverse tenant base that results in higher occupancy levels, longer lease terms, higher rental income, higher returns, and greater long-term asset value.

About Macerich

(Get Free Report)

Macerich is a fully integrated, self-managed and self-administered real estate investment trust (REIT). As a leading owner, operator and developer of high-quality retail real estate in densely populated and attractive U.S. markets, Macerich's portfolio is concentrated in California, the Pacific Northwest, Phoenix/Scottsdale, and the Metro New York to Washington, D.C. corridor. Developing and managing properties that serve as community cornerstones, Macerich currently owns 47 million square feet of real estate consisting primarily of interests in 44 regional town centers. Macerich is firmly dedicated to advancing environmental goals, social good and sound corporate governance. A recognized leader in sustainability, Macerich has achieved a #1 Global Real Estate Sustainability Benchmark (GRESB) ranking for the North American retail sector for nine consecutive years (2015-2023).

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Almaden Minerals Ltd. (TSE:AMM  Get Free Report) (NYSEMKT:AAU) shares reached a new 52-week low during mid-day trading on Thursday . The company traded as low as C$0.08 and last traded at C$0.08, with a volume of 4947 shares. The stock had previously closed at C$0.07.

Almaden Minerals Stock Down 7.1 %

The stocks fifty day simple moving average is C$0.08 and its 200-day simple moving average is C$0.15. The company has a current ratio of 7.87, a quick ratio of 23.78 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 78.51. The stock has a market capitalization of C$8.92 million, a PE ratio of -0.14 and a beta of 1.10.

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Almaden Minerals (TSE:AMM  Get Free Report) (NYSEMKT:AAU) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, May 14th. The company reported C($0.01) EPS for the quarter.

Almaden Minerals Company Profile

Almaden Minerals Ltd., an exploration stage company, engages in the acquisition, exploration, evaluation, and development of mineral properties in Mexico. The company's principal asset comprises 100% interests in the Ixtaca gold-silver project located in Puebla State, Mexico. Almaden Minerals Ltd.

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agilon health, inc. (NYSE:AGL  Free Report)  William Blair issued their Q1 2025 earnings per share (EPS) estimates for shares of agilon health in a report released on Tuesday, August 6th. William Blair analyst R. Daniels anticipates that the company will post earnings of $0.05 per share for the quarter. The consensus estimate for agilon healths current full-year earnings is ($0.34) per share. William Blair also issued estimates for agilon healths Q2 2025 earnings at ($0.02) EPS.

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agilon health (NYSE:AGL  Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, August 6th. The company reported ($0.07) earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, meeting analysts consensus estimates of ($0.07). agilon health had a negative return on equity of 26.15% and a negative net margin of 5.67%. The company had revenue of $1.48 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $1.56 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the business earned ($0.04) EPS. agilon healths revenue was up 38.7% compared to the same quarter last year.

A number of other research firms have also recently issued reports on AGL. Evercore ISI boosted their price objective on agilon health from $5.50 to $7.00 and gave the company an in-line rating in a report on Tuesday, July 9th. Robert W. Baird began coverage on agilon health in a report on Thursday, May 30th. They issued a neutral rating and a $6.00 target price for the company. Royal Bank of Canada reiterated an outperform rating and issued a $8.00 target price on shares of agilon health in a report on Wednesday. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft lowered their target price on agilon health from $5.00 to $4.00 and set a hold rating for the company in a report on Friday. Finally, Stifel Nicolaus lowered their target price on agilon health from $8.00 to $7.00 and set a hold rating for the company in a report on Wednesday, May 1st. One research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, fourteen have assigned a hold rating and four have issued a buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has an average rating of Hold and an average price target of $8.57.

Get Our Latest Stock Analysis on agilon health

agilon health Trading Down 1.4 %

AGL traded down $0.08 during trading hours on Thursday, reaching $5.52. 5,045,390 shares of the companys stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 5,138,099. The firm has a 50-day moving average price of $6.51 and a 200 day moving average price of $5.99. agilon health has a 52-week low of $4.41 and a 52-week high of $20.37. The company has a quick ratio of 1.33, a current ratio of 1.33 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.04. The firm has a market capitalization of $2.27 billion, a PE ratio of -7.89 and a beta of 0.60.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

Several hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the business. AGF Management Ltd. increased its position in agilon health by 3.3% during the 2nd quarter. AGF Management Ltd. now owns 381,915 shares of the companys stock valued at $2,498,000 after buying an additional 12,063 shares in the last quarter. Wedbush Securities Inc. increased its holdings in shares of agilon health by 72.6% in the second quarter. Wedbush Securities Inc. now owns 20,710 shares of the companys stock valued at $135,000 after purchasing an additional 8,710 shares during the period. Oak Thistle LLC acquired a new position in shares of agilon health in the second quarter valued at about $281,000. Arizona State Retirement System increased its holdings in shares of agilon health by 2.5% in the second quarter. Arizona State Retirement System now owns 85,989 shares of the companys stock valued at $562,000 after purchasing an additional 2,070 shares during the period. Finally, Rhumbline Advisers increased its holdings in shares of agilon health by 24.3% in the second quarter. Rhumbline Advisers now owns 433,019 shares of the companys stock valued at $2,832,000 after purchasing an additional 84,573 shares during the period.

About agilon health

(Get Free Report)

agilon health, inc. provides healthcare services for seniors through primary care physicians in the communities of the United States. It offers a platform that manages the total healthcare needs of the patients by subscription-like per-member per-month. The company was formerly known as Agilon Health Topco, Inc and changed its name to agilon health, inc.

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Shares of WPP plc (NYSE:WPP  Get Free Report) have been given a consensus recommendation of Hold by the five ratings firms that are currently covering the stock, MarketBeat reports. One analyst has rated the stock with a sell recommendation, three have given a hold recommendation and one has assigned a strong buy recommendation to the company. The average 12-month target price among brokerages that have covered the stock in the last year is $46.00.

A number of research firms have issued reports on WPP. StockNews.com upgraded WPP from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research note on Thursday. Citigroup raised shares of WPP to a strong-buy rating in a research report on Thursday.

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Check Out Our Latest Analysis on WPP

Institutional Trading of WPP

WPP Stock Performance

A number of hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of the company. Mondrian Investment Partners LTD grew its stake in shares of WPP by 46.5% in the first quarter. Mondrian Investment Partners LTD now owns 3,350,015 shares of the business services providers stock worth $158,791,000 after acquiring an additional 1,062,708 shares during the last quarter. Goldman Sachs Group Inc. grew its stake in WPP by 40.5% during the 4th quarter. Goldman Sachs Group Inc. now owns 1,155,648 shares of the business services providers stock worth $54,974,000 after buying an additional 332,914 shares during the last quarter. Brandes Investment Partners LP grew its stake in WPP by 47.9% during the 4th quarter. Brandes Investment Partners LP now owns 567,653 shares of the business services providers stock valued at $27,003,000 after purchasing an additional 183,955 shares during the last quarter. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP lifted its holdings in shares of WPP by 24.5% in the 2nd quarter. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP now owns 321,973 shares of the business services providers stock valued at $14,759,000 after buying an additional 63,363 shares during the period. Finally, Envestnet Asset Management Inc. raised its holdings in WPP by 15.9% in the 2nd quarter. Envestnet Asset Management Inc. now owns 199,110 shares of the business services providers stock worth $9,115,000 after purchasing an additional 27,384 shares during the period. Institutional investors own 4.34% of the companys stock.

Shares of NYSE WPP opened at $43.23 on Monday. WPP has a 1 year low of $41.13 and a 1 year high of $54.21. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.98, a quick ratio of 0.86 and a current ratio of 0.86. The firms 50 day moving average price is $47.48 and its 200 day moving average price is $48.27.

WPP Increases Dividend

The company also recently disclosed a Semi-Annual dividend, which will be paid on Friday, November 1st. Investors of record on Friday, October 11th will be paid a $0.954 dividend. This is a boost from WPPs previous Semi-Annual dividend of $0.24. This represents a yield of 5.7%. The ex-dividend date is Friday, October 11th.

WPP Company Profile

(Get Free Report

WPP plc, a creative transformation company, provides communications, experience, commerce, and technology services in North America, the United Kingdom, Western Continental Europe, the Asia Pacific, Latin America, Africa, the Middle East, and Central and Eastern Europe. The company operates through three segments: Global Integrated Agencies, Public Relations, and Specialist Agencies.

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AngloGold Ashanti (NYSE:AU  Get Free Report) was upgraded by equities researchers at StockNews.com from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research note issued on Thursday.

AU has been the topic of a number of other research reports. HSBC lowered shares of AngloGold Ashanti from a hold rating to a reduce rating in a research note on Friday, April 19th. BMO Capital Markets upped their target price on AngloGold Ashanti from $28.00 to $34.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research report on Wednesday. JPMorgan Chase & Co. lowered their target price on AngloGold Ashanti from $33.00 to $32.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a research note on Wednesday, July 3rd. Finally, Scotiabank upped their price objective on AngloGold Ashanti from $22.00 to $26.00 and gave the company a sector perform rating in a report on Thursday, May 23rd. One research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, three have given a hold rating and three have given a buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, the company presently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average price target of $27.50.

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AngloGold Ashanti Stock Performance

Shares of AU traded up $0.07 during mid-day trading on Thursday, reaching $29.80. The companys stock had a trading volume of 1,524,117 shares, compared to its average volume of 1,933,420. AngloGold Ashanti has a 1-year low of $14.91 and a 1-year high of $30.19. The business has a 50-day simple moving average of $26.17 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $23.12.

AngloGold Ashanti (NYSE:AU  Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, August 6th. The mining company reported $0.60 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.51 by $0.09. The business had revenue of $1.38 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $1.23 billion. During the same period in the prior year, the business earned $0.17 EPS. On average, equities research analysts expect that AngloGold Ashanti will post 2.29 earnings per share for the current year.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

Hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of the stock. Barings LLC boosted its position in shares of AngloGold Ashanti by 395.0% during the 2nd quarter. Barings LLC now owns 1,101,183 shares of the mining companys stock worth $27,818,000 after acquiring an additional 878,717 shares in the last quarter. Chesapeake Capital Corp IL boosted its holdings in shares of AngloGold Ashanti by 3.1% in the 2nd quarter. Chesapeake Capital Corp IL now owns 14,100 shares of the mining companys stock valued at $354,000 after purchasing an additional 429 shares in the last quarter. Ballentine Partners LLC increased its stake in shares of AngloGold Ashanti by 5.9% in the 2nd quarter. Ballentine Partners LLC now owns 12,279 shares of the mining companys stock valued at $309,000 after purchasing an additional 682 shares during the last quarter. Caprock Group LLC bought a new position in shares of AngloGold Ashanti in the 2nd quarter valued at $1,428,000. Finally, TD Asset Management Inc raised its holdings in shares of AngloGold Ashanti by 8.2% during the 2nd quarter. TD Asset Management Inc now owns 119,454 shares of the mining companys stock worth $3,002,000 after buying an additional 9,050 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors own 36.09% of the companys stock.

AngloGold Ashanti Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

AngloGold Ashanti plc operates as a gold mining company in Africa, Australia, and the Americas. The company primarily explores for gold, as well as produces silver and sulphuric acid as by-products. Its flagship property is a 100% owned Geita mine located in the Lake Victoria goldfields of the Mwanza region in north-western Tanzania.

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Avista (NYSE:AVA  Get Free Report) issued its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday. The utilities provider reported $0.29 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.22 by $0.07, Briefing.com reports. Avista had a return on equity of 7.65% and a net margin of 9.96%. The business had revenue of $390.80 million for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $386.69 million. During the same quarter in the prior year, the firm posted $0.23 EPS. The firms revenue for the quarter was up 6.0% on a year-over-year basis. Avista updated its FY24 guidance to $2.36-2.56 EPS and its FY 2024 guidance to 2.360-2.560 EPS.

Avista Stock Performance

Avista stock remained flat at $38.04 during mid-day trading on Friday. The company had a trading volume of 539,851 shares, compared to its average volume of 542,729. The firm has a market cap of $2.97 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 15.79 and a beta of 0.46. The business has a 50-day moving average price of $36.02 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $35.27. Avista has a 52 week low of $30.53 and a 52 week high of $39.99. The company has a quick ratio of 0.69, a current ratio of 0.97 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.05.

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Avista Announces Dividend

The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, September 13th. Investors of record on Thursday, August 22nd will be issued a $0.475 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, August 22nd. This represents a $1.90 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 4.99%. Avistas payout ratio is 78.84%.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

A number of brokerages have recently commented on AVA. Mizuho upgraded Avista from an underperform rating to a neutral rating and boosted their price target for the company from $32.00 to $36.00 in a report on Friday, May 3rd. StockNews.com raised Avista from a sell rating to a hold rating in a research report on Friday, May 10th. Four equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock presently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $35.00.

View Our Latest Report on Avista

Insiders Place Their Bets

In other Avista news, SVP Bryan Alden Cox sold 1,716 shares of the stock in a transaction on Thursday, June 6th. The stock was sold at an average price of $35.70, for a total transaction of $61,261.20. Following the transaction, the senior vice president now owns 7,196 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $256,897.20. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available at the SEC website. In related news, CEO Jason R. Thackston sold 2,500 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, May 31st. The shares were sold at an average price of $36.98, for a total value of $92,450.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief executive officer now owns 32,506 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $1,202,071.88. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at the SEC website. Also, SVP Bryan Alden Cox sold 1,716 shares of Avista stock in a transaction on Thursday, June 6th. The shares were sold at an average price of $35.70, for a total transaction of $61,261.20. Following the sale, the senior vice president now directly owns 7,196 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $256,897.20. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders sold 5,916 shares of company stock valued at $215,268 in the last ninety days. Insiders own 0.96% of the companys stock.

Avista Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Avista Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, operates as an electric and natural gas utility company. It operates in two segments, Avista Utilities and AEL&P. The Avista Utilities segment provides electric distribution and transmission, and natural gas distribution services in parts of eastern Washington and northern Idaho; and natural gas distribution services in parts of northeastern and southwestern Oregon, as well as generates electricity in Washington, Idaho, Oregon, and Montana.

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BDF Gestion purchased a new stake in Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc. (NYSE:ARE  Free Report) in the second quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The fund purchased 21,885 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock, valued at approximately $2,560,000.

Several other institutional investors also recently added to or reduced their stakes in ARE. Bourgeon Capital Management LLC raised its stake in shares of Alexandria Real Estate Equities by 4.3% during the second quarter. Bourgeon Capital Management LLC now owns 18,967 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $2,219,000 after purchasing an additional 779 shares during the last quarter. Advocate Group LLC raised its holdings in Alexandria Real Estate Equities by 42.2% during the second quarter. Advocate Group LLC now owns 26,201 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $3,065,000 after purchasing an additional 7,781 shares in the last quarter. CWM LLC boosted its holdings in Alexandria Real Estate Equities by 5.7% in the 2nd quarter. CWM LLC now owns 4,522 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $529,000 after purchasing an additional 242 shares in the last quarter. Hilltop National Bank boosted its holdings in Alexandria Real Estate Equities by 27.0% in the 2nd quarter. Hilltop National Bank now owns 686 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $80,000 after purchasing an additional 146 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Kingswood Wealth Advisors LLC increased its position in Alexandria Real Estate Equities by 99.2% during the 2nd quarter. Kingswood Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 9,660 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $1,130,000 after purchasing an additional 4,811 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 96.54% of the companys stock.

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Insiders Place Their Bets

In other Alexandria Real Estate Equities news, major shareholder Real Estate Equitie Alexandria sold 150,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, June 4th. The stock was sold at an average price of $4.21, for a total value of $631,500.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the insider now owns 6,005,077 shares in the company, valued at approximately $25,281,374.17. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. 1.15% of the stock is currently owned by insiders.

Alexandria Real Estate Equities Trading Up 0.3 %

ARE stock traded up $0.37 during trading on Friday, reaching $113.65. 442,569 shares of the stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 930,056. The businesss 50 day moving average price is $117.74 and its 200-day moving average price is $120.21. The firm has a market capitalization of $19.88 billion, a PE ratio of 106.21, a P/E/G ratio of 4.00 and a beta of 1.15. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.55, a current ratio of 0.23 and a quick ratio of 0.23. Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc. has a 52-week low of $90.73 and a 52-week high of $135.45.

Alexandria Real Estate Equities (NYSE:ARE  Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Monday, July 22nd. The real estate investment trust reported $0.25 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $2.34 by ($2.09). Alexandria Real Estate Equities had a return on equity of 0.68% and a net margin of 5.09%. The business had revenue of $766.70 million for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $775.03 million. During the same period last year, the company posted $2.24 EPS. The firms revenue for the quarter was up 7.4% compared to the same quarter last year. As a group, sell-side analysts forecast that Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc. will post 9.48 earnings per share for the current year.

Alexandria Real Estate Equities Increases Dividend

The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, July 15th. Shareholders of record on Friday, June 28th were given a $1.30 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Friday, June 28th. This is a positive change from Alexandria Real Estate Equitiess previous quarterly dividend of $1.27. This represents a $5.20 annualized dividend and a yield of 4.58%. Alexandria Real Estate Equitiess dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 485.98%.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

A number of research analysts recently weighed in on the company. Royal Bank of Canada dropped their price objective on Alexandria Real Estate Equities from $135.00 to $130.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a report on Monday, August 5th. Wedbush downgraded shares of Alexandria Real Estate Equities from an outperform rating to a neutral rating and cut their price target for the company from $140.00 to $130.00 in a report on Wednesday, July 24th. JMP Securities reissued a market outperform rating and set a $140.00 price objective on shares of Alexandria Real Estate Equities in a report on Tuesday, July 23rd. Evercore ISI lowered shares of Alexandria Real Estate Equities from an outperform rating to an inline rating and decreased their price objective for the stock from $133.00 to $126.00 in a research report on Thursday, July 25th. Finally, Jefferies Financial Group downgraded Alexandria Real Estate Equities from a buy rating to a hold rating and dropped their price target for the stock from $136.00 to $127.00 in a research report on Friday, August 2nd. Five equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and four have issued a buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $131.22.

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About Alexandria Real Estate Equities

(Free Report)

Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc (NYSE: ARE), an S&P 500 company, is a best-in-class, mission-driven life science REIT making a positive and lasting impact on the world. As the pioneer of the life science real estate niche since our founding in 1994, Alexandria is the preeminent and longest-tenured owner, operator, and developer of collaborative life science, agtech, and advanced technology mega campuses in AAA innovation cluster locations, including Greater Boston, the San Francisco Bay Area, New York City, San Diego, Seattle, Maryland, and Research Triangle.

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Gary Clark is the weekly nature columnist for the Houston Chronicle and San Antonio Express-News. He also publishes feature articles in state and national magazines and has written four books: "Texas Wildlife Portfolio," "Texas Gulf Coast Impressions," "Backroads of the Texas Hill Country" and "Enjoying Big Bend National Park." Gary is also a contributing author in the book, "Pride of Place: A Contemporary Anthology of Texas Nature Writing."

He has won eight Lone Star College writing awards and is the recipient of the Houston Audubon Society 2004 Excellence in Media Award and the Citizens' Environmental Coalition 2010 Synergy Media Award for Environmental Reporting.

Gary is professor of business and developmental studies at Lone Star College--North Harris. In 32 years at the college, Gary has served as vice president of instruction; dean of Business, Social and Behavioral Sciences; associate dean of Natural Sciences; professor of marketing; professor of developmental writing; and Faculty Senate president. He is a recipient of the Teacher Excellence Award.

Gary has been active in the birding community for more than 30 years. He founded the Piney Woods Wildlife Society in 1982 and the Texas Coast Rare Bird Alert in 1983. He served as president of the Houston Audubon Society 1989-1991 and purchased the North American Rare Bird Alert for Houston Audubon in 1990. He was vice president of the Board of Directors for the Gulf Coast Bird Observatory 2001-2008. He currently sits on the Board of Advisors for the Houston Audubon Society and Gulf Coast Bird Observatory. He is also a member of the American Mensa Society.
Canaccord Genuity Group reiterated their buy rating on shares of Jacobs Engineering Group (LON:J  Free Report) in a report published on Tuesday, LSE.Co.UK reports. They currently have a GBX 250 ($3.19) price target on the stock.

Separately, Shore Capital reiterated a house stock rating on shares of Jacobs Engineering Group in a report on Monday, June 17th.

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Jacobs Engineering Group Price Performance

Jacobs Engineering Group Company Profile

Jacobs Engineering Group Inc is challenging today to reinvent tomorrow by solving the worlds most critical problems for thriving cities, resilient environments, mission-critical outcomes, operational advancement, scientific discovery and cutting-edge manufacturing, turning abstract ideas into realities that transform the world for good.

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CHICAGO TRUST Co NA purchased a new stake in The Charles Schwab Co. (NYSE:SCHW  Free Report) in the 2nd quarter, Holdings Channel.com reports. The institutional investor purchased 3,033 shares of the financial services providers stock, valued at approximately $224,000.

Several other hedge funds and other institutional investors also recently added to or reduced their stakes in SCHW. Argus Investors Counsel Inc. boosted its position in Charles Schwab by 4.0% in the 4th quarter. Argus Investors Counsel Inc. now owns 26,731 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $1,839,000 after buying an additional 1,035 shares during the period. Stratos Wealth Advisors LLC boosted its position in Charles Schwab by 14.3% in the 4th quarter. Stratos Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 4,491 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $309,000 after buying an additional 563 shares during the period. Strategic Blueprint LLC boosted its position in Charles Schwab by 7.9% in the 4th quarter. Strategic Blueprint LLC now owns 10,172 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $700,000 after buying an additional 749 shares during the period. International Assets Investment Management LLC boosted its position in Charles Schwab by 5.9% in the 4th quarter. International Assets Investment Management LLC now owns 10,994 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $756,000 after buying an additional 612 shares during the period. Finally, Confluence Wealth Services Inc. purchased a new position in Charles Schwab in the 4th quarter valued at approximately $225,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 84.38% of the companys stock.

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Insider Transactions at Charles Schwab

In other news, Chairman Charles R. Schwab sold 65,360 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, May 14th. The shares were sold at an average price of $76.89, for a total transaction of $5,025,530.40. Following the transaction, the chairman now directly owns 60,741,536 shares in the company, valued at $4,670,416,703.04. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available at this hyperlink. In related news, CEO Walter W. Bettinger acquired 25,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, July 17th. The shares were purchased at an average price of $66.26 per share, with a total value of $1,656,500.00. Following the completion of the acquisition, the chief executive officer now owns 827,377 shares in the company, valued at $54,822,000.02. The purchase was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at the SEC website. Also, Chairman Charles R. Schwab sold 65,360 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, May 14th. The stock was sold at an average price of $76.89, for a total transaction of $5,025,530.40. Following the sale, the chairman now directly owns 60,741,536 shares in the company, valued at approximately $4,670,416,703.04. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders have sold a total of 247,271 shares of company stock worth $17,567,508 over the last ninety days. 6.60% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

SCHW has been the subject of several recent analyst reports. JMP Securities decreased their price objective on shares of Charles Schwab from $85.00 to $82.00 and set a market outperform rating for the company in a research report on Tuesday, July 23rd. Keefe, Bruyette & Woods raised shares of Charles Schwab from a market perform rating to an outperform rating and lifted their price objective for the stock from $76.00 to $84.00 in a research report on Monday, July 8th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. decreased their price objective on shares of Charles Schwab from $82.00 to $78.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a research report on Wednesday, July 17th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft decreased their price objective on shares of Charles Schwab from $84.00 to $79.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a research report on Wednesday, July 17th. Finally, Bank of America decreased their price objective on shares of Charles Schwab from $72.00 to $66.00 and set an underperform rating for the company in a research report on Wednesday, July 17th. Three analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, six have given a hold rating and seven have assigned a buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, Charles Schwab presently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average price target of $74.27.

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Charles Schwab Stock Performance

NYSE SCHW traded down $0.12 during trading on Friday, reaching $62.41. The companys stock had a trading volume of 4,255,160 shares, compared to its average volume of 13,392,225. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.69, a quick ratio of 0.42 and a current ratio of 0.42. The firm has a market cap of $110.92 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 26.11, a P/E/G ratio of 1.18 and a beta of 0.99. The Charles Schwab Co. has a twelve month low of $48.66 and a twelve month high of $79.49. The businesss fifty day moving average price is $70.07 and its 200-day moving average price is $69.93.

Charles Schwab (NYSE:SCHW  Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, July 16th. The financial services provider reported $0.73 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.72 by $0.01. The company had revenue of $4.69 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $4.68 billion. Charles Schwab had a net margin of 26.30% and a return on equity of 18.65%. Charles Schwabs quarterly revenue was up .7% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the previous year, the business posted $0.75 earnings per share. As a group, analysts anticipate that The Charles Schwab Co. will post 3.07 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Charles Schwab Announces Dividend

The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, August 23rd. Shareholders of record on Friday, August 9th will be paid a $0.25 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Friday, August 9th. This represents a $1.00 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 1.60%. Charles Schwabs dividend payout ratio is presently 41.84%.

Charles Schwab Profile

(Free Report)

The Charles Schwab Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, operates as a savings and loan holding company that provides wealth management, securities brokerage, banking, asset management, custody, and financial advisory services in the United States and internationally. The company operates in two segments, Investor Services and Advisor Services.

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Douglas Emmett (NYSE:DEI  Get Free Report) updated its FY 2024 earnings guidance on Thursday. The company provided earnings per share guidance of 1.650-1.690 for the period, compared to the consensus earnings per share estimate of 1.660. The company issued revenue guidance of -. Douglas Emmett also updated its FY24 guidance to $1.65-1.69 EPS.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

Separately, StockNews.com raised Douglas Emmett from a sell rating to a hold rating in a research report on Monday, May 20th. Six analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, According to MarketBeat, Douglas Emmett has an average rating of Hold and an average target price of $14.00.

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Douglas Emmett Stock Down 2.9 %

Douglas Emmett Dividend Announcement

Shares of NYSE DEI traded down $0.44 during midday trading on Friday, reaching $14.82. 2,689,287 shares of the companys stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 1,719,893. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.45, a quick ratio of 4.42 and a current ratio of 4.42. Douglas Emmett has a 52-week low of $10.76 and a 52-week high of $16.57. The businesss fifty day moving average price is $14.16 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $13.77. The stock has a market capitalization of $2.48 billion, a PE ratio of -47.81 and a beta of 1.09.

The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Tuesday, July 16th. Shareholders of record on Friday, June 28th were issued a dividend of $0.19 per share. The ex-dividend date was Friday, June 28th. This represents a $0.76 annualized dividend and a yield of 5.13%. Douglas Emmetts dividend payout ratio is presently -245.16%.

Insider Buying and Selling at Douglas Emmett

In related news, Director William E. Simon, Jr. purchased 45,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, June 10th. The stock was acquired at an average price of $13.15 per share, for a total transaction of $591,750.00. Following the completion of the purchase, the director now owns 45,000 shares in the company, valued at $591,750. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available through this hyperlink. 14.70% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders.

About Douglas Emmett

(Get Free Report)

Douglas Emmett, Inc (DEI) is a fully integrated, self-administered and self-managed real estate investment trust (REIT), and one of the largest owners and operators of high-quality office and multifamily properties located in the premier coastal submarkets of Los Angeles and Honolulu. Douglas Emmett focuses on owning and acquiring a substantial share of top-tier office properties and premier multifamily communities in neighborhoods that possess significant supply constraints, high-end executive housing and key lifestyle amenities.

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StockNews.com began coverage on shares of Express (NYSE:EXPR  Free Report) in a research report report published on Tuesday. The firm issued a sell rating on the stock.

Express Stock Performance

Express stock traded down $0.05 during trading hours on Tuesday, hitting $0.35. 156,560 shares of the stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 162,673. Express has a 1 year low of $0.35 and a 1 year high of $17.84. The stock has a market capitalization of $1.31 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of 0.01 and a beta of 1.40. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.83, a current ratio of 0.98 and a quick ratio of 0.19. The firms 50 day moving average price is $0.51 and its 200-day moving average price is $1.47.

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Express Company Profile

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Express, Inc operates as a fashion retail company that offers apparel and accessories in the United States and Puerto Rico. The company sells its products under the UpWest and Express brands for men and women through its retail and factory outlet stores; express.com, an online store; and Express mobile app, as well as franchisees Express locations in Latin America.

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Global Business Travel Group (NYSE:GBTG  Free Report) had its price target lifted by Citigroup from $8.00 to $9.00 in a report released on Thursday morning, Benzinga reports. Citigroup currently has a buy rating on the stock.

Separately, Evercore ISI lifted their price objective on shares of Global Business Travel Group from $9.00 to $10.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research report on Wednesday. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a hold rating and four have given a buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $9.40.

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Global Business Travel Group Stock Performance

Institutional Trading of Global Business Travel Group

Shares of GBTG traded down $0.21 during midday trading on Thursday, reaching $6.62. The stock had a trading volume of 533,121 shares, compared to its average volume of 463,849. The firm has a 50 day simple moving average of $6.55 and a 200-day simple moving average of $6.13. Global Business Travel Group has a one year low of $4.49 and a one year high of $7.13. The firm has a market cap of $3.13 billion, a PE ratio of -16.97 and a beta of 0.62. The company has a current ratio of 1.50, a quick ratio of 1.50 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.15.

Hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of the stock. American Express Co acquired a new stake in shares of Global Business Travel Group during the 4th quarter worth about $1,017,721,000. Tidal Investments LLC acquired a new stake in Global Business Travel Group in the 1st quarter worth about $3,383,000. Par Capital Management Inc. raised its stake in Global Business Travel Group by 42.1% in the 4th quarter. Par Capital Management Inc. now owns 770,000 shares of the companys stock worth $4,966,000 after purchasing an additional 228,149 shares in the last quarter. Tower Research Capital LLC TRC raised its stake in Global Business Travel Group by 53.7% in the 4th quarter. Tower Research Capital LLC TRC now owns 6,650 shares of the companys stock worth $43,000 after purchasing an additional 2,323 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Dimensional Fund Advisors LP raised its stake in Global Business Travel Group by 595.9% in the 2nd quarter. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP now owns 114,695 shares of the companys stock worth $757,000 after purchasing an additional 98,213 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 82.46% of the companys stock.

About Global Business Travel Group

(Get Free Report)

Global Business Travel Group, Inc provides business-to-business (B2B) travel platform in the United States and internationally. The company's platform offers a suite of technology-enabled solutions to business travelers and clients; travel content suppliers, such as airlines, hotels, ground transportation, and aggregators; and third-party travel agencies.

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Hawaiian Electric Industries (NYSE:HE  Get Free Report) announced its quarterly earnings results on Friday. The utilities provider reported $0.44 EPS for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $0.49 by ($0.05), Briefing.com reports. The company had revenue of $792.30 million during the quarter. Hawaiian Electric Industries had a net margin of 5.16% and a return on equity of 9.58%. The businesss revenue for the quarter was down .2% compared to the same quarter last year.

Hawaiian Electric Industries Price Performance

Shares of HE stock traded down $0.48 during midday trading on Friday, reaching $15.50. 2,191,231 shares of the company traded hands, compared to its average volume of 3,101,570. The firms 50 day simple moving average is $11.89 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $11.65. The firm has a market cap of $1.71 billion, a PE ratio of 9.17 and a beta of 0.57. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.19, a current ratio of 0.11 and a quick ratio of 0.11. Hawaiian Electric Industries has a 1-year low of $7.61 and a 1-year high of $35.57.

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Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

A number of analysts recently issued reports on the company. StockNews.com raised Hawaiian Electric Industries from a sell rating to a hold rating in a research report on Wednesday. Wells Fargo & Company increased their price objective on Hawaiian Electric Industries from $8.50 to $9.00 and gave the company an underweight rating in a report on Monday, May 13th. Finally, Evercore ISI lifted their target price on shares of Hawaiian Electric Industries from $11.00 to $16.00 and gave the company an in-line rating in a report on Monday, August 5th. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating and two have assigned a hold rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company presently has an average rating of Hold and an average price target of $12.88.

Hawaiian Electric Industries Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Hawaiian Electric Industries, Inc, together with its subsidiaries, engages in the electric utility businesses in the United States. It operates in three segments: Electric Utility, Bank, and Other. The Electric Utility segment engages in the production, purchase, transmission, distribution, and sale of electricity in the islands of Oahu, Hawaii, Maui, Lanai, and Molokai.

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Janus International Group (NYSE:JBI  Get Free Report) had its target price cut by equities research analysts at KeyCorp from $17.00 to $15.00 in a research report issued to clients and investors on Thursday, Benzinga reports. The brokerage currently has an overweight rating on the stock. KeyCorps price objective would indicate a potential upside of 42.86% from the stocks current price.

Several other research analysts also recently commented on JBI. Benchmark reaffirmed a buy rating and issued a $21.00 price objective on shares of Janus International Group in a research note on Tuesday, May 14th. UBS Group decreased their target price on Janus International Group from $14.50 to $12.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a research note on Thursday. Finally, Jefferies Financial Group initiated coverage on Janus International Group in a research note on Monday, April 15th. They set a buy rating and a $20.00 target price on the stock. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and three have assigned a buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, Janus International Group presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $14.50.

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Janus International Group Stock Performance

NYSE:JBI traded down $0.01 on Thursday, hitting $10.50. The stock had a trading volume of 3,587,396 shares, compared to its average volume of 1,878,122. The stock has a market cap of $1.53 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 11.05 and a beta of 0.91. The company has a quick ratio of 2.63, a current ratio of 2.95 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.13. The businesss 50-day simple moving average is $13.09 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $14.05. Janus International Group has a 52-week low of $9.16 and a 52-week high of $15.86.

Janus International Group (NYSE:JBI  Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Thursday, May 9th. The company reported $0.21 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.19 by $0.02. Janus International Group had a return on equity of 28.95% and a net margin of 13.14%. The business had revenue of $254.50 million for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $252.90 million. During the same period last year, the firm posted $0.18 earnings per share. The businesss revenue for the quarter was up 1.0% on a year-over-year basis. As a group, research analysts predict that Janus International Group will post 1.03 earnings per share for the current year.

Insiders Place Their Bets

In other news, insider Peter Frayser sold 15,000 shares of Janus International Group stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, July 29th. The stock was sold at an average price of $15.00, for a total value of $225,000.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the insider now owns 217,805 shares in the company, valued at approximately $3,267,075. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available through the SEC website. Corporate insiders own 3.94% of the companys stock.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On Janus International Group

A number of institutional investors and hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of JBI. Entropy Technologies LP boosted its holdings in Janus International Group by 4.5% during the 1st quarter. Entropy Technologies LP now owns 21,126 shares of the companys stock valued at $320,000 after acquiring an additional 901 shares during the period. Sage Mountain Advisors LLC boosted its holdings in Janus International Group by 4.5% during the 2nd quarter. Sage Mountain Advisors LLC now owns 23,200 shares of the companys stock valued at $293,000 after acquiring an additional 990 shares during the period. ProShare Advisors LLC boosted its holdings in Janus International Group by 8.5% during the 1st quarter. ProShare Advisors LLC now owns 15,267 shares of the companys stock valued at $231,000 after acquiring an additional 1,201 shares during the period. Los Angeles Capital Management LLC boosted its holdings in Janus International Group by 2.3% during the 1st quarter. Los Angeles Capital Management LLC now owns 101,029 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,529,000 after acquiring an additional 2,260 shares during the period. Finally, DekaBank Deutsche Girozentrale boosted its holdings in Janus International Group by 16.6% during the 4th quarter. DekaBank Deutsche Girozentrale now owns 18,101 shares of the companys stock valued at $237,000 after acquiring an additional 2,572 shares during the period. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 88.78% of the companys stock.

About Janus International Group

(Get Free Report)

Janus International Group, Inc manufacturers and supplies turn-key self-storage, and commercial and industrial building solutions in North America and internationally. The company offers roll up and swing doors, hallway systems, relocatable storage moveable additional storage structures units, and other solutions.

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Canaccord Genuity Group reissued their buy rating on shares of John Wood Group (LON:WG  Free Report) in a research report report published on Tuesday morning, Digital Look reports. They currently have a GBX 250 ($3.19) target price on the stock.

John Wood Group Trading Up 2.0 %

Shares of John Wood Group stock traded up GBX 2.60 ($0.03) during trading on Tuesday, hitting GBX 131.40 ($1.68). The stock had a trading volume of 1,723,018 shares, compared to its average volume of 530,810. John Wood Group has a 12 month low of GBX 117.67 ($1.50) and a 12 month high of GBX 211.80 ($2.71). The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 41.96, a current ratio of 0.91 and a quick ratio of 0.75. The firms fifty day simple moving average is GBX 194.06 and its 200-day simple moving average is GBX 169.06. The stock has a market cap of 903.36 million, a PE ratio of -876.00, a PEG ratio of 0.33 and a beta of 1.51.

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Insider Activity

In related news, insider Ken Gilmartin acquired 3,256 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, July 18th. The stock was purchased at an average cost of GBX 205 ($2.62) per share, for a total transaction of 6,674.80 ($8,530.10). Company insiders own 1.77% of the companys stock.

John Wood Group Company Profile

John Wood Group PLC, together with its subsidiaries, engages in the provision of consulting, project management, and engineering solutions to energy and built environment worldwide. It operates through Projects, Operations, Consulting, and Investment Services segments. The Projects segment provides engineering design and project management services across energy and materials markets including oil and gas, chemicals, mining, minerals, and life sciences.

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Manning & Napier Advisors LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Honda Motor Co., Ltd. (NYSE:HMC  Free Report) during the second quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The institutional investor purchased 167,364 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $5,396,000.

Other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently made changes to their positions in the company. Fisher Asset Management LLC boosted its stake in Honda Motor by 2.7% during the 4th quarter. Fisher Asset Management LLC now owns 9,670,076 shares of the companys stock valued at $298,902,000 after purchasing an additional 258,160 shares during the last quarter. Mondrian Investment Partners LTD lifted its holdings in shares of Honda Motor by 20.9% during the first quarter. Mondrian Investment Partners LTD now owns 5,176,690 shares of the companys stock valued at $191,538,000 after purchasing an additional 896,048 shares in the last quarter. Equity Investment Corp increased its holdings in Honda Motor by 2.6% in the 1st quarter. Equity Investment Corp now owns 2,028,328 shares of the companys stock worth $75,515,000 after buying an additional 50,677 shares in the last quarter. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP increased its holdings in Honda Motor by 9.1% in the 4th quarter. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP now owns 1,692,108 shares of the companys stock worth $52,303,000 after buying an additional 141,552 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Brandes Investment Partners LP raised its position in Honda Motor by 47.1% in the 4th quarter. Brandes Investment Partners LP now owns 522,236 shares of the companys stock worth $16,142,000 after buying an additional 167,120 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors own 5.32% of the companys stock.

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Honda Motor Stock Performance

HMC traded up $0.05 during mid-day trading on Friday, reaching $29.49. 910,141 shares of the company traded hands, compared to its average volume of 961,247. The companys fifty day moving average price is $31.78 and its 200-day moving average price is $33.78. The stock has a market capitalization of $50.45 billion, a P/E ratio of 6.25, a P/E/G ratio of 2.81 and a beta of 0.68. The company has a quick ratio of 1.13, a current ratio of 1.43 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.47. Honda Motor Co., Ltd. has a 52-week low of $27.69 and a 52-week high of $37.90.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

Honda Motor ( NYSE:HMC Get Free Report ) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Friday, May 10th. The company reported $0.99 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.44 by $0.55. The company had revenue of $36.56 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $37.96 billion. Honda Motor had a return on equity of 8.79% and a net margin of 5.46%. On average, sell-side analysts expect that Honda Motor Co., Ltd. will post 4.55 EPS for the current year.

Separately, StockNews.com upgraded shares of Honda Motor from a buy rating to a strong-buy rating in a research note on Thursday, July 11th.

View Our Latest Stock Analysis on Honda Motor

About Honda Motor

(Free Report)

Honda Motor Co, Ltd. develops, manufactures, and distributes motorcycles, automobiles, power, and other products in Japan, North America, Europe, Asia, and internationally. It operates through four segments: Motorcycle Business, Automobile Business, Financial Services Business, and Power Product and Other Businesses.

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McEwen Mining (NYSE:MUX  Get Free Report) (TSE:MUX) announced its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday. The basic materials company reported ($0.26) EPS for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of ($0.22) by ($0.04), Zacks reports. McEwen Mining had a return on equity of 16.46% and a net margin of 44.83%. The firm had revenue of $47.48 million for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $43.90 million. During the same quarter in the prior year, the company earned ($0.46) earnings per share.

McEwen Mining Stock Up 1.8 %

Shares of NYSE MUX traded up $0.15 during trading on Friday, reaching $8.34. 450,261 shares of the stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 700,270. The businesss 50-day moving average price is $9.67 and its 200 day moving average price is $9.42. The company has a market capitalization of $425.09 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of 5.09 and a beta of 1.40. McEwen Mining has a twelve month low of $5.92 and a twelve month high of $12.50. The company has a quick ratio of 0.85, a current ratio of 1.37 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.08.

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Insider Activity at McEwen Mining

In other McEwen Mining news, CFO Perry Ing sold 23,332 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, June 18th. The shares were sold at an average price of $9.76, for a total value of $227,720.32. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief financial officer now directly owns 15,551 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $151,777.76. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is accessible through this link. In related news, General Counsel Carmen L. Diges sold 17,066 shares of McEwen Mining stock in a transaction on Friday, June 21st. The shares were sold at an average price of $9.44, for a total value of $161,103.04. Following the completion of the sale, the general counsel now owns 10,982 shares in the company, valued at $103,670.08. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through this link. Also, CFO Perry Ing sold 23,332 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Tuesday, June 18th. The shares were sold at an average price of $9.76, for a total transaction of $227,720.32. Following the completion of the sale, the chief financial officer now directly owns 15,551 shares in the company, valued at $151,777.76. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. In the last three months, insiders sold 42,901 shares of company stock valued at $413,353. Corporate insiders own 17.11% of the companys stock.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

Several research analysts recently commented on MUX shares. Roth Mkm restated a buy rating and issued a $12.00 price target (up previously from $11.00) on shares of McEwen Mining in a report on Friday, May 10th. StockNews.com cut shares of McEwen Mining from a hold rating to a sell rating in a research report on Thursday, July 11th. Finally, HC Wainwright raised their price objective on McEwen Mining from $13.00 to $15.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Monday, May 13th.

Read Our Latest Analysis on McEwen Mining

McEwen Mining Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

McEwen Mining Inc engages in the exploration, development, production, and sale of gold and silver. It also explores for copper deposits. The company owns 100% interests in the El Gallo and Fenix projects located in Mexico; and the Black Fox Mine and Stock Mill, Grey Fox, and Froome and Tamarack properties in Canada.

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Klein Cain High School is visible Thursday, April 25, 2024 in Klein. Kirk Sides/Staff photographer Former Klein Cain High School teacher and whistleblower in sex trafficking case Desma Darden, addresses media with civil rights attorneys Harry Daniels, attorneys Bernarda Villalona, and civil rights activist Dr. Candice Matthews Ralph Green

A former Klein ISD teacher this week said she is a whistleblower who called attention to an alleged sex trafficking ring at Klein Cain High School, and she believes it's the reason she lost her job.

Desma Darden, flanked Thursday by two civil rights attorneys and Houston community activist Candice Matthews, said she reported her suspicions about another former Klein Cain teacher, Kedria M. Grigsby, to the Harris County Sheriff's Office on Feb. 17, 2023.

Darden said she was fired around a month later. She also said her daughter was one of the students who was a victim of Grisby and her son, Roger Magee, who are accused of recruiting some students to be forced into prostitution and attempting to recruit others.

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Attorneys Harry Daniels and Bernarda Villalona said Darden intends to file legal action against the district but did not provide more specifics.

Klein ISD representatives said in a statement that Darden was fired for poor performance.

"We are aware of the allegations made by a self-proclaimed whistleblower, who is a former employee documented for poor performance," the statement reads. "While we have not seen any lawsuits filed against Klein ISD in connection with this matter, if one is filed, we will respond appropriately in court, not through the media."

Grigsby, who taught cosmetology courses, in April was charged with three counts of trafficking a child and compelling prostitution of juveniles, according to previous Chronicle reports.

Grigsby was accused of assisting Magee, who was arrested in November 2022 and charged with trafficking children and compelling juvenile prostitution.

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HOUSTON ZOO LUGGAGE THEFT: High-end items returned to Florida family after theft from a Tesla parked at the Houston Zoo

Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez said in a post to X that Grigsby is accused of helping recruit three teenage victims, who were students and reported runaways, by offering them a hotel to stay in.

Darden said she asked the district Human Resources department to investigate Grigsby and reported her suspicions to other district staff individually, and nothing was done before Darden was given the option to resign or be terminated.

Grigsby held her job at the school for one year after a coworker reported concerns about prostitution activity, the Chronicle reported previously.

I refuse to let another child walk into this building with the fear of the unknown if this situation is resolved or not," Darden said Thursday.

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Klein ISD said in a statement in April that the Harris County Sheriff's Office had told the district that Grigsby was not a suspect in the case. The sheriff's office said it has no record of the conversation, the Chronicle reported.

My daughter is one of the complaining witnesses and victims, said Darden She came in contact with Grigsby through her son Roger Magee, aka Rico. They were dating initially at one point and my daughter was under the impression that they were a couple."

"The actions of former employee Kedria Grigsby are appalling and unacceptable," Klein ISD representatives said in this week's statement. "We remain committed to removing bad actors and fully cooperating with law enforcement."

Darden said that her daughter is now doing better. "Ive told her you are a survivor, you have gone through the hardest part of this"

Matthews said she's concerned not only as an activist but a parent in the district.

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We do not send our kids to Klein ISD for them not to be safe," she said. "We do not send out kids to Klein ISD to be subject to human trafficking.
OLD National Bancorp IN lessened its stake in Consolidated Edison, Inc. (NYSE:ED  Free Report) by 34.4% during the second quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The fund owned 5,623 shares of the utilities providers stock after selling 2,950 shares during the quarter. OLD National Bancorp INs holdings in Consolidated Edison were worth $503,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

A number of other hedge funds also recently made changes to their positions in the stock. Csenge Advisory Group acquired a new position in shares of Consolidated Edison in the 2nd quarter valued at $204,000. Simplicity Wealth LLC lifted its holdings in shares of Consolidated Edison by 6.5% during the 2nd quarter. Simplicity Wealth LLC now owns 13,586 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $1,215,000 after acquiring an additional 827 shares in the last quarter. AMF Tjanstepension AB lifted its holdings in shares of Consolidated Edison by 243.2% during the 2nd quarter. AMF Tjanstepension AB now owns 497,982 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $44,564,000 after acquiring an additional 352,903 shares in the last quarter. Trust Co. of Vermont lifted its holdings in shares of Consolidated Edison by 17.3% during the 2nd quarter. Trust Co. of Vermont now owns 7,734 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $692,000 after acquiring an additional 1,138 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Rise Advisors LLC lifted its holdings in shares of Consolidated Edison by 5.9% during the 2nd quarter. Rise Advisors LLC now owns 3,249 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $291,000 after acquiring an additional 182 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 66.29% of the companys stock.

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Consolidated Edison Stock Up 0.5 %

Shares of ED traded up $0.52 during midday trading on Friday, hitting $101.02. The company had a trading volume of 1,512,920 shares, compared to its average volume of 1,891,968. The companys 50 day moving average price is $93.12 and its 200 day moving average price is $91.81. The stock has a market cap of $34.94 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 19.39, a PEG ratio of 2.56 and a beta of 0.34. Consolidated Edison, Inc. has a 52 week low of $80.46 and a 52 week high of $105.99. The company has a quick ratio of 0.92, a current ratio of 0.99 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.01.

Consolidated Edison Dividend Announcement

Consolidated Edison ( NYSE:ED Get Free Report ) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, August 1st. The utilities provider reported $0.59 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.57 by $0.02. Consolidated Edison had a net margin of 12.03% and a return on equity of 8.70%. The business had revenue of $3.22 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $3.08 billion. During the same quarter in the prior year, the firm earned $0.61 EPS. On average, equities research analysts predict that Consolidated Edison, Inc. will post 5.31 EPS for the current year.

The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, September 16th. Investors of record on Wednesday, August 14th will be given a dividend of $0.83 per share. This represents a $3.32 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 3.29%. The ex-dividend date is Wednesday, August 14th. Consolidated Edisons dividend payout ratio is presently 63.72%.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

Several equities analysts recently weighed in on ED shares. Guggenheim lifted their target price on shares of Consolidated Edison from $88.00 to $91.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a report on Friday, August 2nd. Barclays lifted their target price on shares of Consolidated Edison from $92.00 to $98.00 and gave the company an underweight rating in a report on Monday, August 5th. Mizuho lifted their target price on shares of Consolidated Edison from $93.00 to $95.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a report on Tuesday, May 28th. Scotiabank cut their price objective on shares of Consolidated Edison from $91.00 to $85.00 and set a sector underperform rating on the stock in a report on Monday, April 22nd. Finally, UBS Group boosted their price objective on shares of Consolidated Edison from $92.00 to $96.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a report on Friday, July 19th. Four equities research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, eight have given a hold rating, one has issued a buy rating and one has given a strong buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat, Consolidated Edison has a consensus rating of Hold and an average target price of $91.81.

View Our Latest Research Report on ED

Consolidated Edison Profile

(Free Report)

Consolidated Edison, Inc, through its subsidiaries, engages in the regulated electric, gas, and steam delivery businesses in the United States. It offers electric services to approximately 3.7 million customers in New York City and Westchester County; gas to approximately 1.1 million customers in Manhattan, the Bronx, parts of Queens, and Westchester County; and steam to approximately 1,530 customers in parts of Manhattan.

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OTC Markets Group (OTCMKTS:OTCM  Get Free Report) posted its earnings results on Wednesday. The financial services provider reported $0.56 EPS for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $0.66 by ($0.10), Zacks reports. OTC Markets Group had a return on equity of 73.70% and a net margin of 24.95%. The company had revenue of $27.56 million during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $28.06 million.

OTC Markets Group Price Performance

OTCMKTS OTCM traded down $1.03 during trading hours on Friday, reaching $46.97. 6,665 shares of the companys stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 4,604. OTC Markets Group has a 52-week low of $46.75 and a 52-week high of $62.00. The firm has a market cap of $562.28 million, a PE ratio of 20.88, a PEG ratio of 2.14 and a beta of 0.54. The firm has a 50-day simple moving average of $49.22 and a 200 day simple moving average of $52.82.

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OTC Markets Group Announces Dividend

The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, September 19th. Investors of record on Thursday, September 5th will be given a dividend of $0.18 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, September 5th. This represents a $0.72 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 1.53%. OTC Markets Groups dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 32.00%.

OTC Markets Group Company Profile

OTC Markets Group Inc operates regulated markets for trading 12,000 U.S. and international securities. Its data-driven disclosure standards form the foundation of its three public markets: OTCQX Best Market, OTCQB Venture Market, and Pink Open Market. The company's OTC Link Alternative Trading Systems (ATSs) provide critical market infrastructure that broker-dealers rely on to facilitate trading.

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Royal Bank of Canada reissued their underperform rating on shares of Palantir Technologies (NYSE:PLTR  Free Report) in a research report report published on Tuesday, Benzinga reports. Royal Bank of Canada currently has a $9.00 target price on the stock.

Several other equities analysts have also recently commented on the stock. Monness Crespi & Hardt decreased their price target on shares of Palantir Technologies from $20.00 to $18.00 and set a sell rating for the company in a research report on Tuesday. HSBC boosted their target price on Palantir Technologies from $22.00 to $23.00 and gave the stock a hold rating in a research note on Tuesday, May 7th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft increased their price target on Palantir Technologies from $20.00 to $21.00 and gave the company a sell rating in a research report on Tuesday. Mizuho downgraded Palantir Technologies from a neutral rating to an underperform rating and boosted their price objective for the stock from $21.00 to $22.00 in a research report on Tuesday, July 16th. Finally, Wedbush reaffirmed an outperform rating and issued a $35.00 target price on shares of Palantir Technologies in a report on Friday, August 2nd. Six equities research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, five have given a hold rating and four have issued a buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock has an average rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $23.14.

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Read Our Latest Stock Analysis on PLTR

Palantir Technologies Stock Performance

Shares of PLTR traded up $0.73 during midday trading on Tuesday, hitting $30.01. 88,131,106 shares of the stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 48,413,612. Palantir Technologies has a 52-week low of $13.68 and a 52-week high of $30.36. The stock has a fifty day simple moving average of $25.97 and a 200 day simple moving average of $23.60. The firm has a market cap of $66.83 billion, a P/E ratio of 250.10, a P/E/G ratio of 6.14 and a beta of 2.71.

Palantir Technologies (NYSE:PLTR  Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Monday, August 5th. The company reported $0.09 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.08 by $0.01. The company had revenue of $678.13 million during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $653.23 million. Palantir Technologies had a return on equity of 9.24% and a net margin of 16.32%. Palantir Technologiess revenue for the quarter was up 27.2% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period last year, the business posted $0.01 EPS. As a group, equities research analysts forecast that Palantir Technologies will post 0.16 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Insider Transactions at Palantir Technologies

In related news, insider Heather A. Planishek sold 10,907 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Monday, May 20th. The shares were sold at an average price of $21.43, for a total value of $233,737.01. Following the completion of the sale, the insider now owns 651,099 shares in the company, valued at $13,953,051.57. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available through the SEC website. In other news, Director Lauren Elaina Friedman Stat sold 2,000 shares of Palantir Technologies stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, July 15th. The shares were sold at an average price of $28.97, for a total transaction of $57,940.00. Following the completion of the sale, the director now directly owns 69,039 shares in the company, valued at approximately $2,000,059.83. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available through this hyperlink. Also, insider Heather A. Planishek sold 10,907 shares of Palantir Technologies stock in a transaction on Monday, May 20th. The stock was sold at an average price of $21.43, for a total value of $233,737.01. Following the transaction, the insider now directly owns 651,099 shares of the companys stock, valued at $13,953,051.57. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders have sold a total of 164,396 shares of company stock worth $4,389,707 over the last ninety days. 12.93% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

A number of hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in PLTR. Vanguard Group Inc. grew its position in shares of Palantir Technologies by 1.6% in the first quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 196,834,580 shares of the companys stock valued at $4,529,164,000 after purchasing an additional 3,029,317 shares during the last quarter. Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Holdings Inc. grew its position in shares of Palantir Technologies by 15.7% in the first quarter. Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Holdings Inc. now owns 14,571,224 shares of the companys stock valued at $335,284,000 after purchasing an additional 1,980,495 shares during the period. ARK Investment Management LLC increased its stake in Palantir Technologies by 2.2% in the second quarter. ARK Investment Management LLC now owns 13,023,099 shares of the companys stock valued at $329,875,000 after purchasing an additional 277,623 shares during the last quarter. Nikko Asset Management Americas Inc. lifted its position in Palantir Technologies by 19.2% during the first quarter. Nikko Asset Management Americas Inc. now owns 9,829,631 shares of the companys stock worth $226,180,000 after buying an additional 1,580,548 shares during the period. Finally, Bank of New York Mellon Corp boosted its stake in Palantir Technologies by 4.2% in the 2nd quarter. Bank of New York Mellon Corp now owns 7,326,275 shares of the companys stock worth $185,575,000 after buying an additional 292,885 shares during the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 45.65% of the companys stock.

About Palantir Technologies

(Get Free Report)

Palantir Technologies Inc builds and deploys software platforms for the intelligence community to assist in counterterrorism investigations and operations in the United States, the United Kingdom, and internationally. The company provides Palantir Gotham, a software platform which enables users to identify patterns hidden deep within datasets, ranging from signals intelligence sources to reports from confidential informants, as well as facilitates the handoff between analysts and operational users, helping operators plan and execute real-world responses to threats that have been identified within the platform.

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Rolls-Royce Holdings plc (LON:RR  Free Report) had its price target hoisted by JPMorgan Chase & Co. from GBX 475 ($6.07) to GBX 535 ($6.84) in a research report sent to investors on Tuesday morning, Digital Look reports. The brokerage currently has an overweight rating on the stock.

A number of other research firms have also recently issued reports on RR. Jefferies Financial Group reiterated a buy rating and issued a GBX 580 ($7.41) target price on shares of Rolls-Royce Holdings plc in a research note on Monday, June 24th. Shore Capital reiterated a buy rating on shares of Rolls-Royce Holdings plc in a research report on Thursday, May 23rd. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating and four have assigned a buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of GBX 416.25 ($5.32).

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View Our Latest Analysis on RR

Rolls-Royce Holdings plc Trading Up 3.5 %

Insider Buying and Selling at Rolls-Royce Holdings plc

Shares of LON RR traded up GBX 16.50 ($0.21) during mid-day trading on Tuesday, hitting GBX 485 ($6.20). The company had a trading volume of 11,100,308 shares. The firm has a market cap of 40.84 billion, a PE ratio of 1,644.14, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.52 and a beta of 1.77. The firms 50 day simple moving average is GBX 457.37 and its 200 day simple moving average is GBX 410.71.

In other Rolls-Royce Holdings plc news, insider Birgit Behrendt bought 241 shares of the stock in a transaction on Monday, July 8th. The shares were purchased at an average cost of GBX 455 ($5.81) per share, with a total value of 1,096.55 ($1,401.34). In other news, insider Helen McCabe acquired 2,838 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, May 28th. The stock was acquired at an average cost of GBX 445 ($5.69) per share, with a total value of 12,629.10 ($16,139.42). Also, insider Birgit Behrendt bought 241 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, July 8th. The stock was purchased at an average price of GBX 455 ($5.81) per share, for a total transaction of 1,096.55 ($1,401.34). Insiders acquired 3,112 shares of company stock worth $1,387,547 over the last ninety days. 0.04% of the stock is currently owned by insiders.

Rolls-Royce Holdings plc Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Rolls-Royce Holdings plc develops and delivers complex power and propulsion solutions for air, sea, and land in the United Kingdom and internationally. The company operates through four segments: Civil Aerospace, Defence, Power Systems, and New Markets. The Civil Aerospace segment develops, manufactures, markets, and sells aero engines for large commercial aircraft, regional jet, and business aviation markets, as well as provides aftermarket services.

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Verano Holdings Corp. (OTCMKTS:VRNOF  Free Report)  Analysts at Alliance Global Partners issued their Q1 2025 earnings estimates for Verano in a report issued on Wednesday, August 7th. Alliance Global Partners analyst A. Grey expects that the company will post earnings of ($0.04) per share for the quarter. The consensus estimate for Veranos current full-year earnings is ($0.15) per share. Alliance Global Partners also issued estimates for Veranos Q2 2025 earnings at ($0.03) EPS.

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Verano (OTCMKTS:VRNOF  Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Wednesday, May 8th. The company reported ($0.01) earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of ($0.08) by $0.07. The business had revenue of $221.31 million for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $215.71 million. Verano had a negative net margin of 12.11% and a negative return on equity of 4.28%.

Several other research firms have also issued reports on VRNOF. Needham & Company LLC restated a buy rating and issued a $7.00 target price on shares of Verano in a report on Wednesday, May 8th. Ventum Cap Mkts upgraded shares of Verano to a strong-buy rating in a report on Tuesday, July 30th.

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Verano Trading Up 3.6 %

VRNOF stock traded up $0.13 during midday trading on Thursday, hitting $3.75. The stock had a trading volume of 151,192 shares, compared to its average volume of 432,873. The firm has a market cap of $1.30 billion, a P/E ratio of -11.72 and a beta of 1.24. The company has a current ratio of 1.01, a quick ratio of 0.61 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.39. Verano has a 1-year low of $2.53 and a 1-year high of $7.08. The business has a fifty day moving average price of $3.71 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $4.81.

Verano Company Profile

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Verano Holdings Corp. operates as a vertically integrated multi-state cannabis operator in the United States. The company engages in the cultivation, processing, wholesale, and retail distribution of cannabis in Arizona, Arkansas, Connecticut, Florida, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Nevada, New Jersey, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia.

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Three people were rescued from the rising waters of the South Fork of the Edisto River on Friday, Bamberg County Public Information Officer Alisha Moore said. One of the individuals was elderly and in a wheelchair.

Two pets were also rescued.

The water was about knee high during the rescues.

The S.C. Department of Natural Resources, Bamberg County and Hunters Chapel Fire Department conducted the rescues.

Heavy rains from Tropical Storm Debby caused river levels to rise and overflow their banks. Bamberg County officials believe the river levels will continue to rise because more rain is forecast for this weekend.

Residents along Embree Road all the way to the Colleton County line are the most impacted at the moment.
Bahrain-based Ebdaa Microfinance has commended the kingdom's Labour Market Regulatory Authority and the Central Bank of Bahrain and the private sector for its key initiative that will see the duo issue International Bank Account Numbers (Iban) for all expats arriving into the kingdom.

Under the key initiative, which began early this month, the Ibans are being given to these workers at the Bahrain International Airport itself.

This will enable more individuals to access valuable and sustainable financial services, facilitating easier salary payments, fund transfers, and various financial transactions.

Additionally, expatriates will benefit from a wide range of banking services, including deposits, loans, and bank cards.

Ebdaa Microfinance Company CEO Dr Khaled Al Ghazzawi, while emphasising the significance of the new LMRA initiative, said it will significantly enhance financial inclusion in the kingdom by increasing the number of expatriates with bank accounts.

"We are set to integrate thousands of new bank accounts into Bahrain's financial system. This will have a positive impact not only on the account holders but also on the Bahraini banking sector as a whole. It will increase efficiency and transparency, reduce cash circulation, and accelerate digital transformation efforts in financial and banking services," stated Dr Al Ghazzawi.

"Drawing from our experience in Ebdaa Company, we underscore the importance of financial inclusion in reaching underserved segments, such as women and youth, who are often overlooked by traditional banks and financial institutions," he noted.

Dr Al Ghazzawi pointed out that by providing innovative and sustainable financial services and loans, Ebdaa empowers these groups to start their own businesses, thereby increasing their income, improving their standard of living, and creating new job opportunities for their family members.

This, in turn, enhances community quality of life, boosts economic growth, and contributes to the achievement of sustainable economic development goals, he added.-TradeArabia News Service
Paul Looney speaks to the media announcing that his firm will be representing former Uvalde Consolidated Independent School District Police Chief Pete Arredondo during a news conference on Friday, Aug. 9, 2024 in Houston. Looney discussed issues with the Uvalde school shooting at Robb Elementary that resulted in criminal charges filed against the former law enforcement officer. Arredondo was indicted June 28 on 10 state jail felony counts of abandoning or endangering a child in the May 24, 2022, attack that killed 19 children and two teachers. Brett Coomer/Staff photographer

The former police chief for Uvalde Consolidated Independent School District was unfairly blamed for the 2022 shooting that killed 19 students and two teachers, his lawyer said Friday in Houston.

Pete Arredondo was indicted in late June on 10 counts of child endangerment and abandonment. While a pre-trial hearing is schedule for September, the case isn't expected to go before a jury until at least 2025. But his lawyer, Houston-based defense attorney Paul Looney, said in a Friday news conference that procedure, not Arredondo, was to blame for the events that lead to one of the worst mass shootings in U.S. history.

Clay Conrad, from left, Paul Looney, Wade Smith and Matthew Hefti, hold a news conference, their firm will be representing former Uvalde Consolidated Independent School District Police Chief Pete Arredondo, on Friday, Aug. 9, 2024 in Houston. Looney discussed issues with the Uvalde school shooting at Robb Elementary that resulted in criminal charges filed against the former law enforcement officer. Arredondo was indicted June 28 on 10 state jail felony counts of abandoning or endangering a child in the May 24, 2022, attack that killed 19 children and two teachers. Brett Coomer/Staff photographer Paul Looney speaks to the media announcing that his firm will be representing former Uvalde Consolidated Independent School District Police Chief Pete Arredondo during a news conference on Friday, Aug. 9, 2024 in Houston. Looney discussed issues with the Uvalde school shooting at Robb Elementary that resulted in criminal charges filed against the former law enforcement officer. Arredondo was indicted June 28 on 10 state jail felony counts of abandoning or endangering a child in the May 24, 2022, attack that killed 19 children and two teachers. Brett Coomer/Staff photographer Former Uvalde CISD Police Chief Pete Arredondo hugs a woman after the vigil held in remembrance of the 21 people, including 19 children, who were killed at the Robb Elementary School mass shooting, Wednesday, May 25, 2022, at the Uvalde County Fairplex in Uvalde, Texas. Godofredo A. Vasquez/Staff photographer Paul Looney speaks to the media announcing that his firm will be representing former Uvalde Consolidated Independent School District Police Chief Pete Arredondo during a news conference on Friday, Aug. 9, 2024 in Houston. Looney discussed issues with the Uvalde school shooting at Robb Elementary that resulted in criminal charges filed against the former law enforcement officer. Arredondo was indicted June 28 on 10 state jail felony counts of abandoning or endangering a child in the May 24, 2022, attack that killed 19 children and two teachers. Brett Coomer/Staff photographer Paul Looney speaks to the media announcing that his firm will be representing former Uvalde Consolidated Independent School District Police Chief Pete Arredondo during a news conference on Friday, Aug. 9, 2024 in Houston. Looney discussed issues with the Uvalde school shooting at Robb Elementary that resulted in criminal charges filed against the former law enforcement officer. Arredondo was indicted June 28 on 10 state jail felony counts of abandoning or endangering a child in the May 24, 2022, attack that killed 19 children and two teachers. Brett Coomer/Staff photographer Paul Looney speaks to the media announcing that his firm will be representing former Uvalde Consolidated Independent School District Police Chief Pete Arredondo during a news conference on Friday, Aug. 9, 2024 in Houston. Looney discussed issues with the Uvalde school shooting at Robb Elementary that resulted in criminal charges filed against the former law enforcement officer. Arredondo was indicted June 28 on 10 state jail felony counts of abandoning or endangering a child in the May 24, 2022, attack that killed 19 children and two teachers. Brett Coomer/Staff photographer Paul Looney speaks to the media announcing that his firm will be representing former Uvalde Consolidated Independent School District Police Chief Pete Arredondo during a news conference on Friday, Aug. 9, 2024 in Houston. Looney discussed issues with the Uvalde school shooting at Robb Elementary that resulted in criminal charges filed against the former law enforcement officer. Arredondo was indicted June 28 on 10 state jail felony counts of abandoning or endangering a child in the May 24, 2022, attack that killed 19 children and two teachers. Brett Coomer/Staff photographer Paul Looney speaks to the media announcing that his firm will be representing former Uvalde Consolidated Independent School District Police Chief Pete Arredondo during a news conference on Friday, Aug. 9, 2024 in Houston. Looney discussed issues with the Uvalde school shooting at Robb Elementary that resulted in criminal charges filed against the former law enforcement officer. Arredondo was indicted June 28 on 10 state jail felony counts of abandoning or endangering a child in the May 24, 2022, attack that killed 19 children and two teachers. Brett Coomer/Staff photographer Paul Looney, left, speaks to the media, announcing that his firm will be representing former Uvalde Consolidated Independent School District Police Chief Pete Arredondo, during a news conference on Friday, Aug. 9, 2024 in Houston. Looney discussed issues with the Uvalde school shooting at Robb Elementary that resulted in criminal charges filed against the former law enforcement officer. Arredondo was indicted June 28 on 10 state jail felony counts of abandoning or endangering a child in the May 24, 2022, attack that killed 19 children and two teachers. Brett Coomer/Staff photographer Paul Looney, left, speaks to the media, announcing that his firm will be representing former Uvalde Consolidated Independent School District Police Chief Pete Arredondo, during a news conference on Friday, Aug. 9, 2024 in Houston. Looney discussed issues with the Uvalde school shooting at Robb Elementary that resulted in criminal charges filed against the former law enforcement officer. Arredondo was indicted June 28 on 10 state jail felony counts of abandoning or endangering a child in the May 24, 2022, attack that killed 19 children and two teachers. Brett Coomer/Staff photographer

The situation has to be studied. It has to be worked with, and we have to get a handle on how to do these things, Looney said. This has to be better developed in terms of protocols. ... Apparently, there wasn't enough training in this stuff, because it didn't happen as second nature.

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ACTOR SPEAKS OUT: Matthew McConaughey not letting Uvalde fade from political radar

The 2022 Robb Elementary School shooting sparked national outrage after reports emerged that officers waited more than 70 minutes to enter the building and kill the shooter.

While Looney defended Arredondo, who he said recently took a job in food service to make ends meet, the families of those killed in the massacre are less forgiving. The sister of one of the teachers killed told the AP in late June that she wants criminal charges brought against all the officers present that day.

I want every single person who was in the hallway charged for failure to protect the most innocent, Velma Duran said. My sister put her body in front of those children to protect them, something they could have done. They had the means and the tools to do it. My sister had her body.

A key factor in Arredondos defense is the distinction between a first responder and an incident commander. As one of the first to arrive on the scene, Looney claimed, Arredondos role was to assist officers immediately responding to the shooter as opposed to setting up a command post and taking charge of the situation.

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Shortly after the shooting, reports emerged that blamed authorities' slow response on a lack of clear leadership. Without someone running the show, the almost 400 officers who had arrived as reinforcements from local, state and federal departments were left without direction.

If the chief of police happens to be the person that stumbles into a 7-Eleven during a robbery, he's not a police chief at that time, he's a police officer, Looney said. And if there's something to be decided or done, it has to be decided or done by somebody who's on the outside.

All officers, regardless of rank, receive training on how to establish a command post, Looney said. The only document that explicitly states Arredondo should have taken command is the UCISD school shooter policy, according to Looney. Even then, he said, there are a host of exceptions not included in the policy but everybody knows them.

Looney also claimed Arredondo was not aware there were children in the room with the shooter until some time after he arrived. His first priority, Looney said, was ensuring the building was clear of other students to avoid any being hit in the crossfire.

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He did everything that he could with the information he had to save as many lives as he could save, and potentially saved dozens of children by getting them out of the crossfire. Looney said. Sometime later, many minutes later, he decided that there were probably children in the room, but he wasn't finished clearing the other rooms.

Earlier this week, the former UCISD police chief broke his two-year silence in an interview with CNN.
Korean group SGC Engineering & Construction (E&C) said it has been awarded a construction contract worth 260 billion won ($189 million) for a petrochemical facility project located in Saudi Arabia.

A specialist in provision of design, procurement and construction (EPC) services, SGC Engineering & Construction said the scope of work includes construction of an ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) production facility.

According to SGC E&C, the project was awarded by Saudi International Petrochemical Company (Sipchem). Since starting operations in Saudi Arabia in 2010, the Korean group has collaborated with Sipchem on four projects.

This year, SGC E&Cs new orders in Saudi Arabia amount to 1.2 trillion won ($870 million), it added.-TradeArabia News Service
Turner & Townsend, a leading global construction consultancy, has reported double-digit growth across all its three core segments  real estate, infrastructure, and energy and natural resources - for the 12 months to April 30, 2024 with its global turnover surging 25% to 1.5 billion ($1.9 billion) and its net revenue up 18% in the Middle East.

In its annual review for 2023-2024, the global professional services company said its net revenue for the period has risen to 1.3 billion ($1.6 billion) up 22% over last year, while is global ebita, showing core profitability, grew by 21% to 192 million ($242 million).

In the Middle East, the firm reported a net revenue of 124 million ($156 million), up by 18% on the year. This buoyant growth has been supported by the demand for expertise in complex major programmes as state-backed giga-projects progress across the region to encourage economic diversification.

The high rate of investment and development in sectors such as tourism, hospitality, and travel, as well as the infrastructure to support these schemes, is also spurring business growth, stated Turner & Townsend in the review.

Reflecting the strength of opportunities across real estate and infrastructure, as well as in building and expanding the energy networks to support them, the business headcount in the Middle East has increased by 20% in the year, it added.

The results follow the announcement in July that CBREs global project management arm plans to combine with Turner & Townsend, to create an unrivalled programme, project and cost management offer which will have over 20,000 employees in over 60 countries.

The deal builds on the success of the strategic partnership established with CBRE in 2021, and is expected to complete around calendar year-end.

Real estate remains the largest area of Turner & Townsends business operations globally. This segment grew by 25% over the past year to 851 million ($1.07 billion), fuelled by demand in specialist markets including data centre development, and demand for tall buildings such as Londons 50-storey 8 Bishopsgate, which completed in summer 2023.

As global regions reshore and strengthen their industrial capacity, there has been an increase in advanced manufacturing and life sciences investment, including the Project Banksia flu vaccine production facility in Victoria, Australia, and a number of multi-billion pound battery programmes underway across the world.

Infrastructure work at Turner & Townsend has grown by 13% to 350 million ($440 million), with notable expansion in aviation mass transit and defence.

Nations around the world with increasing populations are pushing to improve regional connectivity, public transport provision and overall capacity in air travel, with the company this year supporting the delivery of Zayed International Airport in Abu Dhabi, Manchester Airport in the UK, and Toronto Pearson Airport in Canada.

A global push to meet net-zero targets and strengthen energy security has continued to drive strong investment in renewable energy, helping Turner & Townsends energy and natural resources work grow by 24% to 95 million ($120 million). This included major energy transmission improvement projects with TenneT across Asia and Europe.

The year saw increased activity across all global regions, with the most significant growth in the Americas and Europe where net revenue increased by 31% and 30%. UK revenue grew by 20%, with the rises across Asia, the Middle East and Australia and New Zealand also in double figures.

Overall headcount for the global business rose by 15% in the year, to more than 12,300, stated Turner & Townsend in its review.

Organic growth has been supported by Turner & Townsends strategic acquisitions and partnerships across the UK, Europe and North America.

This includes the first full trading year with public sector project and programme management specialists Heery, the announcement of the strategic partnership with offshore wind procurement and contract management experts, Jumbo Consulting Group, and the acquisition of boutique operating model modernisation specialists, On The Mark (OTM).

Chairman and CEO Vincent Clancy said: "In the face of an ever more complex and connected world, success in our industry will be built on businesses ability to evolve and reinvent themselves to deliver impactful solutions for clients."

"These excellent figures demonstrate our ability to build strong client partnerships while investing in our people and our global capacity. Our scale and reach make us more resilient to market volatility and, crucially, ensure that we are best-placed to anticipate and adapt to clients priorities and needs, offering solutions to their challenges wherever they are in the world," he noted.

Clancy pointed out that the company had created an unrivalled programme, project and cost management capability globally, and its recent acquisitions, as well as the plan to combine CBREs project management with Turner & Townsend, only enhances the specialist skills and creative solutions its business can offer.

"Going forward we will have more strength than ever before to make a positive impact for the future  investing in our proposition, technology platforms and talent that our clients around the world can trust and rely on," he stated.

Alan Talabani, Managing Director, Middle East, said: "Our Middle East business has continued to see significant growth this year, with revenue up by 18%. Across the region were seeing major investment to diversify the regional economy  from growth in hospitality and aviation to data centres and intercity rail."

"Decarbonisation remains a priority to generate the power needed to build and serve our growing communities and economies, while mitigating the impacts of climate change," noted Talabani.

"The complexity of these programmes plays to our teams strengths. Looking ahead we will continue to focus on bringing together our fantastic local talent with our global experience and lessons from wider markets to help deliver the regions huge development ambitions," he added.-TradeArabia News Service
Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources, has opened the bidding for seven new mining exploration licenses, covering an area of approximately 1,000 sq km, reported SPA.

These exploration sites are rich in valuable minerals and have big deposits of gold, silver, lead, and zinc.

The move is part of the ministry's Accelerated Exploration Program initiative, which aims to expedite the exploration and development of the kingdom's estimated SAR9.3 trillion ($2.47 trillion) worth of mineral resources, in line with the Saudi Vision 2030 objective of making the mining sector the third pillar of the national industry.

According to the Ministry, the seven sites for which it will grant exploration licenses contain a variety of precious and base metals; among them are Umm Qasir, in the Riyadh region, with gold, silver, lead, and zinc deposits spread over 20 sq km and Jabal Sabha, in Riyadh, with silver, lead, zinc, and cobalt reserves spread over 171 sq km.

In Aseer, Wadi Ad Dawsh contains gold, silver, and copper deposits in an area of 157.7 sq km. Shaib Marqan in Riyadh spans 92 sq km and holds gold, silver, and copper.

Wadi Al Junah in Aseer extends over 425.37 sq km and is a source of copper, silver, zinc and gold.

Hazm Shubat, also in Aseer, covers 93.47 sq km and contains gold, while Huwaymidan in Makkah, encompasses 34 sq km and contains gold.

The Ministry has set early September as the final deadline for submitting proposals for the exploration license bids.

A transparent and fair evaluation process will assess factors such as work programs, technical capabilities, social impact plans, and innovative initiatives, with 70% weight on technical aspects and 30% on community contributions, said the SPA report.

To support exploration, the Ministry has introduced new incentives, in collaboration with the Saudi Investment Ministry, including up to SAR7.5 million in funding for companies having exploration licences less than five years old, in addition to the existing mining investment incentives like 100% foreign ownership and up to 75% capital expenditure financing, it added.
Damac Capital, the investment arm of leading Dubai developer Damac Group, has announced strong return on investment (ROI) for its strategic investments in SpaceX and Stripe.

These investments underscore Damac Capital's continued commitment to pioneering advancements in technology and innovation at a global scale, propelling its portfolio into sectors with significant growth potential.

The Dubai group has been active in the space tech industry since the Covid-19 pandemic period.

SpaceX founded by Elon Musk, is at the forefront of space exploration and technology, revolutionising space travel and connectivity.

Meanwhile the Group welcomed a positive ROI on Stripe within a year into its the investment. A leading online payment processing platform, Stripe enables businesses worldwide to conduct seamless online transactions.

These investments follow the Groups recent announcement of investing in the rapidly evolving Artificial Intelligence (AI) sector. Notable prior investments include $50 million in the AI startup Anthropic, making it one of the top investors from the cryptocurrency exchange, FTX.

Additionally, the Group has invested in xAI, an American AI startup founded by Elon Musk, and Mistral, a France-based AI company recognised for its European large-language model open-source capabilities.

Since 2015, over $47 billion of private capital has been invested in the global space sector, growing on average 21% per year. The space economy is expected to reach $1.8 trillion by 2035 as space-enabled technologies advance.

A new report from the World Economic Forum, "Space: The $1.8 Trillion Opportunity for Global Economic Growth," developed in collaboration with McKinsey & Company, outlines key developments that will shape space and adjacent industries throughout the next decade.

Damac Group Founder Hussain Sajwani said: "Our investments in SpaceX and Stripe signify a strategic alignment with companies that are at the cutting edge of technological advancement and innovation. These investments are a testament to Damac Capital's commitment to diversifying our portfolio and in supporting enterprises that have the potential to create transformative impacts on a global scale."

Damac Capital's investment in SpaceX aligns with its vision to support groundbreaking ventures that redefine industries, said Sajwani.

With projects like Starship and Starlink, SpaceX aims to make space more accessible and improve global internet coverage, directly contributing to technological advancements and economic development.

Damac Capital's investment in Stripe reflects its strategic focus on fintech innovations that transform financial services. By investing in Stripe, Damac Capital supports the acceleration of digital commerce and financial inclusion, fostering a more connected and efficient global economy, he stated.

Damac Capital's investment strategies are driven by a vision to identify and support high-growth companies that are poised to lead in their respective industries ultimately contributing to a more dynamic and progressive global economy, he added.-TradeArabia News Service
Travellers from the Middle East have been invited to make the most of Californias wetter-than-normal winter, when adventure seekers and nature lovers can raft rivers, hike to waterfalls, row on lakes, and catch fish.

Visit California, a non-profit organisation with a mission to develop the state into a premier tourism destination, has drawn up a list of water activities for travellers:

Waterfalls

As melting snow and rain release more water into rivers and creeks, Californias waterfalls swell and offer a spectacular experience. Summer is a great time to visit Yosemite Valleys misty marvelsYosemite Falls, Vernal Fall, Nevada Fall, and more  plus the national parks lesser-known waterfalls like Chilnualna Falls near Wawona and Wapama Falls at Hetch Hetchy.

Other bucket-list waterfalls in the Sierra Nevada Mountains include Roaring River Falls in Kings Canyon National Park, Angel Falls in Sierra National Forest near Bass Lake, and Rainbow Falls in Devils Postpile National Monument.

Farther north, Reddings Whiskeytown Falls, Lake Shastas Potem Falls, and the trio of falls on the McCloud River can become mighty given the right conditions.

Southern Californias cataracts are also known for being capable of putting on a big show. East of Los Angeles, Millard Canyon Falls, Eaton Canyon Falls, and Switzer Falls are the main attractions.

Near Big Bear Lake, Big Falls is often fed by deep snow melting off Mount San Gorgonio. San Diego County has its share of cascades as well. Reserve a permit to visit 80-foot Cedar Creek Falls near Ramona, or take an easy trek to Green Valley Falls in Cuyamaca Rancho State Park.

Heavy snow seasons also mean temporary closures of roads or trails, so Visit California is advising visitors to check before heading out.

Canoe Tours

Crafted from giant redwood logs, canoes have played a key role in the cultural lives of the Yurok people. In fact, theres no better way to appreciate traditional Yurok culture in Del Norte County then to head out on the Klamath River, located about 60 miles north of Eureka, on one of the tribes guided Redwood Yurok Canoe Tours.

Billed as the worlds only redwood canoe tours, these two- or four-hour journeys take you up the Klamath and into the world of the Yurok, while experienced guides present accounts of tribal culture and the fragile river and forest ecosystem.

Only about 10 of these beautiful and stable watercrafts, which are made by hollowing out and shaping logs to create canoes up to 20 feet long, currently exist. They are a source of great pride for the Yurok  even the paddles are handcrafted, a statement said.

For a very different (and much faster) experience, 45-mile round-trip Klamath River Jet Boat Tours power their way upstream, with stops along the way to photograph the scenery and, with a little luck, such wildlife as bears, bald eagles, and ospreys.

The trips take two hours, or you can opt for hour-long outings that explore the Klamath River estuary.

A Lake Vacation

The states reservoirs are stocked with rental boats and other watercraft  from stand-up paddleboards to Waverunners.

California lake vacation can be planned to suit individual preferences. In Northern California, visitors can water-ski across Clear Lake; sleep on a houseboat at Shasta Lake; join a cocktail cruise on Lake Tahoe; rent a lakefront cabin at Bass Lake near Fresno; wakeboard or ski on the slalom course at Lake Nacimiento in San Luis Obispo County; cruise around in a pedal boat at San Diegos Lake Murray; take a road-trip from Los Angeles to rev up the speed on Lake Elsinore; or paddle a kayak on Big Bear Lake.

A Week of Waves

Club Ed surf school in Santa Cruzs master instructors host campers of all ages at nearby Manresa State Beach. It also offers a week of waves, when guests can camp in tents overlooking the Monterey Bay Sanctuary and enjoy healthy meals, a professional massage, visit the boardwalk, and more.For a shorter stint, sign up for a single two-hour lesson at the famous Cowells Beach break.

Where to Catch Fish

Rene Henery, an aquatic ecologist with Trout Unlimited, says Californias water wealth is good news for anglers, especially those who are willing to wait.

A lot of water is great for most of the things that are fish-related. It's great for bugs. It's great for amphibians. Its great for producing little fish that the bigger fish eat, Henery says.

After a winter of heavy snow, the snow is melting on high mountain lakes much later than usual. Theres still ice on the highest lakes, but when everything melts out, the fish are really hungry because theyve burned up their fat supplies.

Where to Go River Rafting

For outfitters, high flows mean extra safety measures to maximise the fun and minimise the risks. Some companies are launching larger and more stable rafts, requiring rafters to wear wetsuits, and adding extra safety personnel on the water.

Others are increasing the minimum-age requirement, which means families with young children will have to wait until later in the summer when river flows start to decrease.

For an early summer trip, the South Fork American River out of Coloma, 45 miles northeast of Sacramento, is hard to beat. The South Fork is one of the most popular whitewater rivers west of the Rockies, and even in a high-flow year, guided trips are suitable for most beginners.

Another early-season option is the Kern River northeast of Bakersfield. The closest whitewater to Los Angeles, the Kern offers Class 2 and 3 rapids near Kernville and tougher challenges upriver.

Stephanie Collins-Sowers, supervising ranger at Auburn State Recreation Area, says that experienced rafters looking for new terrain should consider a trip on the North Fork American River, starting near the foothill town of Colfax.

The North Fork is a great opportunity to try something new and go see a river stretch you may never have seen before, she says.

The undammed river, a designated National Wild and Scenic River, is the most difficult of the American Rivers three forks.

Vacationers who want to launch an inner tube or inflatable kayak for a lazy river float  no rollicking rapids, just a mellow cruise  should head for the Truckee River in Tahoe City, Cache Creek near Rumsey, and the Lower Klamath River near Happy Camp.
VFS Global, in association with the Embassy of Japan in the UAE and Consulate-General of Japan, opened on August 1, 2024, Japan visa application centres in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, which will accept documents for short-term and long-term visas to Japan, by appointment.

Effective September 1, 2024, travellers eligible for e-visas to Japan will be able to visit the Dubai VFS Global Japan Visa Application Centre at WAFI Mall and the Abu Dhabi centre at The Mall, World Trade Centre, to apply for tourist e-visas to the destination.

Imanishi Jun, Consul General of Japan to Dubai and the Northern Emirates, inaugurated the centre in Dubai.

He said: It gives me great pleasure to announce the opening of the VFS Global Japan Visa Application Centre here in Dubai. The Government of Japan has set a target to increase the number of foreign visitors to Japan to 60 million by 2030.

In recent years, partly due to the depreciation of the yen, the number of visitors to Japan has continued to increase, with more than 3 million foreigners visiting Japan each month since March this year.

The urgent task is to respond to the ever-increasing number of visa applications. The Consulate General of Japan in Dubai has therefore decided to partner with VFS Global.

With the opening of the Japan Visa Application Centre, VFS Global and the Consulate General of Japan in Dubai will work closely together on visas to encourage more people to visit Japan.

We hope that those wishing to travel to Japan will benefit from more convenient and faster visa services and that this centre will serve as a base for promoting people-to-people exchanges between Japan, the UAE and Dubai and further develop bilateral relations between our two countries.

Monaz Bilimoria, Regional Head, VFS Global, said: "VFS Global shares a long-standing relationship with the Government of Japan since 2010 and we are excited to expand our partnership further.

These centres will play a crucial role in effectively catering to the growing demand for travel to Japan, one of the most popular destinations in the world.

We are confident that these visa application centres will enhance customer experience by making the visa application process even more smooth and seamless, thereby helping us better serve travellers better.

VFS Global will also offer applicants its range of optional services, including premium lounge for end-to-end personalised assistance, prime time for services outside business hours, courier return, form-filling assistance, and SMS alerts, among others.

Applicants looking for further comfort and convenience can opt for the Visa At Your Doorstep (VAYD) service to complete the visa application process from the comfort of their home or office.

The Middle East is a strong growth market for Japan, with the country witnessing a 15% growth since the pandemic, according to Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO).

VFS Global has been a partner for the Government of Japan for visa processing services since 2010. The company offers visa services on behalf of Japan in 11 countries across the globe through a network of 35 visa application centres.

VFS Globals role in the visa application process is limited to front-end administrative tasks only, which include collecting visa application forms and required documentation as per the checklist. VFS Global has no role in the decision-making process of granting or refusing a visa.

Decision making on the granting or refusal of visa is the sole prerogative and sole responsibility of the Embassy and the Consulate, the company said.  TradeArabia News Service
Indias Ministry of Tourism has set up an information helpline in Arabic to help tourists from Arabic-speaking countries and to offer them assistance while travelling within India, a report said.

Minister for Tourism and Culture, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat announced this move in the lower House of Indias Parliament, the Lok Sabha on August 6, Emirates News Agency, WAM, said.

The toll-free helpline 1800111363 will also provide support and designated services for tourists and other visitors in terms of information relating to travel in India, the minister said.

Such information and help will also be provided on short code 1363 in 12 foreign (non-Indian) languages, including Arabic. Among Indian languages, assistance will be available in Hindi. English, which is widely used in India, is among the foreign languages in which information is available.

Short codes are numbers shorter than telephone numbers for addressing multimedia messages (MMS) and short messages (SMS) in the systems of mobile network operators.

With efforts by the Ministry of Tourism, 15 state governments and union territory administrations have deployed special tourist police to help tourists, Shekhawat said.
GILLETTE  Tapiwa Mkungunugwa arrived in Gillette about halfway through his month of travel in the United States.

Standing outside of Morningside Park at Cam-plex, the 42-year-old from Zimbabwe and his son, Kupakwashe, 11, are two of about 300 people from the landlocked country in southeast Africa expected in Gillette this week.

And theyre two of nearly 4,000 people arriving from long journeys that emphasize the first descriptor of the International Pathfinder Camporee.

The atmosphere was frenetic as most of the roughly 48,000 people who checked in to the International Pathfinder Camporee at Cam-plex on Monday  the vast majority of the 60,000 visitors expected in Gillette this week  set up camp in the hot sun with blowing winds.

Most journeyed from within the continental United States, but many others traversed time zones and borders to make their way to Gillette.

We are trying to see as much of America as we can before we go back home, Mkungunugwa said.

His journey started more than two weeks ago when he flew from Zimbabwe to Dubai. From there, he traveled to Miami, took a bus to Orlando then flew to Michigan. After spending time in Michigan, including a nice potluck and sermon at Troy Seventh-day Adventist Church, he flew to Denver then drove up to Gillette.

Nathalie Nieto, 19, traveled more or less by herself to the last Camporee in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, in 2019. This time, she arrived in Gillette with her immediate family.

The first time my mom wasnt able to come, Nieto said. She was like, OK, I dont want you to miss this opportunity. This is once in a lifetime.

Her enthusiasm showed that it really was, and now shes here with her mom Elaine Torres, and stepdad Carlos Irizarry. Her two brothers, 14-year-old twins Carlos and Derek Irizarry, are roughly the age she was at the last Camporee.

I got to meet many people all over the world and each one of them welcomed me like I was part of their family, she said. I ended up making so many friends, lifetime friends, whom I still talk to today.

To get to Gillette, her group of 11 flew into Las Vegas before embarking on a five-day road trip to see the country, passing through Arizona, New Mexico and Colorado on their way into Wyoming.

Traveling from Florida doesnt have the same border and passport stipulations faced by international attendees, but its not a short trip to Gillette, either.

Guy Dormeus, 47, arrived in Gillette late Monday afternoon with his group of 23 from the Tallahassee Spanish Seventh-day Adventist Church after about 36 hours of travel.

The group left Tallahassee, Florida, at 4:30 a.m. Sunday, flew to Charlotte, then Denver, and caught a bus together up to Gillette. They had to ship many of their camping items, and basically all nonessentials, ahead of time, which added to the logistics and expense.

A lot of work, a lot of work, he said.

Like many of the groups, fundraising efforts and help from their church covered a lot of the expenses for each person.

Its a big deal, big effort from the church, from the members to help us out, so we can afford the cost of it, he said. It would be super expensive.

Jacksonville Southpoint Seventh-day Adventist Church, another church from Florida, sent a group of 23 to Gillette. Several of them sat on a ledge outside the Wyoming Center on Monday while their group was registered inside. Despite the relative heat for many in town, the Floridians were wearing long sleeves and sweaters.

Jaden Barrett, 17, is attending his second Camporee, after visiting Oshkosh. He had never heard of Gillette before learning it would host this years event.

For me, its been pretty cool, he said about seeing this part of the country. A lot of mountains. A lot of mountains.

The group flew into Bozeman, Montana, on Sunday and drove into Gillette on Monday for check-in.

Alexis Caines, 17, said that her mom, Ann, is the church youth director and helped coordinate the travel plans.

She didnt want to drive because last time driving was chaotic for the church, she said.

Also with the group is Nate Houston, 43, who is attending Camporee for the second time, and the first time in 35 years, when he was 8 years old.

This is my first year coming back, he said. It was in Pennsylvania. I was too young to remember the city.

That was the events second iteration and took place in Mount Union, Pennsylvania, according to the Camporee website. That gathering brought about 12,000 people, or a fifth of the group expected to show this year in Gillette.

Houston is here with his son, Jaiden, whos 15 and attending his first Camporee.

Memories fade over the course of more than three decades, but what stood out to Houston most was the evening performance.

The show now takes place on a massive stage, with intricate audio and video coordination and years of planning. Back then the performance was less involved, but clearly still memorable.

I remember that was very, very impactful, Houston said. I remember that still, from when I was 8. Thats the part I remember most.
Santa Fe High School opens its doors again to welcome their students over a week after 10 people got killed on a shooting. Tuesday, May 29, 2018 in Santa Fe. Marie D. De Jesus/Marie D. De Jesus

Facing a lawsuit holding them partly responsible for the 2018 mass shooting at Santa Fe High School, the parents of the accused school shooter on Friday said that a jury should be allowed to consider if the school district is responsible too.

On Friday, attorneys for Antonios Pagourtzis and Rose Marie Kosmetatos, the parents of accused shooter Dimitrios Pagourtzis, filed a motion to have the Santa Fe Independent School District designated a responsible third party in the lawsuit to determine, for the first time, who is legally culpable for the massacre.

Victims of the shooting and surviving family members are seeking more than $1 million in damages from the accused shooter and his parents, over claims of battery and negligence. The families accused the parents of failing to secure the shotgun and handgun the then-17-year-old allegedly used in the shooting, and of not getting him treatment for his deteriorating mental health prior to the killings.

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MORE ON HOUSTONCHRONICLE.COM: Uvalde school police chief accused of failing to protect kids in 2022 shooting says procedure to blame

The parents have denied the claims, and said Dimitrios Pagourtzis hid his mental state and his plans from them and other adults in his life.

The May 18, 2018, shooting left 10 people dead and 13 wounded. Dimitrios Pagourtzis in 2019 was declared mentally incompetent to stand trial, and has been in treatment at a North Texas hospital for the last five year.

Attorney Lori Laird, left, representing Antonios Pagourtzis and Rose Marie Kosmetatos, parents of accused Santa Fe High School shooter Dimitrios Pagourtzis, talks with attorney Clint McGuire, representing the families who filed a civil lawsuit against Pagourtzis and Kosmetatos, on Monday, Aug. 5, 2024, as the second week of the civil trail gets underway in in Galveston County Court No. 3 Judge Jack EwingOs courtroom at the Galveston County Courthouse in Galveston, Texas. POOL/Jennifer Reynolds/Jennifer Reynolds/The Galaveston County Daily News

In Friday's motion, Lori Laird, the parents' defense attorney, said the trial had revealed disturbing Internet searches Dimitrios Pagourtzis had performed a school and that the school district did nothing to stop the teenager from wearing a Columbine-style trench coat inside the school prior to the shooting.

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"These actions should have been red flags to the Santa Fe Independent School District, but it took no action," Laird wrote.

The plaintiffs attorneys said they planned to file a motion in response to Laird. The school district didn't immediately respond to a request for comment.

Multiple plaintiffs witnesses, including former students, said Dimitrios Pagourtzis wore the jacket inside the high school in the time before the shooting, despite school dress codes prohibiting the clothes. Victims families' have for years questioned why the district didn't act to address the violation, saying action could have possibly prevented the killings or exposed the shooter's plans.

The computer searches were presented as evidence earlier in the trial and were part of trove of criminal investigation material released to civil lawyers just weeks before the trial began.

Last week, Laird told jurors that Dimitrios Pagourtzis used school district computers to search for information about the Columbine and Virginia Tech mass shootings, as well as about guns, knives and ammunition. The investigative file which was labeled "SFHS Computer Dump," included hundreds of pages of screen shots of the searches.

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Following Laird's claim, Galveston County District Attorney Jack Roady released a statement questioning the accuracy of Laird's claims, saying the origin of the searches included in his office's investigative files couldn't be "authenticated."

The school district released its own statement claiming it was impossible for the searches to have come from its computers. The district said it didn't have a way to narrow school computer activity to a single student when Pagourtzis was a student there.

Still, two witnesses called by the plaintiffs attorneys -- a former school district technology director and an FBI agent -- were unable to definitively say the files didn't originate with the district.

The exact origin of the computer searches still isn't clear.

The motion also accuses the school district of not providing substitute teachers active shooter training and of locking doors that could have provided students with an escape route from the art rooms where most of the killing took place.

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Laird's motion came shortly after lawyers representing shooting victims and their families rested their case, and said they would call no more witnesses.

Laird also asked County Court at Law Judge Jack Ewing to dismiss the negligence claims against Antonios Pagourtzis and Kosmetatos.

Ewing ruled the victims' attorneys had shown enough evidence to allow a jury to decide if the parents were negligent in the ways they safeguarded their guns.

Ewing did dismiss a claim that accused the parents of "entrusting" their guns to the accused shooter. Over the first two weeks of the trial, the plaintiffs' attorneys never argued that the parents had given Dimitrios Pagourtzis his weapons or specifically allowed him to access or use any of the 17 guns that were in the family's Alvin home.

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A July announcement by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service further postponing the potential delisting of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem Grizzly has left Montana and Wyoming demanding quicker action.

The announcement was expected to be completed by July 31, but new court filings by the department argue that several significant events affected the Services ability to complete a 12-month finding.

The new expected deadline by the USFWS is Jan. 31, 2025.

A back and forth issue

The push to delist the grizzly bear has been mounting in recent years and it was previously delisted for a brief period in 2017.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service published a final delisting rule of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem grizzly in June 2017 but the U.S. District Court of Montana rescinded that decision in 2018, according to court documents filed by the federal agency.

In 2022 the department received three petitions requesting that grizzlies be delisted: one from Wyoming requesting that the GYE grizzly be designated delisted; one from Montana requesting that the Northern Continental Divide Ecosystem grizzly be designated and delisted; and one from Idaho requesting that all grizzly bears in the lower-48 states be delisted.

The service in 2023 found that the Montana and Wyoming requests may be warranted and began a 12-month finding process.

In the time that the 12-month finding began, several suits have been launched and settled in Idaho regarding grizzly bears.

The Service in court documents said that these suits have caused a delay in the finding process.

The Service committed to issuing a final rule that revises or removes the entire ESA listing of grizzly bears in the lower-48 states on or before Jan. 31, 2026, court documents submitted by the Service.

The Service added that the proposed rule, Greater Yellowstone grizzly and NCDE grizzly all directly impact one another.

State response

Wyoming Gov. Mark Gordon last week blasted the USFWS announcement saying that the governments continued inability to meet deadlines set by Wyomings grizzly bear delisting petition is unacceptable.

Wyoming has filed a response to the Services announcement saying that the Service deliberately abandoned its promise to file its 12-month finding and an additional six-month delay will lay waste to the statutory safeguards codified in the ESA petition process.

Taken together, the fact that the federal respondents clearly did not make the Wyoming petition a priority, their unwillingness to provide meaningful details about their work on the Wyoming petition and their insufficiently justified last minute attempt to further delay the time for making the final determination reasonably could be viewed as evidence that they never intended to comply with the promised July 24 deadline, the state wrote in court documents.

Wyoming in court documents also demanded that Fish and Wildlife respond on or before Oct. 31, 2024.

Populations in the GYE have reached recovery goals multiple times over the last 40 years, being successfully delisted twice, yet they remain protected under the ESA and under the management of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service due to litigation, Gordon said in a press release. We will not accept a 6-month delay to Wyomings petition  and one that costs the State $2 million annually to manage a species we have no authority over.

Montana Gov. Greg Gianforte following the successful relocation of two grizzly bears on Friday called for the delisting of the GYE and NCDE grizzly bears in a joint statement with Gordon.

Montana has worked diligently to set up a framework to take over management of grizzly bears in our state, Gianforte said. This translocation effort demonstrates our commitment to ensuring the conservation of bears in the NCDE and the GYE. Its time to delist the grizzly bear and let the states take over management.
The Air Force has released a draft study supporting proposed changes to flight rules over 10 military training airspaces across Arizona and New Mexico, including allowing lower-altitude supersonic flights and longer nighttime flying hours, and expanding one training zone in the southeast corner of the state.

The public can view and comment on the Draft Environmental Impact Statement for the Regional Special Use Airspace Optimization in Arizona online at arizonaregionalairspaceeis.com, with comments accepted through Oct. 9.

The Air Force has scheduled a series of public hearings on the draft environmental statement from late August through mid-September in Ajo, Bagdad, Morenci and Superior, as well as four New Mexico communities, with virtual hearings scheduled for Sept. 4 and 5. A hearing schedule is also available at arizonaregionalairspaceeis.com.

The draft statement is similar to an initial proposal unveiled in 2022 and discussed at a series of public scoping meetings.

The Air Force says it has received more than 6,600 comments from the public, state and local government agencies, tribes, aviation groups and nonprofits, including many that have cited safety, health and environmental concerns.

The service says the changes to the special-use airspaces called Military Operations Areas, or MOAs, are needed to optimize training conducted by units at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, the Morris Air National Guard Base at Tucson International Airport and Luke Air Force base near Phoenix.

The proposed changes would affect the adjacent Sells, Ruby and Fuzzy MOAs, stretching southwest of Tucson from Interstate 19 to near Ajo; the Tombstone MOA, which covers the southeast corner of Arizona and southwest corner of New Mexico; the adjacent Bagdad and Gladden MOAs northwest of Phoenix; and the Outlaw, Jackal, Morenci and Reserve MOAs, which together stretch across a huge swath of east-central Arizona into New Mexico.

In its preferred alternative, the Air Force has proposed adjusting the published times of use for all of the affected MOAs, partly to eliminate some of the temporary notices to airmen that the Air Force now routinely issues for night training.

Among other changes in the Air Forces proposed alternative, the plan would:

Authorize supersonic flight speeds down to 5,000 feet above ground level in the Tombstone, Outlaw, Jackal, Morenci and Reserve MOAs, from 30,000 feet above sea level now;

Extend the northern boundary of the Tombstone MOA, which spans the southeast corner of Arizona and the southwest corner of New Mexico to the Mexican border, adding about 750 square miles;

Lower the flight floor of the Tombstone MOA to 100 feet above ground level and lowering the floors of Outlaw, Jackal, Bagdad and Gladden MOAs to 500 feet;

Authorize the use of chaff  metallized filaments launched from aircraft to confuse enemy radar  for the first time in the Tombstone MOA;

Lower the minimum altitude for releasing flares, launched to defeat heat-seeking missiles, in the Tombstone, Outlaw, Jackal, Bagdad and Gladden MOAs to 2,000 feet.

The plan has attracted opposition from residents in the affected areas that cite potential health and safety impacts from lower-level, supersonic flights, the environmental effects of training including pollution from chaff releases and the danger of wildfires from flares, though the Air Force says they burn out long before reaching ground.

In May, the Center for Biological Diversity sued the Air Force under the Freedom of Information Act for failing to release public records about the proposed expansion of military flights, noting that the proposal would affect millions of acres of the Gila Wilderness and other public lands in southeast Arizona and southwest New Mexico.

Peaceful Chiricahua Skies, a nonprofit group with members in Arizona and New Mexico, is concerned with impacts on the Chiricahua Mountains and Chiricahua National Monument area in Cochise County  partly covered by the Tombstone MOA.

The group said the latest plan enumerates a major rise in overall flights, including an increase from 3,450 to 8,000 average annual sorties, or round-trip flights, in the Tombstone MOA alone.

Overall, the Air Force is proposing to increase its annual flight-training sorties by about 37%, from a current average of about 38,000 over all the MOAs to a proposed 52,000 annually.

This DEIS (Draft Environmental Impact Statement) will be a great disappointment to the many concerned citizens who previously submitted comments opposing the expansion of high-decibel, low-level training flights over residential, commercial and wild areas of southeast Arizona and southwest New Mexico, said Karen Fasimpaur, a volunteer with Peaceful Chiricahua Skies.

Fasimpaur also faulted the Air Force for failing to schedule one of the upcoming public hearings in Cochise County, despite the potential impacts there.

Peaceful Chiricahua Skies and another group, Peaceful Gila Skies, also submitted petitions in opposition to the Air Force plan, along with a small air park northwest of Phoenix.

The Air Force statement found no significant environmental or socioeconomic impacts from its proposed action.

The Air Force rejected two alternative proposals that mostly mirrored the preferred plan, except that one would keep the current Tombstone MOA without expansion and the other would have allowed supersonic flight down to only 10,000 feet.
A 65-year-old man using a walker was struck and killed Wednesday night while crossing a dark street, Tucson police said.

The crash happened about 10:15 p.m. in the 4500 block of South Country Club Road near East Michigan Street, Tucson police said in a news release.

The unidentified man was struck while walking north on Country Club by a silver Hyundai Santa Fe traveling in the same direction, the release said. He died at the crash scene.

The Hyundai driver, a 58-year-old woman, immediately stopped and remained on the scene.

Officers said several conditions contributed to the crash, including no street lights in the area and dark clothing worn by the pedestrian.

No charges or citations have been issued in the ongoing investigation.
Fiji's prime minister to visit China

Xinhua) 10:02, August 10, 2024

BEIJING, Aug. 9 (Xinhua) -- At the invitation of Premier of the State Council Li Qiang, Prime Minister of the Republic of Fiji Sitiveni Rabuka will pay an official visit to China from Aug. 12 to 21, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning announced Friday.

Mao made the remarks when asked to share more information and China's expectation for the visit.

Mao said that leaders of the two countries will have in-depth exchanges of views on China-Fiji relations and important issues of mutual interest during the visit.

Noting China has received several leaders of Pacific Island countries this year, Mao said that Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka is yet another Pacific Island country leader set to visit China at invitation, which speaks to the close relations between China and the South Pacific region.

Fiji is the first Pacific Island country to have established diplomatic ties with China, Mao said that over the 49 years of diplomatic ties, China-Fiji relations have continued to make new progress, with fruitful outcomes in exchanges and cooperation in various areas, bringing benefit to the two peoples.

"Through this visit, China hopes to take our comprehensive strategic partnership featuring mutual respect and common development to a new level and work with Fiji to build an even closer community with a shared future between China and Pacific Island countries," said Mao.

(Web editor: Cai Hairuo, Sheng Chuyi)
Jen Rice is a reporter for the Houston Chronicle covering Harris County government. She can be reached at jen.rice@houstonchronicle.com.

A native Houstonian, Jen graduated from Barnard College at Columbia University and earned a master's degree from University of Texas at Austin's LBJ School of Public Affairs.

Before coming to the Chronicle, Jen spent three years covering City Hall for Houston's NPR station. Her reporting has aired nationally on NPR's Morning Edition, All Things Considered and Here & Now.
Over 150 people from major Malaysian travel firms are scheduled to conduct famtrips to Phu Quoc, a popular island destination off Kien Giang Province, southern Vietnam between Friday and Sunday.

An Air Asia flight carrying 80 passengers who are members of Malaysian travel agencies landed at Phu Quoc International Airport at around 1:30 pm on Friday, commencing their trip to survey tourist attractions in Phu Quoc.

This famtrip delegation included representatives of travel agencies, cruise and MICE (meetings, incentives, conventions, and exhibitions) tourism operators, said Nguyen Chi Thanh, deputy director of the provincial Department of Tourism, on the same day.

The local official considered Malaysia as a potential tourism source market for Phu Quoc, adding that four to five weekly flights leave the Malaysian capital of Kuala Lumpur for the Vietnamese island.

In the year to date, Kien Giang has received an estimated 14,000 tourist arrivals from Malaysia.

The trip offers Kien Giang an opportunity to promote tourism and island-themed travel products to international visitors, Thanh elaborated.

During their stay in Phu Quoc, the delegation will explore the wildlife park Vinpearl Safari, experience the worlds longest sea-crossing cable car service, visit Sun World Hon Thom Nature Park, and take a speed-boat tour to islands in Phu Quoc.

The second famtrip delegation comprising over 70 Malaysians will arrive in Phu Quoc to explore the tourism cooperation potential of the island city.

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Vietnam has finished the construction of expressway projects with a combined length of around 2,000 kilometers and looks to complete an additional 1,000 more kilometers nationwide by the end of next year.

This is part of the 13th National Party Congress goal of developing 3,000 kilometers of expressways by 2025 and 5,000 kilometers by 2030.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, head of the State Steering Committee for National Key Transport Projects, reaffirmed this goal while presiding over a virtual meeting on Thursday with 44 provinces and cities through which the key projects pass.

Following the establishment of the committee and under the leadership of PM Chinh, the country has completed more than 900 kilometers of expressways since the beginning of the government's tenure, raising the total length of highways nationwide to around 2,000 kilometers.

To achieve the goal, PM Chinh demanded that individuals and agencies taking part in these projects put the interests of the country and its people above all; boost digitalization to reduce administrative red tape and costs; and support each other during the projects implementation.

The provinces and cities are expected to report bottlenecks, especially those related to sources of construction materials, site clearance, and relocation of public structures to the government for solutions.

The PM Chinh also expressed his pleasure at the news that an 8.5-km elevated section of the Nhon-Hanoi Station metro line, the citys second route, began commercial operations on Thursday morning, after nearly 14 years of construction.

He urged the ministries and agencies to make further efforts to complete work on expressway projects nationwide.

A report released by the Ministry of Transport indicated that the ministry had asked contractors of some key expressway projects, such as the North - South section in the 2021-25 period, the Khanh Hoa - Buon Ma Thuot section linking the south-central region with the Central Highlands, to finish the projects as scheduled.

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SEOUL -- North Korean leader Kim Jong Un revisited a flooded area near the country's border with China this week to address plans to support those affected by recent heavy rainfall and floods, including bringing about 15,400 people to the country's capital until new homes are built, state media KCNA said on Saturday.

Kim made a two-day trip on Thursday and Friday to Uiju County, one of the affected areas, to offer additional support for those affected, KCNA reported.

Thousands of homes in North Korea's city of Sinuiju and Uiju County were flooded due to heavy rainfall, North Korea said last week.

In late July Kim visited flooded areas and inspected rescue works where the military organised around 10 planes to make roughly 20 trips each to rescue 4,200 people within about a half-day after the region had been hit by heavy rainfall from Tropical Storm Gaemi.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un sits with a family during a visit to the flood-affected area of Uiju County, North Pyongan Province, North Korea, in this photo released August 10, 2024. Photo: Reuters

KCNA said Kim addressed plans to provide state support for elderly people, soldiers, children and mothers in the country's capital Pyongyang until their new homes are built, adding about 15,400 people could be brought to Pyongyang.

Kim said it would take at least two to three months for flood victims to stabilize their lives after construction of houses and repair work is done due to the large scale of the damage.

Kim also thanked those countries and international organizations that have reached out to North Korea and showed intention to provide humanitarian support, but said the country will "forge its own path with its own strength and effort," KCNA quoted Kim as saying.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un carries a child as he sits with a family inside a tent during a visit to the flood-affected area of Uiju County, North Pyongan Province, North Korea, in this photo released August 10, 2024. Photo: Reuters

On Sunday, North Korea said Russian President Vladimir Putin has offered humanitarian aid to North Korea. Kim gave thanks for the offer but said since his government has already taken measures to conduct recovery work, he would ask for help "if aid is necessary," KCNA reported.

Last week, South Korea's Red Cross said the South was ready to provide the North with relief supplies for damage caused by recent heavy rainfalls.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un greets people during a visit to the flood-affected area of Uiju County, North Pyongan Province, North Korea, in this photo released August 10, 2024. Photo: Reuters

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un waves during a visit to the flood-affected area of Uiju County, North Pyongan Province, North Korea, in this photo released August 10, 2024. Photo: Reuters
A court in Vietnam has sentenced a former military officer in Ho Chi Minh City to death for leading a transnational drug ring that trafficked 97kg of synthetic drugs from France to Vietnam in the 2021-23 period.

The Military Court of Military Zone 7 has recently announced the sentences for 34-year-old Le Minh Tri and his 15 accomplices after these defendants were brought to court for trial on drug-related charges.

Among the 15 accomplices of the man, two also received death sentences, six got a whole-life order, and seven others were given prison terms ranging from three and a half years to 20 years for the offenses of trading of narcotic substances and other charges.

The two defendants facing the death penalty as Tri are Thai Cam Tam, 33, and Tran Hai Ly, 38, both of Ho Chi Minh City, who were the right-hand men of Tri in the criminal ring.

The ring was uncovered on April 24, 2023, when the city police found a ring member delivering drugs to a buyer under Tams direction.

According to the indictment, Tri suffered a loss-making business several years ago and came up with the idea of drug trafficking to earn money for repaying debts and spending on personal needs.

Through his social relations, Tri got acquainted with two persons named Bo and Kenny, who are both Vietnamese with French nationality living in France, and then discussed the purchase of MDMA and ketamine, two types of synthetic drugs.

According to their agreement, Bo and Kenny would deliver the drugs ordered by Tri to an address designated by Tri in Ho Chi Minh City.

Under the scheme, from October 2021 to April 2023, Tri bought a total of 97kg of MDMA and ketamine from Bo and Kenny and paid them VND29.6 billion ($1.18 million) for the banned goods.

During the period, Tri directed and instructed Tam and Ly to add additives to every shipment of drugs bought from France to make them into synthetic drug products in tablet and liquid forms in order to gain higher profits.

With such a trick, the ring increased the total weight of drugs from 97kg to 227kg and sold their blended drug products to market for some VND35.8 billion ($1.43 million), earning a profit of some VND6.2 billion (nearly $245,000).

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An illustration, created at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, reveals ultrastructural morphology exhibited by coronaviruses. Centers for Disease Control

A team of researchers from the University of Houston have developed a new vaccine to treat and prevent the spread of flu and multiple coronavirus strains.

Through two nasal sprays  an immune activating therapeutic treatment and a new vaccine  the team of UH researchers have not only broken ground on vaccinating against SARS-CoV-2 and the flu virus, but also on creating a universal coronavirus vaccine.

Dr. Navin Varadarajan, who leads the lab behind the nasal sprays, said the new vaccine will be a game-changer to the major obstacle of current vaccines, which can prevent people from serious illness, but not stop them from spreading the disease to others.

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They can (current vaccines) keep you out of the hospital, but it doesnt stop you from spreading it to vulnerable people, Varadarajan said.

On top of providing a way to stop the spread of COVID to those most at risk  the elderly and immunocompromised  the new nasal vaccine is a crucial step forward in the goal of fighting viral evolution.

Its natural for viruses to change and evolve  and SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, is no exception. As viruses spread farther and faster, they can better adapt to their environment. Successful variants beat out weaker ones, which can lead to easier transmission or worsened disease.

While many viral variants have minimal impact, over time viruses become stronger against existing vaccines. SARS-CoV-2 resides in the nose, and since existing vaccines are intramuscular, meaning they are administered through a shot in the arm, the virus is not actually eliminated from the body.

NanoSTING-SN, on the other hand, hits the last mile of the nose, which prevents the disease from spreading, Varadarajan said. Its also a pan-coronavirus nasal vaccine, meaning it works against the infection and disease of all viruses in the coronavirus family.

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In animals, the nasal vaccine was 100% effective in stopping transmission of the Omnicron variants of concern to unvaccinated hosts.

Despite the wide-use of Pfizer and Moderna, viral evolution of the disease forces scientists to keep updating existing vaccines.

To Varadarajan, the nasal vaccine can also stop the cyclical need to create more COVID boosters  a method he not only says doesnt get to the heart of the problem, but also anticipates the general public will be less willing to sign on board for.

Varadarajan explains that for a virus to be successful, it has to balance constantly evolving with staying in a living host. Without a host, the virus cant spread to another host and survive.

Some variants are less deadly but spread faster, and some variants are the other way around. Three years ago in Houston, researchers from the Laboratory of Human Molecular and Translational Human Infectious Diseases found that the Delta variant of COVID caused a much higher rate of vaccine breakthrough cases than all other variants for patients in the Houston Methodist hospital system.

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The promise of a nasal vaccine could bring an end to the problem.

You dont want the virus to exist. As long as it lives in the host, youre playing a game of Russian roulette with it. By not allowing the virus to exist in the nasal compartment, you can beat that, Varadarajan said.

Before starting the process of approving the nasal vaccine with the FDA, Varadarajans startup, AuraVax Therapeutics, is prioritizing the researchers second nasal spray, NanoSTING. The spray is a therapeutic treatment for influenza strains more resilient to viral evolution than existing treatments. Through an immune-boosting ingredient called cGAMP, the formula puts cells in an intensified state of alert to fend off respiratory viruses.

Prescription treatment for viruses like the flu often run into the obstacle of resistant or sensitive strains of influenza. UH researchers say NanoSTING has the potential to be a broad-spectrum therapy, as it can override these resistant strains, unlike drugs such as Tamiflu.

First-author of the UH researchers report in Nature Communications, Ankita Leekha, said NanoSTING gives the advantage of requiring only one dose for treatment, as opposed to Tamiflu that requires 10.

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Ten doses of Tamiflu are not just bothersome for patients to use; many patients make the mistake of ending the treatment before they hit all 10 because they start to feel better, Varadarajan said.

Varadarajan said AuraVax Therapeutics aims to start phase 1 of testing the potentially broad-spectrum treatment within a year, and hopes their new nasal vaccine will follow in time too.
A South Korean man who narrowly survived a serious pile-up on Phu My Bridge in Ho Chi Minh City earlier this week recounted his heroic act of rescuing others from a burning car during the accident in a recent interview with Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper.

On Friday afternoon, Tuoi Tre spoke with Lee Geum Ho, a 44-year-old South Korean who was involved in the dangerous pile-up on Phu My Bridge in Thu Duc City, under Ho Chi Minh City, on Thursday.

Lee, who was pushed about 100 meters by a refrigerated truck during the accident, played a crucial role in rescuing people from a burning car.

He was traveling with two employees from District 7 in Ho Chi Minh City to neighboring Dong Nai Province when their ride-hailing car was struck by an eight-metric-ton refrigerated truck descending the slope of the bridge.

The truck collided with several vehicles, including Lees, pushing it and another car away before coming to a stop against a container truck.

Despite the chaos, Lee calmly evacuated his car with the driver and staff.

As the car began to smoke and catch fire, he noticed a nearby car with two people trapped inside, one of whom was screaming for help.

Without hesitation, Lee jumped into the damaged car, broke the door, and pulled a man from the back seat to safety.

Meanwhile, the driver was stuck by a jammed seat belt.

Fortunately, passersby, including workers and motorbike taxi drivers, were able to cut the seat belt and rescued him.

My husband said he couldnt ignore someone in trouble, Lees wife, Nguyen Thi Kim Xuyen, 28, from the Mekong Delta province of Tien Giang, recounted his actions.

He rushed in to help without a second thought.

Lee admitted that while he was initially panicked when his own car was hit, seeing others in need of help drove him to act.

After returning home, Lee shared the story with Xuyen but paid little attention to social media.

It was only when Xuyen saw a video of Lees bravery online and shared it that he realized his actions had been widely recognized and praised.

Married to Xuyen for three years and residing in District 7, Lee considers Vietnam his second home.

His deep affection for the Vietnamese people motivates him to help whenever he can.

According to authorities, Thursday's accident involved at least eight large vehicles and cars, causing injuries to one person.

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African swine fever (ASF) has affected two communes of Da Nang City in central Vietnam, a local official confirmed on Thursday.

The outbreaks were detected in Hoa Ninh and Hoa Phong Communes under Hoa Vang District, said Phan Duy Anh, vice-chairman of the district administration.

Local authorities earlier had inspected a pig farm owned by Huynh Van Huyn in Hoa Ninh, where 10 out of the 36 hogs developed symptoms such as a loss of appetite and hemorrhages in the eyes.

After two of these pigs died on July 30, the local agriculture authority took samples of them for testing, with the results showing that they tested positive for ASF.

In Hoa Phong, one pig in a farm run by Thi Thi De also tested positive for the contagious disease after it died on August 5 with unknown cause of death.

Pig deaths were again reported at another farm in the same village in Hoa Phong on August 6.

To avert the disease from spreading further, local authorities had swiftly adopted response measures, including culling pigs with confirmed or probable ASF; stopping the slaughter and transport of pigs and pork products to and from the affected areas; sterilizing the ASF-hit locations and the surroundings; and setting up ASF quarantine checkpoints.

The local official added that other communes, namely Hoa Phu, Hoa Son, Hoa Khuong, Hoa Tien, Hoa Nhon, and Hoa Lien, are at a risk of being hit by ASF.

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Several eateries, drink shops, and tourist venues on Phu Quoc Island off the coast of Kien Giang Province, southern Vietnam have shifted to eco-friendly paper cups and straws and wooden forks and spoons, surprising a female foreigner.

Lots of food and drink establishments at Phu Quoc International Airport and many tourist destinations and lodging facilities on the island use paper cups, bamboo straws and wooden spoons to serve customers.

Vasilenko Daria, a Russian tourist, recently visited Phu Quoc Island to relax with her family and friends.

The island boasts beautiful natural landscapes, white sand beaches, and crystal-clear blue water. Locals on Phu Quoc are also known for being friendly and enthusiastic.

On the island, tourist sites and accommodation facilities prioritize eco-friendly products such as paper cups and bamboo straws.

Though I have visited several places, I was especially impressed by Phu Quoc Island as the locale takes environmental protection into account.

Paper cups and bamboo straws are being used to serve tourists, Daria said.

According to Tran Quoc Chau, director at Radisson Blu Resort Phu Quoc, environmentally responsible business practices are not only a choice but also a need to develop tourism.

Eco-friendly products are costlier than plastic, but the resort still uses the former to serve guests with the hope of playing its part to protect the islands landscapes and leave a good impression on local and international travelers.

Tourists appreciate the use of eco-friendly products, so we will continue turning this resort into a gorgeous and luxurious lodging facility associated with environmental protection on Phu Quoc, Chau underscored.

Paper cups, straws, wooden spoons and forks are used at an eatery at Phu Quoc International Airport. Photo: Chi Cong / Tuoi Tre

Nguyen Thi Thanh Trang, manager of stores under Autogrill VFS F&B at Phu Quoc International Airport, said that the firms food and beverage establishments have said no to plastic bags, cups, and straws for several months.

As of January 2024, the store chain had reduced 95 percent of its plastic waste.

These establishments are using paper cups and straws, and eco-friendly spoons and boxes.

We pledge to protect the environment to develop Phu Quoc into a green, clean, and beautiful island, Trang said.

Many stores and restaurants at the Phu Quoc International Airport have switched to using eco-friendly cups, straws, and spoons to serve tourists, said Nguyen Minh Dong, director of the airport.

The airport welcomes millions of local and international visitors to the island each year. Therefore, we attach importance to environmental protection and encourage tourists and stores at the airport to build a clean and healthy environment, Dong stressed.

Tourists are satisfied with the use of eco-friendly products at many eateries and tourist sites on Phu Quoc Island. Photo: Chi Cong / Tuoi Tre

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Hindenburg 'reveals' why SEBI did not take action against Adani Group

America based short-seller firm Hindenburg Research Saturday alleged Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) Chairperson Madhabi Puri Buch had a stake in the obscure offshore entities used in the "Adani money siphoning scandal"

Sunday August 11, 2024 1:17 AM , ummid.com Business Desk

[SEBI Chairperson Madhabi Puri Buch (R) with Union Finane Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in a file photo.]

America based short-seller firm Hindenburg Research Saturday alleged Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) Chairperson Madhabi Puri Buch had a stake in the obscure offshore entities used in the "Adani money siphoning scandal".

Quoting whistle-blower documents, Hindenburg alleged, SEBIs Chairperson had stake in obscure offshore entities used in Adani money siphoning scandal, and this is why SEBI did not take any action against Adani Group based on the research firms claims made 18 months ago.

It has been nearly 18 months since our original report on the Adani Group presented overwhelming evidence that the Indian conglomerate was operating the largest con in corporate history. Our report exposed a web of offshore, primarily Mauritius-based shell entities used for suspected billions of dollars of undisclosed related party transactions, undisclosed investment and stock manipulation. Since then, despite the evidence, along with over 40 independent media investigations corroborating and expanding on our original work, Indian securities regulator SEBI has taken no public action against the Adani Group, Hindenburg Research said Saturday.

Based on the documents in its possession, Hindenburg said SEBI Chairperson and her husband "had hidden stakes in the offshore having connections with Gautam Adani's brother Vinod Adani."

"What we hadnt realized: the current SEBI Chairperson and her husband, Dhaval Buch, had hidden stakes in the exact same obscure offshore Bermuda and Mauritius funds, found in the same complex nested structure, used by Vinod Adani", Hindenburg Research said Saturday. "Madhabi Buch and her husband Dhaval Buch first appear to have opened their account with IPE Plus Fund 1 on June 5th, 2015 in Singapore, per whistleblower documents", it added. "A declaration of funds, signed by a principal at IIFL states that the source of the investment is salary and the couples net worth is estimated at $10 million", it said tagging relevant documents.

Before coming out with the full details about its latest allegations, Hindenburg on its X handle had written:

"Something big soon India."

In a shocking claim made in January 2023 , Hindenburg Research, which specialises in short selling, accused Adani Group of brazen stock manipulation and accounting fraud scheme over the course of decades.

The matter however reached the Supreme Court of India. The apex court had asked the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) to file status report on the allegations of the American short-seller firm made against Adani Group owned by Gautam Adani who is considered close to Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Along side, the Supreme Court also ordered a probe into the Adani-Hindenburg controversy and set up an expert committee headed by its retired judge A.M. Sapre.

The Supreme Court of India later said that SEBI had drawn a blank in its investigation of these shareholders, as detailed in the court records.

The Adani Group had refuted all the claims made by the American short-seller. However, the group has so far not commented on the latest allegations.

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NASA wraps 'NEOWISE Mission' after years of successful Asteroid detections

NASA engineers on NEOWISE (Near-Earth Object Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer) Mission commanded the spacecraft to turn its transmitter off for the last time Thursday August 08, 2024

Saturday August 10, 2024 8:35 PM , ummid.com News Network

[This final image captured by NASAs NEOWISE shows part of the Fornax constellation in the Southern Hemisphere. Processed by IPAC at Caltech, this is the missions 26,886,704th exposure. It was taken by the spacecraft just before 3 a.m. EDT on Aug. 1, when the missions survey ended. (Credits: NASA/JPL-Caltech/IPAC/UCLA)]

Washington: NASA engineers on NEOWISE (Near-Earth Object Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer) Mission commanded the spacecraft to turn its transmitter off for the last time Thursday August 08, 2024.

The end of NEOWISE Mission comes more than 10 years of its planetary defense mission to search for asteroids and comets, including those that could pose a threat to Earth.

The final command to NEOWISE Mission was sent from the Earth Orbiting Missions Operation Center at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Southern California, with mission members past and present in attendance alongside officials from the agency's headquarters in Washington.

NASA's Tracking and Data Relay Satellite System then relayed the signal to NEOWISE, decommissioning the spacecraft. As NASA previously shared, the spacecraft's science survey ended on July 31, and all remaining science data was downlinked from the spacecraft.

"The NEOWISE mission has been an extraordinary success story as it helped us better understand our place in the universe by tracking asteroids and comets that could be hazardous for us on Earth." "While we are sad to see this brave mission come to an end, we are excited for the future scientific discoveries it has opened by setting the foundation for the next generation planetary defense telescope", said Nicola Fox, associate administrator, Science Mission Directorate at NASA Headquarters.

Why NEOWISE Mission is shut?

NASA ended the mission because NEOWISE will soon drop too low in its orbit around Earth to provide usable science data.

An uptick in solar activity is heating the upper atmosphere, causing it to expand and create drag on the spacecraft, which does not have a propulsion system to keep it in orbit.

Now decommissioned, NEOWISE is expected to safely burn up in our planet's atmosphere in late 2024.

"The NEOWISE mission has been instrumental in our quest to map the skies and understand the near-Earth environment. Its huge number of discoveries have expanded our knowledge of asteroids and comets, while also boosting our nation's planetary defense."

"As we bid farewell to NEOWISE, we also celebrate the team behind it for their impressive achievements", Director NASA JPL, Laurie Leshin, said.

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The rapid expansion of electric vehicles (EVs) has raised a pressing need for Viet Nam to develop a compatible electrical grid and charging infrastructure, with a step-by-step roadmap critical to phase out fossil-fuel vehicles.

EVs are revolutionising the global auto industry, with the trend of them becoming a popular choice for consumers looking to reduce their carbon footprint and save money on fuel costs, also taking hold in Viet Nam.

Viet Nam is accelerating in terms of the number of EVs, however, a long-term vision is needed for the country to think ahead and 'go far' with EVs in the journey towards net-zero emissions, according to Shinnosuke Ito, manager of the Environment and Energy Policy Bureau under Japan Business Federation (Keidanren).

Potential market

After the introduction of first EV models in Viet Nam, including BMW i3 in 2016 and Porsche Taycan in 2020, which generated significant curiosity and interest at that time when gasoline and diesel vehicles remained dominant, the entrance of Vietnamese car maker VinFast with the launch of VF e34 in 2021 and a strategic decision to focus exclusively on electric vehicles marked a pivotal milestone for the market in Viet Nam.

Vinfast has significantly changed the landscape of the domestic EV market.

Statistics of the Viet Nam Register showed that while the number of imported electric cars was modest, at 366 from 2020 to the end of March 2024, the number of domestically manufactured cars has jumped rapidly.

Viet Nam did not start to produce electric cars until 2021, but the numbers manufactured and assembled in the country reached 30,298 units in the period. Notably, there are electric cars at low prices, only at around VN200 million (US$7,920) each.

VinFast alone has so far sold over 42,291 EVs, including cars and motorbikes, since 2021, the companys statistics showed.

The domestic EV market is expected to be more exciting with the penetration of Chinas unicorn carmaker BYD with three models, the Seal, Atto3 and the Dolphin.

BYD has recently opened the largest dealership in the north of Viet Nam in Long Bien, Ha Noi.

"BYD currently has 36 dealerships in Viet Nam and expects to increase the number to 50 by the end of this year, 70 by 2025 and 100 by 2026," Vo Minh Luc, general director of BYD Auto Viet Nam, said. However, BYD will not invest in developing its own charging stations in Viet Nam.

A recent market insight by HSBC showed that Viet Nams annual electrifying two-wheelers and electric cars sales could rise from less than 1 million in 2024 to over 2.5 million by 2036.

The Viet Nam Automobile Manufacturers Association forecasts that around 1 million people will own electric cars by 2028 and 3.5 million by 2040.

The market research company BMI, a Fitch Solutions company, expects EVs sales in Viet Nam to expand by around 25.8 per cent in 2023-32 period.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh at COP26 made a strong commitment that Viet Nam will achieve Net Zero by 2050.

In a bold effort to realise that carbon-neutral goal, the country has outlined roadmap to reduce emissions of the transportation sector. Accordingly, by 2050, all vehicles on road will use electricity and green energy together with the development of a compatible charging infrastructure nationwide, opening significant opportunities for the development of EVs in the country.

Infrastructure is the key

Crucially, government policies are encouraging EV production and consumption. But more investment is required in infrastructure for the EV boom to truly take shape, according to HSBCs report.

It is reported that around 150,000 EV charging stations were installed, mostly by VinFast, in apartment buildings, shopping malls, parking lots and petrol stations, covering 63 provinces and cities across the country as of the end of 2023.

The number of EV charging stations in Viet Nam is, in fact, much higher than countries which have heavily invested in green transport such as the Netherlands which has 120,000 charging stations, France with 84,000 or Germany with 77,000, according to data of Statista.

However, the HSBC report pointed out that charging stations on highways were few and far between.

The lender estimated that Viet Nam will need US$12.3 billion investing in infrastructure to popularise EVs.

A survey by the HCM City Department of Transport late last year found that worry over difficulty in finding a charging station is one among four major reasons for hesitation in switching to EVs.

According to Patrick Morgan, Analog Devices vice president of automotive and energy, Viet Nam has lots of potential in the EV market. "But it is the grid and charging infrastructure that plays a decisive role in the development of EVs in Viet Nam," he said, adding that the investment must crucially meet the demand.

Think ahead

While the current charging infrastructure has not been able to meet the demand, the rapid EV development might bring problems which need to be foreseen and addressed.

It is impossible to jump straight to EVs. We need to go stage by stage. Maybe hybrid cars are a better option at the moment, Ito said to Asian journalists attending the programme of Keizai Koho Centre (KKC) under the Japan Institute for Social and Economic Affairs in Tokyo in mid-July.

Reiji Takehara, KKCs managing director, said that a number of problems must be considered in developing EVs.

"It is critical to clarify who will be in charge of developing the charging infrastructure, the Government, the carmaker or other parties, as well as the mechanisms for development and for sharing the charging infrastructure and the handling of batteries," Takehara said.

"Another important factor is how many per cent of renewable energies are used in charging," he said, adding that if fossil fuel is mainly used for charging, EVs will not be truly green as it is meant to be.

In EV development, Viet Nam needs to look ahead to have an appropriate and realistic step-by-step roadmap, he said.

In fact, imported EVs must now be charged at home, at dealerships or at public charging stations developed by third parties like EVIDA, Chargeplus and Viet Nam Electricity (EVN) but the number of these charging stations remains modest.

Meanwhile, VinFast does not have any plan to share its charging infrastructure with other carmakers in the next ten years.

Experts say it is necessary to have a plan for a charging network as well as common standards for charging stations. Currently, each carmaker has its own standards for charging stations.

Regulations on standards for charging stations in urban areas, residential areas, bus stations, shopping centres, hotels, offices, apartment buildings, restaurants, parking places and office buildings are also needed.

A research group from Ha Noi University of Technology said that charging stations should be connected and operated through a common system in line with the development of charging technologies in the world.

The Ministry of Science and Technology has issued 11 standards for charging stations and been developing another 18 standards regarding charging stations and relevant devices.

The ministry will also study and propose policies to encourage the investment in charging infrastructure.

The Ministry of Transport has amended regulations about national technical standards for rest stops along highways. Accordingly, rest stops must have charging facilities for EVs.

Nguyen Thi Phuong Hien, deputy director of the Transport Development and Strategy Institute, said that the government policies should focus on developing charging infrastructure as well as the electricity network. VNS
HA NOI  Minister of Planning and Investment (MPI) Nguyen Chi Dung emphasised that a seminar he attended was a key initiative in advancing the project aimed at developing human resources for the semiconductor industry, with goals extending to 2030 and a vision towards 2050.

Minister Dung chaired the seminar titled 'Promoting the Role of Vietnamese Enterprises in Developing Human Resources for the Semiconductor Industry,' in Ha Noi on August 9.

Dung noted that his ministry's efforts to lead and drive the training of semiconductor talent are receiving strong support and are being actively implemented across various localities, businesses and educational institutions.

The minister acknowledged and expressed gratitude for the support and collaboration from various ministries and organisations, including the Ministry of Education and Training, the Ministry of Information and Communications, the Ministry of Science and Technology, the Ministry of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs, as well as a Nang City, HCM City and Ha Noi.

Dung also highlighted the contributions of the National Innovation Center, TreSemi and FPT Group for their successful implementation of training programmes.

He expressed confidence that the goal of training 50,000 engineers for the semiconductor industry, including 15,000 specialised in design, will be met.

Secretary of the a Nang City Party Committee Nguyen Van Quang, representing the localities, reaffirmed the city's commitment to fostering a supportive environment for businesses involved in semiconductor human resource development.

He also expressed interest in receiving more information and exploring specific, practical cooperation opportunities to enhance the training and development of talent in the semiconductor field, particularly in relation to artificial intelligence, within a Nang City.

The minister told participants that the Government is set to issue significant decisions in August, addressing the points raised by Secretary Nguyen Van Quang.

MPI has submitted a project on staffing development for the semiconductor industry to 2030, with a vision to 2050, to the Prime Minister. On August 5, the Prime Minister signed a decision to establish the National Steering Committee on the Development of the Semiconductor Industry, with the MPI designated as the standing agency.

Vu Hai Quan, director of Ho Chi Minh City National University, highlighted the crucial role of State agencies and businesses in the training process. He emphasised that such collaboration enhances the quality of education and better aligns it with market needs, facilitating smoother transitions for graduates.

He also suggested that the successful cooperation model between NIC and Ho Chi Minh City National University, FPT and other educational institutions should be replicated.

At the seminar, all participants recommend the Government soon approve the semiconductor human resource development project so that Viet Nam does not miss its opportunity

Speaking at the event, Truong Gia Binh, chairman of FPT, praised the efforts to develop training programmes tailored to the semiconductor industrys needs. He emphasised that these programmes are essential for achieving the goal of adequately preparing human resources for the industry.

During the event, the Basic VLSI IC Physical Design programme concluded with a closing ceremony. The three-month course, attended by 70 outstanding students from major universities across the country, was deemed a success.

Experts noted that many graduates have already secured positions with leading microchip design companies such as Marvell, Synopsys, FPT, Faraday and Samsung.

Among the participants, nearly 20 students were hired by these major corporations, some students are in their third year of studies and many others have been awarded scholarships for further postgraduate education abroad.  VNS
OTTAWA  The Vietnam-Canada Business Association (VCBA) on August 9 coordinated with the Ho Chi Minh City Investment and Trade Promotion Centre (ITPC) to organise a seminar in both in-person and online format to support Vietnamese enterprises in accessing the North American and Canadian markets.

This event is part of the cooperation project between the VCBA and the ITPC. In the initial stage of the project, Vietnamese enterprises will be supported to promote their products at the supermarket chain 88 in Canada.

The move is expected to help promote business cooperation between the sides' business communities. The cooperation project was launched after a visit to Vietnam last year by the VCBA's delegation to learn about the Vietnamese market.

VCBA Chairman Chau Tu Cuong, who is also the owner of the supermarket chain 88 in Vancouver, said that the Canadian and North American markets have a lot of development potential for Vietnamese products.

In the first half of 2024, Canada imported over US$228 million worth of agricultural and food products from Vietnam, accounting for 5.5% of Vietnams total export value to Canada, an increase of about 24% over the same period last year. Vietnam's main exports to this country are seafood and processed seafood, with a turnover of nearly $100 million.

Currently, products of Asian origin entering Canada are mainly dried goods, processed foods, non-alcoholic beverages, spices and sauces. These retail products are expected to continue to achieve high consumption levels in the 2024-2030 period, Cuong said.

He added that import-export enterprises and supermarket chains of Vietnamese people in Canada, with the strength of understanding the tastes and preferences of Vietnamese and Asian people, have become extremely important distribution channels, contributing to bringing Vietnamese products to the Canadian market in particular and North America in general. - VNA/VNS
Boone Manor, seen here July 31, 2024, has been subject to a wave of complaints from residents concerned with the upscale apartment's security. John Lomax/Staff writer

Staff at Boone Manor, an upscale apartment complex in the Museum District, are threatening to evict at least one resident after she made comments critical of the property on social media.

Caroline Buchalter posted a video to Facebook in late July of two masked individuals rummaging through her apartment. Boone Manors legal team has since sent a letter demanding she either remove any negative remarks about the complex or have her lease terminated.

They posted the letter on my door completely taped up with my full name on display for anyone who walked by, which was a major violation of privacy, she told the Chronicle on Friday. Their efforts to silence me make me concerned that they would rather fix their reputation than fix the issues at hand.

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KNOW YOUR RIGHTS:Landlord not fixing your A/C? Houston lawyer explains your rights and resources as a tenant

This is the latest move in an ongoing struggle between residents of Boone Manor and its owner and management company, ZRS Management. The complex drew criticism last month after a string of break-ins left residents frustrated with a perceived lack of communication and effort from staff at Boone Manor.

Some have since taken to posting flyers around the complex calling on their neighbors to join them in demanding improved security. Residents were in the process of gathering testimony from others in the complex when Buchalter received the letter demanding she both remove online comments and immediately cease posting flyers.

But Jordan Soto, another resident of Boone Manor, believes staff targeted Buchalter because shes been among those most vocal about the problems at the complex.

Honestly, the way that theyre treating her feels a lot like harassment, Soto said. Its like management believes this issue will just disappear if they do enough fear-mongering and bullying.

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Buchalter said shes not backing down.

I knew what the letter was when I received it, and it doesnt scare me, she said. I know that it holds almost no bearing and that I have not violated my lease.

A representative for Boone Manor confirmed the letter had been sent by their legal team but declined to address its contents directly.

We share the concerns of our residents and take matters regarding criminal activity at our property seriously, the representative said in an email. In addition to fully cooperating with investigating authorities, we implement measures to deter criminal activity at our community.

Buchalter provided the Chronicle with a copy of her lease agreement. It makes no mention of social media posts but does include a clause forbidding residents from making bad faith or false allegations against us or our agents.

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She previously told the Chronicle that staff has gone as far as withholding footage from the Houston Police Department. A representative for HPD was unable to confirm these allegations, citing the ongoing investigation into last months break ins. Anyone with information related to the crimes should contact the Burglary and Theft Division at 713-308-0900.

At least five burglaries occurred in July, but residents have yet to see any improvements in security or management. Soto, like Buchalter, said staff at Boone Manor have repeatedly been dismissive and at times rude to tenants who voice their concerns.

Soto has lived at Boone Manor since it opened in 2022. She said it wasnt until recently that residents began pointing out safety concerns at the complex. Soto attributed the spike in crime to a change in management, which she said has fostered a toxic environment more concerned with public perception than safety.

Theres been a very bluntly disappointing lack of leadership from the property manager, Soto said. Theyve completely mishandled this situation, and to be frank, theyve been mishandling it for at least a year and a half.

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If theres any silver lining, Soto said, its been the Boone Manor communitys resilience and willingness to stand up for their needs. She said a group of residents living at the complex have set their sights on replacing ZRS Management with another company.
By Tran Khanh An

Tunku Mona Riza, a prominent Malaysian film director and producer, is best known for her debut feature film Redha (Beautiful Pain). The film garnered 17 international and local awards, making it Malaysias most-awarded Malay-language film.

With her latest feature, Rain Town, Tunku Mona breaks new ground as the first Malay female director to helm a Cantonese-language film. The movie tells the story of a Cantonese family in Malaysia, highlighting the nation's rich cultural diversity.

Communication matters

Rain Town follows the Choo family, featuring a Cantonese Malaysian father, his Eurasian wife, and their three children. Choo is a traditional and patriarchal figure, who expects his children to adhere to his expectations, causing conflicts as they pursue their own dreams.

Tunku Mona explained to Viet Nam News that the inspiration for the film came from observing the generational gap between parents and children.

Despite technological advancements, there remains a disconnect between parents and children. They often struggle to relate to each other, she said, emphasising the importance of meaningful communication, despite the prevalence of modern technology.

Nowadays, during family dinners, everyone is glued to their phones, communicating mostly through text messages. However, direct communication and physical presence are crucial for understanding each other's feelings, regardless of technological progress," she said.

The family faces a turning point when Aileen, Choo's wife, is diagnosed with cancer, intensifying the family's existing tensions. Each member copes differently, making reconciliation seem almost impossible.

Ultimately, we cannot control whether we live or die, but the journey of life is important, and hope is what helps us stay positive, Tunku Mona said. Through this film, I want to convey that we must offer hope and support to those battling illness.

The film is set in Taiping, Perak, Malaysia, a town known as the rain town due to its record-breaking rainfall in Peninsular Malaysia.

Tunku Mona described the rain as another character in the film. In Malaysia, theres a saying that translates to calm will follow every storm. That's why the film's climax and intense emotions coincide with the town's heaviest rain, she said.

Embracing diversity

Malaysia's film industry is divided into linguistic and cultural markets, catering to various ethnic groups, such as Chinese (Mandarin or Cantonese), Malay (Bahasa Malaysia), and Indian (Tamil). Each community typically consumes media in their native language.

By creating a Cantonese film centered on an ethnic Chinese family, Tunku Mona aims to showcase the importance of cross-cultural interactions in maintaining Malaysia's harmonious multiracial society. She believes that, with proper research and respect, artists can authentically tell stories from other cultures' perspectives.

In Rain Town, the Choo family maintains an old tradition of making lanterns, and the film features other Chinese cultural practices, such as making mooncakes for the Mid-Autumn Festival. The audience is also introduced to the unique Taiping pastime of "betting on rain", where gamblers wager on the timing of the first raindrop.

Additionally, the film reflects the common practice of mixing English with other languages in Malaysian conversations. Its normal in Malaysia to blend English with your native language during conversations, Tunku Mona said.

During the scriptwriting process, we decided which parts would be in Cantonese and which in English. The actors naturally switched between the two languages during script readings.

Rain Town is not just a story about family and cultural identity; its a celebration of Malaysia's linguistic diversity and the universal need for connection and understanding.  VNS
HA NOI  A new horror-comedy movie will be soon released in five Asian countries and territories.

Entitled Lam Giau Voi Ma (Betting with Ghost), the movie will be launched in cinema theatres nationwide on August 30, right before the National Day holiday, before being screened in Indonesia, Malaysia, Cambodia, Brunei and Taiwan.

Produced by Bluebells Studios, the movie tells a humorous story of a wealth-making deal between a man and a ghost. Added to the narrative of actual deal, it reveals many secrets of a father-and-son relationship between Lanh (played by Tuan Tran) and Mr. ao (played by veteran actor Hoai Linh).

Creative producer Vo Nguyen an has revealed that the inspiration for the movie stemmed from the unique role of a coffin bearer. These individuals are responsible for caring for and decorating the deceased, ensuring they reach their final resting place with dignity, but they are also believed to possess the ability to connect with the underworld.

The film delves into these spiritual elements, exploring the quest for wealth through supernatural means. However, this journey comes with significant challenges and the protagonist, Lanh, faces a series of arduous trials, underscoring that every pursuit has its price.

Talking about the decision to choose Hoai Linh to the play the role of Mr. ao, movie director Nguyen Nhat Trung said that Linh was his top choice because of his dedication and immersive acting ability.

Viewers will feel many meanings through the character of Mr. ao, Trung said.

To portray Lanh, a young man driven by a desire to gamble and become wealthy, actor Tuan Tran watched online clips and spoke with individuals experienced in cockfighting to prepare for the role.

In the movie, his character Lanh strikes a deal with a ghost (portrayed by Diep Bao Ngoc) to limit his earnings to 30 million ong per day and if the amount is exceeded, his family members suffer accidents.

Money can't be found and Lanh and his father, Mr. ao, face numerous hardships. Lanh falls deeper into debt, is beaten and has his house seized by gangsters. His father was both angry and saddened by these events. Is there another secret behind Lanhs transformation? Why does the ghost assist Lanh in making money? The unresolved mysteries and the relationship between Mr. ao and his son promise to deliver fascinating and emotional twists in Betting with Ghost.

Tuan Tran hopes that the character Lanh will be even greater than his previous role of Wan in Bo Gia (The Father, 2021) and Ut Luc Lam in at Rung Phuong Nam (Song of the South, 2023).

Director Trung said that he wanted to create a ghost character that is relatable and emotionally compelling for the audience, rather than a typical supernatural entity. By imbuing the ghost character with human-like emotions and an authentic, natural performance, the filmmaker hopes to get the audience to see the ghost as a sympathetic figure.

After the launch in Viet Nam, the movie will be released directly in five Asian countries and territories including Indonesia, Malaysia, Cambodia, Brunei and Taiwan.

The distributor of Betting with Ghost for international markets is Mockingbird Pictures  a HCM City-based film production and distribution company, which has had several Asian hit movies in Viet Nam, including the Thailands Death Whisperer (Tee Yod), the South Koreas Concrete Utopia, Exhuma and Honey Sweet. VNS
HA NOI  The launch of Viet Nams National Action Plan on Women, Peace, and Security (NAP WPS) comes at a critical juncture with global challenges impacting all, and women and girls all around the worlds continued facing of disproportionate vulnerabilities and discrimination makes this plan more crucial than ever, Sima Bahous, Executive Director of UN Women, said in her video message on the occasion of the countrys August 8 announcement of the plan.

UN Women stands ready to support the Government of Viet Nam to extend partnership, leverage resources to ensure that no woman or girl is left behind, Sima Bahous affirmed.

This first action plan is built based on the four pillars of the WPS agenda, namely participation, protection, prevention, and relief and recovery. It also has a section on international cooperation, emphasising Viet Nam's dedication to collaborate with the global community to advance the WPS agenda.

Specifying the goals on women's full, equal, and meaningful participation in politics, diplomacy, national defence, security, and addressing gender-based violence, the NAP incorporates gender in its response to conflict, crisis, disaster, and emerging security challenges such as climate change and cyber security.

In conjunction with the launching, a workshop was conducted to develop the delivery plan of the NAP WPS led by the Vietnamese Ministry of Foreign Affairs and UN Women for effective implementation of the plan. Clear coordination, strong partnership and investment were identified as key drivers for the plan to transform the lives of women and girls and the broader efforts to sustain peace in the Southeast Asian country.

The WPS agenda is wide ranging and cross-cutting. It requires effective coordination among multi-stakeholders, including leaders and managers at all levels: provinces, ministries, national womens mechinary, academia, civil society, community-based and womens organisations," she said.

A clear and measurable plan for implementation provides a strong basis for financing and calling for increased investment in the WPS agenda with results that can be measured. In turn, this will keep the momentum and continued to garner political support from key relevant ministries and agencies in Viet Nam, said Ryce Chanchai, ASEAN Governance and ASEAN WPS Regional Programme Lead of UN Women.

The country has made significant progress in gender equality, demonstrating the political will and drive towards gender equality, including global ranking on gender equality improving from 83rd to 72nd out of 146 countries since the adoption of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, and the enactment of Gender Equality Law (2006) and the National Strategy on Gender Equality (2021-2030) and the Domestic Violence and Protection Law (2022)

At the international level, it has been a vocal advocate for the Women, Peace, and Security Agenda. Viet Nam led the proposal of the UN Security Council Resolution 1889 in 2009, focusing on womens role in post-conflict peacebuilding.

During its tenure as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council (2020-2021), the nation hosted an international conference themed "Enhancing Womens Role in Peace Building and Consolidation: From Commitments to Results," adopting the Hanoi Commitment to Action with the co-sponsorship of 75 UN member states. Most recently, its commitment to promoting gender equality was further highlighted by its recent acceptance to be part of the Executive Board of UN Women for the term 2025-2027.

UN Women provided technical support to the Vietnamese Government for the development of the NAP WPS since 2021, through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, with the support from the Governments of Canada, the UK, Australia, and the Republic of Korea.  VNS

Read more: Viet Nam unveils first National Action Programme on Women, Peace, Security
TOKYO  Vietnamese Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son had meetings with Vice President of the House of Councillors of Japan Nagahama Hiroyuki, Executive Senior Vice President of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Miyazaki Katsura, and Governor of Hokkaido prefecture Suzuki Naomichi on August 9 as part of his official visit to the Northeast Asian country.

At the meetings, Son expressed his delight that the Viet Nam - Japan comprehensive strategic partnership has continued developing substantively and productively in all areas with high political trust.

Japan is one of the most important partners of Viet Nam in the fields of official development assistance (ODA), investment, trade, and labour, he stated, noting that the two countries are also expanding ties to new spheres like energy transition, green transition, and digital transformation.

The minister appreciated Japans multi-faceted assistance for Viet Nams socio-economic development, noting that its ODA has greatly helped with infrastructure development in Viet Nam, including many projects symbolising the bilateral relations.

Talking to Vice President of the House of Councillors Nagahama Hiroyuki, he proposed his host support and promote all-level mutual visits, exchanges between the two parliaments as well as young and women parliamentarians, along with stronger economic connections through fostering ODA, investment, and trade links.

Son called on Japan to step up new-generation ODA projects; the collaboration in training high-quality human resources for the fields of semiconductor, artificial intelligence, digital transformation, green transition, and high-speed railway; locality-to-locality exchanges; as well as cultural and people-to-people cooperation. He suggested the Japanese Government keep simplifying visa granting procedures, work towards exempting visas, and consider granting long-term visas for Vietnamese citizens.

Offering condolences on the passing of Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong and calling on both countries to carry on the late leaders legacy, Nagahama conveyed President of the House of Councillors Otsuji Hidehisas invitation to Vietnamese National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man to visit Japan.

He pledged support for enhancing the two countries comprehensive strategic partnership in all spheres, increasing exchanges and cooperation between the two legislative bodies, and creating conditions for Vietnamese labourers and apprentices to work in Japan.

At the meeting with JICA Executive Senior Vice President Miyazaki Katsura, Son suggested JICA boost the consideration of providing new-generation ODA loans with more preferential and simpler borrowing conditions and procedures for large-scale infrastructure development, health care, environmental protection, and climate change response in Viet Nam.

He also asked JICA to help the country in human resources training; promote concrete assistance projects in news areas such as digital transformation, green transition, innovation, and administrative reform; and speed up some key ODA cooperation projects between the two countries.

The Vietnamese Government continues to view ODA as an important and priority source of funding for large and key infrastructure projects in the time ahead, he went on.

Miyazaki lauded the recent 12th meeting of the Viet Nam - Japan Cooperation Committee, which discussed measures for strengthening economic partnerships, including ODA cooperation. He also thanked the Vietnamese Ministry of Foreign Affairs for working with related ministries and sectors to promote the two countries ODA projects.

He agreed to consider the Vietnamese sides proposals about some projects funded through ODA loans and the training of human resources in new areas.

Receiving Governor Suzuki Naomichi in Hokkaido, Son highly valued Suzuki and the local administrations support for and determination in enhancing multifaceted cooperation with Viet Nam, especially in labour, cultural exchanges, people-to-people ties, and tourism.

The minister called on Hokkaido to continue reinforcing connections with Vietnamese localities in concrete and practical fields, including trade, investment, tourism, culture, and Japanese language teaching.

The FM also called on local enterprises to invest more in the Southeast Asian nation in the areas they are strong at such as high-tech agriculture, forestry, along with seafood processing and export; boost collaboration in manpower training, especially high-quality workers for the semiconductor industry; receive more Vietnamese apprentices; and create favourable conditions for the Vietnamese community to live, study, and work in the prefecture.

Meanwhile, Suzuki affirmed his prefectures willingness to enhance cooperation with Vietnamese localities, receive more high-quality workers and apprentices from Viet Nam, and increase collaboration in training human resources.

The governor also spoke highly of contributions by about 12,000 Vietnamese people, the largest foreign community in Hokkaido, to local socio-economic development. He expressed his hope that more Vietnamese will come to work here, pledging further support for the community.

Cultural and people-to-people exchanges such as the Viet Nam Festival in Sapporo City and the Hokkaido Festival in Ha Long City will continue to be held in order to deepen the cohesion and mutual understanding between Vietnamese and Japanese people, he added.

On August 8, Son received former Special Ambassador for Japan - Viet Nam Sugi Ryotaro, appreciating the latters dedications to the two countries friendship for the last more than 30 years.  VNS
KUALA LUMPUR  A delegation of the Vietnamese National Assembly (NA) led by Vice Chairman Nguyen Khac inh met with Speaker of the Malaysian House of Representatives Johari Bin Abdul and held talks with Deputy President of the Senate Nur Jazlan Bin Tan Sri Mohamed in Kuala Lumpur on August 9.

Highly valuing the Vietnamese NA delegations working visit, the two host leaders suggested that, to intensify the two countries cooperation, they should establish a network of connection through their enterprises, entrepreneurs, and young citizens while considering the formation of an integrated supply chain for semiconductor and high technology manufacturing  one of the fields Malaysia has been promoting.

With regard to the East Sea issue, the two sides agreed that Malaysia and Viet Nam will keep working together and with other countries to maintain ASEANs common stance on the East Sea, ensure the full and serious implementation of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea (DOC), promote the building of an efficient and effective Code of Conduct (COC) that accords with international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), and strive to build the East Sea into a sea of peace, cooperation, and shared prosperity.

inh said the NA delegations visit takes place ahead of the 10th anniversary of the two countries strategic partnership in 2025, aiming to help reinforce the friendship and substantive cooperation in all fields and foster fruitful ties between the two parliaments.

Applauding the robust development of the bilateral ties in all aspects for the last over 50 years, he said Viet Nam and Malaysia have coordinated closely at regional and international forums such as the United Nations, the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC), and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). He held that they should enhance collaboration to maintain ASEANs solidarity and centrality, and build a strong, united, and resilient ASEAN Community.

The two sides should step up the signing of cooperation agreements between the Vietnamese NA and the Malaysian House of Representatives and Senate, creating stepping stones for them to further boost legislative ties. They also need to increase meetings at all levels as well as between the two countries parliamentarians and parliamentary friendship groups to share experience in building laws, supervising, and making decisions on nationally important issues, inh said.

He underlined the necessity for maintaining coordination at multilateral forums such as the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), the Asia-Pacific Parliamentary Forum (APPF), and other multilateral parliamentary organisations; supporting each others stances on regional and international issues of shared concern; and enhancing cooperation between the Vietnamese NA Office and the Malaysian Senate Secretariat, particularly in training personnel, exchanging researching and advising experience, and serving parliamentary activities.

On this occasion, inh conveyed NA Chairman Tran Thanh Mans invitation to the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President of the Senate of Malaysia to visit Viet Nam. He also invited the Deputy President of the Senate and senators of Malaysia to visit Viet Nam in the near future.

During the trip, the NA delegation visited the office of FPT in Kuala Lumpur. Established in 2008, FPT Software Malaysia has recorded an annual revenue growth rate of 18-22 per cent, earning US$ 43 million in 2023. It has three branches in this country.

The officials also visited the Vietnamese Embassy and met with representatives of the Vietnamese community in Malaysia.

NA Vice Chairman Nguyen Khac inhs visit from August 6-9 was the first by a high-ranking official of Viet Nam to Malaysia since 2015.

Leaving Malaysia, the delegation is paying a working visit to Brunei from August 9-11.  VNS
VIENTIANE Minister of Health ao Hong Lan attended the 16th ASEAN Health Ministers Meeting and related meetings held in Vientiane from August 7-9.

Together with the Health Ministers of other ASEAN countries, Minister Lan attended and addressed sessions on building ASEAN health priorities after 2025.

At these sessions, she made important proposals such as promoting the health policy framework and health management system, enhancing the resilience and readiness of the health system to respond to future public health emergencies, building a sustainable financing mechanism for the health sector to meet the increasing demand for quality health services, and applying high technology and digital transformation in healthcare to increase access to health services.

At the 16th ASEAN Health Ministers Meeting, Lan delivered a key speech emphasising the need to strengthen the post-pandemic health system in the region through increasing public health responses, improving access to essential healthcare services, investing in healthcare infrastructure and technology, and promoting regional cooperation and solidarity.

At the 10th ASEAN+3 Health Ministers Meeting on enhancing ASEAN health security through digital innovation for cross-border health emergencies in the new post-pandemic context, she proposed promoting cooperation opportunities to upgrade, integrate, and link information technology systems along with the application of artificial intelligence in disease prevention and management to better protect people's health and ensure health security.

At the 2nd ASEAN-RoK Health Ministers Meeting on digital transformation in healthcare, the Vietnamese minister delivered a speech that focuses on promoting cooperation and coordination mechanisms between ASEAN countries and the RoK (the Republic of Korea) on digital healthcare, including support for medical examination and treatment, online training, and timely information sharing and coordination in disease response.

At the 9th ASEAN-China Health Ministers Meeting on strengthening health systems and access to health services, Lan shared Viet Nam's healthcare system and proposed measures such as developing the health system with new directions to ensure transparency, accountability, resilience and sustainability, flexible adaptation, efficiency in the new situation, universal healthcare coverage, priorities to scientific research and high technology applications in disease prevention, detection, diagnosis and treatment, and research and development of pharmaceuticals and medical equipment.

At the ASEAN-US Special Session Health Ministerial Meeting on improving healthcare and optimising welfare in ASEAN, she emphasised that the strengthening of the social welfare system includes comprehensive social protection, sustainable funding, and community empowerment through social services. Moreover, integrating health and social services is an important strategy to enhance overall well-being and address the complex needs of individuals and the community.

Minister Lan and a delegation of Viet Nam attended the 2nd ASEAN Health Finance Ministers Meeting and discussed the coordination between the two sectors and the establishment of the ASEAN Health Finance Cooperation Working Group.

At the end of the 16th ASEAN Health Ministers Meeting and related meetings, health ministers of ASEAN countries, ASEAN+3, the RoK, China, and the US adopted joint statements of the meetings.

On the sidelines of the meetings, the Vietnamese minister met with Saia Ma'u Piukala, Director of the World Health Organisation (WHO) Western Pacific Region to discuss about WHO support for ASEAN, particularly Viet Nam. VNS
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN  A high-ranking delegation of the Vietnamese National Assembly (NA) led by Vice Chairman Nguyen Khac inh had meetings with Sultan of Brunei Haji Hassanal Bolkiah and Speaker of the Legislative Council Abdul Rahman Taib in Bandar Seri Begawan on August 10.

The Sultan and the Speaker of the Legislative Council offered deep condolences on the passing of General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee Nguyen Phu Trong. They also extended congratulations on President To Lams election as Party General Secretary.

Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah recalled the memories of his meeting with General Secretary Trong during his official visit to Vietnam in 2019 to establish the comprehensive partnership between the two countries. He also expressed his good impression of Vietnam.

Highly valuing Vietnams role in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), Speaker Abdul Rahman Taib perceived that the two countries should continue bringing into play their roles and actively coordinating with other ASEAN members to help maintain the blocs centrality and build a united and prosperous ASEAN Community of sustainable development for the sake of people in the region.

At the meetings, the Vietnamese and Bruneian leaders shared the view that their countries relations have been growing well in all aspects, especially since the elevation of their ties, and that cooperation potential remains substantial.

Vice Chairman inh congratulated Brunei on many significant development achievements and also spoke highly of bilateral cooperation at regional and international mechanisms.

He voiced his hope that amid global uncertainties with increasing geo-political competition, the two countries will step up collaboration to build an ASEAN Community of fast and sustainable development; maintain the consensus on maintaining peace and stability in the region and the East Sea; ensure the rights and legitimate interests of and create favourable conditions for the development of the parties concerned on the basis of international law, especially the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS); fully and effectively implement the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea (DOC); and exert efforts to build an efficient and effective code of conduct (COC) in the waters that matches international law and the 1982 UNCLOS.

He said hopes that the Sultan and agencies of Brunei will support the implementation of the Action Programme carrying out the Vietnam - Brunei Comprehensive Partnership for the 2023-2027 period, including the continued facilitation of promoting cooperation between the two countries businesses in priority areas such as oil and gas, chemicals, Halal industry, tourism, and the utilisation of potential trade areas such as rice, agricultural and aquatic products, supply and export of Halal products to third markets.

He also hoped that the two sides will deepen defence and security collaboration on the basis of existing and negotiating cooperation frameworks, strengthen affiliation in education, training and human resources development, and take advantage of new growth drivers such as green economy and digital economy.

He proposed the Royal Family, Legislative Council and Government of Brunei continue to pay attention to and create favourable conditions for the Vietnamese community to live, work and study in Brunei.

Regarding cooperation between the two legislatures in the coming time, Vice Chairman inh also proposed the two sides study and promote the signing of a cooperation agreement between the National Assembly of Vietnam and the Legislative Council of Brunei, creating a basis for both sides to deepen their cooperation.

He suggested strengthening cooperation between Vietnams NA Office and the Secretariat of Bruneis Legislative Council, especially in exchanging experience in research, giving advice, and organising parliamentary activities.

Besides, the two sides should continue promoting coordination mechanisms at multilateral forums such as the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), Asia-Pacific Parliamentary Forum (APPF) and other multilateral parliamentary organisations, supporting each other's stance on regional and international issues of common concern. In the coming time, the two sides and ASEAN member parliaments need to coordinate to support the Lao National Assembly to fulfil its role as AIPA Chairman and successfully organise the AIPA-45 General Assembly in Laos next October.

On the same afternoon, Vice Chairman inh and NA delegation of Vietnam visited and had a working session at Brunei National University (UBD)  the leading university. Established in 1985, the education establishment, headed by Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah, is currently ranked 71st in Asia and 385th in the world. - VNA/VNS
In a unified effort to lift the European Commission's "yellow card" warning by the end of the year and promote sustainable development in the fishery sector, the coastal provinces in the southern Red River Delta are taking stringent measures to combat Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) fishing.

Leadership responsibility

The 2017 "yellow card" warning from the EC marked a challenging time for Viet Nam's fisheries sector. Over the past six years, both central and local authorities, including those in the southern Red River Delta, have made significant strides to address this issue. The coastal provinces of Nam inh, Thai Binh and Ninh Binh have diligently taken measures in line with the Government's directives to combat IUU fishing.

These measures have been communicated to local authorities, particularly in coastal communes, with agencies intensifying efforts to eliminate the "yellow card". Initiatives include educating fishermen on legal compliance, enforcing regulations, and increasing patrols, inspections, and monitoring.

Nam inh, with the highest number of fishing vesselsover 1,760has issued directives to enhance monitoring, reporting, and strict enforcement of regulations to meet international standards.

Hoang Manh Ha, director of the Nam inh fishery sub-department, highlighted the collaboration with coastal localities and the coast guard force to improve legal compliance among fishermen and secure commitments from vessel owners to avoid violating international fishing boundaries. The provincial government is holding local leaders accountable for IUU violations.

In Hai Hau District, a key fishing hub with 192 vessels and over 1,000 workers engaged in offshore fishing, increased inspections and guidance on compliance, including the installation of tracking devices and maintenance of accurate fishing logs, are strictly enforced.

Thai Binh, with a coastline of 52km and a sea area of over 3,000sq.km, has also linked the fight against IUU fishing to local leadership responsibilities.

All 706 registered fishing vessels are equipped with tracking devices and certified for food safety, according to Hoang Minh Giang, director of the provincial fishery sub-department. To date, no violations of foreign waters or illegal fishing have been reported.

In Ninh Binh, the provincial Department of Agriculture and Rural Development signed a coordination plan with neighbouring provinces on May 12, 2023. This plan outlines measures for monitoring fishing vessels, managing catch volumes, and combating illegal fishing for 2023-25. Numerous documents have been issued to coordinate efforts against IUU fishing.

Supporting fishermen

To address challenges in enforcing IUU fishing regulations, Thai Binh launched public awareness campaigns and introduced financial support policies. The province's 2020 resolution funded the purchase and installation of tracking devices on fishing vessels, increasing the number from 30 to 176 out of 181 eligible vessels by 2023.

A subsequent resolution subsidised satellite subscription fees for these devices, covering 50 per cent of the annual cost, up to VN2 million (US$800) per vessel per year. Compliance with tracking device regulations is mandatory to qualify for support.

The coast guard force plays a crucial role in combating IUU fishing and supporting sustainable development. Lieutenant Colonel Vu Chi Cong of the Hai Thinh coast guard base in Nam inh reported that his force monitors vessels and educates fishermen on IUU regulations.

Colonel Tran Van Kha at Ninh Binhs coast guard base emphasised proactive measures to raise public awareness and conduct sea patrols, supporting sustainable marine economies and improving fishermen's awareness of resource protection and national sovereignty.

From awareness to action

Nguyen Van Cuong, a fisherman in Kim ong Commune, Kim Son District, Ninh Binh, previously fished without specific area restrictions. Following instruction on IUU regulations, Cuong now adheres to legal requirements, including proper vessel marking and fishing zone compliance.

In Nam inh, authorities have effectively managed fleet operations and improved fishermen's understanding of IUU regulations.

Cao Thi Nga, head of the Nam inh Fishery Inspection Office, noted increased compliance in reporting and logging, with no incidents of vessels being detained by foreign authorities. By May 15, 533 out of 542 vessels had installed tracking devices, reaching 98.34 per cent.

In Thai Binh, the provincial Department of Agriculture and Rural Development conducted eight inspections in the first six months of the year, imposing administrative fines totalling VN550 million for violations related to tracking device installations and other infractions.

Protecting natural resources

With nearly 150km of coastline, Thai Binh, Nam inh and Ninh Binh offer substantial opportunities for maritime economic development. To remove the ECs yellow card, these provinces are restructuring their fisheries sectors for sustainable development, aiming to enhance livelihoods and improve the quality of life for fishermen.

Ninh Binh has prioritised brackish water aquaculture in coastal sedimentary zones, resulting in higher economic returns compared to traditional methods. Kim Son's fishery catch reached over 36,000 tonnes in 2023.

Thai Binh boasts a significant seafood stock, estimated at 26,000 tonnes of fish, shrimp, and squid, with an annual production of around 18,000 tonnes.

The province aims for a 3.2 per cent growth in aquaculture this year, targeting a production value of VN6.13 trillion and a total seafood catch of 397,000 tonnes.

Nam inh is developing larger vessels for offshore fishing and has two operational ports, ensuring safe docking and compliance with regulations.

Sustainable exploitation

The National Programme for the Protection and Development of Fishery Resources up to 2030 integrates patrols, inspections, and resource management with sustainable fishing and combating IUU fishing.

Tackling IUU fishing has become a core component of sustainable fisheries development in Viet Nam.

Tran uc Viet, deputy director of Nam inh's Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, emphasised the continued restructuring of the agricultural sector, focusing on reducing coastal fishing vessels and enhancing offshore fishing capacity. The province is also developing logistics support fleets and improving infrastructure for storm shelters.

Thai Binh aims to become a leading agricultural production hub in the Red River Delta, focusing on modernising agriculture and improving the value chain for its agricultural products. The province is enhancing science and technology applications in aquaculture and fishery processing to meet domestic and export demands.

Colonel Lam Manh Hoi, deputy commander and chief of staff of Thai Binh coast guard base, said that the provincial coast guard force had issued resolutions and long-term plans to end IUU violations. They were increasing patrols and inspections, addressing issues such as loss of connection, expired licences, and unregistered vessel transfers, with the goal of restoring the green card for the fishing industry.

In October, the EC will conduct its fifth inspection of Viet Nams efforts to combat IUU fishing, a critical assessment that will determine whether Viet Nam can remove the EC "yellow card". VNS
HCM CITY  Numerous volunteer activities and programmes of the HCM City 2024 summer volunteer campaign have been highly successful, benefiting the community.

A ceremony was held to honor the contributions of youth volunteers in the summer campaign this year from June 2 to August 4.

Secretary of the Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union (HCYU) of HCM City Ngo Minh Hai said the citys youth have been experiencing a vibrant summer, filled with volunteer activities.

The 50th anniversary of the Liberation of the South and National Reunification is an opportunity for the city's youth to continue their volunteer journey and contribute to the citys development.

The young volunteers were warmly welcomed and deeply appreciated by the local communities thanks to their meaningful projects, he said.

Volunteer work is the most effective educational approach employed by HCYU for young people to develop and mature, he said.

This has continued the tradition of youth volunteerism, building upon the achievements of previous generations.

Nguyen Ho Hai, standing deputy secretary of the municipal Party Committee, praised young volunteers in the city for their enthusiasm, creativity, and dedication.

They play a significant role in contributing to the city's development to become more civilised, modern and loving, and improving the quality of life for its citizens, he said.

He emphasised the importance of youth involvement in digital transformation initiatives and encouraged them to continue their volunteer work, especially in addressing the city's pressing challenges and contributing more to the citys socio-economic growth and the national development in general.

He called on the citys youth to leverage technology and social media to mobilise more people to participate in volunteer activities.

This year's campaign attracted the participation of more than 611,000 people, along with the involvement of 48 Malaysian volunteers and more than 80 from other countries such as Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, and the US who are studying in the city.

The sites of the activities and programmes are mostly remote and border areas of 16 provinces in Tay Nguyen (Central Highlands), the southcentral coastal, southeaster, and Cuu Long (Mekong) Delta regions. There are also programmes taking place in Laos.

The volunteers helped create 714 clean streets and alleys, meeting the standards of a "green - clean - beautiful - civilised - safe" area.

They built and repaired 61 houses in the city and other provinces; renovated and upgraded 93 community spaces and activity centres; and planted 139,960 trees.

They also carried out over 2,800 practical ideas and initiatives; provided digital skills training to more than 9,460 young people; conducted career guidance for more than 52,000 young people; introduced job opportunities to more than 10,950 young people; cared for 132,850 people, including children; and admitted 10,510 new youth union members and 667 elite youth union members to the Party.

The city's HCYU rewarded outstanding collectives and individuals for their contributions to organising the campaign this year.  VNS
HCM CITY  The Government has given HCM City the green light to license the import of rare drugs to meet special treatment needs instead of depending on the Ministry of Health.

They include drugs used to diagnose, prevent or treat group A infectious diseases such as polio, influenza A-H5N1 and plague, cancer, HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria, and some other serious diseases.

The city will also even have the right to grant import licences for drugs otherwise not licensed in Viet Nam to meet treatment needs for emergency use such as anti-toxicity, anti-transplant rejection, and prevent and treat anaphylactic shock.

The director of its Department of Health, Tang Chi Thuong, said a licensing regime is being developed for the purpose.

Such licensing used to be the health ministrys prerogative.

Pharmaceutical companies often aggregate demand from a number of localities to apply for import licenses, which takes a lot of time, often several months. So, allowing the city to import would circumvent that problem Thuong said.

The city is home to many large hospitals and receives serious cases from many other provinces and cities.

In recent times imports of rare drugs and those used in emergencies have faced difficulties, leading to shortages.

As the intensive treatment centre for the entire south and even some central provinces, ensuring it has timely and sufficient supply of drugs has become an indispensable need.

The health department has instructed hospitals to work with pharmaceutical companies to get drug import licenses.

The city will proactively monitor the situation and help businesses import promptly.

Import licenses issued by the city are valid for one year.

His department would also advise the City to trial stockpiling of emergency and rare drugs since they cannot wait for import procedures to be carried out periodically, Thuong added.  VNS
Bunny is a senior dog and cruelty survivor available for adoption through the Clear The Shelters event from Aug. 10 to Sept. 10. Courtesy of Houston Humane Society

With the Houston Humane Society operating at 225% capacity, the nonprofit is hosting its annual Clear The Shelters Event, lowering the cost of adoptions.

From Aug. 10 to Sept. 10, pet adoptions will be 50% off, with adoption fees completely waived for animals that have been in the shelter for at least three months. As of Thursday, the shelter had 479 animals in its care with more than 200 cats and dogs ready for adoption.

Pretty is an adult cat available for adoption through the Houston Humane Society. Courtesy of Houston Humane Society

Adoption events like Clear The Shelters aim to tackle a pet overpopulation crisis, an ongoing issue for the shelter. In February, the Chronicle reported that the Houston Humane Society had over 700 dogs in its care with every kennel full.

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Macey Staes, assistant marketing manager at Houston Humane Society, said the organization believes adopting a pet shouldn't be considered a privilege, but instead should be affordable for everyone.

"Everyone, regardless of their financial situation, should be able to feel and experience the joy of pet ownership," she said.

In addition to the lower fee, adopted pets are already vaccinated, dewormed, microchipped, spayed or neutered and are tested for illnesses like feline leukemia and heartworm.

The event is also an opportunity for community members to familiarize themselves with the humane society, the adoption process and the animals available for adoption, Staes said.

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"Just because you come in does not mean you have to adopt a pet, but we do hope that you find your perfect match and are able to make that commitment," she said.

Ava is available for adoption through the Houston Humane Society's Clear The Shelters event. Her favorite hobbies include long walks and playing ball. Courtesy of Houston Humane Society

With the organization operating above capacity, it's not always able to take in new animals. But with the shelter's Find a Foster program, all animals are able to find a home, even if it's temporary, Staes said.

The program allows for animals to get all the benefits of being an adoptable pet, like free medical care, supplies and the ability to participate in adoption events, she said.

"We're never going to turn someone away without at least offering them this option," Staes said.

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The event is a partnership with NBCUniversal. Fundraising will again be led by Greater Good Charities, a global nonprofit and longtime campaign partner. Donations can be made Aug. 10 to Sept. 30 here.
The murdering of civilian targets by Israel, as in the latest bombing a school of children and women, represent an overwhelming challenge to understand if you are a normal decent person

1st  To an Israeli, Gazans are not humans and should be culled like animals

2nd  Israel as the West illegally created, is not a civilised place, nor is it good and definitely not a place God embraces

3rd  Therefore, we deal with Israels faulty thinking (both 1 and 2 above) and that is their belief that there will never be a response to this and or any massacre that they cause

Explanation below

***

https://t.me/MariaVladimirovnaZakharova/8621

 Commentary by the official representative of the Russian Foreign Ministry M.V. Zakharova in connection with the Israeli strike on the Tabiin school in the Gaza Strip

 According to incoming information, on the morning of August 10, Israeli aircraft launched a missile attack on the Tabieen school in Gaza. More than two thousand refugees were there at the time of the attack. According to Palestinian sources, more than a hundred people were killed in the attack, dozens were wounded and are under the rubble of the destroyed building. Many children and women were among the victims.

Moscow is deeply shocked by what happened. We express our sincere condolences to the relatives of the victims. We wish a speedy recovery to the injured.

We reaffirm our principled and consistent position on the need for strict compliance with the norms of international humanitarian law.

We note with regret that such attacks in the Gaza Strip, which claim civilian lives, are systematic. We call on the Israeli side to refrain from attacks on civilian targets. We believe that there is no justification for them. According to the Palestinian side, 13 centers for displaced persons were bombed in the past month alone. Tragedies such as what happened today at the Tabiin school undermine international efforts aimed at de-escalating the situation in the Palestinian-Israeli conflict zone and a speedy ceasefire, as well as an exchange of detainees.

We draw attention to the fact that what happened was a direct consequence of the failure to implement the decisions of the UN Security Council and the UN General Assembly demanding an end to military action in the Gaza Strip and the establishment of unimpeded humanitarian access to the enclave.

In this regard, we once again emphasize the need for immediate implementation of these resolutions, as required by the UN Charter, which would ensure the establishment of a long-term ceasefire, provide the necessary assistance to the residents of the Gaza Strip and create conditions for transferring efforts to resolve the conflict to the political and diplomatic plane.

WtR
Russian Defence Ministry report on the progress of the special military operation (39 August 2024)

From 3 to 9 August 2024, the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation carried out 19 group strikes by high-precision weapons and attack unmanned aerial vehicles to hit: Ukrainian defence industry and relevant energy industry facilities, airfield infrastructure, air defence systems, UAV assembly facilities and storage areas.

In addition, the strikes hit fuel tanks, arms and ammunition depots, areas where Ukrainian reserves were concentrated, temporary deployment areas of nationalist formations and foreign mercenaries.

The Sever Group of Forces continue to repel attempts of the Armed Forces of Ukraine to invade the territory of the Russian Federation in Kursk direction. Army aviation strikes and artillery fire are foiling raid operations of the enemy targeting the depth of the Russian Federation.

Since the beginning of hostilities in this direction, the enemy has lost up to 945 troops and 102 armoured vehicles, including 12 tanks, 17 armoured personnel carriers, six infantry fighting vehicles, 67 armoured fighting vehicles, 12 motor vehicles, two Buk M1 self-propelled artillery systems, and three field artillery guns.

Moreover, the Group hit manpower and military hardware of one mechanised brigade, one motorised infantry brigade, and two assault brigades of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, one marine brigade, and three territorial defence brigades in Volchansk and Liptsy directions.

Seven counter-attacks of AFU assault group were repelled.

Over the past week, the enemy has suffered losses of up to 1,650 troops, 14 tanks, 92 armoured fighting vehicles, 45 motor vehicles, and 33 field artillery guns. Two Buk M1 SAM self-propelled launchers, six electronic and counter-battery warfare stations, and eight field ammunition depots were eliminated.

Over the past week, the Zapad Group of Forces took more advantageous lines and positions, and defeated the units of the six mechanised brigades, one assault brigade, and one airmobile brigade of the AFU and the three territorial defence brigades. Nine counter-attacks of the Armed Forces of Ukraine were repelled.

The AFU losses amounted to up to 3,260 Ukrainian troops a week, four tanks, including two German-made Leopard tanks, 12 armoured fighting vehicles, 68 motor vehicles, 45 field artillery guns, including fifteen 155-mm self-propelled artillery systems and howitzers (made in USA, UK, Germany, and Poland).

In addition, seven electronic and counter-battery warfare stations and 16 field ammunition depots were eliminated.

The Yug Group of Forces improved the situation along the front line, defeated manpower and hardware of four mechanised brigades, four assault brigades, one motorised infantry brigade, two airmobile brigades of the AFU, and two territorial defence brigades.

Seven counter-attacks launched by the AFU assault detachments were repelled.

The AFU losses amounted to up to 4,240 Ukrainian troops, one tank, six armoured fighting vehicles, 47 motor vehicles, one Croatian-made RAK-SA-12 MLRS launcher, 47 field artillery guns, including eighteen howitzers and 155-mm self-propelled artillery systems of NATO manufacture.

Seven electronic warfare stations and seven field ammunition depots have been eliminated.

As a result of active operations, the Tsentr Group of Forces have liberated Timofeyevka, Novosyolovka Pervaya, and Vesyoloye (Donetsk Peoples Republic) during the week.

Russian troops hit one tank brigade, five mechanised brigades, one infantry brigade, two assault brigades of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, two territorial defence brigades, and one Lyut assault brigade of the Ukrainian National Police.

Twenty-two counter-attacks of the AFU units were repelled.

Over the past week, the enemy has suffered losses of up to 2,520 troops, two tanks, 17 armoured fighting vehicles, including two U.S.-made Bradley infantry fighting vehicles, one German-made Marder infantry fighting vehicle, and five U.S.-made M113 armoured personnel carriers, 27 motor vehicles, 24 field artillery guns, and three electronic and counter-battery warfare stations.

The Vostok Group of Forces captured more advantageous lines, defeated manpower and hardware of two AFU mechanised and motorised infantry brigades, two territorial defence brigades, and one national guard brigade. Four counter-attacks of AFU assault groups were repelled.

The enemy losses amounted to up to 760 Ukrainian troops, four tanks, three armoured fighting vehicles, 48 motor vehicles, 19 field artillery guns, including thirteen howitzers and 155-mm self-propelled artillery systems of western manufacture.

Five electronic and counter-battery warfare stations and eight field ammunition depots have been eliminated.

The Dnepr Group of Forces have engaged the units of one mechanised brigade, one infantry brigade, one mountain assault brigade, one marine brigade, and three territorial defence brigades.

Russian troops foiled an attempt of one AFU sabotage and reconnaissance group to land on Kinburn Spit. As a result of the Dnepr Groups actions, the enemys landing party was eliminated.

During the week in this direction, the enemy suffered losses of up to 550 Ukrainian troops, one tank, two infantry fighting vehicles, 44 motor vehicles, 20 field artillery guns, and six U.S.-made 155-mm M777 howitzers. Four electronic warfare stations and six field ammunition depots have been eliminated.

Operational-Tactical Aviation, unmanned aerial vehicles, Missile Troops and Artillery of the Russian Groups of Forces have eliminated two MiG-29 fighter jets of the Ukrainian Air Force, three Czech-made Vampire MLRS combat vehicles, two S-125 anti-aircraft missile launchers, and three radars (one U.S.-made AN/MPQ-65 and two P-18 stations.

Over the past week, air defence systems have shot down three Ukrainian fighter jets: two Ukrainian MiG-29 and Su-27 fighter jets, four French-made SCALP-EG air-launched cruise missiles, 14 U.S.-made ATACMS operational-tactical missiles, one French-made Hammer aerial guided bomb, two U.S.-made Patriot anti-aircraft guided missiles, 72 projectiles of HIMARS, Vampire, and Olkha systems; and 668 unmanned aerial vehicles.

At night, the Black Sea Fleet repelled an attack of seven uncrewed surface vehicles at the Sevastopol naval base. All uncrewed surface vehicles were neutralised.

Over the past week, 55 Ukrainian servicemen have surrendered on the line of contact.

In total, 637 airplanes and 278 helicopters, 29,507 unmanned aerial vehicles, 563 air defence missile systems, 17,004 tanks and other armoured fighting vehicles, 1,399 combat vehicles equipped with MLRS, 13,050 field artillery guns and mortars, as well as 24,562 units of special military equipment have been destroyed during the special military operation.

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"Adele" yawns as her human, Cynthia Jensen holds her during Woofstock: Peace Love Dogs, a summer celebration of community and dogs of all shapes and sizes hosted by iLuckyDog Pet Campus Saturday, April 24, 2021, in Katy. Steve Gonzales, Houston Chronicle / Staff photographer Buddy, a 6-year-old working ranch dog, walks down 23rd Street with Michelle Kenyon on Saturday, Feb. 3, 2024, in the Strand district in Galveston. Buddy had a lot to say after Kenyon told him to sit. Kenyon said they are from Wyoming and came to visit friends and get away from the winter weather. Jon Shapley/Staff photographer "Max" jumps in to the water to get a ball thrown by his owner, Marie Beirne during Woofstock: Peace Love Dogs, a summer celebration of community and dogs of all shapes and sizes hosted by iLuckyDog Pet Campus Saturday, April 24, 2021, in Katy. Steve Gonzales, Houston Chronicle / Staff photographer "Abby" plays on the splash pad with owner Kimi Kentner during Woofstock: Peace Love Dogs, a summer celebration of community and dogs of all shapes and sizes hosted by iLuckyDog Pet Campus Saturday, April 24, 2021, in Katy. Steve Gonzales, Houston Chronicle / Staff photographer

But despite the hefty share of households with paws and collars, Houston gets a pretty poor grade for pet-friendliness compared to other major U.S cities. A recent report done by WalletHub puts Houston in the bottom half of the nations most pet-friendly cities.

On the other hand, Austin does a lot better, coming in near the top of the list as the 12th pet-friendliest city in the U.S.

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So why the disparity? Considering Houstonians love for their dogs, whats going wrong?

To determine pet-friendliness, the study took the 100 most-populated U.S cities and compared them across three main factors: pet budget, pet health and wellness and outdoor pet friendliness. Analysts broke down those factors using 23 dimensions, giving each of the three factors a grade out of 100.

While Texas won't necessarily break the bank for dog ownership, with an average lifetime cost of more than $28,000, cost isnt everything. According to Cassandra Happe, a WalletHub analyst, the availability of vets, pet-friendly stores and parks and a citys walkability all play a big part in making a well-rounded environment.

Chris Stewart, one of the co-founders of BakedBones, a Houston-based line of CBD products for dogs, said hes never struggled to find dog-owner events and resources in the city.

Almost every weekend theres a dog event, Stewart said. Houston is so giant that people might just have to look outside of their neighborhood.

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From dog parades and walks at the Bayou to a breadth of treat and supply business, Steward said he hasnt found the citys commitment to their pets to ever come up short. What makes pet ownership difficult rather are the unbeatable aspects of Houston itself: the heat and walkability.

When push comes to shove with the weather, Stewart said having a wide range of dog parks doesnt matter.

But in Stewart's opinion, these limitations have to spell disaster for pet owners. With a passionate pet-owner community to fall back on, Stewart advises pet owners that a little creative thinking can go a long way.

Flip your schedule: go out in the winter with your dog. If youre not from a hot area, you have to reset your thinking, Stewart said.

This is a car city, but if you look for it, youll find walkable places. Look for the events. Look for Facebook groups.

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Dog Parks

With warm weather in full swing this month, dog owners can help their furry friends cool off at a variety of high-rated Houston dog parks with water fountains, shade spots, dog washing stations and ponds.

Precinct 4 has three dog park locations for owners to take their pups for some cool-down time: Congressman Bill Archer Dog Park (located at Bear Creek Pioneers Park), Millie Bush Dog Park (located at George Bush Park), and Beverly Kaufman Dog Park (located at Paul D. Rushing Park).

Our dog parks have grass and dirt trails that are easier on dog paws in the summer heat, and our Archer and Millie Bush dog parks have pools for them to cool off, said Office of Harris County Precinct 4 Commissioner Lesley Briones.

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Here are a couple of other highly rated options:
BOZEMAN, Mont.  Former President Donald Trump headed to Montana for a Friday night rally in hopes of ousting the state's Democratic senator, but his plane first had to divert to an airport on the other side of the Rocky Mountains because of a mechanical issue, according to airport staff.

Trump's plane was en route to Bozeman, Montana, when it was diverted Friday afternoon to Billings, 142 miles to the east, according to Jenny Mockel, administrative assistant at Billings Logan International Airport. Mockel said the former president was continuing to Bozeman via private jet.

Trump's campaign posted a video of him upon landing in which he said he was glad to be in Montana but did not mention anything about the landing.

The former president came to Montana hoping to remedy some unfinished business from 2018, when he campaigned in Big Sky Country in a failed bid to oust incumbent Democratic Sen. Jon Tester.

Tester tried to convince voters he's aligned with Trump on many issues, mirroring his successful strategy from six years ago. While that worked in a nonpresidential election year, it faces a more critical test this fall with Tester's opponent, former Navy SEAL Tim Sheehy, trying to link the three-term incumbent to Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris.

Harris benefitted nationally from a burst of enthusiasm among core Democratic constituencies, who coalesced quickly around her after President Joe Biden withdrew from the campaign last month. She's drawn big crowds in swing states, touring this week with Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, her choice to be her vice presidential nominee.

Trump's only rally this week, meanwhile, will be in a state he won by 16 percentage points four years ago rather than a November battleground. Facing new pressure in the race from a candidate with surging enthusiasm, Trump on Thursday called questions about his lack of swing state stops "stupid."

"I don't have to go there because I'm leading those states," he said. "I'm going because I want to help senators and congressmen get elected."

He will add on fundraising stops in Wyoming and Colorado.

Read more:

Cnn The 10 Senate seats most likely to flip in 2024

A full deck: 52 members of Congress have announced they will not seek reelection this year A full deck: 52 members of Congress have announced they will not seek reelection this year Congressional retirements higher since 2020 and 2022 House Senate A full deck: 52 members of Congress have announced they will not seek reelection this year
Project 2025, a self-described broad coalition of conservative organizations that have come together to ensure a successful administration begins in January 2025, was assembled by the Heritage Foundation, a conservative think tank. Andrew Harnik/Getty Images

With the frequency of weather-related disasters rising, many climate-focused groups are worried about the potential ramifications of a controversial plan that could dramatically change the way people rely on weather data.

Project 2025, a blueprint for a conservative presidential agenda, calls for dismantling the agency that oversees the National Weather Service and privatizing its weather data for the sake of ending the climate change alarm industry, and commercializing its forecasting operations.

In Houston and Southeast Texas, often the epicenter for severe and extreme weather, the proposal to privatize the nations largest public source of real-time meteorological data could create barriers for financially strapped local government agencies that need the data for disaster preparedness.

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Matthew Malecha, a Texas A&M Faculty Fellow at the Hazard Reduction and Recovery Center, said the weather services mission involves connecting communities at the local and regional level to produce tools that would help with local decision-making.

If the weather service wasnt available, Malecha said it would make the jobs of local planners and administrators harder and, it would either make it cost more or they would have to rely on less high-quality data sets, less high-quality data tools or outdated data.

What is Project 2025?

Project 2025, a self-described broad coalition of conservative organizations that have come together to ensure a successful administration begins in January 2025, was assembled by the Heritage Foundation, a conservative think tank.

The goals of Project 2025 are outlined in a document, more than 900 pages long, called Mandate For Leadership, which, according to the group, has been an influential roadmap for presidential administrations since the 1980s. The document is essentially a playbook for actions a president should take within the first 180 days in office.

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Some of Project 2025's Mandate For Leadership priorities include dramatically overhauling the federal government by dismantling entire departments and agencies, including a proposal to dismantle the government's climate and weather research agency, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Project 2025 calls for having its functions either eliminated, sent to other agencies, privatized, or placed under the control of states and territories.

Neither anyone from the Heritage Foundation nor Project 2025 responded to requests for comment on this story.

What does Project 2025 say about NOAA?

NOAA, the single-largest agency under the U.S. Department of Commerce, is the umbrella agency for the National Weather Service, the National Hurricane Center and several other research agencies.

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Thomas Gilman, whom then-President Trump nominated to be chief financial officer and assistant secretary for administration at the Commerce Department in 2019, wrote the section in Project 2025's "Mandate For Leadership" that lays out what a conservative government should do with the department.

Gilman argues in the document that NOAA needs to be dismantled because of its outsized bureaucracy that garners $6.5 billion of the departments $13 billion annual budget and accounts for half of the departments personnel.

Together, these form a colossal operation that has become one of the main drivers of the climate change alarm industry and, as such, is harmful to future prosperity, Gilman wrote.

He argues that each of NOAAs functions could be provided commercially at a lower cost and with a higher quality, and specifically mentioned AccuWeather as an example of a private company whose services are more reliable than those provided by the NWS.

Other arguments Gilman makes include:

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Reviewing the work of the National Hurricane Center and the National Environmental Satellite Service to ensure their data is presented neutrally without supporting any one side of the climate debate.

Transferring the National Ocean Services survey functions to the U.S. Coast Guard and the U.S. Geological Survey to reduce spending.

Streamlining the National Marine Fisheries Service and simplifying their work to focus on saltwater species, while the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service focuses on freshwater species.

Downsizing the Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research, claiming the office is the source of much of NOAAs climate alarmism.

Elevating the Office of Space Commerce, saying its going to be one of the most crucial industries of the future.

Responses to Project 2025

AccuWeathers Chief Executive Officer Steven Smith said the company does not agree with Project 2025 and, has not suggested that the National Weather Service should fully commercialize its operations.0

The authors of Project 2025 used us as an example of forecasts and warning provided by private sector companies without the knowledge or permission of AccuWeather, Smith wrote.

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Critics have also highlighted NOAAs importance in tracking how humans change the climate.
John Kearns, the 2024 Edinburgh Comedy Award winner for Best Show and Best Newcomer, as well as the recipient of the Chortle Award, is set to debut his comedy special, *The Varnishing Days*, on Sky Comedy and the streaming service NOW on August 31st.

The special, recorded at Londons Royal Court Theatre, marks a significant milestone in Kearns career. Ten years after his debut at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, he remains the only comedian in the forty-year history of the Edinburgh Comedy Awards to have won both the Best Show (for *Shtick*) and Best Newcomer (for *Sight Gags for Perverts*) honors.

*The Varnishing Days* special follows Kearns largest and most acclaimed international tour to date, which saw over 100 performances, including 17 sold-out shows in London. The tour was extended twice due to high demand, featuring two sold-out runs at Soho Theatre and multiple sell-out dates at Bloomsbury Theatre. The show earned Kearns the 2024 Chortle Award for Best Show, a nomination for Most Outstanding Show at the 2024 Melbourne Comedy Festival, and spots on several 'best of the year' lists, including those of The Guardian, The Times, and Chortle.

Kearns gained widespread recognition on television as a breakout star of Taskmaster Season 14 (Channel 4) and as the co-host of *Guessable* on Comedy Central, alongside Sara Pascoe and team captain Alan Davies. He also played the lead role in the cult BBC Three sitcom *Top Coppers* and made appearances on shows such as *8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown* (Channel 4) and *House of Games* (BBC Two).

*The Varnishing Days* has been commissioned by Sky, with the 60-minute special produced by Avalon and executive produced by Jon Thoday, Richard Allen-Turner, and Julien Matthews.
Red Bull Basement is back, offering a golden opportunity for aspiring innovators and students across India. With just one innovative idea, participants can catapult themselves onto the global stage, thanks to this prestigious event that nurtures and empowers the next generation of changemakers through cutting-edge resources, including AI technology, networking, and collaboration.

The winning team from India will earn the chance to further develop their idea at the World Final in Tokyo, where expert judges will determine the global winner for 2024. Applications are open until October 13, 2024.

Red Bull Basement is open to all ideaswhether they address local community challenges or aim to solve larger global issues. Technology and AI may be the centerpiece or a component of the solution. Potential topics span a wide range, from AI and ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) Innovation to Extended Realities, Robotics, and Automation. This platform was created to enable young innovators to develop bold ideas that positively impact their communities and beyond.

Red Bull Basement was designed to fuel the entrepreneurial spirit of today's innovators, providing them with the tools and connections needed to make a tangible impact. Participants gain access to opportunities for personal and professional growth through networking, collaboration, and expert mentoring workshops. Many past participants have successfully taken their ideas to market, thanks to the skills and connections made at

Red Bull Basement.

From Application to Global Stage

The competition takes place in three phases:



 Application (August 1  October 13, 2024): Teams submit their business plans through the Red Bull Basement website using the AI tool.



 Development (November 12  December 1, 2024): National finalists receive expert mentorship and further develop their business plan with the help of AI technology.



 Global Final (December 2-5, 2024): Finalists from 40 countries come together in Tokyo for workshops, networking, and the announcement of the global winner. The winner will receive a unique "MBA" experience  a three-week hands-on program in Silicon Valley.



Powered by AI



Red Bull Basement 2024 is partnering with Microsoft and AMD to leverage cutting-edge AI technology. Participants can use an AI-powered chatbot to develop their ideas and create their business plans. Additionally, national winners will receive an AI-enabled laptop to utilize during the development phase.

Are You Ready to Make a Difference?



If you're 18 years or older and residing in India, then Red Bull Basement is your chance to turn your innovation into reality. Applications are open until October 13, 2024.
RPSG Lifestyle Media, a subsidiary of the RP-Sanjiv Goenka Group, announced its wedding platform at an exclusive event hosted by the Fashion Design Council of India (FDCI) at the Taj Palace New Delhi on August 3, 2024. The event was a part of the ongoing FDCI Manifest Wedding Weekend.

Manifest is a wedding-forward new media platform, which will include print, digital, on-ground experiences, and more. Avarna Jain, Chairperson of RPSG Lifestyle Media, explained the idea behind Manifest. Manifest is our first endogenous foray into lifestyle and luxury media. The big question  What is manifest? Is it going to be a magazine? A digital content hub? A series of events? Its going to be all of this and more.

The first cover star of Manifest is Sara Tendulkar, who released the issue alongside Avarna Jain and FDCI Chairman Sunil Sethi.

This is not just Manifests first cover, its also mine, said Sarah, looking poised, beautiful, and fresh, masking any nervousness she may be feeling. She was also joined on stage by her mother, the usually very camera-shy Dr Anjali Tendulkar, who hung around the entire evening letting her daughter bag the limelight but beaming with pride throughout.

FDCI Chairman Sunil Sethi, who hosted the evening to celebrate the launch of Manifest, introduced Avarna Jain to the audience. Ever since Manifest was announced, it has spelled good news for the lifestyle media industry, he said, but it has also brought with it a few questions. What form will it take, and how will it cater to today's audiences and advertisers? This evening, hosted by FDCI to celebrate the launch of Manifest, will answer a few of these.

The Issue release on Saturday is a teaser issue. Its a work-in-progress version with a hand-stitched spine, meant for private circulation, and will give its audience a sneak peek into what Manifest stands for.

Follow Manifest: Manifest is currently represented online at https://www.manifestmagazine.in and on social platforms on Instagram, Facebook, Threads, and Twitter: manifest.ind

It is a wedding-forward platform that will include print, digital, social media, on-ground experiences, and more.
Simran Balar Jain, a well known sex-ed content creator and founder of UnBound, has launched her new collection with Uptownie, a leading homegrown womenswear brand, resonating with the modern Indian woman. Known for her bold stance on issues surrounding womens empowerment and sexual health, Simran has brought her vision to life through this collaboration, offering a range of outfits that are as empowering as the messages she shares with her audience.

The Simran X Uptownie collection is a vibrant fusion of contemporary fashion and traditional Indian elements, designed to reflect the strength, individuality, and diversity of Indian women. Each piece in the collection has been thoughtfully created to cater to different styles and preferences, ensuring that every woman can find something that speaks to her personal sense of fashion.

Uptownie, established as a brand that understands and celebrates the unique tastes of Indian women, has always been dedicated to providing high-quality, stylish clothing that aligns with the cultural and practical needs of its customers. The brand's mission is to create fashion that is not only trendy but also accessible and comfortable, making it a favourite among women across India. For this collection, Uptownie drew inspiration from Simrans journey and the powerful narratives she has built around womens rights and self-expression. The collection embodies the ethos of both the brand and Simran, blending Uptownies expertise in fabric and design with Simrans passion for empowering women. From elegant co-ords to versatile dresses, the collection offers a range of options that are perfect for any occasion, whether it's a casual day out or a more formal event.

For more information about the collection visit: https://uptownie.com/ collections/uptownie-x-simran- jain

On launching her own collection, Simran Balar Jain says: "Fashion, to me, is a form of self-expression that goes beyond just aesthetics. It's about feeling confident, empowered, and true to oneself. With this collection, I wanted to create something that would allow women to express their strength and individuality through what they wear. Working with Uptownie has been a fulfilling experience because they share my belief that fashion should empower, not just adorn. Together, we've crafted a collection that I hope will inspire women to embrace their unique beauty and confidence."

Simran Balar Jain is the founder of UnBound, a platform dedicated to transforming womens health and wellness, now supporting a community of over 10,000 users. Passionate about breaking down barriers in often taboo areas, Simran is recognized for her straightforward and compassionate approach. Through UnBound, she has introduced practical products like menstrual cup applicators and reusable nipple covers, helping women prioritise their health. But Simrans impact goes beyond product innovationshes driving a movement to bring open conversations to topics like menstrual hygiene and sexual wellness.

Under her guidance, UnBound has become a symbol of empowerment, encouraging women to take control of their well-being. Now, through her collaboration with Uptownie, Simran is extending her mission into fashion, using it as another way to promote confidence and self-expression. The Simran X Uptownie collection is available for purchase, offering women across India a chance to be part of this empowering journey.
Zepto, Indias fastest growing consumer internet company, recently celebrated its third anniversary. As the company continues to grow and scale, it remains committed to building a diverse and inclusive community. Zepto has launched a new campaign showcasing the stories of women and differently abled employees who have overcome challenges and achieved success with the company's support. Zepto's latest campaign features two digital films showcasing inspiring stories of inclusivity.

The first film highlights the journey of Vishwanath, a differently abled delivery partner turned team leader, exemplifying the company's commitment to equal opportunities and empowerment. Vishwanath, a differently abled employee at Zepto Cafe in Bellandur, Bangalore, is one of over 100 differently abled staff members who embody the company's commitment to equal opportunities and empowerment, and his story is a testament to the impact of this inclusive approach.

"Vishwanath's story is one of grit and opportunity. He exemplifies strength in silence and is a joy to work with," says Kaivalya Vohra, Co-founder of Zepto.

The second film celebrates the success of Zepto's women employees, featuring stories of those who have overcome challenges and achieved leadership roles, including store leaders and women pickers. Zepto is proud to have already achieved a milestone of having more than 50% women in its day shift personnel and is committed to maintaining these numbers as they continue to scale and grow.Additionally, 10% of its stores are led by women pickers, and over 10% of its day employees in Zepto cafes are differently abled. These numbers mark the beginning of Zepto's journey towards a more diverse and inclusive workforce. 1200 women are just the beginning. Since shooting this video, we have welcomed 200 more women to Zepto, bringing the total to 1400+ women in our warehouse teams. To serve our diverse world, we need all voices represented. Every voice matters, and we are committed to increasing this number to match, if not exceed, their counterparts!" says Kaivalya Vohra, Co-founder of Zepto.

As Zepto scales 10X in the coming months, its commitment to inclusivity will remain a cornerstone of its growth strategy, driving innovation and success.
Modi Cabinet Reaffirms: No 'Creamy Layer' Provision in SC-ST Reservations as Per Ambedkar's Vision 2

The Union Cabinet, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has reaffirmed that the Constitution, as envisioned by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, does not include any provision for a creamy layer in the reservations for Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs).

Following a cabinet meeting held on Friday, Union Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Ashwini Vaishnaw, addressed the media, highlighting the governments stance in light of a recent Supreme Court judgment. The judgment had suggested the application of the creamy layer principle to SCs and STs for availing the benefits of affirmative action.

Minister Vaishnaw stated that the cabinet had thoroughly deliberated on the matter and concluded that the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government remains steadfast in upholding the provisions of the Constitution.

As per the Constitution crafted by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, there is no provision for a creamy layer within the SC-ST reservation framework, Vaishnaw affirmed.

Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Modi met with a delegation of Members of Parliament (MPs) from SC and ST communities. During the meeting, the Prime Minister reiterated the governments unwavering commitment to the welfare and empowerment of these communities.

The delegation reportedly submitted a memorandum addressing concerns over the Supreme Courts recent observations regarding the application of the creamy layer to SCs and STs.

Prime Minister Modi took to social media platform X to share details of the meeting, stating, Met a delegation of SC/ST MPs today. Reiterated our commitment and resolve for the welfare and empowerment of the SC/ST communities.

The Supreme Court, on August 1, had proposed the application of the creamy layer principle to Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs) in the context of affirmative action benefits. The 7-judge Constitution Bench had been examining whether sub-classification within reserved categories to provide more focused benefits would be constitutionally permissible.

In a 6:1 majority decision, the bench overturned its 2004 judgment, which had previously ruled against offering preferential treatment to certain sub-castes within SCs.
Alabamas summer reading programs have shown promising results, but challenges persist in tracking and supporting struggling students, State Superintendent Eric Mackey said Thursday.

Speaking during the Alabama State Board of Educations work session, Mackey said that about 9% of the 53,492 third graders tested this spring read below grade level. After the camps, he said, the number fell to 6.5%.

But Mackey also said the state did not test every student who was below grade level in the spring. Many students were not retested due to either disability or parental objection. Other students in fourth, fifth and sixth grades still require additional support.
Fairhope residents are being asked to irrigate their lawns overnight as heat and limited rainfall continue along the Alabama Gulf Coast.

But Mayor Sherry Sullivan said there is no indication to suggest similar water emergencies that underscored last Augusts heat wave are returning.

There are no restrictions, Sullivan told AL.com. We are only asking folks to irrigate lawns overnight and not at peak times of water usage, which are about 6 to 8 a.m. each morning.

The city made the water conservation request Friday on Facebook. It was met with mostly defiant responses from people who blasted public officials for not controlling rapid growth and development that has occurred in Fairhope and throughout Baldwin County for over 20 years.

How about stop building apartments and huge subdivisions, one resident said. That sounds like what EVERYONE is saying? Very easy not to issue any more permits for these 300 plus home subdivisions and apartments.

Added another, Ill use it as I want. You all obviously dont have the backbone to stop the madness of construction that is the true cause of shortages.

Sullivan said that despite the recent request, the city isnt faced with a water emergency. Fairhopes highest water usage right now has been around 9.2 million gallons per day. The city, through a $15 million project completed in June, increased its water-handling capacity to 11 million gallons. City officials, including Sullivan, believe the new infrastructure can help the city-owned utility withstand heavy usage during summer months.

The upgrades to the water utility included a new well and a larger water main through the heart of Fairhopes downtown area. Combined, the new infrastructure added 2 million more gallons of water capacity within the city limits.

The additional capacity comes after Fairhope, amid a heat wave last August, issued a water alert and a subsequent water emergency after the city system was stressed to its maximum capacity. The water scarcity took a toll on water quality as pictures surfaced online showing the brownish hue of the water coming out of kitchen faucets.

The public last year -- similar to the current mood on social media -- scolded the mayor and elected officials over what they felt was a situation created by bureaucrats who they blame for allowing the rapid growth, which includes new apartment complexes. Fairhope, itself, has grown over 63% since the 2010 U.S. Census, adding pressure to the water system.

The situation got so bad last year that residents, who were caught watering their lawns during the heat of the day, would get into verbal spats with code enforcement officers who were trying to instruct them about the citys water woes.

Water conservation issues in Fairhope date back to 2020, during the pandemic when people were staying home and consuming more. The Fairhope City Council passed its current water conservation ordinance in 2020, as a way to encourage residents to decrease water usage during the time of day when demand was elevated.

Water conservation could be an issue in the coming week. According to the National Weather Service in Mobile, the chances for rain do not go above 30% until Thursday. High temperatures have the potential to reach 100 degrees from Tuesday through Friday, according to Steve Miller, a meteorologist with the weather service in Mobile.

Miller said the Alabama Gulf Coast is not facing drought-like conditions. But he said the weather system has labeled Choctaw and Washington counties in Southwestern Alabama as abnormally dry.

Miller said if the forecasts of 100-degree temperatures and low chances of rain persist, the abnormally dry condition map will expand, possibly by Thursday.

It all depends, if for some reason, Mother Nature gives us some rain, he said.
An Anniston man was sentenced to 198 years in state prison Friday for kidnapping and raping an elderly woman he left bound in his closet, the Calhoun County Sheriffs Office said.

Tony Lamar White, 49, of Anniston, pleaded guilty to burglary, rape, sodomy and kidnapping in Calhoun County Circuit Court on June 11.

The guilty plea was open, meaning White did so without a plea deal and spared the elderly victim from having to testify.

Whites victim was reported missing from her home in Choccolocco on July 4, 2022.

Evidence at her home suggested a struggle ensued, the sheriffs office said.

About six hours after she was reported missing, the victim was found bound in the closet of the Anniston home where White lived.

White fled prior to sheriffs deputies arrival at the home, sparking a manhunt that ended a day later in Kentucky.

DNA evidence has linked White to multiple, similar crimes involving elderly victims.

Sheriff Matthew Wade applauded the judges sentence.

While no sentence can truly account for the gravity of such a heinous crime, it is the hope of the Sheriffs Office that Tony White will never again be free in our society, he said.
The longtime president and CEO of a leading civil rights organization co-founded by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in 1957 is stepping down at the end of the month.

Charles Steele Jr., 78, said Saturday that hes far from retiring even if his final day as the leader of the Atlanta-based Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) is Aug. 31.

Steele, who will be the organizations president emeritus, said he will assist the organization in dealing with issues such as affordable housing, economic development, entrepreneurship, reparations and voting rights.

Im far from retiring, said Steele, who served as president and CEO with the SCLC for approximately 17 years over the span of two separate terms. He served in that role from 2004-2009 and returned to the position in 2012, where he has served for the past 12 years.

Joseph Lowery, a Huntsville native who served as the groups president from 1977-1997, is the only head of the civil rights organization to serve in the post longer than Steele.

Only seven men have been president of the organization, including Kings oldest son, Martin Luther King III. The group has also been headed up by civil rights icons like Ralph Abernathy and Fred Shuttlesworth. Steele replaced Shuttlesworth in 2004.

Shuttlesworth was president for nine months and he was a great leader in his own right, Steele said. We had a lot of problems at the time over the direction of where the SCLC should go. I came in and stabilized it. I hope that is part of my legacy, as well as building a brand new state-of-the-art building (on Auburn Avenue) in Atlanta.

A Tuscaloosa native, Steele was elected to the Tuscaloosa City Council 39 years ago in 1985, serving two terms before he was elected to the Alabama State Senate in 1994. He was a three-term senator, resigning in 2004 to take over as the head of SCLC.

Sen. Rodger Smitherman, D-Birmingham, left, Sen. Charles Steele, Jr., D-Tuscaloosa, center, and Sen. Sundra Escott, D-Birmingham, talk during a session at the statehouse in Montgomery, Ala., on Thursday, April 8, 2004. (AP Photo/Jamie Martin)AP

Alabama is home, Steele said, adding that he plans to bring issues of affordable housing and entrepreneurship for Black business owners to Alabama. Were having problems with getting contracts from the federal, state (governments) and corporate America. The partnerships at the top (of corporate board rooms) are white males and no persons of color to any degree.

Steele said affordable housing, homeownership and other issues of property rights will continue to be an issue he wants to address.

African Americans own less than 2 percent of the land, he said. We dont have a control of the land. We must own the land.

He also wants to tackle the controversial issue of reparations for slavery, saying that descendants of the transatlantic slave trade have never been compensated. He also said he is concerned with the growth of divisive concepts legislation in states throughout the U.S., including in Alabama.

According to an analysis by Chalkbeat, there have been 36 states that have considered legislation or adopted legislation to restrict education on racism, bias and the contributions of specific racial or ethnic groups to the U.S.

You have different institutions and state leaders across this country who dont want African Americans to know what they came from, Steele said. They dont want to know our history. If you dont know your history, youre destined to repeat it.

The SCLC is rooted in American civil rights history and was established in 1957 to coordinate the action of local protest groups throughout the South. The Montgomery bus boycott served as the organizations catalyst.

Voting rights have long served as a hallmark issue for the SCLC. The groups first major campaign  the Crusade for Citizenship  began in late 1957, with the objective ore registering thousands of disenfranchised voters in time for the 1958 and 1960 elections. The crusade continued through the early 60s.

Steele is blunt in whats happened to that effort over the years.

We lost it, he said, referring to the 5-4 decision by the U.S. Supreme Court in 2013, to dismantle the heart of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 by allowing nine states  including Alabama, and others in the South  to change their election laws without advance federal approval.

When I was coming up, we were taught through teachers and parents that the federal government was a friend of African Americans and then we lost the protections that Dr. King worked so hard for, Steele said. The people must be educated on whats going on.

The Supreme Court, last June, did make a surprising turn in ruling on voting rights when it invalidated a Republican-led effort in Alabama on congressional redistricting. The result created a redrawn congressional map and a new 2nd Congressional District in Alabama that gives Black voters the opportunity to elect a candidate of their choosing.

Democratic candidate Shomari Figures is currently battling Republican Caroleene Dobson in a fierce contest for the open seat in South Alabama ahead of the Nov. 5 general election.

Figures has been a friend of mine for a long time, Steele said. Its very important for him to get elected.
A suspect has been charged in a west Birmingham shooting that injured a 12-year-old boy.

Dennis Demarkus Buckner Jr., 23, is charged with attempted murder, first-degree assault, and discharging a firearm into an occupied building, Birmingham police announced Saturday.

The shooting happened just before 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 3.

Officer Truman Fitzgerald said West Precinct officers were dispatched to the 4900 block of Avenue Q in the Central Park neighborhood on a report of a person shot.

They arrived to find the child at a home in the 1600 block of 49th Street Ensley, which is near the scene of the shooting.

Birmingham Fire and Rescue Service transported the boy to Childrens of Alabama. His injuries were not life-threatening.

Investigators said an argument took place between two men  Buckner and the boys father. The two men know each other.

A boy, 12, was shot when an argument between two men led to an exchange of gunfire in Birmingham.(Carol Robinson)

The two men exchanged gunfire  Buckner from outside the home and the father from inside the house.

Shot Spotter registered five rounds fired. There were several shell casings in the street.

Neither of the shooters were struck by gunfire, Fitzgerald said at the scene. However, a round may have penetrated the house and grazed or shot the 12-year-old.

The homeowner remained on the scene and cooperated with police. Buckner fled before police arrived.

Its just another situation where two adults have a disagreement, shots are fired and an innocent party is struck by gunfire, Fitzgerald said.

Detectives on Tuesday obtained the warrants against Buckner. He was taken into custody Thursday, and booked into the Jefferson County Jail at 10:06 p.m.

He remains held on bonds totaling $120,000.
For close to three years, Gulf Shores has remained committed to a slogan of Fly to Alabamas beaches.

Problem is, there are no airplanes because there is no commercial aviation terminal in Gulf Shores.
The Alabama Alcoholic Beverage Control Board is continuing discussions with the Retirement Systems of Alabama to have it build a large liquor warehouse and adjoining administrative headquarters.

The two entities havent finalized an agreement, but ABC officials told Alabama Daily News they would likely lease the space with an option to purchase. Lawmakers and RSA entered a similar agreement last year to construct a new State House in Montgomery.

The retirement system has constructed multiple buildings in Montgomery and around the state. The agency is currently constructing a new home for the Alabama Legislature behind the current outdated State House.
This is a guest opinion column

History is not carved in stone. Its constantly being brought up for revision and reexamination. Right now, theres a lot of conflict and controversy over the Alamo. Whats true about the Alamo storyand whats legend and folktale? And how about Thomas Jefferson? What really happened at Monticello, and how does it differ from the myth? What about the Titanic. Where does the legend stop and the truth begin?

Folktales are not to be disregarded. They say a lot about the people and the times that created them. You can spin a folktale any way you like, as long as its a good tale. Its free form. Like a boardinghouse stew, you can throw anything youve got into the pot.

But when you get to history, the situation is different. Readers expect the truth. To do that, the facts have to be put on the stand, as though on trial, and cross-examined until they are credible beyond a reasonable doubt. The story must be verified, authenticated, corroboratedproven. Thats what it takes to present something as history.

In my examination of the Clotilda story, of which Ive spent a couple of years, I wanted to separate the fact from the fiction. I dont have a doctorate in history, but I am seasoned by 40 years as a journalist, writing front page stories for the Wall Steet Journal, cover stories for Newsweek magazine and many articles for Fortune Magazine. After all that, Ive learned how to peel back the skin of a story like an onion, getting closer to the truth with each try.

In the recent opinion piece (Clotilda is not a Question, Al.com, July 11, 2024) the author presents several reasons for her assertion that the Clotilda slave ship story is true. I want to show how, by peeling back the skin of the evidence, the truth can be laid bare.

First example: In the opinion piece, the author says, Within days of the schooners arrival in Mobile, at least 58 newspapers across the South, and as far as Ohio and Wisconsin reported that over 100 Africans had been brought to Mobile Bay. She adds that this gives a sense of the breadth and depth of evidence for the voyage.

Lets peel back the onion: Lets read some of the papers to see what they say.

The Janesville (Wisconsin) Gazette, July 10, 1850: The schooner Clotilda, with 124 Africans on board, arrived in Mobile Bay today. A steamboat immediately took the negroes up the river.

The Baltimore Sun, July 11, 1860: The schooner Clotilda, with 124 Africans on board, arrived in Mobile Bay today. A steamboat immediately took the negroes up the river.

The Richmond (Virginia) Enquirer, July 13, 1860: The schooner Clotilda, with 124 Africans on board, arrived in Mobile Bay today. A steamboat immediately took the negroes up the river.

The Detroit Free Press, July 11, 1860: The schooner Clotilda, with 124 Africans on board, arrived in Mobile Bay today. A steamboat immediately took the negroes up the river.

Something is fishy here. The newspaper passages dont give a sense of the breadth and depth of evidence for the voyage. They all say the exact same thing--like some sort of press release. More on this later.

Second example: the opinion author says that federal legal records corroborate the Clotildas activities as a slave ship. Lets see if this is true. In 1890 the Times Picayune newspaper ran an alleged interview with the Clotildas captain. The captain described sailing to Africa in 1860 and returning with 130 slaves. Then, said the paper, Captain Meaher was tried for the offense in the United States court. At the end of the trial, it continued, The attorneys convinced the jury that he could not have imported the slaves. Was there a trial? The records would be in the Federal Archives in Atlanta.

Lets peel back the onion: The Wall Street Journal sent a reporter to the archives in Atlanta. He found no records of any Clotilda trial ever taking place. This was confirmed by the staff at the archives. No Clotilda trial ever took place.

Clotilda advocates cite other federal records that they say corroborate the Clotilda voyage. One example: The opinion writer says that that Willian Foster failed to report the arrival of the Clotilda to the Mobile customs official or to pay duties on the Clotilda cargo. This charge was from the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Alabama, USDC Case #2621, US vs William Foster, 1860

Lets peel back the onion: The Wall Street Journal read all the federal records cited by Clotilda slave ship advocates (as did I). There is NO mention of Clotilda, or of a Clotilda cargo in any of those federal records, including Case #2621.

Third example: The opinion writer feels that the Wall Street Journal dismissed first person accounts and generations of oral histories. I can only speak for my research: In the various stories about the Clotilda, the former slaves gave descriptions of their lives in Africa. Those narratives, detailed and rich, seem authentic--and are valuable in that.

Peel back the onion: But in a careful reading of the magazine and book articles of the early 1900s, the former slaves, in their interviews with the writers, do not mention the word Clotilda, or provide details about a slave journey across the Atlantic in a Clotilda ship. The exception comes in Zora Neal Hurstons Barracoon when the African, Cudjo, says the word Clotilda. This comes in 1930, 70 years following the alleged voyage.

Interestingly, when Booker T. Washington visited Africatown in the early 1900s and interviewed several residents, he didnt note any mention of a Clotilda. But he does say he learned that the last slave ship to reach the U.S. was called the Lawrence. Similarly, W.E.B. Du bois didnt mention a Clotilda in his landmark book, Suppression of the African Slave Trade to the United States, (1896) which lists more than 140 slave ships.

Fourth example: The Clotilda folktale was enlarged and enlivened by the efforts of magazine and pamphlet writers of the early 1900s. Those authors felt no compulsion to authenticate, corroborate or footnote the scraps of color and drama that they folded into their work. Ill give an example: The writings of Emma Roche (published in 1914) rely upon a sheet of paper upon which the supposed captain of the Clotilda reminisced about a trip to Africa to purchase slaves. It is a small document, of about 600 words. It takes the ship and crew through a swashbuckling storm, an adventurous episode in the Kingdom of Dahomey (with the King himself, and with snakes slithering up the walls), and ends with the captain, six shooters raised in each hand, threatening to kill any crew member who threatens mutiny. It never mentions a return to Mobile.

Unfortunately, Roche offered no proof that the memoir is authentic or true. Who wrote it? (can the handwriting be confirmed against other documents?). When was it written? (some indication of paper or origin?) Can it be confirmed by witnesses? Does it contain proprietary information only known to a few? Without validation of its truth, a memoir (or diary) is unconvincing evidence (if it were otherwise, a letter stating that an individual had been taken aboard a flying saucer and sent to Mars, with a stop on the moon for lunch, would have to be taken seriously, too.

When you really unpeel the Clotilda story, and set all the myth making to one side, you find that the trip to Africa and back is unsupported by any evidence. Rather, a newspaper account holds the real truth. On July 12, 1860, the Mobile Mercury, the citys hometown paper, called the episode a hoax, a prank pulled off by a handful of the citys slave-holding political extremists. They were called Fire Eaters. Their goal was to frustrate the Federal government in Washington, making it look weak and confused, thereby driving the country into civil war.

The wags are certainly incorrigible., the Mercury declared. They have had the Federal authorities quizzed bad enough, in all conscience, running hither and thither, looking for the Clotilda and her negroes. It continued, We have no idea that any vessel by the name of the Clotilda ever did bring any Africans inside of Mobile Bay, and that such a one did is all mere fabrication, and so Federal officers have been on the qui vivre for ever so long, without making any discovery.

The Mercury continued, saying that the wags were howling already about another landing of Africans nearby, at a place called Mullet Point. What these wags will get by shouting wolf, will be, by and by, when the wolf does come, and they shout wolf, nobody will believe them, it concluded.

Now the 58 newspaper reports (The schooner Clotilda, with 124 Africans on board, arrived in Mobile Bay today. A steamboat immediately took the negroes up the river) fall into place like a piece of a puzzle: The conspirators needed to push their prank out across the nation. What better way than to use the newly created telegraph network to send out the news?

When we set all the unverifiable chaff aside, this is what we get: We can credit a bunch of political extremists for the Clotilda hoax. We can credit the anonymous writer of the 1890 newspaper article for creating the original story--including the nonexistent federal trial. We can credit the feature writers of the early 1900s for elaborating on the 1890 articlefor using every scrap of material, no matter how thin and uncorroborated, to tone up their stories and build the myth. And we can credit--or lament--how much of the Clotilda story has been taken at face value, without double-checking the facts. My opinion? Let the Clotilda legend live. But in the name of truth, set the history straight.

For more on this, with documentation, please see Clotildaquestion.com

Erik Calonius is a former reporter, editor, and foreign correspondent for the Wall Street Journal. He was Miami Bureau Chief for Newsweek magazine and was a writer for Fortune Magazine, where he was nominated for the National Magazine Award. He is the author of The Wanderer: The Last American Slave Ship, and several other books.
















English News Retracing the footsteps of Dr Norman Bethune

Alwihda Info | Par People's Daily - 7 Aout 2024



"A man's ability may be great or small, but if he has this spirit, he is already noble-minded and pure, a man of moral integrity and above vulgar interests, a man who is of value to the people." These words I once read from "In Memory of Norman Bethune" written by Mao Zedong were confirmed during this journey. After years of extensive pursuit, Dr Bethune's legacy continues to encourage and inspire me.

By Stephen ChappellCanada My story with China began in the fall of 2005 when I came to China for the first time to teach English courses at Anqing Normal University in East China's Anhui Province. Every morning I would take a walk in the park near the campus. One day I struck up a conversation with a senior who had just finished his Tai Chi practice. Upon learning that I was from Canada, he tightly held my hands and passionately recounted the story of Dr Norman Bethune, who had traveled all the way to China and fought alongside the Chinese people. At that moment I began to realize the deep affection that the Chinese people had held for Bethune.



That night the trembling hands of the senior lingered in my mind. Tossing and turning, I made a firm decision. I wanted to truly get closer to Dr Bethune and understand the sincere friendship that this internationalist fighter had established with the Chinese people. In 2006 I went to Shijiazhuang, North China's Hebei Province, to trace his footsteps.



There, by chance, I met Qi Ming, an English professor at the Bethune Military Medical College of the People's Liberation Army (PLA), which is now a non-commissioned officers (NCOs) School of PLA Army Medical University and a training school for NCOs. In fact the college was just one of many institutions named after this heroic figure in Shijiazhuang. We had candid exchanges about Dr Bethune's stories and quickly developed a close friendship. With his recommendation, I delved into a wide range of historical materials. Over time, a vivid image of the person started to take shape in my mind: a man devoted to his belief and embracing life with love, genuine kindness and unwavering determination. With great respect, we visited the North China Military Martyrs Cemetery where Dr Bethune's tomb is located. We bowed deeply and silently wished in our hearts: May the legacy of Dr Bethune endure and be passed down generation after generation among the Canadian and Chinese peoples.



I came back to Canada in 2015 after retirement in China, yet my connection with Dr Bethune did not end there. In April 2018 I had the privilege of returning to China as a member of the Canada-China Friendship Society in Ottawa to retrace Dr Bethune's footsteps. Along the way, everyone I encountered showed great commitment to preserving these important historical sites, silently recounting the touching stories of Dr Bethune's deep connection with the Chinese people.



In Niuyangou village of Tangxian county in Hebei Province, we saw the small house where Dr Bethune once lived and the former site of the Medical School of the Shanxi-Chahaer-Hebei Border Region that he helped establish, a predecessor of the Bethune Military Medical College of the PLA. At that time Bethune resolutely rushed from Yan'an to the war front on the Shanxi-Chahaer-Hebei border region, frequently abbreviated as the Jin-Cha-Ji border region. With the medicines and medical equipment that he brought, he helped establish a model hospital in Songyankou village of Gengzhen township in Wutai county, North China's Shanxi Province and a medical school in Niuyangou village, training "a medical team which never leaves" for the Chinese Eighth Route Army.



However, the crazed rampage and pillaging by the Japanese invaders left most villages in North China devastated, forcing the newly established school to relocate from the border region to Gegong village in Tangxian county. The model hospital in Shanxi was razed to the ground. In his sorrow and anger, Bethune changed his mind from a settled hospital to a mobile service where wounded soldiers could receive necessary and timely treatment based on their different conditions. They could be then transferred to units behind enemy lines for further treatment.



We saw this important invention at the Norman Bethune and Dwarkanath Kotnis Memorial Hall in Tangxian county. The mobile service was like a stretcher, resembling the Lugou Bridge (Marco Polo Bridge). The medical equipment and drugs installed could be used to perform 100 surgeries, change medication 500 times and prepare 500 prescriptions. When two of these stretchers were combined, they formed an operating table, greatly enhancing the flexibility of field transfers.



To alleviate the suffering of the wounded, Dr Bethune always carried this mobile service, setting up mobile operating tables as close to the front lines as possible. In Baiyintuo, Shunping county, Hebei Province, we hiked approximately 4 kilometers along a trail where Dr Bethune treated the wounded. Standing atop the mountains with rugged paths beneath our feet, we envisioned Dr Bethune leading his mobile medical team through the battlefield to save lives and provide medical assistance. In just four months of 1939, Dr Bethune and his medical team traveled 750 kilometers in central Hebei, performed 315 surgeries and donated his blood multiple times to the wounded soldiers.



We then headed to the Baiyintou historical site and a monument to Dr Bethune. The site is in a deep valley of the Taihang Mountains in Shunping county. The large and impressive monument depicts Dr Bethune and a nurse on horseback with an aide in tow. Since 2018 the Canada-China Friendship Maple Leaf Festival has been held at the site every year and Canadian delegations have been invited to attend. I also hope to attend the festival in 2025. Qi told me they are now planning to build a Bethune International Memorial Park in the valley to honor Dr Bethune and other international friends who have made great contributions to the birth of New China.



At the end of our journey, we arrived at Sunjiazhuang village in Laiyuan county of Hebei Province. In this village that witnessed the final days of Dr Bethune's life, I felt a deep sense of grief. In the winter of 1939, while rescuing wounded soldiers on the front lines of Motianling in Laiyuan county, Dr Bethune accidentally cut his left middle finger, which led to a fatal blood poisoning infection. He gave his life for the Chinese people in the Taihang Mountains.



Dr Bethune was laid to rest in the Jin-Cha-Ji Martyrs Cemetery in Juncheng Nanguan, Tangxian county. Next to his grave stands another tombstone with the engraving "The Grave of a Canadian Friend, Jean Ewen." Ewen was the only Canadian nurse who came to China with Dr Bethune. They fought side by side during the turbulent years of war, forging a deep friendship. In her final moments, with a deep attachment to this land, Ewen chose to leave her ashes in China and be buried alongside Dr Bethune's tomb. She was a witness to his noble soul and magnificent life.



"A man's ability may be great or small, but if he has this spirit, he is already noble-minded and pure, a man of moral integrity and above vulgar interests, a man who is of value to the people." These words I once read from "In Memory of Norman Bethune" written by Mao Zedong were confirmed during this journey. After years of extensive pursuit, Dr Bethune's legacy continues to encourage and inspire me.



Retracing the footsteps of Dr Bethune, I wrote these words:



"The legacy of Dr Bethune fills me, as a Canadian, with pride. I am determined to do my utmost to share Dr Bethune's story with more Canadians, ensuring that his great legacy lives on forever.



"Today, carrying forward the legacy of Dr Bethune has become my lifelong pursuit. In my heart, the radiance that shines from this internationalist fighter, who crossed oceans and continents to come to China with great determination, possesses an eternal vitality that transcends time and space.



"It is akin to the majestic Taihang Mountains in China, where the loyal bones of heroes rest, standing tall and verdant year after year."



(Stephen Chappell is an executive member of the Canada-China Friendship Society in Ottawa)



Dans la meme rubrique : < > Prospering telemedicine a reflection of China's rapid internet development Immersive cultural, tourism activities on the rise across China Fruit trade between China, ASEAN thrives Pour toute information, contactez-nous au : +(235) 99267667 ; 62883277 ; 66267667 (Bureau N'Djamena)
One of the perennial lies from the left  and who can keep count of all of them at this point?  is that leftists somehow have a corner on the humor market. That might have been true decades ago, before they started their weaponization in the pursuit of raw political power. These days, their uncanny inability to meme has spilled over into not being able to take a joke. Remember, these are people who are wound up so tight that when Donald J. Trump deliberately throws out a line for them, they jump on it faster than Hunter on crack cocaine.

Hence, we have another parody video, from Mr. Reagan, that includes Altered or synthetic content; sound or visuals were significantly edited or digitally generated, as the killjoys at YouTube term it. Its a great way to introduce everyone to all the severe issues with those people and bypass the gaslighting thats the primary task of the national socialist media these days. Along with the video, were including copious amounts of information and links to many of the articles that back up the points made in the parody.

The video references the fact that Commie Kamala and Trotsky Tim are both far-left radicals.

First  in the real world, not parody world  we have Commie Kamala exclaiming that We Believe in the Collective:

If you want to know who Kamala Harris really is, and what she really believes, pay attention to what she says when she's not reading from a teleprompter. It reveals everything about her (and none of it good). This is why random staffers have to backpedal on things she's said in the past, like her ban on fracking and being open to an Israeli arms embargo. Watch her praise the collective:

Then theres Walz:

One persons socialism is another persons neighborliness. At least, thats how Tim Walz, governor of Minnesota, described his progressive values during a White Dudes for Harris fundraising call on Monday evening. Heres a video clip from the event, for reference:

"Don't ever shy away from our progressive values. One person's socialism is another person's neighborliness." - Gov. Tim Walz



He wants to be Kamalas running mate so bad.pic.twitter.com/oSS0NGjOFy  Dustin Grage (@GrageDustin) July 30, 2024

Its guaranteed that the far-left ruling class will hurl the Nazi slur at the pro-freedom right at the drop of a banner, that authoritarian leftist party had a similar slogan of having the Common Good Before Individual Good, or Gemeinnutz vor Eigennutz in the original German.

Its also been reported that Tim Walz repeatedly hosted a Muslim cleric who celebrated Oct. 7 and shared a pro-Hitler website link. But remember, were all supposed to ignore all the obvious connections between communism and other types of socialism because of the ridiculous leftist rivalry lie.

And thats just the start of the gaslighting campaign of the far-left ruling class for these two extreme radicals. The man who dares to call normal people weird put tampon dispensers in the boys room, with the expected bad results  and his well known nickname. He cheered on the George Floyd rioters who burned down cities under his governorship and implemented a snitch hotline during COVID that would have made every leftist authoritarian dictator proud.

He exploits the tiresome leftist trope of disparaging the commonsense human right of self-defense in going after weapons of war, stolen valorstyle.

Gov. @Tim_Walz: I spent 25 years in the Army and I hunt. Ive been voting for common sense legislation that protects the Second Amendment, but we can do background checks. We can research the impacts of gun violence. We can make sure those weapons of war, that I carried in war, pic.twitter.com/3IVaXi2RP2  Kamala HQ (@KamalaHQ) August 6, 2024

His campaign claimed he was going to Iraq even as he was in the process of deserting his men. Veterans on X now stand against Tim Walzs abandoning his unit.

Then theres Mind Your Own Business Tim Walz setting up a snitch hotline during COVID:

Actual phone recording of Tim Walz's Orwellian COVID snitch hotline.

Even more shocking, Minnesota Governor Walz kept the hotline operational till June 2022 for reasons that remain unanswered.



(h/t @cicero_mn) pic.twitter.com/p8HQTYdFrz  Chabria (@ShivenChabria) August 6, 2024

A man who cant stand firearm freedom would also be an enemy of the First Amendment. You can easily imagine why these two enemies of liberty would avoid talking to the press, the people helping them right along in their gaslighting campaign. No wonder Politico is almost bragging about Commie Kamalas tactic of avoiding transparency with the press, while Ian Millhiser is making excuses for not being transparent with the people and being decidedly Undemocratic.

D Parker is an engineer, inventor, wordsmith, and student of history, former director of communications for a civil rights organization, and a long-time contributor to conservative websites. Find him on Substack.
I was an enlisted Airman, serving as a Security Police Officer during the Cold War. I did not reach high rank. I served stateside and experienced no combat. I didnt make a career of it, nor was I festooned with medals, though I did get some attaboys. I am, therefore, not Americas foremost expert on the military, though I did learn what the lowliest troop in any branch learns and never forgets: one does not claim awards and rank they did not earn.

Doing that grossly violates military concepts of duty and honor, and diminishes the sacrifices and achievements of those who did earn awards and attain rank. There are few things in the military that will bring greater disgust and shame down on those who forget those concepts. Probably worse is claiming one served in combat when one didnt. Even those who served in a combat zone but never went outside the wire will normally go to great lengths to say: Yeah, I served in Wherethehellisthatastan, but I was never in combat.

Doing that, trying to aggrandize oneself without the accomplishments that accompany such aggrandizement, is known as Stolen Valor, and few things anger our military members--active duty, reserves and veterans--more. They all know the sacrifices of military life, and it is adherence to duty and honor, and loyalty to ones compatriots, that binds them together and sets them apart from those who never served. Its an unforgivable betrayal.

It's interesting to note how many Democrat politicians have committed the sin of Stolen Valor. John Kerry, who served in Vietnam, but put himself up for awards he didnt earn, later lied about his service and betrayed his country, and Richard Blumenthal who claimed to have served in Vietnam but didnt, come to mind. In that hall of shame, we can now add Kamala Harris Veep pick, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz.

Walz actually did serve in the Army National Guard for 24 years, reaching the rank of Master SergeantE8. He retired and was honorably discharged. The Stolen Valor problem has to do with how and when he retired, and his claims after retiring.

Walz committed to the Command Sgt. Major Academy, which is a two-year, college-level course, which requires two additional years of service upon graduation. Thats an E-9 rank, the highest enlisted rank in the Army, a real accomplishment. Upon making that commitment, he was given the temporary rank of Command Sgt. Major, which was always contingent on his fulfilling his commitment to complete the Academy and serve an additional two years. One must also serve three years at a given rank to retire at that rank.

Asked about Trump running mate Sen. JD Vance's accusation that Walz is guilty of "stolen valor," the National Guard veteran [Ret. Command Sgt. Maj. Thomas Behrends] told Fox News host Laura Ingraham that it's "far darker than a lot of people think." "He's used the rank that he never achieved in order to advance his political career," he said. "I mean, he still says he's a retired command sergeant major to this day, and he's not. He uses the rank of others to make it look like he's a better person than he is." Questions emerged about Walz's rhetoric surrounding his time in the service after Vice President Kamala Harris announced him as her running mate on the 2024 Democratic ticket.

Graphic: Walz' Governor Biography, Screenshot.

Walz is described as a retired "command sergeant major" in his governor's website biography and has repeatedly claimed he carried a gun "in war," despite never experiencing combat.

Ingraham, however, said the Minnesota National Guard told the "Angle" he retired as a master sergeant.

Walz learned his artillery unit was called up to serve in combat in Afghanistan. Walz did spend several months in Italy, but retired and did not accompany his unit into combat. Because he did not complete his academy commitment, nor serve three years at that rank, his rank of Command Sgt. MajorE-9-- was revoked and he retired at the rank of Master Sgt.E-8. But what about claiming he was in combat?

Graphic: Kamala HQ Screenshot

His comments here were in the service of banning AR-15s, semiautomatic versions of select-fire M4s. Walz never carried either into combat. Command Sgt. Major Behrends noted people of that rank perform mostly administrative duties. He is sure Walz never saw combat and doubts he ever took an M4 out of the armory in Italy.

Why should we care? Politicians lie all the time, but Stolen Valor defines the lack of character and integrity of those that claim it. It brands them as frauds and tarnishes the flags draping the coffins of those who honored their commitments, who, ordered into combat, did their duty.

Walz has separated himself from that honored company, and we must ensure he remains separate from high office. Minnesota voted for him; they can keep him.

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.
Donald Trump has a body of work for his friends and enemies to examine as he campaigns for a second term. He is running on his record as a real estate developer and his record as the 45th POTUS. His motto is Make America Great Again.

Opposing former President Trump this year is Vice President Kamala Harris. She holds a more traditional political resume. She served as Attorney General of California, a US Senator from California, and most recently as VPOTUS. She has a record, but she is shying away from her record in the early days of her campaign.

Conservatives suspect that Trump is really running against his arch-nemesis, Godfather Barack Hussein Obama. Obama served two terms as POTUS from 2009 to 2017 and cannot serve again due to the 22nd Amendment. Obamas motto to Transform America led to his two terms and has been continued into the administration of Joe Biden, Obamas puppet.

Legally, Obama served eight years, but many of us suspect he is finishing his 12th year with a propped-up Biden out front. Suspicions run high that he is running for four more years with Kamala Harris as his latest stand-in.

Image by Andrea Widburg using AI.

Two noteworthy bits of evidence suggest that Obama is still running the Oval Office. Unlike most former presidents who leave Washington after the end of their administration, Obama maintains a home in Washington, very close to the White House. Secondly, many of the people advising Joe Biden also served during Obamas administration.

Obamas motto, Transform America, begs a question. What do Obama and his empire want America to become? While Trump speaks constantly about the vision and policies driving his plan to Make America Great Again, voters still have difficulty understanding what Obama means when he says he wants to Transform America.

Obama speaks in generalities, and he loves to hear himself talk. He talked about spreading wealth around but didnt say how hed do this. He wanted the right people to hold important jobs in his administration.

Valerie Jarrett, for example, was (and is?) one of his top foreign affairs advisors. She was born in Iran to American parents. Many speculate that her Iranian experience explained Obamasand, by extension, Bidens and Harrisssupport for the current Iranian leadership. His one-time CIA Director, John Brennan, voted for Gus Hall for President in an earlier presidential election. In that earlier election, Hall ran as the Communist Candidate.

Many other people from Obamas era continue to hold important jobs in Washington. Susan Rice, Lloyd Austin, and Jake Sullivan hold key positions in Bidens version of Obamaworld.

Thus, heading into the election, it is really Obamaworld, aka the Swamp, that Trump faces. Trump is fighting a leftist status quo that is very tight-lipped about where its taking us.

The betting odds are currently against Trump as he battles Obamaworld. On the other hand, 65% of Americans believe that America is headed in the wrong direction. If Trump can focus on laying out his Make America Great Again vision in clear language, his odds improve because Kamalas word salads tell us nothing.

Obama once offered hope and change. Ironically, we are now asking Trump to give us hope and we are asking for change from Obamaworld.

Ned Cosby, a frequent contributor to American Thinker, is a former pastor, veteran Coast Guard officer, and a retired career public high school teacher. His novel OUTCRY is a love story exposing the refusal of Christian leaders to report and discipline clergy who sexually abuse our young people. This work of fiction addresses crimes that are all too real. Cosby has also written RECOLLECTIONS FROM MY FATHERS HOUSE, tracing his own odyssey from 1954 to the present. For more info, visit Ned Cosby.
How many domestic flights are covered by Federal Air Marshalls (FAM)? Far fewer than youd imagine. According to Simple Flying.com, there are about 45,000 daily flights. Estimates place the chance youll have a FAM onboard your flight at 6%, though I suspect its considerably less. Keep that in mind.

Recently in The coming terrorist attacks, and in Terrorist attacks in America: just a matter of time? I noted the Harris/Biden Administration is finally admitting tens of thousands of terrorists and Chinese spies and military operatives are in America, more are crossing our borders daily, and our secure borders mightmaybe--have something to do with that. They are, of course, engaging in bureaucratic ass covering. They know were going to get hit, and hard.

One would think every Dick and Jane in federal law enforcement would be dealing with this. One would think wrong. Just ask former Hawaii Representative and recovering Democrat, Tulsi Gabbard:

Graphic: X Screenshot

Tuesday night, while self-styled Democratic nominee Kamala Harris pledged to defend freedom, compassion, and the rule of law to cheers in Philadelphia, Hawaiis Tulsi Gabbard described being tracked by teams of government agents in a surveillance regime more reminiscent of East Germany than a free country. Whistleblowing Air Marshals told Uncover DC Gabbard was singled out as a terror threat under the so-called Quiet Skies program, and the former presidential candidate says she noticed. The whistleblowers account matches my experience, says Gabbard. Everything lines up to the day.

It was only when several whistleblowers came forward that Gabbard was able to put things into perspective. On every flight she took, she was singled out for intrusive searches. Considering Gabbard is a Lieutenant Colonel in the Army Reserve, an Iraq War veteran, and former congresswoman, one might consider this odd. One would have no idea:

Ive got a couple of blazers in there, and theyre squeezing every inch of the entire collar, every inch of the sleeves, every inch of the edging of the blazers, she says. Theyre squeezing or padding down underwear, bras, workout clothes, every inch of every piece of clothing. Agents unzipped the lining inside the roller board of her suitcase, patting down every inch inside the liner. Gabbard was asked to take every piece of electronics out and turn each on, including her military phone and computer.

Gabbard was put on a SSSS listSecondary Security Screening Selectiona domestic terror watch list.

Gabbard is unaware she has two Explosive Detection Canine Teams, one Transportation Security Specialist (explosives), one plainclothes TSA Supervisor, and three Federal Air Marshals [FAM] on every flight she boards.

Consider that against the virtual certainty there will never be a single FAM on any domestic flight you ever take, and that there are so many daily flights, and so few FAMs, there will virtually never be more than a single FAM on any flight.

How much does a program like Quiet Skies cost? In 2019, it was nearly half the FAM budget, which means even fewer flights have FAMS while people like Tulsi Gabbard are being followed, dog sniffed, their undies are being groped and passengers are bumped from flights to accommodate multiple FAMs following her.

 the program has grown off the charts, especially since January 6th. Theyre watching 8-year-old children. Theyre following 17-year-old cheerleaders that were traveling for cheer competitions, people who lost their legs in combat TSA is out of control against the American people.

Why would the Harris/Biden Administration waste so many scarce resources on Gabbard when theyve admitted the actual terror threat is at never-before-seen levels? Well likely never know the truth, but its not hard to imagine their motives. Gabbard is a recovering Democrat, a woman who saw the light, abandoned the one, true political faith and now supports the Constitution. Worse, she badly embarrassed Kamala Harris in the 2020 Democrat presidential debates. Shortly after Gabbard tongue-lashed her, Kamala dropped out of the race, winning not a single delegate. You dont suppose Kamala is the type to hold a grudge, do you? You dont suppose the Harris/Biden Administration would persecute innocent Americans, labeling them domestic terrorists, do you? People like those radical, traditional Catholics whogaspvalue the roots of their faith and like the Latin Mass? Or even worse, anyone who might supportshudderDonald Trump? Gabbard has also been consistently critical of Kamala and Joe Biden. I somehow suspect thats more than enough for the regime to sic federal law enforcement on Gabbard.

Graphic: The kind of person the Harris/Biden Administration thinks a domestic terrorist. X Screenshot

And in the meantime, domestic flights are as unsecured as our secure border, unless Tulsi Gabbard happens to be aboard. Oh well. When terrorists attack across the country, it will be Trumps fault, just as everything else is.

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 Google Pixel 9 series will launch in a couple of days, on August 13. Weve already seen a ton of leaks, but more of them keep on coming. Both the Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro Fold have leaked with Googles official case snapped on them. Weve already seen a leak of Googles case for the Pixel 9 series, but these images are much better in terms of quality.

The Google Pixel 9 & Pixel 9 Pro Fold are shown inside Googles official cases

These leaks are coming from Roland Quandt, one of the best-known tipsters out there. You can check out those two images in the gallery below. This seems to be Googles silicone case, the one available for the Pixel 8, Pixel 8 Pro, Pixel 8a, and so on.

As you can see, the Pixel 9 is rocking a green-colored case. The Pixel 9 Pro Fold has a black case on it. This is a soft-touch case, for those of you who dont know. It does add grip to the table, of course.

In addition to these three images with Googles case in them, Roland Quandt shared a couple more random shots of the Pixel 9 Pro Fold. If you check out the gallery below, youll see a split-screen mode on the device, and YouTube running when the screen is folded halfway.

The Pixel 9 will be the most affordable phone in the series

The Google Pixel 9 will be the most affordable Pixel 9 series smartphone that will launch in a couple of days. The Pixel 9 Pro Fold will be the most expensive one, of course.

In addition to these two phones, the Pixel 9 Pro and Pixel 9 Pro XL are also coming. Weve already shared a ton of our exclusive leaks for these devices, in case youre interested in those.

All devices will be fueled by the Google Tensor G4 chip, Googles latest and greatest processor. They will all be made out of metal and glass, and be flat all around. Well, flat aside from their corners, which will be rounded.
Banksy has unveiled the sixth artwork in his new animal-themed collection in London, a silhouette of a stretching cat on an empty, distressed advertising hoarding.

The elusive street artist posted a photo of the design on Instagram on Saturday without any caption.

Located in Cricklewood, north west London, the design depicts a large cat with an upturned nail as it appears to stretch out its body.

The artist has revealed a new animal artwork each day this week, of a goat, elephants, monkeys, a wolf and pelicans.

On Friday there were pelicans pinching fish from a London chip shop sign in Walthamstow, east London, and a wolf howling on a satellite dish was announced on Thursday in Peckham, south London.

Less than an hour after it was disclosed, the wolf design was removed by three men, according to a witness who told the PA news agency that he filmed them, which led to one of the men throwing his phone on a roof.

Its a great shame we cant have nice things and its a shame it couldnt have lasted more than an hour, he said.

A statement from the Metropolitan Police said: We were called to reports of a stolen satellite dish containing artwork at 1.52pm on Thursday August 8 in Rye Lane, Peckham.

There have been no arrests. Inquiries continue.

A spokesman for Banksy told the PA news agency that the artist is neither connected to nor endorses the theft, and that they have no knowledge as to the dishs current whereabouts.

The first piece of graffiti in Banksys new animal-themed series, which was announced on Monday, is near Kew Bridge in south-west London and shows a goat with rocks falling down below it, just above where a CCTV camera is pointed.

On Tuesday the artist added silhouettes of two elephants with their trunks stretched towards each other on the side of a building near Chelsea, west London.

This was followed by three monkeys looking as though they were swinging underneath a bridge over Brick Lane, near a vintage clothing shop in the popular east London market street, not far from Shoreditch High Street.

The street artist, whose identity is unknown but widely speculated on, was recently criticised by then home secretary James Cleverly, who said the artwork he created for Glastonbury Festival was trivialising small boat crossings and vile.

The artist had said he was the person behind an inflatable boat filled with migrant dummies which had been crowdsurfed at the music festival in June, during performances by Bristol indie punk band Idles and rapper Little Simz.
A breakdancer who fled the Taliban has been disqualified from the Olympics for revealing a message reading Free Afghan Women during her performance at La Concorde on Friday.

The World DanceSport Federation said 21-year-old B-girl Talash was thrown out for displaying a political slogan on her attire, which is strictly banned under International Olympic Committee (IOC) rules.

Talash, who was representing the Refugee Team, ripped off her jacket to display the slogan on a bib in the course of losing a pre-qualifier battle to B-girl India from the Netherlands.

B-girl Talash was representing the Refugee Team in Paris (John Walton/PA)

I wanted to show people what is possible, Talash said in a brief mixed zone comment afterwards. She refused an invitation to directly address her message.

Talash was the only female member of a breakdancing club in Kabul, and often received death threats. When the Taliban took over the country in 2021, she fled to Pakistan with her 12-year-old brother, and was ultimately granted asylum in Spain.

Rule 50 of the Olympic charter explicitly bans the display of any political messaging, including signs or armbands, and states that any infringement will be dealt with on a case-by-case basis.
Caden Cunningham confirmed his place in the mens +80kg Olympic taekwondo final after a thrilling win over world champion Cheick Sallah Cisse at the Grand Palais in Paris.

The 21-year-old from Huddersfield edged the verdict via unscored registrations  the number of punches landed that are too light to score  after finishing tied with the Ivory Coast veteran.

Cunninghams win was sweet revenge for the British squad against an opponent who famously beat Lutalo Muhmamad to gold in the final second of their Olympic final in Rio in 2016.

Great Britains Caden Cunningham (right) and Ivory Coasts Cheick Sallah Cisse during their mens +80kg semi final (Peter Byrne/PA).

Muhammad watched from the stands as Cunningham seized control of the contest with a dominant opening round, only for Cisse to level after a cagey second in which both fighters were penalised for non-combat.

A three-point head kick with half a minute on the clock put Cunningham in control of the final round and although Cisse fought back to level, there was to be no final second heartbreak for the Briton.

Rebecca McGowan was beaten by Uzbekistans Svetlana Osipova in the quarter-finals of the womens +67kg, but will get another shot at the repechage for bronze after Osipova subsequently reached the final.
Family of young person allegedly paid by Huw Edwards say his salary was immoral

The family of the young person that was allegedly paid for explicit sexual photos by the former BBC broadcaster Huw Edwards say they doubt that he will return his salary.

On Friday, the corporation said the BBC board has authorised the executive to seek the return of Edwards payments from his November arrest to April, when the 62-year-old resigned on medical advice.

On July 21, Edwards  who earned more than 200,000 during that period  pleaded guilty to making indecent images of children.

The corporation said if Edwards had been up front when asked by the BBC about his arrest, we would never have continued to pay him public money and added he had undermined trust in the BBC and brought us into disrepute.

Last year, a separate allegation in the Sun saw Edwards accused of paying a teenager 35,000 for photos, and he was later named as the BBC presenter at the centre of the media furore.

The family of the unnamed young person originally complained to the BBC in May 2023, and the corporation apologised earlier this year over the handling of the complaint.

The young persons stepfather told Saturdays edition of the Sun: He shouldnt have been paid when suspended, let alone being paid for five months more after they knew he had been arrested.

Its immoral. I dont think he will willingly pay it back though.

The stepfather previously shared a video with the newspaper that he filmed of Edwards waiting for the alleged victim at a Welsh train station.

Police found no evidence of criminal behaviour in the matter.

The unnamed teenager told the Mirror newspaper this month that he felt groomed by the broadcaster and sick after learning he was charged with child sex crimes.

BBC newsreader Huw Edwards (Chris Jackson/PA)

In July, a court heard Edwards had been involved in an online chat with an adult man on WhatsApp between December 2020 and August 2021, who sent him 377 sexual images, of which 41 were indecent images of children.

A statement from the BBC on Friday said: Whilst the nature of the charges against Mr Edwards is related to his own personal life, the board believes these events have also put a spotlight on the question of power imbalances in the workplace.

We remain concerned about the potential for inappropriate workplace behaviour, particularly in creative and editorial environments.

Whilst challenges related to power imbalances in the workplace are a challenge for multiple employers, the BBC must hold itself to the highest standards.

It also announced the board has commissioned an independent review that will make recommendations on practical steps that could strengthen a workplace culture in line with BBC values .

The corporation will set out terms of reference and leadership of this review in early September.

The Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy, who previously called for Edwards to return his salary, welcomed the independent review, and said: BBC staff must be able to feel safe in the workplace and be confident that if non-editorial complaints are raised they will be acted upon and dealt with fairly and decisively.

The BBC previously said after Edwards guilty plea that if he had been charged while he was still an employee it would have sacked him.

It was aware in November of his arrest on suspicion of serious offences.

Edwards is next due to appear in court in September.
Great Britains Georgia Bell collected 1500 metres bronze and set a new national record on the final day of track action in a race won by Kenyas Faith Kipyegon in Olympic record time.

Bell patiently executed her race and started to pounce on the back stretch in the final lap.

Laura Muir, the Scottish Tokyo 2020 silver medallist, started to close in as the leaders approached the final bend as the two British women sat fourth and fifth.

Bell, crowned British champion at the distance earlier this summer, found another gear in the final 100 metres to claim her first Olympic medal in a personal best 3: 52.61.

Kipyegon won in 3:51.29. Australian Jessica Hull collected silver and Muir came fifth.

World record holder Kipyegon led the way from 1100 metres, while Bells new national record was five one hundredths of a second shy of equalling the silver medallist.

A podium finish is another remarkable milestone for the 30-year-old, who was a prodigious junior runner but left the sport entirely, and had taken up a nine-to-five job in cybersecurity sales.

It was only during the Covid-19 lockdown when  just to get out of the house  Bell really started running again.

After a few Parkruns Bell realised she still had her speed and called up old coach Trevor Painter, who also looks after Paris 800 metres champion Keely Hodgkinson, and started to take the sport seriously again.

In a fairy-tale twist, Bell was also born in Paris.

The morning of her maiden Olympic final, Bell wrote on Instagram: I truly feel like its all meant to be and that my whole life has led to this moment.
Irelands president has condemned the outrageous level of killing of people in Gaza, and called for an immediate ceasefire, after 80 people were killed when an Israeli airstrike hit a school-turned-shelter.

The strike on the school in central Gaza City also left another 47 people injured, Gazas health ministry said.

Video from the scene showed walls blown out of a large building. Chunks of concrete and twisted metal lay on top of a blood-soaked floor, with clothing, toppled furniture and other debris.

A blackened car with the windows blown out was covered in rubble.

Statement by President Higgins following strike on school site in Gaza City https://t.co/qleSgsFl2X  President of Ireland (@PresidentIRL) August 10, 2024

In a statement, Michael D Higgins said: The attack which has taken place on a school site in Gaza, where a reported 6,000 displaced people were sheltering and many preparing for morning prayers, will be condemned by all those seeking to find peace in what is a continuing horrific violation of human rights.

The comments made by the High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs, Josep Borrell, that there is no justification for the massacres which have taken place following the targeting of at least 10 schools in recent weeks must be taken with the utmost seriousness by all Member States.

Practical measures of a diplomatic kind are now urgently needed to ensure there is no further extension of the loss of life and total devastation of infrastructure in the region.

I condemn the airstrike by Israel on a school in Gaza, with reports of dozens of civilian deaths. An immediate ceasefire and the release of all hostages is a priority. Its time for the slaughter to stop. https://t.co/wGVRW7kmk5  Micheal Martin (@MichealMartinTD) August 10, 2024

There is no room anymore for anyone to avert their gaze.

The outrageous level of killing must end with an immediate ceasefire, the release of all hostages, and the immediate provision of all necessary aid.

Tanaiste Micheal Martin said: I condemn the airstrike by Israel on a school in Gaza, with reports of dozens of civilian deaths.

An immediate ceasefire and the release of all hostages is a priority. Its time for the slaughter to stop.
Irelands President Michael D Higgins joined the family and friends of Edna OBrien to pay tribute to the Irish novelist at her funeral mass.

A violinist and cellist performed ahead of the service at St Josephs Church in Tuamgraney, Co Clare, on Saturday.

OBrien, a novelist, short story writer, memoirist, poet and playwright, died aged 93 last month after a long illness.

The service was attended by Independent Clare TD Michael McNamara.

Higgins was joined by his wife Sabina Coyne, who appeared emotional throughout the service.

During the procession of symbols, family and friends laid items which held significance for OBrien.

Her grandson Oscar presented her French Legion of Honour to represent a lifetime of extraordinary achievement.

Other items included a Buddha statue offered by her niece, which was said to symbolise how OBrien was a deeply spiritual woman whose curiosity and open heart led her to many faiths throughout her lifetime, including Buddhism.

President and Sabina Higgins are this morning attending the funeral of Edna OBrien in Tuamgraney, Co Clare. You can read the Presidents statement following Ednas death at https://t.co/UUfpbBK75N pic.twitter.com/24UDNRUjea  President of Ireland (@PresidentIRL) August 10, 2024

Her Irish literary inspirations were honoured by a friend who carried a copy of James Joyces Ulysses, and another presented a portrait of the late author Samuel Beckett, a friend of OBrien.

Among the songs performed during the service was the hymn The Lords My Shepherd.

OBrien was best known for her portrayal of womens lives against repressive expectations in Irish society.

Her first novel, The Country Girls, was published in 1960 and became part of a trilogy that was banned in Ireland for their references to sex and social issues.

OBrien, who has lived in London since 1958, described an outraged response from people in Ireland in contrast to the books international success.
A horror moment for Manchester United veteran Jonny Evans gifted the Community Shield to Manchester City after a penalty shoot-out.

Evans lifted his spot-kick over the crossbar before Manuel Akanji tucked in the winning penalty as Pep Guardiolas side secured the first silverware of the season.

Alejandro Garnacho thought he had inflicted more Wembley misery on the four-time Premier League winners when he repeated his FA Cup final goalscoring heroics from just 77 days earlier with nine minutes remaining.

But another substitute Bernardo Silva, headed a last-minute equaliser for City to make it 1-1 and take the match to spot-kicks.

Andre Onana saved from Silva early in the shoot-out but Jadon Sancho, back for United following his bust-up with Erik Ten Hag, saw his kept out by Ederson.

Evans then blazed Uniteds eighth penalty high over the top before Akanji secured a 7-6 win for City.

City were without their contingent of Euro 2024 finalists with England trio Phil Foden, Kyle Walker and John Stones rested as well as triumphant Spain midfielder Rodri.

But despite whatever the relative merits of this annual curtain-raiser are, Guardiola certainly seemed to be taking this one seriously when he gesticulated furiously at his coaching staff before storming down the tunnel at half-time.

Jack Grealish was a surprise absentee while Kevin De Bruyne and Silva started on the bench.

So it was left to their supporting cast to provide the early fireworks and Jeremy Doku was the first to show any attacking intent, nutmegging Diogo Dalot down the left before fizzing in a low cross just behind debutant Nico OReilly.

Oscar Bobb then fed James McAtee, who came closer still when he curled his shot around Onana and back off the inside of the far post.

It was yet more silverware for Pep Guardiola (Zac Goodwin/PA)

United, with Mason Mount and Bruno Fernandes the furthest forward and Marcus Rashford playing on the left wing, created their first chance just before the half-hour when Amad Diallo curled a shot across goal and wide.

And it was Ten Hags side who should have scored moments later when Diallo played a one-two with Casemiro and squared the ball for Mount, who was just too slow to react for what would have been a tap-in.

Rashford, who, like Grealish, was left out of Englands squad in Germany, had an early chance to impress the watching interim national boss Lee Carsley when Casemiro found him unmarked on the left, but he stabbed his shot tamely across goal and wide.

United thought they had taken the lead eight minutes into the second half when Lisandro Martinez played in Fernandes, who curled a superb effort over Ederson and into the net, but the Portugal star was flagged offside.

A raft of substitutes for both sides followed, including debuts for young United midfielder Toby Collyer and Citys 30million summer signing, the Brazilian winger Savinho.

Then came a big moment for Rashford, Garnacho squaring the ball to leave the forward clean through, 14 yards out, unmarked and with just Ederson to beat  only for a hurried, first-time effort with his left foot to clip the post.

Alejandro Garnacho thought he had won it (Adam Davy/PA)

A United goal was coming, though, and it arrived nine minutes from time when Fernandes swept the ball across goal and Garnacho expertly applied the finish.

But with just a minute to go City hit back, Bobb swinging in a cross and Bernardo Silva rising above Facundo Pellestri to nod home the equaliser and take the encounter to spot-kicks.
The King has called for unity and praised the community spirit that countered the riots over the last week.

Charles also offered his heartfelt thanks to the police for restoring order, as they continue to remain on high alert for further disorder amid the start of the new football season.

Sir Keir Starmer had an audience with the King via a phone call on Friday evening, Buckingham Palace said.

Chief Constable Gavin Stephens, chairman of the National Police Chiefs Council (NPCC), and UK Gold Commander Ben Harrington, Chief Constable of Essex Police, held a separate joint call with the King.

In these calls, His Majesty was updated on the current situation and expressed his heartfelt thanks to the police and emergency services for all they are doing to restore peace in those areas that have been affected by violent disorder, a Palace spokesperson said.

The King is also said to have shared how he had been greatly encouraged by the many examples of community spirit that had countered the aggression and criminality from a few with the compassion and resilience of the many.

The spokesperson added: It remains His Majestys hope that shared values of mutual respect and understanding will continue to strengthen and unite the nation.

The King is understood to hope he may be able to express more direct support for communities impacted by riots, likely to be in the form of a visit, but only if it were not an additional strain on police resources.

The audiences with the King have taken place at the end of a week where riots across the UK have slowly started to dissipate, though unrest has continued more visibly in Northern Ireland.

Sir Keir has reiterated that police should remain on high alert going into the weekend, and the start of the football season has triggered worries that further unrest could be sparked.

Some newspapers have reported police are considering football banning orders as investigations have suggested a link between rioters and football hooligan groups.

My message to the police and all of those that are charged with responding to disorder is maintain that high alert, the Prime Minister said during a visit to the Metropolitan Polices special operations room in Lambeth on Friday.

Sir Keir added he was convinced that having police officers on the streets and the swift justice that has been dispensed in our courts have had a real impact on deterring further gatherings.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer views CCTV screens in the Engineering Suite in the Metropolitan Police Command and Control Special Operations Room during his visit to Lambeth Police Headquarters in London (Toby Melville/PA)

Some 741 people have now been arrested over rioting according to the NPCC, of which 304 have been charged.

Merseyside Police said on Saturday two more people have been charged following the violent disorder in Southport and Liverpool.

Andrew McIntyre, 39, from Cousins Lane, Rufford, has been charged with encouraging an offence of murder; encouraging an either way offence namely violent disorder and possession of a bladed article.

He will appear at Liverpool and Knowsley Magistrates Court on Saturday.

Police also said a 16-year-old from Stockbridge Village has been charged with violent disorder, two counts of burglary at non-residential properties, criminal damage to a police vehicle amounting to 5,000 and assault emergency worker in Liverpool city centre.

He will appear at Merseyside Youth Remand Court on Saturday.

Adam Turner, 38, from Birmingham, was charged with violent disorder and assaulting an emergency worker following disorder in Solihull on Sunday, August 4.

A West Midlands Police spokesman said a glass was thrown at an officer in Damson Lane as the force responded to a large gathering in the area, although nobody was injured.

Turner was remanded to appear before Birmingham Magistrates Court on Saturday.

The disorder initially began in the wake of the deaths of three young girls in Southport on July 29.

Among those sentenced on Friday was a Facebook user who has become the first person jailed for stirring up racial hatred by using social media.

Jordan Parlour has been jailed for 20 months for publishing Facebook posts encouraging people to attack a hotel housing asylum seekers and refugees (West Yorkshire Police/PA)

Jordan Parlour, 28, of Seacroft, Leeds, was jailed for 20 months after he admitted posting on the social media platform between August 1 and August 5 urging others to target a hotel in Leeds, which at the time was housing more than 200 asylum seekers and refugees.

On Friday night, Northamptonshire Police said Lucy Connolly, the partner of a Conservative councillor, had been charged with publishing written material to stir up racial hatred on social media.

The 41-year-old will appear in court via live link on Saturday morning.

In Belfast, around a thousand people gathered for a counter-protest against several hundred anti-immigration demonstrators on Friday evening.

A heavy police presence and barriers were put in place to keep the two groups apart at Belfast City Hall, while Donegall Square North and Wellington Place were closed to traffic for several hours.
Materials received by Guardian Australia under freedom of information laws show a partial look into the Australian federal polices counter-terror investigations into youth. Photograph: AFP

An Australian federal police counter-terrorism operation targeting a 13-year-old boy with autism cost more than $500,000, Guardian Australia can reveal.

Documents provided under freedom of information laws show the total cost of Operation Bourglinster, the AFP investigation into a boy known as Thomas Carrick, was $507,087. No further breakdown of the cost was provided.

Related: Why police are accused of radicalising an autistic teenager  podcast

The Victorian childrens court found that police encouraged Thomas in his fixation on Islamic State during an undercover operation after his parents sought help from the authorities.

Thomas was later charged with terror offences after a magistrate found an undercover officer fed his fixation and doomed the rehabilitation efforts of the boy and his parents.

On 17 April 2021, his parents went to a police station and asked for help because Thomas was watching Islamic State-related videos on his computer and had asked his mother to buy bomb-making ingredients such as sulphur and acetone.

Thomas was investigated and charged with two terror offences by the Joint Counter Terrorism Team (JCTT), which comprises Australian federal police, Victoria police and Asio members. He was the youngest person ever charged with those offences, the court found.

It granted a permanent stay on the charges in October last year after making grave findings about the conduct of officers.

The community would not expect law enforcement officers to encourage a 13- to 14-year-old child towards racial hatred, distrust of police and violent extremism, encouraging the childs fixation on Isis, Magistrate Lesley Fleming said in the decision, first revealed by Guardian Australia.

Thomas, an NDIS recipient with an IQ of 71, was first reported to police by Victorias Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) and then by his parents because of his fixation with Islamic State, which included him accessing extremist material online and making threats to other students.

He spent three months in custody before he was granted bail in October 2022, after an earlier bail was revoked because he failed to comply with conditions.

The AFP released 41 pages of documents to Guardian Australia under FoI laws earlier this month. Some of the documents were redacted and others were excluded from release.

Part of the reason for documents being excluded or redacted was that the operation remained under review, the AFP noted in its FoI decision.

The documents include a redacted backpocket brief, designed to give an overview of the operation including a chronology.

Since July 2021, the AFP has commenced investigations and conducted operational activity against more than 10 individuals that were 16 years old or younger, with the youngest being 12 years old, the undated brief notes. Of these, approximately 50% of the individuals have been charged with either commonwealth or state based offences.

Some commonalities identified between these investigations include diagnosis of a neuro-diverse or mental health condition, being raised in a disruptive, unstable or harmful environment, and experiencing social problems throughout their school life.

The brief also said that extremist groups were deliberately targeting young and vulnerable individuals for radicalisation. It said the process used by extremists to radicalise youth often differed from adults, and this was due to the unique risk factors and vulnerabilities associated with childhood and adolescence.

The terror threat level was raised from possible to probable on 5 August.

Redacted sections in the documents released under FoI includes material under the subheading if asked about safeguards and governance processes for investigations involving youth.

The documents also include an email sent by the deputy commissioner, Krissy Barrett, to Counter Terrorism and Special Investigations on 15 February, after Guardian Australia revealed the undercover operation, praising the work of undercover online operatives whose work had been heavily criticised in Thomas case.

Related: Australian Muslim leaders call out questionable law enforcement tactics that led to arrest of minors

It is really important to note that this was a very difficult and complex investigation for everyone involved, and one which threw up many challenges, she said in the email.

I recognise and thank everyone involved for their tenacity, professionalism and commitment to duty.

I also use this opportunity to acknowledge the fantastic work that our covert online operatives do, under very difficult circumstances, to keep the community safe.

Answers to questions on notice from Senator David Shoebridge to the commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions also revealed that the CDPP spent a further $72,614 in external costs in relation to the case.

The AFPs deputy commissioner, Ian McCartney, told the Senate earlier this year that a range of reviews were under way in relation to the case, but that he would authorise a similar operation again.
China launches emergency response to flooding in Beijing, neighboring regions

Xinhua) 10:02, August 10, 2024

BEIJING, Aug. 9 (Xinhua) -- The State Flood Control and Drought Relief Headquarters on Friday activated a Level-IV emergency response to flooding in Beijing and the neighboring Tianjin Municipality and Hebei Province.

From Friday to Sunday, torrential rains are expected to lash parts of the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, Beijing, Tianjin, Hebei, other northeastern regions and the Sichuan Basin.

The Ministry of Emergency Management has urged regions impacted by heavy rainfall to spare no effort in flood control work during this critical period, with efforts to include the evacuation of residents, adequate resource and material provisions, and temporary shutdowns.

The State Flood Control and Drought Relief Headquarters has also maintained a Level-IV emergency response to flooding in Inner Mongolia, Jilin, Heilongjiang and Sichuan. The National Disaster Reduction Commission has maintained a Level-II emergency response in flood-hit Hunan Province.

China has a four-tier emergency response system for flood control, with Level I being the most urgent response.

(Web editor: Cai Hairuo, Sheng Chuyi)
Angela Rayner has scrapped reforms preventing recently arrived migrants from applying for a council house - CHRISTOPHER FURLONG/AFP

Angela Rayner has dropped Tory plans to limit applications for social housing to long-term British residents.

The Housing Secretary has formally scrapped reforms that would have prevented recently arrived migrants from applying for a council house in England.

It comes with almost 1.3 million households on local authority waiting lists for social housing.

Ms Rayner has vowed to ramp up the provision of new social homes as part of wider planning reforms to boost housebuilding.

Official government figures show that in 2022-23, the number of new social lets agreed where the lead tenant was a foreign national was 26,176.

Under current rules people from abroad need to have an immigration status with recourse to public funds, such as being eligible for access to benefits, in order to qualify for a social home.

This can include refugees who have had their asylum applications approved as well as migrants who have been granted indefinite leave to remain.

Michael Gove, the former housing secretary, published proposals in January that would have prevented many of those from qualifying in future.

He planned to introduce a UK connection test which would have restricted social housing to those who had been resident for at least 10 years.

British and Irish citizens, Commonwealth citizens with a right of abode, and European citizens who were resident before Brexit would have remained eligible.

The test would have been applied to those people on the waiting list, affecting many foreign nationals already in the queue for a social home.

Matthew Pennycook, the housing minister who reports to Ms Rayner, announced last week that Labour would not be going forward with the proposals.

The Government does not intend to enact the policy proposals set out in the consultation, he said in response to a written question from Kemi Badenoch.

Ms Rayner has vowed to ramp up the provision of new social homes - CHRISTOPHER FURLONG/AFP

Official statistics show that 251,866 social homes were made available in 2022-23, of which one in 10 went to a non-UK national.

Of those, 9,824 went to people from the European Economic Area  the EU plus Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein and Switzerland  and 16,352 to people from the rest of the world.

The share of social homes granted to foreign nationals has almost doubled over the past 15 years from 5.8 per cent in 2009-10 to 10.4 per cent in 2022-23.

Government figures only show who the lead tenant is, meaning that British citizens may be living in some of those homes.

Many migrants do not qualify for social housing, including small boat arrivals who have not yet had their asylum applications processed.

Economic migrants on work visas and foreign students do not have recourse to public funds and are therefore not eligible either.

But the Government is set to fast-track the asylum applications of 90,000 illegal migrants who had been earmarked for deportation to Rwanda.

It is expected that two-thirds of them will be granted the right to remain, meaning that they could then qualify to apply for social housing.

Many would struggle to quickly get a social home though because nine in 10 councils require applicants to have lived in their local area for some time.

Dr Mike Jones, executive director of Migration Watch UK, said around one in five council homes is now occupied by a foreign national lead tenant, including nearly half in London.

Labour has no plans to cap legal migration or change the Human Rights Act to allow deportations of illegal entrants, he said.

Theyve also dropped the British homes for British workers policy, which would have given priority to people born in the UK.

This hits hard at public trust in our institutions and the fairness of the welfare system.

Labour isnt putting the national interest first  theyre putting non-citizens ahead of British people.

Government sources suggested that under the Tory reforms most European citizens would have remained eligible for social housing.

Those who arrived before June 30 2021 were able to apply for settled status giving them equal treatment rights to UK citizens under the Brexit withdrawal deal.

A spokesman for the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities said: The vast majority of councils have already adopted local connection tests and 90 per cent of social homes go to UK nationals.

Those who do not have a right to stay in the UK are already not eligible for social housing.

A Tory spokesman said: It just goes to show that Labour will always put cosying up to the EU ahead of protecting British values like common decency and fairness.
Hind al-Dawi said it was wrong to describe Hamas fighters as terrorists just two weeks after the Oct 7 attacks

The BBCs Arabic channel has been accused of inviting a guest onto its programme to discuss Israel despite claims she shared anti-Semitic views.

The Committee for Accuracy in Middle East Reporting and Analysis (Camera), which lobbies for a fair representation of Israel in the media, said the BBC was not doing enough to monitor the editorial policy and decisions of its Arabic channel.

It said BBC Arabics decision to invite commentator Hind al-Dawi onto its current affairs programme Egypt Mean Time last month showed BBC managers needed to exercise closer control over the channel.

Ms al-Dawi said it was wrong to describe Hamas fighters as terrorists just two weeks after the Hamas attacks of Oct 7, which led to the deaths of more than 1,200 Israelis and the taking of 253 hostages.

On Oct 30 she told the Russia Today discussion programme Ask More: Hamas, like the Jihad, like the PFLP [Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine], like anyone who takes up arms in Palestine, is a resistance movement. Resistance is a legitimate right, enshrined by every law and constitution.

When guest Dr Meir Masri, an Israeli author and professor of political science at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, confronted her by citing the Oct 7 atrocities, she replied: I recommend the viewers to read Karl Marxs On the Jewish Question to learn [about] the role of the victim which the Jews have been playing since the dawn of history.

Oct 7 attack a necessary pre-emptive measure

In early May, Ms al-Dawi described the Oct 7 attack as a necessary pre-emptive measure Arabs had to take to defend Jerusalems holy place, telling the Egyptian satellite channel ON: If it werent for what happened on October 7th we would have woken up one day to the Dome of the Rock or al-Aqsa Mosque being stricken.

Following these comments, Ms al-Dawi was invited on to BBC Arabics Egypt Mean Time on July 18 to discuss negotiations between Israel and Egypt.

She appeared just two days after Richard Burgess, director of news content at BBC News, defended BBC Arabic against claims it made a habit of using people accused of anti-Semitic views as experts on Israeli affairs.

Mr Burgess told the Jewish National Assembly: I just want to reassure you that all complaints are taken seriously, we should be applying absolutely the same editorial standards to BBC Arabic as we do to any other BBC output.

A Camera spokesman said: With the exception of the British Jewish community, no UK minority group would see its national broadcaster welcoming sworn haters over and over again into news studios so nonchalantly and indeed, often warmly.

Moreover, these haters are often presented as credible witnesses and experts on matters involving Jews in Israel.

Camera added: It is time for UK licence fee payers to consider whether they are willing to stand by such uncritical and self-congratulatory coverage.

Ms al-Dawi has denied being anti-Semitic, saying she is simply asserting the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people and criticising the conduct of Israel in Gaza.

The BBC has rejected the claims.

A spokesperson said: Like all BBC News output, BBC News Arabic is committed to hearing from a range of contributors and experts to offer a variety of views and perspectives from the Middle East. Our journalists will continue to routinely question and challenge the views of contributors on air. We are clear that there is no place for anti-Semitism in our output.

Click here to view this content.
Far-Right agitators in England and Northern Ireland have been rioting this week - PA/Owen Humphreys

A 13-year-old boy is among hundreds being prosecuted over the riots that swept the UK in the wake of the Southport stabbings.

The National Police Chiefs Council said on Saturday that 779 people have been arrested over violent disorder, of whom 349 have been charged.

Far-Right agitators in England and Northern Ireland attacked mosques, shops and hotels housing asylum seekers last week after reports on social media wrongly claimed that the man accused of stabbing three young children to death in the northern seaside town was a refugee on an MI6 terror watch list.

In Manchester, the teenager was one of eight suspected rioters who appeared in court to face charges of violent disorder.

At Bristol Magistrates Court, three others faced similar charges, including a scaffolder who pleaded guilty to having a knuckle duster in his pocket during a riot.

Lee James, 42, was arrested at his home in Southampton after police were told he had the weapon in Grosvenor Square, where the demonstration took place on Aug 7.

Had knuckle duster in pocket

The court heard on Saturday that James still had the knuckle duster in his pocket when he was detained.

Janet Brownlow, representing James, said he had attended the protest out of curiosity and wanted to stress that he is not a racist.

She said James had picked up the knuckle duster at a property he had previously worked on, and left it in his van, from where he had picked it up and then put it on before the protest.

He put it on his fingers and couldnt get it off, Ms Brownlow told the court. He has quite thick knuckles.

The court heard videos on social media show James trying to remove the weapon from his hand.

Ms Brownlow said there was no suggestion James had threatened anyone with the knuckle duster.

She added: He doesnt use racist language and did not use racist language on that day.

District Judge Lynne Matthews remanded James into custody ahead of his sentencing hearing at Southampton Crown Court on Aug 12.

Pleaded guilty

At the same court, Cassius Adamson, 19, of Lockleaze, Bristol, pleaded guilty to violent disorder in Bristol on Aug 3.

He will be sentenced at Bristol Crown Court on Thursday.

Christopher Howe, 53, from Plymouth, Devon, was also charged with violent disorder in Bristol on Aug 5.

He did not enter a plea and was remanded into custody ahead of an appearance at Truro Crown Court on Sept 2.
The Al-Taba'een school in Gaza suffered an Israeli air strike on Saturday, with Israel claiming it had housed fighters - Mahmoud Zaki/EPA-EFE

Britons have been told to immediately evacuate Lebanon, after an Israeli airstrike on a school in Gaza sparked fresh tension in the Middle East.

The Foreign Office warned as many as 15,000 UK nationals who are still in the country that it may not be able to evacuate them if a regional war breaks out.

In updated travel advice, it said that tensions are high and events could escalate with little warning, which could affect or limit exit routes out of Lebanon.

It comes after an Israeli airstrike hit a school in Gaza. Local officials said it was being used to shelter displaced Palestinians and 93 people were killed.

The Israel Defence Forces said the building served as an active Hamas and Islamic Jihad military facility and around 20 fighters were based there.

David Lammy, the Foreign Secretary, said he was appalled by the attack and called for an immediate ceasefire to protect civilians, free all hostages, and end restrictions on aid.

Hamas must stop endangering civilians; Israel must comply with international humanitarian law, he said.

The incident has prompted fears of fresh hostilities between Israel and Iran-backed proxies in the region, including Lebanon-based Hezbollah.

Mr Lammy has instructed his officials to begin ramping-up and stress-testing their evacuation plans over the past week in preparation for a conflict.

The Telegraph understands he has chaired several meetings in the Governments crisis centre to go through how the operation would unfold.

A car burns after an Israeli air strike in Lebanon on Friday in which Samer al-Hajj, a Hamas commander, was killed - Mahmoud Zayyat/AFP via Getty

He has been told that the evacuation would be fraught with difficulty and it may prove impossible to get Britons out if Israel attacks Lebanon.

Officials have war-gamed a scenario in which Israeli airstrikes immediately take out both Beiruts airport and its port, the only major air and sea routes out.

Israels advanced military hardware could also cripple communications, meaning that UK citizens in the country could not be reached by text message.

In that instance the Government would look at using FM radio channels to broadcast advice and messages to those residents still trapped.

Foreign Office officials are planning to evacuate up to 15,000 people in the event of a war, though the real number is thought to be closer to 10,000.

Hamas fighters at the funeral on Saturday of Samer al-Hajj, the Hamas commander killed by Israel the day before - Hassan Hankir/Reuters

That would make the operation similar in size to the 2021 airlift out of Kabul which was beset with difficulties and was later branded a disaster.

It would be four times larger than the evacuation of British citizens from Sudan last year, which went more smoothly after a safe airfield was identified.

Beirut airport would likely be one of the first targets for Israeli airstrikes, meaning that the only viable route out of Lebanon would be by sea.

In that scenario, British nationals living inland would be advised not to make their way to the coast in case they were misidentified as military targets.

Mr Lammy has stepped up diplomatic efforts to cool tensions in recent days, holding his first phone call with the new Iranian foreign minister last week.

Iran has threatened reprisals against Israel for its assassination of Ismail Haniyeh, the political leader of Hamas, while he was staying in Tehran.

British officials fear it could use its proxies to carry out that response, especially Hezbollah, which could precipitate a wider Israeli attack on Lebanon.

Mr Lammy also spoke to Israel Katz, the Israeli foreign minister, to urge restraint in Gaza, with the huge death toll there fuelling much of the regional tension.

A Foreign Office spokesman said: While we continue to use all diplomatic levers to push for de-escalation, our staff are working around the clock to plan for all scenarios to keep British nationals safe.

Our travel advice is constantly updated to reflect the latest guidance, but the clear message is leave now.
The basics of improving the thermal envelope of your home arent sexy, but they make a huge difference to comfort and running costs. Composite: Handout image

Whether youre considering building a new ecologically sustainable home, renovating an existing one, or simply interested in sustainable building methods, there are many different points of entry to ecohomes  depending on your budget and level of commitment.

In terms of new builds, theres a massive difference between building a new ecohome from scratch to constructing simple earthen structures in your back yard  and the choices you make will result in massive variations of living standards, comfort and energy and emissions ratings.

Back to basics

For those not ready to undertake their own eco-build or without the means to renovate their own home, a good place to start is taking part in a community-run earth building project. Laura Marini runs workshops in Melbourne and regional Victoria educating children and adults about sustainable living and eco-friendly building methods using earthen materials.

Related: Ablution pollution: minimise your hygiene carbon footprint with some simple regime tweaks

Marini says she was first introduced to building earth homes in Italy, adhering to a traditional cob method using massone (bricks made from the earth) while doing her masters degree in architecture. She later honed her skills at the Auroville Earth Institute in India.

Marini says houses are like our third skin, yet most people lack the knowhow or ability to make more environmentally friendly architectural choices. Everyone needs to know you can build with what is under your feet and you can do it with your own hands and feet, she says.

Find your options

If you are a home or apartment owner contemplating eco-renovations, ecohouse owner Richard Keech says the most important thing is to take your time, consult as widely as possible and immerse yourself in what options are available to build an understanding of what a high performance ecohome actually means.

Dont rush. Give yourself the time to get it right, he says. Read as much as you can and really immerse yourself in it.

After completing an ecologically-focused renovation of his own period home in suburban Melbourne, Richard Keech and his wife, Kate, say they were able to reduce their energy and water consumption levels by around 75%.

Improving your home is a journey. People need a road map for that journey. A good consultant will let you see your house differently and make things very clear, he says. He also recommends joining online communities such as My Efficient Electric Home, which can be particularly useful for free expert advice and discussions with other eco-renovators who may have faced the same challenges.

Keech recommends prioritising passive improvements to your home (such as window glazing and proper insulation) over home improvement devices. The basics of improving the thermal envelope arent sexy, but they make a huge difference to comfort and running costs. And when theyre sorted, heating and cooling needs are reduced.

He says the single most significant improvement he and his wife made was getting off gas and installing solar PV. All-electric homes offer the most efficient options with the lowest running costs, he says.

Rooftop solar PV, combined with all-electric efficient homes is a killer combination. Many homes can then reasonably aspire to be net energy positive, meaning they can generate more solar energy than their home consumes.

Top-of-the-range

After their successful eco-renovation, Richard and Kate set their sights on building a high-performing timber home in Cape Paterson, about 130km south-east of Melbourne, near the Gippsland town of Wonthaggi.

The home is designed to make optimal use of the elevated and sloping site, with views over Bass Strait. It incorporates many thermal and energy performance features, including triple-glazed windows, airtight design meaning almost no heating or cooling is required, highly insulated raised floors, narrow ribbon windows and passive solar elements that maximise winter sun.

Related: Australias best new sustainable homes of 2024  in pictures

Our home, known as Straithouse, is a high-performance timber house that gives us great thermal comfort and very low energy bills. Were lucky that it also happens to look stunning, he says. The couple picked many of their favourite features from homes they had visited before eventually settling on this house from designer Luke Middleton.

Give yourself time to get it right

Of course, not everyone will be in a position to build such an ambitious home as the Straithouse. Keech says one of the best pieces of advice he can share is to give yourself as much time as you need to understand which options are right for you.

For those wanting a new build, he recommends using a designer that specialises in energy efficiency from the outset. To help find a designer, you can look to the industrys peak body, Design Matters National; for builders who understand efficiency, see the Sustainable Builders Alliance.

To build your understanding of energy efficiency, there are plenty of eco-friendly short-stay apartments and houses available that give you the chance to experience features of energy efficient homes first-hand. This is an excellent way to glean some ideas for your own.

A final piece of advice is to set an energy performance target for yourself, and then ensure your new build or renovation meets it. In Australia, 7.5 or 8 stars is a sweet spot, says Keech, offering excellent comfort and low running costs while still being achievable and affordable.
John Ashcroft, who received a call checking if he was alive, with his wife Sue - Andrew Croft/Solent

An elderly cancer patient was left without access to his medication after being registered as dead on the NHS computer system.

John Ashcroft received a call from his local GP telling him he was deceased.

The blunder left him unable to access his medical records and appointment history, or reorder his medication.

The 73 year-old, who is in remission from prostate cancer, found he was incorrectly marked as dead on his GPs computer system when trying to log in to hospital records in late July.

He and his wife, Susan, were left stumped after being denied access as he didnt exist.

The couple were then forced to wait two weeks for his medical records to be restored.

The couple on holiday in Tunisia in 2016 - Solent

Recalling the conversation, the former NHS worker, from Portsmouth, Hants, said: I had a phone call saying that I had been reported as deceased.

It was a guy from IT calling to see whether I was deceased or not. He said, quite obviously youre not, because youre talking to me.

The guy said it would all be sorted in three hours and then a fortnight later, it still hadnt been sorted.

He continued: Because of the cancer I have been through, I had direct access to my notes and Sue went into them and nothing was there.

Mrs Ashcroft, 70, added: It said he didnt exist so I couldnt log in to the medication and I started to panic a bit because John was running really low on medication.

The cancer sufferer was told he was told he was no longer a patient and could not order the necessary medication.

Declared alive

After a two-week wait, Mr Ashcrofts medical records were eventually reinstated and he was re-declared as alive by his GP.

The grandfather of five is still stumped about whether this mishap has had an impact on anything else, such as his pension and passport. The couple are flying to Morocco, North Africa, next month.

Its been stressful, very stressful and very upsetting, he added. Lots of tears from both of us.

An NHS spokesman said: We are aware of an issue involving a civil death registration being incorrectly recorded against a patients medical record.

This was removed within three hours of it being reported to us and the patient was re-registered by their GP.

We send our apologies to the patient involved and would encourage him to contact us directly so we can explain further.
Mahmud Nawaja sits on the rubble of his demolished home. Photograph: David Lombeida/The Observer

When Israeli security forces suddenly arrived with bulldozers and a demolition team to tear down Mahmoud Mahmud Jibril Nawajas house, they came with little explanation.

This land does not belong to you, the officer in charge told him as he handed Nawaja a demolition order. They accused him of building on land without a permit, although his family has owned the plot for generations. Nawaja had applied for one, providing the land deeds and other ownership documents, but had heard nothing from the authorities for years, until they arrived that day in June.

The Nawajas, a family of seven, moved into a tent next to the rubble of their destroyed home, with the tracks of the bulldozers still visible in the earth around them. The same security forces soon returned and demolished the tent one morning as they ate breakfast.

These demolitions are equal to death. They are killing us, but just in a different way, said Nawaja.

He and his family are just some of the 2,155 Palestinians the UN estimates have been displaced across the West Bank in the aftermath of the 7 October attacks, when Hamas militants attacked towns and kibbutzim around Gaza, killing 1,200 people and taking almost 250 hostage.

As an Israeli assault has ripped Gaza apart, killing almost 40,000 people, the West Bank has suffered another form of sweeping violence, including mass displacement, settler attacks and a marked land grab by the Israeli government.

In June, leaked comments by Israels far-right finance minister, Bezalel Smotrich, described his efforts to annex the West Bank entirely. My lifes mission is to thwart the establishment of a Palestinian state, he said.

Successive governments under the prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, have allowed settlement expansion and undermined the landmark 1993 Oslo accords, which divide the West Bank into three sections. Roughly 18% of the territory, namely densely-populated urban centres, are known as Area A, under the full control of the Palestinian Authority, which has administrative but not security control of Area B.

Area C, which makes up an estimated 60% of the West Bank, is under the control of the Israeli civil administration, and the site of a growing number of Israeli settlements, all illegal under international law.

The Israeli authorities advanced plans for more than 12,000 settlement housing units last year, according to Israeli research group Peace Now, while Smotrich and members of the civil administration told a meeting of the foreign affairs and defence committee in the Knesset that 95% of building permit applications submitted by Palestinians in Area C were rejected. Since October, the Israeli government has claimed over 24,000 acres of land in the West Bank as under state control, the largest since the Oslo accords.

Settler activists see their mission as claiming more land by building outposts in the West Bank, confident that the Israeli government will later provide infrastructure and possibly legalise the settlement entirely.

Its a competition, said Daniella Weiss, a settler recently sanctioned by Canada. Her method is to target areas of the West Bank claimed by the Israeli state for new outposts. Critics and supporters of settlements both describe the construction as creating facts on the ground, marking a new reality that is hard to remove once built.

Peace Now, which tracks settlement expansion, said Netanyahus government has invested immense resources in creating facts on the ground in the aftermath of the 7 October attacks. This includes expanding settlements in the West Bank and accelerating annexation processes, with the aim of eliminating the possibility of a two-state solution and peace between Israelis and Palestinians, they said.

The Nawaja family had saved for 15 years to build their dream home, cherishing every piece of limestone that made up its white walls, down to the window frames. Nawajas wife, Rihan, had sold all her gold jewellery from her dowry to pitch in a third of the money.

When the kids learned we wouldnt have a house any more, in one minute it meant their dreams and hopes being destroyed in front of their eyes ... Our memories were buried under the rubble, she said.

Palestinian communities across remote rural areas such as Jawaya in the south Hebron hills, where the Nawajas live, know who governs each tract of land, down to the last stone. Nawaja pointed at neighbouring houses, including one where the land under half the building is under the domain of the Israeli civil administration, while the other half of the house falls partially under nominal Palestinian control.

Yonatan Mizrahi, a researcher with Peace Now, said: Its clear that the Israeli civil administration doesnt want Palestinians to be there. The difference in the number of building permits that the civil administration issues to Israeli settlers versus Palestinians over decades makes this plain. You can count the number of permits that Palestinians have received in the last two decades, its very little, he said.

Cogat, the Israeli body which oversees the civil administration, did not respond to requests for comment.

Next to the highways and Israeli military checkpoints that cover the West Bank, the fruits of a decades-long construction boom are visible from the billboards that advertise luxury apartments or large mansions in settlements. Some of the real estate is now selling for prices that were unimaginable several years ago, fuelled by massive state investment in infrastructure. In 2023, Smotrichs intervention ensured the government would provide 733m in upgrading and paving new roads in the West Bank for the following two years.

Yehuda Shaul, of the research and advocacy group Ofek (the Israeli Centre for Public Affairs), termed the Israeli states decades of investments in West Bank infrastructure as a project to suburbanise the territory. The growing network of highways to connect even the most remote settlements to Jerusalem or Tel Aviv attracts settlers who might not be as openly ideological as Weiss and her followers, he explained.

Until today, the settlements are not a viable economic project  about 60% of the workforce there commutes daily to Israel, he said. So highway networks are the most important thing for the settlement project in that sense ... it normalises this project to the average Israeli, and the way to do that is to suburbanise.

Data compiled by Peace Now shows that since 7 October the Israeli government, in efforts again spearheaded by Smotrich, recognised 70 outposts previously considered illegal even by Israeli government standards, supplying them with funding and infrastructure such as electricity or water. The cabinet also approved establishment of five new settlements, while settlers established dozens of new outposts and paved tens of kilometres of new roads to expand their own land grab, seizing further territory from Palestinians.

While the US and others including the UK have sanctioned individual settlers as well as outposts in recent months, so far only Canadian sanctions have targeted Amana, a company involved in the construction of illegal outposts. The company is part of a small group of determined settlers and players whose aim is to create facts on the ground, according to a previous Peace Now report.

For the Nawajas the future remains deeply uncertain, as they figure out how to live in the shade of a tented open building with a direct view of the rubble of their home. From speaking to others in the village whose homes were also demolished, they believe it is forbidden for them to even touch the tangled heap of metal rebar and white slabs, let alone clear it.

Nawaja, who works in construction, has been unemployed ever since 7 October because the Israeli authorities stopped granting Palestinians in the West Bank permits to enter Israel for work, stifling the construction industry. For now, the family spend their days attempting to reestablish a normal life from a tent, surrounded by olive trees, the hot summer winds blowing air inside. Rihan, describing the conditions, said simply: You drink the dust.
Donald Trump at a rally in Bozeman, Montana, on Friday night. Photograph: Michael Ciaglo/Getty Images

Nate Holden, the former Los Angeles city council member and California state senator, said that he was on the helicopter ride with Donald Trump that was forced to make an emergency landing.

Related: New poll shows Harris four points ahead of Trump in three key swing states

In an interview with Politico on Friday, Holden, who is now 95, referred to the former San Francisco mayor Willie Brown, who Trump insisted was on the helicopter ride, saying: Willie is the short Black guy living in San Francisco  Im a tall Black guy living in Los Angeles.

He added: I guess we all look alike.

Holdens interview followed Trumps press conference on Thursday, in which the former president claimed to know Willie Brown very well and recalled an alleged story in which he went down in a helicopter with him.

Trump said: We thought, maybe this is the end. We were in a helicopter going to a certain location together, and there was an emergency landing. This was not a pleasant landing, and Willie was  a little concerned. So I know him pretty well.

Shortly after the press conference, Brown spoke to San Francisco-based radio station KRON4 and denied the story, saying: Ive never done business with Donald Trump, lets start with that. And secondly, I dont think Id want to ride on the same helicopter with him. Theres too many people that have an agenda with reference to him, including the people who service helicopters!

Reports ultimately emerged that the helicopter ride in question was a 2018 one during which Trump and then California governor Jerry Brown inspected wildfire damage.

Then governor-elect Gavin Newsom was also on that ride. Speaking to the New York Times, Newsom said: I call complete BS. I was on a helicopter with Jerry Brown and Trump, and it didnt go down.

Holden, in the Politico interview, recalled a helicopter ride with Trump that he believes happened in 1990; he told the outlet that he had been in touch with Trump because Trump was trying to build on the site of the Ambassador hotel in Los Angeles  an area Holden represented at the time.

Holden added that he met Trump at Trump Tower and they were then on their way to Atlantic City, New Jersey, where they were going to tour Trumps Taj Mahal casino.

Trumps late brother Robert, the attorney Harvey Freedman and Barbara Res, Trumps former executive vice-president of construction and development, were alongside Holden and Trump, Politico said.

Res confirmed to the outlet that the man in question was definitely Holden.

In her book All Alone on the 68th Floor, which Politico reviewed, Res recalled the helicopter ride, writing: From the corner of my eye, I can see in the cockpit, and what I see is the co-pilot pumping a device with all his might.

Very shortly thereafter the pilot let us know he had lost some instruments and we would need to make an emergency landing, she continued, writing, By now, the helicopter was shaking like crazy.

Donald and Robert Trump were both reassuring Holden, who told Politico that it was Donald Trump who was white as snow  [and] scared shitless.

The Guardian has contacted Holden for comment.
At least 80 people have been killed in Israeli missile strikes on a school compound in Gaza City, according to the territorys civil defence service, the latest in a string of attacks on schools that the Israeli army says are targeting militants using them as bases.

The bombing of Tabeen school, where about 6,000 displaced people were sheltering, was hit when many people were preparing for dawn prayers on Saturday, and reportedly caused a fire. Video from the scene showed horrific loss of life, with body parts, rubble and destroyed furniture scattered across blood-soaked mattresses.

Abu Anas, who helped to rescue the wounded, told the news agency Associated Press (AP): There were people praying, there were people washing and there were people upstairs sleeping, including children, women and old people.

The missile fell on them without warning. The first missile, and the second. We recovered them as body parts.

Dr Fadel Naeem, the director of al-Ahli hospital in Gaza City, told the AP that the facility had received 70 bodies of those killed in the strikes and the body parts of at least 10 others.

In an interview with Al Jazeera, Naeem said Saturday was one of the hardest days.

The situation at the hospital is catastrophic, with a severe shortage of medical supplies and resources due to the horrific Israeli massacre, which has resulted in numerous amputations and severe burns, he said.

As it stands, the Tabeen school death toll is one of the largest from a single strike during 10 months of war between Israel and Hamas.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said in a statement that the Palestinian claim was inflated, and at least 20 fighters, including senior commanders, were among the dead.

Israeli forces have targeted at least 10 schools since the beginning of July  including at one point four in four days  adding to the Gaza wars staggering death toll, which is now approaching 40,000.

Israel blames Hamas for civilian casualties, saying that its fighters use civilian infrastructure as a cover, which makes buildings such as schools and hospitals valid targets. Hamas denies those claims.

Almost all of the strips 2.3 million population has been forced to flee their homes, often multiple times,during almost a year of fighting. Schools in particular have been used as shelters.

According to the civil defence service, three missiles targeted a two-storey building where women were using the top floor and men and boys the ground floor, which was also a space for prayer.

A Hamas political officer, Izzat el Reshiq, called the strikes a horrific crime and a serious escalation, adding in a statement that the dead did not include a single combatant.

The West Bank-based Palestinian Authority also made a rare statement on the attack. A spokesperson for the president, Mahmoud Abbas, urged the US  Israels most important diplomatic ally and weapons supplier  to put an end to the blind support that leads to the killing of thousands of innocent civilians, including children, women, and the elderly.

The EU foreign policy chief, Josep Borrell, said in a statement posted on X: Theres no justification for these massacres. The UKs foreign minister, David Lammy, said he was appalled.

Jordan and Egypt also immediately condemned the attack, with Egypts foreign ministry saying that Israels deliberate killing of Palestinians proves a lack of political will to end the war in Gaza.

Egypt, along with the US and Qatar, called this week for Israel and Hamas to resume negotiations to finalise a ceasefire and hostage-release deal, saying there were no excuses from any party for further delay.

The Israeli prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, said Israel would send a delegation to the talks beginning on 15 August. His administration has been accused of repeatedly sabotaging ceasefire talks.

There has been no response yet from Hamas, and is unclear if the latest deadly strike will affect the militant groups position.

Iran joined the chorus of condemnation later on Saturday, calling the Tabeen attack barbarous and a war crime.

Both Iran and the powerful Lebanese militant group Hezbollah have vowed revenge against Israel for the back-to-back assassinations of Hezbollah commander Fuad Shakur and Hamass political chief, Ismail Haniyeh, on 31 July. Israel has not commented on Haniyehs death, but its spy agency has a history of targeted killing operations abroad.

Israel is still bracing for retaliatory attacks, amid fears the Gaza war is on the brink of morphing into a region-wide conflict.

Hamas triggered the fifth war with Israel since it seized control of the Gaza Strip in 2007 with its 7 October attack on communities across southern Israel, in which about 1,200 people were killed and another 250 taken hostage.

A ceasefire brokered at the end of November saw about 100 Israelis released in exchange for about 200 women and children held in Israeli jails, but broke down after a week.
Aerial view of solar panel farm in England - Moment RF/Karl Hendon

Planning rules introduced to block the construction of new solar farms on food-producing land will be scrapped under Labours net zero drive.

Angela Rayner, the Deputy Prime Minister, has signalled she will rip up the Tory era reforms to allow for the expansion of green energy projects.

The move is part of a wider overhaul of Englands planning laws, which the Government has said is essential to improve economic growth.

It comes after Ed Miliband, the Energy Secretary, overruled officials to give the go-ahead for Britains biggest solar farm on green land.

Ms Rayner, who has overall responsibility for the planning rules, has proposed sweeping changes that would see more building in the countryside.

Among the measures she intends to ditch are protections that force councils to take food security into account when assessing green energy projects.

The current rules state: The availability of agricultural land used for food production should be considered when deciding what sites are most appropriate for development.

The wording was introduced by Rishi Sunaks government last December to stem the tide of solar farms, which are cropping up on prime agricultural land.

A new draft version of the National Planning Policy Framework published by Ms Rayners department shows the sentence has been scrubbed out.

Claire Coutinho, the shadow energy secretary, said: Our good farmland should be used for food production, not enormous solar farms.

Thats why I made changes to protect our best agricultural land in government and made it easier to put panels on rooftops.

However Ed Miliband, in his first few weeks, has signed off thousands of acres of farmland for solar panels in order to meet his costly climate targets.

We cannot put our food security at risk or ramp up energy bills in the name of Labours climate policy.

Impact on food production

It comes after Mr Miliband overruled planning inspectors to give the go-ahead for a solar farm and energy storage infrastructure covering 2,792-acre of prime agricultural land in Suffolk and Cambridgeshire.

The decision came despite the planning inspectorate urging him to reject the project, citing the impact that it would have on food production.

In its report, officials directly cited the changes to the rules made by Mr Sunak as one of the main reasons behind their objection.

In response, Mr Miliband said that he believed the need to produce more green energy outweighs the effectively permanent loss of food production.

He also approved two other sites, both in Lincolnshire, which will cover around 2,000 acres each and were opposed by local residents and councillors.

The proposed changes to the planning rules have been put out to consultation, with Ms Rayner set to make a final decision on them in the autumn.

If as expected she goes through with the move to remove the protections for agricultural land, it will make it easier for solar farms to be approved in future.

The planning framework will still include a requirement that areas of poorer quality land should be preferred to those of a higher quality where possible.
Prison

Ministers are under mounting pressure to pay back prison bed and board costs for victims of historic miscarriages of justice.

The Government has said that people who were wrongly jailed will not be refunded rent and food costs retrospectively for their time spent in prison.

However, Sir Robert Buckland, a former Tory justice secretary, has urged the Government to look again at its decision, citing exceptional circumstances.

Last year, Alex Chalk, the former Conservative Lord Chancellor, scrapped the policy of making wrongfully convicted prisoners pay for their bed and board out of their compensation after release.

It followed the case of Andrew Malkinson who was wrongfully imprisoned for 17 years for a rape he did not commit. Mr Malkinson was formally cleared by the Court of Appeal in July last year but is yet to receive compensation.

However, under the current rules, only those prisoners who have not received a payout can recoup the costs of bed and board, while those who have received compensation cannot be reimbursed.

Andrew Malkinson was formally cleared by the Court of Appeal in July last year but is yet to receive compensation - PA/Jordan Pettitt

Sir Robert told Today on BBC Radio 4: The principle of non-retrospectivity is all about not causing prejudice or detriment to people. I think the opposite is the case here with regard to the wrongly convicted people.

Theyve been caused loss as a result of what happened to them. By not applying this rule retrospectively they are being caused further detriment.

Sir Robert added: It does seem to me that the Government should look again at the overall application of this rule.

I do think that in this instance, it is an opportunity for them to question that received wisdom and to remind civil servants that retrospectivity is not an iron rule and it can be dis-applied.

Non-retrospectivity means that someone cannot be prosecuted for actions that took place before a law prohibiting them came into force.

The application of the compensation rules has come under renewed scrutiny in recent days after details emerged of the case of Paul Blackburn, who spent 25 years in prison after being wrongfully convicted of the attempted murder of another boy when he was 15.

Despite the Court of Appeal finding that police had fabricated evidence, more than 100,000 was deducted from Mr Blackburns compensation payment to cover the cost of rent and food costs he would have had to pay if he had been a free man.

Morally wrong

The Government is said to have written to Mr Blackburns solicitors to say the changes in policy do not apply retrospectively.

Mr Blackburn has said the decision is morally wrong and his solicitors may bring a legal challenge, according to the BBC.

A Ministry of Justice spokesman said: Financial awards made after 6 Aug 2023 as part of the miscarriage of justice scheme will not have saved living expenses deducted.

However, in line with the standard approach to changes in government policy, the change announced last year does not apply retrospectively.
There is damning evidence of logging occurring close to endangered greater glider populations, conservationists say as they call on the Queensland government to urgently act on a promise to create a park to protect the species.

Volunteers used drones in July to film logging in St Mary state forest near Maryborough, about three km from where gliders had been seen.

It came after the Miles government in June promised to turn 50,00060,000 hectares of high-value ecosystems in the region into a Greater Glider Forest park.

The commitment was detailed in the terms of reference for a new timber industry framework, but it did not include maps of the area that would be protected.

Nicky Moffat, a campaigner with the Queensland Conservation Council, said the government should act urgently to stop logging in the area.

These areas actually have to come off the logging schedules. You cant log them and then put them in a conservation park, she said.

Moffat said the greater gliders were captivating and considered a keystone species  meaning when gliders were thriving, it was considered an indicator of a healthy ecosystem.

Its the biggest gliding possum in the world. Its up to a metre long  Its got this massive floppy tail. Its got big floppy ears. It looks like a cross between a koala and a possum, she said.

Moffat said St Mary state forest was a priority area for the park, particularly given volunteers spotted seven greater gliders within the forest on a single night.

Related: Cutest animal in Australia: keeping watch over greater gliders in a forest targeted for logging

The council is calling for protection of all glider habitat on state-owned land and a commitment to fund new national parks and protected areas dedicated to the species recovery.

While not responding directly to the claims, a Queensland government spokesperson said the commitment to establish a greater glider park was based on a conservation council proposal and experts were identifying the highest priority habitat for protection.

This is a huge contribution to helping to save greater gliders and so many other species in these areas, they said. Thats in addition to the 20,000 hectares of state forest in [south-east Queensland] that is in the process of being dedicated as national and conservation park.

Announcing the greater glider forest park in June, the premier, Steven Miles, said Queenslands timber industry was the backbone of the housing and building sectors and that he was doing what matters to support timber workers and the industry to continue building our state, while also increasing our protected area estate.

Related: Conservationist fears NSW logging will drive frog named after him to extinction

The national greater glider population is estimated to have halved in little more than 20 years, and it was listed under national environmental laws as endangered in 2022. It was particularly affected by the catastrophic black summer bushfires of 2019-20. The species is the largest gliding possum in eastern Australia.

Matt Cecil, a project manager with the Wildlife Preservation Society of Queensland, said greater gliders dont cope well with habitat disturbances like human-caused logging.

They are not inclined to travel far across open ground to move between trees. They require connected, mature eucalypt forest with a high proportion of large tree hollows, and feed almost exclusively on eucalypt leaves.
Police forensic officers in Dalston, east London, near to the scene of the 29 May shooting. Photograph: James Manning/PA

A man has been charged in connection with a shooting that left a nine-year-old girl seriously injured.

The girl was eating dinner with her family at a restaurant in Kingsland High Street, in Dalston, east London, on 29 May when a lone motorcyclist fired shots towards the building.

Police said she remained in hospital in a stable condition, although her parents said last month she might never speak or move properly again.

Three men, 37, 42 and 44, who had been sitting outside the restaurant were also shot but were discharged from hospital a few days later.

Javon Reily, 32, from Farnborough, Hampshire, appeared at Westminster magistrates court on Saturday charged with four counts of attempted murder, the Metropolitan police said. He was remanded in custody and will appear at the Old Bailey on 6 September.

He was arrested on Friday after a vehicle stop on Chelsea Embankment.

DCS James Conway, the police lead for Hackney and Tower Hamlets, said: Our thoughts remain with our young victim and her family as they continue to confront the devastating effects of gun crime.

DCI Joanna Yorke, who is leading the investigation, appealed for witnesses to come forward.

She said: My team continues to work around the clock in order to establish the facts of this incident.

This is very much still an ongoing investigation and we urge those who have information to come forward. We are particularly keen to hear from anyone who has information about the identity of an individual seen on a motorcycle in Kingsland High Street at the time of this offence.

We recognise that people may be apprehensive about providing details. They do not need to speak directly to the police. They can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

A 35-year-old woman who was arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to murder and assisting an offender has been released on police bail.
The new Banksy mural in Cricklewood, north-west London, before the billboard was removed on Saturday. Photograph: Andy Hall/The Observer

A big cat by Banksy appeared briefly, stretching in the morning sun, on a bare advertising hoarding on Edgware Road in Cricklewood, north-west London, on Saturday. A few hours later it had gone, removed by contractors who feared it would be ripped down.

The anonymous artist known as Banksy, who confirmed the image was his at lunchtime on Saturday, also promised a little more summer fun to come.

A seventh image may shortly materialise in another surprising location, the Observer has learned. London residents should then keep their eyes peeled, a spokesperson suggested, for a few days longer.

For a week now, the streets of the capital have been populated by a string of unusual animal sightings, courtesy of Banksy, including pelicans, a goat and a trio of monkeys.



The artists vision is simple: the latest street art has been designed to cheer up the public during a period when the news headlines have been bleak, and light has often been harder to spot than shade.

Banksys hope, it is understood, is that the uplifting works cheer people with a moment of unexpected amusement, as well as to gently underline the human capacity for creative play, rather than for destruction and negativity.

Some recent theorising about the deeper significance of each new image has been way too involved, Banksys support organisation, Pest Control Office, has indicated.

When a goat teetering on a precipice first appeared on Monday near Kew Bridge, in south-west London, some thought it might be a symbol of humanitys folly. Others speculated it might be a visual pun on the idea of the goat, now standing for greatest of all time in popular parlance.

On Tuesday, two silhouetted elephant heads popped up, their trunks reaching out to each other through the bricked-up windows of a house in Chelsea.

Next came perhaps the most joyous so far when a trio of monkeys was revealed on Wednesday, swinging their way across a bridge over Brick Lane in east London.

On Thursday, an outline of a howling lone wolf, painted on to a large satellite dish on a roof in Peckham, was removed by two masked men with a ladder, who made off with their prize.

On Friday, Banksys representative said the theft was nothing to do with them, adding: We have no knowledge as to the dishs current whereabouts.

On Friday, a pair of hungry pelicans appeared above a Walthamstow fish and chip shop on a corner of Pretoria Avenue, their long beaks snapping at fish.

On Saturday, just hours after the big cat appeared on an empty wooden billboard in Cricklewood, it was removed by contractors.

A contractor, who only wanted to give his name as Marc, told PA they were planning to pull the billboard down on Monday and had removed it early in case someone rips it down and leaves it unsafe.

He said: Well store that bit [the artwork] in our yard to see if anyone collects it but if not itll go in a skip. Ive been told to keep it careful in case he wants it.

Banksy, whose identity has never been confirmed, works under cover of night with a small team of helpers. On Monday at 5am, two men inside a cherry picker next to Kew Bridge were filmed as a bearded man in a van operated a hydraulic lifting platform, bearing someone in a large white facemask.

While Banksys new menagerie has been springing up, the rescue boat the artist funds has been working to help endangered asylum seekers to reach safety. The M V Louise Michel, a high-speed lifeboat, patrols migrant routes in the Mediterranean.

It has picked up at least 85 survivors in the past couple of days, taking them safely to Pozzallo, Sicily. On Saturday, it was also actively on call, heading for a boat in distress.

Five years ago, Banksy announced that he would finance the vessel, named after a French feminist anarchist, with the intention of rescuing refugees in difficulty as they fled north Africa.

In June, at Glastonbury, an inflatable migrant boat created by Banksy was used to crowdsurf during performances by Bristol indie punk band Idles and rapper Little Simz.

The Conservative home secretary at the time, James Cleverly, said the artist was trivialising small boat crossings and vile.

Banksy responded that the detention of the Louise Michel by Italian authorities at the time was the really vile and unacceptable development.

Related: Banksys week of London artworks  in pictures

His latest street art, however, is deliberately lighthearted, like Banksys lockdown series the Great British Spraycation of 2020. Banksys seaside series also memorably featured chips, with an image of a seagull hovering over oversized chips in a skip. He also created a rat relaxing in a deckchair with a cocktail.

Another image from the lockdown campaign made reference to the refugee crisis. It showed three children sitting in a rickety boat made of scrap metal. Above them, Banksy had inscribed: Were all in the same boat.

The provenance of that series was confirmed with the release of a three-minute Instagram video clip that revealed the obscured form of the artist, travelling in a beaten-up camper van on a holiday tour that took in Lowestoft in Suffolk and Gorleston, Great Yarmouth, Cromer and Kings Lynn, all in Norfolk. His final London destinations are yet to emerge.
Mark Gallagher is the head gamekeeper at a moor on the North Pennines, where there will be no grouse shoots - LORNE CAMPBELL/GUZELIAN

A not-so-glorious Twelfth is set to be a washout as bad weather during the grouse breeding season means shoots have been forced to cancel.

A cold, wet start to summer has resulted in a perfect storm for the wild birds with some moors cancelling their entire season because of a lack of grouse.

It is warned that it could cost businesses that rely on the shoots hundreds of thousands of pounds as hotels and pubs lie empty.

In the North Pennines, one of the worst hit areas, The Telegraph understands that only one moor will have a shoot on the Glorious Twelfth, and that shoot is only planning on running two days this season.

Mark Gallagher, head keeper on a moor in the area, said that his shoot would not be out for a single day this year. On average, they would have about 16 days and last year, they had a record season.

It is not just the shoots, its the shops, the garages, the restaurants, and the hotels that will all be impacted, he said. I have had parents phoning me up saying that their kids have been in tears as they had already spent in their heads the money that they would have made from a days beating.

Two to four days is probably the maximum I have heard of moors doing this year. Last year, one of the biggest moors had shooting six days a week for six weeks, and this year they are doing two days.

There is a similar picture in the Peak District and the Yorkshire Dales.

Mr Gallagher said he's never seen it so bad - LORNE CAMPBELL/GUZELIAN

Adrian Blackmore, the director of shooting at the Countryside Alliance, said that sadly for many this year, the 12th will be anything but glorious.

Research by the campaign group estimates that in 2018, the last poor season, the impact on moorland economies ran into millions.

That year, one large moor in the North Pennines cancelled 63 days, which at 3,500 per day for its team of casual employees meant a direct loss of 220,500. There was also an estimated loss of up to 400,000 for restaurants, hotels and the wider local economy as people did not visit the area.

The same moor has cancelled all their shooting this season.

Across the 13 North Pennines moors, the cancellation of 308 days in 2018 resulted in lost wages to those casually employed by the shoots of just over 1million.

A lack of grouse that year meant 70 per cent of shoot days were cancelled across the North of England.

One sporting agent in the area estimated that the total loss to the local economy from cancellations on the 10 moors he managed was in the region of 3.45million.

Whole communities

Mr Blackmore said: What many people forget is that grouse shooting is about whole communities in our uplands.

For these, it is an important part of their lives, not just economically, though that is a major consideration for many where opportunities for employment are few and far between, but also socially, bringing together people from all walks of life.



The particularly bad season this year was caused by a cool start to June and a wet beginning to July.

The Met Office blamed the chilly start to summer on the jet stream being stuck south of the UK, with high pressure to the west and low pressure over Scandinavia funnelling that flow.

If grouse lose their first brood because of bad weather in April and May, they will normally have a second, but as bad weather continued so late into the summer months, these also perished. The chicks that did hatch later had no insects to eat.

Other ground-nesting birds, including hen harriers and curlews, both of which are endangered, are also expected to have had their numbers impacted by the poor weather in the breeding season.

Mr Gallagher said: 'It is the whole package of managing the moor.' - LORNE CAMPBELL/GUZELIAN

Mr Gallagher, who is employed full-time, will still go out to carry out conservation work.

It is the whole package of managing the moor. The shooting is obviously a big part of it, but it also the plants, birds and other wildlife. We also have black grouse and we take people out to see the leks [the breeding ground of moor birds].

Moors have always got to think long term, you need to look at a ten-year average and budget over those ten years, but I dont remember seeing it this bad.

Next year will also be poor, as many of the hens have also been killed off by the weather.

Last year, Mr Gallagher counted 1,300 grouse on his moor in July, and this year there were just 215.

All we do is maintain the habitat and the vermin, and the grouse are in the lap of the Gods. This shows how badly wildlife has done and can do in poor years.
The Australian foreign minister, Penny Wong: The deliberate starvation of civilians is a war crime. There is no justification for it, ever. Photograph: Kevin Mohatt/Reuters

Deliberately starving civilians is a war crime, foreign affairs minister Penny Wong has said, joining international condemnation of comments made by the Israeli finance minister, Bezalel Smotrich.

On Wednesday, Smotrich suggested that deliberately starving people in Gaza might be justified and moral.

No one in the world will allow us to starve two million people, even though it might be justified and moral in order to free the hostages, he said.

Related: Israel should apologise and consider compensation over killing of Australian aid worker Zomi Frankcom in Gaza, report says

On Saturday, Wong said in a statement on X that: The deliberate starvation of civilians is a war crime. There is no justification for it, ever.

Australia joins international partners, including the United Kingdom, Germany and France, in condemning the comments made by Israeli finance minister, Bezalel Smotrich, the Australian foreign minister said.

Shadow foreign minister, Simon Birmingham, labelled the comments repugnant.

We maintain our consistent call for respect of international law and humanitarian needs, he said.

The implication in Bezalel Smotrichs comments is repugnant. Thankfully the comments do not reflect Israeli policy and nor should they ever do so.

The UNs human rights commissioner, Volker Turk, has demanded an investigation into Smotrich, saying his comments incited hatred against civilians.

Australia joins international partners, including the United Kingdom, Germany and France, in condemning the comments made by Israeli Finance Minister, Bezalel Smotrich.



The deliberate starvation of civilians is a war crime.



There is no justification for it, ever.  Senator Penny Wong (@SenatorWong) August 9, 2024

Wong also repeated calls for all parties to agree to an immediate ceasefire in Gaza.

An immediate ceasefire in Gaza has never been more urgent, to protect civilians, see hostages released and enable aid to flow, she said.

The UK foreign secretary, David Lammy, also deplored the comments this week.

There can be no justification for Minister Smotrichs remarks and we expect the wider Israeli government to retract and condemn them, he posted to X.

Germanys ambassador to Israel, Steffen Seibert, labelled the ministers remarks as unacceptable and appalling, while France said Israel had an obligation under international humanitarian law to provide aid to the people of Gaza.

Smotrich has also labelled a proposed deal for a ceasefire a dangerous trap and said that any deal to end the war in the Gaza Strip before Hamas had been destroyed would allow Hamas to regroup and murder Jews.

Those statements were outrageous and absurd and would jeopardise Israels security, said the US White House national security spokesperson, John Kirby.

I want to underscore how wrong this is, not only in substance, but also jeopardising the lives of the hostages and running counter to Israels own national security interests, he said.

Related: Welcome to hell: inside Israels prisons  podcast

According to CNN, Kirby said Smotrich essentially suggests that the war ought to go on indefinitely without pause and with the lives of the hostages of no real concern at all.

His arguments are dead wrong. Theyre misleading the Israeli public, he said.

About 1200 Israelis were killed and 250 hostages taken after Hamas militants stormed a music festival on 7 October. In response, Israels military has killed almost 40,000 Palestinians, according to the local health ministry.

 with AAP
Far-right activists protest in Sunderland on 2 August. Public unrest across the country has led to more than 700 arrests. Photograph: Drik/Getty Images

The hundreds of arrests made after violent rioting will hamper attempts to rebuild the crisis-hit criminal justice system, the justice secretary warns, as ministers begin to assess the long-term fallout from the worst outbreak of public disorder in more than a decade.

Keir Starmer is already facing calls to hold an official review into the causes of the riots, which have so far led to more than 700 arrests. At least 30 sentences have so far been handed down, while almost 120 suspects are being held in custody.

Hundreds of police officers remain ready to be deployed this weekend should more unrest emerge.

Writing in the Observer, Shabana Mahmood praises the justice system for demonstrating it could rise to this challenge after the outbreaks of violence, adding that plans have been made to ensure that anyone involved in further lawbreaking would be pursued until the last offender languishes in one of our jails.

But Mahmood denounces the previous government for presiding over court backlogs and crowded prisons that left the criminal justice system vulnerable to the kind of public disorder witnessed over more than a week.

In a frank assessment of the inevitable longer-term fallout, she writes: We must make no mistake. Rising to this challenge has been made harder by doing so within the justice system we inherited from the Conservatives.

Because of their failure, we have record crown court backlogs. We were left with prisons so close to overflowing that we had no choice but to release some prisoners a few weeks or months early.

The impact of these days of disorder will be felt for months and years to come. They make the job of rebuilding the justice system harder.

Her comments come with ministers desperately hoping that the outbreaks of violence, triggered by online disinformation about the identity of the suspect alleged to have killed three young girls in Southport, have now subsided.

The parents of Bebe King, 6, who died in the Southport attack, revealed on Saturday that their older daughter, Genie, witnessed the attack and managed to escape. They praised her incredible strength and courage, while describing Bebe as a sweet, kind and spirited girl.

Lauren and Ben King said the support from the local community and beyond has been a source of incredible comfort during this unimaginably difficult time.

There are now demands for an inquest into the rioting. Dame Sara Khan, who served as Rishi Sunaks independent adviser for social cohesion and resilience until May, said that the new government should now address a series of chronic policy failings that had contributed to the unrest.

She said a review into the riots would help explain why some towns and cities did not erupt in riots or violence while others did.

Warning signs had been flashing red for some time and yet the last government did not build the necessary strategic approach to pre-empt and prevent such threats, she writes in the Observer.

She pointed to the need for a counter-extremism strategy, as well as to closing gaps in legislation addressing extremist propaganda, legal but harmful content and extremist conspiracy theories.

The challenge facing the new Labour government is one that cannot be ignored, she writes. These dreadful riots and eroding trust in our democratic model show that overlooking long-term policy areas like social cohesion is now untenable.

Mahmood, the most senior Muslim in the government, revealed that she too had felt fear in the wake of far-right rioting. She said she understood why some people had expressed that they were no longer feeling safe as a result of the racism present during some of the rallies.

The prime minister is continuing to work between Chequers and No 10, having delayed a holiday in order to monitor any further disturbances.

Meanwhile, Mahmood and other ministers are beginning to assess the inevitable impact on prisons, courts, community relations and the police. Prison governors had already warned that a surge in inmates could further destabilise Englands already packed jails.

Related: The justice system is rising to challenge of UK riots  despite dire Tory legacy

Ministers scrambled to find an additional 500 prison places after the riots. That came on top of plans announced last month to free up 5,000 places before Christmas by releasing prisoners after they have served only 40% of their sentences.

Hundreds of court hearings were postponed at the last minute in the spring after ministers introduced emergency measures to deal with overcrowded prisons. Meanwhile, there is a backlog of more than 68,000 cases in the crown courts, according to the Law Society.

Mahmood said the unrest had offered a sobering reminder of how much worse things might have been had the government not taken early decisions to address the crisis in our criminal justice system before it was too late.

Starmer also raised the teetering prisons system as one of his priorities in the days after his arrival in Downing Street.

However, a Conservative source said thatreleasing prisoners early was ultimately always a political choice and the Labour had used the option too readily. We expanded prison capacity and delivered 13,000 new prison places to make sure our prisons continued to function effectively, they said.
Footage released by the Russian defence ministry appeared to show troops reinforcing the Kursk region. Photograph: AP

Russias defence ministry claimed it prevented Ukraine from advancing further on the fifth day of the unprecedented attack into the province of Kursk, though there were reports of regional power outages after an electricity substation was hit.

Fighting was said to be taking place in three villages between seven and 11 miles from the international border  Ivashkovskoye, Malaya Loknya and Olgovka  similar locations to where Ukraine is estimated to have advanced previously.

In a morning statement, the defence ministry said it had thwarted the attempts of the enemys mobile groups to get to the depth of the Russian territory and there were no other significant reports to the contrary.

Russias FSB domestic security agency also imposed a counter-terrorism regime on Kursk and two neighbouring oblasts, Bryansk and Belgorod, giving the authorities sweeping powers to lock down an area and impose controls on communications.

Related: This war is a tragedy: freed prisoner Ilya Yashin vows to re-educate Russians on Ukraine

Ukrainian leaders and its military have refrained from commenting on its attempt to take the war directly on to Russian soil, though on Friday afternoon Ukraines president, Volodymyr Zelenskiy, implied the operation had been discussed at a meeting of the defence staff.

A report from Gen Oleksandr Syrskyi had, Zelenskiy said, also covered our defensive actions in the directions from which Russia launched attacks on Ukrainian territory  an apparent reference to the unprecedented attack launched this week.

Ukrainian regular forces burst over the border north-east of Sumy on Tuesday in a surprise attack on a lightly defended sector of the frontline and advanced about 13 miles, capturing towns and villages and destroying a Russian convoy 25 miles from the border, causing dozens of casualties.

It was the first time that Ukraine had attacked with regular forces inside Russias territory  a tactic that at one point might have provoked considerable anxiety among Kyivs western backers for fear of escalation from the Kremlin.

Overnight, however, Ukraine received a vote of confidence from the US, which announced a further $125m (98m) package of military aid, including artillery shells, rockets and anti-aircraft Stinger missiles.

Ukraine appeared to have inflicted another surprise on the Russians when a short video emerged on Saturday of five soldiers bearing a Ukrainian and Georgian flag outside a club building in Poroz, two miles inside the border in Belgorod province  and about 45 miles south of this weeks incursion.

Though there was no immediate sign that this was any more than a stunt, it served to demonstrate the vulnerability of Russias border away from the combat zones inside Ukraine, where the war has been raging since Moscows full-scale invasion began more than two years ago.

Alexey Smirnov, the acting governor of the Kursk region, said on Friday that a fire had broken out in a transformer substation after debris from a Ukrainian drone had crashed into the facility. Power was out in some frontline areas, he added, including Kurchatov, where the Kursk nuclear power station is based.

Russian officials said there was no impact on the nuclear plant on Saturday, which was said to be operating normally, though there were reports it was being reinforced. Few believe Ukraines military has the capacity to get close to the nuclear plant, which is roughly 30 miles from the nearest fighting as the crow flies.

Nevertheless, Rafael Grossi, the head of the International Atomic Energy Agency, said on Friday he had been monitoring the battlefield situation. At this juncture, I would like to appeal to all sides to exercise maximum restraint in order to avoid a nuclear accident, Grossi said.
Tim Walz received backlash for a 2018 video where he framed his support for tighter controls on firearms - ANDREW HARNIK/GETTY IMAGES

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Tim Walz misspoke when he claimed he had carried weapons in war, a spokesman for the Harris campaign has said.

The Democratic vice-presidential candidate was recently accused of shirking a military deployment in Iraq and exaggerating his service history.

The Harris campaign circulated a 2018 video in which the Minnesota governor framed his support for tighter controls on firearms within the context of his 24-year career with the Army National Guard.

He said: We can make sure those weapons of war, that I carried in war, are only carried in war.

In fact, Mr Walz never saw active service in a combat zone, as he retired from the US National Guard before his battalion was deployed to Iraq in 2006.

According to National Guard records, he retired two months before the battalion was alerted of the deployment in July 2005.

Donald Trumps running mate JD Vance, himself a veteran of the US Marines, who served in Iraq, accused Mr Walz of stolen valour.

Kamala Harris sits backstage as she listens to Mr Walz's speech at a campaign rally - JULIA NIKHINSON/REUTERS

Responding to the criticism, a Harris-Walz spokesman said: Governor Walz would never insult or undermine any Americans service to his country  in fact, he thanks Senator Vance for putting his life on the line for our country. Its the American way.

In making the case for why weapons of war should never be on our streets or in our classrooms, the Governor misspoke.

He did handle weapons of war and believes strongly that only military members trained to carry those deadly weapons should have access to them, unlike Donald Trump and JD Vance who prioritise the gun lobby over our children.

Steven Cheung, a spokesman for the Trump campaign, responded: Why wont Tim Walz address his lies himself? Why does he need to send out lowly spokespeople to clean up his own mess?

Tim Walz believes that only military members trained to carry weapons should have access to them - REBECCA NOBLE/BLOOMBERG

Mr Walz specialised in heavy artillery and had proficiency ribbons in sharpshooting and hand grenades but suffered hearing loss and tinnitus as a result, according to Minnesota Public Radio.

He was allowed to continue his service after undergoing surgery, which partially resolved his hearing loss.

Members of the National Guard receive much of the same basic training as active-service soldiers but tend to serve on a part-time basis of just one weekend per month.

According to Minnesota Public Radio, Mr Walz, who reached the rank of Command Sergeant Major, responded to floods and tornadoes in Minnesota and Nebraska during his 24-year service.

He had also been deployed overseas, but never in an active combat zone.

He was stationed in Norway for joint training with Nato forces and deployed to Italy to serve with the European Security Force to support the war in Afghanistan between 2003 and 2004.

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Former UK prime minister Rishi Sunaks Stop the boats slogan was chanted by rioters during unrest last week. Photograph: WPA/Getty Images

Tory grandees have accused senior figures in their own party of using divisive language that inflamed anger over immigration before the recent rioting, amid warnings that too many Conservatives have turned a blind eye to a shift to the right.

The criticisms come as fears grow on the partys liberal wing that the leadership election risks pulling the party further into populist polices designed to take on Reform UK.

Meanwhile, Rishi Sunak, who remains Tory leader, was in the US last week and has not commented on the violence since last weekend, or on claims by X owner Elon Musk of two-tier policing and inevitable civil war in the UK.

Some rioters held up signs emblazoned with Stop the boats, the slogan used by Sunak in the election campaign designed to show he was tackling illegal Channel crossings.

Robert Jenrick, one of the Tory leadership frontrunners, drew criticism for saying police should immediately arrest any protesters shouting Allahu Akbar, the Arabic phrase that means God is great.

Jenrick, who stands by the comments, was immediately criticised by fellow leadership contender Mel Stride, who said the suggestion of wholesale criminalisation of the words Allahu Akbar is unwise and insensitive.

Grave concerns over the partys direction are now being made publicly by veteran figures on its liberal wing.

Timothy Kirkhope, a former immigration minister and a Tory peer, said he believed his party was now unrecognisable compared to when it entered into government following the 2010 general election. And many in my party have turned a blind eye to this rightward shift.

Related: Former justice secretary calls out Tory colleagues over dangerous rhetoric

Lord Kirkhope said that a desire to become Reform-lite in the wake of the election campaign risked a further lurch. As a former immigration minister, I know all too well the sensitivities surrounding issues of migration and refugees and the importance of language, he writes for the Observer. Some have found it politically expedient to conflate the issues of legal migration and asylum seekers.

The current situation with levels of social unrest not experienced in this country for a very long time is deeply worrying. The role of divisive rhetoric, including by some from the previous administration, has certainly not helped the situation. Stop the boats has been one of the riot chants and that is a most unfortunate result.

Kirkhope also issued a rallying cry for like-minded Conservatives to speak out. Any attempts to unite the right by morphing or merging the Conservative party with Reform UK could not only undermine social cohesion, but also set my party on a path to an electoral defeat from which it might never recover, he warns.

His intervention was echoed by Alistair Burt, a former Tory foreign minister. Tempting though it is, seeking to reduce complex policy to a snappy slogan which appeals to a section of your supporters is not always successful and can backfire, he said.

And sometimes such tactics are positively dangerous, such as branding those who seek to use the law for a perfectly proper purpose with which you may disagree as lefty lawyers and set in train a chain of events which makes attacking them or the law a target rather than dealing more effectively with serious issues while in government.

Former home secretary and Tory leadership contender Priti Patel denounced lefty lawyers and do-gooders in a 2020 speech.

This weekend, she also suggested that there was a perception of two-tier policing, which could undermine public confidence.

The idea of two-tier policing  the claim that white working-class people are treated differently from those from ethnic minorities  has been dismissed as a myth by police.The offices of some immigration lawyers were among the plans shared online over the last week by the far right as possible locations for their rallies. The legal profession has been repeatedly targeted by the previous government for its supposed role in standing in the way of Tory attempts to tackle illegal crossings.

Addressing the Tory leadership contenders, Burt called on them not to pander to divisive options, but instead to prove their competency, decent leadership and unity to an electorate who would demand those qualities.

Related: The Conservative party has shifted too far to the right. We must fight for the centre ground

Stephen Hammond, another former minister and One Nation figure, who stepped down from parliament at the last election, said there was a duty on politicians to take greater care in the language they chose.

Politicians are under a particular obligation to consider what they say and how they say it, he said. Language is very important and we also have to recognise the historical context of language as well, in terms of how its been used previously to incite and inflame particular issues.

To those members of the Conservative party who think that aping Reform is going to be the way to win a general election, Id say its actually the way to a prolonged period of opposition.

A Tory source said: We certainly wont be making any apologies for trying to deter people from entering the country illegally.
Lucy Connolly will appear before Northampton magistrates' court on Saturday

The wife of a Tory councillor faces the possibility of 18 months in prison after being accused of calling for hotels housing asylum seekers to be set on fire.

Lucy Connolly, a 41-year-old childminder from Northampton, is charged with one count of publishing written material to stir up racial hatred.

After the knife attack in Southport last month, Mrs Connolly is said to have posted on X, formerly Twitter: Mass deportation now, set fire to all the f---ing hotels full of the b------- for all I care... If that makes me racist, so be it.

Northampton Magistrates Court heard that the post had attracted 310,000 views and 8,800 likes.

Of previous good character

Mrs Conolly, who appeared via video link and was wearing a long-sleeved pink top, spoke only to confirm her name, address and date of birth.

The court heard that she faces a six-month custodial sentence if found guilty, and could even face up to 18 months over the alleged offence.

Will Forber Heyward, representing Mrs Connolly, said: She is 41 years of age, of previous good character, and never has come into contact with the criminal justice system before.

Mrs Connolly, who is married to Raymond Connolly, a Conservative West Northamptonshire councillor, did not enter a plea.

Her application for bail was refused. She was remanded into custody and will next appear at Nottingham Crown Court on Monday.
The files reportedly listed JD Vance's "potential vulnerabilities" as a running mate to Donald Trump - BLOOMBERG

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Donald Trumps campaign said its internal communications had been hacked and accused the Iranian government of attempting to interfere with the 2024 election.

Vetting files relating to JD Vance, Trumps running mate, and Florida senator Marco Rubio, who was also under consideration to be the Republican vice presidential candidate, were accessed by the hackers.

The website Politico revealed it began receiving emails in July from an anonymous source offering authentic documents from inside Trumps operation.

They included the vice presidential candidates vetting files which listed Mr Vances potential vulnerabilities as a running mate.

While the scope of the information obtained in the hack is unclear, it represents a major security breach for the Republican presidential candidates campaign.

These documents were obtained illegally

Trumps campaign confirmed it had been hacked in a statement on Saturday afternoon. These documents were obtained illegally from foreign sources hostile to the United States, intended to interfere with the 2024 election and sow chaos throughout our democratic process, said its spokesman, Steven Cheung.

Mr Cheung cited a report Microsoft released on Friday which said that hackers backed by Tehran had attempted to break into the account of a high-ranking official on a US presidential campaign in June.

The hackers had taken over an account belonging to a former political adviser and then used it to target the official, the report said. That report did not provide further details on the targets identities.

Mr Cheung noted the hackers timing coincides with the close timing of Trumps selection of Mr Vance as his running mate but declined to elaborate on the breach.

Mr Vance, a 40-year-old first-term senator for Ohio, had previously been fiercely critical of Trump, reportedly calling him Americas Hitler and comparing him to cultural heroin.

However, he underwent a dramatic political conversion ahead of his 2022 Senate run in which he sought and received Trumps endorsement.

His past tweets and comments about Trump were among his potential vulnerabilities in a 271-page vetting filed compiled by the Republican presidential candidates campaign, according to Politico.

Irans foreign ministry has not yet responded to the claims. On Friday, in response to Microsofts findings, Irans mission to the UN said its cyber capabilities were defensive and proportionate to the threats it faces.

The US presidential election is an internal matter in which Iran does not interfere, it said.

The former president endured tense relations with Iran while in office, withdrawing from the Obama-era nuclear deal with Tehran and overseeing the US assassination of senior Iranian military commander Qassem Soleimani in 2020.

US intelligence agencies in recent weeks detected an Iranian plot to try to assassinate Trump, prompting the Secret Service to increase security around him, CNN reported last month.

The Iranians know that President Trump will stop their reign of terror just like he did in his first four years in the White House, Mr Cheung said.
Presidential election tallies, or actas, stream down a wall with the faces of prisoners detained amid a government crackdown, during a vigil in Caracas, Venezuela, on Thursday. Photograph: Matias Delacroix/AP

At the end of election day in Venezuela, an opposition-accredited observer asked for a copy of the tally showing the total votes cast for each candidate at the polling station he was monitoring.

A soldier refused, and when the observer insisted it was his legal right, dragged him to a bathroom  and locked him inside.Only when everyone else had left the polling station was the observer released.

On the street outside, a man sidled up, and thrust him a piece of paper  it was an electoral official, who, during the commotion, had secretly printed an extra copy of the voting tally. Here, take this, dont tell anyone I gave it to you, he said.

Related: Evidence shows Venezuelas election was stolen  but will Maduro budge?

The observer took a photo of the QR code and sent it through a secure messaging app. Then he went to a house nearby where other volunteers were using a roll-fed scanner to digitize copies of the tallies they had gathered.

Similar scenes played out across the country that Sunday night, in a meticulously planned operation involving tens of thousands of opposition volunteers working together to reveal the true outcome of the election.

Venezuelas government-controlled electoral council soon claimed victory for Nicolas Maduro, the authoritarian political heir of Hugo Chavez, who it said had won with 51.21% of votes, compared with 44.2% for his rival Edmundo Gonzalez.

But within 48 hours of the election the opposition coalition announced that their candidate had won  and they had the evidence to prove it.

Thanks to a plan months in the making, opposition activists had succeeded in gathering more than 83% of the voting tallies: long printouts resembling till receipts, which showed that Maduro had in fact won just 30% of the vote, compared with 67% for Gonzalez.

From the start, we knew we needed not just to win but to prove that we won

The scanned tallies were uploaded to a website, which displayed the overall result, and the outcome for individual polling stations.

It has been a brilliant political move by the opposition, an extremely impressive logistical achievement, said Andres Pertierra, a PhD candidate in Latin American and Caribbean history at the University of WisconsinMadison. Basically, the opposition is forcing Chavismo to own up to the fact that theyre stealing the election.

The operation to gather the tallies was prepared over nine months and, impressively, carried out in broad daylight under one of the worlds most authoritarian regimes.

We already knew that the CNE [the government-controlled electoral council] was not an impartial referee, so from the start, we knew we needed not just to win but to prove that we won, said one opposition activist, who asked for anonymity for fear of arrest.

In the weeks before the election, about 5,000 workshops were held across the country to train the volunteers: political party members, activists, youth groups, and also citizens with no political affiliation.

We taught all the electoral laws and what each person should do on election day, said the activist, who estimated the plan involved more than 1 million people.

Their rolls included observers and those who scanned and uploaded the tallies to a central database, drivers, cooks, and the data and IT specialists responsible for the website.

There was such a tremendous desire to participate in this election that our challenge was not to find people but to figure out how to orchestrate a logistics plan that would allow us to know the result, the activist said.

Although the strategies were not publicly disclosed in detail, the plans existence was never a secret.

In January, the opposition figure Maria Corina Machado  who named Gonzalez as her replacement when she was barred by the government from running  announced the creation of the 600K network, a reference to the number of volunteers they hoped to gather: 600,000.

I ask you to set up your own campaign command with Venezuela, in every house, in every workshop, in every school, in every church  in every space where you and your people organise. We will have thousands and thousands of campaign commands, she said in a video.

Activists were trained to use a special app to report delays or irregularities at polling stations, and to scan the QR code on every tally.

In an effort to thwart the campaign, the government added new hurdles to the process of registering as an observer. Polling stations were guarded by soldiers, police and Chavista loyalists who successfully managed to deny access to the tallies in about 16.5% of the 30,026 polling stations.

They tried, said the activist. But they failed to stop us in the end.

Maduros government has dismissed the oppositions result as a fraud, but the tallies have been verified by four independent analyses, carried out by the Associated Press, the Washington Post, the Colombian NGO Mision de Observacion Electoral and the election forensics professor Walter R Mebane Jr from the University of Michigan.

Throughout history, there have been contested elections in which [people have said] it was probably stolen, but there was never really anything to compare and contrast against it, said Pertierra, then adding: Now, not only has the opposition managed to collect all this data  but it forces Chavismo to not be able to muddy the waters and either nakedly steal the election or give up power.

Venezuelas top prosecutor, Tarek Saab, a Maduro loyalist, has said that he would open a criminal investigation into the oppositions result website, alleging forgery of public documents, computer crimes and conspiracy.

Access to the oppositions results website has been blocked inside Venezuela, where it can only be accessed via VPN. But the evidence it displays has helped intensify diplomatic pressure on Maduro.

The US and other countries have recognised Gonzalezs win, while even the leftwing governments of Mexico, Brazil and Colombia  traditionally more sympathetic to Chavismo  have urged Maduro to release the complete voting tallies. Venezuelan authorities have claimed that is now impossible, asserting without evidence that the electoral councils website has been hacked.

Chavistas now are in a very difficult position in trying to defend the legitimacy of the results because its really hard to explain them at this point. If Maduros results were legitimate, why couldnt he just show them? asked Pertierra.

Meanwhile dozens of activists involved in the operation to secure the tallies have been swept up among at least 1,200 people who have been arrested since election day.

Andres Caleca, a former chair of the electoral council, said: The heroes of this election were not only the voters who came out in their millions to vote, but also the oppositions observers at the polling stations.
Tutoring clubs like Mathnasium have seen more parents enrol their children than ever - Eddie Mulholland

Theres a funny thing about maths. Plenty of adults (this writer included) are happy to laugh about not being very good at it. But how many of us would joke about how few books we read? Theres no cultural cachet in being semi-illiterate. Yet being semi-innumerate? Its a bit like falling down drunk. You know you shouldnt  but isnt it kind of amusing?

Perhaps no longer. At least not for our young people, who are taking maths to A-level in far greater numbers than ever before. New figures released this month show a record 100,000 and more students are studying the subject at sixth form, an 11.4 per cent increase on last year. This makes maths by far the most popular subject for 16- to 18-year-olds. Further maths is, meanwhile, the fastest-growing subject, up 20 per cent in a year, with 17,420 students.

This surge in popularity  which has led to almost twice as many studying maths as those studying English  comes amid an explosion in high-street clubs and tutoring services taking in children as young as four, with parents acutely aware of the importance of understanding numbers in the modern world.

Thomas Balogun from Hornchurch, Essex, has been sending his 11-year-old daughter to a local branch of the Kumon maths club since she was four, paying up to 150 a month.

As a cybersecurity architect and businessman, I firmly believe that life is a game of numbers, he says. In the business world, understanding numbers is crucial for many reasons. I am keen for my daughter to continue grasping this skill and, importantly, to enjoy it.

She already excels in and enjoys mathematics, and Balogun hopes she will eventually study a mathematically related subject at A level. A lot of high net-worth people Ive met, the ones that impress me most are the ones that understand numbers, he says, adding that whatever his daughter ends up doing in life, such an understanding will be key. Even if she becomes a fashion designer, or just wants to get a good mortgage deal.

Thomas Balogun has been sending his daughter to Kumon since she was four

Others are shelling out hundreds of pounds to ensure their children dont fall behind in the subject. Ben*, from Enfield, north London, has been paying around 240 a month to send his 10-year-old son to a branch of the tuition centre Mathnasium, fearing he wasnt up to speed in the classroom. The company has more than 20 branches in the south of England, with parents paying an average of some 300 per month.

Its too important a subject to just wait and see if he catches up, he says. Whatever he wants to do in life, hell need decent maths skills, and we cant afford to let him fall behind or continue to be scared of numbers and lacking confidence around them.

Sharniece Reid-Graham, director of the Winchmore Hill branch of Mathnasium in north London, says many of its clientele are parents who want to boost their childrens maths skills before they sit 11-plus exams for local grammar schools. Others are simply keen to foster their childrens enjoyment of the subject. Children attend typically two to three times a week, up to GCSE level, and shadow the school curriculum.

On any given weekday after school, pupils still in their uniforms will be dutifully retrieving their personal ring binders from a shelf near the entrance, then taking a seat at a table with a red T-shirted young tutor on hand to shepherd them through some worksheets. An atmosphere of quiet study prevails. Nobody is complaining or mucking about, as some might in the classroom.

So what has prompted this shift in attitudes towards a subject so many once saw as too dry and difficult to bother with after the obligatory GCSE or O level?

Whats been floating in the winds for a number of years now is that mathematics is incredibly important if you want to go into a STEM [Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics] subject, like data science, AI or even finance, these days, says Dr Neil Saunders, senior lecturer in mathematics at City, University of London. Mathematical training at A level is really important if you want to get into [those] careers, so thats certainly part of the wider explanation.

Parents may also be aware of the attractive salaries that typically come with maths-related jobs. At [university] open days, youll quite often hear [parents saying] weve read somewhere the highest-paid jobs come with people doing a maths degree, so whats the median salary students will earn?

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According to University College London (UCL), the average starting salary of its maths graduates is currently 27,000  slightly higher than the 26,000 median starting salary of all its graduates in full-time work. But those in the maths community stress that the benefits of the subject go beyond a narrow focus on future earning potential. It doesnt matter if you want to be an economist, a physicist or an engineer, maths is building your brain in all the right ways to pursue those careers, says Simon Singh, author of the bestselling book, Fermats Last Theorem. Were building more people who can think about difficult problems and develop tenacity and creativity. If you solve a hard maths problem youre using some creativity and intuition. But people dont associate those skills with mathematics.

Singh has spent 700,000 on creating free online maths circles for children aged 10 to 16 to boost their maths skills. His charitable giving will reach 1 million by the end of the year, with the programmes dedicated to building more mathematicians. Singhs Parallel Project will be tutoring more than 500-strong state school students next year, who will continue to receive weekly tutorials for five years. Weekly maths webinars will be attended by another 500 students. The model exists in other countries, too, with maths circles originating in Bulgaria and popping up in Russia.

But the real game-changer, Singh argues, is the relatively recent proliferation of online maths resources, which allow students to proceed at their own speed, unrestricted by what everyone else in their class at school is learning. The online world has transformed maths education, he says.

It has also led to the rise of the maths influencer. Just as Brian Cox helped make physics cool  or, at least, brought the subject to a wider audience  a clutch of YouTubers, Instagrammers and TikTokers are helping bring maths to the social media masses. Dr Tom Crawford is an Oxford University maths lecturer at St Hughs College but, not content to preach only to degree students, he has accrued 194,000 YouTube subscribers and 19,700 Instagram followers by posting intelligent and engaging maths content online. With his big, messy blond fringe and earrings, he resembles less an Oxford academic than a member of a new rave band. The appeal to a young audience of his maths videos about the distance between numbers, how a mathematician takes a penalty kick, or relating the subject to Pokemon, is clear.

But despite the subjects resurgence, experts warn that growing enthusiasm does not extend much beyond sixth form. Uptake at degree level has remained fairly static for the past decade, says Dr Saunders. UCAS figures show applications to study mathematical sciences have seen a recent increase of 7 per cent, but academics say that maths departments at smaller, less prestigious institutions are suffering.

While maths A levels have been going up and up, the number of students going to university to do maths has stayed steady, says Professor Cathy Hobbs, vice-president of the London Mathematical Society. Fewer than 9,000 students begin a maths degree each year  a smaller proportion of the undergraduate cohort than was previously the case, says Prof Hobbs.

One possible reason is that some of the growth witnessed by maths at A level comes from students needing the qualification to access a place on a range of other non-maths degree courses  such as computer science, say. The subject in these cases, becomes a means to a different end.

When you get to university, you have to choose a maths degree or a chemistry degree or a computer sciences degree [for instance], says Dr Saunders. You no longer have that breadth of options open to you [that A levels offer] and therefore maths for maths sake doesnt see the same follow-through.

Maths degree courses outside of major cities are struggling, he says. Oxford Brookes University announced earlier this year that it was closing its mathematics programme, which did not attract sufficient numbers of students to be financially viable. Other universities have made cuts in recruitment of staff to maths departments.

Prof Hobbs warns that maths deserts now exist: whole areas of the country with not much maths provision. This harms students from poorer backgrounds who dont live near a university offering a maths course and cant afford to move away from home, she says.

A further problem sits lower down the system, in schools, where teaching is hampered by a lack of staff with maths degrees themselves. This issue, says Singh, may be a result of the many alternative options open to maths graduates. If you love maths, there are 100 jobs out there in AI, coding, tackling climate change, where you can really indulge your talent, he says. Teaching is a little less appealing because you have a wide range of other opportunities. But thats a big problem, because whos going to inspire the next generation?

The extracurricular clubs and online maths world may be filling in the gaps. But the subjects upswing in popularity has left Singh otherwise upbeat. I think most parents desperately want their children to be good at maths, he says. I dont believe Britain is a country that hates it.

*Name has been changed
Great Britains Noah Williams snatched a bronze medal with his last two dives in a thrilling mens 10m platform final contest.

The 24-year-old produced a brilliant comeback to challenge for a podium place towards the end of the competition.

Williams was fourth going into the fourth round, but some over-rotation caused him to drop down to fifth.

No way Noah!!  Individual bronze to add to his synchronised silver #Paris2024 pic.twitter.com/DgpGawtGwM  Team GB (@TeamGB) August 10, 2024

However, he delivered a brilliant response with scores of 93.60 and 94.35 on his final two dives to snatch bronze.

Williams team-mate Kyle Kothari had to settle for an 11th placed finish.
A number of police officers have been injured after petrol bombs, fireworks and heavy masonry were thrown during disorder in Londonderry.

Police said they are liaising with community representatives to prevent further escalation after disorder erupted in Nailors Row.

The PSNI appealed to parents and guardians to take their children home.

They warned that the disorder is presenting a serious risk to the safety of residents in the area.

Separately, a petrol bomb was thrown at a mosque in Co Down in the early hours of Saturday, in an incident described by police as racially motivated.

The mosque in Newtownards was attacked at around 1am, with graffiti sprayed on the front door and walls of the building in Greenwell Street.

Police said the petrol bomb did not ignite.

Chief Inspector Hutchinson said: This is being treated as a racially motivated hate crime, and I want to send a strong message to those who carried this out that this type of activity will not be tolerated and any reports of hate crime are taken very seriously.

I am appealing to anyone with any information or footage that could assist with inquiries to come forward and help to identify those responsible and put them before the courts.

Police said several protests in Belfast city passed without incident on Friday evening, but officers are investigating a number of overnight reports of damage to property and vehicles.

Cars were set alight in Tavanagh Street and Sandhurst Gardens and police said the incidents were being treated as racially motivated hate crimes.

The rear door of a restaurant in Ormeau Road was also kicked, with racial slurs shouted at the workers inside.

Five people were arrested on Friday.

A 22-year-old man was arrested after Fridays protests in Belfast accused of throwing a bottle at a police vehicle.

He will appear in court on September 6 charged with offences including disorderly behaviour and criminal damage.

A 51-year-old man arrested after the city centre protest has also been charged with disorderly behaviour and will appear in court on Saturday.

Demonstrators take part in a United Against Racism rally in Belfast (PA)

Meanwhile, two 14-year-old boys were arrested in Derry.

The arrests came after a number of petrol bombs were found by police in the vicinity of Spencer Road.

One teenager was charged with possession of petrol bombs in suspicious circumstances, while the other teenager was charged with possessing articles for use with petrol bombs.

They appeared at a special sitting of Dungannon Magistrates Court on Saturday.

A 37-year-old man who was arrested in Portrush on suspicion of intentionally encouraging riot in relation to online activity remains in police custody.

Police also arrested a 48-year-old man in the Belfast area on suspicion of intentionally encouraging riot. He remains in police custody.

Officers in south Belfast investigating disorder at Broadway Roundabout on July 15 and 16 arrested a 14-year-old boy on suspicion of riot and possession of an offensive weapon. He is in custody assisting officers with their inquiries.

Temporary Assistant Chief Constable Melanie Jones said: We continue to investigate all reports made to us in relation to the recent disorder on our streets and we will be making further arrests.

The outpouring of support from our communities for their neighbours who have chosen to make Northern Ireland their home has been heartening, and more accurately reflects the views of most of the citizens of Northern Ireland.

We will continue to have a significant visible policing operation in place across Northern Ireland over the weekend to ensure our communities are kept safe.

It comes after thousands of people took to the streets of Belfast on Saturday in an anti-racism demonstration.
Jon Favreau has teased a new Star Wars film titled The Mandalorian And Grogu starring Pedro Pascal and his sidekick.

The Chilean-American actor appeared on stage alongside The Mandalorian executive producer Dave Filoni in front of an estimated 12,000 fans at the Honda Centre in Anaheim for the first day of Disneys fan convention, D23.

Favreau said the new film is in production, having started filming a few weeks ago ahead of its May 2026 debut.

This is the Way. Jon Favreau & Dave Filoni have arrived to the #D23 stage. pic.twitter.com/MF7TAPKHy8  Star Wars (@starwars) August 10, 2024

We are putting Star Wars back on the big screen, Filoni said, while Favreau described it as an all-new adventure following these two characters.

A teaser clip shown to the audience saw the masked bounty hunter (Pascal) and Grogu, a young Yoda-like character, touch fingers, while Babu Frik also makes an appearance flying a ship with Grogu.

The announcement came after Pixars chief creative officer Pete Docter announced The Incredibles 3 was in the works.

He confirmed Brad Bird, the writer and director behind the first two films, has returned for the next adventure from the beloved animated undercover super-family.

Meanwhile, Frozen director Jennifer Lee appeared to confirm there will be two more films added to that franchise.

Coming out of Frozen 2, we still have some questions. A lot of questions actually Now you see why it will take two films to answer them, she teased.

Lee shared a first look at concept art for Frozen 3, which is tipped for release in 2027.

If you look closely, it captures the seeds of the next epic adventure for Anna and Elsa, and some things might spark, we hope, a few questions for all of you, she added.

Experiment 626 has entered the chat! The live-action #LiloAndStitch is coming only to theaters in Summer 2025!pic.twitter.com/2fhRGW7GC5  Disney (@Disney) August 10, 2024

Other reveals included a live-action Lilo And Stitch, set for release in summer 2025, and an original animated film starring Mad Men actor Jon Hamm titled Hoppers, which could debut in spring 2026.

It was also announced that Avatar star Zoe Saldana has joined the cast of Elio, slated for release on June 13 2025.

Saldana, who plays the aunt of Elio star Yonas Kibreab, said on stage: I felt a real connection to the character and I wanted to see a representation of a how a real family works on screen.

Other Hollywood stars that made surprise appearances included Ginnifer Goodwin, who appeared to announce a sequel to 2016 comedy Zootopia, starring Everything Everywhere All At Once Oscar-winner Ke Huy Quan.

Quan will play a slithering highly venomous viper named Gary, alongside Goodwins rabbit character Judy Hopps and Jason Batemans fox Nick Wilde in the film, set for November 2025.

Get ready for a brand new Star Wars adventure. Watch the trailer for Skeleton Crew, streaming with a two-episode series premiere December 3 on @DisneyPlus.pic.twitter.com/uICLsyjlZb  Disney (@Disney) August 10, 2024

Meanwhile, another Star Wars announcement came from surprise guest, British actor Jude Law.

Law shared the first teaser for series Skeleton Crew, which he described as a timeless adventure story in the spirit of the ambling coming-of-age films from the 80s like The Goonies and ET

It follows four protagonists who accidentally blast off their home planet and find themselves lost in the vastness of the galaxy in danger and trying to find their way home.

I fell in love with Star Wars when I was a 10-year-old boy and what I loved most about this series is that it is told through the perspective of the kids as they explore curious and dangerous worlds beyond their own, unsure who they can trust, Law said.

He added it meant a great deal to be a part of the Star Wars galaxy, with the series arriving on Disney+ in December.

Anthony Mackie (Ian West/PA)

The Disney fan event also saw footage from Captain America: Brave New World slated for February 2025, with Harrison Ford starring as President Ross, who transforms into the Red Hulk behind the presidential lectern in front of the White House.

On stage, Captain America star Anthony Mackie joked: You know what I love, they kept it real: Red Hulk has grey chest hair and the regular chest hair.

You have to appreciate Harrison Ford going that far.

The event also saw a virtual message from Hollywood actor Ryan Reynolds, who said overwhelmed doesnt even cover it, referencing the success of his latest film Deadpool & Wolverine co-starring Hugh Jackman.
Toy Story star Tom Hanks conjured up Woodys celebrated catchphrase theres a snake in my boot during his first Toy Story voice session, the films creators said.

A group of the original films creators including Pete Docter, the now-chief creative officer at Pixar, were celebrating 30 years of the Disney classic during a panel at D23, the Disney fan event, in California.

Since the original film was released in November 1995, Toy Story has become a celebrated franchise with three sequel films and a fourth slated for 2026.

Chief creative officer at Pixar, Pete Docter (Dominic Lipinski/PA)

However, the original film began life as a half-baked idea about a ventriloquist dummy and Tinny from Tin Toy having a road trip together, Pixars creative vice president Andrew Stanton said.

He said Disney picked the idea over two others  James And The Giant Peach and Bob the Dinosaur.

Toy Story, an animated comedy about a group of toys, features Tim Allen as superhero action figure Buzz Lightyear and Hanks as a pull-string cowboy doll named Woody.

Bonnie Arnold, who produced the original film, said the actors werent our first choices but we did get there.

The team pitched to Hanks first who they said had lost a lot of weight as he was filming Philadelphia at the time  which later won him the Oscar for best actor.

Woody and Buzz Lightyear (PA)

During the panel, the audience were shown a printed list titled ideas for Woodys pull-string dialogue lines dated February 3 1993, which had three handwritten phrases at the bottom.

Mr Stanton said: Those were scripted lines that we gave Tom (Hanks) to read from, pull-string recordings from Woody but that is my handwriting on the bottom, those were ones he made up.

That is me writing them down what he had said and theyre now law. This was from his first session, he kept going.

Meanwhile Ms Arnold said Disney had grossly underestimated how much it would cost to make the original Toy Story film, joking we were counting the paperclips.

It is the cheapest movie we ever made, Mr Stanton said.

The pair recalled how staff would make food at home and bring it in for staff working overtime, as well as bringing in their own chairs for the cinema room to watch drafts of the film.
Brandon Aiyuks tenure in San Francisco may not be coming to an end just yet.

Aiyuks future with the reigning NFC champions has been in limbo since he requested a trade after not being able to negotiate a long-term contract extension this offseason. Teams such as the Pittsburgh Steelers have reportedly shown interest in acquiring the All-Pro receiver.

Then came Friday, when NFL Network's Tom Pelissero reported the 49ers have made a renewed effort in recent days to strike a long-term deal, with Aiyuk. Pelissero also reported that the situation is fluid and teams like the Steelers are still looking to get a trade done. Aiyuk is in the last year of his rookie contract, which will see the Niners pay him $14.1 million.

The #49ers have made a renewed effort in recent days to strike a long-term deal with WR Brandon Aiyuk, sources tell me and @MikeGarafolo.



The situation is fluid and other teams, including Pittsburgh, are still in the mix. But a return to SF appears increasingly possible.  Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) August 9, 2024

Aiyuk himself responded vaguely to an Instagram post with Pelissero's report, casting at least some doubt on whether there's as much positive momentum as Pelissero makes it sound.

The Cleveland Browns are also reportedly interested in making a deal for Aiyuk, which wide receiver Amari Cooper  another reported piece to that puzzle  didn't seem bothered by in an Instagram post.

Amari Coopers latest IG story post pic.twitter.com/gbhj4kB4QP  ESPN Cleveland (@ESPNCleveland) August 10, 2024

Aiyuk's future with the franchise began clouding after its Super Bowl loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. Aiyuk's girlfriend posted a message on social media hinting that he might not return.

In late March, 49ers general manager John Lynch made it known that there were no plans of trading Aiyuk and the two sides were working toward a contract extension. Just a month later, the 49ers drafted receiver Ricky Pearsall, seemingly preparing for the possibility of losing Aiyuk.

Mid-June saw Aiyuk tell his former college teammate and current Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels that "they don't want me back," with "they" referring to the Niners. A month later, Aiyuk formally requested a trade.

Aiyuk began his hold-in strategy in late July to try and get a deal done. He chose to attend meetings, but did not participate in practices as training camp began.

The New England Patriots were reportedly once in the Aiyuk sweepstakes. But they recently dropped out of the race after Aiyuk reportedly showed no interest in going to New England. Similarly, the Steelers have not engaged in trade conversations with the San Francisco 49ers in the past 24 hours, this according to The Athletic's Dianna Russini.

Aiyuk has steadily increased his production every season since he was drafted in 2020. The past two seasons saw him be a key part of San Franciscos offense with back-to-back 1,000-yard receiving seasons.

This past season was the best of Aiyuks career. He had a career-high 1,342 receiving yards along with seven touchdowns en route to a second-team All-Pro nod.

Whether Aiyuk stays with the 49ers or moves on elsewhere, his impact will be significant. As a route runner, his flexibility and body control are things that stand out when comparing him to others at the position. His 17.8 yards per reception led the NFL last season, and out routes are especially where his speed and athleticism get to be put on display. His value comes in his versatility and malleability to do virtually anything that's needed of a top receiver on a team.

Aiyuk isn't the only top-shelf receiver who's been holding out from training camp in order to get a massive payday. The Dallas Cowboys' CeeDee Lamb and Cincinnati Bengals' Ja'Marr Chase also have been looking for a long-term contract extension commensurate to their production. With Vikings star Justin Jefferson setting the bar for wide receiver contract extensions with an annual salary of $35 million, other top-end pass catchers are looking to make a similar amount of money.

It sounds, at least as of Friday, like Aiyuk has a better chance of doing so in San Francisco than we thought.
One minute before former President Donald Trumps motorcade rolled onto the site of his now infamous rally in rural Butler, Pennsylvania, a local SWAT officer stationed in a nearby building peered down from his second-floor perch and saw a young man pull something out of his pocket.

The officer, Greg Nicol, zoomed in with his binoculars and saw that the skinny young man with long hair and glasses was holding a rangefinder, a device used by shooters to calculate the distance to a target. He had it pointed directly at the stage where Trump was about to speak.

This just isnt right, Nicol recalled thinking in a recent interview with CNN. When the mysterious young man disappeared a short time later, his instinct told him something else: I gotta find this dude.

In his most comprehensive public statements to date, Nicol, as well as several of his colleagues who spoke to CNN, shared new details about what they described as poor planning for the rally, a dramatic communication breakdown between local police and the Secret Service, and bitter finger-pointing in the aftermath of what is widely seen as a massive law enforcement failure.

Nicols sighting of Thomas Matthew Crooks with the rangefinder was a pivotal moment that began a ticking clock to possibly apprehend the 20-year-old would-be assassin before he somehow made his way onto a rooftop with an AR-15 style firearm and came perilously close to killing the former president.

Could it have been avoided? Absolutely, said Det. Pat Young, commander of the Beaver County SWAT team and Nicols boss. And should it have been avoided? Yeah, absolutely.

A second-floor snipers perch

Days before Trump stepped onto the stage at his July 13 rally at the Butler Farm Show grounds, about an hour north of Pittsburgh, the Secret Service began implementing a plan to protect him. As with other such events, the plan relied, in part, on help from local law enforcement.

In this case, that meant dozens of police officers, sheriffs deputies, state troopers, paramedics and others, stationed in various areas emanating outward from the stage where Trump was to speak.

A pair of Secret Service counter snipers, dubbed Hercules 1 and Hercules 2, surveilled the crowd from directly above and behind the stage. Other snipers from local SWAT teams in Butler and surrounding counties took up positions in a grandstand and, in Nicols case, on the second floor of a building on the sprawling campus of a company called American Glass Research. One of the AGR buildings was roughly 150 yards from the stage where Trump would later speak, but outside the perimeter established by the Secret Service.

Following a general briefing that morning by a law enforcement official from Butler County, where the rally was being held, Nicol said he and other snipers were assigned to be inside the AGR building and directed to several windows on the second floor with a view of the entry area to the rally grounds and the stage where Trump would speak.

A Butler sniper leader who met Nicol and his partners at the AGR building told them their mission was to look out those windows and scan the area for threats, Nicol said. They were instructed to remain covert. They set up their rifles on tripods so that the barrels were a foot or two inside the open windows to prevent them from being seen from outside.

He knows you guys are up there

For more than five hours, the three snipers  Nicol, a fellow SWAT team member from Beaver County named Jason Woods and a third shooter from Butler Countys SWAT team  remained hidden in their second-floor perch without incident.

At approximately 4:26 p.m., Woods was clocking out for the day. As he left, he saw someone sitting at a picnic table outside as he exited the building dressed in camouflage and carrying his gear. Woods texted his counterparts that their cover was blown.

He knows you guys are up there, Woods wrote. Authorities now believe that was the first time law enforcement placed eyes on Crooks.

Nicol thought little of the text at the time, he said. Nor did he immediately connect it to a slightly built, long haired young man he saw sitting below the window where he was stationed at AGR about 45 minutes later.

Something about the kid and his presence there didnt seem right, Nicol thought. He couldnt articulate exactly what that was, he said, but whatever he was feeling prompted him to take the young mans picture at 5:14 p.m.

By this time, the Farm Show grounds were packed with Trump supporters, and the former presidents motorcade was 19 minutes away.

People gather for a campaign rally for former President Donald Trump at the Butler Farm Show in Butler, Pennsylvania, July 13, 2024. - Brendan McDermid/Reuters

What is going on here?

At 5:32 p.m., Nicol again looked down from a second-story window and saw the same kid. This is when he zoomed in with his binoculars and noticed the range finder. Instantly, his assessment of the young man was elevated from simply odd to potential threat.

Over the next 13 minutes, Nicol attempted to pass his concerns up the chain of command. He radioed the local command post controlled by Butler County law enforcement and notified them of the kid with the rangefinder. He also texted photos of the young man to one of his Beaver County bosses and suggested he forward the photos to someone in the local command post, which he did.

The Secret Service and Pennsylvania State Police were stationed at a separate command post nearby with which neither Nicol nor his Beaver County supervisor were able to directly communicate, he said. However, a transcript of Butlers radio communications  first reported by the Washington Post  details a phone call from a Butler County commander to a state police officer relaying Nicols warning. The state trooper then conveyed the information to Secret Service agents also in the command post at approximately 5:44 p.m.

As the clock ticked toward Trump taking the stage, Nicol went from window to window on the second floor of the AGR building looking for the kid and wondering what was taking so long for help to arrive.

I dont see any patrolmen or anybody outside looking for him, he told CNN. Its like, what is going on here?

Coming and going and disappearing

While Nicol scanned the crowd for Crooks, poor cell service further hindered law enforcement communication. Units be advised internet and cell service is down, an officer is heard saying at 5:48 p.m. on Butlers radio. A minute later, a sheriffs deputy radioed. Your picture is probably not going to go through because I dont have any service, the Post reported.

Four minutes after that, the Secret Service counter sniper team leader emailed his teams that local law enforcement was looking for a suspicious individual outside of the perimeter, lurking around the AGR building.

Just after 6 p.m., Nicol, looking out a window on the northwest side of the building, spotted Crooks again. This time the young man was running and carrying a black backpack.

Instinctively, Nicol left his second-floor post and bounded down the stairs in an attempt to keep eyes on the suspect who seemed to be coming and going and disappearing.

When he pushed open the door, the kid was nowhere to be seen. Just then two police officers pulled up outside AGR and Nicol shouted to them about where hed last seen the suspect. The officers took off on foot in opposite directions around the sprawling AGR complex.

Someones on the roof

Trump by this time was on stage and addressing the crowd. Nicol said he could hear his voice booming over the loudspeakers.

Video discovered by the FBI shows Crooks pulling himself onto the roof of the AGR building at around 6:06 p.m. Shortly thereafter, a local law enforcement officer reported over the radio, Someones on the roof. I have someone on the roof with white shorts. A Butler supervisor then passed the information to the Secret Service command post at 6:09 p.m., according to the transcript obtained by the Post.

The Hercules snipers covering Trump from above and behind the stage then turned to face the AGR property to the north. Almost simultaneously, an officer being boosted up to the roof saw the gunman, who spun around and pointed his rifle at the officer. Defenseless, the officer let go and dropped to the ground.

Seconds later, Crooks opened fire, striking Trump in the ear, killing one rally attendee and wounding two others. A Secret Service sniper then fatally shot Crooks.

Finger pointing begins

Two days after the shooting, Young, the Beaver County SWAT team commander, called a meeting of all his officers who had been at the rally.

Young himself was off that day and raced to the scene after the gunman opened fire. In addition to Nicol and Woods in the AGR building, he had eight other officers there in various roles.

A veteran cop who did two tours in Iraq with the Army National Guard, Young took stock of what his team members had to say. While the outcome was no doubt tragic, he was confident his people had done their jobs and performed admirably.

Neither Young nor his officers, however, were prepared for the recriminations that followed.

Det. Pat Young, commander of the Beaver County SWAT team, in his office in Beaver, Pennsylvania. - Majlie de Puy Kamp/CNN

Secret Service directors, the Pennsylvania State Police Commissioner and lawmakers criticized local law enforcements actions during several high-profile congressional hearings. They said they assumed securing the AGR complex had been the responsibility of the local cops and falsely suggested officers didnt want to be on the roof because of the heat that day. They claimed Nicol had abandoned his post and that the snipers inside the AGR building could have seen Crooks if they had been more vigilant.

The accusations prompted Young and the Beaver County District Attorney, Nate Bible, to come to their officers defense. In a July interview with ABC, they first shared some of their frustrations about the poor planning and siloed communications in the lead up to and during the event.

In interviews with CNN, Nicol and Woods said they had expected more thorough instructions from the Secret Service and complained about a lack of clarity about the full security plan. The snipers said they never spoke directly to Secret Service agents in preparation for the event  and had not been asked to share their accounts, despite playing a pivotal role in identifying the threat.

On Friday  nearly four weeks after the attack  Young said he finally received notice from the Secret Service that investigators wanted to interview him and his officers.

I cant believe that the Secret Service hasnt talked to any of our people, he said prior to Fridays reach out. He said he wanted to iron out what went wrong in Butler as his county is already fielding requests for future campaign events.

Some of the failures, officers said, have become painfully obvious in the wake of the shooting. Most of all, perhaps, the need for better inter-agency communications.

On one end of the fairgrounds, Butler County occupied a command center from which they could communicate with their own officers and the teams from Washington and Beaver County that supported them during the rally. In a different location, the Secret Service and state police set up another command post. Local law enforcement officers, however, couldnt directly communicate with state troopers or the Secret Service. Even Butlers command at times had to use personal cell phones to contact state and federal agents  a problem on a day when cell service was unreliable due to the number of people in the area.

Another source of frustration revolved around plans for the AGR site itself, located outside of the perimeter established by the Secret Service. Nicol said he and Woods assumed patrol officers would protect access to the building because, as snipers inside, they would not be able to see, or immediately follow, someone close to the building.

But that didnt happen.

New video reveals frustration

Nicols, Woods, Young and other Beaver County officers werent the only ones to express concerns about the Secret Service planning.

Body cam footage released this week by the Butler Township Police Department, shows an officer responding to the AGR property in the minutes after Crooks opened fire complaining that he had urged the Secret Service to post an officer there several days before the Trump rally.

I f**king told them, the officer says, according to the video released in response to a public records request from CNN. I talked to the Secret Service guys. They were like, Yeah, no problem, the officer adds.

Amid multiple ongoing inquiries into what the former Secret Service director acknowledged was the worst operational failure in decades, agency officials have backed off their earlier criticism of local law enforcement and have accepted full responsibility for not preventing the attack on Trump.

In a statement released Thursday in response to the bodycam footage, Secret Service spokesman Anthony Guglielmi said the agency appreciates our local law enforcement partners, who acted courageously as they worked to locate the shooter that day.

The attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump was a U.S. Secret Service failure, and we are reviewing and updating our protective policies and procedures in order to ensure a tragedy like this never occurs again, Guglielmi said.

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A 4-year-old dog who was returned to an animal shelter in Las Vegas for being "too boring" has found a loving foster home where he can nap all he wants.

Duke, whose breed has not been identified but appears to be a lab of some sort, was returned to the Las Vegas based-Animal Foundation this week. Within hours of the foundation posting about Duke being returned, a woman arrived to foster him.

Now Duke is at her home enjoying some down time, apparently his favorite pastime.

Kelsey Pizzi, a spokesman for The Animal Foundation, told USA TODAY on Friday that she met with Duke on Thursday and that "he was just relaxing the whole time."

Pizzi added that Duke appeared to be very comfortable in his new space.

Four-year-old Duke, who was returned to an animal shelter in Las Vegas for being "too boring," has found a loving, new foster home with Sue Marshall.

Family said Duke is a 'constant napper'

Duke first arrived up at The Animal Foundation shelter on June 23 after he was found wandering lost in a Las Vegas neighborhood in the southwest part of town. Just a few days later, on July 6, a family adopted him and took him to his new home.

But the family's vibe did not match with Duke's, and they brought him back to the shelter earlier this week on Wednesday. The pup's former family said he is boring, sleeps all day, and doesnt get up and greet them when they get home, the shelter said in a post on Facebook.

"His constant napping and apparent lack of enthusiasm made him the wrong fit for his last family," the foundation said in the post. "And thats okay. Were confident that theres plenty of people who would vibe with 4-year-old Dukes lack of energy."

Duke's foster mom says he does sleep a lot

Duke's new foster mom, Sue Marshall, told USA TODAY that Duke "seems to be adjusting to his new home."

"He is doing well, he climbed up on the sofa with me last night and put his head in my lap," Marshall said. "He and I took a long walk this morning before it got too hot to be outside. He did well last night, has been using the doggie door and has not barked at the neighbors."

Marshall added that Duke is a "very laid-back dog and does spend a lot of time sleeping."

Marshall told USA TODAY on Monday that she is planning to adopt Duke and is currently working to find out the steps involved.

"He is a real sweetheart and loves attention," she said. "He has been getting plenty of attention from me."

Returns are not unusual

Pizzi told USA TODAY that about 5% of the animals adopted from the shelter end up getting returned.

"It's OK," Pizzi said. "We want to be realistic that does happen. We don't want to shame someone. We're here to support and help them find the right fit for their family."

The Animal Foundation said that Duke, who is 87 pounds, walks "well on a leash" and is "most likely potty-trained and will wait until he can do his business outside."

Pizzi said Duke also enjoys his treats, especially pepperoni.

Four-year-old Duke with his new owner Sue.

The Animal Foundation is one of the biggest shelters in America, according to Pizzi, and has taken in about 13,000 animals so far this year. The summer season is the busiest for the shelter, with almost 100 animals coming in each day. The shelter currently houses almost 675 animals, including dogs, cats, chickens, rabbits, pigs and guinea pigs. Of those 675 animals, 456 are dogs, Pizzi said.

"Most of those animals are lost animals that probably have a family out there," Pizzi said. "Unfortunately, most of them are never reclaimed so they end up being adopted by other families."

She said that "larger dogs do always take a little bit longer to get adopted."

"Puppies, smaller dogs get adopted quickly, but for large dogs it can take weeks, sometimes months for them to be adopted," she said.

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: Dog returned to Las Vegas shelter for napping too much has new foster
SPRINGFIELD, Illinois - The sheriff's deputy charged with fatally shooting Sonya Massey in the face has been the subject of several complaints alleging belligerent behavior toward women, a USA TODAY review of public records shows.

Despite the complaints, Sangamon County Sheriff's Deputy Sean P. Grayson was never prohibited from working in law enforcement and moved from one police agency to another, the records show, calling into question how he got the job he held when Massey was shot.

The July 6 killing of Massey has sparked national outcry over police brutality, coast-to-coast demonstrations and a federal probe by the Justice Department.

The hiring practices of the sheriff's department have also been under fire from Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker, who earlier this week formally called for Sangamon Sheriff Jack Campbell to resign, expressing frustration with how the sheriff has responded to Massey's death. Amid the growing pressure and questions about Grayson's hiring, Campbell said on Friday he will step down and retire.

Springfield city leaders are calling for a review of the department's hiring practices in the wake of Massey's killing.

Sangamon County Board member Kevin McGuire called for an outside investigative team to look at the sheriff's department's hiring practices. "I would say that's paramount," McGuire said.

Among the complaints against Grayson that are on file in Illinois is an allegation by a former inmate at the Logan County Jail, who wrote in an official complaint filed in December 2022 that Grayson ordered her to expose herself to him.

I felt very violated, said Chelsey Lowe, an inmate confronted by Grayson in a drug search. Grayson denied the accusation and resigned from the Logan County sheriffs office before the complaint was formally investigated.

With investigators no longer pursuing the complaint, Grayson in May 2023 joined the Sangamon sheriff's office, where he was employed when he went to Massey's home and shot the 36-year-old mother of two in her kitchen last month. He now faces three first-degree murder charges and has been fired.

The ex-deputy also faced accusations from his former wife in divorce proceedings that he treated her with "repeated acts of mental cruelty." A separate citizen complaint against Grayson in May alleged that he unlawfully tried to intimidate a 17-year-old girl while trying to enter a house without having obtained a warrant, yelling at her and threatening to "put her in cuffs" if she didn't let him inside. The complaint was found not sustained by one of Grayson's fellow officers.

USA TODAYs review of public records about Graysons years in law enforcement and from his personal life comes amid national outrage and calls for police reform over the killing of the Black woman on July 6.

Grayson's criminal history also show he had two DUIs and a questionable discharge from the military.

The Sheriff's Office and an attorney for Grayson did not respond to repeated requests for comment on this story.

Feeling very afraid

Grayson worked as a sheriff's deputy in Logan County, north of Springfield, from May 2022 to the end of April 2023, according to Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board records.

Part of his duties included working at the Logan County jail, where in December 2022, a female inmate filed a grievance accusing Grayson of very inappropriate behavior, according to a county disciplinary file obtained via open records request.

Lowe wrote in her Logan County Sheriff's Department grievance form that during the course of being arrested, she told officers she had drugs hidden in her vagina.

Grayson told her to remove the drugs in front of him, according to the complaint.

I went to do as he instructed feeling very afraid and forced to do such an action, she wrote.

She stopped at the insistence of a female officer and was taken to a doctor to remove the drugs.

While in the hospital bed completely exposed, Officer Grayson flung the curtain back and exposed me to him and I believe 2 other male officers, Lowe wrote.

I felt very violated on both occasions and was unsure how to handle this, she said.

Lowe could not be reached for comment.

Divorce over extreme and repeated acts of mental cruelty

In June 2015, Grayson's wife, Alexia Grayson, now Alexia Kay Pitchford, filed a petition for a dissolution of marriage in the Circuit Court of Macoupin County, the same county where Grayson grew up and briefly became a police officer for seven months in 2021.

Pitchford gave the following reason for seeking a divorce from Grayson: "The defendant has been guilty of extreme and repeated acts of mental cruelty, without cause or provocation." Pitchford and Pitchfords mother did not respond to requests for comment on the nature of the cruelty referenced in the divorce papers.

The two did not have any children together, according to the court filings. The judge awarded Grayson's wife the right to return to her former name of Pitchford.

The first of Grayson's two DUIs came two months later in August, according to Macoupin County court records. He got his second DUI in July 2016.

Conduct as a Sangamon County deputy

The most recent complaint against Graysons conduct as a deputy came in May, less than two months before he shot Massey in her kitchen, according to his Sangamon County Sheriff's Office personnel file.

Grayson was the only officer named in the complaint, which describes a group of officers attempting to enter a residence without a warrant.

We were provided no details of what was happening or why they were asking/demanding to be let in, according to the man who filed the complaint. He and a 17-year-old girl answered the door when the officers arrived.

Grayson began yelling at the teenage girl to be let inside, according to the complaint.

Officer Grayson then wrongfully accused her of lying and obstructing an investigation. He then threatened her that if she didnt let them in the house he was going to put her in cuffs and she would go to jail.

The complainant wrote that Grayson directed his comments toward the teenage girl, not at him.

It is 100% unlawful to threaten detainment and being arrested [for] not letting officers into the home with no warrant," the complainant wrote. "More specifically attacking a 17 year old girl and failing to contact adult supervisors, or parents of any kind. At the time of demanding to be let in, Officer Grayson chose to speak to the young girl in an inappropriate manner . . . attempting to intimidate her.

Lieutenant Wes Wooden of the Sangamon County Sheriffs Office carried out an informal review of the complaint and found his fellow officers actions were warranted and the complaint was not sustained, according to county records.

Wooden is the same county officer who led the investigation into Graysons background when he was first hired at the Sangamon sheriff's office. The office did not respond to requests for comment from Wooden.

Complaints against law-enforcement officers are typically investigated by other officers and are seldom sustained, said Samuel Sinyangwe, executive director of Mapping Police Violence, a nonprofit that tracks policing data. It's not uncommon for an officer with 20 or 30 complaints against them to remain on the force, Sinyangwe said.

Massey shooting

Two months later, Grayson and another deputy arrived at Massey's home after the 36-year-old woman called 911 about a possible intruder.

Massey's call for help in the early hours of July 6 brought the dimunitive woman and the 6 foot 4 officer with a history of violence toward women together.

Body-worn camera footage from the encounter released on July 22 shows the hulking son of a Navy Seal had little patience for the dimunitive woman right from the start.

You coming to the door or not, Grayson yells, hammering at the door. Hurry up.

Inside Masseys kitchen, Grayson told her to remove a pot of boiling water from the stove.

She picked up the pot and said the words Grayson claims made him fear for his life: "I rebuke you in the name of Jesus."

Dropping his hand to his gun, Grayson shouted back, you better f------ not or I swear to God I will shoot you right in the f------ face," according to a transcript of the encounter.

Grayson drew his gun, Massey apologized and then ducked. Grayson moved toward her and fired three times, hitting her in the head.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Women filed cruelty complaints against deputy who killed Sonya Massey
Independent bookstores are the heartbeats of their communities. They provide culture and community, generate local jobs and sales tax revenue, promote literacy and education, champion and center diverse and new authors, connect readers to books in a personal and authentic way, and actively support the right to read and access to books in their communities.

Each week we profile an independent bookstore, sharing what makes each one special and getting their expert and unique book recommendations.

This week we have Words Unite Bookstore in Killeen, Texas.

'Words have the power to unite us all'

Words Unite firmly believes that words have the power to unite us all, and all their programs and partnership are created with this belief in mind.

Although Words Unite has two store locations, theyre not waiting for customers to find them: They also operate a book vending machine and two bookmobiles. As a primarily traveling bookstore, they are constantly out in the community, making connections and bringing books to anyone who wants them.

Words Unite has two store locations and operates a book vending machine and two bookmobiles.

But theyre not just bringing any books to their community. Words Unite only carries titles written by indie authors.

Words Unite owner, Ashley Marie Booker-Knight, is a veteran and her first brick-and-mortar location was located on the military installation, Fort Cavazos. But her time in the service remains important to her and remains a theme in her store today.

Booker-Knight says her favorite section in the store remains the military stories section, where shes able to highlight the true stories of the nations heroes.

To further the stores mission, Words Unite recently launched a nonprofit arm called Books for a Cause. Designed to get books into even more hands, Books for a Cause works to donate books wherever theyre needed. By doing so, they hope to help close the gap in literacy access.

"Knowledge is power and we cannot wipe away that power with technology," said Booker-Knight. "Reading expands minds. Everyone has a story, and more people need to read those stories. Local bookstores help you slow the world down and move beyond the challenges.

Words Unite book recommendations:

Words Unite has two store locations and operates a book vending machine and two bookmobiles.

"Our Pledge, Our Promise" by Sheri Wall

"21 Days of Positive Speaking" by Ashley Knight

"Camouflaged Sisters" book series

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Meet Words Unite, a bookstore that started on an Army post in Texas
President Biden, who has long said he ran for the White House in 2020 due to his alarm about former President Donald Trump, decided to exit the 2024 presidential race last month. He says his decision, in part, was driven by his belief that he needed to keep the nation's focus on Trump and unite the Democratic Party ahead of the November election.

In an interview with "CBS News Sunday Morning," Mr. Biden told CBS News chief election and campaign correspondent Robert Costa more about his historic decision not to seek reelection, echoing his previous statement that he would serve as a transitional figure in American presidential politics.

"When I ran the first time, I thought of myself as being a transition president," Mr. Biden, 81, told Costa. "I can't even say how old I am  it's hard for me to get it out of my mouth."

Biden expressed support for Vice President Kamala Harris, who is set to be nominated as the Democrats' standard-bearer at the party's national convention in Chicago this month.

"We must, we must, we must defeat Trump," Biden said in the interview, which took place in the Treaty Room in the White House residence.

"Although it's a great honor to be a president, I think I have an obligation to the country to do what I-- most important thing you can do. And that is  we must, we must, we must defeat Trump," he said.

Mr. Biden announced he was exiting the 2024 race and endorsed Harris as the Democratic Party's nominee on Sunday, July 21  nearly a month after his debate against Trump, which concerned some of his Democratic colleagues and prompted dozens to call for him to withdraw.

In an Oval Office address on July 24, Mr. Biden said "nothing, nothing, can come in the way of saving our democracy," including his ambition for a second term.

A CBS News poll released on Aug. 4 showed Harris gaining momentum with a 1-point edge nationally and a tie across the battleground states. Mr. Biden was down by 5 points when he left the race.

Harris is hoping Tim Walz, the upbeat two-term governor of Minnesota, will give her Democratic ticket another boost and help her win over pivotal battleground states.

How a mother invited her son's killer to be her neighbor

Kremlin struggles to respond to Ukraine's shock offensive inside Russia

Senator JD Vance on "Face the Nation" | full interview


"Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links."



Sydney Sweeney has quickly become one of fashions it girls, and her latest look proves that title isnt going anywhere. As the Euphoria actor stepped out for a meeting in Beverly Hills on Friday, she did so outfitted in head-to-toe Chloe, fresh off the brands Fall/Winter 2025 runway.

BACKGRID

Her pieces of choice included thigh-high leather boots and a chic ruffled blouse, prompting comparisons between her look and a similar Chloe ensemble worn last month by Daisy Edgar-Jones. Sweeneys version, however, played more into upcoming fall fashion with a focus on her heeled boots and additional layers.

Thanks to her shorter stature, the Anyone But You actor was able to pull off the light peach blouse as a dress instead. While its midriff-baring cutout was covered by a preppy tan poncho, its ruffled details peeked out at the sleeves and waist. Sweeney contrasted the refined look with a large black leather handbag, adding a boho twist to her outfit with multiple bag charms.

She complemented the ensemble with a soft glam. Sculpted eyebrows, a subtle cat-eye, and a healthy dose of peachy blush gave the actor a rosy glow, while her long blonde hair was styled in bouncy, bombshell curls.

As a Miu Miu ambassador, Sweeney isnt often spotted in other designer brands, although her Chloe look is well worth the discrepancy. The actor has repped Miu Miu throughout the summer anyway, modeling a number of the brands styles when on vacation in Greece , and while showing off a bandana-print set in a recent mirror selfie. Heres hoping she keeps up her streak of luxe fashion looks.

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Whatever you're looking for, Macy's got in on sale. (Macy's)

Serious deal hunters know that the Macy's sale section is always stocked with brand-name products at can't-miss prices and this weekend is no exception. Whether you're looking for markdowns on summer styles you can wear for the next few weeks or want to refresh years-old bedding in the spare room, Macy's got you covered with thousands of impressive deals on everything from dresses and sandals to luggage and kitchen appliances.

The retailer's big home sale doesn't disappoint with prices up to 65% off. This gorgeous Le Creuset enameled cast iron round oven is on sale for $200 (was $350) and these super sharp Henckels knives are more than $180 off. Over in the fashion department, the price of this cute and cozy Calvin Klein cardigan will make you do a double take  it was originally $130 and now it's down to just $39 (yes, really). And these popular Clarks sandals that offer plenty of support? They're on sale for less than $30.

The discounts don't end there! There are deals on top-rated beauty brands like Laura Mercier and Estee Lauder, plus massive price drops on bedding. These highly-rated pillows are a whopping 60% off. Don't let a good sale pass you by. The hard work is already done for you  all you have to do is shop the best weekend deals at Macy's below.

Best Macy's clothing deals

Macy's Style & Co. Women's Cotton Gauze Short-Sleeve Shirt Dress $35 $70 Save $35 Sure, buying a summer dress in the middle of August is a hard sell, but consider this  this throw-on-and-go tie-waist pink number can be worn with sandals now and then with ankle boots and a denim jacket come autumn. If pink feels a little too sweet for your taste, there are other colors available like a preppy blue and white striped version and a sunny yellow floral take. $35 at Macy's

Macy's Calvin Klein Jeans Women's Open-Front Maxi Cardigan $39 $130 Save $91 Can't get into the cropped-everything trend? Hear hear! If you prefer plenty of coverage, then grab this simple, versatile cardigan while it's on super sale at Macy's. The light gray color is neutral and will look good with just about everything in your closet. Even better, the lightweight material makes this piece perfect for year-round wear. It'll keep you warm during the summer when the AC is blasting and you can also layer it under your coat in the winter for extra insulation. $39 at Macy's

Macy's Levi's Women's Casual Classic Mid-Rise Bootcut Jeans $42 $60 Save $18 Skinny and wide-leg jeans may come in and out of fashion, but no one can deny the timeless appeal of the bootcut silhouette. It has a leg-lengthening effect and the slightly flared hem looks so good with lots of different shoes. For a limited time, tons of Levi's jeans are 30% off at Macy's including this classic mid-rise bootcut style. It's available in nine washes in sizes 2-18, and yes, all variations are currently marked down. $42 at Macy's

Best Macy's shoe deals

Macy's Clarks Women's Cloudsteppers Breeze Piper Double-Strap Sandals $28 $55 Save $27 For nearly 200 years, Clarks has been producing shoes that prioritize comfort and these slip-on-and-go sandals are no exception. This sporty flip-flop fits the bill with a squishy insole that offers support, plus a rubber outsole for traction. The current price  less than $30, to be exact  is a total steal, especially given this shoe has been dubbed "the best sandal" by one enthusiastic reviewer at Macy's. $28 at Macy's

Macy's Bzees Dream Washable Wedge Sandals $45 $90 Save $45 Give the person who created these cute wedge sandals a medal! The chunky sole is not too high, so you can walk comfortably and the velcro strap in the back allows for a perfect fit. Plus, you can throw them in the washing machine. "Theyre perfect. So comfortable. I can wear them all day and night. I both three pairs," one Clarks convert wrote. Another commented, "These shoes are like walking on air!" $45 at Macy's

Macy's Dearfoams Women's Wilmington Energy Return Moccasin Shoe $52 $74 Save $22 If you've never stepped inside a Dearfoams slipper, it's time. The memory foam insole is truly magical and feels so much better than walking around the house barefoot. This moccasin-style slipper has a rubber outsole that's durable enough to wear outside  think grabbing the trash bins from the driveway, walking the dog or dropping the kids off at school. $52 at Macy's

Macy's Nike Women's Interact Running Sneakers $70 $85 Save $15 Sure, these cool Nike kicks were designed with avid runners in mind, but you don't actually have to run in them. Anyone who spends a lot of time on their feet will appreciate the feel-good foam insole and the airy knit upper. One happy stepper noted, "These shoes are comfortable, light, breathable and very supportive. They helped relieve knee and lower leg/foot/ankle pain." $70 at Macy's

Best Macy's beauty deals

Macy's Foreo IRIS C-Concentrated Eye Cream $27 $55 Save $28 The delicate skin underneath your eyes requires extra TLC. Rather than rely on your everyday face moisturizer, consider adding a concentrated eye cream like this one from Foreo to your skincare regimen. It's designed for all skin types and it has an instant color-correct effect to disguise dark circles. $27 at Macy's

Macy's Estee Lauder Luxury Ultra Rich Hand Creme $30 $50 Save $20 If you wash your hands often (which you should!), then you know cream is essential. Failure to properly hydrate could mean dry, rough palms and fraying cuticles. Make the simple act of moisturizing a bit more luxurious by treating yourself to this Estee Lauder hand cream while it's on sale. It has a pleasant citrusy, floral scent and is enhanced with skincare benefits to reduce the appearance of fine lines and add brightness and radiance to your skin. $30 at Macy's

Macy's Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder Ultra-Blur $48 $52 Save $4 Just a few dabs of this popular setting powder will ensure your makeup stays put for up to 16 hours. Available in three shades to complement different skin tones, this makeup multitasker gives your skin a matte finish, keeps shine at bay and blurs imperfections. It's no wonder beauty fans love it. One customer called it the "best powder there is." Another added, "It is fantastic for older skin. It does not sit in fine lines around eyes making you look older like most powders do." $48 at Macy's

Best Macy's home deals

Macy's Royal Luxe Reversible Down Alternative Comforter $25 $130 Save $105 If your guest room needs refreshing, try adding a new comforter to the bed. This soft and cozy pick is down to just $25 (from $130!), which means you can totally afford to grab one for your own bedroom, too. It's also reversible so you can easily flip it over to change the look of your room. "This is exactly what I was looking for  it is lightweight but still keeps me warm in cold temperatures," wrote a shopper. $25 at Macy's

Macy's Fairfield Square Collection Brookline Sheet Set, Queen $50 $210 Save $160 One of the best deals we found at Macy's this weekend? This 1400 thread count sheet set that's nearly 80% off. Choose from 11 colors and patterns  everything from white and gray to sky blue and yellow in all bed sizes. Our advice? Buy a set for now while the price is low, plus a spare to keep in your linen closet. One shopper called them "super luxurious," adding that they are the "nicest sheets I've ever owned." Another noted how well they fit on a thick mattress. If you really want to invest in better shut-eye, check out the best bed sheets of 2024. $50 at Macy's

Macy's Charter Club White Down Soft Density Pillow, Standard/Queen $56 $140 Save $84 Did you know experts recommend replacing your bed pillows every one to two years? Well, now you do. And if you're way past that 24-month mark, we suggest adding this down-filled design to your cart. It's best suited for stomach sleepers and is available in three firmness levels in standard and king sizes. Shoppers have lots of positive things to say about these pillows. One wrote, "If you are looking for a great pillow to get a good nights sleep, look no further. These down pillows are so luxurious  you feel like you're sleeping at a fancy hotel." $56 at Macy's

Macy's Travelers Club Austin Hardside Luggage, 4-Piece Set $100 $300 Save $200 Planning to jet-set this summer? Then you need a luggage upgrade. This foursome includes a full-size hard-shell suitcase, carry-on suitcase, travel tote and matching toiletry kit. Choose from 10 colors, including this fresh lilac shade. "My favorite feature is in the large and carry-on suitcase; it's the little zipper area in between the two halves!" remarked a buyer. "Finally, a place to put my small things that I don't want to be able to access quickly. One side of each suitcase zips shut completely and the other side has the buckle straps. The littlest bag is perfect for my makeup." $100 at Macy's

Best Macy's kitchen deals

Macy's Global Classic 8-Inch Chef's Knife $100 $167 Save $67 Our senior home editor recently tested knives and she chose this the Global Classic Chef's Knife to be the Goldilocks of this category  it's not too heavy and not too light, and it slices through almost everything as if your food is as soft as Marshmallow Fluff. The knife felt balanced in my hand, was easy to maneuver and the blade was remarkably sharp. It was a pleasure to use and while not a traditional-looking knife, it has a modern steel design that I love. As mentioned, there are two general types of chef's knives  Western and Japanese. This is a Japanese knife  which tends to be lighter than Western knives and has straight, thinner and sometimes sharper blades. Western knives tend to be heavier and feature a curved, slightly thicker blade. What's truly unusual about Global knives is that they are crafted end to end from a single piece of stainless steel (it's called CROMOVA 18, which is a blend of chromium, molybdenum and vanadium metals). The handle features a perforated pattern that's quite comfortable to grip. I didn't encounter the slightest bit of resistance when I diced onions and the knife also cut through chicken breasts smoothly. While cutting through butternut squash was something of a challenge, this is a tough task for any knife, and this one was one of the best I tried to get this job done. Global recommends handwashing and drying their knives which is fairly standard. I washed it with a regular sponge and warm, soapy water and dried it with a kitchen towel as opposed to letting it drip dry. O vary depending on where you buy this knife, but I almost always see it on sale for $100 to $125.Our $100 at Macy's

Macy's J.A. Henckels Assure Knife Block Set, 14-Piece $100 $286 Save $186 A designer knife set for a not-designer price? Yes, please! Professional chefs and home cooks alike rave about J.A. Henckels knives because they're super sharp and extra durable. If the cutlery in your kitchen is dull and can barely cut through a stick of butter, let this be your sign to upgrade. In the wise words of one Macy's reviewer, "You don't know what you're missing in a good knife set like this until you actually get one." $100 at Macy's

Macy's Ninja Mega Kitchen System Blender & Food Processor $150 $200 Save $50 Yes, the Ninja hype is real. Whether you're looking for a powerful food processor or want a blender that makes smoothies with ease, this countertop gadget is worth the splurge. You get so much with this kitchen system: A 72-ounce pitcher, 8-cup food processor and two 16-ounce single-serve cups you can take on the go. "Best small appliance ever," raved a home cook. "I use the Ninja for everything. Smoothies, chopping, grating, mincing, pureeing, mixology, crushed ice, kneading, mixing, whipping. You name it! It is a must-have in every kitchen." $150 at Macy's

The reviews quoted above reflect the most recent versions at the time of publication.
By Kanishka Singh and Nathan Layne

WASHINGTON (Reuters) -Donald Trump's U.S. presidential campaign said on Saturday some of its internal communications were hacked and blamed the Iranian government, citing past hostilities between Trump and Iran without providing direct evidence.

The Republican's campaign statement came shortly after news website Politico reported it had begun receiving emails in July from an anonymous source offering authentic documents from inside Trump's operation, including a report about running mate JD Vance's "potential vulnerabilities."

"These documents were obtained illegally from foreign sources hostile to the United States, intended to interfere with the 2024 election and sow chaos throughout our Democratic process," Trump campaign spokesperson Steven Cheung said in a statement.

Late on Saturday, Trump posted on his Truth Social app that Microsoft had just informed the campaign that Iran had hacked one of its websites. He cast blame on Iran, adding they were "only able to get publicly available information." He did not elaborate further on the hack.

Reuters has not independently verified the identity of the alleged hackers or their motivation.

The Trump campaign referred to a Friday report from Microsoft researchers that said Iranian government-tied hackers tried breaking into the account of a "high-ranking official" on a U.S. presidential campaign in June. The hackers had taken over an account belonging to a former political advisor and then used it to target the official, the report said. That report did not provide further details on the targets' identities.

A Microsoft spokesperson declined to name the targeted officials or provide additional details after the report was published.

Iran's permanent mission to the United Nations in New York said in an email that "the Iranian government neither possesses nor harbors any intent or motive to interfere in the United States presidential election."

"We do not accord any credence to such reports," it added in response to the Trump campaign's allegations.

On Friday, in response to Microsoft's findings, Iran's U.N. mission told Reuters its cyber capabilities were "defensive and proportionate to the threats it faces," and that it had no plans to launch cyberattacks.

The former president had tense relations with Iran while in office. Under Trump, the United States killed Iranian military commander Qassem Soleimani in 2020 and withdrew from a multilateral Iran nuclear deal.

"The Iranians know that President Trump will stop their reign of terror just like he did in his first four years in the White House," Cheung said.

Trump survived an assassination attempt in July. While there have been no suggestions that the suspect was linked to Iran, CNN reported last month that the U.S. had intelligence about an Iranian plot against Trump. Iran has denied such charges.

Late last month, a senior intelligence official told reporters in a briefing that Tehran and Moscow maintain their same presidential preferences as in past cycles, where Iranian operatives will attempt to tear down the Republican ticket while Russia has made efforts to smear Democrats, according to prior intelligence community assessments.

(Reporting by Kanishka Singh, Nathan Layne and Christopher Bing; Editing by Rod Nickel and William Mallard)
Former President Trump went after The New York Times Friday night, defending his claim that former San Francisco Mayor Willie Brown once traveled with him in a helicopter that nearly crashed.

Two Failing New York Times reporters questioned my story about a forced landing of a helicopter, in a field, with former Mayor of San Francisco, Willie Brown, and others, Trump said in a post on Truth Social. First of all, it was in New Jersey, not California, and it was Willie Brown, not former Governor Jerry Brown. So far they are about as accurate as they are with their other stories about me.

Hes just angling for another ride in Trumps jet (helicopter!). But now Willie doesnt remember? No, he remembers! the former president added, referencing a 2011 article he said would back up his claim.

During a press conference Thursday at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida, Trump said he knew Brown very well, and then shared the helicopter story that has come under scrutiny.

In fact, I went down in a helicopter with him, we thought, Maybe this is the end, the former president said. We were in a helicopter, going to a certain location together, and there was an emergency landing. This was not a pleasant landing.

Brown refuted Trumps claims in an interview with local outlet KRON4 Thursday.

He was doing what Donald does best: his creative fiction, Brown said, per the outlet.

And secondly, I dont think Id want to ride on the same helicopter with him, he said. Theres too many people that have an agenda with reference to him, including the people who service helicopters.

The former mayor has come into the spotlight recently as an adviser who helped Vice President Harris kickstart her career in politics. Harris became the Democratic nominee for president earlier this week, after rising through the ranks and locking in key endorsements.

Others have pushed back on the former presidents story as well, including California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D), who was on the helicopter flight. Some have suggested the person on the flight was actually former Gov. Jerry Brown, Newsoms predecessor.

Trump, the GOP nominee, also blasted the Timess reporting on his past presidential races, with the 2024 election now less than three months away.

So far they are about as accurate as they are with their other stories about me. At least when I became President, the NYT apologized to their readers for their REALLY BAD REPORTING ON THE PRESIDENTIAL RACE, Trump wrote Friday, pointing specifically to senior political correspondent Maggie Haberman.

Theyll probably have to do that again, much as Maggot Hagermann should apologize for her Fake & Fraudulent writing on the Russia, Russia, Russia HOAX, along with many other of her poorly written and badly researched stories, he added.

In an earlier Truth Social post Friday night, Trump argued there were logs, maintenance records and witnesses to validate his comments about Brown.

Why cant the Radical Left Failing New York Times write accurately, and fairly, on me  See following TRUTH! Trump wrote Friday. I only have one major goal in life, and that is to, MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN! Wouldnt that be a good thing for the New York Times. Think of it, THEY COULD BE GREAT AGAIN!

The Times reported Friday that Trump had a fiery phone call with one of its reporters that day, going after the paper because of reporting on his Thursday press conference.

The former president also implied that he had plans to divulge the flight records prior to yelling that he was probably going to sue the Times over the report, per the outlet.

The Hill has reached out to The New York Times.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
by Sumon Corraya

Speaking to AsiaNews, Card Patrick D'Rozario appeals for peace, calm and no revenge. For the first time, student leaders join a caretaker government. There is uncertainty over the role the military will play in the period leading up to the election, expected over the next three months. Activists and analysts stress the importance of maintaining stability.

Dhaka (AsiaNews)  Bangladesh is a country at a crossroads. After weeks of student protest, it faces major economic challenges, political uncertainty, and social instability.

Amid attacks against Christians and Hindus in violation of the spirit of the protest movement, the country is looking to a possible return to power of the opposition after years dominated by Sheik Hasina and her Awami League. Hanging over everything, the long shadow cast by the military.

The flight of the former prime minister has led to a transitional government under 84-year-old Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, which includes  for the first time in the world  two young men who led the 36 days of unrest.

With the success of the protest movement, opposition parties now see an opportunity to take power, even if they are inexperienced, at a critical time with potential tensions ahead of the upcoming election.

Card Patrick D'Rozario, archbishop emeritus of Dhaka, spoke about the developments that are turning the country upside down. We prayed to the Lord for many days and I feel what has happened is God's Will, good or bad. He knows everything, said the prelate.

The cardinal made an "appeal for peace, calm and no revenge," hoping that the caretaker government and the student leaders will respect "the rights of minorities. In fact, the new administration is already urging such respect following a first wave of violence.

I appeal to people to respect human beings, respect citizens of the country, respect people of other religions, etc. This too is mentioned by the new administration and I support it.

Invoking the principle of harmony, the cardinal offered his prayers that discrimination may not be perpetuated in any form. We pray for those who sacrificed their lives, those who were killed and we pray for the caretaker government. God Bless our country.

In addition to the opportunity for the opposition to return to power, there is another factor that will be decisive for the country's immediate future: the role of the military in a government that, at least for now, is still led by civilians.

In the past, the military has seized power when civilian governments fell, leading the country for long periods, forming new political parties like the Bangladesh National Party (BNP) and the Bangladesh Jatiya Party. Their possible intervention could add another element to the crisis.

Meanwhile, caretaker Prime Minister Yunus has already announced that the policemen involved in the violence that caused the death of student protesters will be tried, fuelling further doubts about the possibility of holding a free and fair election as many experts warn.

The rate at which policemen are being killed and police stations are being burned  its only a matter of time before things spiral out of control, human rights activist Khushi Kabir told AsiaNews, stressing the importance of restoring stability.

Since Hasinas fall, the police chief and a senior army officer have been dismissed, while many detained protesters and many political protesters have been released.

Protest leaders have also called for the resignation of several judges from different courts, including the High Court.

Finally, there is the issue of minorities, including Christians, who represent about 8 per cent of the population, victims of growing persecution because they have been traditionally seen as Awami League supporters.

Meanwhile, one of the student leaders who led the protest that ousted of Sheikh Hasina and is now part of the caretaker government is calling for the former prime minister to be tried for the killings that took place in recent weeks, at least 300 people according to the latest count.

I am curious why she fled the country, said student leader Nahid Islam in his first interview. We will seek justice for all the killings that happened under her, that has been one of the main demands of our revolution. Even if she does not come back, we will work towards that, he said, speaking about the former prime minister who ruled for 17 of the past 30 years.

Hasina's son, Sajeeb Wazed Joy, from the United States where he has lived for some time, said that Hasina will return to Bangladesh from India once elections are announced in the next three months. The latter was one of the main demands of opposition movements.

He explained that his mother, whom he advises, did not resign before leaving the country and taking refuge in India last Monday. My mother never officially resigned. She didnt get the time, he told Reuters.

She had planned to make a statement and submit her resignation. But then the protesters started marching on the prime ministers residence. And there was no time. My mother wasnt even packed. As far as the Constitution goes, she is still the prime minister of Bangladesh.

Sajeeb Wazed Joy plans to run for the Awami League in the next election.

(Nirmala Carvalho contributed to this article)
Today's headlines: Japans prime minister cancels trip to Central Asia, as fears of a megaquake increase among the Japanese. Myanmars military regime is preventing young people from emigrating for work. Seven die in attack by militants against army posts in northwestern Pakistan. Panipak Wongpattanakit is the first Thai sportswoman to win two gold medals at the Olympics.

ISRAEL  PALESTINE

More than 100 people were killed (and scores wounded) in today's Israeli attack against the al-Tabaieen school in Gaza City. According to Palestinian authorities, the building was being used as a shelter for civilians and the raid struck during morning prayers. Israels military acknowledged the operation, saying however that it hit a structure used as a hiding place by Hamas terrorists, a claim the Palestinian group rejects.

JAPAN

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida cancelled a four-day trip to Central Asia after the country's seismologists warned of a potential "mega quake". The warning by the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) follows a powerful 7.1 quake on Thursday in the southern part of the country, which left 14 people injured, causing slowdowns in rail traffic, and forcing nuclear power plants to double-check their preparedness plans. A new 6.8 quake was reported today in the north.

VATICAN - CHINA

Francis sends a message of hope to the Chinese people. In an interview with the Chinese Province of the Society of Jesus, the pontiff affirmed that China is "a great people" that "must not waste its heritage" and "must carry it forward with patience". The pope also confirmed his desire to visit the country and pray at the Sheshan shrine dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary Help of Christians.

MYANMAR

Myanmars ruling junta is preventing young people who want to get a job abroad from leaving the country, intercepting them at Yangon International Airport. The new measure is one of the methods used by the regime to control the number of citizens seeking to flee civil war, economic recession, and military conscription. Men between the ages of 18 and 35 and women between the ages of 18 and 27 must serve a minimum of two years in the military.

PAKISTAN

Militants attacked three army posts in northwestern Pakistan, on the border with Afghanistan, triggering firefights that left three soldiers and four insurgents dead. The attacks took place in the Tirah Valley, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, where an anti-terrorist operation was underway. The Gul Bahadur group, a separatist faction of the Tehrik-e Taliban Pakistan, claimed responsibility for the attacks.

THAILAND

Panipak Wongpattanakit made history at the Paris Olympics, becoming the first Thai athlete to win two gold medals, retaining the title she had won in Tokyo in the taekwondo women's flyweight division, beating China's Guo Qing in the final. At a press conference after the medal ceremony, Panipak confirmed reports that she was retiring.

RUSSIA  ISLAM

In St Petersburg, a 22-year-old woman was arrested for insulting the religious feelings of believers, by spray painting graffiti citing the Quran on the walls of the Orthodox Church of the Blessed Xenia of St Petersburg. In particular, the graffiti included the inscription "Ajat 9:52, a reference to the fight against unbelievers in the "forbidden months to force them into the true faith.

TURKMENISTAN

After years of complaints and protests, the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection has finally banned the use of child labour in the cotton harvest. The order was registered with the Ministry of Justice, and provides for monitoring by social welfare agencies. It is hoped that it will be effective immediately.
The Best Mouthwash You Can Buy

Our Favorite Weapons in the Battle Against Bad Breath

The AskMen editorial team thoroughly researches & reviews the best gear, services and staples for life. AskMen may get paid if you click a link in this article and buy a product or service.

Bruh, your mouth is gross! What? No diss intended. Just that research and science says otherwise. It's well known that our chat boxes remain the dirtiest part of the body. In fact, the scientists at Hard School of Dental discovered over 615 different species of bacteria living in the mouth, tongue, and throat. See?

Much of the markets elite oral hygiene products help mask most oral health care problems from halitosis to plaque buildup. However, none have proven to be potent or powerful enough to rid your make-out instrument of such toxicities. Simply put, a mouthwash is whats missing from your daily grooming routine.

This mouth-cleansing solution is the perfect complimentary piece for brushing and flossing. The benefits of swigging some only favor your wellbeing. Besides owning kissable breath, a man that lives religiously by mouthwash can reduce cavities, canker sores, gum disease, and even aid his spouses pregnancy by decreasing her risks of periodontal disease  a condition that can affect a womans bloodstream and result in preterm, low-weight babies. Thats one way of playing her hero.

RELATED: Best Charcoal Toothpastes

Guys tend to share this presumption of all mouthwashes performing the same duties. Theres half truth to that statement. Each one does carry sterilization traits that freshen up the mouth. But each one is made for specific use. Read the labels, gentlemen. Let us show you how to pick the right mouthwash for your antibacterial needs.

Types of Mouthwashes

Pretty easy to assume all mouthwashes are the same. True, theyre all designed to rid the mouth of germs. They also get rid of the dragon in the dungeon by leaving behind a minty aftertaste. Still, depending on the severity of your oral condition(s), a special type might need to be stocked in your bathroom. These are the most common options available.

Antiseptic: Normally features chlorhexidine gluconate and most effective for stopping bacteria growth and bad breath

Normally features chlorhexidine gluconate and most effective for stopping bacteria growth and bad breath Cosmetic: The least protective of the batch that's primarily used to disguise halitosis

The least protective of the batch that's primarily used to disguise halitosis Fluoride: Contains sodium fluoride to strengthen teeth and protect against decay

Contains sodium fluoride to strengthen teeth and protect against decay Magic/Therapeutic: Prescribed by dentists to treat oral infections or inflamed mouth tissues

Prescribed by dentists to treat oral infections or inflamed mouth tissues Natural: Alcohol-free alternatives that perform like conventional mouthwashes

Alcohol-free alternatives that perform like conventional mouthwashes Total care: Hosts antibacterial ingredients for plaque and gum disease prevention

This helps narrow things down. Ingredients always play a vital role in the effects of oral conditioning. Rather than bore you to death with a massive list of the dos and don'ts, just keep your eyes peeled for the following additives: Alcohol (when ridiculously high in content), chlorine dioxide, chlorhexidinen, cocamidopropyl betaine, parabens, poloxamer 407, formaldehyde, and saccharin. Deal? Deal!

By now youve more than likely settled on a type. So lets bring you back to the fundamentals on how to use a mouthwash.

Aesop Mouthwash

Pleasant flavors combined with its use of impeccable antioxidants and botanical ingredients makes the Australian skincare brands rinse a signature staple for any oral hygiene enthusiast. The Aesop Mouthwash stands out most for its oral malodour relief, giving your mouth irresistible freshness, while leaving the zest of aniseed, clove bud, and spearmint lingering on your taste buds. Its alcohol-free formula is also great for hypersensitivity and helps to keep the mouth hydrated, never disturbing saliva production or natural pH levels. And of course there's the sexy apothecary-style vessel that complements the mouthwashs stellar performance.



$40 at Amazon.com

MOON Platinum Mouth Rinse

Do you have sensitive teeth or gums but still want a way to combat halitosis? The MOON Mouth Rinse ditches both alcohol and fluoride, instead relying on a compound of hydrogen peroxide, xylitol, hyaluronic acid and, of course, mint, to leave your mouth feeling and smelling refreshed. As an added bonus, the hydrogen peroxide helps to whiten teeth as well, leaving you with a brighter smile on top of better breath.

$19.99 at Amazon.com

Listerine Cool Mint

Establishing brand recognition in the oral health sector nearly requires universal praise from consumers to dental professionals. Listerines earned it through its lineup of industry leading mouthwashes. Gingivitis and plaque become mere afterthoughts, as the antimicrobial antiseptic delivers a cooling rush to the mouth that instantly freshens breath and kills germs on contact through a powerful formula of four essential oils. No more than 30 seconds of swishing (twice a day) can earn you 24-hour protection from bacteria, or so clinical trials endorse. Nonetheless, youre warranted a bacteria-free mouth for most of the day at an unbeatable value.



$9.37 at Amazon.com

Banyan Botanicals Daily Swish Mouthwash

Another all-natural mouth wash, the Daily Swish from Banyan Botanicals relies on coconut oil, triphala, and fennel to fight bad breath with a once-a-day application. It's called a "swish" because you're meant to gargle 2-3 teaspoons of their formula before spitting it out, leaving your mouth with the pleasant aftertaste of cinnamon and other organic herbs.



$16.99 at Amazon.com

Auromere Ayurvedic Mouthwash

What rinse you know integrates neem, the Indian superpower plant, into its formula? Just this one. Auromere chose to include this dynamic ingredient for its phenomenal antimicrobial and antifungal properties, which studies have shown to be just as powerful for oral health as chlorhexidine, only far less dangerous. Even crazier is how the rinse comes richly loaded with 23 botanical extracts and 9 essential oils, allowing its astringent, cleansing qualities to ensure your trap of all-natural purification. The minty taste it leaves behind isnt so bad either.



$15.09 at Amazon.com

Hello Peace Out Plaque Mouthwash

Available in both Natural Mint and Charcoal versions, the Peace Out mouthwash from Hello Peace represents a superb value, offering an alcohol-, vegan- and fluoride-free way to combat halitosis. Active ingredients in this Natural Mint variety include aloe vera, coconut oil, and of course natural mint, with xylitol to sweeten the flavor on the tongue.



$17.97 for 3 at Amazon.com

Crest 3D White Luxe Whitening Mouthwash

If its teeth-whitening strips are any indication, then Crests luxury mouthwash is a sure-shot for pearly whites. Speaking from personal experience, thats an understatement. The oral hygiene titan created a triple-action formula made to freshen breath, prevent surface stains, and whiten your fangs simultaneously. It operates differently than all other mouthwashes, proving to be more effective after whitening procedures: professional or at-home. This is all impart to Crests patented Whitelock Technology that acts as a whitening protector to produce longer lasting results. Exercising the proper tooth-brushing routine will enhance its effects.

$8 at Amazon.com

Biotene Oral Rinse

Aging. Autoimmune diseases. Smoking. Stress. Many causes bring about xerostomia aka dry mouth. Biotene is considered the No.1 mouthwash for this condition, employing whats known as an LP3 salivary enzyme-protein system to create a moisturizing effect and restore pH balance inside the mouth. Its also strong enough to sustain funky stenches, gum soreness, and tooth decay. The solution comes packaged in a large bottle to last for months and comes at an inexpensive price tag, which is surprising for a rinse viewed as an oral-cleansing breakthrough by dentists across the nation.



$14.09 at Amazon.com

ACT Restoring Mouthwash

Kids might be more prone to cavities, but theyre just as common amongst adults, primarily around the edges of their fillings. This fluoride-infused oral rinse is formulated to reduce dental caries up to 70% more than a fluoride toothpaste, strengthening enamel and removing stains. The Cool Mint or Spearmint sensation of the solution wont only tame any bad odors seeping through those chompers, but soothe sore gums as well. Granted it contains alcohol, its nowhere near as harmful on the mouth as others with higher concentrates.

$14 at Amazon.com

Tom's of Maine Sea Salt Mouthwash

Tom's of Maine is now world-famous for their commitment to natural ingredients and sustainable manufacturing processes, but we wouldn't recommend their mouthwash if it didn't work extremely well, too. Their sea salt-based formula, fortified with zinc citrate, menthol, sorbitol and aloe, does a fantastic job purifying your entire mouth and killing the bacteria that cause bad breath, while also leaving your mouth feeling refreshed rather than ravaged, with a pleasant mint aftertaste we absolutely love.

$20.97 for 3 at Amazon.com

The Right Way to Use Mouthwash

Wait. Its not just a gargle and spit procedure? Not really, fellas. So like the whitening toothpaste laying on your sink countertop, we can honestly assume youre using mouthwash the wrong way too. Theres a system to adopt to get the best out of the oral disinfectant. First, one must know when its necessary for use. The American Dental Association states that it doesnt matter whether applied before or after brushing. Nice!

Next is pouring the proper dosage. Dentists recommend 20 ml for most mouthwashes, 10 ml for stronger options with fluoride as the primary ingredient. Feel free to use the cap, which tends to double as a serving cup. Pour into the mouth and swish for about 30 seconds to a minute. If it burns, deal with it. Just let the essential oils and all other magical elements go to work. Spit out the remains. Dont rinse your mouth out with water, for all this will do is reduce its preventative effects.

Now comes time to put you onto the MVPs of the product category. So open up that yap and breakdown the top mouthwashes and their best uses.

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10 August 2024 13:41 (UTC+04:00)

Ulviyya Shahin Read more

Azerbaijan's natural gas industry has demonstrated robust performance in the first seven months of this year, with production reaching approximately 29.5 billion cubic meters. This output highlights a significant role in the regional energy landscape and underscores the country's growing influence in the global energy market.

Access to paid information is limited

Find the plan that suits you best.
10 August 2024 13:19 (UTC+04:00)

Ulviyya Shahin Read more

The "Business Bankruptcy" working group recently held its next meeting in Azerbaijan, Azernews reports that the Ministry of Justice, which leads the working group, provided details about the session.

Attendees included Vusal Shikhaliyev, Head of the Department of Economic Policy and Industrial Affairs at the Presidential Administration; the head of the Commission's Secretariat; the working group leader; Ramin Garagurbanli, a judge at the Baku Court of Appeal; Togrul Huseynov, Head of the Strategic Planning and Monitoring Department at the Ministry of Justice; and other key officials from the Ministry of Justice and Ministry of Economy, as well as representatives from the State Tax Service. The meeting focused on the "2024 Roadmap" for implementing improvements in business insolvency, as outlined in the "Business Ready" report by the World Bank Group. The group reviewed progress and discussed ongoing work.

To modernize the regulation of business bankruptcy, the Working Group has engaged international experts and prepared a preliminary draft of a new law titled "On Consolidation and Bankruptcy."

A Thematic Group, led by the Legislative Directorate of the Ministry of Justice, has been established to finalize the draft law. This group will also address amendments to other relevant legislative acts related to business bankruptcy and recovery.

Projects have been developed to update legislative acts to better record information about entities undergoing bankruptcy proceedings and individual entrepreneurs not operating as legal entities, incorporating international best practices.

In collaboration with the Ministry of Economy, the working group has researched simplified bankruptcy and recovery procedures for micro, small, and medium enterprises, incorporating recommendations from the UN Commission on International Trade Law.

The Academy of Justice continues to strengthen human capital by organizing bankruptcy and recovery training for judges, judicial candidates, lawyers, and property administrators, and by preparing necessary educational programs.

Additionally, efforts are underway to digitize the bankruptcy and recovery process. Information on bankruptcy declarations for legal entities and individual entrepreneurs is now available through the "Electronic Court" information system and a unified state procurement internet portal. The system also supports the separate publication of relevant decisions and reports.

Intensive discussions are ongoing to enhance communication and educational measures concerning bankruptcy system improvements and international requirements. The working group remains open to proposals and discussions on these matters.

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Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
10 August 2024 08:00 (UTC+04:00)

The editor of "Pakistan Daily" newspaper Hamza Azhar Salam shared about President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev on "X".

The journalist shared a photo taken with the head of state and noted nine positive assets of the Azerbaijani President that have caught his attention.

Azernews presents the points from the share:

"Nine points that caught my attention about President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev:

1. He can speak English, Turkish, Azerbaijani, French and Russian;

2. He can answer difficult questions for more than three hours without drinking a sip of water;

3. Can memorize the financial figures of many different projects;

4. He is aware of the media ecosystems of different countries;

5. He is more accessible to journalists than many Western leaders;

6. Sometimes adds humor to his conversations/answers;

7. At party meetings, his speech seems to lean towards peace, but as a leader, he is prepared for any eventuality;

8. He knows how to respect his allies and deter his enemies;

9. Outspoken, straightforward, and enjoys working with a talented, hard-working team who understand his high standards of work ethics."

9 things I noticed about President of #Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev. @presidentaz



1. He can communicate in English, Turkish, Azerbaijani, French and Russian.



2. He can answer tough questions for over 3 hours without any breaks or even taking a sip of water.



3. He can quote pic.twitter.com/X3fQY8PJ4I  Hamza Azhar Salam (@HamzaAzhrSalam) August 8, 2024

Furthermore, the journalist in his interview with Azerbaijan's local TV has shared his impressions about the 2nd Shusha Global Media Forum. Having seen President Ilham Aliyev's interaction with journalists participating in the event, Hamza Azhar Salam said he was very impressed with the Azerbaijani President's ability to answer all the questions.

Journalists were impressed with @presidentazs ability to answer tough questions for hours at the Shusha Global Media Forum. My comments at @cbctvaz after my tweet analysing 9 of President Ilham Aliyevs qualities went viral.  is lucky to have such a leader. #Azerbaijan pic.twitter.com/Ek53kHqS7J  Hamza Azhar Salam (@HamzaAzhrSalam) August 9, 2024

Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
10 August 2024 11:30 (UTC+04:00)

President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has sent a congratulatory letter to Daniel Noboa Azin, President of the Republic of Ecuador, as his country celebrates the national holidayIndependence Day, Azernews reports.

The letter reads: On behalf of myself and the people of Azerbaijan, I sincerely congratulate you and your people on the occasion of the national holiday of the Republic of EcuadorIndependence Day.

I believe that the relations between Azerbaijan and Ecuador will further expand, and our cooperation in multilateral institutions will continue in the future. On this remarkable day, I extend my best regards to you and wish your people everlasting peace and prosperity.

---

Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
10 August 2024 22:17 (UTC+04:00)

Turkmenistan is ready to start work on the Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India (TAPI) gas pipeline project in Afghanistan's territory, Azernews reports.

Turkmen Foreign Minister Rashid Meredov announced this during an online meeting with Afghan Deputy Prime Minister Abdul Ghani Baradar.

The sides also discussed economic, transit, trade, and political cooperation between their countries.

Turkmenistan's Turkmengaz State Concern has completed the construction of a 214-kilometer section of the gas pipeline passing through Turkmen territory and has fully prepared it for operation.

It is expected that the TAPI gas pipeline will annually transport 33 billion cubic meters of natural gas along an 1800-kilometer route from Turkmen Galkynysh, the second-largest gas field in the world, to the Indian city of Fazilka, located near the border of India with Pakistan.

---

Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
10 August 2024 23:19 (UTC+04:00)

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken spoke by phone with Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant and called for an urgent ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, State Department Spokesman Matthew Miller said, Azernews reports, citing TASS.

"The secretary reiterated the urgent need to reach a ceasefire in Gaza that would secure the release of hostages, allow a surge of humanitarian assistance, and create the conditions for broader regional stability," he said in a statement.

Blinken also "discussed how escalation is in no partys interest," according to the spokesman.

Overnight into August 9, the leaders of Egypt, Qatar and the US issued a joint statement calling on Israel and Hamas to resume Gaza ceasefire talks on August 15 in Doha or Cairo. The mediators also signaled their readiness to present a final draft agreement, which is based on the principles put forward by the US president and supported by UN Security Council Resolution 2735.
10 August 2024 14:44 (UTC+04:00)

The order comes days after a Swedish government minister announced that aid to Mali would be phased out, Azernews reports, citing foreign media.

Swedens ambassador to Bamako has been summoned and ordered to leave the country within 72 hours because of a hostile statement by a Swedish minister, Malis Ministry of Foreign Affairs says.

Malis move on Friday came days after Swedens minister for international development cooperation and trade, Johan Forssell, said the government had decided to phase out aid to Mali.

---

Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
10 August 2024 17:52 (UTC+04:00)

Kazakh media outlets widely covered Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyevs visit to Kazakhstan and his participation in the meeting of the Heads of State of Central Asia and the Republic of Azerbaijan in Astana.

Articles from TengriNews.kz, Kapital.kz, InformBuro.kz, Kaztag.kz, and Zakon.kz highlighted the expanding bilateral relations between Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan across trade, economic, cultural, and humanitarian domains.

They reported that trade turnover between Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan increased by 14.3% last year, reaching $529.4 million, and stood at $280.6 million from January to June of the current year. Joint projects are underway in oil and gas, transport-logistics, digital communications, and the space industry.

The Kazakh media also emphasized President Ilham Aliyev's participation in and speech at the meeting of the Heads of State of Central Asia and the Republic of Azerbaijan. They quoted President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, who wished the President of Azerbaijan success in hosting the 29 global climate conference.

Kazinform News Agency also reported on President Ilham Aliyev's speech, noting his emphasis on the need for strengthened defense and security cooperation in response to growing global threats and challenges.

---

Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
Meteor Showers Begin Peak, Jupiter / Mars Conjunction for Oregon, Washington, Coast, Portland, Seattle

Published 8/09/24 at 6:55 p.m.

By Andre' GW Hagestedt, Oregon Coast Beach Connection

(Portland, Oregon)  Persieds, Jupiter and Mars: oh my. (Above: Manzanita and starfall)

That's what's in store for Pacific Northwest skies over the weekend, for places like the Oregon coast, Washington coast, or Seattle, Portland, Yakima, Ashland, Eugene or Silverton. The peak of the Persieds meteor shower is happening from about tonight through Monday overnight (August 13), with very dark places seeing up to 60 to 100 meteors per hour. This week also features a very bright Jupiter hanging low in the skies, with a reddish Mars getting crammed up against it.

However, skies may have other ideas for those on the coastlines and other areas. Towns like Bandon, Westport, La Push, Seaside, Port Orford, Newport or Manzanita are likely socked in throughout the weekend, and other parts of Washington and Oregon are getting clouds and / or wildfire smoke. Some of that looks to clear later, however.

Jim Todd, astronomy expert with Portland's OMSI, said the Persieds will likely be at their best on August 12 and 13  in the wee hours of the night. Moreover, it's quite a broad meteor shower and the days just before and after can still yield plenty of shooting stars.

See Washington Coast Weather - Oregon Coast Weather

Made of tiny space debris from the comet Swift-Tuttle, the Perseids are named after the constellation Perseus, Todd said. This is because the direction, or radiant, from which the shower seems to come in the sky lies in the same direction as Perseus. The Perseids are widely sought after by astronomers and stargazers because most years at its peak, one can see 60 to 100 meteors in an hour from a dark place.

Most of the meteors are seen looking about 50 degrees from the radiant, which lies between Perseus and Cassiopeia.



Bandon, courtesy Manuela Durson - see Manuela Durson Fine Arts

In 2024, the half illuminated moon will set near 1am local daylight saving time, Todd told Oregon Coast Beach Connection. This is a favorable coincidence as this is the time that strong activity begins to occur from this shower.

Todd said you'll need to find a location that gives you as wide a view as possible of the sky, with few obstructions. If you're in the city  even smaller ones like Monmouth, McMinnville, Drain or Cottage Grove  you'll want to be where artificial lights are at a minimum. Getting just out of town into the country will be a great idea. This is why beach towns like Cannon Beach, Oceanside or Gold Beach are perfect when clear.

Meteor watching is an unaided-eye event but binoculars are handy for watching trails (persistent trains) that may hang in the sky for one or more seconds after a meteor's passage, Todd said.



Cape Foulweather under the Milky Way / Oregon Coast Beach Connection

If you've noticed a really bright star in the east as of late from Oregon or Washington, that's the planet Jupiter. It's been putting on quite a show.

On August 14, Jupiter and Mars will be at a conjunction - just 0.19 degrees apart due to a planetary alignment. It happens just after midnight on Wednesday, August 14.

This rare event sight won't occur again until December 2033, Todd said. The last conjunction was in October 2015. This conjunction will be a great event for telescope owners and astrophotographers. From Portland, both Jupiter and Mars within constellation of Taurus, will rise after 12:56 am from the northeastern horizon. Although they appear close, the two are more than 300 million miles apart.

Tip for Photographers: when rain stops early this week, look to the shoreline at night for "glowing waves" - this is a good possibility this time of year and will make an excellent shot with shooting stars - Bioluminescent Phytoplankton: What Makes Glowing Sand On Oregon Coast, Washington

Weather may clear up a little on the Oregon coast and Washington coast by then, with forecasts so far predicting a fair amount of breaks in nighttime clouds.



Satellite above Portland and the aurora borealis this May / Oregon Coast Beach Connection

Jupiter is at a whopping magnitude of -2.18, making it the brightest object in the sky by far. On that night it will be at a distance of 5.37 AU or 499 million miles from earth.

Reddish Mars will be at 0.83 magnitude at a distance of 142 million miles away, Todd said. As a result, from our earthbound line of sight, Mars and Jupiter will appear to be in the same place. During this conjunction, the two planets are close enough together that both will fit in the same field of a small telescope.

You can soak in that conjunction until the Astronomical twilight begins a 4:14 am followed by sunrises at 6:16 am.

Oregon Coast Hotels for this event - South Coast Hotels - Oregon Coast Vacation Rentals - Where to eat - Maps - Virtual Tours







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Andre' GW Hagestedt is editor, owner and primary photographer / videographer of Oregon Coast Beach Connection, an online publication that sees over 1 million pageviews per month. He is also author of several books about the coast.

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Outdoor Events at Oregon's Tillamook Coast Include Birding, Helping Cape Lookout

Published 8/05/24 at 5:35 a.m.

By Andre' GW Hagestedt, Oregon Coast Beach Connection

(Oceanside, Oregon)  August may mean the dog days of summer, but it also brings some unique events to Oregon's Tillamook Coast area. The group Friends of Netarts Bay - Watershed, Estuary, Beach, and Sea (WEBS) is putting together some means to get outdoors and really get down with nature in the Oceanside / Cape Lookout area. Two happenin's are asking for volunteers to help with the famed headland and park while another lets you peer into the world of local birds in a whole new way. Photo: Cape Lookout, Oregon Coast Beach Connection.

These programs come about through EXPLORE NATURE take-action events. The Explore Nature Series events are hosted by a consortium of volunteer community and non-profit organizations, part of various meaningful nature-based experiences that highlight the unique beauty of Tillamook County.

Cape Lookout Stewardship Day is actually plural: it happens twice. The first is on August 14 and the second on August 18. With this event you can can help beautify this landmark of the north coast and help keep the local environment in good shape.

Bay Stewardship Days offer opportunities to give back and work to maintain our natural areas and restore healthy coastal landscapes, WEBS said.

Projects vary and may include: beach access improvements, invasive plant removal, native plant seed collection, trail maintenance, plant and wildlife mapping, as well as restoration planting events.





Event activities are created with various skill levels in mind  and families joining in are welcome. What the specific projects are will be shared closer to the date of the event.

If possible, WEBS asks participants to provide their own: work gloves, hand pruners, shovels, appropriate gear for working in natural areas at the Oregon coast, and water and snacks to keep you comfortable.

Registration is required for this event; Learn more at https://www.netartsbaywebs.org/events

On August 25, they host Summer Birding on the Bay, a serious nosedive into the birds of Netarts Bay. You'll first learn about local winged creatures and then take a field trip out to observe them near the bay.

Well start by learning about the threatened Western Snowy Plover and Plover Patrol program which engages community scientists to monitor nesting snowy plovers along the north coast, including Netarts Spit, WEBS said.

You'll then travel to various locations around the north Oregon coast bay and surrounding headlands, with the idea of seeing soaring brown pelicans, great blue herons, bald eagles, songbirds, and cormorants.

Details:

You should be prepared to walk up to 1-2 miles to and from observation points.

Those attending will need to provide their own transportation between locations. This also may require you to purchase a day-use permit at Cape Lookout State Park. The specific route and locations will be divulged at the start of the program. Carpooling is encouraged.

If you have questions, ontact director@netartsbaywebs.com.





Registration is required for this free event. Learn more at: https://www.netartsbaywebs.org/events

Cost: It's free, but tax-exempt donations to WEBS are encouraged. Donations ensure programs like these can still exist.

The group works hard at being all-inclusive to those with specialized needs.

We understand everyone learns and experiences the outdoors differently and we are open to working with anyone that needs additional support, WEBS said. We will adjust this hike to meet the needs of participants, however, we have limited capacity. Please contact us in advance so we can do our best to accommodate your needs and/or find a way for you or your group to have fun participating in our events.

Learn more about Explore Nature at www.explorenaturetillamookCoast.com. MORE PHOTOS BELOW

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Andre' GW Hagestedt is editor, owner and primary photographer / videographer of Oregon Coast Beach Connection, an online publication that sees over 1 million pageviews per month. He is also author of several books about the coast.

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Toledo's Wooden Boat Show and Cardboard Boats Returns to Oregon Coast Aug. 17 - 18

Published 8/08/24 at 5:35 a.m.

By Andre' GW Hagestedt, Oregon Coast Beach Connection

(Toledo, Oregon)  Just inland from Newport, where the Yaquina River winds its way into a charming little bit of Americana, things get a tad kooky as well as historical.

Mark your calendars for August 17 and 18, as Toledos Waterfront Park hosts the 19th Annual Wooden Boat Show. This free, family-friendly festival celebrates the rich boat-building heritage of the wee central Oregon coast burgh of Toledo and promises something for everyone.

Visitors can marvel at a diverse array of boats, including steamboats from the Northwest Steam Society, classic vessels, and unique owner-built creations. The festivals highlights include the exciting Georgia Pacific Containerboard Boat Race, hands-on boat building, and live music. Kids will enjoy a variety of activities, while food vendors, boat rides, a dog pageant, and numerous other attractions bring a fun-filled weekend to the coast.

The event takes place at the Ports Marina and Waterfront Park, located at 127 NW A Street, Toledo. Festival hours are from 10 am to 6 pm on Saturday, August 17, and from 10 am to 4 pm on Sunday, August 18. For a detailed schedule of events, visit https://www.portoftoledo.org/wooden-boat-show . It's a unique nautical tradition in Toledo.

Then there's that wacky boat race where you build your own out of something much softer than most vessels are comprised of.

There is still time to build a cardboard boat and participate in Georgia-Pacifics Containerboard Boat Contest at the Port of Toledo's Wooden Boat Show.

The contest will be August 17, 2024. Registration begins at 10:00 AM with the races starting at 1:00 PM at Port of Toledo Waterfront Park, 127 NW A Street, Toledo Oregon.

You can pick up a containerboard starter kit from the Port of Toledo or use your own cardboard to construct a craft. Rules and registration information are on the Ports website at https://www.portoftoledo.org/containerboard-boat-contest or contact the Port of Toledo at 541-336-0222 or info@portoftoledo.org

This thrilling and often comical event challenges participants to design and construct boats using cardboard, displaying creativity, engineering prowess, and a splash of maritime ingenuity. It's one of a kind on the Oregon coast  and luckily for those involved it's not at sea.





Prizes will be awarded for various categories, including Most Creative Design, Fastest Boat, and Most Spectacular Sinking. Spectators are welcome to cheer on their favorites and witness firsthand the seaworthiness of these boats. Whether you are a competitor or a spectator, the Port of Toledo's Wooden Boat Show is a maritime kick in the pants.

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Andre' GW Hagestedt is editor, owner and primary photographer / videographer of Oregon Coast Beach Connection, an online publication that sees over 1 million pageviews per month. He is also author of several books about the coast.

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Now that Kamala Harris has been coronated the Democratic Socialist designee for nomination as their candidate for President of these United States, after that political party's contrived primary process "democratically" elected Joseph R. Biden: What are your feelings about this party's progressive posture within their self-styled exercise of "Saving Democracy for America," and how truly critical the outcome of this presidential election will be?

8.7% I am ecstatic that this "Democracy's" First partially Black, First partially Indian, First female Co-Parent, and this nation's primary necessity is to her elect our First woman president.26.09% I really do not care about all these "Firsts." I will continue to pray, and work for this Representative Republic to elect someone competent, and brilliantly patriotic to be our next president.65.22% I will never vote for any politician that "first" does not have the core values to understand how dire this Constitutional Republic's situation has become.
Kamala Harris skipped over VP finalist Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro because he was Jewish and that offended the pro-Hamas wing of the UNDemocratic Party. Instead, she went with Muslim-Friendly Minnesota Governor Tim Walz. That pleased the Muslim radical wing of her party.

Now it is coming out just how Muslim-friendly that Tim Walz is. As governor, he has had frequent meetings with a pro-Hamas Muslim firebrand cleric, Azad Zaman, who praised the October 7 terror attack on Israel by Hamas. Indeed, Zaman is so anti-Jewish, he even promoted a film that glorified Adolf Hitler. Zaman's ties to the Walz Democrat operation was such that he was even invited to give an opening prayer at the state capitol.

Walz' administration gave the radical cleric's organization $100,000 in grants. The Jewish Anti-Defamation League (ADL) has blasted Zaman for "justifying violence against Israel including from terrorist groups" and urged public officials not to meet with him.

https://www.breitbart.com/politics/2024/08/09/report-tim-walz-met-with-muslim-cleric-who-promoted-pro-hitler-film/

Meanwhile the president of the Italian American Civil Rights League (IACRL) has declared Tim Walz to be "an enemy of the Italian American community. He has a long history of being in favor of erasing our culture." He called on Walz to drop out.

https://www.breitbart.com/politics/2024/08/09/civil-rights-org-tim-walz-should-drop-out-enemy-italian-american-community/
From top figures to potential buyers  whos who in the Harland & Wolff saga?

An investigation by a German newspaper raised concerns about one potential buyer

Michael Flacks (inset), founder and director of Flacks Group, has said it seems as if the company is "slowly dying each day"

James McNaney Sat 10 Aug 2024 at 08:55

These are uncertain times once more for Harland & Wolff.
The group of shareholders have called for a new non-executive director to be added.

Shareholders in Harland and Wolff have requested an extraordinary general meeting of the company.

A group of shareholders in Harland and Wolff have requested an extraordinary general meeting with immediate effect.

The call comes as a potential investor in the shipyard has told the Belfast Telegraph that the company is slowly dying.

There has been a great deal of speculation about the future of the famous shipping company in the past month after it failed to secure a government guarantee for a 200m loan.

The government explained their refusal by saying there was a very substantial risk that taxpayer money would be lost.

The companys CEO John Wood resigned and was replaced by an interim executive chair Russell Downs.

Former Harland & Wolff chief executive John Wood (PA)

Harland and Wolff has since agreed new loans with existing creditors, and employed Rothschild to assess strategic options.

The turmoil has continued this week, as an Australian businessman with a declared interest in buying the firm called for it to be investigated by the government.

Australian tycoon Clive Palmer wants to build Titanic II, and has made an offer to buy the shipyard which built the original ship.

Mr Palmer has called for a public inquiry and accused the company of not looking after the best interests of its shareholders.

The call for the company and board of directors to hold an extraordinary meeting came in a letter delivered yesterday.

The letter states that the purpose of the meeting is to call for the appointment of a Non-Executive Director to sit with the Board of Directors to represent the interests of shareholders.

The letter is signed by Mr Philip Hyde, the Michael Dawe Family Trust, Tom Dobell (on behalf of Sankofa Investment Partners) and Dominic Pemberton (on behalf of Credo Group Holdings).

Meanwhile, billionaire Michael Flacks has told the Belfast Telegraph that he believes Harland and Wolff is slowly dying

Mr Flacks had previously expressed an interest in purchasing the Belfast portion of the company. He also provided his first public response to reporting in German outlet Handelsblatt which raised concerns over how he ran several companies.

Mr Flacks denies all the allegations, and said he has initiated legal proceedings.

A spokesman for Harland & Wolff said: We have had interest from many parties, all of which are commercially sensitive. We will not be in a position to comment on any of them until such a time as Rothschild has completed its review process.
Favourite book

Really a collection of books. I read some years back The Chronicles of Thomas Covenant written by Stephen R Donaldson. A collection of fantasy novels in the same genre as Lord of the Rings, taking the reader on an adventure to another reality. The collection from the first to the last Chronicles was made up of ten books, and I didnt want to put them down. Would have loved to have seen this collection translated to the big screen.

One of BG McCulloughs most-loved songs is Vincent, by Don McLean

Favourite song

I have had so many artists and genres of music influence my songwriting journey over the years, from Simon and Garfunkel, Led Zeppelin, Gordon Lightfoot, Rush, Dire Straits to most recently Passenger, so this is a very difficult one. However, Ive always been attracted to music that tells a good story with plenty of feeling and soul and I believe these are two things that a good story requires to become a great song. With this in mind, Don McLeans (below) influence is up there with the best of them. Its hard to get past Vincent as a favourite; a true classic.

Favourite movie

I was a child of the Seventies. Many would argue the Seventies and Eighties were the best decades for movies. My dad took me to lots of movies in Belfast at the ABC, New Vic and Curzon. Anything from Planet of the Apes (original movies with Charlton Heston and Roddy McDowall) to Ben Hur, Zulu and of course Star Wars. There are many that would expect me to opt for a Star Wars movie and will therefore be very surprised by my choice. A world favourite and mine is Its a Wonderful Life with James Stewart. December 25 just wouldnt be the same without it. Remember, George: no man is a failure who has friends.

BG McCullough's favourite place is Sorrento on the Amalfi coast

Favourite place

I love going to Italy, and the one place that draws me back is Sorrento on the wonderful Amalfi coast. It is just stunning: the scenery, the food and the people. You can just lose yourself in the beauty of the Bay of Naples. Looking over the Bay of Naples at sunset with guitar in hand  very inspirational.

Favourite meal

It wont come as a big surprise that I absolutely love Italian food, and without a shadow of a doubt number one on the menu is my wifes home-cooked lasagna  or, to give it its correct Italian spelling, le lasagne. A very traditional Italian dish thats truly comforting at any time of the year. Buon appetito!

BG McCulloughs debut EP release Journey is out now. To view his music videos, see www.youtube.com/channel/UCs5b0nba-QBGrPdvzmecEfw
You know a band are pretty special when, 45 years on from their first single, they are still selling out venues the world over, recruiting new fans who werent even a thought when their mums and dads donned their first pair of Dr Martens.

In the annals of pop music history, few groups have demonstrated the enduring appeal and cultural resonance of Madness. Yes, many of their members may be grandads now and could easily get by just churning through their plethora of hits  they spent a total of 214 weeks in the UK singles chart from 1980-86  but theres still an energy to keep producing truly great music.

Dont get me wrong, the majority of the sell-out crowd at Belfasts Custom House Square on Friday night came for the classics, and the tempo was set early on as Suggs and co got off to a flyer, belting through One Step Beyond, Embarrassment and The Prince.

Madness singer Suggs

However, it wasnt long before the audience was treated to Cest la Vie and Hour of Need, both culled from their 2023 chart-topping album, Theatre of the Absurd Presents Cest la Vie. They were thankfully met with appreciative applause  a tacit acknowledgment of the band's evolving sound.

While Madness have cultivated a reputation for ebullient anthems, their oeuvre reveals a depth often overlooked by casual listeners. Beneath the ska and reggae-inflected rhythms and catchy hooks lie poignant commentaries on racism, war, and familial discord, demonstrating a social consciousness that adds gravitas to their musical levity.

I digress, though. This was a warm summers night and the temperature was cranked up as the crowd sang along to Wings of a Dove, Lovestruck and Shut Up. Suggs remarked how glad he was to see so many young faces in the crowd, and it was clear that this wasnt a gig just for those of a certain age.

I brought my five-year-old son for his first ever concert and he skanked with joy on my shoulders as hit after hit, including the likes of House of Fun, Baggy Trousers and Our House, ensured that the decibel level crescendoed, the energy palpable and electric.

And just when you thought things couldnt get any better, It Must Be Love filled the air, with a mass sing-a-long that could probably be heard throughout Belfast city centre.

Signing off with Night Boat to Cairo, thousands of fezzes and pork pie hands bopped up and down in unison. Madness is a band that brings people of every age, colour and creed together. Some in society may seek to wallow in the misery of hatred, but the Nutty Boys are a shining example of how music can transcend boundaries, celebrating our shared humanity and joy.
Peaky Blinders creator Steven Knight has said he was invited to meet Snoop Dogg as he said the rapper told him the show reminded him of how he got involved in gang culture.

Knight, 65, said he had found that the programme had a pretty universal reach, as people from Buenos Aires to Eastern Europe could understand its characters were the same as anybody else.

Speaking on BBC Radio 4s Desert Island Discs, Knight said: His (Doggs) manager Ted met me, and we went up to the room and hed built this thing to smoke about a foot long.

Snoop Dogg is said to have told Steven Knight he related to Peaky Blinders (John Walton/PA)

Im drinking beer, Teds drinking gin, and we have this conversation and Snoop was saying that Peaky reminded him of how he got involved in gang culture, and in the south central and Detroit.

But it was really interesting because it told me the story of his life and it was all about family.

It was all about family keeping you in and escaping from family to do the bad stuff and then the family relocating their emotions and loyalties to follow you and then escaping again.

He was such a great bloke, he was so nice to talk to, but it just made me understand that there is something in Peaky, that one has luckily come across, that is pretty universal, I think.

He said he felt the show was relatable as it showed working class people as larger than life rather than viewing them from the perspective of arent they hilarious or isnt it a shame.

Knight added that a lot of Peaky Blinders had come from stories his dad had told him from when he was a child.

The writer added: Most things about working class people are like either, arent they hilarious, or isnt it a shame.

Its not true, I think that misses the whole point, to see working class live from that perspective is so reductive.

I experienced it with my dad when we used to go shoeing horses, like in the gypsy scrap metal yard, people that we would meet were just so larger than life, they were so rebellious.

They were on the other side of the law, but they were but really warm, and great people.

I know that sounds like a contradiction but I wanted to get some of that respect for ones own life into this, that these are people are living big glamorous, dramatic lives, and that the emotions and passions of these people are the same as anybody else.

And try to create what turned out to be fortunately, like a global landscape, where people in Eastern Europe, and people in Buenos Aires, and people in Rio are getting it and feeling the same thing.

Along with Peaky Blinders, Knight is one of the three creators of the Who Wants To Be A Millionaire? game show, and has also written the screenplays for Dirty Pretty Things and The Detectives.

Knight included Bob Dylans I Want You, Nick Cave And The Bad Seeds Red Right Hand, and Birmingham City anthem Keep Right On To The End Of The Road, sung by Harry Lauder, in his record selections.

The episode of Desert Island Discs will air on BBC Radio 4 at 10am, and will also be made available on BBC Sounds.
Inside the Crum: The notorious jail that witnessed audacious escapes in its history

Author James Durney examines how Crumlin Road Gaol provided the backdrop to three major breakouts during the Troubles in his latest book, Jailbreak

Crumlin Road Gaol

James Durley Sat 10 Aug 2024 at 09:00

No building has symbolised Belfasts dark history more than the Crum. Crumlin Gaol, a brooding Victorian structure built in 1846, and designed by renowned architect Sir Charles Lanyon.
Teagan MacAodhagain was ordained in Co Antrims Harbour Faith Church

Inside the glass door of Harbour Faith Community one Sunday morning in May, an historic event in Irish Christianity was taking place.

It can't be us continually deciding whether the door's open or not. We just have to say it's not our door, mused minister Steve Ames a few days later, taking in the significance.
Hospitality is in my DNA: How an NI man ended up managing a top New York hotel

The Gansevoort, one of New Yorks leading five-star hotels, is managed by Derry-born Anton Moore and perfectly captures the Meatpacking Districts trendy atmosphere

Anton Moore, general manager of the Gansevoort

Domhnall O'Donoghue Sun 11 Aug 2024 at 16:00

Overlooking the entrance of the Gansevoort, the Meatpacking Districts leading hotel, is a billboard of Irish actor Nicola Coughlan, beautifully clad in Regency attire and staring into the eyes of her beau from Netflixs smash hit series Bridgerton. However, European audiences know that the actors breakthrough role arrived years earlier in the Bafta-winning comedy Derry Girls.
The chief constable of the PSNI was among those who watched The Apprentice Boys of Derry parade pass off peacefully in the Maiden City.

Over 5,000 members of the loyal order took part one of the biggest parades in Northern Ireland on Saturday.

They were joined by 130 bands which took part in the demonstration that marks the anniversary of the ending of the Siege of Derry in 1689.

Marching began in the morning when participants completed a circuit of Londonderry's historic walls.

Jon Boutcher watched the parade and spoke to officers who were part of a large police presence on the ground.

Apprentice Boys of Derry parade, Saturday August 10.

A thanksgiving service was held at St Columb's Church of Ireland Cathedral following a wreath laying ceremony at the cenotaph in the Diamond.

Huge crowds watched a pageant re-enacting the historic siege before the main parade got underway at lunchtime.

The governor of the Apprentice Boys, Graeme Stenhouse, had stressed the importance of peaceful and respectful event celebration".

"The Apprentice Boys have come on leaps and bounds over the past 25 years and we are going from strength-to-strength and our numbers are continuing to grow," he said.

The story of the Siege of Londonderry and the sacrifices continue to be told by the organisation and we hope it can continue for us to go forward in the future."

Mr Stenhouse also commended the work that goes on behind the scenes to organise two major annual events in August and December.

Apprentice Boys of Derry parade, Saturday August 10.

We are extremely proud of our culture, our history, our tradition and our identity and it's important that is recognised by all communities, he said.

The Relief of Derry parade takes place on the second Saturday in August each year.

It commemorates the ending of the 105-day siege of the city in August 1689 which took place against the background the deposed Catholic King James IIs attempt to regain his crown from his Protestant son-in-law, King William III.

Better known as William of Orange, or King Billy, the new monarch had the support of Protestants in Derry who closed the city gates hold back the advancing Jacobite army.
Immigration in Northern Ireland: How facts and figures show online rhetoric is wrong

Figures show weve lowest amount of asylum support of any region in UK and population that is 96% white

Disorder in the Sandy Row area of Belfast on August 5th 2024 (Photo by Kevin Scott)

Andrew Madden Sat 10 Aug 2024 at 08:20

The immigration debate has been under the spotlight in British and Irish politics for months, and is now spreading to Northern Ireland.
Anti-racism campaigners march in Belfast on Saturday. Picture by Jonathan Porter/PressEye

Anti-racism campaigners march in Belfast on Saturday. Picture by Jonathan Porter/PressEye

Anti-racism campaigners march in Belfast on Saturday. Picture by Jonathan Porter/PressEye

Anti-racism campaigners march in Belfast on Saturday. Picture by Jonathan Porter/PressEye

One of those at the rally holds a banner aloft

Demonstrators take part in a United Against Racism rally in Belfast on Saturday.

Demonstrators take part in a United Against Racism rally in Belfast on Saturday.

Anti-racism campaigners march in Belfast on Saturday. Picture by Jonathan Porter/PressEye

Anti-racism campaigners march in Belfast on Saturday. Picture by Jonathan Porter/PressEye

Anti-racism campaigners march in Belfast on Saturday. Picture by Jonathan Porter/PressEye

A mass anti-racism rally in central Belfast has heard vows that those spreading hate and division in society will not be allowed to win.

Around 15,000 people are attending the event at City Hall this afternoon.

Earlier, crowds joined the Belfast Welcomes Diversity march as it made its way from Writers Square to City Hall.

People carried banners saying Ulster says no to racism.

Anti-racism campaigners march in Belfast on Saturday. Picture by Jonathan Porter/PressEye

Organisers said up to 15,000 people took part in the march. The crowd chanted "Whose streets? Our streets" and "Belfast is anti-racist".

The march was organised by United Against Racism.

Its chair Fiona Doran said: Today was an amazing celebration of all that is good about our diverse city.

Over 160 organisations, and 15,000 people, took part in the march, which attracted people from all over the city and from all backgrounds.

The vast majority here are opposed to the hate of the far-right. These are our streets, and we will not concede them to the racist forces who want to divide us.

Demonstrators take part in a United Against Racism rally in Belfast on Saturday.

The rally at City Hall, where crowds have now gathered, is hearing calls for zero tolerance of hate and division.

Speaking at the rally, People Before Profit MLA Gerry Carroll said: We are here today to say no to racism. We are here today to say no to the poison of fascism. We are here today to say that migrants are welcome, that refugees are not the enemy, and that this city is an anti-fascist city.

The racists will not win. The fascists will not win. They cannot win. Because everywhere they attempt to spread their poison well will be there. We will oppose them. Every step of the way."

Sporadic violence has broken out across Belfast and beyond in recent nights with homes and businesses targeted in racially-motivated attacks.

Last night a petrol bomb was thrown at a mosque in Newtownards in what police are treating as a racially-motivated hate crime. The device failed to ignite but racist graffiti was daubed on the building on Greenwell Street.

Cars were also set alight in Tavanagh Street and Sandhurst Gardens in Belfast.

Meanwhile, the rear door of a restaurant on Ormeau Road was also kicked and racial slurs shouted at workers inside.

There were also violent scenes at an anti-immigration protest in Belfast last Saturday.

Anti-racism campaigners march in Belfast on Saturday. Picture by Jonathan Porter/PressEye

Patrick Corrigan, Amnesty Internationals Northern Ireland director, told todays rally it had been a week of shame.

He said: Minoritised communities are not responsible for the failure of politicians to address poverty and inequality in our society.

Lets be clear. Racist violence didnt start here last Saturday.

It didnt start three weeks ago when eight families were put out of their homes in Antrim.

It didnt start three years ago when the Belfast Multi Cultural Association was burnt out by men in balaclavas.

Racist violence has been a real and present danger here for far too long.

But all too rarely have the racists responsible been held to account. No wonder they feel emboldened.

Racism is a stain on our communities. Paramilitary violence is a scourge on our communities.

This week of shame must be a wake-up call for our politicians and the police. There must be zero tolerance for racism in all its manifestations.

On Friday, about 1,000 people gathered in Belfast for a counter-protest against several hundred anti-immigration demonstrators.

A heavy police presence and barriers were put in place to keep the two groups apart at Belfast City Hall, while Donegall Square North and Wellington Place were closed to traffic for several hours.

The people at the anti-immigration protest were seen holding signs with slogans such as "Shankill Road says no to illegal immigration" and chanting "Send them home".
One couple who had just gotten married at City Hall were pictured smiling as they walked down the street with protests and police in the background

One man has a bit of fun during the rally

Police at City Hall as two protests take place in Belfast (Photo by Kevin Scott)

Two protests take place in Belfast on August 9th 2024 (Photo by Kevin Scott)

An anti-racism 'Unity Over Division' counter-protest in Belfast city centre, one of two protests expected in the area on Friday, the other being a separate far-right protest. PA Photo.

Two parades take place in Belfast on August 9th 2024 (Photo by Kevin Scott)

Counter-protesters far outnumbered anti-immigration demonstrators in Belfast city centre yesterday evening, amid hopes of a turning point following days of disorder and violence.

A significant police operation was in place and barriers were erected to keep the two crowds apart outside City Hall

Around 1,000 pro-immigration protesters had gathered, with the crowd growing since early afternoon. Signs reading slogans such as refugees welcome and this is what community looks like were held aloft.

Two protests take place in Belfast on August 9th 2024 (Photo by Kevin Scott)

About 150 anti-immigration demonstrators stood behind the opposite barriers, with scores of police officers and several PSNI Landrovers keeping the two sides apart.

Posters reading Shankill Rd says no to illegal immigration and protect our children were held by some in the crowd, as well as Union Jack flags.

Over a loudspeaker police announced that face coverings must be removed and failure to do so could result in arrest and prosecution.

Demonstrators in Belfast. Photograph by Declan Roughan / Press Eye

Earlier on Friday Assistant Chief Constable Melanie Jones told a press conference that officers would have available additional powers to stop and search or require the removal of face coverings.

These are existing powers contained in the Public Order (Northern Ireland) Order 1987. Stop and search can be used in anticipation of violence.

Several roads in the area were closed, while more than a dozen city centre businesses shut early or didnt open at all on Friday due to the protests. Translink had advised the public of potential delays and disruption to services.

Amid the demonstrations, one lucky couple who had just gotten married at City Hall were pictured smiling as they walked down the street with the protests and police seen in the background.

A newly married couple cross the road as PSNI officers line the streets. Credit: Mark Marlow/PA Media Assignments/PA Wire

Several arrests were made on Friday in connection with the disorder in recent days, including the first arrest of someone for publishing written material intended to stir up hatred.

So far a total of 26 arrests relating to the disorder have been made and 21 people have been charged.

ACC Jones said on Friday afternoon police would be making more arrests in the coming days.

We are also investigating who is organising and orchestrating this disorder and we will bring those people to justice, she said.

The scenes we have seen across Belfast over the last week have been a disgrace. They have no place in our communities.

Those who are intent on causing disorder or committing offences will be brought to justice.

Anyone contemplating getting involved needs to understand the consequences of their actions. We will use all lawful means and tactics at our disposal to gather evidence and arrest people involved in criminality.

From today our officers may have additional powers to stop and search or require the removal of face coverings. Our officers will have all the appropriate powers and tactics to tackle disorder and criminal behaviour.

PSNI given special powers while Belfast businesses to close early as city gears up for potential disorder

ACC Jones confirmed that 120 officers from Police Scotland would arrive next week to assist the PSNI.

She said: This will give us a vital additional resilience that we need to continue to deal with this effectively.

Assembly speaker Edwin Poots issued a statement condemning the violence seen in recent days.

A man with a Union Jack flag in Belfast city centre

The rioting has been devastating, primarily to the victims, but it has also been immensely harmful to the wider community, he said.

As we approach this weekend, I would urge calm and restraint and for individuals not to get involved in violence of any kind.

Already, a considerable number of people have been charged with offences, which will likely lead to prison sentences.

Very often, faceless people on social media encourage people on to the streets but leave others to take part and carry the consequences. It is clear that everyone loses out of violence.

There is no justification for it and, if anything, it will make attracting investment and securing solutions to other local issues for every part of our community, much more difficult.

Sinn Fein's Gerry Kelly shows his support for migrants

Speaking on Friday, Belfast Chamber president Gavin Annon said it was completely unacceptable that businesses had to close due to the potential for violence in the city.

These businesses are the heartbeat of our city, and the hard-working owners and staff should not have their livelihoods impacted while trying to carry out their jobs, he said.

This is particularly damaging during peak tourism season, projecting a very poor and inaccurate impression of our city.

Belfast Chamber recognises peoples right to protest peacefully, and is continuing to work closely with stakeholders to address challenges such as the lack of housing, but we once again strongly condemn the violence.

Our city and its business community deserve better.

An anti-racism 'Unity Over Division' counter-protest in Belfast city centre, one of two protests expected in the area on Friday, the other being a separate far-right protest. PA Photo.

The roads surrounding City Hall that were closed due to the protests were reopened by 7.30pm as the crowds began to disperse. There were no reports of violence in the city centre.

Last night the King expressed his heartfelt thanks to the emergency services in phone calls with the Prime Minister and police chiefs praising their efforts to restore peace and sharing how he had been greatly encouraged by the many examples of community spirit that had countered the aggression and criminality, a Buckingham Palace spokesman said.
10 officers injured as trouble flares overnight

A 46-year-old man has been charged in connection with rioting in Londonderry which left 10 PSNI officers injured on Saturday night.

Fireworks, petrol bombs and other missiles were used to attack police when sporadic disorder broke out in the Nailors Row area of the city.

The suspect has been charged with disorderly behaviour and will appear before Londonderry Magistrates court on September 4.

It comes after the First and deputy First Minister condemned acts of violence across Northern Ireland over the weekend as disgraceful manifestations of criminality.

Michelle ONeill and Emma-Little Pengelly also condemned the attack on a mosque in Newtownards in the early hours of Saturday. A petrol bomb, which failed to ignite, was thrown at the Bangladesh Islamic Centre and graffiti sprayed on the building.

CCTV: Mosque petrol bombed in Newtownards

Their joint message said: These incidents are wrong, unacceptable and are rejected by the vast majority of our community. They are disgraceful manifestations of criminality and have absolutely no justification.

Our thoughts are with those PSNI officers injured last night and the victims of recent racist attacks.

This senseless violence and intimidation has no place in our society and we would appeal for calm.

"Those responsible should be quickly brought before the courts and we urge anyone with information to provide it to the PSNI.

The Police Federation urged parents in Derry not to let their children get caught up in mindless violence seen on Saturday night.

The Public Order Dog Unit was deployed as part of the response.

Up to 50 young people were behind some of the violent scenes.

Liam Kelly, chair of the Police Federation, said officers absorbed a wave of attacks and followed a methodical approach in how they dealt with the onslaught.

Children should not be taking part in street disturbances, he said.

"Their parents have a responsibility to keep them safe and away from violent disorder. What I have to ask is where were their parents?

"Why werent they taking their children away from the flashpoint where they could have been seriously hurt? What we witnessed on Saturday was parental abdication and that is appalling.

Ten officers were injured in the trouble. They were the focal point of petrol-bombing children and older people and the pawns of faceless criminals who pull the strings from a safe distance.

I appeal to parents to not let their children get caught up in this mindless violence. They have to realise the consequences when they are apprehended and convicted in the courts.

Justice Minister Naomi Long said the disorder was "disgraceful, dangerous and senseless.

The police are there to serve the whole community and keep people safe. It is completely reprehensible that they are facing such attacks as they carry out their duties, she said.

"There is absolutely no place in our community for such disorder and those responsible will be pursued and held accountable in our courts.

It is particularly concerning that, yet again, children and young people are being exploited and abused by being drawn into attacks and rioting, risking their safety and their futures.

I would urge all involved, including those young people who are being manipulated, to seriously consider the impact of their actions on themselves and their community and walk away from any further disorder."

At one stage on Saturday night police appealed to parents to come and bring their children home.

Derry City & Strabane Superintendent William Calderwood said: The scenes we witnessed were disgusting, and I want to commend our officers for their professionalism.

These were difficult conditions for officers from across numerous departments.

To see our officers injured as a result of this violence is appalling. It is completely unacceptable.

Mr Calderwood promised a robust investigation to bring those responsible to justice.

I want to make it clear this violence involved individuals who were intent on attacking police, and who exploited an increased police presence in the city yesterday to do just that.

He added: We know from the work our officers do on a daily basis that last nights disgraceful and senseless violence will have provoked anger in the local community and wider area.

"The public can be reassured you will see our officers on duty today, continuing to work with communities, and working to keep people safe.

Earlier, Ms Little-Pengelly said the scenes of disorder and violence were "disgraceful and unacceptable.

"Violent behaviour, either motivated by racism or in this case by sectarianism and anti-PSNI sentiment, is always wrong, she said on X.

I pay tribute to the PSNI officers and to the 10 injured.

"Those involved must also face the full rigour of the law. We must all stand united in support of the PSNI, and in condemning this senseless violence and sectarianism.

Foyle MP Colum Eastwood said the disorder was disgusting.

He said that "putting children in this position is nothing short of child abuse. Derry, resolutely, opposes this senseless violence."

Sandra Duffy, a Sinn Fein councillor and former mayor of Derry City and Strabane, said a small number of young people were involved in the trouble.

Ongoing petrol bomb attacks on police at Bishop Street are a disgrace and must stop now, she said.

I am also concerned about vulnerable and elderly residents at Alexander House who do not need this activity on their doorstep.

Ms Duffy urged other young people not to get caught up in the violence as it could have a negative impact on their future.

These futile actions are wrong and they are not representative of this city, she said.

"They are in stark contrast to the hugely positive work and positive community events taking place across the Bogside this week.
Up to 500 mourners have attended the funeral service of teenager Jay Slater who touched the lives of so many people.

Family and friends packed into the chapel at Accrington Crematorium to pay their respects to the 19-year-old from Oswaldtwistle, Lancashire, who died while on holiday in Tenerife.

Many others watched in the drizzle outside as the proceedings were relayed on a specially erected big screen.

At the wishes of his family, most wore the colour blue in his memory including his work colleagues from PH Build Group, where he was an apprentice bricklayer, who wore T-shirts with Forever 19 on the front.

Funeral director Sarah Barton officiated at the service and told the congregation: We know that Jay touched the lives of so many people, and on behalf of the family I would like to thank all those who have sent heartfelt messages and cards to them to help them get through this incredibly hard and sad time.

I would also like to thank all those who have helped bring Jay safely back to us, family, friends, the kind offers from people in Tenerife, the police here back home and all of you for coming here today to show your love and care.

A post-mortem examination found the teenager died on June 17 of traumatic head injuries, consistent with a fall from height. His death would have been instantaneous.

Jay Slater was found dead after going missing on holiday in Tenerife in June (Family handout/LBT Global/PA)

Mr Slater 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.

He 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.

The Spanish Civil Guard said Mr Slater could have fallen in the steep and inaccessible area where he was discovered.

Jays mother, Debbie Duncan, father Warren Slater, and elder brother, Zak, listened on as memories of Jays junior footballing exploits at Huncoat United, where he played from aged six to 17, and his days at West End Primary School and Rhyddings High School were shared.

In a tribute read out to the service, Huncoat United manager Stuart Holt said: I met first Jay when he was six-years-old when Debbie brought him to his first football coaching session.

Mourners wore blue to honour the teenagers life (Acacia Redding/PA)

He already looked the part with his baggy kit and his flowing locks. Jay was quiet, shy and, as it turned out, a natural footballer.

I cannot remember a single incident in those 10 seasons where he fell out with a teammate or an opponent. He would just turn up  usually at the last minute because he liked his sleep  and always played with a smile on his face and was just happy with the ball at his feet.

You wouldnt find a team-mate with a bad word to say about Jay. Just respect and affection.

Mrs Barton said Jay made solid and loyal friendships throughout his time at West End Primary and Rhyddings High.

She said: There are simply too many friends to mention. You only need to look inside here and outside to realise the depth of the amount of friends Jay had, whether they be on Snapchat, Insta or whatever.

After leaving school, Jay would secure himself a one-week job trial in the summer with the PH Build Group who then kept him on and changed into a permanent contract.

This led to him starting a three-year apprenticeship at Accrington and Rossendale College, where he would would have been doing his final assessments in July.

Members of a search and rescue team during the hunt for Mr Slater near the village of Masca, Tenerife (James Manning/PA)

At weekends Jay loved to party, she said, adding: He worked hard and played hard. We know he loved his music and dance, with this starting from a very early age.

As soon as he was old enough, Jay enjoyed going to festivals and had been to a fair few in his time  Parklife, Creamfields, Leeds Festival, the Warehouse Project.

Video clips of Jays dance moves were shown at the service, as well as photo tributes.

Mourners were handed cards with a photograph of the teenager and the words Remembering with Love, Jay Dean Slater, Always In Our Hearts, #forever 19.

On the back it said: If there was anyone dancing on the way to the other side it was him.
The school was hit by an Israeli air strike in Gaza City (AP)

Palestinian health authorities say an Israeli air strike hit a school-turned-shelter in Gaza City on Saturday morning, killing more than 60 people.

The health ministrys ambulance and emergency service said the strike on the Tabeen school in central Gaza City also wounded 47 people.

The Israeli military acknowledged the strike, claiming it hit a Hamas command centre within the school.

It did not provide evidence, and Hamas denied having a base at the school.

Dozens were killed in the strike (AP)

It is the latest Israeli strike on a school housing displaced people in Gaza since the Israel-Hamas war started some 10 months ago.

The facility, like almost all of Gaza Strips schools, has been used as a shelter for people who have been forced to flee their homes by the war.

Video from the scene showed walls blown out on the ground level of a large building. Concrete chunks and twisted metal lay on top of the blood-soaked floor, along with clothing, toppled furniture and other debris. A blackened car with the windows blown out was also shown covered in rubble.

The strike hit without warning in the early morning before sunrise as people were praying at a mosque inside the school, according to Abu Anas, a witness who worked to rescue people.

There were people praying, there were people washing and there were people upstairs sleeping, including children, women and old people, he said.

The missile fell on them without warning. The first missile, and the second. We recovered them as body parts.

Tens of thousands of Palestinians have been killed in the conflict (AP)

Mahmoud Bassal, a spokesperson for the Civil Defence first responders who operate under the Hamas-run government, said three missiles ripped through the school and the mosque inside, where about 6,000 displaced people were taking shelter from the war.

Many of the dead were unrecognisable, he said, adding that he expected the death toll to rise. Many of the casualties were women and children, he added.

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Israeli intelligence indicated about 20 militants from Hamas and Islamic Jihad, including senior commanders, were using the Tabeen school compound to plan attacks on Israeli forces, Lt Col Nadav Shoshani, an Israeli military spokesman said on the social media platform X.

Izzat al-Rishq, a top Hamas official, denied there were militants in the school.

Lt Col Shoshani also questioned the casualty numbers issued by the Palestinian health ministry.

Israel said the targeted school was located next to a mosque serving as a shelter for Gaza City residents.

A cameraman working for The Associated Press said, however, said that the mosque and the classrooms were in one building, with the prayer hall on the ground floor and the school above it. A missile appeared to have penetrated through the floor of the classrooms to the mosque below and then exploded, according to the cameraman.

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The strike came as American, Qatari and Egyptian mediators renewed their push for the two parties to achieve a ceasefire agreement that could help calm soaring tensions in the region following the assassination of top Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran and a senior Hezbollah commander in Beirut.

Egypt, which borders Gaza and serves as a key mediator, said the strike on the school showed Israel had no intention of reaching a cease-fire deal and ending the war.

Neighbouring Jordan also condemned the attack, calling it a blatant violation of international law.

The war was triggered by Hamas October 7 attack, in which militants from Gaza stormed into southern Israel, killing around 1,200 people and abducting 250 others.

Israels campaign in Gaza has killed more than 39,600 Palestinians and wounded more than 91,700 others, according to the enclaves health ministry.

More than 1.9 million of Gazas pre-war population of 2.3 million have been driven from their homes, fleeing repeatedly across the territory to escape offensives.

Most are now crowded into ramshackle tent camps in an area of about 50 square kilometres (19 square miles) on the Gaza coast.

According to the United Nations, 477 out of 564 schools in Gaza have been directly hit or damaged in the war as of July 6.

In June, an Israeli strike on a school sheltering displaced Palestinians in central Gaza killed at least 33 people, including 12 women and children, according to local health officials.
Blair put intense pressure on Attorney General to drop case against leading Sinn Fein figure, saying lives were at stake

Documents unearthed by the Belfast Telegraph show that the constitutionally independent Attorney General repeatedly rejected what the PM wanted  but kept coming under pressure

Tony Blair

Sam McBride Sat 10 Aug 2024 at 08:30

Tony Blair put intense pressure on his Attorney General to drop criminal proceedings against a leading Sinn Fein member  but he repeatedly refused to do so, previously secret documents reveal.
A Co Down pervert caught in a so-called paedophile hunter sting has been ordered to sign the sex offenders register.

Daniel Buck Piper-Clark was due to stand trial on two charges at Newry Magistrates Court on Friday, but his lawyer Justin Byrne said his client was pleading guilty to one count.
A teenager has appeared in court accused of punching a police inspector at the Feile an Phobail festival in west Belfast.

The 17-year-old male, who cannot be identified due to his age, is accused of attacking the officer at the event last Thursday night.
This Story in History is selected from the archives by Jeannie Maschino, The Berkshire Eagle.
PITTSFIELD  If the U.S. Secret Service had simply asked, Alicia Powers would have been happy to let its officers use her hair salon  across a parking lot from the back of the Colonial Theatre  as a comfort station the day of Vice President Kamala Harris visit to Pittsfield.

I'm the kind of person that would have set up coffee and doughnuts for them had they asked me for permission, said Powers, the owner of Four One Three Salon at 54 Wendell Ave.

But they didnt ask Powers, or her landlord, she said.

Instead, they taped over a security camera on the back porch, broke into the salon, helped themselves to the bathroom, ate the mints on the counter and left without tidying up the bathroom or locking the back door on the way out.

Powers said the Secret Services Boston office has apologized on behalf of the agency. She also said Pittsfield Police officers up to and including Chief Thomas Dawley have been helpful and supportive of her efforts to get accountability.

The person she spoke with at the Secret Service confirmed that the woman who taped over the Ring camera at about 8:12 a.m. July 27 was with the agency. She also said the agency offered to pay to have the salon cleaned and pay for any damages, and also pay for the business private alarm bill because it was going off for so long.

I was happy with his apology. It's a little bit of accountability. Again, I wasn't looking to do anything, Powers said.

But she was particularly alarmed about the agents leaving the space so vulnerable after they left.

We're a small business. We've all worked incredibly hard to build this business," she said. "This is our livelihood. And it could have been taken from all of my 12 employees in a flash.

A voice mail message left Friday at the Secret Services Boston office seeking comment was not returned by press time Friday. But Secret Service spokesperson Melissa McKenzie told iBerkshires, which first reported the incident, that the agency had reached out.

"We hold these relationships in the highest regard and our personnel would not enter, or instruct our partners to enter, a business without the owner's permission," McKenzie said, according to the report.

While the apology helped, Powers still feels violated, disrespected and a little angry.

When they cleaned up and they left the tape on my camera and they left my back door completely unlocked," she said. "What could have happened in that hour and a half or two hours that you guys left the building unlocked?

A city native, Powers worked at salons across the county before opening Four One Three Salon more than five years ago, in what was formerly a suite of law offices.

The Secret Service first approached Powers on that Tuesday, and conducted a security sweep of the building Thursday. In the meantime, Powers headed to Cape Cod for a previously scheduled vacation.

At 8:12 a.m. Saturday, Powers phone alerted her that there was activity on the salons back porch.

She walked around the porch, walked around the side of the building and then popped back up on the porch, grabbed the chair, hopped up and taped the camera," Powers said of what the footage showed. "It blacked out the camera completely.

Powers drove home from Cape Cod, arriving at 1 p.m., and checked her phone upon arrival. It told her that people started entering the building about 12:42 p.m.

How does she know? Because I have cameras everywhere, she said.

For two hours, people came and left the salon, she said.

From the communication I've heard from the EMS workers, somebody dressed in all black was telling them to come in and use the bathroom all afternoon, she said. She heard a similar story from Berkshire County Sheriffs deputies when she drove to her business at 4 p.m., after the crowd that gathered for a glimpse of Harris had gone home.

Powers reached out to Pittsfield Police and let them know what happened. They confirmed city officers had not used the salons bathroom, then put her in touch with a Secret Service representative in New York.

He was telling me that it couldn't have been them; it's not what they do. They ask for permission, Powers said she was told by the New York Secret Service office. And he kind of ended the conversation with telling me, 'Do you think we need to deal with this right now with what we have going on?' And my response was, Sir, I'm not trying to be rude but I don't deserve to deal with this right now either.

Powers said she normally doesnt seek media attention. This isn't OK, she said, however. I'm a very private person. I usually don't put myself out there like that.  I just wanted some kind of accountability.
China protests over Japan's recent detainment of Taiwan's fishing boats: FM spokesperson

Xinhua) 10:13, August 10, 2024

BEIJING, Aug. 9 (Xinhua) -- China has lodged solemn representations with Japan, asking it to immediately correct the wrongdoing of detaining Taiwan's fishing vessels, a Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson said on Friday.

The spokesperson made the remarks when asked to comment on the report that recently Taiwan's "Fu Yang 266" fishing boat and "Fu Shen" fishing boat were detained by Japanese official vessels for violating fishing regulations, and then released after paying the fines.

The spokesperson said that the Chinese government attaches great importance to safeguarding the lawful interests of Chinese fishermen, including those from the Taiwan region. According to the China-Japan Fisheries Agreement, Japan has no right to take enforcement measures against Chinese fishing vessels in relevant waters.

China has protested over this, asking the Japanese side to immediately correct the wrongdoing, and take effective measures to prevent similar incidents from happening again, the spokesperson said.

(Web editor: Cai Hairuo, Sheng Chuyi)
Saturday's front pages focus on a range of stories from tax cuts and lump sum payments being earmarked for the Budget to students being warned about rental scams.

The Irish Times reports taxpayers are in line for significant income tax and USC cuts as part of Budget 2025, while social welfare increases of at least 12 per week are now also on the table.

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The Irish Examiner reports cancer patients are being given false hope and putting themselves in danger due to Google search and review results that allow alternative cancer clinics to draw people in, according to a review in the journal Nature.

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The Echo are warning students who are looking for accomodation in Dublin and Cork to be wary of rental scams.

Saturday's front page pic.twitter.com/KGZxaq59kI  The Irish Daily Mail (@irishdailymail) August 9, 2024 Advertisement

Morning readers, here's a look at your weekend Belfast Telegraph. Stay with us throughout the day for all your breaking news.  Today's front page story https://t.co/a12VdUV53R pic.twitter.com/pHEx0AJbHP  Belfast Telegraph (@BelTel) August 10, 2024 Advertisement

In the UK, the King has praised Britains community spirit in the wake of rioting, which has dominated headlines this Saturday.

The Daily Express and The Times lead on Charless praise for the British public in response to community unrest.

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EXPRESS: King calls for unity in wake of riots #TomorrowsPapersToday pic.twitter.com/bKVYhcDuKu  Neil Henderson (@hendopolis) August 9, 2024

The Daily Telegraph leads on the King calling for further unity.

TELEGRAPH: King calls for unity in the wake of riots #TomorrowsPapersToday pic.twitter.com/fUbFwNOI5F  Neil Henderson (@hendopolis) August 9, 2024

The Daily Mail and the Daily Mirror both report on the BBC demanding Huw Edwards hand back 200,000 worth of pay.

DAILY MAIL: BBC tells villain Huw: hand back 200,000 of pay #TomorrowsPapersToday pic.twitter.com/ncpV9wypWg  Neil Henderson (@hendopolis) August 9, 2024

The i Weekend splashes on Chancellor Rachel Reeves, who is considering a fuel duty hike in the next budget.

I: Reeves eyes fuel duty hike in budget - but voters are opposed #TomorrowsPapersToday pic.twitter.com/yMhKxCb5aq  Neil Henderson (@hendopolis) August 9, 2024

The Financial Times leads on the sale of British financial services company Hargreaves Lansdown in a 5.4 billion takeover by private equity suitors that will give hundreds of millions of pounds to its billionaire founder.

The Guardian writes that vice-chancellors of British universities fear weaker educational institutions will need bailouts to avert financial failure thanks to fewer students and higher costs.

GUARDIAN: Universities face tipping point as money runs out #TomorrowsPapersToday pic.twitter.com/cMPVwDBbQj  Neil Henderson (@hendopolis) August 9, 2024

The Daily Star splashes on Brits who are stealing more stationary from their employers as the cost-of-living crisis impacts their hip pockets.
Donald Trump has travelled to Montana for a rally intended to drum up support for ousting the states Democratic senator  but the former presidents plane first had to divert to an airport on the other side of the Rocky Mountains because of a mechanical issue, according to airport staff.

Mr Trumps aircraft was heading to Bozeman, Montana, when it was diverted on Friday afternoon to Billings, 142 miles to the east, according to Jenny Mockel, administrative assistant at Billings Logan International Airport.

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Mr Trump continued to Bozeman via private jet.



Montana Senate candidate Tim Sheehy also addressed the rally (AP)

The former president came to Montana hoping to remedy some unfinished business from 2018, when he campaigned repeatedly in Big Sky Country in a failed bid to oust incumbent Democratic senator Jon Tester.

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On Friday, Mr Trump ripped into the three-term senator, mocking him for being overweight and for insinuating he sometimes sided with the former president.

He voted to impeach me  that guy voted to impeach me, Mr Trump said of Mr Tester, whom he called a slob with the biggest stomach Ive ever seen.

Mr Trump also invited to the stage Texas representative Ronny Jackson, his former White House physician, to further slam Montanas senior senator.



Mr Trump and Kamala Harris will vie for the presidency in the autumn (AP)

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Mr Tester sank Mr Jacksons nomination to be Trumps Veterans Affairs secretary, alleging the doctor drank and used prescription drugs while on duty.

The senator has tried to convince voters hes aligned with Mr Trump on many issues, mirroring his successful strategy from six years ago. While that worked in a non-presidential election year, it faces a more critical test this autumn with Mr Testers opponent, former Navy SEAL Tim Sheehy, trying to link the three-term incumbent to Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris.

Mr Trump kicked off his rally about 90 minutes behind schedule and immediately began attacking Mr Tester.

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Mr Trump is on the campaign trail as he seeks to move back into the White House (AP)

We are going to defeat radical left Democrat Jon Tester, hes terrible, Mr Trump said. Were going to evict crazy Kamala, he continued.

Ms Harris has benefited nationally from a burst of enthusiasm among core Democratic constituencies, who coalesced quickly around her after President Joe Biden withdrew from the campaign last month.

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She has drawn big crowds in swing states, touring this week with Minnesota governor Tim Walz, her choice to be her vice presidential nominee.

Mr Trumps only rally this week, meanwhile, was in a state he won by 16 percentage points four years ago rather than a November battleground.





Yesterday, we got a fresh reminder that Donald Trumps Project 2025 agenda would ban medication abortion in every state.



We are not going to let that happen, because we trust women. pic.twitter.com/olDTwspUZT  Kamala Harris (@KamalaHarris) August 10, 2024

Facing new pressure in the race from a candidate with surging enthusiasm, Mr Trump called questions about his lack of swing state stops stupid.

I dont have to go there because Im leading those states, he said on Thursday.

Im going because I want to help senators and congressmen get elected.

He will make fundraising visits in Wyoming and Colorado.
Palestinian health authorities say an Israeli air strike hit a school-turned-shelter in Gaza City on Saturday morning, killing more than 60 people.

The health ministrys ambulance and emergency service said the strike on the Tabeen school in central Gaza City also wounded 47 people.

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The Israeli military acknowledged the strike, claiming it hit a Hamas command centre within the school.

It did not provide evidence, and Hamas denied having a base at the school.



Dozens were killed in the strike (AP)

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It is the latest Israeli strike on a school housing displaced people in Gaza since the Israel-Hamas war started some 10 months ago.

The facility, like almost all of Gaza Strips schools, has been used as a shelter for people who have been forced to flee their homes by the war.

Video from the scene showed walls blown out on the ground level of a large building. Concrete chunks and twisted metal lay on top of the blood-soaked floor, along with clothing, toppled furniture and other debris. A blackened car with the windows blown out was also shown covered in rubble.

The strike hit without warning in the early morning before sunrise as people were praying at a mosque inside the school, according to Abu Anas, a witness who worked to rescue people.

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There were people praying, there were people washing and there were people upstairs sleeping, including children, women and old people, he said.

The missile fell on them without warning. The first missile, and the second. We recovered them as body parts.



Tens of thousands of Palestinians have been killed in the conflict (AP)

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Mahmoud Bassal, a spokesperson for the Civil Defence first responders who operate under the Hamas-run government, said three missiles ripped through the school and the mosque inside, where about 6,000 displaced people were taking shelter from the war.

Many of the dead were unrecognisable, he said, adding that he expected the death toll to rise. Many of the casualties were women and children, he added.





Displacement continues for thousands of families across #Gaza. Yesterday, following evacuation orders in the Khan Younis area, an estimated 60,000 - 70,000 people have been forced to flee towards Mawasi.



People in Gaza are exhausted, and they have nowhere to go. #CeasefireNow pic.twitter.com/rCbL2eAf95 Advertisement  UNRWA (@UNRWA) August 9, 2024

Israeli intelligence indicated about 20 militants from Hamas and Islamic Jihad, including senior commanders, were using the Tabeen school compound to plan attacks on Israeli forces, Lt Col Nadav Shoshani, an Israeli military spokesman said on the social media platform X.

Izzat al-Rishq, a top Hamas official, denied there were militants in the school.

Lt Col Shoshani also questioned the casualty numbers issued by the Palestinian health ministry.

Israel said the targeted school was located next to a mosque serving as a shelter for Gaza City residents.

A cameraman working for The Associated Press said, however, said that the mosque and the classrooms were in one building, with the prayer hall on the ground floor and the school above it. A missile appeared to have penetrated through the floor of the classrooms to the mosque below and then exploded, according to the cameraman.





Based on Israeli intelligence, approx. 20 Hamas and Islamic Jihad militants, including senior commanders, were operating from the compound struck at the Al-Tabaeen school, using it to carry out terrorist attacks.

The compound, and the mosque that was struck within it, served as  LTC Nadav Shoshani (@LTC_Shoshani) August 10, 2024

The strike came as American, Qatari and Egyptian mediators renewed their push for the two parties to achieve a ceasefire agreement that could help calm soaring tensions in the region following the assassination of top Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran and a senior Hezbollah commander in Beirut.

Egypt, which borders Gaza and serves as a key mediator, said the strike on the school showed Israel had no intention of reaching a cease-fire deal and ending the war.

Neighbouring Jordan also condemned the attack, calling it a blatant violation of international law.

The war was triggered by Hamas October 7 attack, in which militants from Gaza stormed into southern Israel, killing around 1,200 people and abducting 250 others.

Israels campaign in Gaza has killed more than 39,600 Palestinians and wounded more than 91,700 others, according to the enclaves health ministry.

More than 1.9 million of Gazas pre-war population of 2.3 million have been driven from their homes, fleeing repeatedly across the territory to escape offensives.

Most are now crowded into ramshackle tent camps in an area of about 50 square kilometres (19 square miles) on the Gaza coast.

According to the United Nations, 477 out of 564 schools in Gaza have been directly hit or damaged in the war as of July 6.

In June, an Israeli strike on a school sheltering displaced Palestinians in central Gaza killed at least 33 people, including 12 women and children, according to local health officials.
The Philippine military chief has condemned what he said was the provocative actions of two Chinese air force aircraft that executed a dangerous manoeuvre and dropped flares in the path of a Philippine air force plane on routine patrol in the South China Sea.

All those aboard the Philippine air force NC-212i light transport plane were unharmed and returned safely to Clark Air Base, to the north of Manila, after Thursday mornings incident over the Scarborough Shoal, General Romeo Brawner said, without providing other details.

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Water cannons have been fired on opposing ships in the area (AP Photo/Aaron Favila, File)

A top Philippine security official told The Associated Press that the Chinese jets flew at a very close distance to the Philippine air force turbo-prop plane and put the lives of our pilots in real risk and danger.

Another security officer said at least eight flares came from the Chinese fighter jets.

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The Southern Theatre Command of the Chinese Peoples Liberation Army said in a statement Saturday that a Philippine Air Force aircraft had illegally entered the airspace above Huangyan Island  the Chinese name for Scarborough Shoal, which China claims  on Thursday and disrupted its training activities.

The command sent jets and ships to identify, track and drive away the Philippine aircraft, the statement added.

The on-site operation was professional, standardised, legitimate and justified, it said, adding that forces remained on high alert and ready to defend Chinas national sovereignty and security.

The command has warned the Philippines to stop its infringement, provocation, distortion and hyping-up, the statement added.

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The Philippines General Brawner said in a statement that the incident posed a threat to Philippine air force aircraft and its crew, interfered with lawful flight operations in airspace within Philippine sovereignty and jurisdiction and contravened international law and regulations governing safety of aviation.





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He said the incident has been reported to Manilas Department of Foreign Affairs, which has filed numerous diplomatic protests against Chinas increasingly aggressive actions in the disputed waters.

General Brawner suggested the incident would not stop the Philippines from undertaking such patrols in the contested region.

We reaffirm our commitment to exercise our rights in accordance with international law, he said.

Aside from China and the Philippines, Brunei, Malaysia, Vietnam and Thailand have overlapping territorial claims in the busy sea passage, a key global trade and security route, but hostilities have particularly flared since last year between Chinese and Philippine coast guard and navy forces in the Scarborough Shoal and another hotly disputed atoll, the Second Thomas Shoal.

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The US military has reported encountering such dangerous manoeuvres by Chinese air force planes in the past over the disputed waters, where it has deployed fighter jets and navy ships to promote freedom of navigation and overflight.

China has bristled at US military deployments in the disputed region, saying these have endangered regional security.

Washington has repeatedly warned that it is obligated to defend the Philippines, its oldest treaty ally in Asia, if Filipino forces, ships and aircraft come under an armed attack, including in the South China Sea.
A passenger plane has crashed into a gated residential community in Brazils Sao Paulo state, killing all 61 people aboard and leaving a smouldering wreck, officials and the airline said.

Officials gave no immediate word on any casualties on the ground at the site of the crash in the city of Vinhedo, about 80 kilometres (50 miles) north west of Sao Paulo, but witnesses at the scene said there were no victims among residents of the neighbourhood.

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The airline Voepass said the ATR 72-500 twin-engine turboprop was heading to Sao Paulos international airport Guarulhos with 57 passengers and four crew members aboard when it crashed in Vinhedo.



Fire coming from a plane that crashed by a home in Vinhedo, Sao Paulo state, Brazil (Felipe Magalhaes Filho via AP)

A prior statement had said there were 58 passengers.

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The company regrets to inform that all 61 people on board flight 2283 died at the site, Voepass said in a statement.

At this time, Voepass is prioritising provision of unrestricted assistance to the victims families and effectively collaborating with authorities to determine the causes of the accident.

At an event in southern Brazil, President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva asked the crowd to stand and observe a minute of silence as he shared the news.

The states firefighters, military police and civil defence authority dispatched teams to the location.

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Sao Paulos public security secretary Guilherme Derrite spoke to reporters and confirmed that no survivors were found.

He also said the planes black box was found, apparently intact.

I thought it was going to fall in our yard, a resident and witness who gave her name only as Ana Lucia told reporters near the crash site.



Police vehicles arrive at the gated community where a plane crashed in Vinhedo, Sao Paulo state, Brazil (Andre Penner/AP)

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It was scary, but thank God there were no victims among the locals. It seems that the 62 people inside the plane were the real victims, though.

Video obtained by The Associated Press (AP) from a bystander and verified shows at least two bodies strewn about flaming pieces of wreckage.

Brazilian television network GloboNews showed aerial footage of an area with smoke coming out of an obliterated plane fuselage.

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Additional footage on GloboNews earlier showed the plane drifting downward in a flat spin.

Flightradar24 said data sent from the plane indicated it was diving at 8,000 to 24,000ft per minute in the last 60 seconds of the flight.

The Brazilian air forces centre for the investigation and prevention of air accidents said in a statement that pilots did not respond to calls from air traffic control in Sao Paulo, nor did they call for help or say they were operating under adverse weather conditions.

In a separate statement, Brazils Federal Police said it had already begun its investigation, and is dispatching specialists in plane crashes and the identification of disaster victims to help.

Voepass staff at the Guarulhos airport told the AP that the company is notifying victims family members and supporting them at a private room in the airport.



Police guard the gated community where a plane crashed in Vinhedo, Sao Paulo state, Brazil (Andre Penner/AP)

That planes manufacturer, French-Italian ATR, said in a statement that it had been informed that the accident involved the ATR 72-500, and said company specialists are fully engaged to support both the investigation and the customer.

The ATR 72 is generally used on shorter flights.

The planes are built by a joint venture of Airbus in France and Italys Leonardo S.p.A.

Crashes involving various models of the ATR 72 have resulted in 470 deaths going back to the 1990s, according to a database of the Aviation Safety Network.

The Yeti Airlines crash that killed 72 in Nepal in January 2023 was an ATR 72-500.

The cause was human error, an accidental positioning of both propellers in the feathered position.

The Capela neighbourhood where the plane crashed on Friday sits in a district far from the centre of the prosperous city that is home to 77,000 residents.

It had departed from Cascavel, in the state of Parana.
Moscow has announced a counter-terrorism operation to increase security in the border region where an incursion this week by Ukrainian forces caught Russian troops off-guard and exposed military vulnerabilities.

The Russian defence ministry said fighting was continuing in the Kursk region and that the army has conducted air strikes against Ukrainian forces, including using a thermobaric bomb that both causes a blast wave and creates a vacuum that suffocates its targets.

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The measures announced for Kursk and for the neighbouring Belgorod and Bryansk regions that border Ukraine allow the government to relocate residents, control phone communications and requisition vehicles.

The raid that began on Tuesday is the largest cross-border foray of the war and raises concerns about fighting spreading well beyond Ukraine.



The attack caught some Russian forces off-guard (Russian defence ministry via AP)

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In neighbouring Belarus, where Russian troops are deployed but which has not sent its own army into Ukraine, President Alexander Lukashenko said air defences had shot down unspecified objects launched from Ukraine that were flying over Belarusian territory.

I do not understand why Ukraine needs this. We need to figure it out. As I said before, we made it clear to them that any provocations will not go unanswered, Mr Lukashenko said, according to state news agency Belta.

Belarusian defence minister Viktor Khrenin later identified the objects as drones and said that Mr Lukashenko has ordered troop reinforcements sent to border areas.

A Russian plane-launched missile slammed into a Ukrainian shopping mall on Friday, killing at least 14 people and injuring 44 others, authorities said.

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The mall in Kostiantynivka, in the eastern Donetsk region, is located in the towns residential area.

Thick black smoke rose above it after the strike.

Donetsk regional head Vadym Filashkin said in a Telegram post: This is another targeted attack on a crowded place, another act of terror by the Russians.

It was the second major strike on the town in almost a year. Last September, a Russian missile hit an outdoor market there, killing 17.

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July saw the heaviest civilian casualties in Ukraine since October 2022, the UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine said Friday. Conflict-related violence killed at least 219 civilians and injured 1,018 over the month, the mission said.





I am grateful to those who maintain normal living conditions for usfor everyone in Ukraineno matter what happens. This is one of the fundamental characteristics of true statehood: the presence of a system and people whose job is to save. Across the entire country.



I thank pic.twitter.com/0W5HrdihYB  Volodymyr Zelenskyy /   (@ZelenskyyUa) August 10, 2024 Advertisement

Russias defence ministry said reinforcements are being sent to Kursk to counter Ukraines raid, with Russia deploying multiple rocket launchers, towed artillery guns, tanks transported on trailers and heavy tracked vehicles.

The ministry reported fighting in the outskirts of Sudzha, about six miles from the border. The town has an important pipeline transit hub for Russian natural gas exports to Europe.

A Russian Emergencies Ministry spokesman said on Saturday that about 76,000 residents of the area have been evacuated.

There has been little reliable information on the daring Ukrainian operation and its strategic aims are unclear.

Ukrainian officials have refused to comment on the incursion, which is taking place about 500 320 miles south-west of Moscow.

Asked about Ukraines incursion, White House national security spokesman John Kirby said the United States was in touch with our Ukrainian counterparts but that he would not comment until those conversations are complete.

Theres been no changes in our policy approaches, Mr Kirby said, when asked about US policy on use of weapons.

Theyre using it in an area where we had said before that they could use US weapons for cross-border strikes. The end goal here is to help Ukraine defend itself.
The return of workers to the office will add more vibrancy to Sydneys Parramatta leading into the warmer months, says local bar manager Casie Phan, after NSW Premier Chris Minns this week directed public servants back to work sites.

There hasnt been a significant change as yet, but we look forward to welcoming back workers, as more people about adds to the vibe of the community, said Phan, who runs the Ruse Bar and Brasserie.

Our business is also seasonal, so as summer approaches, we are excited about serving more customers.

Ruse Bar manager Casie Phan is happy that public servants are starting to come back work in Parramatta. Credit: Edwina Pickles

Minns on Tuesday issued a directive requiring all non-frontline public servants to work principally from an approved office, workplace or related work site. Most public servants will be expected to return to office-based work at least three days a week.
There are two phases for superannuation  the accumulation phase and the retirement phase. The accumulation phase is the phase we are all familiar with, where we contribute to superannuation. We can pay just 15 per cent tax on concessional contributions of up to $30,000 per year, which is usually a very tax-effective way of getting money in, on top of the 11.5 per cent of our salary were obliged to contribute every year. Those funds are then invested with the goal of driving compound investment returns for our future. Once your money is in super, it is very tax effective, as you only pay 15 per cent tax on income it generates, so it multiplies untouched for decades. Most people dont understand their superannuation very well, so the government has set up standardised ways that funds invest that are called My Super accounts, and they publicly benchmark how those are performing from fund to fund. You simply go to the YourSuper Comparison Tool on the ATO website and select your fund and compare it with others to see.

Then theres the retirement phase  the phase when you start drawing down on your superannuation using a combination of three different options. You can draw an income stream, called an account-based pension; purchase a guaranteed income stream, called a lifetime or term annuity, or you can simply draw out lump sums. The government benchmarks superannuation funds in the accumulation phase. However, there is no public benchmarking in the retirement phase. You can transfer up to $1.9 million into the retirement phase of superannuation in your lifetime, a limit which is known as the transfer balance cap. The rest gets held in accumulation and you pay higher tax. Once you enter the retirement phase, your money is invested completely tax-free. That is, theres no income tax and no capital gains tax on the money you hold in your retirement-phase account.

Theres one catch, and that is that you have to draw down a minimum amount each year, depending on your age, starting at 4 per cent of the balance from age 60 to 74 and increasing from there. It is designed to encourage you to spend your money on your retirement cost of living while youre alive, rather than hoard it for your bequests. Loading Theres only 1.3 million people who have elected to open a retirement-phase superannuation account today in Australia, despite nearly 5 million people calling themselves retired, possibly because many people just dont understand they can. The government offers public benchmarking for superannuation funds in the accumulation phase. However, there is no public benchmarking in the retirement phase. People cant access government-supplied data to check whether their fund is performing, outperforming or underperforming - something that frankly becomes frustrating as you work out how to best position your super. Its important to know that retirement-phase funds almost always outperform accumulation-phase funds simply because of the tax status of the members. That is, the fund doesnt have to pay income tax or capital gains tax for their retirement-phase members, so that money flows back into the funds performance metrics.

So, as you look at the performance metrics of the retirement-phase funds today, I want you to consider two things. How your fund has performed over the last 12 months - so you can see their short-term success, which is good to recognise - and, more importantly, how that fund has performed over the long term. We have to remember that superannuation is a long-term investment, and that we should not be moving funds around every year or two, but choosing a fund that knows how to get results over the long term. All the numbers here are provided net of investment fees, so you see the returns flowing back to you after those fees, regardless of whether the fees are large or small. The fee that bites you is really the administration fees, which most funds try to keep pretty low these days. According to industry analysts Chant West, the number one-performing growth fund for the year was CFS FirstChoice Growth Fund, with 12 per cent return over one year, closely followed by Brighter Supers Balanced Fund with 11.9 per cent return and Russell Investments Balanced Growth Fund with 11.7 per cent return.

The best-performing balanced fund was CFS FirstChoice Moderate Fund, with 10.1 per cent return, followed by Russell Investments Diversified Fund with 9.9 per cent and Brighter Supers Conservative Balanced at 9.8 per cent returns. Loading For me, one-year performance is not whats important. Sure, its fun to celebrate, but its the funds that can stick it over the long term, through good markets and bad, and come out with powerful long-term returns that really are doing the important work. The top-performing growth funds in the retirement phase over 10 years are Commonwealth Super Funds (CSC) Aggressive, with 9.6 per cent return, Hostplus Balanced Fund with 9.3 per cent return and Australian Retirement Trusts (ART) Super Savings Balanced Fund with 8.9 per cent return. The top-performing balanced funds in the retirement phase over 10 years are Vision Supers Balanced fund with 7.2 per cent return, AustralianSupers Conservative Balanced Fund with 7.1 per cent return and ARTs Super Savings Retirement Fund with 7.0 per cent return.
She said commercial stakeholders  in an industry estimated globally to be worth $600 billion  had infiltrated the Senate inquiry in an attempt to shape government policy. Loading I want to add to the calls of my colleagues this morning and urge the committee to consider the influence of commercial and vested interests in menopause generally, and this inquiry specifically, White told committee members. The number of commercial players in menopause is increasing incredibly rapidly, with many seeking to shape norms, knowledge, practices, investments and policies in ways that have the potential to damage individuals and public health. White said while there is no doubt some women are terribly affected by menopause, Jean Hailes data showed more young women are affected by heavy periods and pelvic pain than older women are by menopause.

One statistic repeated in submissions to the Senate committee and during its hearings around the country is that women retire 7 years earlier than men, which it is implied is largely due to unaddressed menopause. Grace Molloy, chief executive of the menopause workplace accreditation agency Menopause Friendly Australia, is just one of many who quoted it, telling the inquiry Australian women leave work 7.4 years earlier than men. But the latest Australian Bureau of Statistics data states that the retirement gender gap is half that at 3.7 years, with men retiring at 66.9 years and women at 63.2. Molloy told the Sydney hearing that most of us will be grappling with menopause at work and three in four of us will be experiencing problematic menopause symptoms.

But representative data collected by Professor Susan Davis and Monash Universitys Womens Health Research Program found 83 per cent of perimenopausal women and 60 to 70 per cent of postmenopausal women in Australia do not experience moderately to severely bothersome symptoms. For many women, the menopause is a relief from menstrual symptoms and concern about contraception, Davis noted. Professor Susan Davis of Monash University says the impact of menopause on womens work capacity and performance is being exaggerated by influencers and other stakeholders. Credit: Penny Stephens Available data has shown that the majority of women in employment at midlife, 80 per cent, rate their work ability as good to excellent; only 3 per cent to 6.5 per cent rate their work ability as poor. At the Melbourne hearing, Davis warned bastardisation of her data had appeared in at least one submission, altering the published statistic that 3.3 per cent of women said they have poor work ability to saying that 30 per cent of women cant work well because of menopause.

Her research, conducted over decades, suggests a cluster of societal factors impacting women around the age of perimenopause (when hormones start fluctuating) and menopause (when periods stop) are putting pressure on women, while menopause is being blamed for the effects of this midlife collision. Placing major emphasis on menopause may be distracting from the core issues for midlife women in employment: less career progression than male counterparts due to time out for children, job dissatisfaction etc, combining childcare/family caring and trying to perform well at work, shift work, financial stress/insecurity, poor general health, Davis submitted. Menopause occurs at an age for women where work, personal health and carer responsibilities collide. It is not all about the biology of menopause. Calls for menopause leave to be managed into womens employment agreements had not been supported by working women consulted for 2017 research by Melbourne University Professor Martha Hickey, chair of obstetrics and gynaecology at the Royal Womens Hospital, Davis said.

Hickey says the best available data, found in Jean Hailes annual Womens Health study, does not show women are quitting due to menopause. We have also done a big study among health workers, mostly women, and similarly, they felt their work productivity was good, Hickey said. They specifically said they didnt want to be singled out as a problem group. That data that 900,000 women left the workforce in the UK is a piece of junk. That is unvalidated, messed up, marketing corporate-speak. Professor Susan Davis at the Senate inquiry into issues related to perimenopause and menopause Eye-grabbing social media posts by commercial providers about sweeping consequences of menopause are about money primarily; its an opportunity to make money out of women, she said. People dont know how to discriminate what is real from what is fake information. Asked at the hearing what senators should look out for, Susan Davis highlighted catastrophising of menopause and labelled much of the statistical information being presented to them as rubbish.

Davis called out inaccurate statements about depression and menopause, saying the biggest predictor of depression during menopause is depression before the transition. In this country, 30 per cent of women aged 18 to 39 have moderate to severe depression, and that drops to 15 per cent at menopause, she said. We need not catastrophise it, and we need not to jump into workplace policies that have people certifying workplaces for menopause when we dont even know what that means; we dont even know what women want. In the UK, scaled-up survey figures quoted in the media suggest that 1 million women there have already left jobs because they dont get menopause support. That data that 900,000 women left the workforce in the UK is a piece of junk, says Davis. That is unvalidated, messed up, marketing corporate-speak based on a survey of a thousand women who took time off work because of infertility, pregnancy and menstrual problems.

While there are women who say they feel like they have to leave the workforce, and that menopause is breaking up their marriages and having a detrimental impact on their lives, I implore you to look at the quality data  not the voices that are yelling the loudest, she says. Loading Director of the Australian Centre for Gender Equality and Inclusion at Work, Sydney University workplace professor Elizabeth Hill, shares Davis and Whites concerns that some of the claims being made at the inquiry could do harm to midlife working women. The co-convenor of the Australian Work and Family Policy Roundtable and the Body@Work research project, Hill said the massive global conversation around menstrual policies, menopause and fertility adjustments, and supports in the workplace is splitting feminists. Some are very enthusiastic about enhancing gender equality at work via recognition of the female body, others say it brings great risks.

Those who are deeply disturbed by this move argue it can lead to biological essentialism, and positions women as a problem in the workplace, and any measures to manage womens bodies and care responsibilities could become a disincentive to employ women workers, Hill said. Loading The suggestion that women are inherently predisposed to leaving work or retiring early due to menopause poses significant risk to womens retirement security and womens retention at work. The point being, we dont know, she said. A plus, however, of the focus on menopause is de-stigmatising and normalising topics that were once taboo, and making helpful changes such as introducing more flexible work and temperature management in workplaces. There is emerging research evidence that does show menopause can be a source of gendered disadvantage at work, [for] lack of workplace supports and accommodations  because of the intersection of sex and age, Hill said.

It might affect participation and retention, but there is no statistically representative studies as far as we are aware. She echoed that the womens health community is becoming increasingly concerned about commercialisation and monetisation of menopause responses when not everyone experiences severe symptoms. Women with chronic symptoms are faced with risks to their economic security, so the discussion needs to be nuanced and data-informed. The research evidence we have to date does not indicate a crisis. Workforce data shows womens participation rate has been on a steep rise since the 1990s, and women aged 50 to 59 are the fastest growing sector, so the argument women who reach the age of menopause are dropping out of the labor market in large numbers is not reflected in the data.
The Allan government is being advised on its industrial relations strategy by a senior manager of a major construction firm who is in a relationship with a high ranking CFMEU official being investigated by police for alleged corruption.

Six construction industry and union sources, who mostly spoke on the condition of anonymity, citing fear of repercussions, have raised concerns about the potential for conflicts of interest to arise from the relationship between the construction manager of big builder Multiplex, Amy Pitchford, and embattled construction union assistant secretary Derek Christopher.

Pitchfords influence on the states construction sector extends beyond her senior role at Multiplex to her role on the Victorian governments Building Industry Consultative Council, which offers high-level advice to Industrial Relations Minister Tim Pallas on key issues in the construction industry.

While there is no suggestion Pitchford has ever acted improperly, Victoria Police has since 2017 been investigating allegations Christoper corruptly received benefits worth an estimated $200,000 from big building companies, including Multiplex, in return for union favours. The benefits allegedly included free labour and materials used to renovate Christophers suburban home.

Christopher has not been charged but is the subject of a police investigation. There is no suggestion from this masthead he is guilty of an offence, a finding that can only be made by a court.
Former Australian Federal Police commissioner Mick Keelty has given up his Order of Australia, almost four years after this masthead revealed he passed on confidential information obtained by police to disgraced war hero Ben Roberts-Smith.

Notification of Keelty giving up his Order was published in December 2023 in the Commonwealth Gazette, after the former commissioner received his award in 2011. His return of the award has only come to light now, after a report by Guardian Australia.

Ben Roberts-Smith (main) and former AFP commissioner Mick Keelty. Credit: Andrew Meares, Alex Ellinghausen

Keelty joined the Australian Capital Territory Police in 1974. In 1995, he became an assistant commissioner of the AFP and deputy commissioner in 1998. He was appointed commissioner in 2001 and retired in 2009 after 35 years in the police force.

An investigation by this masthead revealed Keelty passed on the secret information to Roberts-Smith just days after the AFP had launched what was supposed to be covert inquiries into the Afghan veteran and Victoria Cross recipient in early June 2018.
Arnold Dix, the Victorian polymath who rose to prominence when he helped rescue 41 Indian workers from a collapsed Himalayan tunnel, considers himself an environmentalist.

His home in Melbournes Dandenong Ranges is powered by solar and batteries, he protested the damming of the Franklin River and even lays claim to being the first person in Australia to own a hybrid Toyota Prius.

Arnold Dix (left) travelled to India to spearhead a successful rescue of 41 workers in the Himalayas.

At university, he was involved in the anti-nuclear movement and did post-graduate research on the impact of uranium mining in the NTs Kakadu National Park. He said he once campaigned against thorium-containing gas lantern mantles due to the unknown risk of radiation exposure.

Growing up in the 1970s, we were taught, and I was taught this particular narrative about how horrible nuclear was, and it seemed really horrible, he said.
The Chinese company had previously only offered all-electric vehicles in Australia, including the Dolphin and Seal, but the Sealion 6  and a coming ute, the Shark  are its first local plug-in hybrids. The Sealion 6 premium all-wheel-drive I tested retails for about $52,990 drive away. BYD started its first deliveries of the Sealion 6 to Australian consumers in June, and EVDirect chief executive David Smitherman said it had quickly become the companys best-selling vehicle. BYD Australia chief executive David Smitherman. Credit: AFR Its clear that many Australian drivers are looking to a plug-in hybrid as their first foray into new energy vehicles, he said. BYDs growth has been extraordinary, and we know the quality of the technology because of the interest from other brands within the automotive and consumer electronic space ... BYD wants to build a lasting legacy in Australia. BYD has its own proprietary plug-in hybrid system, which the company calls DM-i technology. The Sealion 6 drives as an EV with its electric powertrain, but its fuel can be electric or hybrid. Put simply, the car aims to operate as an EV in the first instance, and the petrol engine kicks in when youre low on battery or driving on a motorway, for example.

The car itself is slick: a medium SUV that rivals more expensive peers such as the Tesla Model Y and Polestar 3 in terms of style, cabin comfort and technology. The generous 15.6-inch touchscreen is a joy to use, as is the wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and wireless charging upfront for your phone. The all-wheel-drive model also has a heads-up display that projects the cars speed and other data onto the windscreen. Some might have apprehension about a car made in China  just as another buyer might have pause for buying a car associated with Elon Musk  but rest assured, the Sealion 6 is as sturdy and feels just as premium as its peers. And its really fun to drive. The BYD Sealion 6 centre console. Credit: Drive.com.au The vehicle boasts a staggering range of more than 1000 kilometres  made up of about 1000 kilometres from its petrol engine and about 80 kilometres from its electric battery  though from my testing, its likely to be a little less in the real world.

There were times during the two-week loan  especially with an often malcontent four-month-old baby in the back seat  when I was grateful to be in a hybrid rather than a pure-breed electric vehicle. There are now about 3000 public charging stations dotted around Australia, including a mix of standard and fast chargers (less than 50kw), ultra-rapid chargers (350-475kw) and Tesla superchargers. Its a bit of a chicken-and-egg situation. EV adoption will inevitably pick up further once the infrastructure is adequate, and more chargers will be built once the demand is there  but either way, unfortunately, were still just not there yet. Range anxiety  the term to describe the worry that EV drivers feel about their batterys charge being enough for a journey  is real, and considering a Melbourne to Sydney jaunt generates range anxiety on steroids.

The search for the best route from my Melbourne house to Sydney along the Hume is intimidating. Superfast 350kw chargers are still few and far between, making planning the drive a far more involved and deliberate process than just hitting the road. Loading Many chargers also require new smartphone apps to download, such as the NRMA or Chargefox app, before you can start charging your car. It was a good thing I had Telstra reception all along the Hume  having no reception and, therefore, being unable to charge your car would, for some, be a version of our new tech hell. Range anxiety  the term for the worry that EV drivers feel about their batterys charge being enough for a journey  is real, and considering a Melbourne to Sydney jaunt generates range anxiety on steroids. Its simply not something that drivers of cars with combustion engines have had to deal with. Pretty much wherever were driving, we know that therell likely be a petrol station close enough.

Whats even more real is the anxiety of waiting 40 minutes  or perhaps longer if the chargers are all occupied  with a screaming baby for an EV to be recharged. Those worries are gone with the Sealion 6, which meant I could get between the two cities with just one petrol refuel (10 minutes in Holbrook) and one EV top-up (half an hour in Jugiong). The granny charger (I didnt use that term given we were staying with my inlaws; I went with trickle charger) meant I could plug the Sealion 6 into a normal power point overnight and have the car fully charged in about nine hours. This is an ideal car for anyone in an apartment building or without a garage, given you charge the battery without a dedicated EV charger installed. The car also comes with an adapter that can power external electrical appliances such as a coffee machine. Chargefox electric charging stations. Credit: AFR There are some cons and trade-offs, of course. The electric motor is perfect for zipping around the city, but its range of 100 kilometres is relatively short. And in my view, the drive-away price of $53,000 represents great value, but thats still a bit more expensive than some petrol medium SUVs in its class.
Copenhagen: Danes in central Copenhagen this marked the return to supermarket shelves of fiery South Korean ramen noodles that had been banned for being too spicy, a decision that has since been partly reversed.

In June, stores in Denmark removed three varieties of South Korean Samyang Foods Buldak instant ramen line after the Danish Veterinary and Food Administration found the noodles high capsaicin level posed a serious health risk.

Buldaks triple spicy ramen noodles, with crying chicken.

Capsaicin, the compound in chillies that creates a burning sensation when eaten, can cause intoxication, nausea, high blood pressure and vomiting when ingested in high quantities, the Danish regulator has said.

Samyang, which sells the products worldwide, had contested the ban, and on Thursday celebrated the reversal by feeding its noodles to social media influencers gathered on a ferry adorned in the firms bright-red colours on Copenhagens harbour.
Taylor Swift fans have been selling tickets for her Wembley concerts after Austrian police foiled a terror attack plot targeting her Vienna show.

Fans posted the sale of the tickets on social media with some claiming the emergence of the terror plot meant they were too frightened to attend. Others denied the sale was linked to the arrests in Austria.

Taylor Swift performs at Wembley Stadium on Eras Tour. Credit: sitecore\pstock

All three of the American singers performances at Viennas Ernst Happel Stadium were cancelled on Wednesday after two suspected extremists, aged 19 and 17, were arrested by Austrian police.

Although both London Mayor Sadiq Khan and the Metropolitan Police insisted appropriate security was in place for her London concerts next week, some fans admitted the events in Vienna had unsettled them.
Cairo: An Israeli airstrike on a Gaza school compound housing displaced families killed around 100 people, the Hamas-run Gaza government said on Saturday.

The Health Ministrys Ambulance and Emergency service said the strike on the Tabaeen school in central Gaza City also wounded 47 people.

But the Israeli military said it targeted Hamas militants in a command and control centre embedded within the school and adjacent mosque. The IDF also cast doubt on the death toll.

It is the latest Israeli strike on a school housing displaced people in Gaza since the Israel-Hamas war started some 10 months ago. The facility, like almost all of Gaza Strips schools, has been used as a shelter for people who have been forced to flee their homes by the war.
The Jankowicz study found that gendered and sexualised disinformation is a phenomenon distinct from broad-based gendered abuse. The most pernicious finding was that such abuse was not just hateful and hostile but aimed at deterring women from participating in the public sphere. Online abuse of men aims to discredit, diminish, demoralise individuals but no one seriously expects it to drive men from the public square. Second, the online abuse campaigns against Harris today are more sexualised than those against Hillary Clinton eight years ago, says Jankowicz. Partly thats because online attacks on older women are less sexualised  Harris is a decade younger than Clinton was at the time of her run for the presidency. But its also because shes not white. I think Clinton faced a lot more about her fitness for office, her alleged corruption, her likeability, whereas Harris is facing these sexualised narratives, which I would hypothesise are compounded by the fact that shes black. Like, since shes black, it kind of ties into this narrative that black women are objects, which is quite pervasive here in the States. The dominant Republican attack on Harris is that shes a diversity hire, implying that she owes her position to tokenism, chosen for being a black woman rather than for any talent.

Kamala Harris at a campaign event in Michigan on Wednesday. Credit: Bloomberg Her two compounding minority identities of female and non-white  or intersecting identities in the argot of identity politics  come together in Trump not only mocking her race but also saying that European leaders would treat her like a plaything. But then overall, says Jankowicz, I would just say this sort of abuse and rhetoric has become so much more normalised than it was in 2016. Politicians have embraced it without facing any consequences; and the big online businesses feed on it. For instance, when the US House moved to censure Republican Ted Yoho for calling Democrat Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez a f------ bitch on the Capitol steps, the motion failed, his abuse implicitly tolerated. And the online corporations largely have given up their pretence at trying to impose any kind of civility on their platforms, says Jankowicz.

Most egregious is Elon Musk, the owner of X, formerly Twitter. In violation of his own companys supposed policies, he posted a deepfake video of Kamala Harris on his personal account. The video is manipulated to show Harris describing herself as the ultimate diversity hire, among other things. Musk enthused that it was amazing. It soon amassed over 100 million views. Loading If the owner of one of the major social media platforms gleefully publishes on his personal account deepfakes of the countrys vice-president debasing herself, what chance is there that any standards of truth or decorum can prevail in this ecosystem? I dont know whether I was more disappointed by the platform itself or by the fact that our legislators have got nothing on the books to deal with this kind of thing  this has been called the deepfake election and theres nothing on the books, nothing, says Jankowicz, who is planning some appearances in Australia later this month to discuss her book How to Lose the Information War: Russia, Fake News and the Future of Conflict. Even the most basic scrutiny of the platforms which are nominally social media but functionally social misery is at a low point. The mechanisms for researchers to study the platforms  application programming interfaces  have been shut down or, in the case of Musks X, made available only on payment of a fee of $US40,000. The big corporations prefer to be opaque against systematic probing.

And whats the relationship between the different elements of this political-industrial abuse complex? Do politicians words promote online abuse campaigns en masse? They can and do. When the Republican Senator Josh Hawley accused Jankowicz of acting as an official censor in her previous post as head of the US Disinformation Governance Board  satirised as the Ministry of Truth  the storm of abuse that followed led Jankowicz to block 650,000 Twitter accounts. Loading Do these sorts of online abuses then translate into real-world attacks? They can and do. The online campaign against Jankowicz motivated a stalker who began physically harassing her. When the stalker started showing interest in my young son, as Jankowicz puts it, she took out a protection order against him. The Pizzagate conspiracy campaign built to smear Hillary Clinton is another example. An armed man walked into the pizza parlour one day in 2016 demanding to see the children locked in the back room and fired a shot at an employee. And it mushroomed into a far larger set of dangerous, far-right conspiracies known as the QAnon network, which flourishes today.

The social misery industry magnifies the reach and intensity of a political attack, and the politicians who alone have power to regulate the industry are the beneficiaries of its online savagery. So the politicians and the trolls follow each other into a downward spiral of hostility and abuse that they find mutually gratifying but that plunge the country into a mire of mistruth and malice. Trump is the godfather of the right-wing abuse ring, but doesnt he fear that his attacks on Harris will alienate the centrist voters he needs? He conceded to reporters on Friday (Australian time) that its possible that I wont do as well with black women. Illustration: Jim Pavlidis But, he continued: I do seem to do very well with other segments. His standing with Hispanics, Jewish voters and white men had improved, he said: White males have gone through the roof. Its not only the left that plays identity politics; Trump is consciously playing identity politics, divisively, destructively, calculatedly. Its not surprising that a misogynist would care more about the opinion of men than women, remarks Jankowicz.

But the Democrats, too, can play the political-industrial abuse complex for advantage. An online troll recently fabricated a supposed confession by Trumps running mate, J.D. Vance, that hed had a sexual experience with a couch. Loading Harris freshly appointed vice-presidential candidate, Tim Walz, this week told a rally that he was keen to debate Vance: That is, if hes willing to get off the couch and show up. When the crowd reacted, he played it up: You see what I did there? He was forgetting Michelle Obamas adage that when they go low, we go high. Its hard to go high in a system where it seems everyone is slipping into the mire. Peter Hartcher is political editor.
Kuki-Zo groups held a protest under the banner of Kuki Students' Organisation (KSO) here on Saturday, demanding a separate administration for the Kuki-Zo tribal communities in ethnic strife-torn Manipur. The Delhi-NCR unit of the KSO also released a memorandum addressed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, demanding a separate Kuki-Zo administration in Manipur and opposing the Centre's decision to withdraw the Assam Rifles from the buffer zones in the northeastern state. Click here to connect with us on WhatsApp Around 600-800 members of the Kuki and Zo communities gathered at Jantar Mantar despite rain, KSO general secretary Seilenmang Haokip said. "We, the Kuki Students' Organisation Delhi-NCR, write to you with a deep sense of urgency and desperation. The Kuki-Zo people are enduring severe atrocities and existential threats under the current Meitei-led government in Manipur, headed by Chief Minister N Biren Singh," the organisation said in its memorandum addressed to Modi.

"The Kuki-Zo tribal communities are facing an existential threat under the current state administration, which has failed to protect our rights, our lives and our dignity," it added.

It appealed to the prime minister to intervene and take immediate steps to establish a separate administration for the Kuki-Zo communities in Manipur.

"We, therefore, earnestly appeal to you, Honourable Prime Minister, to intervene in this matter and take immediate steps to establish a separate administration for the Kuki-Zo tribal communities in Manipur," the memorandum read.

"This is not just a demand for political autonomy but a plea for our very survival," it added.

The KSO alleged that the Biren Singh government has not only failed to protect the Kuki-Zo people but has "actively participated in their persecution".

"The state's law-enforcement agencies have been biased in their approach, with selective arrests, harassment and intimidation of Kuki-Zo individuals. In many instances, the police have either turned a blind eye to the atrocities committed against our people or have been active participants in the violence," it alleged.

The KSO also voiced its opposition to the BJP-led Centre's decision to withdraw the 9th and 22nd battalions of the Assam Rifles from the buffer zones in Manipur.

"The Assam Rifles have played a crucial role in maintaining peace and stability in the region, especially in areas where the state police have failed to act impartially. The buffer zones, manned by the Assam Rifles, have been a lifeline for the Kuki-Zo people, providing much-needed protection from the violent attacks perpetrated by radical elements within the Meitei community," it said.

The protesters voiced their concerns over the "potential repercussions" of replacing the Assam Rifles with the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) in these sensitive areas, according to a statement issued by the KSO.

"The buffer zones, established by the Ministry of Home Affairs in May 2023, have been maintained by the Assam Rifles to separate the warring Meitei and Kuki communities and prevent further violence in the conflict-ridden state," the statement said.

"The Assam Rifles have been instrumental in stabilising the situation in Manipur's buffer zones," a KSO spokesperson said during the rally.

"Their removal at this volatile time could undo the progress made towards peace and potentially lead to a resurgence of violence," he added.

The KSO highlighted the Assam Rifles' long-standing presence in the northeast, emphasising their familiarity with the region's terrain and socio-political dynamics as well as the trust they have earned from local communities.

The memorandum has been signed by KSO president Paojakhup Guite and Haokip. The organisation said the memorandum has been sent to the Prime Minister's Office.

Ethnic violence broke out in Manipur on May 3, 2023 after a tribal solidarity march was taken out in the hill districts of the state to protest against the majority Meitei community's demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status.

Since then, more than 220 people, including members of both communities and security personnel, have been killed in the continuing violence.
President Murmu said that the honour is a reflection of the ties of friendship between India and Timor-Leste. (PTI Photo)

President Droupadi Murmu was conferred the Grand-Collar of the Order of Timor-Leste, the country's highest civilian award, by her counterpart Jos Ramos-Horta on Saturday. Murmu, 66, received the award for her achievements in public service and dedication to education, social welfare and women empowerment, her office said in a post on X. Click here to connect with us on WhatsApp President Murmu said that the honour is a reflection of the ties of friendship between India and Timor-Leste. Murmu arrived in Dili on the last leg of her three-nation visit on Saturday after concluding her trip to New Zealand and Fiji.

Murmu's trip is the first-ever presidential visit from India to the Southeast Asian nation.

She was warmly received by President Ramos-Horta at the airport, her office said. Cheerful children greeted her on the way from the airport.

She was also accorded a ceremonial reception and guard of honour in the Presidential Palace, Dili.



ALSO READ: President Murmu holds discussions with Timor Leste prez on boosting ties

President Murmu held extensive discussions with her counterpart Ramos-Horta on enhancing bilateral cooperation in diverse fields.

India and Timor-Leste share warm and friendly relations based on our shared commitment to the values of democracy and pluralism. I am confident that this will further strengthen bilateral relations between the two countries, she said.

I had extensive discussions with President Ramos-Horta. today on enhancing the bilateral cooperation between India and Timor-Leste in the fields of IT, digital technology, health and pharmaceuticals, agriculture, capacity building and more, she said.

The two leaders also discussed the possibility of Timor-Leste joining the International Solar Alliance.
I think that will have a significant long-term impact on mobilisation of funds for the green sector, not only through green bonds but also overall financing of the green sector: Shaktikanta Das | (Photo: PTI)

Reserve Bank Governor Shaktikanta Das on Saturday said trading of sovereign green bonds can commence at the International Financial Services Centre in Gujarat during the second half of the current fiscal. "We are in discussion with the IFSC, it will be operationalised very soon. I think in the second half (of the current financial year), it will be possible," Das said. Click here to connect with us on WhatsApp In April, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) had announced that it will issue a framework to enable the trading of sovereign green bonds in GIFT City. The government has been raising funds through green bonds since 2022-23 and has raised a total of Rs 36,000 crore in the last two years.

So far in the current financial year, the government has raised only Rs 1,697 crore out of the stipulated Rs 12,000 crore scheduled to be raised in the first half ending in September through green bonds as it did not find favourable bids.

Asked about the tepid response from investors to such bond issuance, Das said, "as the debt manager of the government, we are watchful of what exactly is happening and if something needs to be done we will interact with the government and deal with it."



He further said, one major announcement in this year's budget about developing a climate taxonomy.

"I think that will have a significant long-term impact on mobilisation of funds for the green sector, not only through green bonds but also overall financing of the green sector," he said.

"We will develop a taxonomy for climate finance for enhancing the availability of capital for climate adaptation and mitigation. This will support achievement of the country's climate commitments and green transition," Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman had said in her Budget speech for 2024-25.

Earlier in the day, Sitharaman addressed the board members in the post-budget 609th RBI's Central Board Meeting held here.
Having profiled our nations top Ace of Aces, World War II Pacific Theater Army pilot MAJ Richard Bong, it is time to meet the top American fighter ace in Europe, who would then become a jet fighter ace in the Korean War.

Francis Gabby Gabreskis official Air Force biography notes: Gabreskis parents had emigrated from Frampol, Poland to Oil City, Pennsylvania, in the early 1900s. His father, Stanislaw Stanley Gabryszewski, owned and operated a market, putting in 12-hour days. As in many other immigrant-owned businesses in those days, the whole family worked at the market. But Gabreskis parents had dreams for him, including attending the University of Notre Dame. He did so in 1938, but, unprepared for real academic work, almost failed during his freshman year.

It was in his freshman year that Gabby developed an interest in flying, taking a few lessons and accumulating only six hours. His instructor noted he did not have the touch to be a pilot.



After his first year at Notre Dame, he and other friends enlisted as aviation cadets in the Army Air Corps and trained in the venerable Stearman PT-17, many of which are still flying today. Despite still being considered mediocre, then-LT Gabreski moved up to advanced training in the North American AT-6 Texan at Maxwell Field, Alabama. In March of 1941, he received his wings and left for his first duty assignment in Hawaii with the 45th Pursuit Squadron of the 15th Pursuit Group, Wheeler Army Airfield. He trained primarily in the Curtiss P-40 Warhawk, made famous by the First American Volunteer Group Flying Tigers.

While in Hawaii, he met Kay Cochran, and they were engaged shortly after the attack on Pearl Harbor in December of 1941. During that attack, Gabby got airborne but was not able to locate and intercept Japanese attack squadrons, the enemy planes having quickly withdrawn from the area.

As he recalled in his 1998 autobiography, Gabby: A Fighter Pilots Life: This was it. War was on, and I was going up to do my part. I took it for granted that we probably would be getting into combat. Maybe I would shoot down an enemy plane. Maybe I would get shot down myself. I didnt expect to be killed, but Ill have to admit the thought crossed my mind. It didnt matter. The main thing was to attack the enemy.

After the beginning of the Pacific war, he closely followed the success of the No. 303 Polish Fighter Squadron in Europe. Being of Polish descent and fluent in the language, he proposed becoming the liaison officer to the Polish squadrons. He recalled, I was a fighter pilot, and I could speak Polish. Why not see if I could get myself assigned to Europe so I could learn from the Poles and pass the information along to my own people.

In October of 1942, then-CAPT Gabreski left for the Eighth Air Forces VIII Fighter Command in England. He was assigned to the 56th Fighter Group, 61st Fighter Squadron, flying the rugged Republic P-47 Thunderbolt, taking command of the 61st shortly thereafter.

One of his early wingmen, LT Les Smith, recalled that Gabby was not immediately embraced by the other pilots. According to Smith: That was unfortunate, but I think not unexpected, since he had not trained with us in the States, had not shipped with us, and had no personal relationships within the group. There was another unfortunate factor over which he had no control  his rank as captain. This put him in direct competition with the old captains already assigned and in indirect competition with our older first lieutenants who hoped to become captains. We new second lieutenants were not really involved in this rivalry, but we held the older pilots in great esteem, and if they didnt like the new stranger, we werent going to be too friendly either.

He concluded, We eventually recognized Gabbys superior ability as a pilot and his very aggressive fighting spirit, and we respected him for them.

On Aug. 24, 1943, he recorded his first kill, an Fw 190 over France. He recalled of his early engagement with the Germans: One moment I had looked back into an empty sky above me, and the next moment it had been full of [Focke Wulf] 190s that seemed to come out of nowhere. I was lucky to have survived the lesson; a lot of inexperienced pilots didnt.

He said in reflection: That evening before I went to sleep I thought about the implications of what I had done that day. I had killed a man, I was sure of it. Yet I felt no remorse. It wasnt that I particularly wanted to kill people, Germans or otherwise. But this was war, and for three years I had been preparing myself mentally and physically for the day when I would begin shooting down enemy aircraft. Yes, there was a man inside of the Fw-190 Id destroyed today, but I never saw him, never heard him, never knew his name or what he looked like.

On November 26, he scored his fourth and fifth kills while flying cover for B-17s, becoming an ace. In the four months that followed, he accumulated 18 victory credits. On May 22, 1944, Gabreski shot down three Fw 190s, bringing his total even with the current leading European ace, MAJ Robert Johnson. Two months later, he had a total of 28 confirmed kills, at the time tying the Pacific ace record of Richard Bong.

In July of 44, having reached the combat flight hour limit of 300 hours for Eighth Air Force fighter pilots, he was awaiting order to return home where his marriage to Kay was planned. However, he managed to get in one more combat mission as a bomber escort, but this time, while attempting to strafe some Heinkel He 111s at a German airfield near Niedermendig, he flew so low that he damaged his prop, crash-landing his P-47.

He evaded capture by running into the woods but after five days was taken prisoner and sent to Stalag Luft I. The German officer who interrogated him, Hanns Scharff, spoke English well and greeted him by saying, Hello, Gabby. We have been waiting for you for a long time. He was released nine months later at the end of the war.

In all, during WWII, Gabreski flew 166 combat sorties and retained his total of 28 aircraft destroyed in air combat and three on the ground. He returned home and finally married Kay in June of 1945.

In 1947, he continued his service in what would become the Air Force and completed his undergraduate degree. Then-LTC Gabreski was assigned to command the 55th Fighter Squadron at Shaw Air Force Base, S.C. Of that he said: It was great to get back in the cockpit again, and it was great to be a squadron commander in peacetime conditions. The P-51 was a beautiful airplane with a lot of range. It was a joy to fly.

But peacetime would not last long.

He transitioned to jets, flying the early F-80 Shooting Stars and then the North American F-86 Sabres. In June of 1951, he went to South Korea with the 56th FIW to deliver F-86Es for the 62nd Fighter-Interceptor Squadron. Once there, he was assigned to the 4th Fighter-Interceptor Group and recalls on his first mission, I searched the deep blue sky for signs of enemy fighters and began to wonder if I still had what it took to fly combat. On July 8, in his fifth combat mission, he shot down his first MiG-15 and scored 5.5 more MiG kills in the following months. He became a Jet Ace, chalking up another 123 combat missions in Korea in his F-86 nicknamed Gabby.

After returning home, he transitioned to the new supersonic F-100s, which he described as a dramatic experience because the Super Sabre was a very difficult plane to fly. He said, I would rather attack a squadron of Fw-190s alone in a P-47 than face one of those drogues again in an F-100. That was nightmare fodder.

The Polish pilot whose early instructor indicated he did not have the touch to be a pilot became one of only seven combat pilots in history to become an ace in two wars.

Gabreski retired from the Air Force in 1967 as a full Colonel with more than 5,000 flying hours, 4,000 in jets. He was credited with 34.5 kills in 289 career combat missions. He is the recipient of the second-highest award for valor below the Medal of Honor, the Distinguished Service Cross. He is also the recipient of the Army Distinguished Service Medal, two Silver Stars, the Legion of Merit, 13 Distinguished Flying Crosses, a Bronze Star, and seven Air Medals. His service is memorialized in the National Aviation Hall of Fame for outstanding contributions to aviation by his displaying unusual valor and new combat tactics in becoming a leading ace in two wars, and by devotion to duty in peace.

Gabby and Kay are survived by three sons and six daughters.

COL Gabby Gabreski: Your example of valor  a humble American Patriot defending Liberty for all above and beyond the call of duty, and in disregard for the peril to your own life  is eternal.

Greater love has no one than this, to lay down ones life for his friends. (John 15:13)

Semper Vigilans Fortis Paratus et Fidelis

Pro Deo et Libertate  1776

Join us in daily prayer for our Patriots in uniform  Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines and Coast Guardsmen  standing in harms way in defense of American Liberty, and for Veterans, First Responders, and their families.

Please consider a tax-deductible gift to support our hometown National Medal of Honor Sustaining Fund. Make a check payable to NMoH Sustaining Fund and mail to: Patriot Foundation Trust, PO Box 407, Chattanooga, TN 37401-0407. Visit the National Medal of Honor Heritage Center at Aquarium Plaza. (https://www.MOHHC.org)
Princess Eugenie has split her time between Portugal and the U.K. in recent years, and now reportedly wants to settle down in the U.K.

The U.K. is calling Princess Eugenies name. The youngest daughter of Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson reportedly wants to be in Britain on a more permanent basis after two years of living primarily in Portugal.

Eugenie wants to be in the U.K. more

Expect to see more of Eugenie in England if, as a report from Express says, the 34-year-old is ready to spend more time back home after moving to Portugal in 2022 for her husbands job.

(Brooksbank runs a hospitality consulting firm specializing in the wholesale of wine, beer, spirits, and other alcoholic beverages, per Tatler.)

The couple, who married in 2018, currently splits their time between London, England, and Portugal. However, the success of Brooksbanks U.K.-based company has them considering moving back to England for good with their two sons, August, 3, and Ernest, 1.



Eugenie is adamant that she wants to head back to the U.K. on a more permanent basis and use the villa in Portugal as a holiday home, a source said. They are very close to their families, and all like spending lots of quality time together with the children.

The Discovery Land Company has recently acquired new land next to the CostaTerra resort, so that will be expanding, they added. Jack will be working on marketing the projects there but Eugenie has her heart set on more time in Britain.

The timing is right for a more permanent move back to Britain

Princess Eugenie and Jack Brooksbank |

The insider continued, saying the timing is right given the success Eugenies husband has had with his drinks company, which he renamed AEB Consultants Ltd. in honor of their sons.

Jacks success has given them the freedom to fly back and forth between two countries and provide the boys with a loving and close-knit family unit, the source said. His company doing so well makes it easier for them to head back to England on a more permanent basis.

They [the family] are currently spending a lot of time in Portugal. And as the boys get a bit older, they are looking for kindergartens near to their London home and eventually schools in the U.K.

They are British through and through, the insider said of Eugenie and her husband. Theres no way they would move away from the U.K. on a permanent basis.

Since relocating to Portugal, Eugenie, Brooksbank, and their two sons have occasionally returned to England. On those visits, theyve sometimes reportedly stayed at Frogmore Cottage, the former U.K. home of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.

Princess Eugenie | Karwai Tang/WireImage

Eugenie previously called living in Portugal the dream

Portugal is the dream, for Eugenie. She said as much on a November 2023 episode of the Table Manners podcast. The reason, she explained, is the level of privacy.

Portugal is the dream as I can go to the supermarket in my exercise gear and my hair piled on top of my head and not care. No one cares, she said.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, who are reportedly not as close to Eugenie as they once were, visited them in Portugal after the 2023 Invictus Games wrapped up in Germany (via Vanity Fair).
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Have you ever gone to a dog park and noticed that a lot of dogs there actually look a great deal like their owners?

The phenomenon may not apply to every dog and owner out there, but research has shown that there is some truth behind dogs looking like their owners. But what is responsible for the resemblance?

One of the first psychologists to test the idea was Michael Roy from the University of California, San Diego. He went to three dog parks in the area and took photographs of the dogs and owners separately.

Then, he asked a group of participants to match up the pairs. They were able to figure out which dog belonged to which owner with reasonable accuracy.

Since then, similar studies have been repeated multiple times, particularly by Dr. Sadahiko Nakajima at Kwansei Gakuin University in Japan. In 2009, Dr. Nakajima published a study in which he used photographs of humans and their pooches.

He asked undergraduate students to match the people and dogs up from the pictures, which were in random order. The results revealed that the students correctly guessed the pup and its owner at levels significantly above random chance. In addition, they showed that people are using physical appearance to make these judgments.

Next, Dr. Nakajima wanted to figure out why dogs looked so much like their owners. How did people choose dogs that resembled them so closely? In another study from 2013, he covered up certain facial features in the photos, such as the eyes and mouth. He asked students to match the dogs and owners again.

The rate at which the students were able to correctly identify the pup and owner dropped considerably when the eyes in the photos were obstructed. The finding demonstrates that the eyes are the most important facial feature that links humans and dogs together, over qualities such as size and hairstyle.

The reason why some dogs look like their owners may be due to the mere exposure effect, which is the idea that humans prefer things that are familiar to them.

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Home News Worship artist Kim Walker-Smith on why she took a break from music, how God inspired her to return

With over 400 million streams and a combined social media following of almost 2 million, Kim Walker-Smith was on top of the highly instrumental praise and worship music movement in America and worldwide.

Through 20 years of worship leadership, Walker-Smith has become known for her spirit-led worship anthems that have touched the hearts of so many near and far.

But then, in 2020, as COVID-19 began to rage, Walker-Smith, her husband and two children made the bold decision to leave California for the more simple vibes of Montana. She put her music career on hold as she and her family adapted to this new paradigm.

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"It felt like I was missing something," said Walker-Smith, perhaps best known for her time as a member of the band Jesus Culture. "I felt like I was doing something wrong. I'm forgetting something. We could feel ourselves, almost like we had been living in this tension. And now, this slow pace of life that is so valued here is just forced upon you. And suddenly you find yourself in the slow pace of life. And as a creative person, it is so refreshing."

Now, more than three years later, Walker-Smith has released an original new album. Titled Trample, the project includes 12 tracks, including the already-released songs "Boxes," "Let Revival In" and "Mama."

While many of Walker-Smith's previous offerings came from a place of dryness and difficulty in her life, Trample is a compilation of songs written from a place of victory. Victory is not expressed purely and only with joy but also expressed with humility and understanding of what is needed to continue moving forward.

"This album is really just prayers that I have prayed and put words, lyrics, and melodies too," says Walker-Smith, who will be touring this fall in support of the album. "My prayer is that it helps people and encourages people. But I think with this album, the thing that feels different to me is that I hope it speaks prophetically. That it's something that moves us out of complacency. I hope that it's even a little bit challenging."

Walker-Smith joins the "Crossmap Podcast" to discuss why she took a break from music several years ago and how God inspired her to return. Listen as she shares why it is vitally important to introduce worship to children at a young age and the foundational roots of what became Trample.

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Home News Rwanda shuts down thousands of churches after failed inspections

Rwanda closed more than 5,600 churches in July 2024 after nearly a third of the inspected places of worship failed to meet legal standards. The Rwanda Governance Board (RGB) said that 13,000 religious institutions were inspected in collaboration with the local authorities.

RGB Chief Executive Dr. Usta Kaitesi, told Kigali-based news site IGIHE  which reported an even higher number of over 7,700 churches closed  that the board, in collaboration with local authorities, carried out the inspection over two weeks in July. She revealed that a large number of the churches affected did not have the requisite permits to operate places of worship while others could not provide the qualifications of the leaders.

Kaitesi said that faith-based organizations were given ample time to comply with the regulations. She added that a significant number of the affected churches had minor infractions, which could be rectified and their permits reinstated. A majority of places of worship impacted by the ongoing crackdown were Pentecostal churches.

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Rwanda has progressively been implementing a law it passed in 2018 to regulate religious organizations. Seven-hundred churches were closed then for operating illegally. The law requires religious leaders to have theological training before operating a church and mandates the RGB to inspect the physical safety of the buildings housing the churches. It also requires that the structures be sound proof as one way of limiting noise pollution.

In a statement, RGB said that the inspection focuses on verifying that religious organizations have registration documents issued by the board. The churches also need to show letters of collaboration with the district authorities.

Relevant authorities will continue to collaborate with religious leaders to promote transformational development while adhering to the laws and regulations governing faith-based organizations and ensuring that prayer houses/buildings meet legal standards, read the statement issued on Aug. 1.

Speaking to state media Rwanda TV, Kaitesi said the last element of compliance was the education requirement, which the inter-religious council had requested a grace period of 5 years that ended in September 2023.

There should be an intentional willingness to comply with the law. When we register faith-based organizations, we ask them to provide their structure. The education requirement is primarily targeted at the top personnel in the organizational structure, clarified Kaitesi.

Rev. Laurent Mbanda, the archbishop of the Anglican Church of Rwanda, said religious organizations were well aware of the regulations. He admitted that the board had asked faith-based organizations to provide an update on their compliance in September.

If we had taken the requirements more seriously and taken responsibility, we would have made significant progress in complying with the standards, said Mbanda.

Pastor Kabagambe Nziza of New Life Bible Church, however, said the implementation of the law should be reviewed to reflect the realities of the social-economic dynamics of the country. He argued that while some clauses of the regulation are applicable to churches in the capital, Kigali, it might be a different case for churches in rural regions.

In Kigali, you have neighboring communities that would be affected by the sound coming from a church, but in Kagera, there is a church up in the mountains, so there are no neighboring homes. The congregants dont have cars or even motorbikes so the issue of parking should not be a requirement, said Pastor Nziza.

Meanwhile, Kenya made steps towards regulating religious organizations in August when a presidential task force recommended a hybrid regulation framework. It proposed the formation of the Religious Affairs Commission, a quasi-government organ with similar mandate as Rwandas governance board. The task force was constituted after the horrific discovery of mass graves suspected to be faithfuls of a cult in Kenyas south coast.

This article was originally published by Christian Daily International.
Home News UMC says 'several hundred' Nigerian churches will stay in denomination despite LGBT affirmation

The United Methodist Church says there are hundreds of congregations in Nigeria that won't be leaving the denomination over its recent decision to allow the blessing of same-sex unions.

Recently, there have been conflicting reports about the UMC Nigerian Episcopal Area, which has 560,000 members, and whether it has voted to leave the denomination.

A spokesperson for the UMC directed The Christian Post to a letter by Bishop John Schol, a member of the UMC interim leadership team for the regional body, which was written on Monday and posted online.

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In the letter, addressed to the United Methodists of Nigeria, Schol denied reports that the West African nations four conferences had voted to leave the UMC and affiliate with the Global Methodist Church.

There are reports that Annual Conferences were held, and Conferences voted to leave The United Methodist Church. This is not true, wrote Schol. There were no Conference Sessions convened according to our Book of Discipline, and most delegates/conference members were not invited to these gatherings.

According to Schol, only the leadership of the Nigeria Episcopal Area and some of the regional body have decided to disaffiliate from the mainline Protestant denomination.

Several hundred congregations and clergy have already communicated that they will stay with The United Methodist Church. We are grateful for your conviction and courage. We are in prayer with those who are concerned and are discerning, he continued.

I call on all United Methodists and those who have left The United Methodist Church to follow Jesus Christ, who humbled himself and sought peace and reconciliation. When people do otherwise, they hurt the witness of Jesus Christ.

For decades, the UMC was embroiled in a debate over whether to amend its Book of Discipline to allow for the blessing of same-sex unions and the ordination of noncelibate homosexuals.

At the UMC General Conference held in the spring, delegates overwhelmingly voted to remove these measures from the Book of Discipline. This came after approximately 7,500 mostly conservative congregations disaffiliated from the denomination due to the debate.

In June, reports surfaced claiming that the UMC Nigeria Episcopal Area had held a special session at Jalingo, where delegates voted to leave the denomination due to the changes.

The conservative Methodist blog People Need Jesus posted a copy of the purported resolution, which explained that the Nigerian regional body believed that the UMC prioritizes the LGBT community over the traditional beliefs held by many United Methodists in Nigeria.

In July, Nigerian Bishop John Wesley Yohanna sent a statement to Nigerian state officials explaining that, at a special called session held earlier that month, the regional body voted to leave the UMC and join the GMC.

Therefore we want to make a statement that since the church has derailed from Biblical principle we cannot be in this church where  homosexuality can be celebrated, stated Yohanna.

Yohanna also warned that any UMC congregation agreeing with the changes would be violating Nigerian law, which prohibits both same-sex relationships and LGBT advocacy groups.

However, a group of Nigerian UMC church officials released a statement disputing Yohannas claim, arguing that only the former bishop and around 10% of the regional body decided to exit.

Even though we are saddened by their exit, we hold them in our prayers and wish them Gods guidance in their new found faith community, read the statement. We also wish to make it categorically clear ... that our denomination does not permit them to leave with any of the United Methodist property in the way and manner the[y] left.

On Aug. 1, the UMC named the bishops who would be part of an interim team to lead the Nigerian Episcopal Area through December, when new leadership for the regional body would be appointed. This group included Schol, Bishop Eben Nhiwatiwa and Bishop Patrick Streiff.

The GMC has maintained that the Nigerian body has affiliated with their denomination, with Transitional Connectional Officer Keith Boyette telling CP in an earlier interview that their information on the issue came directly from those in positions of authority on the ground in Nigeria.

They informed me that unanimous votes were taken at the duly called special sessions of each of the four annual conferences in Nigeria to withdraw from The United Methodist Church and to align with the Global Methodist Church, Boyette explained.

Boyette also said that the GMC has appointed leadership for each of the four Nigerian conferences and is moving ahead to receive congregations and clergy into membership in the Global Methodist Church.
Home Opinion Is Israel on the verge of an apocalyptic war prophesied in Bible?

There is no question that the nation of Israel could be facing an unprecedented attack coming from all sides  Iran from the east, Hezbollah from the north, the Houthis from the south, and Hamas (what is left of it) from the west. In fact, by the time you read this article, that attack may have already been launched. But is Israel on the verge of an apocalyptic war prophesied in the Bible? In my view, the answer is clearly no.

To be sure, there are some Bible teachers who believe that Ezekiel 38-39, containing the famous Gog and Magog prophecy and following the even more famous prophecy of the dry bones coming to life in Ezekiel 37, should be interpreted symbolically rather than literally. In other words, whatever the chapters meant in Ezekiels day, more than 2,500 years ago, has no bearing on the current situation in the Middle East. The correct interpretation today is spiritual only.

Other Bible teachers scour the Scriptures, looking for prophecies that tie in with todays headlines or that help predict tomorrows headlines.

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In my view, both of these falls short of the mark.

Those who read these chapters symbolically fail to realize that other prophecies in Ezekiel (and related prophetic books) graphically described the destruction of Jerusalem and the exiling of tens of thousands of Israelites into Babylon, along with their return from exile, things which took place literally. To claim that chapters such as 38-39 are purely spiritual (or, symbolic) in meaning is to make an arbitrary interpretive decision without scriptural justification. Why are these chapters spiritual and the others literal?

Those who read every prophecy in the Bible as if it applied to today fail to recognize the ancient, contextual meaning of many biblical prophecies. They also wrongly assume that we are the last generation, something that cannot be known with certainty at this point in time.

I would recommend that we use this simple principle of interpretation: if the Bible clearly promises certain things will happen on a grand, worldwide scale and those things have still not happened (in part or in full), then their fulfillment should be expected in the future.

Im not referring here to a specific prophecy concerning an individual or nation that had an expiration date on it or had explicit conditions attached to it.

Im referring to events that are described with absolute certainty, as in something like, In the coming days, thus and such will happen, the whole earth will know it, and God will be glorified through it. If those events have not yet come to pass, we can be certain they still will. The Lord has decreed it.

As for the background to Ezekiel 38-39, it was written at a time when the Jewish people were in exile and Babylon, but Ezekiel had prophesied that they would return to their homeland, as had other prophets of the day like Jeremiah. This return is prophesied explicitly in chs. 36-37, with ch. 37 containing the dry bones prophecy mentioned above.

Yet some of the specific details in chs. 36-37 have still not come to pass. In other words, the exiles did return, but not in the expected numbers, not with the expected glory, and not in a way that led to national transformation. Quite the contrary.

Thats why many of us see the events of the last 100+ years as having great prophetic significance, as the Lord continues to bring the Jewish people back to their ancient homeland on a grander scale than the world has ever seen. And it is the reality of this physical return that gives us confidence that there will be a spiritual return as well.

Ezekiel 38-39 contain a prophecy in which Gog, ruler of the land of Magog, leads a coalition of nations to attack Israel, including Persia (modern day Iran), but God intervenes dramatically to defeat these forces and protect His people. The passage ends with God's promise to restore Israel and pour out His Spirit upon the Jewish people in the Land.

Has this final, cataclysmic war taken place yet, along with the promised end-time victory for Israel? Certainly not.

Could it be imminent?

For a number of reasons, I believe the answer is no.

First, speaking to the invading nations, the text states, In future years you will invade a land that has recovered from war, whose people were gathered from many nations to the mountains of Israel, which had long been desolate. They had been brought out from the nations, and now all of them live in safety (Ezekiel 38:8). Indeed, the attackers actually say, I will invade a land of unwalled villages; I will attack a peaceful and unsuspecting people  all of them living without walls and without gates and bars (Ezekiel 38:11).

This cannot possibly describe Israel today, a nation under siege, a nation with protection and fences and walls, a nation that is anything but unsuspecting. (The October 7 massacre was not a matter of Israel being unsuspecting as much as failing to heed many clear signs of warning while looking for attacks elsewhere.)

Second, the Gog-Magog war is clearly a final-days event, meaning if it was to begin now then we would be in the closing days or months (or, at most) years of human history. Given the fact that as many as three billion people  roughly 40% of the worlds population  have never heard the name of Jesus or had any meaningful exposure to the Gospel, there is much work yet to be done in fulfilling the Great Commission.

Third, in light of the prayer of Jesus for the unity of the Body, I cannot imagine that we as a family of believers are ready to meet our Lord. Is this the best He can do in terms of getting a people on earth who, on some level, resemble Him and can rightly represent Him?

Fourth, since the Scriptures speak of the end-time turning of the Jewish people to the Messiah yet, at present, perhaps one percent of the Jewish population worldwide embraces Yeshua as Messiah, I have a hard time reconciling this fact with the idea that we have just a few days (or months or years) to go before the end.

Im aware, of course, that other Bible teachers place the Gog-Magog prophecy at the end of the millennial kingdom (the 1,000 year Messianic reign), as per Revelation 20, which pushes this war into the very distant future. And Im aware that there are many interpretive debates within these chapters, most obviously, determining the identities of Gog and Magog.

Im simply responding here to the question of whether this prophesied war is imminent, and again, to the best of my knowledge the answer is no.

That does not mean that, for a moment, we should stop praying for Israel and the surrounding nations or that we should minimize the grave potential of the current conflict, which could result in much bloodshed. It simply means that Israel could be on the verge of a very costly war without that war being the final conflict of Gog-Magog.